This week we’ve gone au naturel with Rebecca Goodyear, founder of Biteable Beauty, a blog dedicated to natural and organic beauty, health and wellbeing…
Tell us, how long have you lived in London? Where and why?
I’ve lived in London since 1998, I came for university (I studied Music at City University) and first lived in halls of residence located between Old Street and Barbican. This was an AMAZING place to live, growing up as a student and discovering London. Most of my early twenties was spent living in East London, I lived in Hoxton before it was too cool and saw it change whilst I was there.
I sought a slightly more peaceful life in my late twenties and moved to South End Green by Hampstead. Hampstead Heath was my garden, I know the heath like the back of my hand. Now, I live in Dartmouth Park, just five minutes drive from the other side of the heath. I love our flat and location. It’s really homely and we have a garden, I can be in central London in about 20 minutes, and I am spoilt for choice of places to walk my dog Mimi – as well as the heath there’s Waterlow Park, Highgate Woods, Queens Wood and Coldfall Woods all not too far away!
You’re blog has quite the rep, what made you start it?
My other half, Charlie, said to me one day “you should set up a blog and share everything you know about natural beauty.” I decided that was a good idea, plus it would help further my knowledge in the subject as well as build my profile in the industry. Charlie very kindly set me up my blog and the rest is history. I love writing and feel my blog has improved greatly from when I started out. It’s not just about the writing, but the images, the interactions, the researching. If I could blog all day I would!
You obviously know your natural beauty products? What can’t you live without?
I have several secrets in my beauty cabinet! My can’t live without products include – Spa Fabulous Bliss Cleanser and Little Pot of Heaven, Antipodes Joyous Night Replenishing Serum and Avocado Pear Night Cream, and Organic Natralox Anti-Wrinkle Cream which I use around my eyes. A recent discovery of mine is Kris D’Amour’s Rejuvenating Treatment Butter for the body – I love the jasmine fragrance of it and it just melts into the skin.
What about spas? Which ones are your favourite in London?
My favourite spas and salons in London include – Dolphin Square Spa, the Moroccan Majorelle is an excellent treatment, and I love the Argan Facial there; Ayurveda Pura – go for the Shirodhara if you want some serious relaxation and head clearance. The Ayuvredic massage is superb too; Appuru Salon – I love Pinks Boutique and Voya products used there, and the Bodhi massage oils (as well as the massage!) are divine!
Sounds BLISS to us! Finally what would you perfect day in London be?
I love living in London and what excites me the most about it is that there are so many activities to do – one can never get bored! I believe variety is the spice of life but I guess my ideal day would run something like this…. A brisk morning stroll on Hampstead Heath with Charlie and Mimi followed by a hearty breakfast. Either a full English or Eggs Benedict. Both Charlie and I love to cook, but on the occasion we do go out to munch breakfast I love local eats Dominique’s in South End Green and Bread & Bean in Archway.
Next, I love hitting Borough Market to shop for ingredients for our evening meal – there’s an array of fresh produce – meats, cheese, veg, as well as a superb selection of spices and condiments. We never leave empty handed, and we always sample whatever’s on offer! Whilst in Borough, I like to pay a visit to Floatworks for a floatation tank. For those who haven’t experienced a float, you lay in a tank with two tonnes of epsom salts in warm water for an hour in the dark. It’s extremely restorative for the body and as long as you let the event take you away and go with the flow it can be really clearing for the mind!
For lunch I’d hit up The Wolseley, before heading to a museum or gallery. My favourites include The Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the V&A, and I love the Tate Modern and Photography Gallery when it comes to art. Late afternoon I imagine a stroll around either Portobello Road or Camden Market, stopping for a coffee and cake at CoffeePlant or The Coffee Jar.
Early evening and another walk with Mimi, on the heath or possibly Queens or Highgate Wood before stopping for a drink at one of our locals, either The Star or St John’s Tavern. The Star does a mean roast, and St John’s Tavern is an amazing food experience – a great selection of food in a fabulous building.
Sounds like a busy, busy day to us! You’ll be needing to check out them spas…Want to read more from Rebecca? Hit up her blog Biteable Beauty.