The Best Smoothie Ever ft. Indigo Herbs

I love smoothies but the one thing that puts me off is that most smoothies made at home can be gritty and bitty but since buying my Nutribullet last year I have been drinking them much more! I cannot recommend the NutriBullet enough, I use it so much especially for vegan meals, smoothies and soup.

Over the past couple of months I have only been making one smoothie as I can't get enough of it, it's so yummy, simple and very healthy! There are only four ingredients and it takes about two minutes or so to make!

- One mango
- Half a tub of raspberries (approx. 75g)
- 150-200ml of orange juice
- One teaspoon of Indigo Herbs Protein Powder

I start by chopping the mango into small pieces and place in the NutriBullet with the raspberries. The amount of orange juice depends on how thick you want the smoothie to be. I usually use about 200ml for a large smoothie - as you can see from the large NutriBullet container, it's almost full! I blend everything for about 20 seconds then I add in one teaspoon or just less of the *Indigo Herbs Superprotein Powder (£5.99, 100g) which is a vegan protein blend of organic chia seed powder. It has a nutty, slightly chocolate scent to me *maybe that is just me* but it's fantastic in smoothies to add a hint of flavour but mostly a boost of vitamins and protein.

I love this smoothie as it is smooth, unlike most homemade smoothies, thanks to the amazing Nutribullet; also I love the mango and raspberries as it makes it sour and yummy rather than overly sweet. It's a filling and super healthy smoothie, especially with the addition of the vegan protein powder.

Have you tried anything from Indigo Herbs? What are your favourite smoothie recipes?

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Firmoo Prescription Glasses

If you have been reading my blog for a while then you may recognise this brand as I have worked with Firmoo a few times in the past, reviewing their prescription glasses. I think this is the fourth pair of Firmoo prescription glasses I've been sent and I have also purchased a pair myself as I've been really happy with the others I've had from Firmoo.

I wanted a change so I chose the *Firmoo Unisex Full Frame Memory Plastic Eyeglasses #FRM8827 ($33) in the matte black shade as they are unlike in shape, style and finish to the other glasses I have. Firmoo glasses always arrive quickly, safely and well protected; also the past couple of glasses I've had from Firmoo have come with a gorgeous glasses case with an antique map design *love*.

The glasses are prescription and they work so well and they are a little lighter than the other glasses I wear so they are more comfortable and less likely to give me a headache. I love the design, they are more rounded and larger which I will have to get used to but so far I'm loving them. I also love the matte black finish which is really unique and unusual.

Overall, I love the style and design of my new glasses and from my experience of being sent a few pairs to review from Firmoo and the pair I have purchased, I genuinely cannot recommend Firmoo glasses and the service enough! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried any glasses from Firmoo? What do you think of these glasses?

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Wake Up Ready Ft. Kalms

I've always had problems sleeping, it takes me hours and hours to fall asleep and it has been an on and off problem since I was a child. I've come to the conclusion that my brain just doesn't want to switch off and it doesn't help at all that I am a worrier and I have anxiety - go me!

The Kalms Wake Up Ready campaign focuses on making yourself aware of your sleep patterns, what you could change in order for you to have a better nights sleep and to wake up ready for the next day. I have been filling out a basic sleep diary over the past three or so weeks in order for me to keep track of how well I've slept, my sleep patterns and what factors might be affecting my sleep, positively or negatively.

Firstly, I think monitoring your sleep patterns, the effect of your sleep each day and the factors that influence you having a good or bad nights sleep is important for understanding and also how you can change for the better. Just a side note, the campaign is related to Kalms but I have not been taking the Kalms night tablets for this campaign.

One main factor that I have found to be negatively affect my sleep is one of my biggest weaknesses...social media. I go to bed at a reasonable time, probably far too reasonable for someone in their early 20's but then I spend maybe three or so hours on my iPhone, iPod or iPad either watching Youtube, reading via my Kindle app, scrolling through Twitter or Instagram or more recently Pinterest which is the place my productivity and need to sleep go to die. It's become quite a big factor as to why I don't get as much sleep as I probably should so from now on I'm going to keep all of my electronics in my office *when it has finished being redecorated which I'm super excited about* to see if that change can help me sleep more.

Another main factor that affects my sleep is two fold - my anxiety/active mind and my eczema - both are so distracting and keep me up at night. Anxiety is something I've always kind of had *I'm a worrier by nature* but over the past year it has become much worse and it can affect my sleep. Anxiety also triggers my eczema, it's like a vicious circle, I am anxious then I get eczema, then I can't sleep which makes me focus on my burning face as I try to sleep then I become anxious that I won't be as productive the next day - you can see the problem. I have downloaded a few mindfulness apps and books to try and help and one thing that definitely does help me is breathing meditation and yoga so I plan on starting a nighttime routine of yoga and or meditation before bed to see if it helps, fingers crossed.  Also baths before bed, pillow mists and lavender essential oils around my room seem to help too.

When I've had a bad nights sleep, naturally I can't function as well the next day and I reach of the coffee, which I should probably cut down on. I don't want to do anything but watch TV or a movie or play on the Xbox so I don't have a productive day at all. So it is definitely important to have a good nights sleep so you can wake up ready for the next day.

I have found the past three or so weeks helping in at least confirming what I thought was negatively and positively affecting my sleep and I now know what I need to do to help me sleep better although it will be easier said than done. This is a sponsored post.

Check out the Kalms sleep tips:

1. Always get up at the same time - even at the weekend.
   It might seem like you need a lie in to make up for the sleep you haven’t got, but to break a cycle of sleeping problems you need to train your body into a good sleeping pattern.

2. Avoid catnaps during the day.
   It’ll only make it harder to get into good sleeping habits.

3. Replace caffeine and alcohol with hot milky drinks.
   Alcohol won’t help you sleep properly. If you are having trouble cutting out caffeine, set yourself a time in the day past which you don’t have it.

4. Unwind with a hot bath and lavender bubbles.
   Both will aid sleep by helping you feel more relaxed.

5. Exercise during the day.
   Exercising at night will actually make you more awake and you’ll find it harder to get to sleep.

6. Get to bed at the same time every night.
   It’ll help your body prepare itself for sleep.

7. Make your bedroom a shrine to sleep.
   No TV, no smart phones!

8. Alleviate your worries. 
   Try writing them down before you go to bed.

9. Try a traditional herbal remedy.
   Valerian root has been used for centuries due to its natural sedative effect.

10. Don’t lie there frustrated.
    If you can’t sleep, get up and do something (non strenuous) for a while.

What do you do to sleep better? What factors affect your sleep pattern? 

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What To Wear On Your Graduation Day

I graduated three years ago in June and to me it feels like it was last year, I genuinely wish I could go back to university again as I loved my time there even though it was incredibly stressful and nerve wracking at times *presentations, cries*. I didn't even want to go to my graduation if I didn't get a first, thankfully I did but then came the dread of what to wear. The university I went to had a dress code of a white shirt and black pants...I only found out on the morning of my graduation that we could wear whatever we wanted, you can imagine my stress levels.

I wore a plain navy skater dress for my graduation day with black tights and black wedge heels and looking back it wasn't an awful outfit and it did fit the occasion but I wish I had been able to choose something different - I just didn't have time! Choosing an outfit for your graduation day can be so difficult as it has to be formal and practical (as you will be struggling to keep the gown and cap on at the same time), also it has to match the colours of your gown and there is no point in picking a dress or shirt with an intricate print or embellishments as you won't really see them because of the gown.

House of Fraser have some fantastic dresses and formal/workwear options that would be perfect for graduation. Here are my picks:

- Biba Lace Button Up Shirt Dress: If your university allows dresses for graduation then I think this one would be a great formal but colourful opinion - although make sure it complements the colour of your gown. It is such a fun, cute opinion.

- Yumi Net Lace Skater Dress: This is a dress I would have picked for my graduation as it is simple and black so it will go with the gown and the skater dress fit is so flattering. The lace adds a nice touch of detail and the dress could be worn to other occasions.

- Dorothy Perkins Lace Pencil Dress: Another gorgeous but formal dress would be great for graduations as the colours won't clash with the gown and it is more feminine and figure hugging compared to most formal or workwear dresses. This would be a great opinion if your graduation is in the summer as mine was as wearing a gown and cap can be a bit much!

- Warehouse Mix Lace Prom Dress: I think this dress is my favourite from the ones I have picked, it is simple but cute and formal. I love the lace detailing and navy will go with everything, that's one of the reasons I chose a navy dress for my graduation...that and I didn't really have many other choices with a hour or two to go until graduation!

- Ted Baker Crepe Suit Trousers: Some universities have a dress code for graduation as mine did until the last minute so you might have to wear a shirt and trousers. As I'm petite and I am a bit picky when it comes to clothes, it took me ages to find a decent pair of black trousers that didn't give me horrendous flashbacks of secondary school days. I love these Ted Baker trousers, they would be perfect with a cute blouse or shirt and heels although if your university has cobbled streets around it as mine does then opt for wedges - there were quite a few people falling on my graduation day thanks to stilettos!

What do you think of the items I picked? What did you wear to your graduation? 

*sponsored 

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Amphora Aromatics Face Mask

I don't know about you but when I use a face mask or a hair mask, it instantly feels like I'm having a pamper night. The process of using masks feels relaxing and pampering in itself to me especially growing up with american tv and films were girls always used green clay or mud masks. I have a few masks that I like although over the past year or so  I've become a big fan of multi-masking where you use a couple of face masks at once on different areas of the face. For example, I use a moisturising and gentle mask on my cheeks and a detoxifying mask on my t-zone to suit those areas of my skin more than one all over face mask. 

I was recently sent the *Amphora Aromatics Frankincense and Rose Clay Face Mask (£7.95, 100ml) which claims to detoxify the skin and draw out impurities from blocked pores while leaving the skin radiant and hydrated. There are so many lovely natural ingredients in the mask such as sweet almond oil, shea butter, rosehip seed oil, frankincense oil and many more. 

The mask doesn't feel like a clay mask, it almost has a whipped body butter consistency but when applied it looks and feels like a traditional clay mask I used as a teenager - although this one is much better for the skin than the cheap ones I used to use! It applies smoothly with no mess and it rinses off easily too. You can see it drying and being absorbed, like the Caudalie detox mask which makes me think that it is definitely working. The mask leaves my skin very smooth, cleansed and my pores do seem smaller, less noticeable or less clogged up. 

Overall, both myself and my sister really like this mask, it isn't the most amazing mask I've ever tried but it is fantastic, especially for the price and the wonderful ingredients. I would definitely recommend it and I do want to try more from this brand - they have recently launched a home fragrance range which looks interesting. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

20% off code: BLOG20

Have you tried anything from Amphora Aromatics? What is your favourite face mask? 

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Finnish Pulla Bread Recipe ft. Lavazza

If there's two things I love, it's bread and coffee. So working with Lavazza and trying out recipes with coffee and bread is my idea of a perfect day. Today's post is a little different as Lavazza is celebrating their 120th anniversary and I've found a gorgeous recipe for a traditional Finnish bread called Pulla which is the perfect accompaniment to a good cup of coffee and I have also made a sweet coffee flavoured icing spread to go with it.

I haven't made a braided loaf before but it turned out SO well and family, neighbours and friends have all loved it! It is a traditional cardamom bread and I have adapted it from this recipe. I was a little clueless  at first but all the hours of watching The Great British Bake Off paid off *I knew it would obvs* and I'm definitely going to make this recipe again and again so here it is:

Ingredients:

*ps. if you are going to try this then be prepared as it takes about four hours and it makes one monster loaf*

• 2/3 cups of warm milk
• 1/3 cup of caster sugar
• 5/6 cardamom pods 
• 2 small eggs
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or soft spread/margarine 
• 3 1/2 cups of plain flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon of table salt
• 7g packet of dry active yeast 
• 1 egg yolk 
• 1 tablespoon of single cream

Step One: Using a mortar and pestle, crush the cardamon pods and remove the seeds, then grind the seeds to a relatively fine powder. Combine the warm milk, cardamon (not the pods, just the seeds!), yeast and caster sugar. Stir then leave in a warm place until the mixture is foamy - I placed the large mixing bowl in a larger bowl of warm water to speed up the process and to make the yeast very active (don't make the mixture too hot otherwise it might kill the yeast). Leave to foam up for about 15 minutes but it might take longer depending on the yeast and the temperate. 

Step Two: Add the eggs to the mixture and stir well. Then add in the plain flour and salt; mix until a dough forms. The dough will be quite wet and sticky but that is how it should be. Knead the dough on a well floured surface for about three/four minutes and add a small amount of extra flour to help you knead the dough. 

Step Three: While kneading, add in the butter into the dough in small amounts *ps. it doughs the dough feel and sound gross!*. I used soft spread which is a type of margarine and it worked really well. Knead until combined (about four minutes) and add to a lightly greased bowl covered with clingfilm for an hour in a warm place.

Step Four: After one hour the dough should be double in size or more; punch down the dough lightly and leave for another 30 minutes in a warm place - the dough should be even larger.

Step Five: Heat the oven to approx. 180 celcius for fan. Remove the dough from the bowl carefully and transfer to a floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll out each into a rope approx. 16 inches long. Transfer the dough to a lined or greased baking sheet. You can google how to braided a load of bread, I just did what I thought was right and it turned out well...I think!

Step Six: Cover the braided dough with a tea towel and leave for a further 20 minutes until it has risen slightly (mine turned out like a monster loaf). Combine the one egg yolk and a tablespoon of single cream and brush all over the top of the dough then bake for approx. 25 minutes. Leave to cool for 15/20 minutes before cutting.

Step Seven: This is optional but I also made a coffee icing/spread using icing sugar and Lavazza ground coffee - I don't have quantities as it is always a trail and error process making icing.

The bread turned out so well and everyone has loved it which is fantastic so I'll definitely make it again. I love the cardamon flavour, it makes this sweet loaf taste so unusual *but in a very good way*. I've been having a couple of warmed slices with butter and my Lavazza coffee every morning and they are perfect today. The coffee icing also tastes so good with this loaf!

I used the *Lavazza 120th Anniversary Ground Coffee for this recipe and it is gorgeous, as expected and I love the special anniverary designs on the tins. The white tin design is definitely my favourite and when they are empty, I will be re-using!

Check out the Lavazza site for more coffee recipes! 

Have you tried this recipe? Do you love Lavazza coffee? What are your favourite coffee recipes? 

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