Self Care Saturday: Natural Pampering

I started this series back in January and I didn't think it would be carried on so soon but I've already published three posts in this series! If you want you can read my self care Saturday posts on eye care, teeth whitening and my current bath and body favourites but today's post will focus on my natural, vegan and cruelty free pamper products that I have been loving recently.

*Nacomi Coffee Scrub (£14.99, 200g)

I know that pampering is such a cliche when it comes to the topic of self care but I genuinely think that is so important and a great way to easily look after yourself and your skin, especially if you don't have much time for yourself. I also think that more natural products are better to use and I've been slowly using up and changing the products I use to be more natural, vegan and cruelty free.

A couple of weeks ago I was very kindly sent a lovely package of natural products from Eco Natural Products containing items from the brand, Nacomi and Pierre de Plaisir. The first product I tried was the coffee scrub which is handmade using natural ingredients such as argan oil, cocoa butter and sea salt. It's also vegan and there are no parabens or potentially irritating ingredients.

I've used this scrub a few times now, I've wanted to try a coffee scrub for a while and I loved it, not only because it smells like coffee (which is definitely a bonus) but also because it's so effective. It is very effective and abrasive but it isn't harsh so it is ideal to use before shaving. The only thing I don't like about this product is the packaging as it isn't the most convenient to use in the shower - a glass jar which have been a better choice; however I'd definitely recommend this gorgeous smelling body scrub.

*Pierre de Plaisir Scrubbing Stone (£9.99)

Another exfoliating product is one that can be used on the face as well as the body and it's a little unusual and something that I haven't tried before. The scrubbing stone is composed of 100% natural white clay in the form of a solid stone so even when soaked in water, it remains hard and abrasive. It can be used on the face, although I have sensitive skin due to eczema so I've only used it on the t-zone as well as the body.

I personally wouldn't continue to use it on the face as for me it is too harsh, unless you're very gentle with it so I'll use it on the body. I love that it's completely natural, it is a very effective exfoliator and it's fantastic for the shoulders, thighs, feet, and hands especially.

*Rio Rosa Mosqueta Body Butter (£13.95)

The final product is a gorgeous body butter which contains rosehip, grapefruit, shea butter, babassu and Sacha inchi as well as aloe vera leaf juice, olive fruit oil and macadamia oil. It's organic, vegan and cruelty free which is fantastic and everything I look for in pampering products. This is the first body product I've tried from Rio Rosa Mosqueta and I definitely want to try more as this body butter is heavenly!

The body butter is unlike others I've tried because it has an unusual texture and consistency as it's almost a cross between a whipped body butter and a thick balm which almost instantly softens and melts into the skin. A little goes a long way and it leaves my dry, tight skin feeling very nourished and comfortable. I love this body butter and I now want to try so many more products from Rio Rosa Mosqueta.

Have you tried any of these natural products? What are your favourite pampering products? 

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Comfi Daily Contact Lenses

I have been wearing contact lenses for eight years and in that time I've been wearing the same monthly lenses but at the end of last year I had some issues with them and since then I've had nine contact lens appointments to try other lenses and thankfully I've settled on some two weekly lenses; however I'm always interested to try other lenses that might be more comfortable and fit my eye shape a little better, which was my main problem.

*Comfi Daily Disposable Contact Lenses (£7.99 per box) 

I was very kindly sent a months supply of the Comfi Daily Disposable lenses to try out and review by the lovely people over at Feel Good Contacts, who I've been lucky enough to work with a few times previously - I reviewed the Therma Pearl eye mask back in January. The Comfi Daily Disposable are exclusive to Feel Good Contacts and they already have so many positive reviews!

This is my first experience of daily contact lenses and I didn't know how well I would get on with them especially as I've been having a few problems with my previous lenses and I didn't know if it would be more inconvenient to use dailies; however I was wrong on all counts. Since receiving the daily lenses to try, I've found them to be so much more convenient to use compared to my monthly lenses which need to be cleaned and stored after every use but obviously you don't have to do that with dailies as you can just throw them away at the end of the day.

They are made from hydrogel, they have a 58% water content and they're hassle free lenses, I would have to agree on the hassle free claim! One of the issues that led to numerous contact lens trials at the end of last year was that my eyes have a tendency to become very dry which is why my lenses weren't comfortable and they fell out every so often, which isn't very useful...especially when I'm driving. However, I haven't experienced any dryness with these lenses, they are comfortable on the whole and they're very easy to put in and take out.

I have to be honest and say that I did experience a little discomfort as well as one pair of lenses falling out within the time I've been wearing the lenses but it was very minimal and far less than the other lenses I've been using and trialing beforehand. From my experience, I would definitely recommend these lenses, they aren't 100% perfect but in my opinion they are well worth trying if you are a regular contact lens wearer, particularly if you have dry eyes as I do.

I'd also highly recommend Feel Good Contacts as the customer service is fantastic, delivery and packaging is great and they have such a wide range of contact lenses to choose from including coloured lenses. The prices tend to be cheaper than high street stores, they have a price match promise and they can deliver your lenses the next day for free on orders over £45.

You can use the code: STAYCOMFI12 to get 12% off your order!

Are you a regular contact lens wearer or have you tried them in the past? Would you consider contacts in the future (as someone who has worn them almost every day since I was 17, trust me, they are so easy)? 

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My Favourite Holiday Memories ft. Holiday Gems

I don't know about you but during the cold wintery months, I want nothing more than to go on holiday and explore new places rather than be stuck inside because of a snow storm! I've been looking on the Holiday Gems website as they have such a fantastic range of holiday deals and Holiday Gems takes low deposits which is great! They currently have a wide range of sunny low deposit holiday deals on their site.

It's got me thinking about some of my most memorable holidays, holiday experiences and some of the more amazing places I've visited. I've been very lucky to have parents that could afford yearly camping holidays around the UK and later all around Europe on cruises, mainly with Royal Caribbean so there are lots of destinations that I have great memories from but these are my top three:

Norway 

My most recent holiday/cruise was around the western coast of Norway in August 2017 which was one of the most memorable holidays I've ever been on as not only did we get to explore a country that we've never been to before but we saw fjords and glaciers for the very first time. We visited Olden, Flam, Stavanger and Bergen, my favourite and most memorable places of the four have to include Olden and Flam.

Visiting Norway was a very outdoor focused holiday with exploring new cities, getting to see Norwegian lakes and mountains and walking through forests and seeing glaciers; since coming back from Norway it's reignited my love of nature and being outdoors. I'm not constantly wanting to go hiking and exploring national parks, all because of our holiday to Norway.

Venice

While I utterly adored Norway (and I've move there instantly if I could), one place that was so magical and mesmerising was Venice. I was lucky enough to visit a few years ago, before I started blogging so there aren't any decent photos (I might share some on my instagram stories today for throwback Thursday) and I loved it even though we only spent a couple of days there. I've always loved anything Italian so I was extremely excited to visit Venice as to me it's one of the most mysterious, intriguing and almost mythical citifies in Italy with it's grand palaces, swaying gondolas, rich and varied history and it's murky canals. If you haven't been to Venice then I urge you to do so.

Rome

Lastly, Rome! It's a city I've visited three times, one of which was on my 18th birthday (lucky me!). Rome is such an impressive city with ancient history all around the modern city from the Trevi fountain and Spanish steps to the colosseum and more. Walking around Rome is like walking through history! I've also visited Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City a couple of times and it is well worth visiting, whether you are religious or not, as an astonishing piece of architecture and history. Italy will always hold a special place in my heart as one of my favourite countries, a country with an incredible and interesting history and obviously a country with the best food on the planet.

What are your favourite holiday moments? Have you visited Norway or Italy? 

*This is a sponsored post

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Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Today's post is my final Mother's Day gift guide for the year but don't worry as you still have time to find a gift and I hope that this post will give you some gift ideas for Mother's Day or for any upcoming birthdays you need to buy for. Thanks to the lovely and generous people over at Feather and Down, Innabox and Latest Deals!

*InnaBox Tea & Biscuits Pins (£6)

Let's start with the cutest item in todays post and it's from the wonderful and very talented Nicola from Innabox. She has such a fantastic range of unique pins, mugs, patches, jewellery and more, all of which feature amazing illustrations and very unique designs. I was kindly set this pin duo which is absolutely adorable and features mug and biscuit illustrations.

I think the design is so cute and very British with the mug of tea and biscuit illustrations! They're made of acrylic and stainless steel, the quality is great and the size is perfect as I don't like huge pins - the smaller size makes them even more adorable. They'd make a fantastic Mother's Day or birthday gifts. It's so important to support smaller, independent stores especially as it means that you get a unique gift so you're guaranteed to gift something the recipient won't have.

*Feather & Down Pillow Mist (£7, 100ml)

Now onto some of the most incredible smelling products I've ever used! I have been lucky enough to use some of these products already and I cannot recommend them enough. I've been used the heavenly Feather & Down pillow mist for the past few weeks on and off and I feel as though it genuinely helps me fall asleep and it's one of the most effective relaxation products to help me unwind.

The pillow mist contains chamomile and lavender, the latter is one of my all time favourite scents (along with cut grass and freshly baked bread). An independent study conducted with 103 people over a 4 week period confirms my experience of this product as they found that 83% of the people fell asleep quicker than usual when using this pillow mist. It's also a Beauty Awards 2017 winner! It would make a divine smelling gift for any hard working people in your life!

*Feather & Down Melting Shower Cream (£6, 250ml)

The next product is another favourite, I used up my first bottle a couple of weeks ago and I've been missing it ever since. It has the same wonderful, relaxing scent as the pillow mist but it's in a luxurious shower cream form. The shower cream contains lavender and chamomile essential oils and sunflower seed oil which makes for an indulgent, moisturising and extremely relaxing shower cream. You only need a small amount so a little will go a long away and it would be perfect to pair with the pillow mist for a sleep helping duo.

*Feather & Down All Purpose Sleep Balm (£7, 16g)

Lastly for the divine Feather & Down products is the sleep balm which can be used on the pulse points, wrists, temples or cuticles for a moisturising balm that helps to unwind before bed. As with the previous products it contains chamomile and lavender essential oils as well as coconut oil, cocoa seed butter and sunflower seed oil. All three would be great to include within a pampering, relaxation hamper for your mum this Mother's Day!

Image from Yankee Candle via Pinterest 

My final gift idea is one that I would personally love to receive - candles! Yankee Candle is one of my favourite candle brands and some of my favourite scents are from their food and halloween ranges (the Witches Brew scent is one of my all time favourite candle scents) but they can be a little pricey *annoyingly* but Latest Deals has numerous offers on Yankee Candle items. Latest Deals have so many great offers on a range of Yankee Candle candles, gift sets, candle accessories and candles of various sizes, from their large jars to the small jars and everything in-between. I personally love the Yankee Candle small jars as they are a great way of trying new scents without buying the huge large jars. Also the smaller jars tend to be on offer/sale more than their other items.

Candles make such an easy, safe gift for Mother's Day and this time of the year means that gorgeous spring-like and easter candles are being bought out and some of the equally as gorgeous wintery scents are being discounted. Latest Deals currently have great offers on gift sets, one of which I've already reviewed on my blog (check out my Mother's Day Gift Guide ft. Blueberry Tree for the review) and I cannot recommend their gift sets enough as they are not only great value for money but they smell so lovely and make substantial gifts. As well as the fantastic Yankee Candle deals, they also have deals on beauty gift sets, fragrances, pampering gift sets, homeware and more. Check out Latest Deals for so many offers on everything from Mother's Day gifts, birthday gifts, toiletries, tech accessories, books and many more items. Additionally, they have an up to date list on amazing freebies (for example, free books and samples) and competitions!

What do you think of my final Mother's Day gift ideas post? 

*This is a sponsored post 

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Mother's Day Gifts ft. Prestige Flowers

Mother's Day is this Sunday but don't panic if you don't have a gift yet because Prestige Flowers has the answer. Prestige Flowers has a wide range of stunningly beautiful bouquets as well as extras that can be added to your order such as chocolates, balloons, wine and more. They are the perfect option for last minute gifts because you can order by 9pm for next day delivery!

*Prestige Flowers Lomond Bouquet (£34.99)

I was very kindly sent this beautiful bouquet which features peachy sorbet roses, germini flowers, foliage and shamrock blooms all of which combine to make a colourful, spring-like and beautiful bouquet that would make an ideal Mother's Day or birthday gift. Along with the bouquet, there's also flower feed included and currently you can get a free box of handmade British truffles with this bouquet so go, go, go!

The bouquet is gorgeous, it smells heavenly and it's such a lovely gift to receive especially as last week we had so many snow days that any spring-like flowers will be sure to brighten and bring a little spring joy into any home. Also you don't need to worry about the flowers arriving damaged or looking less than their best because all of the flowers are fresh and well protected.

As well as the bouquet you can also choose added extras to include with the bouquet and I was sent an adorable teddy (£5.99 extra) and a box of luxury chocolates (£6.90 extra) with my bouquet so thank you to the lovely people at Prestige Flowers. The teddy is so soft, absolutely adorable and such a sweet addition to a bouquet for Mother's Day.

In addition to the teddy, I also received a box of the Valley British Crafted Chocolates which are milk chocolate hearts - the ingredients list is on the back of the box (they're suitable for vegetarians, not vegans). Each chocolate is individually wrapped in pink foil and they look so cute! I cannot recommend this gift option enough as it's the perfect last minute but thoughtful Mother's Day gift especially if you include some of the extras available such as a teddy, chocolates, wine, balloons or a clear vase to display the bouquet.

What do you think of these gift ideas for Mother's Day? Will you be checking out Prestige Flowers for a last minute gift? 

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Mother's Day Gifts ft. Blueberry Tree

Today's post is another Mother's Day gift guide featuring a range of gorgeous gift ideas (for Mother's Day or birthdays) from the wonderful people over at Blueberry Tree, they have a fantastic variety of gifts to choose from. Today's post features cute homeware items, deliciously scented spring time candles and cute accessories.

*Yankee Candle Love Gift Set (£14.99)

Let's start with the homeware items! Yankee Candle is one of my favourite candle brands, I've tried so many and some of my favourites have to include Witches Brew, Christmas Cookie and Midsummers Night but I haven't really tried any of the fruity or very floral scents. This gift set contains a small jar of the Red Raspberry scent as well as two votive candles in True Rose and Peony.

I haven't tried any of these scents from Yankee Candle so I'm excited to try them! I've had a sniff of each of them and they're all gorgeous, especially the True Rose scent. All three are absolutely perfect for spring which finally seems to be on it's way. Small jar candles are some of my favourite Yankee Candle sizes as they look so cute, it's a great way to try a scent without buying the huge large jars and they are a little cheaper. The small jars are usually £8.99 each and the votive candles are around £1.99 each - it's such a nice trio to include within a cute gift set.

The Red Raspberry scent contains notes of juicy orange, mandarin, black cherry, raspberries, strawberries, black currant, strawberry leaves, sweet musk and crystallised sugar which sounds delicious. True Rose contains notes of bergamot, apple, rose honeysuckle, white flowers, musk and woody notes. Lastly, Peony contains notes of sweet peony, pink peony and blonde woods.

*World's Best Mum Ring Dish (£3.29)

Onto the final homeware item, it's an adorable ring or earring dish. It comes in the cutest packaging, it's so reasonably priced and I adore the design. It's a ceramic dish that is approx. 8cm by 8cm so it's a small size but it would be perfect to store rings, earrings, small stationery items or even as a mini coaster/dish for chocolate, cookies or small snacks.

*World's Best Mum Compact Mirror (£3.69)

Another item with the same packaging and design is this adorable compact mirror. The ring dish and compact mirror would be great to gift as a matching duo or as part of a gift hamper for Mother's Day. The design for both items is so colourful, cute and perfect for spring.

*Katie Loxton Icon Pouch - Free Spirit (£17.50)

I came across this brand in a cute greeting card store in Chester a couple of years ago and loved the branding and product designs so I'm so happy to have one of her items. The cute pouch came in a lovely Katie Loxton gift bag and it was beautifully packaged. The pouch I have is the bright pink 'free spirit' design but there are various options to choose from with numerous messages on the front in her signature gold text as well as cute keyrings, candles, notebooks and stunning bucket bags.

The design features hand drawn gold floating feather icons which are so pretty and match the bright fuchsia pink so well. I also think that the feather illustrations compliment the 'free spirit' design and message perfectly. The pouch material has a luxury saffiano finish, a branded gold zip and a grey lining. The size I have is the 35cm by 20cm option which is a great size for travelling or keeping in a larger handbag - it would be perfect to store your passport, tickets and travel documents! The pouch could also be used as a cute clutch or to keep in your to store important items such as your cards, change, tickets, ID or your phone.

I think all of these gifts would make wonderful, unique Mother's Day or birthday gifts this year! I adore the Yankee Candle set and the beautiful Katie Loxton pouch. There are are many other items to choose from at Blueberry Tree (it's a fantastic online gift shop) including candles, accessories, homeware items and more. They offer free delivery on orders over £50 and you can receive a free candle with orders over £60.

What do you think of my gift guide featuring Blueberry Tree?

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