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Biovene Barcelona 's beauty products are fabulous in every way. Besides the important fact they are ethically sourced and never tested on animals, the high quality products come with a very reasonable price tag.  Biovene produce a range of organic, natural skincare, haircare, lipcare and suncare. All products are manufactured using minimal packaging material while bottles are made from 100% recycled material. The company is all too aware of the harm cause by plastic pollution which includes the fact that over 700 different marine species are killed either by plastic ingestion or entanglement, resulting in more than 100 million animal deaths a year. A shocking figure. Two-thirds of all seabird species are also affected. For example 98% of albatrosses have ingested plastic while 40% of their chicks die when fed this by their parents. Unlike humans, wildlife cannot discern plastic from digestible materials so if something resembles food then they assume it is food. Jellyfish-eating species including ocean sunfish and sea turtles, mistake plastic bags and balloon ribbons for jelly medusae, while animals including cows and dogs often eat plastic contaminated with human food.  If you haven't already done so, then do give Biovene products a try. Available from their website the products are suitable for various skin types including sensitive, oily, dry or combination.  Echoing the aromas of designer fragrances at budget-friendly prices, UK based Rebel Aromas focus on ethical beauty, offering vegan-friendly and cruelty-free perfumes. Not only that, THEY SMELL FABULOUS! I am astonished. Totally.   This isn't my first foray into the world of 'dupe' fragrances. I have tried a couple of others because they were touted as being 'just like the real thing'. To me though, they smelled of very little and an hour after spraying them on, there was no fragrance left. Perhaps that's why when I heard about Rebel Aromas, I thought, here we go again. I know, that's what you get for being cynical. Oh, I am running ahead of myself here. Perhaps some of you reading this don't know what a 'dupe' is - it's easy, they are labelled as such because of how similar they smell to iconic brands. Rebel Aromas offer an affordable alternative without compromising quality. So, what are some of the fragrances they offer? I'll start with Millionairess because it is super-gorgeous, magnetic ,alluring yet bold with floral and sensual base notes of patchouli and honey that define its luxurious character. Inspired by Paco Rabanne's 'Lady Million', you're going to feel pretty high-end if you choose this one with no worries about a designer price tag. If you are the kind of girl who wants to make a statement, this one is for you. Dark Opium is, as you may guess, inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium, a perfume which I have long loved. Top notes of coffee, pink pepper and orange blossom meld well with middle and base notes - vanilla, cedarwood and musk -to provide an intriguing yet seductive aroma.  Rebel Riviera captures the essence of Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino, fresh, citrusy, floral with more than a hint of rebellion. This is an exotic fragrance, possibly thanks to the addition of cruelty-free white musk. This one is great for daytime wear, it's sure to power you through from start to finish. Forbidden Fruits, an eco-friendly blend of pure botanicals inspired by Jo Malone's English Pear and Freesia, is sweet, fresh and totally captivating. Spritz in the vicinity of others and you will definitely get compliments. This one is elegant and sweet, capturing the essence of spring time whatever time of year you choose to wear it.  Rebellious Beauty is inspired by Lancome's La Vie Est Belle. This crisp, invigorating scent with top notes of pear, blackcurrant and iris is completely captivating, almost defiant. This perfume shouts fun and should be worn by those who know what they want and won't stop until they get it! The last Rebel Aromas perfume that I can tell you about is the feminine fragrance Rogue Whispers which captures the spirit of Carolina Herrera's Good Girl, a perfume I adore. Rogue Whispers is confident, bold with rich base notes which include tonka bean to add sweetness, depth and warmth. To sum up, I think Rebel Aromas has a fab range of perfume dupes, at prices which mean you can splash out and buy several to see which suits you best. Details of pricing and how to order on website www.rebelaromas.co.uk disclaimer: I received samples from Rebel Aromas but views are my own.  I love visiting Kew Gardens and went along to have a look at a new exhibition by contemporary artist Marc Quinn which looks at the relationship between people and plants. Building on his interest in nature and the human experience, Quinn’s Light into Life exhibition showcases sculptures in the gardens as well as in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. Click on any image to enlarge Designed to offer moments of thoughtful reflection and interaction throughout the gardens, the exhibition examines our complex relationship with the natural world and represents one of the largest site-specific art projects at Kew to date. Working with specialists from fields including plant diversity, Quinn has created pieces based on significant plants from the Kew collections. Amongst these is a large-scale series of sculptures based on herbarium specimens of plants which have inspired drug discovery, including the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), a source of drugs used for pain relief. These abstract sculptures not only tell the vital story of our reliance on the natural world for therapeutic treatments, but also emphasise the constructive quality of humanity’s complicated relationship with nature. This theme is further reflected in Held by Desire; a large bronze bonsai sculpture taking centre stage in the Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. Known the world over as the art of growing dwarf trees and shrubs, bonsai plants are kept at a consistently small size through careful pruning - perhaps the most painstaking manipulation of nature for aesthetic purposes.  all the images here are (c) Gilly Pickup Celebrating the garden's 175-year-old Palm House, Quinn's series of sculptural portraits of palm leaves are based on the Bismarck (Bismarckia nobilis) and Sabal (Sabal palmetto) Palms from within the glasshouse. The artworks are emblematic manifestations of our relationship with trees and their role in the shelter, food and fabric of daily survival for billions of people. Created in polished stainless steel, the mirroring reminds us of the role of light in the creation of plants and all living things. Also in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, a new exhibition in Gallery Six features botanical paintings co-curated by Dr Sherwood and Marc Quinn, alongside a selection of Quinn's drawings. These works reflect the plants inspiring the artworks integral to Light into Life, with orchids, lilies, bonsai and coconut palms.  Marc Quinn says: "As humans we are not isolated from our environments; we interact and exist within them as a part of nature. Collaborating with Kew, a world-class centre of botanical research, and its team of scientists and horticulturists, has underlined how integral the natural world is to my practice. The complex science of plants has always-and continues to-inspire my thinking as an artist. ." Accompanying books will be published by Kew Publishing. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With Kew’s world-leading research, global partnerships and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – Kew is using its trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity Kew relies on visitors' support, not only to sustain the gardens, but to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet. Exhibition admission included in a ticket to Kew Gardens. Pre-booking online offers best value visit.  Kurhotel Skodsborg, Denmark’s original spa hotel declares 2024 The Year of the Sauna.
Drawing on its 125 years of traditional Nordic health and wellness - and the current buzz around saunas - Kurhotel Skodsborg launches a new Ultimate Stay package to celebrate its signature experience, SaunaGus. SaunaGus is a sauna experience like no other. This Danish tradition is best described as an aromatherapy sauna set to music in which a Gusmester (mist master) uses a swirling towel to infuse the air with pure essential oils giving a mild scent that - combined with the heat - enhances relaxation. Every session ends with a dip in The Sound (the strait which forms the Danish–Swedish border) to juxtapose the extreme heat, awaken the senses and push guests’ physical and mental limits. What sets SaunaGus apart from other sauna experiences is the Gusmester… Bo Berlin, a seasoned Kurhotel Skodsborg Gusmester with six years’ experience, brings a wealth of aromatherapy knowledge to SaunaGus. Bo uses over 60 essential oils which he expertly blends to unlock healing and calming benefits. Bo recognizes SaunaGus as more than just a standard sauna experience, citing its ability to: aid digestion, the heat enhances blood flow to the digestive organs and modulates the gut microbiome*, improve skin health - stabilise the epidermal barrier function and increase hydration** - and boost the immune system - increase white blood cell counts***. Tania Bill Petersen, another of Kurhotel Skodsborg’s Gusmesters, channels her background in dance when leading a SaunaGus session. With the help of music and light, she creates a unique, almost theatrical experience. With graceful movements of her towel and fan, Tania distributes heat and carefully selected oils throughout the sauna to either enhance relaxation and promote mindfulness or energise and uplift. Kurhotel Skodsborg’s one-night Ultimate Stay package is built on the early 19th century philosophies of Founder, Dr Carl Ottosen and his belief that the fundamental principles for a healthy life boil down to: light, air, water, nutrition, exercise and rest. The package includes:
* Brain-gut peptides in sauna-induced hyperthermia; T G Jenssen, H H Haukland, P G Burhol; Acta Physiologica; 1988 ** Effect of regular sauna on epidermal barrier function and stratum corneum water-holding capacity in vivo in humans: a controlled study; D Kowatzki, C Macholdt, K Krull, D Schmidt, T Deufel, P Elsner, J W Fluhr; Dermatology; 2008 ***Effect of a Single Finnish Sauna Session on White Blood Cell Profile and Cortisol Levels in Athletes and Non-Athletes; Wanda Pilch, Ilona Pokora, Zbigniew Szyguła, Tomasz Pałka, Paweł Pilch, Tomasz Cisoń ; The journal of Human Kinetics 2013 Made from the finest responsibly-sourced Madagascan cocoa and crafted by expert Belgian chocolatiers, these dark chocolate chips from Nibble Simply are sweetened with coconut sugar, which the experts say, is better for you! Grown in mineral-rich soil, Madagascan cocoa is one of the very best and one of the most exclusive, cocoas in the world, accounting for less than 1% of chocolate globally. Another thing, cocoa is full of flavonoids with antioxidant qualities which help protect skin against damage from UV rays and pollution that speeds up skin ageing.  Goodies from the Nibble Group are fabulously different! Their lower-in- sugar, vegan snacks and bites are made with the best all-natural ingredients, nothing at all nasty lurks within! And they contain a fraction of the sugar of other snack bars. The two delicious ranges are: NIBBLE SIMPLY: Made with a handful of the finest ingredients, the little keto-friendly bites are super healthy with 55%+ fewer carbs, 60%+ less sugar and 160%+ more protein than their cookie counterparts. NIBBLE PROTEIN: Protein-packed bites are made with antioxidant dried plum purée. No sugar-laden dates or high GI sweeteners here. I was sent a pack of Nibble's yummy Madagascan chocolate chips to try and yes, they are fabulously rich and tasty! Definitely moreish!
All NIBBLE natural bites are vegan, soy and gluten free. The clever people there have avoided the most commonly used proteins: whey (dairy-based) and soy. Instead they opted for pea protein which contains no dairy or soy (common allergens) and it is sustainable - so, goodie! no cows required! It is also alkaline forming to help keep your body in balance and since it is a slow digesting protein, studies show it keeps you fuller for longer than whey protein. What's not to like? Nibble also contains other healthy ingredients including gluten-free oats, toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds and tasty dried plum purée. Now, dried plums, prunes by another name, are in fact, the original superfood. Well-known for being high in fibre, they're also tops for antioxidant power and contain over 40% less sugar than dates. As well as that, nutrient-rich dried plums are a good source of iron, potassium, boron - necessary for strong bones & muscles, magnesium and vitamins K and A. Wow! They are deliciously low GI too. No wonder dried plum purée is the base of the Nibble Protein range. Kew Gardens orchid festival is back and it's better than ever! Inspired by Cameroon's beauty and bio-diversity, this colourful celebration is sure to brighten up the winter months and it is the first time that this festival, the 27th! has been inspired by an African nation. Cameroon is home to an incredible number of orchid species, some are so rare that their locations are kept secret. From lush rainforests and volcanic mountains to deserts, Cameroon's huge variety of plants and wildlife are supported by varied habitats, reflected across the ten climatic zones within the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew. A lot of work went into the displays for the Orchid festival, they took three weeks to create, each one assembled by a team of around 100 volunteers and 12 horticultural staff. The festival runs from 4 February to 5 March, 2023 and also features an array of sculptured animals inspired by the wildlife of Cameroon. There's a larger then life lion, giraffes, hippos and gorillas. When purchasing a ticket to Kew Gardens, entry to Orchids in included. For best value tickets, book in advance at kew.org. Tickets for Orchids After Hours should be booked in advance.
Photos (c) Kew Gardens & Gilly Pickup Everyone knows how important a good night's sleep is but unfortunately for many, it isn’t as simple as just getting into bed and nodding off. Sleep is just as crucial for our health and wellbeing as oxygen and water, but the trials and tribulations of modern life can make it almost impossible for most of us to achieve a full night of quality sleep. Whether it’s worrying about the cost-of-living crisis or stressing about work, you’re not alone. According to The Sleep Charity, 40% of people in the UK suffer with sleep issues and don’t get the recommended 7-9 hours per night. Never fear. Help is at hand from Claire Logan of boutique bath, body and home fragrance brand, ARRAN Sense of Scotland. Here are her top tips on giving your bedtime routine a major makeover to help calm, relax and prepare for that all-important sleep, as well as sleep-busting products to help improve the quality of your ZZZs.  Keep to a Sleep Routine Routine is a great place to start when you’re trying to improve your sleep. Decide when you want to wake up and work back from there. You should aim for between 7-9 hours a night to boost your circadian rhythm and get a properly restorative sleep. Try to get up at the same time every day if possible, including weekends. Being consistent with your sleep schedule helps reinforce your body’s sleep / wake cycle. If you don’t fall asleep in around 20 minutes or so, get up and do something to relax yourself rather than getting frustrated, which can be counter-productive. Go back to bed when you feel ready for sleep but try to keep to your scheduled wake-up time. It’s also important to think about your activities before bed and incorporate these into your sleep routine. Certain activities like high impact exercise, watching TV or learning a new skill, can be mental stimulants, not only keeping you awake for longer but also reducing your sleep quality. Swapping them for something more therapeutic, for instance, restorative yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or reading, sends a signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down and switch off. Avoid going to bed when hungry or too full as this can affect the quality of your sleep. Limit alcohol and caffeine as the stimulation they provide can take hours to wear off. Wash the Day Away Life can be busy so it’s important to destress and relax at the end of every day to improve your sleep. Start your evening routine by washing the day away with a bath or shower – Claire’s advice is to try to make time for a relaxing bath before bed at least once a week. Hot baths may reduce blood pressure and it’s also thought that a sweat from a hot bath can burn as many calories as taking a walk, a brilliant added bonus. Adding the right products will enhance your bath time experience, so try a detoxifying face mask and heavenly scented bath salts. Soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes to allow the healing and relaxing properties to take effect. Transform ordinary bathing into a ritual bath, a ceremony to clear toxic energy and let go of anything that isn’t serving you. Use your bath to help set new intentions. Focus on what’s troubling you and add fragrances that will help deal with that. Lavender and Chamomile is great for relaxing while citrus aromas lift spirits and rejuvenate. You can also try writing your troubles down and burning them with a candle, a physical symbol of letting go, before getting into the bath to cleanse and rejuvenate.  Create a Bedroom Sanctuary One of the absolute best things you can do to reduce stress and promote good sleep is create a space dedicated to relaxation. Making your bedroom strictly a sleep sanctuary is a great way to sleep train your brain. If you don’t have the time or budget for a full refresh, here are some quick, affordable update ideas. Start by clearing clutter. Less is definitely more when creating a bedroom sanctuary. It’s much easier to fully relax in a space without clutter; a minimalist style is key for engendering a serene and calm environment without over-stimulating the brain. Banish light-emitting electronic devices that are proven to be disruptive to sleep. Add clean crisp bed linens in classic white for a luxury hotel feel. Channel tranquil vibes when thinking about bathroom décor, neutrals, pale blues and serene greens are known to promote a soothing atmosphere, whilst nature-inspired colours such as earthy browns, soft greys and sage greens give off an organic and calming effect. One of the easiest things to do is open the window daily to let in some fresh air. You can also try adding air purifying plants to help focus your mind. Easy to care for plants such as succulents are great for adding a touch of colour as well as being decorative and helping create a healthy environment. Introduce scented candles; a de-stress double whammy of calming fragrance and soft, ambient lighting. Worried about naked flames? Diffusers have the same effect and you can add in mood lighting with fairy lights or a dimmer lamp. You can also try is pillow or linen spray made from organic or natural ingredients. Spritz on bedding, soft furnishings or towels when required. A lavender pillow spray or pulse point oil can help reduce sleep anxiety and improve sleep quality. Some Sleep Essentials Ideas to Try
Sleep Essentials from ARRAN Sense of Scotland Lavender has long since been used to aid sleep, whilst spearmint is said to improve memory and balance hormones. Escape to your own island spa with ARRAN’s Glen Iorsa range. It's the perfect fragrance for soothing anxiety and promoting tranquillity. ARRAN’s Apothecary collection is inspired by the ancient crafts of the alchemist, tried and trusted remedies which act as an antidote to modern living. Try the Apothecary Seaweed & Sage range created with clary sage to promote restful sleep by helping to reduce the effects of stress. ARRAN Sense of Scotland creates bath, body and home fragrance collections inspired by and proudly made on the Isle of Arran. For three decades the family-run company has created evocative scents from its Home Farm factory, an old dairy farm near historic Brodick Castle. From the freshwater spring to a pinch of seasoned gorse, there’s a bit of Arran in every single product. images: all courtesy of ARRAN Sense of Scotland   JRNY shakes are ideal for increasing your protein intake and, for those in a hurry, a healthy on-the-go, tasty meal. Good so far? Read on..... JRNY shakes comes in two flavours, Madagascan Vanilla and Double Chocolate Brownie. They're vegan, free from GMOs and don't contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners. There is one serving in each sachet and all you have to do is add water and drink. How simple is that? Protein in the shakes comes from peas and white hemp. Some protein shakes offer a single source of protein, usually hemp, soy, rice or pea, but JRNY go one better to offer a blend of different plant proteins. That way you benefit from different amino acids. The shakes also contain 16 vitamins and minerals essential to women's health and energy and are ideal for vegans who can find it difficult to get enough protein in their diet. JRNY is a first class way to support a healthy, active lifestyle  How to make JRNY shakes Add 200 to 400 ml water depending on how thick you want your drink to be and mix it in a blender. JRNY shakes mix easily, so you won't get any yukky lumpy bits. I really like the fact that JRNY’s website reinforces the message that health is not about a specific body shape or certain size . The company promotes body positivity, so extra kudos to them. Protecting the environment is important. JRNY comes in paper sachets inside a cardboard box. Everything is recyclable or biodegradable. My verdict? I REALLY like JRNY Vegan Protein Shakes. They're tasty, convenient, eco-conscious and healthy. What's not to like?  Head to JRNY website where you can buy the plant-based protein shakes. In the vegan line of protein powders, you can choose either the double chocolate brownie flavour, Madagascan vanilla flavour or throw caution to the winds and order a combination of the two. www.yourjrny.com for more info. Disclaimer: The lovely people at JRNY sent me sachets for review purposes. My opinions are my own. images (c) JRNY Thank you JRNY for sending me this product to test.
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