Reading for the weekend 23/09 & an appeal

• Mother Jones have done a really informative post about the East African Famine. Unfortunately, media coverage has been sparse about what the UN is calling the world's worst humanitarian crisis.  Please read and donate what you can. The Guardian's Datablog is weekly updated and gives breakdowns of the fundraising (ranging from which countries are donating, where the money is going and how much has been raised). You can donate at: the DEC, Save the Children, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), and UNICEF as well as many other charities.

• The world's population is is close to reaching 7 billion; a figure that worries some. Lynsey Hanley's article over at the Guardian discusses the sustainabality of a population reaching (and exceeding) 7 billion.

• The National Geographic reports that Squid males evolved a shot-in-the-dark mating strategy, to the extent (they suggest) that they are bisexual by accident.

• A 19 year old has developed the sunsaluter - a device made from metal and bamboo that allows solar panels to track the sun (without the use of electricity). Check out Clean Technica for more.

• Do you want to know how to live more sustainably? Do you like the idea of fresh eggs in the morning (and helping to support the survival of our feathered dinosaur friends)? Why not hire an Urban Chicken Consultant?

It's been a long time....

Once more blogging consistency has been awful! I promise this is all about to change back to normal. I'm going to double up posts next week so you've not missed out on anything!

Last weekend I went to Amy Levin's fabulous raw chocolate making class - the review will follow shortly!

We've had an influx of new products over the past few weeks; so we have loads to write up!

We've missed you guys!!

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Our Iridology Session @ Content

Image borrowed from http://www.opticalvisionresources.com/

Huge apologies for the lack of posting this week, I came down with some sort of headachey flu and it's only just gone. I'd like to say I kicked it's ass. . .and that would be true if that meant lying on the sofa under a duvet watching 30 rock and warehouse 13. I don't know about you, but there is something seriously awesome about your favourite shows when you have the flu and/or a fever. The payoff is that there is nothing awesome about have the flu or a fever.


I think it's time to get to the topic at hand, as you might know I went for an Iridology consultation at Being Content's real world shop, Content last weekend. Content is a 5 minute walk away from Bond Street tube station, the shop itself reminds me of a stylish apothecary; black walls, pigeon hole shelving, scraps of paper from old books detailing the properties of different herbs (in many different languages) pinned to the wall, and a wall from which cute vintage hand mirrors hang. I really wish I had taken a photo.


Front of house is a young lady called Imelda, who is really friendly and will happily give you info on products suited to your desired purpose. Behind the door at the back of the store, just past the humble make-up counter is where the naturopathy, facials, mani-pedi's, acupuncture and massage happen. There is only one treatment room, so Content offer different services depending on the day. For example, Naturopathy and Iridology appointments are on a Wednesday.


Rue was very friendly and described everything in detail, explaining how my iris corresponded to any physical problems that I might have. The iridology itself took a few minutes, and involved Rue shining a light attached to a magnifier into my eye so she could get a look at the muscle fibers.


The consultation got everything spot on, she explained that I have gut toxicity which is why I have so much trouble with food, she identified the fact that I always have cold hands and feet and put my mind at ease about a few health concerns that have been troubling me recently (mainly the fact that since a traumatic experience a few years ago, I take a long time to recover from fatigue, anxiety, and illness).


Apparently my slow recovery time is due to my constitution. In Iridology there are 6 constitutions (although this number changes depending on where you look):

1. Silk Constitution. This is the strongest constitution; the muscle fibers are straight and tightly knit. Silk's can afford to burn the candle at both ends, and often do.
2. Linen Constitution. This constitution is similar to Silk. Linen's can tolerate high levels of stressful and can get away with a less than optimal diet for many years.
3. Hessian Constitution (aka the daisy petal). Similar to the fabric, the fibers are not tightly knitted, have an irregular thickness and are woven openly. It is said that Hessian's are very sensitive to the emotions of others and have slower metabolic processes.
4. Net Constitution. Not traditionally seen as one of the stronger constitutions, Net's must take greater care with their diet to get the most out of their food. While they might not take on more than one stress at a time, they can work at a project until completion.
5. Muslin Constitution. Muslin's have crumpled, zig-zag fibers which indicate that this constitution has a tendency to heal slowly and is very sensitive to stress.
6. Honeycomb Constitution. Similar appearance to brown velvet with small hectagonal holes which are indicative of inherent weaknesses in this constitution.

Combined Constitutions also occur, for instance, Em is a Linen-Hessian Constitution.


I am a Hessian Constitution. Rue explained that while Silk's can get away with a lot, they are similar to oak trees in that they are strong and can tolerate continuous pressure (both physically and emotionally), but when they fall, they fall hard. Hessian's on the other hand are more like willow trees; we get blown over easily.
On the plus side we bounce back after a bit of R&R.


I would wholeheartedly recommend going to see Rue for an Iridology session, it gave me a greater insight into my own health and areas that I need to work on. As a side note, to get to the treatment room, you need to go down some steepish stairs, if this is an issue for you let Imelda know when booking. I'm sure they'd be able to sort something out for you.
If you'd like to book an appointment click here, If you'd like to see all of the therapies that content offer click here.


Thanks for stopping by!
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If you enjoyed this, you might enjoy:
Reflexology
Acupuncture for depression 
Yantra Mat review

Time for Tea: Living Food of St Ives' Raw Chocolate Naked Pie Review (60g)

image borrowed from http://www.rawliving.eu/



 Rating: 6.5/10, available from Raw Living for £1.95 (+p&p).

Have you ever seen that episode of the Gilmore Girls when Lorelai admits to Christopher that in spite of wanting him to be the one, he just wasn't? (On a side note, it might just be me but I think that Christopher took it really well.) Well, that's kind of how we feel about this sweet.

We wanted to love it, we tried so very hard to love it, we even went back to it after the first, second and third try, but it just didn't happen for us. In tiny 5mmx5mm pieces it is nice, a bit caroby but nice. In normal bites it's like a trick on your tastebuds: "am i eating carob? is it a powder? is it a ganache? why is it mildly tangy? what am I eating here?!"

There is no bad aftertaste and if you have it in very tiny pieces with tea it is a nice snack that, based on the ingredients, is probably medium GI.

It doesn't seem safe for type 2 diabetics though; em's blood sugar was not best pleased with a bite sized amount leaving the 5mmx5mm piece the only tolerable option for her.

All in all, it's not a bad dessert. It just doesn't hit the spot. We don't know about you but we have high expectations of sweet treats, they need to taste indulgent (even if they're not). This bar is reasonably priced and if you're looking for a healthier option to a bar of chocolate then this is worth it (but it does taste of carob, which might take some getting used to).

What it is great for is exercise recovery and giving you a lift if you get the afternoon energy slump. As a functional sweet food, it's worth it. But if you, like us, were just looking for a sweet treat then you might not be satisfied with it. That is, of course, if you are not a lover of carob.

Ingredients: raw chocolate, coconut butter, yacon, lucuma, agave, carob flour.
We hope you've had a wonderful day!
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If you liked this post you might like:
Foods to Keep You Going at Work (Even If You Commute)
Time for Tea: ChocolaTree Cafe Instant Raw Porridge Review
Time for Tea: Conscious Chocolate Review
Time for Tea: Chocmas Cake Review

Frownies; Do These Wonder Stickers Really Work?

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you could get low priority tasks done while you sleep? Was one of your tasks reducing frown lines without paralysing your face??? We thought so. Let us introduce you to the newest additon to your beauty regime, that is, if you're not already using them.

Image borrowed from http://www.frownies.co.uk/
Available from feelunique for £16.35 (inc p&p); Frownies for £16.50 (+p&p); and Amazon for £16.95 (+p&p).

Frownies offer a non-invasive, purse friendly way to get rid of frown lines and expression lines. But it will take a little longer than botox. Having been around since the 1800s, frownies are both used by the likes of Rene Russo and Racquel Welch (Click here to see who else uses frownies

Depending on the pack that you've bought (forehead & eyes and/or corners of eyes and mouth) they can be applied to the corners of the eyes and mouth, between the brows, and on the forehead. According to the packaging they should be left on for a minimum of 8 hours. During this time, the Frownies form a painless splint that stops any frown lines or expression lines forming which helps the skin to repair. Continued use will diminish frown lines - obviously deeper frown lines take longer to remedy.

To apply, massage the skin gently first (to increase the bloodflow.), spray the sticky side of the pad with rosewater (click here and here for two of our faves.), hold the skin taut and apply, pressing down gently.

A frownies user doing her best Borg impression. nice. Image borrowed from http://www.frownies.co.uk/

Made of unbleached paper and vegetable glue, it seemed like these sticky triangles were too good to be true. Although there doesn't seem to be any clinical studies to back up frownies claims, all you need to do is type "frownies review" into google and you'll be met with hoards of testimonials from blogs and review sites.

But enough about what everyone else says, what did TBT find?

TBT Rating: 5/5
For us, Frownies are a winner. They are purse friendly, easy on the skin and they really work. A few sites have noted that Frownies might not be suitable for sensitive skin, but we've had no trouble. Regardless of your skin type do a patch test to make sure that it is sitable for your skin.
In total, we've used our Frownies for 30 days and....no more frown lines! It's erased our mini elevens and after sharing them with our mums; they have all benefitted from greater effects (they've all ordered their next box) as well as recommended the product to all of their friends.

There are only 3 cons; they aren't the most flattering (you probably can't wear them out...), they don't always stick down between the brows (even so they still get the job done.) and they're tricky to remove if you don't know how (always wet them thoroughly first, wait for the water to absorb and peel off. easy).

What are you waiting for? Get clicking! lol.
Have you ever used frownies? what did you think? Hope you've had a lovely week!) and it seems continually bathing in glowing press reviews (click here to see which magazines love Frownies) it seems like Frownies are in good company.

Pukka Herbs launch their own skincare range

Image borrowed from http://www.pukkaherbs.com/

That's right, Pukka (the ayurvedic company that you likely associate with teas) have now launched a gorgeous skincare range. Prices range from £13.20 to £45.60 and the products are designed to address your dosha which is handily explained under skin types.

According to Pukka Ayurveda Skincare:

"Dry or damaged skin is usually associated with Vata types. Vata skin tends to be light, delicate and sensitive to the cold. It needs deeper levels of moisture to maintain healthy, nourished skin.

Normal or combination skin is usually associated with Kapha types. Kapha skin tends to be silky smooth, plump and soft. It sometimes suffers from poor circulation and so benefits from invigorating treatments to enhance radiance.

Oily or combination skin is usually associated with Pitta. Pitta skin tends to be soft, warm and rosy. It is prone to inflammation and spots and so needs regular cleansing and soothing."

We've had a look at the product list and everything looks great; all natural, planet- and you-friendly.

The site also includes a page about facial energy centres which covers 6 points: Stress relief, balancing emotions, soothing tired eyes, boosting alertness, brightening complexion and toning the skin.

Watch this space for TBT reviews!

If you'd like to learn what your Dosha is, and whether you need to rebalance, click here for a link to the Chopra centre dosha quiz.

Being Content offering free iridology readings for one day only

"Iridologists see the eyes as "windows" into the body's state of health and match the observations to charts which divide the iris into zones corresponding to specific parts of the human body and highlights overactivity, inflamation, or deficiencies. " (from the being content newsletter)

Naturopath and Iridologist Rue Down is offering free iridology readings on Saturday September 10th @ Content, the homeplace of Being Content. Rue Down trained  in Naturopathy, Iridology and Homeopathy and Western Herbal medicine in Australia, lectures at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London, and consults at Content every wednesday.

It sounds like a good opportunity to get checked out!

The consultation will last 10 - 15 minutes, in which Rue examines your iris by using a small illuminated magnifying torch to take a closer look at tiny muscle fibers, nerve filaments and blood vessels. Any strengths, weaknesses, stressors or discolourations are highlighted clearly on a chart for your reference; giving an indication of your current state of health and then Rue will discuss any areas that might need to be addressed.

All you need to know:

Date: September 10th from 1pm

Venue: Content, 14 Bulstrode St, London, W1U 2J. Closest Tubes = Bond St or Baker St.

To Book: call 020 3075 1006 

We're about to book our appointment, hopefully we'll see you there!

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