contents 3 THE GHSJS
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7 THE GHSJS
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contacts 8 THE GHSJS
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Paul Oakley
Editor and Chief
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Caz Jones
Sub Editor 01543 302748
Caz Jones
Helen Smith
Steve Brown
Vic Mc Clure Rebecca Hill
07875 475540 / 01543 302748 paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk
Advertising 07740 166497
steve@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Advertising 07872 165695 vic@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Advertising 07535 634794 rebecca.lichfieldgazette@gmail.com
Creative Designer 07967 154187 pebblesdesignagency@hotmail.co.uk
Business show is the business T
hink Local 4 Business Show promises to be bigger and better than ever before.??This year, they have a special guest speaker - Entrepreneur Business Woman, Ruth Badger - Star of the Apprentice and her own TV Show, Badger or Bust. Ruth will share her experiences and be sure to increase the number of visitors this year. The 8th Annual Think Local 4 Business Show event (previously known as 'The Business Generator') is the perfect opportunity to promote your business locally. The event has been put on by Think Local 4 Business, which is an initiative by East Staffordshire Borough Council, Tamworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council. This year, the event will be held on Wednesday 21st September at the Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton on Trent.?Over £700,000 of business has been won by companies as a result of exhibiting at this event. To reserve a stand and discuss stand availability, call Jeana Parmar on 02476 236 290 or email jeana@btob.co.uk ??
Spot the Dog Win £50 worth of High Street Vouchers 04 gazettewoman
Help is required by sharp-eyed readers to help us find the editor's doggy. While we have been working away we took our eye off this little mischief maker and now Spot has got lost amongst the pages of this month's magazine. Help us find him and you could be the winner of £50 worth of High Street vouchers. When you have found him (he looks like the image on this page) simple tell us which page you have spotted him on. Write the page number on a card or an envelope along with your name and address and send it to us no later than September 15 to "Spot The Dog Competition", PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. The Editor will draw the winning entry and announce it in the next edition of Gazette Woman. Good Luck!
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Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms
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by Julia Suzuki
ULIA SUZUKI, a 37 year-old former model is a successful businesswoman and single mum who lives with her nine year old son Elliot. Julia grew up with her two brothers in Fazeley, Tamworth listening to the magical sounds of fair rides and animals from Drayton Manor Park across the stream at the bottom of her garden. She had a love of reading, nature and outdoors which fed her colourful imagination. After working with a Disney Licensing company she set up her own business. And for the last six years she has worked with tennis ace turned entrepreneur David Lloyd, helping to run his burgeoning overseas property and resort empire. She always cherished an ambition to write a novel, and her experiences, combined with a keen interest in personal development, inspired her to become an author. In Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms, the first title in her Land of Dragor series, she incorporates the magical and creative vision of her mind with the rich material she has drawn from philosophies she has studied. Julia has a simple belief: “Everyone in life has a special gift and when we find it and use it, then young or old, we
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find that happy place in our hearts.” This epic novel – aimed primarily at the eight to twelve year-old age group – transports the reader to the magical Land of Dragor, where seven dragon clans live hidden from man. Their great war is over and the dragons live peacefully among the smoking mud pools and around The Fire Which Must Never Go Out. But there is unease in the air of their mist-filled valley, and the coming of a strange egg heralds a new era. Will the new dragon, Yoshiko, bring a blessing to the clans, or a curse? Could Dragor be about to meet its saviour, or its destroyer? The book contains a powerful secret, and as the story unfolds Julia explores a myriad of themes, which will strike a chord with children the world over – and their parents! The prime message is that everyone has a special gift, and when we find that unique talent within us we can use it to achieve happiness and success. The first edition of Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms is available at www.landofdragor.com and all good book shops. It can also be purchased via Amazon RRP £12.99
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STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD VISITS TAMWORTH
“Treasure trove brings tears to an expert's eye” September 25, 2009 – New York Times
“The message went around the world and colleagues, friends, and even relatives across the world saw these headlines. I had people I knew phone me after seeing it in the New York Times and Sidney Morning Herald.” Deb Klemperer told Gazette Woman. Deb Klemperer is Chair of the Research Advisory Panel of the Staffordshire Hoard exhibition, which is at Tamworth Castle August 27 September 18, 2011 Archaeologists, anthropologists and historians who participated in the Staffordshire dig, or who have studied the finds at the Birmingham museum, competed in the superlatives they used in describing the treasure. “My first view of the hoard brought tears to my eyes; the Dark Ages in Staffordshire have never looked so bright nor so beautiful,” As a local history collections officer Deb Klemperer is a specialist in SaxoNorman Staffordshire pottery. She said: “I have been involved in archaeology for 34 years, the last 20 at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery – one of the largest local authority museums. My first view of the hoard brought tears to my eyes – the Dark Ages in Staffordshire have never looked so bright, nor so beautiful. This incredible find will sit alongside numerous collections of archaeological
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remains which are interpreted within the complete Saxon encampment, showing context of the geological, natural and Saxon life, including the battles, the social history of our area.” blows and the bloodshed. See King Offa Deb’s husband is Bill Klemperer, an in all his glory. Inspector of Ancient Monuments from the Birmingham English Heritage office. Bill How to book your ticket to see the formerly worked at Stoke-on-Trent Hoard in Tamworth Museum before a spell with Free timed entry tours will take place Staffordshire’s County Council. He said: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4.00pm, “When I was asked to walk the few hundred metres from my office to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to see some amazing finds, the exquisite cratfsmanship and quality of the artefacts made it clear this was a find of real importance for the nation. Over the next couple of days the team built up, and I worked with colleagues in the Portable Antiquities Scheme and Staffordshire County Council to agree the best approach and manage the dig. We will learn more about this mysterious period when England was divided into sometimes warring nations. This is what English Heritage exists to achieve.” Dr David Symons, Curator of Antiquities and Staffordshire Hoard at Numismatics, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Tamworth Castle Tamworth, Canon Dr. Pete Wilcox, Chancellor of Lichfield the ancient capital of Mercia Cathedral and Deb Klemperer, Head of Collections, was the centre of military rule Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and, as the royal seat, it was home to the King of Mercia’s palace. Tamworth’s history is crammed with stories of intrigue and during the course of the exhibition. To warfare. Military power was the key to book your free ticket, call the Tamworth existence, and the Tamworth’s box office on 01827 709 581 / 01827 magnificent sword fittings within the 709618, Monday – Saturday, or visit the hoard may well be part of the royal box office, situated in Tamworth’s gold treasure store of the Mercian Kings, award winning tourist information centre. buried to hide it from invaders. You can also buy online at www.ticketweb.co.uk or email Don’t miss the free Anglo-Saxon tic@tamworth.gov.uk festival on August 27, 28, 29 featuring a
netherstowe
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ARE YOU OK FOR SWITCHOVER? IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET HELP
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lder and disabled people struggling with switchover in the Staffordshire area are being reminded that they can still get help with switching to digital TV.
The Switchover Help Scheme has been especially designed around the needs of older and disabled people and can make switching to digital TV easier for them. If someone is eligible for help, the Help Scheme will have already written to them at their home address. But did you know: • People can still take up the offer of help now even if they contacted the Help Scheme to opt out earlier this year • The Help Scheme can convert a second TV set in your home even if you already have digital on your main TV set. • The Help Scheme will set up and install everything you need to make the switch to digital. • All installers are approved and no one will call without an appointment • A free 12 month aftercare line is provided which offers help with retuning. People are eligible for help if: - Aged 75 or over, or - Have lived in a care home for six months or more, or
- Get (or could get): • Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or • Attendance or Constant Attendance Allowance, or • Mobility supplement, or - Are registered blind or partially sighted Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard option of help. For eligible people who are also on pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance or income-related employment and support allowance, it’s free. Eligible people need to respond to get the help. To make it easier to get help by switchover we are urging people to call the Help Scheme free on 0800 40 85 900
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Daily commuter? Get on a scooter F
irst things first, the minimum licence requirement to ride a scooter up to 125cc on 'L plates' is a CBT (compulsory Bike Training - a single days 'proficiency' course providing the basic of riding a powered two-wheeler on the road). There are some exceptions to this rule, if you passed your car test before a certain date you can ride a 50cc moped without L plates, but lets not over complicate it.
This is where the 'Get On' campaign comes in. This is a facility provided by the motorcycle Industry, to give people a chance to try motorcycling before they make any commitments. They can take a free one-hour sampler session with a local training centre and if they like it, they can go on and book further training. This is offered all over the UK in conjunction with any local motorcycle-training centre. www.geton.co.uk for more info. As a mode of transport, scooters currently offer one of, if not THE most cost effective
Yamaha Giggle (50cc)
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mode of transport available. With annual road tax on a 125cc scooter only ÂŁ15 and fuel economy figures of over 100mpg, for the daily commute, scooters can be a saving thousands of pounds a year. You can drive away a new scooter from under ÂŁ2,000 with warranty etc. On top of that, from a social/lifestyle perspective, using a scooter means that you will avoid getting stuck in traffic jams, saving you time that can be spent at home with the family, instead of sitting in a queue of cars for hours on end. There a range of different models depending on the distance and type of roads (i.e. B-roads, fast A-roads, dual carriageway) that the scooters will be used on.
Yamaha C-Max
Sutton Lady becomes BA (Hons) at 93
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utton Coldfield’s Mrs Edna Douce received a BA (Hons) English Literature with Humanities. She collected her degree at Birmingham's Symphony Hall, which was buzzing with the spectacle of hundreds of people magnificent in their graduation robes supported by friends and family. Open University Presiding Officer Will Swann told the audience and graduates who filled the Symphony Hall, "To undertake a degree at 89 and finish at 93 is nothing short of a triumph of the human spirit". The crowd erupted into deafening applause and many people took to their feet to clap and shout encouragement as the lady stood in front of them holding her certificate. After Edna's husband Les died, she decided to undertake study at degree level. One of the first and biggest challenges was mastery of the computer having no prior knowledge of one. Edna took lessons in computer skills at the same time as embarking on her degree course. As the OU has a huge amount of resources online and is a distance-learning organisation, the computer and Internet use were vital.
Edna was pleased to learn a variety of new things but rates her newfound ability to reason academically among the highlights of the course. She has gone on to join the University's Women's Group and attends a variety of lectures and its book club. She is taking a break from studying for the moment but plans to start a Masters course in English in 2013. Without doubt, Edna's story was one of the most inspirational of the day.
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diary Swinfen Hall Hosts Fashion Shows Bridal Fayre, 18th September, 1 – 4pm Entry to the September Bridal Fayre is completely free and will feature exhibitions from photographers, florists, videographers, cake companies and much more. There will be two fashion shows courtesy of Anne Morris of Leek and Bridal Couture by Josephine, featuring both outfits for mother of the bride/groom and the latest in bridal designs. The hotel staff will be on hand to help you with booking your wedding and there will be refreshments available throughout the afternoon.
Ladies Lunch & House of Fraser Fashion Show 19th September, £26.50 per person Swinfen Hall Hotel welcomes House of Fraser to give a guided tour of the Autumn and Christmas fashion trends. Tea and coffee will be served from 11.30am with the presentation following at 12 noon. A light 3course lunch will be served at 1.00pm. Call 01543 481494 to reserve a place.
Drayton Manor Hotel
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Miniatura - The International Dolls' House Modelling Show 24 - 25 September 2011 Some childhood fascinations never leave you. One of those is dolls houses and all the tiny things that go in them to make the perfect miniature home. Whether you are 6 or 60, creating your own small world is both enthralling and satisfying. With so many dolls house and miniature makers in the UK, and around the world, the choices are endless! Miniatura is one of the biggest miniature events in the world and is renowned for showcasing the most varied and best quality miniaturists under one roof. The show is held from 24 – 25 Sept, NEC, Birmingham! Style Birmingham Live 23-25 September Birmingham's three day fashion, beauty and shopping event is set to be the biggest and best yet with the city's top retailers and designers. New for this year, the show production is being led by one of Europe's top catwalk production companies, with a stunning new line-up of models cast from international model agencies including Storm, Premier and Models One. Also, tickets to this “unmissable” event of the autumn winter fashion season will be valid for all three days. Featuring a catwalk show at Birmingham's Town Hall hosted by George Lamb, showcasing the latest collection and trends for Autumn/Winter 2011, followed by a fashion themed audience 'Q&A', hosted by George and celebrity stylist Bradley Taylor. Access to in-store fashion & beauty events in participating city centre stores and centres, including House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, M&S plus Bullring, The Mailbox and Pavilions.
Hotel management team ready for opening
he senior management team that will run the new 4-star 150-bedroom Drayton Manor Hotel, at Drayton Manor Theme Park, has been appointed and is all set for the opening on Monday 15th August. The team consists of Martin Wright, General Manager; Michelle Dean, Revenue Manager; Julia Freeman, Sales and Marketing Manager; Toni Higginbottom, Finance Manager; Stephanie Tandy, Human Resources Manager; Alan Bell, Head Chef; and Gerry Ross, Food and Beverage Operations Manager. The hotel will have 11 Thomas & Friends™ themed family rooms, each one featuring Thomas & Friends decor and specially designed Thomas the Tank Engine bunk beds. Guests will also be able to enjoy the two restaurants,
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Parklands Restaurant and Parklands Brassiere, as well as the two bars. Meanwhile, younger guests will love the indoor Thomas & Friends themed playroom. Martin Wright, said: “I’m confident that we have a strong and capable management team, which will provide a first-class service from day one of the hotel’s opening. “The Drayton Manor Hotel is a major multi-million pound investment for Drayton Manor Theme Park. The management team and I plan to ensure that this investment helps transform the park from a popular day out venue into a family holiday resort. “The hotel will also be a venue for corporate hospitality events and private functions, which will complement Drayton Manor’s existing facilities.”
SUMMER SALE Some items upto 50% off and new items still arriving
WISHES XX
Tudor Row, Wade Street, Lichfield WS13 6HH Tel: 01543 256741
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Why does your back hurt? I
t’s estimated that four out of five people will get back pain in their lifetime and more often than not it will be as a result of simple sprains and strains. These soon improve with a combination of rest and gentle exercise (with sufferers making a mental note not to try and lift more than their body weight of damp laundry or try to hang curtains on a high window without step ladders in future).
The problem is that a lot of back related pain is gender specific. In other words women are more cursed than men with reasons ranging from simple period pain to chronic period pain, fibroids, endometriosis, pregnancy and all the other gynaecological related complaints that men need never worry about. However, a lot of back pain is to a certain extent self inflicted with poor posture and lifestyle to blame. Some of the most common causes are: • • • • • • •
Having little or no physical exercise Overdoing things (binge exercising!) Poor quality mattress Slumping in chairs Slouching at the driving wheel Standing badly Lifting incorrectly
Work related causes Any prolonged inactivity, repetitive activity or simply maintaining poor posture whilst sitting or standing can be an occupational hazard. Sedentary work at a desk or computer or as a cashier in a supermarket with a chair unsuitable for the purpose or standing all day in a salon where your clients chair cannot be adjusted can be huge risk factors and are magnified for older woman or those who smoke or are overweight. For any other physically strenuous work you must be provided with the correct tools or equipment to do the job and there are laws which safeguard people in the workplace. On top of everything else stressful jobs, inappropriate working environments and general anxiety or depression can cause lack of sleep. This is a dreadful combination as it can increase muscle tension and make all your problems worse by causing back ache. When to seek medical advice Sometimes though, back pain becomes persistent (chronic) or has a more complex cause. Most back pain gradually improves with home treatments and self-care. But you need to see your GP if the pain:
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• is constant, intense, severe, (especially at night or when you lie down) • spreads down one or both legs and particularly if it extends below the knee • causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs • causes new bowel or bladder symptoms • occurs following a fall, injury or blow to the back. • is sudden and accompanied with excessive weight loss or gain. Conditions like osteoarthritis of the spine, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis (more common in women after the menopause), pinched nerves, ligament damage, spinal infection and degenerative changes to the spinal column can be diagnosed and more often than not be treated by your GP.
Yoga classes can help to create balance in the body through various poses that develop flexibility and strength. Alexander Technique teaches people to improve their posture and eliminate bad habits such as slouching, which can lead to pain, muscle tension, and decreased mobility. Massage can sometimes be beneficial for mild to moderate back aches and is offered by a number of spas and salons along with other relaxation and pampering treatments. For each of these therapies I would go by reputation and recommendation. Otherwise it could end up being a pain, if you know what I mean.
Treatment and Prevention Medications including non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be prescribed as well as muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, physical therapy and exercises, and in certain cases surgery to correct a problem. Your GP may need to run tests and look at your medical history to get a diagnosis. This may involve a physical or gynaecological examination with X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, Computerised Tomography (CT) scan, Electromyography (EMG) (a technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles), or bone scan for osteoporosis. But some of the best prevention is down to you: regular exercises and aerobic activities like walking, swimming, building muscle strength and flexibility; abdominal and back muscle strengthening exercises. Obviously you should stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight and diet. At work you should use proper body mechanics while standing, sitting, lifting and don't be afraid to have a word with your supervisor or boss about that chair. Your employer doesn't want you off work either! Alternative therapies When you get that at all too painful "knotty" discomfort in the neck, shoulders and lumber regions it can sometimes be relieved by a good old fashioned soak in the bath so that you can completely relax and unwind. And if that doesn’t work there are other options. Chiropractor You can get a referral from your doctor or arrange a session privately. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to restore joint mobility which is believed to relieve pain and muscle tightness and encourage healing. Acupuncture is another route you can take which is rapidly gaining in popularity. It releases natural painrelieving opioids, sends signals that calm the sympathetic nervous system, and releases neurochemicals and hormones.
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A
s likely as not, men who start to read this article won’t have a clue what it’s going to be about but most of the ladies of Lichfield will be way ahead of them. And those women who are honed and toned, tautened and tightened will be as much in the dark, in terms of understanding the misery that Bingo Wings can cause, as men will be.
has its’ own equation involving measurements of upper arm length (UAL), the triceps skin fold (TSF), the (mid) upper arm circumference ((M)UAC), the (mid) upper arm muscle area ((M)UAMA) and of course the (mid) upper arm fat area ((M)UAFA). It’s obvious when you think about it, but that’s enough of the science bit.
Wave goodbye
Bingo Wings, a term popularised in comedy shows and in the media
I found a website promising 10 ways to beat bingo wings. Hallelujah, I thought. But on closer inspection 7 of the options involved exercise (stretching, wearing wrist weights, swinging dumb bells, press ups, triceps dips, walking briskly with arms swinging and using rowing machine) and the remaining 3 suggestions were to exfoliate (to improve sluggish circulation) eat less or cover up!
to Bingo Wings!
According to one definition, “Bingo wings – (slang term) describes the build-up of fat and/or extra skin that hangs from the underside of the upper arms. It occurs most frequently in elderly ladies and overweight people. The problem may also occur after significant weight loss, with flaps of loose skin remaining. The term apparently originated from the bingo hall custom of raising one's arm aloft and bellowing "House!” This ties in due to bingo long being the entertainment of choice for large numbers of elderly ladies, especially in the United Kingdom.” Not quite patronising enough is it? The implication that women in the UK spend all their time playing bingo and don’t have busy, productive and successful lives. Anthropometry of the upper arm (for that is its’ proper name) even 18 gazettewoman
in recent years is an affliction suffered by many but conquered by few.
For instance you would not be inclined to wave goodbye to your nearest and dearest whilst sleeveless. At some point your brain may tell your hand to stop waving but your upper arm invariably won’t get the message! As summer ends, strappy vests and sleeveless clothes will be replaced by evening wear and party dresses in the shops, in fact there will be very little else to choose from. Just as a matter of interest when was the last time, summer or winter, you saw a wedding or evening dress with sleeves instead of the obligatory shrug, bolero top or shawl? There must be a solution or cure, possibly even prevention for those not yet stricken with this curse.
It looks as though no pain - no gain, especially in the case of women who have a surgical technique called a brachioplasty or arm lift. It involves an incision from the elbow to the arm pit, the removal of loose skin and fatty tissue (by cutting and/or liposuction) and hundreds of stitches. Oh and the final result looks hideous too. The scars are long and ugly and although they’ll fade in time you’ll still spend much of the first 6 months with your arms firmly by your sides so that the tell tales signs aren’t visible. Which is probably what you were doing before the surgery so why bother? You’d be saving £5 - £6 thousand pounds into the bargain. NB The lack of dumb bells is a poor excuse not to exercise. Why else was tinned food invented!
Step away from the make-up-bag - it could go off any minute!
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hen a woman is required to dash from a burning building one of the most likely possessions they would grab, apart from the obvious things like spouse, children and pets, is their make-up bag, or as researchers like to call it – the ticking time-bomb! A study has suggested that a woman’s treasured supply of cosmetics could actually be doing untold damage. The average make-up bag is a breeding ground for bacteria with many of the contents likely to about 4 years out of date. Apparently we keep our make-up for far too long because we aren’t aware of its’ ‘PAO’ (Period After Opening) status and we are wantonly disregarding rules brought in by the European Union 5 years ago. Most of us probably know someone (perhaps it’s even you?) who wouldn’t dream of answering the front door bell without whipping out a mascara wand or applying a dash of lippy, but it turns out that women who wear make-up on a daily basis are in less danger of falling foul of an infection time-bomb because they regularly replenish their supplies. Although we wouldn’t normally consider buying or using food that had gone past its’ ‘Best Before’ date, most of us might take a chance once in a while if the
product in question passed the ‘nose’ test. If it doesn’t smell off it’s probably OK to use, but researchers have found that we don’t apply the same standards to beauty products which, like food, does not last forever. Over time they can be infiltrated by bacteria that when applied to the skin can cause irritation or inflammation. Some women who took part in a Debenhams survey admitted clinging on to favourite products for up to 15 years taking it well beyond recommended use-by dates. • Old mascara wands can breed bacteria that lead to conjunctivitis, which causes redness, itching and swelling so they shouldn’t be used 6 months after opening. The average ‘keep’ time is 12 months. • Eye shadow and blusher are often kept for 15 years – that’s 13 years too long. • Expired lipsticks can cause lips to become dry, irritated and blistered. The average ‘keep’ time is ten years. • Dirty application brushes and sponges are a breeding ground for micro-organisms that can cause herpes, ringworm and impetigo, an infectious disease resulting in blisters. Shamefully, 72% of us never wash our make up brushes. • 68% of women only replace cosmetic products when they run out; no matter how long that takes. • Perfume that should be used within 3 years is often retained for 8 years. Following the EU ruling 5 years ago, all cosmetics are required to carry advice about when they expire. Although many manufacturers include ‘Period After Opening’ information it seems that 89% of us don’t understand the symbols or simply can’t read the teeny tiny print. Apparently “Beauty is timeless, but unfortunately products are not.” Hmm. That may be true but I really really love the lipstick I only ever wear on special occasions, even though it’s over 10 years old. And I can’t replace it because they don’t make it any more. Caz Jones
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SHENSTONE
bra page
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