DipNation

February 22nd, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

Myself and my colleague at The Amazing Blog, Lucy, somewhat stupidly challenged ourselves to a lengthy period of abstination in the lead up to Easter. And so arrives the first day of Lent, and with it 40 long and looming days without chocolate. Tensions in the office are high, tempers are short; nails bitten to the quick. And with it only being day one of forty, it’s anyone’s guess how the next few weeks will pan out.

However, in giving up chocolate, there’s a whole world of savoury delights ready and waiting to be tried, and, luckily for everyone in the office a box of Dipnation arrived on my desk today.

Founded in 2009, Dipnation was set up by Jeremy and Juliet Williams, and Juliet’s brother Patrick Gilmour. Inspired by the variety of dips available overseas and bored at the lack of choice in the UK market, Jeremy and Juliet decided to fill a niche alongside  Patrick, who with his background in chefing, was able to create scrumptious recipes to appeal to a primed UK consumer.

Since its conception the family-run business based in Fife has built up a strong customer base of local Farm Shops and Delicatessens thanks to its fresh ingredients and delicious flavours. It has also won them numerous stars in the Great Taste Awards and a nomination in the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

The Chunky Dips are made with a base of crushed cashews and real Parmesan shavings; we tried ours with Kettle Chips, which made the perfect afternoon snack. With dips like these, who needs chocolate?! Available online and from a number of independent retailers.

Ebury Home & Garden

February 21st, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

The art of home improvement can be quite tricky sometimes. There have been a number of ocassions on which I’ve tried dabbling in a bit of decorating; trying to chose between a handful of beautiful colours and a number of chic accessories to enhance my humble abode, only to feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. And with neither the budget for an interior designer, nor the time to spend hours mulling over ideas, it seemed I was destined for failure. However, as the gang at The Amazing Blog do like being at the forefront of home style, I was recently recommended a gorgeous home collection, perfect for anyone wanting to add a stylish edge to their boudior.

Ideal for both contemporary and classic homes, Ebury Home & Garden offer a beautiful range of vintage and decorative pieces that are practical, yet stylish and provide perfect inspiration for your home – whether it’s a modern townhouse or a charming countryside  dwelling.  Founder, Hannah Gooch launched the company in November, 2011. Inspired by light colours and natural materials, she likes to mix rustic elements with simple design, creating what she loves to call ‘rustic chic’.

The Ebury Home & Garden collection, which is sourced from both the UK and around the world, can be purchased online. You can also have a look at The Ebury Collection to see her selection of distinctive providers and wedding services available in the UK.

Vitaman

February 20th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

You might be surprised to hear that even men want to look after themselves. Even though I’m only in my late 20’s I’m becoming more and more conscious of the need to start taking care of myself – let’s call it my ‘investment’ for the future. I do get teased by some of my peers but I don’t care – I know I’ll be the one having the last laugh. After all, your appearance is the first thing you’re judged on, so you might as well take some time to look after it.

Therefore I’m sure that it’ll come as no surprise, particularly considering the rise in the male grooming market, to find out that a lot of men are also willing to part with their cash on products that promise benefits and miracles. I recently had the opportunity to try a brand called VitaMan (courtesy of those lovely girls at The Amazing Blog) which offers ‘Spa Treatments’ but in the privacy of your home. These are tailored specifically for men only – sorry, girls – hand off! And as I’m currently commuting between both Rome and London – two  relatively polluted cities, I am on the constant look out for a portable multi-tasking grooming products (travelling Ryan Air dontcha know!) Could the Vitaman Face & Body Cleanser be the answer to my prayers?

Vitaman Face & Body Cleanser is a natural, plant-derived moisturising cleanser with anti-bacterial plant extracts that helps prevent any skin irritations and leaves the skin feeling super clean and moisturised. Free of harsh chemical cleansing agents, it is formulated using unique Plant Extracts such as Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel and Lemon Myrtle and ingredients such as Sea Salts are a natural way of drawing out toxins from the skin and help to exfoliate the build up dead skin cells. It has a fresh fragrance, a sort of zingy, citrus aroma, that reminds me of an exotic paradise… So that’s a good start.

I’ve been using Vitaman Face & Body Cleanser for the past week and I’m impressed. I’ll definitely buy more and I’d happily consider the rest of  VitaMan  body or face range which consists of men’s daily shaving, skin, hair and anti-aging products.

Launched in 1999, VitaMan today provides high end spas globally with over 20 professional treatment products and 6 Male-specific de-stressing and rejuvenating spa treatments, as well as their 35 retail take-home products (that’s what I tried). What makes VitaMan‘s range really unique is the use of ancient Australian indigenous plant, fruit and herbal extracts which are considered to have beneficial properties. I’ve finally found a great new travel companion with Vitaman Face & Body Cleanser £27.50  for 250ml – I hope this will be the beginning of a long lasting relationship.

Fashion Space Gallery

February 17th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

Anyone who’s anyone knows that one of the two most important events in the fashion calender starts today – Spring/Summer’s London Fashion Week. And thus, the creme de la creme of the fashion industry are jetting in from all over the world to our buzzing capital in order to bear witness to both legendary and up-and-coming fashion designers.

And for those who aren’t in the elite glitterati of the fashion industry, there are a whole host of exciting events and exhibitions to coincide with the upcoming catwalk frenzies. From fashion themed nights to special events at some of London’s most fashionable of shops, there’s certainly no need to miss out on all the action.  And here at The Amazing Blog, one of our personal favourites is the Fashion Space Gallery at London College of Fashion, which opened on the eve of London Fashion Week. Offering the perfect opportunity for fashion fans alike, The Fashion Space Gallery is showcasing some of the UK’s most exciting emerging designers.

With the designs of a number of raw talents, including Derek Lawlor, Fyodor Golan, Felicity Brown and Una Burke, The Fashion Space Gallery gives visitors an exclusive insight into the future of fashion. And what binds this group together is their imperative attention to detail, craftsmanship and execution that define fashionable dress at its highest level, yet demonstrates radically innovative approaches to materials and construction.

Each designer has an impeccable CV, and their unique work makes for a truly impressive exhibition. Design duo and celebrity favourite Fyodor Golan, have been described by Roland Mouret as being “unique and stubborn’  and their unique couture-level creations won them this year’s prestigious Fashion Fringe award. Meanwhile, knitwear specialist Derek Lawlor, who has been credited by Vogue’s Sarah Mower as producing ‘fabulous knitwear’ has built up a strong following since graduating in 2009 from Central Saint Martins.

And so, whether you’re a fashion fanatic or simply want a taster of what’s to come in the world of fashion, shimmy on down to the Fashion Space Gallery, located in the heart of the West End at the London College of Fashion flagship site, running until the 7th April.

Man’s Best Friend

February 16th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

After my recent arrival at Amazing PR, some products were sent to me. I’ll be honest, as someone in their 20’s, and therefore at the prime of his manhood, I thought that this was the kind of thing I might use later in life, maybe in my late 30’s, when I’d past my peak. I’ve never used these things before; never liked them but, I thought, why not give them try?

The products I received were Bulldog Natural Skincare products: Face Wash, Moisturiser, Face Scrub, Shave Gel and After Shave Balm. I thought the whole male grooming market was completely useless and that there was no point in using them. However, after trying the fabulous Bulldog Natural Skincare products, I’ve definitely changed my mind.

I’ve been using them for some days now and I can actually feel that my skin is softer and healthier. This morning, when I arrived at work I asked the girls to touch and feel my skin; they loved it, they loved it so much that they almost started kissing me; they think I didn’t realise but I did.

All Bulldogs products have the same citrus smell and just the right hint of lemon. Like me, you might find yourself spending more time in the bathroom, indulging in a bit of male grooming. In fact, I’m spending so much time in the bathroom at the moment I’m beginning to annoy my flatmates.

My favourite product was the Face Scrub, I’ve never used an exfoliator before and I loved the feeling of the little balls against my skin. I’m a man of routine, and I often find it difficult to find new products that do what they say on the tin which might be why I found it difficult to use the Shave Gel when I’m used to using my regular foam. Although, I have to say that I loved the After Shave Balm and the silky-smooth finish it gave my skin. And so, having being converted to the benefits of male grooming, I can safely say that Bulldog Natural Skincare range really is a man’s best friend.

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    • We're banishing our Lent-induced chocolate cravings with the delicious, healthy dips from @DipNationDips
      http://t.co/5bwJawKe
    • Fab interview with Marcus Collins sharing his style tips in @DailyMirror featuring @hdbrows and @EyebrowQueen
      http://t.co/bdYPE6pI
    • For rustic chic with a stylish twist check out these fab home pieces from @EburyCollection
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    • For all your male grooming needs @VitaManGrooming courtesy of @MRA_PR as recommended by the stylish @MorenoCaprioli
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