Living in a house full of boys there is nothing I love more than taking myself off for a little ”me” time and ”me” time for me is what I call ”faffing”. Faffing with make-up, faffing with hair, I just love faffing!!! My popular Facebook group tried and tested came about after a night of ”faffing” creating hair styles with a new hair tool i’d purchased, so you can imagine my delight when I was sent this new generation of flat iron from irresistible me.
They were delivered within a couple of weeks and packaged well, the box is stylish and would make a great gift. The flat iron is bright red in colour and lights up with led lights when in use. It has an american 2 prong plug so you will need to grab yourself an adapter. I got mine from the pound shop. All the functions listed on the box looked impressive so I was very keen to give them a blast
a 360° mobile cord that swivels around following your every move
a thumb print and cool tips for a steady grip and to avoid burning your fingers
all buttons are on the inside so you don’t accidentally change the settings
shuts down automatically in 30 minutes
gets hot (450F/230C) really fast, in up to 15 seconds
intelligent heat display that lets you see the temperature all the time
it is super light and comes in a beautifully designed box with magnetic closing that you can use to store it
it automatically changes the temperature display to Celsius or Fahrenheit, depending on the supplied voltage, making it perfect for travelling
the 1” floating plate self-adjusts, eliminating any pressure points, so that the iron can work through your hair smoothly without pulling
Warranty: 1 year guarantee
I have very thick naturally curly hair so it takes a good flat iron to tame it. The good thing about these is the variable temperature control so you can have the cooler setting for thinner or damaged hair, however I ramped them up to 230 oC because my hair needs heat!!!. They have a great clamp on the hair but also glide effortlessly with no snagging. They ironed out my hair in no time and i’m sure you will agree that the result is impressive.
Stay tuned in to my blog for more styles with this fantastic flat iron and if you want to purchase them yourself then visit here, they cost $149 which is around £122 but if you sign up on the website you get an extra 20% off!
Hail The Hydra Facial and Newcastle Hair and Beauty Clinic! I am serious when I tell you that this is the BEST facial I have ever experienced and I have experienced many many facials. Now it is not the most relaxing like some I have had but for instant, visible results it is incredible.
The Hydra Facial is a firm favorite with the celebs. It claims to restore your skin to its healthiest state by removing impurities and replenishing your skin with essential nutrients. It is a step by step treatment that rids dead skin cells and unblocks pores by extraction, which was my favorite part might I add. You actually feel the muck being pulled by a suction from your pores and it is hugely satisfying, not only that but they then fill these opened clean pores with skin loving serums to hydrate and plump the skin helping with fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin is instantly looking revitalized and just feels so clean and hydrated.This is a medical grade facial with no down time and is completely pain free. Since having my facial I have been using the products pictured above to try and help with my oily skin and to compliment the facial results. They are lovely products and have helped massively with my oily T zone, these are not essential but I would recommend them if you are wanting to prolong your facial results. I filmed this treatment for my new beauty TV show coming soon but I could not wait till autumn to tell you all about it. If you want to find out more click HERE
Now this treatment does not come cheap as this is a medical procedure but it delivers results which is what people want for their money.
*** 1st Time Clients Deal Alert ***
The skin health for life is on offer for £99 instead of £120
On Monday I was invited along to the Garage Spa located near Barnard Castle, Co. Durham for a morning pamper session. As if I was going to refuse a morning of pure relaxation so of course I jumped at the chance. I have seen this spa mentioned many times on Tried and Tested with glowing reviews so I was very excited.
Firstly the area is stunning, lots of green surroundings and it was a red hot day. I noticed a large hotel ‘’The Morrit’’ beside the spa and did not realise that later this would be where I would dine for lunch.
‘’Adjoining the historic Morritt Country House Hotel, The Garage is a building with a fascinating past, transformed from an ancient stopping station into a first-class spa.
Here you’ll find everything you expect from a modern spa and more. Created with imagination and luxurious rural simplicity, sumptuous decor awash with warm natural stone and timber welcomes you like an old friend.
The Garage is no ordinary spa. Want your nails done? Step into the paint shop. Not firing on all cylinders? A full body MOT is just the ticket. Need to put on the brakes after exploring the stunning Teesdale countryside? Make The Garage your destination.
We’ve put a unique and luxurious spa on the map and look forward to welcoming you to our one-of-a-kind facilities and gorgeous treatments.’’
On arrival I was greeted by two lovely smiley therapists who gave me a medical form to fill in, asked if I would like to book any additional treatments as they had availability and gave me a menu to pick my two course lunch which was either a starter and a main or a main and a dessert. I was very impressed by the menu, true restaurant standard food and lots to choose from.
After I had filled in my forms and picked my lunch I was shown to the changing area and given a fluffy robe, towel and flip flops to wear. The changing areas have individual units which include a toilet, basin and shower which was a nice touch and they were fitted to a very high standard, I loved the tiles and huge shower head. It did feel like my own private bathroom. Shampoo and Conditioner was supplied, however there was no body wash and my hand wash had ran out on the basin so I had to wash with shampoo.
Once I was changed into my robe I was given a guided tour of the spa which consisted of
Steam Room
Salt Room
Jacuzzi with separate plunge pool and a separate warm pool
Outdoor Gardens, which if you get the weather like I did are just amazing to relax in. I loved the swing seats
Outdoor Sauna
Outdoor rustic Jacuzzi bath
Many different fancy showers around that all looked different so I assume do different things and cold bucket dunkers which would be great fun if with friends
Many treatments rooms including a mud treatment room (you can buy the mud to massage all over the body, chill in the room letting it work its magic and then wash it off) the floatation bed room (ill come to this treatment later) then upstairs they have a couples treatment room which has its own private balcony with a copper bath on the balcony and more treatment rooms.
I had a go of everything apart from the mud and didn’t have a treatment although I wish I had now.
I must admit I loved the outdoor space especially as the weather was so good and it was so peaceful.
I was treat to a 15 minute dry floatation treatment which is a like a water bed that you lie on and your submerged down into warm water. Imagine being on a lilo in a hot bath but actually being submerged without getting wet. The bed sort of hugs you tight and you just float on warm water. I did lie there thinking that it would be great it had settings that would create a slight wave so you felt you were at sea but it was very relaxing all the same.
After the floatation treatment I was peckish. I’d had no breakfast so went to the reception area which has a beautiful lounge and ordered tea and a teacake. I sat and enjoyed this in my robe catching up on emails. Once finished I went back to make the most of the facilities.
At 12.30pm I decided to go and get changed ready for lunch at 1pm. I sat in the sun outside the spa and a lovely girl from the hotel came and got me and escorted me to the restaurant in the hotel. My meal was fantastic, could not fault it. As was the service, I had corn fed chicken and a strawberry shortcake. It was divine and from what I saw of the hotel it too was beautiful.
After lunch it was time to head home. I really enjoyed my time at the Garage Spa, its quirky and different to the norm which I like. I will definitely return with friends in the future and make sure I have a treatment.
Don’t worry I did not leave without securing all my readers an exclusive discount and I have a cracking offer for you all subject to availability so don’t miss it!
After having the worlds worst cold I needed a little TLC. I knew exactly where to go for a pick me up that is not only great value but a great indulgent luxury treatment. Having been before I knew I would be well looked after.
Did you know Clarins in House of Fraser, Metro Centre offers a RED ROOM treatment? It is a 45 minute facial within a private treatment room. It is amazing and a facial that you wont experience anywhere else as Clarins staff are uniquely trained.
Clarins is the leading Number 1 in skincare so I would expect you to be shocked if I told you that you can get a 45 minute facial for £15 and that the £15 was then redeemable against any purchase made at the time of your appointment, making you facial FREE!!! Yes that’s right FREE!!! You cant even get a Facial with budget products in a salon for that price ladies.
I am a big fan of Clarins and this facial is a great way to try products and find favorites. Katherine is very informative and so passionate about the brand. Katherine first asked about my current skin care regime and asked what I was currently using, she then studied my skin to help her pick the products that would be right for me. Katherine ran through every product she used and the benefits. I particularly like the mask and the serum. The facial was so relaxing with an added bonus of some neck and arm massage. My skin feels amazing!
After the treatment you are offered ”a hint of colour” make over. Great if you have some shopping to do or are going out that evening, although it is just a mini make over but a nice chance to experience Clarins make up also. I opted out on this today as I was only planning on going home and wanted the full benefits of the facial products all night.
I will definitely be returning again and again for this facial, it is my port of call for a ”pick me up”. Katherine and the girls are very kind and very professional, a credit to Clarins!!
If you feel you would like to try this amazing £15 facial deal then I’d urge you to book asap. Last time I blogged this deal got booked up very very quickly.
To Book call House of Fraser Metro Centre Clarins counter on : 0191 493 2424 ext 7954
I am in the process of visiting some of the North Easts top spa’s and sharing my experience with you all to help you decide where you would prefer to have your very own Spa break, after many requests off ladies to find good spa deals on Tried and Tested.
I was delighted when Rockliffe Hall Hotel invited me along to try out their spa including the Spa Garden experience and I want to share with you all my experience.
”A hidden gem in the North East of England, Rockliffe Hall is a five star luxury golf and spa hotel offering an award-winning spa, an 18 hole championship golf course and a wide range of restaurant options which cater for all palates and purse strings.
Whether you are looking for a romantic break, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, a unique wedding venue or a place to do business, this world-class resort is a memorable destination. Set in the quiet village of Hurworth, on the edge of the County Durham and North Yorkshire border, Rockliffe’s location is perfect for discovering the treasures of Durham city, the drama of the North East coastline and the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire moors.
Or, with five star leisure facilities at your fingertips, forget the outside world and enjoy everything that this country retreat has to offer. Relax or be active, celebrate or focus on business, the choice is yours and the pleasure is all ours.”
After around an hours drive from my home town of Consett, I arrived for an afternoon Spa and Garden Spa experience. Let me start by saying ”WOW” this hotel is exquisite and the views breath taking. Parking was easy and Claudia gave me a little tour of the hotel, telling me about their flagship 3AA rosette Orangery restaurant, set in the charming 18th century Old Hall.
After my mini tour I headed to the spa where I was given a complimentary robe, slippers and guided to the changing rooms to be shown how to use the lockers. My Garden Spa experience was booked for 3.30pm for 2 hours so I had around an hour to try squeeze in a go of everything. As I got changed I noticed makeup remover, toner, cotton wool, hair products etc available to use. This was a great touch, as I was conscious of having make up on coming straight from work, and didn’t really want to sit in a sauna with it melting off my face so I was able to remove it before .
Please ask a member of staff for a tour. I sat for around 10 minutes not realising there was a Hydrotherapy Suite. There are plenty of staff available to help, a friendly girl gave me a tour of all the Spa areas and she was very informative. Complimentary fruit and water are freely available and you can order a range of other drinks including smoothies and alcohol at the spa bar area.
This is a Spa where you do not necessarily have to book for a treatment as there is so much to do. I was not booked for a treatment and I struggled to fit it all in on an afternoon. I started in the Tropicarium, much more comfortable than a sauna as it is not as hot.
I looked in the igloo but could not bring myself to sit in it. I just hate the cold. It was however, very pretty and I understand the need to close the pores but I didn’t fancy rubbing ice all over my body ha ha .
Next I had 5 minutes in the Tepidarium relaxing on the heated beds. Wishing I had more time, but wanting to have a go of everything I seized the moment to go into the hydro pool while it was in full flow. The jets massage within the warm pool and it was one of my favorite experiences of the main spa whilst here.
Not wanting to leave the feet out, I then had a go of the Foot spa. One of the 1st foot spas I’ve seen within a spa.
It was nearly time for my slot for the Spa garden but 1st I wanted to pop in the outdoor hot tub. There was a lovely outdoor seating area for warm sunny days and lovely views.
THE SPA GARDEN
”A special spa experience, blending indoors and outdoors for when you need an extra touch of tranquillity. Adjacent to the current spa, the Spa Garden offers an enhanced spa experience.
Indoors, be served complimentary refreshments by your own personal spa concierge while enjoying a traditional glass-fronted sauna, fire pit, water feature and heated relaxation loungers.
While outdoors offers two hot pools including an infinity edge experience pool with massage features and a warm Jacuzzi, decking and lounging areas as well as landscaped gardens with views across Rockliffe Hall’s grounds.
This versatile space is excellent to add on as an extra to your spa day or spa break or can be hired on an exclusive use basis- perfect for a memorable celebration or for the ultimate indulgence.”
The spa garden is a add on from £30 per person for a additional bit of pampering. With its stunning views, outdoor seating, glass fronted sauna to take in those views and the heated beds you really are spoilt.
After a guided tour, I grabbed myself a complimentary coffee, some fruit and nut mix and took to the heated bed to soak up the surroundings. The views are incredible.
After coffee, it was time for a dip in the infinity edge pool ”Soak in the 365 acre estate in the warm outdoor pool whilst experiencing different pressures of hydrotherapy massage.” It really is a nice experience being outdoors soaking in the incredible view within a warm pool listening to the birds. The weather was cloudy but I can imagine this on a warm summers day to be extremely popular especially with all the outdoor space to relax too. After a good 15 minutes in the pool I took to the sauna. Even in the sauna you still have the amazing views as it is glass fronted. The sauna is a great place to dry off and warm up after a dip in the pool. Whilst in the sauna I was pondering whether to cut my garden spa short to experience what I had missed in the main spa for purpose of the review. I decided to have another coffee but then move back into the main spa area after thoroughly enjoying my time here. I was told I could return to the Spa Garden within my time frame if I so wanted.
Once back in the main spa I lay my belongings down and headed to the Caldarium which is a steam room with aromatic oils. It feels great for the skin and stimulates the senses. There is also a Roman Sauna but i’m not a fan as I find them too hot. It would have been great to get pictures inside all these units but as soon as you take a camera in they steam up instantly unfortunately. Leaves you all a surprise if you choose to visit.
Last but not least I decided to do a few lengths as my time was nearly up having to leave the spa by 6pm, and I wanted to have a sneak peek at the gym. The pool is a nice size and great for swimming. I only did 10 lengths but its better than none I suppose.
Feeling relaxed and shattered I was in no way ready to do a gym session but wanted to go take a look because a lot of people don’t realise that gym is included within your stay or spa visit. Some people don’t step foot in the gym as they purely go to relax but I generally like to try them out. Usually they are very impressive in these top spa’s and Rockliffe gym did not disappoint. Full of top of the range equipment this gym also offers classes in the studio.
They have an impressive easy key system to record your workouts and offer incentives to clients who reach their goal set for them. This is a great idea and keeps you motivated. The staff are very enthusiastic and passionate about the gym and this shone through from the guy giving me a tour.
I thoroughly enjoyed my spa visit to Rockliffe and i’m sure you will agree that even without a treatment I had plenty to keep me entertained and relaxed. If you want a luxury incredible spa day with exquisite views then Rockliffe comes highly recommended. Thanks so much Rockliffe for having me and ill be sure to visit again soon.
If you do make a booking, make sure you mention that you seen the review on Tried and Tested.
You will never find offers for this hotel or spa on any ”groupon” type sites so I would suggest you sign up, or keep checking in HERE for all the latest deals. There are some good deals on at present.
