January can be a tough month, with cold weather and short days to contend with. Having said that, it’s also an opportunity for new beginnings and doing things differently, so there are some positives. Another reason to feel positive is our giveaway to win 1 of 3 bottles of Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé Champagne. Whether you’re single or loved up, you’re sure to enjoy this on Valentine’s Day 
CULTURE VULTURE
I’ve been meaning to revisit the Design Museum ever since it moved into its new location in Kensington. A meet up with Maggie was the perfect opportunity to admire its striking architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions. There’s one at the moment that focuses on the design challenges of a rapidly ageing population – well worth a visit.
I popped into the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge for a sneak preview of their new collage by Sir Peter Blake. It’s adorning the facade of the hotel during their renovation. Entitled “Our Fans”, it’s a clever play on words as the Mandarin Oriental’s logo is a fan. The collage was inspired by the cover of the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, also created by Sir Peter Blake – here’s the indoor version. See how many well known faces you can spot if you’re in the area.
LIFESTYLE FILE
I don’t know about you but my skin is severely challenged by the cold weather. That’s why I was glad to try the Soothing Intensive Complex by Anne Semonin. It’s an innovative duo of Essential Oils and Trace Elements that works to soothe red and sensitive skin. Essential Oils is a blend of laurel, lemon peel, marjoram and the Centella asiatica herb, whilst Trace Elements contain chromium, cobalt, borage and iodine. All very high tech but does this dynamic duo work? I’ve only been using it for a few weeks but my skin already feels more radiant, plumped up and a lot less tight. My only request would be that they include usage instructions on the box.
I’ve also been loving S5 Serenity Cream, an anti-ageing moisturiser for stressed and sensitive skin. The pump dispenser is very practical and the marine actives do a great job of restoring balance. There’s marine laminaria which targets inflammation and reduces UVdamage and marine sea mayweed which is clinically proven to reduce skin reactivity by 24% and the appearance of long-term redness by 20%. It has calmed my skin down quite noticeably and also feels very nourishing, thanks to the hyaluronic acid which locks moisture into the skin.
In a further bid to get some radiance back, I headed to the launch of Skeyndor’s Timeless Prodigy range at the luxurious Peak Health Club & Spa at Jumeirah Carlton Tower. Skeyndor are a Spanish brand that use the most advanced anti-ageing technology in their face creams and serums, night restoring oil. Over champagne and canapés, Miriam and I had a personal skin diagnosis thanks to their clever skin scanner machine. I’m looking forward to trying out the range at home, particularly their Power Hyaluroinc Gel and their Sleeping Oil and reporting back on it. They’ll be available from late January exclusively at The Peak Health Club & Spa for the first month.
I rarely get time to read a book but when I was sent the provocatively entitled Fur Coat No Knickers by C. B. Martin to review, I was intrigued. Expecting something along the lines of 50 Shades of Grey, which I must be the only person in the UK to not have read, I was actually pleasantly surprised. Even though it’s an easy and amusing read, it goes way beyond the surface to delve into sibling rivalry and other serious issues. Anyone who’s ever sat at home waiting for a date to call will identify with this novel – can’t wait for the sequel!
Talking of companions, my new favourite travel companion is my Beaux Leather Backpack by Knomo… I have been looking for something like this for years, a stylish yet functional backpack that can carry a laptop and daily essentials. The full-grain leather is really soft and looks extremely luxurious.
The back and padded straps are cleverly crafted from a wipe-free fabric and there are lots of pockets to store your phone, valuables and much more. I particularly liked the RFID signal blocking technology – you can store personal information in complete security. My Beaux worked perfectly as a carry-on for our recent Mexico trip and equally well whilst exploring the local area.
TRAVEL TALES
We started the New Year in style at NYF Dublin 2016. This cultural festival is great fun and there’s so much to do, from sky dancing to a spectacular laser light show and a fantastic music concert. Despite being laid low with a cold, we crammed in so much into our visit, including a visit to the lively Temple Bar area.
Verbier in Switzerland is one of the world’s most iconic skiing destinations. Madonna took her brood there recently and it’s a favourite with the royals too. With Paul being half Swiss, we’re always pleased to return there and what better place to stay than Hotel La Cordée des Alpes. Not only does it have the best spa in Verbier, the food is delicious and the interior is seriously stylish.
We’ve just returned from a really stunning area of Mexico and I can’t wait to tell you more about it. Mayakoba is home to 4 luxurious hotels, Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont and Rosewood, each with their own distinctive style. They’ve all been seamlessly integrated into the environment and the resort boasts mangroves and abundant wildlife as well as fabulous beaches and pools.
WINING AND DINING
We’ve been travelling for most of this month so haven’t had a great deal of time to wine and dine in London. However, I did make it to The Ivy Kensington to catch up with some of my favourite bloggers over a leisurely brunch. I opted for a mix of healthy green juice and not so virtuous burger
COMING SOON IN FEBRUARY
We’ll be heading to Tenerife, to explore the island and try out the services of Keys Concierge – should be fun!
How was your January, were you detoxing or retoxing?
WIN 1 OF 3 ROSE CHAMPAGNE
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’re giving you the opportunity of winning 1 of 3 Rosé Champagne. It’s one of my favourite champagne brands, Nicolas Feuillatte and we actually had it at our wedding so I’m sure you’ll love it. David Henault, Chief Winemaker, has skilfully blended Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes to produce D’Luscious rosé. Aged for 3 years, it’s a silky champagne with red fruit notes that goes perfectly with food. With its stylish pink cooler sleeve, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte D’Luscious Gift bag makes a great Valentine’s Day gift and is available at John Lewis for £35.
To enter, simply follow the steps on the Rafflecopter below – bonne chance and good luck!
The competition is open to UK & Ireland residents for delivery purposes
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