Family days out with the National Trust this February half term
From seasonal crafts and activities to outdoor trails and winter wildlife, there’s lots to keep young explorers busy this half term at the National Trust’s places in Derbyshire and the Peak District. With miles of gardens, parkland and countryside to explore on those crisp winter days and indoor activities for when the rain sets in, there’s plenty to do, whatever the February weather brings. The National Trust’s cosy tearooms offer warming treats and kids lunch packs, and the shops have lovely selections of pocket money toys for little ones to browse. Here’s a round-up of the half term events and activities at the National Trust’s places near you. To find out more visit, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire Half term has never been more ‘love’ly! Explore the exciting Elizabethan themes of St Valentines through outdoor play and crafts. Expect play activities in the Stableyard inspired by themes of connection, pairs, gratitude and love such as ‘Match the pairs’, Connect Four, create your own sonnet in our blackboard den, and rustle up a valentine’s feast in the mud kitchen. Find out more information: February Half Term | National Trust Calke Abbey, Foremark & Staunton Harold Discover hidden worlds this February half-term with themed trails inspired by the book ‘Wonder World: Earth’ written by Ben Lerwill and illustrated by Xuan Le. From 14-22 February, hunt for minibeasts and uncover fascinating facts about worms, and continue the adventure by visiting all three properties for unique activities at each. For avid bookworms, join a storytelling session in the Riding School at Calke to hear the story brought to life. Sessions include creative crafts and colouring, and can be booked online via Calke’s website, with SEND-friendly sessions available in a more relaxed environment, as well as shorter sessions for under-5s. ‘Wonder World: Earth’, published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust, can be purchased onsite at Calke, so the fun can continue long beyond half-term. Longshaw Estate, nr Sheffield, Peak District. Bring your curiosity, eagle eyes and a sense of adventure to uncover secrets about the fantastic bird species of Longshaw, on The Bird Box Detectives Trail. Find 6 secret bird boxes hidden around the estate. Lift the lids to hear their calls, solve the puzzles, and tick off each bird as you go. £3 per trail sheet. On 22 February Longshaw’s rangers host a very special event; Family Bird Box Building – to celebrate National Nest Box week. Using simple hand tools, each family or group will be instructed on how to build their own bird box to take home. £15 per bird box. Special family crafts celebrating the birds of Longshaw are also being hosted on 18 and 19 February, at Longshaw’s Moorland Discovery Centre. Suitable for children aged 4-11, £8 per child. Find out more here Ilam Park, nr Ashbourne, Peak District. Get ready for a feather-filled adventure, between 14 – 22 February, on the Bird Box Detectives Trail. Secret bird boxes are hidden around Ilam Park and it’s your job to find them. Each box has a clue about the amazing bird that lives there, on this treasure hunt – but with more feathers! £3 per trail sheet, with a prize at the end! Fly down to the Dovedale National Nature Reserve for the Big Bird Count, from 14 – 21 February. You can climb Thorpe Cloud to search the skies or follow the river Dove to spot birds along the valley. With every £3 trail sheet you’ll get your own DIY binoculars and help count the different species you see, to add to the Big Dovedale Bird Count Board. Learn About the Birds Pop Up station: learn about the fascinating birdlife of the White Peak, on 21 February in Milldale. Drop into the National Trust information barn to meet our team of guides. Share your sightings on our community spotter’s board as you explore this beautiful part of the Peak District. Find out more here Kedleston Hall, Derby Enjoy a winter wander at Kedleston this half-term and discover willow wildlife sculptures along the way. The Short Walk has welcomed some new friends for all to see. Be sure to say ‘hello’! Available 14 – 22 February, 9am until 4pm. The Children’s Country House at Sudbury February Half term: Challenge your friends and family to a classic board game in the Parlour, perfect for a rainy afternoon. Solve the mystery in a game of ‘Sudbury Sleuth’, collect the clues as you explore the rooms in the Hall. From February half term onwards: Take a trip down memory lane and re-visit favourite video games from the past in the Museum of Childhood. Discover the wonders of soil science along the nature trail in Wellies Wood inspired by the Nosy Crow book ‘Wonder World: Earth’ 00
The Beauty Report with Virtue
All virtue products are free of parabens, sulfates, pthalates, colors, and dyes, and are safe for color treated hair. Gluten free. Cruelty free. Vegan. FULLShampoo £15 &Conditioner £16 Fine, thin hair struggles to hold style. It suffers from breakage, appearing limp and lackluster. Virtue Full products dissolve excess oil and residue, then plump each strand for increased overall volume. RecoveryShampoo £15& Conditioner £16 Damaged hair gets dry and breaks. It loses its luster. It suffers from split ends from being overworked and overexposed – and damage is happening constantly, just from everyday wear. Virtue Recovery products are clinically proven to provide ongoing, daily repair with exclusive, multi-patented Alpha Keratin 60ku® technology. SmoothShampoo £15 & Conditioner £16 Virtue Smooth products are clinically proven to smooth cuticles and reduce frizz with exclusive, multi-patented Alpha Keratin 60ku® technology. Alpha Keratin 60ku® smooths and seals the hair shaft, making it more resistant to humidity and environmental factors. Fragrant notes of calming lavender, rejuvenating mint and creamy woods, coupled with a nourishing cocktail of pink pomelo, phospholipids and asiaticoside neutralize free radicals and provide essential vitamins and minerals. After 5 uses, Alpha Keratin 60ku® delivers up to: • 67% reduction in frizz Plus: • 138% increase in color vibrancy • 86% reduction in breakage • 64% increase in gloss area. PRODUCT TEST :: PRODUCT TEST :: PRODUCT TEST :: FULL You can tell it’s a premium brand. Such a lovely feeling on the hair and from the first wash instantly felt thicker and well looked after. VP SMOOTH A little goes a long way with this shampoo. It leaves your hair feeling soft and nourished without the greasy feeling. Perfect for heat damaged hair or hair that’s prone to go frizzy. CB RECOVERY As I’ve got older my hair has got finer and more fragile. This product helped my hair become more manageable especaily after regular use for a short time. JP For more information and to buy online visit virtuelabs.com 00
The Beauty Report – Pixi
FortifEYE Hydrogel Eye Patches £22 These luxurious eye patches in a hydrogel format adheres to skin easily to deliver essential nutrients to the delicate eye area. The FortifEYE Hydrogel patch instantly firms and lifts while infusing the delicate eye area with hydration. DetoxifEYE water-based gel-form patch depuffs and revives skin with maximum hydration. Glow Tonic Serum £26 Designed to hydrate and nourish your skin. This lightweight serum infuses your skin with beneficial nutrients while setting the stage for the final phase of your daily routine. A little serum goes a long way, with only a few drops of the powerful formula needed to achieve a balanced and radiant complexion. Glow MudCleanser £26 A deep pore cleansing mud, enriched with glycolic and soothing botanicals. Formulated to provide effective cleansing, yet is mild enough for all skin. Complexion is cleansed and gently exfoliated to reveal radiant and healthy skin. Can be used AM and PM. Softens and refines skin while restoring radiance. Features an ultra-lightweight formula. Includes exfoliating Glycolic Acid to purify skin and enhance your natural glow. Energises skin and improves circulation with Ginseng. Soothing hydration is provided with added Aloe Extract. Suitable for all skin types Not tested on animals For more information and to buy online visit www.pixibeauty.co.uk FortifEYE This was a new experience for me, the patches were so beautifully cooling and relaxing. I found them just a little slippery to use, but after a week my skin felt much improved and dry lines were disappearing. I’ll definitely continue with these. JP Glow Tonic Serum You only need one drop of this serum to gently massage into your face. It is quite thick but quickly melts into the skin revealing a lovely glow. VP Glow Mud Cleanser Gentle enough to use everyday. From the first use it gently ex-foliates your skin and leaves skin feeling clean and looking fresh. One of the best cleansers I’ve used. CB 00
Tried & Tested with Weleda
All Purpose Balm 25g £7.95 The tiny tin with big benefits! This neat little pot contains a soothing balm with a multitude of uses – to intensively nourish or protect any dry patches, chapped skin or dry lips. Ideal to pack in a changing bag when out and about. Made with nourishing organic sunflower and avocado oils, luxurious cocoa seed butter, protective candelilla and carnauba waxes, infused with skin-caring calendula extract. Suitable for redness, chafing or dryness – from dribble rash to sore noses. Try it on the upper lip to soothe skin irritated by the constant nose blowing of seasonal sniffles. Or apply a little balm around the rim of each nostril as a barrier to help trap dust, pollen or other allergens. COMFORT Aroma Shower 200ml £8.25 Ease into the sublimely comforting spicy scent of winter holidays with our limited edition Comfort Aroma Shower. The natural fragrance is a mix of pure essential oils and plant extracts – with mellow vanilla, refreshing lemon and warm spicy undertones of star anise, conjuring up memories of cosy winter holidays and leaving mind and body feeling pampered and relaxed. It’s like a hug in a tube. Its formulation, which has been dermatologically-tested for suitability on sensitive skin, contains organic sunflower seed oil and gentle plant-based cleansers that leave skin feeling nourished and soft. The creamy formulation is NATRUE-certified natural and biodegradable* – as eco-friendly as it is skin-friendly. (*as defined by OECD) Sensitive Body Lotion 200ml £12.95 This calming and soothing lotion contains organic coconut and jojoba oils to provide a richer, thicker lotion that protects and comforts reactive and easily irritated skin. The fast-absorbing lotion was developed with dermatologists to deliver long-lasting moisturisation, and bears the ECARF allergy-friendly quality seal. Its fragrance-free formulation contains no essential oils, and just leaves the subtle scent of coconut oil on the skin. The lotion is NATRUE certified natural, with 76% organic content. PRODUCT TEST :: PRODUCT TEST :: PRODUCT TEST All Purpose Balm This all-purpose balm is extremely gentle and is even recommended by midwives to be used on baby’s skin. I chose to use it as a lip balm, with no fragrance and not greasy it was lovely and smooth and long lasting. The little tin also makes it easy to carry with you. CB Comfort Aroma Shower In winter I find a shower comforting and relaxing, and the natural fragrance of this product, enhanced by the warm water did both. No artificially strong perfumes but just a gentle, creamy body wash. Weleda products also give me confidence as I know they use only pure oils and plant extracts. VP Sensitive Body Lotion At first, I found this took a little while to be absorbed but on reflection I think this is due to the rich oils and organic beeswax it contains. The results however were really excellent and long lasting, making my skin feel smooth even the following day. JP 00
Tried & Tested With Diptyque
Diptyque pays tribute to Mediterranean nature by dedicating its entire summer collection to its inexhaustible source of inspiration for the maison and featuring special illustrations from the young french artist Matthieu Cossé. Summer Essentials collection The Summer Essentials collection pays tribute to Mediterranean nature by dedicating its entire summer collection to its inexhaustible source of inspiration. With inspiration from the Mediterranean landscapes such as those of Italy, Provence, and Greece where Yves Coueslant and Desmond Knox-Leet, two members of the trio who founded diptyque, spent their time discovering the beauty of these landscapes; this collection sees French artist Matthieu Cossé create drawings visualising the world of the summer collection. Summer Body Spray with Essential Oils £45 diptyque has specially developed a functional and beautiful body spray with a base of essential oils of lemongrass, geranium, and lemon eucalyptus that helps to repel mosquitoes. The spray is also scented with soft floral notes and musk to bring forth the feeling of summer. Eau des Sens Travel Spray £90 Diptyque invites you to discover its iconic destinations and to explore new ones through its new travel fragrance, a portable fragrance to take on all of your journeys. The bottle is a traveller, but it is also much more. It conjures up imaginary destinations, taking inspiration from vintage notice boards that were once in airportsand train stations. PRODUCT TEST :: PRODUCT TEST :: PRODUCT TEST Diptyque Paris Travel Spray This was both a beautiful, light, summery fragrance but also a little bit of fun. It came with 72 letters and symbols for me to add my name to the smart black spray container and its own black and white bag, perfect to carry with you or take on holiday. This would make the perfect gift for a friend who has everything !! JP Body Spray A lovely summery spritz for day or nighttime. You can smell the essential oils. Great added bonus of citronella especially for the summer evenings to ward off those biting flies. VP 00
Product Test – Smell Good with River Island Fragrances
Womenswear fragrance fashion Capitals of the World. Inspired by the fashion capitals of the world, Paris, Milan and London, these fragrances have been designed to complement your style, day or night. Leaders, not followers, take cues from iconic cities and push your boundaries. Nothing will complete your looks like a deliciously unique scent. London – NEW London is River Island’s new fragrance withing the collection. The perfume is beautiful, bold and crowned with confidence, inspired by the capital city. The notes of Jasmine are fresh and vibrant and are combined with the top note of neroli, which has a sweet-floral scent with an element of citrus, creating a refreshing summery London EDT: 100ml RRP £16 Milan Inspired by the glamour and elegance of Milan, the fragrance has a sweet floral scent. Bergamot is the top note, which has a gorgeous citrus-like scent. This being combined with the sweetness of the peach, lavender and jasmine Milan the ideal fruity perfume for a summer’s day. Milan EDT: 75ml RRP £14 Paris by Night Paris by night embodies the mystery and allure of the fashion capital. An oriental floral scent is built through the inclusion of mandarin, grapefruit and orange flower note to ensure that the fragrance has a light feel to it. However, additional warmth is created through caramel and vanilla notes. Paris by Night EDT: 75ml RRP £14 Paris It’s as easy to fall in love with this fragrance as it is the fashion capital. In River Island’s Paris perfume, the top notes of cut grass, combined with Italian lemon, bergamot, and apple blossom, create a beautiful oriental summer scent. Paris EDT: 75ml RRP £14 For more information and to buy online visit www.riverisland.com TRIED & TESTED :: TRIED & TESTED :: TRIED & TESTED London This has really good quality packaging and glass bottle. A sweet scent lasts most of the day. Very impressed with this. VP Paris A very feminine perfume, long lasting and individual. Beautifully presented to sit elegantly on any dressing table.JP 00
Product Test – Annabelle Minerals
Annabelle Minerals products are completely natural and based on few ingredients only. Annabelle Minerals cosmetics offer high-quality natural make-up suited to the needs of every skin type, from oily to dry and sensitive. The products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The brand offers the following organic cosmetics: make-ups, blushes, concealers, eyeshadows, translucent finishing powders, highlighters and accessories such as make-up brushes and sponges and cosmetic bag. Royal Glow Mineral Highlighter Pure minerals enriched with vitamin E and natural oils The content of blackcurrant seed oil, sunflower seed oil and vitamin E helps regenerate the skin, tightens it and makes it more elastic. Natural Cream Mineral Concealer Full coverage Camouflages spots, discoloring, broken capillaries Proper for sensitive and problematic skin Helps reducing imperfections Natural Medium Matte Foundation Spf10 Buildable, up to high, coverage Does not burden the skin Proper for oily and problematic skin After 4 weeks of use: reduces inflammatory by 25%, decreases sebum secreted by 21%, reduces visibility of skin pores by 21% (study on a group of 25 women with different skin types) For more information and to buy online visit www.annabelleminerals.com PRODUCT TEST :: PRODUCT TEST :: PRODUCT TEST Foundation With a damp brush, this foundation glides on leaving a flawless complexion. Very impressed! Highlighter You need a really tiny amount of this highlighter. It gives a fantastic glow! Concealer Brilliant product – it can be gradually built up to give a medium to full coverage, instantly gives you a brighter look and naturally covers dark circles! 00
Tried & Tested – Dr. Hauschka
Natural Cosmetics with a difference. Our brand is much more than a chic logo – it denotes our cosmos. Our selected medicinal plants are certified organic and help the skin to help itself and to regenerate. We respect our inner beauty just as much as our outer beauty. We are obsessed with quality and have been manufacturing on the same Swabian site for over 50 years, using methods that are still largely manual. In a company that is a Foundation and has no need to think about shareholders. It needs only to respect itself, civil society and the natural environment. Colour Correcting Powder £25 Fresh and refined: Dr. Hauschka Colour Correcting Powder. This powder from Dr. Hauschka includes four different translucent shades to perfect and even out the complexion. The pistachio tone neutralises redness, apricot emphasises your natural skin tone, a hint of vanilla brightens shadows, and light brown combines all four shades in our beautifully balancing Colour Correcting Powder. Apply the powder directly to the skin or on top of your chosen foundation. It is suitable for all skin tones. Foundation £30, 30ml The natural make-up base. Dr. Hauschka Foundation provides lightweight, even coverage that blends seamlessly with your natural skin tone and luminosity. The mineral pigments contained in the formulation reliably cover up skin irregularities and redness. Use our Foundation as a natural base for your make-up or to balance parts of your complexion with the concealer brush. Discover the versatility of this Dr. Hauschka Make-up must-have. Allow your regular day cream to absorb before applying the Foundation. Loose Powder £27 The lightest touch: Dr. Hauschka Loose Powder. So delicate yet so effective – our Loose Powder perfects your complexion and sets your make-up. Apply the Loose Powder either with our Powder Brush or with the included powder puff. The transparent composition of mineral pigments blends naturally with the colour nuances of your skin or with previously applied tinted products. For more information visit www.drhauschka.co.uk Product Test Loose Powder This powder is very fine and leaves your skin with a lovely matt finish. Its natural ingredients mean that it doesn’t dry or irritate your skin but gives a lovely finish either straight on to your skin or on top of a foundation cream. A great product. JP Foundation A little goes a long way with this foundation. It smells lovely, sinks into the skin naturally and leaves skin looking fab. VP Colour Correcting Powder This pressed powder is great at colour correcting redness, dark circles and uneven skin tones. Its easy to use and is a light powder. It gives a matt finish. The only down side is there isn’t a brush to apply it with. CB 00
Product Test – Soap Co.
The Soap Co. is an ethical luxury brand that creates sophisticated cruetly-free body care products to nuture and care for your skin. Wild Nettle & Sage Hand Lotion 300ml £18 13 natural oils including healing sage, uplifting rosemary and stress relieving thyme provide the delicate herbal notes for our Wild Nettle & Sage hand lotion. It’s fresh scent is a true celebration of the great British countryside and has been crafted with natural, vegan and eco-certified ingredients. It is also enriched with antioxidants, sage oil, natural bee friendly borage and calendula botanicals and organic cocoa butter to nourish and protect your skin. Free from parabens, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, synthetic colour, mineral oils, TEA, petrochemicals, silicones, EDTA and artificial colours. Wild Nettle & Sage Hand Wash 300ml £16 13 natural oils including healing sage, uplifting rosemary and stress relieving thyme provide delicate herbal notes to our Wild Nettle & Sage hand wash. Its fresh scent is a true celebration of the great British countryside and our hand wash is crafted with natural, vegan and eco-certified ingredients. Enriched with skin softening sugar esters from coconut oil, vitamins, sage oil and natural bee friendly botanicals it’s kind to your skin and the environment. Also free from SLS/SLES, PEGs, triclosan, synthetic colour, DEA, petrochemicals, silicones, EDTA, parabens and artificial colours. Now cleanliness is really one step closer to godliness! Wild Nettle & Sage Body Lotion 400ml £22 13 natural oils including healing sage, uplifting rosemary and stress relieving thyme provide the delicate herbal notes for our Wild Nettle & Sage body lotion. A guaranteed hit for those that love herbs this rich body lotion absorbs quickly into the skin and is enriched with antioxidants, sage oil and bee friendly borage and calendula botanicals for soft and healthy glowing skin. Created with natural, vegan and eco-certified ingredients it also contains organic cocoa butter and sweet almond oil for total body happiness. Free from parabens, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, synthetic colour, mineral oils, TEA, petrochemicals, silicones, EDTA and artificial colours. For more information and to buy online visit www.thesoapco.org Tried & Tested Hand Lotion A really light, non greasy hand lotion which sinks into your skin straight away. A light fragrance too, perfect to keep by the kitchen sink. VP Body Lotion This looks, feels and is eco- friendly. Smooth and easy to apply, the fragrance isn’t overpowering but delicate. Simply packaged, this product really impressed me. JP Body Wash I found that this was easy to rinse off and didn’t leave my skin feeling dry. I also like the fact that there are no artificial ingredients. I felt that I really was using a product that was back to nature. CB 00
Product Test – Boost Your Skin with Evolve Beauty
HYALURONIC EYE COMPLEX With Active Botanical Cells & Hyaluronic Acid 10ml £16 For all skin types Exotic Tuberose flower plant stem cells help to reduce the appearance of eye bags, fines lines and puffiness while firming and brightening the delicate eye area. Hyaluronic acid (known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water), helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, making the skin look younger with an improved skin tone, whilst cucumber extract cools and soothes. The metal roller ball applicator helps to correct puffiness and signs of fatigue. ———————————————————- Directions: Roll gently to delicate eye area. Shake well before use. Great as a cooling pick me up throughout the day. (Note: Make sure you “shake to wake” in order to activate the rollerball). RAINFOREST RESCUE BLEMISH SERUM With Willow Bark, Acai & Copaiba 30ml £22 For oily and combination skin This natural yet powerful skin treatment can be used on blemish prone and congested skin at any age as well as oily and combination skin. Our Amazonian blend of Acai and Copaiba is proven to decrease sebum production and reduce the appearance of blemishes and open pores, leaving skin clear, calm and matte. Willow bark, a natural source of salicylic acid, helps to boost cell turnover and exfoliate without irritation, for a smooth and healthy looking complexion. ————————————————— Directions: Apply gently on clean skin morning and evening. DAILY RENEW FACIAL CREAM With Hyaluronic Acid and Argan 60ml £24 For normal to dry skin This moisturiser has intense nourishing, hydrating and effective anti-ageing properties and restores normal to dry skin with a blend of pure organic oils. Argan oil nourishes whilst natural hyaluronic acid soothes and hydrates. Delicately fragranced with soothing hypoallergenic vanilla & coconut natural fragrance. 99.75% NATURAL 32% ORGANIC TRIED & TESTED Rainforest Rescue Blemish Serum. This product is perfect for oily and combination skins. Its really light texture goes on easily and absorbs straight into your skin so you can apply makeup instantly. Its smells divine too. You can use it every day morning and night for more problem skin or just when blemishes appear. CB Hyaluronic Eye Complex This is a really handy product which glides on easily and sinks in really quickly. I can tell after a few weeks that my fine lines are less visible. Great. VP Daily Renew Facial Cream. This has the consistency of a mousse but is really rich. I had to leave it on a few minutes before I put my makeup on, but any dry patches soon disappeared which was lovely. I think this is a great cream for the winter months. JP 00
