Glam

Friday, 25 April 2014

Kicking Acne's Butt with Courthouse Clinics #2 | THE TREATMENT

I’ve spent the past few months travelling up to Birmingham, visiting my favourite people – . If you’re not familiar with my journey, click , then and get up to speed – once you’re done, come back and we’ll get started :)

So, I thought it might be quite interesting for you guys to see what actually happens when I go in to the clinic for my treatments. In my previous posts I’ve briefly discussed what sort of treatments I’ll be having, but I’m going to take today as an opportunity to get down and dirty with you – what am I having done? What is it doing? In a few weeks time I'll be posting my 'before and after' images, but for today it's the nitty gritty. 

First up is the :
THE TREATMENT:
Looks pretty funny, right? But boy is it amazing. You perch your little toosh under what seems to resemble something from I, Robot and relax for approximately 30 minutes. Omnilux therapy pushes the boundaries of skincare...it’s a new approach to treating acne and offers an alternative to topical or oral medications.

It works it’s way underneath the skin, targeting specific cells to stimulate collagen and deeper skin rejuvenation – therefore minimising redness and increasing blood flow.

Working underneath the skins surface means you’re not going to see instant results (although it is an amazing one-off treat for incredible luminosity), it’s something you have to be patient with - a course of 6-8 treatments is recommended, with a cost of £55 a time depending your individual needs. It’s completely pain free, in fact for pretty much every session I’ve fallen asleep because it’s so relaxing.

Following that it’s the :
THE TREATMENT:
Unlike any skin peel I’ve ever heard of, the PRIORI peel is left on the skin for a small 3 minute window. 'How can that even do anything' I hear you say? Well, let me tell you. As with the Omnilux, it penetrates the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production – but it’s also a highly effective skin exfoliation, which helps those dead, grotty skin cells to flake off the surface. One things certain, it’s not your bog standard facial - when it’s been removed the ingredients have already penetrated the skin and continue to work to improve it’s condition for weeks afterwards. The peels are available in various strengths and I’m currently working with the highest perecentage. Sarah (my lovely Aesthetician) applies the peel with a brush and rubs it in to the skin with large clinic cotton buds.

The peel itself is reasonably uncomfortable, but not painful. It’s stings slightly and tingles, but it’s bearable - and because it’s only on for such a short period of time it’s nothing to be worried about at all. You’ll experience a little redness on your first peel, but after that the downtime is pretty much zero (obviously this depends on each individuals skin type). Like with the Omnilux, a course of 6-8 peels is recommend: results are not instant, with skin, we have to be patient.

______________________________________________________________________________

Both treatments work in harmony – Omnilux helps to reduce aggravation and redness in the skin, whilst the peel helps to improve the overall appearance and complexion and both work together to increase collagen production, in-turn increasing the likelihood of improved skin going forward. Which equals less acne breakouts and smoother, healthier looking skin.

So, let’s talk about the money side of things. I know, spending just over £100 per session seems pretty pricey, doesn’t it? But let’s take a second to think about how much we are spending on skincare each month, to try and get our skin to where we want it to be. I know that I spend at least £1,000 a year on new skincare products, in a desperate search for the ‘right’ routine - excessive? Perhaps, but it seems completely necessary when you're struggling.

There is so much on the high-street (and high-end) that is just full of crappy ingredients that wont do anything for your skin, apart from probably make it smell like a garden. I think we take for granted the opportunities that are right there in front of us sometimes, just because they come with a slightly higher price tag, doesn't mean we can't achieve it. Especially when there is the potential for  to help us along the way - when it comes to personal confidence and sorting our skin out, it's up to us to grab life by the balls and say 'I CAN DO THIS'. Stop faffing with those daily adverts promising perfect skin that we all know aren't doing much of anything and take it seriously.

You'll see the results in my next acne post - I don't want to give anything away, so I hope you're looking forward to my 'before and after'...I sure as hell am!

Visit Courthouse Clinics here to find out more


Tuesday, 15 April 2014

What I Wore | That Spring Feeling

Mom Jeans: Ark Clothing. Boots: Joules. Blouse: Little Mistress*. Headscarf: Becksondergaard*.
It’s spring, which means the fields that smell like sneezes are in bloom and naturally bloggers take full advantage.

Once again I’m embracing my country bumpkin wardrobe and have totally fallen back in love with my Ark mom jeans – teamed with Chelsea boots, a tucked up Little Mistress oversized blouse and loosely tied head scarf I think the brief is fulfilled and it’s pretty much all I’ve been wearing lately.

Silk headscarves are the perfect addition to spring/summer essentials and the light fabric means it won’t slip off at every given opportunity. Also, the heavy fabric of this textured top means it can be tied back easily without losing shape to create an oversized crop and I just love the individuality of the long sleeves.

Spring just reminds me how much I love living in the countryside. We really do live in a wonderful world. 

Shop my look:


Sunday, 13 April 2014

Two Ticks With...Thoroughly English

Today, I am excited. There is nothing more brilliant, than to share a blog with you that I love. When Bess, who writes said she'd like to advertise with me this month, I nearly did a wee out of the excitement it gave me. She is one of my all time favourite foody bloggers - trust me, this girl knows her stuff. I can't wait for you to find out more about her and hopefully full on fancy her blog like I do.

Over to you, Bess!...

Hello my lovely. I’ve been reading your wonderful page on the web for some time now –but for those that aren’t as fortunate as I, could you give us a bit of a low down on what YOU are all about?
I wish I knew! I've dabbled in being a full time food blogger, but I just don't like to stick to one thing! So Thoroughly English is a mix of food, silly tales and snaps I take on my travels.

It’s pretty clear from the beautifully displayed menu options down your blog sidebar, that Thoroughly English prides itself on being the king of recipes. Personally, cooking and baking scare me a little...how did you learn and where do you get your inspiration?
I'm completely self taught (with a little help from Daddy TE). I think with most things I cook, that people have been doing this for hundreds of years. Cake came before electricity - so how hard can it be?! Lots of things I do go wrong (namely, kale chips. Yuck). It's only food and a few photographs - nothing to stress over. I was once told that cooking 'keeps the hands busy' and it's very true for me. I cook to occupy my mind just enough, but not to make myself worry. 

Plus, if shop bought is good, homemade is better. Every single time. 

You recently snapped your first ‘Outfit of the day’ blog post. How did it feel? I know you were super nervous about it, but you look SO wonderful. Do you think you’ll make it a more regular thing?
Honestly Megs? I was in the middle of Leeds on a rainy Friday and I felt like a bit of a prat! But it was a lot of fun to do, and it was nice to get out of the tiny space in my flat where I normal take photographs. I'd like to do more, but I'm still figuring out the whole tripod/remote control thing, any advice?!

You don't need it! Practice makes perfect :) So, following on from that, how would you describe your personal style?
Boring. Or, on a good day 'classic'. Now I'm old, I like to buy things that will last a long time, and all that responsible malarky. I'm a bit of a stereotypical country girl, you'll find lots of leather, tweed and pearls in my wardrobe. I'd like to think it's more K-Mid than granny...

If any fellow bloggers were thinking about introducing a foody element to their blog, what tips would you have?
Have fun, experiment and be honest. If you're new to cooking, no one expects you to start devising unique recipes first time. There's an amazing community of foodies with limitless knowledge and advice. Everyone has to eat, and food brings us all together - it's the most amazing thing. Plus, everyone's made a rubbish dinner in their time, so there's no judgement! 

What's your FAVOURITE thing to cook?
Roast chicken and Yorkshire pudding is my favourite thing to eat. I get bored easily, so I rarely remake a recipe I've perfected. I got my head around marshmallow and macaroons and I'm currently making 3D chocolate rabbits for Easter. Making my own chocolate is definitely on the agenda for the future, as is perfecting a brioche burger bun!

Is blogging simply a hobby for you Bess? Or do you have anything you’d like to achieve with it going forward?
I'm always astounded that so many people take the time to read and comment on my blog. There is actually thousands of them. My favourite blogs bring lightness to my day. They make me feel like I'm reading an email from a best friend and I love that. I hope I can always be honest, and tell you all the truth. Even if it means admitting my encyclopaedic knowledge of Game of Thrones.

Your photographs are always so beautifully composed, crisp and delightful. What camera do you use? And do you have any tips for someone who might struggle to get the best shot of their pudding?
I use a Canon 600D and I've had it around six months. It's definitely not necessary to have an expensive camera - I often use a mix of DSLR and iPhone shots. But investing made me understand the need for light and composition. I've honestly learned through looking at other blogs, and using what I have around me as props and detail. I like to shoot either from directly above, or from almost level with my dishes - using angles can be a really good way to develop your own style.

When all else fails, add melting butter or nutella, and you're on to a winner.

A quote to live by?
"she did the best she could, with the talent she had" 

I don't know about you, but I'm completely head over heels for Bess and her astounding little . If you love her as much as I do, have a look at some of the other places you can find her :)

This post is brought to you in association with the Exclusive Advertiser package. Available for blogs and small businesses you can take advantage of this 30 day service for less than £1 a day! If you'd like to snap up a package, you can find all the details 


Friday, 11 April 2014

What I Wore | Monochrome Stripes

Stripe Shirt: Choies*. Mini Skirt: Choies*. Patent Shoes: Shoe Zone*. Belt: Vintage. Necklace: Lola and Grace.
A black mini skirt is essential to any girls wardrobe – whether it’s leather, corduroy or cotton it’s the item that pretty much goes with anything. This structured one from Choies is every kind of awesome – the pleats means it makes you look like a bad-ass ballerina and is easily dressed down with some pretty perfect patent shoes from Shoe Zone. For less than £15 they’re my new favourite pair – I mean, who doesn’t like feeling like a school child when they’re nearly 25? And being almost an exact match to a pair of £70 Dr Martens, I think we’re on to a winner, right? Right.

Stripes are also creeping their way in to my wardrobe this spring and this blouse makes me think of something you’d discover in the likes of COS, Zara or & Other Stories, but at a fraction of the price. The fabric hangs beautifully and is light enough to wear with rolled up sleeves on those warmer days.

Shop my look:


Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Company Style Blogger Awards in Association with Missguided

Mom Jeans. Cut Out Ankle Boots. Spaghetti Strap Top: All C/O Missguided. Belt: Vintage. 

Last year, I was lucky enough to win the for Best Fashion Blog – Newcomer (WAA!). After blogging for just under a year I couldn’t quite believe it, the support from you guys was incredible and really made me realise how much of an impact blogging was having on my life – in a completely positive way.

There can be some negativity that goes along with ‘these sort’ of awards. Is it just publicity for the mag and brands associated with it? Are bloggers just being used? To be totally honest, I have no idea where these claims come from – they’re a total load of tosh. Firstly, it brings us bloggers so much closer together. Showing our support for one another in nominations and when it actually comes to the event itself, we get to meet so many wonderful people that we feel we’ve known a lifetime through Twitter – it’s amazing, really.

Secondly, actually winning an award is completely and utterly overwhelming. To know that people care enough about your blog to take the time to vote really means more than I can explain. After winning, the traffic on my blog went through the roof, my inbox was inundated with crazy amazing opportunities and I’ve found myself feeling proud, for the first time. I’ve created this bloggy, and I have no shame in saying, internet, that it’s because I’ve worked really bloody hard. Those opportunities are continuing to grow and Company gave me that stepping stone I needed to realise how important blogging is to me. Something I won’t ever forget. It's 100% worth entering, it could open up doors you never knew existed and give you the confidence to do what you want with your blog. Why the hell not, y'know?

This year the awards are back, and they’re bigger and better than ever – Missguided are the new sponsors which is bloomin’ awesome...Not only because their clothes are fabulous, but because they're offering every person who votes the opportunity to win £250 worth of vouchers to spend in their store! Woohoo!

It would mean the absolute world (x1000) if I had your vote again this year. I’d love to be considered for nomination in the (second from bottom on the drop down selection). It’s super simples to vote and only takes a few seconds, just have your email address ready, copy and paste the link to my blog and jot down a few words on why you think I deserve it and you’re good to go! You can vote as many times as you like, so if you're feeling super generous, vote to your hearts content ;). I know to some it's no biggy, but it really means so much to me, and I appreciate every single one of you who takes the time xxx

Thank you SO much if you choose to vote for me and wishing heaps of luck and love to any other lovely bloggers entering this year!

Click to get started or click the picture below :)


THANK YOU!

Oh, and you can shop my look here, if you fancy it!


Sunday, 6 April 2014

Breakfast in Bed

Croissants: Tescos. Tray: George at ASDA. Fox Mug: Next Home. Glass: Anthropologie. Flower: Katy.
This weekend has been a quiet one. Some 'me time' was way overdue and along with a mighty long pamper, a date with Ben & Jerry's peanut butter cup ice-cream and a marathon of The L Word I'd say I made a bloody good go of it.

Naturally breakfast in bed was a necessity the following morning and not much else makes me happier than new homeware (and flowers from really lovely, lovely friends).

Friday, 4 April 2014

Grabbing Life By The Balls | A Note on Laura-Jane Williams

I just burst in to tears reading quite possibly, one of the most amazing journey’s ever documented online.

Before I get on to that, though, let me give you a bit of a low down on why. Over the past 6 months I have made a brand spanking new, virtual friend – she’s real, just FYI, but I simply haven’t met her (yet). Her names is Laura and she writes the blog . We originally started talking back in November of last year, where she contacted me about Courthouse Clinics and my acne treatment journey began. Now, here we are, talking pretty much every day - and she’s supported me in ways you can’t even imagine. Not just with my skin, but with life in general. She really is one of the most amazing, incredible ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure to converse with and I feel very grateful for that very first email landing in my inbox, because quite honestly, it’s changed my life.

Laura is simply beautiful in every way you can imagine, but it’s only since the 13th of January, 2014 that she’s realised she can love herself more. Every single woman (and man) struggles with their weight, whether it be for a month or a lifetime – but there are only a few of us who grab it by the balls in order to make a positive change. Laura had found herself weighing in more at the Doctor’s than she would’ve liked and realised, perhaps it was time to actually do something about it.

And since the 13th January – which can we just say, is not very long at all, Laura has lost just over 35 pounds (2.5 stone FYI). I know, SAY WHAT?! And do you know how she did it? She set herself a mission, not only to diet, exercise and completely change up her lifestyle, but to set an end goal, to prepare her mind and body for a huge challenge...

...This weekend, she is embarking on her first ever 10k run - and on Sunday is being photographed naked. Her blog post , is probably one of the most inspiring reads of 2014 to date and I for one, am so insanely proud of what she’s achieved.

What I’m trying to say is, regardless of whether you are overweight, underweight or your perfect-weight, there will be something you feel you want to make a positive change to, but just can’t find that inner strength to do it. , be inspired and grab those balls, make that change, because god-dammit, who doesn’t want to feel sexy enough to be photographed naked?
Yep, I know - she is all kinds of AMAZING.

Now can we all go and follow her on please and send her good luck wishes for this weekend - enjoy it girl, you've earned it.


Thursday, 3 April 2014

What I Wore | Spring has Sprung

Grey Tee: & Other Stories. Dungarees: Sugarhill Boutique*. Belt: Vintage. Glasses: Topshop. Brogues: Dune via John Lewis. Bag: Zatchels*.
Spring has sprung, which means for the minute my coats are tucked away whilst I expose my pearly white arms to the sunshine.

I'm attempting to introduce slightly lighter shades in to my wardrobe - and whilst I can't quite manage purple pastels just yet, this beautiful cream saddle bag from Zatchels is the perfect spring staple. I love the clean, compact design and buckle fastening.

Full length dungarees are something I've been after for a wee while - and these palm tree print ones from Sugarhill Boutique are quite possibly perfection. The fabric is super soft and light which means they're suitable even on those sunny days - and the loose fit means they're not clingy or unflattering. Winner.

It wasn't quite hot enough for sandals so my trusty brogues took to the streets.

Here's to praying the sun keeps shining, eh? :)

Shop my look here, if you fancy it:



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