Today's post is a little different but it's something we all need to consider, social responsibility. Social responsibility means that an organisation, business or individual has the responsibility to act for the benefit of social on the whole; for example as an individual it is important to be aware of and reduce your impact on the environment.
Recycling & Reusing
One of the easiest things you can do to at home and on a day to day basis, along with the latter point, is recycling. I am lucky enough to receive blogger mail from publishers and PRs so I always have paper and cardboard recycling. We have paper recycling bins in my area so it is very easy for us to recycle paper, metal and cardboard as well as green waste for composting. If you don't have recycling bins or you need more then you might be able to ring your local council to enquire. Litter and recycling bins around your area or at work will make this easier too - visit uk.glasdon.com/litter-bins for more information. Reusing items is also a great way to help and rescue the amount of landfill. Check out the Glasdon e-book for more ideas!
Reducing or Stopping Meat Consumption
I have been a vegetarian since I was eleven years old and I've been on/off vegan for around four years now and initially both changes were made by myself due to ethical reasons and health reasons but more and more I've been astonished by the negative impact animal agriculture has on our environment. An article concerning 'meat consumption, health and the environment' on the cancer epidemiology unit as part of Nuffield department of population health at the University of Oxford looks at a study and states that:
'Increased meat consumption has major negative consequences for land and water use and environmental change. The most important greenhouse gases caused by humans are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Meat production results in the emissions of all three and is the single most prominent source of methane.'
The effect on the environment due to world meat consumption and animal agriculture is devastating and according to Professor Tim Kay, " What’s happening is a big concern and if meat consumption goes up further it’s going to be massively more so. On a broad level you can say that eating substantial amounts of meat is bad for the environment.” Whether you agree with eating meat or not, it is having an impact on our environment and I think we all need to look at what we are consuming and make some environmentally friendly choices for the future because while what you do is your choice, it also affects others and the environment.
Do you think you need to be more environmentally friendly? What do you think about social responsibility - do you think we have a responsibility as individual to our society and environment?
*This is a collaborative post *Image from Pinterest
I love visiting cities and sights around my region! On my birthday earlier this week, we visited Chatsworth which is an incredibly impressive and beautiful English country home with gorgeous gardens to explore. There are so many wonderful cities around the UK that you should visit such as York, London and Chester. The latter is what I'll be writing about today as it's not only a car journey away from me but there are so many sights to visit in and around Chester. This post is inspired by the #ExploringCheshire campaign from https://www.laurushomes.co.uk.
Chester Cathedral
I've visited Chester Cathedral at least three times now and it is just as impressive each time! I'm not religious at all but I do love visiting churches as to me they are so peaceful as well as amazing feats of architecture and engineering. Chester Cathedral is so beautiful and I'd definitely recommend visiting.
Chester Zoo + Cheshire Oaks
During primary school one of the places we used to visit on school trips was Chester Zoo and I absolutely loved it! There's so much to see and do at Chester Zoo, especially for children. If you want something for children and adults then you could visit Cheshire Oaks after your trip to the zoo as it's only a 15 minute drive from Chester Zoo!
Lyme Park
I love visiting country houses and Lyme Park is one of my favourites, along with Dunham Massey and Chatsworth. Lyme Park is similar to Dunham Massey in that there's a country home, parklands and deer, however the deer at Lyme Park are fairly elusive and the deer park is off limits to visitors. The house is still very impressive, there is a lot of woodland and parkland to explore and as with Dunham Massey, if you're a National Trust member (as I am) then you get in for free.
Dunham Massey
One of my all time favourite places to visit within Cheshire has to be Dunham Massey which is a stunning Georgian House that you can explore as well as a deer park. The deer park is in the grounds so you don't have to walk very far at all to see the wild deer that roam the grounds. You can get very, very close to the deer and there are no barriers at all. I wouldn't recommend taking your dogs to Dunham Massey as they can scare the deer (a few very irresponsible people had their dogs at the park) but there is so much to see at Dunham Massey for all the family.
Those are just a few of my favourite places within Cheshire to visit but I'd also like to visit Tatton Park and Little Moreton Hall, both are owned by the National Trust. Cheshire is such a beautiful region to live in and visit, there are so many attractions for everyone and thankfully for me, it isn't very far from Manchester!
Have you visited any of these places? Have you visited Cheshire?
*This is a collaborative post *Image from Pinterest
One of my yearly goals for last year and continuing to this year was to be more active and thankfully it's something I've stuck to on the whole. The easiest ways for me to be active include getting on my crosstrainer and to go walking around my region, the latter is one of my favourite things to do. I wish I lived closer to a national park because I would be walking/hiking almost every single day rather than a couple of times per month.
I recently went to the Lake District with a couple of my best friends which offered the perfect excuse to walk around such a lovely region. Sadly, I completely forgot to take my new Grisport hiking boots that I was very kindly sent but they would have been absolutely perfect for hiking around the Lake District (and to be honest I would have fit in more with everyone else's attire too). You will have seen my Lake District adventures on my Instagram (@ofbeautyand) and twitter (@ofbeautyand).
I have the youth boots as I have teeny tiny feet but the have a very wide range of sizes to choose from for women, men and children. The children's sizes usually go up to a UK 5 in a range of stores so always check the childrens section for cheaper shoes! Mine are the 'alpine' boots which are perfect! I love the black, grey and districted brown shades, the style is exactly what I wanted and they're a little lighter than I thought they'd be - hiking boots can be very heavy!
They fit perfectly, they are surprisingly comfortable and they look great with my skinny black jeans (they're from Asos and they are amazing). I wish I'd remembered them for my trip to the Lake District as we walked around Ullswater and up to the Aira Force waterfall so they would have been much more suitable than my converse! If you're looking for hiking boots for summer camping trips or days out exploring the beautiful countryside then check out Gripsport.
Do you have a pair of hiking boots? Do you like hiking?
Over the past couple of months my life has been very car focused because we recently sold our car and replaced it with a new Vauxhaul Astra which is so much better but I definitely miss our old car (does anyone else form an attachment to your car or is that just me being weird?). I have looked at so many cars over the past couple of months which has been very frustrating but I've learnt so much about cars too, from the impact of milage on the price, how condescending car salesmen can be and how expensive cars are!
The past couple of months has also taught me how delicate cars can be and how many aspects you need to look at in terms of buying a new car and looking after your own car. There are basic things I know about looking after my car such as checking the oil and water etc but that's pretty much where it ends (thankfully my dad is very knowledgable when it comes to cars and engines).
Tyres
One aspect of a car that I've never really thought of (apart from when I scrape them on the curb) are tyres. Tyres are important to consider when looking for a new car or for looking after your car because they need to have a minimum tread depth by law - it can fail an MOT test if if it less than the minimum depth.
There are so many points that need to be considered when maintaining your car, especially when you start a road trip such as testing your brakes, topping up the oil and topping up for screen wash but tyres are also important. Poor tyres can affect the health of your car as unsafe or illegal tyres can affect handling, safety and fuel economy so don't overlook them.
One aspect of the 'show me tell me' section of the practical driving test in the UK has a few questions about practical and safety aspects of the car including knowing the correct tyre pressure of your car. Thankfully that was the question I was asked and the answer I was very confident of and it's also something that can affect your car in terms of safety of the tyres if they are overly inflated and it can affect fuel economy if they are under inflated.
Your local centre can easily change, replace and assess the quality and safety of your tyres and if you are unsure if they are in need of replacing then you should take your car to be checked. Let's say you are in Stirling and searching for tyres, you can buy car tyres of your choice here at Point S; their method is easy and it could also save you time and money in the long run by avoiding problems before they become a bigger issue!
Can you drive? If you can, do you know about the safety aspects and checks you need to do in order to have a safe car?
*This is a collaborative post *Image from Pinterest
When I first started blogging, I used to write monthly favourites posts but over the past couple of years, I have stopped writing them as frequently however I personally love to write and read them so I'm making a conscious effort to write more about the products, items and experiences I'm loving! Today's post is mostly beauty and skincare items with a couple of lifestyle items.
*Hempz Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm
Let's start with my favourite lip balm of the moment and it's the Hempz Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm which contains natural hemp seed oil to condition the lips, hydrate and nourish. I love that it's in a squeezy tube as it means that I can take it on the go and I don't have to use my fingers to apply it. It's a very moisturising lip balm even for my occasionally extremely dry lips and it doesn't irritate either, as some lip balms can with me.
Until I received these two items to review, I hadn't tried anything from Hempz but I'm so impressed with not only the products themselves but the ingredients. This product is my favourite of the two as it's a lovely body wash that is effective, natural and great for my sensitive skin but it also smells so heavenly. The scent reminds me of something, maybe another product I used years ago, but I can't put my finger on it. If you're looking for an effective but gentle body wash then look no further.
*DHC Face Wash Powder (£10.50)
I have tried a couple of products and gift sets from the lovely people at DHC previously so I was interested to try out these two products. DHC skincare is always raved out so I knew that I'd like this face wash powder. It's something I haven't ever tried as it's a face wash in powder form which you then mix with water to form a creamy, foamy face wash. It would be absolutely perfect for travelling or camping as it's a powder rather than a gel or cream that can leak in your suitcase or bag. A little goes a very long way and the first time I used it, I used enough for about six people! I would definitely recommend this gentle but effective and super travel friendly face wash!
The final product from DHC smells even nicer than the Hempz body wash, it's a lovely body moisturiser that has the most wonderful scent. To me, the scent is sweet, floral and earthy but it is very subtle so if you don't like heavily scented products then you'll probably be fine with this. It is very rich and hydrating so I think it would be ideal for the upcoming cooler months.
Earlier in this year I was kindly sent a range of gorgeous, colourful and unique false nails from Elegant Touch. Recently I was sent a few more (surprise blogger mail is one of my favourite things to receive) and I'm loving them. I love the fantasy mermaid magic nails and some of their more 'normal' designs. My nails seem to be quite unusual shapes so I do have to spend quite a while finding the right sizes, shaping them and discarding most of the largest sizes as they just don't fit my teeny tiny nails.
*Burts Bees Tinted Lip Oil in Whispering Orchid 613 (£9.99)
The only makeup item on my list is a gorgeous and very luxe feeling tinted lip oil from Burts Bees. Burts Bees has been one of my favourite brands for a number of years and I always love trying out their products whether it's makeup, skincare, bodycare or their gorgeous gifts. The lip oil I have is in the shade Whispering Orchid (613) which is a bright pink in the tube but on the lips it is very subtle and offers minimal colour. I like the subtle shade, the very nourishing feeling and the moisturising effect which my lips always seem to need.
*Burts Bees Moisturising Lip Mask (£4.99)
I love using hair and face masks but one type of mask then I haven't used, until now, is a lip mask. Burts Bees recently came out with a one use lip mask which contains meadowfoam seed and almond oils, it's 100% natural and cruelty free. The lip mask comes very cutely packaged, it smells so lovely (it's very sweet and honey-like) and it is very quick to use.
The lip mask is a thin sheet, similar to a very small sheet mask and it is covered in moisturising and nourishing oils so it does feel a little odd on the lips but it isn't irritating, it stays on the skin very easily and once removed and rinsed, my lips and skin feels so nourished, moisturised and deeply hydrating so much so that my dry lips feel very soft and smooth. I'd definitely recommend this lip mask as a lovely pampering treat.
The final item in todays favourites post is a unique selfie bag which is basically a cute large tote bag that features pockets for your phone and selfie stick. Additionally, it contains a fold out reflector sheet that is great for selfie and photo taking. The bag is huge so it would be great for a range of items and it's very durable. My favourite thing about the tote bag is the size and the design as mine is black with copper/rose gold detailing including stars (one of my favourite designs), hearts and more. I love how practical and multi-use it is and the quality is fantastic - some tote bags are very flimsy but this one isn't at all.
Have you tried any of these products? What products have you loved recently?
Last year I was lucky enough to receive and review one of the very thoughtful Cancer Care Parcel boxes and I'm lucky to receive another. Cancer Care Parcel was set up by Dr Shara Cohen to bring calm into the lives of those suffering with cancer. In 2017 they won the Live Better With spotlight award for the best mind and brain product which is fantastic!
The cancer care gift set that I received was the luxurious gift set which is the most expensive set on their site but it is packed full of items from beauty products, stationery, toiletries and more practical lifestyle items including a cool food bag, light, throw, earphones and more. There are so many boxes to choose from, all of which are great value for money considering the quality and number of items in the boxes.
Beauty
Let's start with the beauty products included in the box! There are various products including a Body Shop hand cream, Body Shop vitamin E facial cream, Brazilian mud clay mask, Vaseline lip therapy and a gel eye mask. There are a great range of everyday and pamper products in the box and I am very happy with all of them, especially the lovely Body Shop hand and nail cream.
I think all of the beauty items would be fantastic for anyone who has to have a longer stay in hospital as they're great sizes, good brands and I think using beauty products, for me at least, give a sense of normality to the day. Treatments could also potentially dry out your skin so keeping it moisturised is ideal and Body Shop products are fantastic. All of the products in the boxes have been chosen to be suitable for any treatment.
Home & Lifestyle
There are also a few lifestyle and home items including an adorable battery operated bedside light in the shape of a bottle. When I opened it, I didn't know it would look so pretty when it's lit up! It is battery powdered and the batteries are supplied so it would make a lovely little light for any bedside. There is another small USB powdered light within the box too.
A few useful item is a super soft neck cushion with would be perfect for a hospital stay or travelling as it is very soft, comfy and provides a lot of support. Along with the water bottle, both would be the ideal travelling duo. Earphones are always useful and would be perfect if you have a longer wait in hospital or long journey.
Health
There are a few health related items including E45 cream which is something I've used previously for eczema as well as a digital thermometer, tissues, hand sanitiser (perfect for hospital visits, although some have hand sanitiser dispensers in corridors) and the Sea-Band anti-nausea wrist band. The latter would be ideal for those suffering with certain illness or cancer as some treatments can cause nausea - it may also be useful for car/sea sickness.
Food, Tea & Extras
Next up are a few food and drink items as well as a few extras! I love herbal tea and thankfully there are a couple of packets of tea within the box including my favourite of the two, peppermint herbal tea and the second is a large tin of chocolate and ginger tea which is a Great Taste Award winner (2016). The chocolate and ginger tea doesn't sound like something I'd love but I know it would be a hit with so many others.
There's also a very cute woven cool food bag which would make the perfect lunch bag or for medicines - either on the go or for a hospital stay. I love the design of this lunch bag! Lastly for the food and drink related items is a plastic, eco friendly BPA free water bottle. This year I've switched from using disposable plastic bottles to re-useable bottles which is much better for the environment.
Tech & Activities
I imagine waiting in hospital can be very stressful so they've included a colouring book and pencils within the box which are apparently very good stress relievers but I personally don't have the patience for them. It would be great to use with the super soft throw, neck cushion and peppermint tea!
A battery operated beside light is included as well as a UBS light (I think maybe a clip on, battery operated book light might have been a good idea instead) and a Powerseed portable power bank. I never used power banks but they are so handy to have, so long as you remember to charge them.
Overall, I absolutely loved the parcel, I think there's such a great range of items from soothing herbal tea, calming activities and essentials such as skincare to more health related items, homeware items and products to help you feel comfortable either at home, while travelling or during a hospital stay.
The idea was created by Dr Shana Cohen as she was diagnosed with breast cancer so she knows the products that would be best for someone with cancer and having to deal with hospital stays, treatments and more. I think the idea is wonderful and there's something for everyone with a wide range of products. It's such a thoughtful gift to give and I cannot recommend it enough.
I have had numerous people within my family as well as family friends who have had to deal with cancer treatments, appointments and who have sadly passed away as a result of cancer, such as my dads parents. As a child I did experience, minimally, my grandads struggles with prostate cancer, among other things, which was difficult to deal with but I think if I'd have been the age I am now, I would have bought a parcel like this for him as it shows that you care but it's more practical and useful than flowers, chocolates or cards.
I'm a university graduate, coffee drinker and beauty, book, lifestyle and fashion blogger from little old England - posts marked with an (*) contain products sent for review or sponsored posts Read More >>
