Are you a bunny-lover? We sure are...

Naturally, we are completely against animal testing.  Of any kind.  Ever. And we're long-term supporters of the BUAV.  But bunnies, mice, guinea pigs and (yes, even) rats now need your help, please.
     Though there have been major victories in the campaign against animal testing in the EU, a 'marketing' ban due to come into force in March 2013 - which would prevent the sale of new, cruelly-tested cosmetics in the EU - is now at risk.  In other words, non-EU cosmetics sold here could still have involved three types of animal tests.
     So:  will you join us and add your signatures to the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments' petition (ECEAE), to ensure this doesn't happen?
     Pretty please...?

No Cruel Cosmetics petition here.

Call all Liz Earle Naturally Activists...

Look outside the window:  green everywhere.  Look at the Liz Earle Naturally Active site:  green there, too.  We wanted to alert you to their website's new 'Green Pages' - and give a pat on the back to Liz and her team for their sustainability initiatives, which you can keep track of here.

     You can check out everything from 'bee news' (about the beehive at The Green House, the company's Isle of Wight HQ) to their wildlife woodland, and the company's FSC-certified paper policy, from their Environmental Advisor, Geoff Day.  You can even tread a little more lightly on the planet by reading an on-line version of the latest 'botanically active' newsletter, with its list of eco things that the team at Liz Earle loves - from e-cloths to Liz's own favourite spring-cleansing juice recipe.

     Naturally, it's delicious.

For Liz Earle Green Pages, click here.

     

A portrait of luxury

As you've probably sussed by now, we're bonkers about beautiful bathrooms.  A bathroom is the sanctuary where you can lock the door, run the taps and truly r-e-l-a-x.  So we had to share this - from Rue magazine (a new American lifestyle mag we're enjoying), with its so-clever solution for keeping prying eyes at bay.  Perfect, we think, for a ground-floor/basement bathroom.  (Just add good lighting, so that you can apply your powders and paints impeccably.)

Become a Water Warrior

From tomorrow, it's Earth Month.  But at Aveda, it's really Water Month, because this year their planet-saving initiative is to raise money to help some of the world's poorest communities to access clean water and sanitation - especially in Nepal and Ethiopia - through WaterAid.

     And next Monday - 4th April - Aveda has organised a Walk for Water along London's South Bank:  a five-mile walk that's equivalent to the long walk that many women and children in developing countries face every single day, to collect water.

     Meet at 2 p.m. outside City Hall (registration is from 2.15 p.m., and the walk starts at 3 p.m.)  Could there be a more worthwhile way to spend a spring afternoon...?  Meanwhile, there are other fund-raising initiatives being organised by Aveda salon and counter staff around the country - simply click here to find your nearest.

     All budding 'Water Warriors' (as Aveda puts it) can watch WaterAid's moving video by clicking here.  Just be warned:  it may have you in floods.

An evening with Ormonde Jayne

Writers have noms de plume.  So is the name that a perfumer hides behind a nom de flacon...?  Well, what we do know is that one of our most esteemed British perfumers - Linda Pilkington (a.k.a. Ormonde Jayne) - is hosting a soirée from 6 p.m. on Wednesday 30th March at her jewel-like Chelsea flagship store.
     It's to celebrate Mother's Day. And Ormonde Jayne's wonderful Osmanthus perfume: it's a dead cert most mothers would love this, with its fruity white flowers.  Personally, we're lusting after the triple-milled Osmanthus soap, which debuts on the evening.
     Tickets are £15, redeemable against any purchases made on 30th March, and you'll receive a gorgeous Osmanthus goody bag and refreshments.  (To book, call Monica on 0207-730 1381.)  And of course, the lovely and knowledgeable Linda will be delighted to answer any perfume questions, after the talk.
     Just remember not to call her Jayne...

Ormonde Jayne, Pavilion Road, London SW1 (just around the corner from The White Company)

We're coming to Dublin this Wednesday

Our whirlwind tour for The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible brings us to Dublin this Wednesday evening (30th March) - and we'd love, love, love to meet our Irish readers at a special event hosted by Arnotts.
     We'll be 'in conversation' with make-up maestro Leonard Daly (well-known to the beauties of Dublin) in the Arnotts Beauty Hall, sharing the secrets of growing old gorgeously.  What's more, everyone who attends on the day/evening will be in with a chance to win 10 top Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible award-winning products, courtesy of the store - everything from Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup to Clinique High Impact Mascara, Clarins Beauty Flash Balm to Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator, and more.  (We are slightly gutted that we are not allowed to enter ourselves...!)
     Sessions are at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. - and yes:  we'll have our book-signing pens with us.  Really hope you can make it.

Arnotts, Henry Street, Dublin 1
www.arnotts.ie

Not your mother's cardie

There are 'little old lady' cardies.  And then there are Edina Ronay cardies.  So, to continue this week's celebration of Foldies - Fabulous Older Women - we bring you news of the Edina Ronay's summer collection: gorgeous, wearable, wantable lacy hand-knits in linen, silk or silk/cashmere mixes and - here - in a style that's long enough to cover a multitude of tummy sins and won't ride up above your Spanx.  (Important, that.)
     We're thrilled that the enduringly beauteous Edina (whose clothes we have loved since we were twentysomething) is back in business and love the website.  So much so that Jo's been quoted as saying:  'Possibly the best news I've heard for 2011, Edina. I might finally be able to find something to wear...'
    

www.edinaronay.com