Become a bundle of 'glow-liciousness'

So the crazy days of cold have set in and sometimes it can make us feel 'low'.  Well, here are 10 top tips to cheer you right up again! 

1)  Some of us may have the 'Winter blues' but we can succumb the pressures of feeling glum by switching our original light bulb for a 'day light' bulb.  This'll have your brain thinking that it's nice and bright outside whilst you're inside.  Most daylight bulbs can be found in specialist light shops for around £3.  You can even find S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) light treatments in Boots or other high street chemists.

2)  Itchy, dry skin on your face, body or hands can sometimes be caused by intense heat along with the bitter cold weather.  This can be helped by using an intensive moisturiser, however there are also other ways to combat it.  One is by having a holistic facial where skin is being renewed and plumped using a carrier oil and a blend of essential oils.  You can try a paraffin manicure to help soften your hands and finally you could even pop a piece of wet clothing, perhaps a towel on a hot radiator, this would act as a dehumidifier and leave the air moist instead of dry.  

3) Water is great for cleaning out your system and removing toxins.  It helps to push the 'carb' build up out of your system and we know how the cold months make you crave the heavy stuff, so get drinking those pints of water!

4) When going all out for festive or celebratory dinner, remember how hard you have worked to shift the pounds during your personal training/work out sessions and Zumba fitness classes too.  Instead of piling the carbs on your plate, opt for more vegetables.  You'll feel so much better for it,  then have a little treat afterwards.

5) Games. Well, we all like to play them, so how about twister, or hide and seek?  These will get you laughing and giggling with your friends and your nearest and dearest.  Remember, they'll help you to sustain your fitness levels too. 

6) Make a list of all of your achievements this year and your aims for next year.  You'll be surprised by how much you've accomplished and the ideas you come up with for next year.

7) When was the last time you spent a little bit of cash on YOU?  Whether it's £1 or more, buy something to thank yourself for being such a wonderful 'YOU'.

8) What you give out is what you receive. Some of us already know and have learnt loads about the 'Law of Attraction'.  So now it's your turn to tell the universe what you want and not what you need.  The more you worry about something, the more you will 'vibrate it' and therefore 'attract it'.  So let go of your woes and love everything you have, including YOU.

9) Whether or not you're off to a party,  indulge in a little pampering or even a make-over?  You never know, someone may spot you and crave your attention.  On the other hand, it'll leave you feeling glamorous and remember, you're so worth it!!

10) Laugh away! Watching a good ole comedy or comedian will tickle you pink and there's nothing better than that now is there?

Have fun and keep smiling, :D.
 Crimson love, Crimson Catz XX
http://crimsoncatz.com

The fountain of youth is alive and kicking!

A request from a client at 1.34am yesterday triggered off this blog!
We ask ourselves, 'how can we look younger without the use of chemicals and cosmetic surgery?' There are quite a few ways to look after our skin, which are commonly overlooked but should play a key part in our daily routine.

So let's take a look at some of the ones which WORK!

1) Holistic facial.
What is it?  Well, 'holistic' means 'whole' so we're looking at your whole face. I, as your 'holistic' therapist would first cleanse and tone your face, then apply an oil blend using a 'carrier' oil such as jojoba which is closest to the skin's natural sebum and add a carefully selected amount of essential oils.   With my hands, I would use movements on your face to encourage cell renewal, rejuvenation and circulation.
The oil will then absorb into the skin, magically 'plumping' and brightening it over the course of the treatment   You will feel gorgeous when everyone is complimenting you the next day and you will also see the difference too. Once every two weeks, or once a month is sufficient for this treatment. However, some of you may love it so much that you may want it more often.


2) Cleanse, mask, tone and moisturise.

Yes, plain and simple and very easy to do. I can understand that some of you are full time mums or dads and that in itself is a job and a half.  However a couple of minutes a day will make your skin look even more scrumptious and feel fantastic. A mask once a week, is a true joy and can help your skin look brighter and add nourishment and vital vitamins to give it a boost too. Remember, this is also good for all of you guys, and finding out what your skin type is will make all the difference.  
The best time to start is in your early twenties, but it doesn't mean that you can't start now. It may just take a little longer for your skin to accept your new and fabulous routine before you gain great results.  


3) Create a 'happy heart' by doing something crazy (within reason), share a wonderful joke and have a laugh with your friends. I've done it for most of my life and it does work, just remember not to screw your eyes up! 

4) Your diet and exercise. You know the saying, 'you are what you eat' well need I say no more!  This will be covered in Anita's blog next week, so I won't give too much away.  Do drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.   Running can also reduce the collagen in your skin too, however, I'm not telling you to ban the activity if this is what you enjoy.

If you would like anymore information or wish to ask us questions in relation to health, beauty, fitness or make-up, do get in touch! Contact us via our facebook page and if you haven't already clicked 'Like', please do as we would love to meet you.

Crimson love, Sunita & Anita

Crimson Catz

xx

For better or for worse?

Could this be a 'skin and paraben' marriage made in heaven or hell?   'For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer'  as the case may be, hmmm,  let's move on...

Parabens are cheap 'preservatives' which are added to many cosmetic & skincare products to give it long shelf life and kill off bacteria.  There are different types and are often found listed right at the end of the 'ingredients' panel of your cosmetic & skincare based product.  Methyl and propyl parabens are also used as additives in some foods.  (We're not liking the sound of that either).

The image to the right shows the Paraben family, become familiar with the names so you know what you're looking out for.

What harm, if any, can parabens do?

Parabens interfere with the body's natural production of hormones and are known as endocrine disruptors. They also act like the hormone 'oestrogen' (that's 'estrogen' to our American friends) and it has been said that parabens cause, contribute or increase the risk of cancer, yet this is still in debate in the world of science.   Past research showed that the chemicals were safe, taking into account that the chemicals would be absorbed quickly, metabolised and excreted as waste.

Since then, science has shown that over time chemicals build up in the body tissue and increase toxic build up and the chance that they can interfere with normal hormonal functions increases.  We need to look after our skin sensibly, it is the largest organ after all and thankfully there are companies who create products which are paraben FREE!

Brands such as Temple Spa prefer to use natural oils, such as grape seed, vitamins or extracts which protect the skin's health, preserves the quality of the product, finds and depletes toxins and also provides moisture.  Naturally, the products will cost a little more, but they are also 'concentrated' so a little goes a long way.  Whereas with the paraben based products, they are 'cheap as chips' and you will need more product to cover the skin's surface.  Therefore toxic build up is inevitable over time.

is the way to be! 

Crimson love, Crimson Catz, XX

Avoid the Summer slide!

As a make-up artist/tutor, I have one moisturiser which helps to give make-up more 'staying' power regardless of your 'skin type' and of course there is more to the application of make-up, but we all have to start somewhere, right?

You too can own 'Moisture Matte', simply by clicking here or calling me on 07786088126 or Anita on 07887937070.
If you would like any more info on make-up application, make-up courses or have any 'beauty' queries, please do contact me via our facebook fan page or email catz@crimsoncatz.com.  
Speak soon,  Sunita Johal - MFHT, MICHT, MIFHB, BSYA(col). 

Fantastic make-up artists make it to the catwalks, so can you!

Hello, I'm Sunita, the other half of our 'wonderful' health & beauty based company Crimson Catz and I want to share with you the splendour that is in the form of make-up! To add but a 'twist,' after many many years in the beauty, fashion and make-up industry, I am now running my own courses in basic and professional advanced level make-up course.

The basic make-up course consists of one day intensive training and you will learn about make-up application/techniques for use on you, your friends and family. We will cover various areas including colour matching, safe beauty, face shapes and you will gain a certificate of achievement upon successful completion of this course.

Now, P.A.L.M which stands for Professional, Advanced Level Make-up, is the next level up! It's an intensive four day course and it's in its last stage of accreditation which is fantastic news and will be a recognised qualification! You will need a basic certificate in make-up via Crimson Catz, or if you already have one, then great! You will be able to fast track onto the P.A.L.M course. The course also complies with National Occupational Standards and we use current 'safe beauty' methods throughout the application of make-up.

The next course date for basic make-up is the 27th April 2011 and for the advanced level, the course will run from the 3rd - 6th May 2011.

To find out more including fees and to book your place, please contact me on 07786088126 asap as spaces are limited at any one time and check out our make-up page for more info!

Thank you, speak soon!

Sunita Johal
MFHB, MICHT MIFHB - BSYA(col)