Nourish London Arnica Massage Balm

It's been a little while since I've posted about Nourish London, but their newest launch caught my attention.

The organic brand has just released a trio of Massage Balms, each designed to address specific needs. The Eucalyptus Massage Balm is designed to clear and refresh the senses (perfect for seasonal colds), the Soothing Massage Balm aids relaxation, and the *Arnica Massage Balm relieves aches and pains, but also has quite a few other benefits that I'm about to delve into.

Each balm comes in a dinky, handbag-friendly 15ml glass jar (you don't need a lot) and retails for £10 each at nourishskinrange.com

I have been trying the Arnica Massage Balm for a couple of weeks and so far my whole family has used it. My daughter was actually the first to try the balm - she slipped over recently and bumped her cheek so I suggested we apply a little. She's now so obsessed with the ginger, lavender and rosemary scent that she'll often ask for a smudge of the 'magic cream' for no reason at all.

Why Arnica Is a Game-Changer

Arnica has been cherished for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to ease bruising and sore muscles. This powerful herb works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, helping to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and promote faster recovery.

But Arnica’s magic doesn’t stop there—it’s also fantastic for improving circulation, which can be especially beneficial after intense physical activity. By boosting blood flow to affected areas, Arnica helps your muscles recover more efficiently, reducing stiffness and discomfort.

Nourish London Arnica Massage Balm

What sets this massage balm apart is its thoughtful blend of skin-nourishing ingredients:

• Essential Oils of Lavender, Rosemary, and Ginger
  These soothing oils not only provide a calming, spa-like aroma but also contribute their own therapeutic benefits. Lavender is known for relaxation, Rosemary enhances circulation, and Ginger brings warmth to relieve tension.

• Deep Tissue Relief
  Perfect for a deep tissue massage, this balm allows for smooth application, targeting those hard-working muscles and delivering instant relief where you need it most.

• Skin-Nourishing Oils
  While it’s working wonders on your muscles, this balm is also pampering your skin, leaving it soft, supple, and well-nourished.

When to Use It

• Post-Workout Recovery: After a challenging workout, apply the balm to tired muscles to speed up recovery and ease soreness.
• After a Long Day: Unwind and relax with a gentle massage using this balm—it’s a treat for both your body and mind.
• For Bruises or Swelling: Thanks to Arnica’s natural healing properties, this balm is perfect for targeted relief on bruised or swollen areas.

A Must-Have in Your Wellness Routine

The Nourish London Arnica Massage Balm is more than just a recovery aid; it’s a self-care essential. Whether you’re a gym-goer looking for post-exercise relief, have accident-prone little ones, or you're just in need of a little TLC after a stressful day, this balm is a versatile addition to your self-care stash

Boots False Nails Review

*This post may contain affiliate links

I feel like someone needs to talk about Boots brand false nails. I think they’re such a good value option for an instant manicure in a pinch and I rarely see them on social media for some reason, so thought I’d write my own review in the hopes it might encourage more people to give them a go. If, like me, you’re lacking in the nail growth department but also lack the time, money and inclination to get your nails done frequently, diy press-on and glue-on nails can be a really good shout. 

I’ve been using glue-on fake nails on and off for the best part of twenty years now and have tried a lot of different brands. Elegant Touch, Kiss, Broadway and Superdrug false nails have all served me well but there’s definitely a standout brand for me that ticks all the boxes – Boots! I buy the standard pre-polished square nails but there are a variety available including different lengths, shapes and colours, as well as a big ol’ box of completely bare nails you can polish or decorate yourself. The standard nails are the perfect length for me as I type on a laptop most days and have one nappy-clad child so I personally can’t cope with long nails (shout out to all those mummas with gorgeous long nails that get by just fine!) I also get especially frustrated by long thumb nails so the shorter length of these is ideal. If you have particularly long nail beds (or lengthy nails already) these might even be too short for you.

My favourite colour in the range is probably Regal Oxblood – a beautiful deep red – but there are plenty of options, including the blue set I have on in the images, as well as patterned nails.

How to Apply Glue-On Nails

If you’re reading this you are probably already aware of how to apply fake nails using glue but I’ll tell you anyway! Take a bit of time ‘trying on’ the different sizes so you can find the best fit for each of your nails. If I’m feeling particularly organised, which is virtually never, I’ll lay out the nails I’ve chosen in some kind of order. This is so I can then go in and just concentrate on gluing them on without worrying about digging through the pack to find the next size I need while glue is still setting. Then, if you have a a little nail file handy, gently buff the top of each of your natural nails. You want to take some of the shine off and rough up the surface a little. This will help the glue adhere and increase the longevity of your nail set, so it’s worth doing this little step if you can. It’s also important to start with clean, dry hands and nails.

When you’re ready to apply, add a drop of glue to the underside of the artificial nail and spread it out quickly using the glue nozzle (or do as I do and apply a small blob and see what happens), then carefully press the false nail down onto your natural nail, holding it in place for around ten seconds to allow time for the glue to bond. The Boots branded glue that comes with the nails is pretty decent itself and dries quickly BUT I would be fibbing if I said it wasn’t the best glue for falsies I’ve used. The Elegant Touch glue is slightly superior in terms of longevity, so if you find that the Boots glue doesn’t give you the hold you want (as in, past a few days), give the Elegant Touch one a try.

Do Boots False Nails Last?

Once you’ve glued all of your nails down you should be good to go! That’s what I love about these nails, once they’re on, they’re perfect – I don’t need to file them down to make my life easier, even the thumbs! Even though they are designed to last up to 7 days, I’ve had these nails last literal weeks on my hands and I’m not a person who bothers with gloves for the washing up but I am a person who will use my nails for opening ring pulls and breaking down cardboard boxes. Hopefully you get the gist, these are sturdy.

In case you’re wondering how to take them off, official instructions state to trim the nails down and soak in acetone to soften the glue. I’m not going to pretend that I’ve ever done this for stick-ons but I am going to pretend that I don’t pick and peel them off when I want them done. That would be irresponsible and potentially damage the natural nails…

Boots Polished Nails come in packs of 24 and retail for £5.50 but they’re usually on sale or part of some kind of deal – the ones I’m wearing now set me back £2.20 as they had a special Clubcard price.

Top Side Hustles to Boost That Bank Balance

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With the diverse range of side hustles available today, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance option like affiliate marketing that runs in the background or you want to unleash your creativity and innovation, the possibilities are endless. The only requirement for a side hustle is that it should bring in extra income.

AllDayPA found that over 30% of full-time working Brits have a side hustle, with the majority of side hustlers being from Gen Z. Utility Warehouse found that 47% of people plan to have a side hustle by the end of 2025.

If you're looking for ways to boost your bank balance, these ideas could be exactly what you're looking for.

Refunds

While it's not a job in the strictest sense, it does require time and patience to review all of your financial decisions and activities to find out that all transactions were legitimate for you at that moment in time. This can be a full time task on its own, but these days, there are many ads and services available to help you discover if you have been mis-sold something and are entitled to a refund. 

It could be that you were mis-sold a payment protection plan or policy on your financial benefits or decisions on car payment agreements. You might have legitimate PCP & HP claims to make on past car finance agreements; you could have been mis-sold loans, certain bank accounts, credit cards, etc. The list goes on. Taking time to understand what actions are in process for you to make a claim can be laborious. And if you can make a claim, the result can be worth your time and investment.

Driving Jobs

Driving jobs, such as being a delivery driver for services like Evri or food delivery services, can be a great way to utilise your vehicle in your free time. While the income may not be substantial at first, with time and experience, you can increase your delivery times and see a significant growth in your earnings. For those with easy access to a vehicle, a delivery job or other driving jobs, such as Uber driving, can be a lucrative side hustle. For instance, driving for Uber only on weekend nights to local nightlife areas can be a profitable venture without consuming too much of your time outside your full-time job.

VA 

VAs are virtual assistants, and they provide a wide range of services. You simply need other skills that others don't have or aren’t efficient in, and can be useful. Things like content creation, website maintenance, administration duties, call handling, social media creation, scheduling and more are all great skills for VAs to have. All you need to do is look at what skills you have and how you can use them to help others and provide a valuable service that people are willing to pay for. Plus, the beauty is that you can work from home and set your own hours, so it works for you and your client. 

Pet Hustles

This one means getting your pet out with you and using them for a side hustle, although in some ways, this would be a great idea. Pet social media accounts are taking the world by storm, and pets are the new kid influencers. If you have the right skills and aesthetic, it can be a lucrative money spinner.

Pet-related side hustles, however, involve you offering services to other pet owners. Some of these options might require training, certifications, or registration with your local council, but offering services such as pet sitting, walking, or boarding can help you make money with ease if you are a dog lover or can care for another type of pet. You can create dog accessories, sell pet treats, or offer dog training if you are skilled in this. You can immerse yourself in the pet arena in numerous ways to develop lucrative side hustles. 

Tutoring

Tutoring isn't just reserved for teachers, although it's an excellent year for educators to boost their income, too. You can tutor in different areas, such as art, music, or any other area in which you have expertise. Maybe you are fluent in BSL. This is a valuable skill you can use to teach others who need to learn sign language. You can teach English to non-native English speakers; you can tutor people in areas you are skilled in, such as coding, for example, or even certain crafts. It is entirely up to you and your skills.

Boost Your Productivity with these Game-Changing Tech Tools

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Modern life demands productivity, whether that means working remotely from home, running a side hustle, or just trying to tackle your daily to-do list. Technology has allowed us to work smarter, not harder. From streamlining tasks to managing focus, these game-changing tech tools will help maximize every moment of every day and reduce procrastination. Here is a breakdown of some revolutionary tools designed to increase productivity while keeping procrastination at bay.

Task Management Apps: Your Digital To-Do List  

A good task management tool makes juggling daily responsibilities much simpler. Apps like Todoist, Trello and Asana allow you to organize tasks into intuitive boards or lists with due dates and reminders so nothing falls through the cracks. These platforms often integrate seamlessly with calendars to provide a bird's-eye view of priorities while satisfying that urge to check off completed tasks.

Focus Apps: Say Goodbye to Distractions  

Have you found yourself scrolling social media when you should have been working on that PowerPoint? Try focus apps such as Forest and Focus@Will to keep your focus glued to the task at hand. Forest can gamify productivity by rewarding you for remaining focused, while Focus@Will provides tailored music scientifically proven to promote concentration. Even small changes can lead to drastic increases in output.

Time Management Tools: Master Your Minutes  

Time-blocking and scheduling tools such as Google Calendar or Notion can make any day more manageable, by breaking it into digestible pieces that you account for each moment. Those looking for deeper insight may appreciate apps such as RescueTime which track how digital hours are used and provide reports to reveal any time-wasting habits. Remember time is non-refundable, so spend it wisely.

Note-Taking Apps: Capture Ideas Anywhere  

Being able to quickly record thoughts wherever inspiration strikes is a great time saver, which makes apps like Evernote, OneNote and Obsidian fantastic tools for organizing ideas efficiently and saving you time. They feature advanced search functions, plus tags and integration with other applications ensure your creative spark never dies out in vain.

Automation Tools: Work Smarter, Not Harder  

Let technology take over repetitive tasks. Automation platforms such as Zapier and IFTTT make connecting apps and services simpler by automatically making them work together without your constant attention needed. For instance saving email attachments directly into cloud storage or sending reminders for approaching deadlines. Investing in automation tools means more energy to focus on those things which really matter.

Health-Boosting Tech: Because You’re Only Productive When You’re Well  

Productivity doesn't just come from tools to organize your work, it also comes from taking care of yourself. Wearables like Fitbit or a reconditioned Apple Watch Ultra can help promote physical activity, improved sleep patterns, mindfulness and meditation, all which contribute to higher productivity. Don't discount smart water bottles (yes, there is such a thing), as they remind us to remain hydrated throughout the day for maximum body and brain benefit.

Conclusion 

Modern technology has opened up an abundance of tools, but the key to true productivity lies in selecting those that align with your goals and lifestyle. Implementing even a handful of the apps or devices we discussed could streamline your routine, improve focus, and free up more time for what matters most. Remember productivity isn't about doing more, it is about doing what matters efficiently. Now go forth and conquer your day like the productivity expert

 you were meant to be.

4 Things to Wear for Eid

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Eid is one of the most celebrated and joyful times of the year. It's a time for prayer, family, food and of course fashion dressing up for Eid as part of the fun, and everybody loves to step out in something that feels a little extra special at this time of the year. You can be as traditional or as trendy as you like because there's no one way to dress for Eid. 

Whether you're heading to the mosque, visiting family, or hosting A festive dinner, your outfit should make you feel confident, comfortable, and totally celebratory. If you're still wondering what to wear, don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are four things that you can wear for Eid that will help you to look and feel great.

-A classic abaya dress. Elegant, flowing and modest, the abaya is a go to piece for many women during Eid. The best part is that it can be as simple or as glamorous as you want it to be. For a classic look, choose a black or a neutral toned abaya with minimal embroidery. If you want to be more festive, pick an abaya with lace, beading or colourful prints. You could add a matching hijab or scarf, some pretty earrings and you're good to go. Abaya dresses are not just comfortable, but they are only so beautiful and the material is so nice. They're perfect for a day that involves a lot of visiting, eating and maybe even chasing after the kids.

-A chic Maxi dress. If you love long, flowy outfits but you want something a little bit more casual or contemporary, maxi dresses are a great option. You can choose one in soft pastels, floral prints, or even a dual tone for a festive flair. Layer it with a light cardigan for a modest touch. Maxi dresses are easy to dress up or down too, depending on your plans. You can throw on some heels or embellish sandals, grab a clutch and you've got yourself an Eid look that's effortless and elegant.

-A stylish salwar kameez. A favorite in South Asian culture, the salwar kameez is another amazing option for Eid. It typically includes a long tunic (the kameez), loose trousers, (the salwar) and a matching dupatta (scarf). The combinations are endless and the styles range from traditional to modern. For Eid, always pick up bright colours, sparkly details or hand embroidery to give your outfit that festive flair. With bangles, jhumkas and a little henna on your hands to complete the look, you're going to be looking beautiful.

-A coordinated family outfit, This one is especially fun if you're celebrating with kids or as a couple. Pick a colour theme, maybe Blues or neutrals or soft pinks, and coordinate your outfits with each other. You can wear a stunning abaya dress and your family can match in similar shades or complimentary patterns. It makes for beautiful family photos and brings a sweet sense of unity to your celebration.