Sunday 26 December 2010

Red Magazine expert panel


Red Magazine have just launched their new expert panel, now live on their website. During the year a range of women in fashion, beauty and business will be sharing their advice and knowedge. I feel truely honoured to be asked to be one of their wellbeing experts. I'm in good company with other experts including award winning health and beauty writer Alice Hart- Davis, travel writer Lisa Johnson and legendary Vogue beauty editor and founder of This Works, Kathy Philips.
Check out the range of expert tips in 2011 to keep you healthier and happier http://www.redonline.co.uk/


Wednesday 15 December 2010

Yoga with bump


If you're pregnant and want to continue your yoga practice ( without falling asleep) Nadia Narain's classes at triyoga are exceptional. You can to move seamlessly into various yoga poses which are safe for baby and you, meet other mums-to-be and sing a song to your baby at the end of class. This might all sound a little New Age, well at least the singing bit, but you will feel amazing afterwards. At the end of her class I always feel calmer and more connected to my baby - no wonder Gwyneth Paltrow is such a fan.

For more information visit www.nadianarain.com

Friday 3 December 2010

Shanti Sunday's = A happier yoga practice


Tired of dull yoga accessories? Shanti Sunday's puts the fun back into yoga. This brand new line of yoga props, created by yogi and designer Tracey Ellis stands out against all the boring purple yoga stuff. My favourite item is this super soft cotton bolster - with a cute flower print and comfy buckwheat filling. My shavasana's are instantly more satisfying. Fabrics are organic and each piece has been lovingly crafted by one of her small team of sewers.

Snap one up for Christmas for your yoga loving friend.

Available from glowgetter from December 2010

Thursday 11 November 2010

All about the breakfast


Tea, croissants, the smell of warm toast, fresh muesli with chopped bananas on top - what's not to like about breakfast time? There is something decadent about eating delicious food in the morning. It's a good start to the day and fills me with optimism. Now I am with bump I get even more excited about having a mouth watering breakfast, whether its at home or somewhere more glamorous.
I have just discovered the genius blog The Muesli Lover - it provides me with yummy recipes to make at home and gives me the inside scoop on who's serving up the best breakfast in town.
Expect a range of ideas and options for us healthy bunnies alongside more indulgent, naughty choices too. End result - average morning grazing is officially over. So - stock up your fridge or book a table. I'm hooked and compulsively check all daily updates to see what I might rustle up or where I might eat out next.
On the menu for me tomorrow is a Superfood scrambled eggs and come the weekend I'm treating my husband to a culinary delight at Dishroom - an Iranian-Style Bombay cafe.
Now beat that combination.

For your daily hit of food fun visit http://www.muselilover.com/

( Image of The Town Mill Baskery Organic Museli).

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Book in - be a life changer


Life is too short to spend it doing stuff you really don't like - after all most of our days are spent working. If you are interested in teaching people how to fulfil their potential then book in for the FREE workshop with leading Grinberg practitioner Victoria Oldham at triyoga on 21st November.

This special method offers a structured way of learning through the body, so people can recognise and stop any physical or behavioural patterns which might be restricting their lives.

During the workshop you will learn more about this fulfilling career and how it teaches people personal freedom allowing them to regain their health and happiness.

Expect to get hands-on experience of what being a practitioner involves and learn more about the structure of the three year course.

To book e-mail info@grinbergMethodTraining-Victoria.com or call 0208 133 2079

For more information visit www.grinbergmethodtraining-victoria.com

Thursday 28 October 2010

The Sorority - A new sisterhood



Ever thought about why it feels so good to help or support others with no immediate or obvious benefits to you?

There is now research to say that being selflessly kind to others actually enhances our wellbeing. If we can practice this on a daily basis all the better. The act of 'kindless' can be as simple as letting someone go before you in the traffic to raising large sums of money for charity.

Once you begin to practice this regularly it becomes quite addictive. I am no saint, but I promise you will begin to feel a warm feeling inside - try it and see. That's how I feel about being a part of The Sorority, a new women's club which supports women in business. As one of their founding members I get to share information, ideas and hopefully inspire other women to do what they feel passionate about in their lives.

The Sorority philosophy is based on a vision of collaborative unity which really appeals to me. The charismatic founder Lisa Tse - a bundle of energy and enthusiasm says " If we each held a candle, we can shine as an individual. If we all came together with our candles, is there more or less light".

The Sorority celebrates style and femininty allowing women to be women in business and wants to provide female role models, and promote a more reciprocal working culture, full of passion and honesty. I'm in!

For more information visit http://www.thesorority.org/

Tuesday 26 October 2010

CHARMED




Why is yoga inspired jewellery so appealing? I've been addicted to these trinkets for years and used to have to hunt them down in New York or LA. Luckily they are now more readily available in the UK.
My longterm favourites are Satya www.satyajeweltry.com - well known for their signature delicate pieces and a firm favourite among leading yoga teachers. LA celebrities love Energy Muse www.energymuse.com for its rustic edge and to me it offers a promise of idyllic California living.
New kid on the block Daisy London has just created their new Daisy Chakra collection. A simple line of bracelets which are chic and created with the intention of enhancing your wellbeing by balancing your chakras. With seven chakra colours to choose from you are spoilt for choice.

Daisy London Chakra collection is available from Alchemy in London. For more information call 0207 267 8188.
( *Image of Daisy London Chakra bracelet).


Thursday 21 October 2010

My search for the perfect cuppa - Enter JING


As you know I'm a bit of a green tea lady. My fascination began when my friend and wonderful chef Christophe Reissfelder began brining me gorgeous teas from his travels around Japan. Now I know what good green tea should taste like and can't be fooled.

Since I live in London and don't have access to those teas, I began tasting a variety of UK based green teas; including Dragonfly, Clipper, Tea Pigs and even the supermarkets very poor versions.

The best I have yet to find is JING - their Jasmine Silver Needle White tea is exceptional and ticks all the boxes. Its fragrant, a lovely warm yellow colour and not even a hint of bitterness. This delicious blend is refreshing and has also improved my disgestion. The downside? Well, its not cheap but I promise its worth it.


Available from www.jingtea.com

Friday 15 October 2010

Your instant retreat


I've always been sceptical about healers - but I can appeciate that some people have a special kind of insignfulness and energy which sets them apart from the rest of us mere mortals and Alla Svirinskaya is one of them.

Alla is a 5th generation Russian healer, coached secretly from the age of six in Soviet Moscow by her mother ( she is also a trained GP which intrigues me). Her impressive client list includes royalty and A-list alike and you have to wait at least 8 months to see her in person. The good news- she has now created Alla's Instant Retreat - an innovative mediaiton CD, which basically helps you to fast track your meditation practice and acheive a deeper level of peace and tranquility.

There are three different meditations including Release - which allows you to let go and forgive, Rebalance, helps you achieve inner harmony and Rejoice which enables you to reconnect to your own source of bliss and joy. All audio uses scientifically proven brain entrainment technology that balances brain waves and takes the listener to a meditative level usually only accessed by seasoned meditation practitioners and gurus.

If you are seeking calm and tranquility then her CD is worth a whirl.

For more information on All or to buy her CD visit www.allasvirinskaya.com

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Get on your mat for charity


The yoga community is supporting charity, Action on Addiction. The idea is to promote the positive link between recovery and yoga by hosting and running a series of yoga classes to raise money for the charity. Top yoga centres including triyoga, new kid on the block Evolve and Yoga Haven in Brighton are all taking part. And with teachers on hand such as Leela Miller and Nadia Narain you are in for a treat. The charity is looking for people of all abilities to challenge themselves by performing as many sun salutations as possible during a 1 hour session with experienced teachers on hand to lend support. Participants will be asked to raise a minimum of £100. I'm all signed up, mat in hand.

Classes run from 16th October - 30th October.

To view the full timetable for Action on Addiction month visit www.actiononaddiction.org.uk

Friday 13 August 2010

Beauty insider Margaret Hema talks oils...


All of the beauty insiders tell me to switch my cream for an oil. For years I have been too scared to take their advice until now. And, all I can tell you is, they are so right. After only 3 weeks using facial oils my skin has been transformed. It has become more dewy, plumped up and my pores look smaller. And, no dratted breakouts either.

So, I have decided to speak to Margaret Hema super facialist and founder of the HEMA skincare range. For years she has been trying to convince people to ditch their creams for oils.

Why do you prefer face oils to cream?

Well - oils are superior to creams as they are are purer and more active. Absolute purity can only be found in an oil moisturiser. Oils also contain high levels of active, live nutrients that are easily and safely absorbed by the skin.

Will an oil clog our pores?

Oils are naturally absorbed by the skin and can penetrate deeper due to the natural oil composition in the skin. Contrary to common belief, oils do not clog pores. If the correct oil is applied it should not feel oily or greasy and it will breathe more easily. A facial oil will leave the skin looking radiant and feeling super healthy.

Is it ok to use an oil on spot prone skin?

One common cause for excess oil (sebum) is a lack of hydration around the skin cells underneath the skins surface. When this is the case, the skin's sebaceous glands try to correct the imbalance or lack of moisture by producing more sebum (oil) which makes oily skin even more oily.

So, what's the solution?

Hydrate and lightly moisturise the skin to give the oil-producing glands a sessage that they no longer have to produce excess oil to compensate for the lack of moisture.

HEMA skincare is available exclusively online at glowgetter.co.uk







Wednesday 4 August 2010

Top facialists


I really struggle finding a good facialist. All that prodding, squeezing and buffing tends to wreck havoc with my complexion and makes me want to hide away. Post facial my skin is itchy, spotty and has a strange shine to it.


Yes, there is good news - there are a handful of very good facialists who work miracles on the skin giving it a clear and peachy appearance. There's the gorgeous Vaishaly whose signature facial is ideal pre any big event. Her products are gentle and her touch soothing, not abrasive. The charismatic Vanda at Neville's truly loves what she does and it shows - she is a whizz at customising facials to your needs using a range of brands and products to achieve the best results. John Tsagaris at Energy Bodies who is the master of needles and performs one of the best accupuncture facials in London. I know the thought of having 30 needles in your face does not sound like fun but the results are amazing. Skin looks younger, fresher and more plumped and not a spot in sight.


Next on my hit list is Anastasia at Home House's Method Spa. Reports from beauty insiders are glowing but she doesn't come cheap. Will let you know if she's worth it...









* Image of facialist Vaishaly

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Ooh - great idea


Bored this summer? Check out Ooh.com a free listings and direct bookings site which offers fitness enthusiasts, sports instructors, adventure guides and organisers the chance to promote and take direct bookings for their activities, events, trips, tours and courses.

Expect a brilliant range of fitness, sports and outdoor activities from around the world, visitors browsing Ooh.com will find a yoga retreat in Morocco, a detox and raw food holiday in Bali, capoeira class in New York, a two month trip to climb Everest, a fitness boot camp in London and road cycling trips and hiking trails running in France. Something for everyone - boredom is offically a thing of the past.

Check out www.ooh.com to see why we love it.

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Tea-Tox at Bam-Bou


This summer South East Asian restaurant Bam-Bou will be launching their Tea-Tox service which combines a genius health boosting tea menu, mini treatments and refreshing food. Teas include Demask Rose which helps to relieve anxiety and stress, Giant unfurling flowing tea which boosts antioxidant levels and giving your skin a healthy glow. For hayfever sufferers there's Chrysanthemum flower tea which detoxifies the blood and helps relieve sinus congestion. There will be expert tea sommeliers at hand and you'll get to enjoy a complimentary head and hand massage. Tea time has never felt so good.

Tea-Tox will run from 15th August - 30th September 2010.

To book visit www.bam-bou.co.uk or call 0207 323 9130

Monday 12 July 2010

Get bendy




The gorgeous Ushvani day spa in the heart of Chelsea is an oasis of calm offering the perfect escape from the mayhem of the city. Ushvani is known for its wonderful range of South East Asian therapies, it has now launched its yoga schedule which includes Vinyasa flow, Fertility yoga, Fit Yoga and Pregnancy yoga. Expect great teachers and intimate classes all taken in breathtakingly beautiful studios. Whether you are a seasoned yogi, a beginner or a yoga virgin its worth checking our their schedule, even if its only as a treat, as its on the pricey side.


For more information visit www.ushvani.com

Spot free sunscreen


As a long term suffer of acne I understand how frustrating it is to keep spots at bay during summer months. Yes, we should use a sunscreen but what if it breaks our skin out? For many years I have avoided sunscreens as they played havoc with my skin, bring me out in nasty blotches, making me feel miserable. So, I was relieved when I discovered ARCONA's brilliant sunscreens - loved by a-list lovelies and perfect for acne prone skin types. its oil free, has a whisper light texture and smells of fresh watermelon. Now you can protect your skin wihtout worrying it will breakout. Thank heavens.


Available from the glowgetter store.

Thursday 8 July 2010

Spent - the book that will change your health + life


Spent - End exhaustion and feel great again by Dr Frank Lipman, a New York based doctor who has created a foolproof lifestyle program to help you stop feeling tired, exhausted or as he describes it 'Spent'. So, why is this book so special? Well, it addresses the core problems most people suffer from in today's western life. And it offers real, achievable solutions to get you back on track again. If you follow his genius 42 steps you will not only feel less tired, loose weight and heal but you will probably feel better than you ever dreamed possible. He gives healthy recipes, exercise tips and suggests ways that your body can heal itself. This is the best £9.99 you will ever spend on your health, I promise.

Available from the glowgetter store + all good book stores nationwide.

Monday 5 July 2010

A fishy tale




I have to say I am quite meticulous about keeping my feet in good condition. Regular pedicures are high on my list of priorities, especially during summer months. My newest discovery is the chic Aqua Sheko spa, a brand new fish therapy concept that has just opened its doors in Kensington this month. So, if you fancy having fish (yes, live ones!) gently sucking and nibbling the dead skin off your feet then give it a whirl. I was skeptical and a little scared at first but the experience and end results were both surprisingly good. It feels like a gentle, soothing foot massage which gives you squeaky clean and baby soft feet - just don't look down if you're squeamish. Fish therapy has been used to treat conditions such as psoriasis and is suitable for anyone suffering from dry skin.




For more information visit www.aquasheko.co.uk

Friday 2 July 2010

Book in


Katy Appleton, leading yoga teacher and creator of Apple Yoga, is holding two workshops at Alchemy in July. Apple Yoga is a dynamic yoga style which combines a range of different practices to create a fun, energetic and grounding practice. Before becoming a yoga teacher Katy danced with the Royal Ballet and the English National ballet. Her in-depth understanding of the body is shown through her style and approach. Close attention is paid to alighment techniques, breathing and relaxation.


Workshops running on Friday 16th July at 6.30pm and Monday 19th July at 10.30am.


For more information visit www.alchemythecentre.com

YA Retreats launches launches cost effective yoga retreats


If the cost if a yoga retreat has put you off in the past then check out the new affordable YA Retreats - set up by the yoga experts at Yoga Abode. YA Retreats specialise in bringing together high quality yoga teachers minus the ego - phew! You can also enjoy a range of holistic therapies and treatments, the perfect post yoga treat. Expect excellent classes that are suitable for seasoned yogi's and yoga virgins alike. Escapes will leave you feeling relaxed, restored and inspired without the hefty price tag.


YA Retreats' first holiday will be a restoring weekend in rural suffolk at Potash Barns.


Dates - Running from October 8th - 10th all for a very reasonable £275.


For more information visit www.ya-retreats.co.uk

Tuesday 29 June 2010

New opening - Glow on and on....


Why is it that just when you find a great spa it becomes fully booked? Well, I am very pleased to announce that the award winning Glow Urban Spa has just launched its 2nd spa in Belgravia - thank goodness for that. Now lets get to the nitty gritty. Why do I think its so good? Well, the therapists are great - friendly, professional and their attention to detail is always consistent. They offer a great range of chemical free treatments and its the only place in London I can have a raw, hand blended facial. Could they do anything better? It would be nice if I could have a fresh juice post treatment but that might be a tall order.


For more information visit www.glowurbanspa.com

Retreat yourself


I have always been a fan of Lara Baumann's Quantum yoga style. It's dynamic, fun and gives you a very pert bottom. The lovely Victoria Woodhall, who trained closely with Lara and who has the perfect temperament to be a yoga teacher, is holding her new Quantum yoga retreats in Kenya. The retreat is being held at Sasaab, the beautiful boutique lodge which boasts a spa terrace overlooking the river, where you will spot elephants drinking and bathing. Expect great yoga, spectacular views, exceptional safari, gorgeous spa treatments and nourishing food. You will be inspired, further your yoga practice and reconnect with nature. The bar for yoga retreats has officially been raised.
Retreat runs from 2nd - 8th December.

For more information visit www.quantumyoga.co.uk or e-mail Victoria directly

Monday 21 June 2010

Best yoga wear


It seems to be a continuous quest to find the perfect yoga wear. For me this means breathable fabrics, a comfortable cut and juicy colours. Best ranges include LuLu Lemon ( annoyingly they are only available in the US, but rumour is they are opening a flagship store here soon). These guys offer a yoga line with a range of cuts so there's something for all body shapes, lots of bright colours to choose from too. Hardtail (only available in the US but will deliver to the UK) a funky range who have been doing tie dye way before it came into vogue. And, my newest discovery is Roam Clothing - a super chic, grown up line of neutral pieces perfect for pre and post yoga. Expect flattering pieces crafted from the softest materials including Prima cotton and cashmere. The only downside is all of these lines are currenly available in the US - time to open a fedex account.

http://www.roamclothing.com/
(Image Hardtail www.hardtail.com)

Friday 28 May 2010

Patch up


I'm sold on the benefits of acupuncture but after several sessions with various ( not mentioning any names) therapists I have to say Im too scared to go back. Although there are some who are very good and get my seal of approval including Gerad Kite ( Founder of the Kite Clinic) and Annee De Mamiel ( at the Method Spa), I was in search for a less painful option.
Enter LifeWave - a range of genius little patches that basically claim to do the same thing. The idea is that these clever patches gently stimulate acupuncture points - literally
improving the flow of energy in the body to help improve pain and discomfort or enhance energy or slow down the aging process. My Y Age patch ( the one for antiaging) is firmly in place and i'm awaiting small miracles....


Available from www.alchemythecentre.com

Thursday 13 May 2010

Smoothie Operator


The super talented Chef and founder of Brown Sugar to your door Christophe Reissfelder has been delivering me his gorgeous food every tuesday for the last few months - lucky me!
Its super healthy but also mouthwateringly delicious.
After telling him I have been tired and lacking umph recently he has created a bespoke smoothie just for me. Made of bananas, fresh apple juice, fresh Acai ( well its frozen as as fresh as it gets) and some drops of Ginseng. Its helped me get my mojo back! Tastes yummy and my energy levels have rocketed.

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Be inspired at Alchemy


Stuck in rut? Maybe its time to check out one of Alchemy's forthcoming events which include a range of talks, workshops and book launches led by some of the world's best motivational speakers, authors, conservationists and trailblazers of our time. It might just change your perspective, inspire you or at the very least put you in a good mood. Nicole Hambro ( co founder of the centre) has a genius way of luring the best people in the industry as well as creating a wonderful atmosphere at all of her events.

Two events to check out are Linda Tuckers launch of her revised and updated book Mystery of the White Lions: Children of the Sun God on 28th May and of course don't miss the charismatic David Hamilton who will be visiting on 5th June with a talk exploring why kindness is good for us. Sounds good to me...

To find out more visit http://www.alchemythecentre.co.uk/

Wednesday 5 May 2010

New diet + COR skincare = acne relief


I wish I could say that acne can be banished by a mere cream, lotion or potion but sadly it needs to be addressed internally too. As a long term acne sufferer, I know the emotional roller coaster it can be so take it from me its the surest way to clear skin. Thankfully in the last few years I have been given a breather ( hopefully I'm not speaking too soon) from those dratted blemishes, boils and pimples. But it has taken me adjusting my diet considerably - no diary, caffeine, alcohol, red meat ( yes, I have become rather a bore) and my Greek family have labelled me a 'rabbit' as i go through so much greenery. This plus my magic bar of COR silver soap - with a miraclulous incredients list ( mainly silver, known for its superior antibacterial properties) has really helped with scarring, uneven skintone ( often the case post acne) and keeps stubborn breakouts at bay.


Don't believe the hype that a product can get rid of acne but changing your diet and using COR can certainly help get things under control.


No pain no gain. But, the COR is certainly the icing on the cake.

Available from the glowgetter store - www.glowgetter.co.uk

Power to the greens


I know our mums always harped on about eating our greens, but Im afraid to say they were spot on. If you want to make a significant change to your health then add a quality ( the purity of the greens is very important) green powder to your diet. Check out SoCal Cleanse's Protein + Detox green powder( the A-ist favourite), E3 live ( which is actually frozen so super pure, but you have to defrost a little each day so quite time consuming) or another one of my favourites is Pure Synergy's Ultimate Food Formula.


Simply add to a smoothie or some pear or apple juice and that's all you have to do. You will soon reap the benefits. Expect more energy, clearer skin and it even addresses stubborn cellulite.

Go get your greens!


( Image SoCal Cleanse Protein + Detox and Pure Synergy both available from glowgetter store)

Tuesday 4 May 2010

The skin nourisher


Faddy diets, crash diets, starving ourselves, low fat everything - and the list goes on. I speak to so many woman who are starving themselves of the 'good' fats that we need. If you want glowing, dewy skin then add some essential fatty acids to your diet. My favouite one is the 100% Organic Beauty Oil by Viridian -simply drizzle on your salad or add to a smoothie. Hydrate your skin from within. Get your glow back!

Pesky hormones!


Snappy, irritable, emotional? Those pesky little things called 'hormones' could be the blame. If you are feeling out of whack and don't know where to turn I would really recommend getting hold of the new book 'It Must be my hormones' by GP Dr Marion Gluck and leading nutritionist Vicki Edgson. It clearly tells us how to restore balance even when you are at your wits end. Packed with inspring stories, nutritional suggestions this gem of a book gives a wealth of wonderful holistic solutions to hormonal problems. So, not more screaming at the wall.

Only downside is that its not out until end of May.

Wondercream for rosacea + acne sufferers


I am sent tons of products to my desk each day - some come in gorgeous packaging, others smell like heaven and some promise the world. What am I looking for? A product that delivers real results and does not contain any nasty chemicals. This might sound like an easy task but these 'wonder products' are hard to come by. They often come disguised in very average packaging with not so perfect marketing and blurb but the results can be staggering. Recently I stumbled across Bee Yummy Skinfood - it has helped lots of our customers who suffer from acne and rosacea and the packaging is pretty cute too. Its worth a whirl and i can assure you that our customers have been giving it glowing review. Mission accpomplished, well at least for today....
Available exclusively from our store ( lucky us) http://www.glowgetter.co.uk/