Be A Happier & Healthier You in 2018!

Nostalgia is romantic, but it can be ultimately futile, especially when it involves judgement of some of the best things about modern life. Social media, smartphones, ubiquitous connectivity; we often read harsh criticisms of these phenomena on Facebook, yet they enrich our lives in many ways, helping us stay informed, keeping us connected, and helping us out in emergency situations. Rather than lament over the loss of the technology-free life, why not choose a balance of both? It is much the same with the materialism vs spiritualism argument; it is possible to shop for your favourite bikini yet head for a beach paradise to hone your spirituality; in fact, this apparent dichotomy is exactly what modern spiritualism must embrace, or it will risk being just another part of nostalgic rumination!

It’s All in the Details.

 

You don’t have to give up your beach holiday, forget about fashion, or stop going to nightclubs to deepen your spirituality. There are many small steps you can take in your daily life to be a more spiritual person; science indicates this is definitely a worthy pursuit. Studies have shown that people who are more spiritual, are generally happier. In part, this is owing to community support, and in part from the tranquillity that comes from knowing that there is something greater than ourselves, that connects us with all other human beings. Spending just a little time in nature enhances ourspirituality, since sitting quietly on the seashore or contemplating a lush landscape instils a mindful state in which we are content to just ‘be’ in the present moment. 

In silence, we can listen to the thoughts and emotions that are often suppressed in our day to day lives, and look to nature to find the perfection and harmony that can so often be lacking in urban life.

There are many other small ways you can enter a reflective state of mind, which is conducive to spirituality; these include reading philosophical books, practicing yoga (which, like nature, is a powerful mindfulness-based activity) and meditation (which also keeps the mind ‘in the now’).

Champion of the Coastline

                                                   A Holiday by The Sea.

 When choosing your next holiday, you can also make spirituality a focus. Think of going on a beach yoga retreat, or head to a jungle paradise where you can discover a plethora of exotic plants and animals. Try to include relaxation, healing activities in your agenda, including therapies such as Reiki, massage, meditation. 

Make nutrition a focus too, opting for whole instead of processed and fast foods. 

Barefoot Sandals

Being more spiritual involves small changes, such as spending more time in the Great Outdoors. It also involves big decisions, such as taking a holiday to the seaside in lieu of opting for a city break. The toasty sands of the beach of your choice will offer you the perfect chance to show off your best bikini and kaftan. 

However, you can also work on your rich inner life, which is easily as beautiful and intricate as the most stunning natural sights you will encounter on your trip.

Article written for Sandstorm Swim Beach Resort by: Sally Keys - Content Manager - https://backpackerverse.com/awaken-spirituality-reconnect/

ss2018 Will Be #Bikinilicous

2018 Is All About The Cut!

Cut-out, high legs and flashing the flash.

2018 is sure to be the year of body confidence and strutting your stuff.  
The bikinis and swimwear will ensure women are comfortable with their bodies and curves. Every woman, no matter what age or size, will find what she is looking for in the ss2018 collections. 

Check out some of Sandstorm's offerings for inspiration.

Mismatched Bikinis

If the cut out look is not your thing, don't worry, you can still be a swimwear shopaholic! Let your creativity run free and mix every print and style with each other. Why not put high waist or string bikini bottoms with a crop or triangle bikini top.

There are no fixed rules!

Let us show you how you can mix and match your own style your own way and inject your personality into some poolside and beach side glamour:

Bralet Bikinis

In 2018 crop tops will be a hot fashion essential.  Take that on trend look straight to the beach with a bralet bikini top. It will be the cutest thing you'll have in your summer wardrobe. This bikini is so versatile, you'll be able to take your look straight from the beach to the club by adding a lace cover or a pair of denim shorts.

All the looks featured in this post visit: www.sandstormluxury.com

Top 10 Health Benefits of Coconut Water!

For centuries, people from tropical regions have known about the amazing health benefits of tender coconut water, which comes from young green coconuts.

It is a delicious and refreshing low-calorie natural beverage. Tender coconut water contains more nutrients than mature coconut water.

It’s packed with antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

The micronutrients in coconut water help boost the immune system. Plus, the plant hormones called cytokinins in this health drink exhibit anti-aging, antithrombotic and anticancer effects.

To reap the maximum health benefits, opt for fresh and pure coconut water over the bottled version. You can drink a few cups of coconut water a day or add it to your smoothie recipes.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of coconut water.

1. Rehydrates the Body

Coconut water is an excellent thirst quencher to beat tropical summer thirst. Because of its electrolyte composition, coconut water is also used to rehydrate the body in case of dehydration and fluid loss due to diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating. A good source of carbohydrates, it also helps lift your energy level.

Research suggests that coconut water can be used to rehydrate the body after exercise. In fact, a 2012 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that coconut water has a similar positive effect as sports drinks.

In addition to boosting rehydration, coconut water is also easy on the stomach and thus is used to soothe tummy troubles like indigestion, acid reflux and gastroenteritis.

2. Lowers Blood Pressure

Coconut water is considered good for controlling high blood pressure, thanks to its vitamin C, potassium and magnesium content. Potassium, in particular, helps lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of sodium.

A study published in the West Indian Medical Journal in 2005 also found that coconut water helps control hypertension.

To help reduce high blood pressure, drink a cup of fresh coconut water twice a day. Bottled coconut water, however, may not be very beneficial as may be high in sodium.

3. Heart Tonic

Cholesterol- and fat-free tender coconut water offers cardio protective benefits. It helps lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or the ‘bad’ cholesterol) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or the ‘good’ cholesterol) levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, both tender as well as mature coconut water have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism to counteract increased total cholesterol, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), LDL and triglycerides.

Plus, coconut water has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti platelet properties and helps improve circulation. Thus, it helps reduce plaque formation in the arteries and lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

4. Relieves Hangovers 

Coconut water is also a great natural remedy for hangovers. Alcohol robs your body of hydration and this dehydration causes your morning-after booze blues. Coconut water replenishes the electrolytes in the body and boosts hydration, thus making you feel better.

Also, the antioxidants in this revitalizing health drink fight oxidative stress caused by indulging in too much alcohol. It will also help settle an acid stomach.

You can make a smoothie by blending 2 cups each of unsweetened coconut water and ripe mangoes, 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 fresh mint sprigs and ½ cup of ice.

5. Promotes Weight Loss

Coconut water is an ideal drink for weight loss. It is low in calories and easy on the stomach. In fact, this light and refreshing drink contains various bioactive enzymes that aid digestion and boost fat metabolism.

Plus, coconut water is rich in potassium, which helps balance out sodium. Excess sodium in the body tends to cause water retention, contributing to water weight. Thus, coconut water helps flush out excess water as well as toxins from your body.

You can drink an 8-ounce glass of this health drink 3 or 4 times a week to facilitate weight loss. Do not drink coconut water in excess as eventually it may add more calories than you want.

6. Treats Headaches

Most headaches, even migraines, are triggered by dehydration. In such cases, coconut water can be of great help in supplying electrolytes to the body and boosting hydration.

Coconut water is also rich in magnesium. People who suffer from migraines often have low levels of magnesium. Studies also suggest that magnesium can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

7. Balances pH Levels

Stress, toxic load and a diet high in acid-forming foods, such as processed fast foods, often contribute to acidic pH levels that cause low energy and reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals.

Plus, an acidic pH contributes to problems like stressed liver function, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and immune deficiency.

Coconut water has an alkalizing effect that helps restore a healthy pH in the body. It also helps alkalize the acidic pH levels caused by acidity and heartburn.

8. Regulates Blood Sugar

Coconut water contains amino acids and dietary fiber that help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.

It also helps with common issues faced by people who have diabetes. It helps manage your weight. As it helps improve circulation, coconut water is also good for reducing symptoms like numbness in feet and a tendency to develop atherosclerosis.

A 2012 study published in the journal Food and Function studied the therapeutic effects of mature coconut water and found that it helped decrease blood glucose levels and oxidative stress.

9. Natural Diuretic

Coconut water acts as a natural diuretic. Thus, it promotes urine production and flow, cleansing your body of toxins. It also helps prevent problems like urinary tract infections.

Due to its high potassium content, coconut water helps alkalize urine and dissolves certain types of kidney stones to eventually flush them out of the body.

To increase its effectiveness, add a pinch of sea salt to a cup of coconut water and drink it once or twice a day. In addition to its diuretic properties, coconut water has antibacterial properties that help fight bladder infections.

10. Slows Down Aging

Coconut water contains cytokinins that have anti-aging effects on cells and tissues. This reduces the risk of developing degenerative and age-related diseases.

Refreshing and clear green coconut water also nourishes and hydrates your skin to keep it soft and smooth. In addition to drinking coconut water, you can mix sufficient coconut water with 2 teaspoons of sandalwood powder to make a paste, apply it on your skin and rinse it off when it dries completely to maintain younger-looking skin.

Warnings

Do not drink coconut water if your kidneys do not function properly and you have high potassium levels. Coconut water may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

It may cause bloating and mild stomach upset in some people.

Do not drink coconut water for at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery as it may interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery.

People with kidney dysfunction should consult their doctor before including coconut water in their health regimen.

Resources:

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/top-10-health-benefits-coconut-water.html

New Designs!

All to be revealed in September!

We've been working on an amazing new idea which brings together elements of fantasy, fiction and reality.

How does the saying go ...... life imitating art or is it art imitating life!

Exciting times ahead!

Working with illustrator Chrissy Vale in secret in Devon! The model has been chosen and so has our secret assignment.

Move over super models - here come the the 'real' girls - The ladies of Totnes WI!

Move over super models here come the ‘real’ girls!  The women of the Totnes branch of the Women’sInstitute (WI)!

The ladies from the Totnes WI were offered the chance to become swimwear models for the day by UK Swim and Beachwear Designers SandstormLuxury.  12 members took up the challenge and the opportunity to experience something new and therefore embrace the WI’s ethos of empowerment of women.

 

The group along with a young and up and coming film-maker Henry Vinten who is also a local Totnesian descended on the beautiful grounds of Sharpham Trust Estate in South Devon at the end of October to create a thought provoking and beautiful set of images and short documentary film for a campaign called ‘inVisible’.

With no botox between them and literally hundreds of years in age between them, the women stripped off to prove ladies of a certain age are not invisible, that age is but a state of mind and that all women’s bodies should be celebrated.

Lili John, Creative Director for Sandstorm and Events Co-ordinator for Totnes WI said “when we came up the ‘inVisible’ campaign concept earlier this year we carefully thought about how we could inspire women of all ages to be themselves and celebrate their bodies.

 This is something we believe passionately in to the point that we are financially investing in research into this area via an MA programme.  It is refreshing to see that in a celebrity obsessed culture, women want to make a point of keeping things real and we totally support this trend. At Sandstorm we believe we should all stop, think and take note of who and what is important in our society”.

Kate Taylor – President of the Totnes WI branch said “most women have some body issues so to do something like this photo shoot is refreshing and it can help women get over their body issues”.

A short film has been produced to accompany the images from the photo shoot. Take a look at ‘inVisible’ which is a thought provoking 4 minute documentary. It gives an insight into the thoughts, feelings and motivation of everyone who contributed to the event.

Additional contributors (click on their links for more information):

BeauBronz

TresorParis

Miss Beaujangles of Totnes 

If you would like further information about the inVisible campaign please contact: Lili@SandstormLuxury.com - Tel: 0843 523 6283

Models Rikaya & Elesha support our #EmpoweringWomen Swimwear Campaign

Rikaya Tagoe (left) and Elesha Turner (right) image by Chris Leishman

At Sandstorm Luxury we’re delighted that International Models Rikaya Tagoe and Elesha Turner have decided to support our #SoSandstorm#Empoweringwomen swimwear campaign. 

It’s so refreshing for us to see models from all backgrounds support such a great campaign. Our 2015 models are real women with real lives!

Both Rikaya and Elesha are International Fashion Models who work on campaigns across the world. Both girls have worked on incredible projects to include:

Featuring in music videos, cat-walking at London fashion week and cat-walking at New York fashion week and fronting major advertising campaigns for well known brands. 

To purchase Rikaya's swimsuit click HERE!

Rikaya Tagoe is 25 and she lives and works between London, Liverpool and LA. She is a graduate in Child Psychology and has literally travelled the world as a Commercial and Fashion model and worked on incredible projects. 

 

Elesha Turner is 20 and is a fairly new model to the fashion industry and she is a model for www.ModelsOfDiversity.org. This young woman has taken the fashion world by storm and has shown true grit and determination in the face of adversity. Elesha was diagnosed with cancer in her leg in 2014 but we are very happy to say that since her surgery and treatment she has bounced back to health and is showing everyone that nothing is going to hold her back.

Images are credited to: LeishmanDesign.co.uk and www.TimLos.com - copying without prior written permission of the originators is strictly prohibited.  

For further information on the swimwear and the #SoSandstorm #EmpoweringWomen campaign please contact: enquiries@SandstormLuxury.com

UK Premier Swimwear Company launches an Empowering Women Marketing Campaign!

We delighted to announce that as one of UK's premier online luxury and designer swimwear businesses we have launched a ground breaking swimwear campaign for 2015 which is all about empowering women!

In essence the campaign is about women empowering women to be themselves and to love the skin they are in. It is our opinion that there is no need for the main stream fashion industry and household names to continue trying to fool consumers into believing airbrushed images of super skinny girls are reality. Sandstorm believe real women leading real lives need to be represented in fashion, women come in all shapes and sizes and should therefore be represented fairly.

www.SandstormLuxury.com believe Real women want to buy from companies who represent real women! Lili John spoken woman for Sandstorm said 'we sent out a request via social media last year and conducted a casting in search for several engaging models who we felt represented us and what we stand for. We were overwhelmed with response and so decided to work with 20 models (13 are featured in the image) who encapsulated our brand ethos. The ladies came along to a photo shoot and were all individually fitted with items which are available to purchase from our 2015 collection. We are also delighted to join forces with the Models of Diversity agency on our 2015 swimwear campaign and several of the models feature in our new images. 
Click out the video to meet the models and see an array of beautiful swimwear suitable for all body types:

To find out more about the #SoSandstorm #EmpoweringWomen swimwear campaign contact Sandstorm at: enquiries@sandstormluxury.com Visit the website www.SandstormLuxury.com to meet the #SoSandstorm models. 

South Devon Beauties show off their tropical side at a festive charity swimwear shoot with www.SandstormLuxury.com

As the weather becomes more wintry and it becomes ever more chilly, temperatures remained tropical for some South Devon Beauties as they posed for a charity Christmas photo shoot with South Devon based and internationally renowned swimwear company Sandstorm Luxury Swimwear who are based in Totnes.

The swimwear models are from left to right:

Caitlin Milligan who is from Paignton and is Miss Devon Sportswoman 2014

Harriet Shapter who is from Torquay and is Miss Genting Casino and Miss Somerset 2014

Candice Peachey who is from Exeter and is Miss Supermodel of the world – England 2014

Paige O’Reilly who is from Plymouth and is Miss Eco Devon 2014

Emma-Lea Thorpe who is from Paignton and is Miss Top Model Devon 2014

The reason for donning the swimwear was to promote the fact the company is donating 10% of their takings on the featured items to the Gynaecological Cancer Charity, The Eve Appeal during the months of December 2014 and January 2015.

The Eve Appeal is a registered charity, formed in 2002.  Since then, they have worked hard to raise money to fund the world-class research programme at the Department of Women's Cancer based at University College London (UCL).

Lily John spokeswoman for Sandstorm Luxury said ‘this past year we have been delighted to support and promote the work of the Eve Appeal Cancer Charity. The Eve Appeal is heavily involved in the research of women’s cancers and with the support of families who are going through personal trauma due to the dreadful illness.  With the assistance of these lovely young women and others from Devon in the past year we have help to raise thousands of pounds for the charity. For example, Caitlin Milligan, Miss Devon Sportswoman did a skydive and generated £500 for the charity and others did bucket collections at local stores, held cocktail evenings and so on’.  Ms John went to say, ‘to finish off the year we thought it would be fitting to complete a festive bikini photo shoot which in turn will highlight the charity one more time via ourselves in 2014. 10% of all revenue raised via the sale of the items featured in this campaign will go to the Eve Appeal for them to distribute the monies as appropriate. The items can be purchased via our website’.

For further information about the Sandstorm – Eve Appeal campaign please contact Sandstorm on 01803 864207 or email: lili@sandstormluxury.com 

The swimwear can be purchased via: www.SandstormLuxury.com

PHOTO CREDIT:  Kevin Hicks