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Not too long ago, organic beauty was perceived as overpriced, ineffective and less than indulgent. Today, we're far more conscious of how products – particularly body care and cosmetics – should contain ingredients that are kinder to both our health and the environment. Here are five organic spots in Birmingham where you can get pampered, or pick up beauty treats that are earth, body, and bank balance friendly: PHB Ethical Beauty PHB Ethical Beauty   Although you can buy a selection of PHB Ethical Beauty products from Holland & Barratt, the original store is right here from a tiny unit in the Pavilions Shopping Centre. Everything from paraben (chemical preservative) free makeup to organic body creams is available, and with so much to try out, you'll be pleased to know that the range is affordable, and packages well as a gift.  PHB Ethical Beauty, Level 2 The Pavilions Shopping Centre, 38 High Street, Birmingham, B4 7SL Organique    A photo posted by 9 North Western Arcade Bham UK (@organique_birmingham) on Oct 26, 2015 at 10:09am PDT   This modest shop (the only one from this brand in the UK) is situated in the arcade behind House of Fraser, and is packed with a huge range of organic products. Friendly, unpatronising advice is on hand if you need it, too. The emphasis here is on the effectiveness of the products, and the array of awards it has won gives assurance to all beauty lovers. Organique, Unit 9 North Western Arcade, Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5LH Crystal Beauty

If you've not yet visited the newly opened Resorts World Birmingham, then its Christmas Spectacular on Wednesday November 18 is a great excuse to get into the holiday spirit. Featuring an evening of exclusive entertainment and late-night shopping, the festivities will start with an impressive ‘East meets West’ Lion dance at 5pm outside the Genting International Casino. The event will also see the opening of a mini Alpine Bar and Sausage Shack on the terrace of The World Bar, serving up festive-themed refreshments throughout the night. If you need to get some gift shopping done, the resort's outlet shops will be open until 10pm, with several tempting offers to help you part with your hard earned cash. These include chocolate samplings at Lindt and Thorntons, with discounts at JOY, Yves Delorme, Bench and GAP. You'll also be able to unwind with a glass of bubbly from Joy and Farringdon & Forbes. If you want to take a break from retail, actor and TV presenter Bradley Walsh will take to the stage, joined by boy band Collabro who will perform a musical set before switching on Resort World's Christmas lights.  Throughout the evening, you can also enjoy tunes courtesy of Heart DJs Ed and Rachel who will be hosting the event from a staged area outside. Plus, the Heart Angels will be roaming the resort to capture festive selfies and enter people into a draw to win £1,000 or prizes including clothing, gift cards, chocolate hampers, beauty products and more.     Resorts World Birmingha

Opening on Monday November 16, Buffalo and Rye is the ninth addition to the Bitters n Twisted family, joining the likes of The Jekyll & Hyde, Marmalade and its Bennett's Hill next door neighbour, Bodega. This new restaurant draws inspiration from America, specialising in rye whiskeys, smoked pit meats, quality burgers and hotdogs. It also serves an all-day brunch, which certainly suits the venue's intimate, laid back feel.   The Ting Thing   With a modern and quirky take on classics – such as the Manhattan, Tom Collins and Mountain Dew (yes, really) – the specialty cocktails are sure to be popular. But, if you're stuck on what drink to choose, then ask for the help of Ed. From his line-up of 25 bourbons, he can advise you on the drink to match your mood, as well as your food.  Headed by general manager Tom Winter-Nolan, the Buffalo and Rye menu has been created by Birmingham-born head chef Mike Lacey, who joins the team after spending 10 years working in London.   The Ting Thing   All the meat is sourced from award-winning Warwickshire butchers Aubrey Allen, apart from the hotdog frankfurters, which come from a rare breed meat supplier. Speaking of which, the Pimp Doggy (a frankfurter smothered in sauerkraut, Emmental cheese and Russian dressing) is a particularly tasty choice, as are the Parmesan and truffle oil fries.  If you want to sample the food for yourself, there isn't a better time than now: the venue is offering up to 50% off your bill on Tuesday November 17, wi