22 Feb 2012

Ladies, keen your man in check with Bluebeards Revenge

Hello Lovelies


My husband, Mr Tramp, is a Bluebeards man. He likes to feel a bit pirate-y when he has a shave thanks to their cute skull and cross bones designs. With that in mind, when Nick over at Bluebeards sent me a press release yesterday, I couldn't NOT post it.

Ladies... if you love your man.... help him "get to grips" with himself. For peace of mind AND health.


37,000 men are diagnosed each year with a male specific cancer yet a quarter of men still never check their testes

The Bluebeards Revenge iconic grooming brand have joined forces with charity Orchid and Rugby World Cup legend Phil “The Raging Bull” Vickery to launch an innovative campaign to educate men on the three uniquely male cancers.

With ‘in his face’ on-pack advice and information encouraging men to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the three male specific cancers - testicular, penile and prostate, not only will your man have a great shave but he’ll receive potentially life-saving daily reminders to check himself out and seek advice from a GP as early as possible.



The campaign has been launched after a survey commissioned by Orchid revealed that three quarters of UK men (73%) recognise that a lump in the testes could be a sign of testicular cancer. However, as many as 25% still never check their testes and 50% of men would prefer their partner to check them rather than their GP. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer amongst young men aged 15-45 and if caught early enough it has a cure rate of over 95%.

The survey of 824 UK adults aged 16 and over, carried out by leading market research agency GfK NOP, also found that nearly one in three (30%) are not even aware they can check themselves for lumps. This is in stark contrast to women, who are more likely to take their health in their own hands - only 7% of them say they don’t check their breasts.

Phil said he was delighted to put his weight behind the campaign. The former England prop explained: “Male cancers don’t receive enough coverage and awareness and far too many men aren’t proactive enough in seeking help if they have any concerns. That’s why I’m backing Orchid’s awareness messages on The Bluebeards Revenge product range to promote life-saving checks and to encourage men to stand up and take action.”

Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive of Orchid, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Bluebeards Revenge for 2012. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage men across the UK to take a pro-active approach to their health and general well-being whilst raising funds and awareness of Orchid and male cancer.”

David Hildrew, Managing Director at The Bluebeards Revenge, added: “Our range is all about providing a great shave but we are also taking on the added responsibility of educating men on the early symptoms and signs of testicular, penile and prostate cancer. We are encouraging men to think inside their box.”


Formed in 1996 by former testicular cancer patient, Colin Osborne, Orchid is the only UK registered cancer charity to focus entirely on the male-specific cancers; prostate, penile and testicular.

They offer support and information to people affected by or interested in male cancer through a dedicated medical research programme, education and awareness campaigns and a range of support services.



Please circulate this to the men in your life. I have.




21 Feb 2012

Hair Care Routine Part 2 - Shampoo

Hello Lovelies,


Here we have part 2 of my hair care routine mini series. Today we are on to Shampoos!


I usually have more than 1 shampoo on the go at any time because I like to mix and match. Mr Tramp gets the added luxury of using my shampoos (but he's not allowed to touch my coveted Touch of Silver!) so I like to try and balance out what the shampoos 'do' so that we're both suited.


I have always always prescribed to the school of thought that Shampoo = colour, Conditioner = texture. Whether red, brown blonde or natural, I always use a shampoo aimed to either protect colour or enhance natural colour. I find shampoos for thickening / frizz / damaged hair always too heavy and drying. I treat the condition of my hair with conditioner… which makes sense!




If I really need to tone down brassiness, such as when my darker blonde roots grow in or just after a dye, I use Touch of Silver twice a week brightening shampoo and I absolutely swear by this. I leave it on for 5 minutes and I can always count on it cooling my hair down. It's cheap as chips and after trying most blonde products on the high street, I always return to this. It is my absolute holy grail shampoo for blondes. No shadow of a doubt! I use this pretty much every time I wash my hair to be honest.


Green People Intensive Repair Shampoo. This is a lovely shampoo and it is SLS free - YAY! It doesn't lather very well at all which is to be expected so you have to be careful not to use too much but it leaves hair squeaky clean and doesn't irritate a delicate scalp.


SLS free Naked Care sensitive scalp Shampoo.This is the SLS free shampoo of choice in the Tramp Household. Great for itchy aggrevated scalps, I suffer eczema flare ups on my scalp from time to time so this is a god send.


Another firm favourite that is always in the house and is just a great, soft gentle shampoo is the Herbal Essence Hello Hydration shampoo. Smells gorgeous and is just great. Shame it is SLS laden


T/gel is another firm favourite, like the Naked, it's great for soothing scalp flare ups and keeping everything healthy. Certainly not one I could use every wash though.



And for an honourable mention... Not strictly a shampoo but I like to rotate the use of the La Riche Directions violet toner in to my routine, just after washing, leave it on for 15+ minutes, rinse and then condition. It is my absolute favourite for home toning. Fragrance free, free of most nasties and just effortless to use. I will do a full blog post on this very soon!


I have been using La Riche Directions for years, particularly all through my "hippy" years of rainbow hair. For anyone local to me, of a certain age... Baba Yaga in the Metro Centre was THE place to buy it!





What shampoos do you love?  Any recommendations you could give me? Next up will be conditioners!


19 Feb 2012

What Katie did....

Hello Lovelies,


Slow week in Katieworld, few pictures, few words really.


Diet is coming along magnificently. The new black skinnies I bought are already too slack and uncomfortable so 3 cheers for buying more!


We went car shopping today and I picked out my new car so that's very exciting! You all know how involved I am in the motoring world so it's a pretty big deal!








In clockwise order....


Mr Tramp, beautifully bathed in sunlight. We went out for coffee today and he just looked extra scrummy in the harsh daylight. Simply stunning husband.


For as long as I can remember, I've always been told I have unusually coloured eyes. Personally, I think they're just blue and I know this pic and the evil flash washes them out but only Friday I had a debate with a colleague about whether I wore coloured lenses. Seeing as I was wearing my glasses at the time, it was pretty clear I wasnt wearing tinted corrective lenses too! Men! I do absolutely love the colour of my eyes though and always enhance them with make up. Looking a bit blood shot here after a very very long 18hr day.


After vowing not to do anything for V.Day, Mr Tramp so kindly came home with a cute card, big bunch of gorgeous red tulips (I really really dislike roses) and a candle, my absolutely favourite - Molton Brown Firefly Embers Forte Candela. I will no doubt be doing a review on it soon as it is amazing.


I received lots of hair goodies during the week and this GHD set is lovely. A review will most definitely be cropping up soon!


Finally, the work canteen jacket potato is an odd one but it symbolises support. I have an amazing Twitter network of girlies who are on the same diet journey as me and every day we like to chivvy each other along with support and comparing lunches and recipes. Probably a bit sad to outsiders but no doubt a godsend to us! So Helen, Michelle and Debbie... this spud is for you! 


Coming up.... 


In the next week... I have lots of exciting new posts to compile, I get my new phone on Tuesday (woo!), I have some very interesting meetings for bloggy things and most of all.. it's PAY DAY!






What have you done this week? Have you entered my Proactiv giveaway HERE?






Photobucket     

18 Feb 2012

OOTD - Casual Andorgyny



Hello Lovelies


I know I promised I'd include some more OOTD posts with me actually wearing the clothes but by the time I get a chance to photograph my outfit, i've usually been in it up around 16hrs and I never look my best! 


I'm a bad blogger I know, I shall try my best to add more real photos!


In the mean time, this is what I wore yesterday. I felt a bit boyish in my outift, with the tan brogues, boyfriend cut cardigan and my "Buddy Holly" Ray Ban glasses. With the cardigan buttoned up, I really did feel like I was channelling some kind of old school Teddy Boy and I loved it. 


Thankfully as my diet is paying off so well, my shape is changing and I can see a marked improvement in how my existing clothes hang, which I love.


I was brave yesterday seeing as the temperatures in the N.E finally danced above 0, I wore my skinny jeans without socks and with my brogues which is a look I love. I'm not a fan of socks and winter shoes!


A really on trend, casual, comfy outfit for a long day at work.....






Black and White Peter Pan shirt - Previous seasons & from boutique in America
Black Skinny jeans - Tesco F+F
Black boyfriend cut cardigan - George at Asda
Tan leather brogues - handmade in Italy
Tan leather Nica tote bag (I love this bag!)






I would love to know what you think


  

16 Feb 2012

Collection 2000 moves with the times?

Hello Lovelies


When you ask a beauty blogger, what her concealer staple is, chances are she'll either say Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection or it will at least get an honourable mention.


For me, the brand is synonymous with on trendy, affordable, accessible high street make up. Not the most amazing packaging or innovations but consistent and it's a brand that's certainly standing the test of time well.


I remember back to being rather young and stocking up on Collection 2000 make up with pocket money in all shades of garish blue eye shadows and fuschia pink lipsticks ready to slap on together.


So no, as Collection 2000 nears it's 25th birthday, they are mixing things up a little... moving with the times... and dropping the 2000 to become Collection.


It certainly is a bold change and I think to the vast majority of people, it will always, always be Collection 2000 and will still get called that. 


Younger people and new to make up will probably be none the wiser but for us die hards... Collection 2000 will forever live on... just probably not in the form of our Lasting Perfection as we all know the writing rubs off the tube quicker than a quick thing!


The new re-branded Collection 2000, I mean Collection products will be available in stores from March.









Will you be using the new name or will it forever be Collection 2000 to you?

Photobucket      

Face to Face with Karl Lagerfeld

Hello Lovelies


Over on my new favourite Payday lust site, NET-A-PORTER, Karl Lagerfeld is hosting a series of self starring interviews to coincide with the recent launch of his diffusion line for the website, called Karl.


Regardless of whether or not you agree with Karl's recent comments about the wonderful Adele, you can't help but be transfixed by the masculine shapes and characteristic trademarks of Lagerfeld himself, namely the fingerless gloves and dark glasses.






I absolutely love the collar details. They'd look great with a plain dress or round neck tee.


You can watch the video below or check out the Karl section on net-a-porter.com 











You can buy the Karl diffusion line over at net-a-porter HERE





  Photobucket

15 Feb 2012

Proactiv skin care launches in Boots

Hello Lovelies,


It gives me great, great pleasure and excitement to share this news with you all!


If you remember my post HERE about the Proactiv moisturiser, you'll know how much I love it! With Katy Perry as a Proactiv spokeswoman, there's nothing not to love about the brand.


I always stock up with online orders for my Proactiv fixes but not any more!


As of yesterday, the Proactiv skin care kit will be now be stocked in 88 branches of Boots across the UK as well as on the boots.com website.




<<PICTURE>>


The Proactiv 3 step kit is £39.99 and contains the following



  • Renewing Cleanser 120ml - This mild formula gently cleanses while tiny beads exfoliate skin cells to help unclog pores by removing dirt and impurities to reveal clearer skin.
  • Revitalising Toner 120ml - Our gentle toner removes excess oil whilst natural botanicals soothe and soften your skin
  • Repairing Treatment 60ml - This specially formulated, light lotion penetrates your skin to help clear blemishes and to prevent further breakouts.
The ingredients in each step work together to cleanse the skin, help unclog pores and target the leading causes of breakouts.
When used all together, twice a day, the results are great.
As you all know, I'm a hypersensitive skin sufferer and Proactiv hasn't brought me out in allergies or reactions which if you are a fellow sufferer, will know it's a huge relief to know.
I absolutely love the 3 step kit, it's certainly a lot friendlier to my skin than the Clinique 3 step that's for sure!

Not only have I got this exciting news for you, I also have a complete kit to give away to one of my wonderful lucky readers! Ace eh!

All you need to do is follow the @beautinews twitter account and tweet the following, along with your answer to the question. 
Katy Perry is a Proactiv spokeswoman and one of her slogans is "I'm not polite, I'm Proactiv. If you were a Proactiv spokesperson, what would your slogan be?

@beautinews @ladyfromatramp <<YOUR ANSWER>> #KatieKaty



Once you have tweeted your answer, please comment here with your answer and a link to your tweet.


To enter, you must be a follower of my blog AND the @beautinews Twitter account.







The Fine Print

* This giveaway is only open to Google Friend Connect public followers- New & Old (I do check!)
* I will remove any entries by Twitter or Blogger accounts created solely for entering competitions promoted via 'freebie' websites etc. This is at my sole discretion so please be aware.
* ONE entry comment per person please, any more will NOT be counted so make sure you leave all your details in the first comment (name, twitter + link to tweet)
* Not open internationally
* One winner will be selected by my choosing after the deadline
* The giveaway closes on Sunday 11th March at Midnight (GMT), so that gives you plenty of time! Any entries made after this time will not count
* Winner will be announced on this blog and contacted after dead line.
* The winner has 7 working days to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen at random. Winner must be happy to confidentially give me their address for posting the prize out.





Photobucket     

14 Feb 2012

A little love-y update

Hello Lovelies


Despite us not celebrating Valentines Day... it was lovely to get home from work this evening to be presented with a gorgeous bunch of red Tulips ( I hate roses y'see!) and a very very sweet card with a little message inside.


Very unexpected, very grateful and VERY lucky to have such an amazing husband, regardless of the day.










  Photobucket

Happy Valentines Day



Hello Lovelies, 


It's that time of year, Valentines Day. I'm not a big fan of the day, despite being a very happily married lady... i'm just not the overly smushy type.. Don't like chocolate, flowers or teddies!


I do however love each and every one of my readers, followers and Twitter buddies so i'd like to wish you all a very happy Valentines Day. Whatever you will be doing and whoever it is with!




Much love x 






  Photobucket