Relax and Unwind This Christmas

As Christmas gets closer and the mad dash to the shops to buy the last minute gifts for those you have forgotten or you have yet to do the food shop but are dreading the queues and the trolley bashing down the aisles as people panic buy bread for those 12 hours shops are seemingly closed, there is one thing we should all be doing at this time of the year and that is relaxing and unwinding and generally not letting stress become a thing.

For me, the chance to relax and unwind usually starts with a long hot bath (well as long as the water remains hot I am in there) which I find incredibly relaxing and depending on my mood, it will either be filled with a relaxing oil, some bath salts or I will have copious amounts of bubbles from a bath bomb.

From the bath, I need my room setting to be just right and the one product I turn to quite a lot of Liquid Yoga by Mio, which as well as having a bath soak and a candle, I also have the Liquid Yoga Space Spray which is described as being a rapid mood-changer to help calm, quieten, de-stress and rebalance.

It uses a powerful blend of Essential oils such as:

• Lemon - stimulating, can help concentration and alertness.
• Cypress - rebalancing.
• Mentha Arvensis - refreshing, calming.
• Lavandin - incredibly calming.

You can use this spray absolutely anywhere too such as on your pulse points, pillow, yoga mat, car or office. It can also help promote natural deep sleep and ease the tension that causes headaches.  I absolutely love it and always have a bottle on my bedside table.

Sitting still and not 'faffing about' is something I find very hard to do, even when writing a blog post, I am up and down suddenly deciding I need to hoover, wash up or whatever else it is that needs doing.  One way to guarantee I don't move about is to use a face mask and one which means I can't move such as this Verso Intensive Facial Mask which I have reviewed numerous times on this blog and just love. 

This is a hydrogel mask and it is incredibly moisturising. As well as Retinol 8, this mask uses Grapefruit Extract which is rich in vitamin C and has significant anti-oxidising effects. Ceramide 3 which helps to keep the skin hydrated as well as to strengthens the skin barrier and finally Centella Asiatica which soothes and improves skin firmness and elasticity. All this mask needs is 20 minutes of your time to work its magic.

New PJ's are always a must have at this time of the year and I always make sure I have some new for Christmas Eve.  This year I have been gifted the most amazing pyjamas by Blackspade.

For me, wearing PJ's is more than just nightwear. They have to be comfy, they have to be something I can lounge about in too.  This pair, which are matching, black in colour and made from micromodal, which is one of the most breathable and comfy natural fibres known to man.  The top has long sleeves and features a lace insert at the top which is exceptionally pretty and could even be worn as a daytime top.  Priced at £47 these are luxurious when it comes to PJ's but they are the comfiest pair I have ever owned.

The re-introduction to colouring is one of the best things ive discovered and it is an activity you can do to just forget about the world, stress, life and troubles.

Pass me the pens and I can spend hours colouring in pages of pretty patterns and it is something I turn to do if I am really stressed out, I just pick up the pens and distract myself as much as I can.  Best of all, this is something that can be done just about anywhere, so you don't need to be at home, you can be sat in Costa, be at work, be in on a train or tube too.

As well as Colouring, I am an avid bookworm and it is rare for me not to have to my Kindle on me at all times.  Aside from my Kindle, I also do still read actual proper books and I always set my target of books to read per year with Goodreads.  I like the classic Thriller Killer books which provide the most escapism with the grit and grime of the underworld. However, not too long ago I finished The Tattooist of Auschwitz and it was a book I simply could not put down, it was just so beautifully written and so vivid with accounts and stories that you could have almost been with Lale, the main character of the book.

Finally, we have my Holistic Silk Lavender Eye Pillow (£45) I absolutely love this pillow and it is something I use before bedtime when I have a tension headache and even when I have a granny nap.

Infused with Organic Seeds and Real Lavender, the soothing, naturally cooling pillow rests on acupressure points when worn to calm and relax the mind, whilst helping to treat headaches, migraines and sinusitis. Crafted from ultra-comfortable silk, the eye pillow blocks out light to induce sleep, allowing you to experience clarity and calm whenever you desire. It also works to relieve stress and daily tensions to leave you feeling refreshed, revitalised and deeply rejuvenated.

Whatever it is that you helps you to relax, unwind and then enjoy the festivities ahead is am an absolute must and these are just some of the ways in which I relax and unwind.  

Have you got any hints, tips or tricks?

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

Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Ageing Bond Repair

Alterna Haircare is a range of products that friends of mine rave about being just amazing. When I was kindly sent this Bond Repair Duo Kit with a Trail Kit to boot, I was quite intrigued to see what all the fuss was about. With the tagline Pure, Proven, Professional, the range was born in 1997, Alterna Haircare is a premium hair products free of additives or harsh ingredients. Using exquisite formulas with clinically proven results made with pure, sustainable ingredients like caviar, sea silk, bamboo, and kendi oil - you might have seen the most is the Bamboo collection.

The new Bond Repair range is described as being a reparative duo that has enforcing technology which gently cleanses and strengthens damaged hair. Comprising of a shampoo and conditioner, the bright pastel blue coloured packaging really stands out.

• Firstly the Bond Repair Shampoo (250ml) - Described as being a restorative formula specially developed to help strengthen damaged hair and rebuild strands, it infuses the hair with the finest most effective ingredients such as Caviar extract (a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids) to help restore moisture, elasticity and shine, plus Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology to seal hair cuticles that have been damaged through chemical processes or physical stress. Putting this together you have a strengthening shampoo that not only cleanses away dirt and impurities but one that leaves your hair feel hydrated and full of natural shine. What I really like about this shampoo is that you can see the difference with how your hair looks and feels. No straw like after feel, no itchy scalp and hair that is manageable to deal with, no knots and no tangles.
• The Bond Repair Conditioner (250ml) is described as being a strengthening formula that helps to recreate, rebuild and reconnect broken bonds in the hair. Deeply nourishing and fortifying, the conditioner, again like the shampoo, utilises Caviar extract (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) to replenish moisture, elasticity and shine as well as Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology to seal hair cuticles that have been damaged through chemical processes or physical stress. What I like about this conditioner is that it isn't really thick in texture, it doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy and instead what it does is leave my hair feeling salon washed and dried.

I love how well both the shampoo and conditioner compliment one another. I don't use a conditioner more than once a week, but when I do use this one, I can see the difference in how my hair looks.

If you are not sure whether splashing out £30 for a shampoo is for you, Alterna has an amazing Caviar Bond Repair Stocking Filler Gift Set (£24 here) which is described as being a regenerating haircare kit that combines four high-performance products to restore softness, moisture and shine from root to tip.

The set contains four products which give you a real insight into the brand and this particular range. Inside the box you will find:

• Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo (40ml) - As shown above, this shampoo is described as being a restorative formula specially developed to help strengthen damaged hair and rebuild strands, it infuses the hair with the finest most effective ingredients such as Caviar extract (a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids) to help restore moisture, elasticity and shine, plus Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology to seal hair cuticles that have been damaged through chemical processes or physical stress.
• Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Conditioner (40ml) - described as being a strengthening formula that helps to recreate, rebuild and reconnect broken bonds in the hair.
• Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-In Heat Protection Spray (25ml) - This spray is a lightweight formula which has been developed for damaged hair and it uses the same Caviar extract listed within both the shampoo and conditioner within this range. As a Spray it provides thermal protection to defend against heat styling up to 450°F. Hair looks healthy, strong and youthful from root to tip.
• Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair 3-in-1 Sealing Serum (7ml) - Described as being a triple-action hair serum that expertly repairs, protects and seals damaged hair in one easy step. Helping to smoothen the look of split ends and reduce overall breakage, the hair serum utilises Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology to seal cuticles that have been damaged by chemical processes or physical stress, and a proprietary Age-Control Complex for nourishment and antioxidant protection. Again, Caviar Extract, which is one of nature's richest sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids is used and it works to restore moisture, elasticity and shine back into damaged hair.

I think this is a great little set which gives you a real insight as to the products you are buying for your hair, but before paying out a lot of money for something that might not work.

Have you tried anything from Alterna before?

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

I Love... Christmas Gift Guide

When it comes to Christmas, I Love have the most amazing collection of products and everything you could possibly imagine from candles and bath salts to mini collections and bubble bath.

Whether you have a bath or a shower, like body creme, body lotions, hand cream, spritzers, scrubs or a mixture of everything, this is what is on offer right now!

Mini Treat Boxes (£4) - The perfect Stocking Filler at just £4 each, these Mini Treat boxes contain a little bit of everything.

I have both Chocolate Fudge and Strawberry Cream scents and inside each of the Mini Treat Boxes, you will find a Bath & Shower Crème (100ml), nourishing Body Butter (50ml) and beautiful body puff. 

Up next we have the Cheesecake Bath and Body Treats and again they make such a fabulous stocking filler as they cost just £5 and they are available in 6 different flavours which include - Strawberry Cream, Minty Choc Chip, Raspberry Ripple, Chocolate Chip and the two which I have - Lemon Meringue and Mango.

Inside each of the boxes you will find a Bath & Shower Crème & an exfoliating Body Puff and they literally smell just incredible.

If you know someone who loves to spend a lot of their time in the bath, then this Lots of Bubbles gift set would be the perfect gift.

The best seller from I LOVE. Packed with 6 indulgent bath & shower crèmes in Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberry Cream, Raspberry Ripple, Mango Cheesecake, Lemon Meringue and Minty Choc Chip. Each bottle is 100ml and the set costs just £6.50 and these Bath 7 Shower Cremes are perfect for travelling with too.

The final product within my collection of I Love... is a product I have never tried before but one I absolutely love and it comes from the Home Scents section. The Vanilla Milk Candle (£15) - This Candle comes packaged inside its own uniquely printed pouch which protects the candle in transit and it is so incredibly well made.

With 40 hours of burn time, this particular candle is one of a collection of five which includes English Rose, Elderflower Fizz, Violet Dreams and Exotic Fruit. I am not a huge fan of anything overly scented with Vanilla because it gives me a headache, this one if much softer and really beautiful once it has burned for around an hour. To go with the candles you can also purchase the same scented Reed Diffusers too.

I love... is a bath, body and beauty brand that lovingly creates gorgeous, deliciously scented products. Designed to cleanse, nourish, refresh and pamper your skin, the beautiful range is an everyday treat for anyone who just adores a deliciousness! Mango & Papaya, Raspberry & Blackberry, Strawberries & Cream and Coconut & Cream are the tried and tested favourites but look out for our seasonal limited edition scents! If you need some last minute stocking fillers that won't break the bank, then these are just brilliant.

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

Christmas with Heyland & Whittle

The house has been cleaned to within an inch of its life, I have de-junked and cleared out things that should have been cleaned out years ago, the Christmas decorations have been up a few weeks, the tree has survived the cats, there are presents under the tree and all of the food is bought ready. 

The last thing I do is to ensure the house smells like Christmas and this year, it is smelling pretty amazing thanks to Heyland and Whittle.

Heyland & Whittle is a quality soap and home fragrance manufacturer based in England. We create what we believe are outstanding natural products with tradition, style and authenticity for a discerning market.

Inspired by our original location on a farm in rural Surrey, Heyland & Whittle produce a range of handmade soaps in the traditional cold-processed method, using only the very best natural ingredients. Essential oils, herbs and spices are combined to create our sulphate and paraben-free range. 

Whether you want candles, reed diffusers, soaps, room spray, hand creams, body scrubs or even hand lotion, Heyland and Whittle have absolutely everything for you to have at home.  Then you have the decision as to whether you want your candle in a glass jar, in a tin or as a votive. Your Reed Diffuser, which can also match the scent of your candle if you so wish. 

I absolutely love candles and have one burning the entire time I am at home. I tend to change the fragrance with the weather and the seasons but at Christmas Time, I like scents that define Christmas to me.

Earl Grey (£25) is one of those fragrances that could be used at any time of the year, it is bold, it is citrusy and if you are a fan of Earl Grey tea, then that scent has been transported into this candle and it smells as good as a freshly brewed cup. Made from a blend of sustainable soy wax which burns very evenly down the glass, it has a burn time of around 40 hours.  It smells absolutely incredible before it has even been lit and the fragrance very quickly comes to life and filters throughout the house.

As mentioned, you can choose a Reed Diffuser to match the fragrance of your candle should you wish.  One of my favourite candle fragrances from Heyland & Whittle is Clementine and Prosecco (£35), which is the exact candle burning as I write this post.  To intensify that scent, we have the Reed Diffuser.

With its cork stopper and rattan reeds, the fragrance comes to life really quickly.  What I like about Reed Diffusers is the ease of using them.  Once the reeds are set up in the oil, you simply turn them upside down every week to ensure that fragrance remains strong.  These products tend to last for up to 4 months before you need to refill the oil and replace the reeds.

When it comes to soaps, I like something that is a lot more exciting than shop bought supermarket soap.  Heyland & Whittle have some incredible sounding soaps and right now in my bathroom right now is Queen of the Nile (£6).

This soap is one that is seriously rich and creamy whilst at the same time being very fragrant. This soap which is free from parabens and sulphates is made with goat's milk and cocoa butter with essential oils - patchouli, vetivert, ylang-ylang and sweet orange. Luxurious and moisturising, this soap suits dry skin types.

Finally within my little stash is the Clementine and Prosecco Room Sachet. Currently hanging on my Christmas Tree, this Room Sachet smells absolutely incredible.

Scented exactly the same as the Reed Diffuser and this sachet is just as potent. Whenever I walk past the tree, it is the first scent I get and they are ideal for hanging on wardrobes, on doorknobs and even in cars.

Heyland & Whittle is an incredible company who have managed to take the fragrances and bring them to life through candles and Reed Diffusers and I now have my eye on the Kitchen Candles especially the Tomato and Basil scent.

Do you have some favourite scented products that you use for this time of the year?

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