BLUSH Winter 2019

BLUSH 

FREE | WINTER 2019 

WORK 

LIFE 

BALANCE 

HAIR 

AFTER 

CRISIS 

Physical 

formidable 

PINK 

POWER 

POWER 

POSE 

BOUNCE 

BACK 

WITH 

BUSINESS 

START-UP 

LIFE 

DESPITE 

DIAGNOSIS 

Vintage 

Vibe

BLUSH 

BLUSH | CONTENTS 

79 

CONTENTS 

Winter 

2 

70 

Beauty 

8 The Power of make-up 

10 Vickie’s Story 

12 Homemade Beauty Hacks 

14 Freedom to Look Good – 

Gender-free make-up 

16 VINTAGE VIBES FEATURE 

18 Get the Look MARILYN MONROE 

20 Get the Look AUDREY HEPBURN 

22 Get the Look DIANA ROSS 

26 Get the Look MADONNA 

29 Hair After a Crisis 

33 Look Good Feel Better FEATURE 

Leisure & 

Lifestyle 

36 Self-Empower with Kitty Waters 

38 Claire Taylor – My Hobby-Business 

Despite Diagnosis TRUE STORY 

39 Carla Winters – Bounce Back 

in Business TRUE STORY 

41 Work Life – Tips for balancing 

home and business 

47 Kirsten Rees – Start-up Despite 

Diagnosis TRUE STORY 

50 Formidable – Body-shape 

expectations and mid-year 

resolutions 

54 To a great extent... We are 

indeed what we read 

56 Furniture Village 

celebrates its 30th birthday in 

style 

Ultimate 

Travel 

61 7 Reasons to visit inspirational 

Egypt 

64 Travel as Therapy with Puja K 

McClymont 

Style 

68 A O-Kley: Debenhams launches 

new brand Kley 

70 Pink Power WINTER TRENDS 

72 FAIRFAX & FAVOR fashion and 

charity collaboration 

GET THE 

LOOK: 

50s-80s 

18 

4 BLUSH | WINTER 2019 

sevenstarmedia.co.uk

BLUSH | CONTENTS 

73 Sustainable Hats – Pachacuti 

Panama 

75 Zero-Waste Knits – Valentina 

Karellas 

76 Inspirational Snaps – Tina 

Nikolovski 

79 Low Rider FASHION 

Health & 

Fitness 

87 Vital Minutes in the Sun 

88 Is Intermittent Fasting the Real 

Fountain of Youth? 

90 Power in your Pose with Core of 

Steel coach Emily-Rose 

93 Ask! Health and Fitness Goals 

94 Are you Missing Out? Grape 

Tree’s guide to 5 vital nutrients 

98 SHUSH! How we can talk about 

mental health 

Dear powerful, elegant women... 

Welcome to Blush – the magazine that 

reminds us that we can be everything we 

ever wish to be, that we can choose our 

paths in life and that we can succeed. Join 

the Blush team in supporting Look Good 

Feel Better charity; offering you a sensory 

reading experience... with stories of hope 

and articles to inspire each one of you 

in various areas of your lives. This issue 

we are focused on self-empowerment 

through creativity, beauty, business and 

the clothes we wear. 

With love, support and possibilities 

Jordan 

Editor 

COVER CREDITS 

Model: Katie 

Make-up: Kelli Waldock 

www.kelliwaldock.co.uk 

Photographer: Ryan Cox 

www.ryancoxphotography.com 

Hair: V-Team 

www.vickilordhair.com 

Disclaimer: BLUSH Magazine is published biannually 

(twice per annum) by Seven Star Media 

Ltd. No part of BLUSH Magazine may be reproduced, 

stored in a retrieval system or transmitted 

to any form without permission. Views expressed 

in the magazine are not necessarily those of Seven 

Star Media Ltd, and are included to provide 

advice only. No content is a substitute for professional 

medical advice. During printing, images 

may be subject to a 15% variation. © Copyright 

of content belongs to individual contributors with 

the magazine copyright belonging to Seven Star 

Media. All rights reserved. Please either keep 

this magazine for future reference, pass it on for 

somebody else to read, or recycle it. 

Executive Editor 

Lee Gatland 

Art Director 

Richard Hejsak 

Managing Editor & 

Brand Consultant 

Jordan Martin 

Jordan@sevenstarmedia.co.uk 

Proofreader 

Ara E Lee 

Ara@sevenstarmedia.co.uk 

Sales Team 

sales@sevenstarmedia.co.uk 

01959 574 556 

Printed By 

Walstead Southernprint 

Published By 

SEVEN STAR MEDIA LTD, 

184 Main Road, 

Biggin Hill, 

Westerham, Kent 

United Kingdom 

www.sevenstarmedia.co.uk 

Tel. 01959 543659 

CREDITS 

sevenstarmedia.co.uk 

BLUSH | WINTER 2019 5

A World of 

Wellness Awaits... 

Found in Bannatyne Health Clubs, the Spa concept 

is focused on relaxation, unwinding and relieving the 

stresses of modern-day life. 

Bannatyne Spa has 47 locations nationwide and offers 

practicality for customers and includes complementary 

treatments and skincare services, enabling both 

members and non-members to benefit from an 

extensive Spa menu. 

Our professional suppliers such as ELEMIS, Lycon, 

OPI and HDBrows, provide you with the very best 

of products, which enable our trained Spa teams to 

service your own individual needs through consultation 

and discussion.

Fall into Winter 241 Spa 

Experience what Bannatyne Spa has to offer with the Fall into Winter Spa Day from just £34.50pp. 

The package includes: 

• 40min treatment bundle pp • Use of the Gym floor and available classes 

• Use of the Wetside facilities & relaxation areas • £5 Spa product voucher* 

For full terms & condition see the website. 

For more information or to book the 241 online: 

bannatyne.co.uk/spa/offers

BLUSH | BEAUTY 

THE 

POWER 

of make-up 

The impact of make-up… the 

lipstick effect? 

The impact of make-up to both wearers and viewers has 

been scientifically studied over the years, and the results 

are well documented. Wearing light make-up has been 

shown to have a positive impact on facial recognition, with 

faces described as more attractive, likeable, trustworthy 

and competent, than those with no make-up or heavy 

make-up. But how does it make the wearer feel? 

A research study commissioned at Harvard Medical 

School to investigate the impact of make-up on cognitive 

performance showed an improved performance for those 

wearing light make-up, which was thought to be due 

to improved mood level and positive emotions created 

through the increased self-esteem. Cogent psychology, 

published 15th June 2017 

“I was really pleased with my 

new look especially as my 

hair had grown back grey. 

Everyone says to keep it 

and now I have more 

confidence with new face 

and lip colours and some 

new techniques for applying 

them. It makes such a 

difference to have people 

give up their time for us. I’m 

so grateful. I’ve got a terminal 

diagnosis and so I want to look 

good right up till the end and 

I feel I will now.” LGFB 

Beneficiary 

The impact of Confidence 

Confidence itself is attractive and appealing. Nancy Etcoff, 

clinical professor at Harvard Medical School and research 

psychologist, spoke of a study where men who had just 

sprayed themselves with a scented versus unscented 

product were judged more attractive by women who 

could not smell them. The men with scented body spray 

simply acted more confidently and so appeared more 

visually attractive. 

During the roller coaster of cancer treatment, patients 

are not just concerned for themselves, they worry about 

how ‘looking sick’ will impact on their children, their 

partners and their friends. 

“Going to a workshop was a 

real eye-opener for me. It was 

just fantastic to see what a 

difference it made to get 

professional guidance – not 

only to how I looked, but 

genuinely to how I felt as 

well! And my family noticed 

the positive difference it 

made to my confidence, so it 

was an enormous help to all of 

them as well, to see 

me looking and 

feeling so much 

better.” LGFB 

Beneficiary 




This is where the ‘feel better’, that 

comes from the ‘looking good’, has 

real power. Feedback from those 

having attended a Look Good Feel 

Better workshop shows that their 

newfound confidence, even if only 

delivered over two hours, can be life 

changing. People have been able to 

leave their homes after living in selfimposed 

isolation, resumed socialising 

and even returned to work. 

“With two young children, I don’t 

really have much time for myself, 

but the LGFB workshop showed 

me some simple make-up tricks 

that are so easy and yet make 

such a difference. Going through 

cancer treatment really saps you 

of confidence and you feel so low, 

but thanks to LGFB, I know that 

I really do look a whole lot better 

and it gave me the confidence to 

complete my Teacher Training 

and get a job as a teacher.” 

LGFB Beneficiary 

lives. With the dramatic increase in 

survival rates (which have doubled in 

the last forty years), half of all people 

diagnosed now survive their disease 

for ten years or more in the UK. There 

is a huge potential audience for the 

services that Look Good Feel Better 

provide, statistically, we are all likely to 

know someone affected. 

Can you help us help 

someone you know? 

Text to Donate - Every £50 we 

receive helps to fund another place 

at one of our free workshops, simply 

text FEELBETTER followed by the 

amount of your donation to 70085, 

for example FEELBETTER20 will send a 

donation of £20. 

Buy a Confidence Kit - The perfect 

present you could give to a friend or 

relative undergoing cancer treatment is 

the Confidence Kit. Consisting of a DVD 

and 48-page booklet giving invaluable 

information and guidance on skincare 

and make-up, wig selection and 

cutting, scarf tying and head-coverings, 

as well as hand and nail care. Buy online 

for a suggested donation of £5 - £20. 

https://www.lookgoodfeelbetter. 

co.uk/product/confidence-kit/ 

Raise funds - Visit the website for 

inspiration of how you can raise money 

to help support more people. Whether 

it’s a ‘bucket list’ challenge event or 

a brow wax, a cake sale or sitting in 

a bath of beans, you could change 

someone’s life through your support. 


co.uk/get-involved/fundraise/ 

Spread the word - Making more 

people aware of the charity will help 

to reach those that need support as 

well as those who might be able to get 

involved such as volunteers, qualified 

make-up artists, beauty therapists and 

barbers. With so many good causes 

and larger charities out there, it is hard 

to be heard, so please spread the word! 


co.uk/ 

Buy a gift from our shop - From 

a T-Shirt to a set of make-up brushes, 

a compact mirror to a stunning fabric 

bracelet designed to retain your 

favourite fragrance, anything you buy 

will help those that need it most. 


co.uk/get-involved/shop/ 

Tip of the iceberg 

Look Good Feel Better currently 

provide support to over 20,000 people 

every year, through workshops, 

advice and online tutorials. However 

in the UK, over 360,000 people are 

diagnosed with cancer every year. 

By 2020, almost one in two people 

will get cancer at some point in their 




Vickie’s 

STORY 

My name is Vickie, I live in the West Midlands 

with my husband and two-year-old daughter. 

Being diagnosed with cancer aged thirty-three 

has taught me a lot about life. This is my story... 

In September 2016, I found a 

lump in my right breast, at the 

time my daughter was only 

two months old. Following an 

ultrasound at hospital, the lump 

was diagnosed as a cyst from 

breast feeding. I returned in 

January 2017 as I felt the cyst had grown. I 

continued to receive treatment for the cyst 

making monthly visits to have it drained, but 

in July 2017 I saw a different specialist who 

thought it needed to be removed and sent 

me for a biopsy. Following the biopsy, I was 

diagnosed with breast cancer on the 11th 

August 2017. That specialist saved my life. 

Even though I had no history of 

hormonal cancer, I was sent for the BRCA 

test due to my age and it turned out that I 

was positive for the faulty BRCA2 gene. 

I had extensive treatment including 

a bilateral mastectomy without 

reconstruction, six cycles of chemotherapy, 

fifteen sessions of radiotherapy and a 

bilateral oophorectomy. 

Chemotherapy hit me the hardest. I 

didn’t recognise myself in the mirror; I 

looked so different with no hair, brows or 

lashes. 

The Look Good Feel Better workshop 

was an invaluable part of my cancer 

treatment; I was recommended to go on 

the course once I had started chemotherapy 

as it was at this point that my appearance 

started to change. It was a great two-hour 

session where you are with others going 

through a similar experience and you 

can talk openly about your concerns and 

feelings relating to your cancer in a safe and 

supportive environment. 

The professional beauty therapists 

showed us how to look after our skin during 

treatment as it can become dry and very 

sensitive. We were then given a beautiful 

bag full of cosmetics and skincare products 

that we were able to use during the session 

and take home afterwards. We were taught 

about how to colour correct certain areas 

of our face if we had any reactions to 

medication, how to apply foundation and 

natural base make-up, and how to make 

our eyes look like we had brows and lashes, 

(which was very beneficial once I had lost 

them). I would recommend a Look Good 

Feel Better course to anyone going through 

That specialist 

saved my life 

cancer treatment. 

My cancer journey has taught me and 

my family a lot – I don’t take life for granted 

and I enjoy every experience it has to offer. It 

also shows you who you can count on and 

who will be by your side in the darkest of 

days. I am so grateful I had my daughter, my 

husband and my family to keep me positive 

and looking to the future. My cancer has 

shown me how strong I am as a person 

and I now want to help and support other 

women going through the same thing. I 

have started a blog and I use my social media 

accounts to share my story and support other 

young women going through their cancer 

treatment. I am always looking at ways to 

give back to the cancer community who 

helped me through my journey. 

My next step will be to discuss the 

possibilities of reconstruction with my 

specialist. It wasn’t my priority at the time 

of diagnosis, but I can see further down 

the line the embarrassing moments that 

might occur as my daughter gets older and 

explains to her teacher that “Mummy keeps 

her boobs in a drawer!” 

If I could say one thing to someone 

newly diagnosed with cancer it would be, 

“Don’t put your life on hold, have as full a 

life as you can with it and take the support 

that is out there – it’s surprising how many 

people and charities really want to make a 

difference to people’s lives”. 

www.facebook.com/ 

vickiesbreastcancerstory/ 

10 BLUSH | WINTER 2019 sevenstarmedia.co.uk


HOMEMADE 

beauty 

HACKS 

Make this easy seven-step 

homemade zesty body scrub 

to give your skin a boost: 

1. Get rid of the sugar in the cupboards 

– Mix one cup with half a cup of virgin 

coconut oil – in its solid state. 

2. Add some orange zest for a citrus 

zing... pop it in the fridge for ten 

minutes. 

3. Remove the mixture from the fridge 

just before you take a warm shower – 

Wash as normal. 

4. Gently rub your homemade zesty sugar 

scrub into areas prone to dry or rough 

skin... commonly the bottom, hips, 

upper arms and upper thighs. 

5. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water. 

6. Close your pores; increase circulation, and 

firm skin with a blast of ice-cold water. 

7. Pat your skin dry. 

(Remember to store the remaining scrub 

in the fridge for use every other day). 

#1 

#2 

1. Use up 

to three 

raw eggs 

(depending 

on your hair 

length) – and crack them in a bowl. 

(Ensure they are room temperature.) 

2. Whisk, or stir together, and add olive oil 

(so if you are using two eggs then two 

spoons full will be enough) – you can 

use coconut oil as well as or instead of 

olive oil – and then mix it all together. 

3. It is advised to stand in the shower or 

sit in the bath and apply to dry hair – 

as it can be a little messy! 

4. Leave the mixture on for ten to twenty 

minutes – maybe with a shower cap to 

keep the dripping to a minimum. 

5. Rinse with cool water. 

6. Then shampoo as usual. 

7. Pat hair with a towel and 

allow to dry naturally. 

There are some 

fantastic products 

available on the 

market, but not 

every beauty 

answer requires 

spending out... 

Don’t leave your hair out – 

try this seven-step mask 

And for 

to give a natural shine: 

added hair-care 

use this avocado 

conditioner: 

1. Mash a soft avocado up in a bowl. 

2. Add a splash of either coconut oil or 

olive oil, and mix again. 

3. Smear the simple mixture onto your 

hair, making sure you get a full 

coverage. (You can put a shower cap 

on to keep it from dripping – but it 

isn’t that messy!) 

4. Set your alarm for thirty minutes and 

enjoy an episode of your favourite series 

or read a few chapters of a book. 

#3 

5. Once the 

time is up, rinse 

with warm 

water. 

6. Pat hair with 

a towel and 

allow to dry 

naturally. 

Your hair 

will feel 

silky and 

nourished. 



Beautiful 

AT EVERY AGE 

Clarins, 

for the love 

of women. 

It’s all about you.


Photographer credit: Dawn-Marie Jones www.stoyanovandjones.com 

freedom 

TO LOOK 

GOOD 

BLUSH caught up with Jessica Blackler; founder 

of Jecca Blac – a gender-free and vegan make-up 

brand that supports all make-up wearers... 



We want people 

to be their own 

make-up artists and 

understand how 

to enhance their 

uniqueness 

and under eye 

darkness. We 

always use 

different models 

on tutorials 

to show how 

anyone can use 

our products. 

Get the right coverage 

for your needs 

Tell us about your 

gender-free make-up 

brand! 

I began Jecca Blac by offering 

make-up lessons to trans 

women, as I was a makeup 

artist in film and TV. I soon 

noticed that clients from all walks 

of life would visit Jecca Blac 

studio because they loved how 

there was no judgement and it 

was a safe space for those who 

felt judged constantly. I began 

creating products for customers 

by partnering with a cosmetic 

chemist... Forward a couple of 

years and we have introduced 

several new products and are 

gearing up for international 

expansion. 

How can make-up make 

people feel better about 

their self-image and their 

life situation? 

I believe we make clients feel 

comfortable and better about their 

life situation by understanding their 

needs. Clients say that they feel very 

Conceal scars and acne 

overlooked by the beauty industry 

due to not being reflected in brands’ 

marketing or product development, 

this is why Jecca Blac was born. 

The products that we create are 

to educate and inspire 

people to celebrate their 

own beauty – whatever 

your reason for choosing 

to wear make-up and 

whatever your gender. 

The reason why all of 

our products come with 

educational packs is 

because we want people 

to be their own make-up 

artists and understand 

how to enhance their 

uniqueness. Our first 

product was the Correct 

& Conceal palette, which 

is designed to cover acne, 

scarring, beard shadow 

What is 

the future 

of beauty 

from your 

perspective? 

I believe the future of beauty is that 

brands will be more authentic with 

their mission, ingredients and values. 

Customers are demanding for brands 

to have amazing products but also to 

be conscious about the environment 

and to be inclusive. 

Surely, this has to be the 

future of beauty. Thank you, 

Jessica. 

www.jecca-makeup.com 

Jessica Blacker, Founder 

of Jecca Blac 




Vintage 

VIBES 

The key to retro make-up is to incorporate 

the main trends, but with subtlety so your 

look is modern and not out-dated... 


GET THE 

LOOK: 

1950s 


Marilyn 

Monroe 

1950s 

Photographer: Samantha Jones 

www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk 



Hair: V-Team 


Model: Stefani 

One of the most popular vintage looks is Hollywood 

glamour; think iconic actress Marilyn Monroe... Do you 

want those black-liner flicks that accentuate the shape of your 

eyes? And full lashes adding flirtatious fun? Not forgetting those 

statement scarlet lips? Yes! Here’s how to get the look: 




before 

8Apply plenty of blusher 

to the apples of the 

cheeks, and blend well 

up to the cheekbone; apply 

the colour strong enough to 

balance out the bright poppyred 

lip colour. 

1Make-up: 

Use a light moisturiser on 

your face and neck. 

2Add a good quality 

primer all over your 

face as a base for the 

foundation. 

3Achieve flawless, 

porcelain skin with 

airbrushing foundation 

– build it up gradually to get a 

medium to full coverage that 

will have staying power. 

diagonal line from the outer 

corner of the eye about half 

way up towards the end of 

the eyebrow, then make the 

diagonal line thicker, creating 

a point for that iconic flick. 

TIP: Be patient and use the 

tip of the brow and your eye 

shape as guides to create the 

perfect flick for you. 

9The brows need to 

be defined to frame 

this strong retro look. 

Choose one shade darker than 

your actual eyebrow colour. 

4Use a primer on the 

eyelids to conceal 

blemishes and veins, then 

apply the eye shadow in a pearl 

shimmer – choose a neutral 

shade of beige as an option. 

5The eyeliner flick needs 

to be black and neatly 

applied. Create a 

6Curl the lashes; then 

add black mascara on 

the top and bottom 

lashes – Apply full false lashes 

for added drama. You may 

wish to re-touch your flick 

with liquid liner after your 

lashes dry. 

7Apply a lip balm, then 

apply a red lip-liner – 

this is a must for staying 

power – then add red lipstick. 

Complete the look with 

red nails. 

Hair: A sleek and 

glamourous style suits this 

era, such as the showstopping 

s-wave. 

This is achieved by 

either curling the 

hair with a wand and 

positioning the wave, 

or setting with curls 

and allowing them 

to drop with the help 

of brushing, before 

bringing a section up 

to create the quiff. The 

hair falls sexily onto 

bare shoulders as many 

dresses and tops from 

this era are strapless or 

sweetheart necklines. 

after 




Model: Kate | Make-up: Kelli Waldock www.kelliwaldock.co.uk | Hair: V-Team www.vickilordhair.com | Photographer: Ryan Cox www.ryancoxphotography.com 

1Make-up: 






foundation. 

3An overall matte finish 

is required for this look, 

with full coverage – 

build up Airbase Airbrushing 

Foundation or a Bare Mineral 

foundation. 

4Apply your favourite 

primer to your eyelids 

as a base for the creamgold 

or cream-silver – apply this 

over the eye from the inside 

Audrey 

Hepburn 

corner, and blend a light brown 

into the crease of the lid to 

create drama to this classic and 

sultry look. 

5Subtle liner is applied 

halfway along the 

under eye, but not on 

the inside, this keeps the eye 

wider. 

GET THE 

LOOK: 

1960s 

There is no denying that Audrey Hepburn has left 

a beautifully-shaped mark in many a heart... maybe 

it’s the kooky elegance portrayed in movies such 

as Funny Face; her sweet demeanour shown in 

Roman Holiday; contrasted with the feisty flower girl role in My Fair 

Lady or that inner strength and spirit in Breakfast at Tiffany’s... Or the 

real-life humanitarian that worked with children’s charities for many 

years? We all connect with Audrey Hepburn in one way or 

another. Here’s how to connect with her look: 

6Add a thick line of black 

kohl to the top lid, take 

it out to the edge of the 

eye and do not add a flick or 

a smudge. 

7Apply waterproof 

mascara to the top 

lashes and a light layer 

to the lower lashes, then apply 

false lashes that are defined 

and separate, as opposed to 

thick or feathered. 

8Eyebrows are defined 

in-keeping with this 

retro look. 

9Matte nude lips are a 

must and if the lips are 

dry, ensure you add lip 

balm before applying nude 

lip-liner and lipstick... Mac is a 

favourite in this shade. 

950s 

the whole look 

with a delicate 

10Lift 

matte blusher, 

blended across and up the 

cheekbone. 

nail colour 

with lip colour, and 

11Match 

for a modern twist 

you can add delicate gems 

to the fingernail of the ring 

finger. 

Hair: An iconic 60’s 

beehive doesn’t have to 

be very high. Leave a front 

section of hair out, and set 

the back section from the 

crown in curlers. You can 

create a beehive or chignon, 

before clipping the front 

sections to the side, framing 

the face. Use shine spray 

and hairspray during styling 

to fix the look and to ensure 

a sleek finish. This elegant 

style elongates the neck 

and works with sixties’ style 

high or square necklines. 


Model: Yasmin 



Hair: V-Team 


Photographer: Samantha Jones 

www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk 

Flowers: Jane 

www.grahamgreener.com/kent-floristwedding.html 

GET THE 


1970s 

LOOK: 

Diana 

1970s 

Ross 

This look is about shimmer and glam, and pops of 

colour all tastefully done, as Diana Ross would have 

done in the glamourous era of the seventies. Here’s 

how you can add glamour to your look: 




before 

1Make-up: 






foundation. 

shadow into the smokiness, 

but keep more intense colour 

in the centre of the lid. 

7Apply lots of mascara to 

the upper and lower lids, 

and then apply big flirty 

lashes that flick up and out. 

modern 

looks need to be 

11Remember 

slightly subtler 

than the original retro beauty 

to avoid them looking over 

the top. But you can go wild 

with the ultra-glittery nails... 

metalics work as do deep and 

earthy shades combined with 

vibrant pops of colour such as 

orange. 

3Use your favourite 

foundation to create a 

flawless finish that is 

dewy and not matte. 

4Add primer to the eye lids 

after the foundation. 

5Create a blue-grey 

smoky eye over the 

lids; bringing the colour 

beneath the lower lid from the 

corner of the eyes. 

8Coral lips are a lovely 

colour for this look, but 

you can also go for a 

bright fuchsia-pink if this suits 

your skin tone or personality 

or outfit better. 

9Ensure the blush is 

subtle but tonal with 

the chosen lip colour. 

Hair: The hair is big. 

This look was achieved by 

working on the natural 

afro hair of the model, 

and teasing out the tight 

curls. For non-afro hair, 

use a crimper and keep 

a centre parting with a 

flower accessory 

to achieve an iconic 

seventies’ look, 

perfect for halter 

neck dresses or big 

sleeve, key-hole 

styles and plunging 

necklines. 

6Add gold metallic 

shadow to create depth, 

then blend this gold 

you want even 

more disco edge, 

10If 

add gloss to the 

lips and dab gold liquid liner 

to the lower lids of the eyes. 

after 



New & Natural... 

...family 

friendly 

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from 

Great 

value in 

750ml 

100% Natural 

ingredients, with over 

50% real fruit juice 

~ 

Traditional family 

flavours 

~ 

50% more servings than 

leading competitors* 

*Based on 250ml servings of leading 

orange & blackcurrant squash brands 

**Stocked in selected stores.

New Belvoir Cordials - Natural, 

Fruity & Family Friendly! 

Belvoir Fruit Farms has used all their fruity ‘know-how’ 

to create two new refreshing natural cordials. Natural 

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100% natural ingredients with all the premium appeal 

of Belvoir’s classic Cordial range, but offer even better 

value for money, making them a perfect everyday treat 

for the whole family. 

Belvoir’s Natural Cordials contain 50% more juice, (but 

no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colourings or 

flavourings) and 50% more servings than the current 

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750ml bottles and with a dilution ratio of 1:8, each 

cordial will produce a refreshing 27 (250ml) servings. 

This makes them not just the best value cordials 

currently on the market, but they can also claim the 

highest juice content too! 

So, if you feel that mainstream squash comes with 

too many ‘nasty’ added ingredients, Belvoir’s Natural 

Cordials bridge the gap between premium and 

run-of-the-mill. The new Natural Blackcurrant 

Cordial and Natural Orange Cordial offer great taste, 

excellent value for money, and the confidence that 

you’re giving your whole family a drink that is totally 

natural; no nasties…just tasty! 

• Natural Blackcurrant Cordial – made with over 

50% real fruit juice from luscious dark purple 

blackcurrants and a dash of lemon juice resulting 

in a full and delicious summery taste of sweet 

blackcurrants with a clean refreshing finish. 

• Natural Orange Cordial – bursting full of fruity 

goodness made with over 50% real fruit juice. 

A subtle combination of the best naturally sweet 

& tangy orange juices with a touch of lemon juice, 

creating a refreshing cordial with the natural 

sweetness of perfectly ripe oranges but with a 

zesty orangey finish. 

What better way of making sure your little ones 

drink plenty of water this summer, than mixing it with 

Belvoir Fruit Farms New and Natural Cordials, for a 

glass full of fruity goodness. 

Belvoir’s Natural Cordials retail for around 

£3.89 and are available from Waitrose, 

Morrisons and Sainsburys**. 

Check out 

the rest of 

our range in 

all major 

supermarkets

Blonde Model: Fran | Make-up: Kelli Waldock https://kelliwaldock.co.uk | Photographer: Samantha Jones http://www. 


Madonna 

samanthajonesphotography.co.uk | Hair: V-Team https://www.vickilordhair.com 

GET THE 

LOOK: 

1980s 

Eighties make-up was all about shadow, cheeks, 

lips and nails... and colour! So, be bold if this is a 

look that you want to achieve for a night out or 

special occasion... Dare to go bright on the make-up 

paired with a modern crisp minimal styling of clothes 

to complement the overall vibe avoiding a fancy-dress 

look – But you can still go for BIG hair! Here’s how to 

recreate this Like a Virgin look: 

1980s 




before 

1Make-up: 

Firstly, cleanse, tone 

and moisturise the skin, 

then apply a primer to 

the face and neck. A primer 

is a great base for your 

foundation, as it gives it more 

staying power. 

2Apply a foundation that 

suits your skin type; 

apply a light layer if you 

have good skin and prefer 

a natural look and build up 

gradually if you prefer a fuller 

coverage. 

4Intensify the look by 

applying the pink 

eyeshadow underneath 

the eye and after applying 

mascara apply false lashes to 

give the eye more definition. 

This adds a little modern edge. 

Instead of opting for several 

bold colours, choose one or 

two and blend them a little. Use 

different shades of one colour 

and blend into each other but 

keep the definition of each 

colour. 

6Keep eyebrows defined 

but in a natural way – 

they don’t have to be 

pristine. Use a brow powder 

or gel to give the brows 

colour and to create more 

depth and thickness. 

7Finally, apply a 

pink lipstick that 

complements the 

eyeshadow colour, frosted 

lipstick makes lips appear 

fuller, and it was a popular 

choice in the eighties. 

Hair: Set the hair in 

rollers and use a lot of 

spray. Big barrel curls with 

lots of spray is an option 

for modern eighties hair, 

or you can choose a more 

structured androgynous 

style, smoothing the sides 

of the hair up into a neat 

French pleat or Mohawk 

with a statement shape to 

create height at the top. 

3In the eighties, the 

focus of the look was 

the eyes, so apply a 

bright eyeshadow. Start with a 

lighter pink in the inner corner 

and finish with a darker hot 

pink in the crease and outer 

corner of the eye. 

5Apply the blusher to the 

hollows of your cheeks 

to contour your face and 

enhance your cheek bones. 

Use a pink tone, to match the 

eyeshadow. 

after 



100% 

claimed the product helped 

their skin appear: 

Noticeably firmer 

and smoother 

• 

Less lined and 

more youthful 

• 

More moisturised 

and hydrated 

*Results from a consumer perception study 

on 52 consumers 

@SBCSkincareUK 

sbcskincare.co.uk

Photographer - Dawn-Marie Jones 


HAIR 

after 

A CRISIS 

Multi-award winning hairstylist and salon owner 

Vicki Lord provides tips on hair loss... 




It is important for people to feel special, if 

your hair looks good then you feel great! 

It may seem surface, but looking your best 

can help you feel better. I have worked with 

so many clients over the years – from brides, 

to celebrities for the red carpet, to models on 

the runway; the most rewarding work I do is 

with patients that are recovering from chemotherapy or 

other treatments or conditions that cause hair loss – hair 

can flourish after a crisis, and so can you! 

One such client is Jeanette; she has suffered some 

difficult times, and is a survivor of Cancer. There was 

a time when Jeanette had to wear wigs due to her 

chemotherapy – chemo targets cancer cells; but also, the 

healthy cells and as a result it destroys hair cells. 

Within a few weeks of having chemo, hair loss can 

occur – in patches or completely. The extent depends on 

your treatment. It is no surprise that when people lose 

hair that they can suffer shock, or become depressed 

and this can worsen the overall recovery process. It 

is a time when a lot of family and friends, as well as 

professionals need to be supportive. 

Here are some tips for this 

sensitive time: 

1Many ladies will want to cover their baldness by 

wearing a turban, scarf, or wig. There are so many 

fantastic wigs out 

there to try, 

some are synthetic, 

which are very light 

to wear or there are 

more natural looking 

human-hair wigs with 

lace/net seams that 

can easily be disguised 

with a good quality 

foundation. 

2Try on 

different styles 

and lengths 

of wigs to 

see which one feels 

comfortable and which 

helps you feel your best. 

Jeanette during and 

after chemotherapy 

4Ask a 

hairstylist for 

advice and 

whether 

they would be able 

to cut and shape the 

wig; styling it to suit 

your facial features 

and personality. 

Cutting wigs is an 

art in itself as one 

wrong snip then 

the whole wig is 

ruined! And that’s 

an expensive 

mistake to make! 

Photographer: 

Darren Brade 

5Hair normally starts to grow back within a few 

months following chemo, starting with very 

fluffy hair for the first week or two then it will 

start to grow back at its normal rate. The new 

hair may differ from before, some hair will grow back 

curly, or thinner, or even thicker. I’ve had some clients 

come back to me after treatment and their hair is a 

completely different colour too. 

Jeanette’s hair has grown back beautifully and is shiny, 

but a little finer than before. She has 

a round face shape and I wanted to 

create lots of volume and height at 

the crown to lengthen and flatter 

her features. 


Hair can flourish 

after a crisis, and 

so can you! 

3Opt for a 

wig that is a 

slightly lighter 

colour than your 

natural hair colour, as the 

treatment may make your 

skin tone a little paler. 

Vicki working with wigs 

and hairpieces 



LOOK 

GOOD 

Feel Better 

Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) is an independent national charity 

providing support to people living with all types of cancer. 

It all started in the US with a female 

patient who was so depressed and selfconscious 

about how cancer treatment 

had made her look, that she would not 

leave her hospital room. Her doctor, 

who had some contacts in the cosmetics 

industry, arranged for her to have a makeover. 

Not only did it transform the way 

she looked, but it also had a profound 

effect on her outlook. She felt happier, 

less burdened and laughed for the first 

time in weeks. 

With such dramatic results, the cancer 

and the beauty sector worked together 

to develop the program ‘Look Good 

Feel Better’ and the charity was born. It 

launched with two workshops in the US in 

1989 and quickly expanded across twentysix 

other countries. 

Now in the 25th year of operation in 

the UK, the charity has extended their 

reach to include special sessions for young 

adults, as well as a dedicated programme 

for men. Workshop sessions are led by 

trained volunteer skincare and make-up 

artists (and local barbers for men’s groups) 

providing a setting for people to meet 

and chat to others undergoing cancer 

treatment, as well as learning useful tips to 

help combat the changes to appearance 

that can occur during different types of 

treatment. 

Being given a cancer diagnosis is a 

traumatic event and the physical and 

emotional roller coaster can leave you 

feeling lacking in confidence and selfesteem. 

Practical help and advice provided 

in a safe and secure environment allows 

people to share problems and find 

solutions for issues like missing eyebrows 

and lashes, sallow or drying skin, or 

flaking nails. 

The workshops are now running in over 

140 hospitals and cancer support centres 

across the UK, from Guernsey right up to 

the Orkney Islands. Over 20,000 people 

each year receive this support, including 

finding advice through the charity’s online 

tutorials and Manual for Men. 




A recent survey by CRUK stated 

that 78% of people with cancer 

have unmet emotional needs. 

Organisations that support people 

with cancer are recognising more 

and more that the needs of cancer 

patients are more complex than 

the medical ones being addressed. 

It is widely recognised that how 

you feel about your appearance 

is linked to your confidence and 

self-esteem. Psychologists call this 

‘appearance-contingent self-worth’ 

and ‘appearance self-esteem’. 

LGFB know from their substantial 

research that the beneficiaries of 

their service feel more confident after 

attending a workshop and for 96% 

of people surveyed this confidence 

had remained three months later. 

‘The whole experience was 

relaxing and informative. 

Everyone at the session was 

given time and advice regarding 

their individual concerns. I am 

so grateful to those wonderful 

ladies and the volunteers who 

gave up their time to help, advise 

and support me when I was 

struggling. Thank you.’ LGFB 

Beneficiary 

‘I learnt so much at the session. 

The psychological impact of 

cancer is largely unaddressed 

and learning to apply my makeup 

properly made me feel more 

feminine, like my old self and 

was a real confidence booster. 

Just what I needed.’ LGFB 

Beneficiary 

‘I’ve not worn make-up for years 

but since attending the session 

I put the full works on every 

morning. I feel so confident 

in my appearance that I have 

stopped wearing a wig or scarf. 

What a massive difference your 

session has made, I feel so much 

better.’ LGFB Beneficiary 

Since launching in the UK, LGFB 

has helped over 170,000 people 

and this service is delivered by 

an army of over 2,600 volunteer 

beauty consultants. 

As a non-government funded 

independent charity, Look Good Feel 

Better rely entirely on the generosity 

of individual and corporate 

supporters. If you would like to get 

involved visit lookgoodfeelbetter. 

co.uk, or text LOOKGOOD5 to 

donate £5 or FEELBETTER10 to 

donate £10 to 70085 

It is about so much more than 

make-up. 


BLUSH | LEISURE & LIFESTYLE 

Self- 

Empower 

“Don’t dream your life, 

live your dreams” as the 

saying goes… But how 

do you get to that point? 

Kitty Waters shares 

how you can empower 

yourself by using Dharma 

principles and create the 

life you love... 

In our busy lives, it’s not always 

easy to take a step back and 

really wonder whether we are 

living the life we truly wanted for 

ourselves. So many people go on 

with their routine, day after day, 

without thinking twice about it, 

without realising that happiness is just a step 

away, if only we took the time to assess our 

wants and needs and breakaway from the 

draining patterns we have created. 

I was just using 

distractions to 

convince myself I 

was happy 

Ultimately every human being wants to be 

happy. It’s what we strive for. 

For the most part of my twenties I was 

deeply unhappy, looking in all the wrong 

places, mainly using drugs and alcohol to 

distract myself from what was really going 

on around me and inside me. I had a high 

paying job and great friends. Anyone looking 

from the outside would have thought I had 

it all. But it didn’t feel right, I was miserable 

and my gut told me, ‘there is more to life 

than this’. 

I realised later I had no meaning, no real 

purpose in my life. And I was just using 

distractions to convince myself I was happy, 

but that worked only very temporarily. I 

reassessed my life and realised I needed more. 

That’s where I started my journey to healing 

and my hunt for happiness. What truly 

changed me was my discovery of Dharma. 

Dharma, in ancient Vedic means “The path 

of right action... Right action is the action 

which is of maximum benefit to the individual 

and the entire creation at the same time.” 

What is Dharma and 

why follow it? We have 

each been blessed with 

a unique set of gifts and 

talents and when we use 

those in service to others, 

our happiness comes alive. 

We all have the capacity 

to turn our desires into our 

reality, our soul knows the 

way. And creating the life 

of your dreams doesn’t 

have to be a struggle. 

Nowadays, it feels 

like there is a trend around wellbeing and 

‘following your bliss’ but this doesn’t come 

from nowhere, it has true meaning: life is 

not meant to be hard, we are meant to go 

towards our highest excitement in any given 

time, and this, in turn will lead us to what we 

are meant to be doing here on Earth. 

It shouldn’t be hard to create our own 

happiness. It’s all about taking the first steps 

towards it. 

To do your Dharma, 

take a bliss life audit: 

#1 

How can you add more bliss 

to your life? By serving others! 

Who do you want to serve? 

Don’t let it overwhelm you, these are 

only ways to make yourself happier, not 

complicate your life. 

Take time to assess things clearly 

and make a habit of writing 

#2 

them down. Write everything 

down, from dreams and fresh ideas, to 

blocks, questions, ideals and solutions, 

with notes on how each point makes you 

feel. This will indicate the way to go, and 

where to take that first step to change 

your life. Remember to always follow 

what lights you up. 

If you are not sure where 

to start, start small. Having 

#3 

interviewed over one-hundred 

thought leaders on this path, the results 

and impact on their lives is amazing. 

When we do our Dharma, life responds in 

ways we never thought possible. 

The gift is in the giving. 

By Kitty Waters, founder and host of Kitty 

Talks, and teacher of Do Your Dharma: 

www.kittywaters.com 



FROM THE INDUSTRY LEADING SPRAY TAN BRAND 

20% OFF RETAIL RANGE 

Shop at sienna-x.co.uk and quote LGFBGLOW 

Valid until 31/10/2019


MY HOBBY- 

BUSINESS 

despite 

DIAGNOSIS 

Claire Taylor shares her story of how her hobby 

has helped her through her health issues... 

Claire 

Mark ‘Sharky’ Finn 

Although I have 

a Facebook page 

and a website, I 

don’t actually run 

a business as such; 

it is a hobby that I 

have turned into a 

service for free... Freya Finn Photography is 

my hobby-business; I’ve been interested in 

photography since I was a child – following 

my father’s footsteps who shared the same 

love for his photographic hobby. When I 

was old enough, he gave me his old Pentax 

35mm camera to begin capturing my own 

memories. I have had no official training 

in photography other than those years of 

personal practice. I have no need for the 

qualifications because I simply love taking 

pictures and I’ve just learnt as I’ve gone along. 

I had been struggling for years with a 

lack of energy and unexplained pain and 

discomfort, and I was diagnosed with 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and 

Fibromyalgia in late 2009 (both conditions 

are known as invisible chronic conditions). 

Although the symptoms started years before 

this, it took a long time to diagnose as they 

can mimic other conditions. 

I appear to look ‘fine’ but what others 

don’t see, know or understand is that I have 

crippling pain, chronic fatigue and cognitive 

dysfunction. When I am seen out, it is only 

about twenty-percent of the time at best. 

The other eighty-percent is spent resting and 

sleeping to recover from going out in the 

first place. I have to pace my life accordingly 

which makes it hard to be spontaneous. It 

also means I am unable to have a job like 

most people, as I cannot sustain the levels of 

energy needed to be productive 

and as a result I end up having a 

lot of sick days... This happened 

at my previous paid position. I 

was eventually dismissed due to 

the level of sick days I had taken. 

So, I am at the mercy of the state 

benefits and disability payments. 

Photography has always been 

significant in my life, but at this 

point of diagnosis it became a 

way for me to cope and gave me 

a reason to ‘keep going’ prior to 

becoming a mother. I was able 

to plan around music events 

and shoots by 

making sure I 

allocated plenty 

of rest before 

and after the 

event. 

It can take 

me days or 

even weeks 

to get over an 

evening out 

photographing. If I get a cold or tummy bug, 

it can take at least twice as long to get over 

it than it would an average healthy person. 

And now I’ve breast cancer too – this is 

sapping even more energy from me. 

But, photographing music events keeps 

me going as it is something I love to do. The 

one person I take the majority of my photos 

for is Carla Winters who is the creator of the 

Abba Tribute Abalicious, and is a vocalist and 

Agnetha lookalike. We have known each 

other since our school days together and she 

has also gone through breast cancer recently. 

It has only served to bring us closer together. 

We have even started a support page on 

Facebook called Breast Friends Cancer 

Support Group, supporting people affected 

by breast cancer. Not just the people with 

cancer, but their friends and family too. 

We share our experiences, frustrations and 

advice to help others on their journeys. 

I recently had my mastectomy, and whilst 

it has been tough, I have shared photos and 

videos on the Facebook group and this has 

helped me push forward – Join the group to 

see some of the photos, including a photo 

that shows the reality of a mastectomy, 

and to stay up-to-date with my journey and 

others’ stories – and most importantly to get 

some support if you need it! 

photographing 

music events 

keeps me going 

as it is something 

I love to do 

Facebook: Breast Friends Cancer 

Support Group | Website: www. 

freyafinnphotography.weebly.com 

Kent band called The 

Alchemy 

Abbalicious 


Bounce 

BACK 


charliedaviescommercial.com 

#charliedaviesphotography 

Hair: Lucinda Ellery 

IN BUSINESS 

You may have read 

my story in the first 

new-look issue of 

BLUSH... if you didn’t 

it is available to 

read via the digital 

version... In a nutshell, 

I found a lump in my left breast, and 

continued touring with Björn Again as the 

tribute signer Agnetha Fältskog, as well 

as running my own business – All despite 

having treatment and the anxiety of a 

scheduled double mastectomy because I 

have a gene BRCA1 and Triple Negative 

BC. I didn’t tell anybody other than 

close friends and family at the time. I just 

needed to continue and play my part 

on stage... but the 

whole experience 

affected my overall 

health. 

These situations 

make you stronger, 

and they reveal who 

your true friends 

are... I can fully 

appreciate the stress 

and uncertainty 

that loved-ones 

experience during 

times of diagnosis, 

treatment and in 

some cases loss 

– and this is the 

reason I started the 

Facebook page; 

Breast Friends 

Cancer Support 

Group, where I document my whole 

journey with posts and videos; I 

wanted to show the reality behind 

survival... yes it’s tough, but you can 

bounce back. 

As I mentioned, I still continued 

with my singing throughout my 

recovery – because it is what keeps 

me going – and it has been a part of 

who I am since I was eleven-years- 

old, when I 

used to do karaoke, 

singing songs like Venus. 

And when I made it through to the final 

fifty out of ten thousand hopefuls in Pop 

Idol 1 in 2001, it further made me want 

to continue with my music, so in that 

same year, I started Abalicious, which is 

my ‘business baby’. My first gig with Bjorn 

Again was at G.A.Y in London, where 

Agnetha was present promoting her 

new album. It must have been a sign... 

because all these years later I’m still doing 

Abba tribute. 

It has been all my struggles throughout 

my treatment and recovery that have 

given me a new enthusiasm for pushing 

forward; with 

my children, 

true friends and 

I am delighted to 

share that Abalicious 

is touring the UK this 

year! 

family by my 

side, I’ve been 

able to bounce 

back and to 

continue sharing 

ABBA’s uplifting 

music through 

my very own 

tribute band, 

and that feels so 

good. 

The time when business was the 

toughest, was when I had to continue 

touring with a happy face whilst going 

through chemotherapy. When I felt 

exhausted, and I lacked confidence about 

my appearance; 

Lucinda Ellery Intralace System for 

hair (London Paris New York) has been 

a dream come true for making me feel 

and look as glamourous as Agnetha 

always did on stage and how I used to 

look before the diagnosis. Along with a 

healthy (ish) diet, lots of water, key rest 

times and the support from the media 

and my Facebook page, I feel positive that 

I will get full strength back, and that 

my business will go from strength to 

strength too. 

If you find yourself facing a 

diagnosis, or you are going through 

treatment or a loved-one is, please 

join the Facebook page and the 

online community can support you. 

And for those of you looking to 

start a business or continue with 

your business – then don’t give up, 

because if you love what you do, 

like I do, then it could be one of the 

things that reminds you of who you 

are aside from your diagnosis. 

www.abbatribute.info 



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As a businesswoman and a mother, I know how challenging it 

is to be productive whilst balancing your home life – there are 

forecasts, and meetings, and you have resolutions and targets... Some 

of you may choose to work, others may need to work; either way, if 

you have family commitments, and other stuff going on too, then life 

can become a juggling act. This can be manageable at times, and can 

even be a buzz at other times, but sooner or later something is bound 

to fall unless you get good at the balancing bit... 

Worklife 




1. Phoning: The phone 

can be ringing all of the time, and 

this is a sign of success for many 

businesses. With technological 

advances and smart phones 

getting smarter, you can pretty 

much be anywhere and receive 

calls and emails. This can however 

have an adverse effect on your 

private time with friends and 

family. Ensure you either switch 

off your phone when you are 

having dedicated family time, or invest in a personal phone, 

keeping your contracted smartphone just for business. 

Leave the biz phone at home when you are on holiday, with 

a greeting stating your date of return, encouraging the 

caller to leave a message. 

2. Relaxing: As a businessperson, you will be 

conscious of taking the work as and when it comes, which 

Leave the biz 

phone at home 

when you are on 

holiday 

can mean a full-on schedule, often with back-to-back 

appointments or meetings. Be confident that the flow of 

work will be there for you regardless of whether you have a 

vacation or day off. Obviously, value your clients, but if you 

compromise too many other areas 

of your life just to squeeze in a client 

then it could burn you out, meaning 

you’ll be little use to yourself, your 

clients or your family. In order for 

you to reach full potential in your 

work, you must relax, and recoup. 

Take a day off. If you work weekends, 

then ensure you allocate some ‘me’ 

time throughout the week, either by 

setting aside an hour a day or one 

day per week. Do things you enjoy, 

including spending time with the children, friends, or simply 

relaxing on your own by reading a book or soaking in a 

bubble bath. A good way to achieve ‘me’ time is by paying 

for, and committing to a new hobby. 

3. Planning: It is likely that your schedule will be 

sporadic, especially if you work for yourself. Keep a clear, 

concise diary so you can plan your days. At the end of each 

day, write a list of things you need to do on the following 

day, so that you can enjoy your evening with a clear head. 

Also, do this every Friday or before your designated day off. 

The key is to complete the list, so ensure it is achievable and 

prioritise the points on it. 



4. Eating: Busy schedules can mean skipping meals, 

making you feel irritable and sluggish, ensure you eat 

regular healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. 

Arrange to meet a friend for lunch once a week, or carry 

snacks or a pack lunch with you. Try to sit down for a family 

meal as often as possible; this is good for your mental and 

physical health, and works wonders for family bonding. 

5. Overlapping: Laptops and mobile devices 

are so convenient, especially with the help of wireless 

Internet, meaning much of your work, like replying to 

emails, organising your diary and studying online, can be 

done from anywhere. Try to avoid crossing ‘laptop time’ 

over with recreational time; you will not be giving the task 

full attention, nor does it count as relaxing or quality family 

time. Make a point of cuddling up with a loved one, or 

watching a movie with the children without thinking about 

work, and with your phone and laptop switched off. 

8. Meditating: So many of you would have 

experienced mental fatigue as well as physical, as it 

is so easy to take home people’s problems or stresses 

depending on your area of work. Learn to leave the 

emotional aspect of your work at work. If you work 

from home, it may be more of a challenge to ‘switch 

off’. Ten minutes of meditation after each meeting, or 

two minutes after each task can do wonders for your 

mind and body, realigning YOU and stopping you from 

focusing on the last patient or client or student or 

meeting or email, so you can be present and look to the 

needs of the next task or customer. Add this meditation 

time into your daily schedule and include as part of your 

diary dot points. For those of you that work in a busy 

environment, avoid getting caught up with internal 

politics or gossip, this can be super draining, a waste 

of time and energy, and more importantly negative and 

nasty. 

6. Talking: Work can be all encompassing, and 

it can easily eat into unsociable hours, but this doesn’t 

mean that when you do have time 

to socialise that the conversation 

must revolve around work. Many 

of you will have a great passion 

for your work or the training you 

do, but remember to talk about 

various subjects with your friends 

and family too, as it is important to 

enjoy other aspects of life and of 

your relationships. 

7. Delegating: If you have 

work, home, relationships, children, 

and your own needs to juggle, it may 

get to the point when you feel that 

you need help. Don’t be proud: call 

upon friends and family to spend 

time with the children while you run 

some errands. If you are able to allocate the funds, enlist the 

help of a cleaner once a week, or hire an admin assistant. 

There are plenty of ways you can delegate responsibilities and 

tasks, look at where best you need a little helping hand. It 

may mean hiring an accountant, or getting a gardener. If you 

enjoy tasks like gardening yourself, then incorporate them 

with family time; young children love to be involved in potting 

plants or safe household chores. If you are doing a mundane 

task, like cleaning your office space or dealing with admin 

work, put some of your favourite music on so you can balance 

the chores with fun. Dance a bit, sing a little, and basically 

use it as a way of staying in tune with yourself and with the 

pleasures of life. 

Learn to leave the 

emotional aspect 

of your work at 

work 

9. Morning: Parents, walk your children to 

school, or dog-owners take your pooch for walkies 

first thing in the morning. This 

encourages a routine for those 

working from home, and helps 

motivate you to get on with your 

day upon your return. If you do 

not have a dog, or a child, then 

have a refreshing shower, get 

dressed and walk around the 

block before your working day, 

or do a stint in the gym, or go 

for a run. By having an activity 

to start your day other than 

work, you are really making the 

most of your time, as well as 

proving to yourself that work 

is not the first thing to jump to 

each morning. There will be days 

you have early appointments, 

but try to manage these morning activities a few times 

a week to achieve that balance and overall productivity. 

These morning activities also support motivation for 

homeworkers, an increasing area for modern work, 

not just parents working from home. Self-employed or 

contracted staff working in the virtual sphere will also 

benefit from this tip. 

10. Shifting: Enjoy including these tips into your 

life, but don’t feel that big changes need to be made, as 

it is consistent small tweaks that are often more effective, 

and will ultimately lead to the perfect work-life balance. 

www.jordanmartin.biz 



Proud supporter of 

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Helping create beautiful homes since 1989


Lengthening 

Naturals 

Volume 



Start-up 

despite 

Diagnosis 

Kirsten Rees shares her story from diagnosis 

and loss to her business start-up... 

When it comes to the effects of 

cancer, it isn’t just self-diagnosis 

that rocks our world, is it? Lovedones 

also have to cope with the 

challenges that the illness faces 

us with… how did your father’s 

diagnosis affect you? 

It was shocking obviously, he’d had this 

terrible cough for months and had been back 

and forth to the doctor, and it felt like it had 

taken too long to get a diagnosis. So, there 

was some anger and guilt - Why didn’t they 

realise sooner? Why didn’t we make him go to 

the doctor earlier? He’d had previous health 

issues and had literally been brought from the 

dead after a heart attack years before, so I 

think we just felt like this was another hurdle 

to fight... but sadly, he lost this one. 

Someone else’s diagnosis can raise 

questions in our own minds, and 

we can fear the future and the 

possibilities of ‘what if it happens 

to me?’ When did you find a lump? 

What emotions did you experience 

waiting for a diagnosis? 

Just after my dad had received his diagnosis, 

I discovered a lump under my right breast 

and that was terrifying. Because of what 

was going on with my dad, I was sent 

for a scan within a week. It wasn’t a nice 

experience at all and very intimate, but 

thankfully it was quick and I was reassured 

throughout the process. The lump turned out 

to be something else entirely and thankfully 

nothing to worry about. 

I have a chronic health condition called 

fibromyalgia, so I always need to be extra 

aware of increased levels of stress, and this 

whole experience taught me a lot about 

managing my own self-care and made me 

realise that I needed to change things in my 

own life. 

I’ve since learned what to look for and 

do regular checks. I think going through 

watching someone else die really makes you 

so much more aware of how we need to 

take responsibility for looking at our bodies 

objectively and regularly. I was on a lot of 

medication for my own health conditions and 

some of it was having a negative effect on 

me with some terrible side-effects, so I really 

began looking at what I was putting into my 

body and speaking to different health care 

professionals. 

Book that smear test. Do breast and 

testicle checks. If you’ve had something 

ongoing for a while, go to the doctor! 

Waiting is not worth it. Just because it’s not 

really worrying you, doesn’t mean it’s not 

worrying your child, or sibling, or best friend! 

Tell us about your start-up and how 

your father’s passing along with 

your realisation that you didn’t have 

Cancer led you to changing your 

career path? 

After my dad died, I took some time out and 

then began thinking seriously about my life 

and career and made so many changes! 

My business had originally launched in 

2013 out of necessity as I have fibromyalgia, 

it makes holding down a nine-to-five difficult. 

I wanted to have a career I was passionate 

about and so I relaunched as a book editor 

and author coach, and I’ve been writing my 

own books too. 

Just after my dad had 

received his diagnosis, 

I discovered a lump 

under my right breast 

and that was terrifying. 

Being self-employed has completely 

changed how I work and what I share. 

Since transitioning from copywriter to book 

editor, I’ve felt that uber-professional wall 

come down; It’s helped me connect with 

people better over social media and I’m now 

working with authors who have something 

worth sharing. 

Recently, I was hired to write a book to 

help raise awareness for Child Bereavement 

UK. It was really emotional as I met two 

young brothers who’d talked about their 

dad who died and we shared some special 

moments. It was nominated and added to 

The Independent’s Happy List. 

Sometimes, my clients are business 

owners who want to share their expertise 

and what they’ve had to overcome in life in 

a memoir/business book. I also work with 

fictional authors on YA novels, and other 

times I partner with people suffering with 

mental health issues who use writing as 

therapy. I also launched a weekly ‘women 

in business’ co-working day, as I find having 

people around you definitely helpful when 

you are trying to run a business on your own, 

but still sometimes struggling with external 

things – so it’s great to vent (or have a glass 

of wine after-hours). 

I now have a great 

self-care routine, I’ve 

been working with a 

personal trainer and 

focusing on my health 

and wellbeing, including 

my mental health. I also 

created a vision board 

with twenty-one goals 

– climbing a mountain 

(again) is one of them, and 

another is writing a book 

to empower people with 

invisible health conditions. I 

stopped saying, “I can’t”, replacing it with “I 

can’t do everything so choose wisely!” 

Website: www.makemeasuccess.co.uk 

IG & Twitter: @HauteBooks 

LinkedIn: MakeMeASuccess 



live like this 

dwell.co.uk | Stores nationwide


Formidable 

Words from Kim-Maree on the female form, 

expectation and mid-year resolutions... 

This is not my usual style of 

writing; I like to take the p*ss 

out of my life and all that comes 

with it. This article, however, is a 

self-reflection of many years of 

beating myself up (not literally) 

over the ‘ideal life’ and ‘perfect 

body shape’ that I formed magically some time ago. 

These lofty ideals or aspirations rarely come through, 

and so the cycle of loathing and defeat goes on... 

I am sure many of you can relate to me on some 

level. This is about ‘me’ – please understand that 

it’s not a dig at you and your efforts to self-improve 

(or should I’ve used this year’s 2019 buzzword ‘selfevolve’?). 

Read this article as it is intended to be read 

– as a very public wake-up call to myself, because my 

inner Goddess is an angry b*tch! 

Well, here we are mid-way through 2019 – 

time flying – and time to dust off our New Year’s 

resolutions yet again – because if you’re anything like 

me, you’ve not started your list yet! 

Do you catalogue your yearly failures? I do! Looking 

back on all the things I said I would do last year and 

the year before and so on and so forth... oh and this 

year included! A definite theme emerges... I will be 

better! Do better. Look better. Feel better. Take better 

care of myself and so on (in fact this list is as long as 

my New Year’s resolution one). 

Sprinkled in amongst the promises to do better 

there are the golden nuggets of prose borrowed 

lovingly from Ghandi, Atticus, Oprah – all reminding 

me to live in the moment and of course it wouldn’t 

be a misguided promise of a better self without a 

chestnut of wisdom from Pinterest! 

Why do I do this? Why then! When I know full 

well that I will not fulfil all, or any of those lofty ideals, 

and who decided that these ideals or life goals were 

actually required? My inner divine Goddess is always 

present, not really giving a rat’s left buttock if I am 

able to attend sequential Soul Cycle classes in the 

pursuit of a peach emoji rear. The divine Goddess is 

probably at a swim up bar laughing her ass off at the 

stupidity of it all. I AM THEREFORE I AM! 

I am the shape I am because, well, that is my shape. 

I can’t crochet because it’s boring and I couldn’t stick 

with learning how to do it, that goes for playing the 

guitar and for making origami cranes also. This isn’t 

gonna change just because I write a list at New Year 

or another list mid-year! 

Rod for our backs 

Am I striving to materialise that divine Goddess? Or 

that image I was told will make me feel so much 

better once I obtain it? If I obtain it! Every day I am 

convinced that my life will improve once I buy this; 

eat that; don’t eat that; rinse with this; and hold it all 

in the right place with these! 

The female form is varied just like hair colour is, 

which I can change; eye colour, which I can change, 

along with my jaw line, bust size and even the 

amount of ribs in my body – all my genetic makeup 

and yet even though that’s my true form I desire to 

re-design it. Why is this? Because of society? Blaming 

society for the pressure to be a certain way and to 

live a particular life isn’t cutting it, sorry people, BUT 

– we are society! 

I am the shape I am 

because, well, that is 

my shape. 



There is a billiondollar 

industry built 

on keeping me feeling 

bad about my body and 

about my life in general. 




EXERCISE: is it a punishment or a celebration 

of what our bodies can do? The answer all depends 

on who you follow... 

There are billion-dollar industries built on keeping me feeling 

bad about my body and about my life in general. I am 

bombarded with conflicting messages of ‘love yourself’ and 

other self-improvement stuff. I am told that positive body image 

is the new diet plan – oh my mistake, because I thought it was 

Paleo-vegan-Keto-organic-clean eating, whole foods – that was 

a mouth full of ‘my bad’. 

Then there are the exercise plans that go along with it 

all; HITT, CrossFit, Orange Theory, Bootcamp, F45, Barry’s, 

SoulCycle... Dare I say it, but Yoga is just as bad; Bikram, 

Kundalini, Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga all claiming to do various 

things to help me achieve whatever it is I think I need to 

improve. 

The best news of all, is that I don’t even have to leave 

home to have all this help in getting that 2019 body life 

transformation. There are countless blogs and influencers 

sprouting the benefits of everything I didn’t realise I need. Not 

only that, but my obsession with screens has also weighed in. 

Seriously there is an APP for everything that has anything to 

do with body shape, image, eating plans, wazoo detox teas, 

drinks and shakes, aroma therapy oils, and misting sprays that 

can make you sleep, feel, live better. 

I am guilty of having all of the above. I have on my phone 

right at this very moment APPs for meditating, (used six or so 

times), for the gym (which I actually used consistently for at least 

one month), a whole foods pantry guide (I can’t work it out so 

I’m going to delete it soon promise), aroma therapy oil mixes 

guide (I have opened it), power yoga (I watched it 

a couple of times on the couch), running log ( I use 

this as I do run — well kind of more a shuffle-run 

of sheer desperation – but more on that topic later), 

FitnessPal (I use this on and off to make myself feel 

bad for eating anything that has flavour). 

I don’t just have one of these APPs, I have 

several. All of them downloaded in the vain hope 

that they will somehow miraculously transform me, 

but alas, nope. I however, won’t give in to making 

any actual APP purchases – I won’t actually buy the 

whole APP, I just do the free ad-riddled versions 

that cut out when it starts to get interesting, which 

may I add, is probably why I am not Gigi Hadid 

strutting for Victoria’s Secret. Yep that’s definitely 

the reason. 

And now for my next trick I 

will make 10 kilos disappear 

and 15 kilos reappear... 

Last year, I lost ten kilos through literal blood, sweat and tears 

and a few tantrums; I had to walk to Mountain Everest Base 

Camp, get sick from the altitude, vomit consistently for ten days 

to lose that weight – maybe I should make an APP on that! 

When I did finally receive the recognition that I was desperate to 

hear – oh you look great, you’ve lost weight! – it was tarnished 

with despair as I knew that deep down it wasn’t going to last 

and I was left wishing that no one had said anything. 

Too make-up for the ‘failure’ that I knew was coming – the 

inevitable weight rebound – I proudly pranced about telling 

everyone how I’d lost ten kilos and have become a vegan 

on ethical grounds, (not really, I was still really queasy at the 

thought of certain foods – meat being one of them). I am sure 

they secretly wished that I’d hurry up and put back on those 

I swing from 

restrictive eating to 

all in my mouth, the 

classic yo-yo dieter. 

ten kilos and an extra 

five kilos. Why? Not 

because they dislike 

me or because they’re 

jealous... no, it’s because 

they feel like a failure 

too! They are feeling 

even lower now because 

someone managed to do 

it, someone else grabbed 

the golden ring even just for a fleeting moment. 

I scheduled in my fancy planner gym sessions; to roll out my 

yoga mat and sit in my space; I even scheduled cooking that 

whole-food dinner, and for those few weeks when the stars 

and planets aligned, I was smug and self-righteous. 



Then I was not. 

And so, it goes; The weight goes off. The weight 

goes on. 

I call bullsh*t 

I am guilty, I admit that I applaud publicly the ‘plus-sized’ 

advocates calling out body shaming, all the while quickly 

calculating in my head just what their weight or measurements 

are in relation to my own. Then I am horrified when I discover 

image. But to be fair, this is my issue. Maybe you are happy to 

refrain from sugar, eat Paleo and exercise every day at the gym... 

good for you! I actually truly applaud you. I can’t do this myself. 

I swing from restrictive eating to all in my mouth, the classic yoyo 

dieter. Simply put, I have zero will power. I will plan and plot, 

write away my life, desperately hoping I will wake up motivated 

and inspired, nope. I have tried 5:2. I have tried apple cider 

vinegar, turmeric, cayenne pepper, still no! Juicers, teas, nope! 

I shame myself with unflattering underwear photos, bribery, 

rewards, still nothing.... no inner Goddess emerging from the 

depths into form. 

You must be thinking, ‘wow she must be huge,’... nope, 

not huge. I am just not the shape I had decided I’d be at some 

stage in my life. Therefore, my life is somehow not quite right, 

which, by the way is also not true... my life is pretty dang epic. 

See what I am getting at here? There is nothing wrong with my 

shape, bit soft and pudgy, but I am healthy and fairly fit, and my 

life is blessed. 

Flaws and all 

those bodies that are plus-sized are actually smaller than I am, 

or the luscious curvy girls on Instagram are the same size, and 

all that bravo goes out the window as I shrink away privately 

disgusted at the shape on display – MY shape. But why? I am 

asking this seriously because, what am I really afraid of? Who 

decided what I want to look like? When did I subscribe to that? 

And am I that stupid or vain? 

Okay, quite a few serious questions there! 

My harshest critic 

Kim-Maree 

I started this article to look back at the crazy sh*t I have a 

tendency to do when trying to diet and to feel better about 

the way I look. As you have probably gathered it turned into a 

rant about evil social media, expectations, and unrealistic body 

Well I say Fu*k it. I am this mid-year making a deal with me 

and my inner Goddess... yes, she’s still there somewhere! 

I will be healthy, I will exercise because I like it, so I will 

just do the stuff at the gym I enjoy or that makes me feel 

satisfied. I will eat what I feel like just knowing that takes 

away 90% of my need for crappy foods. I am going to take 

time out in my day for ME, in whatever shape that may be 

– it could be yoga, meditation or crocheting, I will decide 

as I please. I am never going to be that size again; the 

smaller version I once was! Nor will I be twenty again, and 

that’s okay. I have done a lot in this Earth suit – it has held 

babies, rocked bikinis, and walked down the aisle, and up 

mountains... so, I will just let my body be what it is today, 

and as for tomorrow, who knows. 

We cannot predict what the future holds – but our 

choices no matter what life throws our way, are our own... 

and this mid-year resolution for me includes the following: 

To eat cake at my workplace morning teas; take long 

walks; wear my special occasions clothes - whenever I want; 

wear lipstick every day; use the best china for burgers, 

because let’s face it whatever it is you think you’re saving it 

all for may never actually come. My aim is to be my version 

of healthy; move how I feel; dance to my music; sleep far 

too much and love every dang minute of my blessed life no 

matter what my dress size is. 

To all the people out there, aside from what I say or 

any other person with an opinion says, know that it will 

be your journey with your body; your essence... so be 

true to your path; strive for your true self. And get some 

sleep. Turn off the screens – APPs and all, and be an active 

participant in life. 

Rant done! 

www.movingom.wordpress.com 




TO A GREAT 

EXTENT... 

We are indeed what we read 

Reading is a force to 

be reckoned with... 

the material that 

we choose to read 

fills our inner beings 

with information that 

we process either 

consciously or push somewhere into a corner 

of our minds. 

During times of challenge, it is great 

to escape inside the pages of a story... 

powerfully written fiction that transports us 

away from our daily trials and tribulations. 

Other times reading a real-life story that 

we relate to personally can help us to feel 

less alone. 

And when it comes to good self-help 

literature, our book shelves and virtual 

libraries can literally be our therapists. 

1. Why 

People Don’t 

Heal and How 

They Can, is a 

practical programme 

for helping body, mind 

and spirit, written by 

the bestselling author 

of Anatomy of the Spirit (another great 

read), Caroline Myss, Ph.D. 

www.myss.com 

2. The Power 

of Now, is a 

guide to spiritual 

enlightenment, written 

by the international 

bestselling author 

and spiritual teacher, 

Eckhart Tolle. 

www.eckharttolle.com 

3. Breaking 

Mad, is an insider’s 

guide to conquering 

anxiety, written by 

counsellor and TV 

personality Anna 

Williamson, with Dr 

Reetta Newell. 

www.lifecoachingbyanna.com 

4. Happy As, is 

a book that discusses 

why the quest for 

happiness is making us 

miserable, written by 

Lisa Portolan. www. 

lisaportolan.com 

5. Women 

Who Run with 

the Wolves, is 

the classic New York 

Times bestseller, that 

brings together myths 

and stories of the wild 

woman archetype, written by Clarissa 

Pinkola Etsés, Ph.D. 

www.clarissapinkolaestes.com 


www.furniturevillage.co.uk 

BLUSH | ADVERTORIAL 

Furniture Village 

Celebrates its 

30th Birthday 

This summer, Britain’s largest 

independent, family-run furniture 

retailer, Furniture Village, will 

celebrate thirty successful years in 

business. 

To mark the occasion, Furniture 

Village has teamed up with five of its mostloved 

brands to create a limited-edition 

collection of statement furniture pieces in its 

signature colourway of Cyan Blue and Yellow. 

The collection – named Thirty – 

demonstrates the breath of brands available 

at Furniture Village: From British household 

names such as Ercol and Sleepeezee, through 

to iconic Italian designer brands such as 

Nicoletti and ALF Italia. Just as Furniture Village 

does, Thirty offers furniture for every room in 

the house. 

Ercol Stacking 

Chairs in Cyan 

Ercol’s iconic Stacking Chairs have 

been finished in Furniture Village’s 

distinctive Cyan, which is exclusive to 

the retailer. 

Originally launched in 1957, 

the Stacking Chair has become 

a recognisable marker of British 

design, showcasing many of Ercol’s 

classic hallmarks, from turned legs to 

an elegant steam-bent back rest. 

Perfect for adding a pop of 

colour to any scheme, the chairs 

can be styled alone or as a set for 

maximum impact. 

Furniture Village is Ercol’s biggest 

UK retailer and the two brands 

have a long-standing relationship 

that goes back to the early days of 

Furniture Village’s history. 

G Plan Hannington 

Archetypal British upholstery brand, 

G Plan, has been making sofas 

and chairs in the UK since 1898. 

Showcasing a retro design and 

sprung seating, the Hannington 

sofa is exclusive to Furniture Village. 

56 BLUSH | SUMMER 2019 


ALF Italia Avellino 

Dining Table and 

Furniture Village Argo 

Dining Chairs in Cyan 

ALF Italia’s Avellino Dining Table has been 

paired with six upholstered dining chairs from 

Furniture Village’s Argo collection, which has 

been created by its in-house design team. 

The striking pairing is available exclusively for 

Furniture Village’s 30th birthday. 

Upholstered in a luxurious Cyan velvet and 

featuring quilted stitch detailing across the 

back, the Argo chairs will bring colour and 

style to any dining space. 

ALF has been crafting high-end Italian 

furniture since the 1950s and is renowned 

for its ongoing innovation when it comes to 

contemporary design. 



Trends... 

Sleepeezee Tranquillity 

2800 Divan Set 

British bed-maker, Sleepeezee, has updated 

its luxurious Tranquillity 2800 Divan Set 

to offer a brand-new colourway, available 

exclusively for Furniture Village’s anniversary. 

Upholstered in a bold blue fabric, the 

divan’s platform top offers superior comfort 

and support. Its sumptuously soft mattress 

includes a pillow top and up to 2800 

individually nestled pocket springs. 

The Sleepeezee Daniel Headboard is 

also available to buy in the same fabric, and 

features pretty pleat detailing. 

Made in Britain, Sleepeezee holds a Royal 

Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales. 

Charlie Harrison, 

Director of Multi-Channel 

at Furniture Village 

comments: 

“The range, quality and diversity of brands that 

we stock at Furniture Village are one of the 

many reasons that customers keep returning to 

us year after year, so it was important that they 

played a big role in the creation of the Thirty 

collection. 

“We wanted to create a collection of pieces 

that not only reflects our brand colours in a 

fun and celebratory way, but also showcases 

the dedication to beautiful design and 

craftsmanship each brand brings to the table. 

”Our brands have been integral to Furniture 

Village’s success over the last thirty years and we 

very much look forward to the next thirty, and 

beyond!” 

The first Furniture Village store was launched 

in 1989 in Abingdon, Oxfordshire by Peter 

Harrison. The business is still family run and 

Peter was joined by his son Charlie Harrison in 

2002. Charlie has worked his way up through 

each area of the business and has been 

instrumental in developing Furniture Village’s 

online and digital offering – ‘future-proofing’ 

the company for generations to come. Today, 

Furniture Village has 52 stores across the 

country, offering products to suit every style and 

budget. 

The Thirty collection will be available for 

customers to buy until December 2019. 





Furniture Village - 

Evie Chair in Linnet Ochre, £699 


Corelli Velour Cushion in 

Yellow, £25 

Mellow Yellow 

Yellow hues have 

translated beautifully 

from summer’s bold 

banana and sherbet 

lemon shades into softer, 

more sophisticated 

marigolds and ochres for winter. 

Perfect for bringing sunshine into 

your home this season, this warming 

palette can be styled with soft greys 

and crisp whites to create a bright 

and airy look. 

We’re big fans of a statement bed 

and the Hypnos Embrace Natural 

Splendour divan and headboard 

is no exception. Upholstered in a 

rich mustard tweed, it offers a bold 

injection of colour that defines this 

look perfectly. 

Cushions and throws in dusky pink 

or russet tones work beautifully with 

this palette and will bring an extra 

layer of cosiness for winter nights. 

Carefully placed accessories in fun, 

contemporary shapes add a modern 

twist to complete this inviting theme. 

As the summer 

draws to an end 

and we move into 

the autumnal 

months, the team 

at Furniture Village 

talk us through some of the 

coming season’s hottest trends, 

perfect for creating a cosy and 

welcoming retreat to enjoy 

throughout the winter. 


Inaluxe Jazz 

Flute Rug £249 


Cera Table Lamp, £89 


Connections Large Drum 

Stool in Ealing Ochre, £255 


Hypnos Embrace Natural 

Splendour Double Divan Bed 

in Tweed Mustard, £1,449 




A Nod to the 70s 

From mid-century shapes to 

70s-inspired colour palettes, 

retro design continues to 

influence interior trends and 

this season is no exception. 

In this bold autumn/ 

winter look, contemporary jewel tones 

are introduced through geometric 

shapes and abstract accessories which 

are positioned alongside modern 

upholstery, giving a bold and rhythmic 

element to the space. 

Shades of baby blue and teal are 

contrasted with pops of bright orange 

and pink, resulting in a playful look that 

captures the spirit of the 70’s. 


Lista Smart Side 

Table £249 


Ercol Rimini Wooden 

Bed Frame, £1025 



Uniqa 2 Seater Fabric 

Power Recliner Sofa, 

£1495 


Connection Fabric 

Accent Chair £525 


Michelle Collins Time 

To Reflect Rug £249 

Slow Living 

Simplicity takes centre stage 

in our Slow Living look, 

establishing an inherent 

sense of calm and tranquillity. 

Less is definitely more in this 

contemporary trend that 

goes back to basics. Dark khaki greens 

and earthy shades of grey sit alongside 

natural wood tones to create a 

minimalist sanctuary that is uncluttered 

and cool. 

Clean lines, found on Ercol’s 

beautifully crafted Rimini Bed, contrast 

beautifully with unstructured linens and 

tactile velvets to achieve balance and 

softness. 

Carefully curated minimalistic 

ornaments add subtle interest to 

the space, enhancing the serene 

atmosphere and ensuring that the room 

doesn’t feel too stark. 



Vispring makes supremely comfortable beds, and has done since 1901. 

Only the fi nest natural materials, inside and out. 

Designed for durability. Crafted for comfort. 

Made for the very best sleep. 

vispring.com

BLUSH | ULTIMATE TRAVEL 

Photographer: J P Martin 

1 

Attempt 

a camel 

ride, or 

simply get 

up close to 

these amazing 

mammals of 

the desert. 

Egypt 

2 

Go on an 

earlymorning 

hot air balloon 

ride, and glide 

across still skies 

to experience 

the valleys of 

Luxor from a 

bird’s eye view. 

6 

Experience 

the awesome 

hieroglyphics 

for written 

and artistic 

inspiration. 

Inspiration 

3 

It’s less than five hours 

to fly from the UK to 

Cairo – the capital is a 

must-stay for culture, and 

5 

iconic sightseeing like the Giza 

Pyramids. 

7 

Watch the 

sun set from 

the luxury of 

your modern airconditioned 

hotel. 

7 reasons to visit... 

4 

Stand next to 

one of the large 

pharaoh statues 

for an ultimate 

travel selfie. 

Take a tour 

around the 

ancient 

tombs and 

the Valley of 

Kings for some 

remarkable 

sights and 

stories from the 

tour guides. 

Find out more about a visit to this 

fabulous country www.egypt.travel 



Citrus Caviar & Mandarin Shower Gel 

& Shampoo, 500ml £21 

Gym-goers! 

Wake Up & Go 

Start your day right with our multi-tasking citrus infusion. This Citrus 

Caviar & Mandarin Shower Gel & Shampoo deeply cleanses your 

hair and skin whilst infusing them with essential vitamins. Providing 

you with an uplifting experience by stimulating the senses, boosting 

your mood, and leaving skin and hair with a long-lasting fruity aroma, 

putting you in the right frame of mind for the day ahead. 

Over done it in the gym? Or suffering from general aches and pains? We have just the thing, 

Arnica & Wintergreen Targeted Thermal Rub! This intense body cream is an SOS in a 

tube. The heating infusion provides warming relief with invigorating benefits. 

Need something cooler? Our multi-award-winning Arnica Skincare Gel can be applied as 

many times as you need. Massage into sore, aching muscles, shoulders or back to soothe 

muscle tension and strains. 

Antioxidant-Rich Green 

Caviar 

Keep daily aggressors at bay with 

our new vegan-friendly Green 

Caviar range. Formulated to 

leave you with a smooth, supple 

and healthy-looking complexion. 

Combines unique active ingredients 

including Green Caviar, Hyaluronic 

Acid, Green Tea and Aloe Vera, all 

in 100% recyclable packaging too! 

Green Caviar Perfecting Eye Gel, 30ml £36 

Green Caviar Perfecting Serum, 30ml £36 

Green Caviar Perfecting Moisturiser, 90ml £36 

SBC Skincare 

Daily Rituals 

SBC’s skin and body care products 

are bursting with naturally derived 

ingredients and uplifting aromas. 

When we formulate our products, 

we ensure everything is considered, 

including how they make you feel. 

We believe skin and body care should 

be an experience to stimulate the 

senses and boost well-being, as well 

as delivering your desired results. 

Best-Selling Collagen 

Prep your skin before bed with 

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the eye contour. Finish with new 

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Arnica & Wintergreen Targeted Thermal Rub, 100ml £18 

Arnica Skincare Gel, 100ml £9 

Collagen Micellar Gel Cleanser, 500ml £25 

Collagen 3-in-1 Cleanser, 500ml £38 

Collagen Illuminating Eye Cream, 30ml £36 

Hydra Collagen Moisturiser, 90ml £36 

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Instilling a routine that calms your mind and body 

ready for bed makes a real difference to improve your 

sleep and therefore your well-being. Add Lavender 

& Waterlily Bath & Shower Crème to your evening 

bath, lie back and breathe deeply. 

Lavender Skincare Gel is a wonderfully 

therapeutic face and body moisturiser. It 

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Finally, spritz pillows and bedding with 

Lavender Room & Pillow Spray, then slip 

on an eye mask to keep out any light. 

Lavender & Water Lily Bath & Shower Creme, 500ml £21 

Lavender Skincare Gel, 250ml £18 

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TRAVEL 

AS THERAPY 

Travel can do wonders for everyone if done regularly and with 

awareness. In most cases, it can be used as a form of therapy as it 

prioritises YOU and your self-care... NLP Coach Puja K McClymont 

gives some valid reasons to seek out a retreat in 2019... 

Sail away from the Grey 

The Facts: The sun has an effect on our 

mood and emotional wellbeing. Research 

shows that too little exposure to sunlight 

can lead to so-called Seasonal Affective 

Disorder (SAD) – a type of winter 

depression. (Find out more about the 

benefit of sunlight on page 87.) 

Coaching: By allowing yourself regular 

intervals of sun and warmth, you’ll be able 

to appreciate time and self-care much 

more, which helps to keep you motivated 

and focused. The clean air you breathe 

will also help to re-boot your immune 

system, which in turn helps you to feel 

physically and emotionally better. 

Escape from Routine 

The Facts: People are at their happiest 

when they have a holiday planned, a study by 

the University of Surrey found, and are also 

more positive about their health, economic 

situation and general quality of life. 

Coaching: It’s essential for you to be 

able to reset yourself from your everyday. 

By having less to do, you are able to 

consider your life more. You’re able to 

appreciate your family and friends and 

even work (as it’s essentially enabled you 

to do the trip) and lets you understand 

your needs better. 

Quiet Time 

The Facts: When you feel like you are 

stuck in a rut, taking a holiday and having 


vel 


a change of 

scenery, even if 

it is just a couple 

of hours down 

the road, can 

work wonders, 

and it has been 

scientifically 

proven that 

travel provides 

a number of 

benefits to your 

mental health. 

Coaching: Often times – no matter how 

many yoga classes you attend, or how 

serious you are about meditation – you 

still need to literally find more ‘quiet’. 

Being away from every usual distraction 

in your life can make your relaxation 

practices all the more powerful. 

Manage Stress 

The Facts: Margaret J King of the 

Center for Cultural Studies and Analysis 

says about the stress-relieving abilities of 

Go ahead and book 

that trip right now, 

you deserve that 

time to yourself. 

travel: “With a short 

list of activities each 

day, freed up from 

the complexities of 

ongoing projects and 

relationships, the 

mind can reset, as 

does the body, with 

stress relief the main 

outcome.” 

Coaching: We 

all now know how 

important it is to manage stress. We 

simply can’t avoid stress in our lives 

anymore, whether it is affected by things 

in our control or not. We will inevitably 

falter in some way; through mental or 

physical disorders. Travel can be your best 

asset to guarantee stress relief. 

Re-evaluate your Goals 

The Facts: You may have goals already 

in place that you’re working towards or 

you may want to set some new ones. 

Being ‘away from it all’ will provide you 

with the creative focus you need to drill 

down into the ‘whys’ of your goals and 

create a tangible plan of action for when 

you get home. 

Coaching: Re-evaluate your goals, 

check-in with yourself on what you’re 

doing well and what may need tweaking. 

It gives you the time to be creative; 

thinking more freely without having to 

default into ‘sensible thinking’. We need 

to have the ability to dream and envision 

the life that we want for ourselves. 

So – go on... treat your self to a retreat! 

Puja K McClymont is a Certified, highly 

effective NLP Life Coach in London, and 

the founder of the Frankly Unstoppable 

Retreats. These wellbeing getaways are 

designed to help clients change their 

mindset, re-set, re-focus and re-energise. 

To find out more about Puja including 

when her next workshop is, visit 

www.franklycoaching.com 



Your next adventure aw 

With over 1,000 expertly-planned itineraries, visiting almost 200 

destinations on all seven continents, the world is waiting to be 

discovered with Shearings! 

Whether you dream of seeing Orangutans in the jungles of Borneo 

or spending some time beside the British seaside, we give you the 

freedom, fl exibility and opportunity to explore all corners of the 

world! 

Our UK and European event breaks are second to none! From 

theatre breaks in the West End to the thrill of the Grand Prix, there’s 

something for all interests! 

All you have to do is sit back, relax and let us handle the details. 

And with travel options by air, coach, car and rail - ease and 

fl exibility are key. 

Your holiday, your way! 

For more inspiration visit 

shearings.com 

or call 

01942 416431 

using code NBH935 

Terms and Conditions apply. Regional variations may apply to tour departure points/prices and some 

holidays may not be available from all areas. Prices are ‘from’ prices and are per person based on 2 

sharing a standard double/twin roomand joining at an interchange. Single/room supplements may 

apply. Prices correct as of 20/08/19. E&OE

Lost in Music - Theatre Break 

aits… 

Recreating the magical 1970s, this fabulous show lets you 

relive some of the greatest songs of all time from artists such 

as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth Wind & Fire, Sister 

Sledge and Chic! Boasting a sensational live band, incredibly 

talented cast and stunning vocals, this show is sure to have 

you dancing in the aisles – it’s the feelgood 

show of the year! 

11th Nov 2019 

5 DAYS FROM 

£204PP 

BY COACH 

York Christmas Markets 

One of the most popular Christmas Markets in the UK, York’s 

Christmas Market fi ll the historic streets around the splendid 

Minster. With traders dressed in costumes from eras of the 

past, step into a scene from Dickens and soak up the 

medieval charm, scents of mulled wine and magical fun at 

this wonderful market. 

2 DAYS FROM 

£74PP 

Nov & Dec 2019 

Cyprus Winter Sun 

Michael Bublé in Liverpool 

4th Dec 2019 

BY COACH 

Relax and enjoy fabulous weather and a well-appointed 

hotel with great facilities. Enjoy included excursions to 

explore the islands highlights. Paphos’s Old Town is where 

you will fi nd the main shopping area, whilst the resort 

area hosts numerous restaurants, shops and bars. Visit the 

resort’s focal point - the charming 

fi shing harbour by the ancient 

Paphos fort. 

Nov & Dec 2019 

An evening with Michael Bublé is the singer’s fi rst tour for 

more than four years and takes in 108 shows across 22 

countries and three continents. 

You’ll enjoy the fantastic songs from Michael Buble’s 

Love album as well as some of his most famous tunes 

and classic standards. Enjoy this 

magnifi cent show, it’s not to be 

missed. 

8 DAYS FROM 

£539PP 

BY AIR 

2 DAYS FROM 

£189PP 

BY COACH

Kley Collection 

A 

O-KLEY 


BLUSH | STYLE 

Debenhams introduces new 

brand KLEY for Autumn- 

Winter 2019…. Designed 

by women, for women, 

the brand oozes effortless 

feminine style. 

Kley represents the desire for ‘Realwear’; 

modern, clean cut and effortless garments 

that satisfy dressing for the everyday. 

Focusing on a curated versatile, seasonless 

wardrobe that lasts, offering outfits that 

you can build-up and layer on to create the 

ultimate easy and enviable wardrobe. 

“Kley is about effortless styling solutions for 

the everyday. The collection is a combination 

of timeless wardrobe staples and ‘must have’ 

pieces, offering items which we hope will 

be loved for years.” Lucia Heffernan, Kley 

Designer 

Comprised of your L.I.F.E. pieces, your 

‘Luxury’ leather skirts, silk blouses and 

cashmere blends. Your ‘Important’ fashion 

informed, seasonal heroes and sustainable 

fabrications. Your ‘Function’ items, such 

as weatherproofed outerwear and hybrid 

garments that can be reversible. And finally, 

your ‘Essential’ layering, the foundation 

blocks building your wardrobe. L.I.F.E. Luxury, 

Important, Function, Essential. 

The collection is available in 70 stores 

across the UK and launches in store 

and online on the 16 September 2019 

with prices ranging from £20 to £220. 



Blush’s top choices from 

the Kley Collection… 

Kley Scarf drape 

top £59 

Kley Ultimate wool 

touch roll neck £25 

Kley Pleated 

Asymmetric Skirt £55 

Kley Relaxed 

jumpsuit £55 

Kley Robe wrap 

coat £110 

Kley Button detail wide 

leg trouser £39 

Kley Trench 

coat £89 

Kley Ultimate crew 

neck t shirt £20 




Think Pink! like actress 

Audrey Hepburn in retro 

movie Funny Face. 

Piccolo by Keith Scarrott, 

£139 available at 

keithscarrott.co.uk 

Wear blush with 

patterns. 

PINK 

Power 

Halcyon Rose Quartz 

Necklace, £85 by 

Emily Mortimer 

Jewellery, available at 

emilymortimer.co.uk 

Dusky pink feathers 

and furs work. 

The Met Gala was all about pink 

this year, with over thirty celebrities 

choosing a pop of pink to celebrate 

the ‘camp’ themed event – from 

blush, to fuchsia to baby to bubblegum 

– every hue was hot... particularly 

Lady Gaga’s show-stopping gown... 

somewhat reminiscent of the Think Pink 

ribbon in the film Funny Face, starring 

Audrey Hepburn. 

Rose Quartz Iris Drop 

Earring, £220 by Renné 

Jewellery, available at 

rennejewellery.co.uk 

Rock hot pink 

hair with baby 

pink lace or net. 

The Fonzie Jumper, £90 

by Mistamina, available at 

mistamina.com 



BLUSH TOP PICK Rose Gold 

animal print twin set with tassel 

trim from trafficpeople.co.uk 

The Padstow Deck Shirt in White 

and Pink, £59.95 by Whale of 

a Time Clothing, available at 

whaleofatimeclothing.com 

Pale Pink Cashmere Roll 

Neck, £119.95, available 

from oxfordshirt.co.uk 

Ladies Holkham 

Panama Hat 

with Pink Ribbon 

£80 by Hicks & 

Brown, available at 

hicksandbrown. 

com 

Patterned pinks 

and peaches look 

fabulous with ruffles 

and luscious fabrics. 

Lucia by Keith 

Scarrott, £449 

available at 

keithscarrott.co.uk 

Pair bright pink 

boots with block 

colour accessories. 




FAIRFAX & FAVOR 

LAUNCH COLLABORATION 

WITH BREAST CANCER CARE 

For the fourth consecutive year, luxury British footwear label Fairfax & Favor 

will donate 100% of all profits from their limited-edition product to the charity 

in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

Following Fairfax & Favor’s 

successful partnership with 

Breast Cancer Care in 2018 

– whereby the brand raised 

over a staggering £40,000, 

this year co-founders Marcus 

Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker 

have designed a special limited-edition Hot 

Pink version of their popular Mini Windsor 

handbag and Hampton belt. 

The Mini Windsor is a sought-after staple 

to any summer wardrobe. This handbag 

features a cutesy interchangeable mini tassel 

in addition to a detachable leather shoulder 

strap and internal zipped pocket; the perfect 

handbag for all your day-to-day essentials. 

The Hampton belt is the smart, everyday 

leather belt incorporating a raised contrasting 

hot pink suede inner stripe, brass buckled 

end and embellished stud logo. The perfect 

pop of colour to any outfit! 

This year Fairfax & Favor have a target to 

reach, wanting to raise a further £14,000 for 

the charity. To date, the brand has received 

unprecedented support from their loyal 

followers and customers, social influencers 

and celebrities alike. In previous years, their 

Breast Cancer Care campaigns have received 

support from famous faces including three 

times Olympic gold medallist and world 

champion Charlotte Dujardin CBE, Sporting 

Presenter Clare Balding, Ex-Pussycat Doll 

Kimberly Wyatt, and Queen of the Jungle 

Georgia Toffolo, to name a few. 

The Breast Cancer Care products are on 

sale throughout October, with 100% of 

profits being donated to Breast Cancer Care. 

Fairfax & Favor Co-Founders Marcus 

Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker said 

of the campaign: “We will continue to show 

our utmost support to this fantastic charity. 

Both of our grandmothers have suffered this 

awful disease, it is a cause which will forever 

remain close to our hearts.” 

Lisa Gilmour, Community Fundraising 

Manager at Breast Cancer Care, said: “We’re 

so grateful to Fairfax & Favor for fundraising 

for Breast Cancer Care. The money raised 

will help Breast Cancer Care to continue 

to provide free services including; support 

over the phone with a nurse or someone 

who’s been there, welcoming online forums, 

reliable information and local group support. 

We really can’t thank them enough”. 

“691,000 people are living with a breast 

cancer diagnosis in the UK today, and that 

figure is only set to grow. With support from 

brands like Fairfax & Favor, we can be here 

for more people, whenever they need us.” 

About Fairfax & Favor 

Fairfax & Favor are shaking up the luxury 

footwear market by creating authentic 

and timeless products, through their 

commitment to drive innovation in 

craftsmanship and design. Influenced by 

the founders’ love of British style, the line of 

footwear and accessories has been created 

as an aspirational investment rather than a 

transient fashion piece. 

Founded by Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and 

Felix Favor Parker, who were born and raised 

in the glorious Norfolk countryside, the 

collection is reflective of the brands country 

roots. Fairfax & Favor pride themselves on 

their ever-expanding collection of shoes, 

boots, handbags and leather accessories. 

Designed to bridge the gap between casual 

and formal, the countryside and the city, they 

believe there is a piece in their collection fit 

for everyone - no matter of personal taste or 

style. www.fairfaxandfavor.com 

About Breast Cancer 

Care 

Breast Cancer Care is the only specialist 

UK wide charity providing support for 

women, men, family and friends affected by 

breast cancer. We’ve been caring for them, 

supporting them, and campaigning on their 

behalf since 1973. 

Today, we continue to offer a unique 

range of support including reliable 

information, one-to-one support over the 

phone and online from nurses and people 

who’ve been there. We also offer local group 

support across the UK. 

From the moment, someone notices 

something isn’t right, through to their 

treatment and beyond, we’re there to help 

people affected by breast cancer feel more 

in control. www.breastcancercare. 

org.uk 




Sustainable 

HATS 

I’m Dawn-Marie, a fashion and 

beauty photographer based 

in London, and I cannot deny, 

I love my job: The excitement 

of working with teams of 

incredibly creative people; 

being behind the scenes and 

meeting those at the cutting 

edge of the industry and the 

creative process of producing 

beautiful images – There’s 

really nothing quite like it and 

I think It’s something of a true 

calling for me personally... I am 

however torn by the darker 

side I know to exist within 

the industry, and the very 

real environmental and social 

impact it has globally... 

I’ve been able to work with brands 

who have a real commitment to 

making the world a better place: 

Who are the trail blazers and 

the movers and shakers, putting 

environmental impact, sustainability 

and social wellbeing and fairness at the 

forefront, not the afterthought of their 

business practices. 

I had the pleasure of shooting for 

Pachacuti Panama hats out in Ibiza, whilst 

visiting the island for an event with Fashion 

for Conservation last summer. I began 

I’ve felt a whole new 

world opening up 

before me; a world 

I am proud to be a 

part of! 

working with the charity since 2018 and 

learning more about the impacts of the 

industry in the process. Since making a 

decision to focus my efforts on working with 

sustainable and ethical brands as much as 

possible and actively connecting with more 

people and brands within this realm, I’ve felt 

a whole new world opening up before me; a 

world I am proud to be a part of! 

Whilst ‘sustainability’ is a real buzz word 

at the moment, Pachacuti was founded on 

the principals that underpin the phrase and 

was in fact one of the first companies in the 

world to receive an official certificate in Fair 

Trade. 

Pachacuti has been a truly inspirational 

company from the outset; Their story begins 

within a small community in Equador, where 

for over two decades, they have worked with 

local artisans to create hats, which subtly 

combine tradition, luxury and sustainability. 

The craft of the weaver stretches back 

generations and is a highly specialist art, 

which needs to be protected. 

Having seen the hats and photographed 

them personally, I can confidently say that 

the quality is something to be admired. 

Each design is unique and combines 

handmade luxury with a timeless sense of 

style. Whether you’re simply 

looking for 

a beautiful hat, with distinguished style or 

you’re looking to spend your money in a 

more conscious way, you can be sure that 

your Pachacuti Panama hat will make you 

look and feel incredible! 

Founded by Fashion Revolution’s Carry 

Somers, there has always been a strong 

focus on sustainability, ethical practices and 

the minimisation of environmental impact 

within the Pachacuti company framework. 

Carry’s husband Mark has deep artistic 

roots and takes pride in the craft and skill 

of their artisans. He now runs the company 

fulltime, expressing equal passion in 

maintaining the principals on which it was 

founded. 

Working within strict guidelines, 

Pachacuti ensures that the communities 

are always receiving fair and sustainable 

wages and are encouraged to protect 

their environment. The organically-grown 

Carludovica Palmata plant used to create the 

hats, is cultivated on a community-owned 

plantation, encouraging biodiversity of plants 

and animals within a 5600hectare protected 

area. With their hard work and protection 

of their land, the community has seen a big 

improvement in biodiversity in recent years. 

Another way in which Pachacuti is striving 

to be at the forefront of sustainability 

in fashion, is by adapting a no-seasons 

approach. In 2014, they made a major 

decision to stop creating seasonal 

collections and focus purely on 

designing beautiful, enduring 

pieces. In doing so, they hope 

to encourage customers to 

cherish and love their Pachacuti 

hat, rather than encouraging 

more ‘mindless consumerism’ 

within the industry. 

I sense the mood is finally 

changing across the length and 

breadth of the planet... many of us 

are becoming aware of the direct 

impact our spending choices make 

on the world at large and on families 

and people just like us, in not so distant 

places. And that, is a really good feeling. 

www.panamas.co.uk 

www.stoyanovandjones.com 






Zero-waste 

KNITS 

Sustainable knitwear Designer, Valentina 

Karellas empowers us through her creations... 

This issue of Blush is all about 

the ability to empower one’s 

self in life and in business, as a 

businesswoman in a creative field 

have you ever struggled with this? 

I would say ‘yes!’ – every day there is some 

form of struggle to feel empowered. It’s easy 

to feel low about yourself and have selfdoubt. 

I learned very early on to not sweat 

the small stuff; to adapt, pivot, and move on 

as quickly as possible... Stepping back, then 

stepping forward is the key to stepping up. 

When I first decided to start my own 

sustainable knitwear brand, it took five years 

of research, saving and planning before 

I even put design to paper. It then took 

a further two years of trying to convince 

UK-based factories to even give me quotes 

to produce my pieces. This made me realise 

that I was never going to even get to sample 

stage if I continued down this path, it made 

me rethink my strategy. This then led to 

the ‘handmade in London’ knitwear brand 

that I have today. By being able to produce 

everything in-house, I not only solved the 

product issue, but costing was lower, plus 

the design restrictions were gone – this has 

also lead me down a path of zero-waste – 

being able to control every element of the 

product from start to finish has given my 

customers the security of knowing that each 

item is made carefully, thoughtfully, and 

sustainably. 

I learned very early 

on to not sweat the 

small stuff; to adapt, 

pivot and move on as 

quickly as possible. 

How do you empower people 

through your work? 

With the fashion industry being so cut-throat 

and competitive, it’s very hard to stand out, 

especially with a small budget. The way I 

empower people, is by giving them the option 

of having something handmade to order; 

that is bright, light, and comfortable to wear. 

The main way I empower my customers is 

by giving them the knowledge that they are 

doing no harm to the planet by wearing a 

piece that is zero-waste and sustainably made. 

How do fashion and beauty play a 

part in how women feel? 

If an item doesn’t fit well, and looks 

unflattering, then it can directly change 

your mood. Now that sustainability is 

finally making it in the media with a lot 

of fingers being pointed at the fashion 

industry, women are torn between style 

and sustainability – we have a choice to feel 

good within and look good on the outside, 

by choosing to consciously buy from an 

independent, ethical label – this conscious 

decision also plays a part in the customer’s 

mood. Knitwear is generally not known for 

being a high-fashion item, however it’s a 

staple piece of 

most people’s 

wardrobe; my 

pieces are bright 

and make my 

customers feel 

joyful when 

wearing them. 

What advice would you give to 

those who have faced healthrelated 

diagnosis or mental illness, 

but still wish to start their own 

business? 

Starting your own business is extremely 

difficult, time-consuming, mentally draining 

and a constant struggle for all people. 

Having a physical or mental illness on top of 

these ‘every day’ challenges adds a lot more 

pressure. It’s something not to take lightly, 

however, I do not want to discourage 

anyone from starting a business, it can 

also be incredibly rewarding, especially 

to celebrate the small wins of your day or 

week. Sometimes using your disability or 

your condition as an advantage to help 

other people and turning your passion into 

a business leads to success. No matter what 

your situation or background, starting a 

business can bring you and others so much 

joy. As long as you are enjoying the product 

or service that you wish to delivery, then 

everyone around you will soon see that too 

and things start to fall into place. 

What is your one style tip? 

I would say, keep to 

one key piece in your 

look, so if it’s a striking 

jumper, then keep the 

skirt or trousers plain. 

Choose fits for your 

body, nothing is one size 

fits all, so make sure it is 

complementing to your 

shape. Try to pick colours 

that bring you joy – no 

need to be a rainbow – 

but a pop of colour on a 

scarf or cuff can make all 

the difference to your look 

and mood. 

www.valentinakarellas. 

com | IG: @vkarellas 

FB: @valentinakarellas 




Fashion 

Photographer, Tina 

Nikolovski empowers 

us through her lens... 

This issue of Blush is all about 

the ability to empower one’s 

self in life and in business. 

As a businesswoman in a 

creative field have you ever 

struggled with this? 

Being a businesswoman in a creative field is 

challenging, yet so rewarding. I have certainly 

struggled with this balance, as in my field of 

photography (and as a talent agency owner), I often 

feel like I have to wear so many hats: photographer, 

accountant, administrator, salesperson, agent, web 

developer, social media manager, and so on. 

Inspirational 

SNAPS 

Not to mention that often business and creativity use 

two opposing sides of the brain. When I first started, 

I was very much the ‘creative artist’, it took me years 

to learn how to become a good businesswoman; to 

be able to make a career out of something I love and 

not just ‘collaborate’ and struggle to pay my bills. 

Having said this, for me personally, autonomy, 

variety, and continual progression are very important 

values. They keep me ‘happy’, they keep me 

motivated. I would not change what I do for the 

world, and whilst I started both businesses with 

minimal knowledge about business – just based on 

my creative passion – I can’t even begin to articulate 

what I’ve learnt in thirteen years. Sometimes the best 

thing you can do is to just ‘do it’, and learn as you go, 

and be ‘okay’ with not knowing everything. 

This photo best shows 

‘empowerment’ - both for the 

‘model/ballet-teacher’ (who 

created the garment and did 

her own hair and make-up), and 

for myself – at this point of my 

life, I continually doubted my 

own ability, but pushed forward 

regardless and achieved this 

image in the second year of my 

degree. I surprised myself with 

the results. The image reminds 

me to be empowered, to be free, 

to leap outside of my comfort 

zone and to reach for the sky... I 

hope others receive these same 

messages when looking at this 

photograph. 




How do you empower your subject 

through your work? 

Much of the magic of photography takes 

place before the shutter is even released. Part 

of that magic is establishing a relationship 

with the subject (person) who is being 

captured in front of the lens. The way that 

I empower my subject/s in front of the lens 

(and I normally prefer to work with one 

person at a time), is firstly by making sure 

they feel comfortable in every step of the 

process. Some examples of the way I help 

empower my subject include: building an 

authentic, yet professional relationship; using 

music in the background that resonates with 

them and resonates with the theme; guiding 

my subject with direction, especially if they 

are feeling lost; showing them the images on 

the back of the lens that are working well, 

and so on. 

In a general sense, me being onehundred-percent 

confident in my role and 

showing them that they are in trusted hands, 

generally makes them feel comfortable. The 

empowerment then comes from within; 

then they see how beautiful they come 

across on the back of the camera and often 

see themselves in a new light. Through my 

energy, expression and direction I always 

want my subjects to ‘feel beautiful’ from 

inside out, in front of my lens – and I believe 

this aids in their empowerment. 

How do fashion and beauty 

play a part in how women 

feel? 

Fashion and beauty play huge parts 

in how women feel. Of course, the 

impact of fashion and beauty largely 

depends on what each individual 

chooses to focus on through popular 

culture and other avenues. For 

example, the depiction of women 

in a large number of settings can 

certainly be detrimental to one’s 

self-confidence if they compare 

themselves to something that isn’t 

an authentic image. However, we can also 

use the power of photography to empower 

others, especially within the fashion and 

beauty realm, in the portrayal and inclusion of 

diverse beauty across the board. This includes, 

but is not limited to: body shape, ethnicity, 

sexual preference, clothing, posing, expression 

and energy. 

Popular culture plays a large part in 

how women feel about themselves (both 

consciously and unconsciously), however as 

consumers, we also have the power to only 

support and pay attention to the images 

that make us feel empowered. Knowing 

what and how much is ‘photo-shopped’ or 

‘altered’ is also empowering, as it prevents us 

from taking in something as a form of reality 

when it’s not. 

What advice would you give to 

those who have faced healthrelated 

diagnosis or mental illness, 

but still wish to start their own 

business? 

I would say to anyone who has the intention 

of starting their own business to GO FOR IT! 

Mental illness (particularly depression and 

anxiety) haunted me before and during my 

journey of becoming a ‘business owner’. 

Whilst at times it was certainly difficult, the 

times that I temporarily gave up what I love 

(photography, art) were the times when I 

felt the most ‘empty’. Art has taught me so 

much about myself. 

My passion for art was a light, throughout 

my various stages battling mental health. It 

pushed me outside of my comfort zone but 

also gave me so much comfort. It gave me 

an escape whilst also allowing me to travel to 

new places, meet new people and see more 

of the world. Everyone’s journey is different 

and I can’t tell anyone what is right for them 

It pushed me 

outside of my 

comfort zone but 

also gave me so 

much comfort. 

and when to do it, but I wish to abolish the 

stigma or misconception of thinking you 

have to be ‘whole’ or have to have overcome 

your mental health issues or physical 

conditions before you start a business. You 

may not have to, as the journey itself may 

help you overcome it. 

What is your one style tip? 

My one style tip is to BE COMFORTABLE 

AND BE YOURSELF. I am a fashion 

photographer, and ironically, I don’t 

necessarily follow trends or the latest 

fashion. I wear clothing in combinations 

that I love and garments that make me feel 

good. I dress for my shape, but also for 

comfort and feeling. 

I can laugh about the fact that the 

majority of my wardrobe is neutral (blacks, 

whites, denims…. mostly blacks!), but 

I love it! Any time I have tried to dress 

outside of what is authentic to who I am, 

I have spent the night thinking about how 

uncomfortable I am and whether I look 

okay. Be bold, be authentic and be YOU! 

www.tinanikolovski.com 



DKNY Intimates available 

at Debenhams.com


Photographer Perou | Hairstylist Vicki Lord | Fashion stylist Wendy Quintana | Makeup artist Natasha Lakisha | Models Meg & Neeqs 

LOW Rider 

Where do we stand in 

the future when Harley 

Davidsons are obsolete 

and style is still necessity? 

Wear hair higher, wider, and 

intricate; wear garments 

tighter and buckle up; 

there’s no need for delicacy 

“You come to a point in your 

when you’re a low rider... 

life when you really don’t care 

what people think about you, 

you just care what you think 

about yourself.” 

Evel Knievel (1938-2007) 




Black leather studded 

crop top by 

Sophia Hadjipakkou 

Studded cuffs by 

Renata Trencanska 

Black patent leather 

trousers by Malan Breton 

Platform stilettos by 

Natacha Marro 



Handmade choker and 

Harness by 


Leather Bustier by 

Malan Breton 

Black leather jacket by 

UDDA 

Black leather 

bodice by 





Model above:-Yellow and black 

hair jacket by 

Krasimira Stoyyneva 

Neck piece by 

Emma Ware 

Black sequins chaps by 

Natacha Marro 

Boots by 

Altuzarra 

Model beneath:- Sunglasses by 

Oliver Goldsmith 

Harness by 


Latex marble dress by 

Elissa Poppy 

Earrings by Emma Ware 

Cuff by 


Take 

CON 



Black Long trench by 

Malan Breton 

TROL 

of your life 




7 Percy Street, 

Fitzrovia, 

London W1T 1DH 

020 7831 5303 

Website 

charlesworthingtonsalons.com 

Instagram 

@charlesworthingtonsalons 



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BLUSH | HEALTH & FITNESS 

VITAL 

MINUTES 

IN THE SUN 

A 

larmingly, 

Over the last few decades 

what has 

not been 

the emphasis on protecting 

highlighted ourselves from the harmful rays 

enough is how 

of the sun has increased with 

limiting our 

exposure to 

information readily available on 

the sun can actually have negative effects how direct contact with UV light 

on our health. Vitamin-D is integral to our 

can cause us harm. Many of us 

development, growth and psychological 

wellbeing, and although we can gain this now avoid UV rays, by wearing 

through supplements, the cheapest and high factor protective lotions 

most efficient way of getting a daily dose 

or by staying out of the sun 

of ‘D’ into our system is exposure to natural 

sunlight. Supplements are expensive, and altogether... What advice are 

they don’t always provide the amount of we supposed to follow? 

the vitamin that we need, especially 

if somebody has a high deficiency 

level. You would think that the 

sunnier countries would have 

lower rates of vitamin-D deficiency, 

however this is not necessarily the 

case, as in some hotter climates 

the culture or religion may dictate 

that skin is covered – and because 

humans absorb vitamin-D through 

the skin, people who are covering up 

all the time are not getting enough 

of it. 

We all know the uplifting feeling 

we get on a sunny day, which 

can help to improve our mood. 

Take this one step further, and the 

other psychological benefit is that 

vitamin-D actually helps to combat 

depression, as well as ease general 

aches and pains. Also, in recent years 

Seasonal Effective Disorder (SAD) 

has been highlighted as a condition 

suffered by people mostly during the 

winter. SAD is also caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight due to a 

melatonin imbalance. The most common treatment for this is spending 

time in front of a light box for between thirty to sixty minutes daily. 

Although it is important to spend time in natural sunlight, we do have Article by Louise Howard | Illustration by Calin Muir 

limiting our 

exposure to the sun 

can actually have 

negative effects on 

our health 

to remember to do this sensibly, whilst 

avoiding the damaging effects of the sun. 

Two to fifteen minutes in the sunlight 

at non-peak times is enough to keep 

that immune system up with the help of 

vitamin-D. 

Remember that if you are fair skinned 

you need far less time in the sun to absorb 

vitamin-D. Our colouring is our 

natural protection – so the darker we 

are, the more protection our skin has 

against UV rays. We should all avoid 

the hottest parts of the day, with 

early morning and late afternoon 

being the safest time to expose 

ourselves to sunlight. Also, by eating 

‘super foods’ such as pomegranates, 

blueberries and acai we can boost 

our body’s capability to protect it 

from harmful UV rays. Worshipping 

the sun and spending hours trying 

to get a ‘Hawaiian Tropic’ tan is not 

good for us, but getting outside 

definitely is, and benefits us all round, 

both psychologically and physically. 

To read more about this 

important health subject, including 

the scientific research to support that 

vitamin-D boosts the immune system 

and therefore the recovery process 

for cancer patients, check out the 

book Vitamin D Is this the miracle 

vitamin? By Ian Wishart Available here at www.amazon.co.uk/ 

Vitamin-D-This-Miracle/dp/0987657313 




IS 

INTERMITTENT 

FASTING 

THE REAL 

FOUNTAIN 

OF 

YOUTH? 

Intermittent fasting is becoming 

a particularly popular health 

topic. There are many different 

styles of intermittent fasting, and it 

can be challenging to know which 

choice is the safest and most 

effective for you personally... 

How the Gut Affects our Body 



Intermittent Fasting (IF) or 

Time Restricted Eating (TRF) are 

terms used for when you have 

periods of extended time that 

you don’t eat. The most popular 

is a 16:8 protocol. This means 

sixteen hours of fasting and an 

eight-hour window in which you can eat, 

which is especially beneficial for promoting 

longevity and anti-aging. This is a lifestyle 

change rather than a ‘diet’, and it is seen by 

many as one of the easiest to adopt. 

Intermittent Fasting is about the balance 

of Fasting with Feasting. This allows the 

breakdown of the old cells (autophagy) and 

the building of the new healthier ones. To 

get the most of IF, the ‘building phase’ is 

just as important. 

What are the benefits of this eating 

regime? 

Better Blood Sugar 

control 

Controlling our blood sugar – Fasting 

helps us leave the sugar rollercoaster 

behind! It stabilises our blood sugar levels 

by allowing us to tap into our fat stores 

for fuel. 

Fat loss 

Fasting is the opposite of starving, you 

are simply switching fuel source… during 

fasting we are teaching our body to burn 

our fat as fuel. 

Anti-Ageing 

Fasting activates a ‘cellular stress 

response’, an increased capacity to resist 

stress, disease and aging. Cells upregulate 

the expression of genes that increase the 

capacity to withstand stress and resist 

disease and aging. 

Autophagy is the 

most impressive 

process that 

Intermittent 

Fasting promotes. 

Autophagy (the Greek word to mean 

self-eating) is the most impressive process 

that Intermittent Fasting promotes. It 

is a natural bodily process that rids of 

unwanted cells and cleanses, making way 

for anti-ageing and disease prevention. 

Fasting activates an increased rate of cellular 

response (autophagy) to allow our body to 

clean itself of its old and dead cells. 

There is a balance here, of course. You 

get sick from too much autophagy as 

well as too little. Which gets us back to 

the natural cycle of life – feast and fast. 

Not constant ‘dieting’! This allows for cell 

growth during eating, 

and cellular cleansing 

during fasting – 

BALANCE 

– Life is 

all about 

balance. 

Healthy 

Gut 

Our 

microbiome 

is the colony 

of bacteria that lives in our 

stomach. A better balance 

towards ‘good bacteria’ = good 

health. 

It has been shown in 

many studies, that during fasting, our 

microbiome greatly benefits. In particular, 

there is one species of bacteria that 

thrives and flourishes when we fast, called 

‘Akkermansia’. It lives on the mucous 

lining of our guts, an anti-inflammatory 

for the gut lining, keeping it in good 

shape. 

Detoxification 

When we fast, it allows for the liver and 

kidneys to detoxify completely: Ensure 

you Hydrate properly to facilitate this 

process. 

Sleep 

Steady blood sugar levels help the 

increased natural production of Human 

Growth Hormone (known as the ‘youth 

hormone’) at night, leading to a more 

restorative sleep. 

Here are the Supplements we use 

to get the most out of our fasting 

journey, available on www. 

Protocol8.com along with more 

information about fasting. 

C60 is reported to be the most 

potent antioxidant in the world and will 

help ‘mop up’ those toxins to support 

weight loss and reduce inflammation. 

Ancient and Brave – MCT and 

Collagen, helping you feel satiated 

without raising insulin. Nuzest is an 

ideal ‘full nutritional support’. 

SkinnyLuxeTea is ideal for reducing 

cravings and making you feel full in 

those fasting windows. 




POWER 

in your 

POSE 

Research shows strong connections between our mind 

and body – so when you position your body into a 

particular pose – you are actually telling your mind how to 

think... Core of Steel Coach Emily-Rose explains... 




If you want to change your mood 

and feel more powerful and 

confident, forget the stuff out 

there that says, “think your way 

to being happy”, because this 

alone is not going to cut it! You 

need to get up, move your body 

– basically change your physiology and that 

will change the biochemistry that makes up 

dominance and stress. 

As Tony Robbins says: “Physiology 

creates psychology.” And “Motion creates 

emotion!” 

You see, our posture does more than 

change our emotional state; it has a huge 

effect on those around us too! Becoming 

consciously aware of your pose gives you the 

ability to build rapport with everyone you 

meet – it’s your superhero power! 

even the types of hand gestures they use 

when it’s your turn to speak can level out the 

power. You will quickly see that you regain a 

balanced level of rapport – and you are both 

likely to relax too! 

If you are not in a great mood, or 

you aren’t feeling particularly motivated 

then take note of the way your body is 

positioned... You’ll probably notice that 

your body is a bit more slumped over, and if 

you’re tired, maybe the way you are talking 

and moving is a bit slower too. Generally, 

your body posture will be closed-in and 

smaller than your natural frame. 

Now picture a dominant person or a highpowered 

leader, how do you imagine their 

body is positioned? Their posture would 

likely be big, open – taking up space: This 

is called the ‘power pose’. The power pose 

is incredible, because it not only makes you 

feel empowered; it also enables you to be 

less reactive to stress. 

like it. (The power of a smile is incredible.) 

Hold the smile for two minutes with one of 

the following: 

1 

Power 

Pose – 

Hands on 

Hips 

2 

Power Pose 

– Hands 

behind Head 

with Leg 

over Knee 

3 

Power Pose 

– Hands in 

the Air 

it not only makes 

you feel empowered; 

it also enables you 

to be less reactive to 

stress. 

Think of a time when you were speaking to 

someone who stood in a dominant pose, 

you may have closed your body off, which 

in turn made you feel disempowered. We 

can only feel dominated when we allow 

ourselves to be dominated! To counteract 

this, simply mirror the other person’s body 

language. Little things like matching their 

facial expressions or the tempo of their voice, 

Here’s how to effectively 

use power poses: 

During everyday interactions, you may want 

power poses to be a little subtler – we could 

run around with our arms in the air like an 

athlete who’s just won a gold medal, but 

in some settings, this option may not be a 

suitable reaction. 

Small adjustments are sufficient in social 

situations. For example, you could uncross 

your arms, pop your hands gently on your 

hips, keep your shoulders back. When you 

are seated, being mindful that your back 

is straight and strong and your shoulders 

are back, creates positivity and a feeling of 

empowerment. 

If you want to change your emotional 

state quickly, or you know you are about to 

do something that requires confidence, find 

a bathroom or a private place and use one 

of the following power poses: 

Start by smiling, even if you don’t feel 

How would it feel to feel confident 

in everything that you do? 

Amy Cuddy did some research into the power 

pose and found that in the high-power 

pose there was a twenty percent increase in 

testosterone (dominance) and a twenty-five 

percent decrease in cortisol (stress). 

As you can imagine, this is not just about 

changing how we feel in the moment. 

Once you understand how powerful this 

technique is, you’ll experience how quickly 

it affects your entire life! 

How would it feel to just know that 

you are totally capable and can assert 

yourself in situations that you would have 

previously felt small in? 

From now on, if you hear the phrase 

‘no-one can make you feel anything’ 

you’ll know it’s completely true, because 

at any given moment you can whip up 

your superpower, change rapport, react 

confidently and totally transform the way 

that you feel. Enjoy the results! 

www.coreofsteelcoaching.com 



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ASK! 

Healing African Golden 

Milk 

This delicious hot drink is very satisfying 

and nourishing, perfect for first thing in 

the morning. The powers of turmeric and 

African cayenne pepper are immense: 

They both assist digestions, and turmeric is 

detoxifying and anti-inflammatory, whilst 

cayenne pepper relieves congestion and 

improves circulation. 

Let me help you 

with your health and 

fitness goals... 

A 

s a fitness and 

health professional 

I get asked all the 

time ‘how can I stay 

fit and healthy?’ – 

and most people 

believe it to be 

a really massive change of lifestyle – but 

actually, it really is simpler than that. 

One of the most important things is to 

consider what you are putting into your 

body. Eat really healthily! But this does not 

mean you cannot treat yourself to some of 

the foods and drinks you enjoy – just not all 

the time and not in high quantities. 

When it comes to exercising, although 

we all know what we are meant to do, it 

often seems too much hard work. If you 

set yourself goals to stay in shape or to lose 

weight, and choose an exercise you actually 

enjoy then you are more likely to stick to it. 

What if I told you that exercise can 

completely reset your mood? I have had 

the most chaotic and emotional year 

dealing with personal family issues and the 

one thing I credit for getting me through 

the trauma is exercising. The benefit 

of exercising on your mental health is 

exceptional. When you exercise, your body 

releases endorphins – these endorphins 

trigger positivity in the entire body... 

enough of a positive feeling to keep you 

going even during the toughest times. 

Form a good habit and try a daily 

20-30-minute exercise routine to combat 

negativity; this, alongside a nutritious 

diet can work wonders for your overall 

wellbeing. 

My top 3 exercises to encourage 

happy feelings are: 

1 

Running – outdoor running is 

the best. It is free, you don’t need 

a kit, just a pair of good trainers. 

You always feel amazing out in 

nature breathing fresh air. 

2 

Dancing – you could try a 

dance-based class like Zumba or 

Barre. But just dancing in your 

own home for twenty minutes 

every day is a great start. I encourage any 

form of daily movement. 

3 

Yoga – you enter a more 

relaxed state when you 

practise yoga. You also spend 

time breathing and being 

present... try a YouTube session or 

your local gym for group classes. 

This recipe makes two cups 

Ingredients: 

200ml, milk (I use coconut or almond milk) 

1/2 Tsp, grounded turmeric 

A pinch, cayenne pepper 

1/2 Tsp, grated ginger 

A pinch, black pepper 

1 Tbsp, raw honey 

Method: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a small milk 

pan on medium heat until milk is hot – be 

careful not to burn! 

2. Strain and serve in a tea cup. 

www.yummymummy.co.uk 

the one thing I 

credit for getting me 

through the trauma 

is exercising 




The human 

body has more 

calcium than any 

other mineral. 

for calcium is close 

to one in ten; for 

selenium, the figures 

are a quarter of the 

male population and 

almost a half of the 

female; and one in 

ten of us is missing 

out on magnesium. 

So where should 

we be looking to 

find the missing five? 

Well, the good news 

is that they are readily 

available in some 

foods that are also a 

joy to eat. 

ARE 

YOU 

Out? 

Here is Grape Tree’s guide to why we need 

five vital nutrients that we could be lacking, and 

which foods contain them... 

1. Magnesium 

As well as turning the food we eat into 

energy, magnesium is important for bone 

health. It also steadies the heart rhythm 

and regulates blood pressure. A deficiency 

can lead to muscle spasms, agitation and 

anxiety, sleep disorders, loss of appetite 

and fatigue. 

Missing 

How Much Do We Need? Men: 300mg 

a day. Women: 270mg a day. 

Where to 

Find It: 

Sources include 

green leafy 

vegetables, 

fish, meat, and 

dairy foods. 

Plant-based 

options also include nuts, wholegrains 

and lentils. Nuts are recommended 

as a source by the NHS. An ounce of 

brazils (a handful) contains over 100mgs 

of magnesium, a third of the daily 

requirement. The same weight of almonds 

or cashews serves up a quarter of the 

total advised. A handful of linseed or chia 

will each give you around 150mg. Quinoa 

has 60mgs in every 100gs. 

You have probably 

never given much 

consideration to what 

quantity of potassium 

you eat each day. 

Or selenium, or 

magnesium for that 

matter... but perhaps now is the time to 

pay attention, because these are three 

minerals that have vital roles to play in 

our nutrition and overall health. And yet 

millions of us in Britain simply do not 

consume enough of them, and many of us 

are also going short of iron and calcium. 

The National Diet and Nutrition 

Survey lists that more than a quarter of 

females have below the recommended 

levels for potassium and iron. The figure 

2. Potassium 

Potassium controls the balance of 

fluids in the body and is crucial to the 

working of the heart, brain, nerves 

and muscles. A deficiency can cause 

weakness and fatigue, muscle stiffness, 

aches and cramps, and irregular 

heartbeats. 




How Much Do We Need? Adults: 

3,500mg a day. 

Where to Find It: Many fruits, 

vegetables, fish, poultry meat and 

beef contain potassium, but levels are 

reduced by cooking, particularly boiling. 

So, eating raw is recommended. Which 

makes dried fruits, nuts and seeds even 

more attractive options. Of the nuts, 

pistachios have the most. A handful will 

give you 290mgs or eight percent of your 

target. But a handful of most nuts will 

hit five percent. A large handful of raisins 

(a quarter cup) will hit 250mg (seven 

women need 14.8mg a day until the onset 

of the menopause. 

Where to Find It: The best food source 

of selenium is brazil nuts. Just one or 

two nuts a day contain all the selenium 

you need. While 3oz of beef or turkey 

will give you forty percent of your daily 

requirement. 

Other good vegetarian sources are 

seeds: A quarter cup of sunflower seeds 

will give you a third of your daily needs 

and the same amount of chia and sesame 

seeds will provide a quarter of the 

requirement. 

One in ten of us 

are missing out 

on magnesium. 

fortified with iron. Recommended sources 

of plant-based non-haem iron include 

chickpeas, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. 

An ounce (28g) of pumpkin seeds has 

4.2mgs, almost half of the daily male 

target, and a cup of quinoa (185gs) has 

well over a quarter. A handful of cashews 

(40g) has 2.67mgs, and cup of boiled 

lentils (around 200gs) has a hefty 6.6mgs 

– almost half the female daily target. 

5. Calcium 

The human body has more calcium than 

any other mineral. It is vital in building 

teeth and bones, 

regulating muscle 

contractions (including 

the heartbeat) and 

making sure blood clots 

normally. A deficiency 

can lead to osteoporosis 

in later life. 

How Much Do We 

Need? Adults: 700mg 

a day. 

percent) and 25gms of pumpkin seed or 

linseed will supply over five percent. 

3. Selenium 

Selenium has key links with the thyroid, 

which is vital for the functioning of all 

the cells in the body. It helps the immune 

system and may improve fertility. Selenium 

is an antioxidant that helps protect the 

body from free radicals. It is also linked with 

mood. 

How Much Do We Need? Adult men 

and older women: 8.7mg a day. Younger 

4. Iron 

Critical for making the red blood cells that 

carry oxygen around the body, iron also 

helps maintain the immune system. Being 

low on iron can make you feel tired and faint, 

and can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. 

How Much Do We Need? Adult Men 

and Older Women: 8.7mg a day. Younger 

Women: 14.8mg a day until the onset of 

the menopause. 

Where to Find It: Red meats are rich 

sources, in an easily absorbed form called 

haem iron. Many breakfast cereals are 

Where to Find It: 

Dairy foods, green 

leafy vegetables (except 

spinach), bread and 

anything else made with 

fortified flour have supplies of calcium. 

But nuts are also an NHS recommended 

source. Ten almonds or nine brazils have 

50mg. Seeds and dried fruit are also an 

excellent source. A tablespoon of sesame 

seeds has over 90mg and a tablespoon 

of chia has almost 80mg. Four figs have 

100mg, three dates (50gs) have 20mg, 

and fifty raisins have 13mg. 

There you have it, tasty 

options to reach your daily 

dose of vital nutrients. 

www.grapetree.co.uk 




WELL 

WISHES 

The following people, businesses and companies 

would like to extend their very best wishes to 

everyone at Look Good Feel Better charity, and to 

support the continued success of BLUSH Magazine... 




A 

Acorn Services 

Arch Motor & Manufacturing Co Ltd 

B 

BNP Paribas 

C 

Cambrai Covers 

Charles Worthington Salons 

Chloe 

Clarins UK Ltd 

Clarke & Simpson 

Clean Heels Ltd 

Coty UK 

Creative Interior Design Ltd 

D 

DGO Restoration 

DR Organic Ltd 

Drystream 

E 

Elegant Touch 

Express Gifts Ltd 

F 

Furniture Village 

H 

Hailsham Plant 

Hanes Brands Inc (DKNY) 

Hothair 

Howard Construction (Anglia) Ltd 

Hugo Boss 

I 

iMEDicare Ltd 

Ivan Renshaw & Co 

L 

Lancome 

Lewis Concrete Ltd 

M 

Marc Jacobs Fragrance 

Massive Dynamixx Ltd 

Mrs Caroll 

O 

Oza Chemists in Fulham 

P 

Parker Knoll Upholstery Limited 

PDC Brands 

Pixi Beauty 

Puig UK 

Q 

Quiksilver Group (Lanai Ltd) 

R 

Ros Oxley 

S 

Shearings Holidays 

Shiseido UK 

Sienna X 

Spray Tan Cubicle Company Ltd 

Strand Bearings Ltd 

Supacleen Ltd 

Sweet Cures 

U 

UK Gas Technologies 

The BLUSH team would like to extend 

a special ‘thank-you’ to all contributors 

to this issue. 




Shush... 

How we can talk about mental health. 

It is often assumed, as well as 

found in some studies that 

women are more emotionally 

expressive than men, but let’s 

face it, it isn’t always easy 

for anybody to open up a 

conversation about mental 

health. To begin with, where do we start? 

What if we say the wrong thing? What if 

the person we are talking to doesn’t want 

our help? What if it is us that needs the 

support? What if we burden them? Or 

offend them? 

There are so many questions that 

overwhelm us, to the point when an 

appropriate moment to approach someone 

about our own mental wellbeing or their 

mental health has gone... or worse still, we 

may actually bombard someone else with 

well-intended but unwelcome advice. 

Research shows that humans tend not to 

take advice from others; we either ask for 

it as a way of reaffirming our own opinion, 

or we don’t ask at all – because we don’t 

want advice, or we are not ready for it, or 

we are ashamed to tell others how we are 

really feeling... Do you relate to any of these 

scenarios? 

It doesn’t matter how relevant or 

well balanced the advice is, this type of 

information mostly comes from a subjective 

place based on the advisor’s experiences 

or knowledge, rather than the best option 

for the other person. With all the good 

intention, experience and expertise in the 

world, we can never completely know what 

somebody else is going through, in the way 

that they are personally going through it. 

So how can we help 

without giving advice? 

Well, the first thing to remember is that 

mental health is something we all need 

to be on top of... just like we are on top 

of our physical fitness. 

It is good to talk, but it is even better 

to LISTEN... and it is vital to approach 

any situation appropriately, because one 

of the biggest problems is recognising 

the symptoms of mental ill health 

and supporting a person to manage 

their condition or to point them in 

the direction of seeking the necessary 

professional help. 

As a Mental Health First Aider, you 

are not a qualified therapist, just like 

physical first aiders are not paramedics, 

but by following the Action Plan that is 

learnt during a Mental Health First Aid 

course, you can really make a difference 

to a lot of people. 

It is a simple process to 

become a Mental Health 

First Aider: 

1 

2 

3 

Visit the Mental Health First Aid 

courses, www.MHFAEngland.org 

Choose the right course for you... 

Attend the full course you apply for and 

you will be a Mental Health First Aider. 

You can do these courses as an individual, 

or get work colleagues on board so that 

your organisation can assign specific team 

members to the role of Mental Health First 

Aider, with the aim of having someone 

allocated in each department. There are also 

courses available for those working with 

youths and with the armed forces. 

Remember, mental ill health can affect 

anybody, so the more awareness on the 

subject, the better for everybody’s overall 

health and wellbeing. Just like if you are a 

physical first aider, you do not have to help, 

but what these courses do is raise awareness, 

reduce stigma, and shed light on your own 

mental health status. 

It is an ideal course to do if you are 

supporting somebody going through 

treatment, loss or trauma, as well as, if you 

are too, experiencing life challenges. 


Beautiful 

AT EVERY AGE 

Clarins, 

for the love 

of women. 

It’s all about you.

BLUSH Winter 2019

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