In light of the recent events, many people are now in search of ways to stay healthy and boost their immune system naturally. Although I’m no doctor, nutritionist or, anything in between, I have researched and incorporated a couple of natural must-haves into my life which was recommended by a friend of mine and, I wanted to share one of them with whoever comes across my space.
[ This post is not sponsered however, it does include an affiliate link for the product ]
What is black seed oil?
Black seed oil has been around since the beginning of recorded humanity and was referred to as panacea in ancient times which meant universal healer or, ‘a solution for all difficulties or diseases‘. To be completely honest, I call it Nanny McPhee medicine which is probably not the best analogy but, for some reason it just reminds me of that movie!
It comes from the Nigella Sativa (N. Sativa) flowering plant that grows predominantly in Southern Europe, South West Asia and, the Middle East. The plant produces tiny black seeds which can be known by a variety of names such as black cumin, kalonji, black caraway or, Nigella fennel flower. The oil is extracted from the black seeds to then create black seed oil which can be digested using different methods depending on personal preference.
Black Seed Antioxidants
Black seed oil is known for containing high levels of antioxidants which can protect cells against damage. The main compound found in the black seeds is Thymoquinone (a fancy-smancy science word for a type of antioxidant), which attracted healers across ancient civilisations as well as modern day researchers. Thymoquinone can be used to treat a range of problems such as hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, coughs and bronchitis, headaches, eczema, fever, dizziness and, influenza. What I’m curious about is why more doctor’s do not suggest these sorts of methods to patients given the proven benefits.
You can purchase black seed oil at a bunch of different places however, I have been using the brandEpic Natureas they are a small UK business with good quality black seed oil at an affordable price. They even offer you a discount code off your next purchase, and who doesn’t love a good discount code!
Black Seed Benefits
Acne: the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects help reduce the appearence of acne and help to prevent break-outs.
Eczema: helps to reduce the sensitivity and appearence on the skin.
Skin & Hair: its antibacterial properties help with the skins appearence and have also been used to promote the healing of wounds. It can be used to hydrate the hair and act as a moisturiser.
Brain Health: due to its anti-inflammatory properties it can help prevent the development of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Cancerous Cells: some studies suggest it helps prevent and treat various cancerous diseases that commonly occur within the human body.
Respiratory: it helps to relax the muscle airways by reducing inflammation.
Anti-Fungal: it can be effective against other yeasts, molds, and fungi.
Diabetes: it can help to balance and improve blood sugar levels.
Please research the dosage before consuming, I tend to take 1 – 2 teaspoons a day however, it can vary from person-to-person.
My Experience
Due to being a slightly fussy human, I do struggle when it comes to options with food, drinks or supplements but, that’s a whole different story for another time. Despite the taste and aroma of black seed oil I have generally got on well with it and have been taking it for over a year now, I did not want to write about anything until I have tried it fully myself.
When taking a teaspoon in the morning I like to follow it with a glass of pure orange juice, I found this helps to reduce the lingering taste of the black seed oil. I do try to take it as ritually as possible however, I am only human and I have forgotten sometimes. Although I have never being one to get sick or unwell often, in my experience and opinion, I haven’t really been sick or unwell in approximately a year and a half which is fortunate. Though I cannot put it souly down to the black seed oil, it is one element that I have change/incorporated in my routine and I personally feel like it has made a difference.
I introduced it to my mum, who is far from fussy, and absolutely loves it. We received a sample of black seed soap from one of ourEpic Natureorders, which was super sweet and actually lead to us purchasing more! My mum suffers with eczema, mainly around her feet, on her arms, and on her palms. Like many who suffer with eczema, she had tried all the different products and creams which never seemed to completely work however, when she tried the sample of the black seed soap (I never got a look in) it reduced her eczema almost instantly. So, like the lovely daughter I am, I ordered her some more and now it is a massive part of her routine. It completely keeps her eczema at bay and its leaves the skin feeling nice and soft, especially after exfoliating (yes I finally got to try it out)!
I would recommend anyone and everyone look into incorporating black seed oil into their routines and I couldn’t recommend Epic Natureenough as they are super lovely and friendly, they are always happy to answer any questions I have had and provide information, defo check them out!
You can get 20% off your Epic Nature order with a minimum spend of £15 by using my referral link – you canclick hereor click any of the Epic Nature links throughout this post.
If you decide to try it out I would love to hear your thoughts on it, and I would love to know what those who already use it think and their methods and usage, leave a comment below or message me on myInstagram.
Just before Christmas 2019, I changed my whole skincare routine after purchasing the Holland & Barrett Natural Beauty Advent Calendar (best purchase ever, bring on Christmas 2020).
Previously, I predominantly used Nivea skincare products, which always worked fine and I’ve never had any particular skin problems or acne however, I wanted to be more conscious about the products I was putting on my skin, especially seeing as I’m getting a bit old now, the eye wrinkles are real! The Holland & Barrett calendar was definitely a good way to test a few options and I have found a few of my favourite products.
My four favourite products for the face are all natural, organic and vegan friendly. There are so many different types of products on offer depending on your skin type but these are my favourites which I have been using consistently and work well for my skin (in order of use).
It is a powdered exfoliator which turns to a granular-like paste when mixed with a few drops of water. When I first tried this product I was not a fan as it seem a bit of a hassle but after changing my application method, this is one of my favourite exfoliators. If your not familiar with using these types of exfoliants then it can be a bit tricky getting the powder to water ratio, as well as trying not to lose half the product when mixing it and trying to apply it to your face. The directions suggest mixing it in your hand but that’s where I found it a bit problematic so, if your using these types of exfoliants or want to try TRUE Skincare I have a few of tips
Get a little pot, designated just for the use of the product, and mix a bit of the exfoliant with water until you get a nice paste-like consistency.
Apply the product with the tips of your fingers in light circular motions.
The directions suggest use a cloth to remove however, I found some of the granular elements could be a little rough when removing it with a cloth so, I personally just splash water on my face and then use a wet cloth for the excess.
After I tried the above method, my opinion of the product completely changed. It leaves my skin feeling soft with a fresh looking glow and is great for part of your skin-prep routine before a night out.
This is my holy grail, my absolute favourite, I gave my girl some in a pot to try and even she liked it! Beauty Kitchen states on the box packaging to leave it on for 5 – 15 minutes and that it is “100% natural, biologically proven microalgae & plant extracts, for sustainable beauty. Starts working in 24 hours”. Now I don’t know all the scientific stuff personally but, this product works! I’ve left this on for 5, 10, and even 15 minutes plus, I cannot fault the way it works however, the smell is a bit peculiar and slightly overwhelming. You can remove it with a Konjac sponge or a cloth, it leaves my skin feeling smooth, glowy and even appears healthier and more hydrated. This mask is definitely a miracle and a game changer in my opinion, I absolutely love this product and is my number one on this list.
With a surge in Hyaluronic Acid products available it can be hard to choose one. I have tried many different brands but this one is now my go-to because, it is more natural and doesn’t contain all the extra unnecessary stuff. It can be used by itself or combined with a face cream and I do both depending on my mood also, you only need a small amount as it goes a long way. The skin absorbs it fairly quick when using it alone and it would make a good base for make-up application however, I do prefer to use it with a bit of face cream as it just provides that added bit of moisture. The weather and make-up can be harsh towards our skin sometimes so, unless your extra oily, the more hydration the better. I would recommend this compared to some of the other products in the market.
I am really enjoying Beauty Kitchen’s products at the moment and this is another life-saver because, as I explained earlier I am getting old and who really wants wrinkles?! I apply this under my eyes, smile lines and forehead nearly every night and, although its no Botox, I have definitely noticed the difference. My eye wrinkles, that I despise dearly, are not as prominent as they were, unfortunately I don’t think I’ll ever be fully rid of them as I have those kind of eyes (if you know what I mean), even baking the eye area during a make-up moment is just a no-go for me, it can be so frustrating. Anyway… You only need to apply a small amount of the product as a little goes a long way, there is a slight fragrance but, it is hardly noticeable after the application.
All of these products state that they are natural and suitable for vegans. They are all a great value for money, in the range of £10 – £15, compared to some skincare products which can be ridiculously priced. Also if you are interested in any Beauty Kitchen products, they have an amazing recycling scheme and the details about it can be found on their website or at your local Holland & Barrett store.
If you have tried any of the above products I would love to hear your opinions or, even any recommendations for other natural skincare products or brands.
I’ve been on a personal spiritual journey for a while now and have fallen in love with crystals and their different properties along the way. I initially started with tumble stones and small clusters, only recently have I started to grow my collection with a few bigger or carved (display) pieces, the crystal addiction is real! Throughout my journey I have expanded my knowledge and understanding of various crystals, also learning there is sooooo many different types within various crystal families. I thought I would share some of my current favourites to work with (in no particular order), although it is constantly changing, these have been my go-to’s recently.
Celestite
Celestite crystals can be found in Egypt, Madagascar, Mexico, Poland, and the UK. It presents a calming and peaceful energy which can help to relax the mind and unwind, encouraging a natural state of joy. It is the perfect crystal to keep on the bedside table, and that is exactly where I keep mine, as it helps with a peaceful nights sleep and positive dreams. Since I brought my Celestite cluster and have it placed on my bedside table, my sleeping pattern has been a lot more structured, even during a retrograde the dreams and broken sleep is far less frequent. Celestite is a high vibrational crystal which makes it great for relieving stress and anxieties, it does this by transitioning the body and mind into a state of peaceful awareness. It is commonly associated with divinity and the higher consciousness, and connecting with the Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, and the Crown Chakra.
Associated with Venus and Neptune
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz can be found in many different places such as Madagascar, Brazil, India, the US, and many more. It is a popular crystal which promotes self-love, deepening relationships, embracing kindness, and expressing compassion. Rose Quartz is commonly known as a crystal of love and connects to the Heart Chakra, it helps to encourage passions and improve overall happiness. There are different types of Rose Quartz such as Star Rose Quartz and Lavender Rose, both with additional properties. I was particularly lucky to find a Star Lavender Rose Quartz Sphere (bit of a long one to say) from my favourite crystal supplier, and for a really good price! Although it is not a deep lavender, it has more of a lavender hue compared to general Rose Quartz and gives off a lovely aura.
Associated with Venus
Labradorite
Labradorite was originally discovered in Labrador in Canada and that is where its name originates from, it is also sourced from Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, the US, and some other places. It contains uplifiting and inspiring properties which can increase motivation and encourage its user to reach their set goals, perfect for intention setting and manifesting. Labradorite is great for all the Chakras however, it is specifically good for the Crown Chakra, uplifiting the mind and spirit to a higher level of consciousness. Due to its flashy persona and uplifting energy, Labradorite can help with depression and helps to guide its users out of the darkness to a lighter, more positive mental space. I love Labradorite, especially when the sunlight hits it egniting all of its colour, I have my Lab’ heart placed on my desk to help me stay postive and motivated while working.
Associated with Uranus & the Moon
Mangano Calcite
Mangango Calcite is up there as one of my favourite crystals because it gives off such a calming and peaceful energy, it is UV light reactive and turns a fluorescent pink which is rather cool! It was discovered in Slovakia but can be found in Romania, Peru, Bulgaria, Mexico, Madagascar, Russia, Australia, and Japan. Mangano Calcite has harmonizing energy which helps to bring forth feelings of inner peace, allowing the user to become more familiar with their true self. It is great for promoting compassion, love, joy, and contains self-healing vibrations which helps to dispell negative-filled emotions. Mangano Calcite is a comforting crystal and can be linked to the Heart Chakra, I personally like to place my tower infront of me whilst meditating as you can really feel the grounding energy it gives off.
Associated with the Earth & Venus
BLUE ARAGONITE
Blue Aragonite can be found in Austria, Greece, Mexico, Morocco, and China. The Blue Aragonite Sphere is my most recent purchase, and I know I’ve probably said this already about the others but, it has definitely got to be my favourite crystal as it reminds me of a water planet, I could get lost in the patterns for ages! It can be used to clear negative energy, help with communication, and vocalizing your feelings. Blue Aragonite can be linked to the Heart Chakra, Throat Chakra, and Third-Eye Chakra by presenting a balancing and transformative energy. It helps with relaxation in the body and mind with its overall calming and soothing properties. I could personally look at this crystal for hours, it has an enchanting feeling and the druzy areas add to its character.
Associated with the Earth
CITRINE
Citrine was one of the first crystals I started my collection with, they can be found in Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, France, Russia, Spain, the US, and Scotland. It is a very popular crystal which can be used to enchance creativity and assist in manifestation, it has a warm and joyful energy. Citrine is one of the few crystals thats doesn’t need to be cleansed regularly, it is also known as the Merchants stone because it is great for acquiring and maintaining wealth. Its properties are perfect for success, encouraging generosity, and joy. Citrine can be linked to the Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, and Third Eye Chakras.
Associated with the Sun
PHOSPHOSIDERITE
So, while I was in the middle of writing this I was also watching a crystal live on Instagram, and yes I made a purchase, I just couldn’t help myself (as per usual). Phosphosiderite is a rare crystal because it is typically only mined twice a year. It can be found in Peru, Chile, Portugal, and Germany, and is quite powerful. It possesses soothing and supportive energies which can help with creativity, boosting confidence, and help with concentration. Phosphorsiderite brings balance, stability, hope and happiness. It helps to release stress with soothing and calming energies which makes this crystal perfect for aiding sleep and positive dreams. Update: I’ve had this placed on my bedside for a while now and my sleep pattern has improved and I am actually sleeping like a baby, I would definitely recommend source a piece for your collection!
Association Unknown
My crystal addiction is real and these are just my current top favourites which is bound to change around, I could talk crystals for days and will be happily adding more to my collection over time! I have to admit that Phosphosiderite has the top spot for me as it is just so pretty and its energy is equally beautiful.
I initially wanted to start this blog fresh for January 2020 however, that didn’t work out! Better a delayed post then no post ayeee! I do intend to do this tarot blog as seasonal feature, an element of guidance into the coming season for all the Sun Signs.
The month of February is the starting month for Spring, as we go into February 1st the Moon moves into the earth sign Taurus. The year 2020 seems to be starting off with an ironic balance in the eyes of the stars, as spring is starting with grounding energy, encouraging us to connect with our inner selves and the Earth around us. This is a three card tarot reading representing situation (card 1), action (card 2) and outcome (card 3), combined with one oracle card for each Sun sign. I like to place the oracle card above the tarot cards because I feel like the card represents the higher ‘light’ energies, this is just my own personal preference. [1 February 2020 – 31 May 2020]
ARIES: (March 21 – April 20) [Fire] Planet:Mars Eight of Cups | The Hierophant | Queen of Cups Trust the Niggle
You may wish things were different at present but you are right where you need to be. Despite all the effort you have been putting in, this current situation no longer works for you and it is time to focus your energy on more productive things. In this case, a choice is being presented and that choice is yours! Knowing your values and seeking your truth are important as you face certain challenges. Only you know the answer and what you decide is up to you. Try to allow your creative side to flow, let your intuition guide you as your visionary senses are high. Being receptive and approachable, people may gravitate towards your inspiring nature. Oracle:Trust the Niggle(Inquiry Card) – Ignoring that niggling feeling can be exhausting, like an arrow pointing to what is blocking your path. It can feel scary but you are ready to face your truth and address that niggle!
TAURUS:(April 21 – May 21) [Earth] Planet: Venus Five of Cups | The Hermit | Ace of Pentacles No
You don’t have to be gloomy, you are choosing to be! You have a choice and you can make a change, specifically towards your attitude. Stop dwelling on the past and look forward to building a positive future. Energy is key! Taking a moment to get a true perspective on your life is important, seek wisdom and guidance from your inner-self. Be aware and receptive to what is helping you to develop as lessons are important in everyone’s life. A new venture is on the cards and planting the seeds to success is essential, especially after Hermit period. Indication of prosperity and financial stability, just stick to your gut and stay true to yourself. Oracle:No(Confirmation Card) – Pause! Take a moment before agreeing to something that is aligned with your truth, it will drain your time and energy. Hold out until your 100% certain, as frustrating as it can be, timing is everything and clear guidance is needed. Waiting periods are essential for our bodies to regenerate to allow a new path to formulate!
GEMINI:(May 22 – June 21) [Air] Planet: Mercury Four of Pentacles | Knight of Wands | Four of Swords Pleiades
Being stubborn is not currently working in your favour, hanging on to something that no longer serves you can hinder personal growth. Change can be daunting and uncomfortable but it is essential as new opportunities for success and happiness are trying to unfold however, your ‘tunnel vision’ attitude could be blocking them. All the universal messages are pointing you towards success its whether you are choosing to listen to them right now! A holiday, change of job or engagement/marriage is on the horizon and whatever it may be, it is a positive endeavour. After everything you have endured you are in need of some rest and recovery, enabling you to plan your next move wisely. You want to work on your problems peacefully to contemplate what has happened and what you are going to do next. Oracle: Pleiades (Transmission Card) – Communication is essential in all forms! Your soul is trying to grow and you have already started channelling its work, your unique presence is valued.
CANCER:(June 22 – July 22) [Water] Planet: Moon Six of Swords | The Chariot | The World Priestess
All the burdens your previously carried are flowing away, marking the beginning of a fresh phase. You are embracing a new peace of mind, feeling balanced and optimistic. You may find new people entering your life of a trusting nature, make sure you are receptive to their energy and messages. Luck is on your side, enjoy it! You are happy and completely involved, anything can be accomplished right now and at a faster pace than usual. Mastering both the yin and yang of your personality is important during this period to find internal balance. It feels like everything is right where it should be, trust in your higher power and your will reap the rewards and prosper. Your self-confidence is high and many opportunities are available to you, do what makes you happy. Oracle: Priestess (Inquiry Card) – You are being called to lead, don’t be concerned with your past mistakes, let your life lessons be your message. People journeys makes them feel less alone in theirs, we are all in the journey of ‘life’ together!
LEO:(July 23 – August 21) [Fire] Planet: Sun The Empress | Page of Swords | Queen of Cups Akasha
You are feeling more creative and nurturing as spring blooms, it is important to reconcile differences within your home for a peaceful atmosphere. The initiation of this comes from you, offer your support and guide others with the inner strength you posses. Difficulties may arise relating to someone younger than yourself, overconfidence can cause problems or risks, be aware of others around you that need your guidance and support. Be creative in your leadership role as intuition is your guide, people may gravitate towards your judgement. It is important to let your positive emotional tone vibrate this month for others to tune in. Oracle: Akasha (Transmission Card) – You are enduring an important part of your souls journey and are exactly where you need to be. Call upon your support network in both the physical and spiritual realm for guidance and appreciate their wisdom.
VIRGO: (August 22 – September 23) [Earth] Planet: Mercury The Chariot | Ace of Cups | Queen of Wands Mintakan
Overthinking things can cause more problems than its worth, try and go with the flow, your sense of self purpose will become clear. No matter what you do your full heart is in it however, it is essential to try and find balance during this time. Emotions are coming into play signifying a new relationship or a child, this is a new beginning and opportunity. Creative and emotional state will develop divinely. The qualities for success build inside you, socially strong and intelligent, people willing take your advice. You may be moving on up in your world and rightly so, you have proven to be valuable and loyal. Oracle: Mintakan (Transmission Card) – You may be lacking with sense of belonging, working on your Root Chakra can help this. Connect with Mother Earth to awaken the connection in yourself.
LIBRA:(September 24 – October 23) [Air] Planet: Venus Queen of Swords | Eight of Swords | Three of Wands Starseed
Whilst going through difficult experiences, new opportunities present themselves with a strong indication for personal growth. Independence and intelligence is your strong suit, using them to your advantage could benefit you. The feelings of restriction and lack of vision generate unhappiness in your life, bad situations are temporary and now is the time to make a change and free yourself. After a rough start, you have clarity on matters and feel more at ease, reflecting on the situation. You feel a more confident attitude towards challenges and know exactly what you want, people will respond positively to this. Oracle: Starseed (Inquiry Card) – Follow your souls desire and do what makes you happy, what lights you up! There is much more to life and you are calling to obtain it, stop dimming your light to try and fit in, your glow makes you special.
SCORPIO:(October 24 – November 22) [Water] Planet: Mars & Pluto Nine of Pentacles | Nine of Wands | Eight of Cups The Age of Light
Feeling content and secure with life, little troubles you. Abundance and success is on your side. Being organised and disciplined is key to your success and its been paying off. Strength and courage is important to you and helps how you master skills, as well as your purpose and direction in life. Although some situations cannot be changed, it is important to let go and move on. Put your energies into something more positive and worth while. Oracle: The Age of Light (Activation Card) – Your soul plan is clearly mapped out with many intricate parts, follow the Universe’s wisdom. It is time for your true self to step out into the light and be seen to all.
SAGITTARIUS:(November 22 – December 23) [Fire] Planet: Jupiter Queen of Wands | Temperance | The Moon The Ever-Unfolding Rose
Intelligence and loyalty is important and valuable qualities which you have yourself and seek in others. Success is on the cards as now is the time to move forward with the business endeavours that you have been cultivating. You have been waiting for the moment and this is it! Controlling your ego is important right now and, find a balance between your ego and your spirit. Everything should be done in moderation, have patience and things will work themselves out. Emotions can be at an all time high however, the reality is clear and your more aware of your feelings and perceptions than ever. Be open to dreams as now is a good time to work on your intuition, have faith in it! Oracle: The Ever-Unfolding Rose (Confirmation Card) – It is happening for you, not to you, so have a bit more faith! Life is full of challenges however, it is important to keep your heart open no matter how much it may hurt. Once you open up to the truth you will realise the things that hurt you were a blessing in disguise.
CAPRICORN:(December 23 – January 20) [Earth] Planet: Saturn Two of Wands | Knight of Swords | The Chariot Get Grounded
A new adventure has started and you want good results, you may encounter some obstacles and problems along the way but, that is all part of the journey. You may need to take time to think about your decisions or even re-think ones already made, make sure you do this! Approaching situations diplomatically will benefit you greatly as there is a conflict of differences, to much focus on one area of your life can lead to neglect in many other areas, finding the balance is important. No matter what you do your heart and intentions are pure but, finding balance is your true purpose. Overthinking situations can cause more problems than its worth, try to let your intuition guide you. Oracle: Get Grounded (Action Card) – It is easy to get caught up in other people’s energies therefore, you need to take time to ground yourself, connect with nature! You are being called to find balance and reflect on what your truly want.
AQUARIUS:(January 21 – February 19) [Air] Planet: Saturn & Uranus Seven of Wands | King of Swords | Death Answer the Call
Determination is key as you discover inner resources you wasn’t aware you had. You have the upper hand in the battle and are working towards success in your endeavours. With great strength, you have fair judgement when it comes to making decisions. You are on a mental journey, trying to receive clarity about a situation, communication is essential when it comes to expression. As a cycle ends, a new one begins and it is for the better! Previous routines and patterns no longer serve you, for you have grown. It is important to tie up any loose ends and clear out the old ways, making room for the new! Oracle: Answer the Call (Inquiry Card) – Whatever it may be that your soul is calling you to do, answer it! You may harbour fear of the unknown and things may not make sense but take a leap of faith, it will all work out for the better in the future.
PISCES:(February 20 – March 20) [Water] Planet: Jupiter & Neptune Knight of Swords | Seven of Pentacles | Ten of Wands The Initiation
You are battling a difference of opinion which in turn is causing a conflict, forceful expression is not the way to go. The message being sent to you may be encrypted therefore, you are not receiving its intentions clearly. Try focusing on the areas of your life that have been receiving little attention. After much time and effort you will reap the rewards, growth is important during this time and you will feel great satisfaction from your success! Try not to carry the burdens of others as this can impact your growth, the whole world feels like its on your shoulders but, it is your choice whether you want to continue to hold it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it as plenty will be willing to offer their services. Oracle: The Initiation (Action Card) – You feel like you are being tested but, tests are important for any journey. Are you willing to face what scares you? Risk is a key factor, you have to be willing to lose it all in order to benefit from a new beginning.
If you made it this far (even if you skipped to your sign) thank you, it took me way longer than I anticipated! This is just a general reading so please don’t take it as ‘set-in-stone’ information, it is merely a Spring Zodiac Overview. Comment if any of this resonates with you and your sign, I would love to hear your stories. The tarot deck I used is an original Waite deck handed down from my Nan and the oracle deck I used is Work Your Light by Rebecca Campbell.
Like many, I love to watch beauty gurus and makeup channels on YouTube and over the past few years so many have launched their own products, to the point it can be quite overwhelming and pricey. I had never personally purchased “merch” from any of my favourite creators and always tried not to get sucked in to the overly hyped reveals and launches of influencers products, as hard as it can be at times. I guess you could say as much as I love to watch and support their content I wasn’t quite brave enough to spend my own coin on their products. I’m not quite sure why but it nerved me in case I didn’t like the products or, it in case it wasn’t as good as the Instagram promotions or YouTube reviews, as well as a few other nerving concerns. Anyone else ever had the same internal problem with considering to purchase influencers products, or is it just me?
Being from the UK myself, I always like to find UK channels and creators. One of my favourite UK creators who I have be a follower of for a few years is Holly Boon, her talent as well as personality drew me in. Over the past few years she has grown massively which enabled her to launch her own cosmetics brand called HNB Cosmetics.
Even after watching her grow her brand and knowing I wanted one of her products so badly, because they genuinely appeared high-quality, I was still nerved to actually go for it and buy something! Call me a pussy, like wtf is my problem!? It’s just make-up! So this Christmas my boyfriend brought me her eyeshadow palette (because clearly I am a pussy) and I added one of her lip glosses to the order. Best decision ever, I have been using the lipgloss every damn day since, it is my go-to, my holy grail! I originally wanted the shade “Obsessed” but it was sold out so I opted for the lighter nude shade called “Stop It!”. The formula is spot on, its non-sticky with a slight pigmented undertone.
I have loads of drugstore eyeshadow palettes which I did use regularly until the Dare To Be Different palette entered my life and, I have not touched another palette since and I will 100% be purchasing it again when I run out. No doubt that is going to be soon the way I have been abusing it!
The palette consists of 12 colourful and neutral shades and their instagram page is popping with so many inspirational looks from different creators. I’ve had fun playing and experimenting with the palette already and have had compliments on the different looks I’ve created so far, even though I’m far from a skilled MUA. I love that the colour story has simplicity yet speaks so loudly, with colours to compliment any outfit or mood.
Being a pink lover I was most excited about using the pink shade “Babe” which is so pigmented and blends lovely however, it can leave a bit of staining after removal. I did expect this as I know eyeshadows which contain a red or pink pigment can possibly cause staining depending on the skin type. My favourite and most used shade has got to be the shimmery/glittery white called “Angel” and it literally is like the dust from an angel, OMG it is to die for! I even use this shade for highlight on my cheek bones when I’m feeling a bit extra and want to glow like the heavens.
Now, let’s talk formula… The consistency of the formula is soft and buttery-like, you do not need much of the product on the brush as it is very pigmented and blends like a dream. There can be a bit of pay-off in the pan depending on how much you swirl your brush around but you genuinely don’t need to do that as the eyeshadows pick up well.
I wanted to mention the attention to detail and care that goes into the packaging. My palette came wrapped in bubble wrap which was sealed using a little sticker of the brand logo as well as a message saying thank you. I thought this was super sweet and probably only took 5 minutes to create but, added that personal touch that some brands simply overlook at times when it comes to customers.
Like I mentioned earlier on, I haven’t purchased “merch” from any creator before as this was my first time and I am also a massive fan of Holly’s so I understand this can appear slightly biased, I want to assure you it is not. Besides the above, if I genuinely didn’t enjoy or like the product I would express what it was that I didn’t enjoy but, I loved the products and think they are worth every penny and I will definitely be purchasing from HNB Cosmetics in the future.
Just an endnote: I want to say thank you to Holly for creating such amazing and lovable products as well as inspiring many to get creative even if you are not a professional MUA or beauty guru. Also thank you for inspiring me to play with make-up more and to even write about it! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Thanks to everyone for reading and click the link below to visit her website: HNB Cosmetics.
When it comes to food I more of a pro at eating the cuisines rather than writing about them, this is new territory and I know people are serious about their food and dining location reviews. However, I enjoy stuffing my face and this is my place to share it… Welcome!
I have been meaning to write this for ages so it is a bit delayed on the time scale of things, it was a date night with my boyfriend back in the summer, a small exaggeration on the ‘bit delayed’ part. Anyway, who doesn’t love a bit of London or even Camden for that matter, the atmosphere is always buzzing.
After chilling by Camden Lock and having a few drinks the hunger gradually kicked in and we hadn’t planned anything (for some reason we rarely do) so, we took a stroll around. I know my boyfriend is reading this like“really, a stroll! More like a marathon until we satisfy your fussy needs.” Yes, I am one of those hard to please, basic, plain b****es, I do like to eat though!
In the quest for food we came across The Blues Kitchen, it looked nice and quirky and we were hungry. The guy at the front of house said he had no tables at the moment but took our number and said he would call us if one came up, the hunger was real! We was back on our “stroll” for food but we barely got half way down the road when the guy from The Blues Kitchen called, he said he had a table free if we could get there quick. Honestly, we didn’t need telling twice as we was hungry! Once we was seated we both flicked over the menu, this is also a process for me as I am so indecisive with my fussy self and 9 times out of 10 I’ll go with the option that I looked at first. As you can imagine this also infuriates my partner as he just wants to order and stuff his face whereas I like to absorb the menu like its a Stephen King novel, please reassure me that I’m not the only one!? To be honest, I surprised he still agrees to be my food buddy because I can be hard work, hats off to you babe!
After much menu deliberation we ordered our food and drinks and being the hunger bellies we are, we asked if our starter could come with our mains, we love a good mukbang feel. I can’t remember the exact name of the cocktail I ordered however, on first view of it I panicked thinking what did I order! I have an odd phobia which is another wild topic of discussion but the cocktail contained pomegranate seeds, it was surprisingly really nice besides the odd seed shooting up the straw. They also used metal straws which I thought was a nice touch, no doubt this reduces a large amount of plastic waste. I know I am one of those who always opts for a straw with my drink when I’m dining out #SaveThePlanet. I should really invest in getting some of my own and carry them round in my bag with me, it would definitely come in handy with a McDonald’s milkshake!
Whilst having a little chit-chat and playing a bit of footsie (joking!), we didn’t have to wait very long for our food to arrive. The servers were friendly and created a nice atmosphere, even though the restaurant was extremely busy, they didn’t make you feel rushed to finish your food like some places can do during rushed periods.
Like I explained earlier I am a basic b**** so heads up, my burger is plain! I don’t know about you but, I love it when my food is served all cute on branded paper lining the tray with a little pot for my fries, it is simple but ascetically pleases my mind. I chose the bacon cheese burger (no salad), with a side of fries and slaw, it was really good. The burger meat was lovely and juicy, even though it can barely be seen in my photo,the bacon was crispy but not too crispy, the fries were nicely seasoned and, the slaw was slaw (I genuinely have no idea how to describe it). We both stuffed our faces while having an odd bit of conversation in between demolishing the food, I left a few bites of my burger because I was bursting!
Amongst the mains was the chicken wing side which was rather spicy, even my boyfriend who loves spicy food admitted they had a kick! We got in a complete mess eating these so be prepared if you try them out, keep plenty of napkins next to you. I did enjoy the presentation which the food came in, most of all the little pan containing the wings.
Between the mains and sides we were finished so, we chilled to let our food go down, as we couldn’t move if we wanted to. We sipped our cocktails and continued chatting as not much talking went down whilst eating.
I over heard one of the waiters say to the manager an extra dessert had been made by accident and I whispered it to my boyfriend, with no intention of puppy eyeing more food. However, we couldn’t help ourselves and both looked over to see the manager with this dessert in his hand and, of all people, he made direct eye contact with us and walked over. I felt so awkward and I didn’t even know why but, there he was at our table giving us this dessert on the house.
Him and my boyfriend had a bit of banter and the manager seemed really cool, he explained it was battered Oreo and to enjoy, leaving us to stuff our faces further. We both looked at each other, still feeling full from the dinner but who could turn down a free dessert?! I’m more of a savoury person compared to my boyfriend who has a sweet tooth yet, we both made more room to give these a try.
Considering I am not a massive dessert person after one bite I admittedly made room for another ball, as did my food partner in crime! It was surprisingly delicious but a bit sickly after my second, the battered Oreo was warm and soft, it kind of melted in your mouth. When the server came to collect the plate, we thanked them again for the dessert and then requested the bill. Getting ready to do the stuffed waddle out the door, we finished up our drinks, re-thanked the manager and set on our way.
For an unplanned dinner and a last minute table, I was definitely pleased with our dining choice. The atmosphere was good, the staff were kind and, the manager was really friendly and welcoming. The food was presented nicely and was as enjoyable as it looked, the unexpected dessert was a sweet touch at the end.
If you are ever exploring Camden and get a bit hungry, I would definitely recommend you pop in to The Blues Kitchen and for some food or even a cocktail or two!
Before we get deep into the details, if your looking for a bunch of different advent options then this is the wrong blog post, I’m sorry. I will specifically be discussing the advent calendar I opted for this year, why I chose it, and various other bits ‘n’ bobs.
Get yourself a cuppa or some munchies and lets get down to business…
Every year I get super excited by the advent calendar build up and of course, you have to be on the ball early if you want to get yourself the best one that offers good products and is worth the coin. I read many blogs and watched so many YouTube videos across September and October to find one which aligned with my needs as well as my purse.
Now, if you have been wrapped up in the seasonal advent hype before than you are well aware of the craziness that surrounds it #TheHypeIsReal. Some of the more extravagant calendars are on the pricey side and let’s just say, I’m a student and a single parent who is in no position to be spending over £80+ on an advent calendar, no matter the product value contained inside.
Last year I purchased the Revolution makeup advent calendar and I was pretty satisfied, I had used their individual products and palettes and still do now. Most of the products in the Revolution calendar were good quality and usable, besides a few random lipstick shades, and the price point was good (I managed to grab it for £25). However, this year after a lot of reviewing and even after they released a few different options, I was disappointed with the products available. This left very few options for a decent cheap calendar and the Revolution makeup one was meant to be my strong contender!
I came across many different calendar options from Glossy Box, Harrods, Charlotte Tilbury, NYX, The Body Shop, ASOS, No7 and many more. Many surpassed what I was willing to spend and those within range had products I wouldn’t really use, I also thought to myself while searching “you have wayyy to much makeup anyway”, finding an internal excuse.
I came across a review video for Holland & Barrett’s 25 Day’s of Natural Beauty, instantly I was intrigued because I never really thought about Holland & Barrett. Considering I already had loads of makeup, skin care seemed like a good alternative option and I had used a few of their products before but not much on a beauty scale. By the end of the video I was sold and went to my nearest Holland & Barrett the next day to get one and there was only two left, it also has a 4.8 star rating online. Now I can’t lie, I opened one of the doors to the Jade face roller because I was super excited about it, then realised I could have easily slid the tray out of the bottom (I’m ditsy). Obviously, Holland & Barrett is a natural health and well being store so the products are all naturally made and vegan friendly. I am very pleased with my purchase, besides a few of the items like any calendar but overall, it contained loads of good products which I can’t wait to try out, bring on the 1st December. After looking over the products, I boasted about it to my cousin to the point I ended up going with her the next day so she could get the last one left in the store. I was discussing the calendar and the Hyaluronic Acid with my cousin when a random lady was looking over and then asked if there was more calendars but there wasn’t however, she did end up purchasing the Hyaluronic Acid Serum #MarketingSkills.
I have purchased a couple of the items inside the calendar individually and have been using them, so far so good. The Holland & Barrett Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum(worth £14.99 for 30ml) is one of my favourite products and the calendar also includes a full size bottle inside. I use it twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed, it has been 3 weeks since I have started using it and I already notice the difference in my skins appearance. I would recommend this product because not only is Hylauronic Acid great for re-hydrating your skin, stimulating collagen and improving its overall appearance, this one is all natural and doesn’t contain some of the extra unneeded ingredients that some brands are including in their products.
I have been using my Jade Facial Massage Roller after applying the Hyaluronic Acid, I was most excited about this product anyway as I am a gemstone/crystal lover and I have wanted one for some time.
Whilst purchasing the Hylauronic Acid Serum in my local store they had a few of Beauty Kitchen’s Seahorse Plankton 5 Minute Miracle Mask, it is included in the calendar (worth £5.99 for 6ml) and I managed to grab the exact same one for just £1 on sale (the full product size is 60ml for £15.00). I have only used the product once and it left my face feeling really smooth with a glow yet, I think I would have to purchase the full size product and use it regularly to see any long term benefits. It does have a smell I can’t quite explain, for some reason coral comes to my head, like as if you was to sniff some ocean coral. That sounded more normal in my head but either way it felt nice on my face.
A product that did catch my eye and I cannot wait to try is the Elifeixr Push-up Buttocks Sculpting Gel(worth £15.99 for 150ml), the fact it is pink is a bonus for me. The one included in the calendar is 40ml which works out to approximately £3.20. I’m intrigued to know if it actually works and I’m not expecting to get a Kardashian booty over night or anything but, I am thinking this combined a few butt exercises might work wonders. It is meant to help improve cell renewal and protect collagen by shaping, smoothing and firming the buttocks area.
The advent calendar has so many different items which I am going to list with the product size as well as prices, a couple of the items are exclusive to the advent calendar so I couldn’t source the exact prices of those.
Fruu Watermelon Lip Balm 4.5g – £2.99
Weleda Skin Food Light 30ml – £7.95
Dr Organic Mini Aloe Micellar Water 75ml – £5.99 for 200ml
Holland & Barrett Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml – £14.99
Holland & Barrett Jade Facial Massage Roller – Exclusive
The total price for all of the above products equates to approximately £118.94. This does not include the exclusive items or the products which state the price for a larger size then what is available in the calendar.
I paid £35 for the advent calendar so I basically saved over £80, and they are all products I am looking forward to trying out and using in my routine.
Added bonus: I discovered when watching the review video that some of the advent doors have a discount code for the product inside, this is a nice touch and will definitely encourage me to purchase more if I get on well with the products. I know for a fact I’m going to use that butt sculpting code, don’t judge me!
If you use any of the products or purchased the Holland & Barrett Advent Calendar I would love to know what you think. Unfortunately the calendar is sold out online but you can still get it in stores so, check your local shop as soon as you can, trust me it will be worth it!
This was my first family holiday in a long time as well as it being my sons first holiday abroad therefore, this was more of a ‘quality-time’ trip rather then an explore, blog and review trip however, I wanted to share my time and experience.
We had a package holiday with Thomas Cook (RIP) before they closed down and we could not fault the service they provided, the staff were friendly and made the experience memorable for the kids.
Tunisia had its fair share of troubles back in 2015 with tourism completely diminishing due to peoples personal fears and safety however, since then the country has been working hard to regain its popularity and growth in tourism. The prices are relatively cheap for a beautiful and hot destination compared to other countries, and the people are really lovely.
The Sahara Beach Resort complex is very big and has a extensive range of amenities and activities, far too many to get through and explore in just 7 days, especially with a 7 year old boy who just wanted to live in the swimming pool.
Side note: In peak season at this hotel, if you want a sunbed you better be up and putting your towel down by the pool before the sun even comes up! Basically there is no sleeping in, you are a part of the 5 am club if you want that perfect sunbathing spot or a decent sunbed-to-pool ratio.
Extra side note: Be prepared! The sunbeds are stacked on top of each other and the middle section allows you to sit up or stay lying down so, as you can imagine it is just before 5am and my 5ft2 self is trying to unstack these sunbeds while being donked in the head by the middle section!
We spent a fair amount of time around the rock pool area because you could just walk straight into the pool and it slowly went from shallow to deep (family friendly), it was also reasonably close to everything.
There were 6 pool areas in the resort including the rock pool area, above this was another pool where water flowed down creating the waterfalls in the rock pool, an aqua-park area with watersides, to the left of the rock pool separated by a bridge was a small children’s pool, there was also a large deep pool and an indoor pool with a Jacuzzi #TooManyOptions.
There are many snack and drink bars located across the complex as well as 3 main restaurants for set meal times. I am one of those fussy eaters, a bit like the kids, and there are many different options however, it is the standard ‘all inclusive’ hotel food. One was an à la carte restaurant which the hotel provided one night’s three course meal per person, after that you would have to pay for any meals there. The steak was seasoned and cooked to perfection and it was hands down my favourite meal during my stay, they also cooked stone baked pizza which was freshly made, served until late, very cheap and tasted amazing!
During the day, hotel team reps would put on activities for both adults and children. There was also a range of sport activities out the front of the complex including biking, tennis courts, football courts and mini golf. An arcade would open during various hours which offered a range of games, there were many different shops and stalls around the complex where you could buy various things, as well as a few evening entertainment areas.
There was a range of pool floats you could buy from the local shop which were really cheap and the kids loved them.
You could even get those massive sunbathing flamingos for groups of people however, we opted for a couple of tires, a crocodile and the smaller hooped flamingo. Our room balcony was stuffed with pool floats and you could barely move out there. Of course I had to get an infamous flamingo selfie even though I’m heavily conscious of my mummy tummy, I still love the pic. My nephew had a mood on in the background so, in insta-fashion I had to crop him out #SorryNotSorry! At the end of the holiday we gave all our floats to a family that had just arrived, there was no way I was stuffing that flamingo in my case as much as I loved it! Many people who, I presume, were leaving the same day as us were going around the pools trying to offload their floats to different families, we got offered some a few times.
My favourite place throughout the whole resort was the private beach with its soft golden sand and glowing ocean. It had its own beach snack bar as well as an ocean bar, a small shack-like shop where you could get cans of branded drinks and pool floats, various beach activities, and of course sunbeds. If you stood still enough in the ocean you could see small fish swimming around your feet, although my phone is waterproof I was too scared to put it under the water #AnxietyOverload!
The best time to take a stroll down the beach was at stupid o’clock, after being attacked by the sunbeds at the pool. Watching the sun rise up and over the ocean with an empty beach and only the sound of the waves was complete bliss, once it would reach approximately 5:30am a flock of flamingos would migrate across to West and then back to the East at sunset. I just managed to capture the flamingos one morning whilst taking photos of the sunrise.
The week went far to quickly and overall, the destination is absolutely stunning and the people are lovely. The hotel offers so many different things which are perfect for every holiday experience, whether its a family holiday, solo trip or a couples getaway. I would definitely recommend the Sahara Beach Resort and will most certainly visit Tunisia again.
Life In Her Soul 