Will it Take the K.ing of Jewels to Capture the Queen of Your Heart?

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us; the time where it’s customary to celebrate the love of our lives in ways that truly matter. If there was ever something invented to capture a woman’s heart, then its jewellery and its things that sparkle. In the 21st Century, flowers and chocolate can only ever be the ‘bubble wrap’ to something with bigger, deeper meaning. For the 21st Century woman size doesn’t necessarily matter but quality does. Some of the sharp readers amongst you may have seen the title and thought the spelling of King was some kind of typo, but it is in fact the name of a new and upcoming artist K.ing with her latest jewellery Collection “Diamond K.ing”. A brand with an outspoken mandate in that it promises to treat each and every wearer as a Queen.

Model: Frances Lane Jewellery: K.ing Photography: Active 8 Images

Diamond K.ing is the gemstone of Inga Klabyte, who chose to employ everything that life threw at her to polish and reveal her inner diamond. Now under the artistic name of K.ing she makes a living by helping others to do the same. I find it astonishing to think that out of all the different types of companies one could create, the one she chose was jewellery making. However upon meeting her it is easy to see why; just like a diamond, the brand K.ing embodies and accentuates all her key strengths. For example, the number of hours that Inga puts into each design, the immaculate attention to detail which goes into each and every piece and the importance that she places on having each piece unique to the wearer.

The value of not taking things for granted is reflected in the “Diamond K.ing” logo. What appears to be a playing card of the ‘King of Diamonds’. Possession of this card can mean the difference between winning and losing and is essential in a hand of ‘Royal Flush’. In the same way K.ing jewellery is designed to be truly exclusive to the wearer and that absolute possession of the wearer is essential.

Model: Meriely Araujo Jewellery: K.ing Photography: Active 8 Images

Model: Meriely Araujo
Jewellery: K.ing
Photography: Active 8 Images

I find myself pondering on why since time began jewellery has held such an elevated position with the sole purpose of making someone feel special. Why, Inga sparkles even talking about it, she truly believes that every woman is a Queen of someone’s heart and should be treated as such. Listening to her I find myself drawn off into a different world that as a man I had never truly appreciated: “Jewellery is the Queen of every woman’s wardrobe, it’s the jewel of Queen’s crown. There is no Queen with no jewels, simple as that. The truth is women love a good fairy tale crowned with dream come true relationships promising a sparkling future. If you manage to wake up the Sleeping Beauty inside her, you are and will always be her Prince Charming. So is she “Her Grace of Lace” like Queen Victoria or irresistible Scheherazade of “One Thousand and One Arabian Nights”? Is she romantic “Queen by Nature” or your personal Muse of “Eternal Inspiration”? Is she “The Conqueror of Your Heart” like Cleopatra or simply “The Fairest of Them All”?

“When I was a child, I saw people treating my mum as someone ordinary, when to me she was Special, a one off, someone who could never be replaced. From that moment K.ing was almost born to say: “You are the Queen of my Heart”.

Hence K.ing started out by making her mum feel special by creating unique pieces hand-made especially for her. Her mum must have been deeply touched as she took K.ing straight to Arts college entrance exams. This was followed by a Degree in Visual Arts and a Masters in Arts and Cultural studies as well as work placements all over the world. While specialists may have thought she was ‘Ace’ Inga knew she was actually a ‘K.ing’ by proving that everyone can be special and should be treated as such. There’s something in that message for everyone out there who questions their own uniqueness.

Today, Diamond K.ing is limited edition, unique wear. It is bespoke in that it is created directly for the wearer with your choice of metals, certified diamond cut Swarovski Element Crystals in all colours. There is also a ready-hand-made collection ready for you to take home or order to be posted to you straight away. The whole Collection is also there for you to rent for specific events so that you too can be feel like a celebrity on night out or even in your own home.

I have to admit I am smitten by the collection, seeing Swarovski Crystals Elements which have a unique sparkle and brilliance magnified by a choice of gold and silver. Looking at the various sets there is almost an endless variation of colours, shapes and sizes that range from earrings, to bracelets and necklaces to headpieces that can only be found at Diamond K.ing.

At a moment like this being a typical man, one’s thoughts turn to cost. I ask the question; expecting to hear rhetoric along the lines of ‘if you have to ask then you can’t afford it’. Instead, her response is much less faint inducing. For individual unique wear her prices are incredible, the smallest pieces start at just £20 and can go up to ten or hundred times more depending on the project in mind.

Why diamond-cut and not diamonds? “Genuine Crystal Jewellery has got more advantages to me as an artist and a woman than the offcuts of diamonds found on the high street. If a man brought me a diamond big enough to being able truly appreciate it though I would feel obliged to call the authorities, the price people paid for diamonds, and not only monetary, is far too high, I am a Queen with a heart and I chose not to work with diamonds who are associated with pain not love. That’s why I love what authentic diamond cut Swarovski Crystal Elements stands for.”

So what was the reaction to Diamond K.ing’s wares? Well, Jewellery was invented to conquer woman’s heart and that is exactly what K.ing does. The reaction of her other customers was evident; each woman’s eyes lighting up, instinctively reacting to the sparkle and wanting to touch and try on the items.

Inga smiles at her customers with real genuine sincerity “I’ve never seen a woman who is not a “jewellery person”, even if some said so at first. She breaths in, her chest and chin rises and her eyes start sparkling more than any man-made jewel; especially when time is taken to match the jewels to her inner character, her dreams and her aspirations for the future.”

When you put it like that I have to agree, even if just for one day where all the other distractions and mandatories of life are put aside, Valentine’s should be like the fairy tale your loved ones deserve. If there is a dream worth chasing then it should be the one where we all live ‘Happy Ever After’ the closer we can get to making that fantasy a reality the brighter the future can only be for us all.

So, have you got a Queen of your Heart?

Are you looking for the ways to keep the sparkle in her eyes?

Contact:

www.K-ing-Of-Order.com

Email

Get-piece@K-ing-Of-Order.com

Tel: 07730006364

Facebook: Diamond K.ing

Is Natural Beauty Skin Deep? UK Breast enlargements falling demand

great implants, breast enlargement, trends, cosmetic surgery, cosmeticThe Era of Natural Beauty? Falling Demand for Breast Enlargements.

Are attitudes to cosmetic surgery changing among UK women and men?

The UK’s leading cosmetic surgery law firm, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, who have a decade’s experience in this field have brought the latest and startling figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (BAAPS) to our attention. If these figures are anything to go by, then attitudes are certainly changing. With overall figures for plastic surgery in the UK decreasing in 2014 by 10 per cent, it would seem that cosmetic surgery has lost its lustre among British women.

Is this part of a new Cosmetic Surgery trend?

Certainly, the influence of the fuller-figured celebrity seems to have waned considerably as British women last year opted for more limited beauty surgeries with subtle cosmetic enhancements replacing the more obvious charms of glamour model style boob jobs and dermal fillers.

The figures from BAAPS, an organisation representing most private cosmetic surgeons in the UK, shows clearly that for the first time in the last five years, cosmetic surgery is on the decline and in a large way.

Much of this slump can be explained by women avoiding breast augmentations. While breast enlargements are still by far the most popular cosmetic operation in the UK, their popularity among women has deflated by a huge 25 per cent. Cosmetic surgeons attribute this partly to the PIP breast implant scandal where some breast implants were filled with silicone unfit for human usage. This has meant women are now erring on the side of caution when deciding on cosmetic surgery.

But the overall decrease in cosmetic operations has also been driven by a desire for a more natural look that is currently more popular among celebrities. It would account for breast reductions increasing in popularity and bucking the overall trend. That attitude has been called ‘tweaked, not tucked’ and appears to have become a new beauty ideal with the demand for understated anti-aging surgery such as eyelid surgery and dermal fillers remaining mostly unchanged and popular while large cosmetic changes like tummy tucks and nose jobs falling sharply by 20 per cent.

And it’s not just women; there’s been an overall drop of 15 per cent for men. Nose jobs, the most popular procedure for men in 2013, dropped out of the top position with a massive fall of 30 per cent while the more subtle eyelid surgery is now the most popular reason for men to brave the surgeon’s knife.

Thanks to Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors for their input to this article. If you want to find out more about cosmetic surgery negligence then check out their website at www.cosmeticsurgerysolicitors.co.uk or call them on 0808 256 9318.

 

 

 

Bio Oil Review

biooil

Bio Oil is hugely popular amongst pregnant women, new mothers and people with scars to the point that it is ubiquitous. But does it really work? We tried it to find out.

Our tester put it on an existing stretch mark twice a day as instructed. She did notice a visible improvement after a few months. The stretch mark was very purple when she started and it was fading more as time went on. Of course stretchmarks tend to fade anyway but it take years for them to go from the red/purple angry scars to the silvery/white tiger stripes. Bio Oil does speed the process along. Boots.com frequently do a buy two get one three deal so you can also save yourself some pennies.

Have you used Bio Oil? Did it work for you? Would you recommend it to a friend?

 

 

MitoQ Moisturising Anti-Ageing Serum Review

mitoqreviewEveryone keeps telling me that I have good skin recently. This is why: MitoQ Anti-aging Serum. MitoQ is 1,000 times more powerful than any other antioxidants in an anti-ageing topical cream or serum. It makes your skin look healthy, like you have just had a good workout. It gives a great post-workout glow without the exercise. I use MitoQ Anti-aging Serum for 10 weeks, until the bottle runs out. My skin isn’t perfect now. There are still pores that I think are too big and I am sure fine lines are developing BUT my skin has improved. Some of my pores are definitely smaller, I look healthier. My skin does look younger.

It is a serum so you can use it with a moisturiser or any other product, like sun block. It has the consistency of a lotion and sinks in well. My skin does feel quite dry when I use it on its own. It has a hypoallergenic fragrance free base so it shouldn’t irritate. It is pricey at £75 and a bottle lasts between 8-10 weeks. Would I buy it again? I would. It does make a visible difference to skin, leaving it brighter and looking healthier. It is expensive but if you can afford it or save for it, it is worth the money. It really does make skin glow.

MitoQ Anti-aging Serum supports healthy skin cell function. It protects cells from the increasing oxidative stress associated with age and returns skin cells to optimal function. MitoQ supports youthful collagen and elastin production – the key building blocks of healthy skin.

 

 

 

Secret Saviours Review: Does It Prevent Stretchmarks? UPDATED

Secret Saviours range reviewThere are a lot of horrible things that come with pregnancy: nausea, sickness, rib pain, exhaustion, but most of these are not permanent. Unlike stretchmarks. These horrible little things take ages to fade and become silvery lines. You can get them for a few reasons and men get them too. To start off our new parenting section we started to review stretch mark products. We decided to review Secret Saviours after attending the launch at 34. Secret Saviours comprises of a Multitasking Support Band, which is used with a specially formulated Day Gel and Night Cream. Does it prevent stretchmarks? Let’s find out.

I start using Secret Saviours when I was 24 weeks pregnant. Everyday I apply the day cream, wear the band and then take if off and apply the night cream in the evening. It’s a bit of a fuss, let’s be honest. But if it stops stretchmarks then it is completely worth it. The band does not fit well to begin with. I measure my bump and I am a size small and the band is a large. It is not uncomfortable but ruins the silhouette of a lot of the clothes that I wear. The pattern is visible under most clothes, making me look like I have a spotty belly. As I said, it is quite cumbersome but if it works it will be worth it.

I am now 32 weeks pregnant and happy with the results so far. I have noticed two stretchmarks a couple of inches below my belly button. I was very annoyed and upset when I saw them but I don’t even think they would be visible if I was wearing bikini bottoms. Still annoying though. So apart from a few stretchmarks which are not very visible, so far so good. I can’t say the system completely works as I have obviously gotten a few stretchmarks but it is possible that it could have been a lot worse. I will update this post as I go along.

The band is not uncomfortable and can also work as a pregnancy band/belt. It is quite sticky when you take it off at night because the day cream you use is tacky to help the pads stick. There are times when I just want to put my clothes on and not bother with the whole thing but so far I feel the results have been more than worth the effort. I will update after the pregnancy to let you know the final results.

You can get the premium Secret Saviours pack here.

Update. 

I now have my baby, a son called Luke. Did diligently using the pregnancy band and creams work? I believe they made a difference. I did not come out of the experience with no stretchmarks. Small person + big baby is a recipe for lots of stretching, but the stretchmarks came late in the pregnancy. It is a bit annoying wearing the band everyday, but I actually think it helped my back. I think many people will get different results from Secret Saviours, even the makers said at the press launch that some women will get stretchmarks no matter what, but for most I think Secret Saviours pregnancy band and creams will make a difference.

 

British medics have designed a unique product which is scientifically proven to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

The Secret Saviours Multitasking Support Band, which is used with a specially formulated Day Gel and Night Cream, reduces the risk of getting Striae gravidarum — the medical name for these unsightly scars – by 70 per cent.

Seven out of ten women who use this innovative under bump and lower back support will be spared these angry red marks which eventually fade to silvery pink, but stubbornly refuse to go away.

And if stretch marks do occur, the severity of them is reduced dramatically, a study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology has confirmed.

RIPPING YARNS: STRETCH MARKS – THE FACTS

Stretch marks are scars left by tearing below the surface of the skin and once you have them, without resorting to a tummy tuck, you have them for life.

TV doctor and GP Dr Chris Steele notes: “Stretch marks are very common in pregnancy, with some studies suggesting as many as nine out of ten mothers-to-be develop these unsightly streaks, but they can also spring from teenage growth spurts and rapid weight gain.

“It’s impossible to predict who will get them, although multiple pregnancies, ethnicity and family history all increase the odds of getting Striae gravidarum,, as doctors call them. And while many mums-to-be massage in moisturisers and oils in the hope of heading them off, there is very little evidence most potions and lotions will make any difference.,”

A BRITISH DISCOVERY
Secret Saviours was invented by leading vascular surgeon Mr Stephen Barker and an expert in tissue engineering at University College, London. It is the first product of its kind with clear scientific proof of effectiveness.

A trial, at the Institute of Maternity and Gynaecology at Tucuman in Argentina, recruited 159 women who were between 12 and 14 weeks pregnant. Half used the Secret Saviours system and the other half did not use any creams or devices to provide a control group for comparison.

Independent clinicians who saw the women at the end of their first trimester and around their due date assessed any stretch marks using a scale of zero to ten, with zero being no marks and ten being multiple, highly visible scars.

In line with studies examining the incidence of stretch marks, 66 per cent of women in the control group developed Striae gravidarum, with most scoring a seven for severity. But two out of three women who used Secret Saviours had no sign of stretch marks and those which did were very minor in appearance, with most scoring just four.

Commenting on Secret Saviours, mum of two and women’s health expert, Dr Catherine Hood, notes: “The secret of the Secret Saviours system is its Multitasking Support Band lined with pads arranged in a random pattern which gently grip the stomach and literally redirect stretch marks.”

“Secret Saviours works by equalising pressure points within the skin and helping to prevent any tiny tissue tears from forming within the dermis, the inner layer of skin which contains blood and lymph vessels.

“But if they do, the Support Band provides a gentle barrier of bumps which block the path of any minor tears which could spread along straight lines of stress and turn into full blown stretch marks.”

Dr Catherine Hood adds: “The skin-saving support provided by the Multitasking Support Band is enhanced by the addition of Secret Saviours’ Day Gel and Secret Saviours Night Cream. Both are formulated using ingredients such as Centella asiatica and vitamin E, which have been shown to support skin healing.

“There are no parabens, PABA, animal ingredients, synthetic colours, mineral oils petroleum or paraffin in either the Day Gel or Night Cream.”

Vascular surgeon Mr Barker promises: “We cannot guarantee Secret Saviours will stop all stretch marks, but we can guarantee that it will significantly reduce the risk of developing them and minimise the appearance of any which do appear.”

As an added bonus, the Secret Saviours Multitasking Support Band also provides some welcome under-bump support, which has the added bonus of reducing lower back ache — a common problem in pregnancy.

 

 

 

The Fashion Week Energiser: Emergen-C Review

emergenCreviewWe got sent Emergen-C to review whilst being reminded that fashion week is nearly upon us. Yes, it is indeed. That whirlwind of shows, people, meetings and parties. Anything that gives you more energy is sorely needed. This vitamin drink was launched in Autumn 2014 and quickly became popular.

We like the taste and the convenience of it. You can carry the sachets in your bag and you just sprinkle them in water. They do give a boost and are perfect if you have a hangover. We will make them one of our fashion week accessories. They taste pretty good too.

Perfect for busy Brits, Emergen-C is a completely new concept with a double hit of energy release and immunity support in handy fast dissolving wallet-sized sachets. Emergen-C has three fruity flavours which contain real fruit extracts: Super Orange, Zesty Lemon and Juicy Strawberry. It has an impressive mix of 15 key nutrients: Vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, B12 and D, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese,  Chromium and Zinc.

Find it at Boots.com and Tesco.com now. Emergen-C costs £4.99 for a pack of 8, £13.99 for a pack of 24 and 99p for a single sachet.  Adults should take up to one sachet per day.

 

 

 

Caudalie Contouring Concentrate Review

caudalie

My first thought of Caudalie Contouring Concentrate is that it smells of ginger. My nose is off however, it’s lemongrass. We got sent Caudalie Contouring Concentrate to review for our pregnancy section, we want to review products that stop, reduce or get rid of stretch marks. The packaging says that this preservative-free 100% plant-based dry body oil firms and smooths skin. It also gives it a slight sheen. Apparently, it can take 1.5 inches off your thighs if you follow the contouring regime.

This 100-percent natural body treatment promotes natural drainage. It doesn’t have any of the following:

– Parabens
– Sulfates 
– Phthalates

What it does have:

-Grape Seed Oil: Moisturizing.
-Essential Oils of Juniper Berries, Geranium, and Rosemary: Toning.
-Essential Oil of Lemon and Lemongrass: Draining.
-Essential Oil of Cypress: Stimulates Circulation.

 

Caudalie Contouring Concentrate is impressive. It leaves skin looking better and firmer. There is a definite difference in the skins appearance. It also smells great. While we can’t say that you will lose inches, your skin will look more toned and even. It is also a 100% natural product so nothing toxic is going into the skin. That combined with the visible difference it makes to the skin makes this body oil impressive indeed.

You can buy Caudalie Contouring Concentrate from Selfridges.com

 

 

 

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Helene Red Lipstick & Nail Lacquer Review

joancollinsmakeupreview

I have always thought that glamour was underrated. I don’t like that a lot of people don’t tend to make much of an effort when it comes to glamour anymore, or being well dressed. Men and women alike. In the spirit of full disclosure, I can count myself amongst them sometimes. Too often in fact. Joan Collins has always been glamourous and while leaving the house everyday with a full face of makeup is too much of an effort, she really does inspire me to try harder.

She has launched a new beauty range, Timeless Beauty. It is all very impressive. The range has a lot of gorgeous stuff in it. The PR person sent us Lipstick & Nail lacquer in Helene to review. This is what Joan says:

“Lipstick is, to me, the Queen of cosmetics. It brings a hit of distinctive colour that lifts the face even when wearing no other make up. Lip colour itself can be a statement, can say something about the wearer and how the world sees them. I named my lipsticks after characters I have played as they reflect some aspect of the character’s persona.”

The lipstick is gorgeous, great packaging which just screams glamour. The colour is a luscious red cream with a hint of blue undertones. I never usually wear red lipstick. My lips are too big and don’t need anymore attention drawn to them, but this is beautiful. It is long lasting and also hydrates. In fact, it was tested and shown to improve hydration levels in the lips after 30 days.

Joan’s Tip: Look perfectly groomed by matching up lip and nail colour.

Next up was the nail lacquer, also in Helene. A matching red. Joan said:

“I don’t feel dressed without nail lacquer. It’s as essential to me as lipstick. I love the style of this bottle, elegant and practical with a long tapered cap that’s easy to hold, and, helps balance the brush when applying. The ribbing improves grip and ease of opening and closing.The colours are my personal favourites and I wear them all switching one to the other to reflect my mood, the effect I want to make, or simply to compliment my outfit.”

This is the same beautiful colour. The packaging is just gloriously stunning and glamorous. The nail lacquer is easy to apply. It is a smooth, self levelling colour that covers imperfections and leaves nails looking sleek and chic.

I love these and Joan’s Timeless beauty range. It brings a rather wonderful touch of glamour to life. Which makes it worth making that extra effort for after all. I may become more like Joan yet.