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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

Hello lovelies! Hope you are all well!
A while back now, I asked on Twitter is anyone would be interested in seeing my guide to a pamper evening, and I've just got round to writing it up now.

From time to time, we all have those long, miserable days where we've been stressed, whether it be from work, school, college/uni or just general life problems. Now and again, I think its important to make ourselves feel better and give yourself a little pamper to perk us up! A little "me time" is definitely in order as a way to de-stress, relax and refresh ourselves.

I've devised my 10 tips for My Guide to The Perfect Pamper, so lets get started!
1. Run a Nice, Relaxing Hot Bath
This is probably the best way to relax and take a time out from life! With a few luxurious bath products, some gorgeous scented candles and some dimmed lights, this creates the perfect calm and relaxing atmosphere.
I love using the Radox Bubble Baths! They have some absolutely gorgeous scents and all help to make you feel calm and relaxed!

2. Remove your Make Up
Removing your make up after a long day is a must! This allows you to remove all the dirt and grime you skin has had to deal with and puts the day behind you. Its also important to cleanse and refresh your skin, and give it a little boost!
I generally remove my make up with the L'oreal Micellar Water and the L'oreal Cleansing & Perfecting Milk.

3. Use a Hair Mask
We all want soft, silky and healthy hair, and using hair masks is a great way to help achieve this. There are so many different hair masks on sale, each doing a different thing, each smelling differently and each specifically for certain hair types, so this is something that EVERYONE can do! Using a hair mask once or twice a week gives your hair a luxurious condition and helps make it healthier and stronger! 
Hair Masks that I've been loving include the Naked Rescue Repairing Hair Treatment, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle and THIS ONE Hair Replenishment Mask.

4. Apply a Face Mask
I absolutely love using face masks! They help to improve the appearance and feeling on the skin and helps to remove all the dirt, impurities and extra oils. Again these come in all sorts of variations from gel masks to clay masks etc, all different scents and all different skin types. 
I've been loving the Una Brennan Tea Flower Clay Mask and the Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask.

5. Cosy Loungewear
I think that cosy loungewear is a must for a pamper evening! We all want time to relax and de-stress, and some cosy pyjamas or a onesie is the perfect attire! These just allow you to be warm and comfortable and enjoy the evening ahead!

6. Paint your Nails
This is pretty much an optional step in a pamper session, but its one that can make you feel happy and make you feel good. Painting your nails can be quite time consuming, but when you have an evening to relax, this is the perfect task to carry out when wanting to relax and be calm!

7. Grab a Nice Drink
Enjoying one of your favourite drinks is the perfect way to relax and feel comforted! Whether it be a cheeky glass of wine, a warm drink or whatever tickles your fancy, having something you like is a great way to feel relaxed and is a perfect way to feel pampered.

8. Treat Yourself
Whether its doing some online shopping, ordering your favourite meal from the takeaway or indulging in your favourite food and drinks, treating yourself after a long and stressful day is the perfect way to make you feel better!

9. Skin Care Routine
Having a continuous skin care routine is the best way to keep your skin looking great and healthy! This is perfect for refreshing yourself and revitalising your skin. Maybe for a perfect pamper evening, try choosing a product you wouldn't normally use or buy, to give your skin that extra boost of hydration and moisture!

10. Cosy up in Bed
The best way to end a perfect pamper is to cosy up in a nice, freshly made, warm bed! This is by far the best way to feel relaxed, comfortable and to end the day. Whether you like to read a book, watch a film, write up a blog post or just generally browse the internet, this allows you to settle down and create a nice atmosphere ready to sleep. Maybe lighting a few scented candles, having some comfy cushions and a super soft blanket throw is the perfect way to feel cosy and warm!

So these are my Top 10 tips to the perfect pamper evening! Obviously these don't all have to be used when you need a little pick-me-up, but including a few of these after a long, stressful day is the perfect way to make you feel better and to cheer yourself up!

What are your tips to the perfect pamper evening? What products do you use when pampering yourself?

Have you checked out my blogger of the month "A Simple Melody"?

** All images used are from Google.co.uk/not my own photography
20:04 No comments

 AD| Online dating has definitely become the new normal, and hundreds of singles are signing up to websites and apps in search of love. Over the last few years, the dating scene has been somewhat disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the future of dating will most likely follow a more uncertain path as we all get our heads round the lifting of restrictions and getting life "back to normal". 

Nowadays, most people believe online dating as a great way to meet someone new and to form new connections and relationships. Meeting people online - whether that's via a UK dating site or the latest online dating app can be extremely nerve-racking, especially for those who haven't dated in a while, but it can also sometimes be dangerous, especially if you aren't 100% careful and making sure to follow certain precautions. But overall, online dating has definitely become more socially acceptable, more common and more normal than ever before. Here are 6 dating tips to help you be more successful in the online dating world.

ONLINE DATING

It can be very hard to know exactly when you'll be ready to date again. Especially just after a breakup from a previous relationship or from being single and spending lots of time alone. Before you even think about engaging in the dating world, the most important thing to consider is that you make sure you are ready to start dating. You need to make sure that you're in the right head space and mind-set to be meeting new people and opening up to others about relationships and dating. You should ideally try to be as open minded as possible as well as be mentally and emotionally prepared to get back on the dating apps. The quote “love yourself first and everything else falls into line" is so relevant here.

Being completely honest about what you want and who you are makes it more likely that others will want to match, begin talking to you and end up meeting with you if things are going well. It's important not only for yourself, but for others to be aware of knowing what you want and what you're looking for. Make sure to be 100% genuine, real and honest with others, and especially with yourself. State your intentions clearly to ensure you're doing what is best for you and to make sure you don't lead anyone on. Whether you're using online dating to build friendships, looking for love, dating for professionals or just testing it out, make sure you're honest with yourself and who you are talking to.

Find the best dating site for you. Choosing a dating site that's perfect for you takes time and research, as there are so many out there right now catering to so many different people; whether that's by age, location, religion or sexuality - whether that's dating in your local area, single parents looking for company or over 50's dating - there is something for everyone. Sometimes you won't strike lucky from just joining one app, it might take signing up to a few to get yourself eased into online dating and to meet people who share common interests with you.

DATING APPS

Everyone knows that beginning dating and starting a relationship isn't something that usually happens overnight. Taking your time and being patient is probably the best direction to take when looking for love online. You'll want to make sure your dating journey runs as smoothly and naturally as possible. Spend time getting to know people both online and off. This allows you to see if you have that initial spark, those things in common and if you sense any chemistry between the both of you. There's simply no point rushing into anything too soon, it can become stressful, overwhelming and can making your love life not enjoyable.

Create a good online dating profile. Your dating profile should give a short and sweet overview of who you are as a person and make you stand out from the crowd. There are so many people these days logging on to dating sites and apps, so use this opportunity wisely to express your personality, share your hobbies and what you're looking for etc, allowing people to see an understand who you really are and what you're about. When writing up your profile, make sure to include short, to the point sentences - not paragraphs. People don't have all day to be reading essays, save the in-depth information for when you meet up outside of the dating app. If you want to share your playful, humour side, include emojis to make it fun and make you stand out from the competition.

Not only is a good dating bio essential in being successful online, choosing your best photographs will also help in building a great online profile. Making sure to use some of your most recent and relevant photographs - choose images that are visually interesting and reflect who you are and what you like. Whether you love to travel and have some great holiday snaps or you're into sport and have some amazing memories from previous competitions - be sure to include them as this helps others get to know you better online, before you meet in real life. For those who love a good selfie, pick smiling selfies as these make you look more approachable and friendly helping you to increase those online matches. And finally, when choosing your photographs for your profile, try to avoid using all group photos - this can make it very difficult for potential matches to know exactly who you are, and may put people off from connecting with you as they are unsure.

Are you currently using any dating apps? What other tips would you recommend for those looking for love online?
11:30 1 comments
I’m pretty sure that if we all could spend hours a day on hair care, skincare and makeup, 9 times out of 10 we would, but it’s definitely not practical or realistic these days! Busy lifestyles can really reduce the amount of time we have to look after ourselves and for this, we are all seeking beauty products that we can use quickly and easily, but still give the same results as if we were to spend ages.  After a little research, as well as browsing products that I already own, I’ve come up with a few beauty essentials that are perfect to use for the lazy ones amongst us!
First up is the Batiste Dry Shampoo. This stuff is definitely a miracle product and a perfect hair care solution for those with a hectic lifestyle. Ever woken up one morning and noticed your hair isn’t looking its best but you have no time to wash it? Yes? Well grab a can of this and those days will be over! This dry shampoo is a great way to refresh and revitalise your hair instantly, removing and excess grease or oil. Just spritz into the roots and massage into your scalp, to leave clean and fresh hair, with a little added volume and texture! Batiste comes in a variety of scents, my favourite being the ‘Tropical’, so there will definitely be a scent you will love! You can buy this in a range of size cans, so perfect if you’re always on the go, just put a mini travel version in your handbag and you’re good to go! 

If you’re looking for something quick and easy to add to your skincare routine, look no further! The Garnier Pure Active 3 – 1 Wash, Scrub and Mask is a perfect ‘all-rounder’, multi-use product that can save you time and money. This beauty product can be used in 3 different ways; a face wash, a face scrub or a face mask, meaning you don’t have to have millions of other products to use in conjunction, when this can do all 3!
Thirdly, a Cheek ‘n’ Lip Tint from 2True, which is an affordable make up product that has 2 uses. These are quite a new addition to the beauty world, but I definitely think they could come in handy! This would definitely be a welcome addition to any beauty bag and perfect for those who want a matching cheek and lip make up combo!

Next up is the Rimmel 5 Pan Eyeshadow in Brixton Brown. A small, travel sized palette perfect for eyeshadow, eyeliner, highlighting and filling in those brows! The shade range that is included is pretty good, and would most likely suit many people’s brow shades and gives a perfect smoky eye eyeshadow look for an evening look, or you can create a more neutral daytime look!

Finally, the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle! For me this is the perfect hair care product ever! All Aussie products smell amazing, and this is no exception! The main purpose of the 3 Minute Miracle is for a deep treatment to the hair, to help maintain healthy hair. This comes in a variety of types, including a heat protecting version, one to maintain shine and one to prevent frizz, so it’s perfect for all types of hair! You can also use this hair product as a simple conditioner after shampooing your hair and if you’re feeling extra lazy, use this instead of a shaving gel for extra super silky legs!

All the products I have featured are super affordable and can all be picked up in your local high street stores and supermarkets! So hopefully you have been introduced to some new products that can save you time in the mornings, also save you some money, and help you look your best without spending all day with a few multi-use product ideas. 

What are your lazy beauty products? Do you use any I have featured in today's post?
13:00 No comments
AD| Throughout 2020 and 2021, the modern world of dating has completed changed and has impacted the way we meet new people. Single people are connecting digitally with others and spending much more time using online dating sites to meet people with similar interests — even more so due to the coronavirus pandemic we have all experienced. 

Meeting people online can be sometimes be dangerous, especially if you aren't careful and follow certain precautions, but it's definitely become more common and more normal than ever before. There are a number of ways in which you can safely begin online dating and making sure you are meeting up with genuine people. So, here are five top tips for how you can have a positive online dating experience and meet new people in a comfortable, safe way.

ONLINE DATING

 If possible, it's definitely important to avoid giving out too much personal and private information when you begin talking to new people online. This could include things such as  your full name, address, phone number, email address and work/education locations. When you think about, they people you meet online are pretty much strangers, and you obviously don't want them to know too much about you, until you are happy and comfortable to open up more or answer more personal questions when you meet up face-to-face.

Take enough time to get to know the other person before agreeing to meet up in real life. Ask them questions, find out more about their character/personality and make sure they have plenty of photographs that are actually the same person. This allows you to make sure they are genuine and who they say they are. Many dating apps help with this as they install voice/video calling features, allowing you to connect with others instantly.

 Meeting up in a well-known area is a key factor in dating safely, as things helps to avoid being alone with someone, somewhere you don't know. Most people will feel more confident and comfortable meeting in a place where you've been before, especially if you're feeling nervous or anxious about meeting for the first time. If possible, try to meet during the daytime, as areas will be busier and you won't have any lighting issues due to daylight. If you're both only available in the evening, choose a place that's fairly busy and filled with other individuals at the time you're planning to meet to avoid being alone and at potential risk.

 Something else to consider when online dating/meeting up, is discussing your ideal relationships or what your intentions are with each other to make sure you're both on the same page, whether that's just taking things slowly, getting into a relationships or just looking for sexual activities/partners. Nowadays, many people use generic sites like Tinder or Hinge, but you can also find someone with similar interests online using specific websites and apps including sissy bdsm, sissy dating. You will obviously spend time researching the BDSM community, and make sure to use a trustworthy site if you're looking for something a little more specific. If this is what you're looking for online, then it's extremely important to know how to be safe, or not be hurt during these dating endeavours. From discussing what you like and what you don't like, making sure both parties are comfortable in any activities etc. With any sexual activity, it's important to make sure to use the correct protection, make sure you're enjoying what's going on and to feel strong enough to say no to things you don't want to do or don't feel comfortable with doing.

Probably one of the biggest safety rules you can follow is to trust your instincts. The majority of the time if you feel something is too good to be true, odd comments or behaviour, or you just feel something is off and uncomfortable, you're probably right. If you ever feel like you're not safe or you're in an uncomfortable situation, it's best to leave and get out of there as quickly as possible to avoid any potential dangers. It's always important to make sure that several people know exactly who you're with, where you're going and when to ensure if anything does happen, they can come and help you avoid any risky situations.

Have you used dating sites or apps to meet anyone new recently? What other safety tips do you have/use?
16:00 No comments
GUEST POST | When you’re moving anywhere, it can be a stressful and difficult time- and it can sometimes feel daunting to think about all the many things that need to be sorted before moving into your first flat or house.

I recently moved into my first flat, moving out of my family home and in with my partner after a long period of long-distance. This was a big step, and at times it felt overwhelming as we prepared for the big move. Even though I moved away to University in a different city a couple of years ago, this was a totally different experience- and one that really taught me a few things that I would do differently if I were to do it again.

Below, I’ve put together 5 ways to prepare for moving into your first ever flat. Whether you’re moving into a furnished flat with your partner, or you’re about to buy your first home, I hope these tips help you prepare for the big move!

MODERN FLAT DECOR

1. Buy the essentials
When preparing to move into your first flat, it’s a good idea to make sure you have all the essentials before moving in. Make sure to buy all the basics for your first few days, and avoid that panic when you realise you don’t have any cutlery, or a pan for cooking your food. You don’t need to buy every single thing before you move in, but just having a few of the essentials can help to calm your nerves as you prepare to start out on your own.

2. Maximise your space
If you’re moving into your first flat, chances are you’ll be living in a relatively small space- and it may be smaller than anywhere you’ve lived before! Make sure to learn how to maximise the space you’ve got and choose furniture, products, and decorations that make the most of this space. You want to create a beautiful but tidy living space that works for you and anyone you’re living with.

3. Have fun!
When you’re moving into your first flat, don’t forget to have fun! Preparing to move into your first flat is such a fun and exciting experience, and there’s lots to enjoy about this time in your life. For example, you get to buy homeware essentials, cute decorations, and you might even receive fun moving in gifts all ready for your first night. Even though there’s lots to do, there’s also a lot to look forward to- and when you’ve moved into your flat don’t forget to celebrate this exciting occasion with a toast!

MODERN FLAT DECOR

4. Make an inventory
When I moved into my first place, the estate agent’s arranged a full inventory for the flat, and they made sure any damaged furniture was documented for the landlord. But if you don’t receive an inventory for your first flat, make one! You need to make sure you don’t get charged for any damages that aren’t your fault when you eventually move out, and it can never hurt to make a note of everything your property has- whether you’re renting or buying.

5. Save up
When you’re preparing to move into your first flat, it’s a great idea to save up a bit of money. Take it from me, you’ll be spending a lot in your first month! Up front charges such as your deposit will be a one-off, but there’s bound to be unexpected charges as you navigate life on your own and buy bits for your new home. It’s always a good idea to have a bit of money saved up, and avoid any money panic in your first couple of months to give yourself a little leeway. If you’re saving to buy your dream home, you might also thank yourself for having a head-start.

If you’re moving into your first flat, there are so many things to consider- and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by everything that you need to prepare and organise before the big moving day. However, there are a few important ways to prepare for moving into your first flat- and find a way to make your move as fun, enjoyable, and smooth as possible!

Have you recently moved into your own flat/home? What other preparation tips do you have?

Guest post written by Eleanor Jones
Blog: notsomoderngirl.com  /  Twitter: @notsomoderngirl
10:00 1 comments
AD| By now, you have probably heard the term 'glow up' a million times. A glow up is basically the same thing as a makeover, only it is exponentially more intense. Instead of just getting a new wardrobe or a fresh haircut, a glow up is a total physical life transformation. It is a pledge you make to yourself to stop making excuses not to invest in yourself. Glow ups can range from the mild to the extreme, but they all have the same thing in common. When you embark on a glow up, you become more self-aware and start letting that true inner beauty you had hidden away shine through. 

Next up, learn the steps that have to be taken first before you can have a totally guilt-free glow up.

beauty spa glow up

How can Your Beauty Routine be Improved Right Now?
A lot of women end up getting to a point in their lives where they have a daily basic beauty routine that they complete each day, no matter what. Of course, you probably take a little more time to do your hair and makeup when you know that you are going to attend a special event. However, your everyday look should have you looking great as well. In short, if you aren't doing more than washing your face and putting on a bit of Chapstick, then your regular beauty routine definitely has to be improved upon. Remember that having a daily beauty routine doesn't mean that you have to start your day an hour early. You simply need to prioritise taking care of your appearance and gussying yourself up so you always look amazing when you step out the door.

Realising It Takes Effort to Look Good
Do you want to know how some people look effortlessly amazing every single day? By putting in a lot of effort. After all, where do you think the "no-makeup" makeup look originated? From your nails to your wardrobe, to the fragrance that you wear, every part of your look should be calculated and purposeful. In order to effectuate a real glow up, you need to start thinking about yourself and all of your self-imposed beauty standards more deeply. Glowing up is not about becoming vain or preoccupied with your looks. Making yourself over and sticking with it is about addressing the reasons why you aren't putting your all into looking and feeling your best. Once you get into a steady rhythm of preparing to face the day by way of putting your best foot forward, you will not want to go back to neglecting your self care needs.

Why You've Put Off Investing in Yourself
As people go through life paying bills, saving money, and doing their best to stay afloat financially, they tend to become more comfortable with cutting out splurges. If you can't stand the idea of springing for a cup of coffee while you're on the go because you have a coffeemaker at home, you probably have put off investing in yourself.

Tackling Your Teeth
Braces cost in the UK is no steeper here than anywhere else in the world. At the same time, if you don't have a habit of investing in yourself, it is fairly easy to see why you wouldn't have given the idea of straightening your teeth any real consideration. Whether you treat yourself to a new pair of shoes every month or go to your preferred professional hairstylist every six weeks, you deserve to invest in yourself.

The first thing that most people are going to notice about you is your smile. If you have a wide, white grin, you can capture minds and win over hearts, just by flashing those pearly whites. Regardless of how perfect or imperfect your smile may be, it is important to know about the different types of teeth straightening braces. Straight My Teeth has comprehensive information on teeth alignment options and affordability. This company can help you to deal with any teeth straightening issue you are concerned with, and at a price that is likely to leave you smiling. Knowing how “much do braces cost UK” will also give you peace of mind before you start thinking about that final bill. Between tooth whitening and alignment, the very first part of your official glow up will be complete.

womens clothes wardrobe

Developing a New Wardrobe
You simply can't have a glow up unless you get a matching wardrobe to go with your brand new and improved appearance and demeanour. Changing your wardrobe might mean that you buy some daring pieces for the first time in your life. It could also mean that you finally tone things down and begin dressing a little more maturely. It doesn't really matter what your new wardrobe consists of, as long as you like it and the clothes you wear are flattering for your size and shape.

Making Your Skin Look Amazing
Large pores, crow's feet, acne, hyper pigmentation, and even scarring can negatively impact your face and the overall appearance of your skin. Of course, you are encouraged to embrace aging as well as your unique beauty. Focusing on skincare is not about trying to look like someone else, or even about becoming perfect. If you are prone to acne breakouts, you will probably still experience having a pimple or two from time to time. All you want to do now is streamline your skincare routine so that it is manageable, and also so you start seeing some results. So, look to try out new under-eye creams, face peels, and moisturisers until you discover that perfect combination.

Laying Out Long-Term Beauty Goals
Embarking on a glow up may mean that you end up making more changes in the future. Some women are keen to schedule "mommy makeovers," so that they can feel and look as vivacious as they did before bringing life into the world. You might have plans to completely overhaul your closet, tossing out all of the inexpensive clothes and replacing them with luxury items. Even still, your long-term beauty goals could just end up changing and evolving as much as you do. Stay open to all new ideas, especially as they relate to your glow up.

Keeping Up with the Changes
In very short order, you can change up your look and execute an impressive glow up. The only problem comes in when a few weeks have passed and you start falling back into your old habits. Some days, you simply will not feel like curling your hair. In other situations, you will want to forgo accessorising your outfits expertly because you are getting close to running late for work. Maintaining the changes and making your glow up permanent is no different from making healthy life choices, such as if you are dedicated to losing weight. If you want to look and feel good, then you have to put in the work each day. Go easy on yourself when you are under the weather or didn't get enough sleep. However, you don't want to fall off the bandwagon and go back to not caring about how you present yourself.

Any woman who wants to have a glow up should be able to do so, guilt-free. It doesn't matter if you are saving to go on holiday or if you have some upcoming expenses that you want to save for. Glowing up isn't expensive, but it is an action that you have to be fully committed to.

What things would you do to have a "glow up"?
10:00 No comments

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
AD| If you are starting to look at planning your next UK summer vacation but want something a little different, why not consider a caravan/motorhome-style holiday?

 Caravan and motorhome travel can be extremely exciting and if planned well, can be so much less stressful than your typical holiday abroad. You can take your journey at your own pace, take more direct routes to your destinations, as well as making some super amazing memories and having an awesome adventure with your friends and family. 

CARAVAN TRAVEL

Obviously, one of the most important parts of planning your getaway for your first UK caravan holiday is to completely make sure that you’ve carried out all safety and security checks on your car/caravan/motorhome. By doing this, this ensures your vehicle is fit for purpose and you won't come across any breakdown issues on your trip. You'll want to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road, checking tyres, fuel and other fluid levels, and also making sure your have a safe and secure tow-bar for your caravan to attach to.

Before you set off on your trip, it would be very useful and informative to check any driving regulations for caravans/motorhomes, as suggested in The Highway Code. You’ll need to switch up your driving style when you are towing a caravan, as it will feel completely different to a normal car. You'll need to consider things like vehicle weight, conditions of your brakes, as well as considering your stopping distance, vehicle speed and room needed for manoeuvres. You may even opt for a special driving course for caravans or motorhomes to make sure you are fully confident ahead of your summer trip.

Making sure you go online and check that you have the correct insurance for your caravan/motorhome trip is extremely important. It's not ideal to be spending extra money on something that isn’t necessary, so finding a good deal on your insurance is extremely vital. If it's your first caravan/motorhome travel holiday, it’s probably a good idea to take out some insurance in case of any unplanned issues. This could include breakdowns, repairs or even theft. By researching ahead of your trip, the touring caravan insurance you need can be found at a lower price, allowing you to make sure you’re getting the best quotes and deal for what you require for your trip.

Obviously, journey planning is one of the biggest steps in researching for your caravan/motorhome holiday. You'll ideally want to make an itinerary of how long you wish to spend travelling, places you want to visit, and of course, the route you're going to take for your journeys. There are plenty of online resources that can help you to help plan your trip, giving you the best routes and letting you know the timeframes you will need. I would also recommend setting up a sat-nav, as well as bringing a map, just in case of emergencies. Doing all this planning beforehand will help you to feel less stressed and anxious, and allow you to also to come up with contingency plans if there are any issues on the road ahead.

Whilst planning your trip, it's also wise to make sure you have saved up enough money to last you the length of your trip, but also essential to budget for any additional costs. This could be for things such as food/drinks, parking charges, road tolls, just as a few examples. Having put aside some extra money can help you if anything unexpected comes up and catches you "out of the blue". This money can also cover costs if you want to take detours from your original journey plan and visit other places along the way that were not pre-planned before the trip.

Have you considered caravan or motorhome vacations before? Where would you like to visit?
10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | When it comes to makeup, I keep things very natural and simple. I'd much prefer the extra time in bed in the morning, so a quick and easy 20 minute makeup routine suits me just fine. Lavera have recently launched a new collection of exciting natural and organic colour cosmetic make up products and I was lucky enough to test a few of them out over the last couple of months. This allowed me to fully test each individual product and to test the longevity of each formula.

Lavera Makeup

Colour Cosmetics is a comprehensive range that has everything you need to fulfil your makeup bags: from complexion perfecting foundations with high performing innovative formulations to care for the skin, on-trend lip colours to must-have mascaras. What more could you ask for?

Lavera Cover and Care Stick in Ivory

 The first product I would use for an everyday makeup look is the Lavera Cover and Care Stick in Ivory*. I use the concealer mainly under my eyes to help brighten them and make my complexion look fresh and bright. The Cover and Care Stick has a creamy soft texture  that applies so easily along the skin, without any pulling or dragging. The concealer is formulated organic Witch Hazel which has great skincare benefits and helps to reduce and relieve any inflammation of the skin. I made sure to powder the concealer once applied to help avoid creasing later on in the day.

Lavera Organic Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde

Next up in my routine would be brows. I'm quite luck that my eyebrows are quite full but I do have some sparse areas that just need filled in. I opted for the Lavera Organic Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde*. The pencil is super pigmented, meaning you only need the softest touch when filling in your brows, otherwise they will end up looking too overdone and unnatural. The colour is slightly too warm toned for me which doesn't match my brow colour 100%, but if you use careful, fine strokes, the product works absolutely fine.


To add some glow onto my skin, I used the Lavera Organic Highlighter in Shining Pearl*, and applied this to my brow bone and cheek bones, for a pop of radiance. The organic highlighter has a soft, smooth, creamy texture thanks to organic Jojoba, Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter. The highlight has a very pale pink, perfect for all skin tones, helping to give a radiant sheen to both the eyes and cheeks, that really completes your makeup look. 

Lavera Powerful Lashes Mascara

A makeup look would never be complete without a good mascara, and the Lavera Powerful Lashes Mascara* is a great one to use for an everyday natural look. The innovative mascara brush perfectly coats the individual lashes as well as giving them a slight curl. This mascara is perfect for those wanting to achieve a natural look to the eye. It lengthens, adds volume and definition to the lashes, without any clumping or smudging. Powerful Lashes Mascara is enriched with organic Shea Butter to nourish your lashes and keep them in the best condition.

Lavera Mineral Compact Powder in Ivory

To set everything in place and keep away the shine, the Lavera Mineral Compact Powder in Ivory* was my go-to product. The compact powder gives sufficient coverage for a fresh, radiant finish and is the perfect size for taking on the go. The light reflecting minerals together with natural colours complements your complexion giving a radiant look whilst eliminating shine. The smooth matte finish is ideal for fixing your make-up and helping it last all day long.

Lavera Glossy Lips in Hazel Nude

To complete my everyday look, I finish off by using the Lavera Glossy Lips in Hazel Nude*. The ultimate "your lips but better" colour and a great everyday nude shade, with the perfect amounts of brown, nude and pink. The gloss itself applies smoothly and evenly, giving the lips a perfect coverage in just one swipe. No stickiness, no smudging and no fuss to apply. This gloss has become a staple for me and something I would definitely recommend for those more natural makeup days.

Overall, I was super happy with the products that I have been using from Lavera over the last couple of months. My favourites have definitely been the Compact Powder, Highlighter and the Lip Gloss. I also recently featured the Lavera Lash Care Serum on my blog, which is a must have for your makeup bag. It's a total game changer for your eyelashes.

You can find out more about Lavera Cosmetics here.

Have you tried Lavera Cosmetics before? What are your favourite products for an everyday natural makeup look?
12:00 No comments
I'm sure we are all aware at how hard it really is to save money. As one of my New Years resolutions, I want to keep up with my money saving and try to curb my spending by only purchasing things that I really need and not want. Any by no means this will be easy, its all about taking things into moderation and having the willpower to say no when wanting to spend. I have come up with a simple list of ways that I intend to help me save money and wanted to share these with you, if you're looking for some new ways and inspiration to save as well.
1. Save any loose change in a jar/piggy bank
This might sound like such a small thing to do in order to save money, but in honesty, who likes carrying around all that small change in their purses. Saving all the small change will gradually begin to build up over time, whether it amounts to £5 or £50 over the year, it is at least something you have managed to save.

2. Sell unwanted items
With apps like Ebay and Depop making it easier for people to sell there unwanted products, this is a great way to de-clutter as well as save money. I personally use Ebay and find it really simple to sell items that I no longer use or want, with the hope of getting some money back to save.

3. Create a savings account
I created a savings account last year and it is something that I feel I will really benefit from in the future. Every payday I put aside a small amount of my wages to help build up my savings, and if I have any money left over at the end of the month, I would generally add this to my savings too.

4. Use loyalty cards/ vouchers/ discount codes
Having loyalty cards is a great way to reward yourself when spending on products you may need. You'll be able to spend your money but also save up points from your purchases, that will end up in getting money off or special discounts in the future. Even when shopping online, its always great to search for discounts and voucher codes for the specific shop, even if you save just the delivery costs, that's still a couple pounds in your pocket, and if you're a big online shopper like myself, this will soon add up over your numerous orders.

5. Write your shopping lists
Whether its on paper or saved as a note on your phone, making strict shopping lists will make it easier for you to remember the products that you genuinely need and will be an attempt to stop you going overboard and purchasing things that you really don't need. Whether its for a trip to the supermarket, Boots, Superdrug, or any other store, make sure you carry a shopping list to make sure you only pick up the relevant items.

6. Use cash to pay
This is definitely something I need to start doing more. I'm always using my card to pay for products I buy as it is just a more convenient way to live. But it is also very dangerous for my bank balance. Paying with cash will allow you to feel more restricted and allow you to budget your money more carefully, so you don't overspend.

7. Try lower priced brands
For many of us, we all have our favourite brands. Whether its for food items, beauty products or clothing for example. We always stick to the things we know and love, without trying products that do the same job/look the same, but have a lower price tag. It's always good to experiment and see what it out there to purchase, so trying lower cost products instead of repurchasing your favourite more expensive, higher end products is worth a try.

8. Meal planning
Meal planning is just such a simple idea to help you save money. If you plan out what you'll eat and what ingredients you'll need from day to day, you'll be less likely to buy products you wont eat and less likely to snack on food in between meals.

9. Use up products before repurchase
As a blogger who continually writes about beauty products, I am guilty for this. I always want to try new products or purchase items from other bloggers recommendations. I have a beauty stash that could be used for my entire family for a good few months, so in 2016, I'm hoping to work my way through it all before purchasing any more unnecessary products.

10. Have more nights in
We all know that going out, whether its to restaurants, bars or clubs can be pretty hard on the old bank accounts, so why not have more relaxing nights in. Cook yourself a nice meal, watch a few films and cosy up on the sofa and chill. Or even have all your friends over for a cosy night in and just enjoy spending some quality time together.

How will you attempt to save money this year? What other simple tips could you recommend?

12:00 No comments
I'm pretty sure that every girls dream is to have long, healthy flowing locks, which can be very hard to achieve and manage, but I have devised my top 10 tips that I follow to help promote and help with hair growth. Now, I am no expert when it comes to hair care, but these 10 tips are factors that I like to take on board to help look after my hair and keep it healthy and strong.

womens hair

1. Try Not To Use Heat / Little Heat As Possible
First time, and I'm sure we are all aware of this one! We all know that heat is one of the most damaging factors to our hair and is something you shouldn't use or try to use as little as possible. Heat can cause damage to your hair, breaking the strength of hair, causes dead ends, and ultimately breaks off you hair. When blow drying my hair, I like to make sure my hair is around 80% dry, before blow drying on a low, cool setting for a couple of minutes to prevent heat damage, as well as straightening on a low temperature. Yes, there are time we want to blow dry, straighten or curl our hair, buts its so important to use a heat defence treatment to help prevent damage to our locks. I like to use the TRESemme Protect Heat Defence Styling Spray, as this protects my hair up to 230°c, as well as smoothing any frizz and sealing in shine.

2. Get Your Hair Trimmed Regularly 
Getting your hair trimmed every so often, allows you to get rid of all the dead, split ends, which is an essential must for healthy looking hair. Trimming your hair also reduces hair breakage and damage. I usually get my hair trimmed every 8 - 10 weeks, removing about half an inch from the ends, which gets rid of any damaged, broken hair, as well as any split ends, which could travel up your hair, if left untrimmed and untreated. In-between trims, I like to use hair oils and treatments to help prevent split ends and damaged hair.

3. Having a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Now you're probably thinking what does your diet have with hair growth and sustaining healthy hair, but it is a very important factor! Since your hair is made from proteins, it is very important to make sure you are getting enough protein in your diets, whether it be from chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts or pulses for example, these play an important role in keeping your hair healthy. These foods will help promote healthy keratin production, which are the building blocks of hair. Also, drinking plenty of water with help to promote a healthy scalp. Without drinking water, your hair and skin are the first places to show the most noticeable dehydration and dryness.

4. Massaging Your Scalp
Now, this is something we can all do, at any time of the day. Massaging the scalp for 15-20 minutes a day helps to stimulate the blood circulation to the hair follicles of the scalp, which helps to promote growth. This means more oxygen and nutrients are being delivered to the scalp, which is good for hair growth. Even massaging your hair whilst you are shampooing or applying your hair mask can help to increase the blood flow!

5. Avoid Washing Your Hair Everyday
This is definitely one of the most important and most useful tips if you are wanting to grow your hair! Washing your hair everyday means you are washing away all the natural oils that your hair produces that are essential for hair growth. Washing these oils away is unhealthy for your hair and can leave it looking dry and rough. I try to wash my hair every 3-4 days, and if my hair is looking a but dull or lacking volume/shine, I spritz in a bit of Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo, to give my hair a little boost, so I get an extra day without washing.

6. Switch Up Your Shampoos + Conditioners
This is a tip that I learnt about recently and it is definitely something that does help hair growth. At the moment, I currently have 3 shampoos (Aussie Luscious Long Shampoo, John Frieda Volume Shampoo and Headmasters SOS Moisture Shampoo) and 2 conditioners on the go (Aussie 3 Minute Miracle and Headmasters SOS Moisture Conditioner), in order to help me switch up my hair products. This tip stops your hair getting used to the products and helps to avoid product build up on the scalp, which would lead to oily/greasy hair.

7. Avoid Very Tight Hairstyles
Avoiding tight hairstyles on a regular basis is important for hair growth. Having your hair tightly done will increase the likeliness for breakage and hair loss. Having your hair in loose plaits or ponytails, or leaving your hair down is a lot better and relaxing for your hair. Also, if you are tying your hair up in any way, make sure to use the hair bands without the metal part, as your hair can get stuck in these, and cause damage and breakage.

8. Use Oil Treatments and Essential Oils
This is something that I've only been doing for the past few months, but already I have seen a huge difference in the appearance of my hair. Using oils on the hair helps to nourish, smooth and enhance shine, as well as taming any frizz of fly aways, all leading to stronger and healthier hair. I generally only use oils on the tips of my hair, to help heal any split ends and help my hair feel softer and smoother. Also using oil treatments/masks is a great way to add some much needed moisture and hydration to your hair. Using natural oils like Olive Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Coconut Oil or Almond Oil, and massaging it gently through the scalp, leaving on for up to 1 hour before washing, is a great way to boost your hairs appearance!

9. Brush Your Hair Carefully
Now this might seem like a bit of a no brainer, but making sure you brush your hair carefully is an important step to stop your hair from breaking and snapping. Brushing your hair to excess can actually pull hairs out of the scalp and therefore cause hair loss. Not something we want! If you are brushing your hair after its been washed, make sure you leave it to dry naturally (about 80% dry) before taking a comb through it, as well as using a detangling spray or leave in conditioner!

10. Use A Weekly Hair Mask
Using a hair mask is such an easy step into making your hair stronger and healthier. There are so many different hair masks on the market, you will most definitely find one to suit your hair type, as it is important to use the correct one. When I apply a hair mask, I like to use it on freshly washed, towel dried hair, when I take a wide comb to brush the mask from root to tip, to make sure all my hair is covered. Make sure you use a mask every week, and your hair will stay very shiny, soft, and healthy!

What are your tips for hair growth? What products do you use to keep your hair healthy and strong? 

14:11 No comments
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