Charlie Locks Skincare

A couple of weeks back I was invited to a skincare evening with Charlie Locks. Charlie Locks skincare, founded by the extremely knowledgeable and helpful Julie Raines, uses the most divine natural ingredients like uplifting rose, fresh spearmint and invigorating ginger to create beautifully luxurious products that work, but are still affordable. At the skincare evening I got to try out lots of the products, and also learned the correct way to cleanse and tone. I know, you would think at 30 that I would know how to cleanse and tone, but the demonstration which Julie gave, results in a much deeper cleanse than my previous method. 

I left the evening with a pack of products, which I have been using and which I am really pleased with. As you all know, I have terribly sensitive skin and yet I've never had so much as a tingle when using these products. My set contained:

The Charlie Locks skincare gift set

Cleansing Cream with Rose

Rose is my favourite scent of all time, so I'm not even going to give my biased view on the delicious and yet delicate smell of this product, but even if you find rose to be a bit heady, you won't find the scent of this cleansing cream overpowering at all, it's a very delicate hint of rose. The packaging is lovely and simple and fits well with it being a natural skincare range. The texture is lovely, it's very light and glides onto the face with ease. Julie's recommended method for removal is to use a face cloth which is damp with warm water, as this provides all the exfoliation your skin needs too. By using this method I found that the cleansing cream removes even the most stubbon bits of makeup from my skin with ease, and without the continued harsh rubbing that some cleansing creams require. It's beautiful and leaves your skin feeling lovely and refreshed, ready for the next step in the cleansing process. With the luxurious feel of this product you would expect it to be much more than the £13.85 it is, and with every day use this generous bottle will last you a long time. 

Tonic spritz of Neroli blossom water and witchazel

We all know the benefits of witchazel as a gentle toner on the skin, and it's in lots of product which are aimed at treating problem skin too. It's a centuries old tonic which has been proven to work time and again. Combined with the Neroli blossom water it results in a luxurious toner which smells absolutely divine, really I just wanted to spray this all over my face and just leave it because the smell and feel of the tonic was so beautiful. No stinging sensations or medicinal smells, just lovely refreshing spray, which feels superbly luxurious. Spray, now that brings me onto another point, I've never in my life before used a spray bottle to apply my toner, so this was totally new to me. Once you've removed the cleanser using the damp cloth you spray the toner onto your skin until your face is literally dripping. Then remove the toner using cotton wool pads, and pat the face dry with tissue. This is the step in the Charlie Locks skincare programme which I feel has really made a difference to my skin. If I do this in the evening then it leaves my skin feeling fully cleansed and refreshed, but not at all tight or dry. In the morning I do this step without the cleansing process beforehand, and I always find that it has removed dirt from my skin. It's surprising how much dirt your skin can pick up while you are in bed and you think you are safe. The toner is again fantastic value at £12.85 a bottle.

Rose and Immortelle moisture lotion/ Rose moisture cream

I tried both of these. For me moisturiser is a real problem area, and dabbling with new ones is a sure fire way for me to have a breakout. Yet again Charlie Locks surprised me as I didn't have so much as a minor irritation while getting used to these moisturising products. The Immortelle in the lotion is a natural ingredient which is reputed to have anti-ageing properties. In terms of smell, once again neither product disappointed with a gentle and non-overpowering smell of roses from each, and you only need a small amount of each product for a nice coverage of moisturiser. For me personally I preferred using the Rose moisture cream, and that's certainly the one I will be investing in a large pot of at £18.85, but you will need to establish which texture is best for your own skin. Either way, I do not think you will be disappointed. 

Obviously if you visit a makeup counter in your local department store, they really just want to sell you something, anything, and aren't likely to have the extensive background in skincare which Julie has. If you want a bit of advice before you try out this new skincare, or even some samples to try out yourself then contact Julie via sales@charlielocks.co.uk 

In addition to this Julie has kindly offered a voucher code to readers of the Princess Prudence Diaries which means you can get 10% discount on orders of £25.00 and over, including free second class signed for delivery by using the code Longstock at the checkout. So head on over to www.charlielocks.co.uk and check out this lovely exclusive skincare range.

Shetland Part 2: Lerwick, tall ships and sacred isles

On Monday we journeyed back into Lerwick. This time it was early in the day, the shops were all open and we weren't exhausted. Lerwick is a lovely town, which isn't as small as you might initially expect. The architecture in the old part of town is reminiscent of Edinburgh, although on a much smaller scale, and every now and again you will hear a ships horn, or spot a tall ship come sailing into the harbour from a gap between shops. Check out the video below for a feel of the town.

Of course, if there's a handbag shop to be found then I will find it, and find it I did. They also happened to be having a sale, so I sailed away with this Kipling backpack. I feel no remorse, I've sold so many bags over recent months and have yet more lined up to eBay so I'm happy with this one.

Later in the day we took a drive out to St. Ninians Isle. This is a magical place where you walk across a small spit of sand to access the uninhabited island in the middle of the ocean. The island was once home to a 12th Century chapel, but has been the site of graves and places of worship since neolithic times. It really feels like a magical place, but that might be because of the breathtaking views. I was so glad that it was something we managed to fit in. Here's the view

On Tuesday we paid a visit back to Lerwick for a little wander before heading back to the island of Burra for a wander around some of the idyllic fishing villages there.

How to choose the right maxi dress for you

If you are looking for a dress that screams sexy and feminine whilst also being versatile then look no further.  The maxi dress is one item you should have in your wardrobe and with just one dress you can create so many different looks, each one catering towards a different event.
A staple requirement of any wardrobe, the maxi is the perfect summer dress – even if the weather currently afflicting the UK is far from summery. To choose the right maxi dress for you, follow these suggestions:

1. For Plus Size Women

If you have a plus size body then a maxi dress with thicker straps is perfect for you - especially if you want to show off your shoulders and accentuate your upper body. The straps also come in handy if you need to wear a bra which offers more support than strapless varieties.
If you wish to elongate your body and show off your figure, then a V-neck design will be perfect. Opting for a maxi dress with bold patterns and colours will also make your body look taller. 

2. For Petite Women

If you are petite then you ideally want a maxi dress that is made from material that clings to you. Strapless maxi dresses are perfect because they are figure hugging around your bust and when the dress falls it won’t make you look frumpy.
By choosing a dress with an empire waist you are letting it create a structure so that it shows off your curves. In terms of colours and designs, you are better off sticking to smaller prints and patterns and pastel colours. Butterfly or flowery patterns are perfect and a popular choice for 2012.
If you did choose a dress with lager prints then it could overpower your small frame and may ruin the illusion you are trying to create.

3. For Any Occasion

When you are choosing maxi dresses, always bear in mind what you are going to wear it for - although they can be worn to any occasion or event you will need to change you accessories to match the situation.
If you are wearing the dress to the beach or pool then sandals will be the perfect footwear. If you are wearing it on a night out then heels or wedges give it a chic feel that cannot be matched in other styles. By wearing big jewellery and you hair loose you will create the ultimate sophisticated yet casual look.

Please be aware that this is a sponsored blog post

Shetland part 1: Flights, beaches and looking for Tammie Norrie

Hubby and I had such a busy week in the Shetland Islands, and crammed in so very much that I don't quite know where to start. There's so many photos, videos and tales of what we got up to that I'll have to break it down, so begins part one of our trip.

The Shetland Islands isn't the most direct of places to access from the Midlands, so last Saturday it was an early (3am) start to get our two flights up to Sumburgh, the Shetlands' main airport. We arrived on the island just before lunchtime, and met our friends at the airport. They were kindly letting us use their fabulous cottage as a base. Once we'd settled in, and I'd had a nanna nap, we set off to Lerwick for the most humungous haddock and chips I've ever witnessed in my life. We were so tired though that once we'd had our dinner we set off back to the cottage for some much needed kip.

Panoramic views on our drive back to the cottage

Sunday was beautifully sunny and warm, far warmer than we expected Shetland to be. We took a drive to Scalloway, which was lovely, overlooking a big fishing harbour, and having one of the best eateries in the Shetlands, the Scalloway hotel.

In front of fishermen's cottages in Scalloway
Shoes - Clarks; Jeans - Dorothy Perkins; Bag - Anya Hindmarch; Top - Vintage;
Jacket - Charity shop; Sunglasses - Givenchy; Hat - Hubby's

We decided to have Sunday lunch there, which was most definitely a good choice, before setting off to Meal beach on Burra.

Meal Beach

Hubby on Meal beach

Meal beach was breath taking. Crystal clear blue Atlantic waters, and barely anyone around. White sand, and paddling in the water as it gently lapped the shore was most definitely one of the many highlights of the holiday.

The view from Sumburgh Head

Intent on fitting in as much as humanly possible to the holiday, after a quick trip to the village of Hamnavoe, we set off to Sumburgh head to see if there were any Puffins, locally known as Tammie Norries, left. Alas we were too late and they'd all migrated, but we still managed to take in some spectacular views including Gannets and seals.

The lighthouse at Sumburgh Head

A seal basking on the rocks

We set off home for the night, tired but happy at all we had seen, to get some sleep for the next days adventure.

Back from afar

I know you've not noticed because I'd scheduled some blog posts to run while I was away, but when you read this I will (Godwilling) be on my way home from a week spent in the Shetland Islands... yep, the Northernmost region of the UK.

Image from www.beachandisland.net

Stay tuned for tales and photographs from the Island.

Big purple people eater

By no means am I a matchy matchy type of person. I'm definitely not a Helga, or an Amber and quite often clash my stuff, usually with carelessness. 

Anyway, these 2 bags are ones which survived the great handbag cull of 2012. You'll see that they are similar purple colours (although the VW one is a bit redder), and mock croc. 

Paul's Boutique and Vivienne Westwood

Anyway, I wouldn't usually have thought to match anything to them, but when I got my Kindle, Lauren suggested I check out eBay for a case. When I saw this I pounced on it knowing it was going to go with both handbags. 

It was then that things spiralled out of control. I pondered, would I be able to find a purse to match? Well that wasn't too difficult or expensive, and my little set was building up. 

When I struggled to find a makeup bag, I sent out my plea to the people of Twitter, and a lovely friend found me this on eBay.

When a second plea went out for a glasses case, that same friend found me these, which arrived today. 

A bit more snake than crock, but purple and kind of matchy

So, in the space of a couple of weeks I've managed to match up all of my handbag accessories to these 2 handbags, and for less than £20 the lot. I've really enjoyed doing this, and I think that rather than add to my collection of handbags I'm going to make up the sets for each handbag I own. It keeps me occupied hunting down exactly the right thing, and it's enjoyable focussed purchasing... I just need to find a purple umbrella and this one is done. 

Not one to be pigeon holed

Last week, when I donned this little combo hubby commented at how far removed it was from my wardrobe full of vintage lady like dresses.

Pumps - Converse; Leggings - Blue Banana; T-shirt - House of Gods;
Waistcoat - Wallis (via charity shop); Sunglasses - Givenchy

That's a good thing, you see I've always been something of a chameleon. I'm not too much of any one style, but a bit of every style. I like to dip in and out and wear what I feel like each day, and when I started trying to pigeon hole myself into the vintage dresses every single day, well that's when my funk disappeared (thank you for all of your kind comments on that post by the way).

Close up of the leggings

Hubby always comments on how he loves my 'chameleon like' nature and my myriad of different looks, so this funky snake print leggings and rock T-shirt combo got a definite thumbs up from him. Don't get me wrong, I'm not waving good bye to my love of all things vintage, I think that's just my point, it's ok to be a little bit of everything, you don't have to pop yourself in a box with a neat little label because frankly, sometimes, the label just doesn't fit.

Sorting out the important stuff

A man in a bank once said to me,

 “It’s the one insurance policy that you hope you never have to claim on”

Whilst I’d sooner not claim on any of my insurance policies, he was talking in particular about life insurance.  At 30 years old, and particularly with no children to consider, many people would not be thinking about sorting out their life insurance, but actually I had mine sorted a couple of years back in my late 20s. The fact of the matter is that none of us know what is around the corner. Yes, life expectancy is getting higher all the time and I’m sure we’d all love to be like the 100 year old Olympic torch bearer, but you can’t bank on these things. Whether you have children or not, the chances are that if the worst was to happen you would be leaving behind a huge void in the life of someone. I know that’s not really something that we all like to think about while we’re enjoying all that life has to offer, but it’s never too soon to think about making provision. Surely it would be far better to leave your loved ones with some security? Maybe something to help them with the burden of the mortgage, or even just enough to take them off on a lovely holiday to foreign climes.

Photo copyright of Glyn Lowe All rights reserved

The other benefit to sorting it out at a younger age is that sometimes, not always since it depends on your own individual circumstances, but sometimes it can mean that your premiums are far lower than they would be if you left it until you were much older.  I would definitely recommend arranging your own insurance sooner rather than later, it will give you and those you love peace of mind, and then you can get on with enjoying life and hoping that you never have to claim on it.

Please be aware that this is a sponsored blog post. All views and situations are, however, my own.

Frock on Friday: Photo Fail

Ever have one of those days when no matter how many times you set up the Gorillapod, and set the self timer, you just always seem to get it wrong?

Monday was a day like that for me, I took about 10 photographs of this outfit and still they all were either missing a head, a hand or a foot.

I got so annoyed I figured you would get the idea of what the outfit looked like from this little compilation. I wore it to run some errands and meet up with very dear friends for coffee.

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins, Dress - Gift, Sunglasses - Givenchy

Take note, this is the last time you will see this dress. It's not the only black floral dress in my wardrobe but even though I think this is really pretty I prefer my other. As such, it's going to eBay as part of the great declutter of 2012. Wave goodbye.

In other news, look at this fab brooch.

It's one of the brooches I picked from Gemmipops designs when I won the giveaway on Lakota's blog. I love purple, I love dogs, how could I go wrong.

Have a great weekend.

This week on eBay

I often forget to post the link here to the things I'm selling on eBay, but I had a bit of a blitz at getting some designer and vintage handbags on there at the weekend, amongst other things. I'll be adding bits throughout the week so please keep checking back. Here's the link to my ebay listings... now go, shop!

One of the bags that's found its way onto eBay

Book review: War Brides

So, when I bought my kindle a couple of weeks back, and I visited the kindle shop to look for ebooks, it kept recommending a book called War Brides. I read the synopsis, and thought it wasn't really the sort of book I'd usually buy, but who am I to argue with Amazon? I bought it, and within a few seconds I was reading it (sorry, I shall try not to gush about the Kindle in the middle of this review... it is really good though).


The book is set in a small rural village in English Sussex during the second world war. It follows the exploits of Frances, Evangeline, Tanni, Elsie and Alice. Four very unlikely friends, not only from different classes, backgrounds and religions, but from different parts of the world, who have been thrown together in Crowmarsh Priors as a result of war breaking out. Ordinarily books about the war don't seem to look at it from a woman's point of view, so this is fantastic as they go out working as land girls, or dressmaking. Digging for victory, and running up disgusting cakes with powdered egg. There are moments of real comedy, suspense and absolute sadness too.

The book is written really well, although I did feel it a bit long and that perhaps some of the plot could have been dispensed with, but all in all I was surprised at how much I loved reading this book and would recommend that anyone with any sort of interest in life in wartime Britain go and get it right this minute. Even if you think you won't like it, as I did, chances are you will.

Getting my funk back

I've been feeling really quite Meh! about my appearance of late. I don't know, maybe it's the fact that I've been covered in paint and sawdust for the last few weeks, or that I've had little if any time to relax and regain myself. If I do go anywhere it's been more of a case of grab whatever frock is nearest and get out of the door, and be grateful to be out of the paint and sawdust covered jeans. I personally think it's something more than that though, and I think a lot stems from this ongoing declutter operation that's going on at castle Prudence. I can't help but think that a lot of what I have (and what I'm now getting rid of) actually isn't me. See, I've always been a chameleon, but I had what I described as funk. In getting so engrossed though in the continual accumulation of stuff, I think I've lost the funk and just kept the stuff. Well, no more readers because I've resolved to get my funk back. I'll be selling, donating, gifting and swapping the things I have realised to be 'not me' and rediscovering the old me all over again.

My first step was today when I went and had my hair chopped off, and some subtle purple highlights put through the fringe.

Excuse me looking so tired, I'd been decorating again
You can't really see the purple highlights in the picture, they are very subtle. 

I already feel so much better, and on the path to myself again.

Store Cupboard Beauty Treats

The other night, while enjoying a glass of Guiness I remembered how my Mum always used to tell me that a final rinse with beer works wonders on the hair. Since I was getting in a bath anyway I saved a spot of the black stuff and used it, the results were great because my hair was soft, shiny and even looked a tad darker to my eyes. Obviously that's one for the dark haired amongst us, but I thought I'd pull together a few of my favourite store cupboard beauty treatments for you since, in these frugal times it's always nice to make yourself gorgeous without having to spend any money.

Or you could just drink it all

 Hair:

Guiness Rinse - Mix one part Guiness with 2 parts lukewarm water and use this as the final rinse on your hair for shiny soft hair.

Vinegar Rinse - As above but replacing Guiness with Vinegar, this is a great one for if you've been abusing lots of product because it cuts through any residue left in your hair, but not such a good one to do if you have coloured hair as it will strip the colour back.

Olive Oil - Before your bath take a 20p sized blob of olive oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it to treat the hair while you are in the bath and then wash out thoroughly. You may need to shampoo twice but your hair will be in great condition.

Teeth:

Bicarbonate/ baking soda - Use a small amount of these baking staples to whiten and clean your teeth.

Body:

Salt and Olive oil - Mix equal parts sea salt (the larger grained course stuff) with olive oil and massage into areas of cellulite and rough skin to slough it all away and get the circulation moving.

Milk and oatmeal - Mix 2 parts powdered milk with one part oats (yes, porridge) and put it into a muslin pouch (yes you will have to buy the muslin) which is securely tied at the top. Drop the muslin bag into warm running water in the bath for super soft and moisturised skin.

Eyes:

Tea bags - Remove used tea bags from the pot (or the cup before the milk is added) and squeeze them out. Leave to cool and place on tired eyes for 5 - 10 minutes. The tannin in the tea soothes the eyes and reduces bags. Finish by wiping the tea stains from your eyes with cotton wool and cool water

Cucumber - Cut slices of cooling cucumber and place on the eyes for 5 - 10 minutes to relieve tired eyes.

A lot of these little tips are things that have been handed down through generations, but I think they really work. For every one I've listed here though, there are tons more that are around. So what's your favourite store cupboard beauty treat?

Ta-da Tuesday Tutorial: How to make tinted lip balm

Last week I was reading a review that Sera did on a tinted balmy, glossy type lipstick by Revlon (those are all technical terms) and decided that I would make a tinted lip balm I can keep in my handbag for a translucent daytime coverage. I thought you'd appreciate a tutorial as you might want to make one too.

equipment

You will need:

• A part used tub of lip balm of your choice
• A lipstick (I used red, but you could use whatever colour you like)
• a small microwave suitable plate
• a knife
• Cocktail sticks
• A microwave

Step 1:
Using the knife scoop the lip balm out of the tub, and put it on the plate. (I didn't have a lot of lip balm left)

Step 2:

Again using the knife, cut some of the lipstick from the tube and place it on the plate with the lip balm. How much of the lipstick you cut will depend on how subtle you want the colour to be. The greater the ratio of lipstick to lipbalm then the deeper the colour will be, and vice versa. You can always try with a little bit and if it's not bold enough add more after the first mix. Also, if you use a lipstick that has a bit of shimmer, it's likely that the shimmer will transfer to your lip balm too.

Step 3:
Put your plate with your balm and lipstick in the microwave, and experimenting with 10 second intervals, heat the duo up just until you have a creamy consistency that you can mix together. Mix the two together thoroughly with a cocktail stick.

Step 4:
Try a spot of your new balm to check it's the colour and depth you want. If not, add some more lipstick and repeat step 3.

Step 5:
Using the knife or a small spoon put your new mixture back into the lip balm tub, and place the tub in the fridge for 20 minutes to reset the balm. After this the balm will be ready to use, applied with either your finger or a brush, for a translucent coverage of colour.

Ta - dah - tinted lip balm

Don't forget to wash up your utensils using hot soapy water.

I made this on Sunday, and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. So, I'm linking this to Lakota's ta-da Tuesday. 

Take me out to the ball game

Hubby and I have been getting really into the whole Olympics vibe, so on Friday when we were near the City of Coventry stadium carpet shopping, and I knew that they had tickets left for that evening's lady's football fixture, I suggested we get tickets. We did, and I was doubly excited, not just because we were going to an Olympic fixture but also because this would be my first ever football match. That's right readers, 30 years old and I've never been to a football match... hubby was astounded.

In the short time period between getting home and going out again to the football, I had such a dilemma about what to wear... having never been to a footy match before, but opted for a very blue ensemble with these Reiss shorts that I hadn't worn yet, and a 1960s vintage top. I had to wear the little scarf because I'm getting a sore throat from all the paint fumes in the house.

Pumps - Converse; Tights - Calvin Klein; Shorts - Reiss; Top - Vintage; Denim Jacket - Hubby's
Scarf - Jacqmar (vintage); Sunglasses - Givenchy; Bag - Longchamp

We had a lovely time before hand soaking up the atmosphere, with 28,828 spectators the match was almost a sell out, and the majority of the crowd were supporting team GB.

Even the police officers were in the spirit of things.

We were playing Canada (they won).

Canadian fans

The crowd was a buzz of energy as Mexican waves travelled around the stadium

And flags were passed up into the crowd to pass across them

I even got rather patriotic myself

Me and my double chin enjoying the football

The full arena was an impressive sight to behold

The light was lovely as we left, and even though we lost, there was still a general feeling of happiness amongst the crowd.

I enjoyed my first football match, and I enjoyed getting to see an Olympic event in my hometown even more.

Frock on Friday: Dress shocker

So, I know it would seem that for the past few weeks I have been up to my eyebrows in muck, dust, paint and gravel, and to an extent you would be right. That said, I still managed to find an occasion for this laid back 40s style frock when our lovely neighbours took pity on us having been out working in the blazing sun like forever, and invited us round for dinner last weekend. We had a lovely time too. (please excuse the squinting, I do that a lot)

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins; Dress - via charity shop

While I'm on here, I really should apologise too. I've been really amiss at commenting on all of your blogs. Aside from having been covered in muck, dust, paint and gravel, my Blackberry is broken too, and since it's my preferred method of keeping up to date with you all I'm not getting to read all my favourite blogs as often as usual. I've been assured that it should be gone no longer than 10 days.

I hope you all have great weekends. Just a heads up too, when I reach 200 followers here on the blog I am going to do a fabulous vintage giveaway, so spread the word.

London 2012: Inspiring a generation

I'm the first to admit it, I am extremely non sporty. I wasn't always like that, I loved martial arts as a child and teenager, was good at netball, shot put, javelin and Badminton. After a brief dalliance with the gym as an adult though, I decided sports really wasn't for me. I'm far too lazy for all that.

Having said that, I've been somewhat addicted like never before to watching as many of the Olympic fixtures as I can, and even feeling a pang of inspiration myself. In particular I feel exceptionally proud to be a woman because those girls are out there in what could be traditionally classified as male sports, weightlifting, judo, boxing, and they are making waves. Not just Team GB, but each and every team from around the world is proving that whatever the men can do, the women can do too. From that perspective I think that the London 2012 tagline, "Inspiring a generation" has really hit the nail on the head, because at 30 years old if I am watching the female rowing team and wishing I could take part, then you have to think that there must be some very young girls watching what's happening and thinking, I want to do that too.

Olympic opening ceremony from http://www.flickr.com/photos/shimelle/

 

 

So maybe one day I will take up clay pigeon shooting, or rowing or something else decidedly unfeminine, and I probably won't stick with it because I'm too fickle, but for the first time since the UK Olympics was mentioned I actually do believe that the games are going to have a real impact on future generations because frankly, in the face of such dedication and excellence, it's hard not to be inspired.