Lisa, Author at Conversations through the middle

All for charity

December 5, 2009

You can look beautiful and help out a good cause at the same time with these hair straighteners from Nicky Clarke.

The Love Women Cermamic Straighteners carry the Ovarian Cancer Action Charity logo and 10% from the sale of each set is to go to the charity.

Nicky’s aim is to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer. He says: “I’m hoping my hair straightener will act as a talking point among families and groups of friends.”

Highlighting the disease can only be a good thing. Often symptoms are difficult to spot, just not there or are mistaken for something else, yet according to the Ovarian Cancer Action Charity, ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer found in women and each year almost 7,000 women are diagnosed with it.

Symptoms can include: Persistent pelvic and stomach pain, increased abdominal size / persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes, difficulty eating and feeling full quickly.

Sufferers may also notice urinary symptoms, changes in bowel habits, extreme tiredness or back pain.

Frighteningly, ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer in women. Yet, if diagnosed early enough up to 90% of sufferers will survive for more than five years.

Forewarned is forearmend, visit Ovarian Cancer Action at www.ovarian.org.uk

Caring for your skin – winter

November 12, 2009

I don’t know about you but the heating dial is well and truly on in our house. I am no fan of the cold, trouble is, central heating though making you feel warm and toasty, is awful for drying out your skin. That coupled with the havoc wreaked by the winter wind and rain, makes extra TLC for your face and body essential.

Try these top tips:

1) Don’t let the air in your home become too dry. Place water beside radiators to increase the room’s moisture content.

2) Many people swear by a richer moisturiser at this time of year to counteract the elements. You could choose one from your usual brand or try something new. Book a skincare consultation at the beauty counter of your local department store to experiment with new products or treat yourself to a luxurious facial at a health club or spa.

3) Take the opportunity to treat yourself to a new body cream. Be as extravagant as you dare and apply it to damp skin after bathing.

4) Remember to use sunscreen on your face even though it’s winter. Make sure your moisturiser contains at least SPF15.

Sweet berry shades

November 4, 2009

The catwalk is at your fingertips with the latest berry nail colours from Miners. Experience the opulent colours of this season’s haute couture with Mulberry Shimmer (containing golden sparkly bits), Plum, and liquid gold Molten. Perfect for on-trend partying.

Be jewelled

November 1, 2009

I love this necklace from Accessorize, they call it Butterscotch Eclectic and it looks good enough to eat.

I was also bowled over by this triangular resin bangle from Bags of Sparkle. I love the gold chain against the black background. I could wear this for work or for going out in the evening.