Health Beauty Leisure SUPPLEMENT
www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 23
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 17
29/04/2013 16:56
If you’ve ever sat at home watching Strictly Come Dancing and thought you’d like to give that a go, but never quite got round to it – then now is the time! Greenwich Dance is bringing a six week celebration of dance across the borough as part of The Royal Greenwich Festivals. Following last summer’s Big Dance, which attracted over 30,000 people to free activities across south east London as part of the London 2012 Festival, Greenwich Dances will once again be animating local streets, parks, libraries and community centres with a host of fun workshops and inspiring performances from some of the UK’s leading dance artists. Kat Bridge, Interim Artistic Director at Greenwich Dance said: “As Greenwich Dance celebrates its 20th birthday, this year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever! Whatever your age, whatever your style, there’s something for everyone, from the small and intimate, to the big and bold. Among the many activities lined-up, there will be Yoga and Tai Chi in parks, Grease at a Pop-Up Cinema in Well Hall Pleasaunce, street dance in General Gordon Square and a 100 hour dance marathon at The Borough Hall. And if you’ve ever thought about trying one of Greenwich Dance’s many courses and classes, make sure you head down to The Borough Hall for Open Doors, Open Dancing on 8 June. As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, Greenwich Dance is throwing open its doors and for a whole day of free activities. There will be taster workshops for all ages from pre-school to over 60s, as well as pop-up performances and a social dance. Kat added: “After 20 fantastic years at The Borough Hall, we’d like to say a big thank you to our local residents. Whether you’ve never visited us before or
you’re a regular, come and experience all we have to offer. Dance has many benefits - not only is it great exercise, it can build confidence and it’s a fun way to relax and de-stress. It’s also very sociable and great way to meet new people. Greenwich Dances runs from 17 May – 27 June. For full details and event listings visit www.greenwichdance.org.uk
“With so much going on right across the borough this summer, and lots of it for free, this is the perfect time to come along and give it a try!” GREENWICH DANCE
GREENWICHDANCE.ORG.UK
The summer of
18 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 18
29/04/2013 16:56
LOSE INCHES, INCREASE FITNESS AND IMPROVE YOUR BODY SHAPE IN 4 WEEKS BLACKHEATH BOOTCAMPS Mornings: Mon, Weds & Thurs @ 6, 7 or 9.30 12 x 45 min sessions £150 new / £120 returning Bootcampers Evenings: Mon & Weds @ 18.30 or 19.30 | 8 x 45 min sessions £100 new / £80 returning Bootcampers START DATES 2013: APRIL 22ND | MAY 20TH | JUNE 17TH | JULY 15TH PLEASE BOOK ONLINE. LIMITED SPACES.
Taster/top-up sessions once a month - see website - also for testimonials
www.natashag reepersonaltraining.com 0788 422 1343 info@natashagreenpersonaltraining.com
THE BODY BY VI 90 DAY CHALLENGE The number 1 weightloss, health and fitness transformation platform in the USA Now launched in the UK 15th April 2013 Be one of the 1st in the UK to join this incredible life changing health programme
“EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT” ALL NATURAL PRODUCTS FOR EVERYBODY AND EVERY BODY
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE VISIT www.davefarrar.bodybyvi.com Set your goal, choose a kit, and enter the challenge to win cash, holidays and much more Call David on: 01322 400743 or 07977 519533 | email david.farrar90@ntlworld.com www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 19
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 19
30/04/2013 10:55
Are you sitting comfortably?
DESIGN SERVICES
An introduction to mindfulness and meditation
WE KNOW THAT TOO MUCH STRESS IS BAD FOR US, physically and mentally, yet we are applauded if we are busy people. Being too busy, rushing from one appointment to the next, thinking about dinner when we are having lunch, all mean we live in a state of perpetual anxiety and disconnection because - life happens in the moment, in the present, and if we are in our heads fretting about yesterday or worrying about tomorrow, we cannot fully enjoy what is happening right now. Local author Joy Davies helps us to realise this and encourages us to stop and engage with nature, daily, wherever we are. When we stop and focus, with an open mind, we start to connect with nature and the bigger picture, we start to de-stress, we stop thinking and start being: we experience the beauty right in front of us and connect with it. When we do this it allows us to connect with our own inner beauty. We gain a whole new perspective on life. Joy's book, Too Busy To Live Your Life? takes us on a 28-day journey, based on the well-proven theory that it takes 28 days to establish a habit, with stunning images of nature showing us what to look for, how to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and connect with it. Her words help us to reflect, accept and be grateful for what we have, find clarity and learn to really know what is important. Try her gentle and very practical introduction to mindfulness and meditation with this breathing and centering exercise. • First, sit down, preferably in a chair, which supports your back upright. Put your feet flat on the floor directly below your knees. Rock from side to side to locate your ‘sitting bones’ beneath your buttocks. • Close your eyes. Imagine a thread coming from the top of your head gently lifting up your spine. Drop your shoulders and allow your head to fall forward slightly. • Breathe out, completely emptying your lungs. Breathe in from your abdomen, counting slowly until your lungs are filled – 3 or 4 should do it – hold it for a couple of seconds, then… exhale slowly, counting out to the same number. Breathe in and out twice more. If thoughts come into your head, just let them float on by. If you want to continue the breathing exercise for longer you could set a timer for 1-2 minutes. Allow yourself 2 minutes to start with and progress to 5 over the next few days. Too Busy To Live Your Life? is now available exclusively from Waterstone's in Greenwich, priced £14.95.
20 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 20
29/04/2013 16:57
Water with benefits Caring for your hair and skin starts at home with one of the best products - Water
N
ot just any water however but softened water. London and Kent are hard water areas and with a Twin Tec S3 water softener your water can be changed for the better. Hard water contains minerals that react with soap products to cause scum. You normally see scum around the basin, shower and bath but this sticky deposit not only adheres to the sanitary ware but onto your body when you bath, wash your hair and even on the fibres of your clothes and bed sheets. Soap manufacturers add lots of additional chemicals in an attempt to combat these problems, which can exasperate the problem of dry skin. After bathing with hard water a large number of people complain of dry, itchy skin. Using softened water and less soap will leave your skin softer, silkier and feeling that you have used a moisturiser. Your hair will no longer look dull and be full of residue products but look healthy and shinning. In todays modern world more and more people are being diagnosed with dermatological conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, which present from just small patches of dry skin to large, painful inflamed areas of skin anywhere on the body. Eczema affects babies and the young while psoriasis affects more adults. Skin care of babies and children, who typically will have a more delicate skin, can be more readily irritated by excessive use of soaps and detergents which can lead to eczema often causing great distress for parents. Hard water has been attributed or linked to eczema for many years. A study carried out by Nottingham University carried out research, which identified that eczema was more likely to affect people living in the areas of the country receiving hard water. Using a water softener in a hard water area can have a beneficial effect on the treatment of eczema. Using less soap to clean the skin also appears to benefit people who suffer from psoriasis. Using soft water not only helps your skin stay healthier, some even say that their complexion and hair improves to make them look younger, too.
TWIN TEŠ 10
R YEA TEE RAN
GUA
Meridian Water Softeners 020 8319 0555 8 The Village, Charlton SE7 8UD www.twintec.com
www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 21
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 21
30/04/2013 11:16
DESIGN SERVICES
Fever pitch
WE'VE WAITED SO LONG FOR THE WARMER WEATHER AND NOW IT'S HERE… BUT SO IS THE HAY FEVER SEASON! Hay fever is a common allergic reaction to pollen that affects up to one-in-five people at some point in their life. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle; it contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen, irritated and inflamed. When a person has an allergic reaction to pollen it causes sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. You can have an allergy to: tree pollen, released during spring; grass pollen, released during the end of spring and beginning of summer; and weed pollen, released any time from early spring to late autumn. There is currently no cure for hay fever but most people are able to relieve symptoms with treatment, at least to a certain extent. Treatment options for hay fever include antihistamines, which can help prevent an allergic reaction from happening and corticosteroids (steroids), which help reduce levels of inflammation and swelling. Many cases of hay fever can be controlled with over-the-counter medication available from your pharmacist, but if your symptoms are more troublesome it’s worth speaking to your GP as you may require prescription medication. For persistent and severe hay fever there is also a treatment called immunotherapy where sufferers are exposed to small amounts of pollen over time in order to build up a resistance to its allergic effects. See your GP if you have any concerns.
Support? Wear! Ralph Lauren, who lost a close friend to breast cancer, set up 'Fashion Targets Breast Cancer' in 1994. He called upon the fashion industry to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer charities across the globe. Each year 50,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer. This year’s campaign will be fronted by the some of the world’s most famous mothers and daughters – conveying strength, support and unity against breast cancer. They need you to Wear Your Support and unite to stop women dying from this disease. Get involved at www.fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk.
• • • • • • • • • • •
MARKS & SPENCER BRACELET TO SHOW SUPPORT COST £7.50 IN STORE DEBENHAMS; PRINCIPLES BY BEN DE LISI T-SHIRT RRP £25 (30% DONATION TO FASHION TARGETS BREAST CANCER, SUPPORTING BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER.) AVAILABLE AT DEBENHAMS STORES NATIONWIDE AND ON WWW.DEBENHAMS.COM.
Tan Truth & Lauren’s Way spray tan proffesional & retail Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) & fillers (Doctor administered) Gelish & OPI gel colour 21-day Manicures (from £15) OPI Manicures & pedicures 250 watt sunbeds Creative acrylic nails Swedish and aromatherapy-style body massage Dermalogica facials Waxing and eyelash extensions Unisex salon Free parking close-by
PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM £19.50 SEE IN SALON FOR DETAILS
020 8293 3939 | www.b-brown.co.uk @BBrownSalon
Facebook.com/B-Brown
8 Old Dover Road, Blackheath SE3 7BT To check opening times please see website
15% off beauty treatments when mentioning MERIDIAN throughout May 22 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 22
30/04/2013 09:48
Meaning f ul Leisure Time
L
eisure time is a must, and a necessity. It gives you energy and time to unwind and recharge your batteries. We all need leisure or free time spent away from business, work and domestic chores. Men surprisingly have more leisure time than women, but a little ‘Me Time’ is important in a relationship and leisure time can reduce stress and put the joie de vivre back into your life. In asking the question 'what is the best way to spend your leisure time?', you will undoubtedly get a variety of different answers. Some people might even reply 'What leisure time?' Not really a surprising response considering most of us live such busy lives. In most instances you spend your free time with your friends and families, which is good. You may also choose to play, read, or fulfill your other hobbies and interests. There are many ways to spend your leisure time creatively, just look at our listing pages for inspiration. • Join a course for creative writing and learn how to write and create your own stories. If you don’t want to commit to a course, start with keeping a diary or writing a journal, explore your inner-most feelings and put them into words – for your eyes only. • Painting or drawing are the most relaxing ways of spending one's leisure
time. It gives a 'natural flow' of thoughts and even if you think you can’t draw try a beginners course and see if it’s for you. • Cycling with family or friends on a fine sunny day along the Thames Path is good for your health and a fun way to exercise and relax at the same time. • Walking or Rambling is a great way to meet new people, discover more about the area or just an opportunity to get some fresh air, especially if you spend most of your working day in an air-conditioned office. Just pace yourself and see where it takes you. • Dancing is growing in popularity. Put a pin in the list of dances and let your feet do the dancing, whether it's the tango, salsa, waltz, or zumba. • Singing can also help you manage your stress levels and has a ‘feel good’ factor. Many singing groups are now open to everyone, so while you concentrate on your breathing and lyrics you’ll forget all your worries, at least for a few hours. On the other hand, many people enjoy simply doing not much of anything, they might catch up on some much-needed sleep. There really is no 'best' way to spend your leisure time. It is all a matter of your own personal choice and preferences. It's your free time. Just enjoy it!
Bringing a hertiage of quality hairdressing and excellent client service...
Claus & Co is proud to be one of only fifty L’Oreal Portfolio salons in the UK; with home hair care brands available to purchase, our team of Kerastase ambassadors will be delighted to assist you with any hair or scalp enquiry you may have. Our attentive and knowledgeable hairdressers are London-trained to bring the very best in both hair cutting and colouring techniques to our newly, luxuriously appointed salon in the leafy suburbs of Bickley. Excellent parking available, come and be amazed! With a heritage of 50 years of hairdressing expertise, our Shears Training Academy specialises in City & Guilds government funded apprenticeship training & private hairdressing & Assessor education.
0208 467 6200
|
www.clausandco.co.uk
|
231 Southborough Lane, Bromley BR2 8AT www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 23
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 23
30/04/2013 10:58
Personalise your wedding Valerie Breese knows just how to make your special day unique
M
BECKY, TAYLOR'S FARM
any weddings follow the same old format, and while there's nothing wrong with tradition, just now and again it would be exciting to be invited to a wedding with a 'wow' factor. Start thinking outside the box to make sure your wedding will set the benchmark. The hippy wedding in the televison series 'Jam and Jerusalem' started a craze for alfresco weddings, angel wings, hay bale seating and hog roasts. Why not take a theme and run with it: make it your own. What is your favourite book or film? Could it work as the basis of a wedding theme? Alice in Wonderland perhaps? or The Secret Garden‌ and, if the budget can stretch to James Bond, arrive by helicopter followed by a gold themed reception. Choose a 'shaken, not stirred' signature cocktail and give it a memorable name. Be original when it comes to the 'Save the Day' cards. Have an engagement party photo shoot and use the best image as an invitation. Why use paper, when you could use plywood, fabric or even balloons (the invitation appears as you blow up the balloon) or printed on tea-towels and fridge magnets. Challenge the norm by wearing a non-white wedding dress. Soft blush and pastel shades are in fashion this season. Why not turn the wedding day on its head? Instead of starting the day with the ceremony, begin with dinner the evening before. This way you get to greet all your guests, and you'll feel much more relaxed as you walk down the aisle.
24 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 24
29/04/2013 16:59
JUSTINE & NICK'S WEDDING, KATA TENTS
If your guests will have to walk from the ceremony to the reception, consider providing them each with a single-coloured helium filled balloon that matches your colour scheme. The vision of dozens of balloons all 'walking' their way through a country lane or a town centre (great way to make sure your guests don’t get lost!) is fantastic and makes for great photos. Once all of your guests have arrived at the reception, you could have someone ready to arrange them into two rows for you to walk through. As you reach each guest, they release the balloon into the sky, another picture for your photo album! If you're having a Christmas wedding, ask each of your guests to bring a bauble for a Christmas tree. You'll use them on your tree every year, and it'll be a fantastic annual reminder of your wedding. Arrange family wedding photos, going back as far as you can, in vintage frames and display them at your ceremony or reception – it will provide a talking point for guests and create a lovely decorative feature. Lastly, let your guests send you packing with 'honeymoney'. Honeymoon gift list sites can be a smart way to have guests contribute to your honeymoon. This can save you money on what could be a very pricey trip, but you can also personalise your own web page and have your guests contribute to different parts of your trip, making it truly unique. Images courtesy of www.alisongartshore.com
LILY & ALEX, POPLAR
DESIGN SE
RVICES
MSTED
ON, BERKHA
ESTELLE & SIM
BECKY & RICHARD NEAR TAYLOR'S FARM
Opening hours 9.30am - 4.30pm
(closed Wednesday & Sunday)
020 8325 6930
3 Walden Parade Walden Road Chislehurst Kent BR7 5DW
www.shelleyscakes.com www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 25
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 25
30/04/2013 10:58
Beauty News ™ organic treatment company IN SUCH A HECTIC CITY we find ourselves neglecting our need to be pampered, we struggle to find the time to think about a beauty treatment, let alone have time to visit a salon! If we are honest, most days we just want to get home, kick our shoes off, have a cuppa and unwind – and we say why not do both! The Organic Treatment Company is London’s very first mobile organic home spa, offering you the chance to enjoy treatments in the comfort of your own home, using organic and natural products, without the effort of actually going anywhere. They even give you an organic tea sachet after each treatment! With a full treatment menu from deluxe manicures to organic facials, aromatherapy massages and pamper parties, the list is endless. When we asked Natalie Mackay, owner and still very much a hands-on therapist, why she decided to set up an organic mobile spa in December 2010 she replied: 'Our lives have changed so much over the decades that I wanted to be able to give people the opportunity to experience luxury at a reasonable cost and educate people on the benefits of organic products and show clients that Organic is not just a word, it’s a lifestyle.' Covering most of London and the south east, OTC's clients love the fact that they can recommend it to their friends and get a £10 gift voucher for shouting about it! Organic Treatment Company's latest addition is their fabulous online shop where you can purchase all the products used in your treatments plus loads more, from organic candles that melt into massage oil to handmade pamper hampers for mummy and baby. 'OTC is a breath of fresh air' Jade Davidson, Actress Contact: 020 3551 3935, www.organictreatmentcompany.co.uk
THERE’S A BRAND NEW CLAUS & CO on Southborough Lane, complete with a courtyard garden. Following a complete revamp, the luxurious salon now exudes indulgence. As well as offering an in-depth consultation that will include a diagnosis of a Kerastase Ritual Treatment, you can switch off and enjoy the new Kerastase Hair Spa while the team pamper you with a shiatsu head massage followed with refreshments until your visit has come to an end. With more new colour treatments available, you might be considering something fresh for summer. The team's colour specialists can consult and determine options best suited to you and your hair type. Claus & Co offer great ‘Bring a friend’ schemes and excellent loyalty rewards for belonging to their subscriber club. Also, visit facebook.com/clausandco, where you’ll benefit from the latest promotions as soon as they go to press! Excellent parking available. Book your appointment now: 0208 467 6200, www.clausandco.co.uk, 231 Southborough Lane, Bromley BR2 8AT
Spring Beauty at
TRUE WELLBEING means feeling great in mind, body and spirit, and at BlissKi Life Enrichment Centre you can experience therapies on all of these levels. 'Energy healing is a wonderful form of holistic healing, working on your mind, body and spirit' says Michelle Sands, Psychologist and Energy Healer at BlissKi, who specialises in Reiki, Chakra Balancing, Crystal Healing and Spiritual Healing. Unbalanced energies can cause physical or emotional illness and various techniques are used to restore this balance and release blocked energy channels, replenishing the body’s own strength and ability to heal. Michelle has been practicing various forms of energy healing for more than 20 years. By using the Japanese Byosen technique, Michelle scans the body and can sense any imbalance in her hands. The Blisski philosophy is that each client is individual, so they require a unique therapy programme. By tuning into their clients' energy fields, Michelle forms an exclusive treatment plan using different energy healing methods which strengthens the mind, body and spirit; restores harmony on all levels and is deeply relaxing. 'I felt much calmer and lighter yet also balanced, aligned and nutured. Michelle is a very gifted and powerful intiuitive energy healer' Jess Pridmore For more information visit www.blisski.com or call the BlissKi Life Enrichment Centre on 0208 858 4836. 123a Charlton Road, SE7 7EZ
SARAH AT B~BROWN REVEALS HER TOP SPRING BEAUTY TIPS The sun has been shy this Spring, so for those starting to work on their beach bodies, Sarah suggests short, regular sunbed sessions to build up a base tan and prepare your skin for the holiday sun. (Remember you must still apply a high SPF sunscreen when in the sun to protect your skin). And why not treat yourself to a pedicure and wax for that flawless beach body! If you are getting married this spring, Sarah also suggests sunbeds over spray tans; especially if your dress is silk, satin or lace as spray tans can rub off on these materials. For those girly nights out, or for brides on their big day, a callus peel removal (a quick 30-minute treatment) will prevent that burning, pinching feeling by removing a build up of hard skin on the balls and heels of the feet – making sure you’ll be dancing till dawn. 020 8293 3939, www.b-brown.co.uk, 8 Old Dover Road, SE3
26 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk
pp19-29_Health & Beauty_May2013.indd 26
29/04/2013 17:00