Zen Lifestyle

A couple of weeks ago I was invited along to gorgeous Zen Lifestyle at Teviot Place in the Edinburgh.  Zen Lifestyle have a few salons around the city and have a wonderful reputation and numerous awards under their belt.

I went along to find out why ...

I was booked in for hot stone massage and shellac manicure, something I had been dying to try out.  My therapist for the day was the gorgeous Katie (who has the most perfect skin ever!).

I have visited a lot of spa's recently and have tried various treatments but the hot stone massage is the one I keep coming back to.  Let me tell you, the hot stone massage I received at Zen is one of the best I have experienced - it was absolute bliss!

This may all be thanks to Katie who used just the right amount of pressure and worked gently on my problem areas.  What impressed me most was the after advice given.  Usually I have my hour massage, I may get advised of some problem areas from the therapist but there is never really a solution.  However, Katie made sure to let me know of certain exercises I could do to help ease pain and discomfort in my back as well as some yoga techniques to ease tight/stress areas.  And the techniques she advised, really do help!

After my massage, I went upstairs to have my nails shellac'd and have a good gossip with Katie.  A joy to chat too and she also did a fantastic job on my nails.  Queue  blurry photo ...

I also had to quiz Katie about her flawless skin.  It seems she is one of the lucky ones who nature has been ever so kind to but she does owe some of it to the advice and products of Dr Murad, which is stocked at Zen Lifestyle.

Thanks to Zen Lifestyle and Katie for such a lovely, self indulgent day :)

x

This Week ...

My niece, Pearl, started school ...

Some Colour Extreme coloured hair sprays arrived in the post ... wow!  Can't wait to get experimenting with these.

I visited downtown Philadelphia.  Glasgow's George Square has been completely madeover and styled as per the streets of Philadelphia ;) all for the sake of some guys new movie World War Z.  Think the guys name is Brad Pitt ... Whatevs ... !!

My Lauren's Way tan arrived and I tried it for the first time on Friday night.  It's now Sunday and as of this morning it was barely noticeable on my skin.  I had such high hopes for this tan since hearing so many rave reviews.  I am going to give it one more try (tonight) before I make my final judgement ... hopefully this application fares better.

This morning I made the lengthy trip to Norwich.  It consists of a flight and 2 trains which doesn't sound like much but from getting up to getting to my hotel room it was a total of 9 hours ... exhausted.com!  I am here to attend the Pixiwoo 5 day intensive make up course.  It's something I haven't mentioned much of on my blog as I have debated for the last couple of years whether I should go down this route but I finally worked up the courage to grab the bull by the horns and now I am here.  Norwich is a gorgeous little place so I am looking forward to exploring a bit more but for now, I am stuck in my hotel room, chilling out and watching a very snowy TV with only 2 channels. Ace.

I am pretty sure I am in for a hectic week of learning and meeting new friends but if I get a chance I will pop on and keep you posted on how I am getting on.  Can't wait! 

x

Getting my ROX on with David Coulthard

Last Thursday I was invited along to a special event held in ROX Jewellers in Glasgow.

Scotland's very own David Coulthard was in town to launch his special edition watch for TW Steel.   I let my husband tag along, a self titled watch connoiseur, he was in his element browsing the vast collection of watches and getting to see up close and personal the David Coulthard special edition watch.

Greeted by an F1 racing car parked outside the store, a glamorous evening awaited, set in the sumptuous Thrill Room of ROX, Argyle Arcade.  We were treated to a DJ, F1 themed interactive games,  F1 girls, overflowing Moet as well as French Martinis and platters of sushi.

David was interviewed on stage by Lee McKenzie, F1 commentator, another Scottish export.  Their rapport with each other was fantastic which made for an enjoyable interview - probably one of the most endearing presentations of a celeb/sportsman I have seen or hear at any event.  David came across very approachable as he later mingled with the crowd and words can't describe how beautiful his wife is.

While my husband ogled the watches, I was more interested in Rox own line of accessories, specifically their beaded charm bracelets which I am growing quite a collection of.

A sophisticated evening was topped off with pizza and beer on the way home.  I'm all class!

x

Eazy Squeezy Sudocrem

Sudocrem now comes in a tube!

Smaller, cuter, easier.

Pop it in your handbag and you're good to go.

Great for rashes, burns, bites, cuts and spots!!

Just a word of warning, be careful not to overuse on the face.  Once in a while for a spot or 2 is fine but I've heard there are ingredients that can be potentially harmful to the sensitive skin on our faces.  So take heed!

x

Inspired ....

Earlier this week, I lusted over the House of Harlow jewellery collection over at ASOS.

Rings, earrings, cuffs, everything was tempting me but it was these little tribal-esque earrings that really caught my eye especially after my Navajo inspired post.

At £55 they aren't ridiculously priced given that they are gold plated and have Nicole Richie's name to them, however, that's £55 I just don't want to spend.

I needn't have worried though, an impromptu trip to Primark today found me a much cheaper alternative.

Certainly not identical and longer in length, these Primark earrings are certainly inspired by House of Harlow's offering.

Only £2 - what a bargain!  I actually think these will suit me much better than HOH shorter style which may just highlight my round face.  These seem to elongate and slim my face ... what's not to like?! ;)

I'm sure at some point they will turn my ears green or itch them like crazy given that a £2 price tag often means quality is lacking somewhere but you never know, it wouldn't be the first time that Primark has come up trumps!

x

Little Miss Sunshine - Nails Inc 40th Anniversary Collaboration

Mr Men & Little Miss turn 40 this year and to celebrate Nails Inc have yet again collaborated to create a limited edition collection featuring Little Miss rather than the men. Sexist, much? ;)

You may have already have caught on to this collaboration a few months ago when the initial images were released but they are available to buy now.  I was sent Little Miss Sunshine which is a lovely summery peachy shade.  

Other shades in the collection are Little Miss Chatterbox - a murky mushroom, think Chanel Particuliere.  Little Miss Naughty is a deep lilac/muted purple while Little Miss Splendid looks to be a bright mint green. 

Nails Inc's Little Miss Sunshine is everything I wanted Barry M's Peach Melba today.  The downside however is that at least 3 thick coats are needed to get a fully opaque, glossy finish.  But it's a sweet, soft colour that looks so pretty on nails and is lovely for these final weeks left of Summer. 

On another note in reference to Little Miss Sunshine... if you have never seen this movie before then it is a must see.  It's quite a dark comedy but ultimately a feel good film ... in a very round about way.  You'll know what I mean when you watch it. 

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend and keeping safe.

x

Style Crush: Katie Shillingford

I decided to feature Katie Shillingford, super talented stylist and Fashion Editor of Dazed & Confused for 2 reasons:

a) My previous post on dip dyed hair.  It's quite possible that Katie was the real trendsetter for this having sported dipped ends for quite a few years it seems
b) She recently made headlines for her absolutely drop dead gorgeous Gareth Pugh wedding dress at her recent nuptials

Like so many editorial big wigs in the world of fashion she exudes that super cool exterior with a to-die-for wardrobe.  I guess it comes with the territory.

And now for 'that' wedding dress...

Isn't it divine?  Pale grey, gothically romantic with a 1930's deco vibe.  It drapes over her shape perfectly and the sets of her pale pink locks perfectly.  I love how she has styled her bridesmaids to beautifully complement her own dress without being overly similar or contrived.

It's obvious Katie loves to experiment with hair colour but pink hair on your wedding day, now that is brave.

x

Hairspiration: Dip Dye

My first insight into the dip dye phenomenon that is taking over the split ends of the famous and not so famous was in London when I spotted Bleach salon at Topshop Oxford Street.

The girls there had fabulous dip dye and ombre creations going on ... but at the time I was looking to get rid of my own ombre hair that had seriously dried out my ends.

I promised myself I wouldn't buy into this 'trend'.  For a start I hate trends as such, it makes me feel like a bit of a clone and when ombre became too popular I swiftly got rid.  Also, how do you dip dye as a professional?

I work in an office that is still stuck in the 1950's.  Unfortunately not in the glamorous sense of Mad Men but instead the ignorant, backward thinking sense.  Oh Miaow!  So, you see, neon pink hair will not go down well.

Anyway, I'm rambling ... I will let these pics do the talking ...

I LOVE this girl! How cute/cool does she look? 

I adore how the pink hair clashes with her gorgeous orange lippie! 

Apparantly this is Lauren Conrads hair... subtle but daring

I love Drew, she ain't afraid to experiment. The block black ends look wicked and
go perfectly with her Alexander McQueen dress

Nicki close your mouth love! The Queen of the Dip Dye! 

Cute or what?

In reality I can't commit to a visit to Bleach London to have my ends perfectly blended into shades of lilac, peach and violet so instead I am on a quest to create a temporary solution.

I want to enjoy dip dyed-esque hair that can easily be washed out in time for my Monday morning team meeting.

Therefore, I am going back to my youth (read: 8 year old me) and will be picking up some spray on colour this week to recreate a colourful ombre barnet.

I could do with some advice though ... can anyone recommend a good brand and/or colours to spray the ends of my auburn locks?

I'm thinking violets, turquoise and pink but can you think of a better colour combo?  Direct me to the best shops and brands too please!

I will keep you posted with photos of my experimental hair frolics!

x

Navajo Inspired

Usually it's around this time of year I start going a little tribal with my wardrobe.

I would love to get away with Native American inspired blanket ponchos and knitwear but it just doesn't suit me so summer time is when I get the feathers and fringes out to accessorise my look.  I love the effortless laid back vibe that suits this time of year.

I adapt it to my own personal style and of course what suits my body shape and so on ... think Jessica Rabbit meets Pocahontas! ;)

I picked up some lovely accessories this month that I will be sure to team with the plethora of fringed tops and dresses that adorn my wardrobe.

 The dreamcatcher necklace and feather earrings are both from H&M.  I can't remember the prices but both were under £10 ... well under it i'm sure.
I have been watching some dreamcatcher necklaces on eBay for a while now but popping into my local H&M was an easier option although the ones I have been watching are a lot bigger and more colourful so maybe I will buy them at some point.

This gorgeous ring is from Topshop which I picked up in their sale.  I guess it can't really be descibed as navajo or tribal but it goes well with my other jewellery.

I still have a huge wishlist (mostly ASOS since I am permanently broke these days) of native inspired pieces I would love to pick up.  Payday is right around the corner so I will have to choose wisely but I will also look to find what pieces from my own wardrobe can be adapted to suit.

Paprika playsuit - ASOS

Suedette Fringe Leggings - ASOS 

Rare Fringe Dress - ASOS

American Gold Fringe Kimono - ASOS

H&M

I'm afraid I have no link for the last jumpsuit other than the stock photo - I bought this back in February and after wearing it constantly for the first month of purchase (a habit of mine after I buy anything new) ... it has now been left hanging in my wardrobe but it's time to dig it back out.  

There is really only a tiny bit of summer left before the autumn/winter season kicks in ... I am so excited for my winter wardrobe this year ... I will be sure to share it with you! 

x