Macs are thrilled to announce the news that we have been nominated for a London Lifestyle Award,  a celebration of London and the lifestyles within. We feel so passionately about providing an excellent service for our customers and are honored to have been recognised in this way.

We would love it if you could find the time to vote for us and help us win the London Lifestyle Award for Beauty Salon or Spa of the year. All you have to do is visit the link below and click on MACS Salon:

http://londonlifestyleawards.com/vote.php

We want to thank you all so much for your custom and look forward to seeing you in the salon very soon.

Love Corrina.

A warm welcome to everyone reading and interacting with this month’s newsletter. I hope you have all had an eventful and soul enriching summer. For many reasons I took a sabbatical from this newsletter over the holiday period, mainly to write the full first draft of my Weigh Forward book and to co-direct and produce an exciting television series with my wife, Rosemary, called ‘Living the Lie’ – more about those two projects in a moment – I also wanted to contemplate how I move forward with my work and can offer the best possible opportunities to interact with everyone.

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The only thing that is constant as they say is change, and those that know me are aware how I always endeavour to push my knowledge and understanding forward and come out of any comfort zones I may have settled into. There is such a major shift in consciousness occurring at the moment and so many people are searching to understand their purpose and place in the world that it motivates me to realize deeper emotional and spiritual techniques to help myself and consequently assist others on their path too.

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So here we are; September, probably my favourite month of the year, which I always find slightly strange considering I’m born in July and love the sun. There is something refreshing though with the crispness that creeps into an autumn morning and the metaphorical association of us sloughing off the old in alignment with nature’s cycle of decay. Probably a good time to ask that if you have any specific request of what to see in the newsletter or want to take part in any of my workshops, retreats or private sessions then please call Meryem at the office on 0207 734 9034.

The Weigh Forward – coming soon -

Eight weeks and 70, 000 words later, I handed in the first full draft of my Weigh Forward book due to hit the shelves in January 2011. I remained disciplined hitting my daily word count and more importantly bringing up to date what is essentially 20 years work of dealing with the subconscious reasons why people hold onto weight or have destructive repetitive patterns around food or body shape.

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I have a wonderful publisher in Quartet Books and am relishing spending the next couple of months working with the editors before we go to print. For those of you who can’t wait for the book to come out or the app to launch on your i phone I have committed to offering a ’sneak preview’ day’s workshop on 29th September in Soho, London.

THE WEIGH FORWARD

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Living The Lie with Stephen Fry

Our production of Living the Lie has been going really well. It is a series of six interviews where two well known personalities who have an interest in each other’s work share the experiences of their childhood, their relationships and life as a celebrity where they have had to live the lie both perpetuated by the media and also themselves to project ‘the brand.’
We kicked off with British screen icon Leslie Phillips and Bee Gee legend Robin Gibb at the start of the year and have recently added a fantastic and revealing show with Stephen Fry with Bill Wyman in June with Howard Marks aka Mr. Nice and Peter Stringfellow (pictured) sharing some searingly honest anecdotes about their life. It has been amazing to co-direct and produce a project that fulfils our aim of producing television that is insightful and emotionally intelligent. We will let you know when the series is due to hit your screens in the near future, check out the link to BackDoor and see what other projects we have in development.

Private Sessions

First of all thank you for your patience over the summer for those of you who had to wait a little longer than usual for a private one to one session.
To catch up until the end of the year I am going to devote two days a week at the office for 1 to 1 sessions to make sure no one is left stranded. If you wish to book an hour’s intuitive counselling session with me please call Meryem at my office and she will try and fit you in as soon as possible.

Workshops

I have the ’sneak preview’ day’s workshop for my Weigh Forward on Wednesday 29th September. Click here to find out more.
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I am also running my final residential retreat of 2010, from Sunday October 17th – Friday October 22nd. Click here to find out more and for details of the cost and how to book one of the limited places. RETREAT

Men’s Shave Kit

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Close Shave Oil
Create that instant cushion between skin and razor with this oil which creates a barrier to prevent skin irritation and ensure easier gliding of the razor giving a smoother safer shave.

In a world where scrutiny and judgement is rife, it’s wonderful when you witness something that completely allows you to let go and enjoy yourself without worrying what other people may think.

Priscilla does just that…

It is the most successful show in Australian and New Zealand Musical Theatre history, it’s camp, it’s colourful, and it has certainly made its mark in the West-End…in the shape of a large, sparkly lit, high heeled shoe towering over the front entrance of the Palace Theatre.

Years ago this show would’ve been considered too risqué for audiences, but due to the success of shows such as La Cage Aux Folles, its becoming completely acceptable (and increasingly popular amongst audiences of all social backgrounds) to watch a show where men dress up in drag…

Yes, that’s precisely what this show is about…men…in drag…with the best costumes possible ever seen on stage…

However, through the three leading men (sorry…girls), we see a far more heart warming story unfold.

The show is full of colourful and hilarious characters who support the leads tremendously well…a particular moment at the beginning of Act Two certainly gives the fabulous supporting cast a chance to…how can I put it…’’relate’’ to their audience (I shan’t spoil the surprise)

As for the plot…its simple…Flick (played by Ben Richards), a popular drag queen, decides he’s had enough of his current surroundings, and opts to travel across the country to see his wife and son (who he hasn’t met yet since coming out as a homosexual). On deciding this, he employs the help of friends ‘Bernadette’ (Don Gallagher) and young rising drag star ‘Felicia’ (Oliver Thornton). As a method of travel, they choose the open road, a spend most of the show on their tour bus…Priscilla!

The show has been described as ‘another jukebox musical’, however, for this story and style of show, it works perfectly. Songs that the audience know and can sing along to bring joy throughout the Palace every night, it’s a safe, sure-fire crowd pleaser!

Ben Richards brings emotional warmth to the character of Flick, as we see he can just be ‘one of the girls’, but also a mature, sensible man when dealing with fatherhood. Don Gallagher’s performance as elder, now transsexual Bernadette, is so convincing and well played, it follows Tony Sheldon’s (who created the role of Bernadette) brilliantly.

The show stealer by far has to be Oliver Thornton…he completely embodies the character of Felicia and clearly is having a lot of fun in this production, an incredible voice, and looks that most men (and women when he’s in drag) would kill for. An established performer in town, Thornton will be on the talk of the West End for years to come.

Check out this show while you can for a fun filled night out in town!!

Q. How can I prepare my skin for a flawless tan.
A. Hydration and exfoliation are the key. One day before you apply the tan use a good exfoliation product (we recommend Fake Bake passion fruit body polish) paying particular attention to areas such as elbows,knees and ankles. Then use a good moisturizer all over your body. Avoid deodorant and make-up as they react with the tan.

MACS MAIDA VALE: 61 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 5SB | Tel: 020 7328 9777

MACS SALON who work in association with MACS MAGAZINE have been voted one of the top 10 salons in London.

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MACS Primrose Hill is proud to work in association with Great Lengths Hair Extensions. Great Lengths use only the finest human hair sourced from across the globe. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Christina Aguilera and countless others wouldn’t bee seen on the red carpet without their luscious Great Lengths locks. Whether it be a subtle alteration or a drastic change, Great Lengths and our team of expertly trained professionals can give you the most natural look possible.

We can offer Great Lengths hair extensions as part of any of our bespoke packages or you could also opt for one of our exclusive Great Lengths experiences.

MACS are also proud to announce that we are now the spokesperson for Dermalogica in the UK. Dermalogica is one of the finest beauty products found anywhere in the world ad well as being hugely popular.

When Dermalogica meets skin, skin health is redefined. Dermalogica is the number one choice of skin care professionals and consumers worldwide. Why? Because for over 25 years, Dermalogica has been dedicated to delivering skin health results through education, innovation, and professional recommendation, not through advertising, frilly packaging, promises of miracle cures, or overblown hype.

Please feel free to contact a member of our team for more information or to make an appointment to take part in a free consultation.

MACS MAIDA VALE: 61 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 5SB | Tel: 020 7328 9777

MACS PRIMROSE HILL: 9 Princess Road, London, NW1 8JN | Tel: 020 3204 2020

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9 Princess Road, London, NW1 8JN.

Please tel: 020 7734 9034 for more information.

Surprised not to see a small Chiwawa in her arms!

Finding it difficult to find art to match your décor? Have you thought of making your own? It doesn’t have to cost the earth to create your very own original piece of artwork. Photos, fabric on canvas, framed mementos, wall stickers or child’s paintings to name just a few.
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Planning your creation
To create a piece of art that will complement your décor, start with looking at the room’s overall style, for example, classical, minimalist, quirky, whimsical or feminine. Then look at the colour scheme and pick out the colour/s and proportion you want to use. Finally, consider the size of artwork in comparison to the wall space available.

Now it’s just a matter of creating your masterpiece. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices following.
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Framing your loved ones
How cute these canvas photos look of this little girl’s pet highland terrier. Simply take a photo and have it put onto canvas. If you want to take your creativity a step further, experiment using different effects as Ros did with these images to make the photo look like it had been painted with a large paint brush.

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Ideal Home has an online service to make it even easier for you www.idealhomeart.co.uk

Daisy the highland terrier, the inspiration for the canvas photos.
Credit – Ros at Styling Places

Fabric & frills
We all have a box tucked away that’s full of fabric remnants, ribbons, sparkles and pretty things. To create this piece of artwork, simply stretch fabric over a ready-made canvas and staple on the back. Then have fun adding your trimmings in the style and colours to suit the space.

Layered fabric with ribbons in colours to harmonise with the room’s décor.
Credit – Stagehouse

Interactive wall art
A really fun way to decorate a wall is with chalkboard stickers. You can put them on your kitchen wall for your shopping list, leaving a note or just to say hello! You can even have your own custom-made design. Just check first that your wall surface is suitable

There are lots of different shapes & images to choose from.
Credit – Etsy.com

Budding Artist
Children love to paint and draw, bringing home their latest creations from school. Why not frame their favourite by using clip board frames to easily swap out with their latest creation. Or ‘commission’ a piece from them in the colours to match your décor.

Personalised art wall – mix of photos and children’s artwork.
Credit – housetweaking.com

Framing mementos
The most unlikely things can be turned into framed works of art. Do you find it difficult to throw away favourite cards, perhaps even keeping bits of pretty wrapping paper? Instead of having them hidden away why not frame them to enjoy. Even pages from old books that are falling to pieces, don’t throw them out, there may be beautiful illustrations such as botanical flowers or maps you can frame.

This framed series of old maps compliments this stylishly elegant room.
Credit – Elle Décor

Whimsical wall stickers
The amount of wall stickers now available is staggering. The challenge is not to get lost for hours looking at all the possibilities! This wall sticker of butterflies illustrates you don’t have to do much to add interest to an otherwise plain wall. And if you feel like a change, all you have to do is peel them off and apply a new one! Just check first that your wall surface is suitable.

Simply adding a wall sticker instantly adds interest to an otherwise plain wall.
Credit – decorsticker

Take a look around your home, you’ll be surprised what you have packed away that would look beautiful framed and on display. Just bear in mind the room’s overall style, colour scheme and the size of artwork in comparison to the wall space available.

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So let your imagination run wild and bring out your inner artist!

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Lots of Love,
Karen x

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Karen specialises in holistic interior design and colour psychology www.karenhallerinteriors.co.uk

Article by Chiara Ventura

Of the myriad of Hollywood stars that have happily converted to Twitter and established a direct relationship with their fans, Eva Longoria-Parker is certainly one of the most prolific. The Desperate Housewives star just loves posting pictures and updating her page. To those who stumble across her Twitter account and Facebook page an incredible new world opens and at first it’s easy to think that“that simply cannot be her”. The possibility of it being a fan club page managed by her PR agency or, even worse, a fan who is role-playing, is high, especially on Facebook. Reassurance promptly arrives in the form of a video where Eva herself says “Hey guys, this is really me!”. And when you start reading her posts and looking through her pics you start having a funny feeling. While you scroll through her mobile uploads of her without make up (!!!!) but still looking lovely or of the huge dishes of paella she had while on holiday with her husband, it feels like you’re just looking through some friend of a friend’s profile, just like we all do when we’re bored. That is until you find a picture of her looking her usual stunning on the catwalk in Cannes, or posing with the full cast of housewives from Wisteria Lane and you remember that this is not your pretty neighbour’s cousin, but a full on Hollywood star.

The new Twitter’s trend and the eagerness of the stars in embracing it makes us think about a pivotal showbiz question: what is a star? If we go back in time, the stars are those that started the trend of wearing huge sunglasses, not only in order to protect their precious skin from the rays, but also and most importantly in order not to be recognised and harassed by the fans. And still today,the star is often the one that punches the journalist, the one that exits through the backdoor so he/she doesn’t have to sign autographs and force another “smile and wave”.

But a star, especially today, is also a performer, someone who needs the public to support them and make them successful, because an unpopular, grumpy star needs to be have heaps of talent (or some extremely well-known relative) in order to be credible. And this is the reason why fan clubs and PR agencies are so important, to keep up the cheer and sometimes remind us that the seemingly distant star is actually a lovely person, so we should really go see their last movie… But when a star does it on their own, updating their page, posting make-up less pictures and funny “hello” videos then we remember that a star really is a person, and they do need to be liked by their public, but not strictly for economic reasons, also because, just like everyone else they need approval and friendship and a way not to get lost in the show business, as much dangerous as it is inviting.

In addition to reaching up to her fans, Eva also uses Twitter to contact her fellow stars and organise charity event, the latest being a charity auction for Haiti, for which she’s asking help from popstars like Pink, Britney, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga…Not only gorgeous but also authentic,communicative and even generous: there is no doubt that she really is a star.

The former Pussycat Dolls singer gets her tresses cut into a funky new style almost every other week. She is also a big fan of dyeing her locks because she thinks on-trend hair accentuates her “quirkiness”.

Kimberly accepts she is not a typical “gorgeous” pop star, and would rather be known for being unique and unusual than beautiful.

“To be honest, I don’t see myself as a gorgeous girl,” Kimberly told British newspaper The Sun. “I think I’m quite weird and quirky. I love that about myself.

“My hair changes constantly because I can never make up my mind. I feel that instead of plastic surgery, I like to play with my hair.

“I embrace my differences. I’m quite eccentric compared to a lot of the people around. I’m not aiming to be the most beautiful girl in the world because there’s just too much competition out there.”

Kimberly quit the Pussycat Dolls earlier this year and recently formed a new act Her Majesty and the Wolves with rapper Spencer Nezey. The duo’s debut single Glaciers is out now.