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With Christmas around the corner I thought now would be the perfect time to let you know about some fantastic gift sets that are on the market. These gift sets would be perfect for a skincare lover but also lovely for anyone in your life who loves a little pamper. All three of the brands included are tried and tested by myself and are all products I would love to receive. So if you are looking for the perfect gift for loved ones keep reading as I have budgets to suite all.

 

 

Traveling can seem like a very big thing when you’re young. It's an exciting prospect, but can be daunting at the same time. After all the children will be thrown into unfamiliar surroundings. The world is huge and they are very small, so stepping onto a plane or boat can be a worry. Not knowing what to expect can trigger children into being upset, anxious and sometimes acting out. When children are put into a situation that they feel unsure about, it can lead to a change in their behaviour.  Therefore preparing them for what's to come is a must!

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Cannabidiol or CBD is becoming a popular natural remedy and I have been hearing about it in relation to anxiety relief too. As a working mum, and parent in general I'm sure we can all relate to when things feel like they may be getting a little too much. This is where my first interest in CBD began as I was looking for something to help ease my anxiety, which was very much showing itself in a physiological sense. It is important to note here CBD is not psycho active and contains no Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), therefore is not considered a drug in that sense. 

 

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Sport plays a huge role in modern society and when I was young I never really had the passion instilled in me, or the confidence to competitively play. However I was aware of the benefits of taking part in sport and it is something I really want my children to get involved in. If your child is already showing passion for a specific sport, you will almost certainly want to encourage it. After all, the physical and mental benefits are huge while it also stops them from unhealthy habits. However, knowing that you want to support your child and actively doing it are two different things. Therefore I have complied a list of things that might help to make it happen.

1- Buy them the right gear

Looking good makes you feel good, and the right attire is one way for kids to be like their heroes. Having the right equipment makes them look the part but also gives them the confidence to take part too. Even if you do not have the funds for the latest items, discount sportswear is available. Meanwhile, most sports teams will run sales on their kits at the end of the season as they prepare for the next line of products. When supported by the right footwear and accessories, your child will be ready to perform. And it’ll often make them play more. If your children are still young and not quite ready to play professionally you can always buy equipment and clothing that is more suited for role play, that way you can get an idea of what they like before you invest.

2- Sign them up for a team

Playing as part of a team will help unlock the full potential of sport. Moreover, it helps children form friendships and create memories that last a lifetime. Finding a youth netball team, for example, can become one of the smartest steps you’ll ever take. The competitive fixtures and regular training sessions can become a major part of your child’s social life. On a side note, encouraging them to join school sports teams can be hugely rewarding. This is where I have personally started. School is an amazing free resource, so we should use it as much as possible.

3- Help them stay inspired

When kids love sports, it’s not just about playing. They will regularly look to the professional stars for inspiration. In today’s climate, parents can help kids stay updated with the latest news from around the world. From learning about All Blacks rugby to NBA basketball, the resources are in place. Books, video games, and a host of other media types can be used to engage them further. Kids need dreams in life, and sports often hold the key. Children are often spectators before they become players themselves so the quickest way to get them inspired is by watching sports from an early age.

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4- Look for sports days out

Even if you are not naturally a fan of the activity, seeing your child’s face light up can make sports a key part of your life. It can play an active role in your social lives by building days out around this. A picnic in the park with a football can work well. However, getting tickets to a game or a stadium tour can be even greater. These are the memories that will stay with your family forever. Be sure to take some great photos while you’re there. You’ll love it.

5- Integrate it with their development

Sports can play a significant part in your child’s life. But they shouldn’t be the only focus. The great news is that the activities can be used as a way to promote key skills. For example, making academic questions revolve around sporting scenarios can make a big impact. Playing sports can naturally aid a host of other key skills in communication and leadership. So, introducing those activities from an early age can be telling. You can create games with your child that include movement and counting for example, that way you are encouraging both their physical and academic development.

6- Think beyond one sport

Most kids will have a favourite sport. However, that doesn’t mean you should focus solely on this. Trying a range of sports may unlock a new favourite over time. Even if it doesn’t, a wide range of fine motor and problem-solving skills will be developed. Besides, variety is the spice of life, which can help boost your child’s love of their main sport. If you excelled in a sport during your youth, introducing them to this game can be particularly rewarding.

Every parent wants to give their child the best education possible. We want them to have a head start before going off to school, and we also want them to be more prepared for life in general. But what skills should they learn? This article will discuss four essential skills that you can teach your toddler from a young age that will benefit them as they get older!

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Whether you’ve recently given birth, are a few weeks into having a newborn, or you’re still pregnant, you might be wondering about your postpartum recovery. There's often so much focus on the pregnancy and birth stages that postpartum recovery can be forgotten about. But there’s a lot more to recovering from giving birth than you might think, and it can be difficult to know what steps you should be taking to make sure it's a smooth process. 

We all want the best for our little ones. This is something that happens as soon as they enter the world. We want them to grow up happy and healthy - and to have the best lifestyle and opportunities available to them as possible. This is only natural. We tend to focus a lot of our energy on important things like providing them with a good, balanced and healthy diet, ensuring they get enough exercise, helping to enrol them into a good school and much more. But have you ever considered wider actions you can take to create a better world for them to grow up in? I'm talking about taking actions that improve the world as a whole - no matter how small those actions may be - you can really make an impact, especially if others begin to follow suit. As I am getting older I definitely becoming more conscious so want to share some ideas with you. Here are just a few areas you might want to take into consideration on this journey!

Be More Eco-Friendly

Chances are, you’ve seen a lot on the news, in the media and on social media about climate change. When it comes down to it, human activity is having a seriously detrimental effect on the planet as a whole and we’re going to have to change our actions to ensure we leave behind a safe and sustainable world for future generations. There are countless things you can do to achieve this, but here are a few that you might like to start implementing into your day to day life.

Reduce Your Plastic Usage

Plastic is a huge issue when it comes to the environment. For a while now, we’ve been well aware of just how damaging plastic can be for the environment. But most of us continue to use plastic regularly, including purchasing single use plastic items that are used once and then thrown away. Most of use plastic bags to carry our groceries or other shopping home from the store. Most of us buy food that is unnecessarily wrapped in plastic. Many of us use plastic straws to drink from when we buy takeaway meals or dine out in restaurants. The majority of the population have plastic toothbrushes. These are just a few examples of items that we will use and will eventually end up in landfill, lying taking up space and not biodegrading. So, start looking into some of the alternatives out there. Actively avoid plastic wherever you can. Nowadays, more and more eco friendly options are becoming available on the market. Supermarkets like Co-op are also starting to introduce plastic packet recycle schemes which you can easily make use of.

Buy Sustainable Goods

Nowadays, we buy all sorts of products, day in and day out, that simply aren’t sustainable. Meaning they are not considerate of the environment and future generations. Whether that’s because they contain plastic that doesn’t biodegrade, because their manufacturing process pollutes waterways, they require the excessive breeding of animals which results in excessive methane production or anything else. Whenever you buy anything, make sure to take the time to look for the most sustainable option. This could be anything from a reusable tote bag over a single use plastic bag to eco friendly bamboo towels, reusable nappies and so much more.

Generate Your Own Green Energy

A lot of us simply use the energy that our property was signed up to when we moved into it. Alternatively, some of us use price comparison sites to find the best deal and will largely choose what supplier based on price. This is fine if this is the option that works for you, but you should definitely look into using green energy suppliers who can provide you with a carbon neutral energy supply. Another option that many people don’t even consider is generating their own energy. This is an option that is more accessible now than ever and is truly one of the best ways to help the planet! The most popular option is to generate energy using solar panels and sunlight. By installing solar panels on your home, you can generate your own energy for day to day use and you won’t be producing much detrimental waste at all. The panels are most often fixed to your roof or another sunny location on your property. This will reduce your consumption of non-renewable sources of energy, such as fossil fuels, and you can even sell excess back to the national grid!

Cut Down on Meat

Few people associate meat consumption with climate change, but believe it or not, farming animals is actually one of the main contributors when it comes to global warming. So, you may want to reconsider eating meat on a regular basis. The problem with a lot of animal agriculture is that cows produce huge amounts of methane, huge amounts of transport are required to transport live and dead animals to and from different locations, a huge volume of water is always used in the production process and various other environmental issues occur within the process of farming animals. So, why not try reducing meat in your diet, going vegetarian or going vegan? This will be a lifestyle change that is best eased into, but eventually (as long as you eat a healthy and balanced plant-based diet) you will feel all the better for it and the planet will benefit too! I myself have moved away from drinking cow's milk and now drink oat milk. We as a family have also decided to reduce our meat consumption and are moving towards a vegetarian diet.

Fight for Rights

Another area you may want to focus on to create a better world for your children to grow up in is rights. Everyone should have rights and you should advocate for them. Nobody should be judged for factors such as their race, religion, sexuality, gender, ability or anything else inherent to an individual. The issue is that prejudice still presides in most societies and we’re going to have to fight for equality to ensure our children can grow up in a world that is free from it. There are a number of things that you can do to help with this.

• Choose a Cause - it’s good to advocate for everyone and you should always treat people with respect and equally in your day to day life. But if you’re going to campaign for a cause, it’s a good idea to choose one that you can really dedicate your time and efforts to.There are countless causes out there, so do a little research and see which you want to support.

• Campaign - many people campaign for causes. This could be anything as simple as sharing posts on social media that raise awareness or anything as invested as peacefully protesting, petitioning and more. Make sure to always campaign in a safe and peaceful way.

• Charity - you can raise money for causes through charity efforts and charity work. Depending on how big the cause you’re supporting is, what you can do for the best impact will differ. Some people like to set themselves challenges and get sponsors. For example, running a marathon to raise money and awareness of a particular cause.

• Read and Learn - causes are constantly changing as we read, learn and grow. So, always be open to new perspectives, new information and new takes. Just make sure that what you are reading is verified. This will help ensure you are making informed decisions from sound information and data.

As you can see, there are a fair few things that you can do to make the world a better place. You don’t have to do everything at once. Instead, implementing a few changes really can make all the difference. At the end of the day, even the smallest change that will make the world a better place for your little one to grow up in will be more than worth the time, effort or money you’ve invested in it. It is our responsibility to make a change for the better.

Amina xx

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 Hey guys,

I wanted to share some amazing products that have changed and improved the condition of my scalp. The scalp is actually responsible for a lot of your hair health as we can sometimes get excess oil, product buildup or excess dryness causing flakiness and dandruff. However keeping on top of your scalp health can really lead to an improvement in hair condition too.

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Hey guys,
I absolutely love jewellery. Who doesn't?! It totally adds a little something to any outfit. I wanted to showcase Monica Vinader Jewellery as it is so on trend and gives you high quality jewellery at affordable prices. Whether gold, silver or rose gold is your thing they have styles to suite everyone with classic pieces, statement pieces and everything in between. I also have a discount code which will give you 20% off any style so keep you eyes peeled. 

Wearing 'Deia Huggie' Earrings and 'Signature Thin' Ring.

One thing I love about Monica Vinader jewellery is that it is sustainable. All jewellery is made from 100% recycled jewellery and they have made a conscious decision to reduce CO2 by making deliveries 100% recyclable too. So you can be rest assured by treating yourself or someone else you are doing no harm to the environment. 

Wearing 'Corda Huggie' Earrings, 'Mini Gem' Necklace  & 'Alta textured Chain' Necklace

Monica Vinader specialises in silver, gold, rose gold, diamond and pearl jewellery. All jewellery is made to the highest standards and Monica actually pioneered Gold Vermeil. Gold Vermeil is a gold coating over silver that is 2.5 microns thick. This is five times thicker than normal gold plating meaning it is more durable. 

All gemstones used by Monica Vinader are responsibly sourced from around the world and are certified by the Responsible jewellery council which adhere to social, ethical and environmental guidelines. You can also be assured that all diamonds are conflict free and pearls are sustainably grown. 

Wearing 'Signature Thin' Ring and 'Signature Thin Diamond' Ring.

I love how Monica Vinader Jewellery makes me feel. It is empowering and makes me feel confident every day. I also love the fact they offer personalisation on some of their pieces which means you can really make a gift special. To get 20% off at Monica Vinader use the code MVINSIDER13-AD88. You can thank me later!

Enjoy!

Amina xx

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Hair removal is just one of those niggling things that is always at the back of our minds. Like we don't have enough things to be getting on with. I've tried waxing, and wasted a lot of my teenage years on it. It was painful, time consuming and personally not worth the hassle. Then we have shaving. Which is a really convenient option, it's quick and pain free but can leave you with scarring and discoloured skin. So let's talk Laser Hair Removal. It's pain free, easy to achieve, and permanent. Sounds amazing right? But it does come with some cons such as expense. However out of the three options I would personally say it is the best and when you weigh up the amount you spend on hair removal over your life time it actually works out pretty similar so let's delve a little further. 

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In basic terms with Laser Hair Removal a highly concentrated beam of light is focussed on the pigment of hair on your body and is then converted into heat. This ultimately burns the hair follicle at the root without damaging your skin and within minutes you are all set to bid goodbye to your unwanted hair. This is a process though, so may take 6-8 sessions for the removal process to become complete and permanent. Laser Hair Removal Specialists should be experienced and demonstrate skill at perform this task with utmost precision and safety using state-of-the-art laser equipment. The equipment is continuously moved across your body at a regular speed in order for the light to capture all of the follicles. 

In Which Parts Can This Treatment Be Performed? 

Popular body areas where you can get this treatment done are arms, legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, sideburns and the bikini line. Though it's possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area but eyelids or the surrounding areas are an exception, as they are extremely sensitive to light. 

What to expect?

Prior to an appointment with the Laser Hair Removal Specialist you will need a consultation to discuss- 

1. Your medical history such as skin disorders, scarring, prior hair removal procedure etc. You will also be advised to shave the areas you want treating

2. Risks, benefits and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and can't do for your skin and hair type. 

3. A treatment plan.  

Is Laser Hair Removal for you?

There is a misconception that laser hair removal is not permanent, that is not the case. It is permanent on most parts of the body as long as you complete the course of treatment. The specialists should always make you feel comfortable so please don't feel shy as they have seen it all before. You can find Laser Hair removal Specialists at your nearest salon or clinic and most places have similar rates so it is important to do your research. I can only see this hair removal option becoming more and more popular as technology advances. Long gone are the days of painful hair removal processes. Do yourself a favour and don't waste any more time, book yourself in. You'll thank me later.

Amina x

  

Who needs Vitamin C in their routine? Everyone! If your skin doesn’t heal very quickly, looks dull and lacks lustre then you need more Vitamin C in your skin. Let's first look at why Vitamin C is so important. Vitamin C is an antioxidant protectant, it protects your skin from free radicals and gives your additional protection from oxidative stress. It actually also firms the skin, prevents premature ageing and regulates collagen production. We have an enzyme in our skin that breaks down collagen but Vitamin C inhibits that enzyme production therefore encouraging collagen production. Therefore Vitamin C doesn't just brighten but is actively fighting ageing too. 

Vitamin C is considered an essential vitamin for skin health. We, as humans, don’t have the ability to produce Vitamin C ourselves so we can get it through diet and topically applied creams. We all love an orange but topically applied Vitamin C will give you greater results as it is targeting your skin directly. Vitamin C also brightens the skin by controlling melanin. Melanin can become imbalanced due to hormones or sun exposure, but Vitamin C stabilises the melanin production giving you brighter skin and overall more even looking skin. Finally it  also defends the skin in two ways, It boosts the skin lipids and ceramides and really helps to repair and increase wound healing but it also gives you an additional boost to protect from UV damage. The UVA rays are the same strength all year round, so by layering Vitamin C underneath your SPF will give you better protection. 

There are many different Vitamin C products on the market which range in price. But what makes Dermalogica BioLumin-C Vitamin C products better than the rest is that it is ultra-stable, bioavailable and has three times more Vitamin C in it than some competitors. What this means is the Vitamin C is more penetrable than others. You will get three times more Vitamin C into skin and three times more brightening power. Vitamin C is an active, so it can oxidise which then means it won’t work. Have you ever seen a Vitamin C product turning a brown colour and looking slightly crusty. This is it oxidising. However this doesn’t happen with Dermalogica products they are ultra stable. 

Dermalogica already have a serum in the BioLumin C range for the face and eyes in the collection, however the newest launch is the Biolumin- C Gel Moisturiser. It is a weightless, Vitamin C rich gel formula that penetrates the skin’s surface for immediate, glowing results and helps to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier. A gel moisturiser is great for oily skin in particular but will suit all skin types. An immediate benefit to this moisturiser is it is instantly brightening due to the silkiness of the texture but this continues to work over time to help even out your skin tone. It is also super hydrating. It actually has gentle exfoliating qualities which also helps to renew the skin too. 

I have spoken about the benefits of Vitamin C however it also contains other ingredients like Sugar Cane derived Squalene and five different types of  Hyaluronic Acid! Yes you heard right, five! These help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What's astounding about the BioLumin-C Gel moisturiser is that it harnesses the power of natural light from light rays and turns it into visible light in your skin creating an instant luminosity and instant brightening effect.

In clinical trials after four weeks participants had brighter more radiant skin, more even skin tone and visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles. For ultimate results use the whole range of products. Layer the BioLumin-C serum which is packed full of targeted actives, then the biolumin eye serum  which supercharges your eye cream, it really does reawaken your eyes. Then apply the gel moisturiser on top to seal, boost and defend. 

I have been using all three products together for the past month, having previously used the serum and eye serum and I can honestly say my skin is looking brighter and firmer than ever. The one downside to the moisturiser is it does leave a sticky residue on the skin so be sure to only use a small amount. However this is easily remedied by applying an SPF over the top. For the results it has given my skin I am happy to look over the stickiness. I am so confident in my skin that I don't feel the need to even wear foundation.  If you don't already have Vitamin C in your routine then the BioLumin-C range should be your next beauty purchase. What are you waiting for?!

Amina xx


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Hey guys,

As wedding season is in full flow now is the time to really perfect that wedding day glow. There are plenty of things that you have to do to be prepared for your wedding day, but there are things that you should be doing beyond buttonholes and dress fittings. Your wedding day is going to be one of the most important events in your life and without the right information, you won't be able to prepare for your wedding as well as you could do.

From learning how to get the perfect skin for your wedding day, to making sure that you spend time really pampering yourself, you need to make sure that you feel confident enough to be in your dress and kill it as you glide down the aisle. So, with this in mind, here are five wedding day prep tips you need to really make a difference to your wedding day fun.

 

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Hi guys, so I have been through this a few times now and am about to go through it all again for the third time. I know it can be scary when your child is due to go to nursery. It is a huge step and it means they are growing up fast and learning to become independent. That fear of letting them go and putting them in the hands of someone else can be a daunting prospect but from my experience I have learnt that overall it is really beneficial for them. Not only do they get to socialise and explore these new skills but it also means that you can get some time back to yourself.

 As the summer holidays are fast approaching I thought a post on how to encourage children to be active would be perfect. What do you get when you put a human being and a couch together? A couch potato! Let's face it, we have all been there at some point. Kids are the same way; they want to be entertained by electronics all day long without any physical activity. Why? Because it is easy. But it's not healthy for them physically or mentally! Here are fantastic ways that will help your kids stay active in their free time.

 

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Hey guys,

My hair has been in all sorts of trouble recently, it was literally just lacking any bounce and I was really having trouble styling it. I feel like the curls would last for one day and then literally fall out. It was so lack lustre and really demoralising as I would continuously just tie them back. My scalp was also becoming very flaky and giving me quite a bit of dandruff. So I felt really horrible when it was tied up too. I wasn't getting very far with any of my other products as my hair has this habit of getting used to product so I decided to switch it up a bit and dived in to some Umberto Giannini classics and newbies! You may have heard me talk about this brand before, check out my previous posts here. I even have a 20% off code for you as a treat so be sure to scroll all the way down!

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Botox is a revolutionary product for skin that has seemed to become more and more popular over the years so I thought now was the time to really look in to what it has to offer. I have been so tempted by it however have not taken the plunge yet. It is definitely something I am interested in for the future so I thought now would be a great time to deepen my understanding. It was first introduced as a treatment for smoothing out the wrinkles on the face and neck. Botox is deemed to be a fantastic treatment on several counts, not least because it only takes a brief period of time to inject but also doesn’t require any downtime afterwards. 

As with all procedures, though, you’ll only know whether Botox is truly right for you after consultation with an expert in cosmetic surgery. Botox isn't suitable for all skincare concerns and mainly targets wrinkles and areas of movement. If you are looking for something a little more drastic like a neck lift or a face lift sometimes other options need be explored like fillers or even surgery.

There are a lot of different options when it comes to creating a more youthful appearance, and this is why we recommend discussing all of your options during the consultation process so that you can be sure you end up with the right treatment for your needs specifically. 

Botox Basics 

When you visit a Botox clinic, you’ll be receiving a non-surgical treatment that helps reduce the lines and wrinkles on your face and neck. Botox works by addressing the signs of ageing that have already occurred in these areas and by forming something of a protective barrier against further signs of ageing. It’s not only for older women and men either – younger celebrities appreciate the virtues of Botox treatment. Millions of people across the world choose Botox every year to help them combat their facial wrinkles and lines. 

One major reason is due to the simple nature of the procedure. Your Botox doctor simply injects your facial muscles with Botox, which then restricts their mobility. It can take as little as fifteen minutes depending on how large an area you’re having treated and there’s no need for rest and recovery after, unlike with many invasive procedures. You can literally have Botox in your lunch hour and return to work. 

Botox is a trusted treatment, and it can also work in conjunction with other non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers. Speaking to your consultant enables you to work out whether Botox, dermal fillers or a combination of the two is right for you. 

Botox is also used by some clinics to treat excessive sweating on the feet, hands and in the armpits. It has more recently been used for treating grinding of the teeth (Bruxism). If this is something you’re interested in, ensure that the clinic you’re considering offers Botox injections for such purposes. A lot of people do not realise that Botox has these benefits and can be used for a number of different things, which is why research is so critical. 

How To Choose Your Botox Clinic

There are many cosmetic surgery clinics vying for your attention. However, the truth is that not all cosmetic surgeons or clinics are equal in stature or experience. The first thing to remember when you’re looking at Botox options is that cheap Botox offers can come with hidden costs. 

When the treatment is administered by a professional with a strong history of delivering Botox to their clients, the chances of things going wrong shrink dramatically. While there are always some risks with both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, choosing the best clinic available reduces these risks. 

These clinics will be honest with you about what results you can expect to see, thereby managing your expectations so that you’re not disappointed with the results of the treatment. Some of the best clinics even offer a free top-up after a certain amount of time to ensure that the area is fully treated. Professionals administer the right amount of Botox, ensuring that the results are as long-lasting as possible without causing you any harm. 

Botox is actually one of the safest cosmetic procedures available, with only a little discomfort and soreness associated with the injection. However, to get a full picture of how Botox will work for you, and to assess if you’re a suitable candidate, you must always speak to an expert in Botox delivery. 

So there you have it: an insight into Botox, which is undeniably the most popular treatment for people today who are looking to achieve a much more youthful appearance. Should you have any queries or concerns, the best thing to do is book a consultation with a clinic so that you can discuss this treatment in full. But please do your research first.

Amina xx