Makeover update

In my last post I shared about my skin analysis with the lovely Laura at Face & Body. I would like to report that I have been a good girl and followed all of Laura's advice, but that would be lying. I have cut out frozen (highly processed) foods completely, and have managed to keep my sugar intake down except where mince pies are on offer. I switched to de-caff tea and only have one morning coffee instead of three. I bought Patrick Holford's book 'The Optimum Nutrition Bible' but I'm scared to look at it as I know it will tell me that all the foods I love are bad for me.
  Face & Body was the first port of call for our makeover - next we all had lots of fun with Judith Campbell, style guru and creator of Feel Brand New. Judith shared her fashion and style know-how with us and gave us all a bit of lesson in how to use colour. She said when you wear a top or an outfit in a colour that really suits you, it looks right on you and can be the difference bewteen looking as though you shopped at Harvey Nicks or Matalan. I can vouch for this as I kept Judith's advice in mind when I bought my new coat - in a gorgeous dark olive colour and a few people have commented on how fancy it looks. I haven't shared the price of the coat with anyone, but let's just say it was a bargain (and not at Harvey Nichols).

  We also had out body shape and fashion style defined for us, I was delighted to be told I have a full hour-glass figure and my natural style is creative/dramatic. We also had a free make-up lesson, the picture here is of me afterwards. The lights were very bright and the colours were more subtle than I would normally go for but I was happy with the end result. You can see Judith in the mirror taking my photo and if you look closely you can make out some of the other consciously female ladies. They all looked gorgeous!  Check out Judith's site and sign up for her blog at www.feelbrandnew.co.uk
 
Just last week we had a style evening with personal shoppers and consultants with Space NK at Harvey Nichols. The main attraction about Harvey Nichols if you ask me is their fantastically festive window display and the Christmas carols playing 24/7. I was nervous about this evening as I wouldn't dream of shopping in there usually. It was a lovely evening though and we were well looked after with wine and delicious mini cupcakes. We also received an Esap goody bag from there so we all felt quite special. The serum we were given is like a magic potion, my skin is glowing.

The last treat for the makeover part of CF is a consultation with Paterson S/A hairdressers. We will have a one to one session with a professional where we can discuss anything about our hair, I'm especially looking forward to it as I want to try a new style. I cut my hair short in October and it's starting to grow out. I'd like to try an entirely new look!

Consciously Female Website

My website

All Things New

I hardly know where to begin...

I missed the last 2 sessions of CF and was greatly miffed, however that lovely Dawn Breslin said I can join the other Silver Club ladies for the sessions I missed and still benefit from that teaching! How marvelous! I'm looking forward to wrapping up what I've learned from the Silver Club and fully completing the course. I'm continuing to listen to the CD and journal every day. At the moment I'd be lost without my journal.
 At times I feel as though I am in the midst of a tornado with my emotions whirling around me. My ex and I just broke up and I'm in the early stages of making sense of what happened and adjusting to my new single status. So far the sky hasn't fallen in and I woke up in my bed this morning and not some weird new dimension, so that's promising...

I'm seizing the opportunity for a new beginning and using this time to nurture and look after myself. The make-over part of CF began last week with a sort of taster evening at Face & Body. They are a skin care clinic based in the west end. Normally I'd have been too intimidated to go into such a shiny, posh place - but there is safety in numbers.
  I was very pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome we received and the lack of pretence about the whole place. After champagne and nibbles we were given a tour of the facility and each member of staff talked us through the specific treatments they offer. They are a knowledgeable and honest bunch and answered all of our many questions without reserve. We each received a goody bag with cleanser and make-up samples and an amazing £30 Voucher.
  Encouraged by the friendliness of the staff and their professionalism, I went along for a skin analysis appointment yesterday evening. After filling in a brief health questionnaire, I was taken downstairs by Laura for what turned out to be a big wake up call about my health.
  Laura started off by asking me questions about my diet and the types of products I use. I had brought some products to show her and it was suggested I put a certain moisturiser straight in the bin but the rest were ok. Not great but ok.
  Now for the 'science bit' - the dreaded photographs. I had to place my face on the edge of a round white machine with camera lenses and little mirrors on the inside and shut my eyes while it flashed and took my picture. The contraption reminded me of those things you have to use at the opticians, where you have to rest your chin and forehead in the right place and stay still.
 The photos were uploaded and analysed by some specially designed imaging software and revealed the real condition of my skin. Sun damage from my childhood showed up on my skin, and also the fact that this had improved with age as I had grown wiser about sun cream and safe guarding my skin. It showed damage from facial scrubbing and using the wrong types of products, including little raised areas and bacteria. My skin is quite badly dehydrated thanks to my tea and coffee addiction and I have some inflammation there too.
  To focus on the positives, I have inherited good anti-ageing genes and my skin is in much better condition than it shoud be given the punishment it has taken.
  The big wake up call however was the fact that my face is a map of the rest of my body. Puffy eyes and problem areas round my forehead and chin indicate digestive and liver functioning is far from good. I have too much sugar and processed food in my diet and this is affecting my health and the way I look in a serious way. Drastic steps are needed.

From today I am cutting down my caffeine intake by half and reducing my sugar intake. I have to sip water at regular intervals throughout the day to rehydrate my skin, I have also ordered the Optimum Nutrition Bible that Laura recommended. I have to learn all about GL (Glycemic Load) and maintaining a steady blood sugar level.

This is all part of learning to nurture myself and be the healthiest me possible...