If there’s something I choose (and love) to spend my money on it’s skincare. Make-up is secondary for me and quite different. My colour cosmetics stash is reasonable, I wear the same look almost everyday, and to be honest I like that… even though the amount of lipsticks that I own should be banned – I tend to forget that I only have one pair of lips, not 50. However, skincare is something that I only really discovered and appreciated about a year ago since working at Amazing PR. And right now, I’d rather wear no make-up and have good skin than having average skin and wear the most amazing blue-toned red lipstick (my fave shade of lipstick). We should all take care of our skin, after all it is the largest organ of the body and we only have one face. So in my view taking care of your skin should be a priority.

Working in the Beauty PR industry has given me the chance to try many products.  Although, there are really very few that I can actually see and feel a difference on my skin. At The Amazing Blog we’ve been fortunate enough to work very closely with UK skincare brand Beetox. UMF20+ Manuka Honey and Bee Venom based – beautiful ingredients and definite winners.

Their range consists of a Moisturiser, a Mask and a Serum. The Moisturiser’s consistency is thick and smells heavenly. It’s probably one of the most luxurious moisturisers that I’ve ever used,  it’s instantly absorbed by my perpetually dehydrated skin  plumping it up and making it feel very soft.  It moisturises my skin beautifully and leaves it feeling very comfortable and ready for applying my foundation. The Serum’s consistency is somewhere between a gel and a liquid. When applied to the skin it gently tingles and I can feel my skin tighten instantly (not that I need it, I’m in my middle twenties…) don’t get me wrong this feeling is a very pleasant one indeed. And the Mask… is my favourite product of all, it  really purifies and delivers moisture back into my skin making it the perfect combination with the Serum for my particular tricky (and temperamental) skin type.

I must mention with a word of caution that  Beetox does warn all their potential customers about possible adverse reaction to their products. So do bear in mind that one of the main ingredients about this range is Bee Venom (along with their powerful UMF20+ Manuka Honey); so if you’re unluckily enough to have an allergy to bee stings please stay away from this skincare savour. None of us at the office are so we’ve all added Beetox‘s products to our regular skincare routines.

You can buy Beetox skincare from their website. Follow them on Twitter, and ‘Like’ them on Facebook.

Retail prices are: Face Mask £55, Moisturiser £39 and Serum £45. You can also buy the ‘Multi Set’, which includes three products for £139.

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At The Amazing Blog we love when old and vintage products are restored and transformed into works of art. When we discovered the innovative brand White Dove and Wonder we were enthralled with their brilliant creations. White Dove and Wonder specialises in creating quirky art by taking vintage shoe lasts from the 1930’s and using them to create handmade wooden designs that are then turned into shelves, tables or bookends. These pieces are highly sophisticated and will surely attract the attention of your friends and family.

When the creator, Susan Gaston, inherited tons of vintage shoe lasts from her family business she knew she could use them to help create something unique. She’s given them a new lease on life by using them to help create her White Dove and Wonder pieces, such as the bookends seen above. Each shoe last design is hand-crafted and stained with an elegant finish. And while no two shoe lasts look identical, you can be sure that your purchase is truly one of a kind. White Dove and Wonder creations are perfect for those of you who are passionate about interiors and home stuff, especially if your taste gravitates towards the quirky side of the spectrum.

You can order your very own Susan Gaston‘s creations from the brand’s website. White Dove & Wonder prices start at £40 – even if the price tags are a bit spendy you’ll still be in awe at the gorgeous art this talented designer has created.

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The Mothership Group has become well-known for both their Book Club and Queen of Hoxton venues in Shoreditch and now, with Stories, they are adding a new addition to their soiree repertoire. Over in East London’s Broadway Market, Stories will be a lively brunch restaurant complete with a magnificent collection of  cocktails. However, yummy food and drinks are not all that they’ll offer. Much like their other venues, Stories promises to continue their creative take on socialising by fusing drinks and food with creative thinking and special events. Creative Director of the Mothership Group, Heather Lawton, has pulled together a panel of local creatives to ensure that this daytime hub is not only a delicious place to dine but also an inventive creative collection. For local creatives, thinkers, or anyone looking for a vibrant and intriguing atmosphere, Stories is a must.

For a nice concluding event to your weekend, the Old Truman Brewery will be hosting the annual RAW Wine Fair this Sunday and Monday. Boasting itself as the UK’s Biggest Independent Artisan Wine Fair, this event is truly a ‘must experience’. With over 150 growers from all across the world will be showcasing their best wines. But don’t forget to try the local UK wines as well. And for all of you true wine aficionados, the fair will also offer exclusive tastings, incredible food pairings and lectures from the world’s leading experts. Attendees at last year’s event claimed it to be ‘the best wine fair ever…’  So personally speaking, I’ll definitely try and swing by here.

We’ll be attending both Stories this Saturday and conclude the weekend with the RAW Wine Fair. Both events are sure to be fun environments to go with friends for a perfect quick bite and drinkies. For more information on Stories and other Mothership Group events be sure to check out their website. And for a complete guide to the Raw Wine Fair including a detailed wine list refer to this website here. Who knows, maybe we’ll see you there?

© 2013, amazingpr. All rights reserved.

One of my all time favourite poems is “Eve of St. Agnes” by British poet, John Keats. The very romance of it has always appealed to me. So naturally, when a box from a brand called “Eve of St. Agnes” came through the doors of The Amazing Blog, I instantly claimed it. We received both an Organic Bath Oil as well as a Refining Bamboo Exfoliating Polish - I couldn’t wait to try them.

I started with the Organic Bath Oil. This oil contains a luxurious mix of organic avocado, hemp and coconut oils as well as orange, green mandarin, cardamom and frankincense essential oils. Once I poured two capfuls into my running bath, I was instantly hit with the strong smell of each oil’s fragrance. I must admit, it was slightly over powering at first, but once I settled in I was taken away into a warming, uplifting and decadent bath time experience. Although next time, I think I’ll stick to the recommended single capful.

After my relaxing bath, I continued my evening pamper with the Refining Bamboo Exfoliating Polish. I am always hesitant using an exfoliator because of my sensitive skin, so I approached this polish with caution.  Initially, I found the polish to be a bit rough, but after gently massaging it in I became quite fond of the texture. And after rinsing it off I was left with smooth and silky soft skin.  Not to mention the smell of orange, green mandarin and sandalwood helped me relax for the evening.

With a magnificent blend of essential oils and some inspiration from one of England’s finest poets, I think we can call this a winner.  Available on the Eve of St. Agnes Website, you can purchase the Organic Bath Oil for £16 and  Refining Bamboo Exfoliating Polish for £18 as well as a wide variety of other skincare and body products.

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When it comes to buying everyday household items, we at The Amazing Blog always lean towards those that are ‘green’ and eco-friendly. So when we received several cleaning products from EcoForce, we were really chauffed.

EcoForce is a unique brand that aims to reduce their carbon footprint at every possible level of production. All of their products are made from at least 90% recycled material, which reduces landfill waste, conserves precious fossil fuels and uses 70% less energy than new plastics. And with all their designing and manufacturing taking place here in the UK, EcoForce provides a ‘greener’ and more sustainable alternative to traditional cleaning items. From the wide array of products they offer, we were fortunate enough to receive their Scourers, Sponges, Cloths and Dusters. The scourers and sponges worked great around the sink and kitchen: mopping up messes and cleaning dishes with ease. While the cloths and dusters were useful around the office: cleanin up spilled tea and wipping off dirty fingerprints. Each item was perfect for some light household cleaning.

If the environmental benefits aren’t convincing enough, the price of all these products are extremely affordable. Ranging from £1 to £5, any of these products (and more) can be purchased on their website and in most supermarkets here in the UK – including Whole Foods. EcoForce makes it easy to be green while you clean.

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There is nothing worse than those synthetic shampoos and conditioners that rid your hair of natural oils and leave your locks feeling dry and coarse. That’s why we here at The Amazing Blog love natural and chemical-free hair products. So when we received samples of Gavin Taylor Hair shampoo and conditioner, we knew we would be quite interested in what they had to offer. Although the samples only gave me enough product for a weekend getaway.

Gavin Taylor sent us both the Lavender & Geranium and Camomile & Lemon Shampoo as well as the Frankincense & Sage Conditioner  - all of which are designed for naturally fine or oily hair. The Camomile & Lemon Shampoo was my favourite: combining English Camomile and Sicilian Lemon in perfect harmony. I found this remedy to rejuvenate both the balance and shine to my dull, product laden hair. And similarly, the sage in the conditioner naturally energizes dull, limp (and in my case: over worked) hair. The scent of each product was delightful and refreshing. All Gavin Taylor products are natural – free from parabens and synthetic foaming agents (SLS). Instead, their shampoo range contains Oxygenated Aloe Vera wheat proteins that gently moisturise your hair by locking in natural proteins and protecting it from external damage. While I only was only able to squeeze out a few trials, I can confirm all these attributes.

The natural elements, cosmetic benefits, and refreshing scents of these Gavin Taylor Shampoos and Conditioners are quite enticing. This brand has created a wonderful product that surely won’t damage your hair or the environment. At £14 per a bottle, the price is a bit steep but well worth it. This is definitely a product I will purchase, and you can too on their website. Recommended.

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Finding it hard to find the perfect summer gift for a relative or friend? Here at The Amazing Blog we have found the perfect urban“garden lovers” gift. The Indoor Allotment offers a stylish miniature garden that invites people into their homes and makes a big impact on the interior of their flat.

Many of us in London live in built-up flats making it rather hard to enjoy the  outside surroundings in our neighbourhoods.  The Indoor Allotment Windowsill is ideal for anyone who wants to start growing their own herb or flowers in the convenience of their own home.  What I love the most about this stylish small garden container was the whitewash wooden picket fence – it gave me a sense of living in the suburbs with my own garden. Included in this set are three mini pots and a couple of different seeds. It has every day herbs like basil, oregano and coriander. It is also easy to keep all your small tools in the shed that was attached to the container.

This chic and innovative design is perfect for the city apartments around London and serves as a perfect small gift to a friend. With the Indoor Allotment Windowsill priced at only £29.99, it brings the outdoors into your home.

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This year the UK’s largest pet showcase is right around the corner for us at Earl’s Court in London. The showcase will feature animals from dogs and cats to royal pythons and micro pigs – although I’ll be sure to stay far away from the snakes. The show will be broken up into four different sections: Discover Dogs, Discover Cats, Discover Animals, and Discover Small Furries. Featuring elaborate demonstrations and luxurious animals, each section is sure to provide a one of a kind experience.

The section that I’ll be spending the most time at will be the Discover Dog zone – of course! And with over 50 dog breeds and a programmed event every hour it’ll be quite difficult to pull me away . These dogs will be dancing around on stage, playing a fast-paced game of flyball, and showing off their skills in the agility obstacle course.

The kids will love the new “Pony Paddock” area where they can braid their mane and learn about the different types of ponies the showcase offers. Riders can also learn how to use the equipment and tools involved in caring for their pony as well as mounting, dismounting and maintaining balance on The Pony Club’s special mechanical horse. So spend time with family, friends, fellow pet lovers and some exotic animals this weekend at The London Pet Show. Tickets are on sale online for £14 for adults and £9.50 for children over five years old. Family and senior tickets are also available.

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What a wonderful discovery we made at The Amazing Blog with the handmade soap company Black & Taylor. Our dear and recently departed four-legged friend Mojai was just the perfect guinea pig for their Archie Black’s Dog Soap . In fact, you couldn’t ask for a better subject to test out a specific ‘doggy bar’ of handmade soap. Mojai was ‘super’ hairy with a rather unique double-coat, he had the most amazing undercoat which comprised of oodles and oodles of the very softest fluff.  He was also rather partial (thank goodness) to bath-time.  This dog soap contains Sunflower Oil which is rich in vitamins A, D, and E and is easily absorbed by the skin. And is scented with Lavender and Citronella Essential Oils which act as a natural bug repellent. All of which is extremely useful for those of you who have pets – with Summer approaching and with all the nasty beasties that are lurking in the long grass. It is easy to use and lathers up nicely. I was apprehensive as I wondered if it would leave a ‘knotty’ matted coat that I would spend hours combing out. But I’m happy to report that both pet and owner were extremely happy with the result – and with the price at £3.95.

Black & Taylor don’t just produce a Dog Soap they have a wonderful selection of products for humans. We were particularly taken with the Gift Sets like Gardeners and the Patchouli & Rosewood. I also love the idea of  Black & Taylor Wedding Favours.  Where you can choose up to any two soaps from their entire range of special wedding gifts for guests. i.e. Rose Geranium and Sunflower Blush for the ladies and Patchouli & Rosewood for the gents. All of which can be made into heart shapes or blocks and wrapped in a variety of coloured Organza bags to match the wedding day colours. Black & Taylor soaps are vegetable oil based, meaning they do not use animal fats and are scented using high quality essential and fragrance oils. Each of their soaps are genuinely handmade using a centuries old process that ensures each bar is of the highest quality. They will not dry your skin as they have absolutely no detergents or harsh ingredients. We are sold on this great little British soap company and their prices – starting from £3.95 on their website. We particularly love the way that these handmade soap last so much longer than commercial soaps. So throw away that supermarket brand and back British!  

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As many of our daily readers know, we at The Amazing Blog love writing about small natural and organic brands. Already familiar with Ancienne Ambiance and their natural Candles, you can imagine we were quite excited to receive their new Luxury Goddess Soap Collection. And after opening the box, we were certain we would not be disappointed.

Inside the box were two individually wrapped Goddess Soap Bars that instantly caught everyone’s noses by surprise as a delightful lavender scent filled the air. Similar to their candles, Ancienne Ambiance offers wide variety of blends to choose from. While my personal favourite has to be the Lavendula, their other fragrances include Rose, Jasmine, Honey, Almond Milk and Argan. And top tip, put a just single bar in your wardrobe to rid any pesky bugs and keep your clothes smelling fresh – I recommend it. Each blend smells delightful but the unique ingredients of Ancienne Ambiance truly separate their soaps from other brands. Each 100mg bar is made from a natural vegetable oil base specifically derived from coconut oil. The natural Glycerine from the coconut oil is combined with Shea Butter to provide extra vitamins to moisturise the skin. And the whole formula is completely free from parabens, synthetic materials and harmful chemicals.

Ancienne Ambiance says the Goddess Soap bars are perfect for daily use on both your face and body – I cannot disagree. Even after just washing my hands, I found my skin feeling soft and silky. So let your body and skin indulge in these natural soap bars. Their website offers a 3 bar soap gift set for £16 as well as a complete gallery of all their soap collections.

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