Viva Las Vegas

No posts for a few days as I am off to Las Vegas...

Yeah baby!!

New 2012 Clinique Chubby Sticks

In June, Clinique Chubby Sticks will have an increase by 8 new shades.  I already have a pale pink chubby stick that is a handbag staple and now another beige toned one that is heading the same way.

The new shades are: Heaping hazelnut, Bountiful blush, Oversized orange, Curvy candy, Pudgy peony and Mighty mimosa.  The one pictured is Heaping hazelnut.  

Chubby sticks are £16 and when the new shades are launched they will be available here clinique online

My 3 day juice detox diet review

On Friday my juice detox diet/cleanse was delivered from Mydetoxdiet.  I would like to add that I decided to do this, bought and arranged this myself.  Perhaps if  a PR had arranged this they would have suggested a different amount of days or that I didn't need to do it or to do the one with more food etc. etc. this is just my personal opinion and happenings.


Here is what the package looked like, it came by courier, was nicely packed and was chilled.

You have a little typed up menu which tells you which supplements, drinks and broths to drink at what time. This was my first surprise, I had no idea that the JUICE detox included a broth which needed heating, this was totally innapropriate for me at work as I have no microwave and  you are supposed to have this for lunch which was impossible.  This meant I had to leave it until the end of the day, by which time I was starving and faint, to have the tiniest morsels of food rather than just juice.


The second thing I was surprised with was the supplements, they tasted vile and made me burp which is horrid, I kept getting the disgusting aftertaste when I burped so I spent most of the day wanting to vomit.

Some of the juices tasted nice, and some of them just ok as in I had to just down them like a man downs a pint usually holding my nose.  The Soo Raspberry, Banana coconut dream and home made lemonade were nice, the rest of the others were just blah.  Then there came the most horrendously vomit inducing juice i've ever tasted in my life.

Now I eat regularly every green vegetable that is juiced in this bottle (brocc, kale, spinach, cucumber etc) but juiced and having to drink it cold left me heaving and trying very hard not to be sick.  I had to drink 1 of these on day 1 and 1 on day two. I had about 100ml of the first one on day one, threw it in the bin and spent an hour trying not to be sick.  I promptly threw the second one away as well.  It tasted more like eye of newt and toe of frog than vegetables.

I lasted on this 3 day juicing diet until about 8pm on the second day. I had the breakfast smoothie from the third day as I felt just so faint and cold and shivery like I had no energy whatsoever.  I drank that in about a minute flat and was instantly starving hungry again, so I had another one from day 3's stash thinking well I might be cheating but at least it's still juice.

At that point I decided to look at myself and see if it was worth breaking the diet.  I weighed and measured myself - it was exactly the same as before the diet, I looked at my cellulite - it was exactly the same as before the diet. So I thought.

FCUCK IT!

At 10pm I ordered a pizza hut. I don't crave pizza or eat it a lot but I was just so so so hungry and weak feeling and I wasn't up to making myself anything by any means.  God damn it tasted amazing.

Verdict on juicing diet

Load of crap.  I have done MANY diets over the years and have never ever fallen off the wagon and not even completed the timeframe of the diet like this one.  I have NEVER felt hungrier than on this diet, it was awful like a gnawing pain inside and I felt freezing cold, shivery and like I was going to vomit and faint. The vast majority of the juices were disgusting.  This is NOT the diet that a very very busy fairly thin person who needs a lot of energy to work and work out should be doing, I realise that now. I did feel pleased that I didn't have any headaches or aches and pains from caffeine or sugar withdrawal, I don't have too much of either so at least that pleased me.

Overall I have learnt from this experience that I have to find a diet where you have plenty to eat, be it slimming world free food, Dukan's protein food fest or something like that, having to ration what you eat to such a minimum amount is severly depressing.

I would 100% recommend Dukan, Slimming World or Rosemary Conley's diet over juice diets.  I personally stick to the Tone It Up diet plan  but you do have to buy the plan and do the workouts too so if you can't afford that stick to the ones I mention above.

I hope this is helpful.  I am going to stick to juices and smoothies in moderation from Crusssh where I normally get them as they taste amazing.

SK:N Clinics Laser Hair Removal Treatment 1

I was back at the London Wall SK:N clinic yesterday for session 1 of my underarm laser hair removal.

What happens - they check if any medication/pregnancy or other changes have occurred since your patch test.  You hop up on the bed and the area being lasered is cleansed and then a gel is applied (I think it's aloe vera gel).  You put some funky massive glasses on to protect your eyes, as does the nurse (I think they are nurses?), the machine is switched on and away you go. 

The machine is very loud and it also blows cold air out so when you are being lasered and it gets a bit hot, the area is cooled down. All very sensible.  The treatment is so quick that while it is a bit ouchy I was laying on the bed for a maximum of 5 minutes having it done.  I was in and out of SK:N in 15 minutes and that included me confirming my future appointments with the receptionist.

I was completely surprised with both how fast and how much less it hurt than I thougth that it would.

How long does it take? - Literally 5 minutes for my underarms.

What if I am a bit of a baby and it hurts? - Just suck it up! They try and work quickly so it is best to keep still, the pain is a bit like someone jabbing you with a pin very gently then ever so often jabbing you a bit harder, it doesn't hurt per se just a bit like oooh! Makes you jump. I have no idea why people say it feels like a rubber band pinging you, it's nothing like that at all! I am assuming that it hurts more where the hair is stronger and that the pain must be the root of the hair but that is just an assumption.  On one underarm I said ow three times on the other I tried to keep quiet but it hurt about twice.

Things to remember when having laser hair removal are:

• no sunbeds or fake tan on the area being treated
• wear a high factor like SPF 50 if you are in the sun
• shave the area to be treated before the treatment
• do not wax or epilate the area being treated

How does it work?

To eliminate hair, the laser emits gentle pulses of energy that pass through the skin to the hair follicle. This energy is then absorbed into the hair follicle to destroy it so that is unlikely to grow there again.

Am I a viable candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be applied to all areas of the body and on all types of skin (Cynosure works on even tanned or dark skin).

How many laser hair treatments are required?

Typically patients will see results in 4 - 6 treatments, though this number will vary based upon skin tone, hair color and several other factors. Your doctor or practitioner will talk to you about variables that may affect your individual results.

Sk:n clinics are all over the country and you can view their prices here https://www.sknclinics.co.uk/treatments-and-pricing/laser-hair-removal 

I will keep you updated how I get on with treatment 2 x

SK:N Clinic Laser Hair Removal Consultation

May I introduce you to the Cynosure laser - hello and zap zap!  I will be becoming friends with this machine over the next couple of months as SK:N clinic have given me a trial of their laser hair removal treatment.  

I chose underarms as I am not a very hairy person but if I was shaving my underarms they would need to be done every 2 days, which frankly is a pain and such a faff every other morning when I could be having another 2 minutes kip.  

I am attending the London Wall branch of the clinic and I had my consultation with Siobhan last week.  A consultation is important to determine whether you have an optimum skin type for the treatment and so you can discuss any questions or queries and just generally get an idea of how the treatment works.  They also do a patch test using the machine I am presuming to see that you don't have an adverse reaction, all of mine went fine though and I am booked in for my first proper session Thursday.

Things to remember when having laser hair removal are:

• no sunbeds or fake tan on the area being treated
• wear a high factor like SPF 50 if you are in the sun
• shave the area to be treated before the treatment
• do not wax or epilate the area being treated

How does it work?

To eliminate hair, the laser emits gentle pulses of energy that pass through the skin to the hair follicle. This energy is then absorbed into the hair follicle to destroy it so that is unlikely to grow there again.

Am I a viable candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be applied to all areas of the body and on all types of skin (Cynosure works on even tanned or dark skin).

Does it hurt?

The laser treatment causes only minimal discomfort. Patients often say it feels similar to the snap of a rubber band. Slight redness or localized swelling can occasionally occur, but this usually subsides within the first 24 hours after treatment.

How many laser hair treatments are required?

Typically patients will see results in 4 - 6 treatments, though this number will vary based upon skin tone, hair color and several other factors. Your doctor or practitioner will talk to you about variables that may affect your individual results.

Sk:n clinics are all over the country and you can view their prices here https://www.sknclinics.co.uk/treatments-and-pricing/laser-hair-removal  I would definitely say that I felt safe having a treatment done in this clinic as there were lots of forms, the surroundings were like a posh doctors office and everything was spotlessly clean.  The staff knew what they were talking about and put you at ease immediately.

I will keep you updated how I get on with my treatments!

Vita Liberata Phenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse Review

I couldn't have been more excited when I heard about the Phenomenal tones 2-3 week fake tan by Vita Liberata, in fact I went on and on and on about it so much in real life and on Twitter, and the blog that they sent me one to review!  I wonder if this tactic would work for a BMW X5?  

I was excited about this as j'adore fake tan. It is the best invention beauty wise for me as I am pale skinned, tan very poorly and love looking brown and healthy.  I do get fed up with how generally fake tan fades, gets patchy and has to be reapplied once a week.  But this product means that I only have to apply it once a fortnight which is just a revelation!

The tan in action, this is WITH flash, see what it did to the girl in front 

Not that I feel smug how brown I am in comparison or anything ;P

Vita Liberata Phenomenal 2-3 week tan is perfect for very sensitive skins. Simply choose the tone you prefer, apply to skin and avoid showering for approximately 2-24  hours. If you want the colour to be more intense and to last longer, simply reapply!  You can buy the tan in light, medium and dark just like the shades of their spray tan already come in (I use this for my gorgeous beauty retreat clients) so I was familiar with the depth of shade, I wouldn't personally use dark as this is for a more olive toned skin person, or someone who has the urge to look like an oompa loompa if they are very pale (you laugh but I have been asked on many an occasion to tan someone to a shade I personally find radioactive).  

The mousse is easier to apply than their rich silken mousse and is the easiest mousse I have ever applied, bearing in mind I find mousse the easiest type of self tan home product to use and this is about as easy as it comes.  I used the Vita Liberata mitt, I can't remember if they sent me one or not but I have about 15 as I stocked up when I bought my spray tan solution as they are the best mitt's ever and give the best finish, they are different to the usual Soltan or Superdrug ones I used to use as it is much softer so it glides along the skin easier.

To extend the life of your colour apply multiple layers of Phenomenal Tones, i.e.:

1 application = approx 5 days

2 applications = approx 7 days

3 applications = approx 10 days   

Now I simply used 2 applications 24 hours apart I did the first coat one evening, washed it off the next morning, went to work, then the gym, had another shower, came home and applied coat 2, went to bed and then rinsed it off the next morning.

2 Coats lasted me 13 days

You have to be careful when using this tan as any mistakes will last for ages so please follow the info below:

Using a tanning mitt apply as you would a tinted mousse, blending colour as you apply. Avoid the heel of the hand, and wipe knuckles, knees and ankles immediately. Any unwanted application should be removed immediately as the colour will take to the skin in only a few minutes. Do not moisturise prior to application, except for areas of exceptionally dry skin. You can shower or moisturise one hour after application. Do not apply with bare hands as colour will take to the palms of the hands and Phenomenal Tones can last 10 days or more.

This tan is really natural and looked like a holiday day, I got a LOT of compliments and the fade off was easy, it simply got lighter and lighter without any flakes, scaly bits, lizardy skin or patches.  I am however a good girl who moisturises with an oil free moisturiser daily, exfoliates gently every couple of days and shaves gently.  If you do this you will prolong any tan.

You can buy this tan here http://www.vitaliberata.co.uk/store/?q=0&cid=7 where it costs £37.50 - at just over a tenner more than most normal brands fake tan I would hazard a guess at it costing you £3 more per full body tan than a regular bottle.


I think this tan is brilliant and really do recommend it, I think the brand is great and really innovative and I'm not just saying that as the tan was sent to me as I spent plenty of money on Vita Liberata products myself as 3 litres of spray tan are not cheap!

How much do I wish I was at Coachella?

Oh my god I wish I could have been at Coachelle 2012 to see these:

Harrods Summer Colour Picks

1)      Givenchy Vernis Please! No.177 - Bucolic Poppy

2)      Givenchy Gelée D’Interdit

3)      Kanebo Sensai Smoothing Water Make Up

4)      Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush Iced Lotus

5)      Creme de la Mer powder brush

6)      Givenchy Gloss Interdit No.32 - Bucolic Poppy

7)      Clinique Brush On Cream Liner Black Honey

8)      Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes

9)      Givenchy Le Prisme Yeux Quatuor No.79 - Bucolic Blossoms

10)    Kanebo Sensai Concealer

With spring having sprung and summer colours blossoming, now is the time to choose some beautiful make-up options to reflect the change in the weather. Start with a flawless base from Kanebo and apply your powders with a natural brush to make sure that your skin is the perfect canvas for the colour. Add some glistening hints with a feather light blusher and a touch of drama with Clinique’s gel liner, and finish with a dash of rouge to the lips and a lick of lacquer on your nails. You’ll be dressed to impress this summer and dazzling like the goddess you are!

Sarah x

Slendertone Arms Challenge Week 2

Week 2

You can read about the Slendertone Arms system for women and my first week here Slendertone Arms Challenge Week 1

Above is the picture from week 2.  I think there is a bit of a difference, I think it looks a bit tighter?  Let's hope so!

You can buy the system arms here Slendertone Arms.

Shellac market research

In the interests of market research I would love it if you could answer the below question if you are a CONSUMER (not a nail tech) thank you!

Please fill in the gap ->. 'I would get shellac/gel polish every 2/3 weeks if it cost £.........'

And no free isn't an option! If you wouldn't get it at all no need to respond.

Danke very much!

Wallpaper, iphone clock & interiors update

After the excitement of the flat came the banality of the mortgage documents.  May I just say whoever thought up a banking system where you are forcibly moved to online banking with no paper statements even though you have to have paper statements of your savings as 'evidence' that you can pay for the mortgage deposit  was a total halfwit. My online ISA and online saver don't even HAVE monthly statements just a yearly update! I have no idea how I am going to get around that short of taking out the cash and plonking it on the desk of the person due to approve it?!  Surely in this day and age there could be a secure bank to bank/building society  system where they just phone up the other bank and check if there is the correct amount of savings in an account? Too easy... Meh. Rant over.

Wallpaper

To cheer myself after the mortgage delays I went wallpaper shopping as I decided that I would have wallpaper on the wall behind the bed in the bedroom to add a bit of interest.  The room is fairly small so there won't be a lot of things in the room and I hate clutter so I thought something nice on the wallpaper would brighten the room up a bit.

The wallpaper is by Laura Ashley and is called Isadore.  You can get it cheaper on Ebay normally, I paid 1/3 of the retail cost per roll.  Bargaino!

iPhone Clock Radio

I was given this funky iPhone 4 clock radio for the new flat and I think it is fabulous!  I have only given it a quick go as I don't want to muck it up before it is in it's home but it's compact but with good speaker quality, looks quite smart and stylish and I don't think it could go out of fashion as it's quite plain and classic looking and it only costs like £30!  I think this is a real bargain as most normal bedside clocks cost more and this charges your phone at the same time (why does the battery always die overnight normally)?

One website you can get it on is called Mobile Fun and they do all sorts of mobile and techy gidgets gadgets like iPad 3 accessories ,phone cases etc. etc. so they are worth a look.

Mirrored Furniture

Looking through design magazines, Pinterest and google images I have come to really like mirrored furniture for the bedroom and hall in particular some sort of bedside cabinets or a chest of drawers.  I think they would bring light into the room and also look quite glam.

Overall I think I was the bedroom to look simple, classic, cosy but a little bit glam or luxe rather than just looking bare and cold.  If you have any design tips, blogs or any questions then plase do let me know.

QVC’s Elemis TSV show on Sunday 29th April

As I know a lot of you love Elemis Pro Collagen products and QVC's Today's Special Value deals I thought I would let you know that the QVC Today’s Special Value

This will be presented in an exclusive collection of Elemis hero products, two of which will be announced on air along with the price (a guaranteed saving up 64%)

This essential collection is the perfect take-away kit for weekends away and holidays and includes:

• NEW Pro-Collagen Advance Eye Treatment 15ml – Full size

• Melting Cleansing Gel 125ml – Full size

• Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml

• Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules x14

• Rehydrating Ginseng Toner 50ml
• TWO MYSTERY PRODUCTS

 You can get up to date details at http://www.qvcuk.com/

Neom Sumptuous Body Wash and Body Lotion Review

You might have noticed from my posts on Neom that I have just a slight obsession with their candles. It started with a small travel candle idly purchased after a beauty salon appointment, as the salon used the candle in the room during my massage. Now I have 2 large 3 wick candles just itching and waiting to be let loose in my new flat (presents from 1 friend and erm...a present for myself haha) and now I have also been very kindly sent a body wash and body lotion to try in my favourite scent which is sumptuous.

All I can say is WOW, if you love the scent of the candles then you need one of these in your life, and if you have never tried anything from the brand then get a travel candle and give it a go, I doubt you would be dissapointed. 

I must say I prefer the body wash just because I need a much richer body butter to satisfy my dry skin but if you don't have severe dry skin then I am sure you would be just fine (and if you like body milk type textures).  The Sensuous scent just makes me feel happy when I inhale it. I am sure that sounds rather pratty but it's true! It is the most gorgeous combination of

Ylang Ylang, Frankincense & Patchouli which is really decadent but really comforting and relaxing at the same time.

You can find the body wash here and the lotion here

Sensuous body wash and Sensuous Organic Body Lotion and they are priced at £16 and £23.50 respectively.  Personally while I think the body wash is a 10/10 for moisturising, scent, packaging, gift-ability and being overall gorgeous I would rate the lotion at 8.5/10 and would therefore definitely recommend the body wash over the lotion although that is just my personal option.

Have I managed to convert anyone to Neom?  If so which are your favourite scents? I love the rose and neroli candle it is awesome!

In Love With Fashion - Aubergine Asymmetric Dress

I don't know about you, but getting a picture of my outfit of the day, night or any time basically is almost impossible since I don't have a slave or personal photographer, so I rarely have a pic of my outfit but here is a half pic of my lovely new dress from In Love With Fashion which costs £48

I really wanted to make a post about this dress as it is so comfy, can be dressed up or down and for someone as tall as me it still is long at the back! I love it.  I wore it with a black Warehouse waist belt, black platform Zara strappy sandals and some Lisa Tabues and Orelia Jewellery and my gorgeous Harbinger of Death ring from Jewel Heritage. It's actually the only ring I own!


I read about the online shop on Tali's blog and then saw the pictures and knowing how tall she is figured the style would be a good bet as the dresses were long enough on her.  They also have 20% off on their online store during Easter just use the code WELOVEEASTER20 at the checkout on orders over £40.  Happy Easter!

Real Techniques Stippling Brush Review

I love foundation and cream makeup products and am always on the lookout for a new stippling brush to apply them with to get the perfect finish.  I also love vloggers and youtubers for beauty tips and have wateched Pixiwoo for a long long time.  

Sam Chapman, makeup artist, vlogger, blogger co Pixiwoo channel presenter and  professional makeup artist for 15 years teamed up with Real Techniques to bring women high-tech tools that deliver high-definition results, alongside tutorials packed with techniques you can use to boost your look.

The collaboration has resulted in frankly a frigging AWESOME stippling brush which is functional, pretty and cruelty free whilst giving an excellent finish to tintied moisturiser, foundation, cream bronzer and blush and even gel blush and cheek stain. 

The dual fibre brush which is made of synthetic taklon has the perfect length and density to ensure a flawless finish and perfect blend ability and also has the ingenious flat bottom so you can stand it up on your dresser or table so you don't get foundation on it!

This brush ensures there are no streaks in your application at all and for the price it is totally amazing. I paid £11.99 for mine at Boots here http://www.boots.com/en/Real-Techniques-Stippling-Brush_1253416/ and they currently have a 3 for 2 offer on to save even more money.

You can see the brand's website here Real Techniques

I recommend this brush 10/10 and actually think it is better than my Mac stippling brushes and much cheaper.

Have you tried any of these brushes?

Serenata Flowers - Giveaway Winner

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The winner of the Serenata Flowers bouquet giveaway is...........

Cristina McDowall @sarokaal !

Congratulations, I have tweeted you to send me your address and will send this over to Serenata as soon as you have sent it to me.

Thanks everyone for entering

Sarah x

What's Up Wednesday

I am sorry that blogging may be slightly less frequent than usual for a little while, I am in the process of buying a flat and adding that to my already huge list of things I do per day/week has got me so stressed out I am losing the plot!  So far I have repeatedly said good morning all day even when it's got to 8pm - I have even waved and said good morning to neighbours in the pitch black, I've been putting things in the wrong place, put my iphone in some very weird places although unfortunately not my handbag where it's supposed to live. I feel like Homer Simpson having a brain overload.


I don't want to post many pics (that would be weird right) but here is a little pic of the living room with  balcony.  It's very beige but I guess that's just because it's new and done up to appeal to anyone as it's a new build flat.

I have never owned a home before and have only lived with parent or rented so have never really had the opportunity to decorate anywhere before and I have surprised myself with how excited I became upon realising that I would be able to do exactly what I wanted and make it pretty!


I was suggested some style or interiors blogs from some lovely people on Twitter but if you have any recommendations for me then please do let me know in the comments below.  I much prefer real people interiors blogs like this one http://www.stylefrost.com/ so if you have one or read one then please do link me up. I need inspiration! I might try and make some Pinterest boards with ideas to help me out.

Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Fake Tan

Vita Liberata has reinvented self tan. pHenomenal contains all the USPs of other tanning products, but can last up to 4 times longer!

• No streaking & No smells.
• 100% free from parabens, perfume and alcohol.
• Easy to apply.
• Unique Pentavitin moisture lock complex.
• 70% organic extracts that are kind to skin and produce a natural fade (eventually!)


I have used many many other fake tan mousses and also the Vita Liberata spray tans and mousse.  I have to say that this is the easiest mousse I have ever used, as I always apply my mousse in the same way I did the same for this tan,  I wear a latex glove then a tanning mitt over the top to protect palms of hands and apply to skin in sweeping movements.


The difference between this tan is that for extra long lasting 2 - 3 week results shower between 2 and 24 hours after first application and reapply, I showered after 12 hours and reapplied after 24 just because I had to go to work.

Phenomenal tones is perfect for very sensitive skins, I get eczema on the back of my legs and it hasn't caused a problem with that at all. Simply choose from light, medium or dark apply to skin and avoid showering for approximately one hour. If you want the colour to be more intense and to last longer, simply reapply!

Using a tanning mitt apply as you would a tinted mousse, blending colour as you apply. Avoid the heel of the hand, and wipe knuckles, knees and ankles immediately (do this MUCH quicker than you would with a normal fake tan). Any unwanted application should be removed immediately as the colour will take to the skin in only a few minutes. Do not moisturise prior to application, except for areas of exceptionally dry skin like knees, heels and scaly elbows! You can shower after just one hour after application. Do not apply with bare hands as colour will take to the palms of the hands and Phenomenal Tones can last 10 days or more so you'll look crazy for over a week!

I fake tanned my legs, with 2 coats, this way I can see when they get as white as my arms again, sometimes when you tan your whole body you get used to the colour and think its worn off when it's still there.  I will keep you updated with how long it lasts.  I used shade medium and I think the colour is gorgeous.

You can buy it here http://www.vitaliberata.co.uk/store/

Notd Shellac Tropix

Davina for Next - Workout Capri Review

I needed a new pair of workout capris for Summer as I tend to wear longer yoga type pants for Winter, but Sweaty Betty didn't have anything that I was particularly into and I couldn't wait to get to USA and get some Lululemon capris so I ordered a pair from Davina at Next which is a new range/collaboration with Davina McCall and high street shop Next.

I ordered these capris which are really reasonable at £28 http://www.next.co.uk/x492224s4 and they are called Side Stripe Capris.

Now these are very tight fitting so if you are small like a 6-8 then you''ll be fine with your regular size but if you are above a size 8 or are between sizes then you might prefer to get the size above if it's just for regular gym work as you might feel like you are wearing spanx!  I am between sizes so went for a 10 and I don't think I could have dealt with them being any tighter unless it was for proper long distance running when obviously you don't want clothes to be too loose or they'll rub and chafe (ow chihuahau).


The picture of the fabric on the website isn't any good so I took the closeup pic above, it's proper workout fabric like Nike running capris so I was impressed, it wasn't too thin and flimsy and the waist band is nice and thick and supportive which makes them really comfy.


Overall I think the capris are great value for money and I would definitely buy a few more bits from this range, I think Davina did well if she designed these.


Have you tried anything from this range?