Are Period Pants Worth It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the entire Period Knickers range from Marks & Spencer here

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

4 Ways to Get Your Wardrobe Spring Ready

As the days get longer, the frost-covered mornings recede and the weather gets warmer, many of us will be looking forward to the day we can wear dresses and shorts again. And that day might not be far off! No sooner does the sun come out for longer than a couple of hours, and we’re dying to shed our layers and embrace the sun’s rays.

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In order to look your absolute best for spring and summer, there are a few sartorial tasks that you’ll need to take care of. From storing your bulky winter staples to adding some new members to your wardrobe, here’s all you need to know about getting ready for spring.

 

Store your winter staples

Those jumpers, boots and coats which have served us devotionally throughout winter can now be put into temporary retirement, aka to the back of your closet. Whilst you’re doing it, take a look at the wear and tear on those garments and fix them whilst you have the chance. You don’t want to pull them out next winter to be faced with the same problem.

The same goes for if you don’t really want a particular garment anymore. Save space and donate it whilst you’re prepping your wardrobe for spring.

Sort through your spring and summer clothes

Now that you’re revisiting some pieces you were wearing last year, you might discover that some don’t suit your style any more or they’re looking a little frayed and tired. Do any fixes or donations now to save space and time in the future. 

Then organise your wardrobe, pulling all sleeveless shirts, t-shirts and lighter pullovers to the front, and putting your winter boots, jumpers and coats firmly to the back.

Get some inspiration

If you realise there are some gaps in your wardrobe whilst going through it again, make a list of pieces you need or want to buy. If you’re stuck for inspiration, social media, Instagram and Tik Tok especially, are bristling with fashion tips, tricks and trends. 

You can also see what your favourite influencers are wearing! Most of them also share where they purchased their clothes, making it easier than ever to imitate their style.

Go shopping

Before going shopping, create a Wants and Needs list, the differentiation being very important here. Whilst you might want a new pair of shorts, you might not necessarily needthem. Then take to the shops, investing in timeless pieces like an elegant evening dress that will see you looking fabulous throughout many a summer party or wedding.

Whilst you’re shopping, keep practicality in mind. With modern life being so hectic, it’s a good idea to have some ready-to-go outfits that don’t need a second thought and always look great!

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

5 Things You Can Do to Boost Your Confidence

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We all want to feel more confident and secure in ourselves, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to boost your confidence in no time at all. Some can be simple daily changes that make all the difference, while as others can be a little bigger. In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at five easy tips that you can try today.

1. Set Small Goals and Celebrate Your Achievements

One of the best ways to build up your self-confidence is by setting small goals for yourself each day and then celebrating your achievements when they come. For example, if you’ve been struggling with public speaking, set a goal to give one presentation this week or next month. Once you reach that goal, celebrate by doing something special for yourself—even if it’s just taking a half hour out of your day to read a book or take a bubble bath. Celebrating small wins can help you stay motivated and remind yourself how capable you are!

3. Practice Positive Self-Talk

The way we talk about ourselves has a huge impact on our confidence levels, so it’s important to practice positive self-talk whenever possible. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong or what might not work out, try shifting the conversation towards what could go right and emphasizing the positives rather than the negatives. Take some time each day to remind yourself of all the amazing things that make you unique—after all, there’s only one you in this world!

3. Boost Your Body

Our physical health has a big impact on our mental wellbeing. If we don’t feel good physically then we won’t be able to think clearly or perform at our optimum level mentally either! Make sure that you get enough sleep each night (7-9 hours is ideal) as well as eating healthy meals and moving your body where you can. Not only that, but if you want to look into breast enlargement surgery to feel better, you should do. Even if it’s a little makeover, that could fill you with much more confidence too.

4. Make Time for Yourself

Taking some time for yourself each day is essential for boosting your confidence levels—even if it’s just 10 minutes in the morning or before bed. Spend this quality me time however works best for you. Whether it’s reading, meditating, exercising, listening to music—anything that helps you relax and recharge. This is so that when life throws curveballs at you (as it inevitably will), you have the energy and strength needed to tackle them head-on!

5. Learn Something New

Learning something new can be an incredibly powerful way to boost your self-confidence and open up new opportunities for growth and success. Whether it’s learning a new skill or language, taking up an instrument, or trying out a new hobby, challenging yourself with something new will help build your confidence as well as give you something exciting and interesting to focus on.

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

Noted. Aromas - Designer Inspired Fragrances

A brand I have seen all over my social media feed is Noted. Aromas and they are described as being a designer inspired perfume dupes which are strong, long lasting Eau De Parfum that smell just like the designer brands.

Noted. Aromas state that they are focused on making fragrances that people already love, but that they would now be able to afford and all without compromising on the high quality ingredients used to make them. So with no celebrity endorsements, no fancy bottles or packaging, what you see is what you get.

If you love fragrances by Creed, Dior, Le Labo and Tom Ford to name a few, then Noted. Aromas might just have your favourite fragrance! I was kindly sent two fragrances to try and there is one for me and one for the mister. 

First up for him is Aspen and if you are familiar with Creed and Silver Mountain Water then this is an amazing dupe.

A fragrance which could be worn by anyone, it is described as being a cool and clean contemporary fragrance that is full of refreshing citrus aromas with a hint of blackcurrant and musk. With Top Notes of Bergamot, Mandarin and Neroli you get that opening blast of fresh citrus notes which make way for the heart notes of Blackcurrant and Green Tea which keeps the sharpness of the citrus whilst settling the notes down before Musk and Sandalwood, which make up the base notes and if you are familiar with either note, they bring about those earthy tones to keep the fragrance fresh, long lasting and not overly bitter.

As a comparison to Silver Mountain Water by Creed, the initial spritz of the scent is identical and as it settles there is little difference between the two, the only subtle difference is the overall longevity.  When it comes to the price, from Noted. Aromas you can expect to pay between £4.99 and £29.99 for a bottle of Aspen whereas you can expect to pay as much as £185 for Creed.

Then we have Paris and it is inspired by one of my absolute favourite fragrances - J'Adore by Dior and again, it is just phenomenal.

Described as being a sophisticated floral fruity fragrance which is the incarnation of absolute femininity and is effortlessly seductive, this was one of the first big brand fragrances I bought. Similar to J'adore, Paris has Top Notes of Pear, Melon, Magnolia, Peach, Mandarin Orange and Bergamot, so you immediately get that strong fruity scent before the Heart Notes of Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Tuberose, Freesia and Rose come to life to give that floral side of this fragrance and together they are strong, fresh and just beautiful. The Base Notes are Musk, Vanilla, Blackberry and Cedar and again they bring everything together without making it too powdery or sweet. For anyone who loves a Jasmine note in their fragrance, you will immediately notice it within Paris.

As a comparison to J'Adore by Dior, the initial spritz of the scent is identical and as it settles there is no difference between the two, when it comes to longevity, Paris lasts much longer on my skin.  When it comes to the price, from Noted. Aromas, again you can expect to pay between £4.99 and £29.99 for a bottle of Aspen whereas you can expect to pay as much as £110 for J'Adore.

This has been my first foray with Noted. Aromas and I am sure it won't be my last because there is a whole list of fragrances that I want to work my way through!

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