twitter instagram linkedin
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Topics
    • Beauty
    • Food + Drink
    • Lifestyle
    • Home + Interiors
    • Fashion
    • Health + Fitness
    • Travel
    • Relationships + Dating
    • Business, Education + Finance
    • Blogging Tips
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Features

● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

Stuck at home? Me too! We're back in lockdown again, but that shouldn't stop you from taking time out of your day and do some things to help pamper and look after yourself. Self care is a must have and extremely valuable in this current climate of a global pandemic, and is definitely something to incorporate into your daily routine. Feeling isolated can really get you feeling low, unmotivated and start making you feel a little unhappy, but doing something to make you feel better, no matter how big or small, can really boost your mood and cheer you up during these uncertain times. 

Here are 5 lockdown beauty hacks that I've been adding into my day to day life and are 5 things I recommend you do to!
  
at home pamper essentials

Since we're all staying at home, one thing that is super important is letting your skin breathe. None of us are really wearing any/much make up and this gives us the opportunity to focus on our skincare goals and make some sort of routine. For me, I've made sure to really try and stick to a skincare routine, cleansing properly, exfoliating my skin and weekly face masks to keep my skin glowing throughout the colder months.

A goal of mine in 2021 is to take much better care of my hair, keep it in healthy condition, and ultimately attempt to grow it longer. Throughout the previous lockdowns, weekly hair masks have been a thing, and will continue making an appearance into my haircare routine, in a bid to keep my hair healthy, soft and shiny, even during this extreme cold weather. During the winter months, coconut oil has become my best friend. I like to use this as an overnight treatment, massaging the oil from root to tip, in order to deeply condition and nourish my hair, and simply rinse out in the morning.

Coronavirus and lockdown has us washing our hands countless times a day followed up by hand sanitiser gel, walking outdoors to get our daily exercise, but all this will definitely take a toll on your hands and fee. It's super important to take care of them also! Moisturising hand creams and cuticle oils are the perfect combination to keep your hands looking and feeling nourished. And for the feet, I've been opting for moisturising foot masks and luxurious lotions to keep my feet soft and smooth.

Another lockdown beauty hack I've been using is skin dermaplaning. This is something that I've been doing every 3-4 weeks to improve the appearance and texture of my skin. Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that removes peach fuzz and dead skin with the tiny scrape of a scalpel. I like to make sure my skin is well moisturised before treatment to help the blade glide over my face, without causing any injury. For this, I simply use a hydrating facial oil to keep my skin lubricated throughout. I picked up my dermaplaning tools from Amazon, and have noticed a big change in health of my skin. From the very first use, my skin was definitely softer and smoother, more radiant and glowy.

Finally, body care. Body exfoliation and moisturising can be quite the chore, but with a lot more time on our hands during lockdown, it's definitely something we should consider to help lift our spirits during these times. A simple beauty hack of regular exfoliation increases the skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, and that's just the start. There are so many benefits from a couple minutes scrubbing in the shower, and of course you'll be left with the silkiest, softest skin possible! Followed up by your favourite body moisturiser or lotion, and you're good to go!

What lockdown beauty hacks are you using? Will you be adding any of the beauty hacks mentioned above into your daily routine?

10:00 1 comments

If you've not heard of Estrid then I don't know where you've been hiding. It's the sustainable razor subscription service that EVERYONE'S been talking about, and I just had to give it a try. After reading a whole load of amazing reviews, I decided I needed to see that all the fuss was about. I wanted to see why Estrid was so popular and why everyone was raving about the subscription service. 

No fuss! No cuts! No more bad shave days? You got it!

Vegan Razor Subscription Estrid

"Hair removal should be optional. Great hair removal shouldn’t. That’s why we’ve created Estrid." 

First of all, the Estrid razor is pretty sharp. Featuring 5 blades for a closer, smoother finish. From the very first use, I was super impressed and my legs had never felt softer. The blade itself features a completely vegan moisturising panel, encased in Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera & Shea Butter, helping to avoid any shaving rashes or bumps too. I found that the cartridge was super easy to clean, and any hair that was removed didn't get stuck within the blades like it can with some disposable razors. The steel handle is made to such a high quality without the expensive price tag. It feels heavy in your hand, and makes me feel as though I have greater control over my shaving and the direction of movement from the razor. No cuts, no scratches and definitely no razor burns.

Vegan Razor Subscription Estrid

In terms of cost, the pricing for the first subscription is super affordable. The £7.95 starter kit includes; 1 steel handle, 1 wall holder and 2 razor head cartridges. Then by continuing with the subscription, you'll get sent four replacement cartridges for £9.95 in the post as often as you want. No strings attached - cancel anytime! This is the perfect razor service as I'm so forgetful, and never seem to purchase new razors when I need to, so the fact they come direct to my door is game-changing!

Vegan Razor Subscription Estrid

"Every purchase makes a difference. Estrid feels different and makes a difference, too. For every purchase you make, we donate a portion to Kvinna till Kvinna, Medica Mondiale, or the Fawcett Society, all of which work to support women and gender equality around the world."

Have you tried Estrid yet?

10:00 No comments
AD| New Year? New Me? It’s that time of year again. How many times have you heard that phrase being thrown around when New Years Resolutions are made. Many people hope to make a change in their diet and exercise habits but find it incredibly hard to get started and maintain over a long term period. 

However, with these 10 top tips, you're bound to kickstart your lifestyle change in 2021!

Workout Exercise Tips

1. Trainers
For me, a good, durable and comfortable pair of trainers is a definite must have for anyone who is looking to get into exercise and beginning any fitness workouts. Investing in quality footwear can help you to prevent injuries, mainly foot and ankle damage, and make your workout a more pleasant, enjoyable and comfortable experience. Whether you're going for long walks, jogs or runs, it's super important to make sure you have correct fitting and supportive footwear. My personal favourites are Nike and Adidas!

2. A Sports Bra
As a women, having a comfortable, supportive and well fitting sports bra is a must for any physical activity as continuous movements can result in soreness, pain and sagging of the breasts. In general, your sports bra should feel slightly tighter than your regular bra, however, you should still be able to breathe deeply and comfortably. They also come in a range of styles and types of support, depending on the amount of impact your workout requires.

3. Tracksuit Bottoms/Leggings/Shorts
You want something that is going to be comfortable, practical and suitable for your desired exercise or workout. You don't want something that is too tight and restrictive, as this can stop you from performing well, as well as making you feel uncomfortable and isolated. Tracksuit bottoms or leggings are my preference! They are super comfortable and warm, and perfect for day to day wear and perfect for any weather type.

4. Yoga Mat
A yoga mat can probably be the most beneficial for those doing floor exercises or stretching. It's also great to help increase flexibility and keep your body relaxed. For many people, pressing their bodies onto the bare ground or floor can be painful and sore, especially on the palms, knees, elbows, and vertebrae of the back. The yoga mat offers some light support and cushioning which can help avoid any injury.

5. Water Bottle
A water bottle is another must have item. Whilst exercising, you are constantly losing water from your body, through breathing and sweating, so it's important that you keep hydrated and keep up your fluid intake. There's such a variety of amazing bottles out there, where you can track exactly what you're drinking, or even infusing your drinks with some delicious fruits.

6. Baggy T Shirts/Vests
Whilst working out, you don't want clothing that feels tight and uncomfortable - this just makes you feel slightly insecure and makes you lack confidence, especially if you are wanting to lose some weight. Choosing loose fitting tops is perfect for exercise, they aren't too tight, breathable and for me, I think they are perfect attire for a workout.

7. Routine/Schedule
Creating a workout schedule or routine is a great way to begin getting fit and healthy. By sticking to your schedule, this gives you something to stick to, be committed to and doesn't allow you to "cheat". Even if you choose to go running once a week or exercise at home everyday, sticking to this will boost your confidence and give you that encouragement you need to stick to your routine. However, you need to listen to your body and if you don't feel like working out, you're feeling tired or just lacking motivation, use this time to relax and reflect on how you can achieve more!

8. Music Playlist
Having an upbeat, motivational music playlist helps to your keep focused and keep your mind on your exercise. Music can also help you to enjoy exercise a lot more and also make it fun! Along with a music playlist, you need a good set of headphones to keep those tunes playing and keeping you on track for your workout. Similarly, it's super important to keep your ears healthy and make sure you don't suffer any hearing issues through life, so it's important to have regular check ups just in case. 

9. A Notepad/Diary
Keeping a fitness diary/log is a great way to record your progress and see how far you've come! You can also use this to set your fitness goals and targets, and give yourself deadlines for this. It's also a great way to record your weight loss, your exercise routine or even how far your running/swimming/cycling each week! You'll be able to see how you're improving and progressing, to get to the place you want to be at the end!

10. Hairbands and Clips
A must have essential! Whilst exercising, the last thing you want is your hair flying in your face, getting in the way, getting sweaty and just annoying. Hairbands and clips are just needed to keep your hair back and out of your face.

What are your fitness essentials? Do you use any of these? Will you take any of these on board and include them in your 2021 workouts?
10:00 No comments

AD| Can you imagine a world where you don’t need to stress about money? You know there is enough to cover your bills, and if an emergency was to crop up, you have savings to tackle it. As well as being able to live the lifestyle that you want? If you make the effort to become financially stable, you will be able to do just that. Let’s have a look at some of the things you can do to achieve it: 

financial business

Make Sure Finances Are Personal 

It essential to make your finances personal to you, and this doesn’t mean avoiding talking about them. To make your finances personal, you just need to stop concerning yourself with others and making a comparison. Focus on your own situation rather than concerning yourself with another financial situation. 


This is one of the most vital parts that will help you achieve the financial stability you’re after. We are all guilty of comparing ourselves to others, but it’s important to concentrate on your finances alone. Try not to concern yourself with the new car your neighbour has bought, or the holiday your sister is going on, chances are you have other things to spend your money on. Maybe you are looking for a house for sale and you need to save for your deposit, or you are paying off your debts to become debt-free. 


Make a Budget

Budgeting is likely something that you have heard before. And they aren’t as bad as they actually sound. It should be used as a tool not as something to restrict you or make you unhappy. It’s definitely the best way to manage your money and ensure things get paid when they need to be. There are always essentials that need to pay, so make a plan to do this on time every month. If you find that you are overspending on your essentials, you need to look for ways to increase your income or reduce your spending. However, the problem usually lies with other spending when it comes to failing on a budget. When you have a budget, you can also identify where you may be able to save money for a good financial future. 


Always Live Below Your Means

This is again, something that you have probably have heard before. You most definitely heard about people living to their means and then struggling to afford luxuries or extras. You should make sure you make a budget and create a living expenditure that is below your means instead of spending right to the mark. If you live below your means, you can almost guarantee that you are covered if you need to tackle any emergency, or if you want to save. 


Build an Emergency Fund

As well as thinking about your future such as retirement or paying off your debts, you should also make sure you build an emergency fund. Having an emergency fund is your way of protecting yourself against anything unexpected. You never know when something bad might happen, losing a job with a regular salary can really hinder someone financial security if they have no emergency fund. 


Pay Off Your Debt 

If you have any debt, it will likely stand in the way of you having financial security. Once you are aware of how much you are able to comfortably spend, using your budgeting, and when you have built an emergency fund, you can focus on getting rid of any debt. You should pay credit cards and other high-interest debts first, it’s best to avoid any future debt on these while you are trying to clear them. Bear in mind that if you have signed a contract for a term, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t pay it off sooner. If you want to keep on top of the debts that you have, it best to track your credit score. You can do this for free, and doing it can you the best chance of getting straight with your finances. 


Financial security is where you will have the freedom to live a life where you don’t need to worry about how you will pay the next bill that comes your way. For some people, this may seem like an unachievable dream but it is something that everyone is capable of achieving. 


These tips should help you on your way to becoming financially secure, just remember it does take a little effort but once you are in the swing of it it will become second nature.


Do you have any other tips that you are using to help you get you there? 

10:00 No comments

AD| It’s that time of year when people vow to be more active and dust off their gym gear in a bid to work off the indulgences of the festive season. Exercise is one of the best remedies for improved physical and mental health. If you’re embarking upon a new fitness regime, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results. 

workout routine


Set realistic targets

Setting targets is an excellent way to increase motivation, but it’s essential to establish goals that are achievable. If you’re a beginner, and you’ve never trained before, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to run a marathon in a month’s time. Set goals that are relevant to your aims and consider your fitness level. If the end goal is to run 26.2 miles, break it down and start by ticking off a 5km run, followed by a 10km route and a half marathon. Celebrate each milestone and be ambitious. As you build your fitness and stamina, you can modify your goals. 


Eat well

When you increase your activity levels, and you’re pushing hard in training sessions, it’s crucial to ensure your body has sufficient fuel and that you’re eating the right foods. Focus on good nutrition and make sure your diet is balanced. You may need to increase your calorie intake if you’re burning a lot of calories and you want to maintain your weight or gain weight. If you want to lose weight, reducing your calorie intake in a controlled manner can help you drop pounds in a safe way. Training puts a strain on your body, and it’s beneficial to allow time for rest and to aid recovery. If you’re thinking of taking supplements, such as hyperade supplement, ask your doctor or a personal trainer for advice before changing your diet. As well as embracing healthy eating, it’s also critical to stay hydrated. If you lose fluids through sweating, you’ll need to replace them. Carry a bottle of water with you and aim to consume at least 2 litres per day. 


healthy avocado spinach toast


Introduce competition

Humans are naturally competitive, and many of us lift performance levels when there are competitors around. If you want to push yourself, introducing some friendly competition is a great idea. You can do this by joining exercise classes or group training sessions or getting involved in virtual races or competitions. You can also work out with a buddy. This will help you get the best out of the session, and it may also be more fun. 


Make training enjoyable

Many people will roll their eyes when they hear others talking about going to the gym or going for a run. If you’re sceptical about the fun factor, and exercise has always been a chore, it’s an excellent idea to vary your workouts, try new activities, work out in different places and get friends and family involved. 


cycling


If the start of a brand new year has inspired you to get fit, it’s natural to want to see results. To get the best out of your workouts, set achievable targets, eat well, stay hydrated, make training fun and unleash your competitive side.

13:14 No comments

 Happy New Year!

2020 may not have been the year we had hoped for and it is definitely one we wont forget. This year seemed to be full of negativity and uncertain times, with Coronavirus, multiple lockdowns, working from home and staying indoors, it's definitely been a rollercoaster year. But one positive for me was managing to continuously work on improving my finances and working towards a savings goal which I'm extremely happy and proud about. I'm hoping that this will continue in 2021, in an attempt to reach an ever bigger goal of mine financially, and here's 6 ways I'm going to use to help me with my targets and get on top of my finances.

money and finance

1. Savings Account - I mentioned that in 2020 I was lucky enough to reach my savings goal of 5 figures. This was mainly due to the multiple lockdowns, where I wasn't spending as much money as I would usually. This may not seem like a lot of money but having somewhere to direct that money to definitely helped. Every month, I would deposit an amount of money from my wages, along with an money I had earnt through sponsored posts and advertising. This method really worked for me as I was able to physically see how much each month I was putting away to be saved, yet still leaving enough money in my main account for the month ahead, and whatever I have left in my account before payday, that money also gets transferred to my savings.

2. Spend On Essentials - This is definitely something that I've been working on over the last few months. I've been quite strict on myself when it comes to spending, and making sure that I only purchase necessary and essential items. A few ways I've managed this is by trying to use up my beauty stash, re-wear and re-style clothing items for example. It's definitely been important for me to use what I already have in order to save some extra pounds.

3. Use Discount Codes and Vouchers - I'll admit it, I always seem to be on the hunt for discounts and vouchers, especially when shopping online. I always check my emails for discount codes, or simply have a quick google sometimes strikes lucky. I've also got both the Honey and Pouch extensions added to my internet browser, hoping that one of them will give me some savings when taking my shopping basket to the checkout. You may only save a few pounds each time, but it definitely adds up over time, and I can assure you, the money is better in your pocket!

4. Sell Unwanted Items - This is perfect for decluttering your home and getting rid of unused, unwanted or unworn items, and giving them a better home somewhere else. I've been listing unwanted clothing, shoes and other bits and bobs on eBay recently, and it's definitely helped me save a few coins whilst emptying my wardrobe.

5. Save Up Spare Change - This is a really quick and simple way to add some extra funds into your life. Every time you get change or find some money laying around in your coat or handbag, add it to a money jar or money box. It may only seem small to begin with, but over the year it will definitely add up. I've done this previously a few years ago, and had just over £100 in change!

6. Find Cheaper Alternatives - This doesn't have to be for everything, as many of us will definitely have holy grail items or products we just cant live without. But if you're on the hunt for something new, definitely try out cheaper brands/products, as you may really be surprised with what you can find. There are so many brands offering such affordable but high quality products, you'll definitely be able to save some money by testing them out, and you never know, you may repurchase in the future!

What ways will you be improving your finances in 2021? Do you have any money goals?

09:00 No comments

AD| Learning to let go isn't going to be easy, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t the right thing to do. Often when it comes to relationships, you find that people are holding onto something that isn’t working anymore because they have a history with that person. While it is understandable, it’s not something that anyone should be doing. While learning to let go isn’t going to be easy, it’s something that has got to be done, and in this article, we’re going to be giving you some advice about this topic. If you would like to know more, keep reading down below.

couple holding hands relationship

Understand When It’s Time


The first thing that you’re going to have to do is understand when it is time to say goodbye and move on. We know that this isn’t a pleasant thing to think about, but you need to learn to do this for your sake, as well as for your partners. You can’t both keep hanging on to something that is no longer working simply because you are scared of what is coming next. This isn’t going to end well the longer you keep doing it. At least if you understand that it’s time and you decide to move on, you might be able to part on good terms, rather than having dragged it out and now you hate each other.


As soon as you’ve decided that it’s time to let go, you need to start the process. If you’re married then you need to file for divorce, figure out whether you’re going to need to complete form e and so on. If you’re not married, then the process is much simpler.


Keep Hold Of Your Memories


photo memory album images


You should always keep a hold of your memories. Keep them close in your heart and don’t let them go. Just because you have decided that it’s time to let go of the relationship, that doesn’t mean that you have to forget about it. It doesn’t mean that there were no good times in the relationship, it just means that now it is time for it to come to an end so you can both go and find what you are looking for. You will always have the memories from the time that you have been together, and there is nothing wrong with treasuring those. 


It Doesn’t Have To Be Goodbye Forever


Finally, letting go may be very difficult, but you can find solace in the fact that it doesn’t have to be goodbye forever. A lot of people seem to be under the impression that when you let a relationship go, you have to cut the person off and never speak to them again. This simply isn’t the case, especially if you decide that you would be better as friends. Give you and your partner some time to heal from the break up and then see where you can go from there. It might take some time, but we’re sure that you can see it through if you want to.


We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see that learning to let go might not be easy, but it’s got to be done. It doesn’t have to be the nightmare that all movies make it out to be either, so just do whatever is most comfortable for you.

13:20 No comments

 Way back in 2018, I posted my first Christmas Wishlist. This featured a selection of products from beauty to trainers to perfumes, and much more, and to be honest, nothing has really changed since then. This year, I still have some beauty gift sets, fragrances and trainers on my Wishlist and below are what I'm hoping to get for Christmas.

ladies perfumes

When it comes to perfumes and fragrances, I'm always after trying new scents and adding to my large collection. I like quite fruity, musky, fresh and sweet scents. Two perfumes on my Christmas list are Ariana Grande's Cloud and Paco Rabanne's Lady Million.

Ariana Grande Cloud - "Ariana Grande CLOUD opens with a dreamy top blend of alluring lavender blossom, forbidden juicy pear and mouth-watering bergamot. The heart features a whipped touch of crème de coconut, indulgent praline and exotic, vanilla orchid. Sensual musk and creamy woods fade out for a cashmere-like feeling that seduces the senses."

Lady Million - "Floral woody fresh - A trail of white flowers awakens the skin with fresh notes and exudes an intimate woody warmth. Honey and patchouli. Dangerously sexy. A trail of fresh white flowers, warmed with woods. Bursting: neroli and bitter orange collide with a ripple of raspberry. Intense: orange blossom absolute and sambac jasmine. Addictive: entwined, honey and sexy patchouli."

ladies trainers

When it comes to footwear, trainers are definitely my thing. I love being comfortable in the shoes that I wear, and trainers are the perfect everyday shoe. This year in particular I've built up quite the collection of trainers and two pairs that I would love to receive as presents are the White Nike Air Force 1s and the Adidas Ozweego's pictured above.

ladies christmas beauty gift sets

Is it really Christmas if you don't receive a beauty gift set of some kind? Two of my ultimate favourite brands for Christmas sets are The Body Shop and Soap and Glory. Every year they offer some of the most gorgeous and affordable gift sets, it makes choosing some for Christmas extremely hard. This year it's been hard to pick a couple to save into my Wishlist, but somehow I've chosen a couple that would make great Christmas gifts.

The Body Shop Festive Berry Little Gift Box - This box includes a good selection of products including Festive Berry Shower Gel, Festive Berry Body Yogurt, Festive Berry Hand Cream, and the Festive Berry Body Scrub.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Collec-Tin Christmas Gift Set - The Sugar Crush scent is my ultimate favourite from Soap & Glory. I don't actually remember the last time I bought anything from this range. It's definitely been a while so I'm hoping to get this for Christmas. This set includes Body Buttercream, Bath Fizzer, Hand Cream, Miracle Moisture Mask, Under-Eye Brightening Hydrogel Patches, all encased in a beautiful decorative tin.

ladies hair care gift sets

I like to put some more luxurious and expensive haircare products on my Christmas wish list as these can be a real treat. Two brands that I would love to try out are Kerastase and Moroccan Oil - both of which I've heard such great reviews about. Throughout 2020 I've really tried to take much better care of my hair, and make sure it stays healthy and strong, and sometimes you definitely need to splurge on some great products for great results.


What is on your Christmas Wishlist this year?

10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | Every year it gets harder and harder to come up with some stocking filler gifts without being repetitive year after year. This year I've managed to find some affordable, different gifts that I think would make great stocking fillers for the women in your life. Whether they are into clothes, cars, beauty or food, they'll be something for everyone. 

Women's Stocking Fillers Christmas

Gift 1 - Depending on budget, perfume is a great present to give for Christmas, and whatever your budget, you'll find the perfect scent for the woman in your life. I'm such a lover of perfume and have found great high street scents, as well as more high-end scents, all of which I absolutely adore. Some of my favourites include Primark PS Love Noir, Ghost Eclipse, YSL Black Opium, and a recent addition to my collection, Giorgio Armani Si.

Carfume Women's Stocking Fillers Christmas

Gift 2 - The perfect gift for any time of year, but especially as a Christmas stocking filler. Carfume air fresheners* are a very unique gift and inspired by fragrances and perfumes, to keep your car smelling 10/10. Featuring some of the most popular women's scents including Lady Million, Black Opium and Alien. The glass bottles with bespoke, carved wooden tops look so elegant & will add a classy touch to your car whilst giving you a long lasting aroma. If you're unsure of which scent to pick, Carfume offer some gift sets where you can purchase 3 fragrances from the website, and it comes in such a stunning, luxurious box so there is no need to wrap. 

Women's Stocking Fillers Christmas Chocolate

Gift 3 - Everyone loves chocolate. Milk, dark, white or even flavoured chocolate, there is just such a huge range of choices. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without a sweet treat in your stocking. Lindt chocolate is my ultimate favourite and these flavours pictured above would be the best chocolate boxes to receive - as well as a selection box!

Women's Stocking Fillers Christmas


Gift 4 - Something for the beauty lovers that I picked up during lockdown that would make a great gift is a lash lift set. I picked mine up from Amazon and it was super affordable. These beauty kits are perfect for those who are into eye makeup, or simply want to go for more of a natural look with gorgeous curled lashes. Lash lift kits usually have around 5-10 uses in them, so if the girl in your life likes getting her lashes done, this kit will save them some coins.

Primark Women's Stocking Fillers Christmas


Gift 5 - It wouldn't be a Christmas stocking if you didn't receive some warm, cosy socks and fluffy pyjamas. These are the ultimate Christmas combo! For me, Primark is the home of cosy socks and pyjamas. They are so soft, so affordable and they come in so many different colours and styles, you could easily walk out with a new set for everyday of the week!

Home Women's Stocking Fillers Christmas

Gift 6 - A great gift to include in a stocking would be Reed Diffusers. I think they make such a great gift for anyone. There's so many different fragrances that you can choose from, and you can make your gift more personal for the recipient by choosing a scent that you know they will love. I found these diffusers in Superdrug, and they would make such a lovely, affordable stocking filler.

Women's Stocking Fillers Christmas Face Masks

Gift 7 - Face masks. Everyone loves a good face mask, especially during the winter time. These are the perfect stocking filler addition for any beauty lover. Face masks are a real treat for your skin, even during the colder month of the year, and the perfect addition to any pamper evening. I picked up these affordable face masks from Primark and Boots, both had such a variety to choose from, including sheet masks, peel off masks and clay masks.

If you need some more inspo, I previously published a women's gift guide in 2019, with some great ideas that could be suitable if you're still stuck. Check out my Men's Stocking Fillers guide if you need inspiration for any male in your life.

What stocking fillers will you be getting the women in your life this Christmas?

10:00 No comments

AD| The common cold is, well, one of the most common illnesses in the world! People get it all-year-round, but it mostly comes to bite us during winter. The worst thing about the cold is that there's no cure for it and it keeps adapting. This is why nobody is immune to it, and also why you might get multiple colds in a year. 

However, another illness often gets mentioned in the same breath as a cold: the flu. You see the two paired together all the time, but what's the difference between them? How do you know if you have a cold or the flu?


cold and flu illness

The flu is considerably worse

Firstly, you'll know if you have the flu because it is considerably worse than a cold. While you might get a cold a few times a year, they may only put you out of action for a day or two. Bad colds can last longer, but you tend to recover very quickly. The main symptoms are a blocked nose, cough, sore throat, and general tiredness. They can also be treated quite easily - ginger is very effective at killing the cold virus, which is why it doesn’t last that long.


In contrast, the flu will floor you for at least a week. It has many of the same symptoms as a cold, but it's a lot stronger. You won't feel better for a good few days, and the symptoms will linger on well into a second week. The flu virus is highly contagious, which is why your best method of treatment is to stay at home and recover. You might be able to get some flu treatment from a doctor, but it depends on how severe your symptoms are. 

The flu causes intense muscle aches

I lived my whole life without having the flu, until about three years ago. To be honest, I assumed that the flu and a cold were pretty similar. In fact, I may have even told people I had the flu a few times. But, it's not until you actually suffer from it that you realise the stark contrast in the two illnesses. 


The biggest difference is that the flu causes intense muscle aches. This doesn't mean your muscles feel a bit sore and weak - it means they properly hurt. I had a severe pain in my back that felt like a really tight muscle knot. The same sort of thing happens in other areas of the body - it's like the day after an intense workout! For me, this is one of the tell-tale symptoms that help you differentiate between the two diseases. If you have cold symptoms and some serious muscle aches, you probably have the flu. 


cold and flu illness coronavirus


The flu gives you a fever

Another common difference is that cold will very rarely give you a fever. Generally, you just feel a bit run down and tired. This comes with the usual congestion issues, but your temperature isn't too hot. Weirdly, one of the treatments for a cold is to induce a fever at night. Some people suggest that wearing wet socks triggers a fever, which sets your immune system to peak efficiency. The idea is that the fever drives out the cold. 


Anyway, the flu will give you a fever as one of the main symptoms. Again, this is an easy way to determine if you have a cold or the flu. Check your temperature, and if you keep sweating through your covers, you probably have the flu. 

The flu can make you nauseous

Colds tend to be quite a sinus problem. What I mean is that most of the symptoms affect your nose and throat. In turn, this often creates the feeling of your head being in a bubble. When your sinuses are infected or damaged, it does make you feel tired and ill. However, the flu makes you feel all sorts of other ailments as it's more of a total body disease. 


Nausea is a common flu symptom, but it's rarely seen when you have a cold. Generally, your eating habits aren't affected when you've got the common cold. You still have the urge to eat, it's just frustrating as you can't taste anything. By contrast, the flu can upset your appetite and make you go off food for a few days. As a result, you're left eating crackers and plain rice until your appetite returns. Thus, if you feel sick and have no inclination to eat anything, the chances are you have a cold. 


Hopefully, this gives you an idea of the differences between a cold and the flu. The flu is definitely a bigger concern, which is why there's a vaccine for it. Keep a look out for some of the defining symptoms that let you know if you have a cold or the flu!

09:00 No comments

If you love soft, gooey, buttery golden cookies and creamy chocolate, you’ll be falling head over heels for these perfect Kinder Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies. With crispy edges and soft centres, these cookies are the ultimate sweet treat and ready in around 25 minutes.

Kinder Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies

 INGREDIENTS

115g Unsalted Butter, cubed
90g Brown Sugar
50g Caster Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 large Egg
210g Plain Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
12 Kinder Chocolate Bars

Kinder Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 180 C. Line two baking trays with baking paper and leave to one side.

Step 2 - In a large bowl, add the Butter, Brown Sugar and Caster Sugar. Beat using an electric beater until smooth and creamy. This step takes around 2 minutes to get the perfect consistency and to make sure everything is combined.

Step 3 - Crack in your egg and pour in your vanilla. Beat until fully combined.

Step 4- Add your Plain Flour and Baking Soda. Beat again until a soft cookie dough forms. Start very slowly as the flour can go everywhere if you're not careful!

Step 5 - Break in 9 of your Kinder Chocolate Bars and stir gently.

 Step 6 -Spoon 1.5 tablespoons of dough into small balls and place on the baking trays, leaving room for the cookies to flatten out. You will be able to make between 12 cookie balls with the mixture.

Step 7 -With the remaining 3 Kinder Bars, break these in half and place on top of each cookie ball.

Step 8 - Place in oven for 10-11 minutes, until golden brown on the edges. The cookies will look slightly undercooked, but once left to cool they harden up slightly, making the perfect soft and chewy texture.

Step 9 - Leave to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10 - Enjoy!

Kinder Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies

What are your favourite cookies to make?

10:00 No comments
Newer Posts Older Posts Home

About me


Hello!
Welcome to lthornberry.co.uk, my personal corner on the internet where I write about all things lifestyle.

Please visit my contact page for sponsorships, collaborations and general enquiries.

Follow Me

Kudd.ly

Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *

POPULAR POSTS

  • Primark PS Love Noir Perfume Review
  • The Most Magical Family Disney Gifts for All Ages
  • Primark PS Love Rose Gold Women's Perfume Review
  • 5 Things To Consider Before Getting Back Into Dating After a Long Break
  • Esqido Unforgettable False Eyelashes

Designed By | Distributed By Laura Thornberry 2021