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[AD]: URBAN VEDA RADIANCE HYDRATING RANGE


I've been loving the Radiance hydrating range from Urban Veda, it's perfect for the warmer weather were having as it really hydrates the skin. The range includes a day and night cream, hydrating toner and even a body wash and body lotion. I've been using the radiance day cream and radiance hydrating toner so thought i'd share my thoughts.

First up both products smell incredible, even Clint has commented on the scent as it's just so lovely. It's a fresh, clean, floral smell, it's just gorgeous but not overpowering. The range is enriched with brightening Tumeric extract to brighten even the dullest complexion. 

The day cream is light-weight which is perfect for the summer months, it dries into the skin super quick and preps the skin ready for the day. UrbanVeda Tumeric is designed to naturally balance environmental factors with botanicals to help skin lock in moisture and retain it's natural glow. The papaya and Goji berry extract is enriched with a cell-repairing amino-acid complex to help correct signs of hyperpigmentation, boost complexion and balance skin tone. I've noticed a real difference in my skin, it has more of a natural glow and feels more plump and hydrated. I've also noticed the wrinkles on my forehead appear less prominent, this is due to the Ayurvedic arjuna extract which is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The hydrating toner is lovely, I apply it to the skin with a cotton pad in circular motions as instructed. It removes all traces of make up and balances the PH level of your skin to boost hydration. It's a really lovely, gentle product. It doesn't sting and leaves the skin feeling really clean and subtle. Again the Tumeric, Papaya and Goji berry work together to hydrate and brighten the skin.

I'm really enjoying the range so far and have noticed a real difference to my skin straight away. I have been using both products morning and evening, I think I will invest in the night cream as the day cream is lovely and i'm sure it won't disappoint. If you shop over on Fragrance Direct right now you can Save 10% if you spend £50 and you can also get a free gift if you buy 2 or more products from Urban Veda. 



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LIFESTYLE: WAYS TO STAY POSITIVE THIS YEAR


In today's post I want to talk about staying positive and ways in which I think you can stay positive and increase your productivity in 2018. I'm going to include a few products to help you stay organised and things you can do to make 2018 the best year yet!

First up it's the 18th of January so you should all have a brand new diary and calendar, if not you need to go and get one. I think writing down things really helps me stay productive and I like to tick things off and this keeps me on track. I also keep a note of any appointments etc, coffee with friends so i'm super productive and know what i'm doing from one day to the next. If I have a free day then I can use this for blogging and i'll usually write a list of blog posts I want to write or write a list of products I need to review so i've always got something to write about. I also use the calendar and notes on my phone but I find actually writing things in my diary and on my calendar works better for me. There's lots of lovely planners around like The Happiness Planner and these ones from Dot Creates and so if you work from home or like having a big diary I think they are great and have lots of sections to keep you organised. 

Next up why not invest in a new wardrobe, get yourself some nice new clothes that you will be proud to be seen in. If you work in an office get yourself a nice new jacket or suit. This will make you feel really confident, and ready to get that promotion this year. If you are self-employed even though you don't wear a uniform appearing clean and professional is a good way to get new commissions, work etc, even if you just invest in a new dress, pair of jeans or a new coat. 

Having a positive mental attitude is going to boost positivity and productivity this year. Why not join the gym or start going for a run, I find exercise a really good way of thinking and i've come up with some really good ideas whilst i've been out for a jog. Exercise can also help you sleep better which is another benefit and another way to boost your positive attitude. 
Start doing yoga, have a massage, go for a walk around a park, just take some time out for you. Personal well-being is very important and looking after yourself should be a priority this year.  

Healthy eating is another good way of staying positive, I always have a 'lets do this' attitude when i'm eating well. I'm always very motivated to do well. Sugary and fatty foods can make you feel sluggish and can leave you feeling tired and irritated.  







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FITNESS: GETTING THAT PRE-PREGNANCY BODY BACK!



Buggy builders: fitness for new families  
During a pregnancy and birth, a female’s body can change a million times over – but it is truly worth it when you meet your new-born baby for the first time. For many women though, it gets to a point after birth that you want to get your pre-baby body back and losing your baby weight can prove difficult. For this reason, a growing number of women are joining post-natal classes and are trying to get back into shape after giving birth to their little ones. With a new-born baby in tow, it can be hard to go back to the gym though – but where there is a will, there is a way.  
But when is the right time to start exercise again? Following the NHS’s recommendation, six weeks is an appropriate time to wait until starting exercise. The reason for this is that your six-week post-natal check-up will determine how well you have recovered. However, women who exercised regularly before pregnancy, may feel fit and well to begin working out sooner than the six-week check – each new mum is different. You’ll know within yourself if you feel fit enough to get back into your regime, don’t push yourself too soon.  
However, that is not to say that you won’t come across fitness inspiration and motivational posts on social media in those six weeks. Social media has become the heart of fitness inspiration, and post-natal fitness is no exception. The internet has inspired a lot of us to reach our fitness goals, and post-natal goals are no different. In fact, post-natal posts are becoming increasingly popular across the web, with #postnatalfitness associated with 53,003 Instagram posts.  
Until a few years ago, there was a gap in the market for post-natal fitness classes – industry professionals recognised this and began to design classes which were specifically targeted and new mums. The post-natal classes aim to provide a solution for new mums who were struggling to get back into shape after having their new born. There are now specialised post-natal exercise classes that help women get back into shape with their baby’s – an opportunity for new mums to get their pre-baby body back. Classes usually allow mums to bring their little ones along to the class with them.  
Post-natal classes have shown to have more than just physical benefits. Many mums have also revealed that exercising after having their baby has helped prevent, or ease post-natal depression as exercise has made them ‘happier’. Research would suggest this to be true, as exercise is shown to release endorphins in the body – hormones which can have positive psychological effects, such as a ‘euphoric high’.  
The founder of RGL fitness is a mum who knows a thing or two about post-natal fitness – Randi Lynn Greene has over 39.9k Instagram followers thanks to her workout and yoga routine posts that can be done by new mums who have a baby in tow. She has proven that workouts can be done by mums at home with a little one crawling around. Of course, nutrition is just as important as your workout regime. Greene, who has also appeared on Lorraine on ITV to show mums that you can exercise at your own convenience.    
Getting rid of the ‘dad bod’ 
The dad bod is something that Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine have proven to be true as well! In a study of 10,000 men over 10 years, the university studied men through different stages of their life – from adolescents and young adults, to new fathers. The study showed that those found that men who become fathers experience weight gain and an increase in body mass index, whilst those who didn't become dads generally lost weight over the same time period. 
The term dad bod is something that is circulating all over our social media feeds right now – whilst the term describes men with bodies that are neither toned or defined and normally those who don’t go to the gym and workout, it isn’t necessarily just fathers who have this body.  
But that bod can be avoided. A clean diet and effective workout regime are key. Your diet should consist of the three main macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein and essential fats. Avoid sugary and fatty treats – whilst they might give you an initial sugar rush, the energy boost won’t last long. You want to supply your body with foods that release energy slowly – being a dad can be tiring. For an extra boost before your workout, protein bars and shakes will help you push yourself harder to hit your performance goals. If you don’t have time to make it to the gym with all your new daddy duties, there are exercises you can do at home to keep yourself in shape:  
  • Plank – 45-60 seconds  
  • Jack-knifes – 25 reps  
  • Crunches – 25 reps  
  • Squats – 25 reps  
  • Jumping lunges – 25 reps each leg  
  • Sprint – 30 second, repeat 3 rounds  
  • Mountain climber – 25 each leg  
  • Press ups – 25 reps  

Sources 
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/25/c_136703355.htm  
https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/keeping-fit-and-healthy.aspx  



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CHRISTMAS: GETTING INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT


I haven't really got into the festive spirit just yet, December has crept up on me. I haven't bought any presents yet, I know i've just had a baby and I need to stop being so hard on myself. I thought i'd write a little blog post with some ways to get into the festive spirit. 

Decorating the tree is one of my favourite ways to get into the festive spirit, we put our tree up around the 1st December. We make hot chocolates with cream and marshmellows and put a christmas film on. 

Go to some festive events in your local area, why not take the kids to visit Santa. We are taking Amelia to see Santa over the weekend. I think it will be lovely to get a photo of her with him whilst shes still a tiny newborn. Why not visit a Christmas Market, In Birmingham we have the German Market and there's an ice rink. I think we are going to the Market next week, i'm really looking forward to it. 

With snow forecast over the weekend you might want to stay in and spend some time at home. You can watch films with popcorn and hot chocolates with the family. Get those Christmas cards written and wrap presents.You can win yourself some money to have the most amazing Christmas by browsing some new bingo games online, and don't forget to order those last minute gifts online. 

Get your Christmas bedding out and add some fairy lights in your bedroom to make it cosy and Christmassy.

I'm really excited for our First Christmas as a family of three, we have lots going on over the next couple of weeks and I need to try and fit in Christmas Shopping at some point. How are you getting into the festive spirit. Have you visited a Christmas market or will you be visiting Santa in his grotto? 





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LIFESTYLE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PART TIME BLOGGER



I thought it might be quite fun to talk about what I do on a day to day basis as my life is pretty much about to change in every way possible. If you didn't know ( WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ? ) i'm pregnant and my baby is due pretty much any day now. We are due on the 4th November but I have a feeling she is going to make an early entrance. Once little bubba is here pretty much everything is going to change, I will have a little person that I have to look after every second of every day.

I'm currently on maternity leave so I've had lots of time to work on my blog and catch up with friends, I've even been watching a few seasons of Gossip Girl on Netflix.

I usually start by waking up and checking my phone, i'll scroll through everything Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, check my emails and Snapchat before getting up and ready for the day.

Once i'm up i'll pop the kettle on and make my breakfast, I've been loving Coco Pops throughout pregnancy. I usually have toast or a bagel with a cup of tea. Another look at my phone and whats going on in the world before getting ready.

My dressing table is in my bedroom and usually i'll watch a few Youtube videos or listen to some music on Spotify whilst I get ready. Once my make up is all done and my hair is straight I go and pick out an outfit and get dressed.

Then it's time to think about blogging and how i'm going to spend the day. I write a lot of lists and will usually try and plan out what blog posts i'm going to write. I'll reply to any emails and spend time working on my blog whether that's writing a product review, taking photos for my blog or I could have an outfit to feature so Clint and I might pop out to take some outfit snaps.

Sometimes i'll go and meet a friend for a coffee in town or have a chilled day at home, as I said i've been watching Netflix, right now i'm watching Gossip Girl. I'm nearly finished season 2, it's soo good.

I'll usually keep an eye on my emails throughout the day via my phone but if there's any important ones i'll pop my laptop back on and reply to a few emails. On the evening's I try and keep them free so I can chill out with Clint. We love watching films and will usually watch a film on Netflix.

As you can see I spend alot of time on my laptop and on my phone so it's really important that I have good broadband. We don't have any problems with our internet and as I said above I use it alot! It's great when were watching our programmes and films online, we don't get any buffering. It's really fast when i'm browsing my social media apps and even uploading videos to Youtube doesn't take me very long at all. Check out what packages Talk Talk Business have to offer.

And that's pretty much it, I love having a nice hot bath and unwinding. get my pj's on and ready for bed. I've been reading a few pregnancy books before bed to relax and get myself ready for bed. I've also been thinking about Christmas alot as it's just around the corner. I've been writing lists and browsing on my phone looking for the perfect gifts for our friends and family. I think were going to be doing most of our Christmas shopping online this year as I really don't fancy doing my Christmas shopping and battling the crowds with a new born baby.

How much do you use your internet at home? Do you use the internet to upload videos and watch films at home like us? Or do you just do abit of online shopping and Skype your family and friends? Use the hashtag #BroadbandandMe to share how important decent internet speeds are to you and what you use your internet for when your at home.








* This post is in collaboration with Talk Talk
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LIFESTYLE: TOP TIPS FOR RENTING



Today's post is all about my top tips for renting. I've been renting for about a year and a half now and have had a few ups and downs along the way. I found blog posts such as this really helpful when we were looking at renting as if was all new to us and we had only ever lived at home with parents. Below are a few of my top tips for renting, if you have any questions and I haven't covered it below then just send me a comment or email and i'm happy to help or check out the HomeLet website for lots of information about renting for tenants and landlords.

ORGANISATION - You need to be organised when renting, from looking at properties to moving in. When looking at properties you need to know how much you are willing to spend and how much you can afford, you need to know what you want, how many bedrooms?  a garden? bath or shower?

Write a list of properties you want to enquire about with estate agent information and numbers and make sure you have all your documents ready to go! We found renting was very speedy you need to get your applications in quickly, they usually need to see your financial documents and get you to fill out forms with your passport details so have everything to hand.

When you actually move in it's good to go into the empty house/ flat etc and take photos of everything. That way you have proof of what was in the house when you moved in and what kind of state it was in. This makes it easier when your trying to get your deposit back when moving out. Also write a list of these things too just incase you loose the photos as a backup. We have a folder where we keep all of the bills, documents and I have kept this list safe in here.


PAYING THE BILLS - As well as your rent, you have other bills to pay like council tax, utility bills like water, gas, electric and internet. I set up a joint account with Clint and we use this to pay all of these bills. We each put money in on payday and this covers all of these bills so we don't have to worry. Try and set up your bills so they come out at around the same time, all of our bills come out on the first of the month which makes it easy to remember. Use comparison websites to get the best deals on your utility bills, don't just stick with what the previous tenant had.

INSURANCE - You should get some kind of content insurance should you have any kind of accident, this covers your stuff as most landlords insurance doesn't cover your things. Also appliances should be checked regularly. Our boiler and gas appliances are checked every year to make sure it's safe.

TENANCY AGREEMENT- Make sure you have an up to date tenancy agreement. If you have been living at the same place for a while or you decided to have a short term tenancy agreement then have a look over this and make sure it's up to date. You may have originally agreed on a 6 month tenancy but now a 12 month tenancy would suit you better, get in touch with your landlord or estate agent about updating the agreement if you feel it's now out of date.


Do you have any tips for renting or are you about to rent for the first time? Use the hashtag #RentingRules and share your top tips for renting! 














* This post is in collaboration with HomeLet

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GIFT GUIDE: GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM


In a couple of weeks Clint and I will be celebrating our 4 year anniversary. We always get each other a gift so i've been looking at what to get him. I find Clint quite easy to shop for as he's always grateful and happy with whatever I get him, I think this year he would love the new blues top as his one from last year hasn't washed great and the sponsor is coming off, so he could do with a new one. I thought i'd share a few gift ideas incase you have a Birthday or occasion coming up and need some gift ideas.

I know Clint has been looking for a new mens trimmer and this Panasonic one looks really good. This 3 in 1 trimmer allows you to shave, trim and style. It's cordless and easy to use. You can choose from 20 different cutting lengths so you can create the perfect style for you using the different attachments and functions.

You can't really go wrong with fragrance, although some people are very fussy when it comes to scents. I find it really easy to buy aftershave for Clint and my dad, they tend to like similar things. Clints favourite is Invictus by Paco Robanne which smells so good. A few of his other favourites include, Davidoff Cool Water and any of the David Beckham aftershaves.

Next up I saw this sock subscription on notonthehighstreet.com and I think it's such a good gift idea. Clint actually really likes getting socks for his birthday or Christmas. You can choose how long they receive the subscription for, I think its a really unique and cool way to gift socks.

Clint loves a Corona and would be very happy with a few bottles of his favourite beer for our anniversary. We will probably order a take away and i'll get him a couple of bottles of beer and have a chilled night in, that sounds like a perfect way to spend our anniversary.

I wanted to get him a cute gift and I spotted this key ring and I thought it would be cute to get something personalised. It's so easy to personalise gifts now. I was thinking of getting the date of our anniversary printed onto the keyring ( he can't forget the date then) or I thought getting our babies due date would be really cute, I could either put her name or we've been calling her petal so it's personal to us.


I really love buying gifts for people and have really enjoyed putting this gift guide together, do you struggle to buy for the men in your life? You can see my fathers day gift guide here for even more gift ideas for the men in your life.









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INTERIORS: HOW TO GET YOUR HOME LOOKING SUMMER READY?

Images taken from Pinterest 

With summer fast approaching it's the perfect time to make some changes to your home, freshen it up and get summer ready! Today I thought i'd share a few ways to get your home looking summer ready.

There are lots of affordable ways in which you can get your home looking summer ready. 

Using flowers and plants - adding a pop of colour using plants and flowers is a really easy and affordable way to make your home summery. I always have flowers in the flat. We also have a selection of plants, too add lots of colour to the flat. 

Accessories - Use accessories like candles, cushions and prints to add colour to a room. This is an easy to way to revamp a room without spending lots of money. I'm loving all the botanical prints that are around right now! 

Mirrors -  A big mirror will add more space to a room aswell as lots more light! A bigger and brighter space will instantly look lighter and more summery. 

Open all the windows and doors - I like to let lots of fresh air in and have a good clean this makes a room feel all new and fresh and perfect for the new season. 

Colour - Use colours to create a summery room. We have white walls so I prefer to add colour using accessories and furniture. You could use wallpaper or paint to create a feature wall that screams summer.  


Images taken from Pinterest 

 Images taken from Pinterest 
Images taken from Pinterest 



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