Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare blog

Today I was invited to lunch by Linda Bennett, of LK Bennett clothing store fame, at The Walbrook Club, a stylish City of London dining club run by the equally stylish Lady Hayat Palumbo. Linda and I met at a recent Harper’s Bazaar magazine entrepreneur’s breakfast and have since kept in touch – most recently with a series of joint in-store events (see www.lkbennett.com for more details). The lunch was hosted by HRH The Countess of Wessex, who was there in her capacity as Patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity. Linda introduced me to the Countess, and she went on to tell her that "the Liz Earle skincare range is completely fabulous!" and said how much she – and her mum! – love using it. A really nice personal endorsement.  I knew a little bit about the Duke of Edinburgh Award as my eldest has just completed her silver award, so I was aware of some of the rigours involved, which include orienteering, hiking, camping and survival skills as well as a significant amount of service within the community. What I hadn’t appreciated is how fantastic this charity is at training and empowering disadvantaged young people all around Britain (and worldwide too). Two inspiring and brave young women spoke after the lunch about their own personal experiences. Both teenage single mothers, thrown out of school, developing serious drink and drug problems which led to spending much of their time on the streets. They talked about their life-changing experiences of completing their bronze and silver awards -accompanied by their offspring! Both girls did their first hike pushing their babies in buggies and struggling through ditches and over stiles, later completing their silver awards with their toddlers strapped to their backs. They spoke movingly about how the D of E, as its affectionately known, gave them a real sense of self-worth and achievement, as well as practical skills. Both girls are now off drink and drugs, lead other groups of single teenage mums on similar expeditions and have found it easier to re-integrate back into society as a result. I was very impressed by the work of this organisation and how it can transform the lives of so many young people in need. To find out more, log on to www.theaward.org.

On my way home I stopped in at our London store where our dynamic retail display duo Linda and Hayley were busy organising the first of our Christmas displays. Our stylish new boxes with their silk ribbons really do look spectacular – the quality is the best I’ve seen. I especially love the peachy bronze special boxed edition of our famous Cleanse & Polish, also tied with matching silk ribbon and tag. No Christmas stocking is going to be complete without one, but hurry, I have a feeling this is one special item that may well sell out early. I also love our brand new Vital Oils collections (UK), (USA) in chic white zip-up holders and will be stocking up on my personal favourite (Comfort) candles with matching bath oils – the perfect present to bring a little festive cheer for the season ahead.