Simple Self-Care Ideas

(collaborative post) 

Self-care is one of the most important things we can do to support our wellbeing., When we think of self-care most of us think of pampering activities like skincare or massage, but self-care doesn’t have to be confined to spa days or visits to a beauty salon; it can take many forms.

Below, you will find some slightly less common self-care ideas that can work when skincare routines and meditation aren’t quite hitting the spot:

Re-read a favourite book

One of the best ways to really rest, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, is to sink down into the couch with a hot cup of tea and one of your favourite novels. Spend some time getting to know the characters in Pride and Prejudice again or floating off to Narnia and you will feel all of the stresses and strains of modern life floating away as you get lost in a great story.

Play with a pet

If you do not have a pet, borrow one and spend some time petting it, walking it, and simply snuggling up to it. Why? Because studies have shown that pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, help to improve mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and even lower tout risk of heart attack. Dogs are particularly good when it comes to self-care but any animal you love and enjoy spending time with will help you to feel better.

Learn a new skill

If you want to feel good physically and mentally, you could try to learn a new skill that you have never tried before, or that you have always wanted to try, but haven’t had the time for. For example, you could try to learn how to sew or knit so that you can create new outfits that make you feel great, while also giving you something mindful to do. You could also learn how to cook new dishes from around the world that are healthy and delicious or you could even take a professional management course to help you build a better career which will boost your self-esteem and help you to feel better about yourself going forward.

Change your bed sheets

Changing your bedsheets might not sound like a brilliant act of self-care, in fact, most of us hate changing our sheets, but think about the feeling you get when you slip into fresh sheets after a hot shower? Blissful isn’t it? That’s why simply changing your sheets more often can be a great act of self-care.

Wash your feet

If you’re looking for a short and sweet form of self-care, wash your feet. It will ae you feel cleaner, more relaxed and ready to take on the next challenge and it only takes a few minutes.

Do something that scares you

This might seem like the opposite of self-care, but doing something that scares you can really make you feel alive. If you think of something that gives you butterflies in the stomach, like skydiving or public speaking, and you simply go out there and give it your best shot, not only will you feel a rush of adrenaline that really makes you feel alive, but you will feel a sense of accomplishment that you have done what you thought you never would. This will help you to feel more happiness, joy, and accomplishment in your life, so do the thing that scares you.

Make lists

If you are someone who has a very busy mind that is always going over what you have to do today or tomorrow and worrying about how you will fit it all in, then becoming a list writer could be one of the best acts of self-care that you ever give yourself. Why? Because when you put the thoughts in your head on paper, you let them go to some extent. You know you have got them covered, so you don’t have to keep thinking about them and this means you will stress less and get a better night’s sleep if you simply take the time to write a daily to-do list.

As you can see, self-care doesn’t have to be a struggle and it doesn’t have to feel like work. It can be simple, relaxing, and enjoyable when you find the right activities to incorporate into your daily routine. You can do it in any way that feels right, as long as it allows you to relax, de-stress and recharge. So, what are you waiting for?

Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

 (sample)

 Sunday Riley Good Genes had a huge moment a few years ago but did you know that the Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment is now the brand’s global number one best seller? Back in the day, Good Genes was hailed as a first-of-its-kind of formula that exfoliated and brightened the skin, giving us that coveted healthy looking and glowing complexion, with fast results. At the time, the Good Genes we had here in the UK was formulated with Lactic Acid but it’s since been reformulated with Glycolic Acid.

Why was Sunday Riley Good Genes reformulated and is it as good? 

Basically, EU regulations (which differ from the U.S) were changed in recent years to state that Lactic Acid products with a concentration of 10% or more could no longer be sold. This was a real blow to lovers of Good Genes in the UK so Sunday Riley set about creating a new treatment for the U.K market which incorporates exfoliating Glycolic Acid with Lactic Acid salt and so Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment was born. I had only previously tried (and loved) the old formula, so this is my first foray into the Glycolic Acid version.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment is designed to:

• Exfoliate the skin
• Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Target sun damage, dullness and congestion.

Does it work? In short, yes. Below is my experience of using the treatment.

When I first pumped out a dollop of the treatment I was met with that familiar Good Genes scent – a refreshing whiff of lemongrass. Lemongrass is part of the formula to act as an astringent that tones the complexion and I love that you can actually smell it. Prickly Pear is also in the mix to soothe and calm the skin while the Glycolic Acid is, of course, there to exfoliate and improve the appearance of congestion and sun damage.

I’m determined to stick to a retinol regime this year, so Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment will be my morning serum and I’ll use it at night on the in-between retinol days. I’ve only been using it daily since Boxing Day (so around two weeks) and I can already see results in terms of my skin looking brighter and clearer. I can usually feel a little bit of congestion on my chin but now there’s just smooth, even skin. The same goes for around my nose – I sometimes feel and look a little congested around my nostril folds but Good Genes seems to be taking very good care of that too. It instantly adds glow too, almost in the same way that a tinted moisturiser might. I love it. Truly. It’s worth mentioning that if you are someone who finds Glycolic Acid irritating (I do in some products), this does not personally irritate my skin because the acid is buffered with the soothing Prickly Pear. Sunday Riley do recommend you start off using it every other day and then using daily once skin is used to it.

Overall, I’m SO pleased to be using Good Genes again and I’m actually delighted that my skin does not seem to be reacting to the Glycolic. I need to be strict with the SPF now because not only do I have retinol going on at night, the Glycolic Acid is also going to be increasing sensitivity to the sun. Now to find a lightweight, no-fuss SPF I can mindlessly apply every morning so I don’t undo all of the work my skincare is doing!

You can find Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment at lots of retailers but I’ll probably be buying mine from Space NK (it retails for £85 for 30ml and £128 for 50ml).

 

January Survival Tips: Simple Ways To Boost Your Mood

(collaborative post) 

 January can be a tough month. After the thrills and spills of the Christmas period, it’s back to normal life with a thud. If you find the long, dark days difficult, or you need a little boost to stay energised and motivated, we’ve put together some simple tips to lift your mood this winter.

Exercise

It’s that time of year when the shelves are filled with healthy products and every advert on the TV seems to be promoting gyms, exercise classes or fitness equipment. Many people start the year with intentions to up their activity levels, but it can be hard to muster up the energy to go to the gym or get your bike out when it’s cold and wet outside or you’re tired. Exercise may seem like the last thing you want to do if it’s raining and miserable, or you’ve had a long day, but it’s a surefire means of making yourself feel better. Even if you only have 20 minutes free, you’ll benefit from moving your body. Walking, cycling, jogging, doing fitness classes, dancing, working out at home, playing sports and doing outdoor activities are hugely beneficial for your physical and mental health. You might struggle towards the end of a run or a training session, but after you’ve finished, you’ll feel energised and more content. Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress and aids sleep. Seek advice about exercise and training plans that are suitable for your health status and fitness level. 

Supplements and natural remedies

It’s very common for people to feel a little low, lethargic or sluggish during the period after Christmas. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for optimum mental health and it can help you to maintain high levels of energy, but it can also be beneficial to add supplements or natural remedies like Delta 9 THC gummies to your diet. With any supplement or product, it’s wise to consult your doctor or a health expert for advice, especially if you have underlying health conditions or you are already taking medication. There are lots of natural products you can use to help you to relax and feel calmer, increase energy levels and lower stress levels. 

Spending time outside

Most of us love to get out and about in the summer, but it can be tempting to curl up inside and hibernate during the winter. Studies show that spending time outside is a natural mood booster and it can help to combat stress and make you feel more alert. There are lots of ways to enjoy beauty spots like parks, forests, lakes and beaches. You can take a gentle stroll, go hiking, cycling or mountain biking, or try your hand at outdoor pursuits like climbing, open-water swimming and kayaking. Make sure you wrap up warm and take plenty of water and healthy snacks with you. 

Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-doing-hand-heart-sign-1535244/

January is often a difficult month. It seems to last forever, the weather is miserable and many of us are on a mission to save money after the festive period. To get through winter, it’s important to take good care of yourself and be proactive in boosting your mood. Exercise regularly, eat well, consider adding supplements to your diet and spend time outside.

Pietro Simone 100% Pure Himalayan Salt Paddle

 (sample)

 I’ve written about a Pietro Simone product before and loved the unapologetically luxe vibe of it (you can read my review of that product here) so I was looking forward to trying one of the brand’s equally unapologetically luxe tools; the 100% Pure Himalayan Salt Paddle.

As the name states, the paddle is made from 100% pure Himalayan Salt. The idea is that this pink salt helps to maintain an electrolyte balance, aid hydration levels, promote microcirculation and absorb dirt and ‘toxins’ whilst being naturally antibacterial. Himalayan Salt contains up to 84 minerals and salts that, in this case, Pietro Simone harness to nourish the body and skin.

Essentially, this is an exfoliation tool for the body. It’s rough to the touch, in the best way possible, because you can just tell it’s going to give a satisfyingly good scrub. To use, start upwards from the ankles, in a gentle oval-shaped motion, all over the body.

 If you’re someone who partakes in dry body brushing, the body paddle will probably interest you but it actually has a few different uses when used in conjunction with other Pietro Simone products:

• To Refine the skin, apply Pietro Simone’s Multi-Dynamic Body Refining Cleanser on damp skin, then use the paddle, applying gentle to medium pressure.
• For Mineralizing and Regenerating, apply the Pietro Simone Fierce Body Infusion on wet skin, then use medium to firm pressure with the paddle.
• For a Pro-Aging action, apply the Fierce Body Oil to dry skin and start from the ankles upwards.
• For help with cellulite, apply the Pietro Simon Body Oil and the Fierce Body Infusion, then use the salt paddle at medium to firm pressure in a circular motion where cellulite appears (or just ignore the cellulite).

I like the holistic idea of this product and I’m interested in the concept of salt used in a beauty regime. I don’t own the products mentioned above, however I have used the paddle with other oils and lotions and can confirm it is a lovely ritual, if you have the time for a little extra self care (and if you don't already have the time, try to make some!). While I don’t care so much for trying to rid my body of cellulite, I understand that it’s something that bothers some people, so fair play to them if they want to give it a go – if individuals see results from dry body brushing then they’d almost certainly see results with the salt paddle too.

The Pietro Simone 100% Pure Himalayan Salt Paddle is £29 at Pietro Simone.

 

The Body Shop Sale

(post features affiliate links)

The Body Shop have an absolutely cracking sale on right now, so while.you're recovering from festivities why not grab a cuppa and have a scroll? Not only do they have up to 50% off a lot of products, there's also currently 3 for 2 across sale items!

Here are a few of my picks but there are over 200 products and sets in the sale so it's well worth having a look!

CBD Replenishing Moisture Cream was £20 now £10

Calm & Chamomile Cleansing Gift was £25 now £17.50

Lovely & Clean Lemon Hand Care Gift was £23 now £16.10

Hemp & A Hug Body Care Gift was £38 now £26.60

Warmth & Spice Black Musk Big Gift was £52 now £36.40

This is just a small selection of what's currently on offer. Don't forget, it's 3 for 2 across the sale as well, so it's a fantastic opportunity to grab some bargains.

Nourish London Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence

 (sample)

 The newest product from organic beauty brand Nourish London is the Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence and I've really been enjoying it!

As soon as winter rolls around it's like the moisture is just sucked out of my skin all of a sudden, so this product couldn't have been released at a better time.
Designed to be used after cleansing and toning, the essence is designed to add an extra layer of moisture before you add your serum and/or moisturiser.
Milky and light weight, the essence has been formulated to prevent dehydration and is perfect for menopausal skin and complexions affected by hormonal changes.
It's rich in Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, along with something called Trehalose which mimics the skin's natural moisturising factor, helping it to retain moisture, protecting against dryness and reducing signs of ageing.
Probiotic Minerals including Magnesium, Zinc, Copper and Iron calm and help to rebalance the skin and a Supergreen blend including Kale Sprout extract and upcycled Olives is also in the mix, to fight oxidation and encourage radiant, nourished skin.

Willow Bark is a natural exfoliant that’s included in the essence to balance sebum levels, unclog pores and also help with hydration. Vege Ceramides help to repair the skin barrier while increasing moisture, reducing dryness and soothing the skin, while Hyaluronic Acid replenishes hydration and nourishes the skin.

It’s very, very lightly scented with natural Vanilla and Benzoin, for a slightly sweet, warm and comforting fragrance that adds to the overall experience.

Speaking of experience, this essence is a really pleasant product to use – I’m loving ‘sandwiching’ it between my products for an extra nourishing boost but I think I’ll also appreciate the lightness of the essence in warmer weather too.

Nourish London Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence is £25 from Nourish London.

How to Capture Attention like a Pro

 (Collaborative post)

 It can be hard to make a good first impression, especially when you are trying to capture someone's attention. Whether it's in a business meeting, on a date, or at a networking event, there are certain steps that you can take to ensure that you have their full attention. Here are five tips for always catching someone's attention and keeping it.

Be Confident

The most important thing about making an impression is your confidence. People will take notice if you walk into a room with your head held high and your shoulders back. When speaking to someone, maintain eye contact and use positive body language like smiling and nodding. Confidence will help draw people in and make them more likely to remember you.

Be Prepared

It is important to be prepared when trying to make an impression. Whether preparing for a job interview or preparing for a presentation, having all the facts straight will help avoid any embarrassing moments that could detract from the message you are trying to convey. Doing research ahead of time will also show the other person that you were willing to put in the effort even before they had noticed you.

Have Something Interesting To Say

In addition to being confident and prepared, it is also important to have something interesting or unique to say when trying to catch someone's attention. This could be an interesting story or anecdote related to what they are talking about or something interesting about yourself that sets you apart from others in the room. Anything that captures their interest and makes them focus on what you have said is sure to leave an impression in their mind! This has more to do with your storytelling ability than your look. Whether you're in regular jeans or an expensive suit, if you're interested and have great talk, it attracts attention.

Be Courteous

Being polite goes a long way when trying to make an impression on someone else. Greeting them with respect, listening attentively when they talk, and avoiding arguments can all help create positive impressions of yourself in the eyes of others. Not only will this show them that you care about their opinion, but it also demonstrates your own level of professionalism and respect for those around you – all important qualities when looking at how others perceive us!

Follow Up Afterwards

If possible, follow up afterward with either an email thanking them for their time or by sending them something useful related to the conversation, such as an article or link they may find interesting – anything that shows them that the conversation was meaningful but also useful! Following up afterward can leave a lasting impression by showing them how much thought went into making sure they got something out of it as well!

Making a good first impression can be tricky, but if done right can go a long way toward creating lasting relationships with those around us – whether professionally or personally! By following these five tips – being confident, being prepared, having something interesting to say, being courteous, and following up afterward – we can ensure our presence leaves an impactful mark on anyone we come across! With these tips in hand, capturing someone's attention won't seem so daunting anymore!