2016 Year Highlights

Leave a comment

2016 has been an interesting year full of exciting experiences, travelling to many beautiful countries, discovering new cuisines and creating many incredible memories.

As some of you know I got married in August which was definitely the most incredible and wonderful day of my life. After 4 years of relationship, we finally said ‘I do’. Close to the event there was lots of stress and planning but everything worked out perfectly.

I’ve put together a little recap of 2016 highlighting many of my interesting travels and breathtaking moments I experienced. Thank you all for being a part of it.

January: 

I took James to the magical Rome for his birthday. We had a great time discovering the sites of this beautiful city.

February: 

At the end of February, we went for 10-days break to beautiful Bansko in Bulgaria. WE were active and skied during the day and had some delicious traditional food and drinks afterwards.

May:

Our friends Ramesh and Louise got married and we celebrated their big day with them in the Bradbourne House.

 July: 

Just a couple of weeks before getting married my bridesmaids organised a great hen night for me.

 August:

I got married to the love of my life surrounded by our families and friends.

September: 

A lot has happened in September. Firstly, we went to Paris for our first mini-moon.

Then, I attended the yearly paratroopers ball organised by my father who is a President of paratroopers association. It was great to spend some quality time with my family.

October: 

My younger brother visited me in London for a few days. We decided to visit a London zoo during the weekend but as it was quite cold unfortunately we didn’t see any meerkats that I absolutely adore.

November:

It was time for our second mini-moon and we decided to go to Palma de Mallorca. The hotel we stayed in and the food we had were much better than we expected.

December: 

After waiting for a few months, we finally departed for our honeymoon. It was amazing to discover all the new cultures and visit the countries we never been to. I will post some more information on the places we visited in my ‘Holiday destinations’ section of the blog soon.

What will 2017 bring? I am slowly filling my diary with some more trips and will aim to go to one new place at least once a month.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Have a happy new year!

X

Pauline

 

Holiday destinations: Lisbon, Portugal

1 Comment

I’ve recently visited Lisbon-the capital and the largest city of Portugal for a short 3-days break with my husband. Lonely Planet’s features which boast Portugal in both its top 10 Cities and Regions to visit in 2017 lists prove that Portugal is not a place to be missed. You should experience it before it becomes a tourist hub so if you are currently planning your travel adventures for 2017 then put Portugal on your ‘to-go’ list.

323073_10200091165232641_990207819_o-1

Lisbon has a population of around 2.7 million people, being the 11th-most populous urban area in the European Union. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest in Western Europe, predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by centuries.

Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate. We were there during December and it was quite warm. The city has the warmest winters of any metropolis in Europe, with average temperatures 15 °C during the day and 8 °C at night from December to February.

325990_10200091208233716_1798854958_o

There’s lots to see in this city and here is a short list of my suggestions:

  1. Lisbon Oceanarium
  2. Jeronimos Monastery
  3. Belem Tower
  4. St George’s Castle
  5. Parque Des Nacoes
  6. Design and Fashion Museum

403603_10200091207153689_1745712755_n705689_10200091183633101_423688581_o321747_10200091181393045_893131654_o411648_10200091176872932_1327452302_o

As I was there for only 3 days my mini-break, it felt quite rushed and I would love to go there again for a few days more. I am sure that I could have benefited from taking the slower route and really immersing myself in many beautiful surroundings that Portugal has to offer. On my return from Portugal I have discovered the ‘Slow holidays’ company Inntravel that is specialising in organising walking holidays. They have recenly added a new La Palma Volcanic Trail walking holiday. Everyone needs some time to think and if you enjoy discovering new places, eating delicious food and walking then that would be the perfect break for you. I would love to go on this 7 days walking holidays that consist of:

  • self-guided hotel-to-hotel walking;
  • walking through beautiful, unspoiled scenery from coast to coast;
  • staying at the unique blend of traditional and modern accommodation (one guesthouse, one 3-star hotel, one village cottage; one rural hotel).

You can read more about this walking holiday on Inntravel website:

https://www.inntravel.co.uk/holidays/walking-holidays/Portugal/Algarve-coast-to-coast?pg=sk

I hope you enjoyed reading this review. It was written in collaboration with Inntravel.

X

Pauline

Tried and Tested: Paul Mitchell new TEA TREE SCALP CARE range

Leave a comment

As some of you might know, I love trying new beauty products. I recently discovered a great new TEA TREE SCALP CARE range from Paul Mitchell.

range

I have heard recently that healthy hair and its growth is dependent on a healthy scalp. The new Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Scalp Care range is designed to give you a thicker and fuller hair while at the same time slowing down the process of hair thinning.

I decided to try all 3 products from this range:

1. TEA Tree SCALP CARE ANTI-THINNING SHAMPOO. This great shampoo is sulfate-free and gently removes impurities to prime the scalp. It contains the Regeniplex blend consisting of Kakadu plum, pea peptides, clover flower, turmeric and ginseng to stimulate the scalp and provide fuller, thicker hair. Size: 300 ml.

2. TEA Tree SCALP CARE ANTI-THINNING CONDITIONER. This amazing lightweight conditioner not only smells great but it also detangles fine and fragile hair. The Regeniplex blend used in shampoo is also included in this strengthening product. Size: 300 ml.

3. TEA Tree SCALP CARE ANTI-THINNING TONIC. This product should be used twice a day in order to create an optimal scalp environment for thicker, stronger, fuller hair. This tonic also contains Regeniplex blend and its main aim is to help increase hair density and encourage healthy hair growth.

Result:

I’ve been using the whole range for 2 weeks and my hair definitely feels fuller and stronger. If you need to give your hair some extra boost than you should definitely try this scalp care range as a seasonal treat for your locks.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

The perfect last minute gift ideas with Treatwell

Leave a comment

treatwell-1

With Christmas just around the corner, if like many of my friends and family you are struggling to decide what to get for your loved ones, I might have a suitable gift idea for you. As some of you know, I am still on my honeymoon in Asia and will be returning to London next week. As I didn’t have time to get all presents before I left, I decided to get some beauty gift cards from Treatwell.

treatwell-2

I really like to receive gift vouchers as my gifts as it means that I can decide what I want to spend them on and I get exactly what I want. In addition, I don’t need to pretend that I like something when deep down inside I hate it… Everyone loves a bit of pampering and Treatwell offers a range of great treatments for anyone, no matter if you are 18 or approaching your late 90s, no matter if you are a woman or a man.

So what exactly can you get from Treatwell as the perfect last minute gift? I bought a few last-minute gift-cards as they can be used at thousands of beauty clinics, studios, hairdressers, barbers etc.

treatwell

You can redeem the gift cards against any treatments for hair, nails, face, body in addition to a vast list of spa breaks around the UK.

The voucher values vary from £10 to £250 so they are perfect for any budget. What’s more you can either have it delivered by post or by email if you are in a hurry!

So, what are you waiting for? If you still need a few gifts, then let your family and friends decide how they would like to spend them and give them the opportunity to pamper themselves and unwind at the location and time that is convenient for them.

Website:

https://www.treatwell.co.uk/gift-card/

I hope you enjoyed reading this post!

Sending you all greetings from Hong Kong! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of love, happiness and lovely presents!

X

Pauline

 

Tried and tested: esthechoc Cambridge Beauty Chocolates

Leave a comment

I have recently attended a talk about the benefits on esthechoc Beauty Chocolates. It’s well known fact that dark chocolate has antioxidant properties. I love sweets however I am normally anxious about their effect on my diet so I was extremely fascinated in how this product could be beneficial to my health.

Esthechoc is a first anti-ageing nutricosmetic with a strong, scientifically proven impact on the metabolism of ageing skin. It contains 72.6% dark chocolate and has only 38 kcal per piece .

images

The Cambridge University clinical research has proven that esthechoc:

– significantly reduce inflammation,

– increase antioxidant activity

– improve microcirculation in the skin.

How is it different to any other dark chocolates?

On the esthechoc website I read that: ‘ It contains a combination of highly potent active substances: Astaxanthin (the most powerful antioxidant known to science) and Cocoa polyphenolic epicatechins (found naturally in chocolate). Unique micellar technology used during production of esthechoc makes these actives bioavailable.’

esthechoc

What’s the prescribed amount of esthechoc?

It is recommended to have one small esthechoc a day. Each box contains three weeks supply and it’s been clinically shown that after 21 days your skin will look more nourished and benefit from greater protection against free radicals.

o-esthechoc-570

Result:

I decided to add esthechoc to my diet during the last 3 weeks and I was having this 38-calories chocolate as a reward after my breakfast each morning.

After, I finished my box my skin looked radiant, healthy and luminous. I will definitely continue buying this chocolate to ensure seeing these results.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Appleton Estate ‘The Taste Of Jamaica’ Event

Leave a comment

appletonI have recently attended a rum tasting event organised by Appleton Estate a glorious and fertile land located in the heart of Jamaica. To be honest, I didn’t know much about rum before the event so I was looking forward to learning more about it. I found it interesting to hear the story of rum and really enjoyed trying different blends of rum during the event.

Event:

The vent commenced at 7p.m. and a lovely Rum Master Blender Joy Spence and Ian Burell uncovered a hidden word of crafted, aged rum to all attendees.

img_3424img_3429img_3436img_3439img_3441img_3492

To start with we tried the Appleton Estate Signature Blend-the original Appleton Estate rum.

img_3530img_3540

It was my favourite blend as it wasn’t really strong comparing to the other rums I tried. Secondly, we tried Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old. It is an extraordinary indulgence rum that cannot be rushed.

img_3539img_3534

At the end, we had some Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Jamaican Rum. This blend is suitable for anyone who wants to experience unique Jamaican luxury. It is priced at £150 per bottle so it is the most extravagant rum from the whole Appleton Estate rum range.

img_3541img_3533

I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed my rum tasting experience!

img_3537img_3562

I hope that you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and tested: Moor Spa Platinum Supreme Serum & Cream

Leave a comment

moor-spa

This week I would like to tell you about the Moor Spa Skin Care. I recently tried a serum and moisturiser  from its exclusive Platinum Supreme range which is suitable for all skin types.

Range:

Every Moor Spa product contains the unique Austrian Moor essence. Created by nature over 10,000 years ago, this nutrient-rich complex is derived from a multitude of herbs, plants and flowers and is revered for its therapeutic properties by both medical clinics and spas around the world. This consists of a wide array of organic substances and minerals such as humic acid, fulvic acid, antioxidants, proteins and mineral salts that enhance the skin’s overall health.
Platinum Supreme Serum 
This 100% natural serum contains the renowned age-defying effects of Palmitoyl Tripeptide, DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid – all in one concentrated product. It has a lovely silky texture and is quickly absorbent. It comes in a 30ml tube and cost $45.00
serum
Platinum Supreme Cream
This 100% natural cream combines the intensely hydrating action of hyaluronate spheres, the rejuvenating effects of sweet potato extract and the anti-oxidant properties of CoEnzyme Q10 – all in one advanced moisturizer.
How to use it:
You should follow your normal daily skincare ritual and firstly remove any make up, cleanse and tone your skin. Once your skin is fresh and clean you should apply 1 drop of the serum to your face and then once it absorbs you should massage a pea-size of the moisturiser over your face.
Results:
I’ve been using Moor Spa Platinum Supreme serum and Creme for 3 weeks now and I can clearly see the improvement. My skin looks more radiant, is soft and it looks younger.
You should definitely give Moor Spa products a go and buy them! I will definitely want to try some more products from Moor Spa!
Hope you enjoyed reading this review!
X
Pauline

Fesive menu at Ember London

Leave a comment

ember-logo

This week I would like to tell you about the festive winter tasting menu you should try at EMBER London. 

I visited Ember London just before I left for my honeymoon. It is a new hidden bar, dining and late night destination.

ember-london-2

Location and name:

Ember London is located in Monument on Pudding Lane where the Great Fire of London started in 1666. The venue’s name references this event and 2016, the year Ember opened, marks the 350th anniversary of the fire.

ember-london

Venue:

At first glance, Ember London looks like many of the small-bites eateries however if you go inside you’ll discover that it offers five unique spaces. The Main Bar is designed for dining and is complete with a DJ booth for after-hours partying in the lead up to the weekend. The Cellar Bar offers a more relaxed experience for small-group gatherings along with its own private room The Vault, which provides guests with a secluded self- service bar, for those that do not want to be disturbed. The main bar includes two further private rooms, each with their own independent identity and unique design features. The Snug is tucked away in the furthest, quietest corner of Ember and has a mysterious feel with dark mirrors covering the walls and ceiling The Retreat is a relaxing and personal space that works well for wine, whisky and sake tastings.

cellar-bar-booth-crop

Festive menu:

Ember London serves an innovative collection of Asian-influenced contemporary dishes created by Executive Chef Jonathan Villar. Ember London currently have 2 festive menus-3 courses for £30 or 6 courses menu for £60. I decided to try their 6 course festive menu.

The first dish I had was Amuse bouche-a single, bite-sized hors d’œuvre.

img_6367

For second dish I had Inari pocket tempura.

img_6368

For third course I chose to have a Thai rice taco with some minced prawns, tamarind, chilli, crushed peanuts, kaffir lime & coriander, sweet chilli aioli.

img_6372

Next I decided to have some Duke of Berkshire pork adobo taro rosti with crispy shallots Shiraz.

img_6376

All 4 small plates dishes were delicious and presented beautifully. I could even describe them as rather Instagram-friendly.

For my dessert I had some mouth-watering orange blossom panna cotta.

img_6389

The meal ended with a selection of petit fours.

img_6394

Ember London has a great cocktail menu so I also ordered a Matcha 3 cocktail which was a perfect combination of herbal and fruity flavours. It served one important purpose-it washed any residual heat from the spices in my mouth instantly.

img_6403

Overall:

Ember London is a pleasant venue that offers some great food at the reasonable prices. If you are looking for a new place to catch-up with friends or colleagues then it is a no-brainer choice for an easy meal and cocktails. I will definitely be returning there soon!

img_6406

Opening hours:

Open weekdays Monday to Wednesday 11.00 am to 12.00am and Thursday to Friday 11.00 to 02.00.

Website: 

www.ember.london

Address:

1a Pudding Lane
London EC3R 8AB

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and tested: KeraStraight Intense Boost Protein 30 Day Conditioning Treatment

Leave a comment

logo-kerastraight

As you probably remember, I recently tried a few haircare products from the KeraStraight Volume Enhance range. I liked them so much that I decided to try a signature KeraStraight Intense Boost Protein 30 Day Conditioning Treatment at Trevor Sorbie salon in Covent Garden in London.

Do you struggle with hair that is:

  • Dry / Damaged?
  • Curly / Wavy / Frizzy?
  • Too Thick / Takes Too Long?
  • or all of the above?

If your answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, than you should definitely give this express treatment a go. KeraStraight Intense Boost Protein Treatment contains the most advanced proteins and lightweight moisture encapsulation on the market today to repair and rehydrate hair from the inside out.

Treatment:

My KeraStraight treatment took only around 35 minutes. My hairdresser started it with washing my hair and then he applied KeraStraight Protein mask and dried my hair as the mask is heat activated. Once my hair was dried he rinsed off the mask and blow-dried my hair.

Result:

I loved the results of my KeraStraight Intense Boost Protein Treatment. My hair feels stronger, healthier and is definitely more manageable now. KeraStraight treatment is a perfect solution for everyone who finds their hair hard to manage and wants to give their hair some intensive repair and boost. I would definitely want to try more KeraStraight treatments soon!

You can see the results of my treatment on the picture below:

img_6207

Price:

Price of this treatment depends on your hair length, area etc. You can find a KeraStraight Salon near you by clicking the link listed below:

https://www.kerastraight.com/pages/find-a-salon?locale=en

I hope that you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and Tested: Eyelash extensions at Yasmin Tans & Lashes in London

Leave a comment

In preparation to my honeymoon I decided to have eyelash extensions to help me look my best, even when I am bare faced. I was recommended to visit Yasmin Tans & Lashes run by an expert spray tan artist and eyelash extension specialist. She has over 5 years experience in the beauty industry and she has recently opened her own tanning and eyelash studio. It is located at Reveal Salon which is just around a corner from Farringdon station and within close proximity of Chancery Lane station and Barbican station.

When I arrived at Reveal Salon I was welcomed by a receptionist and a few minutes later Yasmin invited me to come to her room. She was extremely friendly, smiley and she prides herself in being an absolute perfectionist. She is a fully qualified, highly experienced Lash Technician and she guarantees her clients absolutely no damage to their natural lashes.

Treatment:

The treatment takes around 1.5 hours and it lifts the natural lashes from the root creating extra length and volume to your natural eyelashes without the use of extensions, adhesive or mascara. You can see my before & after photo below:

8cab93b9-d0f7-470f-891d-cf95d7a4a17b

Result:

I love my eyelash extensions. They are perfect for opening up the appearance of your eyes. As the effects last for up to 6 weeks these eyelash extensions are great for everyday, special occasions and holidays. Having them done is the perfect way to achieve long lasting, glamorous lashes without the need for mascara!

img_6269

If you wish to try them then Yasmin gave me a discount code for £20 off to all my readers. Please insert 1stclasslouge while checking out to benefit from this discount. 

You can book your appointments here.

Address:

Yasmin Tans & Lashes
11 Eagle Court,
Farringdon, London, EC1M 5QD

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline