Some of my regular readers will remember my feature on festival, wedding queen and Balearic accessory dream designer Laura Reynolds with her label Hathor last year, featuring her incredible and unique sunglasses and hats.

I know the likelihood of social gatherings, let alone festivals will be doubtful this year but we can always plan for summer 2021 and the sun will always shine. Laura is too talented not to feature in the blog this summer, even if we are engulfed by a pandemic. So, I caught up with Laura to discuss her current design status and Hathor collection update.

Laura:

Like everyone, I had a great many plans for this year which have been ground to a halt due to the pandemic. And like everyone, I have been trying to find ways to navigate our new ‘normal’ in isolation. 
Handmaking Hathor’s ‘Hedonistic Headgear for the Ravers and the Brides’ has been my normal for a decade. Creating isn’t just therapeutic, it’s empowering; and of course – the most important part – it’s fun!

As a hedonist myself, fun is pretty essential to my well-being; so, it made sense to continue with Hathor in these uncertain times and keep the fun in my days where possible.

I thought long and hard about whether to just keep making and leave my latest collection sat on a shelf collecting dust for the foreseeable. I often share behind the scenes snippets on my @hathor.co Insta story and I’d had quite a lot of interest in this first pair of sunglasses from my new collection. I just suddenly thought, why not! 

If my creations brighten my days at home, then maybe they could brighten up somebody else’s?  Of course, it’s very frustrating and a tad embarrassing that (as a result of having to cancel my Ibiza shoot) instead of my sunglasses adorning a beautiful Balearic goddess of a model with an Es Vedra backdrop and that famous sunset… they’re on me in my back garden in Norfolk! I’m currently attempting to get product shots in a lightbox with my mobile!  This really wasn’t the launch I’d planned: with jaw dropping images and professional promotional videos, a new website, re branding and amazing packaging… but do you know what? This is where I’m at, so I thought I’d get over myself and get real. The time is now!

Surely these are the lessons we are all learning right now? To make do, to make the best of what we have, and to find enjoyment where we can!

I am loving the amazing ways we are all connecting online to keep each other’s spirits up and to fund raise for those in need. On Saturday Fat Girl Slim played the grand finale of her DJ debut wearing the hat I made for her Dad Fatboy Slim! It made my Easter!  10-year-old Nelly Cook dropped the megachoon Love is in the Air to close her set for Camp Bestival’s Stay At Home Easter Sleepover, to raise funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and the Trussell Trust. It’s still possible to donate via campbestival.net/sleepover

Alongside creating, I’m absolutely loving connecting online with @hathor.co  followers – now more than ever(!) so I thought why stop doing what I love because the branding isn’t perfect and my website isn’t live?! Perhaps most of my creations will sit on the shelf until the Ibiza/festival and wedding season is back in full swing… but I’m still putting my work out there because it brings me joy in lockdown.

On Saturday I wore my Luna Third Eye Shades in the garden and danced in the midday sunshine to sundown to the various awesome DJ live streams (including your husband Judge Jules!) with a G & T in hand. It was exactly like Blue Marlin but on the back of an estate in Gorleston-on-sea! 🙂
‘From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads!’

The Rock N Roll Bride featured vendor’s latest Luna Third Eye Shades include a detailed gold crescent moon embellished with white gems and removable gold chains. Currently priced at just £35, including free UK shipping. Available to purchase via her instagram: @hathor.co and Facebook Page: Facebook.com/hathor.co  – where Laura will be launching the rest of her collection over the coming weeks to lighten up lockdown.

https://www.instagram.com/hathor.co/ 

Spicy Chick Pea Scramble

Following the massive success of her Celery Soup recipe in last week’s Zips It Up, my contributing lifestyle Editor Chanelle Clark is back with another healthy lockdown dinner delight, all the way from Italy, to keep us healthy and super slender throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Over to you Chanelle. 

“This recipe is healthy, plant-based and a regular go-to for me as it takes, quite literally, five minutes.

Many of my favourite recipes include chickpeas as they are a brilliant meat replacement for Vegetarian and Vegan diets, although in this recipe they are being used as an alternative to eggs; A Vegan Huevos Rancheros if you like! Chickpeas are high in protein, aid weight management and improve digestion.

There is just so much goodness in this recipe; the fat content is minimal and it’s very filling. The ingredients are cupboard staples, so if you can’t face the Corona V induced queues, this is a very handy dish to have in your arsenal.

Note, you can opt to have a non-spicy version by swerving the Chilli Powder, Coriander Powder and Fresh Chillies. OK, let’s prep guys…”

Ingredients

1 medium sized Onion

½ cup of Water

Tin of Chickpeas 400g

5 Cherry Tomatoes

Handful of Spinach

½ an Avocado

½ Green Chilli (Optional)

Teaspoon of Garlic Powder

½  teaspoon of Salt

½  teaspoon of Pepper

½ teaspoon of Coriander powder  (Optional)

½ teaspoon of Chilli Powder (Optional)

To Cook

1) Chop  Onions, drain Chickpeas, quarter the Tomatoes and cube the Avocado.

2) Heat a non-stick pan over medium high heat, add in The Onions, Water & Garlic Powder.

3) When Onions are translucent (about 2 mins) add the Chickpeas and Seasoning.

4) Roughly mash the Chickpeas with a fork then add the Tomatoes and half of the chopped Chillies.

5) When cooked to taste ( another few minutes) serve it on the Spinach and top with the Avocado and in my case the rest of the Chopped Chillies.

Quarantine Routine!

During these challenging times I think I little T.L.C. and self-kindness goes a long way.

Personally, if I start the day well, it tends to progress well so I thought I’d share a little of my morning routine:

To flush out all those nasty toxins and ensure my system isn’t sluggish,  I turn to the failproof two cups of hot water and lemon with fresh grated ginger. It’s hydrating, gives you a Vitamin C boost, supports weight loss and improves your skin as well as helping protect us from numerous diseases. An absolute must for everyone.

I follow this with Bootea.  I do a 28 day course every few months and find that it kick starts weight loss in an effortless way. All you have to do is drink of cup of Bootea in the morning and every second night (one before bedtime). It’s the best slimming tea on the market. I eke it out, using the tea bag twice in the morning, thus with the hot water, ginger & lemon combo and the Bootea you have consumed half of your daily 2 litre recommended water intake already. Genius ,huh?!

As well as the above, I have been doing HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) sessions with LiveLikeLiv at 8.15 a.m. GMT Mon/Wed and Fri mornings.  The sessions are brilliant, free and when you are time pressed, as I am (with little Oliver to entertain, Students to teach and you lovely lot to write for),  getting a “quick blast” to fit into my schedule is essential. I am salivating at Liv’s abs and If joining her in-session helps me achieve even some of her toned, lean physique then I am a convert. Find her on her Facebook page. Great tunes too!

So, let’s all start as we mean to go on, remerging butterfly-like from this enforced chrysalis state.

See you next week Amici,

With the UK currently on lockdown,  of course most businesses have shut – regrettably including our go-to beauty salons.

As the solitude continues, some across the country are starting to feel pretty desperate for an eyebrow wax and a fresh set of nails. And while admittedly there certainly are more important things to be worrying about right now, a hairstylist from Florida, posted a manicure trick on IGwhich quickly went viral.

As your nails grow through and the gap between shellac or acrylics begins to show, she discovered the trick of applying glitter to the regrowth at the bottom of her nails, right down to the cuticles. This hides regrowth and looks like an entirely new manicure. You could even to go a little further up the nail, creating an ombre effect.

If, like me, you need help in the eyebrow dept, then before you go reaching for the tweezers or trying an “at home” waxing kit, you might want to read of some expert advice.

Beauty pros from Cosmetify have been sharing their top tips for doing your own eyebrows. The advise letting your brows grow out fully, before doing any grooming. And while this might not sound ideal, what better time than to let your brows get bushy then whilst stuck at home and not seeing anyone?

They explained: “It’s best to allow your eyebrows to fully grow out in order to figure out their full, natural shape.”

Then once your brows have grown out, you can determine how long they should be and where the shape starts – and to do this, all you need is a pencil.

“To determine the length, hold a pencil up to your left/right nostril and point it straight up towards your forehead,” the pros instructed. “This indicates where your brow should start. Turn the pencil diagonally, still holding it in line with your nostrils to figure out where your brow should end, ensuring it is past your eye’s outer corner.”

When it comes to working out the length, you’ll be using that same pencil once again. However, this is where it gets a little more complicated. Hold the pencil next to each nostril at a 45-degree angle. According to the experts, your natural arch should begin wherever the other end of the pencil lands.

The pencil should be going just past your pupil.

Once you’ve worked out where exactly you need to be grooming/shaping, it’s time to get going with the tweezers or wax. Make sure you’re starting with a clean, dry canvas and that means no traces of brow pencils, gels or powders and try to avoid applying anything that’s oily or greasy beforehand, such as self-tanners or serums.

And it’s important to remember that brows should be sisters, not twins, as focusing too much on making them identical could lead to over-plucking.

Try not to get too “tweezer happy” and pluck everywhere. Instead stick to rogue hairs in the middle of your brows, under the brow bone and around the eyelid.

You also shouldn’t be plucking your brows every day, instead they suggest doing it every three days or so, depending on how quickly your hair grows back.

And if you’re really worried about being precise, you can always use an eyebrow pencil to draw your preferred shape onto your brow and use it as a guideline when tweezing.

Any mistakes you make aren’t the end of the world, as you can always just fill your brows in with a product – plus you’ve got plenty of time to kill while the hair grows back.

Happy plucking and nail decorating.

As we’re all in lockdown, we have a lot of time on our hands. Last week, Amanda Holden posted a very funny picture of herself dressed up to the nines, taking her bins out.

For those of you in Spain or Italy, you’ll appreciate that taking the bins out has become the highlight of the week.

For all of us who love to dress up, I thought this woud be a great challenge – to dress up and take the bins out. I started with a picture of me in a flash gown and was then completely overwhelmed by the response from girls and boys across the UK. I have been inudated with your pictures and decided to dedicate this special ‘mid-week’ installment of Amanda Zips It Up to all those people who have risen to the challenge.

Hopefully your pic is in here. If it isn’t, send it to me again and I will add it to this collection.

Thanks you all so much and I hope this brought a smile to your faces.

Feel free to send me some more pictures which will be added to this and kept forever. One day we’ll look back at this with nostalgia and say “Remember when we dressed up to take the bins out during lockdown 2020?”.

Thanks everyone. x

In a world in lockdown, key dates and celebrations don’t seem the same. Nevertheless…

HAPPY EASTER.

Some of you might have seen how we’re keeping ourselves busy in my household. My other half, Judge Jules, streamed a couple of live DJ sets from our lounge last Saturday night, attracting an incredible 250,000 viewers.

I have also been busy, getting dressed-up to put the bins out. An idea started by Amanda Holden – you basically get as glammed up as possible, posing for a picture next to your wheelie bin on collection day. 

It’s all a bit of fun whilst we whittle away the hours during isolation. I have had some brilliant pictures sent through, to be published in next week’s blog.

What isn’t fun though is how fat some of us are getting whilst ‘staying in and keeping safe’. Especially with this weekend consisting mostly of chocolate.

With snippets of news starting to emerge regarding a possible end in sight, now seemed like the time to ‘up the ante’. Yes, it’s an hour run each day, plus a diet of celery soup, produced by my friend and Guest Book Editor Chanelle Clark.

She lives in Italy, so is an absolute expert regarding all things Coronavirus, lockdown, keeping busy and eating healthily. Here is her Celery soup recipe, guaranteed to keep your immunity strong and your belly flat.

Over to Chanelle…

Simple Celery Soup

The only thing of a domestic nature that I remotely enjoy is cooking.  On the bright side, of late there has been much more time to do it.

My diet is vegetarian (32 years & counting) and often plant based/vegan. Not entirely though, as I just can’t resist Italian pizzas! A delicious perk of living in Italy.

The recipe below can be tweaked to make it plant-based, if you so wish. It is quick and extremely simple, allowing even beginners to cook up a storm.

Celery hosts so many health benefits. It is super high in antioxidants, lowers cholesterol and is even a “negative calorie” food, thus boosting metabolism and aiding weight loss. What’s not to love?

This recipe that follows is super low fat, healthy & appetising.

It takes about 15 mins prep, 20 mins to cook & serves 4.  So without any further ado…

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Onion – finally chopped

3 fat Garlic Cloves pressed

6/8 sticks of Celery & the heart also if you like

3/4 cups of Veg Stock

½ cup of Natural Yogurt, Sour Cream or Vegan Yogurt

Salt/Pepper/Cayenne Paper to taste

2 cups of sliced Potatoes (optional – I prefer without, my husband with)

One handful of Spinach (optional but I prefer with, for both the colour and the nutritional benefits)

To Cook

1) Prep all ingredients

2) Heat Oil in a large pot, add Onions, cook on a medium heat until golden, approx. 5 minutes. Then add Garlic and stir for 1- 2 minutes.

3) Add Celery, Potatoes (if you wish), Seasoning and then enough Veg Broth to just cover the veggies.

4) Cover and bring to the boil.

5) Then turn heat down and simmer for 10 minutes ONLY if you have added Potatoes otherwise skip this stage.

6) Use a blender until fully blended. Add a handful of shredded Spinach at this point if you desire and again blend.

I garnish with a drizzle of Chilli Oil and some fresh Chillies (I add spice to everything to boost my immune system and metabolism) or you could use the Celery Leaves and a drizzle of Yogurt; entirely your choice.

Voila, your yummy, flavourful soup is ready to be enjoyed. Buon appetito!

In this issue we check out Men’s Summer Fashion – for that late summer holiday, bored Instagram models designing ‘Quarankinis’ and the ultimate Summer Shoe – for that moment we can step out in the summer sunshine.

QUARANKINIS

INSTAGRAM influencers have sparked fury by turning desperately needed coronavirus face masks into bikinis, in the latest warped online trend.

The posing outfits, known as “quarankinis”, are sweeping social media, just as the global coronavirus death toll topped 50,000.

Many people have been stocking up on face masks to offer protection from the virus during self-isolation. But some clearly ‘bored out of their minds’ Instagram models have distastefully turned the critical medical supplies into a supposed “must-have” accessory.

This model from Russia posted a photo of herself using face masks to cover her intimates.

Another ‘Russian model’ also posted a snap of herself covered in toilet paper whilst walking down the stairs. She captioned it: “Found in the store a little toilet paper. Ready for self-isolation…”

German Instagram model ‘Katja’ uploaded a selfie of herself in a face mask as the bikini top whilst using another to cover her bikini line. YAWN.

Hardly unsurprisingly, many fans were unimpressed, with one commenting: “Unfortunately, I find it inappropriate. Unless they were already used.”

Another asked “what do you expect from such a mental low flyer?”, while a further commentator described the snaps as “outrageous”.

Perhaps reading a book or two, going for a run, learning a new language or shopping for the vulnerable during this crisis might have been a better use of lockdown time?

Cross-Body Bags

Crime may not be rife, now we’re all at a permanent 2 metre distance from one another, but nevertheless keep your belongings safe and sound with a super stylish crossbody bag. Whether it’s in-your face “big and designer” or something small and neat, these are a great way to secure your stuff – fashionably. If the strap is too long for your liking, tie a small knot in it, and you’ll have a unique addition to what you’re wearing. This is a great, practical way to jazz-up any outfit.

Cuban Collar Shirts

With a distinctive collar and short sleeves, they’re an easy way to make a bold statement. You can choose to wear them with a bold print ,or keep things plain in a solid colour. These shirts look extra cool in bright shades like yellow, blue or green. 

Flares

The 70s are back in a big way with these flares. With a thin upper leg and an exaggerated ankle, they are sure to make an impact anywhere you go. Pair the pants with a slim-fitting shirt or turtleneck to emphasize the bell bottom, or keep things flowing with a baggie hoodie or T-shirt ,for a more casual feel. 

Over the Knee Shorts

A great way to keep yourself mostly-covered but stay cool in the summer heat. Whether you rock these bottoms with a bold pattern or you keep the vibe hot in a bright colour, you can’t go wrong in these statement pieces. Complete the look with an open shirt.

Oversized Blazers

Take it back to the 80s with an oversized blazer. Large and in charge, put a twist on the essential suit jacket by taking it up a few sizes.  Whilst avoiding anything too Miami Vice, i.e. pink or yellow, this is a great way to put a retro spin on a modern outfit, without looking too formal. Choose a fit that’s slightly bigger than the regular fit, or go all-out with something massive. 

Shield Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from the sun in the most stand-out way possible with these shield sunglasses. Not only are they a fresh alternative to the traditional eyewear, they look straight out of Blade Runner. Futuristic and sleek, these are perhaps the best accessories of the season. Wear them oversized for maximum impact, or keep them small and colourful for a powerful punch.

Two-Strap Slides

Make the world your catwalk with these two-strap slides. Unlike traditional footwear, these shoes offer double support and look extra cool as you strut down the street. Choose from branded shoes or something low-key, and pair them with over the knee shorts or flares. 

The Perfect Summer Shoe by Alice X

On Tuesday of this week, my favourite shoe designer – Alice X – launched the Coco sandal, a new design featuring classic monochrome shades in super soft buffalo leather. 

The Denim Fuji style, inspired by traditional Japanese Boro patchwork, takes denim to a new level – with five indigo shades in one shoe. They’re easy to wear and super cool. Gorgeous with jeans, shorts or a floaty sundress, they are the perfect laid-back style to wear all holiday long (wherever/whenever that holiday might finally be…)

Alice X’s unique shoes are fantastic for any winter break or summer holiday. Available in nine striking designs, including hero trend, metallics, as well as bold blocking and super-soft pastels. Only available in limited numbers, the collection is the espadrille for 2020.

Plus, to help support the UK’s NHS staff at this difficult time, the team at Alice X will be donating £10 from each sale to their NHS Hero fund. 

They are inviting all customers to nominate an NHS person, hospital or ward, and Alice X will use money from the fund to give them something special to help brighten their day. They’ll then feature each hero on their insta page. #NHSheros.

www.alicexglobal.com

Welcome to this week’s instalment of Zips It Up, during the second weekend of full-blown lockdown – meaning that unwashed hair and baggy hoodies have become the norm. And, dare I say it, no bra.

We are quarantined for god knows how long but our boobs are finally free.

However, experts have warned against ditching your bras while working from home. It could cause saggy boobs, poor posture even ligament damage.

A Figleaves garment technologist comments: “We all still need to wear a bra as our breasts need to be supported. Due to their weight, you may damage your posture or cause back pain. If breasts are left unsupported, damage can occur to the Cooper’s ligament in the breast, causing them to sag.”

Instead of freeing those nipples, switch to a flexi wire bra, often used in maternity bras or a non-wired style with a seam cup to support a larger bust. Padded hooks and soft straps are also key for comfort. Putting on a well fitted bra should feel like you are not wearing a bra.

The message is simple.  Ignore a bra and you will get saggy boobs. It’s gravity after all. And the heavier the bust, the worse it gets.

The one exception is during pregnancy, when you should avoid wearing underwired bras – as they will compress your boobs and prevent your milk ducts from forming.

And as we are stuck indoors for the foreseeable, I have two brilliant guest editors contributing to the blog this week. Super savvy Chanelle Clark reviews a selection of current ‘female friendly’ books to pass away those isolated hours. ASK AURORA, our beauty Ed, is back with her review of the best vegan facemasks out there right now. Plus in this instalment,  I check out Gucci’s Bridget Jones Big Pants and Pillow Backpacks.

It’s a bumper ‘Stay at Home’ issue. 

#Stay Safe

Hello Zipsters! I promise I am not going to mention the C-Word! Only the F-Word!

I am of course referring to the word FACEMASK! THIS is what we all should be embracing in our isolation stations. Right now, everyone is feeling dull, lifeless, irritated, tired and the first place that shows is on our visage. I have found a facemask for every one of those problems. Got munchkins at home? Now is the time to encourage them to partake in a little child-friendly TLC. So sit back, relax and let my healing, peeling wonders work their magic. Starting with a 100 percent vegan option I have absolutely fallen in love with The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask. It is made with Community Fair Trade Tea Tree Oil and is goes on as rough as sand. Drying to a hard clay, it rinses off surprisingly easy after just 5/10 minutes and literally scrapes away layers of dead skin in the process. The coal particles provide a super exfoliating quality. You will look like you are about to go into armed combat when the mask is on,  but you  will definitely get your glow when the war is 
over!

Another superhero from the altar of Anita Roddick will give you an even quicker fix and I have even been using it on my FEET of all places! It’s the Body Shop Glow Revealing Vitamin C Liquid Peel containing the very fancy Camu Camu from the Amazonian Rain Forest. The delightful orange scent is so refreshing and the mask itself, when massaged into dry, cleansed skin, lifts off old skin that you can actually see in giant clumps in your hand. Visible proof that it works like a dream. 

A fun treat for your little ones and you from SNP Cosmetic are Animal Character Printed Masks. Available in several varieties, you can transform yourselves into an Otter, Dragon, Lion, Koala, Panda, Tiger whilst at the same time hydrating, soothing and detoxing! Here I am with my four year old testing them out! 

For the real problem areas of your boat race, I have sourced two fabulous, multi tasking big hitters. The first is from the brand new Clarins range which also caters to vegans. The Clear Out Blackhead Expert has an ingenious little stick on top which, when applied to the t zone on moist skin, dislodges blackheads and other impurities. The second step is the mask, which works best on dry, cleansed skin, gives a clay based and fresh scented detox for the whole face. The difference after one application was mind blowing! 

My last masked crusader is not for the faint hearted.Jorg Obe Charcoal Mask is not so much a peel off as a tear off mask. And it is an all black warrior against clogged pores and blackheads. Spread on to cleansed skin in a thick layer and wait for the antibacterial miracle. Then pull off in swift motions to reveal a new you. The smoothness of my forehead combined with the sight of a whole strip of black wax clinging on to my demons was the highlight of my week! 

One thing I must just mention is that there really is no substitute for a good old fashioned facial steaming. Either alone or before any of these treatments. Open pores are best when applying any facial treatments and that is a fact! Boil water in a bowl and fling a towel over your head for five minutes , ideally wearing one of the fantastic hair masks that I am going to review in the next issue!