It seems that our bucket lists of things to do before we die have become more  introspective and closer to home than they used to be.  Whilst it may come as no surprise that travel tops the list,  gone are the goals of ‘have my fifteen minutes of fame’, and ‘run a marathon’ which seem to be more easily achievable these days with many of the other top ambitions focusing on personal development. There are also some achievements that were taken for granted in the past such as having a family or building a home that now appear on the list for Brits.  Read more... (297 words, 3 images, estimated 1:11 mins reading time)

 Read more... (417 words, 3 images, estimated 1:40 mins reading time)

Belle About Town writer May Owen shares her shame and survival of the darkest blues

Yesterday marked the start of Depression Awareness Week, an annual campaign organised by UK charity Depression Alliance. You may already be tempted to stop reading this article here, confident in the belief this is an issue that will never affect you.  Read more... (1064 words, 2 images, estimated 4:15 mins reading time)

 Read more... (953 words, 2 images, estimated 3:49 mins reading time)

1. Why do we get brain freeze when having something cold?

Going to the spa at Urban Retreat Harrods is always a treat – from the calm waiting room opposite the perfume emporium and the professional staff to the delectable array of products that entice you as you try to leave. However I wasn’t feeling particularly relaxed when I went recently, I was stressed, frazzled and it was all showing on my face (when my mum told the teenage me I would grow out of breakouts, she was lying!).  Read more... (337 words, 3 images, estimated 1:21 mins reading time)

We are never happy with the hair we were born with – if it is straight we long for curls and have everything from tongs to curlers to give it body. If our hair is curly, we wish we had straight locks and iron it within an inch of its life so that we can look respectable when we go out. However what we all wish for most of all is hair that you can wash and quickly dry and it looks like you have just stepped out of a salon. The Brazilian blowdry has really taken off in the UK as a semi-permanent way to provide super-shiny, poker straight hair that is frizz-free. However, if like me you are concerned about the chemicals in hair products (or the amount you are now using on your hair what with colouring as well), and would prefer some body and flexibility in your hair style then the Brazilian blowdry may not be the answer.  Read more... (785 words, 3 images, estimated 3:08 mins reading time)

The more it snows…tiddly pom…the more I realise that my beauty regime needs a seasonal overall. Body and soul need constant warmth and pampering during the hibernating months and even more so when the harsh winter wind is attacking us from all sides. With a steaming cup of twinning’s lemon and ginger tea, I sat down to defrost my fingers and find out the latest and the best solutions to keep us in tact til the next season.  Read more... (618 words, 5 images, estimated 2:28 mins reading time)

A steady increase in the number of restaurant reviews I am now doing has meant only one thing; a waist line to match. Something had to give (and I preferred that it was not my Current Elliot jeans) so when the editor of Belle About Town suggested that I review the growing trend of diet delivery services in London, I finished my mouthful and leapt at the chance.  Read more... (736 words, 5 images, estimated 2:57 mins reading time)

Our tresses are currently hidden under hats and under attack by harsh winter winds and freezing temperatures. But it won’t be long til the weather warms up and we will have to have our luscious locks back on display. Luckily, the professionals at Urban Retreat at Harrods are on hand to tell us all about the newest treatments and the trends forecast for S/S 2012 to get prepared for beach season!  Read more... (548 words, 5 images, estimated 2:12 mins reading time)

A new year can often prompt you to think about spring cleaning your beauty regime and consider trying something new to look your very best. So what will the next 12 months bring us on the beauty front? Emma Parlons delved a little deeper to discover which trends we may be trying this year and to find new ways to glow and sparkle in 2012.  Read more... (585 words, 5 images, estimated 2:20 mins reading time)