Hello Fresh is a fantastic new service that makes cooking healthy gourmet meals every night simple. They deliver all the ingredients that you need with corresponding inspiring recipe cards for three to five meals a week and because all are ingredients are pre-measured there is absolutely no waste and no fuss. Check out the website at http://www.hellofresh.co.uk/ and use discount code HANDH to claim £15 off your first box.
Beauty products can make you feel good on the inside whilst helping you to look great on the outside, says Frankie Rozwadowska, it’s all down to the ingredients
It’s cold, it’s grey, it’s dark. This can only mean one thing: It’s January. The most gloomy and miserable month of them all. Well it’s about time we kicked January’s butt and beat the blues, put a little spring in our step and just enjoyed some chill out time after all that festive excess. There’s nothing like treating yourself to a few small luxuries to release those powerful feel-good endorphins – and these miracle ingredients will soon banish those blues away.
ROSE
A rose in bloom is a sure fire way to put a smile on your face, so it’s little wonder this scent is known for its anti-depressant properties. Rose helps to balance the mind (so you think more positively) whilst restoring the heart chakra -encouraging your inner spirit to come alive with a new lease of life. So remember, roses are red – and they won’t leave you blue.
For your face: Pukka Ayurveda Uplifting Toner – £17.50
Ayurvedic Practitioner and Herbalist, Sebastian Pole, goes beyond heavenly herbal teas to create skincare that’s certified organic, naturally active, and based on the ancient Indian philosophy of Ayurveda (which promotes health and wellbeing). This light, refreshing toner, rejuvenates the complexion and tones the skin with a delightful and delicate fragrance. Proper pukka.
For your body: REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra Moisture Body Oil – £34.00
Made from the oil of Moroccan roses, this divine oil is formulated to intensively replenish the skin, lock in moisture, and give you a healthy, youthful glow. It restores elasticity, comforts, protects against oxidative damage, and combats the signs of premature ageing – all whilst making you super soft
A little luxury: Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne – £95.00
This limited edition cologne intense is so luxurious we defy you not to feel like a new person after just one spritz. Laced with precious ingredients, it’s both rich and textural – with darkest Damask rose, smoky oud wood, clove and decadent praline- all combining to create a deeply sensual scent.
CITRUS
Whether it’s oranges, lemons, limes or clementines – citrus fruits all contain limonene – a chemical proven to stimulate the brain and boost performance. Used in natural medicine to treat depression and hysteria, citrus smells are incredibly uplifting as you can actually feel the invigorating movement of the molecules stimulating your senses – giving you that ‘buzz’ they are often associated with. So what better to give you that much needed pick me up than these energizing products?
For your face: Darphin Organic Tangerine Aromatic Care – £47.00
An explosion of citrus in one facial oil which contains concentrated blends of pure tangerine, grapefruit, sweet orange and lemon. Restoring skin’s natural radiance whilst combating signs of early ageing, it also awakens tired looking skin. Fabulously fragrant, a few drops massaged onto your face first thing is all you need for that get up and go.
For your body: Ushvani Kaffir Lime Shower – £32.50
The Kaffir Lime has been used in Asian herbal remedies for centuries due to its powerful healing properties (treating coughs, colds, digestion issues and lowers blood pressure) – but it also imparts balancing effects with its uplifting fragrance. Use this in your morning shower and you’ll start the day with clean skin, a clear head – and a little added zing.
A little luxury: Rodin Olio Lusso by Recine Luxury Hair Oil – £60.00
Formulated by renowned hairdresser Bob Recine and packed with an impressive number of essential oils – including orange flower oil and limonene – this gorgeous product promotes elasticity and leaves locks silky smooth and shiny. Either use on damp or dry hair as part of your styling routine, or add a few drops to your conditioner for extra nourishment.
CHAMOMILE
Not only a calming cuppa, chamomile can relax and soothe as part of your skincare routine. Healing numerous skin conditions from psoriasis and eczema to acne and mild burns – it also heals the mind by calming frayed nerves and reducing stress and anxiety. Proven to increase levels of Glycine in the body (the nerve relaxant chemical responsible for relieving muscle spasms), chamomile is the cure for a tense body and blocked mind.
For your face: Chantecaille Flower Infused Cleansing Milk – £54.00
Chamomile to calm, rose to moisturise, mallow to reduce inflammation and jasmine to increase cell turnover – this super hydrating milk removes impurities and makeup to heal and nourish the skin. A combination of flowers, vitamins, organic oils and sugars leaves you thoroughly cleansed with the sweep of a cotton pad.
For your body: Alison Claire Lavender & Chamomile Body Lotion – £12.00
Sweet almond oil and aloe – strong natural moisturisers – join forces with witch hazel and ginkgo biloba (known for their anti antioxidants and astringent properties) to boost skin’s defence and protect against life’s stresses and strains. Add chamomile and lavender to the mix, and you have serenity in a bottle.
A little luxury: Neom Cocooning Home Candle – £39.50
Candles are one of the ultimate indulgences, and this one from Neom is no exception. The perfect antidote for tired bodies and minds, there’s not a synthetic fragrance in sight – just pure essential oils of chamomile, jasmine and ylang ylang. With light and fruity top notes of mandarin, these ultra-florals shine through to create a sweet, subtle scent – enveloping you in your own cloud of heaven.
LAVENDER
It soothes, it relaxes, it reduces stress and it acts as a powerful (yet mild) antiseptic. This is why lavender is one of the best all-round essential oils. With its sweet, crisp scent – it induces relaxation, calms the central nervous system, and promotes a blissful night’s sleep – something many find hard to achieve after a stressful and hectic day. Switch off with a dose of this lilac lifesaver and leave your worries behind.
For your face: Antipodes Organic Resurrect Facial Toner – £18.99
With gentle lavender, chamomile and sweet sage comes this effective step to your cleansing ritual. Providing hydration and moisture to dry, stressed skin, this toner also helps to minimise the appearance of pores and clarifies your complexion. There’s no better way to spray away the day.
For your body: Dr Hauschka Lavender Bath – £18.25
Lavender imparts a soothing warmth – calming red, sore and tired skin. Just what our bodies needs after a busy day. Instead of feeling weakened and exhausted, the calming and revitalising properties of this gentle oil provide a sense of wellbeing that will leave you totally horizontal – and not just because you’re in the bath.
A little luxury: Diptyque Feuille de Lavande Room Spray – £34.00
Even the busiest of us can reap the rewards of this scent-sational spray. With the soothing distillation of lavender’s sweet flowers mixed with its refreshing green leaves, you can create your own peaceful oasis in a light lavender mist.
You can remain true to your wellness warrior standards wherever you are, even Mozambique, says Sandra Smiley
When you think about Mozambique, what comes to mind? Civil war? A baby delivered in a tree? Well, it’s time to think again. Find out what the coastal African country is all about now – before everybody else does.
Admittedly, Mozambique has had a rough go of things: until 1992, the country was beset by civil war, and was battered by natural disasters throughout the Noughties. Consequently, the resounding images of this country for many are of battle and of baby Rositha, born up a tree whilst her mother took refuge from flooding.
But the relative calm of the last decade or so has permitted the former Portuguese colony to change its image and a diversified tourist industry to develop. Now, rather than conjuring images of disaster in the collective psyche, Mozambique’s unique selling points include meditation retreats and encounters with the elusive Manta Ray. As the brightly coloured tourist literature scattered everywhere from public toilets to restaurant tables will tell you: this is no longer a land of turmoil, but rather a treat for the healthy, active traveller.
Travelling into Mozambique is an experience in itself – the roads can be a bit ropy and the communal vehicles like something out of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – so only once you arrive does the holiday really begin. Flying doesn’t seem to be much better. I flew into the country in what appeared to be an Erhart-era aircraft – one that lost a few of its overhead panels upon landing. But once I arrived in Inhambane, southern Mozambique, any practical worries I had dissipated into the salty air: requests in my piecemeal Portuguese were generally responded to positively, with a smile and in pretty proficient English.
Inhambane province, located just north of the capital Maputo, is known as the land of good people – so-named by another tourist, the explorer Vasco da Gama. Life is slow here, but the opportunities for relaxation abound. About 20 km outside of Inhambane town is Tofo beach, a place locals and foreigners alike describe as paradise. Though rather a popular destination for the local set, Tofo is relatively calm and a great place to go for a bit of peace and quiet. Meditation classes are readily available at some resorts and from independent teachers; sunny terraces are in plentiful supply, so you can just pull up a chaise longue and laze your way to mindfulness. But there may be no better place to still your soul than right on the breezy, sandy beach – save for the odd sunglass-seller, perhaps, you’ll be left entirely at peace.
Though chips, omelettes and seafood platters make frequent appearances on more tourist-oriented menus, the lighter local dishes are better for you and flavour-wise, cannot be faulted. Matapa, a peanut- and greens-based vegetarian stew, makes a substantial main meal when paired with coconut rice or Xima, a thick maize porridge. This Mozambican delight is served up hot at most restaurants, both sleek spots geared to foreigners or low-key roadside eateries. But when it comes to food, one is hardly starved for choice: even tiny Tofo boasts an Italian bistro and French-Portuguese fusion cuisine.
While there, one is well advised to take advantage of the spectacular diving, snorkelling and surfing on the Indian Ocean that Inhambane has to offer. Suit up in scuba gear and enjoy the profound silence and serenity of 30 metres below sea level. Catch the flights of fancy of the majestic manta ray and find out more about these amazing animals with a lecture from the local marine research organisation the Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna. Whip up and down the coastline in search of whale sharks on what local dive operators call an ‘ocean safari’. No guarantees, but you may get the chance to swim with one of these giants, regularly spotted along those shores.
Once war-torn, Mozambique is now one of southern Africa’s best-kept secrets – a veritable nirvana for adventure- and solace-seekers alike. Though peace now reigns in the country, poverty is still evident round many corners; but tourism is a significant source of income for Mozambique, and one hopes that a rising tide will lift all boats if the swell is high enough. To be sure, Mozambique has come a long way in the last few years. Whether you’re in want of withdrawal and respite or adventure on the water, Mozambique delivers.
It’s a new year and after giving 2012 the proper send off it deserved, it’s time to get serious about our skin. Whether you are looking for a complete revamp of your beauty regime or just want a little inspiration, here is our guide to 2013’s skin care newcomers you just need to know about:
CC Cream
CC cream stands for colour correcting cream and is a fresh new concept trending in Asia, the inevitability of it arriving on UK shelves was reinforced in October when Olay launched it on to the US market. So what can we expect from this new ‘wonder product’? CC creams have more coverage than BB creams, good for any breakouts that may occur. CC creams are easy to apply and blend with a soft mousse like texture. Most importantly, many of the emerging CC creams include anti-oxidants such as white and green tea. It seems the giants of the beauty industry are listening to consumers who want their skin care to nourish and heal rather than conceal and clog.
Tea-infused skincare
We are all aware of the benefits of herbal teas on our everyday health, so it was only a matter of time before we started taking advantage of these natural, anti-oxidant ingredients on our face and body to brighten, refine, and protect. Skin care companies are creating entire ranges of skin care lines with tea as their main ingredient, and for good reason. White, green and red tea contain the biggest class of antioxidants known as flavonoids. These flavonoids provide protection from UV light. Therefore, any skin care products containing these teas fight against skin damage and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Head to Origins for a their fantastic range containing white tea extract, to see the results for yourself.
Native American skin care remedies
In the light of new skin care bursting on to the beauty scene, it’s important to remember the effectiveness of ancient natural skin care remedies. 2012 was the year of Ayuverdic skin care, this year the native American skin philosophy will take centre stage in the natural beauty arena. Native American’s focused on blending plants together with optimum hydrating benefits, needed to remedy dry, cracked skin from the heat of the arid desert. Take advantage of these indigenous ingredients to rescue your dry winter skin and get well on your way to a glowing hydrated complexion, just in time for the summer. Look out for products containing aloe vera, jojoba oil, rosehip oil and mint.
Hip & Healthy Features Editor, Harriet, takes on the mission and finds inspiration along the way…
After having a more than over-indulgent December, in which I definitely drank every day, sometimes twice a day (!) I decided on New Year’s Day, like many of you out there, to have a dry January. However I ashamedly realised that my own willpower alone would not be enough so I have signed myself up to the Cancer Research ‘Dryathalon’. Encouraging me to not reach for the sauce, not only for myself, but also in aid of charity has really changed my drive to do a wholly dry month. In previous years I have half-heartedly tried by choosing arbitrary lengths of time; 2 weeks of no drinking because I know I have no social engagements on those weekend nights (cheating) or by saying that glass of wine I had with my Sunday roast doesn’t count (definitely cheating).
But, 8 days into January and I feel differently this year. Undertaking it for another cause not only yourself really helps get you kick started and I am intrigued as to how it will make me feel, both mentally and physically. However, even 8 days in it has not been a jog in the park, so I asked around my friends to find someone to give me, and you, some much needed inspiration and incentive for giving up the drink for Jan, or perhaps even for life:
I Cannot Denyity that I Rather Enjoy Sobriety:
So it’s January, that time of year where waistlines are bursting at the seams, livers have taken a beating and the only skinny part on our person is our mal-nourished purse. No wonder January is the month of detox for many!
Having been alcohol-free for coming up to 8 months now (hardly a record breaking achievement I hear you remark)… You’re right. But I did think it a good time to share with you the benefits and discoveries so far of being ‘on the wagon.’ May it inspire you to abstain – if only for January.
My reasons for giving up booze completely are numerous but let’s just say I am an all-or-nothing type of girl and was regularly the last one (surprisingly) still standing at the end of a night during my drinking days. The issue with me was never the regularity of my boozing (I wasn’t supping on gin at 8am) but more the way in which I struggled not to go OTT in party environments once I had decided to “get on it”. My drinking was no worse than many in my social circle and it’s easy not to question it when there is a slightly more wacky boozer than you in the group to compare yourself with.
My reasons for quitting the juice completely built momentum over a number of years – I recall even back when I was 18 considering it although never following through properly back then. It all came to a head when I started dating a sober alcoholic (oooh. Edgy.) at the end of 2011. Although the relationship itself was not much to write home about, the lessons it taught me are scroll-worthy.
I remember upon breaking up with Mr Sober (having enjoyed a fairly alcohol-free lifestyle myself during our time together) and suddenly panicking about having to go back to my ‘old ways’… I had so enjoyed waking up and remembering whole conversations in detail from the night before, my head gloriously clear and feeling happy knowing that I had stayed out at said event only as long as it was actually enjoyable to (as opposed to downing drinks to pass the time away in an environment only bearable under immense intoxication.)
And so, I finally felt that I had come to a point in my life where I was really ready to give abstinence a go.
One of the biggest surprises about sobriety for me on a personal level was the pickle I found myself in on social occasions when I first jumped on the wagon… I quickly discovered I was actually pretty poor at dealing with large groups of people – never realized that one before! I mean, I’d always known that I was better one-on-one but had never really given myself a chance to discover my awkwardness in crowds – I’d always reached for the vino at the first opportunity.
Suddenly sobriety became a challenge to myself. Why couldn’t I be as spontaneous, as loud, as open, as funny as I was when I was drunk? And so all of a sudden, for me, the focus on abstinence shifted instead to a need to grow as a person. And while I was reliant on allowing alcohol to give me that helping hand of confidence, growing wasn’t really an option.
Now people may read this and think, “she’s mad, what’s the point?” but the reactions I’ve seen over the months to my not drinking only reinforce my desire to find life beyond booze. I’ve seen acquaintances literally recoil, stunned that one might consider an evening on apple juice. ‘But you won’t have a good time.’ ‘Oh come on, just have a couple’, ‘Please drink – I feel bad if you don’t drink..’
It seems that many of us are so conditioned by the drinking culture of today that we genuinely believe we cannot have a good time without alcohol.
I intended to include in this article (in as objective way as possible) a list of the pros and cons of a life of sobriety in my experience so far.
So here goes…
The Pros:
Waking up feeling chirpy is worth re-mentioning at the top of this paragraph. I have not been ill/had to call in sick once since I’ve stopped drinking (touch wood, touch wood.)
I am ridiculously more productive. Ernest Hemingway once said, “always do sober what you said you’d do drunk.” I used to chat about doing all manner of things when I was inebriated – it was a great way of letting off steam and venting my dreams. Now I am actually doing the stuff I spent a lot of time chatting about to the poor souls still awake with me at 5am after a house party.
Not using booze to let off steam also means I have to deal with my emotions and misfortunes. It forces me to be more honest and look the problem in the face. I came through a pretty shocking break-up last year and can honestly say, hand on heart, I have no attachment or resentment to it because I really went through the ordeal head on at the time. In comparison, I didn’t deal with things quite so cleanly with my previous relationship a few years ago and still feel quite unresolved and angry about that one. Coincidence? …Or does escapism into a hedonistic lifestyle affect the way in which we come to terms with things?
As mentioned above, I now spend my time doing things I really enjoy and with people I enjoy being around – my tolerance for enduring social falsehood is much lower when I’m sober.
From a fitness point of view, I eat more healthily the majority of the time (no kebabs and garlic mayo for me these days!) Hangovers used to be a big reason for me to indulge in salty, fatty food and the need is just no longer there. Which means ladies, the whole weight battle is much easier to navigate! In addition to this, the surprising amount of calories contained in alcohol itself is an issue I no longer have to contend with. Exercising also comes more easily and I find it quite enjoyable. As you don’t have that ‘release’ from getting drunk, you tend to look for other ways to deal with tension. And so exercising has become something to look forward to instead of dread… *cue my high-school PE teacher keeling over from shock at that admission.
And finally, although I cannot see her (she feels like a ‘she’) and do not know for sure, I feel confident that my liver, let’s call her Livvy, is loving my life transition.
The Cons:
I cannot deny the crushing sense of dis-ease experienced when newly sober and in social situations – especially when everyone else is fairly inebriated. Suddenly, without a drink in your hand, you feel like you have nothing valid to say. As if the right to be loud or funny or controversial is only reserved for those off their heads. This is a myth I bought into long ago but quickly began to overcome and when you do, it feels really great. You see progress, a genuine growth of confidence and sense of purpose and worth. The same goes for dancing (although I’m still mastering this one…), the success of it currently depends on who I’m with and what music is playing. I do find it a challenge to lose myself to trance with no toxicity running through my veins. I feel like an idiot. Perhaps that will not change. Perhaps I can live with that. Put on some RnB and I’m up there shaking it like Beyonce with the best of them. I’m a work in progress.
I would love to list loads more cons but there aren’t any. Other than this – which is less about me and more about those around me but still: reactions from others. People question your choice as if it needs justifying; an explanation for not drinking (…I could just hand them this article from now on and be done with it.) I’ve found the responses to be quite strong; of suspicion, defensiveness, commiseration. In fact, I’ve just begun a new relationship and the first time I spoke to my man’s Mum, within the first five minutes, she’d asked me outright why I don’t drink alcohol. Possibly concerned that her son was going out with a wayward one… Ha!
So there it is – some thoughts on abstinence from the mind-altering substances we consider to be so much a necessary part of our social existence.
And a tip for anyone hoping to make it through January sober or longer-term for that matter: look for the reasons you indulge so heavily. When you focus on merely not drinking, it feels miserable and lacking. If you focus on fixing the reasons why you’ve needed to use it so excessively, it feels like you’re gaining something. Maybe because you are.
Written by Joey, 25. Joey and her best friend Persia run the company Addictive Daughter – an edgy, practical and hilarious new take on self-help for the young woman of the modern world. www.addictivedaughter.com @AddictiveDau
Want to support a friend or find out more about a Dryathalon for Cancer Research? www.dryathalon.org.uk
We find out how Sarah-Jane Baxter, founder of TooFood, made it happen
TooFood was set up by Sarah-Jane Baxter in 2010. Previously a buyer at Ralph Lauren, Sarah’s vision to combine her skills honed there with her love for food inspired her to create a gourmet food company; importing the most equisite European foods. Every item has been personally selected from her extensive travels across Europe. TooFood has put a modern touch to the finest artisan produced foods with it’s young and enticing brand. Her products include olive oils, balsamic vinegar, pasta, sauces, chocolates, panettone and more. The range is currently available through the TooFood website, as well as being stocked through notonthehighstreet.com and select delicatessens across London and the South-East.
Why did you want to start your own business?
TooFood was inspired by my great love of food and travel, combined with a growing frustration of working tirelessly for another company, and making such a small impact. I set about with the sole objective of sourcing the absolute finest foods possible and what better place to start my search, than Italy?
What challenges did you come up against?
Initially the biggest hurdle in setting up TooFood was trying to convince myself that in the long run it would be worth giving up on my flat, my job, and at times my life to move back in with my parents and start a business up on very little funding. Learning to deal with and understand all the official legals, and seemingly endless paperwork, is undoubtably the most mundane and perhaps challenging part of a business start up and it feels like there is little help available to ease this. Still now tax returns are a total mystery to me!
How did you overcome these?
A strong belief in the quality of my products and in the strength of the TooFood brand was paramount in the first, most challenging 6-8 months of its life. The thought of giving up on products which I was so passionate about and a business I knew that had great potential kept me going. Help from others who have started up their own business was also hugely important at this time; even if just to keep me sane when I felt like I had been on my own too much.
What is the most exciting thing about running your own business?
The payment for all those hours of hard work comes in the rush of adrenaline I get every time I deliver an order to a new customer; in the excitement of seeing my own branded products on shelves in stores and in seeing the enjoyment people get from the food I have provided.
Is it successful?
People constantly told me when starting out that a new business is never profitable in the first two years of its life, so as soon as the business went into profit, for me I judged this as my first success. But along the way it is about marking the small achievements and learning from the inevitable mistakes. In the first 6 months of working for myself I learnt more than in the 4 years of being employed in the West End. With this knowledge it becomes easier to see in which direction you should be taking the business to make it more marketable.
Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
Setting up your own business is certainly not for everyone; it does test your character at times. However, if you love your business idea and have a real passion for the concept or product behind it, it can the most fulfilling job in the world. You really can make it what you want; it can become your life or, as I have seen with a number of women, you can fit it into your life. There is a great flexibility in running your own business, which is one of the major perks.
What would you say are the benefits?
The biggest benefit of working for myself, for me is greater job satisfaction. It is all very well succeeding in your chosen profession, but when you are working for yourself every success is magnified, so everything matters that much more. There is such a massive sense of achievement when things go well.
And the cons?
What struck me when starting up TooFood was how much I missed the everyday human interaction you get from an office environment. It has definitely felt very lonely at times, especially as I do not have a business partner to bounce ideas off. I had become so used to working in a big team and was surprised by how much I missed people, and the everyday office prattle.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up their own thing?
It is not enough to be unsatisfied in your job and to think that doing something on your own would be the easier option, as you quickly learn this is not the case. The first thing I would do is to make a list of all the pros and cons of starting to work for yourself. Speak to other people your age who have done so. You need to work out if this way of life would suit you before you embark on it. However great your business idea is, if you are miserable doing it, it will not succeed.
words by Madeleine Shaw
Going to your local farmers market is quite a treat. The buzz of the growers, the ray of colours and smell of fresh food leaves you salivating. Not only do you save your pennies but also the environment and your body’s overall wellbeing.
4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SHOP AT A LOCAL FARERS MARKET
Nutrition
We live in a society that is over fed but undernourished. We may think that going to our local super market we can get good quality produce however most food has been grown thousands of miles away. Research shows that the average carrot has travelled 1,838 miles to reach your dinner table. The most important factor when it comes to nutrient value is how long it is been out of the ground before it is consumed. Food can take day’s maybe evens weeks to be picked packaged and trucked to the stores where it sits shelved. Due to this long journey food is sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals to reduce germs, bacteria and preserve the food. Once a food is picked its nutrient content begins to deteriorate. Buying locally ensures maximum nutrient content of food, dosing you up on those needed vitamins and minerals.
Support your local Economy and the Environment
Supporting your local economy is essential, as it puts money into the pockets of your neighbors. It increases the economy of everyone around and creates a great friendly community. Locally grown food travels a shorter distance, so less carbon dioxide is emitted into atmosphere. The further away the food is grown the farther it has to travel to you, leading to more carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. So buying local you contributes to your economy and help save this wonderful planet of ours.
Tasty Goodness
Seeing as the produce is grown close to home, it is FRESH. We all know that the fresher the produce the yummier it tastes. Produce looses flavor and freshness during refrigeration, shipping and while it sits in the warehouses along the distribution chain.
Penny-wise
In season locally grown produce is harvested in abundance, which means there is a surplus, so the cost is down. You can buy in season produce, and freeze it for a later date.
For your local farmers market ask around, ring up your council or just google search it. It is a really nice weekend adventure and males you very inspired to get in the kitchen.
reviewed by Sadie Macleod
How are you feeling? Tired? Bloated? Lethargic? Im guessing all of the above. It is estimated that the UK consumes 25 million Christmas puddings, 250 million pints of beer and 35 million bottles of wine over Christmas. On average we put on between 5-7lbs during the festive holiday. So, it is no surprise that we all feel in need of a bit of a detox.
January detoxes have had a bit of bad press recently. The British Liver Trust said last year that cutting out booze for the whole of January is no better at restoring liver health than giving up alcohol for just a few days a week. But I disagree. Obviously a reduction in overall consumption of alcohol over the entire year, hell – the rest of your life (let’s be bold here!) is best but why not kick off with a dry January. Surely we should start as we mean to go on.
If you are thinking about giving your body a well-earned break this month then we have the perfect treatment that no detox in January should ever be without: The Organic Pharmacy’s Ultimate Detox Programme. I tried it once, and folks, I can tell you that it is fascinating and I have already booked myself in for another treatment.
We begin the treatment with a health assessment. But not just any health assessment, this one is done using a Quantum QX Machine, which reveals just about everything you could ever want or need to know about your body. I am asked questions as to how I feel and if I have any areas of concern as I put my hands and feet on the metal plates of the machine. Apart from a long standing issue with my skin, I have a sore ITB band (a result of running incorrectly most of my life) and a problematic digestive system. I then have two small patches applied to my head. These send electrical currents (entirely safe I am told!), which you can’t feel, through the body and takes a scan which is projected onto the computer screen in front of me.
The scan the areas which are not quite right in red and blue. My knee and ITB band are, as predicted, highlighted red, as is my small intestine – no surprises there. But what does shock me is the low level of serotonin in my body and high levels of oestrogen. Neither of which are in any way good! As I discuss this with lovely lady conducting the test, it unfolds that this may be a result of too much stress. As stress releases cortisol in the body which block’s serotonin and increases oestrogen. On the upside, my antioxidant levels are off the scale brilliant! I knew all those blueberries where worth the £3.99 per punnett.
I am then given the Organic Pharmacy’s detox supplements, liver support drops, essential fatty acids and some serotonin supplements to help restore my body to it’s former glory. And told when and how to take them. I am no stranger to supplements but I must confess that I find them terribly boring, however I am told that it will help my skin to clear up so I am willing to do it.
Now for the lymphatic drainage massage. Not only does it feel incredibly relaxing (I am sure I nod off at one point) but this is a massage that is doing even more good than that. It is helping the lymphs to rid the bod of toxins. I emerge looking glowing and feeling lighter than air. The whole treatment takes around 150 minutes and costs £230. And it is money well spent. Ten days later my skin is looking better than ever, the supplements are still boring but I am persevering and I have booked myself in for a follow up consultation.
Vicky Olubi is a 25 year old entrepreneur from London. Her business, My Curls, manufactures and produces natural and organic hair care products for women with curly and Afro textured hair. My Curls has been featured in various media outlets including Prima Magazine, The Detour, Black Hair Magazine and This Girl Means Business. Vicky is passionate about young entrepreneurship and contributes her expertise to online publications such as CEO Blog Nation, Natural Pink Tree Magazine and The Entreprenette Gazette. Vicky was nominated for the Damsels In Success ‘Women Inspiring Women Awards’ for Overcoming Adversity and was a keynote speaker at Prospects 2012 Graduate Fair.
Why did you want to start your own business?
I started my business for several reasons. Firstly, after graduating from university I found myself unemployed and struggling to find a job. One day, after receiving another job rejection, I realised that I needed to follow a different career path. I then had a ‘aha’ moment whilst talking to some friends about hair care. I was frustrated at the lack of quality products for women with Afro hair and was committed to starting a brand that went against the status quo in terms of embracing all textures of hair and not just slick straight hair textures.
When did you start it?
I launched My Curls in October 2010 after spending a few months mixing natural ingredients together in my parent’s kitchen. I then put everything together and decided to create a website to see if the idea was was viable.
What challenges did you come up against?
Where do I start? I was a young entrepreneur and had no prior business experience. I had no connections within the hair and beauty industry, no venture capitalist or investor to back me. Furthermore, I didn’t fit the criteria for funding from agencies like The Princes Trust. My only resources were my family, my friends and myself.
How did you overcome these?
I quickly learnt that whilst I had very little experience in the world of business, I was a quick-learner. I used my ability to learn things quickly as much as possible. For example, I taught myself how to design a website, I read hundreds of business books and I prayed every night. Of course not everything went to plan but a lot of great things happened- for instance Prima Magazine ran a feature on my business and I managed to get my products into the hands of a few celebrities. Those trickles of success gave me the motivation to keep going despite the many obstacles that I faced.
Is it successful?
It’s funny because I used to think the term successful meant having loads of money but now my perspective is very different. To me, my business is successful because it makes a difference to the lives of women across the world. I have customers who’ve sent me thank you notes and who’ve said that my products have helped them to fall in love with their natural curls again. Success to me transcends money, status or being the biggest brand out there. It’s about making a genuine impact in other people’s lives and I know that My Curls has the ability to do that.
Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
Absolutely! I’m incredibly committed to seeing women succeed in business and fulfil their dreams. As women we have so many strengths that come naturally and that can actually help us to advance in the world of business. It’s important to leverage our innate talents and use it to our advantage. Of course, running a business isn’t for everyone but if it’s a dream of yours then go for it!
What would you say are the benefits?
Being in control of my day, having the ability to essentially create my own career path based on my vision for my future.
And the cons?
Fighting procrastination and being accountable for your successes and failures is definitely a difficult aspect of entrepreneurship. However, I see it as a learning curve and it’s definitely made me more aware of my own weaknesses.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up there own thing?
One big piece of advice that I’d give is to do what Simon Sinek calls, ‘starting with why.’ If you’re thinking about starting your own business, knowing the reasons why you’re driven to start it and keeping those reasons in mind constantly is really important. The minute you lose sight of why you started the business is the minute things can start to go down hill. Always surround yourself with things that motivate you to keep going even when times are tough. Another big piece of advice is to surround and align yourself with people that share the same values and vision as you do and always follow your intuition even if it goes against what everyone else thinks is right.
I am half English Half German and grew up in Gloucestershire until I moved to New York to go to university. I ended up working at a variety of magazines out there before moving back to the UK to work on Vogue and now Tatler. Wardrobe Connect launched just a few months ago and is a vintage resale website designed to connect buyers and seller directly with one another and cut out the middleman when it comes to reselling your clothes. You can request to be a seller or just buy from the site and register for updates when you favourites post new items. You can sell everything from Vintage pieces, deisgner brands or even your old wedding dress!
Why did you want to start your own business?
It was a natural progression for me as I was always selling on my pre-loved clothes to my friends and organising sales at home where friends would come and swap and sell their items to one another. Taking it online was just something I knew I had to do.
You run your business alongside full time employment – how do you fit it all in?
Yes! That is the challenging part, luckily I have a great admin team helping me and so that makes it easier. During the building phase I spent many early mornings/ late nights and most weekends working on it. It was actually fun as the people involved in it were friends who shared the same ideas.
What is the most exciting thing about running your own business?
Having total control over something and watching it grow, hearing what people think and being able to change things as and when I see fit.
Is it successful?
Time will tell!
Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
Yes, if you are that way inclined. I think you need huge amounts of energy and being level headed and realistic helps. I come from an entrepreneurial background. Everyone in my immediate family set up their own businesses. I grew up watching my father build his and saw all of the incredibly hard work that goes into it first hand. My boyfriend also has his own business, it must just be something I am drawn to!
What would you say are the benefits?
The major benefit is being to act immediately on an idea when you have one. You can implement it without having to go through a chain of command.
And the cons?
The time! In the beginning it is hard to see friends and have a social life. You are never ‘off’ there is always something to work on.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up there own thing?
Go for it! If you have an idea run with it. If you are passionate about something, it won’t seem like work.
The idea for a knitwear brand that provides hand-made pieces for men and women developed after Kathryn saw fishermen’s wives knitting cardigans for their husbands on a beach in Portugal. Captivated by the expertise involved in this age-old tradition and the quality produced, she bought her first fisherman’s cardigan from the artisans. With an interest in fashion from a young age, Kathryn could often be found trawling through her Mother’s wardrobe in the hope of finding that unique piece with a bit of history to it. When she discovered this ongoing traditional craft she felt she had found just that. At University this hand knitted fisherman’s cardigan became her most borrowed item, which solidified the belief that there was a market for this original craftsmanship in modern fashion. So she pooled the savings from her GAP year work and took out a small loan to buy some stock, and Lily & Albert was born.
Since then Lily & Albert has gone from strength to strength; it has been featured in magazines such as Tatler and national papers such as The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail; been on the BBC, exhibited at high profile shows including Britain’s Next Top Model Live, worked with Green lifestyle organization Global Cool and DJ Gemma Cairney, as well as opening the Fuze fashion show alongside Jack Wills and Reiss. It has also have acquired lots of high profile customers from stars of E4’s Made in Chelsea and Radio 1 DJs’ to International Supermodels.
Why did you want to start your own business?
My friends and I used to dream up all sorts of enterprising ideas when we were at school. We would find gaps in the market and devise a plan to fill them. The appeal to this was the freedom to create something new and exciting and to be in control of the whole process. With Lily & Albert, rather than it being a decision to start any business, it was a case of stumbling across a product that I loved and a craft that I felt needed to be kept alive and embraced. I don’t think there was a defiant moment where I said ‘I’m going to start a business’. The more I investigated and researched the market, the more the idea developed. When I met the small, family run manufacturers, I wanted to start the business to bring these incredible products to a wider audience and I knew I wouldn’t be the only one who loved the fact that each item has been individually hand knitted. Having studied Drama as my degree, finding an audience was something I had practice in. I suppose I approached the branding of Lily & Albert like the devising of a play.
What challenges did you come up against?
Learning how to make a website! That was the first challenge. It took time and patience but I am so glad I did it myself as I now have a real understanding of e-commerce. Self-discipline – When you work for yourself, you don’t have anyone patting you on the back or telling you how well (or not) you are doing. It is a labour of love. I am a sociable person but also enjoy my own space but working for yourself and working from home is a challenge. You miss the every day people, the day-to-day goings on of a work environment. I also found it extremely difficult to delegate at first.
How did you overcome these?
When I worked from home I created a separate workspace. I needed to at least feel that I was ‘going to work’ and it’s important to make a distinction between work areas and living spaces. I’m now working in a shared office in Soho with other young entrepreneurs. There is so much going on and a real buzz about the place. Although our businesses are different, our ultimate aim is the same. We can all relate to each other and it’s great to be able to share experiences and have that support. It’s really important to be surrounded by a working environment. I also quickly learnt that it is impossible to run the whole show entirely on your own and have recently realised the benefits of outsourcing certain projects and have enjoyed collaborations.
What is the most exciting thing about running your own business?
The best thing about running Lily & Albert is that it is constantly evolving, providing opportunities to meet such a wide range of people. Every day is different and I love seeing my ideas come into fruition. It is so satisfying when I get an email from a customer personally thanking me for their new cardigan and telling me how much they love it. I have always enjoyed trying new things and running Lily & Albert gives me that element of variety.
I visited my manufacturers and knitters last month – I always enjoy going back to where it all began. Over the past two years we have established a really close working relationship with them and it is amazing to meet the artisans and see how they make each piece from start to finish. I love the fact that the entire process is eco-friendly, using recycled wool, natural dyes and no electric machinery. Each piece is made by hand and therefore truly unique.
Coming up with storyboards for our photo shoots is another part of the business that I really enjoy. It’s such a great feeling when the vision you have created in your mind is being played out in front of you.
Is it successful?
Yes. We’ve had great success online through our own website www.lilyandalbert.com and the well-known online marketplace notonthehightstreet.com. This season I have already had to put twice as much into production due to the demand! We have exhibited at lots of fashion shows, fairs and events and so we got to know our customer really well and have learnt so much along the way. The business is growing organically in collaboration with up and coming photographers, stylists and models and we are now in talks with potential stockists. A Spring/Summer Cotton collection was introduced into the range in 2011 and Winter 2012 will see the launch of the Childrenswear collection ‘Lily’s Lambs’.
Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
I think it’s a great time to be running your own business. With so many graduates coming out of university and with the job market being tougher than ever, running your own thing gives you the opportunity to put the skills you’ve learnt into action straight away. If you’re willing to take a risk and throw yourself in the deep end then I would say go for it and you won’t look back.
What would you say are the benefits?
It may sound clichéd but although it is a big responsibility, the rewards are tenfold. Once you get to grips with managing your time, it’s great to have the flexibility.
And the cons?
It can be very stressful running a business on your own. Sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day and I do tend to put a lot of pressure on myself. The 9-5 does not exist and I find myself working at the weekends and evenings on a regular basis, but again, it’s something I enjoy and I think you have to live and breathe it to reap the rewards.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up there own thing?
I would suggest that they meet as many young or established business owners as possible. Advice before you start is gold dust as although you will of course make mistakes along the way and learn from them, it helps to at least have a heads up on what battles you will be facing before you start. It’s so important to look to the future and hope that all the hard work will pay off. I made use of a free ‘Women in Business’ workshop run by Business Link when I had just set up the website and it was so beneficial to speak to other people in the same boat and get advice from some experts. I would also say that you have to be prepared to adapt and remember that there is always a way around any obstacle, you just have to be creative!
words by Sarah Clark
I know quite a few smokers, and they all firmly fit into two categories – those who enjoy a weekly cig with a glass of wine, or those that are confirmed smokers with a daily habit… sadly I used to fit into the latter category with my own routine. So, when I was offered the Allen Carr Easyway stop smoking clinic I naturally jumped at the chance, having wanted to give up for almost the last year but failed. I’ve heard great things, and know people who have quit successfully using Allen’s book so I accepted with arms open.
What surprised me the most on my arrival (each session has approximately 15 people) was that it seemed I was one of very few who was excited about the prospect of walking out the session as a non-smoker. Other attendees offered their feelings of fear, worry, even sadness that after the session they would miss something that has become a big part of their life.
The session started with an ice breaker for us all to feel comfortable, with the session leader going round each of us introducing our names, and why we’re here. Lots of different answers were given, such as ‘I want to do this for the sake of my children’, ‘I can’t afford it anymore’ or simply, like myself ‘I just don’t want to feel dependent on cigarettes’.
Our session leader then started on a series of talks about the act of smoking – surprisingly little health issues are included in this. The thing is, as smokers, you know the health risks. You don’t need someone preaching these at you. The session leaders are all ex-smokers too, so know the patronising effect this would have. Instead, it’s more about turning the act of smoking on its head. Why is it that some associate a cigarette with a moment of relaxation – after a big meal, or with a glass of wine… whereas others associate a cigarette with the complete opposite of this, that of stress. For me, I think that was the most difficult realisation. I think I knew I could forgo my cigs when it came to the fun times, but if I have an argument with my boyfriend, or a looming important work deadline for the boss then that’s usually when I have my little nicotine itch. However, our session leader explained that as complex, intelligent human bodies we are obviously more than capable to handle stressful situations on our own accord – and need no assistance, especially in the form of nicotine.
After lunch, and even a cig break, we came back for the more relaxing part of the relaxation session, which must have taken an hour or so. The lights are then turned down, you are given a blanket and the session leader began talking again. You were recommended to close your eyes, and I know I drifted off… I can’t speak for the rest of the class but it would have seemed that way when the lights were turned back on! What I took from this, when both awake and subconsciously, were the words the leader was saying, which were a repetition of the main points we had learnt in the morning, as well as the little saying we could repeat to ourselves, that “we were now free of nicotine.” Once awake, you say your goodbyes, and head off into the big bad world… as a non smoker.
As I write this, it has now been almost three months since I have had a cigarette. I cannot describe the feeling of elation I have every day over this. In fact, those situations where I have the boyfriend argument or the hostile conversation with my boss I can now say I handle them better than I ever did as a smoker. Not to mention the extra cash, fresher breath and clearer skin. I now walk past smokers on the street and look at them with pity, and want to inspire those around me to give up too – which is just as well – as I was given a few Allen Carr discount vouchers that will go to very good use.
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