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New: Emsculpt at Dermoperfection #Ad

March 23, 2023 by Erica Hughes 1 Comment

Dermoperfection pride themselves on being amongst the first clinics to introduce revolutionary treatments like EMSCULPT.  This week I went along to their EMSCULPT party to find out more.  I knew that EMSCULPT is creating a huge buzz at the moment, including with celebrities from Jennifer Lopez to Kim Kardashian.  EMSCULPT is a treatment that sculpts the body – after just one 30 minute session, you’ll see results only usually achievable with 20,000 sit-ups!  So I was really interested to find out more and try it out.

emsculpt at dermoperfectionAs part of the EMSCULPT party I got to try out a 10 minute sample session to get an idea of what the treatment is all about.   It’s all very easy.  The paddles are attached to your body with a belt.  you can have your clothes underneath.  So you are set up ready to go in a minute or two.  Then the intensity is taken up to 40%, the minimum needed for results.  Gradually it’s increased beyond as you get used to the feel of the treatment.  There are three phases: pulses of activity, a sustained longer pulse and then the muscles are tapped to encourage lactic acid to disperse.  At 40% it felt like I had a vibrating phone on my stomach, but the higher intensities are obviously stronger than that.  Obviously, you can have a say over the level of intensity you are comfortable with.  As soon as the session is over and the paddles are removed, you are good to go on your way.  There’s no downtime.

emsculptAll in all it’s a really easy treatment and I’m keen to try out a course of EMSCULPT.  If you are interested in finding out more about the treatment, here are some of the details:

EMSCULPT is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate muscle contractions, which leads to increased muscle tone and strength. This technology was first introduced in 2018 and has quickly gained popularity as a non-surgical alternative to traditional body contouring procedures.

During an EMSCULPT treatment, a special device is used to deliver electromagnetic energy to targeted areas of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms, or thighs. This energy causes the muscles in the area to contract, which can lead to increased muscle mass and improved muscle tone over time.

The treatment typically takes around 30 minutes per session, and most patients require a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. The number of sessions needed depends on the patient’s individual goals and the areas being treated. For example, patients looking to achieve a more toned abdomen may need 4-6 treatments, while those looking to enhance their buttocks may require 6-8 treatments.

One of the benefits of EMSCULPT is that it is a non-invasive procedure, which means there is no downtime or recovery period required. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment. However, some patients may experience mild muscle soreness or discomfort following the treatment, which typically resolves within a few days.

EMSCULPT is available at Dermoperfection.  Click here to find out more.

Disclosure: I had a free sample session as part of the EMSCULPT party at Dermoperfection.

 

Filed Under: Pampering

Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Review #Ad

March 9, 2023 by Erica Hughes 3 Comments

revive collagenRecently, I was approached by Revive Collagen, an innovative beauty brand that offers real results for women of all ages, to try out their  Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus. As we age, our natural collagen levels deplete, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. Revive Collagen offers liquid collagen that can be taken once a day for optimal results. The Revive Collagen drink has an impressive absorption rate of 90% to 95%, which is considerably higher than that of collagen tablets, of which only 30% to 40% is absorbed by the body.

As of late, I’ve been feeling like my skin could use a little boost. It’s been lacking its natural radiance and has been looking dull and tired. My nails have been breaking, and my hair has been showing the strain from my five-day-a-week swimming routine. Therefore, I was intrigued to see if Revive Collagen’s Enhanced Plus could work its magic. This drink contains Hydrolysed Keratin, Retinol, and Vitamins B6, B12, C & D, making it packed full of beneficial ingredients.

I found the drink to have a pleasant, tropical taste with a fruity twist, making it easy to drink each day. It comes in a well-presented box with slots for individual sachets inside a sleeve. However, I do think that the packaging is a bit excessive and could use some reduction. It’s simple to pack individual sachets for travel, but I did find it difficult to remember whether I had taken it each day, so it would be helpful to have the days of the week printed on the packaging.

revive collagenAfter just a few weeks of use, my skin seems to have significantly improved. I’ve achieved better results than just taking collagen in capsule form. My skin feels less sensitive and looks plumper, more hydrated, and smoother. I’m delighted with the progress I’ve made so far.

Improvements in nails and hair may take some time to show through, but I’ve noticed that my nails have been breaking less since I started using the product. I’m hoping to see an improvement in their length soon, as I’ve been a bit self-conscious about them. Despite the harsh treatment it receives in the chlorinated pool, my hair is feeling softer and looking shinier.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the results I’ve experienced with Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus. Collagen is an essential protein in the body, and its depletion can lead to various signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin. The addition of Hydrolysed Keratin, Retinol, and Vitamins B6, B12, C & D to the drink provides additional benefits for the skin, nails, and hair.

It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and it may take some time to see improvements in nails and hair. Nonetheless, it’s encouraging that the drink has already made a positive impact on my skin. I’m considering continuing to use Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus in the future because it has boosted my self-confidence in my appearance.

Disclaimer: I received a month’s supply of the product for the purpose of this review.

Filed Under: Pampering

The Results of my INTRAcel Pro™ Treatment With Dermoperfection #Ad

February 10, 2023 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

Last year in June I told you about how excited I was to be starting out on my INTRAcel Pro™ Treatment With Dermoperfection.  Dermoperfection is a great place to go to for all your beauty needs and because of their success they have now moved to larger premises in the Mailbox.  The new salon premises are lovely and I do recommend booking in for a treatment to try it out.

One of the reasons why I decided to have the INTRAcel Pro™ Treatment With Dermoperfection was because I’d done a lot of reading up about the treatment and read other recommendations.  It was also recommended to me personally by Stuart Logan at Dermoperfection. Stuart Logan is an experienced Aesthetics Clinician and is the Founder and Director of Dermoperfection Medical Aesthetics Clinic. A specialist provider of non-surgical facial rejuvenation and skin care treatments.  I’ve known Stu for quite a few years and I have a high regard for his knowledge, professionalism and expertise.

intracel proWHAT IS INTRACEL PRO™?

Intracel Pro™ Treatment is a skin tightening and rejuvenation procedure that uses radiofrequency technology to heat the deeper layers of skin and stimulate collagen production.  It’s an innovative technology developed to reduce the signs of ageing, eliminate wrinkles and correct scarring with little downtime.  The INTRAcel Pro™ skin rejuvenation system is an acclaimed non-invasive Fractional RF (Radio Frequency) Microneedling treatment that can deliver proven patient results. INTRAcel Pro™ uses 49 microneedles for optimised RF energy delivery. Unlike laser procedures or surgery, INTRAcel Pro™ protects the surface of the skin from damage, allowing you to resume their daily life quickly, whist achieving world class, outstanding results.  Each treatment type can be individually tailored to meet the needs of the patient. By targeting the deeper layers of the dermis these treatments work by stimulating the collagen, which in turn helps to tighten and resurface the skin with minimal surface damage.

WHAT’S THE TREATMENT LIKE?

Before you start the treatment, you need to have the area numbed by a topical anaesthetic: a cream that is applied onto the areas to be treated.  This cream has to go on quite a while before the treatment can take place to allow the anaesthetic cream to work and for the skin to be numbed properly.  This is very easy and doesn’t sting at all.  As time goes on you can feel that your skin is going numb, but it’s great to lie back and relax while it takes effect. The staff at Dermoperfection are very welcoming, plus they impress with their knowledge and professionalism.

During the INTRAcel Pro™ treatment handpiece with the 49 microneedles are applied to your skin.  The needles penetrate the skin and the electrical current transmits into your skin.  The needles are removed and then reapplied nearby.  There is some discomfort with the application, but it’s minimal because of the numbing cream that was applied before hand.  I found I have to have a few seconds break every now and again, but it was quite bearable.  The treatment itself doesn’t take very long, maybe 15 minutes if that.  Most of the time allocated for the treatment is to allow the numbing cream to work.

What happens afterwards?

I always made sure each time that I had the treatment, I didn’t have any plans to go anywhere that day or evening. Immediately after treatment there will be pinpoint bleeding which will go away quickly – in may cases before I left the salon. This is because your skin will be a bit blotchy and red in patches straight after the procedure.  Within a few hours I found the redness was mostly gone, but it’s a good idea not to wear makeup immediately afterwards.  My skin felt quite hot and I used the purifying spray, I’d been provided with to cool my skin down.  This worked immediately and I just reapplied as needed.  By the next day, I didn’t feel the need to cool down my skin anymore, so it passes off quite quickly.  After the first treatment, my skin felt dry and in need of some extra care for a week or so.  By the two week stage that had passed and I was beginning to see the benefits of the treatment.  I did find that recovery time improved a little with subsequent treatments.  My treatment course has run from late May 2022 to January 2023 with treatments every 6 weeks.

Was it worth it?

Yes, very much so.  I’ve been so very impressed. My face profile is so much firmer and defined.  My skin feels plumper and tauter too, in fact the texture is better overall.  I can see the difference in my fine lines and wrinkles too: they are much reduced.  It’s been a gradual, but noticeable improvement.  The firmness and definition I would say takes me back 10 years in time at least, maybe 15 or more.  My skin’s overall texture and appearance has improved too.  The effects have been so good and the downtime is quite small considering the results.

Another benefit that I hadn’t been expecting was the effect the treatment had on a sun spot on my face.  It virtually disappeared after the first treatment, but did reemerge a few weeks later.  It was fainter though and each phase of the treatment has lightened it further – I stopped needing concealer to cover it as a light coat of foundation or powder was enough.  It’s at the stage now when I think I’m probably the only person that would notice it.

The Aftercare

I just need to go back once a year to have a review and possible top up session.  Even now a few weeks after my last treatment, I’m still seeing improvements.  Apparently, that can continue for up to six months.  Clinical studies have shown that the results last up to 2 years for most people. Skin ageing will of course still continue in all individuals, so you will be advised to consider top-up or maintenance treatments after review periods.

I’m so happy with the results and I hope that I’ll be enjoying the effects of the treatment for many years to come.

Disclosure: I was given a course of treatment by Dermoperfection for the purposes of this post.

Filed Under: Pampering

How To Wear The Stacked Rings Trend

January 2, 2023 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

stacked ringsLayering seems to be the trend with clothes fashion this winter, lending itself to the cold weather and the cost of energy. As a jewellery fashion trend though, layering goes from strength to strength.  Harry Styles has embraced the trend and given it new wings.  Loading multiple fingers with numerous rings is a chic way to attain a maximum layering effect. There aren’t any rules as such when it comes to layering. It’s all about going freestyle. But if you are still a little hesitant and need help with curating your look, we can be there to guide you along the way.

So what are stacked rings and how do we wear them? Ring stacking includes layering multiple rings on the same finger and trying different ring styles across multiple digits.  It’s very flexible.

Start with what you have

Look at your existing ring collection before you go shopping.  That way you can fill any gaps and find new rings that complement your existing ones. Don’t just discard those old heirloom pieces. They give a vintage vibe and very much in trend, just pair a statement retro ring up with a dainty modern piece. The combination of new and old creates the best contrast, plus your look will be unique.

Stack up pieces that mean something to you.  Feel free to include your engagement ring and wedding ring or a claddagh ring, if you have them.  If you are divorced, dig those old rings out and get a master jeweller to remake them as a set of stacking rings to suit the new you.  If a piece is engraved or belonged to a family member so much the better, you’ll be creating a look that means something to you.

layered rings

Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash

Mix and match

Don’t try too hard. To nail the stacked rings trend, you need to keep your look clean and connected, but not too matchy-matchy. It’s your stack and it should represent you. Stack a simple rose gold ring with a stone studded fashion ring to balance it off or stack different colours of gold: white, yellow and rose and end it with silver. Pick out the colours and styles that you like and enjoy wearing.  This is your chance to wear a few different looks together.  Your look can be dynamic and change a little (or a lot) each day.

Balance your look

Balance is the way to keep the look under control: appealing rather than messy.  Consider wearing an elegant stack of four or five similar, fairly thin rings on your first finger.  In the middle a tall yet simple shape, maybe a barely there midi ring. And then round it off with a short stack of two different-sized rings on your ring finger. That way you can have a near-uniform ring-height across your hand, but the total look isn’t too overwhelming or cluttered.

Add in a surprise

Put rings on different fingers on your right and left hands. For example, choose your index finger and ring finger on your right hand, and your index finger and middle finger on your left hand. Thumb rings and pinky rings will add something different to your look and are very much on trend at the moment.  Try adding a pop of colour or sparkle to the mix with a gemstone ring (semi-precious or paste is fine).  Don’t be afraid to stand out a little!

 

 

Filed Under: Jewelry

Jonathans in the Roundhouse #Ad

October 11, 2022 by Erica Hughes 4 Comments

Growing up in Bearwood, I first became aware of Jonathans in the 1980s.  It was the place to be seen and there were many reports of top groups and other celebrities, like Duran Duran, eating in the restaurant.  I’m not sure how true all the rumours were, but it was certainly a very well respected restaurant.  The hotel and restaurant were quirky and different, plus the food was excellent.  In the early 2000s I moved into a house just round the corner and started eating out there fairly regularly.  As time moved along I had my wedding evening reception there and even stayed overnight there despite only living a few minutes walk away.  Years rolled by and the restaurant closed, but it found new life in the newly restored Lightwoods House as Jonathans in the Park.

jonathans in the roundhouseBrothers Paul and John Havelin – also owners of the popular and successful Jonathans in the Park eatery, which is based in Lightwoods House in Bearwood – have brought their signature style to this new restaurant in the city’s iconic Roundhouse. Paul actually began his hospitality career in the renowned Jonathans restaurant in Oldbury (on the junction of Hagley Road and Wolverhampton Road) forty years ago, under the guidance of owners Jonathan Baker and Jonathan Bedford who trained him from being a schoolboy washer up to head chef by the age of seventeen.

Roundhouse birmingham

Jonathans have a reputation for seeking out unusual, quirky buildings for their restaurants.  Jonathans in the Roundhouse is no exception. The building dates back to 1874 and was part of a massive city improvement act, the building was commissioned by the Corporation of Birmingham through an architectural competition, which was won by local architect W H Ward.  Ward’s Roundhouse was used as a stables and stores for the Birmingham Corporation’s Public Works Department.  In 2020 the building was subject to a full-scale renovation, which saved the historic fabric of the building; re-purposing the site for the 21st century.  Jonathans spotted the potential of the building and have set up Jonathans in the Roundhouse within its walls.  Inside there’s a sympathetically furnished cafe with Victorian furniture and detailing.   It’s a really lovely venue.

food at jonathansThe food is very varied: you can simply pop in for a barista coffee with a delicious slice of cake or book in for a sumptuous afternoon tea.  You might prefer to come along for a relaxing three course Sunday lunch.  I’ve tried all these options (and more) at the Jonathans in the Park, which is somewhere I go very regularly.  For me the afternoon tea is the stand out choice as the surroundings lend themselves to this sort of culinary treat very well.  There’s a good range of choices on the menu and there should be something for everyone.  As I’ve come to expect from Jonathans they have selected good quality products to offer and the food is carefully prepared to high standards.  It’s the perfect place to have a delicious treat or more.

Disclosure: I was invited to a press event at Jonathans in the Roundhouse for the purposes of this review.

Filed Under: Food

Karen’s Diner, Birmingham Review #Ad

September 22, 2022 by Erica Hughes 4 Comments

Few press invites have required such a careful selecting of a plus one as this one.  Usually it’s just a case of finding someone local, who I get on well with and who is available at the right time.  This time I wanted all that, but also someone who is up for new experiences and prepared to try something a bit different.  Luckily my selected victim said yes, so we rocked up to Karen’s Diner on Tuesday night.

Karen's Diner BirminghamThe Brummie Karen is in Grand Central, next to the Kitty Cafe.  If you are walking into New Street Station from Stephenson Street, head straight up the escalator as you walk in.  I loved the decor: there was a lot of pink and it had that American diner vibe.   There were some lovely touches, including the pink phones which bore the legend ‘stay away from my phone by order of the peaky f*ckin Karen’s’.  I liked that they’d adapted their look to suit the city.

We were greeted rather rudely, as you’d expect, but the staff at the door did make sure that you knew what you were letting yourself in.  There was a very casual handing over of menus and we were told to find our own table (we were given the number of it).  The menu is quite simple.  You don’t want to be asking these staff for a load of explanations.  To be honest I don’t think you’d come somewhere like this, if you were a fussy eater or had a lot of stuff you needed to avoid.  Despite the apparent dislike of Karen of vegans, there are gluten free and vegan options available.  Expect to get some teasing about ordering a vegan burger though.

dares at karen's dinerThe first thing that happened was that we were given a colouring sheet and crayons.  The crayons were dropped one by one on the table with a frown.  Don’t expect this to be therapeutic colouring – the paper is too shiny and the crayons are poor quality.  To be honest though it just added to the experience.  We coloured in our Karens and studied the menu.  Whilst we were doing that some diners were told to come up for a game – a sort of punishment I think.   They spun the wheel and the person that had been picked on had to do the dare.  The first victim was soon crawling around on the floor and barking as part of her dog impression.  She took it all in good part.  The next victim got karaoke, but didn’t seem too keen.  The staff seemed to realise his genuine discomfort and instead got the whole section up on their feet for a quick round of head, shoulders, knees and toes.  It’s a bit noisy in the restaurant, so your embarrassing experience is unlikely to be heard by anyone sitting more than a couple of tables away.

cocktails at karens diner

Ordering was certainly an experience – expect to have the micky taken.  We picked out some cocktails: The Tropical Karen and The Sour Karen (can you guess which is which?).  Whilst we were waiting for our food, we got to do a lot of people watching.  Lots of people were coming up for a look at the diner and then seemed to chicken out of coming in.

Our meals came and were put down rather roughly.  We had to bravely ask for some napkins, which were brought over straight away and dumped on a nearby empty table.  We saw other people having one meal put down in the correct place and another meal on an empty table or a drink left on the server’s station.  Underlying the attitude though the service was very good.  We didn’t have to wait long for anything and it was all correct.  They have a lot of serving staff because of the theatrical side of things, so you actually get fairly few tables to each member of staff.

I want to see the manager Karen burger

We ordered the ‘I want to see the manager’ Karen burger and the Basic Karen Burger.   They were good quality and very tasty – the meat was good quality and nice and juicy.  We were full after we’d finished.  The only slight downside was that the burger bun was a bit flimsy underneath.  I’m glad I got up the nerve to ask for the napkins because I needed them.

Karen’s Diner is not the place to come for a romantic candlelit dinner, but it’s a fun restaurant that really is a bit different.  I actually found the sullen service quite refreshing, rather than the usual  ‘Is your meal alright?’ just as you have taken a big mouthful of food. Don’t come if you don’t have a sense of humour or prefer a more traditional restaurant experience.  I’d happily go to the Brummie Karen (or one of the other branches) again.

News of a new Karen’s Dinner in Leicester:

Round up your Karens because an immersive, pop-up dining experience is opening its doors in Leicester (in a venue opposite the Curve Theatre) on 2nd June 2023, and it is not one to be missed, especially if you enjoy complaining!  You can register your interest now at ExploreHidden.com to be first to hear about ticket releases!

Disclosure: I was given a free meal for myself and a plus one for the purposes of this review.

Filed Under: Food

Trendhim Lemont Blue Backpack Review #Ad

September 5, 2022 by Erica Hughes 2 Comments

lawrence navy backpack lazy bear

I’ve been on the look out for a new backpack for some time, so it was good news when Trendhim got in touch about their rucksack range.  I picked out the Lemont Blue Limited Edition Foldable Lazy Bear Rucksack which is a lovely shade of blue.  I’m not sure my pictures have the colour quite true.  It’s closer to navy than I think I’ve captured.

It’s a lightweight backpack from Lazy Bear is which folds up into its own pocket.  This makes it a great choice for packing inside a larger bag, so you can use it as a daysack when you get to your travel destination.  It could come in handy if you end up coming back with more stuff than when you went.  Whilst this is a nice touch, I think I’ll mostly use it as a bag for a short break.  It should meet airline requirements as hand luggage and I prefer to carry my luggage in a rucksack on that sort of trip as it’s easier than a case.

lazy bear rucksackThis water-resistant backpack for men features adjustable straps, a large main compartment and a deep front pocket. Secure zippers keep your stuff safe while life happens. There are also open side pockets.

Inside the main compartment there is large zipped pocket which is full width and about half depth.  This is great for a bit of organisation or some added security.  The large spacious main compartment can fit in a lot of kit.  I prefer a larger main area for luggage rather than too much organisation as I think that way you can fit more in.  I prefer to add my own organisation in terms of packing cubes.  On the outside there is a large full width, half depth, zipped pocket which would be great for travel documents or anything you needed quickly.  The side pockets would fit a slim water bottle or an umbrella.  If I’m being picky I’d say it would be nice for these to be slightly bigger, with a bit of elastication, to hold bigger water bottles, but it’s only a small point.

trendhim backpackThe straps are comfortably padded and adjustable to fit your body.  They are perfect for carrying the sort of weights, you tend to carry for a weekend away.  At the top of the bag there’s a grab handle, which is great for quick pick ups.  There’s also a detachable tag with a D looped fastening.  You could easily hang something from this if you wanted.

Despite being lightweight, the bag does still feel very sturdy and good quality.  I love the bright flash of orange from the covered zip pulls which added a touch of class.  It’s a rugged, good looking rucksack which looks very good after a few weeks of use and I think I’ll get a good long life out of this rucksack.  It’s good to know it’s water resistant too.  I’ve not tried this out, but I’m confident it would be fine in a shower, but might get wet in a downpour.

Overall I’m loving this Trendhim backpack and I think I’ll get plenty of use of it because it’s such a good size and so practically designed.

Update January 2026:  I’ve used this bag on many adventures over the last 4 years.  It still looks good as new and is a really handy size for a weekend away.  Very pleased with its performance.

Disclosure: I was sent a rucksack by Trendhim for the purposes of this review.

 

Update April 2026:  I use this bag pretty much every time I go away overnight and it still looks good as new after 4 years.  Very happy with its performance.

Filed Under: travel

Astley Clarke Ring Review #Ad

September 1, 2022 by Erica Hughes 3 Comments

astley clarke ring
Lately I’ve been looking to expand my jewellery collection by carefully selecting quality pieces to help me achieve the look I want to portray.  Picking out pieces in the right colours, shapes and styles is key: I want pieces that will work with the clothes I wear and with what I already own. I’m also looking for a high quality product that provides classic, but modern look.  So I was delighted to cast my eyes over Astley Clarke’s gold ring selection.  Astley Clarke is a luxury, established British brand celebrating design and craftsmanship. Their designs are made to be worn, layered, and enjoyed every day.  Creating beautiful, quality jewellery that is both relevant and relaxed is Astley Clarke’s aim.  It’s good to know that so much attention-to-detail goes into every piece of Astley Clarke jewellery.

I picked out one of their gold rings from a wide ranging choice.  My pick of the bunch was a simple, but eye-catching design:a large lapis round stilla ring in yellow gold vermeil. I really love the bold, large blue lapis lazuli gemstone that is at the centre of this design.  Coming set in an 18 carat yellow gold plated sterling silver band, the gold shows off the rich blue against it so well.  It certainly brings a pop of colour to an everyday jewellery look and fits very well with other pieces that I already own.  The lapis stone is a really rich blue tone with a good depth and real intensity: a beautiful, high quality stone.

ring with purple dress

So what to wear the ring with? How to style it? On its first outing, I styled it with a velvet dress with blue and purple tones in it and wore the ring to a party.  A few people there commented positively on my look, even mentioning the Astley Clarke ring I was wearing.  I was wearing it for a more dressed up occasion, but the ring is much more versatile than just being for formal wear. You could easily wear it with a simple shirt and jeans look, to dress things up a little and elevate your style.  The simplicity of the design means that this is easily accomplished and the pop of colour from the lapis lazuli helps highlight colours from your outfit or alternatively provides a contrasting colour burst to make your look zing.

Astley Clarke’s gemstones are all cut and polished by hand, so they do look wonderful when they arrive.  My ring arrived by courier a few days after I’d ordered it and came with a polishing cloth, which I thought was a nice touch.  It will help keep my ring looking its best. One of Astley Clarke’s rings would make a lovely gift, maybe for a special birthday or anniversary that’s coming up.  But, it’s well within budget for a treat to yourself or just to finish off a special outfit.

Disclosure: I was gifted an Astley Clarke ring for the purposes of this review. My views and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Jewelry

Shakeup Men’s Makeup and Skincare #Ad

July 5, 2022 by Erica Hughes 2 Comments

Men’s grooming products have been in the market for decades, but it wasn’t until recently that I’ve heard women talk about using them.  Thinking about it though it makes perfect sense to use whichever products work best for you, no matter which gender they are designed for.  So I was interested when Shakeup’s suggested I try their range of men’s makeup and skincare

Eye Eye CaptainI was sent a selection of their products to try out and see what I thought. The first product I tried was Eye Eye Captain, an under eye concealer and moisturiser.  I was very keen to try this as I haven’t yet found an under eye concealer that I was happy with using regularly.  Eye Eye Captain is a liquid concealer that aims to reduce appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eye area. With an SPF of 25 plus 24-hour moisturisation, it’s not just there to disguise problems. It’s available in 4 shades with colour correcting technology.  It’s really easy to apply – you dot onto the skin from the tube directly.  It’s really easy to blend in and I found the light shade worked well with my skin tone.  I did feel it hid my dark circles without leaving that area feeling dry.  Eye Eye Captain has been a real winner for me and I am sure I’ll be buying this product again.  I have a feeling it could be a regular favourite for me.

Set & DoneThe second product I tried from Shakeup was their Set & Done 3 in 1 Facial Spray.  The Set & Done 3 in 1 Facial Spray is a way of priming, setting and refreshing your makeup with just one product. I used the mist to prime my skin before makeup. But, where it really comes into its own is by helping to lock and set makeup in place with a mattified finish, and reducing makeup transfer. Infused with Aloe Vera to help keep skin feeling moisturised and hydrated.  I really like using this product. It gives my makeup a slightly softer look and seems to keep it in place for longer.  I’m very pleased with it.

The third product that I sampled was Hydrate in a Hurry. Hydrate in a Hurry is a slide on moisturising stick.  I tried it out when moisturising after a swim.  It’s got a fresh scent and you feel moisturised without a greasy feel.  As it’s formulated to cool and soothe with witch hazel and cucumber extract, I think it would be great on holiday (especially as it won’t count as a liquid. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid & vitamin E to instantly hydrate and moisturise skin.

I feel genuinely surprised how good these products were for me as a woman even though they are designed for men.  I do prefer a natural look to my makeup and these products certainly help that.  I think I’ll be buying again and I’ve already got my eye on their lip gel.

Disclosure: I was sent a selection of products for the purposes of writing this review.

Filed Under: Pampering

Otherworld, Birmingham Review #Ad

June 28, 2022 by Erica Hughes 2 Comments

I was recently asked to review Other World, Bennetts Hill, Birmingham. Other World is an immersive VR (Virtual Reality) experience. Using unique, multi-sensory virtual reality technology Other World transports you to new worlds.

Other World

Bar Area

I have to admit I’m a bit of a gaming novice, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from Other World. We were welcomed by friendly, helpful staff wearing a uniform of white robes.  We were guided through the iPad/manual which included a bar menu, instructions on how to use the controllers and a map of ‘The Island’. This acts as a central hub, it’s where you start from (and where you can return to), and it’s where you choose your games.

It’s a good idea to get there a bit earlier the first time so you have time to study the map, which is split into four seasons to represent varying difficulty (Spring is the easiest, Winter the most difficult) and decide which games you’d like to play. We decided to play a short game of Fruit Ninjas by way of a warm up before going onto  Arizona Sunshine, which is a survival game where you fight off hordes of zombies.

immersion pods

pods

We went down to the gaming area and were shown to our individual immersion pods.  We were helped to put on the equipment and we were soon alone in our pods, but able to communicate with each other and get assistance from outside too.  I suspect we needed a bit more help than average, but the staff were patient, calm and helpful.

island

The Island

We were dropped into the island and started to experience the immersive experience with the power of 360 degree heat, wind and rumble to heighten the realism of the virtual world.  You do feel you have actually been transported somewhere new.

Our favourite game was Arizona Sunshine.  We found ourselves doing battle against the zombies.  There’s lots of shooting, hiding, escaping and teamwork to be done.  You can see your team mates as well as the zombies.  I found myself shouting out to warn my team mate when zombies were coming up behind.  It was a lot of fun – I could have spent more time doing it.

We came out feeling like we had truly done battle with the zombie hoards and it feels kind of strange to come back down to earth.  So it seemed perfect to settle down for a drink before emerging into the street.  You can choose from a wide range of self serve drinks and you can even get money off your drinks, by using the points you earnt whilst playing games – how cool is that!

We really enjoyed Other World and I think we will be going back for another go.  There are plenty more zombies to kill after all.

Disclosure: I received a free visit in order to carry out this review.

Filed Under: Entertainment

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About Me

ericaI’m Erica Hughes: interested in beauty products as well as being a keen foodie and amateur cook. I write here about my passions in life including good food, fine wine, beauty plus all the little luxuries that make life worthwhile.

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