Lesson learned!!

Well i felt as if i needed to write something down after the last 18 months which have been some of the hardest of my life!! and that says a lot when i had a baby at 17!! i am not looking for a pat on the back or sympathy and totally expect some abuse from what i am about to write as im sure its a subject many people have strong views on, but i wanted to have something to look back on, and if even 1 person thinks twice about drink driving then its been worth me writing this.

In July 2012 one Wednesday (random i know) I had been drinking on and off all day, and after a stupid argument which i don't even recall the purpose of i jumped into a vehicle i did not have permission to drive, knowing full well i was over the limit.  I just drove, not really knowing where i was going or what i intended to do i just knew it was a way to hurt the person i was arguing with! in a drunken state i left horrible voicemails saying some horrible things and threatening to do just as awful things!!!  

Someone very very close to me rang me to try and persuade me to pull over and just get out, they said they had reported me as they were concerned for my safety as mentally i was not in a good place, i didnt believe them, bluffing!! the police were out looking for me?!......if id only just pulled over then!!

Needless to say about 5 mins later i was pulled over and arrested for drinking driving and TWOK! (taking without consent) i spent 13 hours in a police cell trying my best to not to have a panic attack.  Sitting in that cell thinking of what i had just done and the reality hitting home that i would almost certainly lose my shiny 10 yr clean driving license and quite possibly may have just lost the love of my life mysoul mate and rock for a moment of madness and stupidity!

The next morning as i sat and was assessed by a mental health nurse who told me she didn't consider me to be "crazy", she asked how come i was taking it so well, to which i replied "what is sitting in the corner crying gonna do", i knew i had done wrong and there was chuff all i could do to change it, i had to just accept my punishment like a big girl and be thankful i hadn't killed myself or someone else in my moment of stupidity!!!!

I had never really been in trouble with the police, i consider myself a well presented, hard working responsible person, that night i hit rock bottom i was so ashamed and disgusted in myself how could i even thinking about putting myself and other in that much danger!!! how would my kids manage without their mammy? how would i cope if id have killed someone! i wouldn't cope!! i am thankful everyday that i was stopped when i was!!

August 15th 2012 2 weeks after my 28th birthday i went to court  for the first ever time, it was awful i was made to feel like a criminal, i was! i was belittled and the details of my offence read out to me, i cried they asked me to hand over my license there and then it was not a nice feeling!

I was given a £500 fine and 24 month driving ban with the option of a rehabilitation course (a further £200) to reduce it by 6 months.

It is coming up to the end of my ban and i can honestly say it has been the hardest lesson i have had to learn, its not even so much the way it has affected me i was prepared for it, my poor kids and husband have suffered far more.  The kids have had 2 horrible winters of having to walk a mile to school and being stuck in the house during the holidays!  Craig has had to be my taxi and the kids taxi.  Simple tasks like food shopping now meant i had to rely on someone else, everywhere I went meant relying on someone else, i am an independent person and this was by far the hardest part, losing my independence.

I do NOT blame the person who reported me they are a big part of my life and always will be, i understand completely why and am actually quite pleased they did as it has given me a different perspective on life.  You cant go round thinking your above the law doing what you want at the risk of your own and other peoples lives!


I would not have got through the last 18 months without my amazing hubby he has stood by me even after the hell i put him through that night, no one would have blamed him for walking, no running away!! i would like to think it has made us stronger and it has definitely made me appreciate him a lot more!! Craig i can never ever explain how much i love you and thank you for getting me through the last 18 months, if i didnt have you and the kids to keep me going it would be pointless!!!

I can hand on my heart promise i will never ever drive after drinking an alcoholic drink, it just isnt worth it, it nearly cost me my marriage, my life and has cost me a small fortune to get it back.  Please we all know someone or have even done it ourselves, just dont!! get a taxi whats £20, £40, £50 compared to a criminal record the shame you have to live with being know as a drink driver and the amount it will cost you in court costs, fines, course, medicals, license applications, insurance etc!!

thank you if you got this far and i hope it makes you think if your one of the people who think ah well i ve only had 2/3 pint im ok to drive!! you dont know that so why have any??

What is a Paraben? and why are they harmful?

Parabens are a common cosmetic ingredient—and, lately, the object of much vilification. Find out what they really are and whether you should be seeking out paraben-free products

By Anne Mullens

You may have noticed lately that “paraben free” labels have been popping up on some beauty products and elsewhere.

Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products; they stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in your favourite creams and makeup, especially in the moist, warm environment of a bathroom.

Their names are a mouthful—methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. You’ll find them listed on thousands of personal care products such as shampoos, mascara, foundations and body lotions. But over the past few years, a debate has been building among scientists, product safety regulators and cosmetic manufacturers about whether these ubiquitous chemicals, used for almost 70 years, may actually be harmful to our health.

Some of the questions being asked: Is the rising incidence of breast cancer linked in part to the fact that parabens, which have a weak ability to mimic estrogen, have been found in breast cancer tumours and can be isolated from other body tissues?

Are declining sperm counts and increasing rates of male breast cancer and testicular cancer related to the fact that these chemicals can be absorbed into our skin, potentially disrupting our endocrine systems? We don’t know yet.

Darbre, ( a senior lecturer in oncology and researcher in biomolecular sciences at the University of Reading, in England), is particularly concerned about lotions and deodorants being applied under the arms or near the breast, and hasn’t used underarm deodorant herself for 10 years, opting instead to use just soap and water. She notes that research has found that roughly 55 percent of all breast cancer tumours occur in the upper outside portion of the breast, the section closest to the underarm. The U.S. National Cancer Institute has partly dismissed the claim, maintaining that at present, there is no decisive evidence to conclude that the parabens in these products are linked to breast cancer, but that more research is needed.

Some manufacturers have gone on the record about their long-term plans to find paraben replacements. Jamieson Laboratories, a Canadian firm that makes vitamins, supplements and skin creams, notes that while there is no firm evidence that parabens pose a health risk, it now has five paraben-free products and is working to remove parabens from more of its products, predominantly to satisfy growing consumer demand. “We have not set a specific deadline, but are working aggressively to eliminate parabens in our products,” says Gary Leong, vice-president of scientific and technical affairs for Jamieson. He notes that until effective alternatives are found, more consumers might actually be harmed by microorganisms growing in their products than by the theoretical paraben threat.

Is there an alternative to parabens?

There is truth to that point; even paraben-free product producers like Alain Ménard, of the Hawkesbury, Ont.-based Green Beaver Company, say it’s a challenge to formulate products without parabens’ preservative talents. Ménard, a microbiologist, and his wife, biochemist Karen Clark, worked in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for years before starting Green Beaver, largely over concerns about health risks of common chemicals. Clark formulates products and Ménard tests them for microbiological safety before they’re released.

“Creams and lotions are the toughest. We often have to go back to the drawing board because on testing we have got something growing in it,” says Ménard. As preservatives, Green Beaver uses oregano, thyme, rosemary, goldenseal root, grapefruit seed extract or lavender oil in various combinations, but they’re always looking for other formulations and combinations with natural preservative properties.

“The reason parabens are used so widely is that they are cheap and effective,” says Ménard, noting that parabens largely replaced formaldehyde many decades ago as a preservative. “We don’t want to take a step back to that chemical. Everyone is looking for better alternatives.”
So until consumers decide they’re happy storing cosmetic products in the fridge, most companies will continue to use parabens while searching for preservatives without estrogenic qualities. Meanwhile, scientists like Darbre aim to add to the body of evidence to clarify the debate.
Notes Ménard: “I’m sure that in the next 10 years, parabens will be phased out. That may not be so much because of conclusive evidence as consumer demand.”

Skinny wrap

"Skinny wraps" have become the latest trend to aid in weight loss. Most of the wraps being advertised, however, are using harmful chemicals that undermine the health benefits of these wraps. I have found a HEALTHIER alternative! Using "skinny wraps" with Arbonne's botanically-based products allows for inches to be lost while hydrating the skin in a SAFE way!

I will be introducing "skinny wraps" into the salon within the next couple of weeks at around £30 for 60 min treatment covering 1 area (£10 per extra area)...... but the best part is this is also a treatment that can be carried out at home on yourself by yourself!! (printed instructions will be provided)

If you have a few extra inches, water retention & want to tone and tighten up then get wrapped up. 

The Arbonne "skinny wrap" will instantly take inches off your body to give a smoother silhouette and leave your skin feeling taught and toned. We take before and after measurements from specific body points so you can see the amount of inches lost during your treatment. 

You will have a deep exfoliation with our Detox scrub to refine and smooth skin, you will then have the Detox Seasource oil applied to your body to shift fatty cells, tone the skin and eliminate toxins. 

During the treatment you will be wrapped in thermal wraps that have been soaked in Detox Seasource purifying sea soak, which will help purify and nurture the skin. then insulating wrap if places around you to assist with the Inch Loss process.The wraps are then left on for 45 mins while you relax in the warmth of heated blankets and towels.

For some extra pampering while your wrap is processing why not have an Arbonne Ultra Premium Swiss facial, manicure or pedicure while having your wrap? 

You will receive 35% off the facial, manicure or pedicure.

To carry out a "skinny wrap" yourself you will need:

• Arbonne Seasource soak
• Arbonne Seasource foaming salt scrub
• Arbonne Seasource 5-in1 oil (or re-mineralizing lotion)
• Arbonne Seasource renewing body Gelee
• Contouring wraps (can be found on ebay or online shops) 

Purchasing the full size products above will provide enough product to carry out approx 24 wraps! and cost you £131(plus p&p) that's less than £6 per wrap...but for £15 you can join as a preferred client and save 20% off the products (£104.80 plus p&p less than £5 per wrap)

or you can have £200 worth of products for £150 INCLUDING joining fee, postage and a free gift!!

 

 

Arbonne takes on cancer!!

So I am compelled to share with you all the impact of Arbonne on a fellow consultants mum following her recovery from breast cancer treatment.


Please read, share, save and refer to the key details in the future as I'm sure the benefits can be duplicated far and wide.


"Mum was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in both breasts in June 2013 and has received the excellent surgery and care. However following her double mastectomy and lymph node removal in July 2013 she suffered with a common side effect called 'cording'. This is painful tension in the ligaments of the upper arm. To relieve this she used Seasource Re-vitalising Body lotion. Applying it gently in upward strokes from inner elbow to armpit. This resolved within 48 hours (usually takes months).
 Following surgery and prior to the onset of what is a rather nasty dose of Chemotherapy Mum began her Immunity Booster and Antioxidant shots. She has continued these daily throughout her Chemo treatment and has been congratulated on her blood results as she surprised the Consultant Oncologist with her resilience given the dosage of treatment. Get everyone you know on these things ... They are truly amazing!

As we are all aware Chemo works brilliantly on cancer cells however it has lots of pretty nasty side effects!"
So here's Arbonne's answer to these ...

• The 'Chemo' itch ... Seasource body Gelee. Soothes, cools and relieves the burning itching sensation common post chemo.

• Mouth ulcers ... Arbonne toothpaste and mouthwash. Gentle yet refreshing again providing relief from painful mouth. Toothpaste is a very good topical ulcer treatment.

• Thinning or newly growing hair ... ABC Hair and Body Wash is gentle and soothes and protects hair folicles affected by the chemotherapy.

Post chemo aches and pains ... Seasource Soak. Again soothes and relieves aches and aids relaxation.


I hope that you find this of use and now feel armed with knowledge that these products can help change lives just as much as the opportunity does.

Is you favourite make up cruelty free???

Cruelty free makeup is something that for me, goes hand in hand with natural beauty. I don’t want products that have been tested on animals. This seems very wrong.

Just give me pure ingredients that won’t cause me to break out in a rash or give me a headache or cause cancer down the road, and don’t test on animals. That’s all I ask.

How do you feel?

 Take a look at these companies who DO TEST on animals.

Almay (Revlon) *  American Beauty (Estee Lauder) *  Aussie (Procter & Gamble) *  Avon Products, Inc. * Bobbi Brown (Estee Lauder) *

Bumble and Bumble (Estee Lauder) * Caudalie USA, Inc. * Clairol (Procter & Gamble) * Clinique (Estee Lauder) * Coach (Estee Lauder)

Donna Karan (Estee Lauder) * Elizabeth Arden * Estee Lauder * Fekkai (Procter & Gamble) *

Giorgio Armani (L’Oreal) * Grassroots (Estee Lauder)

Herbal Essences (Procter & Gamble) * Ivory (Procter & Gamble) * Jo Malone (Estee Lauder) *  Jurlique Pure Skin Care * Kerastase (L’Oreal)

Kiehl’s (L’Oreal) * L’Occitane * Lancome * M.A.C. Cosmetics (Estee Lauder) * Max Factor (Procter & Gamble) *  Michael Kors (Estee Lauder)

Natural Instincts (Procter & Gamble) * Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson) * Nu Skin International * Olay (Procter & Gamble) *

Redken (L’Oreal) * Revlon * Shiseido Cosmetics * Shu Uemura(L’Oreal) *

This is just a partial list,  there are many more and you can see all of them by going here.  Apparently “Skin and eye irritation tests must be conducted on animals in order for cosmetic products to be sold in China, which are paid for by manufacturers. ”
“In order to break into booming Chinese cosmetic markets, many companies have gone back on their anti-animal testing policies without informing consumers,” says researcher Zoya Sheftalovich. {source}

What exactly happens during animal testing? I’ll tell you.  “…products or ingredients are applied to the mucous membranes of the animal, including eyes, nose, and mouth, to determine whether they cause allergic or other reactions.” Which is kind of like having humans test dog food. Two completely different species testing a product meant for the one who’s not being tested.Luckily there are companies who do not believe in testing on animals which just seems so wrong to me on many levels. Again,this is an issue that was never front and center in my brain until I started researching beauty and natural beauty and chemicals which led me to discover the far reaching and cruel practice of testing chemicals on animals.

According to PETA, ”In the U.S., no law requires that these types of products be tested on animals, and companies can choose not to sell their products in countries such as China, where tests on animals are required for cosmetics and other products. Companies on this list should be supported for their commitment to manufacturing products without harming any animals. Companies that aren’t on this list should be boycotted until they implement a policy that prohibits animal testing.”
 The list of companies who do NOT test on animals includes:

100% Pure * ABBA Pure & Natural Hair Care * Adorn Mineral Cosmetics * Afterglow Cosmetics * Agape & Zoe Naturals * AHAVA *

Alba Botanica (Hain Celestial) * Amika * Anastasia Beverly Hills * Arbonne International * Aubrey Organics, Inc. * Bare Escentuals (Shiseido)

Burt’s Bees (Clorox) * Carol’s Daughter * Dermalogica * Doctor T’s Supergoop! * Dr. Hauschka Skin Care * E.L.F. Cosmetics

And this list goes on and on and on.  You can click here for the full list. I have this bookmarked in my favorites so I can quickly check it.
I don’t understand why these cosmetic giants, who pull in billions of dollars in sales every year, continue to test on animals when there are other options to determine the safety and effectiveness of a product.

Why to avoid using mineral oil on your skin??

Mineral oil is a common ingredient in many household products. It is found in lotions, soaps, cosmetics and motor oil. Mineral oil is a clear, liquid oil with no sent and will not spoil.  The word “mineral” makes this product sound like a nutrient, but in fact it is produced as a by-product of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Mineral oil is the leftover liquid, and because it is abundant, it is very inexpensive. In fact, it is more expensive to dispose of mineral oil, than to purchase it.

Remember the skin is the largest organ in the body and the only protective barrier you have. The importance of your skin’s health is immeasurable.

The problem is that mineral oil is foreign to the human body and has many harmful effects:
■Mineral oil acts as a thin plastic layer on the skin.
■It is difficult to absorb and clogs the pores, which slows the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins.
■Once the oil is absorbed, it is broken down by the liver and passes through the intestinal tract. When the oil is present in the intestinal tract, it will absorb all of the fat-soluable vitamins found there. It is essentially stealing important vitamins from the body, which the body will not be able to replace. This can eventually lead to nutritional deficiencies.
■Studies have also shown forms of pneumonia caused by mineral oil decreasing lung function, known as lipoid pneumonia. Because of these dangers, the medical community has condemned the use of mineral oil taken orally or as an ingredient in medications.

Discovering Arbonne

September 2013

A lady comes in to the salon for her appointment to have a gel polish on her nails.  As with all my clients we get talking and i ask her what she does, she works for the NHS but also runs her own business, she doesn't tell me what it is or even offer up much about it....so i ask if im allowed to know, she runs her own health and wellness business (ooooh tell me more) she radiates when telling me about it, her enthusiasm and positivity about the whole thing make me excited to learn more (i want what shes on im thinking) so basically she teaches people how to grow an income from re-directing money they are already spending on things like beauty products etc (too good to be true whats the catch?) instead of buying from the high street you start off by buying your own products from your own business, replacing all your old products with Arbonne (arbonising your home) you then teach family, friends and other to do the same, buying either through you at a discount or starting their own business to buy through themselves.

What a shame i've just invested in a new skincare range when i opened the salon less than a month ago.  Explaining Arbonne's green ethos about how their products are pure safe and beneficial, and dont contact any of the "nasties" that some other products do.  She tells me a little bit more about the products and im really keen to learn more.  She invites me to an opportunity meeting that night if i want to learn more, without a second thought i say i ll be there.

By the end of the meeting i know this is perfect for me, a health and wellness business that will run perfectly hand in hand with the salon where i can offer and educate people about whats in the products they are using, and also give people the chance to start their own business teaching others to do the same!!

I couldn't believe after being in the industry or this long i didnt even know what horrible things some skincare and cosmetics contained!!

Im in my first month with Arbonne and i have already been to several meetings and met some amazing people who have gone along way with this business, im using their products and feeling great inside and out.  Im going to the top with this and am happy to take with me anyone who wants to do the same.

If you want to learn more about the Arbonne opportunity or even just about what products are going to be good for your skin, i will be more than happy to discuss with you my experiences.

thanks for reading

Sian x