Thai Square Spa Traditional Thai Massage

Last week I had the most amazing visit to the Thai Square Spa in central london for a traditional Thai massage.

Whenever I am stressed, I hold it in two places - my jawline and my shoulders, the latter which aches and can make me grimace as I carry my rucksack too and from work, lift anything slightly heavy or stretch. So I was really looking forward to it.

The spa itself is absolutely stunning, taking in an eclectic mix of Thai, Roman, and Turkish spa décor. As you walk in there is an instant feeling of relaxation as you leave all your stress at the door and are submerged into the most wonderful scents of Jasmine that fill the air. The building itself, based on Northumberland Avenue, did in fact used to be a Turkish Bath and those features have been kept to really give it that feeling of luxury.

Inside the spa there are Four Traditional Thai Massage treatment rooms, seven Ritual Massage rooms and one vast VIP suite treatment room with private relaxation zone and steam room. The changing rooms which are the most wonderful vivid red decor have everything you need to get changed into your provided massage clothing - in my case because it was a traditional Thai massage, this is done over clothing, rather than directly onto the skin.

The traditional Thai massage is described as being both exotic and unique with the treatment bringing together a traditional Thai massage with deep tissue, pressure point and ancient stretching techniques. Designed to release tension, increase vitality and flexibility as well as to create a wholeness of the mind, body and spirit.‍ If you’ve ever had a Thai massage before, you’ll know that the therapist will get into all those nooks and crannies to release pressure and tension, so it isn’t the massage you would choose if you want a thoroughly relaxing experience, instead this is the massage you choose to release all that built up tension, rid your body of aching shoulders, tight muscles and soreness.

The treatment starts with the washing of your foot, which a good friend of mine told me is done to bring purity and leave bad luck at the door - whatever the reason, it was delightful, and I say that as someone who hates feet or anyone touching mine. The next part of the treatment is to take your place on the massage table, the instructions on how to lie down and relax are clearly given and then my therapist, a simply wonderful lady who constantly checked the pressure she was applying was okay - it can get quite intense if there is some tension that needs to be released by the way. Throughout my massage, she worked on my feet, lower and upper legs, my arms, my back and my shoulders, which even with the slightest bit of pressure was painful, until magically she did something to release the pressure and the pain simple evaporated - a week later and still no shoulder aching or back pain. Once my therapist had finished, I turned over and she continued with the massage on my head (heavenly), the front of my shoulders, arms, legs and this time ankles before the final part of the treatment. At this stage you sit up and the stretching begins of absolutely every muscle you have in your body, or at least that is how it felt, and again that tension had all disappeared and with it, came the reminder from my therapist that as I hold my stress and troubles in my shoulders, I need to do my stretching every single day to help manage it, even if it’s just five minutes of my time.

After the treatment, I was taken to the most relaxing lounge where I sat and enjoyed herbal tea in absolute silence and comfort, on my own with no phone pinging or ringing, no emails demanding my attention. Utter bliss and I could have sat there all day. 

Alongside the Traditional Thai massage, there is a whole host of other treatments on offer to choose from and I’d gladly make my way through each and every one of them, such is the feeling of being made to feel truly welcome as though you’re the most important person in the building.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Simba Hybrid® Topper

When you think about how much time we spend in bed, it is so important to make sure you are comfortable - do I have the right mattress and pillow, all of which should help you get a good night's sleep, not to mention that the temperature has to be right as well. I am obsessed with my Simba pillow, the difference it has made to sleep has been amazing, but more recently I have been lucky enough to receive the Simba Hybrid® Topper.

Laying in bed, be it for sleep, reading, relaxing or whatever reason you choose, should be comfortable and struggling to find that comfortable position, waking up with back pain or even discovering lumps and bumps in your mattress is a sign that you need a new one.  I my case, as we cannot agree on which new mattress we need, the Simba Hybrid® Topper has been amazing and having now slept on it for a month, it is a great investment!

Transform any mattress in any instant with our comfort-boosting mattress topper. Unlike a more traditional memory foam mattress topper, our innovative design combines up to 2,500 Aerocoil® springs and a layer or open-cell Simbatex® foam to keep you cooler and more cushioned. Includes removable, washable cover.

So, the Simba Hybrid® Topper is designed to fit any mattress and comes in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Made using the up to 2500 Aerocoil® springs and a layer or open-cell Simbatex®. Explained simply the Simbatex® foam is ‘open cell’, which means it has a less dense structure than traditional memory foam, allowing more airflow; the Simba sleep engineers have also infused it with graphite, a natural mineral which draws heat away from the body.  

As someone who doesn't like to be hot when they sleep, but won't leave my legs dangling out of the bed incase someone grabs my foot, this has been the biggest difference for me, being cool and still covered in a duvet is just the dream combination, I am warm but not too hot.

Unlike other mattress toppers I have tried, and there has been a few, this one has an added an anti-slip base and with ir four snug-fit, corner straps which not only helps to keep your topper firmly in place, it also means it doesn't move across the bed as you turn over, get in and out of bed or sit up, once it is in place, it is there until you move it.

When the Topper arrives, the box is huge and inside it is vac packed, so once you have extracted it from the box, which is great fun if you have cats, the advice is to unravel it and let it slowly inflate, which does do within a matter of hours, at this point you can manoeuvre it into place. 

I have the king size version and it is the perfect size for my bed, what surprised me is how easy it is to fit into place, unlike my mattress, it doesn't need two people to put it into place, I managed it on my own, secured the straps and once the cats had bounced about it on, made the bed, excited to test it out.  It took a few days to get used too, gone was the lumpy rut and in its place was a soft, comfortable hug, the best way to describe it, and for the first time for as long as I can remember, I slept for a good few hours and didn't wake up feeling as though I had been trapped in a vice.

The Simba Hybrid® Topper prices start at £219 for a single, rising up to £399 for a super king size and it is worth every single penny!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Are Period Pants Worth It?

Switching to products which are more sustainable, better for the planet and are generally less wasteful is becoming the norm. From shampoo and conditioner bars, refillable shower gels, PCR plastic, reusable cotton pads and words such as Terra-cycle all being part of everyday life.

The latest switch I made was to period pants. Yes they are a thing. Having tried the Mooncup and genuinely finding it was just not for me, period pants are just genius and having now used them for 6 months, I wish I had switched sooner. For many, periods is a taboo subject, it is mentioned with embarrassment and sniggers but I’ve never found it awkward to talk about, shop for and even share the effects, symptoms - I’m talking cramps and PMS with anyone who asks (or doesn’t).

There is now, I’m pleased to say, many different branded period pant brands. From the highstreet with Primark, M&S and more recently Boots to brands such as Modi Body and Wuka and more that have frequented my inbox. I did a lot of research before making the switch, like choosing your brand of sanitary products that suit your menstrual flow, it is worth taking the time to work out what you need.

I choose the trusted M&S to start with, they had an offer that was too tempting to turn down with a buy 3 get one free deal. The initial outlay is something to bare in mind too. Where a box of tampons might cost between £2-£10, period pants come at differing prices starting around £12 rising upwards to £30 depending on the brand. But… they are reusable and can be washed, dried and worn over and over again.

For me, I have a medium to heavy flow and one thing that has always made me self-conscious is “have I leaked” the age old - sanitary towel has moved and I’m not protected or have I changed my tampon, I don’t want Toxic Shock Syndrome… none of this I’ve had since I switched. There is no “smell” that I’ve seen some refer too on social media, if you choose right there is no leaking, there is no need to panty liners, no need to carry around extra products - all you need is that one pair of pants per day, two if you feel more comfortable and you are good to go. Depending on your brand, period pants have what is referred to as a three-layer gusset and it’s job is to draw moisture away from the body, within that three-layer is an absorbent, anti-odour middle layer and a protective outer layer

The average pair of period pants is said to hold up to 3-5 tampons worth of fluids - so depending on your flow, depends on the type of pants you will need. For me, I wear them from showering in a morning until I shower in an evening and then change to a fresh pair for overnight. What’s more, they’re easy to wash and dry:

• Soak or rinse your pants in cold water immediately after removing them.
• Next, wash at 30 to 40 degrees with your other clothes and normal detergent.
• Once washed, do hang up to dry, rather than tumble drying.

Whether you favour hipster, high-waist or full brief, there is a whole range of period pants available and so far, it’s been worth every single penny I’ve paid and I’m glad I made the switch. They’re comfortable, easy to wash, easy to wear and are much better for the planet than sending products to landfill. 

See the entire Period Knickers range from Marks & Spencer here

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Advanced Nutrition Happy Skin Ultimate

This Christmas Advanced Nutrition Programme have developed a limited-edition design of their award-winning happy skin Ultimate and this is quite the product.

Said to be a healthy alternative to advent calendars, this powerhouse collection contains a 28-day supply of Skin Ultimate and is described as being an ingestible “anti-ageing facial” for radiant skin, hair, and nails. For excellent results, you can use best stem cell skin care products from Calecim.

I am sure I won’t be alone in finding confusion as to which vitamins and supplements are the best to take especially when there is just so many brands in such a saturated market. So for me personally, this product goes some way in to helping me to make that choice because everything I need is right here. Also, in the run up to a very busy festive season, we all want to be looking and feeling our best and I’m hopeful that this will do just that.

As you can see, cleverly packaged in daily protective pods, the skin researchers developed this daily dose system made up of five clever capsules:

• Skin Omegas+,
• Skin Vit A+,
• Skin Asta-Boost,
• Skin Co-Q10+
• Skin Antioxidant

All of these come with a whole host of benefits from skin tone and appearance of your nails to nourishment and below is just what these capsules promise to do.

• Evens skin tone
• Supports thick, glossy hair - Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
• Maintains the appearance of nails
• Younger looking skin - Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and cell specialization.
• Helps to support normal skin health
• Smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Nourishes dry skin
• Promotes skin radiance
• Safeguards skin from external stressors

These vitamins come together to help support the appearance of beautiful and glowing skin, hair, and nails from within for the ultimate radiance this festive season.

The advice when taking these is take all five capsules once a day over 28 days, with a meal. So morning to onerous, no jargon to try and understand and best of all, the benefits offered are quite something.

On sale now, you can find the Advanced Nutrition Happy Skin Ultimate 28 Days priced around £60-70 depending on where you choose to shop and having just compared the price to the selection of supplements I am just finishing, the price of this selection is less than half, so a real bargain!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

BED OF NAILS ACUPRESSURE MAT

Finding time to relax, unwind, de-stress, take time out for yourself and even just have a few minutes to catch your breath is so important. I say that because I am one of the worst people for doing any of this, until the last few months when I was kindly set the Bed of Nails Acupressure Mat.

Described as being an excellent aid in self-treatment, the Bed Of Nails works to not only stimulate energy in the body, but it also triggers the body’s innate way of healing itself, making it an effective tool for easing tension and inducing a state of deep relaxation. As you probably noticed is that this matt is covered in plastic spikes which look like weapons of torture, but I promise you, they are not at all. 

The mystical bed of nails originated over 1,000 years ago and was used by gurus in the practice of meditation and healing. Bed of Nails® has created a modern, ergonomically designed version of that ancient technology, with a Swedish twist, to model those same deep healing effects. With thousands of non-toxic recyclable plastic nails, harmless to the skin but with all the healing benefits of its legendary ancestor. Bed of Nails® (BON) brings the self-healing benefits of treatments, such as acupuncture and massage, into the homes and workplaces of people everywhere to create and sustain a healthy lifestyle amid the stresses of our modern world.

Bed of Nails acupressure is similar to acupuncture but those spikes that you see all over the mat do not penetrate the skin. Instead, the pressure of these rounded nails against the skin are said to help the body release endorphins which are also known as the body’s very own “happiness drug” which provides a sense of joy, energy and pain relief, and then oxytocin which makes you calm and relaxed. Acupressure may also help the body rid itself of toxins, so it is important to drink water after using the Bed of Nails.

Add to all of that, Acupressure may also help to alleviate a whole host of pain issues, including 

• chronic neck and back pain, 
• sore muscles and headaches, 
• daily stress 

Plus, if that’s not enough, this Bed Of Nails matt may even help you sleep. 

When it comes to using your Bed Of Nails, the advice is to use it as and when needed, but ideally, it should be used  daily for 10 to 20 minutes, or longer if you prefer.  For me, I started off for 5 minutes and have increased that time to half an hour and it is just delightful to use.  

One of the questions I am asked is how does it feel to use the mat and honestly, it’s weird to start with, it is tingly and prickly without being painful and the longer you lay there, the better the feeling is - warmness runs through the body and then comes that feeling of relaxation. When I am laid on my Bed of Nails, I usually have my meditation app ready and I find using both together quite soothing and relaxing. 

If, like me you need encouragement to sit back, relax and unwind, the Bed Of Nails is something that you need to make part of your routine. 

Priced around £70 you can find Bed of Nails at Cult Beauty, Boots, Beauty Bay and of course Bed of Nails themselves.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

6 Solutions to Step Up Your Summer Self-Care Strategy

Practising better self-care is often the first step to improving our overall well-being.

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However, it can be easy to keep putting off looking after ourselves, especially when we have so many other responsibilities battling it out for our time.

But committing to better self-care can help build a better you. 

If you’re looking for some starting points, then here are our six solutions to step up your summer self-care strategy. 

1. Enhance Your Skin Care Routine 

Having a good skin care routine is a good habit to get into, especially as our skin starts to age. 

Take the time to research the products you seek to use; read reviews and consult with beauty experts. 

This way you’ll know that the products you’re using are good for your skin.  

2. Get Your Vitamin D

This can be easier said than done with the UK climate but making the most of any sunny days we have is a great way to help boost your mood. 

However, it’s important to protect your skin when you’re out in the sun. Make sure to avoid any sun lotion that’s lower than SPF 30, and stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day. 

3. Take Regular Walks

Taking regular walks is a great way to not only improve your physical fitness but benefit from the calming effects of nature.

While it might not be the most appealing activity while the rain is pouring, head out as often as you can on those dry days. 

4. Smile More

No one likes being told that they should smile more but smiling can have enormous benefits on your mood. 

It releases endorphins that reduce stress, and even faking a smile can produce the same physiological reaction.

Plus, smiling is infectious, it’s hard not to smile when someone else is, so every time you smile, you could boost someone else’s mood.

5. Invest in Your Intelligence 

Taking time to work on our education can have a fantastic impact on our self-esteem, so while it might not be the most obvious self-care solution, it’s worth considering.

Returning to the traditional campus isn’t possible for everyone, but with distance learning courses, such as those offered by Anglia Ruskin University, you’ll be able to study on a schedule that suits your other commitments. 

6. Drink Plenty of Water

It’s always important that we drink water but paying close attention to our hydration is especially essential in the summer.

Water has fantastic health benefits, including carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells. It can also help to keep our skin looking fresh and our minds feeling sharp. 

For that added self-care solution, try infusing it with lemon or cucumber for that spa experience in your own home.

What steps are you taking to improve your self-care routine? Share your tips with us in the comments below.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

How To Get The Smile That Will Brighten Up Your Day

A smile is the most beautiful thing you can wear. It can make your day, brighten up a room, and change someone's mood. If you're not feeling too great, a smile can help boost your spirits. The following blog will discuss how to get the smile that will brighten up your day!

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#1 Visit The Dentist Regularly

A lot of people are afraid of the dentist, but it's essential to visit them at least once a year, Sawbridgeworth dentist has a team who specialise in dealing with patients who are nervous about visiting the dentist and offer a calming and professional approach to those with dental phobias, or the dentist Peterborough, who use the slogan 'Calm and Gentle Dentistry'. This is because they can help prevent any significant problems with your teeth and give you a cleaning. If you have any concerns, be sure to voice them so that the dentist can help you out.

Visiting the dentist regularly is essential not only for keeping your smile looking great but also for maintaining your overall oral health.

If you're not sure how often you should be visiting the dentist, ask your doctor or check with your dental insurance provider. Some people may need to visit more frequently if they have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications that can affect their oral health, again dentists Weybridge believe the relationship between patient and dentist is tantamount of ensuring the best experience possible.

#2 Dental Implants

Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular. They are a great way to improve your smile and your overall oral health. There are many benefits to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They are also designed to fuse with bone, so they become permanent.
• Improved speech: With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth will slip.
• Improved comfort: Because they become part of you, dental implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your teeth, so you can eat your favourite foods confidently and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem: Dental implants can give your smile back and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health: Unlike bridgework, dental implants do not require reducing other teeth. Because dental implants fuse with bone, they also help to keep the bone healthy and strong.

#3 Teeth Whitening

One of the easiest and most popular ways to improve your smile is by whitening your teeth. You can do this at home with over-the-counter products or by visiting a dentist.

If you are considering teeth whitening, it's important to note that not all methods are created equal. Some may be more effective than others, and some may be more expensive. Be sure to do your research before deciding on a method so that you can find one that will work well for you and your budget.

There are many different ways to whiten your teeth, but some of the most common include:

• Whitening toothpaste: This type contains special ingredients that help remove stains and brighten teeth.
• Whitening strips: Whitening strips are thin, flexible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. They are placed on the teeth for a certain amount of time, typically 30 minutes to an hour, and then removed.

In conclusion, there are many different ways that you can get a smile that will brighten up your day. Be sure to visit the dentist regularly, consider dental implants, and whiten your teeth to achieve the best results.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Emma Hardie Moringa Candle

Imagine having one of your favourite cleansing balms being turned into a candle - well okay not quite but the scent you have come to identify as being calming, relaxing and part of your favourite skincare routine. That is exactly what has happened with Emma Hardie and the Moringa Candle.

I have declared my adoration for Emma Hardie as a brand for many years now, I’m yet to find a cleansing balm as enjoyable and as good as this one, though a few do come a close second. For me, there is something about the scent which is both calming and relaxing whilst at the same time has the ability to just give you that spa like treatment at home time and time again. 

Immerse your senses in pure indulgence with the Emma Hardie Moringa Luxury Scented Candle. This deluxe candle fills the room with the earthy aroma of Moringa. Relaxing and tranquil, this spa-like scent helps to create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere in your home. Housed in a decorative gift box, this luxurious candle makes a perfect present for loved ones or as a personal treat for an evening of self-care.

As well as the candle, the Emma Hardie range has expanded a lot in the past year and now includes a whole selection of delightful body, bath and shower products, which I have shared already and of course stocked up on! 

This candle, as soon as you lift the lid on the box gives you that relaxation and calming vibe, it is definitely the scent of the cleansing balm in candle form only slightly more potent with the scent, something I happen to absolutely love. If you are familiar with the cleansing balm then the notes of neroli, jasmine, rose, mandarin and sweet orange are all there and better still, this luxurious candle from Emma Hardie has been created using a natural blend of biodegradable wax made from pure soybean oil, rapeseed and bee's wax.

To use, the advice is to light the candle wick and let the spa-like aromas fill the room for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours, this will help to ensure that the wax burns evenly. Once alight, I am so glad to say there is no black soot that often comes with candles and this is down to how the candle is made. 

At £45 this is definitely a luxury item but one that is worth every single penny! 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aery Living Before Sleep Collection

I was first introduced to Aery Living back in September with two of their incredible candles and then a room Reed diffuser, both of which I adore. Just before Christmas, I was kindly sent a gift of products which I have essentially used a lot, that’s how good they are.

As a brand, Aery Living became inspired by the multi-sensory aspect of creating fragranced products and having now perfected their craft and created their very own unique fragrances, there is a whole selection to choose from. Whether you want something to help relax, revive, comfort or even sleep, there is a whole bundle of products to choose from.

I have the Before Sleep collection which is made up of three products - a candle, a pillow spray and a tub of bath salts. Put together they create a routine for relaxation.

A bundle filled with our signature sleepy scents. Sleep Happy, Before Sleep and Dream catcher are filled with carefully selected fragrances designed to help you drift off into dreamland

One thing I find it really hard to do is switch off and wind down, my brain just never seems to shut off, so I use a few products which do help to aid relaxation.

The Sleep Happy scented candle, which is beautifully packaged, has been designed to inspire feelings of positivity with top notes of Bergamot, Orange Blossom and Citrus peel which has been combined with heart notes Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Jasmine before the notes of White Musk, Amber and Precious Wood come together to create a scent which works to calm and soothe.

Once the candle is out of its box, the scent is already noticeable, it immediately just brings about calmness and once alight, those notes of orange blossom together with the chamomile, lavender and Amber come alive and it fills the home incredibly, one of the best throws from a scent I’ve come across in a long time. Even after the flame has been extinguished, the scent is lingering and I absolutely love it.

If, like me, you love spending time in the bath to relax and unwind, the Before Sleep Bath Salts are an absolute must try.

Using carefully selected essential oils to help bring about calm and peace, you will find the inclusion of both Himalayan and Epsom salts to which not only work to soothe and comfort, but they also work to improve circulation, relieve stress and anxiety too. I am a huge advocate of bath salts which are not only a great way to calm but they also have anti-inflammatory properties too. These bath salts also include both Lavender and cedar help to promote better sleep.

Then finally, with your incredible bath and the scent of the candle fresh in you mind comes the Before Sleep Pillow Spray, which I can not recommend enough.  Another product I have taken to using a lot of is a room or pillow mist as the last part of my routine and it does make a difference to my evening.

This Pillow Spray, which uses specifically selected essential oils and perfumes which are designed to fill your room and bed linen with tranquillity to help your relax, become calm and then wind down. Using Top notes of both Bergamot and Coriander which help with mental fatigue and stress, the heart notes of both Lavender and Jasmine which are hero’s when it comes to the art of relaxation and is deeply soothing before the base notes of Cedarwood and Amber which help to calm and soothe nervous tension and energy.

As a trio, this is a collection of products which work amazingly well on their own, but together pack a powerful punch to help you calm down, relax and unwind.  I now have my eye on the Nordic Comforts collection which has a description saying “grab your cosies and snuggle in”.

As a brand Aery Living is made right here in the UK using sustainable ingredients. They use 100% plant-based wax and carrier oils that are free from paraffin and palm and are proudly vegan and cruelty-free and as an eco-conscious brand all their candles, diffusers, candle holders and paper are plastic-free and recyclable. Added to that, they also use renewable energy and deliveries are made using a carbon neutral carrier.  So if ever there was time to support a U.K. based small business, then Aery Living is one to consider! 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aroma Active Laboratories SOS Chest Rub

Over the last few months my immune system has been horrendous, firstly there was a really bad sinus cold, then I caught Covid19 and then a really bad cold hit again and with it that stuffy feeling of not being able to breathe clearly through my nose. That’s when I turned to Aroma Active Laboratories and their SOS Chest Rub which happens to be in the same range as my favourite SOS Forehead Balm.

Described as being an uplifting balm which works to soothe and clear which opens up your airways to make breathing normally that much easier.   This formula is perfect for the days you feel under the weather with sniffles, colds and blocked noses.

If you are familiar with Aroma Active Laboratories, they are the sister brand to Aromatherapy Associates and each product has both an Aroma part and a Therapy part to it. In this case this Balm, which is non-greasy and feels similar to a cleansing balm, uses a restorative blend of invigorating Eucalyptus, Palmarosa, and cooling Peppermint, all of which come together for their clearing, uplifting and soothing properties.

To use, you simply need to rub a small amount onto the chest as and when needed to help soothe and clear the senses.  For me, as soon as the balm is massaged in, the scent of Peppermint and Eucalyptus come to life to ease the strain and then Palmarosa, which is great helping to deal with stress, anxiety, moods and it is also a great balancing oil.

For me, this Aroma Active Laboratories SOS Chest Rub has been just perfect for use, it isn’t too potent a scent it makes my eyes water, it is as soothing as it is calming and it costs just £10.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil 55ml

Decorating, cleaning, de-junking, moving furniture all takes its toll when renovating, not to mention shoulder aches, back ache and neck ache from sitting at a laptop working all day. So, a hot steaming bath with Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil has been my go to.

The Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil, is described as being a soothing therapeutic bathing oil loaded with the goodness of rosemary, ginger, lavender and black pepper essential oils, making it the perfect antidote to give those muscles the gentle love and care they deserve.

As with all Aromatherapy Associate Oils, this one comes packaged inside a sturdy outer cardboard box and the glass bottle inside is sturdy enough to stand on your bathroom shelf and they look incredible waiting there to be used. As soon as the cap is removed, the most incredible fragrances and aromas already begin to fill that space you are in.

Other than their aromatherapy benefits, what I love about these oils is that they are non-sticky. This particular De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil is one I use on my skin directly before lowering myself into a hot bath, which will already contain a capful of that same oil. I’m a huge fan of massaging these oils into my skin before either stepping into the shower or a Bath, there is just something about the aroma that works for me.

This oil is made from 100% natural plant extracts and with it, two ingredients that really need a mention. Firstly we have Black Pepper Essential Oil which known for being a warm and spicy is a powerful circulatory stimulant which helps to ease muscular aches and pains. Sourced from India, this Essential Oil stimulates, energises and warms.  Then there is Chinese Ginger Essential Oil warms muscles and joints whilst boosting circulation. This powerful Essential Oil stimulates the mind and can aid digestion.

KEY BENEFITS

• Soothes tired muscles
• Eases joint stiffness and discomfort
• Non-sticky
• Makes skin soft and supple
• Soothing and refreshing benefits of black pepper, rosemary, ginger and lavender essential oils
• Contains 100% natural plant extracts

I can't recommend this Bath and Shower Oil enough, it is simply wonderful and I have since bought the Essential Oil for my diffuser because it just ticks every box for me right now and there is nothing better than being able to relax and unwind with this scent after a particularly tough day in the office.

This oil, along with many other products from Aromatherapy Associates are currently still on offer with Feelunique and it is well worth taking advantage of that offer.  This particular De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil is just £33.79 instead of £49!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lily & Loaf Sea Salt & Oakmoss Soy Wax Candle

I absolutely love candles and they are something I share a lot of on my blog. The latest candle to my collection is from Lily & Loaf, a brand who a Beauty, Health and Wellness brand who have the most amazing selection of products from candles and aromatherapy oils to skincare, hair care and accessories to name just a few categories.

I was kindly sent a selection of Essential Oils which I have to share in another post, but today I am sharing the Sea Salt & Oakmoss Soy Wax Candle, which is just stunning. Each one of the candles from the Lily & Loaf range is beautifully presented in a white box with silver detailing and inside, the candle is hand wrapped in Lily & Loaf branded tissue paper, so it is pretty much ready to gift as it comes.

One thing Lily & Loaf at proud of is that every candle is hand-poured for quality assurance and reduced waste and added to that they use Soy wax which gives your candle a much cleaner burn without toxins or carcinogens, it also means that your candle will burn at a much slower rate than those made with paraffin and for me, the scent is much stronger and the scent throw is much more potent.

As mentioned, I have the Sea Salt & Oakmoss Soy Wax Candle and it is described as being one which is reminiscent of a fresh, salty ocean breeze and it is all of that in one candle. Growing up beside the seaside leaves a very special mark on your memories and whenever I am feeling anxious of stressed, the one way for me to relax and unwind is being in or near to water, probably one of the reasons why I am usually found in the bath.  This scent, even before the wick was alight, was really strong and oakmoss as a scent is one which is often referred to as being dry, earthy, green, and with bark-like qualities, almost as though you are wondering through a forest after a rainstorm has happened but when it is mixed with the sea salt it reminds me of the beach as the sea water batters the shoreline and as the tide comes in. Those are the times when I can just sit on the rocks and watch Mother Nature work her magic and turn soft calm waves into huge crashing ones which batter everything in its path.

This candle has a burn time of around 40 hours which is really impressive and it comes with a helpful guide to remind you on the importance of trimming your candle wick each and every time you light it, this helps to avoid that black soot effect forming in and around your candle.

Priced at just £15.74, I have loved using this candle and Lily & Loaf has the most amazing sounding Christmas Collection of Candles which includes combinations such as Cinnamon & Orange, Lavender & Geranium and Sandalwood & Amber and they are also priced at just £15.74 each.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.