DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S IN YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS?

I first discovered the importance of knowing what I was using on and in my body, after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

After researching different chemicals that are used in products, I decided I would use as many chemical-free alternatives as I could. I believe it's important to know what you're putting on your body as well as what goes into it, as the outside eventually ends up on the inside! 

Parabens:

These are chemicals used in cosmetics to prevent bacteria from reproducing and to extend the shelf life of the product. Parabens are used in everyday products such as deodorants, foundations and moisturisers which are under investigation due to the link between parabens and breast cancer.

 

Cancer Research has reviewed the evidence and said that, "Parabens can encourage human breast cells to behave like breast cancer cells, by moving about and invading tissue, avoiding cell death, and suppressing the work of a drug commonly used to treat breast cancer."

This was an easy transition to make as Holland and Barratt offer paraben, alcohol and SLS free deodorants and other beauty products in their Dr.Organic range. There are many brands and cosmetic companies that have started releasing paraben-free ranges to help with this health worry.

Fragrance and Perfume

Perfumes are put in everything from face creams to feminine hygiene products to give it that iconic brand smell. Not only is it a powerful marketing and sales technique, but it is also used to disguise the actual smell of the product in its raw chemical state.

 

Yes To is a range that I buy as it is cheap, natural and sells perfume free products (and they smell amazing). They are available online, in supermarkets and health stores in the UK.

SLS

Sodium Laurel Sulphate or Sodium Laureate Sulphate as its referred to, has been a common chemical added into cosmetics to produce the foaming action that we see in shampoos, toothpaste and other cleaning products since the 1930's (It's even in baby shampoo).

 

On average more than 200 chemicals are used on a woman's skin everyday and more than 60% of these chemicals get absorbed into the bloodstream.

 

After learning that the synthetic chemical is used in industrial cleaners, I changed my hair care routine immediately. I now wash my hair with baking soda and water and then 'condition' with a vinegar rinse. However, if you wanted to buy SLS free shampoos, here are some available on the high street.

Ors Olive Oil Shampoo 


Yes To Cucumber Shampoo 


Body Shop Rainforest Shampoo 


Palmers Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner


Noughty Take Carer Scalp Soothing Shampoo 




Natural Products I've Added Into My Beauty Routine



Coconut Oil:





I recommend the 100% virgin coconut oil to make sure that it is totally natural. It is also good to cook with and has many health benefits.

I've added coconut oil to my hair care routine by running this through the ends of my hair to help combat split ends. I also use this as a lip balm and moisturiser too.

 

Lemon Juice:

 

 

This natural juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid which helps to keep skin bright and clear and break down sebum. It is especially good for fighting blackheads and breakouts by applying directly to them. I also use it after I have washed my hair as a hair rinse to keep it shiny and looking healthy.


You could also add this with a chunk of ginger and whizz it up in a blender to make a flu fighting vitamin C boost, or as a detoxing morning drink and mix with apple cider vinegar.

   
Aloe Vera Gel:




  This is one of the best natural products for skin and hair care because of it soothing and cooling properties.

I use this a lot when I have breakouts as this helps with the redness of spots and blemishes. I also apply it after I have shaved to moisturise and soothe my legs.

If you want to see what chemicals are hiding in your favourite daily products, below are some terms to look out for:

· Methylparaben

· Ethylparaben

· Propylparaben

· Butylparaben

· Isobutylparaben

 

MY TOP 5: LOW-CALORIE LUNCH RECIPES

Since new year I have been trying to eat healthier staying away from refined carbs, sugars and saturated fats.

 

After Christmas, I started to use My Fitness Pal. This app acts as a food diary and records all your calories and macros for you, so you can keep an eye on what you're eating. It has a facility that allows you to record recipes, which is really helpful to refer back too.

Below is a list of lunches that I make regularly as they are tasty and easy to make. I hope that you enjoy these recipes and try them out next time you're looking for something low calorie and doesn't taste like cardboard!

 

 

 

1. Turkey and Spicy Bulgar Wheat Salad - 231 calories

 

To make this you will need:

100g Turkey Breast

15g Red Onion

100g Tomato

30g Iceberg Lettuce

72g Bulgar Wheat (cooked)

5 Black Olives

Salt and Pepper

Lemon Juice

1 tsp Smoked Paprika

Coriander

 

Firstly slice up the turkey breast into medium chunks, then season and add a small drop of oil into the pan. Turn the meat as it cooks to get an even colour each side.

 

As the turkey is cooking prepare the bulgar wheat. I weighed out 100g of bulgar (dry) so that I had enough left for another meal too. I then covered the bulgar wheat in water and microwaved this for 10 minutes at a medium heat.

 

When the bulgar wheat is cooked, empty it into a sieve running cold water into it. Then set aside to drain.

 

Cut up all the other ingredients. Leave the lettuce to one side and put the rest into a mixing bowl. 

 

Add the cold bulgar to the chopped salad vegetables, mix and season with lemon juice, paprika and salt and pepper.

 

Lay the lettuce on the plate first, empty the bulgar wheat on top and finish with the turkey. Sprinkle the coriander on top for garnish and a fresh taste.

 

 

2. Tuna Nicoise - 173 calories

 

You will need:

1 Boiled Egg (medium)

40g Drained Tuna (in brine)

46g Iceberg lettuce

80g Tomato

1 Spring Onion

1/2 tbsp. Bramwell Cesear Sauce 

 

Boil the egg in a pan for 15 minutes (less if you like them runny.)

 

Chop up the lettuce, tomato and onion and put into a bowl.

 

Drain the tuna and add to the salad vegetables, season to taste and add the creamy sauce.

 

 

 

3. Bacon and Lentil Soup - 152 per serving (serves 2)

 

You will need:

100g Carrots

1 Knorr vegetable stock cube

20g Red Split Lentils

70g Smoked Streaky Bacon

50g Bell Pepper

Hand blender

Salt and Pepper

 

Chop all the ingredients up and add into the saucepan, cooking until softened.

 

Add the lentils, stock cube and boiling water into the pan. Mix thoroughly and leave to boil at a reduced heat.

 

When the lentils have increased in size and the soup is thick, blitz the soup.

 

 

 

4. Scrambled Eggs on Rye Bread with Beans. -280 calories

 

You will need:

80g Baked Beans - reduced sugar and salt

1 slice of Biona Rye Bread

1 Medium Egg

0.5 tsp Rapeseed oil 

Salt and Pepper

Mixed Herbs

 

Put the slice of rye bread into the toaster on a fairly high heat so that it goes crispy.  

 

Weigh out your baked beans and heat them in the microwave.

 

Crack the egg in a bowl and whip it with a folk adding mixed herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Add them into a hot pan and mix to resemble scrambled eggs.

 

 

 

5. No mayo - Chicken, Avocado, Bacon and Tomato Sandwich- 396 calories

 

You will need:

41g Avocado

100g Chicken Breast

46g Baguette

1 Medium Tomato

16g Bacon Rashers

Lemon Juice

Salt and Pepper

 



Firstly put the bacon into the pan, don't add any oil as the bacon will release fat. Then remove from the pan once it is crispy. Add the chicken slices and cook until golden brown.

 

Whilst the chicken is cooking cut the tomato into slices, mash the avocado and season with lemon juice and salt and pepper. Lay this on the bottom of the baguette. (you can toast the baguette if you want some crunch)

 

Now that everything is prepared and cooked, construct your baguette! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017: NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

 Every year I try to make New Year resolutions and by the 3rd January I've broken just about all of them. So, this year, I thought about what I really wanted to change, add or develop in 2017. I've kept my list short and realistic so that hopefully, I will be more motivated to achieve them!

Become Healthier

I want to become healthier as a whole. Make healthier choices, eat more fish, drink more water, take more exercise - that kind of thing!

Visit Uni Friends

There are some people that I haven't seen since the day I left uni, which is really bad! This year I'm determined too make it happen.



Go to Valencia

My friend recently moved to Valencia to be a teacher and has invited me and my friends out there in the summer (free holiday, yes please!) I cant wait. I LOVE Spanish food (and the men).

Read More

I don't read AT ALL, which is really bad especially for someone that writes for a living. I've tried all genres and nothing seems to grab my attention. My goal is to read at least 5 books this year. (See what I mean about keeping these resolutions realistic).



Work on My Blog

This one is very high on my list, at the end of last year I started to properly spend time blogging. Finding content to post, and taking time to post can be hard, but I am really focused on this one. 



 Learn a New Skill

It's important to keep developing your mind and skills. So this year I want to take a course, I'm not sure which yet but I think it'll be computer-based.  

Move to London

After living here throughout my degree, I want to move back. However, due to rail strikes and the price of living being ridiculously high it may take longer to complete this one.







UNIVERSITY: IS IT WORTH THE DEBT?

University is the pinnacle of education and something that most 18 year olds look forward too.  But are you really better off for going, rather than not?

After completing university and coming away proud of the hard work I had put in (alongside the partying), I was excited to start my career in the media industry. I walked away with a 2.1 degree in Journalism, my own blog and plenty of life and writing experience, never did I think for one minute that I would struggle to gain a job... or even an internship.

Now, I know what you’re all thinking, ‘How naïve, of course it was going to be hard!’ but for some reason it never occurred that I would struggle to gain my first or second job in the marketing world. In fact, if anything, from a young age we are brainwashed into thinking that we need to go to university in order to be ‘successful’.

I remember having meetings with my PSE teacher, form tutor and even made to attend career classes, just because I wasn’t sure that uni was for me, like I should be ashamed.  Then one day it came to me, I wanted to do journalism.

‘I want to apply for uni, is it too late?’ I said as my tutors eyes lit up, like she was getting a commission off of it, still to this day I don’t know whether I applied for uni because I wanted to go, or because I felt that I should go. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into but I was excited nevertheless.

University is a once in a lifetime experience and I loved every second of it, living away from home, gaining independence, meeting new friends, coming home drunk at 4am and bunking off lectures to go to Westfield's (Mum if you’re reading this, I didn’t do that!).  There’s no denying it was fun and it was an amazing experience but if someone told me that my situation would be that I was in 60,000 of debt and still struggle to gain jobs over people that  weren't as 'qualified' as me would I still go?  

No, probably not!   

ALDI: MAKEUP REVIEW

Lacura Q10 Day Cream

Benefits:

• The cream is SPF 20 and rich in vitamins, which are vital for keeping skin smooth and ageless. (Q10, Provitamin B5 and Hyaluronic Acid)
• The smell is fresh and clinical.
• Price is around £2 - one of the cheapest on the market.
• Absorbs quickly into the skin.

Cons:

• Can leave the skin feeling greasy after application - use sparingly

Eyeliner Pencil

Benefits:

• Comes with sharpener and smudger on the end.
• Well priced.
• Different colours available - Emerald, Smoke Grey and Black.

Cons:

• Needs a lot of pressure in order for it to transfer onto the lid or eye line.
• Only available in store.

Eyebrow Pencil

Benefits:

• Comes with eyebrow brush and sharpener.
• Available in Brunette or Blonde.
• Well Priced.
• Smudge free.

Cons:

• Strong pressure needed to apply product.

Mascara

Benefits:

• Aesthetically pleasing packaging.
• Price.
• Other wand types available.
• Good application of product on lashes.
• Adds definition and lift.

Cons:

• Only available in store and in Black.

DIY VELVET CHOKERS

 

 

To make these you will need:

• 1.5m of material
• 1m of lace  
• Necklace and pendant  
• Velcro Pads
• Superglue or PVA
• Needle and thread
• Pegs

Idea 1 -  Basic Black

1. Take the tape and measure around your neck, making sure it's not too tight!

2. Then, cut the velvet to the desired length.

3. Place the Velcro on each end, making sure that the velvet side shows when closed.

 

4. Next,  take the needle and thread and sew through the Velcro securing it to the material.

 

5. Finished product

 

 

 

  

 Idea 2 - Deconstructed Necklace

 

After following the above steps for the Black choker, cut the chain off either side of the necklace leaving the middle pendant free. Measure out the middle and draw a faint chalk line, take the middle pendant and superglue in the centre of the velvet. Then lay a line of glue either side of the pendant and lay the chain onto it.

 

 

Idea 3 - Pendant

 

After repeating the four steps above of Idea 1, take your needle and thread and make a double knot close to the end of the cotton. Hold the pendant in place and enter the back of the velvet coming up the middle of the pendant, pulling the cotton through tightly.

Weave the needle back down the velvet over the other side of the pendant to create a loop, pull this tightly to secure it in place. Repeat until the pendant is secured then cut away the excess material.

Idea 4 - Lace

 

After following the starting steps above, take your length of lace and measure it across the velvet. Cut the fabric to the length needed and secure onto the velvet, either by sewing (be careful as this may show) PVA glue,  or superglue. Finish by securing with pegs or clips and leave to dry for a couple of hours.

10 THINGS YOU WILL RECOGNISE, IF YOU WORK IN AN OFFICE!

1. Being the New Person
Forgetting names, getting lost and nearly having a breakdown in your first week.

2.The 3pm Crave
That time of the day where everyone starts to crave sweet treats.  

3. The Health Freak
The person who loves their HIIT workouts, Quinoa and SuperFood smoothies

4. Parking Spaces
There aren’t ever enough spaces for the amount of people.

5. Friday

It may be Monday, but I’m already counting down the days.

6. Commuting to Work

Waking up early, finishing late and always being tired.

7. Using the Lift
The lift is your best friend when you’re feeling lazy. But your waistline won't thank you for it :(

8. The Office Baker

Every office will have that person that just wants to show off their new Pinterest Carrot Cake recipe.

9. Diets
Gluten Free, SlimFast or No Carbs after 5pm. Everyone is on a diet and talking about weight loss tips and tricks. If you’re not, then you’re in the minority.

10. Geographical Location 

You will gravitate towards people that you live near. Simple maths!