Sunday Pamper Morning

So I woke up feeling so anxious, had a broken night sleep and Jacob was under the weather. James was home so thought I would make the most of it and take an hour to try out some products my friend Rachel kindly sent me. Rachel is a Body Shop rep and she sent me some generous samples.

So I thought I would tell you all what I thought of what I used! Needless to say I am being completely honest.. as always.. but a little spoiler.. Rachel must know me well as I didn’t hate anything I have tried so far.. well done Rach! Haha.

So I started off cleansing my skin with the Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Cleansing Oil-in-Gel I massaged this into my dry face in circular motions and it had a lovely warm feeling. I added a bit of water and it turned into a milk… once I washed it off my face was very soft. This would be a perfect evening second cleanse. Very luxurious! I followed up with the Vitamin C Glow Revealing Liquid Peel I have the resurfacing peel anyway and I love it! I love this one just as much. I messaged into my clean dry face and the dead cells ball up… totally gross but so satisfying. Once rinsed off my skin feels so smooth it’s insane. I popped on the Mediterranean Almond Milk with Oats Soothing Mask this is not available yet… I feel lucky that I got to try it. The consistency is super odd and took me a bit to get used to haha…. but once on it was comfortable. I had a shower and all that jazz before rinsing off and it did make my skin even smoother. I had a couple of dry patches on my chin that were a bit itchy and it helped to ease that.

To really give myself a treat I thought I would try the Drops of Light Pure Healthy Brightening Serum it really absorbed in quickly was lightweight and not sticky. I did look a lot brighter and a lot perkier than I had 40 minutes before haha. I tapped on with my ring fingers Drops of Youth Bouncy Eye Mask this massively helped my tired eyes as I hadn’t slept very well at all. I didn’t use all the sample so will use it as the overnight mask as suggested by Rachel. Feels so lovely under the eyes though.

To finish the skincare routine off I used Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Cream this is probably the luxurious thing I tried!! My skin feels amazing! Mixed with everything else it has been a real treat for my face.

Once I had finished with my face I popped on the Mango Body Yogurt this is super lightweight. A little goes a hella long way and smells in-friggin-credible!! It’s a gel like texture but not sticky. Perfect for the warmer months.

In the shower I also gave my feet a little treat with the Peppermint Reviving Pumice Foot Scrub my feet have been super dry lately which has been annoying me massively. Even my trusty soap and glory hasn’t touched it and that’s been my go to for years! Once I used this I popped on the Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion this absorbed really well and my feet are so smooth and soft. Really is cooling too so really refreshing.

To pick myself up I thought I would do some make up as Rachel sent me a sample of the Vitamin C Skin Reviver Instant Smoother which is a primer which is very much like the Benefit Pore-fessional in consistency. It smoothed over my skin. It aims to combat dull, tired skin and is infused with vitamin C. I also received a sample of the Fresh Nude Foundation (good shout on the colour Rachel) this has an SPF 15 which is handy! It’s enriched with Rose Water and 100% organic Aloe Vera. It’s really hydrating but not greasy in any way. It blends well with a buffing brush.

I finished off my make up with some concealer. I also used the body shop contouring palette in 01 which I bought a couple of weeks ago. It’s brilliant.. I use this in the crease of my eye too as eyeshadow.. and the highlight on the lid, the blush in the palette is very much like Nars Orgasm!

Some mascara, lip balm and a clear mascara on my brows and I was set for a day at home with my lad. Refreshed and ready to go haha.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to share my thoughts. I have a couple of masks I have been given samples of too… so will report back on those!

Me Time Habits

Me time/Self care, I am happy to say is quite a common phrase these days. It is so important for physical and mental health. Since becoming a mum and having a chronic condition I have really realised just how important it is.

You don’t have to set off to an expensive spa to get the me time and it can be 5 minutes or an hour its really up to you. I often hear people say “I don’t have time’ and it really bugs me because if you have 5-10 minutes to scroll through facebook… then you do have time.

These are the things I do to help me hit reset and recharge:

1. Sounds so silly to actually write down but I breathe, I sit down for 2 minutes and breathe in and out deeply, I use the breathe app on my Apple Watch for this but set a 2 minute timer, or download the millions of apps designed just for this purpose. If you have 10 minutes I 100% recommend the Headspace App.
2. Shower/Bath, sounds a bit mental to use personal hygiene as that me time but if you can be alone…. usually once Jake is in bed or James is playing with Jake. I milk this on a Tuesday and Friday when its hair washing day haha!
3. Cooking, now I rarely use this and if I do use it, it is when Jacob is at school. Just batch cooking pasta sauces to cooking fairy cakes, as long as I am totally on what I am doing I find it relaxing.
4. Spending time with my friends, mainly friends I can 100% be myself around, I find it so exhausting worrying about saying the right thing so when I am with certain friends where it doesn’t matter if I say something weird, they just get me, I come away relaxed.
5. Listen to music and clean, haha now I know this is odd if you hate cleaning and if this is the case then just listen to music and have a boogie but I love putting Kisstory on my Alexa and cracking on with the dusting.
6. Read with Jacob, we take turns in reading and it is so nice listening to Jacob read to me, he does get bored though so we swap which I love.
7. Sticking with the reading… my Kindle has been my best friend I love it.
8. Watching Netflix, I find finding something to binge on is brilliant, I have been watching Suits and I am hooked.
9. Playing a game on my phone, nothing better than putting my phone on Airplane mode and playing Best Fiends… addictive, annoying and totally distracting from thoughts of daily life.
10. And last but not least, writing. I lost the love for writing for awhile but slowly I am getting it back. Instead of writing on my laptop I have been putting pen to paper and its so therapeutic.

Hope this has given you some tips to just get even 5 minutes to yourself. Forget the housework for 5 minutes and washing and do something that helps reset the brain. I don’t do all of these in one day because I am a mum and have a life, but it is easier to grab those 5 minutes now Jacob is 5, at school and a lot more independent. XO

 

Daydreamer GlossyBox (May 2018)

I received my Glossy box and was instantly in love with it. The box is beautiful! All the contents in this months box are cruelty free which is a huge bonus. I haven’t really been too excited the last couple of boxes but I am glad I am excited to try every product in this months box.

They have used soft pastel hues to go with the tranquil feel of the products and they really are going to be a treat on my next pamper session and I can’t wait to dive in and test the products. But here my first thoughts…

Jelly Foot Soak – This is a luxury foot soak, and I love me a foot soak.. filling a bowl and relaxing for a bit. I love it, I know I will probably give myself a pedicure when I use this too to make it even more of a treat. It claims to moisturise and sooth tired feet. It has Lemongrass and Lavender. It is a powder that mixes with water and turns to a gel, which is interesting, then when you’re done you add the second sachet and it turns the gel back to water. Magical!

True Soft Shampoo and Conditioner – I have seen this duo before I think in my local trade shop and been tempted but I didn’t want to pay out and not like it so I am happy they have included the minis in this box. The shampoo and conditioner are vegan friendly, also sulphate and paraben free. The shampoo aims to soften, moisturise and strengthen the hair to make the hair shiny and frizz free. The conditioner is a multi tasking one and can be used as a deep conditioner for 3 minutes, so will go perfectly for that pamper evening I have planned.

Kueshi Make Up Remover – I don’t get too excited with make up remover if I am being 100% honest, this is a oil and water one and says it will gently clean away all my troubles so I can drift off to sleep cleansed and happy… a magical claim haha. This is for sensitive areas and has on the bottle it removes waterproof and long lasting makeup. I will definitely give an update on this once I have tried it.

Trifle Cosmetics Praline Palette – I have a few eyeshadow palettes and I tend to stick to my usual brown and golden eyeshadows, this palette is really sweet and is quite small so perfect for travelling. The general tone of the palette is very up my alleyway… with the brown/gold but also a nice purple in there that I could use as an eyeliner perhaps, same with the grey shade. The shadows are all shimmery but very pigmented. I am keen to try and use the rusty red/brown shade in Autumn.

We Are Tea Earl Grey – I love tea, I love Earl Grey and I will saving this beauty for my pamper evening, whilst my feet soak and have my favourite Netflix show on. Personally I think Glossy box should add a selection of teas every month haha.

Overall, super happy with this months box! XO

Have I really lost that sparkle?

This is something I have wanted to write for awhile now, but before I get into my huge post that no one will read and is purely really just for me to get some word vomit out, I feel like I do need to just pay attention to the fact I haven’t posted since February (I am sure no one has noticed though haha) and I will explain why…

Middle of Feb I just didn’t want to write, just lost the love for it. I then took the decision end of March to step back from all social media, dip in as and when and leave group chats on Whats App. Nothing personal to anyone as I love all the girls I was in a group chat with but I really felt like stepping back is what I should do and the time I was spending on social media whilst Jacob was at school I should be productive… get OUT and see my friends in real life than on a screen….go for that coffee (you know the one that everyone says we should all do but never do….) and most importantly chat in bed in the evenings instead of having my back to James on my phone. To be fair I still go on my phone in bed when the football is on, as I am loving Best Fiends… but I have been reading SO much more. It was helping with my sleep too.

So, the purpose of the title… someone very close to me mentioned awhile a go that the sparkle in my eyes had gone, I am not myself, I need to remember I am a person outside of being a mum…and I have changed….

Well.. I have changed, I am a mum, I am not that selfish 20 something going out getting drunk and dancing on bars…. and I will be honest, when I look back on photos I do have a sparkle in my eyes. Things were VERY different then. Some people (even those close to me) forget that not only did I become a parent 5 years ago and was the start of the most amazing part of my life, it was also the start of a condition that has been constant since. If you are not new around here, you will be aware of the coccyx condition I have and I try and make light of it and say it could be worse (which I 100% stick by as it could be a billion times worse) however, being in pain every single day takes its toll some days and it has also given me the evil anxiety that makes me overthink just about everything, which I do have under control majority of the time with the help of meditation (Headspace app is amazing FYI) and an excellent support network.

This is not to say I am not positive as I am positive most days especially as I have amazing family and some incredible friends supporting me but those rare days it digs its heels in, I cry a lot, normally when I am on my own as I refuse to let it affect everything, my son being number one… Jacob knows I have a bad ‘back’ but I will never let on just how bad it is, as it will never stop me being the mum I want to be, and it can go to hell if it thinks it will stop me going to the cinema with my boy… even if I am then in more pain for 3 or 4 days after.

But you know… despite the attempts of positivity I guess the lack of sparkle in my eye is a symptom of what I live with and in a way I did know before it was said that it was the case but to hear someone that loves you say it out loud.. well… it stung… and they didn’t  mean it in a horrible way they just want whats best for me, and I love them dearly for it as I know if it was the other way around I would have said the same and it has certainly given me the kick up the arse (sorry couldn’t help myself there) to push doing more things that I know help the pain, so it definitely had the desired effect haha.

That sums up what was on my mind and I am hoping after reading and posting this I will get the bug for writing again as I love blogging and everything that goes with it 🙂

Hope you’re are all good and a massive well done if you’re reading this far down! XO

Soap and Glory Righteous Butter Shower Cream

A couple of months ago someone said to me… who uses Soap and Glory these days, and I was quite shocked, although my stash from Christmas had been run down nicely I felt super guilty I hadn’t bought anything for awhile. I popped into Boots and for the Spa Wonder set on offer, in the pack was a lipgloss, a mini of the face wash I use, Righteous Body butter (amaze!), A little shower gel (Sugar Crush) and the righteous butter shower cream that says it is a 3 in 1… shave, cleanse and moisturise. I couldn’t wait to use it.

It has the classic packaging and best of all… the classic original scent of soap and glory. My husband even recognised it, I find the scent such a comfort too.

Anywho.. It is thick in consistency, and applied to the skin it lathers slightly. They really didn’t lie when they said it is great for shaving, just wow. My razor glided nicely and my skin was so friggin smooth I couldn’t stop rubbing them!!! I didn’t have to moisturise after the bath but I did anyway and it just topped it off perfectly.

This tube has lasted awhile but I did buy a back up because I don’t ever want to run out. I couldn’t find it in Boots to buy alone so bought another Spa Wonder gift set (thats how much I needed a back up) I hope when it comes to repurchasing it will be easier to find!

Have you used this? Do you love Soap and Glory too? XO

Herbal Essence Bee Strong Shampoo and Conditioner

I wrote back in the summer about my hair care routine and I was using the Fudge Make a Mends shampoo and conditioner. I do still use that but thought I would try another shampoo and conditioner to break the routine up a little. I found this scent of Herbal Essence in Boots and it was 2 for £6 at the time. It has a honey scent but not too sickly.

It claims to restore hair to its healthy condition. I must admit the first time I used it I was a bit let down, I have been used to the Fudge one, however, the second time I used it… wow! The shampoo does lather nicely and my hair feels super clean but not striped of its oils. The conditioner is what makes this duo great though, I apply a generous amount to the ends and whatever is left into my roots. I leave for 5 minutes whilst I do the rest of my shower routine and when I rinse the conditioner out my hair is tangle free, smooth and shiny.

My hair brush glides through my hair with ease, even before I applied my leave in conditioner. I really noticed that my hair is shiny and feels healthier too. Might be a trick of the mind but I really like using this duo in-between using my trusty fudge shampoo and conditioner. What are your hair care staples? XO

Bondi Sands Gradual Tan

I am pretty lazy when it comes to fake tanning, I try and do it once a week as I look see through without a tan of some kind. This is why I bought this bad boy!! It was a pretty penny at £11.99 for a 375ml, but I have used it every other day and have noticed the difference, I look a little healthier… I think. I only usually spend £5 on my normal fake tan so perhaps I can justify it?

It has a lovely scent of cocoa butter which isn’t over powering at all. I am not a fan of the cocoa butter scent when it is super strong as its sickly. It says you can use every day but I like using a body butter in between to keep my skin super moisturised. That being said though this gradual tan is one of the most moisturising ones I have ever used, it contains aloe vera and vitamin E which scream hydration to me. (Shout out to the throw back holiday skin! My friend Jade and I loved the stuff… but the smell!! Rank!)

Once my usual fake tan has run out I want to try the Bondi Sands Tanning mousse, if their gradual tan is this good, I can only imagine how good their actual fake tan is. Have you used any Bondi Sands products? What are your thoughts? XO

What is in my makeup storage

I am one nosey little pickle so I love seeing what other people have in their make up collection, I will be honest I do have more lip products in my handbag but I want to do a ‘real-life’ whats in my bag and I know if I take all the lip products out, it will be empty. Not that exciting though I am a lip balm girl!

First of this is my Muji draws that I have had forever, I love my Muji, they were a total youtube inspired buy… including my Alex (which I really want the 9 draw version of!)

On top I have my brushes that, these are my staple brushes and I love the RT buffing brush. In the little white pot are my eye brushes, they kept getting lost in with my bigger brushes so thought I should separate them. In the pink holder are my RT sponges, I love these and use them when I remember to wet them first haha!

Top draw – these are my foundations, concealers, powder, primer and tinted moisturiser… as you can see I have a modest collection!! The L’Oreal primer gets bought into play when I need my make up to stay put for longer than 6 hours. I love the Tropic Skin tint for the Summer mainly, when I am having a good skin day and just need a little something. The Ordinary Coverage foundation is my daily go to, its so good and super cheap. Mac Studio Fix fluid, this is a staple foundation and I have the shades NC15 for my super pale days, and NC20 for my fake tanned skin…and mix the two together when I am in the middle. The concealers I have are the Mac Studio Fix NC20, Pro Longwear in NC15 and NC20 and the Bourjois healthy mix… I use the Healthy mix one every day, its so easy to use, blends nicely and quickly. Again the one powder I have is in the Rimmel 24 lasting one, I use this again when my make up needs to stay, I trusted it on my wedding day and it did me well!

Second draw down – I have my blushers, bronzers, highlighters and lip products.. Nars Laguna, shocker I know but still the only one I will use, the Benefit box blushers are my favourite, and I have Rocketeur for Autumn/Winter and Coralista for Spring/Summer. The Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter is perfect for high impact!! Love it!! I have a the Benefit Benetint that I love for a no make up makeup look, on the cheeks and lips and done and dusted kippers and custard. The liquid highlight I have I use mainly in Summer for a subtle glint as hate using powders when its super hot. Lip products in here currently are the Benebalm, Mac Creme Cup, Soap and Glory sexy Mother Pucker gloss in Plumsip and a LAQA & Co Matte lip in Daydream. A new addition to this draw though is the Alicia cream blush! It’s so lovely and looks natural.

Third draw down – Eyeshadow palettes, mascara, eyeliners and brows. I have been using the Pixi brow gel now for as long as I can remember, and the Ardell brow pomade is my bitch… I love it. The mascara currently on rotation is the Ciglione which is ok… nothing special but does the job. I have a lord and berry black eyeliner and a Rimmel nude one too. The eyeshadow palettes I have are the UD Naked palette, Too Faced Peaches and Too Faced Naturals palette. The individual ones I have are UD Half baked, Naked and Sin… my most used from the UD palette. Also a Mac Paint pot in bare study that I use as a base for eyeshadow.

In the bottom draw are my contact lenses… need those bad boys in easy reach haha.

I do have more make up but in different places but this is my daily go to bunch! I know it is pretty modest – especially to how it used to be haha. Do you think you own too much make up? XO

No7 Hydration Mask

I got a set in the Boots sale, it came with the limited edition rose gold no7 cleansing brush, as you know the lovely Debra Bow gifted me the original No7 brush so this set was a no brainer for me!! It came with the No7 gel cleanser which is great and have used on and off for a long time. But today I want to talk about the hydration mask.

I was quite skeptical, it is like a gel and for me I usually love more of a creamy texture in a hydration type mask. However, this mask surprised me. As you can see in the bottle it is a mixture of a few textures and these blend together. I cleanse and pat my face dry and apply a generous amount of this mask. It doesn’t smell over the top or anything which is nice and its lovely to massage in after leaving it on for 15 minutes, I then wash it off with a face cloth.

My skin is so super soft after using this, I do sometimes apply a mud mask to my t zone and then this mask around my face. I have used it 4 times now and I have really noticed the difference in my skin, in Winter I usually feel quite tight around the chin and nose but nope… zilch!

Have you tried this mask? What did you think? XO

2018

Well here we are… 2018… Monday 1st January feels all kinds of cleansing and fresh that it instantly makes me feel positive about sticking to some “resolutions” I didn’t do toooooo bad at last years… I didn’t do too great either but achieved so much in 2017 and had some massive changes! Positive ones though of course.. like going self employed! I still can’t believe that I was brave enough to leave my “safe” job.

Anyway this is no time for reflection on the last year this is all about the future and the positive vibes I intend to take into the new year.

So here goes my modest list of resolutions that I hope to make easy enough to stick to… although I’ll probably fail by the time I’ve hit publish haha!

1. Drink more water blah blah blah (I don’t do too bad but could do with more)
2. Meditate/breathe for at least 3 minutes a day.
3. Read a book a month…. A MONTH!
4. Push my nails a bit more and work harder in all things beauty.
5. Complete at least one more beauty course before December.
6. Save for next Christmas.
7. Budget a bit better and not buy things I really don’t need.
8. Have more family outings.
9. Spend less time on my phone and only do blog related shiz on my laptop.
10. Eat healthier in general, not cut anything out but make better choices.

So please wish me luck, I think I am going to need it! What are your New Years resolutions for 2018? XO

Happy New Year from us xoxo