Quirky/ Alternative wedding car ideas

Now that we'r ein the 21st century, a bit of quirkiness and versatility is normal; especially when it comes to weddings.

We've seen many famous people compete as to who can get the most wonderful yet weirdest form of transport for their big day, and here's what we have come up with for you.

Heritage Bus

These old fashioned and vintage buses are every growing in popularity, and are now available in mnay regions across the UK. The buses are great for those who have gone with a 1950's/ 60's style wedding as they create a sense of 'togetherness' being able to hold most, and in some cases all, of the people who will be attending your wedding. These buses come in all kinds of colours, as well as being able to hire out an old school bus that also goes down a treat with all your old school friends that will be attending! These buses are extremely sociable and are abel to get all of those looking forward for your wedding in an even better mood, even picking up each guest from their own houses if need be. 

TV and Movie cars

If yourself and your other half are really looking out to impress, a novelty car is bound to attract some attention. The fact that you're able to get into a mode of transport that was featured in one of your favourite TV shows or films feels great and will make you feel really special. It's easy to organise this quirky type of transport too and can add a real sense of personality to your big day, catering for yourselves and not necsasarily everybody else's needs. How about Knight Rider's K.I.T.T? Or maybe the ghostbusters car? A New York Taxi or even the ultimate Batmobile? 

Stretch Mini

From a classic mini to a modern mini- they have always been a favourite. You can now even get hold of a stretch mini to hire out ( a classier limo some may say.) These beauties are truly a dream to be chauffeured around in with many kitted out with leather interior. There are even some stretch minis out there that have a built in Jacuzzi at the rear which really would make for an interesting exist if you're deciding to go on your honeymoon that very night! You might even want to opt for an ultra small Italian-Job style mini, where hiring out a few of these can make for some great fun. 

Camper Van/ Beetle Convertible 

Volkswagen are actually one of the most modern car manufactures used for weddings, and there's a good reason for it. Of course the VW camper van is the a fun-loving form of wedding transport for ultimate hippies and those who want to make their day that little bit more unique and alternative. Opting for an original/ classic beetle convertible would be perfect for a summers day, as well as a camper van that would hold your most important guests in one go. 

Horse and Cart
When thinking of a horse and cart a slightly tacky vision may come into mind thanks to TV programmes and certain celebrities. There is one thing that remains about this old-fashioned way of getting about though, and that's the fact that they are very personal and interesting. A horse and cart ride would be perfect for those wanting tot ravel from home to their wedding venue that isn't such a long distance and also offers the bride a chance to relax before entering the church or reception. Choosing a rather majestic route will make this journey even better. 

Hayley Stansfield

Wedding garter inspiration

When planning your big day, I know there's a lot to think about.

This is why I have come up with a handful of wedding garter ideas just for you!

Dainty

Delicate and dainty garters ooze with elegance. Garters like these are perfect for those with rather slim legs, and tend not to look bulky. The unique yet subtle patterns can be made to measure and go perfectly well with fishtail wedding dresses and slim fit designs. A garter such as this is recommended to wear on those with shorter legs, as wider ones can take up more of the leg. These garters are available from many hand-made Bridal boutiques, and can be matched with most bright white dresses or to your own design.

Ivory Roses

Hand-made garters are one thing, but these picture perfect netted roses look the most detailed I have seen. Not only are these made with rose petals in mind, they can be made with any flower, beads or lace. The beauty of these pieces is their colour, as a deeper ivory is becoming more popular. As these garters tend to be layered and full, they work best with very heavy wedding dresses, ones made up of heaps of silk and other luxurious materials.

Diamond Couture

These high class pieces are guaranteed to sparkle. Often made with real diamonds, vintage silk and ribbon they are definite keepsakes. You are able to make these into budget garters too, meaning that you can search around for the right amount of jewels you'd like to place onto the material and have them handmade.

Thigh Chain

This very original and unique idea is something we've been seeing on bridal catwalks for just a few years. Thought to be very modern, these chains are seen as very un-traditional (and not in a bad way.) Some brides even choose the ‘Pandora’ style, choosing a charm to hang from the chain. Not only are these highly sexy and petit, they also look stunning against the skin and complete wedding lingerie.

Double Floral

This garter uses two designs to create a double wear. These garters can be hand-picked, as the bride can choose her very own two that she thinks will match. Often, one garter is larger than the other, ensuring that the leg does not look too over-dressed. To me, this actually reminds me of some kind of Bridal artwork, and looks rather like a tattoo. Doubling anything in your wedding outfit can be a great idea, because let's face it if you're in two minds about what to wear, you can go for both!

Lots of love, Hayley Sttansfield @ClubHen.com 

How to Make Your Own Moisturising Shampoo in Five Simple Steps!

How to Make Your Own Moisturising Shampoo in Five Simple Steps!

Today I will be going through how to make your own fresh, organic and most importantly moisturising shampoo. Going on holiday and spending all your time splashing about in the sea and in chlorine filled swimming pools, as lovely and therapeutic as it is, can play havoc with your moisture levels in your hair. For numerous reasons, relying on supermarket shampoos are not always helpful solution to this problem.

You may not know that the chemicals in our everyday cosmetics can actually be more harmful for us than what we think. Most super-market branded shampoos tend to contain a chemical called ‘Dioxin’ which is known to be responsible for most diseases caused during the Vietnam war. It  was reported that most of the people who had actually been unfortunate to catch one of the diseases had in fact been in contact with ‘Dioxin’ yet we still find it in our everyday shampoo bottles??  You may also notice that Diethanolamine and Ethanolamine are often listed on the ingredients of your shampoo which are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamine which is why I would advise anybody to stay away from packaged shampoo and get making your own!

So taking all this into account I have come up with a fun and easy way to make shampoo at home. By following my simple steps you will be a pro at making your own shampoo in no time.. Perfect for your summer holidays.

What you will need: 

• 200ml Plastic Tub
• 60ml Water
• 60ml Liquid Castile Soap
• Essential oils/ teabags 
• Vegetable oil/ Jojoba oil
• 1 Pan

Now, let’s see how we can make this beauty!

1.) Heat 60ml of water in a small saucepan. Make sure that you don’t bring the water to the boil as the water only needs to be heated a little. 

2.) Choosing the scent of your shampoo will be the funnest part! And this is where you get to add them. You may want to add a rosemary teabag to your soap, or a few herbal oils to give the shampoo a silky and organic scent. There are many oils available in high street stores that you can have a look for, so see what you fancy! Adding these ingredients to the water will customise the colour and identity of your shampoo. But there’s still a couple more steps until this potion turns into real shampoo!

3.) Take mixture away from the heat and add the water and oils into your clean shampoo bottle. 

4.) Now that you have your water in the bottle, it’s time to add your Liquid Castile Soap. This soap may be something that you have not heard of before but as more and more people are getting creative with their own produce, this stuff is available everywhere on-line if you struggle to find it in your nearest beauty stores. It is available in a wide range of scents from cherry to mint, but you can also use a non scented liquid soap so that the smells you added in Step 2 make it completely your own! You will need to add the 60ml of this Liquid Castile Soap to the bottle of your heated water and shake all that mixture together! 

5.) So once you have made sure that all of those ingredients have been locked together, it’s time to add a little teaspoon of either jojoba or vegetable oil to ensure that your own shampoo gives you the shiniest, sleekest look that it can! 

The final thing to consider is taking this organically created potion with you on holiday by purchasing some 100ml clear plastic containers from just about any Hair and Beauty based store or online.

Have fun making it and don't forget to leave your comments :)

Your HenDo Tour guide for Prague

We've made it a little easier for you to see why Prague is the perfect place to enjoy a girly HenDo abroad. 

The City of Prague offers various opportunities to let your hair down, so check out the ones below we have shortlisted which will show you the best time of your life! 

Places to eat

Hanavský Pavilón-with its central location along with its stunning views it is easy to see why this is highly recommended by locals. Hanavský Pavilón Serves Czech food - a set menu consisting of three courses-on a terrace that overlooks the river. It was first opened in 1891 so still maintains many of the ornate original features.

Suterén- located in the ‘new town’, this restaurant is in a cellar space which has been renovated to a high standard, with exposed brick and beans still visible. The cuisine is international so caters for many tastes. The price is around £10 for a main meal, which is average for this standard of dining but could be seen as expensive when considering the exchange rate.

Tourist attractions

Lesser town- surrounds Prague castle, has been the set for many films and commercials due to its old-style buildings and quaint cobbled streets. Many of the local pubs and restaurants still have the original features and character adding to the experience and feel. Tours are available around this area to get the most out of the time spent. The square is also a social point with cafes and shops.

Golden lane at Prague castle-part of the site in which the famous Prague castle is on, golden lane is a row of preserved historic (16^th century) cottages in with goldsmiths used to live.

Astronomical clock-The astronomical clock is one of the main attractions in Prague, part of the square in the old town. The intricate clock draws the crowds ever hour when a small door opens and Jesus and his disciples walk out, whist a skeleton (death) rings the bell.

Wenceslas square- in new town, where clubs and bars are located, has also been a place of historical importance.

Things to do

Charles Bridge- Stroll along Prague’s most famous bridge and take in the views of the river and the architecture/attractions which line the riverside, also a great way to get from the old town to the lesser town(Prague castle).

Estates Theatre- Prague’s oldest theatre is well worth a visit to see the opera or if just to visit the building itself for the stunning architecture.

Dinner concert Mozart in Prague-With delicious traditional food and opera singers entertaining the audience in an atmospheric historical hall, it is a very unique experience.

Places to go out in Prague

Lavka bar and club- widely considered as one of the best clubs in Prague by locals as well as tourists. With two big terraces and located on the riverside it gets very busy in the summer months, and gets remotely quieter in winter. During the day it is a relaxed place to have a quiet drink and then transforms in the evening, thanks to the up to date music played.

Karlovy lazne bar and club- Arranged over 5 floors, Karlovy lazne id the largest club in central Europe. With each level providing its own music style it’s easy to find something to everyone’s music taste. Past 10pm on weekends there can be a long queue so arrive earlier to avoid this.

N11 club- a cellar club in the new town square Wenceslas, plays mostly mainstream music hip hop and R&B. Attracts locals

Aloha bar-not as widely known but still a buzzing place on weekends, playing 80’s/90’s/00’s/10’s music it creates a fun atmosphere with cocktails to keep everyone happy until the early hours.

Budapest tourist guide- A perfect HenDo destination

Thinking about booking that all important HenDo, yet not sure exactly where to go? Budapest often surprises those booking a Hen Do as it's not your typically talked about wild and loud destinations, but what people also don't know is how vibrant and versatile the city really is. 

Below we have come up with some of the best places and attractions in Budapest, ensuring you and your friends don't miss out on a single thing. 

Where to eat

Menza

Menza is located on Budapest’s most lively square. Try and book before you go as is a really popular restaurant for diners looking for good quality classic Hungarian dishes at a low price. Close to the centre so perfect for lunch or dinner.

Spoon

Spoon’s is a restaurant on the main river running through the city, serving international cuisine. With amazing location and views you would expect to pay high prices for the food; however the exchange rate allows you to have a main meal for around £10.

Kárpátia

Modern Hungarian cuisine in a palace because the restaurant is so big it is perfect for large groups. The building is 130 years old and the modernisation of the building has been sensitively done to preserve the authenticity, this adds to the drama and ambiance of the room.

Tourist attractions

Andrassy Avenue

– Wonder down Andrassy Avenue which connects the inner city with heroes square. Browse the luxury shops; take in the architecture and opera house and stop of for a drink in one of the many cafes.

Vaci Street

- A lovely road to stroll down and take in the architecture. Wonder in the stretch of high end shops, boutiques and high end restaurants. The best season for this is early spring or mid autumn as in high season it can be a bit over crowded as it’s known for being one of the best things to do in Budapest.

Castle district

- The royal palace and Matthias church are within this district, both of which are extremely popular tourist destinations. Just exploring the old monuments and side streets with the old style houses is worth doing if churches aren’t high on the agenda. Panoramic views are also a highlight of the castle district and can be accessed by the highly praised funicular which costs under £2.50 for an adult ticket.

Things to do

Wine tasting-Buda castle wine tasting (Faust wine cellar) is recommended however there are many other wine tasting venues around the city. Faust wine cellar is within the Hilton hotel in one of the cellar pathways and it has been converted into an intimate wine tasting location with restaurant. It’s a fantastic opportunity to taste some of the wine produced from all over Hungary.

Thermal baths-people flock to the thermal baths of Budapest from around the world because of the uniqueness and historical settings. The old baths are built around natural hot springs- the most famous being ‘The Gellert baths’.

Chain bridge and Danube Promenade-Chain Bridge is an important part of the cities heritage, being the first permanent connection between the two former cities Buda and Pest. It’s a great way to get from one side of the river to the other, and a lovely walk to the peel off to one side to the Danube promenade which runs along the riverside(a tram can also be taken).

Where to go out

Bar Domby-one of the best bars in Budapest, with a vast selection of cocktails on offer (over 80 whiskeys alone). The bar staff have particular attention to detail-if you are a cocktail fan Bar Domby is a must!

Laven-also doubles as a restaurant but most known for is great atmosphere and its stark white interior. It’s commonly used as a sociable place to be before heading out for a club.

Negro cafe- a relaxed bar atmosphere with the outdoor terrace getting full use in the summer months. It is loved by locals for its chilled ambiance and fantastic cocktails- the perfect location for drinks with friends.

Morrison’s 2-for cheap drinks (beer costing 50p) and a cheerful youthful atmosphere Morrison’s 2 is perfect. It also features on some nights, a karaoke evening which adds to the fun atmosphere.

How to book a hassle free Hen Do

The pressures of having to book a wedding are bad enough without having to think about pleasing all of your individual girl friends in one go. Having to think about how and where you're gonna have this great night out can make us flap a little more than it really should.

At ClubHen.com we know that there are steps we can take which will take some of the weight off your shoulders, so go grab your coffee and take in these tips to ensure it all runs as smoothly as possible.

Get your mates to do it for you! 
Before you think; 'Now that is a BAD idea', just think about it. You'll still get to have a say in everything that happens, but your friends will take it all on board and make sure it goes to plan. Your friends should love having a little control in this night out that you've all been waiting a lifetime for, and will take pleasure and pride that you trust them to help you with this. It does make it harder as we all prefer different music and drinks, but when your friends are all together they may be able to talk about something that will be fit for the whole team, without you doing it on your own at your kitchen table imagining what would work best. So forget the worries, and the weekend of a lifetime will come to you in no time. 

Do your research
If you are going to be taking this on, on your own, you can save a hell of a lot of time researching to find out exactly what it is you'd like to do. You'll find thousands of websites including places perfect for Hen Do's such as holidays abroad, where to find the best nightclubs and daytime activities that will allow you and the girls to bond like never before. Don't be scared of being over faced my too many ideas either, because you can't do it all in one night. The research may also give you a better idea of the activities you can take out after your wedding, on a honeymoon or whilst having a HenDo abroad. The best thing though, about looking into these exciting ideas is that it's something to focus on separate to all of your day to day worries, allowing you to look forward to something special that you know you deserve. 

Personal Reviews
Rushing brings on panic. And nobody likes to panic. You don't wanna make the mistake of turning up to a shocking venue, and having to stress about everyone having a bad time. Now you can easily get hold of reviews from other party goers to find out where's hot and where's not. Making sure that you look into your Hen Do plans way before they happen will mean no mistakes can be made, and there's nothing more reliable than reading personal reviews on where you'll be staying over as you know they're more than likely to be true.

Agree a budget
Trust me, there's nothing worse than waking up to find that you've spent your whole months wage in a couple of days, or even hours. By agreeing on a budget you'll find it a lot easier to shortlist the fun things you've found to do form your research. Not only will you get to know what's totally off limits, you won't have to worry about splurging hundreds just to enjoy yourself. If you're choosing to do something special like going abroad, perhaps agreeing that the whole group will put an equal amount into the budget to make sure the expenses are kept minimal or fair. Another good thing to do would be to draw as much cash out as you're willing to spend on the one night, so you're not tempted to overspend on an expensive bottle of champaign.

Theme it up!
Not only does having a them for your HenDo make it a hell of a lot funnier and more daring, it also allows you and your friends to forget about your day to day worries, and concentrate on getting the best outfit out of all your friends. Wether you're choosing to go as The Spice girls, The Wombles, naughty nurses or rebellious schoolgirls; you wont't have the dreaded worry of choosing between two party dresses. We all know that's not a good idea. 




So girls, remember...

Making sure your HenDo gives you the least stress possible is easy. 

Budget Beauty Buys for your Hen Do.

Heading off on a hen do and want to get gorgeous before you go? Here are our tips for the best budget beauty buys.

Legs

Before you jet off, your pins must be in optimum condition both for bikini beauty and when they’re poking out of your favourite bodycon dress. For silky smooth skin, you could try Origins’ gorgeously rich Salt Rub which comes in at over £25, but we prefer Sanctuary’s Daily Spa Escape Salt Scrub, which is a more purse-friendly £11.50 for 650g.

Fake It

Before you slap on the fake tan, every girl knows that moisturising is key. Every teenage girl’s favourite Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lotion still smells as gorgeous as you remember and rubs in no problem for gorgeously shiny legs. And it’s just £3.75 from Superdrug!

For that all-important pre-tan, it’s beauty’s worst-kept tanning secret: St. Moriz! Cheap and cheerful, this tanning mousse provides you with an even, golden tan for as little as £2.99. Even experts swear by this product, and you can pick it up at Bodycare or Home Bargains on your way home from work. Perfect! Just make sure you use a mitt as it has serious staining power on the palms of your hands.

Beach Babe Hair

You can’t always rely on the power of the sea... if you want to fake the look we definitely recommend Umberto Giannini’s Glam Hair Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray, which is pocket-friendly too at just £5.61.

Perfect Pout

Make-up looks for long days and nights. For ultimate sticking power for big nights out this year’s hot lips are matte. With Valentine’s Day coming up there’s no better time to go for ultimate-drama red lips. Revlon’s “Really Red” is just £7.49 and works with most skin tones, but looks especially gorgeous with beach babe hair and a golden tan.

Perfect Peepers

Waterproof mascara is a must for any holiday. Whether it’s for swimming in a lovely warm sea or getting hot and sweaty on the dance floor, Maybelline’s Volume Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara has serious staying power and costs just £6.99. Team it with Collection (previously Collection 2000)’s Illuminating Touch Concealer (a budget alternative to YSL’s ubiquitous Touche Eclat, at just £4.99) for beautifully bright eyes with absolutely no bags – no matter how late last night was!

Post-Party Lifesavers

Those late nights and boozy days can really wreak havoc on our skin! For post-party beauty it’s important to detox your skin and revive your complexion, so you can look calm on the outside and keep the inner struggle with last night’s cocktails a well-kept secret!

It’s obvious really, but the best thing you can do to detox your skin is to keep hydrated. Water, water, water. The juice of half a lemon squeezed in will help to flush toxins and can make skin appear brighter. But if you need a more aggressive approach, Liz Earle’s Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a bit pricey (it retails at around £16 for 200ml) but it’s a product that genuinely works. When your skin feels a bit flushed, this tonic stops it from overheating with essential oils like rosewood and lavender and calming botanical aloe vera and cucumber, for maintaining that perfectly calm exterior.

Skin Saviour

Finally, but most importantly, the best beauty product on your shopping list if you’re heading somewhere sunny is, of course, sun tan lotion. We recommend Aldi’s Lacura Moisturising Sun Spray (SPF 30) which contains an anti-ageing formula and at £2.79, it’s cheap enough to apply liberally! So there’s no excuse not to stay sun-safe.

Your Hen Party- Milan Style!

Your Hen Party, Milan Style

If fashion, glamour and good food are your buzzwords then having your hen party in the chic Italian city of Milan is the perfect destination for you. It’s time to indulge yourself and your friends and we all know Italians do it better...

To start off, you won’t have to do too much travelling as most flights from the UK are around the two hour mark which makes Milan an ideal destination for a hen weekend away. Once you arrive there are numerous activities to keep you and your guests happy. Whether you want to shop til you drop, take a dance class, go wine tasting, see the sights on a city tour or experience some authentic Italian food your weekend away is going to be jam-packed!

If you are planning a day of shopping and sightseeing, then your make up needs to stay fresh and natural. Tinted moisturiser will even out your skin tone and will provide protection against the sun. Urban Decay’s Urban Defense Tinted Moisturiser (£20.00) is great because it has SPF 20, gives good coverage and keeps skin hydrated all day.

If you want to adopt the beauty habits of the locals, Milanese women are known for their sun kissed glow, you could opt for a spray tan or just add bronzer like Soap & Glory Solar Powder Bronzo (£11.00) which is great for subtle shimmer and a naturally bronzed complexion. Keep eyes fairly neutral with a pale cream shadow and lashings of mascara to define the eyes and no day look is complete without a slick of rosy pink lipstick, head straight to the lipstick Queens M.A.C and bag yourself a Sunny Seoul!

Milanese women love a skinny jean and a designer handbag, but keep footwear practical with a ballet flat or small wedge sandal, so you can still dance the night away after a busy day on your feet. Most people in the know flock to the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quad) in search of designer bargains or stroll down any street to find cute boutiques and new designer stores.

If you want to see as much as possible, hop on the open top bus tour to see the entire city in record time. Then you can visit the huge Duomo Cathedral, the inner city Park (it’s nicer than it sounds) and see the amazing architecture of the financial district.

After the sun sets, the options are limitless. If you want more culture you could visit the Opera or a fancy restaurant to try the culinary delights of Italy. If you fancy something more raucous you could head on down to the party district where clubs and trendy bars that are frequented by models and actors can amp up the glamour of your night!

Nights out are the ideal place to experiment with makeup, so why not try a sexy, smoky eye? To save on packing space, go for an eyeshadow palette so all your colours are in one place. A palette like the Bobbi Brown Black Pearl Eye Palette (£42.00) is great for travelling as it has all the colours you will ever need along with a good quality brush. If eyeshadow isn’t your thing, keep everything neutral apart from your lipstick – you can’t go wrong with M.A.C Red! This might take some upkeep throughout the night but you will look super glamorous in all your party photos.

So, now you can rock Milan any way you want but whatever you get up to it is sure to be a trip you will never forget. Just remember to stick together, stay safe and have fun!

Note: Written by  Danielle Hadley
 www.bbeautylove.com  

Wedding and Hen Do nail inspiration.

Even for me my nails are not done every day of the week, in fact, you're more likely to find me with chipped nail varnish than anything else. But one thing I do know is that when it's time to go out there's nothing better than having your nails done, it's just part of a feel good regime! 

Which is why we have come up with some pretty nail art ideas for both weddings and Hen Do's. 

Stand out wedding ring finger 

This has to be my favourite wedding nail art by far. This unique and silver pattern is just perfect and very delicate and will blend into any wedding service. Making the finger on which the ring rests on stand out,  it just shows how much people really do take notice our hands. 

Iced tips

These tips are the perfect way to polish off a manicure and would go beautifully well in a winter wonderland wedding. What's best is that you can choose a colour of your choice, making them like frosted berries, for example, in a burgundy themed wedding.  

Versatile white tips 

These simple yet bold nails use a large white tip to create the iconic false nail. Although these slightly larger tips may be hard to get used to at first, you can start off small and work your way up. These nails are especially great as your local nail artist can do this for you easily, and works for in the office, weddings and girly nights out.                                                                 

Geometry and Gems

There's nothing wrong with a little sparkle, and these beauties are guaranteed to outshine anybody else when you're out. These can be done at home by yourself too, and even go well on well groomed nails that are not false. 

Rose nails

Calling all natural beauties. These roses patterned nails are delicate, girly and fresh. For a flowered theme wedding you can even change these into daisies or tulips. Summer weddings spring to mind.