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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD - GIFTED | During the colder months of the year, my skincare routine definitely changes, and I am finding myself adding many more products into my daily routine that fit my current skins needs. The colder, winter months really have a drastic impact on my skin, as I tend to have much dryer and dull-looking skin. My last skincare post featured some of my favourite drugstore serums that I use on a day-to-day basis. I find serums an essential use for the colder months as I find my skin tends to get much drier in places due to the change in weather. Serums are great as they absorb deeper into the skin, and allow the skin to retain a higher level of moisture. I also have a selection of other skincare products that are my winter essentials, and they are as follows...

REN Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream

First up is the REN Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream*. A new addition into my skincare routine, and a definite game changing product for those with dull and tired looking skin. It's packed full of essential vitamins minerals that help boost a radiant and glowy complexion. Full of Tara Pod Extract, Vitamin C and Magnesium, helping to even out skin tone, illuminate the complexion and nourish the skin. The REN Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream has a light and natural fresh scent with a hint of zesty and juicy oranges. Sounds delicious right?! When applying to the skin, a little goes a long way, so you only need the smallest amount for a full face. A perfect lightweight and fast absorbing cream, anything with the words 'radiance' and 'glow' are a perfect winter treat that helps you get that summer glow all year round!

Superdrug Vitamin E Gentle Oatmeal Exfoliator

Next, I've been using the Superdrug Vitamin E Gentle Oatmeal Exfoliator. At a bargain price of £2.99, this has been one of my best drugstore finds in terms of skincare.  Vitamin E Exfoliating Facial Scrub uses oatmeal to provide gentle but effective exfoliation, revealing deeply cleansed, soft and radiant skin. I use this twice a week after I've cleansed my skin, and it leaves me feeling super plump and smooth, that my moisturiser or serum glides effortlessly across my cleansed skin.

Cuticura Intensive Hand & Nail Cream

My third winter skincare essential is a nourishing hand cream. I always carry one with me in my bag for when I'm out and about, as they're perfect for when you're travelling or on the go. Recently I've picked up the Cuticura Intensive Hand & Nail Cream which I found when browsing my local Poundland store. Packed with Vitamin E and Glycerin; a perfect combination to keep your hands moisturised and nourished all day long.

Grüum Coffee & Coconut Body Polish Scrub

Another essential for me is a body scrub. I go through so many of these as I love the feeling of silky, soft and smooth skin. Currently I'm using the Grüum Coffee & Coconut Body Polish Scrub. Packed with Robusta Coffee, Cane Sugar, Dead Sea Salt, Argan oil, Macadamia oil and Cocoa Butter, it's the perfect way to exfoliate and nourish your skin. 

Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Spray Moisturiser

My final skincare essential is the Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Spray Moisturiser. I opt for a spray moisturiser in the winter months as it's far too cold to spend ages applying body moisturiser and letting it absorb. I'm currently using the Aloe Soothe moisturiser which has a super fresh and clean fragrance to it. I also really like the Cocoa scent! The product really helps to keep my skin moisturised and instantly leaves it feeling soft and refreshed. The best thing about this spray moisturiser is that it has non-greasy formula and absorbs into the skin in seconds, so there's no need to wait around before you put on your fresh clothes or pyjamas!

What are your Winter skincare essentials?
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AD - GIFTED | No.1 Kombucha; is an innovative brand founded by Jonny Wilkinson that promotes health and wellbeing and produces a range of refreshing and sparkling soft drinks. Kombucha originates from Northeast China and is at least two thousand years old. No.1 Kombucha is made using a blend of four main ingredients: filtered water, organic green tea, organic cane sugar and SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast).

No.1 Kombucha - Ginger & Turmeric

I was kindly sent a much needed Kombucha care package* that included the Ginger & Turmeric drink*, as well as a few other goodies. I also received a pot of Ground Turmeric, some fresh Ginger and these super cute hand warmers that would keep me going throughout the cold winter months ahead. The living soft drink features a fiery and invigorating blend of ginger and turmeric, a perfect winter pick-me-up that have some much needed health benefits. Ginger; helps to reduce nausea, pain, and inflammation. Turmeric; has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

No.1 Kombucha - Ginger & Turmeric

This Ginger & Turmeric drink has refreshing, light, crisp flavour at the beginning, followed by a really strong and punchy after taste of zingy ginger and spicy turmeric. Packed with powerful ingredients, as well as antioxidants, essential vitamins, minerals and probiotics, providing an invigorating beverage ideal to consume during the colder months. This uplifting drink is perfect for giving your immune system some TLC and a natural boost this winter. 

No.1 Kombucha - Ginger & Turmeric

Every bottle of No.1 Kombucha has under 50 calories, it's also dairy and gluten free and suitable for vegans. Available and exclusive in Sainsbury’s stores in three delicious varieties: Ginger & Turmeric, Passionfruit & Goji and Raspberry, Pomegranate & Hibiscus. Such a range of delicious, fruity flavours! 

Have you heard of No.1 Kombucha before? What flavour from the range would be your favourite?
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AD| In collaboration with ALDI*, I'm sharing with you the final recipe in my Winter Warmers series. For today's recipe, I'm sharing with you my quick and easy Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry. This is completely homemade, full of authentic spices and beautiful flavours, you'll never want to use a ready made jar of curry sauce again! So let's get started!

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

For this fiery curry, you will need the following ingredients;

Frozen Prawns, defrosted
1 can of Coconut Milk
1 tin of Chopped Tomatoes
2 small Potatoes
2 Garlic Cloves, chopped
1 White Onion, sliced
2 Chillies, red and green, sliced and deseeded
1 Green Pepper, sliced
Fresh Ginger, chopped 
1 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp Cumin
1 Lemon
1 packet of Basmati Rice
Coriander (fresh or dried)
Butter
Salt
Curry Powder
Olive Oil
Naan Breads

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 1 - Marinate the Prawns with the Turmeric, Cumin, Garlic, Chillies and Salt in a bowl, mix well and set aside for 30 minutes. 

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 2 - Chop your Onions, Peppers, Ginger and Garlic. Peel and diced your potatoes and rinse.

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 3 - Heat a splash of Olive Oil and knob of butter in a pan and add the sliced Onions. Fry gently for 5 minutes on medium heat. Then add the fresh Ginger and Garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring regularly.

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 4 - Add a splash of cold water to your pan, and the chopped Green Pepper. Cook this for 5 minutes until soft. Meanwhile, place your diced Potatoes in a saucepan and boil until tender.

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 5 - Followed by the Chopped Tomatoes and Coconut Milk and stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Once mixed, add your Curry Powder and cooked Potatoes.

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 6 - In a separate pan, heat the remaining Olive Oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the spiced Prawns briefly for a minute or two. 

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 7 - Once the Prawns are cooked through, add them to your curry sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 8 - Whilst your delicious curry is simmering, I like to prepare my Basmati Rice and warm Naan Breads. I love Garlic and Coriander Naan, but you can also use plain or Peshwari.

Fiery Prawn and Coconut Curry

Step 9 - Plate up and ENJOY!

If you missed the previous recipes in my Winter Warmers series, I've made a gorgeous Spiced Butternut Squash Soup and some Super Sizzling Chicken Fajitas! 

What are your favourite curries to make?
10:00 No comments
When I've shared blog posts about skincare in the past, I've pretty much always mentioned products I've picked up from the drugstore. I've definitely found some amazing products which I've continued to repurchase time and time again, that come with a super affordable price tag. This allows me to chop and change the products I use depending on my current skin needs. 

Drugstore Skincare Serums

Now that I've developed a skincare routine that works for my skin, I've realised how important it is to include serums and the benefit they have to my skin. If you didn't know, facial serums have a really lightweight consistency that can penetrate deeper than moisturisers into your skin, allowing skin to retain a higher level of moisture. They also contain a high concentration of performance ingredients that really give your skin a boost, both day and night.

Superdrug Vitamin E Moisture Boost Facial Serum

The Superdrug Vitamin E Moisture Boost Facial Serum has probably been my most repurchased skincare item this year, alongside the Superdrug Hot Cloth Cleanser from the same range. This serum is enriched with Vitamin E; a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect skin from ageing and environmental damage. For me, this serum has the perfect consistency, it absorbs very quickly into the skin and has a lightweight texture, leaving the skin feeling plumped and hydrated. Infused with natural fruit acids, this allows the product to help boost the moisture levels in the skin, and makes the serum suitable to be used both day and night. As well as containing Betaine; which is a great skincare ingredient that helps to smooth and soften the appearance and texture of the skin.

Revolution Skincare Plumping and Hydrating Serum

 Next up, new for 2018 is a skincare range from beauty brand Revolution. I've been using the Revolution Skincare Plumping and Hydrating Serum for just over two months now since the weather has been much colder and my skin has got much drier in areas, and it's definitely been a product my skin has loved. This serum is packed with Hyaluronic Acid, a skincare ingredient that attracts moisture to the skins surface and is the ultimate ingredient for dry and dehydrated skin. This lightweight, oil-free serum sinks in quickly and has a cooling effect on the skin. You can really feel it working! This product has been my winter weather skin saviour, adding much needed hydration into my skin, that leaves it looking plump and feeling silky soft.

B.Confident Phase 1 Night Serum

Thirdly, the B.Confident Phase 1 Night Serum has become a staple skincare item for my evening routine. Advertised as the 'ultimate beauty sleep', this Night Serum has really helped to keep my skin nourished and hydrated, especially in the recent cold weather. With 12 hour moisturisation, this lightweight serum helps to leave you with a softer, plumper and more replenished complexion, in the morning you wake up with the most glowy and radiant skin. Products in the Phase 1 range are suitable to use in your late 20s to help protect against the first signs of ageing and help to keep/enhance the skins youthful appearance.

Superdrug Vitamin C Detox Invigorating Skin Booster Serum

I've previously featured the Superdrug Vitamin C range on my blog before, but the Superdrug Vitamin C Detox Invigorating Skin Booster Serum is something new that I've tried out, and I am completely obsessed! A serum packed with Vitamin C; a powerful antioxidant and the perfect ingredient to help protect the skin and boost radiance. Enriched with Kakadu Plum; the highest known ‭concentration of Vitamin C of any food on the planet, and Goji Berry; a superfruit known to induce calm, ‭wellbeing and energy. The orangey scent of this skin booster is incredible. Super fresh, fruity and zesty! This serum has really boosted my skins appearance, helping to seriously brighten and revitalise my skin, giving me that healthy, radiant glow!

These drugstore serums have really affordable prices, and they all RRP for under £10!

What are your current favourite drugstore serums? Have you tried any of the products featured in today's post?
10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | If you've seen the latest of my foodie blog posts, you'll already know I've been teaming up with Gousto; a food subscription box service that brings you 30+ recipes a week to choose from to create your very own recipe box, and I've had the chance to create some absolutely delicious meals at home in minutes. The next recipe that I picked for my recipe box was the Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Lime.

Gousto Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Lime

For this tasty Thai treat, you will need the following ingredients for 2 people;

- 1 Aubergine
- Fresh Ginger
- 1 Red Chilli
- 80g Sugar Snap Peas
- Basmati Rice
- 3 Dried Kafir Lime Leaves
- 50g Solid Coconut Cream
-1 Lime
- Roasted Peanuts
- 1 Vegetable Stock Cube
- 80g Tenderstem Broccoli
- 40g Thai Green Curry Paste


The recipe card as shown below are super easy and quick to follow. The recipe is broken down into 8 steps, that show you what you need to do and what ingredients you will need for that particular part of the recipe. So here's how I made my Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Lime*.


Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this vegetarian dish. Before, I've had only had a Thai Chicken curry previously, and this one is a great alternative and was definitely just as good! A great Asian inspired dish that is bursting with flavours. So zingy with the fresh Lime and a gorgeous coconut green sauce. The flavour combinations were just sensational. Packed full of crisp and crunchy vegetables, topped off with a fiery chilli kick and crunchy crushed peanuts, this Thai curry was absolutely delicious!

Gousto Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Lime

If you missed my last recipe posts, I shared a stunning Indian-Spiced Chicken Tray Bake with Spinach and some super delicious Refried Bean & Corn Quesadillas.

Have you used Gousto before? What recipes would you love to try from the site? 
10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | With Christmas only a few weeks away, I wanted to share some festive treats that I think would make great Christmas presents or stocking fillers for all the family. Especially those with a super sweet tooth who love the combination of chocolate and marzipan, then Niederegger is the perfect gift. It's unusual, it's delicious and it's super festive!

Niederegger; the worlds finest marzipan from Lubeck in Germany, founded in 1806 by the master confectioner, Johann Georg Niederegger. Their flavours include the bittersweet classic, milk, Marc de Champagne, orange, apple strudel, caramel brownie, espresso and many many more! 

Niederegger Marzipan

"The secret of Niederegger Marzipan lies in a closely guarded secret recipe, handed down over the generations, for the exact mixture of almonds, sugar and a top secret ingredients similar to rose water. Only the highest quality, natural raw ingredients are used in the manufacture of our marzipan. Niederegger is the only premium manufacturer of marzipan still producing its own almond and sugar paste."

Niederegger Marzipan

I was kindly sent the Niederegger Marzipan Christmas Hamper* which was filled with a huge selection of the most popular products, accompanied by seasonal Christmas items, perfect for the festive season ahead. 

Included in the hamper are the following products;

1 x 110g Classic Dark Chocolate covered Marzipan Bar
1 x 100g Assorted Mini Marzipan Loaves
2 x 40g Chocolate covered marzipan sticks (Amarena Cherry, Walnut)
1 x 125g Flavour of the Year Apple Strudel
1 x 100g Dark chocolate covered Santa

Niederegger Marzipan

The Dark Chocolate covered marzipan Santa is the cutest, most festive treat in the Niederegger Christmas Hamper, and for me, the perfect stocking filler for the whole family.

Niederegger Marzipan

Stick'n Go are Chocolate covered Marzipan Sticks that come in a variety of flavours including Amarena Cherry, Walnut, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate. You receive two random flavours that are included in the hamper. In the hamper I received, I was given the Amarena Cherry and Walnut; 
pure marzipan with a cherry filling / walnut pieces and rum, covered with a generous coating of milk chocolate.

Niederegger Marzipan

The new style Classic Dark Chocolate covered Marzipan Bar, made with 
pure Niederegger marzipan in the centre, generously enrobed in rich dark chocolate. If the combination of Dark Chocolate and Marzipan is something you love, you'll definitely end up eating the entire 100g bar of this. It's totally addictive! 

Also included in the hamper is the 2018 Limited Edition Flavour of the Year; Apple Strudel. A delicious Milk Chocolate coated, filled juicy marzipan and fruity apples, refined by a slight hint of cake. This would definitely be one of the tastiest treats in the gift.

Niederegger Marzipan

Finally, the Assorted Mini Marzipan Loaves. A beautiful 
eight piece assorted box featuring mini marzipan loaves covered in rich Dark Chocolate. Pure Niederegger Marzipan flavoured with Pistachio, Orange, Pineapple and Espresso Coffee. This offers such a variety, that those who love to experiment with flavours would definitely enjoy this. Especially the Chocolate and Orange loaves, a brilliant festive combination.

Overall this gorgeous Christmas Hamper from Niederegger is a perfect treat this festive season. It offers such a variety of flavours and types of chocolates, my favourites definitely being the Amarena Cherry and the Pineapple Mini Loaves, something a little bit fruity and exotic, combined with chocolate is a winner with me!

Have you tried Niederegger Marzipan before? What item from the Christmas hamper would be your favourite?
10:00 No comments
AD| In collaboration with ALDI*, I'm bringing you the second instalment of my trio of recipe posts for my Winter Warmers series. For today's recipe, I'm turning up the heat and bringing you a quick and easy guide to making my Super Spicy & Sizzling Chicken Fajitas. Mexican food is definitely one of my favourites. It's quick and easy to make, super tasty and bursting with tonnes of flavours. I recently posted about some delicious Quesadillas I made, and today I'm sharing another new recipe with you. So let's get started!

Super Spicy & Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

For these fajitas, you will need the following ingredients;

Chicken Mini Fillets
1 ALDI Fiesta Fajita Dinner Kit
1 White Onion, sliced
1 packed of Mixed Peppers, sliced
Grated Mozzarella Cheese
Sour Cream
Tomato Salsa
Olive Oil
1 Lime

Super Spicy & Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

Step 1 - To begin this Mexican feast, start by slicing the Chicken lengthways into long strips and marinate with the spices from the Fajita Kit and a squeeze of fresh Lime for 20-30 minutes before cooking. I simply marinated the chicken in the package they came in, as this saves on washing up!

Super Spicy & Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

Step 2 - Slice the Mixed Peppers into thin strips and finely slice the Onion. I like to use all three peppers in my Fajitas, as this add colour and vibrancy to the dish!

Super Spicy & Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

Step 3 - Heat up some Olive Oil into a frying pan, add the marinated Chicken strips and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. I also like to add a splash of water to help deglaze the pan a little bit and avoid anything sticking to the pan.

Super Spicy & Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

Step 4 - Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced Peppers and Onions and cook for a further 3-4 minutes, so the vegetables warm up and keep their crunch. Warm your Tortilla Wraps from the Fajita Kit in the microwave for 45 seconds, until warmed through.

Super Spicy & Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

Step 5 - Serve with your Sizzling Fajitas alongside Sour Cream, grated Cheddar Cheese and a mild Tomato Salsa. Wrap up and Enjoy!

Super Spicy & Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

If you missed the first recipe, it was my gorgeous Spiced Butternut Squash Soup!

Do you like Mexican Food? What do you put in your Fajitas?
10:00 No comments
If you saw one of my most recent posts which shared my current favourite haircare products for Autumn, you would have seen that I included the L'Oréal Paris Dream Lengths haircare range. For me, the star product is the No Haircut Cream, a total hair game-changer and has become a staple in my haircare routine. 

L'oreal Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream

Enriched with a combination of Keratin and Castor Oil, that have some amazing benefits, you're definitely on your way to healthier, beautiful hair.

- Keratin -  a major component of your hair, as well as a vital protein found naturally in hair strands, which gives its structure. Also helps to maintain the smoothness, shine and strength of your hair, but also prevent from further damage.

- Castor Oil - great moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep hair soft and hydrated.

L'oreal Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream

"Does the appearance of split ends and hair breakage make you feel like you need a haircut? Say no to cutting your ends!"

L'oreal Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream

  I use the No Haircut Cream on my mid-lengths and ends of my hair, and I find the product absorbs quickly without any residue. The formula helps to reduce split ends and to reduce any breakage from brushing.

The consistency is quite thick, but not too heavy or greasy on the hair, so it doesn't weigh it down at all and helps to detangle, which is great for us with long hair. It protects my hair from the use of heat, as well we the weather outside. 
 So if you've not tried it yet, you definitely need too!

Have you tried the No Haircut Cream or any other products from the L'Oréal Dream Lengths range?
10:00 2 comments
AD| In collaboration with ALDI*, I'm bringing you a trio of recipe posts for my Winter Warmers series. For me, Winter is all about warming and comfort home-style cooking. Soups, stews, curries etc. Meals that will be super filling and be able to warm you up on a cold, frosty evening. The first instalment to my series being my gorgeous Spiced Butternut Squash Soup which you can prepare in under 40 minutes!

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

For this soup, you will need the following ingredients;

1 Butternut Squash, peeled, deseeded and chopped
2 tbsp Olive Oil 
1 tbsp Butter
1 White Onion, chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, sliced in half
1 large Red Chilli, some chopped and some sliced
500ml Vegetable Stock
Crème Fraiche
Crusty Bread 

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

Step 1 - Preheat your oven to 200° and leave to warm up. Cut the Butternut Squash into large cubes then place in a large roasting tin with a drizzle of Olive Oil and your sliced Garlic. Roast for 25 - 30 mins until golden and soft. 

The sweetness that comes from roasted Butternut Squash is simply delicious, along with the roast Garlic and fresh Chilli, it's a great flavour combination.

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

Step 2 - Whilst the Butternut Squash roasts in the oven, melt the Butter and Olive Oil in a large saucepan. Add the chopped Onions, sliced Garlic and finely chopped Red Chilli. Cook on a low heat for 10 mins until the Onions are completely soft.

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

Step 3 - Once roasted, add the Butternut Squash into the saucepan along with your hot Vegetable Stock and a few tablespoons of Crème Fraiche. Stir well and put the soup into a blender and blitz. I used my Breville Blend Active for this.

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

Step 4 - Return to the blitzed soup to the pan, gently reheat till warm, stirring occasionally. Make sure to season with Salt and Pepper to taste. 

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

Step 5 - I like to serve the soup with a splash of Crème Fraiche, a sprinkling of sliced Red Chilli and some warm Crusty Bread on the side, for the perfect Winter Warmer Soup!

What are your favourite soups to make during the Winter season?
10:00 No comments
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