Category Archives: guest post

Go For The Old

24th August 2014

When it comes to vintage jewels I have never felt the need of looking at the cost. As a teenager I always found myself more drawn to beautiful lustrous pieces made up of rhinestones and pearls and I have always found myself awe of their age and beauty. As I grew up, I found myself more inclined towards exclusive and exquisite jewels of all shapes and sizes.

When it comes to buying online ensure you have a picture of what you are going to invest in. If the picture isn’t clear, ask for another picture but don’t settle for a blurry one because you have no inkling what you may pick in the bargain. Remember you are shelling precious pounds to make your jewellery collection look chic and fashionable so vigilance is key.

all images from here

Don’t expect your vintage jewellery to look fresh and new. It would hardly be vintage if it look brand new!. At the same time also ensure that it’s not worn out completely. Don’t invest in something that would need extensive (and expensive) repair. If you think that any erosion and metal underneath would not be visible to the naked eye you may want to take a gamble, but I advise otherwise.

Try befriending a vintage advisor because an expert’s advice is far superior to any reviews you may find online. Before you start trading in wholesale, get the hand and eye of the product to ensure that you know the difference between original and reproduced piece. Signed pieces from Trifari, Sphinx or Coro may be a good bet if you are a beginner. You may want to have quick view here to know what deals are on offer.

Clean antique pieces extremely carefully. Some already worn out pieces may suffer fatal damage if you just wash them with any jewellery cleaner. Don’t try to repair a piece without expert advice, it pays to get the repairs done from a professional. It is always better to emptier pockets than to lose a piece you love and have invested in.

You may think that you can have a vintage jewellery collection just by buying some pretty pieces, however we suggest that you invest your time in preserving and maintaining them as well. After all, these are pieces that have survived the test of time.

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top celebrity perfumes- a guest post

09th August 2014
Choosing celebrity perfumes can feel like stepping into a minefield. There are lots of products out there, but not all of them are worthy of a prized spot on your dressing table. If you’re on the lookout for a new fragrance but don’t want to waste your cash, keep reading. Here are some of the hottest celeb perfumes available right now. They won’t all be to your tastes, but you’re bound to find at least one you like the sound of.
all images from www.directcosmetics.com
Beyoncé – Midnight Heat
It may have been launched in 2012, but Beyoncé’s Midnight Heat is still proving a hit among discerning consumers. Described as an oriental and floral fragrance, this perfume can be worn at any time of the day or night, but it’s especially suited to evenings. Its spicy, warm scent has a real allure.

The perfume has top notes of plum, dragon fruit and star fruit and base notes of amber, sandalwood and patchouli, which is a herb from the mint family.

This is the sort of fragrance that you want to reach for when you’ve got glammed up for a date, night out with friends or party. It’s certainly makes a statement and it’s a real confidence booster.

Madonna – Truth or Dare
Another spiced perfume, but this time a little less heady, is Madonna’s Truth or Dare. Designed to represent the opposing forces of darkness and light (we’d expect nothing less dramatic from the Queen of Pop), the fragrance has top notes of gardenia, tuberose and neroli and soothing base notes of vanilla, caramelised amber and musk aura.

Over all, the scent is a little spicy and it finishes with warm musk. This sophisticated product can be worn casually, but it’s best saved for special occasions.

Rihanna – Nude
Rihanna’s no stranger to getting her clothes off, so it’s apt that she’s released a perfume named Nude. The fragrance is supposed to evoke feelings of intimacy, bare skin and nakedness and it has top notes of guava, mandarin and pear, with bottom notes of vanilla, musk and sandalwood. Its heart notes include jasmine and orange blossom.

This could be your ideal fragrance if you’re after something sweet and fun. It has a floral, sugary aroma and is especially well suited to a younger audience.

Mariah Carey – Luscious Pink
Another sweet perfume, and this time one that’s a real winner for summer, is Mariah Carey’s Luscious Pink. With top notes of Sicilian bergamot and an Italian sparkling Bellini cocktail, and base notes of white musk, blond wood and sandalwood, it has an overall aroma of citrus, making it perfect for sunny days.

Watch out though, this probably isn’t a scent to wear into business meetings, especially with its alcoholic hint of Bellini.

Lady Gaga – Fame
If you’re after a super-fresh fragrance, Lady Gaga’s Fame could be ideal. A great all-rounder, this perfume is described as oriental and floral and it features top notes of belladonna and incense, as well as base notes of jasmine and tiger orchid. These are complemented by heart notes of honey, saffron and apricot.

On first spray, the fragrance has a clean, citrus smell and this gradually opens out to a richer, sweeter aroma. The perfume can be great during the day and in the evening.

The simple way to shop
If these five celebrity perfumes have inspired you to go on a fragrance shopping spree, you can head online to website such as Direct Cosmetics. The best thing is, by bagging up bargains over the internet like this, you can ensure your budget stretches that bit further, meaning you can stock up on even more perfumes and cosmetics.

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Top Festival Essentials

29th July 2014

Heading off to a festival at this time of year can be great, especially if the sun’s shining. Before you embark on these outdoor adventures, it’s worthwhile creating a packing checklist so that you don’t forget the most important items.

To help you along the way, take a look at this rundown of festival essentials.

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(tent from here)

Something to sleep in
OK, so forgetting your tent would be a pretty big oversight, but it’s worth sticking this on the list just in case. You’ll also need to remember any pegs and poles, as well as a mallet or hammer in case you pitch up on hard ground.

Trying to get some shuteye with a 24-hour party going on around you might not be easy, but as long as you have a decent sleeping bag and mat with you, you at least stand a chance. It’s worth taking some ear plugs along too.

A charged mobile
Before you set off, make sure you fully charge your mobile phone so that you can get in touch with people if you need to. In case you don’t have signal or your battery dies, it’s helpful to have written note of your most important contacts so that you can call them from a payphone or a borrowed mobile.
Changes of clothes
Plenty of clothes is a must at festivals. Don’t just pack enough for each day, make sure you have extras as well. After all, you might get covered in rain, mud, drinks and worse.

Also, bear in mind that the British weather’s notoriously changeable, so even if the forecast is great, take some waterproofs and sturdy boots just in case. You don’t want to be wallowing around a mud bath wearing flip flops.

Plastic ponchos can come in really handy if the heavens open, and make sure you have a jumper or fleece in case it gets chilly at night.

Cooking equipment
There’s only so many crisps and snacks you can eat before you crave some proper food. So that you can fill up in fine style during the festival, take a portable barbeque or stove. Also, make sure you have the right fuel to operate the appliance. It’s now easy to buy products like this from firms such as Calor Gas. For example, the Grill2Go portable gas BBQ is ideal for festivals. It can be assembled in moments and it’s easy to clean too.

You’ll obviously need some food to cook as well, and don’t forget plates, pans, cutlery and crockery.

Sun protection
If you’re going to be out in the sun for any length of time, make sure you have plenty of protection. As well as sun cream, it’s a good idea to take sun glasses and a hat. Plenty of water is essential too. It’s easy to get dehydrated on hot days, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.

On a related note, some insect repellent can prove useful if you think you’re likely to be attacked by mosquitoes or midges.

Toiletries and medicines
Let’s face it, festivals aren’t generally the cleanest of events. To help you keep the filth at bay, a bottle of hand sanitiser will make a wise addition to your luggage. These products are especially useful if you have limited access to running water – and the chances are you will. Don’t forget your toothbrush either, and plenty of deodorant is a must.

If you take any medications, be sure to pack these and you might also want to include some headache tablets just in case you’re feeling a little delicate in the mornings.

Tickets!
Last but by no means least; remember to pack your tickets. Forgetting these items is a sure fire way to spoil your fun!

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Top 5 Wedding Hairstyles (a guest post)

24th July 2014
*Disclaimer: I’m not getting married, but I know lots of people who are so I hope you find some inspiration from this!
We all have bad hair days from time to time, but troublesome tresses are a big no no on your wedding day. When it comes time for you to walk down the aisle, you’ll no doubt want luxurious locks that perfectly complement your outfit. There are plenty of gorgeous styles to choose from, and here are five of the most popular.
1) Elegant waves

If you don’t like over complicating things, elegant waves might be just what you’re after. With this style, there’s no need for hundreds of hair pins. With some practice, you might feel confident enough to attempt the look yourself, or to get one of your bridesmaids to have a go. Just make sure you have your curling tongs and plenty of hairspray to hand. For a summer wedding, you can add a floral note by weaving some flowers in.

2) Classic bun

Another wedding favourite is the classic bun. This can be ideal if you want to keep your hair off your face and buns are great for hanging wedding veils off too. You can choose whether to go for neat versions or softer, looser arrangements. To boost volume and to achieve the perfect shape, use a sponge hair ring.

3) Understated side ponytail

If you’re not sure whether to have your hair up or down, a side ponytail could offer the ideal compromise. You get the benefit of having your hair tied back, which can be especially handy if you’re getting hitched outdoors, but you can also let your locks fall around your face. You may decide to curl your ponytail or wear it straight and sleek instead.

4) Simple chignon

It’s also worth considering the simple chignon. This sophisticated style works especially well with side partings and you add detail to it by plaiting sections of your hair. Kate Middleton is a fan of this style and she can often be seen sporting it to events.

5) Glamorous bouffant

For something a little more glam, you can opt for a bouffant style. These voluminous creations are certainly eye-catching. To get this look right though, you’ll need expert help. After all, it’s not easy to backcomb and arrange your hair from behind and, if this look goes wrong, it can go very wrong! Also, bear in mind that while you can wear a veil with these styles, it’s not wise to choose one that covers your hair. Instead, it’s best to attach your veil at the bottom of your bouffant and let it flow down your back.

Practice makes perfect
Whichever style you decide to go for on your big day, make sure you practice it. You’ll have enough to worry about when you’re getting ready to walk down the aisle without suffering last-minute panics about your hair.

If you’re styling your locks yourself or getting a friend to help, make sure you have at least one practice run. Meanwhile, even if you’re getting a professional to fix your hair, it pays off to have a trial. This way, you can make sure you’re totally satisfied with the end results.

Author bio: Anna Longdin writes regularly about fashion and beauty, and she visits sites including Marlows Diamonds to stay in touch with the top trends.

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Healthcare essentials to take on holiday

28th June 2014
When you’re packing for your summer holiday this year, there are certain items that should make it into your case. For example, it’s a good idea to pack some healthcare essentials.
If you’re yet to make your vacation checklist, consider adding the following products:
First aid kit
Hopefully you won’t need to make use of it, but it’s always handy to have a first aid kit in your suitcase. These kits should contain a minimum of plasters, dressings and cleansing wipes.
Online firms such as Steroplast Healthcare offer a variety of specialist first aid kits that can prove useful in a range of emergency scenarios. Bear in mind that it’s not always easy to find the relevant first aid supplies abroad, so it’s best not to chance your luck.
Pain relief
Headaches, nerve pains and other similar complaints can put a real downer on holidays, so make sure you take some pain relief with you when you jet off on vacation. If you’re travelling with children, it’s important to have suitable all-round pain relief products.
Sun cream
Even if you want to get a tan when you’re abroad, it’s important to take plenty of sun cream or spray with you. Exposing your skin to too much sun can result in nasty burns. As well as resulting in short-term pain, this can cause lasting damage to your skin. It’s recommended that you use a minimum protection factor of 15 and make sure you apply it on a regular basis.
Also, take some after sun with you just in case. This can provide much needed relief in the event that you do get burnt.
Travel sickness pills
If you think you might suffer from travel sickness, take some suitable medication and make sure you have it with you in your hand luggage. Most of these products are fast acting and can be taken during travel.
For flights, it’s also a good idea to take sweets for take-off and landing. This will help you to cope with the changes in pressure.
Rehydrating solutions
In a hot climate, it’s crucial that you drink plenty of hydrating fluids. It’s also helpful to have some rehydrating solutions in your suitcase. These products tend to come in sachets and they contain a blend of salts and sugars.
Insect repellent
Depending on where you’re going, it might also be important to take some insect repellent with you. The last thing you want when you’re trying to relax on holiday is to be eaten alive by flying pests.
You might also benefit from taking mosquito sleeping nets and antihistamine tablets to ease the itching that bites can cause.
Do your research
So that you know exactly what medical supplies to take with you on vacation, it helps to do some research on your chosen destination. You might also find that you need certain vaccinations before you set off. These can usually be arranged at your local GP surgery, but it’s important that you give yourself plenty of time before your departure date.
By making sure you’re fully prepared for your trip away from home, you can enjoy greater peace of mind.

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