Katie

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Hair Review: Philip Kingsley Re-Moisturizing Range

My hair is like my comfort blanket, my ‘thing, my trademark if you like. It’s long (really long), it’s ginger and it’s very important I use the right products for it because (like me) it’s getting on a bit and needs looking after. 

I’ve tried so many different shampoo and conditioners, all in the hope of finding one that’s reasonably cheap but does the best job. A; because I have so much hair, I get through quite a lot of product each month and B; because I also have a teenager with just as much hair as me. So you know, money. 

What I’ve found out however, is, you get what you spend when it comes to haircare. I have thick, coarse hair, and, as I’ve mentioned, a lot of it.

When it dries naturally, depending on it’s mood, it can either take on a wavy, carefree kind of attitude, or it can take on a dragged through a hedge backwards look. 

You can guess which happens most often I’m sure. 

Philip Kingsley recently got in touch and asked if I’d like to try the Re-Moisturizing range, which has been designed for coarse textured, or very wavy, curly or frizzy hair. Hello me in a sentence! 

Philip Kingsley is like the Don of Hair. I’ve long been a fan of his Elasticizer, the pre shampoo treatment, which just seems to breathe life into my locks like nothing else on this planet.

I even prefer it to in salon treatments like Olaplex and I try to use it at least once a week, which, as you can imagine, is an expensive habit to have! (Top tip, QVC!)

 

Philip Kingsley Re-Moisturizing Range

The Re-Moisturizing products deliver moisture to transform coarse hair from dry and frizzy, to soft, smooth and shiny. They add control and weight to aid styling, making it perfect for coarse hair that doesn’t hold a style, and reduces breakage caused by snapping. The Re-Moisturizing Shampoo contains the same ingredient as Elazticizer, Hydrolyzed Elastin, which increases hairs ability to stretch, meaning less breakage occurs.

The Re-Moisturizing Conditioner deeply penetrates the hair strands to leave coarse, frizzy hair smooth and shiny. It contains Oat Proteins to improve hair texture, making coarser hair types easier to manage. It also increases moisture retention so hair is left nourished and glossy throughout the day.

I absolutely love the smell of these products. It took me a while to work out what it reminded me of, but I eventually settled on roses. It smells like a rose perfume, which I’m a huge fan of. 

After the first use, my hair didn’t necessarily feel any different but it did dry better, had a nicer ‘shape’ if that’s the right word, and didn’t get as greasy as quick, which is something I’ve found with other products designed for my hair type.

But, with each wash, it’s felt better and better. The ends feel less brittle and even when I leave it to dry naturally, they still feel fairly soft which is a massive difference. 

When I straighten my hair, it’s so much easier to get through, there’s a lot less pulling and dragging needed and I can probably do my whole head in less than 20 minutes, which is a bloody life saver on a work morning when I realise I’m rocking a birds nest, it’s 6am and I have half an hour to sort it! 

I can’t imagine I’ll stop using this anytime soon. The original bottles I was sent were 250ml and I think they lasted just under a month, so I invested in the huge, 1000ml bottles, which come with a pump. I’m hoping they will last a good few months! 

Hair Review: Philip Kingsley Re-Moisturizing Range

 

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[AD: This is not a paid for or sponsored post. Products featured are press samples] THE WINTER HAND CARE CHALLENGE WITH GREEN PEOPLE

Green People is one of my favourite skincare brands around, because of their approach to being organic, cruelty free and suitable for sensitive skin. Something which, in this age, should be standard and easy for huge companies to achieve.

I’ve loved all of the Green People products I’ve tried, including the teenage range, so when they got in touch asking if I’d like to take on the Winter Hand Care Challenge with them, my response was obvious! 

My hands are always dry, sometimes so dry they get sore and feel really tight. It doesn’t help that I pick the skin around my nails when I’m stressed or anxious, and so, when the skin is already dry, it’s a lot easier to pick and then it gets even more painful. It’s a bit of a vicious circle! 

To add to this, drier hands always appear older, which I hate. But, I have a huge issue in that I generally dislike hand cream. I’m quite fussy, in that I need it to be super moisturising but not greasy – it always leaves me feeling like my hands are dirty, so I need to wash them, defeating the object of putting the hand cream on in the first place. 

THE GREEN PEOPLE WINTER CHALLENGE

The idea of the challenge was quite simple, I was sent a Green People Manuka & Lemon Tree Hand Wash with two tubes of Manuka & Lemon Tree Hand Creams, one for my bag and one for at home. I was asked to use them both together for a month to see how it worked, in the hope that they would breathe some life (moisture) back into my old lady hands! 

MANUKA & LEMON TEA TREE ANTIBACTERIAL HAND WASH

The hand wash is 100% organic and is made with 80% certified organic ingredients. It kills bacteria quickly, thanks to Australian Tea Tree and New Zealand Manuka – the smell is incredible, it’s really fresh and summery, the word I want to use is ‘zingy’ if that helps! (300ml £13)

MANUKA & LEMON TEA TREE HAND CREAM

The Manuka & Lemon Tree Hand Cream is brilliant. It’s lightweight so it doesn’t leave behind that horrible residue (horrible to me, you may like that feeling!) and it seems to soak in straight away, there’s no need to keep rubbing it in. It does it’s job fast! 

THE WINTER HAND CARE CHALLENGE WITH GREEN PEOPLE

The Tea Tree helps to soothe cracked, sore skin and the orange is an anti-inflammatory property which helps to restore moisture. It’s super hydrating and is 91% organic. 

I have to admit, I don’t use the creams as much as I probably should, but that’s down to years (and years) of avoiding hand cream, so it’s a hard habit to break, but when I do use it, I’m always pleased by how fast it’s absorbed. So much so that I can use it at work and get straight back to the keyboard after applying it, AND, a biggie for me, I can use my phone straight after – you know it’s a good one when you can still swipe on an iPhone! (50ml £12.50)

My hands are definitely better since I’ve been using them, there’s less of a scaly look on the backs on my hands and the skin around my nails is pretty much in one piece so there’s a lot less picking going on. I absolutely love these two products and will keep using them, the hand cream especially, throughout the year, not just during winter. 

PR Samples. 

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The Gratitude Series // All About Attitude

Gratitude doesn’t come easily to me, if you were to pick a person out of a line up for being the best at moaning, you’d be drawn to me. 

It’s not that I enjoyed moaning or complaining – I really didn’t – it’s just that it became part of who I was. It was easier to complain about the negatives than to really dig deep and look for the positives. The more I complained, the easier it was to see things to complain about. 

People walking too slow, drivers who didn’t indicate, hotel rooms that weren’t what I was expecting, food that wasn’t how I had imagined, the weather being too hot, too cold, blah blah blah. 

I was becoming a walking, talking (and very irritating) serial complainer. 

If I had carried on seeing the negative in every.single.situation then I would have ended up becoming a cartoon version of myself. The female Victor Meldrew in her 30’s, and how depressing would that be!? 

Thankfully, I was stopped in my tracks and given the massive shake up that I needed in order to snap out of the, quite frankly, miserable and almost ridiculous state I was putting myself in.

I call it my hippy awakening.

I spent time reading books, searching ways to change my mindset and become a nicer person, because, without that change, I was worried where I would end up, and how my life would look. 

Gratitude is everywhere. Literally. It is the self-help buzz word and has been for a while. There’s research concluding that gratitude reduces anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion and boosts happiness and satisfaction with life. Apparently it can also lower blood pressure and improve sleep. 

Just by changing the way you think. 

The Gratitude Series // All About Attitude

I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve reached an age where I don’t care about how others see me, or if it’s just a point you get to when you’ve been through certain situations, but where I am in my life right now is exactly where I want to be. I am, undeniably, a hippy in skinny jeans. I find myself ticking more and more things off the hippy hit list, without even realising. 

Pilates/Yoga? check. 
Vegetarian? check. 
Meditation? check.
Essential oils? check. 
Crystals? check. 
The moon & it’s magical powers? check. 

I mean, I’m a walking cliché! And I LOVE it. It’s not that it’s become part of me, it’s more that it IS me. And I’ve slowly, and surely found my way there. 

The more I read about gratitude, the more I found myself practising it. The more I practiced, the easier it became and before I knew it, I was doing it without even thinking about it. It’s changed how I feel about everything. Everything. 

A huge learning curve for me was realising that part of the reason that my, so called expectations, were never met, was because of how I pictured ‘it’ in my head. How can things be good enough, when you’re placing them on a pedestal too high to ever be reached? Nothing was ever that bad. It just wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. And the only way to change that, was to change the way I thought. 

The Gratitude Series // All About Attitude

You don’t realise how lucky you are until you’re at the point of losing something. That feeling, of utter desperation makes you stop and look at everything you thought you were right to complain about and realise that you should be counting your lucky stars. 

I often find myself now, usually when I’m driving, in the bath, or just laying on the bed, thinking about how lucky I am. To have a husband who is my best friend, two kind, clever kids, a family who love me, a house that I want to come home to every single day, friends who I speak to hourly, a job I love, space to write whatever I want, a chance to be creative with my business, the chance to experience opportunities I might not otherwise have, so much to be grateful for! And I wonder what the hell it was I was moaning about for all those years? 

The more I think about how many reasons I have to be happy in my life, the more I find. Funny that? 

Tell people you love them, and tell them why. Be specific. It will show them that you’ve noticed something about them, and it will remind you of all the reasons that person is important to you. It doesn’t have to be massive, the smaller the reason the more special it becomes. How many people can make you laugh until you’re snorting or laughing like a seal? (Very few people make me laugh like that, but they know who they are!) 

Really be aware of each moment you’re in. The music that’s playing when you’re on a road trip, the clear sky when it’s a full moon, the way your kids cuddle you, instinctively and totally unique to them, the chance to have an afternoon nap while everyone else is chilling out in their own way – whatever it is – really notice it. 

The Gratitude Series // All About Attitude

Make memories & fill your house with things that make you smile. It doesn’t have to match (have I mentioned how I hate matchy matchy?) We have a giant light up sign that says TOYS in our dining room, a pink flamingo in the living room, yellow velvet cushions, old clocks from special friends, empty gin bottles as candlesticks because of the memories we had when we drank it, everything in our house makes us happy. 

Take photos, keep a diary, write a journal – build a memory bank of happy moments! There will be times when the Moaning Mildred will come back to play, but, if you’ve got a whole army of physical things to look at to remind you why you’re so bloody lucky, then it will help to kick her right back to where she belongs. 

Mine include photos, screenshots, quotes, songs in playlists, drawings from my kids, little notes left by the bloke, magnets, books, pens, matches – anything that makes me go “remember when we…..” and I’m right back to that happy time again. 

I write down everything I’m grateful for, even things as small as not having to put the bins out, the bloke reversing my car onto the drive for me so I can shoot straight off in the morning, H sitting with C while he’s in the bath so I can cook dinner, stupid things that you could take for granted if you weren’t careful. 

Take nothing for granted. Nothing. Why should I? I’m not entitled to special treatment, I’m no more worthy than the next person, so anything someones does for me to show they care, I’m all over it. And I will say thank you a million times, because I am bloody grateful. And now, a whole lot happier. 

 

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Face Mask Friday // Frénésies ACTIVE NUTRI-INTENSIVE CREAM

Technically, Frenesies Active Nutri- Intensive Cream isn’t a face mask, but it’s used as an overnight treatment, so I say it is and that’s all that matters really. 

Frénésies Active Nutri Intensive Cream is an intensive overnight treatment with a double action formula – it gently removes toxins and impurities from the skin whilst providing a hit of extreme hydration.

The formula combines powerful ingredients that work together to clean and deeply hydrate. Vitamin F keeps the skin supple and soft, whilst enhancing the penetration of antioxidants.

It’s also infused with Vitamin A (Retinol) for its potent skin regeneration properties. Retinol, one of my favourite ingredients, improves your skins texture and speeds up the cell renewal process – for a more youthful appearance, so skin is left supple, smooth and brighter.

The best way to use this mask is to apply a layer to targeted areas of skin in the evening, after cleansing, to use an overnight treatment. It’s really thick and feels quite heavy as a cream, but for a treatment it feels pretty good. 

Face Mask Friday // Frénésies ACTIVE NUTRI-INTENSIVE CREAM

The benefits of the cream are listed as deeply hydrating, complexion brightening and helps to eliminate acne causing bacteria, but as it contains cocoa butter I’d err on the side of caution, cocoa butter is an ingredient which I try to avoid using on my face as I’m acne prone, especially on the chin (thanks hormones!) so I wouldn’t use this weekly, but it’s been amazing for the husband who suffers with really dry skin.

His face has soaked this up beautifully and it really feels comfortable for him. If you’re more of a dry skin person, this is perfect for you! 

For him, this is almost the perfect day cream, it’s so hydrating and really moisturises his skin, it’s so ‘heavy’ it actually feels like it’s working it’s magic and he’s left with skin that doesn’t feel tight or stretched, which he often complains about, especially in the winter months. 

A tiny amount of this goes a long way and it smells gorgeous, it’s not an overpowering scent. 

It’s available from the Frénésies website and costs £22 or it can be purchased as part of the 3 Zone Facial Kit for £54.

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Three days a week I have to wear a fetching purple t-shirt for work, and let me tell you, purple is not my colour. It’s a uniform, which, I know millions of people have to wear to work every single day of their lives, but there’s something about that t-shirt that makes me feel really scruffy and not quite ‘me’.

Obviously, I live in t-shirts outside of work, but they’re different, ya know?

On the days that I’m feeling awake/pumped/raring to go, whatever you want to call it, I try and make sure I feel less like I’ve bene dragged through a hedge backwards, and more like a 30 something, mother of two who has her shit together. 

Looks can be deceiving you know. 

1: Nails

Nails are always important to me. If you scroll back through my instagram you’ll see I had a good couple of years with super long (and all my own I’ll have you know) nails that were full on colour, sparkle and joy inducing weapons. But, I had to get back to real work, and spending all day on a computer with nails that long, was not working for me (or my employer, I had the typing speed of a cat) so they had to go. But short nails can still look bloody good, and having nicely painted nails even when the rest of you looks like you haven’t left the house for a few days, can bring a touch of style to your look. 

Because I’m pale I have to avoid certain colours, otherwise my hands look closer to death than I would like, so I generally go with red, black, dark grey or a nudey pink. When the sun is shining I’ll be back to the neon colours. I just need to work on not biting the cuticles now. 

2: A BAG

I am a bag whore. There will never be a time that I don’t need or want a new bag. I have no shame in admitting that. 

I have a huge tote for work, from Hermosa, which has my initials stitched on it (monogramming is my favourite thing ever) but I’m on the lookout for something new for Spring/Summer now. I’m tempted by the Longchamp Le Pilage bags, but the nylon is a sticking point for me. I need to have a feel of it before I invest! 

For weekends, I like to use something a bit smaller, otherwise I end up taking a million unnecessary things out with me. Like yesterday for example, who needs to take work keys, a diary, 2 make up bags and a bag of sweets (C’s, not mine) to Ikea? Ridiculous. I want to be the kind of person who has a tiny cross body bag with a card wallet, a couple of keys, lipgloss and phone. I’m not her yet. 

3: Trainers

We went out for dinner a few weeks back and I was stumped at what to wear on my feet, as it appears I live in my trainers now. Work, home, days out, you name it, I have a pair of trainers that will work, but if it requires fancy, then I’m a bit stuck. In the end I went with gold loafers (which I had forgotten I owned) and they were just as comfortable as my trusty Nikes. 

I just don’t do heels anymore. I used to, pre kids, spend all day and night in massive heels, running for the bus in them was no problem, but now I can’t think of anything worse. I’ve found what works for me and I’m more than happy they’re comfortable too. 

Probably need to work on how much I’m willing to spend though, as my collection is growing and they’re getting more and more expensive each time! Vejas anyone?

4: HAIR

My hair is SO important to me. There were a. rough few years where I cut it all off, dyed it several colours and then tried everything to get it back to ginger again. Lesson learnt! I am a long hair, redhead person and nothing is going to change that! 

Because my hair is so long now, then ends are obviously old and require a bit more care and attention than shorter hair would, so I have to look after it. 

Decent shampoo and conditioner isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it! I also use Philip Kingsley Elastisizer once a week, heat spray for days when I straighten it, and Moroccan Oil on the ends, straight or not. I try not to blow dry unless I really have to, because it’s a double hit of heat on it, which makes me worry about breakage! But, if my hair is looking healthy and swishy, then I feel a million times better than if it was greasy and whacked on top of my head. 

5: GOOD UNDIES

And I’m not talking about push up, push out or any kind of pushing. I’m all about comfort and style. 

There’s a time and a place for thongs, I’m not positive when that is, but there is, I’m sure.

For me, day to day, I’d rather wear a high waisted, high leg. Hold you in and cover your arse at the same time. Always black or nude (white is never nude, ever) If you’ve got good undies on then you already feel better than if you’re wearing scuzzies. Secret armour or something. 

6: CLEAR SKIN

This is a huge one for me. The mental benefits of having clear skin are huge. When your face is working with you enough that you don’t need to wear full foundation every day, especially on your days off or at weekends, it feels AMAZING! 

I’ve had a long battle to get my skin to where it is now (touch wood) and I have my trusty products that I use, without fail, every morning and evening. 

I don’t go crazy with make up, because I like to recognise myself – but also because I’m not amazing at it. I can do a good base, I can do a natural eye. I cannot do winged eyeliner for shit. So, if I’m feeling the need for a fresh look I usually change my lipstick to something a bit bolder and that’s about it! I really need to get my lashes tinted so I can even dump the mascara on a Sunday. Heaven! 

So, that’s how I feel more put together. A lot of the time it’s down to your mindset, if you tell yourself you look fab, then you’ll feel fab and you’ll be more comfortable in your style. 

How do you make yourself feel more put together?

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Face Mask Friday - PAYOT Hydra 24+ Masque I love a face mask, in fact, at least twice a week you will find me walking around the house with my face slathered in either a sheet mask (always terrifying) or a cream or balm type mask. 

My skin is a mixture of combination and dehydrated. My nose especially, it’s oily and dry at the same time, which, I’ve only just discovered means it’s dehydrated. Which would make sense, especially during winter when we’re in and out of warm homes and freezing temperatures. 

So, anything I can use to soothe my skin and hopefully make me look a bit more ‘glowy’ is a must in my skincare collection. 

Face Mask Friday - PAYOT Hydra 24+ Masque

New from Payot Paris is their Hydra 24+ Masque. It’s a super moisturising and comforting mask which is designed to treat the skin and provide a soothing & hydrating hit to your face, for the ultimate healthy complexion.  

It contains active ingredients such as Hydro Defense Complex, fig, watermelon, red algae extract and H2O patch – which work together to nourish the skin. It also protects against pollution and toxins due to the anti-pollutant active. 

Hydra 24+ contains Vitamin C, which is my new favourite ingredient in the quest for a brighter, more awake me, which brightens the skin, leaving it looking ‘healthy and luminous’ – yes please! And vitamin E to protect against environmental damage. 

It’s so easy to use, you apply a thick layer over your whole face (avoiding the eye area obviously) neck and even down to the boobs, leave for 15 minutes then wipe away the excess. It’s perfect for dehydrated skin, like mine, and my face literally soaks it all up, there is very little to remove after the 15 mins is up. 

It smells gorgeous, not too overpowering, and feels like it’s working, your face, if it’s anything like mine, goes from feeling tight and uncomfortable to feeling like it’s moisturised from the inside out. Kind of like a huge glass of water for the skin. 

It costs £25 and is available from www.jerseybeautycompany.co.uk/payot

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Oh, self-care. Something we all deserve more of, but something that often gets put on the back burner in life that can become stressful, hectic, and make us forget about it altogether.

I’m happy to see that ‘self-care’ has actually become quite the buzzword. We are seeing more and more people talking and sharing about how important it is to take care of yourself, take a break to de-stress, and have some time alone.

There are so many reasons of why you should take time to yourself. But the main one is that you deserve it. So step aside and get some quality time with yourself. Give yourself something to look forward during your busy days, rest and recharge so the times you are trying to be productive you are actually productive, and remember that everyone needs a break sometimes. Your body and mind will thank you for it, and you’ll be happier for it!

SELF-CARE // Why You Should Take Time To Recharge

Okay, so now that we’ve discussed about why it is important to set aside time for self-care. What does that mean for when we actually have time for self-care? What to do.. what to do?

Here are some ideas on how you can enjoy some alone time to rest, relax and recharge.

Take a warm bath
Think steamy tub, bubbles, essential oils and candles. I’m already relaxing just at the thought of it.

Get outside
Get out into nature for the ultimate rejuvenation. Go for a walk, take a hike, sit outside while you have your cup of tea.. anything that gets you outside!

Make a hair appointment
Any time I get my hair done, I have a little extra pep to my step as I step out into the world with my refreshed, bouncy hair. If getting your hair done gives you the same boost, confidence, or general happiness, set yourself up with an appointment and treat yourself!

Watch something on television
As a mum, it goes without saying that most of the things that play on our television is not chosen by me. Settling in with a cosy blanket and flipping through the options on sites like uk.chili.com to find one of my favourite programmes or a new movie is something I love to do. It’s also fun to throw on a facemask or do my nails while I watch!

Read
I love to read, but don’t read nearly as often as I want to. If there is a book, magazine, or whatever that you have been wanting to flip through, now is your time! Make yourself a cup of tea, set yourself up in your ideal cosy environment and dive in.

SELF-CARE // Why You Should Take Time To Recharge

Disconnect from social media
Social media is so fun, but it can eat up quite a bit of time. So for the ultimate self-care, consider disconnecting from social media. If you’re anything like me, that is definitely not something I would do during my usual day-to-day life, so disconnecting gives me that time and space to focus on other things rather than my notifications and beloved Instagram feed.

SELF-CARE // Why You Should Take Time To Recharge

Try yoga and meditation
Yoga is a great way to get some movement in, and both yoga and meditation are a great way to take care of your body and mind. Focus on deep breathing and let yourself slip into the pure relaxation both offer. Bonus: you can do this within the comfort of your own home and/or go and take a class!

What are some of your favourite things to do for some well-deserved self-care?

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Body Image // Working On Myself

Look at me, kind of blogging on a regular basis now, obviously got this writers block well and truly nailed.to.the.wall. 

Or possibly not but we won’t dwell on that too much. 

In my last post (she says, this is only the 3rd one she’s written this year, let’s not get carried away now) I touched on the fact that I am over diets. Clearly, this shocked a few people who know me in real life. I think the Husband even said something along the lines of “I’m fucking holding you to this, I now have it in writing”. 

Yes, he reads my blog (hiiiii husband) and yes, he swears just as much as me, an angel he is not, despite appearances. 

So I thought I’d go into a bit more detail on this ‘lil old topic, because, I’m nothing if not thorough. 

I, like most women probably, go through stages. One day I can be all kinds of feeling myself, the next I feel like Quasimodo’s uglier sister. It’s all down to hormones and whatever but it really pisses me off.

Years, and I mean years (I’m 40 in 2021 FFS) of dieting, reading the constant battering celebs get in the press if they’re not a size 6, headlines about how the latest star has FINALLY dropped 3 stone and is now acceptable to look at, can really play havoc with someones mind. 

But, towards the end of last year, something changed in my head in regards to the way I think of myself. 

Body Positive accounts on Instagram, ‘curves’ on film & tv and nutritionalists literally pulling apart the diets bit by bit to show you how fucked up they are, they’ve all helped to bring about that teeny, tiny spark in me that thinks, maybe I don’t have to be on a diet for the rest of my life. 

Body Image // Working On Myself

Wouldn’t that be fun!?

It always surprises me, but, I quite like myself actually. I’ve birthed two rather incredible humans, not died after almost dying, got through various ops, accidents and whatever else happens to our bodies as we grow, I even managed to not break my head when my dog pulled me into the corner of a wall as a kid, and everything still works. Quite well in fact. 

OK, so my stomach is not my best bit. A home for two people, a c-section and all kind of issues in the old womb has made it slightly softer than one would hope for, and, I literally cannot remember what it looked like pre-kids. I even asked T the other week and, sadly, he can’t either. I mean, I know it was flat because I got it tattooed, but that’s as far as the memory goes. 

My legs are long and fairly toned, apart from at the top of my thighs where I look like I could store some baby mice for safekeeping. Thigh pockets shall we say? (I don’t know if there even is a name for these, but pockets they shall be)

As for the boobs, amazing in a bra, not too shabby out of one but obviously they’re not as fit as they were when I was 20. 

But, so what!?

I’m 37 (38 soon in case you’re think you should start shopping for my present) I’ve been married to my ACTUAL best friend for 18 years and annoying him for 22. So he obviously quite fancies me. I’ve got two really cool kids who I’m going to take at least 50% credit for and my life is pretty bloody good. 

I like food too much to want to live on salad and low fat yogurt. Yes, I want to eat burgers and steak, double cooked fries and ALL the avocado on toast. 

Body Image // Working On Myself

I want to wear clothes that flatter & make me feel sexy, and, even if I had a washboard stomach, I still wouldn’t be wearing a crop top – have you seen how many times they have to be pulled back down again!? I’m all about the comfortable thank you very much. 

I’m going to try really hard to listen to my body this year. I used to be very anti breakfast, and would try and go as long as possible without food until lunch. When, obviously Sherlock, I’d be starving. Now, I can’t leave the house without my porridge pot to eat at my desk. I have NO idea how many calories are in it, and I don’t bloody care. It fills me up & keeps me going until I can have lunch. 

Groundbreaking! 

Some days I’ll want salad and salmon and want to go on long walks with the dogs, but some days I’ll want pizza on the sofa watching TV and probably won’t move for a good 4 hours. Both are completely fine. 

It’s really hard to switch off the guilt, you know, “I’ll eat this but then tomorrow I’ll be good and that’ll balance it out” but I’m going to try and stop myself every time I think like that. Food isn’t just “on a diet, this will make me skinny” or “having a blow out, eat all the calories” food. There’s a complete middle ground, where, so I’m led to believe, you can eat all of the food groups, whenever you want. Just by listening to what your body actually needs. 

I’m over it. I am over it. (if you said that in Rachel from Friends voice, you’re my kind of person) 

So, I’m gonna read the blogs & the books. I’m going to keep following the accounts that shout about loving yourself and I’m going to work really hard on loving myself too. And, if you want to be on your diet, I’m not going to knock you – you do you and I’ll do me. 

(also, yes, all the photos are food related – you’d be surprised at how many photos of food I have inside my phone!) 

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Beuti Skincare | Beauty Sleep Elixir Review

I’m back! And doing what I love – talking all things skincare. 

Way back in 2018 I was sent a bottle of Beuti Skincare Beauty Sleep Elixir – the name alone had my attention, beauty sleep elixir, it sounds like something that is going to wipe away years of tiredness. 

Apparently, the Duchess of Sussex is a huge fan of this wonder oil after being given a bottle by Kate Middleton, so, you know, I’m mixing with the Royals now. 

The beauty oil has 14 precious plant oils and supports skin barrier function, a key role in fighting ‘inflammaging’ which is the name given to describe the ageing of skin due to inflammation over a period of time. Sun, pollution and over exfoliation are all big culprits.  

Beuti Skincare | Beauty Sleep Elixir Review

Beauty Sleep Elixir is 100% natural and made using 98% organic oils like camellia, lavender, geranium and neroli, which makes it smell incredible and, obviously, lavender helps you to sleep like a baby which is a double bonus. 

There are various ways to use the oil, 1 pump before makeup or 2-3 before bed. I used to be very anti oil because I have combination skin, but, since learning that I was all kinds of wrong, I feel like my skincare isn’t finished at night if I don’t apply a layer of facial oil. 

Depending on my skin, and what mood it’s in, 1 pump before make up, works really well but at certain times in the month, when my face isn’t playing ball, it doesn’t help to keep my foundation on. 

At night though, it’s a completely different story. I absolutely LOVE it. I apply 3 pumps to my clean face, in a very fancy way, it says to ‘pat it into your skin’ which always makes me feel like I’m having a facial, no rubbing or dragging of the skin here. 

It sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave your face overly shiny, but it feels like it’s doing all kinds of amazing magic on your face, and you wake up with very happy skin. 

Beuti Skincare Beauty Sleep Elixir is available here for £42 for 30ml – but be quick as it sells out at speed! The power of the Duchess! 

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Making Cash, Dumping Diets & Earrings Galore

It’s already the 21st of January. Usually, this month drags it’s tired little arse and feels like it lasts forever and a day. 

Not this January. I actually can’t believe we’re already 21 days in, where in the hell has it gone? 

I started 2019 determined to have a good year, you know, when you’re watching the fireworks and you just feel full of hope and promise, a brand new, blank paged year. 2018 ended pretty damn well, and it made the transition into another year that little bit easier. 

I’m still riding that positivity wave now, despite the odd wobble here and there. 

What I’ve noticed (what we’ve ALL noticed I’m sure!) is January becomes the month of don’t. Don’t eat that, don’t do this, don’t carry on with what you’re doing. It’s all about the deprivation and I am not here for that. 

January is already the most depressing month of the year. Christmas seems like an age ago, Summer is nowhere near in sight and we’re all desperately clinging on until pay day. Why the flip do we want to make it harder on ourselves? 

Answers on postcards please. 

Instead of focussing on the negatives in my life, leaving me feeling like a big fat failure before I’ve even done anything, I’ve decided to make a list of things I want to achieve this year, attainable (I hope?) happy rewarding goals that make my 2019 feel as good as possible. 

I’m really getting into manifestation and the power of positive thinking – this coming from the original Negative Nancy is saying something – I’ve read so many books about putting what you want out there in the universe that I am starting to see how that works, and I’m feeling it. 

So, with that in mind, I thought I’d write down some of my goals for the year, it helps me to write things down (in many different formats, so I’ll be blogging, journalling, texting the old BF and telling the husband a million times a week, just to make sure) 

Make The Cash 

No beating around the bush here. Like the Rolling Stones said, I want money.

There’s no point pretending that life is all about flowers and candy floss, to live the life you want, you need to make the cash.

I’ve spent a good few years of my life looking for the “career” – that one job that you settle into and stay there until retirement. But, strike a light, I’ve finally realised that isn’t the life for me. I’m better off with my fingers in a few different pies, and, as long as I get my balancing act right, I’m able to give each of them my full attention. 

I have the IRL job, I have my blog and I have my newest baby, La Lune London which I am all kind of crazy for. Between them, I get the best of all worlds. Regular work, 3 days a week, a creative outlet and the chance to shop, curate and style a brand. I am literally in heaven. 

Now, the rest of the year is going to be about building the blog & La Lune London up to be the best they can be and living my best life babes. 

Self Care

Self Care is all about doing what you want to do, and saying a happy ‘fuck off’ to anyone who wants to make you feel crap about it.

Hot baths. Yoga classes. Eating the chocolate even though you had a piece of bread that day. Burning the expensive candles – even just BUYING the expensive candles! Eating out, having a day off, not wearing make up, whatever it is YOU want to do to make yourself feel good. Do it. Do it and enjoy it! 

Enjoying Being UN-Busy

I’m really good at being lazy & I don’t even try and hide it anymore. I am quite happy being at home, on the sofa with my favourite people. Of course, I can go to the party, but you can bet your arse I’ll be leaving when I want, get home before the ‘too drunk’ stage kicks in, and be in time for a cup of tea. 

I don’t care if being busy is seen as a badge of honour. It’s not for me. I am, of course, busy. With two kids, two dogs, 3 jobs, a husband, friends and a family there are loads of things to do, but I’m not going to make myself out to be some kind of high flying world leader. And if you’re not one of those either, stop acting like you are.

So if you’re the kind of person who likes to make others feel less about themselves because you think you win the busy award, then get yourself on your bike and toodle off thanks. 

Stop The Diet Bullshit

Oh my god I could write a book on this. I cannot tell you how sick to death I am of hearing about the newest diet, the latest star to lose 3 stone, or the best way to cook something fat free and remove all of it’s flavour. 

DIETS DON’T WORK!

If they did, there would only be one and everyone would be a size whatever they want. 

Despite knowing this, I have been sucked into the whole “maybe I should try this diet….” routine again already this year. URGH. Slap me round the face with a syn free cheesecake will you? Surprise surprise, I was miserable, my chin broke out and all I could think about was food. 

Shocker. 

Not everyone is made to be a size 10 or will lose weight following a diet. And not everyone wants to hear about what you had to eat this week. And, by constantly hearing about others being on a diet, it can trigger a whole load of issues for some people. If being a size 16 is the worst thing about someone, then I reckon they’re doing pretty good. Life is too short to be worrying about how many syns or points something has. If you want it, eat it. 

I will not go on another diet this year. If anyone hears me saying otherwise, please sort me out. I will, however, be reading up on intuitive eating and sorting my own issues out.  

All About The Mini Break

We haven’t had a proper holiday since 2016. URGH. What with work, moving house, and the fact that we’re not made of cash, holidays have gone on the back burner for the past THREE FRIGGING YEARS. No more! We’ve got two planned already, and we’re looking at a third one later in the year. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be fabulous and it doesn’t have to be abroad. All it needs to be is an adventure. 

Because I’m Happy

2019 has all the hallmarks of a good year. I don’t have any great expectations, I’m just going with it, wherever that may be. All I am interested in is being happy and having a good time. There’s always that “now I’ve said it, I’m gonna jinx it” vibe but not this year! I am putting happy out into the universe and I am expecting Happy to come right on back to me! 

(and that first blog of 2019 turned into a bit of an essay didn’t it……..!) 

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Don’t worry! We’re not moving again! Not for a long time if I can help it! But, interiors are right up there on my list of loves. I can spend hours browsing through home magazines, Instagram accounts and blogs all about home style. 

In our old home I was desperate for downpipe grey. The living area (I say area, as it was the entire downstairs space, there were no room as such) was at the back of the house and constantly in the shade, so the dark grey suited it. No amount of white paint was going to inject any light into that house. In our new home, it’s full of light, from every angle. The front of the house gets the evening light, where it’s that orange kind of glow, the perfect light for relaxing in. The back of the house, including the garden is bathed in sun until around 5ish.

Which means I am all about the white walls here. I’ve had my fix of dark interiors, I loved it at the time, but I’ve moved on. I’m fickle like that. 

The white walls means I can change things pretty much instantly. Switch the cushion covers depending on the season, change the frames on the wall, add plants, light fittings, all done with less expense than a tin of paint. Bobs your uncle, Fanny’s your aunt. 

I love the fact that the entire downstairs has real wood flooring, with 2 kids, 2 dogs and a whole load of football boots it makes it so much easier to keep clean, plus, it goes perfectly with the white walls. 

Obviously, being me, there are still a few things I’m on the hunt for. The top 5 for 2019 so to speak. 

Velvet Sofa

I will never be satisfied until I have the sofa of dreams. In my head we’re talking either forest green or navy blue velvet. Soft, squishy and more comfortable than a cloud. Also, more expensive than I can afford right now, but I’ll keep searching. I have real issues with sofas. If they look good, they’re probably uncomfortable. If they’re comfortable, then I bet they have a touch of the granny look. I’ve yet to find the holy grail, but I believe it lives at Loaf. 

5 Home Additions For The New Year

Coffee Table Situ

The situ being I cannot find the one I want. Hairpin legs. Battered, dark wood. Low level. It’s not much to ask is it? I spend hours scouring through eBay & Wayfair looking for the right one but so far I’ve drawn a blank. When I see it, I’ll know. 

Music To My Ears

For the wife of such a techy, I’m disappointed in our speaker system. I want (I know, I want never gets, but whatever) speakers in every room. Loud enough to blast your ear drums. Think singing along to A Star Is Born with all your heart while washing up. And the odd summer party. I cannot live without music. Cannot, will not. There’s not a day goes by where I’m not singing along to something. In fact, I will make an excuse to go for a drive just so I can blast the radio. I’m that woman. 

Candles Everywhere

I’m not a snob. Not anymore anyway. Pre Aldi I was all about Neom and Diptyque. Now, I’m more than happy with any of the £3.99 bargains that Aldi have to offer. The more the merrier and, at that price, I can whack one on in every single room of the house without a flicker of guilt. See what I did there? 

5 Home Additions For The New Year

Door Mat Magic

This is a difficult one. Our front door is quite low, which means we haven’t found a mat that fits there, and can have an open door swing over it. Do you see the kind of difficulties I have in life? It needs to be something pattered, preferably round and one that doesn’t need to be kicked out of the way every time you open the door to the Amazon man. I mean guests. 

There, not too extensive huh! What’s on your list of home buys in the New Year? 

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2018 // What The Year Taught Me

Tomorrow is New Years Eve. It always comes a week after Xmas but seems to surprise me each year. I get so caught up in it almost being Christmas that I forget it’s the end of the year as well.

I’m really not interested in going out and getting shit faced to bring in the New Year. My urge for partying reduces each time the hangover feels worse. 

As we wave goodbye to 2018, I realised it’s been quite a good year. I’ve camped (in an actual tent) for longer than 2 nights. And (kind of) enjoyed it. I’ve moved house. I’ve survived through mock GCSE stress and I’ve seen my youngest go away on a school trip which had ZERO parental contact. I’ve started a new business (I was going to add the word ‘little’ in there, but I’m not doing that anymore) and I’ve sold out of stock 3 times over. I’ve instagrammed the shit out of events, and come off social media for a while to save my sanity. 

We’ve had the Beast from the East, the hottest summer in forever and almost the World Cup. I even cried at a Royal wedding. The husband has flown a helicopter (may have swooned a bit) and I lost a beautiful person from my life. 

But what have I actually learned this year? 

I’m Happy With Myself

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to change something about myself. Always had that little voice in my head that starts a sentence like “once I’ve done/got/changed/lost (insert word here) I’ll be happy…..” 

But, 2018 Kate has learned that this is a big fat lie. 

On the rare occasions I did change something, lose weight, or whatever, I was straight onto the next thing I felt I needed to change. It’s a never ending cycle of self sabotage. 

The only way to actually be happy is to just do it. Appreciate everything you have, everything you are and just bloody enjoy life while you have it. Follow your heart, and your intuition on things and you can’t go far wrong. I’ve always ignored my intuition, only to regret it when things go wrong. But now, when my gut is telling me something, I try to listen. 

I’m not, for one second, saying I’m perfect, far from it. I want to get healthier, for healths sake, in 2019. I want to find a yoga class I can go along to, not because I want to photograph myself doing a downward dog and get all the likes, but because I want to use it to chill the fuck out. But, who I am right now, before I make any changes, is just as fine as who I could be at the end of next year. 

 

You Don’t Have To Share It

Bloody social media. I’ve had a real love affair with it in the past, wanting to post everything and anything. When stories came to Instagram, it took me a while to appreciate it, but then, when I realised I could post my unedited (and more real life) life on there, I was all over it like a rash. 

Lately, it’s been more of a chore than something I enjoy. Finding the right photo, being at the right event, posting at the right time to get the right amount of likes to beat the god damn algorithm – has all equalled a big fat eff off to Instagram. The amount of effort it takes to get the right image has completely battered the original concept of Instagram being, well, instant. 

I’ve been using social media for La Lune London, but my personal page has taken a back seat. I still love nothing more than scrolling through my feed, watching my favourite accounts on stories and getting inspiration but I don’t feel the need to post my ENTIRE LIFE on there anymore. 

No doubt I’ll get sucked in again soon, but for now, I’m enjoying being social in real life.  

Life Is For Living Your Way

Do it your way. It’s the only way you’ll be happy. Visit the places you want to visit, eat the food you want to eat, style your home and your wardrobe that makes your heart sing.
 
Who cares what anyone else is doing? Their life is their life. Yours is yours. Trying to live your life to please, or even get approval from someone else is like a ticking time bomb. 
 
Say no when you want to say no. As long as you’re not hurting anyone, why should you put yourself in situations that make you feel unhappy, to please others? Turn down the guilt (still working on this one!) there’s SO much guilt, everywhere! From what you eat, to what decisions you make. At the end of the day, you have to make yourself happy. No one else can do that for you, and you certainly can’t make anyone else happy if your life is miserable. 
 
For me, that means saying no to invites when I need to. Using my favourite cups everyday & burning the candles every evening, no matter how expensive they are. Wearing skinny jeans and trainers every day of the week, growing my hair despite being nearer 40 than 30. Crazy prints, mismatched interiors, loud music, no diets and no hangovers. I love to read my ‘hippie’ books, believe in manifestation, the power of the moon and crystal magic. I want to grow a herb garden, which we’ve named the witch patch. I love journalling and spilling my guts on here. It all makes me happy. It doesn’t work for other people, but then I don’t expect it to. And if they’re any kind of friend to you, they won’t expect their way of thinking to work for you. 
 
Let your freak flag fly! 

Happiness Is The Key

At the end of the day (year!) all that really matters is happiness. However that feels for you. I don’t have massive goals for 2019. I don’t want to set myself up to fail. All I want from the New Year is to feel content with my life.

I really believe in speaking as if it’s already happened, something I learned from Gala Darling (read her books!) the power of manifestation, and, I think 2019 is the year that I step into that side of myself more, there’s a full on hippie living inside of me, and I’m going to let her live wild and free in the new year! Expectations, judgements, punishing myself (and others) for things that are out of our control, none of them are welcome in the next year. 

2017 was the year of hell for me, 2018 was about repairing the damage and learning from it. By my reckoning, 2019 is about revelling in the changes that have come about and stepping into a new year with happiness. 

So that’s me. The top things I’ve learned this year. There are probably a million other things, smaller, bigger, things that will occur to me once I’ve pressed publish. 

Tomorrow we’ll be seeing in the new year with a glass of something cold – Aperol for me, some nibbles and the TV. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Living my dream. 

 

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