Easter chocolate and corn dogs

It is the last Monday of the month and, believe it or not, the first Monday of Spring and our columnist Sarah Rowlands of purebeauty (that's not her in the picture by the way) reveals that chocolate can actually be good for you! With Easter approaching that can’t be such a bad thing can it?

“I Hope you are all well and have finally managed to get out of your houses? Luckily I live in town so we were open for business as usual, and over the years I have noticed that women will fight through wind, rain and fire to get their nails done so our trade was not affected too much. I'm sure some would have put on a pair of skis just to make it for their pedicure appointment!

Anyway, it is supposed to be spring and, sorry winter, but here at purebeauty we are very much over you so no more snow please as we're ready for a beauty breath of fresh air with punchy pouts, bold brows and nude nails the trends for this season. One of the catwalk’s hottest accessories for Spring 2013 are some cool, eye catching nail designs from glitter dipped tips and gingham print to the slightly weirder from the Paul Gurung show where nails are splashed with a blood red polish resulting in an edgy messy effect. I can't see it being a hit with our clients but if you are a vampire it will be right up your street!

Easter is a time for holidays, church, going to the pub, festivals and eggs! However you like to spend it, it's a great time for chocolate lovers so I have come up with a unique treatment you can enjoy as a little Easter treat!

Chocolate is normally a disaster for dieters. We've all heard the saying ‘a moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips’ but when applied to the skin, chocolate has a very different effect. Chocolate contains polyphenosis which are known for their anti-oxidant properties and glycerides which instead of making you fat deliver moisturising benefits. I can tell you are liking the sound of this already!

Not only will your skin texture improve after one chocolate treatment but it can also have a calming effect so a great way to reduce stress and because it helps to promote the release of endorphins, it can be a very effective anti-depressant .

I don’t recommend melting down a Dairy Milk at home, for the real thing why not indulge yourselves into our readers offer: Hot Chocolate Massage £35 using hot stones and a mix of cocoa and oils to massage. This treatment is good enough to eat!

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you will know that I am off to New York next week to attend the biggest beauty show in the world (right). There are more than 150 nail, make-up and business classes, specialised hands on workshops, main stage performances from some of the biggest names in the industry and a way to make lasting connections with new suppliers. It will be a great way to introduce new products and treatments to Welshpool.

I have recently taken on a NEW Nail lacquer brand called Morgan Taylor (left) and the colour range is fantastic with a range of glitters, shimmers, cremes and metallics. It is by far our most exciting collection and only found in the top salons. Each nail lacquer is made with the finest of ingredients and a colour spectrum to suit any mood, style or trend. It is an American brand so I look forward to seeing them at the show. Our NEW Morgan Taylor Manicure is priced £18.

But apart from the show, I am looking forward to experiencing a corn dog! I always wondered what one of those tastes like! I will let you know all about my trip in my next column so look out for that next month!

Until then, take care and keep warm!