How To Work Through Problems In Your Relationship

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Relationships generally start with a flurry of rainbows, happy memories, and romantic gestures. For the first few weeks, months, or even years of a relationship, it may feel as though you are walking on air when you are around each other. But make no mistaking, being in a committed and loving relationship can be tough at times. As time goes on, you begin to share your problems together. Soon, something that is a major stressor for one of you, will become a stressor for both of you. There will be times when your interests clash, and there will be moments where you feel as though your lives are pulling in separate directions. 

If you are married, as these tensions build-up, it can lead to both of your looking for reasons for divorce rather than trying to cling onto a reason to stay together. Sadly, it is often easier to walk away from a relationship than it is to repair the damage. 

Here are some tips on working through some difficult times in your relationship. 

Identify The Problem But Do Not Assign Blame - Blame and guilt are complex emotions and they can tear two lovers apart. If you are worried about stresses and strains in your relationship, and you feel as though you are constantly butting heads, try and work out what has happened and where the problem lies. You need to address this in a way that does not assign blame or guilt on one of you as there are often very reasons for tensions in a relationship that should be worked through in a supportive way. 

If you can both agree to the areas in which the problems are and are either happy to draw a line under it and solve the problem together, or both admit to any elements of responsibility freely, then you will be able to move on from this point. 

Get Help - Communication can often go out of the window in a relationship. You may not notice it leaving, but once you have an inability to talk about the important matters such as your feelings, then you will hit a hurdle that neither of you can move past. This type of communication breakdown may be caused by the traumatic experience of repeated arguments, or it could be due to an inability for one or both of you to process emotions elsewhere in your lives. 

By sitting down with a couple’s therapist, you will be able to learn to communicate with each other. Communication often starts with being able to listen to each other, and a therapist may teach you to hear and understand what your partner is actually saying without you interjecting and it becoming an argument. 

Remembering Why You Fell In Love - One of the most important things to hold onto is the reasons that you fell in love with each other. You will have meant something very specific to each other, and talking through what you actually mean can remind you of what you need to hold on to and work through. 

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

Cosrx low pH GOod Morning Gel Cleanser

New to my skincare collection is COSRX who is described as being a Multi-award-winning brand made famous by beauty and cosmetic experts worldwide. For over a decade MR RX studied peoples skin types and their needs in the beauty industry and it is his experience that he believed cosmetics should look for meanings more than just beauty. So, collecting what customers need and want regarding their skin types and concerns finally establishing Cosmetics + RX = COSRX was founded.

COSRX as a brand is built on 3 concepts:

• Simplicity – using only key ingredients, avoiding any redundancies, will not only reduce the chance of skin irritation but also provide a simple solution.
• High performance – active ingredients to maximum concentration to maximise the effect.
• Cost effectiveness – sufficient volume and plentiful solution at a reasonable price.

For many of us, understanding the basics of skincare and its suitability for your skin can be an absolute minefield, too many 'experts' claim to know what will and won't work for you along with an never-ending list of products you need in your routine, for some, has lead to more confusion and over-use. So sometimes, it is a good idea to go back to basics and find out what works on your skin for yourself.

I have been using the Cosrx Low pH Gel Cleanser and it is described as being a daily face wash that is gentle enough for sensitive skin types.  I use this as a morning cleanser, usually, after I have showered, I still can't be one of those people who washes their face in the shower, weird yes.

Featuring a mildly acidic pH, the cleansing formula is similar to skin’s natural pH level, so once you have finished using it, it doesn't leave your skin feeling stripped of all moisture and taut.  Designed to remove dirt and grime that has been produced by your skin as you sleep, this Cleansing Gel uses Tea Tree Oil, an ingredient you most definitely do notice, to also help remove excess sebum, making it ideal for those, like me, who have combination oily skin.  Using it in a morning, that Tea Tree scent most definitely gives you a wake-up call, as it cleans the skin and I am quite the fan of the fragrance and I love how clean it leaves my skin feeling.  There is also the inclusion of Betaine Salicylate which is essentially a natural chemical exfoliant that helps to keep your pores clean and free from dead skin cells and also Saccharomyces Ferment, a fermented yeast which I am told is responsible for the bright, hydrated glow we all yearn to have.

The formula of this cleanser is Gel, it isn't a foaming gel, it does, however, lather really nicely and because it is a fairly thick consistency, you need only a small pea-sized amount to clean the entirety of your face.  I have been using this for weeks every single day as my morning cleanser and I have not had a single reaction or break-out after using, though thankfully I don't ever suffer from break-outs. What I love is that clean feeling after using and given it is priced at around £14 it is worth every penny.

You can find this Corsrx low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser and the rest of the Cosrx range via Feelunique*.

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

Evolve Organic Beauty - Facial in a Box

I am a huge fan of Evolve Beauty and have featured them here on my blog quite a few times now, but with Mother's Day on the horizon, the Facial in a Box gift set (£50) is incredibly special and it features some of my favourite products, which I think my mam would also like.

The lovely people behind Evolve Beauty believe that you can achieve amazing results and have a truly relaxing experience using their natural products in the comfort of your own home. I am always someone who will willingly have a facial, I find it incredibly relaxing, but there are also just some times when I would rather pamper myself at home, sitting in my jogging bottoms and a T-shirt not looking very glam at all.  This Facial in a Box gives you the opportunity to take some time out of your daily routine, light your favourite candle and indulge yourself - I don't need to be challenged twice.

This organic facial in a box comes with complete instructions and a headband, beautifully packaged in a gift-wrapped box and inside there are 5 organic skincare products from the Evolve Beauty range to get to know and use.  Each step is clearly labelled along with some straightforward instructions on how best to use each product and what I absolutely love about this is just how much thought has gone into ensuring you get the most out of it, whether you are a skincare queen or an absolute novice.  Alongside all of these products is also a headband, a vital part of any facial to ensure you don't end up mixing your hair in with each of the products, so before you get started, that is your first task - put on the headband followed by lighting a candle.

Step one - Gentle Cleansing Melt (60ml) - This is one luxurious cleansing balm and it is so silky smooth on the skin, it is an absolute delight to cleanse with.

Using nourishing organic baobab oil which soothes and hydrates, there is also natural sugar extracts which turn into a creamy milk as it comes into contact with warm water.  The inclusion of Vanilla, which also has strong anti-oxidant properties whilst having a sweet and soothing aroma which is relaxing and calming.  Once the balm is rinsed off your skin, using a flannel, muslin cloth or whatever is your preference, you will find that your skin feels clean, calm and really hydrated.

Step 2 - Miracle Mask (30ml) - I am a huge fan of the Evolve Radiant Glow Mask and the Miracle Mask is one I have never tried before. This incredible smelling AHA fruit mask is blended using 100% natural fruit acids which includes glycolic acid from sugar cane. 

Using Peruvian Maca, an ancient energy booster which has been used for centuries by tribes, within this mask it helps to increase cellular renewal and skin radiance. Then we have Papaya Extract which is not only a good source of Vitamin A and Papain. Together these help to exfoliate the skin to remove dead and dry skin cells.  Once applied to the skin, it needs to be left for around 5 minutes to work its magic before removing using warm water and either a flannel or muslin cloth, depending on your preference.

Step 3 - Hyaluronic Serum (10ml) - This clear serum is ideal for anyone who has normal to dry skin and it contains 200mg Hyaluronic Acid per bottle to ensure your skin is left feeling moisturised, hydrated and refreshed.

Also used within this serum is organic pomegranate which is high in ellagic acid which helps to regulate cell turnover and strengthen the cell membrane, therefore, limiting water loss and free radical damage extract.  This serum is also delicately fragranced with organic rosewater which smells just absolutely beautiful.  To use, you need one pump of the serum into the palms of your hands and then gently pat it onto the skin and then massage, never rub.

Step 3A - Hyaluronic Eye Complex (10ml) - Using Exotic Tuberose flower plant stem cells help to reduce the appearance of eye bags, fine lines and puffiness whilst firming and brightening the eye area.

Hyaluronic acid helps to reduce wrinkles thus making the skin look younger with an improved skin tone and Organic Cucumber Extract which is traditionally known to cool, reduce under-eye bags and helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles around the eyes. What I love about this Eye Complex is the coolness of the rollerball which gives the ample opportunity to give yourself an eye massage.

Step 4 - Daily Renew Facial Cream (30ml) - This is the final step of your at-home facial and it features this incredible natural and organic face cream. It works to restore normal to dry skin by using a blend of pure organic oils, coconut peptides and Hyaluronic Acid. 

On the skin, this cream feels really luxurious, it isn't overly thick and it isn't too thin in texture either, but you do only need a walnut-sized amount to cover your entire face. Using Hyaluronic Acid helps to reduce wrinkles, making the skin look younger with an improved skin tone as well as offering intense hydration to skin cells. Argan Oil nourishes and helps to improve elasticity and leaves skin feeling plump and soft and because it is lightly fragranced using soothing hypoallergenic vanilla & coconut, it is an absolute delight to use.

I think this is a wonderful box of products and whilst I am slowly working my way through everything Evolve Beauty has to offer, this box of products would put a smile on the face of anyone. There is nothing I dislike about the brand or what is included and more so because I am incredibly lucky to own one of the Evolve Organic Beauty Serenity Candle (£16), it makes this gift all the more special and definitely something I would add as an extra to anyone I gifted it too.

The candle, which is made using Soy Wax it is blended using delicate floral, zingy citrus and gourmand vanilla notes which include the likes of Rose, Jasmine and Orange Blossom and it is one of those instantly calm scents that make this facial in a box all the more pampering.

The Evolve Beauty Facial in a Box retails for £50 and is worth every single penny, whether it is a gift for you, your mum or a loved one.

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

Marks & Spencer Apothecary Range

I am a huge fan of the Marks & Spencer Beauty Hall, it has been through quite the transformation over recent years, gone is the feeling of feeling too young to buy anything as you approach the shelves to instead wanting to fill your basket with all the amazing brands and new products.  Just recently, Marks &Spencer launched their brand new Apothecary Spa range which has been designed to help you recreate your own at-home spa and frankly it is right up my street and I bought two products to try and if you have been wanting to find an affordable luxury, then consider that box well and truly ticked.

I am sure I am not the only one guilty of buying products from those more luxurious brands - think Jo Malone and Molton Brown for example, only to them use them sparingly or for a special occasion. From Marks and Spencer, they are offering you a choice of four different ranges - Calm, Restore, Balance and Uplift with prices starting as low as £4!  I was tempted by all four ranges and in the end, opted for the fragrance I felt I would like the most and found myself with the Restore Collection.

Within the Restore Collection, there is the option of a bath oil, hand wash, hand lotion, bath salts, body wash, room spray, candle, reed diffuser and soap.  I only had the option of a body wash, bath oil and bath salts and chose the latter and I'll be honest, whenever I see bath salts, I am most definitely buying them.  The Restore Collection is one which is described as having a fragrance containing essential oils of cedarwood, geranium and eucalyptus, all of which are considered to have soothing and relaxing qualities

On a cold wet day, there is nothing better than going home from the office and running a hot bath using a scent which is as soothing as it is calming and the bath salts are incredibly potent, so you need just a handful to sprinkle into the water, usually after there are 1-2 inches already in the bath and then, as with the bath oil, as soon as those essential oils come into contact with the hot water and steam vapour, the Eucalyptus and Lavender scent is really noticeable. With the bath oil, you need around a capful, two if you have a stuffy nose or the onset of a cold to help calm and soothe.

I absolutely love these two products and as a range, it just covers so many uses - it calms, it soothes, it helps relieve stress and tension, it relaxes and if you are suffering from a cold or are feeling run down, it definitely helps with that.  I am hoping the next time I get to the Marks & Spencer Beauty Hall they might have more of the Restore Collection in stock, especially the candle and I might even venture into the other collections too.

With prices as low as £4 and with packaging as fabulous as it is, the Apothecary range is definitely worth buying and trying!

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