I am a big fan of Liz Earle. In fact, if day dreaming that I was an owner/ founder of a company, Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare would be the one. One aspect of this company I admire is that you do not actually see any advertising (or if there is advertising I have missed it). They rely on their loyal customers and good product reviews, online and in print, to stimulate their mail order and online business (plus they have regular QVC slots and more recently placement in the wonderful John Lewis, department store). I receive regular eNewsletters and quarterly catalogues and, as reminded only this week, existing customers are rewarded for recommendations. Today when I returned from home I had a Liz Earle “Try Me Hand and Feet Kit” waiting for me. This was thanks to my friend Liz, who placed her first order this week. I had actually forgotten this perk of ‘pass it on’, but Liz was delighted to advise I was getting a present on the back of her order.
What a great way to promote your product and to raise the probability of future purchases from a loyal base. Although I have tested and trialled (and currently use) almost everything in the range, I have not used the foot treatments. If I wasn’t too tired tonight, after a long week at work, I would be buffing and moisturising my feet ready for their naked, ‘early summer’ exposure, this weekend.
Friday 21 May 2010
Monday 17 May 2010
Off to the shops I go!
Yesterday I felt I needed a couple of hours on my own. I had to buy my husband some new work clothes (my husband doesn’t shop and has never shopped). I keep this simple by visiting M&S where I know his sizes. I left trusty M&S, three bags heavier, with 3 x trousers, 2 x shirts, 1 x tie, 5 x socks and 1 pair of shoes. Oh and a pair of sunglasses for me!
All this effort meant I deserved a treat. Upon reading my blog, one of my ex-colleagues and now friends said that she didn’t know I was interested in make-up. Note to self: make more of an effort for work. However, this then began a great discussion of brands. She relied on her sister (a huge cosmetic fan) to bore of products and pass them on. But she did mention her favourite brand was Benefit. She was shocked I had never tried a single product.
Now in Swindon you are not really spoiled for choice when it comes to Beauty Halls. So I nipped to Boots where I could also buy Shampoo and Hayfever tablets. There is a fairly large area dedicated to Benefit and a very helpful assistant called Vicky who spent 20 minutes with me, showing a good selection of make-up and re-doing and improving my eyes.
This was worth it because I left with my little Benefit bag holding 7 new delights.
This evening with one daughter in bed, I decided to try my purchases to ensure that the new eye regime can fit into my allotted 5 minutes in the morning dedicated to hair (usually put up) and make up. I smiled into the mirror at the result. What a result! I would never, in a million years, ever thought of wearing anything other than black or brownish black mascara. But here I was with fab eyes with plum lashes.
I used:
Benefit Boi-ing concealer (01), applied with new Concealer Brush (all around the eye, including lid and nose).
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-place Powder make-up
Clinique Almost Bronzer
Eyes: Benefit Creaseless Cream shadow/ liner in ‘RSVP’ and ‘Get Figgy’. Plus, BadGal Plum Mascara
Lips: Clinque Quickliner for lips and Benefit lip gloss ‘friends in high places’
To finish Benefit High Beam, complexion enhancer
Just as I was admiring the new look in my mirror, my 6 year old walked in and said, “Wow Mum you look great”. Now I was wearing my dressing gown and my hair was in a ponytail. So I knew this spontaneous admiration was about my face. “Can I wear some?” was the next comment. To which I replied “Don’t tell your father” while passing her my new lip gloss.
Boi-ing Concealer – 7/10. OK, I think I will miss the liquid Touche Eclat or No. 7 (cost effective) equivalent. The coverage was good, but it did not feel light to apply, even with my new concealer brush.
Eye Cream – 10/10. Easy to apply, fantastic cover, perfect amount of sheen for every day (plus you could get extra impact for an evening by applying more) and great colours.
Mascara – 9/10. Two coats applied really well. This really lengthened my lashes. Great colour and importantly this was very easy to use with a plump brush ensuring no clumps and no lashes sticking together.
Lip Gloss – 7/10. Nice taste, but slightly sticky. I am a lipstick girl, so although I am trying the natural &/or high gloss look, I still think I will have to opt for a standard moisturising lipstick as a preference.
Highlighter – 9/10.Why have I never used a product like this before? Although I used very little, with evening sun coming in my bedroom window I really did feel quite sparkly.
In summary – don’t forget Boots when you are buying quality cosmetics. I cannot rate the Benefit advisor highly enough. Plus you get your Advantage Card points. And if you don’t try anything else, do try a cream shadow. RSVP is a perfect base colour and would suit almost everyone.
Sunday 16 May 2010
A conference call too many?
I read an article recently which said that the average sales person now spends at least 3 hours per week on conference calls. This made me interested in how I spend my time, and why on Friday I was sat in my office at 7pm, with 263 unread emails. On a quick review of my meetings and conference calls for the last month I have spent an average of 8 hours per week on conference calls (this does not include face to face meetings). As I only work a 4 day week (30 hours paid employment hours) this represents over 25% of my working week. A whole day is spent dialling into and participating on conference calls. Week commencing 3rd May 2010 was my ‘worse’ week with over 11 hours of conference calls. More than a day and a half spent participating in conference calls.
Now with the benefit of Outlook archive I could view my diary for the same period last year. How interesting, I spent on average only 3 hours per week on conference calls. So what has happened? I do have a slightly different role within my organisation, but I think it is more than this. As 80% of the UK team now have a ‘smarter working’ role (we do not have to be in the office to do our job) the reliance on conference calls for team meetings, briefings and discussions has increased.
About 5 months ago, I was on, possibly the worse conference call ever. Our MD had also dialled in. One and a half hours with so many interruptions I can only start to list them; constant beeps signifying people joining and leaving, someone putting us on hold on his mobile (so all participants were subjected to ‘hold music’), a dog barking, ambulance siren blaring, and a speaker forgetting to reference where he was on the slide deck. So if you were not 100% concentrating you found it hard to keep up. I left the call thinking, what a waste of time and feeling very annoyed.
After this call, the entire EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) team were sent a new conference call etiquette guide. As you can imagine our instructions were simply common sense, but this sense was not been used. And I have to be honest things have improved exponentially. Everyone remembers to go on mute when they are not actively participating and this for a start is a huge advantage.
One of the potential disadvantages of a fully flexible workforce is the requirement of telephonic forms of communication. As we are not often all in the same premises at the same time – we have to rely on the importance of voice and the quality of our calls. Somewhat obvious, when face to face you have the massive benefit of body language and you can watch for feedback (do people look bored?). When participating on a conference call your tone, pitch, speed and use of voice are more important than your message. Flat and boring everyone switches off and uses the time to check emails and hopes they don’t get asked a question.
Now this isn’t a discussion on the benefits and disadvantages of conference calls – it is simple fact that in a flexible working life they are a necessity. Remember a little etiquette. Would you join late, leave early, take calls, or make noisy distractions in a face to face meeting? Plus don't forget to use your voice, this is just as important as your message!
Now with the benefit of Outlook archive I could view my diary for the same period last year. How interesting, I spent on average only 3 hours per week on conference calls. So what has happened? I do have a slightly different role within my organisation, but I think it is more than this. As 80% of the UK team now have a ‘smarter working’ role (we do not have to be in the office to do our job) the reliance on conference calls for team meetings, briefings and discussions has increased.
About 5 months ago, I was on, possibly the worse conference call ever. Our MD had also dialled in. One and a half hours with so many interruptions I can only start to list them; constant beeps signifying people joining and leaving, someone putting us on hold on his mobile (so all participants were subjected to ‘hold music’), a dog barking, ambulance siren blaring, and a speaker forgetting to reference where he was on the slide deck. So if you were not 100% concentrating you found it hard to keep up. I left the call thinking, what a waste of time and feeling very annoyed.
After this call, the entire EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) team were sent a new conference call etiquette guide. As you can imagine our instructions were simply common sense, but this sense was not been used. And I have to be honest things have improved exponentially. Everyone remembers to go on mute when they are not actively participating and this for a start is a huge advantage.
One of the potential disadvantages of a fully flexible workforce is the requirement of telephonic forms of communication. As we are not often all in the same premises at the same time – we have to rely on the importance of voice and the quality of our calls. Somewhat obvious, when face to face you have the massive benefit of body language and you can watch for feedback (do people look bored?). When participating on a conference call your tone, pitch, speed and use of voice are more important than your message. Flat and boring everyone switches off and uses the time to check emails and hopes they don’t get asked a question.
Now this isn’t a discussion on the benefits and disadvantages of conference calls – it is simple fact that in a flexible working life they are a necessity. Remember a little etiquette. Would you join late, leave early, take calls, or make noisy distractions in a face to face meeting? Plus don't forget to use your voice, this is just as important as your message!
Monday 10 May 2010
To the shops – the working woman’s way
Ten years ago one of my favourite pastimes was shopping. I lived in Dubai and it was (and still is) a shoppers’ paradise. My weaknesses were, shoes and accessories, and cosmetics and skincare. I used to love trips to London and I would spend hours in the Beauty Hall in Selfridges and other department stores, discussing, testing and buying all combination of products and brands.
I still love cosmetics and skincare, but I rarely head to the large beauty halls. If I do, it is a grabbed 30 minutes as I change tubes at Oxford Street after a day of meetings in the city. Online purchases make up about 80% of my annual spend.
When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I sat back and calculated our family income and outgoings. I had made a career choice to move out of the fast paced technology sector. However, apart from the mortgage repayments, my spending had not proportionately decreased. I also took a close look in my bathroom cupboard and calculated about £700 worth of skincare products, some being used, some half used or some pushed to the back, forgotten and rather dusty.
Now a sensible pregnant woman would have mixed, matched and used up, but not this one. I planned a trip to Boots to see what was more cost effective and on offer. However, while eating and watching daytime TV (only for the first week of maternity leave) – I randomly channel hopped to QVC, a shopping channel, where I saw Liz Earle interviewed and promoting her products. I remembered Liz as a beauty expert and reviewer on TV years ago. I stopped watching, opened my PC, checked out her website, purchased and have never looked back.
For over 3 years I have only used Liz Earle skincare on my face. Today I happily shop online for my favourites and what I believe are my bare face necessities; Cleanse and Polish, Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser. Plus, I buy the Superskin Moisturiser for before bed or if my forehead is particularly dry.
The website is simple, practical and not necessarily the best online shopping experience. My enjoyment starts when the postman delivers... watch out for my Liz Earle skincare review upon receipt of my purchases.
ps - What happened to my £700 worth of skincare products? My retired mother was very happy!
I still love cosmetics and skincare, but I rarely head to the large beauty halls. If I do, it is a grabbed 30 minutes as I change tubes at Oxford Street after a day of meetings in the city. Online purchases make up about 80% of my annual spend.
When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I sat back and calculated our family income and outgoings. I had made a career choice to move out of the fast paced technology sector. However, apart from the mortgage repayments, my spending had not proportionately decreased. I also took a close look in my bathroom cupboard and calculated about £700 worth of skincare products, some being used, some half used or some pushed to the back, forgotten and rather dusty.
Now a sensible pregnant woman would have mixed, matched and used up, but not this one. I planned a trip to Boots to see what was more cost effective and on offer. However, while eating and watching daytime TV (only for the first week of maternity leave) – I randomly channel hopped to QVC, a shopping channel, where I saw Liz Earle interviewed and promoting her products. I remembered Liz as a beauty expert and reviewer on TV years ago. I stopped watching, opened my PC, checked out her website, purchased and have never looked back.
For over 3 years I have only used Liz Earle skincare on my face. Today I happily shop online for my favourites and what I believe are my bare face necessities; Cleanse and Polish, Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser. Plus, I buy the Superskin Moisturiser for before bed or if my forehead is particularly dry.
The website is simple, practical and not necessarily the best online shopping experience. My enjoyment starts when the postman delivers... watch out for my Liz Earle skincare review upon receipt of my purchases.
ps - What happened to my £700 worth of skincare products? My retired mother was very happy!
Sunday 9 May 2010
Old MacDonald had a farm...
Today started like many others, rather dull and overcast. However, I had arranged a day out with my friend and fellow working Mum, Jo, and her two children. She had suggested an activity farm which is half way between her home in Oxfordshire and mine in Wiltshire. Jo and I met over ten years ago when we worked together. Now that makes me feel rather old!
We visited FarmerGows, a family farm, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire. First impressions were that it was easy to find, easy to park and we had a friendly welcome as we paid our entrance fee (£17.00 for two adults and two children over 3). We were asked if we had visited before and as Jo had, we declined to be told what was on offer.
We visited FarmerGows, a family farm, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire. First impressions were that it was easy to find, easy to park and we had a friendly welcome as we paid our entrance fee (£17.00 for two adults and two children over 3). We were asked if we had visited before and as Jo had, we declined to be told what was on offer.
We headed straight for lunch. The small cafe was in the same area/ building as the entrance and we selected our food from the limited menu. It was rather basic, a choice of sandwiches, toast plus, beans or scrambled egg or 3 types of burgers (made from their own bred goats, lambs and pigs). The food was made by the same friendly staff member who we had paid our entrance too. Food was OK, made fresh to order. However, I would suggest, as there were amble indoor and outdoor tables and benches, it may be worthwhile taking a picnic if visiting.
There was an outdoor play area, with fun tractors to pedal and a giant hay bale to climb on. These were all on view from the cafe, so you could see your children playing in a contained area while you sat and drank a latte (think Nescafe jar, rather than Costa or Starbucks). There was an additional small adventure type playground and an indoor play area with a small amount of activity toys.
There was an outdoor play area, with fun tractors to pedal and a giant hay bale to climb on. These were all on view from the cafe, so you could see your children playing in a contained area while you sat and drank a latte (think Nescafe jar, rather than Costa or Starbucks). There was an additional small adventure type playground and an indoor play area with a small amount of activity toys.
Where this farm was superior to many other farm attractions I have I visited in the past five years was their feeding the animals programme which you could join daily at 11am or 2pm. The livestock manager and his weekend assistant were excellent. We spent about 40 minutes feeding tiny lambs, larger lambs (and their mums) and goats. We were not rushed, we were shown what to do and every child had a turn, well lots of turns. The livestock manager could see my eldest daughter was scared and spent time encouraging her to pet the lamb he held tightly.
We also had a chance to walk the goats, feed some pigs and enjoy a tracker ride. A thoroughly enjoyable and recommendable day out for 4 hours at a farm we will definitely visit again.
Now I should have Sunday night blues at 9pm, but as a flexible, smarter worker, I do not work Mondays. Instead I will make sure my out of office is set and the school uniform ironed!
Saturday 8 May 2010
The start of a blog
As my friends know, I am ever an optimist. I have a direct debit so I never miss a lottery draw (I have had the same two lines for more than 15 years). This optimism was rewarded last year. However, not with a lottery win. After 36 years of winning nothing apart from a school bag when I was 11, I won a 4 day holiday in New York courtesy of MullerLight yoghurts!
I am a subscriber to two magazines, Red and Zest and one online newsletter, GraziaDaily. This may give you an insight into my interests. So I was alerted to a competition on Tuesday 4 May 2010 from Grazia. I would love to become a Simple Star. And to win this I have to get the most votes on their site and create a blog that gets followers.
They say everyone has one book in them. I don’t necessarily think I have one in me that will win the Booker prize. But there are three things close to my heart that I can write about with experience. Family life, I am a wife and mother of two gorgeous girls. Smarter working, I am lucky to have a great employer who offers flexible working to ensure I can experience the best of both worlds. And finally, skincare. I am fast approaching 40 and I really do try and look and feel my best. Not easy when you are juggling a busy family and work life.
So what can you expect from me?
Tips, tricks and technology I use in my family and working life. The benefits I enjoy as a ‘smarter worker’ and reviews of skincare products currently in my bathroom and cosmetics in my make up bag.
Until next time...
I am a subscriber to two magazines, Red and Zest and one online newsletter, GraziaDaily. This may give you an insight into my interests. So I was alerted to a competition on Tuesday 4 May 2010 from Grazia. I would love to become a Simple Star. And to win this I have to get the most votes on their site and create a blog that gets followers.
They say everyone has one book in them. I don’t necessarily think I have one in me that will win the Booker prize. But there are three things close to my heart that I can write about with experience. Family life, I am a wife and mother of two gorgeous girls. Smarter working, I am lucky to have a great employer who offers flexible working to ensure I can experience the best of both worlds. And finally, skincare. I am fast approaching 40 and I really do try and look and feel my best. Not easy when you are juggling a busy family and work life.
So what can you expect from me?
Tips, tricks and technology I use in my family and working life. The benefits I enjoy as a ‘smarter worker’ and reviews of skincare products currently in my bathroom and cosmetics in my make up bag.
Until next time...
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