Month: August 2018

Better Beauty Sleep with my New Leesa Mattress!

It is a modern proverb that your happiest hello and worst goodbye is to your bed. Now, I too share a similar relationship with my bed, but only since I’ve got myself a new Leesa Mattress. Before I started using this, I used to sleep fairly peacefully but didn’t always feel rested enough. Now, however, it’s a different story.

Let me walk you through my experience with Leesa.

First and foremost, Leesa operates mostly online, which makes buying a mattress a matter of few clicks, no more. The delivery arrived promptly and I was surprised at the small dimensions of the box in which the Leesa mattress was delivered. For a moment, I even thought that I’d ordered the wrong size of the mattress. But upon opening the package and reading the instructions, I realized that it was vacuum packed for compression during transit. All I had to do to set it up was place it on my bed-frame, remove the plastic wrap, and watch it expand to its full size.

The Leesa mattress filled my bed in about an hour but interestingly, it seems like it reached the highest level of comfort a day after unpacking. Or maybe you just keep feeling better and better as you lounge on it! Sleeping on it is a whole different world of pampered sleeping. When I woke up the first morning after sleeping on this mattress, I felt so much more rested and fresh than any other day. I was able to forgo my morning coffee which generally kickstarts any ordinary day for me. But having slept the same amount of time, Leesa-induced sleep was so rejuvenating that I did not need a caffeine hit to get me started.

The brilliant design of the Leesa mattress is what makes it a wonderful angel of sleep. It is created with three-layered support. At the very bottom is the Dense Core Support which is a 15 cm foam layer that provides structure and durability; it helps support sleepers of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a premium sleeping experience. The next layer is Pressure Relieving Memory Foam. This 5 cm of cushy goodness delivers fine body contouring and pressure-relief which ensures a good night’s sleep. The upper-most layer is the Cooling Avena Foam which allows optimal airflow for cooler sleep and just enough bounce for ease of movement during sleep.

Having experienced its wonders first hand, I have to say that this three-layered engineering works like a charm! I’ve been getting quality sleep since I got my Leesa mattress and everyone in the family echoed this experience. I feel like I’m dreaming more in every nap and feel better rested with shorter sleep durations. This is great because, with my hectic schedule, beauty sleep gets compromised every now and then. But Leesa ensures that I’m refreshed with every nap, feeling rested and energetic.

I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from poor and restless sleep. A Leesa Mattress may just be the solution to all your nightly woes! Whats more is that the brand gives 100 nights risk-free trial making it a safe option in case you don’t feel convinced that this is the right mattress for you.

You can also use our Offer Code FASHIONFORROYALS to get £100 off your own Leesa mattress! Click HERE to find out more about the Leesa mattress and obtain your £100 discount

Delicious Diet Foods – So Shape Making Dreams Come True!

I like to believe that I am maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but then fall off the fitness bandwagon sometimes. In fact, I often get queries from friends, family, and followers regarding the secret to my fitness. The answer is simple – I try to eat the right kind of food and add enough physical activity to my daily routine.

The next question I’m then asked is what it is that I’m eating. Well, let me introduce you to a healthy-eating option I recently discovered. A French Smart Meal brand called So Shape provides a range of easy-to-prep food options that are perfect for people like me who are always on-the-go.

So Shape has a simple food philosophy. Their meals are carefully created to optimize nutrient value and minimize calorie intake. The proposed method for getting the best out of So Shape is replacing your regular diet with 2 So Shape Smart Meals and one open, healthy lunch.

What I like about the So Shape way of eating is that it is sustainable. The main reason for this is that their meals are as delicious as they are healthy. Most attempts at dieting typically fail because you begin craving other tasty foods, all too soon. With So Shape Smart Meals, your cravings are taken care of because their preparations themselves are so tasty. Also, since they are nutrient-rich, you feel healthy, energetic, and satiated for longer.

I have tried their pancake mix and flavoured shakes so far. They were filling, delicious, and super-easy to make. The best part is, you have a whopping 22 options of Smart Meals to choose from. These include a wide variety of shakes, frappes, soups, and pasta, which allows you much flexibility regarding planning your meals. With So Shape Smart Meals, the likelihood of getting bored with eating the same bland food is very low.

Another thing to note about So Shape Smart Meals is that they have vegan and some gluten-free options as well. This feature gets them an extra thumbs-up from me because it can get very difficult to find vegan/gluten-free meals that do not require too much prepping.

If you’re wondering about the price-point, all meals are priced between £2.5-£3, which makes them affordable meal-replacement options. Apart from the Smart Meals, So Shape also has Smart Foods which are inherently healthy snacks you can have in-between meals. I think these Smart Foods are also a brilliant idea because unhealthy snacking is a habit that many people are guilty of.

So, if you are looking to transform your diet into nutrient-rich, low-calorie intake, and that too, in the least time/effort consuming way, So Shape Smart Meals can be your food angel. Have a go at it, and let me know if you enjoyed them as much as I did!

Use code ARCHANACUSTOM to save £9.50 and double flavours on the 14 & 28-day challenges
Store Link – https://uk.soshape.com/collections/challenges 

New Hair Products Finds of the Month

I am always on the hunt for new hair products that help my mane look – and more importantly, feel – like a million bucks. Recently, I have discovered a host of great products, some by popular brands and others that are equally great but from lesser known brands. As someone who knows the struggle of finding great haircare products, I thought I would share my recent finds with you, in the hopes that they will work as well for you as they did for me!

The first brand I want to talk about is Sexy Hair – a very apt name because that’s exactly how your hair looks and feels after you’ve used their products. They are known for their hairspray, which comes in the iconic red can (in fact, they sell a can of hairspray every 4 seconds!) but have many more products beyond that.

I’m a fan of their Weatherproof Humidity Resistant Spray from the Big Sexy Hair product line, which is the ultimate weatherproof spray that works all year round. I love that it shields that hair against humidity and heat, and keeps styles in place for longer than normal without that awful crispy feeling that many sprays have. It’s such a saviour during the summertime! I also love the So You Want It All Leave-In Treatment from the Healthy Sexy Hair line, which (as the name suggests) does everything you want it to and more. From detangling messy hair to nourishing, soothing and moisturising damaged hair, while adding shine and elasticity to your tresses, this is definitely a must-have product in your hair care arsenal. Finally, the Support Me 450° Heat Protection Setting Hairspray from the Hot Sexy Hair collection is essential for anyone who uses heat on their hair. Not only does it protect your locks from being damaged by the heat; it also helps in holding curls and other styles for a longer duration of time. As you can tell, I am so happy about my discovery of this brand, and I can’t wait to try more products from their many, many lines.

Now, Toni & Guy is an oldie but a goodie when it comes to haircare brands. I recently tried out their Style Fix Waver, which is a professional styling tool that is perfectly sized – it can fit into your handbag! You can create many styles with this – my personal favourite is the big, beachy waves. One thing I absolutely love about this product is that my hair feels shiny and healthy after using it, and never has any unwanted frizz. As with all heat style tools, I would recommend using a heat protection product, like the one mentioned above, for extra protection.

Another great find for creating everything from beachy waves to big curls is the Professional 24k Gold Curl Bar 32mm by Hot Tools. Rest assured that the unique design is not just for the heck of it – the designs ensure that this tool is very ergonomic and easier to hold and use than most traditional curling tools. Along with that, it comes with many useful features, including temperature controls to ensure that your hair does not burn, and curl timers that you can set in advance to achieve the exact type of curl that you are looking for.

Finally, I’m absolutely loving the 3 Minute Miracle Line by The Aussie. As the name suggests, this product line is dedicated to providing your hair with the TLC that it needs – in 3 minutes, flat! That makes it perfect for busy girls on the go who want their hair to look great, but don’t have hours to spend in salons. These deep conditioning treatments will transform your hair – and trust me, the results last. The best part is that there is a wide range of products to choose from – Moisture, Colour Matte, Shine, Nourish, Frizz Fixer and Beach Mate, to name a few – so you can pick the one that suits your haircare needs the most. What more does a girl need?

5 New Foot Wear Style Recommendations

Summertime calls for a wardrobe spruce up, and one of my favourite ways to add some new magic to my style without spending a bomb, is to invest in new statement sandals and shoes for the season. Footwear can make or break your outfit, and add a whole new dimension to it – after all, a class black dress worn with sneakers has a totally different feel from the same dress worn with strappy gold high heels, or leather ankle boots.

When it comes to high quality, stylish and affordable footwear, Charles & Keith is one of my go-to brands. And so, when I was looking to update my shoe collection this year, that was my first stop. The first pair that caught my eye were the Floral Embroidered Slip Ons. The sheer elegance of the design, combined with the nautical feel and on-trend embroidery motifs, make these shoes look significantly more expensive than they are. The best part about this pair is the versatility – they look ultra-chic with a white jeans and white t-shirt combination but could also be worn on holiday with a swimsuit and kaftan after you’ve frolicked in the pool and want a look that is effortless but put together.

As I was browsing through the Charles & Keith website, the Rope Detail Mules really tickled my fancy. Mules have made a major comeback in the last two years, and with good reason. This updated version of the classic style features rope and fringe detailing, along with a black and white printed block heel, which adds some extra pizzazz to your bottom half. Again, these shoes are extremely versatile and could be paired with a little back dress, or a white shirt and blue jeans ensemble. As if that wasn’t enough, they’re also super comfortable, so you can easily wear them from morning to night without any problems. What more does a girl need?

Now, if you’re on the hunt for a more formal summertime shoe, the Basket Weave Ankle Strap Mules are an ideal option. They’re everything I want in a pair of heels – texture and detail, a heel that is high but not too high, and an ankle strap for support and comfort. Throw these on with a silky slip-style dress, or use them to dress up jeans and t-shirt combination, and you’re good to go!

Another shoe brand that I have been crushing on lately is Moda In Pelle. When I feasted my eyes on the Loello Orange Leather sandals, I knew I had to have them. This pair is perfect for adding a summertime pop of colour to your outfits and can instantly spice up a relatively bland ensemble and become the showstopper. Plus, the adjustable ankle strap and sturdy block heel mean that they are comfortable enough for you to prance around town all day long! I would pair these with a flirty summer dress or wide leg palazzo-style pants, keeping the rest of my outfit simple and letting the shoes do the talking.

If you’re for flats instead of block heels, the Noello style of sandal by Moda in Pelle is an excellent option. I opted for the navy and red colour combination, but they are available in many different hues, including the vibrant pink and orange palette from above. They’re classic, stylish and practical – a rare combination when it comes to footwear. I would pair these with cut-off jeans and white shirt, but the truth is that you can wear them with almost anything in your wardrobe – which makes this pair a winner in my books.

Whatever your style when it comes to footwear, remember that quality is key, and it’s usually worth investing a little bit more to get sturdy, reliable shoes and sandals that will last you a while. Plus, scuffed soles, visible glue and bare threads is never, ever a good look. And remember the famous words of Marilyn Monroe: “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” Amen!

SmoothSkin Muse Review – Easy Hair Removal Solution

As someone with a strong love for fashion, I have always been interested in permanent hair reduction – mainly, so that I can wear whatever I want, whenever I want, without having to worry about finding time for a last-minute wax beforehand. Let me give you a quick example of a mini-crisis I had last year.

While I am usually quite good at planning and scheduling my wax appointments, last year, I had to attend a last-minute event – and instead of wearing a gorgeous dress that I had hanging in my wardrobe, that would be perfect for the event, I ended up having to wear jeans instead, because my legs weren’t as smooth as I would have liked them to be. Personally, I feel a lot more confident when I have smooth skin, and I just didn’t think I could look and feel 100% in a dress that evening. Now, if I had had my hands on Smooth Skin’s latest product at that point – it would have been a different story!

Although I had heard a lot about the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology and treatment, I had never thought about trying it, because rumour had it that IPL does not work on darker skin tones. And then, I heard about the SmoothSkin Muse. After doing some research, I learned that this product does, in fact, work on darker skin tones, and decided to give it a whirl. This life-changing product uses IPL technology for hair removal, using the energy of light to break the growth cycle of hair, and prevent regrowth. Having used it for a short amount of time, I have seen some excellent results so I wanted to share my experiences and tips with all of you as well.

As I said, the best part about this product is the fact that in comparison to many other IPL solutions, it works on a wider variety of skin tones. I have relatively darker skin and yet, I can already see the results – there are fewer and finer hairs on my legs. And as if the results weren’t great enough – the product is very easy to use as well! The great thing is that it scans your skin before every flash, and sets the intensity to the right level, to ensure safety as well as efficiency. What more does a girl need? The safety aspect means that you can not only use it on your arms and legs but also more sensitive parts of your body like your bikini line, underarms and face as well. When you start off, it’s best to do one session per week for about 12 weeks, after which you can reduce the frequency to one session every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your needs.

Watch below the Full Review of SmoothSkin Muse

In a nutshell, I think that the SmoothSkin Muse is a great product and definitely gives you bang for your buck. I love the ease of use, the fact that it actually works on my skin tone and the results I’ve seen so far – so I highly recommend it if you’re in the market for a more permanent hair removal solution.

A Walk Down English History at Cliveden House

Cliveden House is synonymous with the grandiose history, politics, and scandal that form the fabric of contemporary English sensibilities. Ever since I moved to London, I’ve always wanted to visit this fascinating mansion and explore its grounds at great length. Recently, I was able to indulge in the pleasure of staying at Cliveden House, and the experience was no short of spectacular. It offered an intoxicating blend of luxury, intrigue, drama, and delight, so unique that leaving after our stay was a most reluctant separation.If I were, to be honest, the first point of captivation with Cliveden House is its interesting historic significance. It was first built by the Duke of Buckingham in 1666 and has been burnt and rebuilt twice since then. Over the course of its existence which spans over three centuries and more, it has housed an Earl, two Dukes, three Countesses, a Prince of Wales, and the Viscount Astor. It is then not surprising that Cliveden House has been the backdrop of many historic British chronicles. It was the hub of intellectual exchange when the Cliveden Set met in the early 1900s. It was also the site of lusty scandal when John Profumo, the then Secretary of State for War, stumbled upon 19-year old Christine Keeler, his soon-to-be-lover, in 1961. And today, it is a National-Trust property that attracts thousands of curious visitors and stay-in guests all through the year. Interestingly, even in contemporary times, Cliveden House is not impervious to overtures of the rich, the famous, and the royal; Meghan Markle stayed here on the night before her wedding! That somehow adds to the glamorous mystique of this place, doesn’t it?

Moving beyond its alluring past, the Cliveden House is every bit as exciting in the present as well. As we drove past the Cliveden landscape to reach the main building, I was awestruck by the expanse of real estate it encompasses. The gardens span a whopping 365 acres, while the manor is a large Italianate structure with 47 rooms, including 15 suites. The grounds overlook the majestic Thames, and in their entirety, make a glorious picture of well-maintained splendour. We were staying at the Mountbatten Suite which is a Junior Suite; it was previously a game room which has been converted into lodging now. If you haven’t guessed yet, all the rooms at Cliveden are named after a figure from its past, which makes a living in them, a definitive handshake with history.

But for all its archaic bindings, as a living space, Cliveden House offers you all comfort and luxury imaginable. Our suite was massive and beautifully furnished. The heavy curtains, silken drapes, cushioned sofas, and antique-wood furniture create a sense of cosy decadence that is truly special. I was quite taken in by the ornate wallpaper and artwork that added depth to the rooms. The management has retained some period features such as original fireplaces which is another lovely touch. The bathroom was suitably lush as well, with marble floor, roomy construction, and a fancy, monsoon shower.  A special mention for the comfortable and massive bed and bedding which renders good sleep a natural outcome. Ohh! How I would love to sleep on that bed again!

After checking in and revelling in the magnificence of our room, we decided to enjoy evening drinks in the lounge and tried the Signature Cliveden66 cocktail which honouring the royal tradition and has 24k gold filings in it.

The dinner date was at at the André Garrett Restaurant which promised fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Our first sampling was of the house cocktail with champagne & 24-carat gold leaf shavings; quite a start, don’t you think? We moved onto the main course and ordered one portion of semolina and parsley gnocchi, and of Grilled Anjou pigeon. Both preparations were delicious, flavoursome, and light – exactly what I look for in an enjoyable dining experience. We shared our dessert, which tasted as good as it looked, and soon retreated to our room for a good night’s sleep. While we went in for the fine dining option, you also have the option of eating at the more casual Astor Grill and also have the option for a private dining experience, in case you wish to host a private party.

While some of our best moments at Cliveden House were spent enjoying the room or the food, we also spared time to indulge in some relaxing spa treatments. The spa has been reopened with new upgrades and is fabulous. It boasts of seven treatment rooms that wall an indoor pool for lazy swims. The spa area has another outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art Technogym, a fitness studio, and a tennis centre including one indoor and two outdoor tennis courts. There’s a Spa Kitchen that offers healthy wares, like juices and teas.  As far as the spa treatment experience goes, it was supremely relaxing. We booked ourselves for body massage and body wrap treatment and emerged quite refreshed after the sessions. I was very impressed with the quality products used for the treatments. In fact, they have launched a new range of spa products, with the names inspired by two remarkable ladies from Cliveden’s history – Anna Maria and Nancy Astor. I preferred products from the Nancy range more so because of the fragrance preference and would love to use them in my routine.

Though I was occupied with exploring the grounds and enjoying our room during most of our stay, there are other entertainment options as well. You can always take a trip by the river and use the flotilla of Cliveden boats to explore the waters. Also, if you do not want to stay-in at Cliveden House, you can always go in for National-Trust Property tour – it is sure to be quite an enriching experience. In fact, my conclusion is that anyone visiting Cliveden House, no matter how briefly, is likely to fall in love with it on account of its checkered past and overwhelming grandeur.

I’m glad I was able to enjoy a wonderful stay at Cliveden House. I hope to revisit it soon and make new, lovely memories.