Stocking Filler Gift Guide 2020 - The Bathroom Edit

The second part of my Stocking Filler Gift Guide features bath time gifts, something I have absolutely loved writing about this year as I have made some amazing discoveries.  The first part of my Stocking Filler guide featured Skincare, here and then Tools and Accessories here. Today is the turn of the Bathroom Edit.

I make no secret of how much I enjoy laying in a bath full of hot water, bubbles, oils, salts or all of the above. It is my down time, me time, time to chill out and relax, or if I am feeling run down or not quite myself, it is where I retreat too. I am often told that being a water sign (Cancerian) is the reason.

The first item in my gift guide is a product everyone needs to try and it comes from Mio Skincare - Liquid Yoga Bath Soak.  The Liquid Yoga collection from Mio is just incredible and as well as having the bath soak, I also have the room spray, candle and body oil.

The Mio Liquid Yoga Bath Soak (£28 here) first featured on my blog back in 2015 here and I have repurchased it so many times, I have lost count, but there is always a bottle or two in my bathroom. Infused with a 100% natural fragrance, this bath soak is designed to inspire tranquillity, just like a zen yoga session, hence its name. It combines a tailored aromatherapy blend of oils such as Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Mandarin and Eucalyptus which are all known for their relaxing and stress-relieving properties and they work alongside a blend of herbs and Manganese Mineral Extract salts which help to replenish and balance the skin while relaxing the senses, Finally, it is worth mentioning the blend of Indian Fig Extract and Monk’s Pepper Berry which promotes hydration, along with conditioning Almond Oil. It literally is bliss in a bottle.

My favourite range from L'Occitane is the Almond Collection and I have pretty much tried everything the range has to offer.  The latest addition to my collection is the Almond Milky Bath (£26 here*) and I am already one my second bottle with two more having just been ordered!

As the bath milk comes into contact with water, it transforms quickly into a milky veil and as it does so, the scent intensifies and if you are a fan of the range, as I am, that scent is just divine and incredibly relaxing. All you need to use is just one or two capfuls into your running bath water and because it is enriched with almond oil leaves the skin feeling nourished and soft to the touch, plus fragranced with the scent.

From The Bodyshop is another bath product and this time it is one of their new Bath Blends. A Black Friday purchase for me was the Pear Bath Blend and I am still waiting for two of the others to arrive too.

Described as being fragrantly fruity, which is it most definitely is, this Bath Blend takes on blended super fruits and vegetables, all of which are known for being rich in vitamins and antioxidants - think Sesame Seed Oil, Kiwi, Sunflower Seed Oil, Aloe Vera and of course Pear Extract. In the bath, it does turn the water green and it does create a few bubbles too. It wins on the scent for me and at just £8*, it is a great find.

I know not everyone loves to have a bath

A brand we have come to love having in the bathroom is Molton Brown and being intrigued by the Juniper Jazz fragrance, I managed to get my hands on the Festive Bauble (£14 here*).

A limited edition fragrance, Juniper Jazz has notes of juniper berries, metallic notes and creamy woody notes plus Patchouli, all of which are said to be an ode to the sensational Galaxy Ball, an homage to the centenary of 1920 . The Bath & Shower Gel comes housed in Molton Brown beautifully designed box and inside is an exquisite bauble, which looks just like a Molton Brown bottle, only bauble shaped and I defy you to not want a Christmas Tree filled with baubles like this one.

If you have never tried Bomb Cosmetics, then you should because not only is it a fun brand, it is also incredibly affordable and they make the best Christmas gifts. I am sharing the Santa's Sleigh Ride Handmade Wrapped Bath and Body Gift Pack (£12.41 here*) and inside the beautifully wrapped box are 5 pieces from the collection

The five pieces within the collection in the Pere Noel Bath Blaster, Candy Cane Mountain Bath Creamer, Stocking Fizzer Bath Blaster, Candy Box Soap Slice and the Snowdrift Bath Creamer. Each one of these items is brightly coloured, they smell absolutely divine and the whole lot is just fun!

I know what everyone is lucky enough to have a bath or even enjoy them, so for those people with a shower, we have Amoorra, which I featured here

Available from Holland and Barrett, Amoorra describe themselves as “The Original Bath Bomb For The Shower” Amoorra Shower Bombs are 100% natural, and claim to transform your shower into a spa-like experience... harnessing the powerful therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. Well that was a good enough description for me to make a purchase and I bought three - Breathe, Calm and Peace and the other three options are Sleep, Refresh and Awaken.

From Noble Isle, a brand I haven't used for some time, I managed to get my hands on the Fragrance Sampler Collection (£12 here). Packaged inside the most beautiful gift box, is four travel sized Bath & Shower Gels.

The four bath and shower gels include Tea Rose which is said to take inspiration from the British ritual of afternoon tea, Whisky and Water which might look like a measure of the alcoholic drink, it actually has the most incredible Fruity Floral fragrance, Golden Harvest which has a fruity yet Earthy scent to it. Finally is Fireside, the one I really wanted to try and it didn't disappoint. It is a woody, oriental blend which just makes you feel warm owing to the spiciness of Cinnamon and Cypress Oils.

Finally from Aromatherapy Associates is the Support Equilibrium Bath and Shower Oil (£35.90 here*) and if ever you need a treat, Aromatherapy are there to offer it with the most amazing of products.

This Bath and Shower Oil is described as being wonderfully comforting and uplifting, something I am sure we could all do with right now. It uses a blend of Geranium, Rose and Frankincense essential oils which help to lift your spirits and give you some comfort during challenging times. This oil can be used in both the bath and the shower, but a tip I was given a few years ago was to take a capful of the oil and apply it to your body before the shower, as it works its magic, bring your hands to your face and inhale the scent, up to three times to really get the best out of those oils!

This was my Stocking Filler Gift Guide - The Bathroom Edit and it contains so many amazing brands, you would be hard-pressed to find something you dislike!

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

How to treat a cold sore effectively with HERPOtherm

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I am one of those unfortunate people who suffers terribly with cold sores, I have done for most of my life and unfortunately I suffer with the worst kind - they are large, they are incredibly painful and sore, they are big blisters and they make me want to hide away from being seen until they have gone away.  

I have tried every possible treatment there is for a cold sore - be it a cream, a gel, a patch, liquids, ice treatments and even toothpaste with baking powder in it. I have used Google to look for cures, relief, help and just something to mask them, all to no avail. Now I have a device called HERPOtherm which I am going to share with you.

What is a Cold Sore?

Known as HSV-1 or Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, it is said that 9 out 10 people are infected with this virus but of those, only a third will develop visible symptoms. The HSV-1 is incredibly contagious and can be passed from person to person very easily with close contact. After someone has contracted the virus, it remains dormant for most of the time, but there is also no cure.  

As I mentioned above, cold sores appear as small fluid filled blisters, a swelling or as a scab and they tend to appear on the lips, around the mouth but can also present themselves on other parts of the face, including around the nose and on the cheeks but they can spread further because they are so contagious.

Cold Sore Symptoms.

There are lots of reasons why people get a cold sore, for me, they tend to flare up when I am feeling run-down, if I am stressed or have been ill. Most of the time, I am aware there is a cold sore on its way because my lip has an irritating tingling feeling which is uncomfortable, other people feel a burning sensation or an itch, sometimes there is no sign, they just appear somewhere along the lip as a small blister. 

If you get a cold sore regularly enough, you can often detect the signs and despite the number of pieces of advice I have been given to apply the cream as soon as the tingle starts, it has never stopped the cold sore from appearing.  Once that blister has arrived, for me, they tend to last up to 2-weeks as they go through each of the stages of pre-arrival symptoms, the arrival, the bursting of the blisters to the scabbing over and eventually the slow disappearance.

Treating the Cold Sore

I have lost count as to how many different products there is on the market that claim to treat or speed up the healing the cold sore, some of those I have mentioned above - everything from gels and creams, to patches and toothpaste which contains baking powder. Now we have HERPOtherm, a device which is incredibly unique and unlike anything else I have ever been told to try.

Meet HERPOtherm

Described as being the 'hot tip for combatting cold sores' and even though it is a medical device, which can prevent the development of cold sore blisters if applied early enough, it is really easy to use. It is

• Free from chemicals - works solely by concentrated heat
• Suitable for pregnant women, allergy sufferers and children*
• Long-lasting alternative to creams and patches
• Easy and practical to use
• Dermatologically tested

HERPOtherm is a handbag sized pen which is essentially used for treating the symptoms, which I have mentioned, for the beginning of a cold sore - the burning, tingling, itching or tightness. HERPOtherm works by concentrating heat, which it generates up to 51°C on the affected area to kill the virus beneath the skin which in turn prevents it emerging as a blister. This method has shown in tests to have a positive effect on the release of histamine and degradation enzymes and in turn curbs the inflammatory reaction.  It is this part which is the most important point, for me, about the device. Being able to prevent the development of the cold sore blister is tantamount to preventing that soreness and pain I have mentioned. For me, the pain is often so intense that eating and drinking hurts because your lips are so sore and the last thing you want to do is to burst the blisters or crack any skin on your lips, both of which can lead to the spread of the cold sore.  

HERPOtherm goes that bit further than your average cold sore cream for me because it can also be used to relieve the symptoms more quickly and accelerate healing, which according to some of the case studies was as much as a 50% reduction is symptoms, and condition durations in comparison to creams which contain the ingredient aciclovir, an antiviral medication.

Using the HERPOtherm Device

This device couldn't be easier to use, in fact it is much simpler to understand than some of the lotions and potions I have tried over the years. It goes like this:

• Remove the protective cap and place the device onto the affected area 
• Very gently press it onto the affected area of your skin/lip
• After pressing the button to activate, the ceramic contact surface heats up to approx 51°C.
• This temperature is remains at 51°C for just three seconds, then HERPOtherm then switches off automatically.

The instructions do state that you should ensure good contact with the skin to have an effective transfer of the heat and that it should be placed accurately to ensure the treatment is delivered to the affected area only.  You should leave at least 2 minutes between each application, and you should not exceed a maximum number of 5 applications per hour on the same area of skin.

Where can you get HERPOtherm?

The HERPOtherm Cold Sore Treatment device is available via Amazon, Boots (including Boots.com) and your local high street pharmacy. It is priced at just £34.99, which given everything I have read, is an amazing price. For me, the positives of this product over creams, patches and gels are just too good not to give it a try. Creams and gels have very little impact for my cold sore issue and they're not exactly cheap to purchase either. I also don't find them to be as hygienic as this device, because using HERPOtherm means very little contact with your fingers to the affected area, instead it is just this device which is easily cleaned using a standard alcohol disinfectant wipe and unlike a cream, this device has no expiration date, you just need to change the batteries.

Discover more about HERPOtherm via: www.myherpotherm.co.uk

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

Pestle & Mortar Erase & Renew Gift Set

Pestle & Mortar is a brand I have a fairly limited knowledge about, though I am thankful I have quite a few products to test and try out over the next few weeks to share with you. Today is the turn of the Erase and Renew The Double Cleansing System and it is quite the set!. Combining two products to complete the favourite part of my skincare routine - a make-up removing balm plus a radiance-reviving gel cleanser and to complete the collection is a very luxurious cotton face cloth. Using the products together, Pestle & Mortar say that the regime allows you to achieve clear, clarified skin with improved tone and texture.

Dressed for Christmas, this kit, is presented in a chic and stylish cylindrical gift box and is currently on sale, here for just £45, worth over £50. Perfect for anyone who loves their skincare, wants to change up their routine, needs a double cleansing routine or happens to just love the brand.

The first step of cleansing with this kit, is to use the Erase Cleansing Balm (50ml). I am a huge fan of balm cleansers, so this ticks a whole lot of boxes for me.  The balm is, a really lightweight, non-greasy formula which comes with the promise to purify and refresh skin without over-drying. 

The balm is infused with Pumpkin Enzymes, Meadowfoam, Prickly Pear Seed and Grape Seed Oils which work together to remove even the most stubborn eye make-up, think that well-known mascara which is an absolute so and so to remove, well it stands no chance with this, these ingredients also nourish and protect against free radical damage.   What I love about balm cleansers is that for me, they don't leave my skin feeling stipped of everything, I have lovely soft and smooth skin to the touch after using and at this point I haven't even used the second product.

The second part of the cleanse with the Renew Gel Cleanser (50ml) is just a delight to use. It is designed to tone, tighten pores and leave the skin hydrated and illuminated without that tight skin feeling. Using a formula that uses Papaya and Mango Enzymes to eliminate dirt and impurities, whilst at the same time helping to tighten visible pores and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also included is a dose of Meadowfoam Seed Oil which works to decongest and clarify to leave your skin feeling incredibly smooth, hydrated and illuminated with improved tone and texture.

The final item which is included within this gift set is a Face Cloth. I am a big fan of brands who include their own face cloth with products, each and every one I have used has been different, but works really well with that particular brand. This one has been crafted from pure cotton and it is at dual-purpose cloth which features a muslin side to aid a gentle exfoliation and the buffering away of dead, dull skin without being too harsh on the skin, then on the second side is is a much softer and smooth surface and its job is to polish and perfect to leave skin with a radiant glow.

This is one incredible gift set and it is one I have enjoyed using since it arrived, you can find it on sale here with Pestle & Mortar or here* with Lookfantastic.

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

5 Ways To Spice Up A Long Distance Relationship

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Long distance relationships can be very difficult to sustain. While you may be able to talk every day over the phone or via video call, this could start to get boring after a while if you’re unable to find new things to talk about. By getting creative, you can find new exciting ways to keep the spark alive. Below are just five ways in which you can spice up a long distance relationship. 

Go on virtual movie date together

One creative idea could be to watch a movie together. Handy tools like Netflix Party allow you to stream a movie at exactly the same time as someone else. Combine this with a zoom call and it could feel like you’re having a movie date in person. You could even plan a virtual movie marathon together. Make sure to grab some popcorn!

Play online games together

Online games can be a great way to feel as if you’re interacting with one another. On top of video games, there are plenty of traditional board games and card games that you can play virtually using apps and websites. You could plan out your own virtual games night together and try out a variety of games. You can still talk to each other via video call while playing. 

Send surprise gifts

Surprise gifts could be a great way to keep the romance alive. One idea could be to send your partner some flowers - there are sites that allow you to send international flowers to recipients that could be perfect if your partner is in another country. Alternatively, you could send small gifts like boxes of chocolates, bottles of wine or bath bombs. These could be accompanied by a personalised message on a tag.

Send love letters

In this age of digital communication, it’s easy to send someone a soppy paragraph via email or text. It may not seem like there’s much use in sending physical love letters nowadays, however they can often have more of an impact by giving your partner something they can physically keep onto. The fact that you’ve gone to the effort to write and post it will also show a greater level of commitment. You could accompany the letter with a surprise gift to make it even more special. 

Make plans together for when you meet

You can keep each other excited about meeting up by making plans together during your calls. You could have fun discussing all kinds of date ideas and all the places you may be able to go. You could even start booking activities together while talking to one another to help you get excited for your time together. 

Just make sure that you don’t schedule too many plans - especially if you’re only likely to have a window of a week or two together in person. After a long period of being away from one another a lazy day at home together may be all that you need.

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