Bank Holiday Treat: Fall Back In Love With Dressing Up with Maggio

Monday 31 May 2021


With many Covid restrictions now lifting across the UK, it's time to fall back in love with the art of dressing up for all those social catchups that you've been missing out on!

I don't know about you, but I feel like I've been living in loungewear for the best part of a year now. I can't even remember the last time that I felt good about dressing up or made the effort to even look in the mirror before leaving the house. Sound familiar? You're not alone. 


Whilst I've enjoyed many aspects of WFH life, I've really missed spending time with friends and family so I've been looking forward to getting back to normal and that includes dressing up. 


Shoes are an easy way to get back into the swing of things and there's something about a fancy pair of heels that really add that special finishing touch to your favourite outfit. I was over the moon when Maggio offered to help me through this style crisis by sending me a pair of their beautiful shoes to make me fall back in love with dressing up.

Maggio describes itself as an 'affordable luxury' shoe brand for women who want to stand out. All of their shoes are handmade in a family-owned factory in Italy, with all of the designs custom made by the brand's founder, Marianna Kontogeorgos. 

I feel it's important to support independent, female-led businesses and when it comes to shoes, you get what you pay for so now's the time to ditch those cheap fast-fashion heels that break after one season, and invest in a pair that will last you for many, many years to come.

I opted for Maggio's new Eudora heels in Navy Blue as so many of my shoes are just plain back, it was lovely to have the opportunity to try something different but still very classic and timeless. 

In Greek mythology, Eudora was the daughter of Nereus and Dorris. She was one of the 50 daughters called the Nereides also known as nymphs who are female spirits of sea waters. It was said that the Nereides were goddesses of the sea's rich bounty and protectors of sailors and fishermen, coming to the aid of those in distress. Nereides are associated with the Aegean Sea where they dwell in the depths in a golden palace.

I'm utterly smitten with these shoes! Not only are they comfortable to wear thanks to classic French-inspired cutout design, but the easy slip-on style and 7.5cm kitten heel make them remarkably easy to walk in and the navy blue and gold design go with a range of different outfits and colours. The suede and leather materials feel incredibly high quality and they feel much more expensive than they actually are, plus the gold underside adds a subtle extra touch of glamour. It's a win all-round!

Available in three colours, this is a Bank Holiday treat that you'll truly treasure having in your shoe collection.

Maggio Eudora Navy Blue Shoes* (€250, link)


What are you treating yourself to this Bank Holiday?


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Foodie Friday: 5 Tips All Vegan Beginners Must Follow #AD

Friday 28 May 2021


Veganism is based solely on a plant-based diet. It is a diet from which all foods of animal origin are strictly excluded. While dairy products and eggs are also present in the vegetarian diet, which in turn depends on each individual, the vegan diet is clear - none of the above is consumed, and includes, of course, the elimination of animal products. Among other things, no honey is allowed, and most vegans also avoid wearing clothing and footwear made of animal fur, leather, feathers, and silk. 

Are you thinking of becoming vegan? Read our tips below which will help you turn your great decision into reality.

How to start a vegan diet

You don’t need to become vegan overnight. For many, the transition to veganism is quite difficult, because, in addition to meat, you should also throw out milk, eggs, cheese and other similar products. If you are in this group, try to make the transition easier by throwing the food out one by one. It is recommended to throw out the red meat first, then the chicken, and finally the fish. Finally, leave the milk, eggs, and cheese. The point is that there is no one right path, but it depends on you, your tastes, and habits. Choose the transition that will be easiest for you.

Vegan meat replacement

Although various vegan meat substitutes usually include soy steaks, flakes, chunks, burgers, seitan, and tofu, there is no need to consume them too often. Include them occasionally in your diet and you’ll discover how many meat substitutes can be just as delicious if seasoned well. Prepare soy steaks in a marinade of soy sauce and various spices as desired or check out what's the healthiest rice with which you can make many different dishes.

Friends, colleagues, relatives

Some vegans have experienced many disappointments by switching to a vegan lifestyle, and some have lost many friends. This can happen for many reasons and in many ways. It is possible that these friends were anti-vegan or you are too demanding and strict towards your environment. In the first case, consider that you are winning, and in the second case, I suggest that you read why you should not blame people close to you for their carnism.

Be a change, but don't impose your beliefs

At first, you might encounter a misunderstanding of family, friends, and the environment. They probably won’t understand you at first, will make jokes with you, and engage in discussions. But over time, being vegan will become normal and no one will point it out anymore as something weird or different. Refrain from arguing. No one likes moralizing and imposing. Be understanding and share information with your interlocutor. If you’ve noticed that the conversation could go in a direction you don’t want, give up on further discussions. Debates about ethics never end well. It is important that you change because you have decided so yourself and that you do not impose it on others. With your consistent communication and example, you can influence others without difficult discussions and imposing your views. If someone is interested in a vegan diet, offer to send them links with important information and guidelines.

Supplements - one is mandatory

Although there are divided opinions on the internet and among vegans regarding supplementation, vitamin B12 is the only nutrient not found in plant-origin foods, unless it is enriched with it. Accordingly, vitamin B12 is the only nutrient that is recommended in the form of a supplement, as a spray/pill for all vegans, many vegetarians, and a few carnivores, especially those over 65 years of age.

5 Natural & Cruelty-Free Fragrances To Try This Summer

Thursday 27 May 2021


The sun has finally come out to play and Summer definitely feels like it's on its way! As the new season approaches, I thought I'd put together an edit of some of my favourite cruelty-freenatural fragrances for the Summer months ahead.

Try If You Like Sensual & Exotic Scents: Balm Balm Single Note Ylang Ylang Eau de Parfum* (33ml, £22, link)

Regular readers will know that I'm obsessed with all things Ylang Ylang so this natural perfume from Balm Balm had to be my number one pick. If you haven't tried these Balm Balm Single Note Eau de Parfums yet, you're truly missing out! Made from simply essential oil and pure grain alcohol, these fragrances are 100% vegan, natural and organic (certified by the Soil Association) and feature just a single essential oil for the purest outcome. Ylang Ylang is a bold and sensual perfume and can be worn on its own or layered with other single-note fragrances from the Balm Balm range. 

Try If You Like Happy & Uplifting Scents: Kathleen Natural Citrus Cheer Roll On Perfume* (10ml, £18.40, link)

For those who prefer an alcohol-free fragrance, you can't go wrong with these lovely Kathleen Natural rollerball perfumes. 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, my favourite is called Citrus Cheer which sums up this scent so well! This essential oil blend has top notes of Lemon and a heart of Rosewood which is layered over a base of Geranium. Happy and uplifting, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Try If You Like Fruity & Fresh Scents: Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Roll-On Perfume* (10ml, £12.99, link)

With its slim and chic design, it's easy to see why the Pacifica Roll-On Perfumes are so popular and I've tried out various scents from this range over the years. The one that I keep repurchasing on a yearly basis though is the Tuscan Blood Orange Perfume which marries together juicy Blood Orange with zesty Italian Mandarin, plus lovely sparkling Raspberry and Strawberry notes to keep the Summer vibes going strong all season long. Natural, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans.

Try If You Like Sweet & Comforting Scents: Bloomtown The Café Roll-On Infused Oil* (10ml, £6, link)

If you're on a budget, I highly recommend the Roll-On Infused Oils from the British natural brand Bloomtown. Handmade in Truro, Cornwall, these are seriously underrated and they are an absolute steal at just £6! The range is certified cruelty-free, vegan, and palm-oil-free, and they have six signature scents to choose from. I love The Café which is a sublime blend of Hazelnut, Vanilla, Coffee and Chocolate for a sweet and cosy fragrance. Not only that, but these double up as nourishing oils for your skin and hair too and can be used to hydrate dry skin areas, as well as smoothing split ends - pretty clever indeed!

Try If You Like Contemporary & Fun Scents: Flaya Island Eau de Parfum* (10ml, £12.99, link)


Flaya is a new brand discovery for me and I was delighted to come across their natural, organic and vegan-friendly perfumes when I was browsing LoveLula one evening. This small, family-run business specialises in fragrances that are created from only natural and plant-based ingredients. Each perfume is handmade, hand-bottled and hand-packed in the UK, and the brand is proud to have several certifications from a range of ethical companies including the Vegan Society and the Ethical Consumer Best Buy label. I decided to try their Island fragrance recently and I've been smitten with it ever since. It's a warm, fun and modern scent with happy fresh Citrus notes combined with sensual undertones of Ylang Ylang. 


What are your favourite Summer fragrances?

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Judging CertClean's Clean Beauty Awards 2021: The Body Care Finalists #CleanBeautyAwards

Tuesday 25 May 2021

 

Over the years, I have been invited to be a judge on several independent beauty panels for various awards, and this year, I'm very excited to be working with CertClean again for their Clean Beauty Awards 2021.

What Are The Clean Beauty Awards?
The Clean Beauty Awards have been created by CertClean who is North America's leading certification for safer skincare. Although many of the products that I've tested out below fall into typical areas of green, vegan, natural and organic beauty, the general idea behind the awards isn't about how natural or organic a product is, it's about the overall safety of that product instead (in particular, CertClean focuses on products which are free from over 1400+ potentially harmful chemicals).

It's worth noting that all of the entries into the Clean Beauty Awards MUST be free of the following nasties; Parfum/Fragrance, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Siloxanes, Petro-based Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl, Urea, Methenamine, Quaternium-15, Parabens, Petro-based PEG compounds, and Triclosan.

Which products have I been judging?
This year, I have been judging the finalists for the Best Body Care category so I've been testing out the following which have all been new-to-me brands:-

  • Farmer's Daughter Lavender Hand and Body Lotion
  • Flora's Bare Baoban & Lemon Hand Cream
  • Puur Ingrid Ultra Body Oil
  • Leaf People Nourishing Body Oil
  • Pevonia Age Defying Body Cream

How have I been testing them out?
I've been trying out one different product each week and making notes on the ingredients, application, texture, scent, packaging, and of course, how my skin feels after using them.

When will the winners be announced?
Judging ends on 25th June 2021 and I will be announcing the winners on my social media pages as soon as all of the results have been compiled. You can also keep an eye on certcleanbeautyawards.com and reviews.certclean.com for all the updates.

Big thanks to Cert Clean for asking me to be part of their judging panel for the fourth year in a row! 

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Green Beauty: LoveLula Beauty Box - May 2021 review

Saturday 22 May 2021

Worth £68, this month's LoveLula Beauty Box features a variety of luxury natural, organic and cruelty-free products that can be included in your daily routine. Curious to find out more? Here's a rundown of everything that's inside.

Organic Works Lavender Hand Wash (RRP £10)

Keeping your hands clean has never been more important and now you can use this luxury Organic Works Lavender Hand Wash to gently cleanse away all traces of dirt and daily grime. Made with natural plant extracts and carefully chosen essential oils, it helps to balance skin without leaving it stripped thanks to moisturising Aloe Vera and no SLS. Suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Urban Veda Purifying Day Cream (RRP £18.99)

Perfect for oily and congested skin types, this Purifying Day Cream from Urban Veda uses a natural formula that's based on Ayurvedic principles to uplift, balance and clarify your complexion. Key ingredients include cold-pressed Neem Oil which has detoxifying properties, Witch Hazel to soothe and heal and several hand-picked botanicals to reduce excess sebum, boost collagen production and refine your pores. I've used it in the past and loved how refreshing it felt on my skin!

Bowe Organics Brow Oil (RRP £17)

Big brows are still very much on-trend and if yours need a helping hand to grow, this luxury Brow Oil from Bowe Organics is here to rescue your overplucked hairs! Composed of just six natural and certified organic ingredients, applying it regularly to your brows will help thicken and strengthen your brows in no time at all.


Walden Rollerball in A Morning Star (RRP £22)

Inspired by a quote by Henry David Thoreau, A Morning Star is one of the latest natural fragrances from Walden who are exclusive to LoveLula. This convenient to use rollerball perfume oil is a lovely way to try out this unique scent which features notes of Lavender, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Rose de Mai, Sandalwood, and Orris Butter. It's a fresh, clean and unisex perfume for all to enjoy.

LoveLula Beauty Box* is a monthly subscription box priced at £13.95 with free postage in the UK. Visit lovelula.com to find out more.

Have you subscribed to LoveLula's Beauty Box?

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Treat Yourself: Luxury Smart Cleansing Devices from PMD - Clean Body & Clean Pro Jade review + Instagram Giveaway worth £165!

Friday 21 May 2021

Summer is on its way so it's the perfect time to treat yourself to some smart cleansing devices from PMD! I've been testing out two of their newbies, the Clean Body and Clean Pro Jade, to see what all the fuss is about.

I've been a fan of PMD for several years now, having used many of their bestselling products such as the Personal Microderm, PMD Kiss, PMD Clean, PMD Clean Pro RQ, and the PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro. They are an amazing, innovative brand that specialises in smart cleansing devices and it's always exciting to see what they launch next.

Naturally, I was thrilled when I received their new Clean Body and Clean Pro Jade devices over a month ago, as it's been a lot of fun to put them through their paces!

PMD Clean Body in Berry* (£145, link)

Clean Body is the ultimate multipurpose luxury pampering device! Made from ultra-hygienic silicone which is 100% waterproof, the device has a clever ergonomic design that makes it super easy and comfortable to handle and use. It has a rechargeable battery and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

SonicGlow Cleansing Head
On one side, there's a permanent silicone brush head that uses the brand's patented SonicGlow technology to deliver up to 7,000 vibrations per minute which allows the Clean Body to operate at the perfect frequency to lift, firm and tone. There are also four customisable modes (two cleansing vibrations and two massage pulsation speeds) to explore for seriously beautiful cleansed skin.

Flip the Clean Body over and you'll find a magnetic side where you can effortlessly attach three different interchangeable heads for even more pampering and body care options. These attachments are included when you purchase the Clean Body device and replacements are also available to buy separately as and when you require them.

Silverscrub Silver Infused Loofah
This isn't any ordinary loofah! Silverscrub is infused with real silver particles for its antibacterial properties which means that it can cleanse your skin without spreading bacteria around or harbouring any nasties after you're done in the shower. This is brilliant for an everyday gentle exfoliation and works well with your favourite shower gels and body washes.

Aluminium Oxdide Exfoliator
Next up, there's a circular disc which is made from Aluminium Oxide. Again, this is known for its antibacterial properties and it does a great job of buffing away rough calloused skin for smoother results. I love using this on my feet to keep them soft and supple, especially with Summer coming up.

Relax Body Massager
My favourite attachment is the Relax Body Massager and if you buy your Clean Body device in either the Blush or Berry shades, the body massager comes in a gorgeous rose gold colour. Perfect for soothing everyday body aches, you really feel the full benefits of PMD's SonicGlow technology as it works into the muscles for instant relief. You can use it in the shower or with your favourite moisturiser or body oil for a full-on pampering experience at home.

PMD Clean Pro Jade* (£165, link)

I'm really happy to see PMD expanding its luxury gemstone cleansing device range as I enjoy using their Clean Pro RQ which features Rose Quartz, so of course, I couldn't wait to test out the new Clean Pro Jade

First things first, the Clean Pro Jade has the same soft silicone bristle head as the rest of the range, and this is great for helping to reduce the appearance of blackheads, eliminating excess oil and sebum congestion, and delivering a real deep cleanse sensation. It's much more gentle than the harsher Clarisonic's so better suited for sensitive skin, and you can reap the benefits of the SonicGlow technology at the same time. The device itself is also waterproof, has different settings to suit your needs, and as it's made from silicone, it's hygienic and easy to keep clean. I'm a big fan!

Jade Stone
The dual side head features an inbuilt, real Jade stone, and Jade has been used for centuries in Eastern skincare rituals thanks to its natural calming properties. One of the best things about Jade is that it stays cold for a long time which you can use in your skincare routine as a way to improve your skin's circulation and remove toxins via lymphatic drainage massage. The coldness of the stone also soothes any inflammation, irritation or redness for happier, more comfortable skin.

Switch on the ActiveWarmth button and this will gently heat up the Jade stone so that you can use it for a pampering facial massage which helps to improve elasticity, stimulate collagen production, lift and tone the skin, open up the pores and allow your skincare products to absorb better.

Fancy trying the PMD Clean Pro Jade for yourself? Enter my competition to win one over on my Instagram!

Are you a fan of skincare devices?

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Skincare 101: How to Prevent Your Makeup from Causing Acne #AD

Wednesday 19 May 2021

Makeup is definitely there to improve our self-confidence. Wearing makeup is an effective and fun way to cover imperfections, improve skin tone and emphasize facial features. I believe that there is no girl who does not like to wear make-up. However, what happens when makeup ceases to be our way of beautification and begins to cause us a problem? 

Although today's makeup is designed to moisturize and protect the skin, certain cosmetics could potentially lead to irritation, allergies, dry skin, or even acne and pimples! Makeup acne is definitely something that can occur and cause us a real nightmare! These reactions usually disappear over time and by avoiding certain products. However, the symptoms often last. Acne and pimples can be caused by the interaction of hormones, bacteria, skin oils, and makeup which leads to inflammation of the hair follicles. So stay with us until the end of this post and learn how to prevent your makeup from causing acne on your skin.

Use non-comedogenic make-up products

In addition to the low risk of side effects, makeup can definitely have positive effects on the skin. That is why you should use the make-up that is formulated in such a way as to moisturize, hydrate, and nourish the facial skin and to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun. A thin layer of makeup can actually protect the skin from airborne contaminants - which could otherwise penetrate the pores and cause damage associated with acne, wrinkles or other aging effects. Cosmetics and other personal care products are now designed to counteract these harmful effects of pollution.

Makeup hygiene

Make sure that your make-up and tools are always well protected from external influences. So, to be well closed, covered, and clean - since contaminated makeup and dirty brushes can lead to infections and inflammation that can lead to acne and makeup pimples. Replace makeup at least once every few months and don't share cosmetics with others!

Remove your makeup before going to bed

Every night before going to bed, very carefully remove all traces of makeup from the face and neck, because acne also forms around the chin and neck. This reduces the possibility that makeup will clog pores, and also removes dirt and excess oil that accumulates on your skin during the day. There is no need to "scrub" the skin. All you really need is a gentle cleanser for your face and your hands or a soft cloth for washing your face. After cleansing, don't forget to apply a treatment for acne and pimples. We also recommend using a hot towel for acne after removing your makeup, to make sure that nothing is stuck in your pores and to make sure your skin is glowing.

Proper facial hygiene

When the damage has already been done and you already have makeup acne - you know what to do. Proper facial cleansing at home is crucial to solve this problem and prevent it from spreading and getting worse. Mandatory washing and cleansing of the face 2 times a day (morning and evening) with adequate non-comedogenic and water-based products (oil clogs pores). Make sure that these are some natural ingredients that will not further irritate your skin. After cleansing the face, hydration and care with a moisturizing cream should follow. Again, it would be desirable for your facial cosmetics to be on a natural basis - because natural ingredients are far better and safer for your skin, but also overall health. In particular, since you need to get rid of acne caused by makeup - you should use a cream (or even better, an acne gel) that removes acne and pimples.

Introducing: Fleur - Eco Luxury Femcare / Period Subscription Box review

Monday 10 May 2021

 



Subscription boxes are a great way to treat yourself every month, and with Fleur, you can even make your periods more convienent, bearable and dare I say, a tiny bit enjoyable?! OK, it's probably wishful thinking for the latter part but at least opening this box is fun!


I was recently introduced to Fleur via Instagram and their positive attitude to creating a 'feel good' luxury femcare subscription box with an eco-friendly vibe, definitely resonated with me. Their boxes have been specially curated to mimic a spa experience to help you enjoy some period self-care me-time, so if you're looking for a mix of skincare and yummy snacks and treats, in addition to your femcare essentials, you're in the right place.


Fleur were kind enough to send me a box to show you all, so let's get stuck in and see what's inside.


Plastfree Sanitary Pads Night Pack

When you subscribe to Fleur, you can specify whether you'd like to receive sanitary pads, tampons or a mix of both, and everything that they send you will be organic and plastic-free. In my box, I found a pack of 10 Night Sanitary Pads from Plastfree. These pads are biodegradable, eco-friendly, fragrance-free and free from any additional chemicals, with leak-proof wings and a high absorbency layer. Unlike mainstream plastic-based sanitary pads that can take over 500 years to decompose, Plastfree pads will biodegrade in just two years.


Jade Facial Roller

I was excited to see what kind of pampering products Fleur would include their boxes and I love this handy Jade Facial Roller which is perfect for indulging in some facial massages with. There are lots of techniques that you can use with these to depuff and encourage healthy collagen production and blood flow, and I find they work very well with your favourite facial oil.

Glam Up Clarifying Oatmeal Mask, Revitale Gold Collagen Eye Masks and UpCircle Eye Cream sample

I must admit that I was a little disappointed to see a selection of disposable, single-use sheet and eye masks in a box that has such an eco-friendly ethos about it. However, I've tried them out and they are lovely products. The Glam Up Clarifying Oatmeal Mask is a nice me-time treat that most skin types will enjoy, and the Revitale Gold Collagen Eye Masks are perfect for soothing tired eyes after a long day. I'm already a big fan of UpCircle's skincare and their Eye Cream helps to brighten and firm the delicate eye area.

Baylis & Harding Jasmine & Apple Blossom Luxury Hand Gel

Next up, there's a travel size bottle of Baylis & Harding Jasmine & Apple Blossom Luxury Hand Gel which smells beautiful! Formulated with added moisturisers, it doesn't leave your hands feeling stripped or dry afterwards and kills 99.9% bacteria.

Popcorn Shed Sweet & Salty Mini Popcorn

Moving onto the snacks, this bag of Popcorn Shed Sweet & Salty Mini Popcorn really hits the spot when you can't decide which flavour sensation to go for. It's vegan-friendly, gluten-free and less than 133 calories per pack for a guilt-free treat.

NOMO Caramel Choc Bar & Moo Free White Bar

Indulge your sweet tooth with these two delicious vegan-friendly chocolate bars! I love NOMO and their Caramel Choc Bars are literally heaven on earth with smooth and gooey caramel centre, whilst the Moo Free White Bar is a sweet and creamy solid bar of dairy-free white chocolate. Yum!

Rose Sweets & Heath & Heather Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea Bags

To round off the box, I found a selection of lovely rose-shaped gummy sweets and two samples of Health & Heather Raspberry Leaf Tea Bags which are caffeine-free and help to alleviate period pain.


Fleur Box is available as a monthly subscription from £17.99, or can be purchased as a one-off box for £22.50 from fleurstore.co.uk


Do you subscribe to any boxes like this? 


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New In Beauty: Nourish London 100% Natural Essential Oil Blends - Full Range Review

Saturday 8 May 2021

 

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of aromatherapy so I was delighted to discover this brand new range of Essential Oil Blends from Nourish London.


This new range has been created by the renowned organic skincare expert, Dr. Pauline Hili, who has over 30 years of experience within the industry including being the founder of Nourish London and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.


“Scent is one of the most powerful triggers of emotions. Having spent most of my career working with essential oils and seeing their benefits in wellbeing, I am delighted to be launching this carefully blended range of oils to enhance and support daily life. We hope these expertly created blends sourced from some of the best suppliers of essential oils in the world will make your days happier and lighter.” - Dr. Pauline Hili

I have always found aromatherapy to be a beneficial way to naturally boost my mood, and with so many different essential oils out there to discover, it's fantastic that consumers have an easy way to find what they need through this carefully curated new range.


There are four Essential Oil Blends to explore, all of which are made from just 100% natural essential oils. Like everything else made by Nourish London, these are also certified vegan and cruelty-free as you can see below.

Let's take a closer look at each blend, shall we?

Calm
A soothing blend to help calm and relax, this one is compromised of nine essential oils including Lavender, Geranium, Rose, Bergamot, and Frankincense. Calm has a classic relaxing scent that's quite heavy on the Lavender which I personally love, but there are enough other notes coming through to help it stand out amongst similar products of this nature.

Sleep
If you struggle to sleep like I do, I highly recommend incorporating some specially formulated products like this into your bedtime routine as I do find them very helpful when you're trying to get a restful night. Eleven different essential oils have been carefully chosen for this Sleep blend so you'll find the likes of Lavender, Frankincense, Chamomile, Neroli, and Petitgrain. Very relaxing with a more herbal and earthy fragrance, accentuated with light floral notes.

Energy
An uplifting blend to help energise and recharge, Energy boasts nine different essential oils such as Bergamot, Orange, Neroli, and Grapefruit for a really invigorating and awakening fragrance that's fresh, warm and summery. I love using this first thing in the morning to set me up for the day!

Focus
Developed to help focus and sharpen the mind, Focus is the essential oil blend for anyone who struggles to find motivation and inspiration at work or study during busy or stressful days. It's made with a stimulating blend of ten essential oils and includes Lavender, Frankincense, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, and Eucalyptus.  A lovely fresh and herbal scent.


How To Use
There are a number of ways that you can use these Essential Oil Blends every single day to boost your mood, so I'd recommend trying out a couple of different methods to find what works best for you. You can add a few drops directly to a diffuser or oil burner to fragrance a room, or add 3-4 drops to a warm bath to enjoy some me-time. Alternatively, you can try adding a few drops to a base/carrier oil to create a bespoke massage/body treatment, or for a more intense aromatherapy experience, add a couple of drops to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head and breathe in deeply for 5-10 minutes.

Nourish London Essential Oil Blends* (10ml, £17 each) are available from nourishskinrange.com

Are you a fan of aromatherapy?

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The Weekend Post: 15 Easy Zero Waste Tips for Beginners #AD

Sunday 2 May 2021

There’s a lot of information on how to go zero waste and plastic-free. But if you want to do it perfectly from the beginning, it can be an overwhelming change in your life. So, let’s focus on taking baby steps!

Just like learning a new language or skill, you have to start with the basics and keep practicing every day to improve your performance. And there’s no better day than today to start your zero waste journey!

Would you like to learn 15 useful and easy zero waste tips you can put into practice today? Then, let’s dive right in!

What is Zero Waste?

In simple words, zero waste means sending no waste to landfills or incinerators. Although going completely zero waste sounds impossible, the goal is to reduce as much waste as you can each day! Remember, baby steps.

If you’re wondering why zero waste is important, keep in mind that your waste will affect the environment one way or another. Your trash could end up on the streets or make its way into the ocean! Besides, landfills and incinerators have a huge impact on the environment.

15 Easy Zero Waste Tips for Beginners

The best way to make huge changes is to start with small but consistent steps on a daily basis! After a while, you will realise how much waste you’ve reduced with little effort. To make this possible, check these easy zero waste tips.

1 - Avoid Disposable Items

Avoiding items that will end up as waste is probably the best zero waste tip to bear in mind. You should keep track of the single-use things you discard frequently and find ways to avoid them. Fortunately, you will be able to replace most of them with reusable options! For example, use reusable cutlery to avoid disposable utensils and they will be some of the best eco products you'll ever buy.

2 - Compost

If you can compost at home, why don’t you give it a try? Once you start composting, you will reduce a lot of waste while creating nutrient-rich soil! And more importantly, this zero waste tip is a great way to prevent organic matter from contributing to climate change.

3 - Don’t Forget Your Reusable Grocery Bags

The main point of having reusable bags is using them to avoid plastic bags and paper bags. That said, it’s easy to forget them at home, especially when you’re in a rush. To prevent this, you could place them near your keys or wallet. If you don’t have a reusable bag yet, what are you waiting for?

4 - Buy Loose Produce

When buying veggies and fruits, avoid plastic packaging and buy them loose instead. Cut down on plastic waste with this zero waste tip and pack your veggies in small reusable bags. If the only options available come in plastic packaging, you can visit the farmer’s market to find loose produce!

5 - Ditch Plastic Toothbrushes

An easy zero waste tip to reduce your plastic waste is using a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one. Your plastic toothbrush is an item that will stay forever in a landfill or what’s worse, it could end up polluting the ocean. On the other hand, bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and eco-friendly.

6 - Buy in Bulk

Plastic packaging creates lots of waste, that’s why you should avoid it when possible. A fantastic zero waste tip to reduce plastic packaging is buying in bulk. The good news is that there are many bulk shops you can visit nowadays to buy nuts, cereal, spices, rice, and more!

7 - Say No to Plastic Straws

When ordering a drink, say that you don’t want a plastic straw. Plastic straws are one of the most common items found on beach clean-ups, so it’s important to avoid them. If you’d like to use a straw, bring your own reusable straw!

8 - Repair Damaged Items

Before discarding things that are broken or old, find out if you could repair them or use them for another purpose. With this zero waste tip, your old items will have a second chance and you will prevent waste. Maybe you could even save some money!

9 - Use a Reusable Water Bottle and Travel Mug

Plastic bottles and disposable cups create unnecessary waste you can avoid by using a reusable water bottle and a travel mug. Besides being eco-friendly options, they will keep your water cold and your coffee hot for longer!

10 - Make Some of Your “Convenience Foods”

If you have enough time, get creative and make some of your convenience foods. This zero-waste tip is a wonderful way to avoid packaging and prepare some healthy food options! For example, you can make your own pesto, hummus, jams, cookies, and more!

11 - Pack Your Snacks

Food wrappers are the most commonly found beach trash, so it’s important to reduce this waste. Once in a while, pack a few snacks instead of buying them on the go. Not only will you avoid plastic packaging, but you will also eat healthier!

12 - Learn How to Recycle Properly

Recycling options can vary a lot in different places, so find out what materials you can recycle in your area. This zero-waste tip is key to follow your local guidelines and make sure that your recyclables get recycled!

13 - Bring Your Own Container

If you’re getting takeaway, ask if you can use your lunch box to avoid plastic waste. If you can’t, wash the takeaway container and reuse it for freezing your foods. And don’t forget to use your reusable utensils!

14 - Reuse Glass Jars

Reusing glass jars is one of the most creative zero waste tips. They’re super useful and you will find many ways to reuse them. You can use them to buy in bulk shops, store craft supplies, and more!

15 - Donate Unused Items

If you have a few items that you no longer need or you won’t use any more, don’t send them to landfills. A better zero waste tip would be donating them to a local thrift store instead.

These zero waste tips are small steps in the right direction to reduce your daily waste, so give them a try! 

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Zero Zen Store
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