A Review: Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil (hair care range)

       These are the three products which I own from this range (hair mask, shampoo and conditioner  I opted not to purchase the hair oil since I had a bottle of Argan oil in my stash. After my run in with the Ojon Miracle Elixir serum (whatever they want to call it) I am just not on the oil hype. Give me some organic cold pressed Almond oil/Coconut oil/Olive oil from health food shop, my pocket and hair will both thank you.  I know that Argan oil is supposed to be one of those cure all products of the hair care community. However I find that many products sporting the Argan oil tag are full of silicones. 

     I too wanted to try the Morrocan Oil products but at an average of £20 a product, with 5 products in the core range. To my and my pocket that was a bit steep for a product which could not be tried or tested. (Someone needs to tell Morrocan oil to make a sample kit including the shampoo, conditioner, and both the restorative and hydrating masks). Enter stage left while I was browsing online I went on the Avon website to peruse the offers and came across the launch of the "Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment  Moroccan Argan Oil" hair care line. Immediately I was intrigued and after a few weeks I ordered some products through my Avon lady. 

     The products themselves were not overly expensive,I bought the 250ml shampoo, 250ml  conditioner for £1.10 each and the hair mask for £2.50. Yup three full sized products for less than a fiver. Now I was not prepared to be blown away or anything, I mean it is Avon we are speaking about here. In the end I was more than impressed. The shampoo had a pearlescent colour but the formula was opaque like a good shampoo should be. It cleansed my hair, but did not strip it or leave it feeling like I had not washed it. My hair felt nourished, not hydrated but nourished. Next up the hair mask this had a nice thick formula, as one would desire in a hair mask but it spread  well, and coated my tresses. When I detangled my hair using my shower comb it gave good slip and I was pleased. I left this on for 40 minutes and then rinsed. After this I applied a blob of the conditioner and combed that through as well. The conditioner has a slightly less thick formula compared to the hair mask, but it complimented the hair mask well as a finishing product. 

I must say that even the packaging design I was very pleased with. Kudos to whomever designed the bottles they are very eye-catching and sleek. The bottles which have a slightly inverted shape fitted quite well in my hand.

The results: My hair felt great, I was pleased with the results of my wash day experience. 

The Price: On these products are amazing. Great quality for the price point. On offer you could purchase the entire line for less than £12. Full priced all four products still come up to less than £20. 

Cons: Like the Morrocan Oil range the Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Oil hair care line does not sell a sampler kit.

Pros: These are great products, price, product, packaging and availability these products are winners. 

Would I purchase? - yes
Would I recommend? - yes
Would I buy full priced? - yes 

Wash Day

     

     I am 4 posts away from my 300th blog post. whew Sometimes I wonder about post number 1 and now here I am post number 296.

     Wash day was fairly simple I shampooed twice using the Matrix Total Results Repair Shampoo, my hair felt soft after. Next the Matrix Total results Repair Deep Intensive Mask was applied, combed through and left to sit for 3 minutes (like the instructions said) then rinsed off. My hair felt funny like it was a bit stripped (this could be due to the fact that I did not apply the regular conditioner after Rinsing off the mask, it could have possibly injected some moisture back into my hair) so ORS Deep Moisturising lotion was applied and combed through, followed by ORS wrap/set mousse. My hair was roller set and I went under the dryer. I came from under the dryer and took out my rollers, the curls were soft and full. I oiled my scalp with Bontle Hair food, massaged my roots  and then my curls were pinned into a style. 

Now I know some people might be thinking didn't she post her hair routine the other day and these products were not listed. This is true.

 I purchased these products in June of 2012, when I had my hair done at Cococheno Hair Salon. I was instructed to use the mask only once a month since it is a protein based line, meaning that I would have to alternate it with another line of hair products. I only had this line of products at the time and I used them consistently for about 2 or 3 washes, in turn they made my hair feel very stripped. I have not thrown them away (I am not about that life) I intend to use them until they are completely finished. What I will do is use them as the stylist suggested and only use them once a month, alternating with my Avon Morrocan Oil products (don't sleep on AVON the Morrocan Oil line has been very very good to my hair)

Hair Stats
Current length: Just past should length 
Last Relaxer: February 2nd 2013
Next Relaxer: April 27th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer
Recent buys: None

Wishlist

 Wishlist 

Just a few things I have my eye on,so I have started counting my sheckles 

Joules welliebobs link

No7 Cleansing Brush link 

Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm link 

Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush link

Maybelline Master Shape Brow in soft Brown link 

Eylure Shape and shade Brow Pencil and Tamer Dark - Medium Brunette link 


PIXI glow tonic 

Rimmel scandal eyes black/blue eyeliner

Clinique Take the day off cleansing balm

Dior Miss Dior Cherie EDP 30ml 

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Face Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm link

Peter Thomas Roth Max Strength complexion clearing pads link 

*Nuxe Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm link 

 *La Roche Posay effeclar face wash

 *La Roche Posay effeclar toner

 La Roche Posay effeclar duo

 La Roche Posay effeclar k

Avene Cleanane K 

Avene sunscreen


xx
Miss Mai 

Current Favourites

     Since it is too late for January favourites I have made an alternative list. These are the things which have been getting me through the month of January.

My godson  (yippie, yahoo, yay yay)

Longchamp le Pliage Tote 

MAC Studio Fix + powder in NW45

Leggings (the are not pants but they do keep me warm)

Merlot

Sanctuary Brightening facial hot cloth cleanser 

Sleek blush in Flushed

Mascara

Brita Fill and Go water bottle/personal filter

Joules Wellington boots (great for combating the snow)

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Butter

Jergens Oatmeal Body Cream 

Dove Go Fresh Grapefruit and Lemongrass deodorant

Ralph Lauren Romance perfume (Birthday gift)

Emporio Armani Sunglasses (Birthday gift)

Chanel CoCo Mademoiselle perfume (Birthday gift)

Chai Tea 

Amaretto cake 

Nivea essential care lip balm (dark blue cover) been using this since 2001 and still going strong. been going through this like nobody's business, due to the horrible weather we are having in Nottingham. 

Rizzoli and Islies (these two women are a hot mess incorporated, but the show is great, lol)

Scandal (you just need to watch, too much to explain)

 Flashpoint (cute men who do police work, good show I got drawn in by the eyecandy *shrug*)

Blue Bloods  It's about a family of Irish Americans who have made Police work the family business family, fun, love and old fashioned family values. (I remember when this first came out I though ANOTHER show about New York City REALLAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY. I have been getting into it and I just love the family lunches on Sunday.) 

xx
Miss Mai

Reading List

   
      One of my friends said to me last week that I am always involved in a project. Here is my new project for the blog book reviews. Sometimes reading the words of others helps to put things into perspective. Alternatively they provide inspiration or form a base for introspection. 

Letters to a Young Sister - Hill Harper Currently reading (re-read)

The Richest Man in Babylon - George s. Clayson

The Magic of thinking big - David Schwartz 

Who Moved My Cheese - Dr Spencer Johnson (re- read)

The Law of Success in Sixteen Lessons - Napoleon Hill

How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie

Guide to Budgeting -  Dave Ramsey

Personal finance for Dummies - Eric Tyson 


xx
Miss Mai

Relaxer Update - February 2013

   

     Prior to Relaxer: On Monday 28th January I oiled scalp with Hairveda Almond Glaze, and moisturised edges and nape with Elasta Qp Mango Butter. Some hairs around the front looked a bit straggly, but that could have been due the fact that the relaxer was due. Overall hair did not feel bad, length of hair looked pretty healthy and shiny. The back felt a bit gummy in texture  when I applied the Mango Butter so I opted out of a full moisturise and seal. My next deep condition after my relaxer was will include a protein treatment. On the Friday I oiled the ends and length of the hair using the Proclere Argan oil serum  and finger combed there was no manipulation of the hair between Monday and Friday.  

     I relaxed my hair at 10 weeks post on February 2nd 2013. My hairdresser relaxed my hair using the Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer - normal. She applied the relaxer in 4 sections, starting with the back right section. Application of the relaxer took about 10 minutes overall. The smoothing process took another 10 minutes. My hair was neutralized using the Motion Neutralizing Shampoo, then deep conditioned using the Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing conditioner. I had a small trim, (no scalping) my leave -ins were applied ( Doo grow leave- in growth treatment, ORS rich moisturising lotion and ORS wrap foam lotion) and then roller-set. After my hair was dried it was very shiny, moisturised and full of body. 

My Doo Gro leave in growth treatment DECANTED into the Aphogee Keratin and Green tea bottle.  

xx

Birthday Girl

     
     Today is my birthday,(also Alicia Keys, Kina and the big dog Robert Burns so I am in Good company) shimmy shimmy to the left, shimmy shimmy to the right. Time to eat cake and drink champagne (or whiskey since I am a winter baby). 

xx

Hair Goals for 2013

My hair goals for 2013 are fairly simple.

- Retain length pre September 2012 trim (line #3 on Length Check T shirt)

- Wash and Deep condition hair every 2 weeks

- Try Co-washing for retaining moisture.

- Minimal/No heat 

- Bra Strap length for December 31st 2013

Hair Stats
Current length: Just past should length 
Last Relaxer: 24th November 2012
Next Relaxer: February 2nd 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer
Recent buys: None

xx

Hair Update - January 2013

  
     Currently 8 weeks post relaxer, relaxer day undecided either January 25th or January 31st. Current moisturiser Afroveda Unscented hair butter, Sealant  Olive oil. 

Scalp - Sophia's old fashioned hair grease.  

     My new growth is bountiful but was very manageable during my last wash day. I am currently in my sleeping phase, so no new length is evident. For 2013 I will continue relaxing my hair every 3 months, using minimal/no heat practices. I saw the most length retention using these methods in 2013 so I will continue. I had a major trim in September (1.5 inches), and then a follow up trim in November when I relaxed my hair for my graduation. My ends are in good shape, and the overall look of my hair is better, with no scraggly ends, plus my hair is very even now. 

To supplement my hair maintenance practices on the outside I have taken a new approach to maintaining my body from the inside. I have a Brita personal water filter that I take everywhere with me, making it easier to sip water throughout the day. Plus I save loads by not purchasing bottled water. I take Cod Liver oil tablets daily and lately I have started carrying a small container of dried cranberries+ sunflower seeds in my handbag. This little snack is packed full of silica which is good for my hair as well as being a quick and easy much. 


My hair goals for 2013 are fairly simple.

- Retain length pre September 2012 trim (line #3 on Length Check T shirt)

- Wash and Deep condition hair every 2 weeks

- Try Co-washing for retaining moisture.

- Minimal/No heat 

- Bra Strap length for December 31st 2013


Hair Stats
Current length: Just past should length 
Last Relaxer: 24th November 2012
Next relaxer: January 25th or January 31st (undecided)
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer
Recent buys: None

Happy Hair Day

xx

Signature Scent

   
"Perfume is easily my favourite beauty product of all - it’s completely democratic. You don’t have to be beautiful or slim to smell like a goddess." - Sali Hughes 

Something to ponder

"To breath in air and smile even when life gets tough brings u closer to discovering the end to despair. Moments in life are precious so make the most of them with the people closest in your heart."

Sophia Sassoon 

Current Skincare Routine - Morning

My arsenal of skincare items

    Here we are my first post for the new year. It has been a while since I made a full blog post, but I like most of you, I was having a little break for the festive season. Sometimes it is good to sit back and just hit the reset button. My skincare routine has changed recently so I thought I would share with you all what I have been using. 

Cleanse

Sk:n Vitamin Rich cleanser for oily skin

This cleanser contains glycolic acid, evening primrose oil and Vitmamins A, C and E, because of the glycolic acid it produces a slight peeling/exfoliating effect. I always double cleanse my skin so that I am able to get deep down inside the pores to dry up spots and get rid of the dirt.  It is very gentle on my skin and leaves it feeling very clean, but not tight or stripped. My experience with breakouts while using this facewash is that when I have been on my game (aka properly carrying out my cleansing morning and night, double cleansing at night) the spots/ dry up in no time. Having properly cleansed skin enables the other products which I use in my daily/nightly skincare regime to work better.
There is the exfoliating face wash to this which contains a higher percentage of glycolic acid. I plan to purchase it later and incorporate it into my routine

Double cleansing method - Apply cleanser to dry face and massage it in for 2 minutes (yes count 60 seconds x2) then rinse and repeat. It might sound like a lot  of effort, but to have clear blemish free skin one must not only invest in  products but time. The longer products are able to be in contact with your skin the better they are able to work. 

Tone

Clarins Daily Energiser wake up Booster

This is a radiance booting gel with moisturising properties, I apply this with a cotton pad, wipe my face and then apply  moisturiser. 

Avene Eau de Thermal Spring Water

I did a review on this product already in a blog post here. I use this as an alternative to my toner if I do not have my toner with me or sometimes I just spray my face to freshen up. 

Moisturise

Avon Refreshing Face Gel -Cream

I use this on days when I am not leaving the abode. Since I have oily skin I have to be careful with moisturisers especially during the day. This formula is light and refreshing, also it absorbs very quickly. It contains cucumber and green tea which are known for their calming properties. 

Nivea Sunblock spf 30

Sun damage occurs every day and over time, to prevent this and premature ageing I apply this sunblock on days when I am leaving the house. I purchase the small 50ml bottle, so that I can take it around in my handbag with me for top ups. 

Happy New Year

     Happy New Year to you my followers, I hope that you have enjoyed the journey so far with me. For those who made new years resolutions I pray that you find the discipline and structure to see them to the end. As for myself I completed all my goals I made for 2012. At times I get overwhelmed just thinking about the fact i accomplished everything I set myself.

     To A, my twitter friend thanks for tweeting me week in and week out asking about the swimming lessons.  GG, my editor in chief and number 1 marketing  maverick, thank you for reading my stuff day in and day out.  To G, yes I have come to appreciate quality time. R, those morning tweets I have really come to look forward to them, keep em coming. 

New Years Goal 2013 ------> Learn to drive.

- I would ideally like to take 2 driving lessons a week minimum until I am test ready but I will have to see what my finances will allow. 


MiaKhy-Mai - Cultivating Elegance

BlogMas Day 25 - And this Christmas will be

A very special Christmas for me. Merry Christmas every one. 

BlogMas Day 24 - Beautiful like diamonds in the sky

    You are beautiful like diamonds in the sky. I totally borrowed from Rihanna just now but what is a girl to do. To those who are going out tonight, be careful, for those who will be at home with their loved ones enjoy these moments, they make the stand out memories in our lives. As for me I have a bottle of Bordeaux that I have been making my way through, -------> I will continue to do so. 

BlogMas Day 23 - Spirit

     We create our own reality and existence. If we say we’re miserable and focus on the bad then, we’re miserable. Conversely, if we focus on the good in our life and proclaim joy then, we become that too. - Nathan Hale Williams

BlogMas Day 22 - Fashion after Dark

    

        Dressing for events past 6 o'clock has never been more important than during the festive season. Christmas holidays bring a plethora of dinners, dances, parties and other social gatherings. The not to distant cry of "I have nothing to wear" has been uttered from the mouth of even the most travelled fashionista. When it comes to post 6pm dining the relaxed comfort of a jumper and some jeans does not cut it among the bright lights of the season. 

To skirt being under dressed there are few guidelines to be observed, above the waist is where all the action takes place. Embellished necklines, jewelled tops, sequinned skirts,  statement necklaces, and jewel toned nails. 

"Dresses that will spend three -quarters of their evening submerges beneath the tables should have a pretty neckline (measured by elegance, not décolletage or be elegantly bestowed with a cluster of precious jewels. Nothing rivals the flattery of a ravishing cocktail blouse , adding instant dress- up to black trousers or white denim. 

 If looking towards full glamour a red lip is always in style." Emma Elwick-Bates for Vogue January 2013.

xx

BlogMas Day 21 - You

      It is here the last weekend before Christmas, the final countdown to the big shebang. Before you go full speed into the weekend, last minute gifts, decorations, cleaning, picking up loved ones from the airport  and all these other activities which accompany the holidays. Step back and take some time for yourself, get your mind right, take a nap, have a soak in the tub (I just did), sip on some Ovaltine while eating a biscuit. 

If none of these ideas sound promising then look over these past posts while you are here and I am sure you will be inspired with innovative ways to keep yourself looking "Gone with the Wind fabulous" these next few days. 

The at home facial
http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/the-at-home-facial.html

Lipsticks for the season

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/lipstick-faves-for-autumnwinter.html

Glowy dewy skin

http://miakhymai.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/summer-skin-new-way-to-glow.html


"its Christmas everybody"
  xx

BlogMas Day 20 - Cooking

  One way to save time for the Christmas cooking is to divide tasks. Organise the troops and give each individual a set of tasks to complete. Doing this keep the kitchen clear of bodies, and allows for a calm atmosphere.

xx

BlogMas Day 19 - Gifts

     Make a charitable donation is someone else's name. Christmas is not only about receiving but giving as well. We should all find ways to make others happy not only at Christmas but all year round.


xx

BlogMas Day 17 - Christmas Savings

1) Make a monthly budget - budgeting is extremely critical if you want to save dollars. Plan how much you want to save for the month and allot a certain amount to whatever expenses you might incur during the month. By determining a target goal savings, you'll be motivated to reduce the amount of your monthly expenses wherever possible to reach that amount.

Christmas Tip - A Christmas budget for gifts would be very essential, have a list of persons and an allotted amount assigned to each person. Gift cards and vouchers from local vendors/craftsmen would come in handy. All gifts do not have to be bought, think out of the box  --> baby sitting services, a home cooked meal, subject tutoring for a child, and help around the house are great gifts. Your girlfriend might smell nice with that lovely body shop gift set you got her but really will she be able to enjoy it if she has no time to herself? It might benefit her more if you offered to watch her child for one Saturday afternoon a month, so that she could get some time to herself. 

2) Shop smart - you would be surprised how the terms "sale" "discount" and "BOGO Free" often cause persons to spend much more than intended. When shopping in stores or online, peruse the items in your cart and keep asking yourself "Do I really need this (insert item)?" For grocery shopping specifically, write a list of the items you need to get and stick to the list. Being disciplined will go a long way. 

Christmas Tip -Plan your Christmas menu NOW, make a list if ingredients needed for each dish and do not buy anything which is not on the list. Planning your Christmas menu allows you room for creativity, enables you to try new dishes and saves you money since you are not trying to cook every possible dish which comes to mind. 

3) Book your flight on weekdays - it's a well-known fact that flying on weekends is more costly than flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you can fly on a weekday, you could easily save yourself $100 either way. Also, keep a sharp lookout for any flight deals that you can take advantage of.

4) Prepare your lunch - you can save a lot by preparing your own meals at home and taking to work rather than buying food every day. Don't scoff at the leftover chicken - use it and create a different meal for the next day!

Christmas Tip - Left overs from your Christmas meal can always be refurbished into another meal on Boxing day. 

5) Turn off and unplug - switching off your fans and lights when leaving the house, and unplugging any unused appliances when not in use will net you significant savings on your next electricity bill.

Christmas tip - Those Christmas lights look great but do they need to be on all night? 

6) Help your savings grow - find a bank or other financial institution that has great interest rates for savings accounts. Also, consider putting some of your savings in a fixed deposit. Fixed deposits offer varying interest rates and interest is paid either every quarter or at the maturity date. You can have the interest from the fixed deposit put on your savings account - which will increase your savings AND the interest paid on it too. 

Christmas Tip - Give money specifically earmarked for SAVING as gifts to children.

7) Splurge smartly - no need to get your hair done or nail design changed every week. Find hairstyles that are long-lasting or can be self-maintained, and go with nail colors that go with just about every outfit possible. You can also save by washing your hair at home.

Christmas Tip - Do you really need your hair done for Christmas and for New Years at the salon? Pick which day is more important and have the one service instead of two. 

8) Be car-conscious - beware the gas-guzzlers! Sure, everyone wants to have the most sophisticated or trendy car, but the expenses associated with maintaining them can eat away at your savings. When buying a car, go for the ones with good gas mileage. Something to consider - buying a well-maintained secondhand vehicle.

Christmas Tip - Carpooling to the various fetes and parties is a great way to save on petrol during the Christmas season. 

9) Brand vs generic - sometimes buying the generic brand can be the best option. Most of the time the generic brand is just as good as (or in some cases, better) than the more well-known brand. And you save on future grocery bills.

10) Beware the credit card - the sweet promise of minimum payments is harshly distorted by the high interest penalties. If you must have a credit card, pay it off completely at the end of every month. Better yet, reconsider getting a credit card and get a debit card - you can only spend what you have in your account.

Christmas Tip - forward thinking/delayed gratification I am very particular about gift receiving, I do not believe in taking just because it is offered. Often during my time as a university student I asked for text books as Christmas gifts. I also put off gifts and called them in later in the year when I really needed it (sort of like an IOU)  a lot of the times these delayed gifts came in handy as money for groceries or money towards my ticket home for summer or spending money or lions money. 

Arniva Richardson graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting. She went on to graduate with honors from the University of Central Florida in 2010 with a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Finance. She now works as an auditor for KPMG LLC. In her spare time she enjoys reading, dancing and playing steel pan.

Kae -Toya Lee-Bramble Graduated with Honours from the University if the West of England, Bristol in 2012 with a Bachelors of Arts in Business Studies with Economics. She now works as a Financial Services Assistant at Nottingham University Hospitals. In her spare time she enjoys reading, blogging and Lacrosse.

BlogMas Day 16 - Healthy Cooking

"Let's say you want to make sweet potato pie but sadly you are lactose intolerant like I am or are avoiding dairy products. Have you ever thought about using milk coconut and almond milk instead? They taste better than milk and both are a healthier alternative. One of my friends also recommends using a banana to sweeten your sweet potatoes. It cuts down the usage of unhealthy white sugar!"

Bougie Black Girl 

BlogMas Day 15 - Drinks

"Looking for an adult treat. Make an awesome smoothie using bananas, apples, strawberries and coconut vodka! If you want it to be creamy add vanilla almond milk."

Bougie Black Girl 

BlogMas Day 14 - Drinks

A little cocktail originated from the isle of my birth.

Caribbean Fantasy - Curtain Bluff, Antigua 

30ml English Harbour Rum
85ml Pineapple juice
A dash of cream of Coconut
A touch of Grenadine cream
Ice

- Pour all ingredients into a blender with the ice and whizz together for just a few seconds. Pour into a cool highball glass and garnish with a cherry and pineapple cube.

sip and enjoy
xx

BlogMas Day 13 - Fragrance

Fragrance buying tips 

1. Trust your intuition 'Your mind knows what suits you, so tune in to it and make the reight decisions,' says fragrance expert Will Andrews.

2. Wait 20 minutes after spritzing 'Once the initial burst of top notes have gone the main fragrance character will emerge,' says Will. (aka you get the reallllllll stuff says Kae-Toya)

3. Download an App 'Try iPerfumer, which offers suggestions for new scents,' says fragrance expert Joanna Norman.

4. Look for clues If you are buying for someone else , think about what they use already, just as you would if choosing clothes or jewellery. find out what they wear now , what fragrance family it is from (floral, oriental, chypre, gourmand) or what its the dominant note is (jasmine, orange blossom, etc) and then look into picking out something similar. 

Boots Health and Beauty Magazine 

BlogMas Day 12 - Style

Kick up your heels. If it is not a stiletto, you're missing the point.

Marie Claire Magazine November 2012

BlogMas Day 11 - Cooking

"Instead of using margarine or butter try Olive or Coconut oil."

Bougie Black Girl

Blogmas Day 10 - Knitwear Maintenance

By Knitwear Designer Madeleine Thompson 

1.  Wash in Hair shampoo. (cashmere is made from goats hair, after all) or a mild detergent made for fine fabrics.

2. Always wash knitwear by hand. (this hand washing business will be my undoing) Wash cashmere in cold water . Don't panic if you see colour in the water - this is just the yarn releasing dye and is normal.

3. Never wring cashmere (apply this principle to all knitwear, it will increase the fabric life) Press and dry flat between towels for the perfect finish.

4. Use a cashmere brush after washing to get rid of any piling. (Piling = those little balls on your knitwear.) Your cashmere will look new again.

5. when storing your knitwear, keep it folded. Hanging can distort the shape of the garment.

6. To avoid those dreaded moth attacks, fill your drawers with scented deterrents such as cedar balls or lavender - moths hate the smell. Failing that, freezing you cashmere in a protective bag will kill any moths or larvae - strange but true! (some say this is true for fine denim as well)

7. When storing, fold your pieces around a sheet of tissue paper to help prevent wrinkles. 

8. Treat stains as quickly as possible, rinsing immediately with cold water (hot water may set stain). If garments get wet dry away from direct heat , then brush in direction of the nap. 


Glamour Magazine November 2012

BlogMas Day 9 - Heels

Don't make your heels give you hell

"Slip a pair of gel cushions into your platforms/skyscrapers/stilettos and you're ready to party until the early hours without sore feet in the morning!"

Superdrug Dare Magazine

BlogMas Day 8 - Lips

"Lips can take a beating in the Winter (as well as the summer/hotter weather) as they have no oil glands and cant rehydrate themselves once dry or chapped." Be sure to moisturise your pout with a balm of your choice.

Superdrug Dare Magazine

BlogMas Day 7 - Hands

Keep Your Hands Silky Smooth

Five of the best tips for great hands

1. Hands are especially vulnerable to ageing. Applying a good anti- ageing hand cream that's full of nourishing goodness as part of your daily beauty routine. To stimulate circulations, rub your palms over the back of the hand and repeat with the other hand.

2. Using a specialist cuticle oil should become part of your bedtime ritual. Packed with essential oils, the soften the skin and allow you to push your cuticles back. 

3. Frequent washing can dry out your hands. New Cuticura Anti Bacterial hand serum powerfully targets bacterial but keeps skin feeling moisturised too. 

4. Exfoliating does wanders for hands as well as your face and body. Using a hand scrub once a week will leave the skin super soft. 

5. Whether inside or out, it's important to keep hand protected. Always have a pair of leather gloves for your handbag and a rubber pair by the sink for washing up.

Marie Claire Magazine November 2012



Check out my post on hand creams here

BlogMas Day 6 - Snacks

Swap Cashew for seasonal Chestnuts and save on calories.

Boots Health and Beauty magazine

BlogMas Day 5 - Drinks

Struggling to down the recommended 6-8 glasses of water daily? Drinking enough H2O helps to prevent kidney damage and improve concentration. Not to mention makeup looks much better on skin which is well hydrated. Stay fit and healthy this winter.

Superdrug Dare Magazine 

BlogMas Day 4 - Style

A super -cute broach instantly adds ladylike luxe to any outfit. 

Marie Claire Magazine November 2012

BlogMas Day 3 - Cooking

Brussels (Sprouts) with Hustle 

Slice Brussels very finely and then part steam, part stir -fry them with little slices of streaky bacon and sage for about 10 minutes, before hitting them with garlic and Worcestershire sauce (Lea and Perrins for us common folk) at the last minute to add an extra zing. 

Jamie Oliver as told to Boots Health and Beauty Magazine

BlogMas Day 2 - Nails

"A good nail buffer is a must have if you can't fit in a full manicure, as shiny nails instantly give you that groomed look. Start by filing nails, then buff and smooth them with the other sides before vigorously polishing for a glass like finish." 

Leyla Rudolf - for Boots Health & Beauty Magazine 

BlogMas Day 1 - Hair

"Use a hair mask about twice a week. Also apply a drop of coconut oil to the ends of your hair every few days to help cover split ends." 

 Nicole Scherzinger as told to Boots health and beauty magazine