Foodie Gifts from Sous Chef*

11th November 2019

Halloween and bonfire night have passed, which, according to just about everywhere now means it’s Christmas! I’m usually one of those people who is super organised and has most of their shopping done by now, but this year I am a bit stuck and therefore WAY behind myself. Am I panicking? Perhaps a little…but I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end.

I was recently sent a couple of gifts from Sous Chef which is one of my all time favourite foodie sites to browse, so to say I was over the moon would be a slight understatement. Actually, since these items arrived I’ve had further browsing sessions on the site and I do feel that half my Christmas shopping problems have been solved.
Anyway…

Anyone that knows Bob and I will be familiar with our chilli obsession; we curved our enthusiasm somewhat after a vegan chilli disaster last year (never before has a dinner gone entirely in the bin, it was literally glowing from the heat it contained) but are gently easing ourselves back in, so this Mexican Chilli Selection (£13.95) was very well received and is just one of many fantastic chilli options on the Sous Chef website.

The second item we were sent was this beautiful Ramen set (£39.50) which could not have been better timed as we had literally just a few days before decided we wanted to experiment more with ramen and noodle dishes in general.

This is such a beautiful set (there are several options available) and makes such an ideal gift for a foodie couple. It comes with a booklet full of recipes, and whilst we haven’t made anything yet you’d better watch this space (well, instagram) for what is to come.

Both items arrived impressively packaged and ready to give as gifts. Whilst these items were gifted to me by Sous Chef I honestly cannot recommend this website enough, I’ve been a fan girl for years. You’ll find everything you need for foodie friends and family, from stocking fillers and delicious treats to much grander gifts for super special occasions.

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The October Degustabox*

08th November 2019

I think that the October 2019 Degustabox might be one of my favourite boxes to date, there wasn’t one product included that I didn’t like- and some have become instant favourites in this house.

I’ve long been a fan of Amy’s Kitchen soups and the organic rustic Italian vegetable is delicious. It’s gluten free and organic, and whilst on the pricey side (£2) for a tinned soup it’s something I always stock up on when I see them on offer- especially now it’s officially soup weather.

As ever I’m always on a mission to cut down my fizzy drink intake, and much more open to trying soft drinks than I once was. Whilst I would’t go out of my way to purchase Upbeat Drinks juicy protein water, if I saw it on my regular lunch shopping trip I’d definitely pick it up for an afternoon hydration boos with the added bonus of the protein if you’re the type who likes to work out.

Again on the cutting down fizzy drinks misson, I’ve really enjoyed these three blends from Tick Tock Tea, especially the bounce variety. Also, how awesome is this packaging?

I almost feel like this broccoli crisps are worth their own post. This was my first introduction to the Grower’s Garden brand and I’m hooked- even Bob, who was very sceptical about Broccoli in savoury snack form has become obsessed- it’s just a shame they aren’t yet more widely available. Who knew the taste of Broccoli could become so addictive?

Pip’s real hot chocolate is another great brand discovery- I favour the classic whereas Bob was about the praline. These are perfect stocking fillers for any chocolate lover, and a luxurious treat after a long hectic day (also vegan friendly and gluten/nut free).

There’s not much one can say about Maple Syrup that hasn’t been said before, we’ve been loving this on porridge- and I think Bob is angling for a pancake breakfast very soon!

If you love garlic then these Garlic and Parsley snacks are for you. Incredibly pungent, super light and airy and totally addictive. Not one for your packed lunch.

I really like chocolate bars disguised as something healthier such as this Boost + Protein bar. Not that you need an excuse for chocolate but this has 12g protein in each bar making it even more justifiable – and who really needs to justify chocolate?

Next we have these chocolate and hazelnut shots from Whitworths. I’ve been buying these snacks for a couple of years now, they are perfect for handbags and have a good balance as a sweet treat with a healthier boost.

Finally we have Gourmet Drops in chocolate and vanilla- these are designed for coffee but I’ve been using them in porridge too. The vanilla is by far my favourite but the chocolate is pretty decent too.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.

If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s 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 XOQGC 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.

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Levis x Hello Kitty

03rd November 2019

I guess this outfit is my version of “jeans and a nice top” now that I’m over 30 and pretty anti-social (I much prefer an early night in comfy pjs than crawling home in the small hours dressed up to the nines and my wardrobe very much reflects that).

This hoodie was a fortituous find as I thought that I had missed out on the rather fabulous Levis x Hello Kitty collaboration/that I wouldn’t ever be able to justify spending the money on it. A visit to Clarks Village came good though as not only did we find my dream hoodie at 20% off, but Bob decided that I simply must own it and treated me.

The jeans are another recent find. I really struggle with jeans, I strongly dislike how I look in them, and find that most pairs just leave me in a pit of self loathing after about five minutes. In desperation I took to social media to see what jeans people were loving and took up Sophie’s recommendation of the New Look Lift and Shape skinny jeans, which are affordable, flattering AND comfortable.

I’ve really neglected the more personal aspect of blogging lately. It’s all lifestyle/life advice type content because I just haven’t been in the right headspace to put myself out there at all.
October was a hard month, historically it always has been for me and it’s taken quite a lot of inner strength (stubbornness) and support from Bob to get through. It’s November now though and it’s already shaping up to be a better month, and I have a renewed determination and motivation to get to my final targets in terms of health and wellbeing (and what better time of year to be trying to gain a few kilos right? Extra warmth and so many seasonal foods about).

We’re just coming to the end of a super chilled out weekend, one we both needed after a horrible week. There’s been time with my family, time curled up watching movies and drinking gin, good food, many laughs and a hefty dose of productivity around the house.

So that’s kind of where I’m at lately. Struggling with myself a bit, but ploughing through. We have such a busy month coming up with various commitments and a week away up with Bob’s Mum as he turns 30…and then before we know it we’ll be in full blown Christmas madness. I’m really hoping I can get some better posts up…gift guides, wish lists, wedding planning updates…

What have you been up to lately? Watched any good films/TV series? Recommendations welcome.
Until next time…

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The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants over 50*

30th October 2019

An average of one in four adults lose all of their teeth by the age of 74, according to an American dental study. Complete or partial tooth loss can arise through gum disease, accidents, broken or decayed teeth as well as failed root canal treatments.

While it was traditional to replace missing teeth with fixed bridgework and dentures in the past, these days there has been a sharp increase in the amount of dental implants being chosen as an alternative. The reasons for choosing implants over dentures are quite obvious. Dental implants look and feel more natural than their alternatives, so for anyone who is conscious about their looks, implants give a more aesthetic result.

However, replacing missing teeth is more than just cosmetic. Once you have lost a tooth for whatever reason, the supporting alveolar bone within the jaw will begin to deteriorate. This means that as the bone disintegrates it can seriously impact on the structure of your face. This can lead to problems with your jaw and the supporting muscles, as well as the pressure placed on your remaining teeth.

Your jaw alignment can become affected because your remaining teeth may have a tendency to move around or become loose. This can affect chewing and swallowing as well as cause some pain or discomfort to the soft tissues around your jaws and cheeks. This is why it is best to have any missing teeth replaced with a suitable alternative as soon as possible.

Pros of dental implants over 50

A dental implant is far more secure than a denture alternative. The implant is made up of a titanium screw that is inserted into your jaw bone where the missing tooth once was. The metal screw is then allowed to sit for a few weeks so that the gums and jaw bone can heal around it. This helps to stabilize the implant further. Your dentist will fit a temporary crown while this is happening. After the screw has fused with the jawbone, your dentist will then replace the temporary crown with a permanent replacement tooth.

The good thing about implants when compared to bridges is that they don’t need their neighbouring teeth for support. The permanent structure of an implant means that your existing teeth are kept stable in the jaw and are protected from damage. Unlike dentures, implants prevent bone loss because they replace the whole tooth and its root.

Because implants look, feel and work just like real teeth, there is no worry about chewing difficulties, food becoming trapped under a plate or clicking noise when eating, such as is experienced often with dentures.

Cons of dental implants over 50

There is always a downside to having any medical procedure, so although dental implants are considered safe, there may be a slight risk of complications. These could include: bleeding; infection; and nerve, sinus or nasal cavity injuries. Although if you are in good general health and don’t suffer from any major illness or disease, then the risks are extremely low.

The main downside of having implants is the fact that they are not considered to be a quick-fix solution. Because it takes a few steps over a number of weeks to complete, you can expect to wait for anything up to six months from having your first treatment to actually having your finished implant fitted. This is because your implant must fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. You will have a temporary crown in place while you wait.

Despite waiting time for the treatments, dental implants are safe and reliable solutions for tooth loss for older adults. Worldwide success rates are over 90% and most people will be completely unaware that you have them.

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Healthy Habits for Healthier Skin*

29th October 2019

http://Photo by Sarah Comeau on Unsplash

A lot of people have spent heavily on skincare products and other cosmetics expecting to get flawless skin with one miracle fix; they don’t understand that a skincare routine is the secret to healthy skin and a fair complexion.

A skincare routine works magic in achieving great complexion, especially with the right products. Beauty comes from the inside; so what you consume also affects your skin’s health.

Proper skin care routines also delay ageng and helps prevent skin infections. Have you been looking for effective ways of maintaining healthy skin but no results yet? Worry no, below are powerful skincare tips that will help get on you on the road to a glowing complexion.

1. Drink Enough Water

Water helps hydrate your body and flushes out body toxins, a glass of warm lemon water early in the morning before breakfast works miracles in cleaning your skin. The lemon helps produce more blood cells, thus cleansing the blood, while water aids in relaxing the digestive tract. If you like, add ginger or honey to the concoction for soothing antibacterial properties.

Drinking plenty of water not only quenches your thirst but also clears your skin leaving it radiant and spotless. Besides, water is calorie-free, therefore, instead of drinking coffee or other sweetened beverages, grab a glass of h2o.

Drinking a glass of cold water in the morning helps you maintain a healthy weight. The body uses lots of energy to heat the cold water to the body’s temperature.

2. Avoid Intense Sun

Avoiding the sun is an excellent way of taking care of your skin. Intense sun rays cause age spots, wrinkles, and other skin complications. Sun exposure is also a key contributor to the development of skin cancer. Sun discolours your skin and so it’s essential to avoid exposure, especially when the UV rays are intense.

Otherwise, in the case of unavoidable circumstances, you can use sunscreen to protect your skin. Apply sunscreen on your body and keep reapplying every two hours. Also, wearing protective clothing when the climate allows; wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat to shield you from the harmful sun rays.

The destructive sun’s UV rays drain your skin, leaving it dry, and so your body reacts by producing more oil. Moreover, the rays destroy your skin’s collagen and elastic tissue leaving your skin sagging and stretched.

3. Be Gentle With Your Skin

Daily skin cleansing, as well as shaving may have adverse effects on your skin if you are not gentle. Avoid using harsh soaps and detergents that will strip oil from your skin. Ensure you use mild cleansers that are kinder to your skin. Shorten your bath time because prolonged showers, as well as hot water draw oil from your skin and dry it out.

Alternatively use warm water and take a quick shower. Also, be careful when shaving to avoid bruises and skin damage. For a smooth shave use lubricants like shaving creams, gel or lotion before shaving (or hair conditioner works well). Make sure you use a sharp and clean razor blade and avoid shaving against your natural hair growth.

Instead shave in the direction of hair growth for a clean and painless shave. After the shower don’t be rough when drying your body. Gently pat your skin dry using a soft towel to leave some moisture on your skin. Use a moisturiser containing SPF on your dry skin daily.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

There is a close relationship between quality sleep and flawless skin. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep each day dramatically improves your skin’s health. On the other hand sleeping for too few hours will impair your skin complexion.

Studies reveal that people with sleep disorders are likely to get diseases like eczema, skin aging, and psoriasis. During the day your body goes through a lot, therefore a deep sleep is essential for cell regeneration. Prolonged sleep also rejuvenates and repairs your body’s damaged cells.

Failing to get enough sleep means that you interrupt the regeneration process which eventually results in noticeable signs of aging skin. For younger-looking skin and a fair complexion ensure you get enough sleep.

5. Choose the Best Face Mask

Nowadays facemasks have become popular due to their importance in face treatment. It’s simple to use face masks, however, you need the right face mask for younger and better-looking skin. Apply the face mask and give your skin time to absorb the valuable ingredients.

It’s advisable to be cautious when buying a face mask because not all are genuine. There are lots of face masks on the market, and some are made cheaply with low quality ingredients, these are meant to deceive people in to thinking they are getting a bargain quick fix and they don’t result in a notable change.

Experimenting is the sure way of finding the right face mask. Nevertheless, you don’t have to try all of them to make a choice. If you choose the best face mask you will never regret it and your face will be flawless.

6. Don’t Use Your Hands to Remove Blackheads

Removing blackheads using your hands is a bad habit that leaves your skin with red marks. Instead, the best and safest way to get rid of blackheads is by using a blackhead remover; when buying one choose a remover that is easy to use and has a high suction level.

Touching your skin with dirty hands also affects your skin. Choosing the best blackhead remover is ideal for the quick and safe removal of blackheads without physically touching your face. The best blackhead remover should be non-toxic and able to restore skin elasticity.

7. Eat Healthy Foods

The kind of food you eat determines your skin condition. You therefore need to eat healthy food to achieve a dazzling and glowing complexion. Food nourishes your body, which has a close connection with radiant skin. It’s worthwhile to include skin-friendly foods in your diet and skincare routine.

These foods include vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C has vast antioxidants that help protect the skin from the dangerous effects of free radicals. Also, vitamin C promotes faster healing, which improves skin texture.

Vitamins A, E, and K, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 are also beneficial nutrients for healthy skin. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are equally essential for flawless skin.

Healthy skin doesn’t have to cost you a fortune because some tricks are simple, like drinking water, getting enough sleep, and avoiding the sun. Most of the above tips may seem ordinary but make a big difference. All these tricks work wonders; however, for impressive results, you have to be consistent and make the habits part of your daily routine.

Resources— Herbal Dynamics Beauty, Mayo Clinic, Times Of India