What To Do At Home When Your Hair Colour Goes Wrong. Noughty Detox Dynamo Versus Ouai Detox Shampoo

Clarifying shampoo detox shampoo is it worth spending a bit more for a better solution?

Suzy Hutchinson

2026-03-25T17:29:45.7330000 2026-03-25T17:51:21.3430000

What to do when your hair colour goes wrong. Doesn’t matter if you are blonde, trying to go blonder and it goes purple or worse still green, brunette trying to go lighter and it goes orange, dark trying to blend balayage and it just doesn’t match or covering grey and it goes wrong, especially too dark is usually impossible to shift without a professional bleaching two process strip and re colour which depending on who’s doing it can be risky too.

My friend and I had two similar hair disasters at the same time, she’s blonde I am brunette and had a go at rectifying the problem with detox or clarifying shampoo.

My friend opted for Ouai shampoo she purchased in boots and paid about £30 steep yes but cheaper than a stylist. It did exactly what she needed it to do. Lifted and blended too much ash in her blonde tresses from a toner applied at home and returned them back to the more natural sunkissed streaky extra light blonde she loves.

She was delighted and grateful for the recommendation. If you are in the same situation this Quai detox shampoo works on blondes.

I on the other hand had a colour disaster at the salon. My natural brunette hair with a few grey streaks ended up Adams family too dark and as it wasn’t my regular stylist, I decided I would try and correct it myself.

I opted for a cheaper detox shampoo Detox Dynamo by Noughty. On the directions it says to use it once a week, not every wash as it can dry out your hair.

I paid about £7.00.

The results weren’t immediate like the Ouai shampoo. I had to use it once a week for about six weeks before I started to see the colour lighten and blend a little better with the other hair.

And then it was time to return to the salon. The stylist did end up correcting the colour completely which was expensive, around £200 (maybe if I’d tried the more expensive detox shampoo I’d have got a better result) but I could have tolerated the colour after 6 weeks, it was lighter, the stylist was able to get it back looking pre mistake.

The conclusion:

If you are blonde the Ouai shampoo delivered a detox colour result in one wash. It may be expensive but worth it and worked.

If you are a coloured brunette with a colour mistake, too dark, the cheaper detox shampoo by Noughty did smell lovely and pepperminty but the results were slow. Nothing happened quickly. And to get it sorted and back to pre mistake it took a professionals help. Although if going to a professional is not an option it did help and after about 6 washes the hair was definitely better.

If it happened again, I’d definitely invest in the Quai shampoo myself before heading back to the stylist for an expensive hair rescue.

https://theouai.co.uk/products/detox-shampoo?

Selling Sex and Dark States Traffiking Sex : the work of documentary Film Maker Louis Theroux

Selling Sex - The Women Who participated allege they got duped by Louis and Production Team

Suzy Hutchinson

2026-03-03T10:09:55.7470000 2026-03-04T16:57:51.8500000

I wrote the snoop after watching the Louis Thoreaux documenting Dark States Sex Traffiking and Selling Sex in his documentary series but then my opinion shifted as I read claims from the women who participated particularly Georgina and Ashleigh in the Selling Sex program that their stories and content was edited in a way that didn’t reflect their views or wishes. And that content that gave context to their positions was cut changing the narrative to suit BBC producers. In their words from the article link above they got hoodwinked by the BBC production team and Louis which is not good and I definitely don’t agree with. I think all contributors should have happily signed off on the final piece before going to air. Like Georgina said in hindsight if she was outing her sex work to the world voluntarily, a massive decision and step, it had to be her story on her terms when her aim was to de stigmatise the world of sex work not present a one size fits all story that all sex workers are damaged or have been abused in some way.

I like Louis Theroux and his documentary style, he’s not funny but his gentle interviewing technique reminds me a little of Sacha Baron Cohen’s style as alter ego characters Ali G and Borat in his mockumentary style films. Borat subsequent Movie Film 2020 springs to mind when Borat interrupts actress Maria Bakalova in a hotel room with former Mayor of New York City and Donald Trumps attorney 76 year old Rudy Guiliani. Yep. Louis Theroux’s got a few embarrassing moments like this on camera too when his subjects suddenly realise his boy next door, Columbo style questioning, doesn’t give him the idiot status he often leads with his seemingly innocent line of questioning.

Louis Theroux does tackle some difficult social issues and has produced several on the sex industry. In Dark States, this particular hour long film Louis is in Houston Texas, a hub for exploited and trafficked women where the lines are often blurred between free will personal choices and coercion and control by Pimps/boyfriends who talk as if they are family referring to the women as wives but violently attack them if they seek refuge, speak to police or as many say “don’t make their target” for a given period or night.

The fear is palpable as Louis gets to know women trapped in the cycle of prostitution, violence and the only way they know to receive attention and care from a man.

Many say openly they have been abused from a young age, explaining somewhat the continuation of the destructive emotional choices the women make and how addiction to drugs is the obvious spin off, the only way to ease the pain.

The recovery programs in place where ex prostitutes who have managed to break away from a life that nearly destroyed them do their best to rehabilitate the women are visited and explored, where women speak of enjoying the violence, experiencing getting beaten up as a turn on and some still turning tricks whilst trying to get clean and free. It shows what a difficult chain of behaviour it is to break.

And one women when she escapes the hold of a violent pimp still tells Louis as she tries to get a regular job waiting tables, as a receptionist, at Subway, the lure of prostitution (this time she assures him without a Pimp) still is tempting and likely.

It’s a shocking film topped off by a visit to a penitentiary where one of the women in the film’s Pimp “Fancy” is incarcerated. The interview with him was conducted while he was serving a sentence in a Texas prison. And goes towards examining the complexities and impact of the sex trade in Houston. Louis interviews him as he explains his side of the business, why he takes all the money and his justification for his behaviour.

He takes absolutely no personal responsibility saying “some women are just hoos and that’s all they are ever going to be.”

It is completely shocking footage but shows clearly why this problem of abuse and persecution of women continues. In Houston it’s still the women that get arrested not the customers or the pimps. In the case of Smith (fancy) he was locked up for compelling prostitution of a minor. The girl in question was 15 years old. Smith denied knowing this. In the documentary his defence he thought she was 17.

If you have the stomach to watch it is a mind blowing and tragic in equal measure watch.

Disturbing but in a different way is Louis Theroux meeting and talking to extreme right wing political activist Nick Fuentes and friends who has garnered support of thousands of young men through his nightly 3 hour live stream where he presents political idealogy that has been compared to neo nazism.

He is described as a white supremacist and far right extremist and promotes a holocaust denial and praises Adolf Hitler describing him as “very fucking cool”

Louis gets inside one of his AFPAC America first political action conferences which attracted an audience of 2000 young men (no women) and many more listening to a live stream online.

There was some pretty shocking misogyny, ladies be warned. This guy thinks women aren’t smart enough to vote.

Louis Theroux has his work cut out with these people and doesn’t always get the better of them, triggering many participants he’s got to agree to talk to him, to get aggressive and throw him out when he asks the tough questions, they immediately know where he’s going and get very angry hurling abuse which doesn’t make the best TV.

It still an educational watch for anyone familiar with Andrew Tate and Tommy Robinson in the UK. Nick Fuentes is the same animal just on the other side of the Atlantic.

Whilst Nick Fuentes was careful with his adversary in Louis Theroux, enjoying the interest from a BBC journalist he says some very shocking things he believes “new age” or “new order” delivered always in humour which he relies on a lot to explain away his point of view. He believes controversially women only fit into three categories Mothers, Whores or Nuns.

I recommend you also watch Forbidden America, the new far Right.

As my mother used to say Louis Theroux documentaries will do way more than make your hair curl, blood boiling more likely but it’s good to know what’s happening out there to the young.

The Bridge Hotel in Prestbury Offering A Private Host In Grade II Exquisite Property

Swanky spot in Cheshire for a discerning Conte Naste Traveller

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-12-02T11:06:43.4800000 2025-12-04T11:21:12.7370000

I love my monthly Conde Nast Traveller magazine subscription and I am always curious to discover off the beaten track places I don’t already know about. When friends come around for dinner we are always sharing stories about who has been where and how good places were.

The Bridge At Prestbury goes above and beyond

Mark and I went to Prestbury a few months back and had lunch at a beautiful hotel slash pub I wanted to share.

It’s a big place with a very small boutique feel and the staff were so friendly, warm welcoming and fantastic they completely made the experience.

The building is beautiful and we sat outside where the heaters, blankets and gorgeous cushions made the whole experience really quite lux and intimate.

The cocktails were lush, they have a proper mixologist so you definitely get London vibes, dogs welcome which we loved, inside and out and the other guests were super stylish, quite posh really. It’s the kind of place you make an effort which was great to see, not stuffy in any way just good shoes and watches if you get my drift. Women who obviously love clothes, for us the people watching was pretty good.

The food was surprising inexpensive for the setting but no compromise on quality. We had burgers, not especially adventurous but the thick cut chips definitely deserved a mention, crispy on the outside, great colour and fluffy in the middle.

Ice water appeared on the table no charge as well as olives and nibbles with our cocktails which we thought was a lovely touch you usually only get in very high end places.

We didn’t spend the night this time but it’s definitely on the radar for a long weekend when the Hutch has to impress me.

The hotel has 24 lovely rooms, all uniquely decorated which look very inviting for the new year.

It’s a grade II listed building with luxurious sheets. Botanical products and roaring fires, decorated with antique furniture and sumptuous textiles. The pictures are incredible and the vibes when you step inside make you want to return for sure

Rooms start at £150 per night depending on availability and time of year. Dogs stay free and extra cots are charged at £20 per night.

Make sure you book direct instead of going through a travel site. The hotel want to reward your loyalty when they don’t have to pay a sales Commision by giving that back to you with a 10% discount.

Karen Carnie and Carlos Gu, Kaz would be the 1st professional footballer ever to lift the glitter ball Trophy

After Controversy for BBC Number One Show Can A None Dancer Win It? I Hope So

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-11-23T15:16:03.4970000 2025-11-23T17:28:08.2930000

When two strictly stars are arrested amidst rape allegations, one in August and then a second in October it does detract from the enjoyment of the show, especially as the names of the people arrested cannot be released for “legal reasons” Until someone is charged of a criminal offence the damage to their reputation would be immeasurable should this be released to the public prematurely.

The story has been picked up by every news and media outlet and the fervour and frenzy around this story is proving difficult to keep a lid on for the BBC with suggestions in the Daily Mail today that developing an “I can do anything culture” for TV celebrities and covering things up when the behaviour gets out of control eventually is going to blow up. And could bring down the whole of the BBC. On the one hand I think, What a travesty that would be and then on the other if the concept of the globally recognised “best in the world” media and entertainment outlet is completely fake and what we are all buying into is a load of rubbish where terrible behaviour is ignored and covered up because “that’s show biz” or “the show must go on” maybe it’s time the cards are on the table and the license payers can decide if they are supporting the corporation or not.

After you’ve pitched the BBC, your original concept is rejected and then you see it turn up on air, 6 months later with a different title you know the BBC aren’t as squeaky clean as they maybe make out, but the world of celebrity is a cut throat business, we all remember Kim Kardashian, former assistant and stylist to Paris Hilton, going their separate ways around February 2009 London Fashion week, when Paris likened Kim’s bottom to cottage cheese in a trash bag and Kim K’s Google searches started to overtake established celebrity Paris Hilton’s popularity numbers. They have since reconciled in 2020 doing a Skims photo shoot together.

When Claudia Winkleman and co host Tess Daly announced they were collectively stepping down from the top Saturday night show at the end of this years season 2025 alarm bells rang for me. Why???

I just didn’t buy the “looking forward to a lie in on a Saturday morning” line, sure Claudia Winkleman’s has got the hit show traitors but Tess didn’t even have another job lined up and honestly who would give up a pay deal rumoured to be around £400K a year for a three month a year gig when all the extras are added into the £150K presenting deal.

It’s just all a bit too much, teeth, **** and not so much truth and I am a big fan of the show particularly the routines and choreography.

Over the years the lines have been blurred between celebrity dancing and non dancing contestants. I guess if everyone is rubbish producers don’t have a show, but Leyton Williams partnered with Nikita Kushan two years ago was just a bit two good and then Lewis Cope this year is looking better than his celebrity partner Katya Jones, one of the most talented dancers in the professional line up, the show loses it’s competition fairness, made worse when the professionals are over compensating in the VT about how hard the celebrities have to work, and how much they are struggling to get routines correct.

They must think we were all born yesterday.

There have been a few season highlights for me for sure, the Diversity number last week was out of this world, Ashley Banjo and friends in a tribute to Moulin Rouge was magnificent. Balvinder and Jules in their couples choice, pure joy and even though Lewis Cope is a ringer no one could question the spectacular spectacular Halloween routine choreographed to Radioheads “Creep” performed with his pro dance partner Katya Jones.

If it’s going to be the last Strictly I’ve got my money on England footballer Kaz Carnie lifting the glitter ball with her pro partner Carlos Gu. If she manages it, she’ll be the first professional footballer in the shows 21 year history to win the title.

She opened her bid for the title with a whopping 31 on her score sheet, a magic Jive to Blondie’s One Way Or Another then she seemed to fade until Halloween week and her interpretation of the Peaky Blinders theme tune and her tribute to Birmingham with an Argentine tango convinced us all she was a real contender. And then O Fortuna by Carmina Burana is the chosen music for Carnie and Gu’s Pasa Doble in Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Shirley Ballas chimes in: “I've never seen a paso doble like that.” And “This was an absolute tour de force,” concluded Anton du Beke.

I was glued to my seat, I had chill bumps, I knew I wanted to write about it. I just couldn’t pick up my camera during. I wasn’t prepared to miss a moment of the 90 second performance. And then it missed the mark by one scoring 39.

The only sad part for me is once again Lewis and Katya topped the leader board with their very polished opening Charleston that pulled out Craig Revel Horwood’s 10 panel and secured them a perfect 40.

Once again the BBC had it all the wrong way around. La Voix out with injury, following Dani Dyer and soap star Stefan Dennis earlier in the season, it seems what could turn out to be what once was the hottest ticket in town is the hot potato no one wants to end up holding. It’s already been reported that 6 behind the scenes executives on the Strictly team have jumped amidst the scandals surrounding the show but haven’t as yet been named.

Dentek and Interprox teeth interdental brushes are number one of my 10 essential beauty tools

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-07-23T08:19:33.1530000 2025-07-23T08:58:37.7530000

My mother was a fan of Cliff Richard and Donny Osmond, she liked their teeth. And I remember her introducing me to flossing at a young age. It seemed very American to me, nobody in my class at school did it and then when Julia Roberts in Pretty woman came out and told the world “you need to take care of your gums” I felt like I was all of a sudden ahead of the beauty game.

I’ve been enjoying reading snoopers sharing there 10 essential beauty items and when I just emptied my supposedly minimised make up back, I have a lot of other beauty and make up products, not in the make up bag and counted 29 items I thought yikes this is harder than I thought.

So my criteria for my 10 most critical make up items are firstly the things I do use every day without fail and then the things I’ve had for ages I’d be absolutely gutted if I lost. Things that sure are replaceable but would never quite feel the same.

There are loads of different dental floss products and interdental brushes available but I like Dentek brushes and Interprox. The reason they don’t bend, they appear a bit sturdier than other brands and give a better result, a brush head works better for me than dental floss products. They come in different sizes and cost about 40p each. Not only are they one of the cheapest options but they are also the most eco friendly version of interdental brushes I have found, completely plant based, no plastic and vegan so cruelty free, all things I buy into.

Interprox do the same good job for me but are a bit more expensive and don’t have the same plant based credentials.

The other products on my list of essential beauty products are things I mostly had for ages and would be gutted if I lost. The first is a plastic hair clip, I don’t even know the brand but it is the most sturdy claw hair clip I have ever owned. Whilst so many have come and gone, the spring popping out or the plastic eventually snapping this one has lasted and lasted, I check it to see if it’s branded in anyway. If I lost it I’d be gutted. Along with the grotty, dirty, old pink wide tooth comb in the picture. It’s the perfect comb for my thick unruly hair a hairbrush won’t go through. I use it every day to get rid of tangles.

Next is my cheaper than cheap small magnifying mirror I keep close to hand for tricky jobs like eyeliner.

And my real techniques bronzer blusher brush. Again not expensive but brilliant. I use it every day, had it for years, doesn’t shed, washes well, the dream make up brush. Mine is size 003 and it works so well for me.

That’s 5 including my Denteks.

Number six has to be listerine but I am not brand specific. I like my mouth to feel fresh and clean and I use it everyday.

I don’t wear a lot of make up (I know I have 29 items in my make up bag) so my last four beauty essentials would be skincare.

Sonsie lip balm, Clarins Body Fit anti cellulite cream I am addicted to. I absolutely love the feeling when it goes on and it use it two to three times a week on my hips, stomach and thighs. Have no idea if it makes any difference what so ever but feels like it’s doing something. Two more, Optrex eyedrops and my acicolvir cream always on hand and absolutely essential whenever a coldsore appears, fortunately not too often but most likely for me when skiing or in any bright sunshine, so at the worst possible times when you most want to look your best, on holiday.

Eastern Promises an unexpected protagonist takes the Oscar for Best Actor 2007

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-05-26T10:11:10.7930000 2025-05-26T11:25:14.5830000

Gangster films are not really my thing but we had to find a compromise for the bank holiday last night and settled on Eastern Promises I’ll admit predominately because of the eye candy of Viggo Mortenson, French actor Vincent Cassel (ex husband of screen siren Monica Belluci) and Naomi Watts.

The film is a British Canadian collaboration from writer Steven Knight directed by David Cronenberg.

It is absolute power punch of a thriller and in the beginning there are a few extremely violent moments where the squeamish will have to look away. The opening scenes throw you straight in with violence many women will find hard to stomach, it reminded me of another gangster film I actually loved 13 where the thrilling action is interwoven with a powerful character driven script.

I do follow the academy awards and didn’t remember Viggo Mortensen winning the Oscar for best actor 2007. His performance as the driver, Nikolai to Russian mob family headed up by a very scary restaurant owner Seymon played by Armin Mueller Stahl is nothing short of mesmerizing as he transforms throughout the film from absolute villain to master manipulator to if someone’s got to be in charge of the mayhem you hope and pray it’s someone like him.

It left me thinking about the Viggo Mortensen character, the type of completely terrifying person hardened by life experience but a major twist in the middle of the film leaves us, the audience backing the villain as the good guy, mad I know, simply for the best moral outcome, whilst understanding our naivety that this shit actually goes on in real life.

The character Anna a midwife played by Naomi Watts is living the experience of what life might be like for any of us should our path cross with people like this, hardened criminals, murderers and men who will literally stop at nothing for sex, money and power.

The Vincent Cassel character Kirill is the psycho character even Mortensen’s steely demeanour and rock hard body, a mercenary “clean up” man, has trouble containing except for a glimpse into the psyche Achilles heel of a person I cannot reveal as again it would spoil the viewing experience.

A gripping thriller where the plot manoeuvres through to a surprisingly positive conclusion after numerous throats being garrotted, bodies decappitated and general terror tactics and men generally behaving badly.

I don’t want to give a spoiler here but there is the most gruelling graphic fight scene I have ever seen in the film "Eastern Promises," the star tattoos, particularly eight-pointed stars, hold significant meaning within the Vory V Zakone ("Thieves in Law") criminal brotherhood led by Seymon against their enemies the Chechens.

Ladies this one goes down as a picture for the guys but if you get through the first 10 minutes and close your eyes at a few gruesome bits you’ll find yourself engaged in possibly the most dramatic fight scene ever in film history as a naked Nikolai takes on two Chechen heavies in a London bath house.

Thrilling, completely exhausting and yet mesmerising watch for anyone looking for an eye opener experience and ring side seat into the world of international organised crime.

A few disturbing scenes where trafficked women are enslaved into a life of drug addiction, prostitution and violence opened my eyes to the plight so many women still face today.

It’ll be a tough watch with partners for men who engage their services in real life.

My advice if you enjoy a happy ending massage guys or more you might want to watch this one alone or with your mates, health warning, it might make you a bit sick.

Definitely not suitable for a young audience. I wouldn’t suggest anyone under the age of 15 or 16 watch this film.

Who Cut Nicole Kidmans Hair For The Met Gala?

Absolutely no one, it’s a rouse, a gas, a wig to keep us all talking

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-05-08T07:17:10.0030000 2025-05-09T09:03:22.2000000

Royalty Free image Nicole Kidman Hollywood Star Walk of Fame credit Dreamstime

Update

On Thursday 8th May, 2025 Nicole Kidman is back to her signature long locks at the Country Music Awards with musician husband Keith Urban in Texas.

On Monday evening, 5th May, 2025 Nicole Kidman stepped onto the red carpet at the Met Gala held at New York’s iconic landmark the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the world’s press went berserk.

It's an annual charity event that coincides with the opening of the Costume Institute's spring exhibition with the majority of the proceeds going towards the operations of the costume institute which I appreciate is an important self funded museum and historical catalogue and archive. I wrongly assumed until a few years ago all the stars turned out to feed starving children or something equally monumental charitable gravitas, not so.

Good lord. She’d cut all her hair off, those beautiful blonde tresses not easy to grow at 57 were gone replaced by dark roots and a boys pixie cut, chopped into the neck with precision. I have to say I shuddered. All she had left was a bit of a sweeping fringe. The interesting thing for me, from the side she kinda looks like it’s tied back in a pony tail as it was super sleeked back which made me wonder what made her do it?

Did they have to pin her down, drug her, a moment of temporary insanity or a marketing machine that made her doubt her own power.

The man responsible is Adir Abergal celebrity hairstylist and Angelino native who grew up close to Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The press went absolutely crazy. Every magazine featured the new do immediately from Vogue, In Style, Cosmopolitan, Elle, every blogger, Vlogger, and within hours Nicole’s hair was definitely the story of the night, ironically over shadowing the point, the vintage creation from Balenciaga chosen to showcase this years theme of Pinstripes and Tailoring. “Superfine, Tailoring Black Style”

The chop certainly caused a massive stir and debate, job done for Adir Abergal from Balenciaga’s super high profile ambassador who have not disclosed how much the deal from 2023 was worth.

In our house the discussions were very different than the oooos and ahhhhhs put out in the media. Blah, blah, blah. Isn’t she lovely, isn’t she wonderful.

Do you think she had a choice? How did they talk her into it?

Someone said “Keith Urban won’t be very happy.”

Someone else said “neither will she when she wakes up on Tuesday morning with no hair.”

Someone else said “she’s been blindsided, she didn’t need to do that to get the world’s media on her, she can do that all on her own, why do you think Balenciaga is paying the big bucks in the first place”

Some in the media suggested it might just be a clever wig. I thought oh I hope so when I read it and she’s got the last laugh. No such luck for Nicole.

Take it from someone who knows. All she’s got to face now is the grow out, a long and painful process anyone who has made the same mistake, going from long to super short in one shocking go will know, me included.

I love Nicole Kidman, I am a massive fan. I think she is possibly the most talented actress of our time, I just watched her in Nine Perfect Strangers where despite the star studded ensemble cast it is Nicole’s character, Marsha and her performance you remember like so many of her films.

Me, I don’t agree with the press or the critics, I thought the short do made her look old, and although her face is wrinkle free the cut exposed her age 57 years young by revealing upper arms, a neck and a back that can’t maintain the magic of the movies.

She was exposed and the slew of horrible comments online from the public said as much. It was a field day for the tabloids, with everyone chiming in with their opinion including me.

The reason I felt so compelled to share my thoughts on this is because I felt she had been bamboozled maybe a little to do something she wasn’t entirely sure about or keen to do, for one night. To give up her beautiful hair for the cause, Balenciaga marketing reach, that potentially will never grow back in the same way at her age. I thought about the scene in the Wolf of Wall Street where Leonardi Di Caprio subjects a female trader to her head being shaved in exchange for $10,000 as the floor erupts jeering and cheering at the humiliation.

We don’t know what Nicole Kidman’s contract to Balenciaga is worth and maybe cutting her hair was in it. Certainly in Hollywood there’s no such thing as a free lunch. For me it seems so wrong to make her “earn her keep” when she knows how to shine brighter than anyone anyway.

Of course she might have been the one to say “lets lop it all off” but I cannot see that myself.

Nicole is not a stranger to wearing a wig which I guess is a good thing as she’s going to need one for a while.

Ronnie O Sullivan Come and Play Snooker Again Soon Please

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-04-27T09:02:37.1800000 2025-04-27T09:03:33.8330000

There’s so much love here in our house for Ronnie O’ Sullivan.

Can Ronnie O’Sullivan do it? It’s the question on every snooker fan’s lips.

He’s the 7 times world snooker champion and an absolute legend here in Sheffield.

Even though he was born in Wordsley in the west midland and grew up in Chigwell in Essex where he still lives we always love seeing him and his dramatic return to World Championship level snooker has got the worlds eyes on our city and in what has been a depressing few years for not just Yorkshire but the whole of the north of England it’s so great to see the excitement return and people actually getting out and about socialising and chatting about life in ways we haven’t seen for ages.

Ronnie “The Rocket' O Sullivan is aiming to become the first man in this modern snooker era to win the championship eight times. His match with qualifier Pang, who is ranked 27th in the world, resumes today at 14:30pm . We have already cancelled lunch.

O'Sullivan won the closing five frames in his 10-4 cleanup over Ali Carter in the first round and sprinted into a 4-0 lead against Pang, helped along with a few decent breaks of 58, 91, 50 and 63.

I have to say as someone who grew up watching Pot Black I am super excited to see this return of the old guard with O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams all in contention for at least a quarter final if not the whole shabang.

Interestingly they all joined the professional tour in 1992, and 33 years later still formidable competitors on Sheffield’s grandest sporting stages.

We’ve got nine days to go of this championship. I’d be absolutely ecstatic to see Ronnie lift the trophy, he’s had a few really bad years and well I think he’s actually going to delight us and astonish us all.

One Bio Shop Helped Me Find What I Needed

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-04-01T10:27:58.0300000 2025-04-30T15:03:42.0900000

Would you buy from a company you’d never heard of after reading reviews rather than the easy option you already know is unethical?

And now ask yourself this question when you really really want something and you cannot find it anywhere. Yep I’ll admit it. My principles went out the window for a moment too.

I came across One Bio Shop an ethical and sustainable online pharmacy when I was searching to buy something essential for me my regular supplier was having trouble getting in stock because of shipping, port, Brexit issues in the Uk.

The only other place I could find what I was looking for was Amazon and I almost caved in. It’s really hard to stick to a boycott when they are the only people selling what you want.

I didn’t give up though. I carried on looking and found out about One Bio Shop, based in Europe; shipping globally. They seem like one of those European pharmacy havens where the glamour and service are as present as a hacking cough would be in the UK.

I found what I wanted easily, the price was competitive and fair. The only place where I had to pay more was for international shipping at £8.70 however if I’d got my order up above €99 euros this would have been free.

I have never shopped with One Bio Shop before. The reviews about customer service especially are 1st class. I even found an obscure review site in the USA which had about 40 independent reviews from all over the US all saying very positive things about The One Bio Shop so I went ahead and shopped.

The process was easy, the checkout quick and straightforward and I have already received a lovely confirmation email saying when to expect my product. They have said it’s going to take between 2 and 4 weeks which I know wouldn’t work for many.

I will await my order and fingers crossed it arrives without issue.

Looking at the order confirmation pop up in Italian I am presuming this is where they are based as the product I purchased is a hair care product also Made in Italy. It would make sense. It took me over an hour searching online all over the world to find this one supplier. I did find what I wanted in Ireland, a company in Tipperary unfortunately they wouldn’t ship to the UK for love nor money. I begged.

I think here in the UK as products from overseas get harder and harder to import we will have to find new companies we’ve never heard of before to help up source the things we love and buy from further a field, especially if you don’t want to give the likes of Amazon and their modern day workhouses any more money and support.

Fever Tree Mixers Mediterranean Tonic Water

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-03-17T10:51:00.0000000 2025-03-19T10:44:44.7870000

My favourite is the Mediterranean tonic. I love it in my gin.

It all started with the ginger ale in the US. I was on holiday, got a sickness bug and the hotel was providing me with ginger ale and ginger beer on tap to settle my stomach. It worked. The brand was Fever Tree. I later found out the British soft drinks brand entered the US market in 2007 and is the largest supplier of ginger beer and tonic water in America. A massive British export success story.

This was over 10 years ago and no joke now we choose our restaurants by whether or not they serve Fever Tree mixers.

I have tried most of the different tonics and I cannot describe how the Mediterranean tastes really, it’s distinctive, unforgettable and for me now makes other options so inferior I’d rather just have water instead.

Fever tree say when at least 3/4 of the drink is the mixer it needs to be good and they really have raised the bar when it comes to interesting tastes for a more discerning and sophisticated palette.

I keep a bottle of ginger ale in the house for medicinal reasons and these days it’s always fever tree:

500ml of ginger ale or Mediterranean tonic in the supermarket costs £2.25. A 200ml bottle single serving in the pub costs £2.50. You can get a case of 16 x 200ml Mediterranean tonic for £31.90 on Amazon whilst stocks last.

Laycuna Cashmere Socks From Brand Alley

Suzy Hutchinson

2025-01-01T12:19:04.5670000 2025-03-17T10:09:07.0300000

I used to be in TK Maxx a couple of times a week. I loved their accessories especially the lingerie and socks. I am partial to luxury versions of both, Pantherella made in UK cashmere socks at £50 plus per pair, Brora cashmere, possibly closer to £100, Johnston’s of Elgin, another brand I love out of my price range. I used to rummage and always find my cashmere socks in TK Maxx. Not anymore.

I’ve tried the White company, they are a bit cheaper but the reason is they are not so nice, a bit thin and more of an ankle sock than a pair you can wear with wellies or longer boots.

Last year we bought the John Lewis ribbed ones in the M/L larger size, cashmere socks will shrink a bit even when very carefully hand washed. They retailed for £35 but I waited until the 20% off and bought a load for gifts for £28.

These were a good deal, I’ve been wearing these all year. They are 3:4 in length, they came in a lot of colour choices, they were made in Italy and my big toe nail didn’t go through them in 12 months. This was a result.

This year I actually did better than the John Lewis ones. I purchased a pair of Laycuna 100% cashmere socks on Brand Alley, sort of the online equivalent of TK Maxx. It said the Laycuna socks were originally £89 on sale for £35.

I bought navy, red and grey (once again sorry no black) and these socks are super thick and luxurious. Like walking on very expensive carpet:

The quality of Laycuna socks is way better than the John Lewis equivalent, the only thing to note is the Laycuna socks did bobble after some intensive wear. A few weeks in wellingtons walking the dogs every day. I was able to pick all the bobbles off, hand wash them and bring them back to like new state beautifully. The only place I can see wear is on the heels where they are thinner. They were made in China compared to Italy for the John Lewis ones where the human rights record for garment workers is better.

When shopping for cashmere, I find it useful to know where the garment was made and by who because it’s easier to work out how good it’s going to be when you cannot feel the textile before making your purchase.

I am not sure if Laycuna London is an actual brand, I cannot find a website and social media pages go straight to brand alley so I am assuming this is something created by Brand Alley, a brand within a brand like TK Maxx used to do a lot: (to sort of fool consumers into thinking they are getting something cheaper because TK Maxx or Brand Alley have purchased in bulk direct from the brand.

That said the socks even if Brand Alley did produce them in China and then just called them Laycuna London for the purpose of selling them with the “discount” were still better quality for the price than anything else I could find.

Designer Exchange Birmingham

Suzy Hutchinson

2024-12-22T10:07:14.7030000 2024-12-22T10:57:24.2500000

I like to shop secondhand, I like to recycle and swap my luxury items, so I have been a customer of the Designer Exchange for a few years.

I’ve bought a few bags online and have sold a couple of things too and always had a good experience.

I went to Birmingham from Sheffield last week to look at a bag I was interested in for Christmas and take five items, a Louis Vuitton bag brand new I’d never used, a bag I bought from Designer Exchange and a couple of Hermes cuffs.

The way it works is you take your stuff for appraisal, then they give you two prices, one to swap in store and one for cash, obviously the cash offer is always lower than the store credit offer.

I was interested in the store credit as I’d got my eye on a new bag for Christmas, the reason I made the drive.

However what happened in store when I came back to do the deal put me off completely.

The lady in front of me being served got exceptional service. The staff couldn’t do enough for her, I assumed she’d spent a fortune and I just waited patiently, about 10 minutes until she said her goodbyes. Turned out she hadn’t spent a fortune, £400 they were just enjoying a chin wag.

When it was my turn the assistant who had been so lovely to the lady before couldn’t even make eye contact with me.

She definitely made me feel like the poor relation, so much so my reaction, I decided to take the goods I’d decided to swap for the bag back and not do the deal.

When I said I’d changed my mind and asked for my things back she didn’t say a word, she didn’t ask why, she just gave me my stuff back and I left.

I have shopped with the Designer Exchange three or four times in the past and I do like seeing what they have particularly in Bicester Village so this experience won’t put me off supporting them completely. Even though the shop is located in the most beautiful restored Victorian arcade which was worth seeing it’s a project not 100% complete yet, 50% of the shops are vacant so I probably will pass on the Birmingham store in future.

No customer wants to see some customers being treated better than them. I think being consistent and treating everyone the same is way better.

British Telecom Name Changer Game Changer

Suzy Hutchinson

2024-11-28T08:46:11.0330000 2024-11-28T08:50:14.4530000

I discovered yesterday British Telecom BT, yes the name that conjures up ideas like” the speaking clock” and the inventor of the telephone Alexander Graham Bell is changing its name.

You may not already know this in 2022 BT acquired mobile phone provider EE and the powers that be obviously believe a rebrand is required. Not sure when and how but British Telecom is set to disappear to make way for a newer fresher EE encompassing the whole of British Telecom.

So even with the first female CEO, Allison Kirby, appointed 2023 at the top, the brand name could not be saved?

It got me thinking why a long established brand name like British Telecom would want to change it’s name, reinvent itself and the only reason I could think of was consumers have a bad opinion of the company.

If everyone loved you and you were doing a smashing job, building your reputation and customer base, the last thing you’d want to do is change your name, your brand is everything.

It reminded me when Norwich Union had to do it amidst a pension scandal where loads of consumers lost their shirt and the investment company suddenly became Aviva overnight, in the hope of shaking off the negative PR and bad karma left behind.

It clearly happens across all sectors, it’s not that long ago Hermes, the shipping parcel delivery service in the UK changed to Evri, after becoming a laugh stock and water cooler talking point about how bad their service was.

I think is shows us all the thinking behind and inside big companies where the bottom line drives every decision and when they get to the point they have upset their customers so badly, the only thing left to do is change the company name and come back as something “different”

They must think we are all daft.

92 Degree Coffee shop Manchester

Suzy Hutchinson

2024-11-23T09:33:05.9870000 2024-11-23T09:50:39.5500000

It’s a nice coffee shop. Part of a chain. When I did a bit of research found out it was started by Jack Drewit in Liverpool. I’ve also been to the one in Birmingham. I was familiar with the brand already. They have 4 shops in Leeds, UK where I am originally from. I do like the one next to the University, 100 Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LE2.

The decor and branding certainly felt familiar but you don’t get the chain vibes of a Starbucks, Neros, or Costa.

Coffee lovers out there, can’t review the coffee, we had tea.

I walked up to the counter with £7 for two cups of tea and it wasn’t enough. I have to say I was a bit shocked.

Oh and they don’t take cash.

I did see a man come in behind me, ask for a double expresso, have it handed to him in a small cup nurse Ratchet style and knock it back in front of me, like taking a pill or a shot.

The funny part for me, he handed the small cup straight back and left.

Maybe this the testament to the coffee you need.

The in store experience was OK. The service made it feel like a chain instead of an independent but hey could have just been a bad day. I was there attending a business event so it was quite busy.

Brombles Tea Towels Handmade Hand Painted

Suzy Hutchinson

2024-11-12T16:43:40.7970000 2024-11-13T11:22:05.1470000

Exactly the kind of business I love to buy from.

The products at Brombles combine a fresh aesthetic, beautiful original art, a sense of community, all the bases, the plain towels and lampshades are made ethically by women in India or Thailand I don’t remember exactly where.

I loved the designs so much I asked, instead of the set of three the same, if it was possible to have three different ones.

A custom set and my wish was immediately accommodated. Try getting that at John Lewis.

The best thing of all is the function of the tea towels. Absolutely fantastic for glassware, loads of absorbency and look lovely too.

One took a real beating after being left too close to a hot hob, it did get a bit of a scorch mark, put it on a boil wash and came back almost like new. It’s a testament to the quality of the raw materials used.

The towels are not cheap at £11 each. I will purchase again. For me cheaper ones that don’t do a good job wind me up and I like the feeling of supporting someone working at what they love making things better. I love this company and beautiful products.

For anyone who appreciates very fine quality with quirky fresh modern design these are the most practical and cool of gifts.

Manchester Evening News

Suzy Hutchinson

2024-10-10T10:44:03.8470000 2024-10-10T13:10:29.8000000

I'm back snooping.

The Manchester Evening News are getting singled out here. It's not just them it's every paper. so this is more about the company behind the branded papers we recognise like the daily star, the daily express, Reach PLC. Where I live the evening paper the Sheffield Star is owned by a smaller publisher Sheffield Newspapers Ltd and they don't have the same headline presence online.

The kind of thing that absolutely drives me potty to the point I have stopped reading the paper or anything supposedly “news” related online.

I am even conscious now when I inadvertently see a headline, the internet and my iPhone know what I am interested in, it listens to me and watches everything I do, so AI and big bad algorithms try perpetually to show me things already planted to make me click.

I am so aware this is happening now whenever I go online, my location is switched off, I browse incognito, I’ve left Google behind in favour of Duck Duck Go and I have almost become an anti consumer after being shown beautiful photographs or horrible product and led up the garden path to shop for things in the past I didn’t really want or need.

That said this morning I was presented with this headline in the Manchester Evening News, probably because I am currently in the market for some Jo Malone perfume.

“Jo Malone fans snap up £21 bottles of perfume normally worth £118 for 100ml”

I do wonder what journalist Shawna Healey is feeling about writing attention grabbing headlines like this.

It worked on me.

When you read the rest of the article you are not getting 100ml of your favourite Jo Malone perfume for £21 instead of £118, you are getting 2 travel size perfumes 9ml each a total of 18ml for not £21 but actually £42. Talk about bait and switch.

I’d imagine this to be a paid piece for Jo Malone and lo and behold in very small print I did find a disclaimer on the article. paid advertising under the “News” section.

If you call yourself a journalist, for me the time has come to ask yourself what is the purpose of your work.

When the answer is clearly to mislead the consumer, the audience, for money it’s not really surprising newspapers are in trouble.

And if brands like Jo Malone are so desperate they are paying the Manchester Evening News for this kind of tricky paid promotion maybe the time has come for me to look for a smaller independent perfumer. Suggestions very welcome below, the Jo Malone I like is English Pear and Sweet Pea