LIFE LATELY

I have always been one for last minute decisions and this was one hell of a big one! After humming and hawing about doing it at some point in the distant future, I suddenly decided the time was NOW. I wanted to sell the flat and start working on the next adventure.... and since then life has been alllllllllllllllll over the shop! So here I am saying I am still alive ( just) and before long I should be back up and running and getting to enjoy a life outside of sorting through estate agents, visiting countless homes and having small meltdowns about a million different things at once!

I bought my flat 5 or so years ago and while that might have felt stressful, nothing prepared me for the headache of selling and buying some where too,  never mind the expense!! I fear I will never get to enjoy my favourite frivolous purchases again :( I guess I will hopefully have a nice place to call home instead though so I shouldn't moan!

I don't know where to even begin filling you in on the journey, what started as one quick wee valuation on my beloved flat turned into all stations go! Having to entertain a host of estate agents to find out who we liked and importantly- who we could afford, we finally found the one. I was not prepared for just how hard it was going to weedle out the truth from the fibs and I actually found the whole process pretty awful. That was until I made contact with Alex who owns AB property. Since deciding on using them for the service it has all been a much easier process, although still sad as I do love where I love, Alex and the team have provided an excellent service for the sale.

As of this week it  looks like it might be selling in the very near future which is exciting but terrifying all at the same time. Next up is quickly trying to find where to go next..... hopefully by my next post I will have some exciting news! I know so many fellow bloggers are in the process of buying their first place, or considering moving on to their first home so I would love to hear how everyone else is getting on and pass on a recommendation for a good agency to consider.

Send me some positive vibes amigos!

Edinburgh Reviewed: CACI Synergy facial at Chamomile Sanctuary Spa

J.Lo is flawless,  she might not quite be Jenny from the block anymore but she certainly seems to never age which it would turn out is in part thanks to the CACI, non surgical face and body treatments she loves. So of course I felt like a superstar when i was asked if I would also like to give it a go, would I come out looking as young and fresh as she did? My fingers were crossed!

The glorious Chamomile Sanctuary Spa in Edinburgh who are always on the forefront of new treatments, are the first place in Scotland you can actually try the new CACI synergy facial treatment and it was certainly a whole new experience. Centering around an almost space like machine that has a whole load of bells and whistle attachments that are used in the facial, means that for the first time your skin is treated to light therapy alongside a microcurrent which allows for  added tissue stimulation which helps with collagen production. You can opt to include either a microdermabrasion session in the 90 minutes or an ultrasonic peel which is ideal for tailoring the session to your skins needs.  I unfortunately couldn't experience the peel option on the day, but I did give the micro dermabrasion a shot. In the past I have not had much success with this in the past, often finding it a bit 'sand blaster' like, but this technology was a whole different experience. With CACI it feels far less granular on the skin and instead the wand used just bumps along the skin a little ( not painfully) and gets to work on really clearing out the pores. I don't think my blackheads knew what had had hit them! I learned in the session that using superficial abrasion like this helps trigger the body's own natural repair mechanism which brings new collagen as well as rehydrating the area so it was no surprise when it left my skin utterly baby soft and smooth looking. 

The innovative micro-current aspect of the treatment is performed using wands that are moved around the different areas that while a tiny electrical pulse is passed it helps re educates the facial  muscles ( all 32 of them)  and prevent the sagging that ageing brings. It also increases blood flow and aids in lymph circulation which is ideal for reducing any puffiness and making a more defined and taught silhouette. It is these benefits that sees the CACI touted as a non- surgical face lift and I can see why. I was interested to learn this micro-current technology is also now used in hospitals for wound healing and in physiotherapy too.

The light therapy aspect being added in is ideal as the blue light can be issued to help with killing surface bacteria and soothing angry skin and the red light helps cell renewal and wound healing. Both of which my skin badly needed! Not only that but my fine lines I suffer from were given the once over with the 'wrinkle comb' attachment, the difference afterwards was fantastic! This was also aided by the Hydratone mask that is applied which really firmed up the areas that bother me.

looking dazed and confused post treatment with smooth feeling skin!

None of the aspects of the treatment were sore and the whole thing is performed perfectly by the amazingly knowledgeable therapists at Chamomile. It was so different to facials I have had in the past and I loved how effective the results were. You are recommended to attend for a course of treatments and I can only imagine what the long term results would be like as after one, my skin looked worlds away from when I went in.

Treatments cost from £125 with offers on course bookings. You can contact the Spa on 0131 220 1000 or visit the website.

Glasgow's Style Mile Festival

In case you have missed the twitter hype and you live in Glasgow or nearby I wanted to do a quick post to point you in the direction of the exciting #stylemilefestival going on from today!

I love Glasgow and among our many many highlights is the absolutely amazing shopping on offer and to celebrate that, we even have our own  shopping festival now! With a top notch mix of events, offer and masterclasses running, this is a jam packed few days. You can find out all the details on the website but among the highlights for me are the gorgeous style hub you can see right on Buchanan Street, makeup masterclasses with the phenomenally talented Jamie Genevieve and a visit from Optimus Prime.... There is something for everyone going on!

photos courtesy of peoplemakegla

I am so excited, I love it when the centre has an additional buzz happening and with the huge line up of events, I know it is going to be super busy.

Check out all the happenings on the website, head to the big pink festival hub  or keep an eye out across social media to keep up with the fun.

Rediscovering The Body Shop

When I was younger a trip to my local Body Shop was one of the most grown up things I could do. I still remember the first time I received one of their little round lip balm pots ( hello shea butter!) and thinking I was a super model.That little beauty was the start of an elaborate love affair with the brand among me and my pals and it really took me through my teenage years. As I moved off to Uni and discovered a world of brands, I am sad to say aside from the odd staple purchase The Body Shop faded into the background. I stopped paying attention and turns out I missed a whole heap of amazing product releases!

In the past couple of years I had been in probably a handful of times thanks to blogging helping guide me back there to check out a few things, but I hadn't taken the time to actually take in some of the amazing products they had been creating. I was invited along to a couple of VIP parties in the Sauchiehall street branch recently and I have to say, I have not stopped raving about it since!!

There are some absolutely fantastic lines right now in store that are so worth checking out. I am officially in love with the Oils of Life collection ( the facial massager is incredible value) and the new Vitamin E range has a beautiful SPF 30 that has come along at the ideal time for me. It was also heartening to see some of the products I remember the most are still going strong, providing amazing value for money mixed with The Body Shops strong ethics that always set it apart. What I was super delighted with is the amazing re-branding that is currently going on. What is still a fantastic cleanser for £5.50 suddenly looks like it cost 4 times the price and really competes with some of the high end brands I am now used to shelling out for.

The staff in the Sauchiehall Street branch were such a delight to chat to,they are so loyal to the brand and what it stands for, it was amazing to hear their detailed knowledge on the products and what is best for your needs. Suddenly my Body Shop must try list is insanely long, I know the new Drops of Light collection designed for targeting pigmentation is something I have to get, and the smell of the recently launched Pinita Colada collection is to die for!

I have been so impressed by what I have seen so far, I am delighted it is firmly back on my radar. I signed up to their website and the offers they have on their are just amazing, the size of the discounts they regularly offer puts other brands to shame! If it has been a while since you stopped by The Body Shop I highly recommend popping in and taking a good look, you won't be disappointed!

Scottish Ballet, Swan Lake and Nars; A magical combination

Pics David Eustace.

I reckon Black Swan has made Swan Lake the ballet synonymous with fierce make up looks. There probably won’t be a Halloween from here on in where someone doesn't rock the iconic black smokey eyes of Natalie Portman’s character. So when I found out the Scottish Ballet were going to be touring with an imaginative re-telling of the famous ballet, I couldn’t wait to find out what they would be using for the make-up and I was  so delighted when I found it was none of their than the iconic brand itself, Nars. A huge fan of their products and with so many among my staples, I knew we were in for a treat.

photo Christina Riley

I was crushed to miss Nars makeup artist Katie Campbell giving a  demonstration of the products used for the performance as having seen the official shots of Principal Dancer Sophie Martin in full face for both the roles of Odette and Odile, I was dying to know how they created such flawless looks. She looks simply breathtaking as both characters!

photo Christina Riley

Nars Ambassador Andrew Gallimore worked hard with Choreographer David Dawson to create designs that fit in with Scottish Ballets simple  and elegant aesthetic approach to Swan Lake. They have tamed the looks people might associate with the swans from the famous film, to produce characters the audience really connect to, allowing the emotion of the piece to shine through. Not only that but a lot of time has been taken to ensure the full look can withstand the incredible stamina that a principal dancer requires for these roles. If  it can last through a performance like Sophie puts on, it should last me a few sweaty hours drinking gin sitting down :) 

I was so blown away by the beauty of Sophie in the shots I have included a full break down of everything used as I know I won’t be the only one dying to attempt to recreate them. I was incredibly lucky to receive the Nars Matte lip pencils in shades Cruella and Belle de Jour to get me on my way. So far I have only tried  the beautiful nude and I am SO impressed with the consistency and lasting power, I cannot wait to try the striking red!!

Trying out Nars Belle De Jour matte lip pencil

I am sadly not here for the Glasgow leg of the run of this ballet  which is so sad as I would love to see this natural beauty Nars has helped create, shining on the live stage. You can catch all the tour details here and having seen many of their performances I can guarantee you a magical night.

The Tour starts the 19th of April until the 4th of June.

Makeup look for Odette:

EYES:

NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Oaxaca - sketched all over eyelid and blend edges

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Brousse - use lighter of two shades - apply lightly over the socket-line/ add a little extra on outer 3rd

NARS Numero 7 Lashes - apply with waterproof Duo Lash Glue

BROWS:

NARS Brow Perfectors - to shape/fill brows to be natural looking still

NARS Brow Gel in Oural - brushed through to set shape

SKIN:

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Velvet Loose Powder

LIPS:

NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Waimea - line and fill whole lip

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle de Jour - apply over lip liner

Makeup look for Odile:

EYES:

NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Oaxaca  - sketched all over eyelid and blend edges

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Brousse - use lighter of two shades, apply lightly over the socket-line/ add a little extra on outer 3rd

NARS Numero 7 Lashes - apply with waterproof Duo Lash Glue

BROWS:

NARS Brow Perfectors - to shape/fill brows to be natural looking still

NARS Brow Gel in Oural - brushed through to set the shape

SKIN:

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Velvet Loose Powder

CHEEKS:

NARS Blush in Deep Throat - lightly on apples of cheeks for a natural flush of health

LIPS:

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella - apply all over lip

NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Belle Mare - sharpen outer lip line 

Glasgow Reviewed; 33Dowanhill

Every so often a review opportunity comes along that allows you discover an absolute gem in the Glasgow crown and the newly opened 33Dowanhill is exactly that. The minute I turned the corner in Glasgow’s westend and saw the beautiful cream and gold detailing of the outside, I knew I was about to walk in somewhere special. Greeted by the incredibly warm, and fun and not to mention absolutely glowing, owner Joanna, I was instantly at ease. She has created a peaceful and inviting reception space that is ideal for taking a seat and nattering all things skincare and she was sure to get to grips with how I felt my skin was and what I would like to improve.

photo c/o Andy Bell

I could have sat there chatting for hours, Joanna is so wonderfully friendly and passionate about what she is doing, it was so easy to get lost talking about the well selected range of products she has for sale in the shop as well as the amazing line up of potions she utilises in the facials. What drew me to 33Dowanhill when I first found their Instagram was the brands Jo was a fan of. I have never had a bespoke tailor made facial using some of my favourites before!. Pixi to P50 Via Oskia and Omorovica, she really has picked the crème de la crème and she sure knows how to use them.  From the minute we said hello I was properly staring at her own absolutely stunning skin, she looks incredibly youthful and healthy which is always so key when you are looking for someone to work some magic on your own. I could certainly tell I was going to be in good hands.

photo c/o Andy Bell

I loved Jo's enthusiasm for what she has started in 33Dowanhill, having decided to follow her true passion in life a couple of years ago into this business shows just how committed she is to providing an outstanding service for clients. As an almost 30 something still not sure where their direction in life is, it is always refreshing to hear others who have had the courage to start again and follow their heart. To ensure she is at the top of the game she has traveled from London to Paris and even Thailand to hone the skills she is offering and incorporates all that knowledge into her bespoke facial packages. 

photo c/o Andy Bell

So I might want to pretty much move in with the woman..... but can she work her magic on my skin that was feeling both dry and spotty following an Easter blowout including a very boozy wedding?? Oh yes she can. You know when you read all about celebrities and they reference their own personal facialists and it just makes them sound so glam? That is the level of treatment I feel Jo is offering, by no means your standard facial, this one was next level. I got settled under the heated blanket and from there on in the whole thing is a bit of a beautiful blur, aside from the use of incredible products it is the facial massage Jo studied in Thailand that really sets this apart. It was a joy to experience and I could literally feel the stress in my face melting away, this extends to a beautiful head and shoulder massage as a mask gets to work too. 

With a touch of BB cream and blusher the morning after. Glowy healthy skin!

When it was time to come out from my warm cocoon I was actually excited to see how my face looked as I knew that level of attention was going to have made a big difference and it really did. My skin was just unbelievably soft and hydrated while all the puffiness had gone and left a far more bright and toned appearance. I felt miles fresher too regardless of the hailstorm I was about to walk out into!! Gutted as I was to leave the 33Dowanhill haven, I was over the moon to unearthed a new top spot to recommend to people looking for a superb and skilled pampering. 

Prices for a 60 minute personalised facial start from are £68 and I love that she has also included an extra care option which is ideal for anyone needing a fragrance free experience. Pure ranges are used which makes it ideal for someone who is undergoing medical treatment or are pregnant or breastfeeding- she is a thoughtful lady that is for sure. She is even doing a damn good job of keeping up the blog part of her site with some super handy and well written posts of her own, worth checking out for tips from a pro!

You can contact Joanna on 0141 258 3069 or visit the facebook page here