Welcome to my journal, a place to share old favourites and new discoveries

One of the most interesting elements of my work is being able to chat with many different women from all walks of life, each with their stories to tell.
As any Stylist/Therapist worth their salt knows, some tales from the chair and treatment room are strictly confidential but the snippets of our conversations that can be shared will be found within these pages.
Tips and recommendations on all of the best products and places worth knowing, brands to bookmark, gifting ideas and anything else that I think you might find interesting.
As well as hair, skin and wellness, I have a keen interest in UK travel and escaping London for the calm of the countryside and coast, so expect plenty of content surrounding these topics, as well as a good dose of support for the local and smaller indie businesses out there doing great things!
Make yourself a cuppa and settle down for a read . . .

Helen Ray 3/13/22 Helen Ray 3/13/22

Sparkly Days

When was the last time you spent a day off, filled only with the things that spark joy?

Not the mundane tasks and chores of life admin but the things that genuinely fill your heart with a feeling of deep contentment.

Helen Ray 3/13/22 Helen Ray 3/13/22

Bag Lady

I have merch!

I’ve wanted to have some tote bags made for a really long time and so I am pleased to finally launch these babies in a limited run!

Helen Ray 2/25/22 Helen Ray 2/25/22

Tales From The Chair- February

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 1/31/22 Helen Ray 1/31/22

Tales From The Chair-Jan

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 12/31/21 Helen Ray 12/31/21

Tales From The Chair- December

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 12/31/21 Helen Ray 12/31/21

A Winter Stay In Whitstable

I adore Whitstable. It’s easily my favourite seaside escape from London.

We recently stayed out of season and it was heaven.

No crowds, no queues, just all of the best bits all to ourselves, perfection.

Helen Ray 12/14/21 Helen Ray 12/14/21

A Hut In The Hills

A long overdue blog post from a long overdue trip.

Back in October we escaped London for the serenity of the Surrey Hills, to stay in a Shepherds hut on the site of The Merry Harriers, a historic English inn.

Helen Ray 12/1/21 Helen Ray 12/1/21

Tales From The Chair - November

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 11/21/21 Helen Ray 11/21/21

Festive Gift Guide 2021

Here it is, my annual Festive Gift Guide. I hope you enjoy having a snoop through my selection and discover some nice new brands, retailers and products along the way.

Happy Shopping!

Helen Ray 11/1/21 Helen Ray 11/1/21

Tales From The Chair - October

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 9/29/21 Helen Ray 9/29/21

Tales From The Chair -September

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 8/6/21 Helen Ray 8/6/21

Tales From The Chair- August

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 8/6/21 Helen Ray 8/6/21

Reasons To Consider Making A Holistic Facial Part Of Your Regular Routine

Working as both a Hair Artist AND a Holistic Facialist puts me in rather a unique position to be able to take care of both my clients’ hair AND skin.

I’ve noticed a real difference between the way people view and value each of these services.

Helen Ray 7/30/21 Helen Ray 7/30/21

Tales From The Chair - July

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 7/22/21 Helen Ray 7/22/21

A Stay at The Bath Arms Inn

The Bath Arms Inn is one of the prettiest pubs I have ever laid eyes on.

A traditional country inn with a laid back vibe, great food, and comfortable rooms.

Helen Ray 7/13/21 Helen Ray 7/13/21

Roaming wild at Cragside

The Cragside estate can be found just outside of Rothbury in rural Northumberland.

Helen Ray 6/10/21 Helen Ray 6/10/21

Tales from the Chair -June

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 6/9/21 Helen Ray 6/9/21

Weekending in Whitstable

Whitstable is one of my all time favourite coastal towns and I can’t tell you how much joy it brought to escape here for a night over the recent bank holiday weekend.

Helen Ray 5/31/21 Helen Ray 5/31/21

Tales From The Chair - May

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

Helen Ray 4/23/21 Helen Ray 4/23/21

From Little Acorns ..

Earlier this week it was Earth Day and the week before that, International Plant Appreciation Day.

Where possible I try to use my own photographs, these may not be copied or used without credit.

I occasionally use images, photographs and logos which are not mine when recommending a business or product for inspiration. I do not claim any ownership of them and will always credit the original source where possible. If this causes upset with the owner of the images please contact me and I will happily remove them.

I do not post content or reviews in exchange for money or gifts, all posts are written from my own unbiased opinion.

I welcome the opportunity to collaborate and promote brands if I feel they are a good fit for my blog and readers.

Whilst I hope that any products or invitations offered to me will result in a blog post, I reserve the right not to post a relevant story in all cases.

Contact details can be found at the top of this page.

Thank you.