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​   Rambling since 2014

Pamper Glamper

8/17/2021

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​Hello,

You may be wondering where my little Pampervan gone...I am heartbroken to report I sold it last year. I know!! :-(

Unfortunately, it had needed lots of work done to it and had become very costly. After having my second child, we couldn't use it as a family - nor at events thanks to Covid-19 - so I made the tough decision to sell it.

It now resides at the amazing, infamous Windmill Campsite on the Isle of Wight and is used to advertise the campsite and do laundry runs across the site. I can't wait to camp there one day and spot her again!

Talking of camping, and whilst I try to supress my desires for another van (and save for a few years!), I have been missing festivals, events and sleeping under the stars.

​We haven't managed to go to any this year as punters due to no longer having a van or a big enough tent, and I haven't thought about working at any whilst I've been focussing on my cabin...

Then, inspiration struck, and I decided to look into bell tents after hearing so many good things about them! And, lo and behold, I came across this beauty on Bell Tent Boutique! It is so on brand, it was obviously meant to be!

I've decided to name this new branch of my business the "Pamper Glamper" and intend on popping up at various events next year to treat you! It's nice and spacious, measuring 5m in diameter, and plenty of space to stand up in. I plan on making it super cosy (I'm even looking at a wood-burning fire!) and can't wait to offer the majority of my treatments. 

​Please let me know if there are any events you think I should approach, or if you organise events and are keen to book me please contact me now.

As one door closes another one opens, in this case a van door to a bell tent flap! I'll keep you posted.

Lots of love,

​Laura x​
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The Pampercabin has had a makeover!

8/17/2021

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Having worked one whole trip around the sun in my cabin, I realised I needed to insulate it to help me save on heating/cooling the place on those particularly freezing and boiling days. 

With the tremendous help of my Dad, ​we decided to give it a bit of a pamper at the same time. We've replaced windows, filled in all gaps (who knew wood moved so much?!), painted it from top to bottom, inside out! Added a few new bits here and there, but ultimately kept the same cosy, retro vibe that we all love! I couldn't be more thrilled and I hope you will love it too.

As you can see, it's now pink and we've added these cute scalloped edges facias to the outside. Here's the before and after:
And the inside....my favourite bit being my light sign, lovingly made by my Dad.
I hope you can come and visit my Pamper Cabin soon and experience it for itself. Please email info@pampervanbeauty.com or DM me on Instagram or Facebook. 

Lots of love,

​Laura x
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Welcome to the Pampercabin!

8/4/2020

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Hello!

I'm back from the other side of maternity leave and a global pandemic....geez, what a ride 2020's been, hey?!

A couple of weeks before my son arrived in our world, I cheekily announced the future opening of my Pampercabin and then shut up shop and went AWOL! But I'm thrilled to announce it is now open for business and I can't wait to treat you!

The Pampercabin is a private and cosy treatment room based in Branksome, Poole (BH12) set back from the road up a hill in my front garden. It has a private entrance and there is free parking on the road - or closer to the cabin if you're confident with hill starts...! (Don't say I didn't warn you!).

As you can see from the photos below it is decked out in my colourful Pampervan wares and has all of the professional equipment and products you would expect in a regular beauty salon to allow you to recline and be pampered!

The cabin is pretty hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so we've added a lovely fire to keep nice and cosy in the colder months, and there is a fan and french doors leading out to the garden on warmer days. It's quiet and has a rural feel to it, despite being in a pretty built up area of Poole! 
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, facial treatments are not available at the moment (there's due to be an update from Boris on 15th August) so for now I am offering the following body treatments at HALF PRICE!! I want to get back into the swing of things and allow yourself to treat yourself after a pretty gruelling few months. So here's the all important list of treatments and prices...

EXPRESS 30MIN MANICURES / PEDICURES (file + paint)
CND Shellac Gel £̶2̶0̶ NOW £10
OPI Polish £̶1̶5̶  NOW £7.50

LUXURY 1HR MANICURES / PEDICURES (the full works)
CND Shellac Gel £̶4̶0̶ NOW £20
​OPI Polish £̶2̶5̶ NOW £12.50

​Gel soak off £̶5̶ NOW£2.50

MASSAGE
​Back, neck and shoulders £̶3̶0̶ NOW £15
Full body (excluding face) £̶5̶0̶ NOW £25

WAXING
Half-leg £̶2̶0̶ NOW £10
Full-leg £̶3̶0̶ NOW £15
Underarm £̶1̶0̶ NOW £5
Bikini £̶1̶5̶ NOW £7.50
Half-leg and Bikini £̶3̶0̶ NOW £15
Full-leg and Bikini £̶4̶0̶ NOW £20

Availability

Mondays from 7:45pm
Wednesdays from 7:45pm
Fridays 10am-5pm

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I am fully insured and following all Covid-19 government guidelines with regards to health and safety. I have my face shield and gloves at the ready and am meticulous with cleaning. There has recently been an update for customers to also wear masks whilst in salons from the 8th August, but I will make sure I have some disposable masks available for £1 if you forget yours. I have a new online consultation form to be completed by all customers, new and old, and a Covid-19 screening form to allow for 'track and trace'. I will be carrying out new patch tests for future tint treatments. I accept card contactless card payments up to £45, but I will also accept cash.

I'm happy for babies and children to come along if it helps you have your nails or waxing done! I have two little ones so I know what it's like! I have a playpen, toys, wheelie bugs, a changing mat and all of the beauty bits a child could wish for to keep them entertained! I'm used to complete chaos whilst carrying out treatment, so please just let me know if you need to bring them along!!

Please help spread the word to anyone who deserves a little bit of pampering and prefers a homely, personal touch. ️️️I'll continue to update my Instagram and Facebook pages (links at the bottom of this website) and please contact me or DM me to book in!!

​I can't wait to treat you soon!
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Laura x
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​PS. The Pampervan is currently on furlough....;-) I am not able to carry out mobile treatments at present and am rethinking that whole aspect of the business. Keep your eyes peeled for an update soon.

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Strange times, indeed.

3/30/2020

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Hello,

(Very) long time no speak!! I've really neglected my website and blog since falling pregnant this time last year. I felt very sick for the first trimester and started working full time in my role at Lush, and I let everything that encompassed the Pampervan fall by the wayside, as it was the one thing I could let slip when everything was getting too much. I slowed down on mobile treatments, focussed on getting the Pamper Cabin ready (will post about that soon) and, most importantly, allowed myself some time to relax before baby no. 2 arrived.

I found maternity leave quite hard first time round; we had just moved to Bournemouth and despite making some new, wonderful 'mum friends' and having my in-laws about 10 miles away, I really missed having my family and old friends around me. What made it especially hard was having my lovely Dad working in the Middle East for years and three of my bestest friends living on the other side of the world in Australia. My support network seemed limited and I had more time to miss and grieve for my Mum, who we had lost two years prior. I often felt quite lonely and lost with a newborn baby and the lack of sleep really affected me. I had no job to return to and felt worried about the future. Of course there were many highs, but there were some terible lows (and I'm particularly good at focussing on them!). I found solace on the beach, which we were lucky to have on our doorstep at that point, and I sought counselling, which really helped. I came out the other side feeling strong and proud of myself.

I was therefore slightly hesitant with having a second child and had a mix of emotions regarding a second maternity leave. I am so fortunate this time to have a job and an incredibly understanding boss. I was looking forward to spending more time with my, now, three year old daughter and looking after a newborn with the knowledge, confidence and understanding of motherhood and how quickly time passes. I had an incredible natural birth, a pretty good recovery and fell more in love with my newborn son than I could have ever anticipated. In fact, I was completely blindsided by the rush of love.

The funny thing with having a baby, especially your second, and particularly around this stage (he's nearly 5 months old), is that people assume you're an old hat at this and don't need the support you perhaps needed in the early days - hey, you think it yourself!! I'm not very good at asking for help in general and feel bad for relying on other people. I feel perpetually guilty that I'm not doing a good enough job, or that there's thousands of people who would die to be in my position. Throw in breastfeeding, sleepless nights and no chance to nap in the day, hair falling out at quite an alarming rate, a spirited threenager and a baby who's sleep has gone to pot...and, once again, it feels quite all-consuming, despite having a better support network this time. Babies are hard work, whether it's your first or fourth!!

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​My husband took these beautiful double-exposure photos,
​before and after birth.
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But then throw in a global pandemic where we're forced to stay at home and not see people in real life (I survive on going out and seeing people!), keep up with increasing Whatsapp messages and HouseParty invites, rising anxieties and a complete lack of certainty when it comes to our future...and, well, you find me here, writing a blog post!* This morning I wanted to run away, but it turns out it's not so easy in a lockdown...so if you can't take a flight and you don't have the energy to fight, then succumb to it, dig deep and do whatever it is that might help, however small. 

My wonderful husband is off work today and took both children for a walk to get my son to sleep and to entertain the toddler. I took the time to do what I only know to do at times like this, and run a nice hot bath, apply a face mask, focus on some deep breathing exercises, light a lovely candle and listen to some nice music. I guess you can call it 'me-time', 'self-love', whatever, it's taking some much needed time out to focus on my wellbeing. I focus on my children's bedtime and bath time routine and wellbeing, but so often forget about mine and it is so important - whatever time of the day that happens to be! And you know what, it's really helped. I feel sad and exhausted, but rested and calmer.

I appreciate that everyone is finding it tough at the moment. It seems to be hitting everyone at different times, there's good and bad days. I try to put things into perpective and think about how hard other people have it, especially those that are ill, those that are working on the front-line, those that are trying to maintain their jobs whilst their kids are at home, the teachers looking after key workers' kids, etc, but I'm an empathetic sponge and that can make me feel even more upset and guilty. If we're in a position to help others then that's great, but we have to help ourselves first and foremost. I'm no good to anyone if I don't look after myself and that's true for us all. We also have to remember that all of our feelings are valid and allowed.

​If any of this rings true to you, please know you're not alone. If you think the simple sound of a bath/long shower would help you, then take the time out to do it. Use that nice bubble bath (or Lush bath bomb in my case!), use that face mask that's being kept in your cupboard for months, let your conditioner soak in and do its job, and pop on that posh face cream sample you've thrown in your washbag. Let the hot water wash over you and soothe your skin and hair and troubles away, let the aromas and steam fill every breath and let that feeling of 'self-love' imbed where it's really needed. Get your comfy PJs on, or if you're fed up of living in them, put on some clothes that make you feel good and spend time putting some makeup on if that floats your boat. It might seem silly to focus on such trivial things whilst you're stuck at home (I saw a post emphasise that it's better to say 'safe at home', but it's OK if you feel stuck too!) but if you're anything like me those things could do with some prioritising. Dry shampoo and lazy washing can only go so far!! ;-)

I truly believe that self-care and pampering, for want of a better word, is important to us all and I'm very lucky to work for Lush, a cosmetics company that's created on that belief. They have currently closed all of their shops and online sales to protect staff, but hopefully you'll be able to treat yourself soon. I'm particularly proud of my team who are continuing to work though these tough times.

In the meantime, Lush has a fantastic YouTube channel full of videos, music, interviews, etc. They released this moving short film last year called We The Bathers which I still absolutely love watching every so often. It shows the importance of bathing on a physical and mental level, in whatever form that takes around the world. They have also released a guided bath meditation (bath bomb optional, but it certainly helps) - https://www.youtube.com/user/Lushcosmetics/featured. So dig out any bubble bath, shower gel, etc that you have and carve out some time for yourself. 

Thank you for reading. Brace yourself. Look afer yourself. There's only one of you in the world and it needs you.

We've got this.

​Laura x
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* I'm aware there's lots of positives to come out of this self-isolation / social distancing malarky, some of which I'm already benefiting from, but this post was a chance to be real, in real time, and tell myself and others that it's OK to feel ALL of these things.
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Nails & Tales - featuring the Kenwood chef!

10/6/2018

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Last Saturday I had the pleasure of launching my debut 'Nails & Tales' project, which is all about capturing and recording people's stories and histories whilst giving them a manicure!

The Springs Arts and Heritage Centre is based in Havant, Hampshire, and they have recently received Heritage Lottery funding to create an exhibition and documentary all about Kenwood, the electrical kitchen and home-ware brand which invented the iconic Chef food mixer, which was first released in 1950 and it still their best seller today!


The 'Mixing 'n' Twisting' day was organised to gather interesting stories and facts from ex-colleagues, family members and locals who had a connection with the company and factories originally based in Havant, and I was thrilled to be asked to help.
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I set up a manicure station in the main exhibition hall, which was buzzing with chatter and stories of old times past, and I recorded four stories from three ex-colleagues who each worked for Kenwood in different capacities during the 70s, 80s and 90s, and another lady who worked in a neighbouring laboratory and had some great stories about the Kenwood social club in its heyday!

It was a really relaxed event and they all loved their manicures and the chance to talk about their past, which is so rare!

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I’ve been spending this cold, wet day editing the recordings from last week’s event, and have really enjoyed listening to some amazing feminist tales about working there.

One lady held the most senior female role there in the 1990s, and she had her first child whilst there. As the breadwinner, she returned to work full time a few months after having her baby and her husband, the main care-giver, used to bring the baby in to her office everyday so she could breastfeed her at work. Her memory and detail for her roles at Kenwood were really impressive, and it was clearly an important part of her life and career.

Another lady, who worked there in the 1970s as a student on a summer placement on the production line, had some brilliant stories about the 'girls on the line' and witnessing several of the permanent staff members - the majority female - helping themselves to a five-finger-discount of machine parts to later build their own Chefs at home!! She also told me that she had suffered with a bad back from heaving the Chef machines on and off the production line and soldering parts, and how she has since dedicated her career to occupational health and safety and is now completing a PHD on occupational disease. It only really occurred to her through our conversation that perhaps her injury whilst working for Kenwood inspired and shaped the rest of her life! 

Another lady told me she used to demo the equipment to store staff and at conferences across the UK. She admitted she had never enjoyed cooking, but sure knew how to work the machines and was grateful that the Chef made cooking so easy!! 

​Despite the pretty sexist ads back in the day, it clearly helped women and their families live an easier life when it came to cooking, and it gave the ladies I spoke to some brilliant career opportunities. They all mentioned that they loved their Chefs and still use them to this day, so they have certainly stood the test of time.


What a fab first Nails & Tales, and I hope the ladies I spoke to enjoyed it as much as I did. They now have copies of their recordings and will hopefully treasure them for future generations If you or someone you know would like to record a story and have your nails done, or there is an event where it might work then please let me know! Or simply just make sure you record your loved ones chatting and telling their stories. It's so important, because when they're gone - the stories will never be told in the same way again.

Happy weekend everyone,

Laura x
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CAMP BESTIVAL | BESTIVAL 2018

8/12/2018

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This time last week, we had just finished a mammoth eight days spread across two weekends at Lulworth Castle, bringing the Pampervan to life in the Slow Motion area at Camp Bestival and Bestival - a whole arena dedicated to connecting the body and mind through yoga, disco dancing, holistic and restorative therapies, gong baths and more! It was a really magical place to be situated, high on a hill overlooking the rest of the festival and rolling landscape of the Jurassic Coast, with a much-needed gentle breeze and space to relax away from the main buzz of the festival.​

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​We arrived to set up on one of the hottest days of this recent heatwave. The Pampervan made it through the dusty, sun-drenched site up to the Slow Motion field and I absolutely loved creating my vision - it was an explosion of red, pink and peach items in a retro, fifties diner setting! My van sat alongside my marquee, which had huge windows to allow for natural light and a bit of shade from the sun. My reupholstered deckchairs sat in front of my van and allowed a chilled waiting area for people to enjoy. We offered manicures, pedicures, facials and mini massages - express treatments for time-conscious parents, budget-ravers and glittery kids!


Camp Bestival is the big family-fun-filled festival, themed all things 'nautical' this year. I was fortunate to have my husband and daughter there for the entire time, along with my lovely receptionist, Magdalena, and her lovely little family (we met at NCT classes and have been friends ever since!), as well as my therapist Natalia. As soon as the site opened on Thursday afternoon we were busy doing treatments and taking bookings and were soon sold out for the entire weekend!!

It wouldn't be England if we didn't talk about the weather. Despite the amazing heatwave we'd experienced across the country for weeks and weeks, the weather turned on us on the Friday night and a storm started brewing along the coastline. Saturday treated us to ALL the weather, but we enjoyed cosying up in the marquee and treating festival-goers despite the threatening hooley! Saturday night was a bit of a ridiculous night; our tent didn't live to tell the tale the next day and we had to drop our daughter off at her grandparents' . We found out in the morning that the site was deemed too unsafe to open to the public. Such a disappointment for everyone involved; the festival-goers, the traders, and, of course, the organisers. Despite having to cancel an entire day of treatments, we were grateful to have had two and a half brilliant, fully-booked and, mostly, sun-drenched days!​
Bestival took place in the exact same site the following weekend, albeit with several changes to staging, activities, line up, etc and a fantastic circus theme and four days of sunshine! I returned with a brand new team raring to roll off the back of our success the weekend before. My lovely friend Eleanor came down from Suffolk, along with Liz and Ash, my amazing therapists. It was such a BRILLIANT festival; people of all ages visiting from all over the world - the only thing really connecting them was wanting to truly enjoy themselves, adorn themselves in colour and glitter and spread happiness and joy in a dusty, dry desert!! We worked hard (fully booked again Fri-Sun) and played even harder on the evenings. My favourite areas were Caravanserai, a caravan-graveyard full of circus and cabaret, the epic Temple stage and seeing London Grammar perform on the Castle stage on the Saturday night after some amazing fireworks over Lulworth Castle. 
Four years ago I had this idea and said I ultimately wanted to provide beauty treatments at festivals. To now have worked at two of the biggest UK festivals, be fully-booked practically everyday, treat loads of lovely, cool, interesting people AND enjoy it with my family and close friends - it was a moment I'll never forget. Thank you to everyone who created the opportunity, helped make it a reality and came and visited us at the festivals.

​Please can we do it all over again?

Big, sparkly love,

​Laura x

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California Dreaming

6/23/2018

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I had the privilege of providing the makeup for a recent photo shoot with Maddie Cowan, an Art Director who is creating some really exciting fashion styling and photography in the south-west. Check out her work by clicking here. We worked with a local model called Grace who photographs way beyond her years and was a pleasure to work with and make-over.

We're planning some more photo shoots in the near future, and I'm excited to experiment new makeup ideas and themes and broaden my creative potential. I've loved doing several wedding makeovers recently, but they are often quite 'safe', and fashion shoots allow me to work with inspiring creatives and definitely think outside the box! Maddie definitely allows me to do that!

Here are some photos from the shoot, but you can check out more on Maddie's website and keep checking back here or on my instagram page for more shoots.
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Brand New.

4/7/2018

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​At the start of the year, I set myself the target of achieving a logo design for The Pampervan. I have wanted one for ages and had lots of ideas spinning round my head. I really felt like I needed my branding sorted before I could properly launch my website and get excited about all things marketing! It was the next box to tick before I could move on.
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I decided to approach a relatively new friend of mine, Charlotte Gale, who is a multi-talented artist. I've had the pleasure of sharing a few fun evenings in Salisbury with her and some friends when I moved back to the south coast a couple of years ago.

​​I don't even know where to begin with describing her creative projects and achievements, but she's been a commercial brand designer for several years and is now focusing her energy on pattern and print design, having had previous success with having her patterns and designs licensed internationally. Check out Charlotte's website here.

I felt confident she would get my brief and be able to collate all of my ideas into something perfect - and I'm so chuffed with the outcome!​


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I'd love to know what you think?!

​Laura​ x
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Back on Track.

2/18/2018

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Apologies for the radio silence over here! It turns out you don't have as much 'spare' time on maternity leave as I thought you might! My grand plans of launching The Pampervan by last summer came and went, and I instead focused on being a mumma, spending precious times with my family, doing some treatments here and there, and slowly setting up The Pampervan.
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You may have noticed a different look to my website?! In fact, it's got a whole new URL, but if you tried to visit my old website then you would have been directed here. It's now pampervanbeauty.com. What do you think of the new look? My treatment offers? I'd love to know your thoughts! I'm currently working on some new branding and will be launching an Instagram page very soon and Facebook page in time. So keep your eyes peeled and please get following and sharing - the wheels are back in motion!

Towards the end of last summer, I also started looking for some part-time work to generate a bit of income once my maternity allowance ceased, and to get my mind stimulated again after months of goo-goo-gah-gah and sleep deprivation. However, I wanted to find something that could work around my main job, being a mum!
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​I'd been keeping an eye on any vacancies at the international cosmetics brand LUSH, which is based down the road in Poole and still runs its first ever shop and spa, head office, factories, kitchens and spa training hubs across the town and along the quay-side. It's a company that has always interested me with its magical colours, smells, environmentally-friendly packaging and general activism, so I was thrilled when an opportunity came up for a temporary part-time role in their Customer Care team, dealing with enquiries (and some complaints!) from around the world. After an entertaining group interview and a 1:1 interview, I was in! They had me making my own bath bombs on day one and I've been learning the ropes of the company ever since!
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I'm going to post more about LUSH, as I've really enjoyed learning about them; their history, their campaigns, their 100% cruelty-free and vegetarian (and now 70% vegan!) product range. They've definitely inspired me to be a better person, and you can't say fairer than that for a job!

Till then,
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​Laura x
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Introducing.....The Pampervan!!

3/8/2017

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What better way to mark International Women's Day than to introduce another very special lady in my life.....Queenie the Pampervan! 💕
It's been a dream of mine to have a campervan for over twenty years, ever since my nanna Queenie told me she had always dreamt of having her own ice cream van! When I had the light bulb moment a few years ago of using one to bring beauty treatments to people's homes, workplaces, events, festivals, etc and basically bring a bit of fun and sparkle to the world, I knew one day it would have to happen!! And here it finally is!! 

Of course today is about so much more; it's about equality, freedom of speech, women's right to vote, being able to protect and do whatever you want with your body, stopping awful atrocities to women around the world, accessing clean water and free healthcare. It's about the women in my life, the ones who have brought me up and the ones who make me who I am. It's about the men who support us and believe in us, and make us break through those glass ceilings. And so much more.

But, right now in my world, it's about achieving dreams, thinking big, celebrating new beginnings and trying to make things work for ME! I feel blessed and empowered to start planning my own business whilst on maternity leave (mostly with Erin attached to my boob!) and I plan to roll it out when I'm ready to return to work later this year. If that's not being a #girlboss, I don't know what is!

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Who wants to join me for the ride??!
​

Laura x









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​Queenie never got her van, so this is for her x
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Be My Baby

1/29/2017

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I'm thrilled to announce the safe arrival of Erin Wren, born breech a couple of weeks before Christmas by elective c-section and weighing a healthy 8lb 9oz! Those that know me will know how convinced I was that I was having a boy (even though we hadn't found out so it was always 50:50!) so I was completely shocked when we were presented with a beautiful baby girl. In fact I'm still saying 'I can't believe we've had a girl' seven weeks later!!

The c-section itself was quite an experience, both the operation and the recovery. Breastfeeding has been the most challenging part so far - more than the lack of sleep! - but now I'm really enjoying it. Maternity leave is great fun, I never have that Sunday night feeling! We're absolutely loving being parents - it's an overwhelming responsibility but feels so natural and beautiful and we feel very blessed.

I'll be on maternity leave until the end of the summer - where you can find me on the beach with my babe! - and will spend between now and then figuring out how I'll continue to provide beauty treatments. I'm enjoying practising my baby massage skills on Erin and plan to offer some trial baby massage sessions to my new mum/dad friends. I'm really looking forward to having two wedding makeovers booked in this year and I'll happily treat friends now and then and continue to write to keep me inspired....but for now I think I need some beauty treatments myself!

​My body's the hairiest it's ever been; my back aches from post-op, breastfeeding and holding a baby; and I've forgotten what's in my makeup bag! But today I managed to paint my nails and I feel like a new woman!!

But in all honesty, I've never felt more beautiful! I've created a human being, and a funny and pretty one at that! I mean look at those eyelashes - swooooon!! !<3​
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​With love,

​Laura x​
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Clickety-Click!!!

11/9/2016

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Today I went for my first chiropractic appointment and it was quite the experience! Before today I had heard of chiropractors, but never really knew what they did. I guess I knew they had something to do with bones and clicking...but that's as far as my knowledge went!

I've been working for a company called Lilliput Health over the past few months, a portfolio of healthcare clinics based across Bournemouth and Poole who manage the beauty space at Poole Audi, and I've enjoyed meeting lots of practitioners ranging from sports massage therapists to physiotherapists and aesthetic doctors to colonic hydrotherapists!

I was recently introduced to Amy who is a recently qualified chiropractor (after five years of training!) and I was kindly offered a complimentary consultation and treatment. Having checked it was OK for during pregnancy but reading that, despite rave reviews, there is no scientific proof that it works....I was certainly intrigued!  ​
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What is chiropractic?
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​Chiropractic is a holistic and alternative approach to health and is vital to improved wellness. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), as well as the effects these disorders can have on the nervous system and general health. They have a specialist interest in neck and back pain, but when they assess patients they take their entire physical, emotional and social wellbeing into account.

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Chiropractors use their hands to treat disorders of the bones, muscles and joints in babies, children and adults. Treatments that involve using the hands in this way are called "manual therapies". Chiropractors use a range of techniques, with an emphasis on manipulation of the spine. They may also offer advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle, and rehabilitation programmes that involve exercises to do in your own time. Some chiropractors may also offer other alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.

Similarly to medical practitioners, like nurses and dentists, the chiropractic profession is regulated by law. The Chiropractors Act 1994 provides statutory regulation for the profession and the title ‘chiropractor’ is protected under this legislation and it is illegal to practise as a chiropractor without being registered with the GCC.


​What conditions can chiropractors help with?​
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  • Back pain and neck pain
  • Migraine headaches caused by neck pain
  • Jaw problems
  • Shoulder pain and “frozen shoulder”
  • Muscle and tendon strains and joint ligament sprains
  • Achilles Tendonitis and plantar fasciitis
  • Tennis/golfer’s elbow
  • Paediatric complaints
  • Pregnancy care​
  • ​Newborn alignment

What Chiropractic Adjustments do?
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Chiropractic adjustments free up restricted joints in your spine that may be stiff and not moving optimally. Frequently, this involves applying a short sharp thrust to the area which may result in an audible “pop” – this is just the bubbles of gas popping in the fluid as the pressure is relieved. This allows you to move more easily and comfortably and decreases any pressure on surrounding structures.

Here's a video featuring some adjustments (listen with the sound on to hear the clicks!)​
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What did i think?

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I certainly enjoyed my first session of chiropractic, especially being adjusted and learning about how I can benefit from it moving forwards. It should ease the shoulder pain I suffer with due to my job and reduce the pelvic pain I've experienced occasionally throughout pregnancy. It should also help with labour, especially with getting my baby to be in the best position for delivery and perhaps making the whole thing happen a bit quicker...although time will tell!

It's great to know that my baby can also benefit from chiropractic once it's born, so I'll certainly look into that some more too. I'd say it's definitely worth trying, even just for the clicking bit!! It makes you feel pretty hardcore!

I'm booked in again next week so will keep you posted!

Laura x

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I'm becoming a baby massage teacher!

9/19/2016

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What better way to celebrate Baby Massage Awareness Week than returning home from a weekend in London training to become a Baby Massage instructor! I had a wonderful weekend training with Blossom & Berry and, as luck would have it, it became a 1:1 course so I learnt loads and am on track to bringing the wonderful benefits of baby massage to the south coast!

What is baby massage?
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​Over the past few years baby massage has started to become very popular in the UK with more and more parents and their newborn babies attending classes; however, it has been practiced for over 3000 years in regions as diverse as India, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and the Caribbean as a routine part of childcare, from the moment of birth until the baby is weaned and walking.

The emphasis of baby massage is on the power of touch, physical bonding and attachment between parents and babies. It relaxes and calms babies, eases colic, constipation, wind, teething pain and promotes muscle and bone awareness and development, and should be part of their daily routine. 

Many people imagine a professional massaging their baby, but it's the complete opposite - parents are taught how to effectively massage thier babies through attending group / 1:1 / online classes, usually over 4-5 weekly sessions, and then encouraged to continue the skills at home when the time suits, e.g. after bath time, changing nappies, at beditme, etc.

Teachers demonstrate a whole series of massage movements on dolls, and parents copy on their babies. It covers the whole of the baby's body and parents are taught how and why those movements make a difference physically and emotionally. 
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Many parents comment that baby massage provides a really special time for them to bond with their baby, around the hectic hours of feeding, sleeping, changing nappies, etc, and often parents benefit just as much as the babies. It makes sense that relaxed, positive parents help create relaxed, secure and positive children, so what's not to like? Parents also gain the opportunity to meet other new mums and dads, so it also provides a comforting community in which to learn and meet new people.​


Why I chose Blossom & Berry?


​There are a LOT of different companies and educational institututions teaching baby massage and training up teachers, often alongside baby yoga and parent-support workshops for babies struggling with sleeping, crying, etc, so it is a bit of a minefield knowing who to choose. Blossom & Berry stood out for me as they have been teaching accredited courses all over the world since 2001 and have been experts in providing educational advice to organisations such as for Pampers, Nurofen for Children, Colief, Mother & Baby Magazine, Huffington Post and Practical Parenting Magazine. 
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They also run several charitable projects across the world, including in Malawi and Mexico, in providing baby massage to those who may not be able to access the services so easily, as well as reaching out to babies with physical, cognitive, intellectual, mental, sensory and developmental disabilities. ​
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​My teacher, Sandi, was amazing! She has helped develop the Mexican strand of the business, as she was brought up in Mexico City, and has even translated all of the teaching material. Coincidentally we are both at the same stage of pregnancy, so we spent the whole weekend chatting about our bumps, as well as learning the ins and outs of providing baby massage classes to parents and babies. My favourite part of the whole weekend was observing a real-life baby massage class which she ran; lots of happy, little babies! It was a little bit adorable!
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What's next?


To complete my accreditation I have to complete a case study and receive feedback, so I will be soon looking at running a FREE 4-5 week group session for parents and babies in or around the Bournemouth area! Each week covers a new part of the baby's body and provides a great opportunity to meet new people. ​Keep an eye on my facebook page and please help spread the word to anyone with a young baby. Remember it's suitable from a few weeks old to when they start wriggling and crawling away!
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I then plan to practice my newfound massage skills on my newborn baby and roll out some classes for parents later next year alongside beauty treatments - because both baby and parent needs pampering after all!

With love,

​               Laura x

​

Baby Massage Magic from Blossom & Berry on Vimeo.

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The Pregnancy Glow

8/15/2016

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Despite the utter joy of finding out I was pregnant and the overwhelming knowledge that there is a tiny HUMAN BEING growing inside my tummy, I have also been plagued by worrying about lots of little things, mainly whether or not the baby is healthy but also some vanity woes. Will I get really sick? Will I get fat or have swollen ankles or stretchmarks? Will I feel and look exhausted? And, beating them all, will my skin get really bad?

Having suffered with the 'mask of pregnancy' (or Melasma) way before ever being pregnant - thanks to the Pill - I am simply waiting for my skin to get worse throughout my pregnancy. Whilst I don't really care all that much because I'm producing another little heartbeat, I can imagine that the road ahead is going to be quite hard and fraught at times anyway so looking in the mirror at a patchy, tired, panda-eyed face might just be enough to tip me over the edge...

If, and up until that happens, I am currently enjoying the joys of pregnancy! A lot of friends have kindly commented that I'm glowing (although I think everyone says this to pregnant ladies even when they're tinged with a nauseous green complexion) but it does make you feel nice! I was interested to find out what this glow is...

There are many good and not so good physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and they change as you progress through your trimesters and beyond. These are down to the influx in hormones (mainly progesterone) which are whizzing about your body trying to create a new life and are, ultimately, responsible for changes to your skin and hair. ​Hormones can be simultaneously wonderful and evil.


THE GOOD CHANGES:​​

  • During pregnancy your body increases the production of blood by 50%, which can lead to a boost in blood flow and circulation, which makes your face look fresher and brighter. It also aids with faster healing, so I'm finding any spots are clearing up much quicker!
  • Skin can retain more moisture and oil which plumps up and smooths out any fine lines and gives a healthy, pinkish glow or shine to your complexion. 
  • Halfway through your pregnancy you may find your nails are growing quicker and are thicker than before and may need filing more often.  
  • Your hair may look thicker and shinier - you're probably not actually growing more hair but you're losing less.
  • Vitamin D is great during pregnancy and often prescribed in tablet form, but get out in the sun and show off your upper thighs, tummy and shoulders and absorb up those yummy vitamins! You may find your skin tans quicker thanks to hormones so be careful, wear sun cream and a hat (see below 'mask of pregnancy') and avoid any burning.
  • Not drinking alcohol and avoiding eating other pregnancy no-nos may also improve your overall health and skin tone, resulting in a clearer, brighter complexion.
  • Your boobs may get bigger and more voluptuous, which if you're anything like me is a complete miracle and one worth celebrating!
  • Perhaps best of all, you don't have periods - hooray!!!

THE NOT SO GOOD CHANGES:

  • Skin can become very dry and sensitive, possibly because your body is using up so much energy elsewhere to create a baby! You may need to apply more moisturiser to your face and rest of the body.
  • Skin can also become excessively oily and lead to spots and pimples, or worse case, pregnancy acne. Oil-free skincare, gentle exfoliation and eating and drinking healthily will all help combat acne, but your skin may not get better until after pregnancy. Book yourself in for some facials or seek medical help.
  • Stretchmarks are a common physiological change during pregnancy as your skin battles with a growing bump! Applying moisturiser or oil (Bio Oil is a popular choice!) from as early as the start of the second trimester can at least lessen the severity of them, but unfortunately you're probably going to get some, if not during your first pregnancy then the second or third! Apply cream or oil to your boobs, tummy, hips, bum and thighs every day. 
  • Morning sickness can happen at any time of the day and can either just make you feel nauseous or make you physically sick. It usually stops after your first trimester, but is miserable and can last longer. Be careful not to stop eating or drinking water as you risk becoming dehydrated.
  • The 'mask of pregnancy' or Melasma is a skin-darkening condition which can form on the face or body, and is caused by hormones reacting with sun exposure and creating more pigmentation than normal resulting in brown/grey patches. Pregnant women should avoid excessive sun exposure and wear a hat and SPF 50 sun cream. It can fade 3-6+ months after pregnancy, but will always need to be carefully maintained. 
  • Women who are prone to eczema may develop dry, red, itchy skin whilst pregnant, as you are more prone to allergies and sensitivity during pregnancy. Seek medical help.
  • Your teeth and gums can be affected by pregnancy, with bleeding gums quite a common symptom. Make the most of your free dental care under the NHS during pregnancy and maintain good dental hygiene.
  • Whilst the hair on your head may appear thicker and shinier, you may find some new hairs sprouting where you've never had them before!
  • You may ache more during pregnancy; pelvic pressure, lower back pain or general achiness can be soothed by wearing a maternity belt, taking hot baths, heating a wheat cushion and taking paracetamol (always check with your midwife or GP with medication and specific concerns).
  • Tiredness during and post-pregnancy can make your skin look dull, enhance fine lines and cause spots, so try to maintain a regular facial regime (even though I imagine that's quite impossible with a newborn baby or active toddler!).

Time will tell what symptoms I get lumbered with but I do think it's good to prevent what you can and accept what you get. Although the reality of growing a baby should outweigh any physiological or emotional woes, it is easier said than done and pregnancy and any types of resulting changes can take their toll. If you are pregnant then be kind to yourself and embrace the changes as best as you can. If you're not pregnant but you know someone who is then keep dishing out those compliments and don't ask too many questions about stretchmarks, sickness, etc - they probably don't want to be reminded! 

With love from me and the bump,

Laura x
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I've got a new job!!

8/4/2016

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Four weeks of delightful unemployment (mostly in the sunshine!) and I'm back at work with a bang! Moving and job hunting whilst pregnant has been interesting to say the least, but I'm happy to report that someone was happy to hire me up until I go on maternity leave later this year ready for our Christmas arrival!

I am proud to announce that I'm now honing my beauty skills at a brand new, first class Audi dealership in Poole....yep, you heard me right!! Opened to the public just this week after a 14-month and £14.5 million build, Audi customers are being treated to a high-spec innovative showroom which is the largest in Europe! You can read more about it here.
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Whilst they're sealing the deal on a new car or having their car MOT'd or serviced, customers can enjoy a first class coffee lounge (coffees are cocoa sprinkled with an Audi-logo stencil!), a gym and a beauty spa - all with complimentary perks! We are offering free treatments and discounts to their customers so I'm enjoying surprising people and sending them away having experienced a nice massage, file and paint or facial - the last thing you'd expect from going to a car garage!

Lucky people...and lucky me....but the good news is you can experience it even if you don't own an Audi! ​
The salon is also open to non-Audi customers and is well worth a visit, so if you're local and would like to check it out then why not enjoy free parking, a free drink and a treatment with me! The treatment menu can be viewed here.

Now, where's that company car.....?!

Laura x

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Beauty School Graduate

5/11/2016

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I am thrilled to announce that I passed all of my practical assessments a couple of weeks ago and my last exam today, so I have now completed my Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy! Wahey!!

Just under two years and I am a fully-fledged beauty therapist in all of the following treatments:
  • Manicures & Pedicures
  • Waxing
  • Facials
  • Body massage
  • Body scrubs and wraps
  • Indian head massage
  • Hopi ear candling
  • Tanning
  • Electrical facial and body treatments
  • Electrolysis hair removal

​So much has happened in those two years; in fact two really big things - I suddenly lost my mum in the middle of my first year, and I got married in the middle of my second year - yet, I'm the first person in both years to finish all my assessments and exams so quickly. COME ON!!! (Hey, if you don't boast about your own achievements, who else will?!).

​It just goes to show that when you're passionate about something and you strive to succeed, then you can get there whatever life throws at you. I also think the world of beauty has provided a really lovely sense of focus, direction and creativity during otherwise quite emotional times.


SO....what next?!

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As anyone who knows me well will know, I'm not one for resting on my laurels and sitting around. The north wind has blown (a la 'Chocolat') and we are going to be leaving Suffolk after two and a half happy years and moving back closer to home, to the beautiful seaside town of Bournemouth! 

My brand spanking new husband has bagged himself a great job overlooking the beach, and I am currently working out what I'm going to do....

At the heart of it all I want to bring beauty to people who need it - exhausted mums, time-stretched business big wigs, elderly people who find it hard to get to a salon, people going through a tough time, etc - because a simple manicure or massage can make you feel infinitely better. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction and provides some purpose to my life.

I also want to keep on learning. The world of beauty is constantly evolving and there are lots more treatments I'd like to be able to learn and provide, so watch this space....​


Are you in??

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If you're local to Dorset/Hampshire/Wiltshire do drop me a line and let me know if you'd be up for some beauty treatments or if you have any ideas for me - click here!

​I'm feeling excited and creative and inspired and look forward to seeing what my next beauty chapter will bring....


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SUFFOLK FRIENDS - I will be working at Seckford Spa until the end of of June and will have more spare time to offer my own beauty treatments in and around Woodbridge till we leave in early July, so get in touch!

With love,

Laura x
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My date with kate.

2/25/2016

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A few weeks ago I began to feel a little bit disillusioned about the beauty industry. Perhaps it was just the January blues, perhaps I was suffering with it being the first anniversary of losing my mum, but things at college and work were starting to feel a bit 'samey', a bit uninspiring. 

I decided I needed to look outside of my current narrow-lens of work and college in Suffolk, and look to the wider world of beauty magazines, beauty editors, dermatologists, clinics, etc. So I emailed all of the inspirational beauty big wigs that I follow on Instagram and Facebook to ask for work experience. If you don't ask you don't get....!

Kate Kerr, a renowned facialist based on Harley St in London, remarkably picked up the phone and called me! I started following her work a few months ago after Alessandra Steinherr (GLAMOUR Beauty Director) raved about her facials and skincare products and she's recently appeared in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Mail Online, The Times, Good Housekeeping....and here she is ringing me?!!!

We had a chat. I told her about my current situation and how I feel and she listened. She suggested I visit her clinic to meet her and see her work - so off I went!

Having trained as a beauty therapist in New Zealand over 15 years ago, she came over to Ireland and then the UK to manage a load of salons and spas, before training with a Dermatologist and specialising in both medical and aesthetic skin therapy and skin rejuvenation to help treat acne, acne scarring, hyper pigmentation, rosacea and ageing. After having a baby a few years ago, she decided to open her own clinic on Harley St. A one-woman band doing her best to make people feel better about their skin. What an inspiration!

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Using products from Skinceuticals, Avene and NIOD, she carries out a thorough consultation to see what's going on with your skin and what products are currently being used, before piecing it all together and using her extensive knowledge to come up with a treatment plan, usually regular facials and correct product-use. She seems to turn everything I've been taught about skincare at college and work on its head, which is very interesting...!

Her clinic is based inside a bigger clinic called PHI which was voted 'Best Clinic' in 2014 and specialises in surgical and non-surgical treatments. They offer everything from botox and fillers, to laser and chemical peels, to breast enlargements, face lifts and liposuction! There are plastic surgeons, doctors and nurses buzzing about the place and it's very clinical, but cutting-edge cool. 

Kate greeted me with a great big smile and showed me into her spotless treatment room, which she works from a few days a week around being a mum to her little girl - her evening and weekend slots are fully booked till April! Soon enough her first client arrives (and is fine with me sitting in and watching!) and suddenly I'm watching a professional at work! 

The client's skin is thoroughly cleansed, extractions (blackheads, etc) are carried out, an amazing LED mask is placed over the client's face (think Stormtrooper!) with a red or blue light therapy to reduce any redness or rosacea, as well as rejuvenate skin and kick-start collagen production (see this article for more info).. Another mask is applied before an SPF cream to protect the skin from UVA for the rest of the day. The client walks away looking fresher, younger and calmer than when she walked in! Amazing!

The day continues and I meet lots more clients, from newbies arriving for a consultation, through to regulars, through to a famous magazine Beauty Director having a chemical peel! I love hearing Kate's knowledge, often expressed in layman terms to ensure the client goes away knowing more about their skin. Every client raves about Kate's work to me and the improvement they've seen to their skin. I, for one, am sold!

I leave the bright lights of London, back to pitch-black Suffolk, buzzing and inspired about what direction I may be able to take my newfound beauty skills. 

Here's to more exciting opportunities in the future! No cheek, no chance ;-)

Laura x

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Walk in. Float out.

1/10/2016

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As a Christmas present to one another, me and my man treated ourselves to a spa treatment at the Lilac Rooms at the beautiful Elizabethan Dunston Hall. Despite working in the industry and giving people massages and facials most days, I haven't had a professional treatment as a regular punter for over a year - so it was much needed! When everyone else was moaning about returning to work last week, I didn't mind because I had my massage to look forward to!

I went all out and booked the 85-min hot stone massage and facial for myself, and a back, neck and shoulder massage and facial for him (called '5 steps to heaven' - we wondered what was in store for him...!!). 

​I was really excited, but also apprehensive. As a therapist, you know only too well how important it is to make the treatment as good and enjoyable as possible - but it also means your expectations are quite high when you're on the receiving end.

I'm happy to report the treatments, therapists and treatment rooms were lovely! There was lots of attention to detail, particularly with my hot stone massage with placing the nice, warm stones in the palms of my hands during the facial and holistically placing gemstones on my various chakra points to promote positivity, healing and emotional energy. I'm not sure whether this worked or not, but I certainly fell into a deep state of relaxation and felt myself drifting off.

Our only complaint? We both agreed we could have done with a little bit more pressure when it came to the massage. Did they check if the massage pressure was ok? Yep. Did we just agree and say 'yes' - yep. Like. Everybody. Does. And I'm a beauty therapist who should know better.....we're so British!! 

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When I'm working in my spa most of our clients say they want 'firm' massage pressure. This is usually down to the fact that their previous massages elsewhere haven't been all that firm (and a little bit because people don't want to appear a wuss if they say they only want a light or medium massage pressure!). When you book a massage and have particular concerns like achey shoulders or lower backache, then you want to walk away feeling like your muscles have been worked on and not just stroked! Beauty therapists aren't trained physios or osteopaths but they can - or rather should if they're any good - be able to apply more pressure, but only if you let them know!! But also be a bit sympathetic, if you want REALLY firm then don't expect too much - it's knackering on therapist's bodies and they can only do their best!

With this experience in mind and working in a spa I thought it might be handy to explain the do's and don'ts of going to a spa! Some of you may be spa connoisseurs, some of you may never have stepped foot in one and feel a bit nervous about it - I'm here to help! Because EVERYBODY should treat themselves to a massage or a facial or a spa treatment at some point in their lives.


MY spa guide
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  • If you're booking a treatment at a spa don't presume you'll have access to the pool and get a gown, towels or slippers. Often these are all extras, unless you've booked a spa day with it all included. Check with the receptionist when booking.

  • There are LOTS of spa day deals out there, usually offering a 30-60 min treatment, a lunch or afternoon tea and access to the pool area. It can sometimes be cheaper to book all these things separately. Do your research.

  • If you're a couple, best friends or mum and daughter and would like to be in the same treatment room then check if they have a double treatment room. If you're having different treatments then you may want them in separate rooms to avoid being disturbed by the sounds of the other treatment, or person....!

  • If it's your first massage or facial and you don't know what to wear or how to lie on the couch then make sure you ask questions - you want to be feeling comfortable and relaxed, not nervous and intimidated! The usual rule is to go down to knickers/boxers whether it's for a back, neck and shoulder massage, or a full-body massage and start face/belly down, putting your head in the bed's head hole. The therapist will give you a few moments to get yourself ready in the treatment room, and again at the end to get changed. They won't stand and watch you!

  • Therapists want to maintain your privacy, and will only uncover the parts of the the body they're working on. We have lots of tricks to help you turn over and expose parts of your body without risking your dignity!​

  • ​Don't stay silent if you want the massage pressure to be increased or reduced, or if you feel a bit cold - just say - it'll make you and the therapist happier in the long run.​

  • You can choose whether to chat to your therapist or be silent. If it's a massage or facial then you'll benefit more by not chatting, so that you can focus on the massage movements more. If your therapist is too chatty then just avoid conversation - they'll get the message! (and in all honestly they'll be relieved! It's almost as relaxing for the therapist as it is for the client).​

  • Tipping isn't obligatory, but it's nice! Your beauty therapist won't be on much more than minimum wage (a bugbear of mine....) earning about 10% of the treatment cost. Treat it like being in a restaurant; if the service and treatment was worth tipping, then do so. Anywhere between 10-20% is appreciated.​

  • If you're going in for a facial, or even a massage, then it's best not to wear makeup, especially eye makeup. The amount of times I've had thick, waterproof eye makeup to remove before the facial can begin....what's the point! We don't recommend you put makeup on for a minimum of 12 hours after a facial as your pores have been thoroughly cleansed and moisturised and makeup will only clog them.​

  • If you're on a spa day, make sure you keep an eye on what time your treatment is. Whilst you should be relaxing, the therapists are working to quite a tight schedule and if you're late then your treatment time might be cut down.​

  • Drinks lots of water after your spa treatments, especially if you're hopping in and out of the sauna, steam room and hot tub. Be careful with this, you may feel a bit light-headed so make sure you sit down and relax.

  • Which leads me to to mention making sure you go to the loo before the treatment - there's nothing worse than lying there and needing the loo. Massage can also stimulate the bladder and bowels so don't be surprised if you need the loo afterwards! 

Go and treat yourself to a spa day or a spa treatment - it's good fun, relaxing and good for your soul.

I can, of course, recommend Seckford Spa where I work, but otherwise this website will help you find some good local recommendations - https://goodspaguide.co.uk/.

Enjoy!

​Laura x

PS. I'll soon be looking for full body massage models at college - at a bargain price - keep an eye on my facebook page.
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Menopause for thought.

10/7/2015

2 Comments

 
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Last week at college I was set the homework task of finding out about the menopause. It's something we've all heard of, but I personally didn't know very much about it other than it causes hot flushes and signals an end to periods!

It's something all women will inevitably go through, but - similarly to the after-effects of childbirth - is rarely discussed! Perhaps women are embarrassed to admit they've reached that certain stage of life and don't want to highlight that they're ageing, but I think it's important to speak up about it and reach out for help if needed. Even if you're lucky enough to be able to avoid it for many more years, it's good to be aware and sympathetic and help our mums, aunties, sisters and friends go through 'the change'...

What is the Menopause?

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​The menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life when her ovaries stop producing an egg every four weeks, resulting in an end to monthly periods and the inability to get pregnant.

The average age for a woman in the UK to reach the menopause is 51, but usually women experience irregular menstruation anywhere between 40-50 years old in the lead-up to the menopause (also known as the perimenopause, which can last for years!) when oestrogen levels begin to decrease. Some 90% of women will finally stop having periods between the ages of 45 and 55 years, and once a woman has not had a period for 12 or more months then that's when you've finally hit the menopause!!
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Some women can experience the menopause in their 30s and 40s, and sometimes even younger – notably if they haven’t had a period for over 24 months which therefore, sadly, leads to infertility. This is known as premature menopause. Premature menopause can also be brought on by surgical removal of the ovaries and womb, known as a hysterectomy. ​​

What are the signs and Symptoms?
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Women, especially, don't want to admit that they're ageing and there is one sure-fire marker that their bodies aren't as young as they once were, and that's the menopause! ​Symptoms can appear in many physical and emotional guises and can have a huge impact on a woman’s overall quality of life. But women shouldn't feel like they have to go it alone; go to your doctor to chat about any of the following symptoms and the treatments available:​​
  • Hot flushes
  • ​Night sweats
  • Palpitations
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Osteoporosis
  • Loss of libido
  • Lack of concentration
  • Bladder irritations
  • Hair loss or unwanted hair growth
  • Changes to your vagina, such as dryness, discomfort, itching and pain during sex.
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of confidence
  • Anxiety
  • Signs of ageing
  • Weight gain or weight loss
  • Dry skin

During the menopause it is possible that hair growth will both increase and decrease on different parts of the body due to hormone imbalance. Many women can suffer from hair loss, with noticeable areas of baldness and thinning on the scalp, with clumps of hair falling out when washing or brushing it.

However, some follicles become sensitive to these circulating hormones in the blood, and hair growth is stimulated. This unwanted hair can, and does, cause embarrassment. Up to three-quarters of older women may have slightly increased facial hair, mainly on the upper lip and chin, but also on the cheeks and sideburn areas.​ This once downy hair can become thicker and darker (or translucent/white in some cases) and it can be a pain to control. Waxing, plucking, shaving, etc are all acceptable removal methods, but I would advise laser or electrolysis (see my last blog post for more information).

***I am currently looking for models for electrolysis, so if you're experiencing this type of hair growth and want to get rid of it for good, then let me know! It only costs £2 per treatment at college!***

Is there anything I can do to avoid it?
​

Sadly, it's part of the female life cycle and we will all have to endure it - but I know many women who went through it seemingly easily, and there is no point fearing it! Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the main treatments used to relieve the symptoms of the menopause; however it has been surrounded by controversy ever since it was introduced in the 1940s! It helps relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen and progesterone, and is available in many forms including tablets, cream or gel, a skin patch or an implant; however, it has been blamed for increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease and strokes...so it's a very individual choice. Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed for signs of depression or anxiety, and for treating hot flushes, and there are lots of lubes available to treat vaginal dryness. Making simple dietary and lifestyle changes can often improve menopausal symptoms, e,g. eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking plenty of regular exercise can help you avoid putting on extra weight.​

However, it's worth also remembering that it's not all doom and gloom. On the plus side, there's no more periods, cramps, PMS or the need for birth control - and you can hopefully continue life on a more even keel...knowing you'll never have to go through all of it again!!

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It's time to stop burying our heads in the sand and start talking about it! Have a think about women in your life who might be going through the menopause, or chat to women who have gone through it, and be more aware of the signs and symptoms.

​I wish I have been more aware of it when my mum was going through it, because I personally think it sounds like a pretty hard and emotional stage of life, and would hope that I have someone to help me through it when the time comes!


​Laura x​

2 Comments

Laser Quest.

9/15/2015

1 Comment

 
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I don't know about you but I find most hair removal solutions quite short-term and frustrating. I try to be good and grow my hair ready for it to be waxed every month, but I either get caught out (cue the Impulse advert) by the sun suddenly shining or me wanting to go swimming and end up reaching for the razor and regretting it the next day when the stubble appears. Worse still, I triumphantly last till I get a wax then have to deal with ingrowing hairs and bumps because I forget to regularly exfoliate. I yearn for a smooth, silky body but it just isn't so! It's an ongoing battle and one, I imagine, most girls can relate to...

I've always been fascinated with the idea of a more permanent hair removal solution since my friend in California told me she had had her legs, underarms and bikini line lasered and never had to worry about not being 'bikini ready'. I thought this sounded like heaven because a) who doesn't want to be 'bikini ready' (even in sunny UK) and b) imagine never having to shave/wax again?! Since then I've known a few more people who have been lasered or had IPL or electrolysis, but I had never really understood what they all were or how they worked. It all sounded a bit scary and expensive.

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This week, however, I was lucky enough to take part in a day's training in IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) at work, and I'm going to be training in electrolysis at college in the next few months.

I offered to have my underarms practised with IPL yesterday and I'm converted! I'm now planning to continue treatments on my underarms and be hair-free by my wedding next year!! The training was provided by the Lynton Clinic, which was set up in Manchester over 15 years ago providing world-class aesthetic solutions, such as laser hair removal to tattoo removal to pigment and red vein removal. 

We were trained in IPL hair removal (face and body - it works wherever there is hair) and vascular removal, such as thread veins, rosacea, sun damage and port wine stains. IPL can do much more, such as skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing, but I will mainly be using it for hair removal.


What is IPL?

How does it work?

IPL provides a long-term solution to unwanted or excess hair for women and men and is suitable for most parts of the face and body. Dark hair can be treated most easily as it has a high concentration of melanin (pigment) which is targeted using heat and ultimately destroyed, so sadly people with grey, white, blonde and red hair would struggle to be treated. Think of it like black clothing, it absorbs heat whereas white clothing reflects it - it works the same way with hair. 

Both therapist and client needs to wear protective glasses to protect eyes from the laser beam, which is quite funny!

How does the treatment feel?

Treatment sensation varies depending on your own pain threshold, the the time of the month, any medication you are on, etc, but is often described as a ‘flick of an elastic band’.  No anaesthetic is required and most clients describe the discomfort as moderate and tolerable. The therapist will always carry out a patch test if a higher frequency is required and will ask you how much it hurts between 0-10 (10 being unbearable!). Personally speaking, I found it ok! It stings for a second but you instantly forget it.

How many treatments are necessary?


Only hair that is actively growing is affected, therefore multiple treatments are needed. Treatments are conducted every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the area being treated, until a good result is seen.  The number of treatments varies, although typically 6 treatments or more are needed for optimum results. So for my underarms we're looking at about 6+ months - but possibly a lifetime of being hair free!!
Light is absorbed by the melanin (the pigment in the hair follicle).  The light energy heats the pigment and effectively destroys the cells in the hair follicle which are responsible for hair growth, without damaging the surrounding cell. The IPL device is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, which targets many follicles simultaneously.  The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area of the skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is covered. For IPL treatments, a thin layer of gel is applied to the skin to help guide the light and protect the skin.

What will I see after treatment?

The hair follicles are damaged by the heat but the hairs remain in the follicles.  The dead hairs shed after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis renews.  During this period the hairs will seem to grow as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.

Are there any side effects?


The skin may be red immediately after treatment and the hair follicles may be swollen and raised but this usually subsides within a few hours. Adverse reactions are rare but may include a small blister or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.

How long does a treatment take and cost?


Treatments can take as little as 10 mins and up to 90 mins, depending upon the size of area being treated (underarms will only take about 15 mins per session). This therefore affects the price so you'll be looking at approx. £40 per session for upper lip up to £295 per session for full leg and standard bikini line.

How does it differ to laser and Electrolysis ?

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There are pros and cons for all types of long-term hair removal, and it is always worth doing your research and working out what's better for you individually; think about your pain threshold and budget. 

IPL and laser are similar in that they use light therapy to remove hair, whereas electrolysis uses a probe with an electric current. Laser is, on the whole, thought to be the most effective method of hair removal, as it is quicker with minimal pain, but electrolysis is known as the ultimate method for permanent hair removal. IPL uses multiple wavelengths that scatter across the skin, whereas laser uses one single wavelength which targets a specific hair or skin concern. IPL can, therefore, target more than just hair removal and improve the skin tone in that area (it even encourages collagen renewal - which is a nice side effect!). Electrolysis can treat those with light, blonde or grey hair so is often the only choice for some people.


For now I'm excited to give IPL a try, both personally and by carrying it out on clients, and I will update you on my progress. I will be learning electrolysis at college in the next few months and will desperately require some models, so please keep an eye out on my facebook page and join me in being hair-free!!

See you laser......

Laura x
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Live. Love. Massage.

8/23/2015

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When I started my venture into the world of beauty last year I was very excited about learning about facials, nails and waxing, etc, but had no specific interest in massage, which was fine as we were told we would have to do another full year to specialise in it. Pah, not for me, no sir'ee!! 

...Then I got a job in a spa...where people go for massages...and I suddenly realised I had to learn, fast!!

I took a couple of quick courses outside of college and at work to learn some basic massage techniques and trained with a very good friend who runs her own aromatherapy sports massage clinic, and practised on a few willing models; however, the beauty industry doesn't give you very long to practise, suddenly I was giving massages to fully-paying clients - which I'm now doing on a daily basis!! 

And I have to say - I really enjoy it!! I shouldn't be surprised; I'm so passionate about giving facials, learning about skin and treating different skin types, and I love the power of using my hands to relax people, in a warm room with a scented candle and gentle, peaceful music softly playing - it's blissful to be honest!! I've realised the body is just an extension of the face....! Massages are very popular in the beauty business, they account for your main bread and butter by being so profitable; so I guess I was always going to have to learn it one day.

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With this new discovery, and having spoken to lots of experienced therapists, I suddenly realised that the best option for my learning and future would be to return to college next month and study for my Level 3 qualification, specialising in traditional Swedish body massage, pre-blended aromatherapy, hot stone therapy and Indian head massage - and continue to learn 'on the job' at the spa. Not only will I receive massages at college every week, but I'll need willing models and you'll only be looking at £15 for a full body massage...!! I'll continue to post requests on my facebook page.

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People who know me well know that I like to do a job well, and I want to confidently massage people and know that what I'm doing will benefit them. I've already learnt that all walks of life come into a salon or spa; people with osteoarthritis, people who regularly visit a physio but want to treat themselves to a nice massage whilst away, mums-to-bes, cancer survivors, sports people, etc. I'm looking forward to really understanding how the body works and how it can respond to massage and using my hands to make people feel better. And I'm really excited about the holistic possibilities of this training and who I can help in the future, like going to hospices and elderly care homes to treat residents, or maybe learn baby massage!


DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGE

Before I entered this world I knew massage was a good thing to give and receive (we've all straddled a loved one and pretended to know what we're doing!) but I didn't know what type of massage did what:
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Swedish Body Massage

Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first. 

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.
The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, etc.

Deep tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.


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Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage has been practiced in India for over a thousand years, to release the stress and tension that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders. Clients, fully clothed, sit in a massage chair for the treatment and it can either be carried out as a 'dry' massage, or with oil - which can also be great for your hair and to stimulate hair growth. In addition, the therapist may also gently stimulate and stroke pressure points on the face to help blood circulation and relieve sinusitis. 


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Thai Massage

Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches. The therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energising than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion. 


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Hot Stone Massage

Heated, smooth stones, usually made of basalt or wood, are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body, and prepare muscles for massage. A massage therapist will usually also hold stones and massage with them by applying gentle pressure with them, as well as deeper pressure to really work on knots and areas of tension. The warmth is comforting and relaxing. Cold stones can also be used, most commonly around eyes to reduce puffiness.



WOULD YOU LIKE A MASSAGE FOR A FIVER?!?

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Last week I was fortunate enough to train in Hydrotherm massage, which we'll soon be introducing at Seckford Hall spa. It's basically a massage on a warm water cushion, which hugs and supports you and helps ease your muscles and allow for a deeper massage. All massages are done supine (facing up) yet we still manage to massage your back - you have to try it to believe it! I am currently looking for case studies to practise this full-body massage technique on over the next 4 weeks. Go on, treat yourself....

***SPECIAL OFFER*** It's usually £65 but I'm offering it for a bargain £5!!! And it'll give you an opportunity to check out the beautiful Seckford Hall spa.


So whether you feel in need of a massage or not - and quite frankly who doesn't? - remember to take the time out and go for one now and then, because your mind and body will thank you for it!

Laura x
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Extra, Extra - Read all about it!!

6/25/2015

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Crack open the bubbly....I have now completed my Beauty Therapy Level 2 NVQ and have officially left college! I will receive my certificate next month and become fully qualified!!

I can't believe how quickly the academic year has flown by and I feel very proud of myself for completing it ahead of schedule, especially with all of the curve balls that life has thrown my way over the exam and assessment period. However, when life throws you lemons, grab the tequila and salt and throw yourself into the chaotic mix - and you will get through the other side.

Taking on this course was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I've relished being back in a learning environment, gaining new skills and meeting lots of great people. I will definitely miss aspects of being at college (mainly the student discount!) but I'm really excited and ready to take my beauty skills to the next level....

.....What next?

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I am excited and very proud to announce that I have started working as a beauty therapist at Flawless Image, a successful beauty salon in Ipswich. 

The owner has recently taken over and started renovating a beautiful luxury spa at Seckford Hall Hotel, near where I live in Woodbridge, Suffolk. With several single and double treatment rooms, a pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, the diary is already filling up fast and I'm looking forward to working there over the summer and becoming a full-fledged beauty therapist!

To get me up to speed I was invited to partake in several days of training with TempleSpa in May, the yummy product range used in the salon and spa, which was intense but hugely informative. I will also be training in Hydrotherm massage and CACI - a popular non-surgical facelift. 

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What I've learnt so far is beauty therapy is hard work! Eight hours of back-to-back treatments with very little time to grab lunch or sit down is the norm! But I've already met some amazing people, both therapists and clients alike, and love that painting nails and giving a massage is actually a job?!! 

Be sure to follow Seckford Hall Hotel and Flawless Image as they start announcing their new spa and I'll promote any special offers so that you can come and be treated by me in a luxurious and relaxing environment.

Hope to see you there!

Laura x

PS. I'll still be continuing to offer treatments at home in my spare time.

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Blushing Bride.

6/19/2015

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PicturePhoto by Lydia Stamps Photography
Six years ago to the day we went on our first date my lovely boyfriend popped the question and I became his fiancée! It was the perfect tonic to a pretty stressful year so far and it's wonderful to have something so happy, exciting and positive to look forward to.

Maybe it's because I've now entered the weird and wonderful world of weddings, or because I've reached that age, but weddings seem to be everywhere right now! I was honoured to be a bridesmaid for my fiance's (still cracks me up!) sister last year at her incredibly cool Mexican-themed wedding (so cool, in fact, that it was recently featured in Rock n Roll Bride magazine). Check out her particularly amazing and unique bridal makeup and her headpiece she designed herself (left).

Last month I had the best time being a bridesmaid alongside all of my closest school friends (below). Two days later I attended another friend's midweek wedding, and I'm excited to be providing another friend's wedding makeup this summer...See what I mean, the world's gone wedding crazy!!


Makeup Artist vs Do It yourself

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All of this wedding talk has got me thinking about bridal makeup. There is much opinion and debate on whether brides, bridesmaids and mother of the brides should do their own makeup or hire a professional makeup artist (aka MUA) for the morning of the wedding.

Makeup is a very personal thing and only you can decide whether you feel confident using your own makeup and applying it yourself or whether you would like to feel pampered and trust someone else making you picture perfect for your big day.

Here's my advice....


hIRING a makeup artist: 
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  1. Hiring a makeup artist can cost anywhere between £25-£50+ for a trial and £50-£100+ on the day for the bride to be, plus bridesmaids, mother of the bride, etc. Remember to factor this into your budget, as this may dictate what you can afford to do!
  2. Do your research. There are hundreds of wedding makeup artists out there - some with lots of wonderful experience, others having just paid for a 1-day 'bridal makeup' course. Check they have insurance and abide with professional standards - and whether they're any good!
  3. Look at their portfolios, check you like the makeup products they use and book a makeup trial no less than a couple of months before the big day. Take some images along for inspiration, make sure the trial is carried out in a room filled with natural daylight and see how it stands the test of time throughout the day - a good MUA will know all of the tricks of the trade to achieve this. 
  4. Your makeup needs to jive with your hair for the big day so make sure you keep your makeup artist updated with your plans for your hair, or even better find a makeup artist who can also do hair!
  5. A makeup artist would probably like to book between 1-2 hours for your makeup to make sure there is enough time to create the perfect look or make any amendments. Make sure you thoroughly cleanse and moisturise your face, ideally using an oil-free lightweight moisturiser so the makeup doesn't slip off throughout the day. Good makeup starts with good skin. 
  6. Your makeup artist won't hang around all day so make sure your makeup has staying-power, and have a bit of powder to control any shine and the lippy used so you can top it up after all that kissing, eating and drinking!

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Do It Yourself

  1. Remember that you shouldn't look all that different on your wedding day than you do day to day; just a more beautiful and polished version! Research styles, colours and trends for inspiration and take time to practice before the big day.
  2. Wedding makeup is usually very natural looking, soft and glowing, but the benefit of doing your own makeup is you can look like you, so don't feel restricted. If you only feel like you with red lippy and winged eyeliner then go ahead! But also don't cake it on just because it's for a special occasion....it's better to build it up bit by bit and keep checking what it looks like in natural daylight and on camera - get out that selfie stick!
  3. Ask your friends for advice; they may know your face better than you do and what styles and colours suit you the most. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all.
  4. Makeup counters can be a huge help with guidance and makeup application; book yourself in for a tutorial and discuss suitable colours, products and application techniques. Often they will make up one half of your face and you can try out the other side. Don't be afraid to ask for samples; you need to like the products and get used to them before purchasing and a good makeup counter assistant should respect this. Why not treat yourself to some new makeup, and check if there are any 'gift with purchase' offers on - it can be a great way to try out products you might not usually buy!
  5. Be wary of your jaw line - your face will be naturally a shade darker than your neck but you don't want it to look vastly different to your neck and décolletage and risk an orange makeup line. Blend your foundation down to your neck (avoiding any fabric if you're wearing a high neckline). 
  6. Wear a primer underneath your foundation and eyeshadow to ensure staying power, and don't forget waterproof eye makeup to avoid any panda eyes later in the day! Lip liner underneath your lipstick or gloss will help the colour last longer and a gentle powder throughout the day will blot away any shine. It's not called a powder room for nothing!
  7. Allocate between 1-2 hours for your makeup and hair on the big day; a makeup artist would sit you down whether you feel ready or not, but you will have to be strict and schedule enough time to get ready (this would be a good job for your maid of honour or bridesmaid!). Don't let any stresses of the morning distract you from making yourself look and feel perfect.

The little extras...

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Before the wedding it's worth also treating yourself to some additional treatments to make you feel wedding and honeymoon ready - ting!!!

Manicure - Your hands will play a big role on your wedding day so you want to make sure you have nice nails and soft hands. Most people go for a nude or French polish, but don't be afraid to go for a more bold colour if you so wish - why not match them with your colour scheme or flowers. Gels can last up to 2-3 weeks so you'll be all prepped for your honeymoon too!

Pedicure - The same applies here; it's nice to have polished fingers and toes and especially important if you're planning on wearing peep-toe shoes on your wedding day.

Wax - Grow your hair in the lead up to the wedding and treat yourself to a wax; legs, underarms, upper lip or intimate bikini...it'll last longer and make you feel super smooth. Or for more permanent removal, look up laser hair removal.

Full body scrub and massage - Will make your skin super smooth and polished and reduce any pre-wedding strains and tensions.

Fake tan - We all feel nicer with a bit of colour so why not book yourself in for a spray or manual tan a few days before the wedding to give you a gorgeous sunkissed glow. It's best to trial this a few months ahead and try on your wedding dress to check it looks good. No one wants a Ross Geller moment on their special day....

Eyes - All of your emotions throughout the day will shine through your eyes, from smiles to happy tears, so any enhancements to your lashes and brows need to be carefully considered, but that's not to say they can't be brilliant! Lashes can be temporarily enhanced by using one-day reusable strip lashes, slightly longer-lasting cluster lashes, or individual lash extensions which last a few weeks (but take about teo hours to apply!). Gaining popularity is also LVL Lash Lift, a combination of tinting and perming your actual lashes (I had this for my wedding). All of which can be used with makeup, but you have to be careful removing makeup as oils can affect the glue.

Brows - Brows can be enhanced with waxing, threading, tinting; HD Brows is a great treatment for combining all of the above. Microblading and eyebrow tattooing are also available if you're wanting a more permanent, invasive treatment.

I offer some of the above treatments and am happy to offer advice or point you in the right direction for everything else, so let me know if you require any advice or help with your wedding prep pampering or on the day beautification. 


Here comes the bride....


The most important thing to remember is that getting ready for your wedding day should be FUN and STRESS-FREE. Plan ahead, practise, make time for it on the day and enjoy it. It's one day only, you deserve to feel like Queen Bee!

Laura x
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Go Bunny Free for Easter!

4/3/2015

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Whilst we see images of cute bunnies everywhere at this time of year, and I'm fortunate enough to look out of my window and see an abundance of bunnies freely hopping around, it's inspired me to tell you about an amazing free app called 'Bunny Free' - a way to search whether your cosmetics and household products are tested on animals.

When we talk about animal testing, we're talking about rabbits, rats and mice being subjected to force-feeding, dripping chemicals in their eyes and rubbing ingredients onto their abraded skin. With the current advancements in technology, such as using human cells and tissues and high-speed computer models, there is no excuse to continue this abuse. Don't fall for products which state 'not tested on animals' because they might still test their ingredients on animals.

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There has been much talk over the past few decades concerning the use of animals testing for cosmetics products and their ingredients. This use of animal testing was banned in the UK in the late 1990s and across the rest of the EU in 2009; however, this provided a loophole for companies testing outside of the EU to still be able to sell in the EU. This was successfully stopped in March 2013 when it became illegal to sell cosmetic products within the EU which have been, or which contain ingredients, newly tested on animals. 

Outside of the EU there are still hundreds of well known brands that continue to test on animals, mainly in the US, China and India where there are still no laws against it - in fact China has made it a legal requirement - which means some 'good' companies have gone back to being bad! PETA are working on China and India as we speak, but the only way you can really help is by not buying their products.


COMPANIES WHO TEST ON ANIMALS


Revlon
Benefit
Estée Lauder (including the companies they own such as MAC, Bobbi Brown, Clinque, Jo Malone, Origins)
Johnson & Johnson 
Max Factor
L’Oréal (including the companies they own such as Lancome, Kiehls, Vichy, Maybelline)
Avon 
Mary Kay
P&G 
Dove
Elizabeth Arden
Guerlain
L'Occitane
St Ives

(According to PETA's website - find a full list here.)

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COMPANIES WHO DON'T TEST ON ANIMALS

LUSH
​Aveda
Barefaced Beauty
Burts Bees
Dermalogica
Smashbox
Urban Decay

Find full list here.

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Feeling guilty and confused? Because I am! I see all of the products named above that still test on animals on our shelves across the UK, but I thought it was illegal to sell these in the EU? Perhaps there is yet another loophole where companies in the EU can buy from the US or China. The plot thickens....I've contacted PETA and will let you know the outcome when I hear back. 

Either way, it's still important to make a conscious, ethical and informed decision when buying cosmetics and applying them to your body, so download Bunny Free now or look out for the Leaping Bunny mark on products which are certified ‘cruelty free’ under the internationally-recognised Humane Cosmetics or Humane Household Products Standards.

Happy Easter everyone!

Laura x


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Is Beauty More Than Skin Deep?

3/26/2015

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I have always had an interest in skin and skincare and was blessed with good skin as a teenager, but in the last few years I've experienced the woes of poor skin and it has highlighted to me what an impact the health of your skin can have on your self-confidence and wellbeing.

I live with a skin condition called Melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation which results in irregular brown/grey patches on the face. It's usually a result of a change in hormones or stress and brought on by sun damage, all of which I have experienced over the past few years. 

When it first appeared I didn’t know what it was and I spent about a year frustratingly trying to find out. There were many tears and sadly my confidence was knocked tenfold. I tried to speak to beauty consultants on makeup counters for advice but they hadn’t even heard of the condition and instead just looked around my face rather bewilderingly before sending me off with a load of creams and an empty purse. Doctors prescribed me a bunch of creams which often brought me out in spots (thrush cream?! – sure, why not!) and I waited six months for a referral to see a dermatologist on Harley St. He confirmed it was Melasma, but suggested I have a £500+ chemical peel which may or may not help and would require me to get a taxi home whilst my face peeled off (aka Face/Off) for the next few days….which I decided against, strangely enough!

Whilst I continue to try various lotions and potions and wear SPF everyday to stop it getting worse, I've realised the main cure is acceptance. It could be far worse, in fact I've been reassured by many that it's not even noticeable, and that it's more important to focus positively on what I have got and how I feel on the inside; in turn, this should radiate on the outside.

Sadly this went out the window with the recent stress and heartbreak of losing my mum when my skin broke out in spots, lumps and bumps, made even worse by an attractive cold sore appearing on my lip. The problem is is that when you're feeling crap, the last thing you need is to look in the mirror and look crap, but I guess it's life's funny way of telling you to start looking after yourself...


Let's Talk Science

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Skin is the largest and most outwardly obvious organ to show the effects of poor health, skin damage and ageing. As youngsters we take our skin for granted – unless you’ve been plagued with acne as a teenager, for which I have nothing but sympathy for you - but as soon as fine lines and age spots start appearing we start to take notice and suddenly invest our time and money in it.

Like it or not our skin becomes ‘mature’ at the age of 25, so we should really be preventing any damage or ageing prior to that. But, fear not, for those of us who blew out those 25 candles several years ago we can still help to slow down the process of ageing and protect our skin from further damage by adopting a good skin care regime and a healthier lifestyle - at any stage.


First thing’s first, it is important to identify your skin type to work out what products will work best for you. If you use the wrong products it can make your skin react, change the PH level of your skin and cause damage.

Skin Types - are genetic; it's what you inherit from your parents, but it can change with time

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We can only have one skin type and it is genetically determined by our parents, but it can change over time. Skin types vary depending on the oil content, the water content and the sensitivity level. We cannot actively treat or change skin types, but we can aim to control them, for example we can prevent further drying of dry skin by using appropriate skin care.

Normal

Dry

Oily

The lucky ones! Smooth, clear, firm, even skin tone, rarely any spots.

Dull, flaky, feeling of tightness, more pronounced lines, slight redness and sensitivity.

Prone to shininess, can suffer with spots, blackheads and open pores, especially in the T-Zone area, sallow colouring. (Good news - oily skin tends to age the slowest as it acts as a natural lubricant and plumps the skin!)

Combination

A combination of two of the above skin types – usually one is more pronounced than the other, e.g. oily T-Zone and normal cheeks.

If you are interested in finding out what your skin type is and you're struggling to work it out yourself then you can go to a beauty counter in Debenhams or Boots and ask a consultant to help you for free (Clinque is very good at this). They will usually ask you some questions and have a good look/feel, and often you'll receive some free samples to try before you potentially buy. Or book yourself in for a facial and receive a more thorough skin analysis with a trained Beauty Therapist, such as myself!

SKIN Conditions - What you develop over time due to your environment and lifestyle

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There are loads of skin conditions, some more common than others, and all mostly treatable or at least manageable. We will all experience some type of skin condition during our lives. Our skin is constantly changing and is heavily affected by our environment and product routines, as well as factors such as surgery, medication, weather, stress and illness. You can also have a combination of skin conditions.

Common skin conditions are:

  • Sensitive - flushing, pink/redness, dryness, rash-like bumps/hives, etc.
  • Dehydrated - taught, itchy, dry, flaky, less-supple, fine lines.
  • Mature skin - fine lines progressing to deeper wrinkles, dryness, uneven skin tone, age spots, etc.
  • Oedematous - excess water causes swollen and puffy skin, usually around the eyes.
  • Acne - spots, bumps, blackheads, etc.
  • Rosacea - redness, broken capillaries and spots which flare up or last long term.
  • Eczema - dry, red skin that itches and burns, worse cases can lead to blistering bleeding.
  • Vitiligo - a form of hypopigmentation where skin loses melanin and therefore leaves patches of pale skin; more noticeable on dark or tanned skin.

Skin Care Routine

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However you wash your face and whatever products you use, it's important to remember to wash your face every morning and evening. Over night your skin is trying to repair any damage so it needs to be clean whilst it creates a natural protective 'film' on your face - natural oils, sebum, etc - which can then be washed off in the morning, as long as you protect it again with a SPF moisturiser. You should always take your makeup off before you go to bed (even if the room's spinning!).

Some people spend seconds using a face wipe, others spend a good half an hour applying several creams and serums. Everyone's different and there is no set way of doing it, but you can always improve or shake up your skincare routine. Here is a suggested routine with the points highlighted in pink being more important:

  • Pre-cleanse: eye makeup remover, oil, micellar water
  • Cleanse: foam, gel, cream, lotion, oil, brushes, flannels, etc
  • Exfoliate: once a week or up to 2-3 times a week for combination/oily skin
  • Mask: once a week; setting, non-setting, peel off
  • Toner: ideally for combination/oily skin, otherwise it may dry your skin out
  • Serums: target skin concerns; anti-ageing, dark spots, etc.
  • Moisturise: day cream with SPF, night cream rich cream/oil
  • Eye cream: gel, cream, etc


Treat From The Inside Out

Other lifestyle improvements that can be made:
  • Eat healthy food
  • Drink lots of water
  • Get a good night's sleep
  • Exercise
  • Practise meditation or yoga
  • Drink less and don’t smoke
  • Have monthly facials

Facials are the ultimate skin treat! They provide your face with a deep cleanse, steam, exfoliation and mask to draw out any impurities and improve the overall condition and circulation of your skin, as well as a relaxing and stimulating shoulder, neck and head massage.  Facials can vary in price from £25 to £4000 depending on whether you use regular spa products, or high-end crushed gemstones, snails or even your own blood (ahem, Kim Kardashian)!!

I am currently offering facials for a bargain £15 so please let me know if you would like to book an hour out of your busy lives and treat your skin.
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I find skin fascinating and enjoy learning about the science behind it, the various skin conditions and products available to help cure specific concerns. I just wish I had a bigger budget to try them all out!! I know first hand that skin can have a HUGE impact on your self-confidence and wellbeing so if you are affected then go get some help, either from a trained beauty therapist, doctor or dermatologist. Most of all appreciate the skin you're in and look after yourself from the inside out, because beauty is more than skin deep when you really think about it.

Laura x
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07986 904 985

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