Latest news with #HJ
Glasgow Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow salon named one of UK's best salon teams of the year
Roar Hair & Beauty has secured a finalist spot in HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards 2025. The salon group was recognised for its unique strengths, commitment to team development, and outstanding customer experience. Read more: The Martin Lewis travel money advice 'don't pay to pay' on holiday It is one of just six finalists shortlisted for the Salon Team of the Year category, sponsored by Alan Howard. The category is designed to celebrate salon teams that illustrate collaboration, creativity, shared vision, and outstanding performance across all areas in the hairdressing industry. Brian 'Leo' McCallum, owner of Roar Hair & Beauty, said: "Our team is absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted. Brian 'Leo' McCallum (Image: Supplied) "We started Roar Hair & Beauty in 2017 with a vision to deliver exceptional service and ensure that every guest who walks through our doors is welcomed and valued. "To be recognised on a national stage, alongside some of the most respected names in the industry, means the world to us. "It's a true celebration of our commitment to the care of our guests, which drives the core values of everything we do, as well as the unique strengths, talents and passions of every single member of the team. "We can't wait for awards night." HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards, now in their 27th year, aim to highlight the talent and innovation of those nominated. Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of the British Hairdressing Business Awards, said: "Our awards not only celebrate passion, creativity and innovation, but also highlight the vital role salons play in supporting thriving local high streets. "In 2025, more than ever, hairdressing businesses are at the heart of our communities — driving local economies, creating jobs, and offering personal, high-quality services that online alternatives simply can't replicate. "Every finalist has demonstrated outstanding business excellence, resilience and dedication to delivering a standout client experience." The judges were impressed by this year's standard of entries, which showcased a blend of talent, creativity, and business brilliance from all sections of the industry. Read more: McDonald's launches new May menu today with 2 new items - Full list Alan Howard said: "We are proud to sponsor the Salon Team of the Year, a category that showcases those who are not just keeping pace with the industry but leading the way." This year's winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Monday, July 7 at the Royal Lancaster, London. For further information on Roar Hair & Beauty, please contact Kate Mallon-Cleland at AJC 93 PR by emailing kate@ or calling 0730500154.
Buzz Feed
27-03-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
If You're A Little Bit Vain But Also Practical, You'll Love These 34 Beautiful, Functional Products
1. A set of transparent sticky notes reviewers love not just for the aesthetic, but because it makes it easier to leave notes in books and study guides without interrupting the ~flow~ of the text. Amazon Promising review:"For someone who is a big note-taker, these are perfect. Durable, easy, and not to mention aesthetically pleasing! Definitely will be purchasing more!" — penny Get a pack of 50 sheets from Amazon for $5.99 (available in seven colors). 2. A set of faux coffee table books inspired by the iconic (and verrrry expensive) Assouline travel series, except with a ~secret~ — these all open with a magnetic lid to become storage compartments. Now you can either declutter your coffee table by stashing your knick knacks, or hide your valuables by putting these books on a shelf! Amazon Promising review: "The color of these books is actually more vivid and beautiful in person. I'm thrilled with how it looks on the shelf — plus it's a very good hiding spot. I would 100% recommend these for anyone looking to add color to your home." — elishiva Get a set of four from Amazon for $28.99. 3. A slim-profile Bella VersaBrew 2-in-1 Coffee Maker designed to save you SOOOO much space — this can hold a coffee pot that brews up to 12 cups of coffee on days when you've got a crowded kitchen, or convert to a one-cup coffee maker that uses both grounds *and* K-cup pods on days when you're flying solo. It's basically two deeply functional (and sleek??) coffee makers in one. Promising review:"I love this design! In the past, we have used Keurig and Hamilton Beach products. We are replacing coffee makers every two years. This design is more simplistic and brews a hot cup of coffee. You can actually see the steam. It's very easy to use, and I love that you can use fresh coffee grounds or a K-cup. This makes me want to buy the whole line of products for the kitchen." — HJ Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in five colors). 4. An oh-so-sweet hummingbird lamp with three brightness levels and a touch sensor that reviewers love using as a reading light, a wind-down light, or a nursery light. Bonus: it also functions as an aroma diffuser if you add 3–4 drops of essential oil to the top of its head. Check out a TikTok of the bird night-light in action. Promising review:"This little bird is truly a gem. You tap on its head to get three different brightness of lighting. Works great as a night-light or to have on during the day as a decor for your table or end table. I love that it comes with a charger. No need to worry about having the right battery size. Will buy as gifts for friends and family!" — Linda S. Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four styles and two sizes). 5. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price. iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories. I own a pair of these, and because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point. Promising review: "These headphones surprised me. I thought they were not going to be as great because of how cheap they are, but the bass is amazing! The noise cancellation is so good that I can't hear anything. The volume is loud and sound quality is a win, and just how I like it. Very snug and comfy, recommend! Thanks TikTok, lol :)." — Chevelle Revero Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors). 6. A sleek one-button electric wine bottle opener because TBH, nobody has time to lament a cork getting stuck in their bottle and google a bunch of hacks to fix it anymore. This rechargeable beauty will safely pop it open without any of the hassle. Promising review:"I have had this wine bottle opener for over two years and I'm so happy with this purchase. I love the aesthetic and that I can leave on the counter. When you receive the product, you just have to plug it in to charge and then it's ready to use. It's convenient to have the foil cutter. It's also still sharp after two years. In just a few seconds the bottle is opened and I'm ready to enjoy a glass of wine!" — Rebecca Anne Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in four styles). 7. A decorative rainbow window film that says, "Yes, I want my privacy, but I also want to be extremely glamorous about it." Not only does this refract beautiful rainbows in your space, but reviewers mention that it's handy for pet owners whose dogs love to bark at things outside, and that they also used them to outfit the sunroofs of their cars to prevent glare. Promising review:"I had no privacy in the evenings and was looking for an alternative solution that was not only effective but that would look good, too. After putting these up, I finally have some really effective privacy. It's so nice without everybody being able to see into my windows whenever they please at night. The amazing amount of rainbow effect that happens during the daytime when the sunlight streams through is so neat! My place is flooded with rainbows everywhere. It is better than I pictured!" — Sally Skeleton Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in seven colors and 17 sizes). 8. A set of chic pastel reusable air fryer liners so chic that they can double as serving dishes when you pluck them out of the basket. Amazon Promising review: " These inserts are so good for what I use my air fryer for. Clean up is a breeze! I never tried any kind of accessory with my air fryer and this is the perfect complement to my air fryer use." — Barbara Reynolds Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two styles). 9. A set of quick-drying Swedish reusable dish towels that save the environment *and* a whole lot of your time and money. Each of these lil' bubs is durable enough to replace 15 paper towel rolls, and the ultra-absorbent cellulose makes it so much easier to scrub up grime. Eparé is a small business that specializes in kitchen and cleaning products for home use. Promising review: "Have been using these for a year now and absolutely pleased with replacing these for using paper towels. They are absorbent and easy to clean with dish soap and water, then hung to dry. I throw ones that have had several uses into the dishwasher at the end of the week. They hold their shape and and absorbency, and while a duller pattern, does well for a couple of months each." — Ben McDonald Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.99 (available in two styles and in eight-packs). 10. A branding spanking new 2024 *mini* Kindle — it's faster, it's brighter, and more importantly, it's TEENSIER. The new size makes it easier to fit in the palm of your hand, easier to travel with, and a heck of a lot easier to pack in smaller clutches and purses when you're commuting. It's also glare-free and has a battery life that lasts for up to six weeks on a single charge. Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action. Promising review:"This is such a great Kindle! It's lightweight, the perfect size for going in a purse or bag, and the matcha is SUCH a great color. I already have a Paperwhite SE that I love, so I decided to get this Kindle for travel purposes. The battery life isn't as great as my Paperwhite, but it still lasts me a while with daily reading! It fits perfectly in my hands and makes reading very comfortable. The only thing it is missing is the warm light option, but that is not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable kindle, this is the one for you." — Christine Heath Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen). 11. A stainless-steel "see-through" knife set with a transparent block that lets you admire your blades even when they're stashed away, so they become part of the "minimalist, but never, ever boring" aesthetic of your kitchen space. Bonus: there's a knife sharpener built into the block! Promising review: "I ordered the pink set, and I love the color. It's a soft pink, not too bright, and just the right amount of subtle, fun color. The knives themselves were impressive, the handles are matte making them safe and easy to use when you're cooking. I was shocked at how well the knives worked for the price paid; I meal-prepped for the week and used them on meats, veggies, and herbs with ease! The built-in sharpener is a great touch, and it comes with a cleaning cloth, which was an unexpected bonus. I love the container, it's a much more modern aesthetic compared to the solid wood box that's been around since the '80s. This provides everything you need in a knife set at a great price!" — Kelly Dumais Get it from Amazon for $49.99. 12. A deeply adorable retro-style portable Bluetooth keyboard you can connect to your tablet, phone, or computer to easily type on the go. Reviewers especially love the satisfying ~clickety clack~ feel of the keys! Promising review: "I got this keyboard because of its aesthetic. The look did not disappoint. Love it! Super easy to connect to my iPhone and iPad. It makes my typing and note creating on my phone quicker and cuter. I will purchase another for an upcoming friend's birthday. I know she'll love it as well!" — NT Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in nine colors). 13. A beautifully packaged, travel-friendly Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer for anyone who's like "mindfully practicing health and safety, but make it fashion." Unlike other sanitizer sprays, it's infused with aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and has the most luxurious floral scents. Amazon Touchland is a small business that specializes in hand sanitizers. Promising review:"Touchland's hand sanitizers are absolutely beautiful! Not only is the packaging functional for travel, but it's pretty! Absolutely no issues with the product or the design of the packaging leaking, and it's extremely easy to use! No sticky residue, and your hands feel completely hydrated and soft after each use. I'm especially impressed with this perk, considering most hand sanitizers leave your skin feel tight and dry. No leaks, great hydration, phenomenal fragrance…. what's not to LOVE!!!? 🤍 SPOIL YOURSELF, NO EXCUSES NECESSARY!" — Briana R. Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in Lily of the Valley and Rose scents; check out Touchland's Amazon storefront for more options). 14. A marble board wire cheese cutter to serve as half decor, half kitchen tool, and 100% the biggest hit at any wine-and-cheese night when you let guests slice their own cheese with it. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the cheese slicer in action. Promising review:"My mother-in-law had purchased one last year and I tried hers at Christmas and fell in love with how easy it was to use. We have a lot of get togethers with friends and cheese is a staple appetizer in our house. So I purchased my own and have been using it weekly since. It cuts easily and it's mostly easy to clean. Sometimes cheese gets stuck in the crack but some scrubbing with a small brush usually does the trick." — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $17.64+ (available in two colors). 15. A retro-style smoothie maker that honestly has a lot of audacity being that cute AND that functional?? It blends in either a LITERAL MASON JAR or a plastic portable sports bottle you can pop right off and drink from. But don't you dare underestimate this cute little bean — it can crush ice and blend frozen fruit like nobody's business. Promising review:"Wow. I have been through many high-end blenders that have broken or just didn't cut it. Well, I am so amazed at this blender. Perfect size for my smoothies and so easy to use. I love how you simply twist the lid and turn it on. It blends so nicely and doesn't leave my protein powder on the sides like my old blenders do. It crushed ice and blends up to a perfect consistency. I've never written a review on here before but I am amazed at this!! Not to mention it's so cute on the counter!" – Casey Get it from Amazon for $37.51+ (also available in black). 16. A sophisticated, airtight ribbed storage canister you can use to elevate everything from coffee grounds to laundry beads to cotton balls — the sky is your very chic limit. Promising review: "These are so versatile. Right now I have different teas in them, but in the fall I have other ideas. The size is perfect for me. The quality is great and the lids fit well. The material is glass glass with wooden like lids." — Darlene Hohn Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three shapes and two sizes). 17. A sleek as heck wireless handheld vacuum reviewers *love* using for computers and desks, their car interiors, and little messes in the home. It has adjustable nozzles depending on what kind of surface you're working with, and also has the added benefit of looking like a chic accessory that TikTok Barbie would own. (Does she exist yet??? Because it's only a matter of time.) Amazon, Promising review:"Another 'TikTok made me buy it' purchase. I absolutely love this thing. Helps with cleaning my daughter's desk since she's homeschooling, and it's easy to use if you have to clean drawers." — Manisha Roopnarine Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in five colors). 18. A cloud-shaped utility knife you *need* in your life if you're a person who gets a lot of packages — this will save you a whole lot of time and effort (and DESPAIR over your ruined nails) with quick, easy cuts. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the cloud knife in action. Promising review:"I love these — sturdy, sharp with retractable blade. I keep them in different rooms for opening packages or breaking down boxes to recycle. Would recommend and buy again." — Amy Yasneski Get a set of six from Amazon for $11.99. 19. An absurdly gorgeous, oh-so-functional detachable cookware set that has the luxe look of a lot of expensive brands, but wayyyy more convenience. These premium, nonstick pans are designed to save a ton of space with detaching handles that let the pans "nest" snugly in the cupboard. Each set includes an eight-inch and ten-inch frying pan, a ten-inch deep frying pan, a seven-inch and eight-inch saucepan, two glass lids, two removable handles, and four pot protectors. Promising review: "I found these detachable pots and pans on a YouTube video. They are such a space saver for small kitchen. They can stack on top of each other, which only takes up a small corner of the cabinet. The spot protectors are so useful and neat that you won't scratch the pots. They are very easy to clean. Great quality that I've recommended to several friends." — Yuli Aoki Get it from Amazon for $59.99. 20. A sophisticated laptop tote bag so you can easily (and chicly!) carry not just your tech, but the whole arsenal of I'm A Very Busy Business Person things you need to get through the day. Reviewers compare this to the $$ Beis version, and especially love the unexpected depth and pockets included. Promising review: "It's much more spacious than it looks. It's very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag, and I find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, phone and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you see carry it, it doesn't feel bulky or cumbersome. The bag does sag a bit after use. But has held up to wear and tear. I would recommend." — Su Get it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in nine styles). 21. The 2025 updated version of The Original Gratitude Journal, a science-backed prompt journal to help you cultivate more mindfulness, appreciation, and joy in your human existence by writing for just five minutes each day. Promising review: "I love how it keeps me consistent. I've never had a journal in my life until I bought this one. I am glad I got it. I love how it looks styled and cute. Also it's a high quality book, because I've been bringing it with me wherever I go and it doesn't really get an old look at all. Highly recommended!" — Yagmur Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in six colors). 22. A dreamy dimmable candle-warmer lamp so you can waft your favorite candles throughout your space in the most aesthetically pleasing (and safe!) way possible. Promising review:"I bought this on a whim, and I'm hooked. I love the timer and dimmer features. So far, the lamp works great. It doesn't put out a lot of heat, and I love that you can adjust the light. This is now going to be my go-to gift." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $31.98+ (available in 10 styles). 23. A lightweight quilted laptop sleeve to turn your work and travel aesthetic into a puffy cloud daydream. This little cloud isn't all looks and no game, though: it's waterproof, thanks to the exterior nylon, and features a fleece inside with a magnetic closure to keep your laptop safe and scratch-free. Promising review: "Going on a big trip soon and I bought this for travel. I am super obsessed with the quality and how light/soft it is. It's the perfect size for my laptop and acts as a cushion for other things in my backpack. It can be slightly tricky to open, I just slide one finger in and then expand my hand to open it but it has a magnetic-like closure. Love the color too, it's simple." — mandella cesena Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors). 24. A checkered dog couch cover protector so cute that you might just want one even if you don't have a single furry friend in sight?? I mean, if they're not going to pay rent, they might as well be chic decor enablers. Promising review:"This is two-legged, and yes, four-legged approved!! It is soft and does NOT slip around. It didn't have any 'smell' out of the packaging which is always a plus!! Looks pleasant on our sofa. We placed it where we like to sit and of course where our pup likes to sit as well. This will keep our leather furniture clean, protected and warm when we sit down. So goodbye to all those miss matched blankets there were bulky and always bunching up and was meant to cover US up not the sofa! Two thumbs up!!" — Kimberly Evanson Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in seven styles and five sizes). 25. A gorgeous "woven" ceramic flower vase to add a subtle, calming texture to your space that blends in seamlessly with the rest of your decor. Amazon Promising review: "I'm so happy with this lovely vase in baby blue. It's really great looking and will be stunning with flowers in it. Very pleased with the beauty of its shape. I will get tons of use out of this over the years. Would also make a very nice gift!" — Pamela R. Kramer Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in five styles and a two-pack). 26. A set of luxe, reviewer-beloved Le Gushe "24K Gold" under-eye masks so you can *truly* pamper yourself — these soothing (ridiculously pretty??) masks are infused with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and aloe to help hydrate and refresh the dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. The self-care vibes are *immaculate*. Promising review:"I have used these a few times and they have been fine. However, the other day I hadn't slept well and had some bags under my eyes. These little miracles suddenly were amazing! After twenty minutes, my eyes looked less sunken and tired and more natural in color with the right amount of puffiness. I even forgot about them for six months so imagine my surprise that they were still good to go and worked perfectly. They leave my skin feeling smooth and happy." — Angela I Get 20 pairs from Amazon for $14.95 (also available in sets of 10 and 30 pairs). 27. A three-tier ring floor lamp for anyone who wants a lighting option that isn't going to bore them to tears. This not only has unique, sophisticated flair, but comes with adjustable brightness so you can curate the room's mood. Amazon Brightech is a California-based small business that specializes in home lighting. Promising review: "The light is nice! It's a unique-looking light. I love how it has three different settings so you can adjust the brightness. It fits perfectly with my reading chaise and goes well with the rest of my living room decor. The only con I have is I wish the cord was clear instead of black, it sticks out. Other than that, I love the light. I'd definitely recommend it to others." — Carmelita Joy Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in four colors). 28. A clear glass simmering stove so you can make your whole home smell warm and cozy by heating up cinnamon cloves, oranges, hot cocoa, or mulled wine, while also enjoying the this uniquely beautiful ~aesthetic~. These withstand temperatures 0 degrees F–400 degrees F, can be used to simmer on the stove, and are microwave-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. Promising review: "I purchased this glass jar for my potpourri. I was initially concerned about using glass, especially with my glass electric stovetop. However, I'm pleased to report that it has held up beautifully so far. The jar is lightweight and shows no signs of cracking, which is a relief. While I wouldn't recommend using it for cooking — since it might not withstand the wear from utensils like spatulas or spoons — it works perfectly for my simmer pots." — Tori Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three sizes). 29. An adorable cherry-inspired bedside carafe with a pretty pink pitcher and lil' stem cup that will add the loveliest touch to your nightstand and keep you hydrated as cutely as possible. is a US-based small business that specializes in quirky accessories, home products, and stationery. Get it from Amazon for $38.95. 30. A set of wooden flower pot magnets to bring the whole trend of "fridgescaping" to an entirely new, adorable level, or brighten up your desk area at work. I dare anyone to be grumpy with these cute lil' blooms in their eye line. Promising review: "The magnets look good! I have them displayed at work and receive so many compliments. Perfect addition!" — Amazon Customer Get a set of four from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in four other styles, including quirky food boards). 31. A deliciously luxe chunky knit blanket so buttery soft, satisfyingly heavy, and beautifully draped that everyone in the house is going to fight over it. Amazon Promising review:"This was a great buy for the money. It is a large, heavier chunky blanket, but soooo soft! I have it at the foot of my bed and I love to snuggle up in it. My grandkids love it too! Bought this to replace a very pricey Pottery Barn one that I had that came unraveled. This one is so much softer and heavier." — Rebecca Dobbs Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors). 32. A retro-style Tupperware Classic Mix-N-Store Pitcher Set in nostalgic mint green and candy pink colors that will give your baking and cooking projects the sweetest vintage touch. These mixing bowls feature handles and lids with a spout for easing pouring, and are airtight for easy storage while you're prepping. Amazon Promising review: "Love these, they are so cute and I love that they are vintage-looking. I loved using my mom's growing up, so I just had to buy these when I saw them. They are Tupperware so they are well made and will last forever!" — JMReviews Get the set from Amazon for $32.99 (and check out Tupperware's Vintage Collection for more styles!). 33. A hybrid travel planner and journal, so not only can you organize all your plans for the trip in advance, but chronicle them in the same space for safekeeping. Extremely love to see it, especially because the planning and anticipating of the trip is every bit as fun as the trip itself! Amazon The Lamare is a Florida-based small business that specializes in planners and journals. Promising review:"I loved this travel planner. I got it to plan my road trip and it is working wonderfully. It has a monthly overview so you can plan the month leading up to the trip. Also, you get a whole page for what and where you want to go and where you want to eat. And a whole page for a packeting list with blank labels for categories." — Sydney Smith Get it from Amazon for $13.95 (available in three colors). 34. And a beautifully illustrated undated planner perfect for anyone trying to get their life in order in 2025, but with a dash of ~whimsy~ to keep you motivated. Each week changes over to a new flower theme to keep the vibe light and lovely even when your schedule is anything but. Promising review:"Perfect size. Each page is a beautiful work of art. I cannot wait to start using it! Absolutely love it!" — Karla Ramirez Get it from Amazon for $8.89+ (available in two styles). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
