French perfumers have that ‘je ne c’est quoi’ that means they often spring to mind when thinking of the most famous fragrance houses and brands – Jicky, Shalimar and of course, Chanel. However, at the turn of the twentieth century there were also English perfume houses that were enjoying the sweet smell of success. Floris is a British perfume house, which was established in 1730…
Fragrance is alluring, provocative and memorable; reflecting the very essence of the person who chooses to wear it. There is nothing quite as personal as a signature scent. Smell evokes memory in a way that no other emotion can; transporting us back to a time or place filled with events and feelings that have helped to shape and define us. It is little wonder that…
As Gordon Brown urges Brits to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill, would a return to World-War style rationing and cooking not only reduce wastage, but also help to shrink the UK’s bulging waistlines and the environment in the process? Food rationing came into effect back in February 1918 during World War One. However, there are many lessons that can be learnt…
With budget airlines and cheap flights now a common feature of most western societies, the world has become a much smaller and more accessible place than it was for previous generations. As a result, regular holidays, weekend breaks and gap years abroad are on the rise as more people can afford to travel. The attraction of travelling is obvious. There are so many options available…
Who invented the car is a simple enough question, but the answer is far more complicated as there was no ‘eureka’ moment, but rather a gradual evolution of automobile milestones. Dependent upon how liberally you apply the definition of automobile, which literally means ‘self-moving’, designs for such a vehicle can be traced to as far back to the 15th Century and drawings made by a…
Following a recent acquisition from the catalogue giant Freemans by businesswoman Kay Mawer, clothkit clothes could be the latest must have practical fashion trend, as they appeal to both the ethically minded consumer, as well as those who are cost conscious. This resurgence of the popular 70’s self-knit clothing line comes at a time when a recent Panorama investigation into Primark’s reliance on sweat shop…
Whether it is a short or long break away, sightseeing of historical attractions or perhaps even just a general passing through point on your travels elsewhere, London provides a great opportunity to explore a diverse and interesting part of the UK. It is difficult to single out any particular area in London, as each has its own unique attractions. However, Kensington has been known to…
As every Makeup Artist knows, foundation is the secret to a great makeup look. But, while there are a lucky few with perfect looking skin, most women need a little help in creating that flawless finish. Liquid foundations as well as powder and creme formulas can enhance the look of skin, help to even out skin-tone, camouflage imperfections and create a more flawless complexion. Eye,…
There is no denying London has one of the UK’s most vibrant social scenes and the capital city has long been looked upon as a centre for commerce. A lesser known fact is that London is one of the greenest capital cities on the globe. Hundreds of parks, gardens and waterways mean almost 40% of London’s 1,600 sq km consists of green space or water.…
There is no doubt that we lead busier lives now than we used to. Our jobs seem to take up more of our time and there isn’t quite the community spirit to get us out and about all the time like we used to do before. Many of us get home from work and find that all we have the energy to do is to…