Lisa, Author at Conversations through the middle

Olympic torch comes to Colchester

July 6, 2012

We had a bit of a historic moment in Colchester today – the Olympic torch passed through the town on the way to London. We braved the rain at 7am this morning to travel down to see it – and we weren’t disappointed. The route was packed but from our vantage point on Ipswich Road we had a brilliant view. More by luck than by judgement and in spite of the fact there must have been thousands of people there, we ended up right at the spot where the relay handover happens! One torchbearer ended her run and the next one took up the challenge – my friend described the moment as the kissing (not sure if that’s what it’s called or just something she thought of).

To be honest, I hadn’t been that fussed about going to see the torch, but Dot wanted to see it. I changed my mind when we arrived though – the atmosphere was fantastic. Everybody was in a great mood and even the police motorcycle convoy joined in, chatting to the kids, shaking hands and tooting their horns. The cheers when the torch arrived were massive and there honestly was a party vibe going on – even though it was only breakfast time.

The entire country is getting in the mood for the Olympics now. We were very lucky in the ticket draw and have tickets to the eventing at Greenwich at the end of July, however, we only have two of them, so it’s just me and Dot going. Obviously I’m overjoyed about that but Dot, who actually wanted to watch the swimming and volleyball, is not so impressed.


Here she comes… arriving at the changeover point on Ipswich Road

Meeting for the handover

And the flame is lit – the journey continues

Going home for a well-deserved cup of tea

And off he goes!

Beauty round-up

July 5, 2012

New from Rituals, Urban Chic is a richly pigmented mineral make-up collection comprising baked eye shadow palettes, nail colour, lip shine and mascara. Information from the brand informs me the range also includes gemstones among the ingredients – ruby, amethyst and sapphire to be exact.

I was privileged to be invited to view the collection and other beauty products by Rituals at a hotel in London last week. It’s not a brand I knew much about before, but a comprehensive introduction to the company and the ethos behind what it does, as well as meeting Rituals’ founder Raymond Cloosterman, means I’m now totally clued up.

I love the way they match their products to a story or ritual. That comes first then the product evolves afterwards, so for example the Hammam steam bath ritual and the Ayurveda ritual are just two that have provided inspiration in the past.

Back to Urban Chic. The eye shadow palette comes in muted grey with a deep purple, or deep blue and iridescent pastels, and there’s three new nail colours – sea green, freezed fantasy and skyline. The mascara is available in black only and the lip shine comes in Sandy Sheer, Sun Down and Night Fall. I’m still waiting for images, but as soon as I have them I’ll post them. The limited edition range is in shops now until October.

Hemp Green Tea Soap is the latest product from Dr Bronner’s. The pure Castile soap has 18 different uses and can clean anything from your body to your vegetables, even your teeth (though I haven’t tried that!) It contains organic oils and antioxidant green tea extracts; the ingredients are also Fair Trade. Free from preservatives, fragrances, whiteners, dyes and synthetic foaming agents, this soap is totally biodegradable and comes n recycled packaging.

Take a trip back in time to the Art Deco days of The Great Gatsby, with the help of No7’s new Deco Darling Collection. The packaging is beautiful to look at and the products are just as lovely. The loose powder highlighter gives a luminous glow and the eye palette colours are the basis of that sultry style so popular in that era. Nails are covered with the grey/silver/blue Speakeasy varnish, while Daisy Darling is a clear lacquer containing lots of pink sparkly glitter bits. A dramatic black liquid eye liner and lipsticks in Love Red and Modesty, complete the collection.

Lisa Eldridge, creative director for Boots and celebrity make-up artist, created Deco Darling. She explains: “The collection channels the chic and beautiful style of the 1920s and there’s a look for every woman. Whether you want to opt for a dramatic eye or add a subtle touch of shimmer to your cheekbones, the No7 Deco Darling Collection will leave you looking and feeling as elegant as scenes from the Great Gatsby.”

Happy home – beautiful products for the kitchen and living room

July 3, 2012

I love looking at kitchen ware and bits and pieces for my home. They don’t have to be expensive (often the best things aren’t), they just have to have something – I don’t always know what it is – that draws me in and makes me give them space in my life. Last week when I was in London for meetings, I passed a charity shop on Brompton Road that had several pieces of Cornishware in the window – that’s the blue and white striped pottery, so called because it brings to mind the sea and sky of Cornwall. But I didn’t go in … aargh. I really, really wanted to, but my feet were killing me and there was no way I could have carried any of it home (too much to carry already). That particular design reminds me of my childhood, I think it was auntie Peggy who had lots of it in her kitchen. I’m in London again tomorrow so perhaps I’ll get a chance to go back and see if it’s still there. Fingers crossed.

Here’s a few more bits and pieces I’ve seen lately that are now on my wish list.

Cushions, cushions, cushions. You can never have to many of them in my view. These beauties are from Deckchairstripes and would look great scattered nonchalantly on the living room floor, just right for flopping on.

This teaset comprising a teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug and butter dish is purrfect for cat lovers (we have two – moggies that is not teasets). From the Cats collection by artist Laura Lee, the set is made from English bone china and is hand painted in black and white. www.lauraleedesigns.co.uk

And here’s the teapot up close:

This gorgeous Bees cake stand is also by the talented Laura Lee. I can imagine this on my table for high tea (oh yes), with lots of delicious cup cakes and strawberry tarts (we’ll not bother with the cucumber sandwiches). Again this is made from English bone china and is handpainted; it’s a limited edition piece.

Cake again, this time in the shape of a mug. This is sooo suited to my daughter, I’ll have to buy her one, cake being one of her favourite foods.The Eat More Cake mug is designed by illustrator Vicki Gausden; you can even have the handle personalised. McLaggan Smith Mugs

Finally this week is the Alessi La Rosa fruit bowl. I love Alessi’s designs as they are so out of the ordinary and they make a statement in any kitchen. This would look perfect on my worktop, just in front of the window. It’s almost too pretty to put fruit in though. Made from solid steel and finished in red epoxy resin, it is designed by Emma Silvestris and you can find it at Red Candy.

Beauty round-up – eyes and face

July 2, 2012

It has been a week of launches for Lush, firstly with the colour wheel and Emotional Brilliance and now with this cute mascara. It might look small but there’s more product in that little bottle than in your usual mascara tubes. The ingredients are designed to nourish the lashes and include wheatgrass, as well as carnauba wax to stop smudging and just one preservative – apparently mascaras usually contain up to six. Colour-wise the pigment is deep, it goes on well, without clotting (thanks to the little brush, which is easy to manipulate). There’s just one thing, it might just be my sample, but the brush keeps coming out of the lid.

Also launched last week are Emotional Brilliance Translucent Face Powder, and Skin Tints in Charisma and Feeling Younger. The light-reflecting face powder sets make-up, but on its own, works to even out skin tone. It contains moisurising jojoba oil and is free of preservatives and mineral oils. Charisma gives a bronzed glow and is ideal for skin that is already tanned, while Feeling Younger contains light-reflecting pigment that brightens the skin. Both can be used alone or with moisturiser; they contain orange flower water, cocoa butter, jojoba and almond oils, and oats. All on sale from 21 July. www.lush.co.uk

New from Frontcover Cosmetics are a series of summer make-up kits – and for the first time you can buy them direct from the company’s website. There are six sets in the collection – Matte + Metallic, Colour of the Season: Pink, Pencils + Polish, The Baked Powder Collection, A Rainbow of Colours and Sunlit Metals. As is usual with Frontcover, there’s comprehensive instructions and illustrations on how to create a variety of looks – handy if you’re a little lost when it comes to application or if, like me, you’re a little inept in the make-up artistry department. I haven’t tried these but love the colours and my two favourite kits are pictured below. By the way, if you’re in Europe this summer you should be able to find Frontcover in branches of Sephora. www.frontcovercosmetics.com

The Body Shop has added to its tea tree collection with a pore minimiser, so if you think your pores are too large then get on down to your nearest branch – it’s on sale from August. Tea tree is known for its antibacterial and healing qualities and including it in this minimiser helps eliminate congestion and clogged pores; Body Shop tea tree oil is organic and fair trade, so farmers in Kenya benefit, too. The product is also a primer and it gives a matte finish, reducing shine. I know some people don’t like the scent of tea tree, finding it rather medicinal, but I love it so this is one product I’ll definitely be trying soon. Apply after moisturising and under makeup.www.thebodyshop.com