Yearly Archives: 2018

Why Perfect Beauty Products Vary From One Person to the Next*

23rd July 2018
Over the years we try countless beauty products in pursuit of the perfect skin; some of them work better than expected, but others are nothing but a letdown despite what the reviews may say.
Companies spend a lot of money conducting beauty consumer research in an effort to test and perfect products- personal care consumer research firms enlist a variety of testers to try products before they hit the market. This research helps the company discover which beauty products consumers are most interested in using and what kind of results can be expected when a product is used by a variety of customers.
This last part is important because no two people are alike, many beauty products claim to be the best, but what’s best can differ from one person to the next, this post helps to explain why.
Skin Type

What skin type do you have? The answer to that question is the basis for many of the beauty products that will work best on your skin. It’s also the key to protecting your skin from the harsh elements.

There are two measurements for skin type, one relates to the quality of your skin and oil production while the other is based on sun sensitivity.

You’ve probably seen beauty products that are labeled for normal, oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin. This refers to what your skin looks and feels like (and just so you know, most people don’t fall into the normal category of perfectly balanced, clear skin- it should really be called abnormally lucky skin!)

Oily skin shines because sebaceous glands produce an overabundance of oil. This type of skin tends to be thick and may be plagued by large pores and blemishes. You’ll need to use a deep pore cleanser and mattifiers to minimize the appearance of pores. 

Dry skin is the result of limited oil production and lack of moisture. It causes the skin to look flaky and dull. People with dry skin are also more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizers and skin glazing products are needed to correct dryness and give your face a healthy glow.
 
Combination skin is – you guessed it – a mix of oily and dry skin. Many people fall into this category. Typically, skin will be oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry in the cheek and eye areas. 

Sensitive skin is skin that reacts easily to external factors like beauty products, wind, and pollution. If you have sensitive skin you’ll have to steer clear of products with harsh ingredients, soaps, and fragrances.
 
There’s also something called the Fitzpatrick scale. It measures the amount of pigment in your skin and how it reacts to sun exposure. These factors combined help tell you your risk for skin cancer. 
There are six categories in the Fitzpatrick scale:

Skin Type 1 – ivory skin colour, freckled, always burns, never tans
Skin Type 2 – fair skin colour, usually freckled, often burns, rarely tans
Skin Type 3 – fair to beige skin colour, sometimes freckled, occasionally burns, sometimes tans
Skin Type 4 – olive to light brown skin colour, sometimes freckled, rarely burns, usually tans
Skin Type 5 – dark brown skin colour, rarely freckled, rarely burns, always tans
Skin Type 6 – black skin colour, never freckled, never burns, always tans

Skin Conditions

Skin conditions can be related to skin type, but they aren’t the same; they’re health conditions that affect skin quality and appearance. Rosacea is an example of a common skin condition that affects the types of beauty products that are used.

Lifestyle
Your DNA isn’t the only thing that impacts skin quality and issues. Lifestyle also plays a major role, for instance smoking, frequently swimming in pools and sunbathing drys out the skin. Eating certain foods can make your skin more oily. Water intake is another important factor that affects skin quality, healthy skin requires good hydration.

So, How Important Are Beauty Product Efficacy Ratings?
The research and efficacy ratings noted above can still prove useful despite the uniqueness of our skin. This is definitely true when a product is made to address a specific skin problem that you’re having or is made for your skin type. 
What’s most important is that you pay careful attention to how a beauty product is formulated, the ingredients that are used and the skin type of the testers. This will go a long way in telling you if the product is right for your skin.

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Posted in beauty, skincare

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The Impact of what, and where we eat

14th July 2018

As part of re-developing a healthy relationship with food I’ve really begun to appreciate the importance of sitting down at a table for a meal. Even when dining alone it focuses your mind on what you’re eating, meaning you appreciate the meal, the tastes and pay attention to your body’s hunger signals and personal tastes. If eating in company then it provides the perfect environment to maintaining healthy relationships; whilst it might be tempting to sprawl on the couch with your parter and your supper, it does tend you mean you ignore each other in favour of what’s on the TV screen.

I’m not alone in this either, recent research commissioned by furniture retailer Furniture Village shows that one in three people chose the dining table as their favourite spot to enjoy a meal, with 70% adding it had a positive impact on family relations, and 28% stating it improved their mental health (I’m 100 percent with that 28%).

Photo by Sara Dubler on Unsplash

Whilst preference for eating at a table might be strong, this doesn’t manage to translate itself in to reality. Out of 2,000 UK residents surveyed, the research showed that 52% ditched the table, and daily conversation in favour of the TV, and 42% opted to spend time on their phones whilst eating rather connecting directly with those around them.

This kind of makes me sad. I feel like food, and family time should be top priority- as kids we always ate as a family, and whilst I went through various phases of wanting to eat away from the table (mostly isolated away from anyone and distracted by a screen or loud music) I’ve always come back to the classic table chair set up, and Bob and I make a point of never eating slouched on the couch except in rare circumstances (Westworld finale included).

It’s not just relationships with those around us that suffer with TV dinners, nutritionist Samantha Paget stated: “Food choices may be negatively impacted by eating away from the dining table – with the temptation to grab something that’s easier to eat, which doesn’t often contain a wide variety of fresh nutrients.”

With good nutrition being my primary focus these days this does make me very aware that I need to pull my socks up when it comes to week day lunching. I am one of the 36% who eat at their desk every day- and whilst I do go out for twenty minute walk on my break this does mean I’m mindlessly munching my sushi or sandwich whilst focusing on something else. Lunch is the one meal I never put effort in to and I make choices based on how quick they are to eat, and how portable they are, rather than nutritional content or taste.

Whilst I don’t think my habits are too bad, compared to the statistics from the study that also show that 12% of adults never eat at the table, and that 41% see eating purely as a functional task.

The survey of more than 2,000 UK adults was commissioned by furniture retailer Furniture Village in a campaign to encourage people to reclaim their dining table and enjoy the all the positive impacts it can have on our physical and mental health, from a reduction in over-eating and heightened enjoyment of food to better family relationships. To see all the tips, visit the webpage. It makes for interesting reading and highlighted for me what I’m doing well and where I could stand to improve.

What are your eating habits like, and how do you compare to this study?

Also, any tasty, healthy lunch ideas to share? I need some serious inspiration after years of using as an excuse to skip a meal, or fill up on tasteless junk.

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Posted in food, life stuff, lifestyle

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Handy Hints for Handling Travel Delays and Cancellations*

05th July 2018
Regardless of whether you travel regularly or not, there’s a good chance that you’ll end up experiencing a flight delay or cancellation at some point in your life. Unfortunately, though our airlines are currently more innovative, and well-organised than ever, they’re not immune to the everyday issues that can cause all of us a little trouble. Anything from a technology issue, to a strike, or even a sudden thunderstorm could leave your flight grounded.
There may be nothing that you can do to eliminate your chances of suffering from a flight delay or cancellation completely. However, the good news is that there are steps you can take to make sure that you come through the experience with as little stress as possible. Here are our top tips.

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash

Travel Light and keep your Info Handy

First up, although there are some trips that you’ll need to pack heavily for – a month-long vacation with the whole family or a gap year for example, but there are other journeys that you can take with less weight on your back. Not only will travelling light make your experience more comfortable but it could make it easier to hop onto the next available flight faster when yours is cancelled.
Ultimately, the airline reps are going to place people who don’t have baggage to find on flights first because they’re less hassle to deal with. Keep all your belongings in one place and you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Make sure you have all your flight information at hand too so that you can offer up your details in an instant.

Switch on Your Smartphone

Most of us go everywhere with our technology these days so making sure you have your smartphone with you for your next flight shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. However, it’s worth making sure that you have an extra battery pack or charger handy just in case you’re held up.
When you’re hit by a flight delay or cancellation a phone comes in handy by making sure that you’re not stuck in a long line of other people who are complaining about the same thing as you. Get in touch with the airline reps in a different way- by calling their number, or reaching out on social media instead. Some air companies will even have their own apps that you can download and use to get faster customer service.

Know Your Rights

In the UK and across Europe if the flight delay or cancellation you suffer from was caused by something that the airline could control, and it lasts longer than three hours then you should be eligible for some compensation. The best thing you can do is find out as much as you can about your airline’s compensation policy by checking out their website – you can even read up before your flight if it helps.
Additionally, make sure that you keep hold of all the information you might need to make a claim when you get back home – including the names of the people you speak to and any receipts for food or drinks you buy in the airport.

Research Your Options

If you’re going to be on your phone anyway, then you might as well use the time you have to learn as much as you can about what’s going on with your flight. Find out why your plane has been grounded, and whether the cause is going to impact any of the other airlines that come to your airport. If the reason for your cancellation or delay is something that has nothing to do with the weather or something similar then you might be able to find an alternative flight with another airline.
If you can’t wait around for your airline rep to find a solution for you then you can always present the option you have found to them and see whether they can help you out with it.

Keep Your Mind Occupied and Calm
Finally, if your flight has been delayed or cancelled it’s important not to let it ruin your entire trip. One little hiccup doesn’t spell disaster. Take the extra time you have to relax, explore the airport, or even make some new friends by talking to someone in the same situation as you. If you’re travelling a long way and you’re exhausted you could even catch up on some shut-eye if you can find a safe place to rest.
Keeping yourself calm and entertained will also mean that you’re less likely to throw a tantrum and ruin your chances of getting a quick solution to your problem too.

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Posted in holiday, lifestyle, travel

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The June Degustabox*

03rd July 2018
The June 2018 Degustabox* and it’s arrival was swiftly followed by another exciting delivery in the form of some actual, summer weather here in the UK.
Ok so the novelty of the heatwave may have started to wear off now, but this month’s box was packed full of treats to help make any outdoor dining exciting. As ever I’ve done my best to try everything included in the box, but as also as ever there are a few products that I haven’t quite got round to yet.
I passed these biscotti from Great British Biscotti Co on to my Grandad for his expert opinion as I can’t eat them. He gave them a rave review, and they certainly look delicious. Made with only the finest ingredients and available in 20 different flavours, this particular variety left us with high hopes for more greatness from the brand which is soon to be available on Ocado and Amazon.
I’m addicted to Mighty Fine honeycomb and usually grab myself a sharing bag when I’m in Waitrose. These single portion bars are a welcome addition to the range and I highly recommend the Salted Caramel flavour. I’m not usually a Salted Caramel girl, but for this I make exception. You can find these in Sainsbury’s Local stores nationwide. Think next level Crunchie.
The product of the month this month was Capsicana cook sauces which I confess I haven’t tried yet. I haven’t been at home much to cook but I cannot wait to rustle up some fajitas with these- particularly the chilli and lime variety. I’ve used this brand’s products before and they really pack a powerful flavour punch so I have high expectations for these.
I had intended to save these Brioche Pasquier pains au lait for a savoury hotdog (veggie dog) filling, but as is prone to happen I got distracted by the bright and bold packaging and lure of a sweet and easy snack and munched them as are. It’s a bit cliche these days but I love brioche paired with savoury flavours so I am planning to repurchase soon for a BBQ feast. Having refused BBQ food for the best part of 16 years, this year I can’t get enough!
I’ve been eyeing up these Peckish BBQ rice crackers (and other varieties) in Sainsburys for a while now but never got round to buying them, therefore I couldn’t wait to try these. Light and crispy, with a good strong BBQ flavour these are baked rather than fried, gluten free and under 100 calories per portion. I’m looking forward to trying more from the brand.
I’ve long been an advocate of the Frylight brand as I still have a phobia of actual oil. The Avocado oil variety can withstand higher temperatures than other types making it ideal for stir-fries (although Bob and I mostly use it in our toastie maker)
Another product I haven’t got around to yet is this Idahoan Gratin Bake. It sounds delicious though, and is a quick and fuss free way to whip up a BBQ side dish. Assuming it’s as tasty as it sounds then this is a genius idea and I will report back once I’ve had a go.
As you can see, there was quite a selection of drinks in the June box- I skipped straight over the Fyre fruit drinks I’m sorry to say. I’m not a fan of anything but fruit in my drinks and the idea of added spice left me feeling a bit squeamish. As a concept though I think they are great, if you have tried these I’d love to know what you thought.

The Raspberry Roller cider from Rosie’s Pig when to my Dad who enjoyed it chilled, as an easy drink at the end of a long and hot day. At £2.00 a can it seems reasonably priced and looks and feels more premium than many flavoured ciders on the market.

There’s not much one can say about Orangina that hasn’t already been said. Unless you’ve lived under a rock you’ll be aware of the brand. That being said, Bob and I still very much enjoyed these bottles straight from the fridge after a very hot day. It’s a classic for a reason.

Finally we have no&more rapsberry & blueberry water. I’m trying to up my water intake but it has to be flavoured so finding one that tastes decent, with no added sugar or anything artificial is always a priority. I liked this and would definitely buy it if I saw it in a shop near me. It also comes in Tangerine & Mango which I’m 100% seeking out as well as a couple of other flavours.

For those who don’t yet know, Degustabox* is a monthly food subscription box that gives you the chance to try new and exciting products on the market whilst providing amazing value for money.
On a month by month basis the box costs £12.99 (with a discount for longer subscriptions) but the contents are generally worth far more than this as you can see if you do the maths.

If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £5.00 off of your first box (making it just £7.99!) by entering the code 6HZJ8 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought of them.

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Posted in food, review, snacking

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Losing the fear of being judged by others

27th June 2018

For as long as I can remember a fear of being judged by other people has held me back. I never spoke out at school, always tried to fit in with the norm and stopped myself accepting many opportunities that have come my way purely because I was so anxious about what other people might think of me that it was just easier to say no.

For the most part I’m much better with this these days. I’ve learnt to trust in my ability, and my opinion and don’t hold back anywhere near as much as I used to. I’ve gone from isolating myself and not socialising to pushing myself to interact and go to things…it’s not perfect, but a far cry from how it used to be.

There is however, one huge area where this fear of judgement holds me back, and that is my weight. I’ve had an eating disorder for 16 years and whilst weight loss was more of a side-effect of the over-riding control issues I’ve always struggled massively with getting back to a healthy weight.
For ages now I’ve had my head buried firmly in the sand about being done with weight gain. The fact is I still have a few kilos left to restore to be at optimum health and my main barrier to gaining them? As shallow as it sounds, it’s what other people might think of me.

Tee: Monki | Skirt and Shoes: ASOS

It’s only now that I’m really, really ready to let go of the final shackles this illness holds over me that I realise how much this has been holding me back. Forever fearful that if I gain those last few kilos I’ll be seen as greedy, as having “let myself go” and that people will wonder why on earth I’ve made a conscious decision to gain weight when I’m no longer in a position where it’s medically critical.

I’ve done a lot of thinking on the matter and I’ve realised how futile it is to restrict my life based on my perception of what other people may think.
If someone were to judge for for getting to the healthiest place I can be, ready to live the rest of my life then which one of us has the real problem here?

In the last year my life has expanded infinitely more than my waist line. I’ve found true love, I’ve thrived at work, I’ve had more freedom than I’ve ever known and it’s all still growing. With driving, moving in with my boyfriend, and hopefully in a couple of years starting a family all on the cards – not to mention the more minor things like finally being able to exercise again, to order cake when I’m out for coffee with friends without caring about the calories not being allotted to my day…all things I haven’t done for so many years it’s frustrating to know, and to finally realise and accept that I’m the one who has been holding me back all along.

And in recent weeks I am slowly learning to let go, and writing this blog post pays a big part in this. This public declaration that I’m not done with gaining weight, that yes, I will still share outfit photos and over the coming weeks and months you will witness me return to full health and full strength- this is a massive mile stone in my recovery. Even as I type this post I feel myself wanting to delete it, for fear of what my readers and my friends might think.
It’s not an easy process and not an hour goes by at the moment where I don’t question if this is right, if I can do this, if I even want this (of course I do). Fear of weight gain goes hand in hand with this and the thought of seeing the scales creep up and my clothes getting snugger fills me with a fear that I can’t even begin to explain. But finally, the fear of not living the life I want- never getting married, never having children, compromising my relationship over-rides that fear by a mile.
No more lies, no more excuses. This is a commitment to myself and to my future with Bob, my love for my family and finally not having that constant feeling of what someone else might be thinking about me- or at not letting that thought jeopardise what I do.

This is my two fingers up to fear of being judged. Finally I have a life I love, albeit still restricted by restriction and the only way to see it grow and flourish further is to grow and to flourish myself.

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Posted in life, life stuff, lifestyle, outfits, personal style, recovery

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