Lisa, Author at Conversations through the middle

Looking for – and finding – the happiness in life

January 24, 2013

Sometimes my daughter winds me up so much I feel like I’m going to explode. She can be so cheeky and the amount of back chat I get from her brings steam shooting out of my ears. One of those times happened tonight, over the silliest thing. Anyway, it’s over now, she has gone to bed and I have calmed down.

I love her more than anything, yet during those moments when my head is in my hands and I just can’t believe how she can be so… I don’t know. She’s only 11, perhaps I’m expecting too much, I have nothing to measure her against as she is my only child.

Before we started our mega bust up I was about to write that I’ve discovered a linky that really speaks to me: What has made me happy. It is hosted weekly by Helpful Mum on her blog You’re Not From Round Here and its sentiments struck a chord because no matter how bad my week has been or how horrible things seem, there’s always something to be thankful for – and I need to remember that.

I had a short time to reflect after Dot went to bed; I had decided not to bother writing as I was in such a bad mood, but you know what, that was just me being petty. Now, sitting here writing this the thought of my beautiful girl fills me with love. I have so many things in my life to be thankful for – and the most important and precious one is Dot.

This week the snow is behind many of my What has made me happy moments…

Monday, school was closed due to the snow and Dot was very happy to be at home. She came for a walk with me and the dog (not something she does very often) and we had fun with snow angels, snowballs and, well, snow…

I enjoy walking the dog, it gives me an opportunity to think and the space to run through issues and situations in my head, sorting problems and creating plans for action. It’s funny watching him play in the snow also, he is such a cutie.

Workwise, this week I had a meeting with the editor of a magazine I really admire. It went well I think and there is the prospect of freelance subbing and writing work with the title. Tomorrow I have another meeting about potential work on a magazine and I’m really buzzing about the possibilities this title could present.

Finally, I made soup. I have been talking about homemade soup for a while and I produced a rather good bean and pasta version, if I do say so myself. Dot liked it, as did I, though I did use too much pasta and we could be eating it for weeks.

Home hair colour – Schwarzkopf Color Mask

January 23, 2013

Today I coloured my hair. It’s not my favourite job, as I get the stuff everywhere – sink, ears, boobs, neck – but when you‘re blessed with hereditary greys as I am, it’s a total necessity.

When I’m feeling rich I leave it to the professionals – alas I haven’t been feeling rich for a while now so I’m having to just get on with it. There was a bit of excitement this time though – I used a new product, a colour mask (oh how I live on the edge).

According to the manufacturer, the difference with this new product – the Schwarzkopf Color Mask – is that it incorporates a deep conditioning mask alongside the colour. (It also includes pro vitamin B5, apricot kernel oil and amino acid proteins to nourish and moisturise the hair.)

What I noticed was how much thicker the product is than other hair colours I’ve used before. The good thing about that is it doesn’t drip everywhere (though I still managed to get it in a few odd places), the downside however is I ended up using more product than I realised on the front of my hair so I ended up running short for the back.

Another plus point is that you just use your fingers to apply it (gloved, obviously), which is so much better than having to fiddle with applicator tips and comb attachments.

In fact I really liked this product. The only real drawback is that it takes 30 minutes to develop. I generally use Perfect 10, which takes just 10 minutes, so waiting 30 minutes seemed like for-ever.

If I was more organised that wouldn’t be a problem, but…

I will definitely be using this again, though not when I’m in a hurry.

19/365

January 22, 2013

My darling snow angel…

A coffee break with… Sarah Silvester

January 21, 2013

In the first of what I hope will become a regular interview feature at 40s Chic we catch up with natural beauty expert Sarah Silvester.

Sarah is the founder of Laidbare Skincare, a brand that uses only natural ingredients in its formulations; she also sources natural beauty products – including fragrance and make-up – from around the world through her company Touch My Face.

The company donates 10% of its profits to Sreepur, a charity that through education, supports more than 100 destitute mothers and 450 children in Sreepur village, Bangladesh.

What made you set up your own business?
I saw an opportunity to launch natural skincare brands that had a visible impact on the skin, and were otherwise lacking in the UK market.

Why skincare?
I have worked in beauty for 12 years so had the right experience to confidently launch and grow skincare brands. Skincare has always been a personal journey, having suffered teenage acne and rosacea in my late 20s, so developing products that work on my skin first enabled me to bring them to retail.

Does Laidbare cater for all types of skin?
Yes from young to more mature skin. Oily skin types are driven to the green and blue products while mature users can select from the blue and pink products.

Are your products organic?
We have organic content but predominantly our products are natural.

What is your favourite product in the range?
From Dusk Till Dawn Vitamin C serum, essential in my regime now the weather is so chilly, as it offers a barrier against the cold.

Sarah at the Sreepur Village charity in Bangladesh

What is your favourite beauty product?
Mascara

Have you seen changes in skincare products over the last few years?
Yes. The natural market has steadily taken hold and is now influencing the ‘big’ players in beauty. More and more synthetic brands are trying to appear more natural and green.

What is the big thing in beauty at the moment?
To be paraben-free, thanks to exposure within the media.

What is your favourite beauty tip?
Take off your make-up before bed and apply a vitamin c serum, the most vital ingredient for keeping skin youthful.

What made you choose to support Sreepur?
My mother-in-law runs the UK side of the charity, so that’s how I was introduced to it; I was lucky enough to visit a few years ago.

Do you have any advice for women thinking of starting their own business?
Know your market, control your costs and work with trustworthy business associates. Draw up a strategy and review it regularly to set your goals and achievements.

Find Laidbare skincare online at naturisimo.com