My Favourite Essential Oils

Creating an atmosphere at home doesn't mean being argumentative with your other half, your family or your housemates, though that could be unavoidable at times, it should mean turning your room into a haven of relaxation, somewhere you can just knuckle down and get on with your working day, snuggle in to watch a film, revive your senses and your well-being, watch a box set or even to read a book you have been wanting to read for some time now in your newly hung hammock. For me, this revolves around smells, lighting and comfort.

I am really into my essential oils and during the sales I managed to get my hands on a new diffuser, which I have shared on my instagram. From Made by Zen*, which I found via John Lewis. A brand who combines natural and ancient philosophies with modern science, madebyzen® describe themselves as being a British lifestyle brand synonymous with innovation, style and luxurious scent within the home fragrance, aromatherapy and wellness markets. They are also dedicated to bringing a touch of beauty, luxury and enjoyment through its collection of home fragrance and wellness accessories and scents.

With over 40 different diffusers to choose from, I have Glo, a diffuser which caught my attention as I scrolled through a few pages, initially looking for a new aromatherapy oil.

Enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, hydration and Himalayan pink salt therapy with the madebyzen® Glo aroma diffuser. Achieving the perfect balance of aesthetics, simplicity and functionality, Glo combines aromatherapy with the calming effects of Himalayan pink salt. It creates an inviting space and a serene atmosphere for relaxing or socialising. 

Traditionally mined from the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, these authentic salt rocks create a wonderfully soothing pinky-orange glow that can promote deep relaxation and boost your mood. Then to make that atmosphere even more special, you can also add your favourite fragrance or essential oil.

I choose my essential oils depending on my mood and how I want to feel during and after using them. So whether you want to relax, wind down, be calm and tranquil, boost your mood and energy levels or simply to refresh the scent in your room. I have a list of oils that I use regularly.

Essential Oils

Sparoom Breathe Easy / Sinus - Using the essential oils of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Pine and Rosemary this oil is designed to be therapeutic and it is one of my favourites to use when I feel a little under the weather or need to clear my head. 

The refreshing blend of Peppermint, is potent enough to make breathing, when you have that cold, much easier as it helps to clear your sinuses.

Sparoom Refresh Peppermint - If you like potent scents, then this one is amazing. Not only does it help to deal with tension, it also freshens the air, sharpens the mind, helps making those breathing exercises much easier, help to deal with mental fatigue and is soothing for headaches, especially tension headaches. 

I like to use Peppermint oil when I really need to concentrate on something like an excel spreadsheet which without question will stress me out.

Sparoom Rejuvenate / lemongrass - With its fresh citrusy scent, this oil is used to help relieve tension and anxiety as well as helping with headaches. I love the scent, I find it quite refreshing.  

Definitely an oil to be used when you need to stay calm, breathe deep and then plough on with that spreadsheet or have a zoom meeting which includes moaning margaret from reception!

Sparoom Relax / Lavender - A classic aroma and one which is used to promote a calm atmosphere. It can also used to relieve headaches, anxiety and insomnia. What I like about this oil is the calmness the scent promotes and it is perfect for those times when you just need to relax and wind down. 

A definite oil to use when you want that Sunday afternoon disco (all afternoon) nap, relax in the bath or if you are on edge and just cannot sit still, this is an oil to try.

Tisserand Sleep Better - Described as being an oil which is ideal for bedtime, this blend contains soothing Lavender, supportive Mandarin and calming Ylang Ylang, all of which come together to help you relax and prepare for a blissful night’s sleep.  

This is an oil I use when I want to get a decent nights sleep, I use it for about an hour before bedtime, let the oil work its magic and then drift off into a restful slumber.

Aromaworks Escape / Lime and Mandarin - I was intrigued with this oil as I am used to seeing the word 'Basil' in accompaniment and without it, I wondered what it would be like. It is incredibly citrusy and punchy as an oil. 

Together they help to lift the mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety whilst at the same time, for me, this is an oil I want in my diffuser if I have to concentrate and need to be kept alert.

Aromaworks Awaken / Lemongrass and Bergamot - As with 'Escape' above, this is another citrus oil and one which also packs a punch, but it is very much the calming scent whilst at the same time, helping to reduce that feeling of fatigue.  

This is an afternoon oil for me, one I like to use when I want a nap but I've got a Zoom meeting in half an hour!

Those are just a few of the oils I use regularly for different reasons, but I would love to know which blend you prefer, if you use oils and whether you make your own blends, buy a certain brand or even dislike a certain scent.

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

Positive Daily Affirmations

I love a good motivational quote and for me Pinterest is somewhere I can spend hours of my time looking for the exact quote I need, something that gets me out of that mood I am in, gives me a good shake and reminds me of how lucky I am. Just recently I’ve been saving positive Affirmations to a new board, something that as well as a quote, makes you really think about how much stress we all put on ourselves, usually with a comparison to something someone else has, is doing or has got.

An Affirmation is described as being a positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome those self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. It is said that when you repeat them often, and believe in them, you can start to make positive changes to your life, sense of well-being, outlook and moods. Many of us have negative thoughts which include something along the lines of “I will never have a house as nice as that” or “I am not good enough to work with that brand”, having thoughts such as these is part of who we are, but when we think like this, our confidence, mood and outlook can become negative and you end up just feeling utterly worthless. So an affirmation and a little bit of self-belief might be just the tonic to help those thoughts.

Here are some of my favourites.

I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to positive affirmations which can be found right here, they’re all free to download should you need a boost to your confidence or your current mood and mindset.

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

7 best sleep sprays and mists

Today is World Sleep Day, the annual celebration of healthy sleeping patterns and awareness day for sleep disorders. Over the past year, we have all probably suffered the effects of a sleepless night or two, for some of us, it has become the norm that sleeping through the night is an almost alien concept. With that in mind, I am a huge advocate of sleep sprays and mists. many of which are designed to help send you off into a peaceful slumber, some help you to relax and unwind before bed and others are perfect for creating that calming atmosphere.

When it comes to our bedtime routine, many of us will have our own way of managing that and for me, it starts with my skincare routine and then before getting into bed, I will use a pillow spray or mist as I am getting ready to get into bed.

What does a sleep spray and mist do?

A Sleep Spray or Mist is a product which is infused with essential oils and ingredients which helps to ease stress, anxiety, nervous tension and restlessness. These essential oils and ingredient blends work to encourage your mind and body to switch off, wind down and relax and there are some studies which suggest that certain aromas and blends encourage our bodies to produce melatonin, a hormone which promotes a restful sleep.

My 7 best sleep sprays and mists

As with the title of this post, I have quite the collection of sleep sprays and mists within my collection and whilst I am trialling a few new ones currently, I thought I would share the ones I currently have on rotation and why I use them.

• Mio Liquid Yoga Stress Free Space Spray (£15.75*) - Created to induce a sense of peace and calm, Liquid Yoga uses a  powerful, blissful blend of uplifting essential oils, including Lavender and mentha arvensis which help to refresh and calm, Cypress which rebalances and cistus ladaniferus whose job it is to ease anxiety and fatigue. I have a full review of this spray here.
• Olverum Restful Sleep Pillow Mist (£25*) - This mist features a unique blend of soothing essential oils which are natural, vegan and cruelty-free. Those essential oils include bergamot which helps the body to relax as well as to improve the mood, Amyris which is great for calming and helping to relieve anxiety, Geranium which helps to ensure a disturbance-free transition into the calming, restorative second stage of sleep, Chamomile oil which helps to maintain and extend the period of deep rest, this then ensures you awaken looking and feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and then finally we have Lavender which helps to promote deeper sleep. I have a full review of this mist here.
• Bloom & Blossom All Night Long Calming Spray (£12*) - Referring to itself as the pillow mist of dreams, this spray boasts a formula which is fuelled by natural ingredients such as Frankincense and Linden Blossom which come together to help create a calming environment before you sleep and it smells just incredible. Added to that we have Rose Flower Water with its healing, anti-inflammatory power. This Sleep Spray is 99% natural, vegan and cruelty-free.
• Ren & Now To Sleep Pillow Spray (£19*) - Described as being ideal for all those who need help to ‘switch off’ pre-bed, this spray uses a blend of frankincense, hops and lavender, all of which are said to be natural sedatives which have been used since ancient times to relax the mind and reduce anxiety, relieve inner tension and contribute to a healthy sleeping pattern. The floral notes of lavender work to reduce anxiety, frankincense helps to put your mind at ease.  I have a full review of this spray here.
• Aroma Associates Sleep Mist (£7.50*) - The newest product in my collection and one I absolutely love to use, it is described as being a calming and relaxing mist to induce and improve quality of sleep. It features a relaxing blend of Lavandin and Valerian which are known for their calming effect plus the inclusion of Ylang Ylang and balancing Buddhawood for their calming & centring effects.  I have a full review of the entire Sleep Collection here.
• Beatitude Peace Pillow Spray & Room Mist (£24) - This mist is made with a blend of 7 pure essential oils which include anxiety reducing Lavender, calming Ylang Ylang, mind-clearing Frankincense and super-grounding Patchouli, Mandarin which helps relieve stress, Cedarwood which is calming and relieving and Petitgrain which is said to be great for those with insomnia. All of these oils come together in a base of Orange Flower Water and as you can imagine it smells incredible. Together, these oils creates a product which soothes, de-stresses and assists a calmer state of mind allowing you to drift off to a good night's sleep. I have a full review here.
• Lush Twilight Sleepy Body Spray (£20) - when this body spray first launched it sold out immediately because of the amount of praise it got from customers. It contains Tonka Absolute which has a soothing and comforting aroma. Lavender Oil which is naturally soothing and the flowers release a beautiful fragrance that quiet the mind and promote restful sleep, plus we have Ylang Ylang which helps to reduce anxiety.

Whatever scent, mist or spray you believe is going to help you relax, unwind and de-stress if worth trying, as is creating that entire relaxing routine.

How to use a pillow spray

There are quite a few different ways within which you can use a spray or a mist.  The first is to spritz a few pumps over your pillows and sheets around 15 to 30 minutes before you go to bed, this then gives the essential oils time to settle.  You can also spritz the product around your bedroom if you prefer not to use it on your bed linen, again, between 15 to 30 minutes is said to be the optimum time to do this.

Having shared so many amazing products in this one post, I have become accustomed to knowing what essential oils I need to help me to wind down and become calm before bedtime, now I just need to figure out to stay asleep and the last things to do on my list is to change both my bed and my mattress which are more than 13 years old, just deciding on something new is time consuming and confusing, not to mention difficult during a pandemic.

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

TOPLANET Wireless 3D Sleep Mask

Drifting off to sleep is often a problem, I can nod off for a few minutes, half an hour at most and then I’m wide awake again. Some nights I can fall sleep and stay that way for a few hours, other times sleep doesn’t come until it’s almost time for the alarm to go off. A friend of mine with a similar sleep pattern encouraged me to try and find a Sleep Mask, not just something to block out light, but one which features headphones so I can listen to a sleep meditation session, a podcast or some soothing music, all without keeping someone else awake.

As ever, Amazon had the answer, well more than one! After reading endless reviewed, I opted for the Top Planet Wireless 3D Sleeping Mask*, currently on offer for £20.99! The eye mask itself is made of Velvet and elastic cotton and because it is a super soft material, it doesn’t add any pressure to your face, nose or forehead when you use it. The deep eye cups also allow you to open your eyes and blink, something I really am finding harder to deal with when it comes to other masks. They also feature a Velcro fastening, so fully adjustable to fit your head size and again, because of the Velcro fastening, these headphones are not uncomfortable to sleep in.

These Sleep headphones not only block out the light, they also prevent light from seeping in. When you wear a sleep mask, light often seeps in through the nose area or at the side of the eyes where the elastic or fastener sits, with these, they have been cleverly designed to sit loosely across the nose, but whilst blocking out the light! They are also comfortable for those of us who sleep on our sides! I can imagine they would be perfect for those long haul flights when the idiot next to you or near to you insists on having the lights on!

Inside the mask are two thin removable speakers into which you can play music, audiobooks, podcasts or even listen to some white noise. They use a high-efficiency USB rechargeable Li-ion battery, which once fully charged lasts for up to 12 hours and to use, all you need to do is pair them with your Bluetooth enabled device with the touch of a button. You can also play, pause, skip, and control the volume from the Wireless module which sits on the front of the headphones, so there is no need to grab your device to make any changes and there is a 33ft Bluetooth connectivity range, so you’re device doesn’t even need to be in the same room. I have used my headphones with my phone for Spotify, my Kindle, the iPad and even the television!

These headphone also have a shutdown timer which you can set - it offers with 1 hour or 2 hours but, as they power down there is a voice which comes over the headset to say “Power Off” the same voice you hear as you switch on the headphones and connect them to a device.

I have been using these headphones since mid-November and there is nothing I dislike about them. In fact they are just an amazingly priced gadget, which I am glad I purchased, more so when I see the price some brands charge for their version which exceeds £100 and you don’t get the added advantage of blocking out light, as you do with these. 

You can find these Sleep Headphones here* via Amazon.

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

Beatitude - Joy Collection

I was introduced to Beatitude back in 2017 with Patience, the bath oil and it has been a love affair ever since. Beatitude is a luxury aromatherapy brand created back in 2011 by beauty therapist and aromatherapist Rebecca O’Connor. The next collection to land in my lap is the Joy Collection, from which I have both a bath oil and a body oil.

The Joy aromatherapy blend is fondly known affectionately as ‘Sunshine in a Bottle” and as soon as you catch it’s scent, it isn’t hard to understand why. It has a wonderfully powerful uplifting scent owning to its ingredients which includes the likes of Orange, Mandarin, Petitgrain, Grapefruit and Bergamot - all of which are known for their properties to lift the mood and deal with fatigue, tiredness and moodiness to name just a few.

The bath oil (£25) which is packaged in the cutest of square glass bottles is a bright citrusy orange colour and it looks as wonderful as it both smells and makes you feel. To use. You need just a few drops added to running bath water and as soon as they come into contact, the most wonderful citrusy scent with a hint of earthiness comes to life and quickly envelopes both the room you are in and the bath water.   

Spending time in the bath is one of my favourite ways to relax and unwind and with oils such as this one, it’s a wonderful time out experience. The oil, which doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily or greasy, disperses within the water leaving just it’s wonderful aroma.

Once out of the bath, I feel incredibly lucky to also have the Joy Body Oil (£34) to use. Made with 100% natural ingredients and again referred to as “sunshine in a bottle”, this nourishing and natural body oil is not only designed to provide hydration to the skin, but owing to the ingredients used, it is great for uplifting the mood.

Ingredients within this oil includes Oat, Camellia, Peach Kernel and Daikon Radish Seed and together they provide a wonderfully unique silky texture that is easily absorbed leaving beautiful soft, smooth skin without a greasy film being left behind. Alongside those oils you will find the essential oils of bergamot, grapefruit, orange and petitgrain which also feature in the bath oil, so it’s a perfect compliment.

Incredibly luxurious and beautiful products, the most thought gift of gifts to give and you can find this blend and a few more with Beatitude right here.

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

CULT BEAUTY THE SELF CARE GOODY BAG 2021

When it comes to goody bags, Cult Beauty have some really impressive offerings and this The Self Care edit* is really calling my name, here is why?

This Cult Beauty goody bag is worth a massive £320 and in keeping with a lot of brands themes right it, it is all about self care and taking time for yourself, something we all definitely do need to be doing! 

Inside this goody bag, there is a total of 23 products from brands such as Augustinus Bader, Aveda, Drunk Elephant, Goop, REN and the impressively there is also a full size Sarah Chapman The Facialift tool which is worth £30.

CONTENTS

• REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk 50ml
• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil 2ml
• Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream 50ml
• Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich 20ml
• Sarah Chapman The Facialift Tool
• NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub 44 g
• Drunk Elephant Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray 15ml
• Spacemasks– Spacemask (1 x mask)
• Patchology Moodpatch Keep Smiling (1 x mask)
• HUM Nutrition 3 Day Glow Sweet Glow Gummies Pack (6 x gummies)
• 111Skin Y Theorem Day Cream NAC Y2 15ml
• Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform 5ml
• Healist Good Night Drops Discovery Size 200mg CBD 5ml
• Pause Well-Aging Complete Face Serum 5ml
• Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum 10ml
• Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment 25ml
• Augustinus Bader Face Oil Deluxe 2.2ml
• Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath 7.9ml in shade Peachy Plump FULL SIZE
• Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum 7ml
• Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser 10ml
• Cult Beauty Dual Sided Face Cloth (1 cloth)
• Verso Night Cream 15ml
• Goop 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel (1 x treatment)

You can’t help but admit that this is one super goody bag and to get your hands on it, it is free if you spend £170 across the Cult Beauty Website and use the code SELFCARE21* when you check out.

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

Creating the Perfect Winter Skin Routine for You

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Winter is coming! And that means dry skin is coming too. For those of you who battle with dry skin each year, it's time you created a full-proof winter skincare routine that will leave your skin thick, supple and hydrated. 

As the humidity drops, dry skin becomes an issue for a large number of the population. Moisturiser sales go through the roof, and people apply it religiously for months until spring arrives.

In this post, we look at the best winter skincare routine, as recommended by experts within dermatology. Follow these steps for brighter-looking hydrated skin throughout the wintery weather this Christmas season. 

Make Sure You Eat Well

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Rarely ever mentioned by anyone but absolutely key to healthy skin is that you need to eat well. Fish like salmon, mackerel and herring are packed full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps the skin become thick, supple and hydrated. 

Don't forget to eat plenty of plant foods too, such as:

• Avocados
• Walnuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Sweet potatoes
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes 

All the above are proven to help improve skin barrier and function to achieve healthier skin that is strong and hydrated.

The Winter Skincare Routine

So, how do you keep your skin looking and feeling its best when the winter chills creep in, and the humidity hits rock bottom? Just follow these simple steps.

Gentle Face Wash

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A gentle wash is the first line of defence against dry winter skin, but you must make sure the product you use is suitable for sensitive skin. Choose a hydrating cleanser that excludes soap, fragrance and oils. A mild cleanser will allow for a gentle wash that won't strip your skin of its natural oils, which are essential during winter.

Whatever cleanser you choose, make sure it's natural and look for the key ingredient; Glycerin. This is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils and will help keep your skin naturally soft and supple. 

Moisturise

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Moisturising is the most critical step. As the humidity drops in winter, your skin is left with less moisture and therefore, needs a good boost in hydration. Without this boost, your skin becomes vulnerable to the dry weather and will start to become dehydrated, irritated, and for some, cracked and damaged. 

You have a few options for moisturising that are all equally suitable for winter skincare. One of the most popular ingredients to focus on is ceramide. This essential fatty acid is key to boosting your skin's natural defence barrier and improving skin cell function. You will find tons of great moisturiser products that include ceramides as the main ingredient. 

Other moisturisers may use a combination of ceramide and other moisturising ingredients such as the increasingly popular hyaluronic acid, which is a gooey-type substance naturally produced by your body. Hyaluronic acid has the incredible ability to draw moisture up to the surface of your skin, allowing your skin to stay hydrated for longer. Ceramide can then lock that moisture in, making the two a the perfect couple for winter skin treatment. 

An emerging trend in moisturising is the DIY beauty movement. Creating your own tailor-made moisturiser that is unique to your skin's every need has been a successful pursuit for many across the world. All you need are the cosmetic ingredients, including a base cream, essential oils, active ingredients and any antioxidants. You can choose the most beneficial ingredients for your skin type or any skin issues you may have. The result? The perfect moisturiser made just for you. 

Sun Cream

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Just because you can't see the sun in winter, doesn't mean it's not affecting your skin. There's very little difference between UV exposure during winter and summer. Therefore, dermatologists recommended that you use sunscreen during winter. Most moisturisers now come with an SPF content, but you can also use a separate sunscreen on top of your moisturiser. 

Key ingredients to look out for include Vitamin E and Photolyase contained in a zinc-based cream. Vitamin E helps to protect the skin from UV rays, while the Photolyase will help heal damaged skin in the process. 

Serum

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Finally, a serum is like the cherry on the top. Choose one with antioxidants proven to help fight inflammation and brighten your skin. You may even glow this winter!

Most serums contain a mix of peptides and botanicals. These work together to boost your skin's production of collagen, which helps to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin. And, if you can find a serum that contains Vitamin C, you will benefit from the extra effect of collagen formation that may help to repair any damage to your skin during the winter.

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

Christmas Gifting with Verdant Alchemy

I love being in the bath, I love being in or near to water -  as a water sign (Cancerian), if I am stressed, worn out, over tired, feeling unwell or anxious, water is something that instantly soothes and calms. Verdant Alchemy have some of the best bath salts I have used, I say it a lot, but bath salts are very much underrated and yet they do so much!

The Mineral Bath Salts Collection, described as being the gift of calm and relaxation this Christmas, features three of the brands favourite potent bath salts. These mineral bath salts are specifically formulated to bring balance to busy lives and create a calm sanctuary at home. Given the year we have all had for 2020, I think we could all do with some of this in our lives.

Verdant Alchemy bath salts are rooted in aromatherapy, and each fragrance has a functional purpose of helping elevate your well-being. Whether it is to help you breathe easy, drift off, or ascent to a higher place- our bath salts will nourish your mind, body and soul.

Inside the box are three sachets of the bath salts in Ascent, Yoga Om and Breathe in. If you chose to add to your gift collection, there are further offerings of Deep Drift, Drift Off and Detox, to complete the entire set.

I have used all three of these varieties of bath salts so far and each one has its own purpose depending on your mood. Each Bath Salt has a purpose and a reason which I really like and with it comes the addition of essential oils.

Ascent with Himalayan Bath Salts are designed to be energising and uplifting making them perfect if you are feeling quite low in energy and need a pick-me-up. Using a natural blend of 84 precious minerals which includes Iodine, Phosphorus, Chromium, Vanadium, Magnesium and Iron which all control your body’s ability to generate and transport energy, plus you will find Copper, Chromium, Cobalt and of course Sodium which all contribute to your metabolism and help maintain and support healthy blood flow. 

Added to the minerals is rose geranium and ho-leaf oils which promote mental wellbeing and are also known for their uplifting properties. Then we have lavender oil soothes and calms the soul. 

Yoga Om Bath Salts, known as the recovery bath salts are designed to aid recovery, reduce inflammation and are perfect for achy joints and sore muscles. The perfect post yoga treat, these salts are inspired by the tropical scents of Bali yoga retreats. Warm baths are brilliant at promoting blood flow to help improve recovery, and magnesium baths help reduce inflammation via a process called osmotherapy. As I have an ankle injury, I've been told to bathe as much as I can with a magnesium based product to help with the inflammation. 

Added to these salts is a blend of lemongrass, basil & grapefruit oils which smell delightful and are there for their uplifting properties that boosts energy when you are feeling drained.

Breathe In, known as the powerful decongestant and immunity booster, these salts are the ones you need if you are feeling under the weather, have a cold or just feel as though illness is on its way.  Using a host of minerals, which I've mentioned in the two previous options such as Iron and Zinc, which in the Dead Sea salt helps to facilitate the carrying of oxygen in the blood, boosting health and speeding up recovery. As you can see, they are designed to help you relax which in turns helps the body to heal, perfect for when you are feeling under the weather.

These salts use a blend of eucalyptus, lemon and bergamot oils which work to soothe airways and they have been paired with the aromatic and woody blend of thyme and cedarwood. There is also a blend of powerful antioxidants, vitamin C and anti-microbial properties which are said to harness the power of nature to boost your immune system. 

To use these salts, all you need to do is ensure that there is a few inches of water in the bath and then pour in a few handfuls of the salts into the water, the rule being, the more salts you use, the more potent it is.  Once they're within the water, simply give them a few minutes to dissolve and then lie back and relax.

This set is on sale right now for just £32 and there is also a lot of other options available too, some of which include a bath oil and I have to say are very very tempting!

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

Marks & Spencer Apothecary Luxury Gift Set

The Marks & Spencer Apothecary Range is one I rave about a lot, I adore it and it is amazing value for money. I featured the Restore range here on my blog some time ago and since then I have gone on to try a few more pieces from the brand, which will appear on my blog soon. Today, I am sharing the Apothecary Gift Set which I have just bought because it is amazing value for money.

The set features products scented from the Restore, Balance and Calm ranges, and all of the products included within the box are designed to help you unwind and hit the reset button. 

Contents

• 3 x Candle (1 x Calm, 1 x Balance, 1 x Restore)
• 3 x Reed Diffuser (1 x Calm, 1 x Balance, 1 x Restore)
• 3 x Aroma Oils (1 x Calm, 1 x Balance, 1 x Restore)
• 3 x Linen Spray (1 x Calm, 1 x Balance, 1 x Restore)
• 1 x Pulse Point Oil (Calm)
• 1 x Bath Salts (Calm)
• 1 x Hand Wash (Calm)
• 1 x Hand Lotion (Calm)
• 1 x Headband
• 1 x Eye Mask

What I love about this, aside from the inclusion of three candles and the three reed diffusers, is the inclusion of the aroma oils, something I use a lot of, especially whilst working from home. Aroma Oils within my diffuser are used to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in an evening with oils which include lavender oils or jasmine, but I also oils which contain Peppermint and Spearmint to help clear my sinus'. 

If you know of someone who is in need of some time out and relaxation, then this box does contain everything from bath salts and room sprays to a headband and an eye mask. The box is priced at just £49.50 here* and it is an absolute bargain.

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

9 Ways To Boost Your Self Confidence In 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has had an adverse affect on many people around the world. We’ve all been stuck inside the same four walls for the majority of the past nine months or so, and this can greatly affect mental well being. So much so that you may have noticed a decline in your self confidence. Whether that’s due to lack of social interaction, or you’ve piled on a few pounds during lockdown, it’s time to break out of the funk! Here are some tried and tested ways of boosting your self confidence, just in time for the New Year’s resolutions!

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Improve your eating habits

If your self esteem has plummeted due to weight gain, weight loss, or even blemishes on your skin, this could be down to a change in eating habits. Being stuck at home unexpectedly for long periods of time is bound to disrupt your eating habits! Take some time to look at what you’re putting into your body to identify where you’re going wrong, and make some changes! Here are some great tips on improving your eating habits:

• Keep a food diary to look back on at the end of each week. You’ll notice where you’ve slipped up or areas you could improve, and it will also help you stay on track and focused.
• Drink more water. Quite often we mistake thirst for hunger, and this quickly leads to overeating. When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water and wait ten minutes. You’ll find that more often than not, you were thirsty rather than hungry!
• Listen to your body and the signals it’s giving you. Are you actually hungry, or are you thinking about food because society dictates that it’s a meal time. Learn what hunger signals your body gives out and only eat when you’re truly hungry. You should also stop eating when that feeling of hunger disappears. You may end up eating little and often, but this will also help prevent overeating.
• Pack as many vegetables into your diet as possible. Filling up on low calorie and nutritious foods will help reduce weight gain and promote weight loss.

Treat your problematic areas

Everyone has a part of their body they dislike. Whether it’s love handles, cellulite on the thighs and bottom, or fatty deposits above the bra line, it can really get you down and in turn, cause your self esteem to spiral downwards. Exercise and clean eating will help many of these issues, but if it’s something that’s really bothering you and you’re struggling to fix it, you may consider vaser liposuction to help remove fat and reshape your body. There are many different treatments available, all targeting common problematic areas of the body, and can be a great way to boost your self confidence! If surgery isn’t something you want to do, you can buy tools to help problematic areas such as a cellulite massaging tool, or a body wrap to help sweat off some extra pounds.

Find an exercise you love

Exercise is important, yet many people fail to get even nearly the recommended amount each week, and that’s totally understandable if you’re someone who simply doesn’t enjoy it! Forcing yourself to run on a treadmill or around the park isn’t going to last or benefit you if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing. Find an exercise you love that will inspire you to keep going. Many people choose swimming as a way to target all areas of the body without feeling like they’re actually exercising. Perhaps you could attend an aqua aerobics class with a friend, or find a sport like netball to ensure you’re getting the right amount of exercise. Working out will naturally change the shape of your body, lose unwanted weight, tone up muscles and most importantly, boost your self esteem.

Take time to improve your mental health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and if you neglect yourself mentally you will struggle to see yourself in a nice way. If you feel your mental health has suffered during lockdown, or perhaps you were struggling beforehand, take some time to improve your mental health! Your first port of call should always be your Doctor, as they can recommend treatments and give advice on where to turn, but in the meantime, you can try out these tips:

• Write down your worries and anxieties. Sometimes writing them down can feel like a weight has been lifted.
• Take time to treat yourself! Run a bath, pop on a face mask, light a candle and let your troubles melt away.
• Speak to a loved one about how you’re feeling. Having someone close that you can call when you’re feeling down can really help. Here’s a great guide on how to talk to a loved one about your mental health that may help.
• Get more sleep! Lack of sleep can trigger many mental health problems and exacerbate them. Try and get your nine hours!

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Do something that makes you smile every day

With the pandemic rearing its ugly head, 2020 hasn’t been the year everyone expected it to be and for many, there hasn’t been that much to smile about. This can greatly affect your mood too! Find something that makes you smile and take the time to do it every day. Whether it’s a TV series that makes you laugh, or texting a friend that’s always got something funny to say, smiling as often as you can will help improve your overall mood.

Indulge in some new clothes

Sometimes a bout of self confidence issues come from losing your style. Perhaps you’ve fallen behind with latest trends, or simply not had the time or money to refresh your wardrobe. You might need to focus on your beauty products too, such as your perfume and make-up! These might need a switch up, such as buying a new lipstick or purchasing a pheromones perfume to really boost your confidence. Either way, treating yourself to some new clothes can make the world of difference to your self-confidence. Dress for your body shape and find yourself some new threads that you’ll be excited to show off!

Refresh your hairstyle

Much like a new outfit or shoes, refreshing your hairstyle can make you feel more confident in yourself too! If you’ve been rocking the same cut, colour and style for a while now, shake it up! Something as simple as a new colour or daring haircut will help turn heads and raise your self esteem!

Make time for yourself

If you are busy with work and a family, it’s easy to neglect yourself and do the bare minimum to keep going. Try and make more time for yourself to style your hair in the mornings, put on a little bit of makeup, and even a spritz of your favourite perfume, whether it is the one you wore on your wedding day or even a brand new bottle that you have been saving for a special occasion! Making a habit of this will leave you feeling more confident when you leave the house every day!

Be kind to yourself
It’s all too easy to look in the mirror and pick out every fault you think you have, but everyone is beautiful in their own way! Try and be kinder to yourself when you look in the mirror each morning. Pick out something that you like about yourself each day and remind yourself of that as often as you can. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if you don’t love yourself, that will also show on the outside.

Losing your self confidence is horrible, but it’s totally possible to boost it back up again! The power is in your hands and with these tips, you can learn to love yourself again and become a new and improved, confident version of yourself!

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

Crystal Vita Elixir Water Bottles

Nothing makes drinking water a little more interesting and pretty than a Water Bottle which grabs your attention and these Crystal Vibez water bottles definitely do that.

Crystals are something I have read up on and have been fascinated with for many years, I even have my own set of Crystals which are placed around house for the benefits that they brings. It is also known that the ancient Egyptians, Indian and Romans used crystals to make healing elixirs to fix a whole host of ailments and problems, so to that end, you might have also heard them called or referred to as being an elixir of life.

Each crystal is quite unique and each one has a different healing ability, so to that end, choosing your crystal is important and something that shouldn't be done on a whim, instead, many say your crystal will often choose you, rather than you choose it.  The same can be said for Water Bottles such as these.

Drinking water is a matter of survival, your body needs it.  Whether you like it or not, there are many ways to ensure your water tastes nicer or looks nicer, but we can't escape the science that being hydrated is good for your body organs, for the flushing of toxins, for your mind, your sanity and your health - without it, your body simply does not work properly.  

So bringing together both Crystals and Water and combining them in Water Bottles, such as these from Crystal Vibez can help in all manor of different ways - for a start they remove the need for plastic bottled water, they are pretty and will encourage you to drink more and most importantly their healing properties, especially when placed in water.

Crystal Vibez ensure that they ethically source their crystals and the glass bottles, which are made from Borosilicate have a choice of Bamboo, Copper of Silver dome bottles.  Once you have chosen your bottle, there is then your choice of crystal and again, it is important you choose the one which is right for you.  

This is a brief introduction to crystals.

• Amethyst - This  is a powerful and protective stone with a high vibration. It helps to protect against psychic attacks and can enhance the memory as well as assist in deeper understanding when you meditate. 
• Black Obsidian - This stone is great in assisting you to wash away the stress and disharmony that has built up in your day to day life, ridding you of fear, anger and resentment.
• Black Tourmaline - This stone is commonly used for grounding spiritual energy and clearing and balancing all the chakras. It is a stone that provides good protection and shields the body during meditation
• Citrine - This makes it a powerful cleanser and re-generator.  it provides warmth and energy.  It is what we would call a good all round crystal as it can raise self esteem as well as motivate and revitalise the mind. 
• Clear Quartz - Quartz is one of the most powerful crystals for healing and amplifying energy. It is a good crystal for balancing energy and also unblocking energy and so it commonly used in acupuncture.
• Dreamy Purple - This crystal has abilities to turn your from upside down and ease your mind away from anything that may be pulling you down in life. Dreamy purple calms nerves in difficult times and stops overthinking and negative thoughts. Dreamy purple helps with workaholics, encouraging individuals who don't make enough "me" time to switch off and relax, even if only for a few vital moments.
• Green Aventurine - This is a positive stone of prosperity. It helps mental healing and protects against electromagnetic pollution that can be created through everyday electronic devices. As it assists in mental healing it is a good crystal to calm anger and irritation. 
• Green Fluorite- Fluorite clears the fog and helps one to focus. Fluorite brings calm and order in a sometimes chaotic world. It brings hormones into balance and also heals all heart based issues.
• Labradorite - Often referred to as the Rainbow Moonstone because of its unique colours, this crystal banishes fears and anxiety and strengthens faith in oneself and in the universe. Labradorite soothes an overactive mind, nurturing calm, sense of grounding and clarity. It strengthens intuition and will, and has many physical healing properties.
• Rose Quartz - Rose quartz helps to heal a sufferer of a broken heart, any kind of neglect or traumatic incident revolving around love. But it is also a very soothing and calming crystal known to bring forth peace and tranquillity.
• Smokey Quartz - Smokey Quartz balances and gives stability of mind, empowering courage and inner strength. It boosts self confidence, elevates mood and helps to overcome life's tough obstacles and emotional blockages. Smokey Quartz also aids with creativity and problem solving.

Once you have chosen your bottle and your crystal, the idea being that putting them into and around water goes back to those original roots I mentioned back at beginning of these post.  Some believe that once you have charged your crystal, be that with the sun or the moonlight, the vibrations from the crystals infuse and alter the molecular structure of water after approximately 7 minutes.

These bottles are priced around £43.99, here and rise in price depending on the size. 

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