Car Care 101: The Exhaust*

11th January 2019
Welcome to the first, but definitely not last edition of Care Care 101; driving is still a very new venture for me, and as a first time car owner I am amazed at how much there is to learn and just how little I understand about my motor. I thought it might be helpful to pop together some posts about maintaining your car as I come across new information, in an easy to understand and (hopefully) easy to read format.
Today’s topic of choice: The Exhaust.
So, we all know that cars have an exhaust, but do we know why? I had a very vague understanding but following discussions both in and out of work it became clear that my knowledge left a lot to be desired.

The exhaust plays a vital part in the smooth running of your car, allowing it to be both efficient and as least damaging to the environment as a car can possibly be. The exhaust contains several components that need maintaining; these are as follows:

Exhaust Manifold: this vents the gases generated by the exhaust as well as burns the excess fuel that didn’t combust properly in the engine.

Oxygen Sensor: this sends oxygen level readings to your car which then regulates fuel consumption, helping you get the best fuel efficiency you can.

Exhaust Pipe: connects all of the components and allows gas to exit the system (to be honest I thought the pipe was the extent of the exhaust system!)

Catalytic Convertor: this converts the dangerous gases produced by your car.

Muffler: reduces sound pollution.

As you can see, it’s a lot more complex that it first appears and therefore regular servicing is vital. You can get your car exhausts serviced in London at DAT Tyres and other garages and workshops local to you.

All of these components work together to aid your car in achieving optimum performance. Without a functioning exhaust system you run the risk of emitting harmful gases in to the environment. The exhaust converts these gases in to carbon dioxide and water which is what you see coming out of the car in front.
A well maintained exhaust also improves the performance of your car and can improve fuel efficiency. In the same way as your body runs better when your chest and lungs aren’t clogged up with a cold; a car runs much better when it can exhale the fumes.
Finally taking care of your exhaust can reduce the amount you contribute to noise pollution. We’ve all been annoyed by the super noisy cars and the majority of the time this is caused by poor exhaust maintenance.

You can purchase your vehicle tyres from DAT Tyres London

I hope you’ve found this post helpful. If there are any elements of driving or car servicing you still find mystifying then let me know in the comments, I never thought I’d become “that” person, but I’m really enjoying building my knowledge.

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The December 2018 Degustabox

03rd January 2019
Happy New Year everyone! I have so many hopes and tentative plans for the blog in 2019 and I hope to fall back in love with it as much as I once was and introduce some new features. For now, here is one of my favourite long-standing features- the monthly Degustabox* review.

As ever, I’ve done my best to review every product in the box, but, as ever, I have fallen slightly short and there are some I haven’t yet sampled for various reasons. We had a pretty manic festive season and still have a house full of food so it was a tall order to get through all of this lot as well!

Kicking off with some snacky items, firstly we have the nature’s store salted caramel popcorn bar. I’m a massive fan of snack bars in general and was excited to give this one a try. It’s a tasty and indulgent tasting snack yet contains under 150 calories, has no added sugar and contains plenty of fibre. These will soon be available in major supermarkets with an RRP of 89p- pretty good value in this day and age.

I think the Green and Black’s Blueberry Velvet Fruit and Orange Velvet Fruit have featured in Degustabox before, and I raved about them then. I’ve also since purchased the various flavours a few times when I have seen them on offer (full price they are £3.29 a bag) and everyone I know who has tried them has agreed, these are delicious. They were a perfect sharing treat for over the Christmas break and will continue to be something I pick up from time to time (I get mine in Waitrose).

We always have pasta on hand for a quick and easy meal- our favourite at the moment is this peppered steak pasta, so the inclusion of Delverde Pasta’s spaghetti was a welcome one. I don’t think I’d pay £1.99 for a packet of dried pasta going forward, but it was delicious and I would stock up if I saw it on special offer.
Jack Daniels seems to be a common theme with Degustabox at the moment, which is fine if you like it- which I do, in very moderate amounts. I haven’t actually tried the lynchburg lemonade included in the December box yet, it got stashed with our festive drinks collection which then never actually got touched! It sounds intriguing though and I will make a point to try it soon.
We’re brand loyal when it comes to ketchup and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to sneak this low sugar bottle on to the table. We did give it a go, and it’s a really nice ketchup, it will never replace our usual brand but neither Bob or myself would fall out with eating it again and there are of course the health benefits for those watching their sugar intake. Unfortunately I only have limited product information and no pricing details but if you’re looking to make your condiemt collection a bit more healthy then give this a go.
A couple more drinks we didn’t get around to trying yet- sleep well chocolate milk; a natural milk drink that claims to help you relax and get a better night’s sleep. It’s made with whole Jersey milk, honey and valerian (a known relaxant) I can’t actually try this as the valerian can interact with a medication I take, and I haven’t quite persuaded Bob to give this a go yet. I do like the concept of a natural sleep aid though, and I bet it’s lovely warmed through like hot chocolate.

On the less relaxing side we have Funkin Cocktails passion fruit martini shaker. I fully intended to use this over Christmas with the addition of a good glug of vodka and some ice but clean forgot. I’ve always been very impressed with Funkin Cocktails as a brand though and will be making this in to a weekend treat when I next fancy a drink.

I’m always on the look out for new food on the go products as my lifestyle has changed a lot since moving in with Bob and it often suits me better to take something with me to work to eat there. Less so with breakfast, but when I do then something like this shredded wheat on the go pot would be ideal. At £1.99 it’s a fairly pricey option but much cheaper than the £5 I’ve been known to spend in a coffee shop whilst legging it to my desk. It’s also better for me, and it has everything you need for a desk breakfast without needing to rely on communal cutlery and bowls.

I was quite excited to see the Maggi Fusian noodle pots included- again, at £1.15 they aren’t as cheap as a packed lunch necessarily, but a lot cheaper than my all too frequent trips to the supermarket for a sandwich or sushi. I love noodles and have previously rated the Maggi brand highly. It’s probably not THE healthiest option out there, but perfect on a cold winter lunch time and perfect for stashing in my desk for an emergency lunch. I highly recommend the sweet chilli flavour.

Last but not least we have the product of the month, the slush puppie sour cherry pouch. I was so excited to see this as I loved slush puppies as a child- my post swimming treat of choice. These just sit nicely in your freezer and come in three flavours; sour cherry (favourite), blue raspberry and strawberry and have no added sugar. Great for a nostalgia trip and sweet frozen treat.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought of them. 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 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.

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The Year of Even More Change

31st December 2018
I remember quite vividly sitting down this time last year trying to recap on the past 12 months and simply finding it too overwhelming to fully do so. The same stands this year, perhaps even more than it did then. I started 2018 optimistic and full of hope; keen to see what adventures were on the horizon, but never daring to imagine that things would, or could be quite as different as they have turned out to be.

I thought that 2017 was the year of change and turning points, and in it’s own way it was, but in terms of achievements and conquering goals, 2018 has been the one.

Probably the most notable of these is passing my driving test. I took my first lesson on my 17th Birthday, and finally, 14 (and a bit years) later, after several failed attempts, I passed. It took a lot of courage to get back to driving lessons after several years off, I was more afraid than I dared show and pretty much had to start from scratch in terms of sitting my theory test and all that jazz. I booked a week off work, found myself a bloody brilliant instructor and told myself that no matter what I wouldn’t give up this time…but still, no one was more shocked than me when I passed my test on the first time of this wave, with just two minor faults. A few weeks later I welcomed my little black Toyota Aygo “Alphonsus” in to my life and haven’t looked back.

The other big change is that Bob and I are living together. We took on a tenancy on a house in October and have loved every second of the adventure, from the planning to the moving, from the dreams to the reality. We’ve just hosted Christmas Day and Boxing Day for the first time, welcoming in our families and friends and cooking up a storm. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Pablo has settled in well to having both of us as full time “parents”. He’s developed such a personality and attitude, he’s captured everyone’s hearts and keeps us firmly on our toes.
We’ve been so lucky in the help and support we’ve had with the move, and the circumstances around leaving my parents’ home could not have been more different, or more positive than last time.
There is of course, the usual update on my eating disorder recovery journey and I am delighted to say it’s all positive. I’m nearer to a healthy weight than I have been in some years, just a few kg to go. I’m becoming comfortable in my own skin and learning who I am as a person, and learning to love that person, there is so much freedom in not being defined by a label anymore and whilst it isn’t all plain sailing and I still have my wobbles I feel more stable and cemented in my recovery than I ever have before. I’m no longer in therapy, or under regular monitoring, I’m thriving in a full time job, cooking actual meals from scratch with Bob and embracing new situations like our first holiday abroad without having to plan the entire trip around my meal plan.

It hasn’t all been positive this year, unfortunately. Tragedy struck Bob’s family on my birthday and it made everyone stop and take stock of what was around them and realise life is just too short to spend worrying and that you cannot take anything for granted. It’s shown me inspiring strength and courage from those around me, and bought a lot of people closer together. It’s not fair to go in to the ins and outs of it all, but it would be an understatement to say it’s been a testing year for several people very close to my heart.

As 2018 creeps towards it’s final hours I’m taking a moment to take stock and be thankful for those who have supported me through all of these life changing events; my friends, my colleagues, my family- most importantly my parents who I appreciate more than I ever have before.

It’s been a year of mammoth changes and it does get more than a little bit overwhelming at times (I really don’t like change no matter how positive it is!) but mostly I feel lucky, so lucky to have had a chance to turn my life around, to not have given in a couple of years ago when things were dire, to have met Bob and fully embraced what the world has to offer.

There may be uncertain times ahead but I’m ready for them. I’d like to think things might calm down a little in 2019, but I remember thinking the very same thing about 2018 and oh boy was I proven wrong!

Happy New Year one and all, see you on the other side with some new (and hopefully, quite possibly) and improved content.

What are you most thankful for right now?

Posted in family, life, life stuff, lifestyle

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4 style ideas to help you sparkle during party season*

20th December 2018
Party season is officially in full swing, but with so many occasions to attend it can often be difficult working out what to wear. So, whether it’s a New Year’s bash or a great night out with friends why not give one of these simple ideas ago? These four finishing touches will have you standing out in any crowd, whatever your style.

Fancy footwear

Whether it’s sequins, embellishment, prints or bold colours, the rule with footwear at this time of the year is the fancier the better. One of the easiest ways to feel fantastic as you head off for a night out this winter is to invest in a new pair of statement shoes. Regardless of your preferred heel height, choose a design that really speaks for itself leaving you free to pair them with a simple little black dress at a moment’s notice. Think embellished sandals, velvet mules and printed pumps. The Gucci shoes collection has some perfect designs for hitting the dance floor in.

Colourful clutches 

A simple way to add some wow factor to your favourite outfit is with an eye-catching clutch and, they were spotted all over this season’s catwalks from Valentino to Balenciaga. There are so many options when it comes to accessorising with a clutch bag; think big and relaxed hugged close to the body or small and structured. As far as colour is concerned, any hue will keep you on trend, but metallic tones and sequins work great for party season and allow you to leave the rest of your look relatively simple.

Jaw-dropping jewellery 

Ever get the feeling something is missing from your outfit? It may be time to invest in some statement jewellery. If earrings are your thing then hoops are always a great option and are perfect for dressing up any look. Alternatively, if you’re looking for some a little classier, embellished pendant earrings could be the accessory you’re looking for. Team with an off-the-shoulder dress for Old Hollywood glamour and maximum impact.

Statement make-up

It’s the oldest trick in the book but nothing adds some extra oomph to an outfit quite like a slick of statement lipstick. For this season think deep shades of plum and red depending on your skin tone. Pair it with simple eye make to make sure your look isn’t too overpowering.

Have fun with hair accessories 

It’s one of the more difficult trends to pull off but quirky hair accessories could be the perfect solution to taking your festive party outfits to the next level. This season’s trends included feathered clips, tortoiseshell slides and leather Alice bands. Max Mara even sent models down the runway wearing crystal-embellished monogrammed hair clips. Again, the key to making this look work for you is to tone everything else down. If there’s too much going on your hair accessories may overwhelm your outfit.

Posted in christmas, fashion, personal style, shopping

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The Beauty Sleep Elixir from Beuti

17th December 2018
Despite my best intentions, this year my skincare regime has been seriously lacking, and whilst we might be rapidly approaching the last weeks of 2018, when I was sent a product loved by the likes of Rita Ora and Iggy Azalea to try I figured it’s better late that never and set about trying to up my game.

The Beauty Sleep Elixir* by Beuti is the first product to launch from the UK based brand. It’s a brand new complexion booster with anti-inflammatory properties, made up from 14 plant-based oils (I’m not going to list them all here, but highlights include Caribbean coral extract, chia seed oil and neroli flower oil).

This little bottle of golden oil is designed to tackle “inflammaging” – a condition where your skin ages due to inflammation over a prolonged period of time. This can be caused by every day things such as sun exposure, pollution or simply using the wrong products for your skin (definitely guilty on all accounts here).

You can either pop on a few drops of this elixir under your makeup, or use it over-night to allow your skin to renew itself, with the promise of younger, brighter looking skin I couldn’t wait to try it.

I’ve been using the Beauty Sleep Elixir for just over a week now, mainly under my makeup in the morning as it’s all I can do to remove my makeup before bed, let alone pop any products on (I know, I know). I’m not going to share a before and after, mostly because my face is looking a bit…bruised thanks to a brutal wisdom tooth extraction, but I 100% noticed a difference after just the first day.

It’s going to take a lot to get my poor, neglected skin back in tip-top condition, and that’s going to be one of my main goals for 2019, but things are definitely looking better. I’ve shrugged off that dull, grey tone that comes from spending too much time in an office with central heating, and overall things just look smoother and dare I say it…more youthful. This isn’t a cheap product, it costs £42 for a 30ml bottle, but a tiny bit goes a long way- literally one pump works beautifully under my makeup, and probably two pumps would do a nighttime slathering.

You can get your hands on this wonder oil at lookfantastic although you’ll have to wait for it to come back in to stock as it sells out pretty much as soon as it hits the website.
One thing I have learnt from my experiments with skincare is that it does pay to invest, and I’ll genuinely be buying more of this when my bottle runs out.

Has any one else tried this product? And what are your best tips for getting in to a solid skincare regime? This girl needs all of the help she can get!

Product gifted to me for blog consideration, terrible skincare habits, puffy face and opinions are entirely my own.

Posted in beauty, brands I love, review, skincare

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