Spring - the season of new and renewed Part 1

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Part 1: Refreshing your body, inside and out.

As the winter frosts slowly begin to melt away and the hours of sunshine gradually increase, we can finally start preparing for summer and celebrate the wonder that is Spring! We’re not there just yet, but we’re so close and it’s exciting to see the green leaves and blossom starting to emerge!

In light of the new season, let’s consider giving ourselves a little spring-clean! There’s nothing better to do in the season of new and renewed beginnings than REFRESH and REVIVE with a good clean, a bit of clear out and a few touch ups or modifications. Whether it be a room, your house, your garden, your wardrobe, your body or your hair – it’s time to recharge and rejuvenate!

Over the next 2 weeks, we’re giving you a few tips to help you spruce yourself up for spring and the coming season of sunshine!

This week: Refreshing your body, inside and out. Next week: Revamping and pampering your look.

What’s going in?
The most effective way to keep your body healthy, your skin youthfully supple, and your hair silky strong is with a well-balanced diet of fresh, colourful, whole foods packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants! A few essential foods to help keep your body, skin and hair looking and feeling fabulously fresh are:

• NUTS- packed with necessary nutrients such as zinc, protein and omega-3 fatty acids


• BERRIES- nature’s candy filled with powerful antioxidants Vitamins A, C and E


• LEGUMES- power-foods injected with biotin, zinc and iron


• FISH- a must for essential fatty acids (omega 3’s, 6 and 9) as well as protein, iron and B vitamins.


• Also, don’t forget to hydrate your body - and thus your skin – by drinking eight to twelve glasses of water a day.

Get Fit
Regular exercise is key to staying happy, healthy and full of energy. Not only does exercise help control your weight, it also helps prevent high blood pressure, improves your mood and can lead to a better night’s sleep. There is no negative to exercise! Keeping fit and limber is as easy as going for regular 30 minutes walks with a friend, enjoying a bike ride or stretching out in a Pilates class. Get moving!

Skincare regime refresh
Replenish and restore your skin by refreshing your skincare regime:

• CLEANSING and TONING are vital steps, which unclog pores and prevent blemishes, by ensuring the removal of make-up, dirt and excess oil (make sure to use a hydrating cleanser in accordance with your skin type).


• Regular EXFOLIATION will revitalize cell renewal, boost circulation, prevent oil build-up and give your complexion a smooth, renewed appearance (no need to scrub too hard though).


• REHYDRATE your skin daily with a quality facial and body moisturiser to help keep your skin soft and supple. –apply immediately after showering for the best results.


• Take the opportunity to clear out your make-up bag too - old mascara, foundation and make-up sponges can accumulate harmful bacteria.

Start your spring-clean this week, and look out for next week's 'Revamping and pampering your look.'

A salute to Mothers!

On Sunday March 10^th, we here in the UK celebrated and honoured our Mums, motherhood and the influence these special ladies have within our families and the community.

Although Mothers should be appreciated everyday, it’s nice to have a dedicated day to recognise the incredible job they do - balancing and managing a household, a job, a social life and all the while looking fabulous - not an easy feat!

Mums – you far exceed your role as women. You have reared us in the ways of successful and fulfilled living, encouraged us to pursue our dreams, comforted us through struggles, fed, clothed, cleaned and nurtured us into the stunning people we are today.  A BIG thanks to you!

In honour of Mums, we thought we’d share these beautiful illustrations and quotes, plus a cheeky list of things Mothers teach us. Also, have a read of our Yummy Mummy Lifestyle article for inspiration and tips on how to give yourself a yummy mummy makeover. Enjoy!












Things My Mother Taught Me

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, They are going to freeze that way."

My mother taught me ESP (extrasensory perception).
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

My mother taught me HUMOUR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

And my favourite: my mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"
MOTHERS - WE SALUTE YOU!

‘Mother taught me’ list courtesy of Bert Christensen's Truth & Humour Collection
Images courtesy of Arlene Sy

 

Vintage Va-voom!

Gleaning inspiration from past iconic styles, stylists are adding a modern edge to vintage looks – and no wonder! The most popular hairstyles of past decades epitomise strong but feminine sophistication, sultriness and elegance.

With TV series like Mad Men and Downtown Abbey, you can understand how the influence of past styles are greatly inspiring modern trends. Throughout this year’s awards season, the red carpet has been graced with an abundance of contemporary takes on classical looks.

Here are a few of our favourites…

Quiff-tastic Mad Men’s Betty Draper is an example of model woman of the sixties, with her iconic hairstyles. At this year’s Brit Awards, Katherine Jenkins donned a similar sixties-inspired quiff, modernised with a more defined height and slickness.
Bouffant-beautiful Bridget Bardot, The Ronettes and Audrey Hepburn (in Breakfast at Tiffany’s) were super influential in popularising the beehive hair-do in the swinging sixties. In the 2000s, the style has been revived in various forms by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Ray and Adele. Whether opting for a big, bold bouffant or a more subtle and soft version, beehive hairstyles are all sass and class.
Glamour-gorgeous Silver-screen sirens such as Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis and Marilyn Munroe have inspired today’s starlets to wear their tresses in waves of glamorous retro curls. Today’s version is slightly smoother and more defined; but either way, these vintage curls are utterly romantic and oh so charming.
Pixie-perfect There always seems to be a leading lady sporting a show-stopping short crop. Michelle Williams, Carey Mulligan and current favourite Anne Hathaway have taken cue from such icons as Twiggy, Mia Farrow and Audrey Hepburn (this picture of her is from the film ‘Wait until dark’), to fashion a side-swept and feathered crop that is a perfect mix of sweet, chic, sophisticated, feminine and fun.

Have a good nosey through some old family photos and see what styles you can resurrect in 2013!

 

Images courtesy of Zimbio, IMDB and Glamour Magazine UK

Essential hair styling tools

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We all fall in to one of two categories when it comes to hair styling tools. We either have numerous drawers and cupboards overflowing with every kind of comb, hairbrush and heated styler OR we can’t seem to find the one brush we own – “it’s around here somewhere”!

We’ve created a quick checklist of must-have styling tools, so you can build-up or slim-down your stock. Of course, there are numerous tools out there to help create endless great hairstyles, but if you can manage to acquire the following you’ll have a wholesome and versatile range to play with.

Quality Blow dryer
It’s no secret that a hair dryer is essential for creating bright, voluminous and babe-alicious hair. Investing in a quality, high-powered dryer will help decrease the drying time and prevent heat-damage. For tips on how to get the best blowout, read our article ‘The art of hairdrying’.

Quality Hair Straightener
A super versatile styling tool, hair straighteners can create sleek and straight tresses or luscious, bouncy curls. Make sure to opt for a quality straightener with ceramic or titanium plates for even heat distribution and minimal hair damage. Our ‘Way of the hair straightener’ article will help you get the most out of this essential tool.

Wide-tooth Comb
This little instrument is the best friend of wet hair. A brush catches and breaks your hair, but a wide-tooth comb can help detangle your locks with minimal damage. This kind of comb is also great for smoothing and softening styles without frizzing or flattening.

Barrel Brush
This is your blow-drying weapon of choice. Taking sections of you hair and using the barrel brush and hair dryer in sync, you can create a soft natural curl and smoother locks for a lush and light finish.

Paddle Brush
A paddle brush is a key styling brush – especially for longer hair. It’s great for fashioning up-dos, softening curls and smoothing straightened locks. As a bonus, a paddle brush offers a gentle scalp massage, which is not only good for stimulating your blood circulation – it also feels nice!

This week’s red carpet round up

Awards season has continued this past week with the BAFTA’s and Grammy Awards turning out some impeccably presented celebs. For some hair and beauty inspiration, there’s nothing like a bit of exquisite eye-candy.

Check out some of our favourite looks from this week’s red carpet, and maybe flag a few styles to try:

As always, Marion Cotillard was the belle of the ball at the BAFTA’S (excuse the extreme “B” alliteration!). Her charming up-do with perfectly placed quiff is a model choice for a wedding or cocktail event.	Amy Adams king-sized bun was simple, sleek and positively elegant. This style is befitting for any soiree and is easy to fashion. With the assistant of a hair doughnut and our “Creating the perfect bun” article, you can rock this big bun style anytime.
Helen Mirren brought fun and sassy to the red carpet with her candyfloss pink pixie crop. Pretty and edgy at the same time, we think Ms. Mirren has successfully managed to pull off a daring 2013 trend with poise.	Laura Whitmore’s blonde tresses were fashioned in glamorous retro waves for the classic silver screen red carpet look. To create your own glamour curls, follow our step by step guide.
Adele donned her signature bouffant French roll at the Grammy’s, but gave it a modern edge with soft, textured curls. This style is classy and timeless and can translate effortlessly from day to evening. To achieve a similar style, refer to our “Get the look: beehive beauty” article.	Take a sweet textured bob, add 20s-inspired finger curls and you have Karlie Kloss’ playfully romantic Grammy’s look. So whimsical and fresh! If you have a bob, and want to change it up a little – this is a great option!

All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

2013 Cut and Colour Trends - Part 2

It’s that time of year when we look ahead at the favoured cut and colour trends of 2013! Although it’s not essential to be “on trend” to look spectacular, it is nice to be in the know as to what’s hot and what’s not.

A few weeks back, we took a looksee at a few of the top hairstyles trending in 2013 (check them out here). This week we’re going to give you a taster of this year’s favourite hair hues.









An ode to ombre
The ombre trend is holding strong in 2013, but with a more subtle blended approach. Graduate and smudge rich caramel, chestnut and bronze tones through darker hair colours to boost your base colour and add dimension and texture.

 









Precious metals
For the fairer haired, rich luxurious tones are the creams of the crop this year. Think gold, platinum and rose golden shades that are bright, warm, lustrous and polished.

 









A rainbow of reds
Red hues are popular for 2013, thanks to the likes of  Jessica Chastain and Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks. It’s the perfect blend of glamour, sass and sultriness. From strawberry blonde to deep copper, you can’t go wrong with red this year!

 









Pops of pastel
If you’re keen on experimenting a little and like to have a playful point of difference, consider this year’s pastel-paint trend. Blend or dip-dye some pretty pastel accents into your tresses for a bright but delicate effect. Floral and candy hues like lilac, raspberry, lemon or silver are the powdery pastels of choice.

If we’ve got you pondering a colour change - read up on the best hair colours for your skin tone and then you know who to call for the revamp!

All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

Introducing: Lisa Tran and Beauty at Richardson’s Salon!

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This week we were set to be sharing some of the favourite hair hues of 2013 with you… BUT we are so excited about the new addition to our Northampton salon (Richardson’s Hair) that we just had to share it with you. We’ll definitely cover this year’s colour trends next week, but today we want to introduce you to our new resident beautician Lisa Tran!

Lisa has just finished setting up her ‘Beauty at Richardsons Salon’ therapy room (right above Richardson’s Hair) and she’s ready to tend to your pampering needs!

Having always had an interest in the beauty industry, Lisa trained with Carlton Beauty Academy and completed her qualifications in May 2012. Whether you’d like bedazzled nails (using the marvellous O.P.I. range), a glowing tan, eyelash tint, wax or a luxurious spa treatment (using Kaeso Spa products) - Lisa will spoil you rotten with professional, top-quality beauty treatments.

As a very special introductory offer, until the end of March you will receive 25% off all treatments! That is just too good to pass up right?!

But the perks don’t stop there – ‘Beauty at Richardsons Salon’ also has some incredible bonus offers for you:

Luxury Offer - £25 (You save £20)
Back Massage and Luxury Facial

Shellac Offer - £29 (You save £21)
Shellac Manicure and Pedicure

You’ll need to book in quick as these extra special offers expire on March 1^st, and there’s only so many hours in a day!

For more information about Beauty at Richardson’s Salon, their prices and fabulous introductory specials click on through to their website.