‘I’m too busy…’ It’s a common refrain and we’ve probably all said it once in a while, but it is increasingly becoming the rule rather than the exception. More of us are working (and working longer hours at that) and the needs of everyday life are encroaching on our precious time. As a result,...

According to a poll conducted in Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper, women remain heavily influenced by celebrity when it comes to body image. However, a degree of realism seems to now by seeping into that outlook. Because instead of the skeletal, unrealistic waif look – Victoria Beckham, for example...

Valentine’s Day has been and gone for another year, and while everyone at A Pampered Life hopes your day was full of love and romance, for some people it’s a time of year to dread. So whether you’ve just split up with a partner or just need a little pick-me-up, here are 10 ways to mend a broken...

What’s hot and what’s not this year… We’re already well into the new year (with, scarily, autumn just about knocking on the door), but that’s no reason not to consider the looks and hairstyles that will be making waves this year. The good news is that variety will abound, with everything...

Could the UK’s newest fitness craze be heading this way? Exercise is important in life, but now it seems as though a whole industry has been set up to create new, more interesting ways for people – especially women – to get fit. A Pampered Life has already talked about the physical benefits of...

Alethia Tiang offers some suggestions for dealing with period pain Every month, we women have to endure that dreaded seven long days of inconvenience and nuisance that come with being a life-sized blood bag. Some of us are lucky enough to get through the time with the minimum of discomfort, while for...

Why laughter is not only the best medicine, it’s also the best exercise… This week’s featured video comes from London, where a new exercise and mental wellbeing craze is taking hold. Called laughter yoga, it’s becoming widely recognised as a fantastic stress-buster enjoyed by people of all...

They are here, the days we have so longingly been waiting for: the first couple of nice and hot summer days. But as soon as the thermometer hits 30 we all wish we had never dreamed of sweltering, sunny days on the beach. Especially when we’re stuck indoors, in stuffy, crowded offices or  on the train.< So...

Milky white skin was considered fashionable in the 16th century but these days, unfortunately, tanning is in. In Australia, a country where beach culture makes up a big part of the national identity, this is even more the case. A vast majority of people believe that a slight tan makes you look healthier...

Justine Steketee takes a Bikram yoga class – and is finally able to counter her boyfriend’s argument that yoga is not a sport Last night, when I arrived home pink-cheeked, saturated and carrying my yoga mat, my boyfriend, who considers yoga to be a hobby rather than a sport, was at a bit of a loss...

The latest in hip, new nail colours changes with the fashion seasons. With summer weather approaching, we’re in the know when it comes to the hottest new shades to ensure you are fashion forward for the beach, and the latest tips to have your nails clipped and fabulous for the summer sun. When...

Author Lee Mildon was right when he said “People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile.” People will treat you and think of you differently when you smile. But it is hard to smile when you feel insecure about your stained, yellow teeth, right? There are lots of tooth-pastes, mouthwashes...

We all know that staying on top of a new fitness regime or labouring over a healthy meal schedule can be exhausting as well as frustrating. Fear not! Now it is time for you to sit back and relax to the tune of the recent trend in luxury spas to provide an all inclusive experience: from detox days to...

There are many reasons to be carrying a small water bottle around all day. Keeping yourself well hydrated prevents and fights cellulite by flushing out all the toxins from your body; it helps to prevent and cover up wrinkles as they will plump up and become less noticeable; the overall appearance of...

The benefits of regular exercise are well-known. Experts agree that in addition to health pay-offs, in terms of minimising the risk of gaining excess weight or developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even some types of cancer, a daily workout helps you sleep better, slows the ageing...

Sadly, it seems that leisure time has become a thing of the past. Whenever we do stumble upon a little bit of free time during the day we panic that we’ve forgotten a chore or end up desperately try to get ahead on some upcoming office work. Relax! Utilising and enjoying leisure time has been proven...