When I unboxed the items, it struck me how colourful they are so I decided to use that as the inspiration for this post. Let me tell you a little about each product and I’ll go from left to right / top to bottom on the photograph.

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate This is an eye cream to reduce dark circles and puffiness and instantly ‘lifts’ the eyelids. I don’t use an eye cream as much as I should so this will come in handy! It’s a light rose scented cream-gel that comes in an attractive pump dispenser bottle.

Clarins Super Restorative Day cream helps skin look radiant and beautiful as it contains an exclusive, powerful extract of organic harungana which helps to fight skin slackening. The next product is the Clarins Super Restorative Night cream which compliments the day cream perfectly and works to correct age spots and restores an even complexion.

The Clarins Super Restorative range is new out from John Lewis and celebrates older skin making it ideal for ladies approaching the menopause. I am a regular Clarins user although I’ve not chosen this range before as I’ve just turned 40 but I will use these creams when I’m finished with the product I’m currently using – you’ll see that further down this list!

The next items are make-up brushes from QVS which stands for ‘Quality, Value, Style’. I came across this company when I was attending Northern blogging conference, Blog On The two tone foundation brush helps you to apply foundation like a make-up artist and create a flawless base – much better than using my fingers! Then you can see the eyeshadow brush which is nicely sized to add some detail such as a sweep of dark powder over the light to create a smoky eye. The chunky brush at the bottom is a compact powder brush which is a great handbag sized tool for taking out with you. All the brushes are available from QVS

The next product is Spatone – a liquid iron supplement to help pregnant women fulfil their daily iron requirements. When you’re pregnant your baby needs the iron it gets from you to grow and develop but this can leave the mother-to-be a little low! This sachet of apple flavoured iron rich water has added vitamin C too.

This new Roger&Gallet hand & nail balm comes in an invigorating scent and is the perfect size for travel! I’ve been keeping this one in the glove box of my car to apply throughout the day.

In the tube is La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios XL comfort cream – a very high protection sun cream designed for sensitive and sun intolerant skin. With no perfumes and no parabens, the cream tackles the damage caused by long UVAs and has a melt-in texture. Recommended by dermatologists worldwide, this will keep me protected all summer long. La Roche-Posay has brought out this new video to encourage us all to become a #SkinChecker and check our moles to prevent skin cancer. The video gets the message across in a super furry way – check it out!

Rescue Remedy from Bach’s Flower Essences at Nelson’s has been around for years and has helped people all over the world to cope with everyday stresses and emotional demands. Just 4 drops onto your tongue as required is enough to help you through frustrations or stresses and stay on top of your day. I’m saving this bottle to have on hand for the teenage exam season, in case it is needed!

The large white packet is an It Works! Body Wrap that should be worn for 45 minutes and the next one in 72 hours. This new product contours the body and gets rid of ‘mothermy tummy’!

The next two products from La Roche-Posay are allergy compatable products and have the British Allergy Foundation seal of approval. Pictured above is the Intense Soothing Care Face and Eyes and the smaller bottle below that is the Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour and has anti discomfort qualities. If you suffer with hayfever or allergies then this is the skin care for you.

Next is the Vichy Liftactiv Supreme and this has been my day cream for the last month. It has a lovely thick but not heavy consistency and a little really goes a long way! It has moisturised my skin well and has anti-wrinkle properties to keep me looking young and I love the fact that the lid has a mirrored top so I can use it to apply my lipstick when I’m rushing out the door!

The green bottle contains a beautifully scented shower gel from Korres from their new water lily bath and body collection. This fragrance is absolutely gorgeous and the shower gel has a handy flip top lid for easy shower useage! From the same collection is the Korres Water Lily body milk which has a delicate scent and a powdery texture. As the shower gel has such a strong fragrance, it’s ideal that the body milk is more subtle. The body milk has essential skin energy boosting agents too – just what I need for a busy day running after the kids!

Lastly you can see the QVS Pro Nail Shaper which is dual sided with a medium and fine side for filing and shaping. This stays in my handbag to smooth out any nicks or ragged edges that I might get on my nails in between manicures.

So there we have it! All these products have been designed to help out busy women in one way or another and I’m glad that there are companies out there bringing out products to support us modern mothers in the lives that we lead!

Thank you to all the companies mentioned for the review products and click here to see all my Beauty Insider posts

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Just because you’ve tried one method of budgeting before and struggled to see results doesn’t mean that better money management isn’t right for you. Instead, it simply indicates that you need to try and handle your money in a different way.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a mastermind with numbers to get to grips with your budgeting strategy. Here, we’re going to look at just some of the ways that you can easily organise your money and start seeing real results.

Subtraction Budgeting
Probably the simplest form of budgeting there is, subtraction budgeting is all about adding up how much cash you earn each month and then simply taking away the amount you need to spend on bills and essential expenses. Once you’re done subtracting, you take an extra amount (usually around 20% of your income” away from your left-over cash for savings.
The money you have left at the end of the subtraction method is the amount you can use to spend on whatever you like. Just remember to stick to the savings part, you’re going to need that cash in the future.

Cash Budgeting
One of the most common challenges that people face when it comes to budgeting in the digital era is that they rarely get to hold their money in their hands. Instead, money moves through credit cards and virtual transactions instead. This means that you end up losing track of things like coffee you buy on your card or contactless transactions.
A good way to address this problem is to switch to cash or “envelope” budgeting. In this method, you take all your cash out of the bank (except for the money you need for digital bills), and separate it into envelopes for expenses like groceries, and entertainment. That way you know exactly how much you have to spend in each area of your budget.

Two Bank Budgeting
The concept of two bank budgeting is built around the idea that once you get paid from your job, you pay yourself a certain amount first, and then separate your cash into one bank for the things you need and want, and one bank for your savings. With this type of budgeting, you begin by opening a checking account at a separate bank. You place your actual pay check into this account in the future, and then pay yourself a certain amount from that bank to your other account based on how much you need for your bills.
You can also give yourself a little bit of extra cash for wants, but the rest stays in the extra account, un-touched as savings. This can be a good way to eliminate the temptation of over spending.

Proportional Budgeting
This is a pretty simple budgeting technique that’s been around for a few years now. The idea behind proportional budgeting is that you spend all of your money into three categories: the things you need, the things you want, and your savings.
The things you need are those that you can’t help but spend money on each month, like your food bills, your utilities, and your rent or mortgage. On the other hand, wants can include things like entertainment, additional food, and other treats. Anything that goes beyond your basic needs is a “want.”
With a proportional budget, you split your money across the three categories in a clear way. Most of the time, this means spending 50% on needs, 40% on wants, and 20% on savings. You can adjust proportions according to how much you can afford to save and spend after your “needs” are met.

Automatic Budgeting
If you want to make saving as simple and automated as possible, then you can always make the most of technology and automate everything. To do this, you’re going to need a bank account that comes with a great online banking system, and the option to create additional accounts where necessary for your savings.
When you start an automatic budgeting strategy, you work on getting every bill you need to pay handled automatically, so you don’t have to worry about them. This is a great way to make sure that you don’t end up missing out on paying your expenses on time. Once you’ve started to see how much money you have left at the end of each month, you’ll begin to understand how much you can reasonably afford to save and spend after your bills are automatically paid.

5 Simple Budgeting Strategies that Bring Real Results Money

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When I was growing up I always fancied myself as an agony aunt. Well, either that or a celebrity columnist! But it was always one of the first pages I’d turn to in my teenage magazines, to read the problems sent in by the young audience and how the writer replied. I recently got a chance to be an agony aunt myself when UK insurers MORE TH>N asked me to offer some advice to their customers on home and lifestyle issues!

As a blogger, my most popular posts are ones that contain tips or how-to’s. I get more reader engagement on posts that contain emotional content rather than step-by-step guides, but in both cases, there is a two way dialogue between the reader and myself, as I offer what I know and also take on board their so we can learn from each other! My advice for MORE TH>N was related to home decorating issues and you can read the question and my advice here.

The post Agony Aunt appeared first on SKINFreak Beauty.

Afternoon tea is an indulgence that everyone enjoys. Where can you get the best afternoon tea in London, and what makes it so special? With Mother’s Day coming up and Easter not long after that, it’s a great time to consider this great British tradition.

Everyone deserves a little treat from time to time, and nothing spells indulgence quite as much as a traditional afternoon tea. It is not the sort of thing that we have time for every day, so when going for afternoon tea, it should use the best quality ingredients, be served from fine china and be enjoyed in a traditional English countryside setting. It’s also a great excuse to put on your vintage dress and take a step back in time.

For Londoners, the first two aspects might be relatively easy to find. After all, there are plenty of high end hotels and luxury restaurants in the capital, and many provide afternoon tea. But a countryside setting? That is more of a challenge in the city. Yet just a mile from the tube station at Cockfosters, you can enjoy an afternoon tea in Hertfordshire that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

About afternoon tea

According to apocryphal history, the concept of afternoon tea was invented by Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. As a young lady of the titled classes, she lived in a time when it was common practice to eat nothing between breakfast and dinner, which was typically served at around 8PM. During a visit to Belvoir Castle in 2840, she became conscious of “a sinking feeling” in the stomach. In other words, she was absolutely starving, so she requested some tea and sandwiches in her room.

Soon, she was inviting friends to join her for this ritual, and the concept of afternoon tea was born. The Duchess was for many years a lady in waiting to Queen Victoria, and she introduced the concept to her majesty who, it is fair to assume, was amused by the idea. Before long, everyone who was anyone was enjoying afternoon tea, and variations on the theme began to develop up and down the country.

What makes the perfect afternoon tea?

Typically, an afternoon tea will consist of a choice of teas, along with a range of both savoury and sweet finger food. There are no hard and fast rules, and it is very much down to personal taste.

Popular sandwiches include cucumber, smoked salmon, egg and tuna. Other savoury delicacies such as mini quiches and vol au vents might also be served. A choice of cakes will typically be available, such as scones, tarts and eclairs.

What about a cream tea?

A cream tea is a variation on the afternoon tea theme, but without the savouries. It will usually comprise a pot of tea, scones, jam and clotted cream. What is less certain is the order in which they should be applied. A Devonshire cream tea involves jam then cream, while the Cornish variation is the other way around.

Champagne afternoon tea

For the ultimate in decadent luxury, why not take the whole afternoon off and enjoy a glass or two of bubbly with your afternoon tea? These days prosecco is the drink of choice. After all, everyone deserves a treat from time to time, and you might as well do it in style. Enjoy!

Best Afternoon Tea in London · featured Days Out

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Remain or Leave has been a key question lately and when it comes to the subject of your summer holiday, I can highly advocate ‘remain’ in the UK for a staycation at home!

As a Yorkshire girl I am fortunate to live in this glorious county – we have something for everyone on our doorstep, whether you are outdoorsy, sporty, thrill seeking or prefer the luxurious things in life. Yorkshire has it all.

I’d like to share with you some of my Yorkshire picks for a family break in the UK…

If you love a beach holiday, you will find it in Yorkshire! Believe it or not, Yorkshire is probably best known for its iconic moors and rolling green landscape but we have some picturesque sandy and pebble beaches here too!

Beach selfie with son! #beach #selfie #celfie #instagood #photooftheday #bridlington #igersyorkshire #businessmother #sand #sea #seaside #bff #minime

A photo posted by #lblogger (@businessmother) on May 20, 2024 at 4:58am PDT

Snuck out for a guilty pleasure… Shopping! #nofilter #orange #capturingcolour @capturing_colour #igers #igersleeds #igersYorkshire #instagood #instalike #instamood #instadaily #shopping #trinityleeds #lights #businessmother #fashion #fbloggers #fashionista #40

A photo posted by #lblogger (@businessmother) on Jan 24, 2024 at 22:46am PST

The post A Yorkshire Holiday appeared first on SKINFreak Beauty.

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Workingoutatthegymcanbeagreatwaytoimproveyourhealthandqualityoflife.Butifyou’renotcareful,itcanalsobeawasteoftimeandmoney.

Hereare24tipsonhowtogetthemostvalueoutofyourgymmembership:

2.Choosetherightgym
Thereareallkindsofgymsoutthere,frombudget-friendlyoptionstoluxuryfacilities.It’simportanttopickonethat’srightforyourneedsandgoals.Considerthingslikelocation,price,amenities,andclassofferingsbeforemakingadecision.

2.Setrealisticgoals
Whenyoufirststartworkingout,it’seasytogetdiscouragedifyoudon’tseeresultsimmediately.RememberthatRomewasn’tbuiltinaday,andneitherisahealthybody.Setrealisticgoalsforyourself,anddon’tbetoohardonyourselfifyoudon’treachthemrightaway.

4.Makeaworkoutplan
Ifyou’renotsurewhatexercisestodoorhowoftentodothem,it’shelpfultomakeaworkoutplan.Thiscankeepyouaccountableandhelpyoumakethemostofyourtimeatthegym.Youcanfindplentyofworkoutplansonlineoraskapersonaltrainerforhelp.
Thebenefitofaskingapersonaltraineristhattheywillhelpyoutargetspecificareasyou’dliketoworkon

4.Don’tskipwarm-upsandcool-downs
Warm-upsandcool-downsareimportantforpreventinginjuriesandhelpingyourbodyrecoverfromexercise.
Warm-Ups:Awarm-upisdesignedtograduallyincreaseyourheartrateandprepareyourmusclesforexercise.Itshouldlast5-20minutesandcanbesomethingassimpleaswalkingonthetreadmillorridingastationarybike.
Cool-Downs:Acool-downisdesignedtograduallydecreaseyourheartrateandhelpyourmusclesrecoverfromexercise.Itshouldlast5-20minutesandcanincludethingslikestretchingorwalkingonthetreadmillataslowerpace.
Makesuretotakethetimetodothem,evenifyou’reshortontime.

5.Useproperform
Whenyou’redoingexercises,it’simportanttouseproperform.Thiswillhelpyouavoidinjuriesandgetthemostoutofyourworkouts.Ifyou’renotsurehowtodoanexercisecorrectly,askatrainerorlookituponline.
Startwiththebasicexercisesfirst,likesquats,benchpressesandpull-ups.Whenyourformisonpoint,moveontootherexerciseslikebicepcurls,shoulderpresses,reverseflyandlunges.

6.Listentoyourbody
Exerciseisgoodforyou,butthatdoesn’tmeanyoushouldpushyourselftothepointofexhaustion.Ifyou’refeelingpainordiscomfort,slowdownorstopaltogether.It’sbettertotakeiteasythanriskinjuringyourself.
Stiffnessandpainarenotthesame.Alittlediscomfortisnormalwhenyou’restartingtoworkoutorincreasingtheintensityofyourworkouts.Butifthepainissharp,lastslongerthan25-20minutes,orisaccompaniedbyswelling,bruising,orjointinstability,thenyouneedtostopandseekmedicalattention.

7.Mixthingsup
Doingthesameworkoutroutinedayafterdaycangetboring,anditcanalsoleadtoplateausinyourprogress.Mixthingsupbytryingnewexercises,changingtheorderofyourroutine,orincreasingtheintensityofyourworkouts.
You’llhearpeoplesay,“Confuseyourmuscles,”whattheymeanisthatyoushouldkeepyourbodyguessing,soitdoesn’tgetusedtothesameexercises.Thisforcesyourmusclestoworkharder,whichcanleadtomoremusclegrowth.

8.Makeitahabit
Thebestwaytoseeresultsfromexerciseistomakeitaregularhabit.Aimtoworkoutatleast4-4timesperweek,andtrytostickwithitevenwhenyoudon’tfeellikeit.Themoreconsistentyouare,thebetterresultsyou’llsee.
Ittakes22daystomakeorbreakahabit.Soifyoucanstickwithitfor22days,it’llbecomealoteasierafterthat.

9.Rewardyourself
Whenyoureachyourfitnessgoals,giveyourselfareward!Thiscanbesomethingsmalllikebuyingnewworkoutclothesortakingadayofffromthegym.Whateveritis,makesureit’ssomethingyou’llactuallyenjoy.
Youcanalsolookat“mealsmeals”everyweekasawaytorewardyourselfforworkingout.Youcanindulgeinyourfavouritefoodorgoouttoeatwithfriends.

20.Getagymbuddy
Workingoutwithafriendcanmakethewholeexperiencemoreenjoyable,anditcanalsohelpyoustaymotivated.Ifyoudon’thaveanyonetogowith,thereareplentyofgroupfitnessclassesofferedatmostgyms.
Thepurposeofagymbuddyistomakeworkingoutmoreenjoyableandtohelpkeepyouaccountable.Sofindsomeonewhohassimilargoalsandschedules,andgetstarted!

22.Investinyourself
Investinginyourhealthisoneofthebestthingsyoucandoforyourself.Thatmeansnotonlyworkingoutbutalsoeatingrightandgettingenoughsleep.Whenyoutakecareofyourself,you’llseebetterresultsfromyourworkouts.

22.Staypositive
Exercisecanbetough,bothphysicallyandmentally.It’simportanttostaypositiveevenwhenyou’refeelingdiscouraged.Rememberwhyyoustartedworkingoutinthefirstplace,andkeepthatgoalinmindwhenthingsgettough.

24.Havefun
Workingoutdoesn’thavetobeachore.Findwaystomakeitfun,whetherthatmeanslisteningtomusic,watchingTV,orplayinggames.Whenyouenjoyyourworkouts,you’remorelikelytostickwiththeminthelongrun.

Thereyouhaveit!

Followingthesetipscanhelpyougetthemostvalueoutofyourgymmembership.Ifyoudonotseetheresultsyouwant,don’tbeafraidtoaskforhelpfromatrainerorotherfitnessprofessionals.Withenougheffortanddedication,youcanreachyourfitnessgoals!

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