Nivea Daily Essentials First Impressions*

A while ago I was sent a few products to try out from Nivea, their new Daily Essentials range which includes two face masks and a day cream and night cream. I absolutely love doing a face mask now so I was really excited to try these out and as I've never really been one to use a day and night cream, I was intrigued by how I would get one with those.

Nivea are pretty much known for their skincare but what makes this particular range so special? Well several things.

Urban Skin 1 Minute Detox Masks

I'm going to start with the face masks because these are what I was most excited about. The thing that really intrigued me about these was that they only have to stay on for 1 minute. Most face masks I use are packets which you only get one use out of and you tend to keep them on for anything from 5 to 20 minutes. I did wonder how much these could do in such a little amount of time but I've been really impressed so far. They are supposed to refine and rebalance dull and tired skin (something I definitely suffer with) and they do this by using potent clays and magnolia extract which draw out any impurities. Immediately after using the Purify one I noticed my skin looked brighter and healthier and genuinely so soft to touch. I've used the Moisturise one many times since and I'm just as impressed with that too. One thing I like about these is that their tubes so you can get many uses out of them compared to normal face mask sachets. They do take a little while to wash off as they don't really dry in anyway and are a cream but given how little time they need to be on, that's not really a massive issue.

Skin Defence Day Cream 

I very rarely use day creams like this, I'm not sure why as I always read good things about them. This Day Cream which has an SPF 20 battles against radical damage daily whilst arming skin with moisture for up to 48 hours. I used this after trying the Purify face mask and that combined with the mask, left my skin feeling incredible all day! It felt so nourished and looked far brighter than usual.

Urban Skin Detox Night Cream 

I'm even less likely to pick up a night cream than a day cream so I was really excited to try this. The Night Cream works overnight enhancing skin regeneration by stimulating the upper skin layer. It does this through active ingredients which can help reduce toxins in our cells. This should, by morning, leave you with visibly smoother and supple skin and with less signs of fatigue. I always look pretty rough in the morning but I did notice my skin didn't look as dull as it usually does first thing. It still felt soft to touch, clean and fresh which for an early morning, never usually happens!

Combined I'm loving all of these products so far and I'm really impressed with the differences they actually make to my skin after using them. Given how little time you need to keep the masks on for, I definitely think they are worth trying out. I tend to use one of them in the morning now as they can be done whilst I'm making the bed or brushing my teeth and don't really require much effort! I never really used to reach for Nivea in a shop but I think I will be now after trying these out. 

Have you tried anything from the Daily Essentials range?

*Products sent for the purpose of this post

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Old English Company Stationery and Homeware Haul

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post in collaboration with Old English Company and they kindly gave me a voucher for that so I decided to treat myself to a few homeware and stationery bits. I love putting together haul posts and homeware ones are personally my favourite to read so if you're the same hopefully you'll like this. 

I was totally spoilt for choice when it came to picking what to order and it genuinely took me ages to decide. Eventually I started with homeware because I just can't get enough of buying things for our flat. The first thing I ordered was the Let's Sleep In Print. I thought this would be perfect to go in our bedroom underneath another print we already have up in a white frame, and we both love our sleep so very appropriate. 

I then spotted the planners and I loved this pink Consider This Day Conquered one. It's going to be great for writing my lists everyday of things I want to get done and it feels such good quality. It's so pretty aswell so I think it will be so nice on my desk to go with lots of other pink things I've already got.

Something for the kitchen which I couldn't resist was a Bread Board. Not only will this be great for serving different things on just for us, it's great for when people come round and it looks lovely in the kitchen. It was reduced to about £5 which is amazing as it's brilliant quality and looks so much more expensive. It'll also be good for any foodie blog posts in the future aswell!

One thing I've seen loads of people talking about recently is the pins from Old English Company and I thought now was as good a time as any to pick one up. I've never been too bothered about them in the past but there were so many that I was drawn too and thought would be a nice addition to my new bag. In the end I chose the You Can pin, I love it.

Finally I picked up George and I a coaster each for our office. It really is coming together now, we've got rid of furniture, are just about ready to buy my desk and I've pretty much got all of the accessories and things like that for the room. As I work on my blog pretty much everyday an office was becoming an essential and with George working from home sometimes too, I thought one of these would be nice for us both for when we're both working. I got the Reach For The Stars one, which again goes with other pink accessories I have for my desk, it totally makes me think of S Club 7 aswell though! and I got George the Bear Hug one, because by now I'm sure you know I love bears.

I'm so happy with everything I ordered and can't wait to get more in future. I honestly could have gone on for ages, they have such a range of beautiful prints, notebooks and pins, so if you love stationery and homeware, definitely check them out.

Have you ever bought anything from Old English Company?

*I was provided with a voucher for a previous post but was under no obligation to do this one too

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Food I Have Been Loving This Week #27

My meals have been so boring lately, I really struggle when it's warm with what to cook as it just gets too hot! So this is basically snack heavy, sorry not sorry 🤷Some pretty tasty stuff included though.

San Pellegrino - I am just obsessed with San Pellegrino! I first tried the Orange and Pomegranate flavour in London a while ago and since then I've kind of been obsessed with it. I don't get it often because it's so expensive but as it was on offer recently I got myself a pack. This flavour in particular is really sweet but I love it! I also really like the lemon San Pellegrino too, I just try not to get it too often as it really pricey compared to other fizzy drinks.

Homemade Tiffin - I actually mentioned this in a favourites post earlier on in the week but it's that good, it deserved to be mentioned in one of these posts too. Tiffin used to be something I baked pretty much every week, but for some reason I just kind of stopped. I tend to always have the ingredients in for cakes and brownies etc so I usually just make those if I'm in a baking mood but recently I made some Tiffin again and was reminded why I love it so much. It's such a simple bake, requires very little ingredients and just tastes delicous. It's basically rocky road without the marshmallows and I actually prefer it like that. I have a recipe up of this if anyone wants to give it a go.

Combos - If you haven't tried these, then you really have to. They're a bit like crisps but are made with either pretzel, cracker or tortilla and they have a filling in them, usually some sort of cheese. I've had the Pizzeria flavour before and the Pepperoni Pizza flavour which both literally taste just like you're eating a proper pizza, but last time we went past an American shop in Meadowhall I spotted the layer dip flavour and honestly it tastes just like nachos covered in guac, salsa and sour cream. They are incredible, George and I are literally obsessed with them!

Pasta and Meatballs - This is such a comforting meal I think. I love pasta so any meal with that is a winner. I wanted to make a filling but tasty meal the night before we went away so I used some Asda Extra Special meatballs, a Lloyd Grossman sauce because they are just the best and my homemade sauce can't compete, and obviously a load of pasta and it was delicous. With garlic bread, it's even better!

Easter Chocolate - Every year I go a little mad with Easter chocolate. To be fair I don't think I bought quite as much this year but still a considerable amount. The main Easter Egg I went for this year was an Aero one which was incredible, I don't have Aero often so this was a really nice change.

Covered Chicken - For some reason I don't make this nearly as much as I used to! A few weeks ago though I was looking through some of my recipes for a bit of inspiration and I found my post about covered chicken and I immediately added it to the meal plan. It's just chicken wrapped in parma ham, baked in the oven, so simple but it tastes delicous. We had it with some golden rice and coleslaw and it was such a nice meal.

Bettys Tea Room Fondant Fancies - These had to be mentioned in this post! I'd seen them online before we went to York and was desperate to get one, and I did, and it totally exceeded any expectations I had. I love the Mr Kipling ones but those don't even compare the homemade ones from Bettys. The sponge was so moist and soft, the icing was smooth and the actual flavour was sweet but not over the top. I so wish I'd got another before we left, they are first on my list next time we go to York!

Similar Posts - Food I Have Been Loving This Week #26 // Covered Chicken & 5 Grain Rice Recipe

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Self Care In Spring and Summer

When I'm feeling anxious or having a particularly low day, I like to partake in a bit of self care to try and relax and calm myself down, and that usually involves a hot bubble bath, a good book and getting cosy on the settee. Not that self care is always lovey dovey things like that, but for me those are things that help. Those are all well and good during the colder months but I actually find in Spring and Summer when it's warm, that I really struggle to find things that can cheer me up and help improve my mood and sitting in a hot bath when it's hot outside, isn't that relaxing. I'm such an Autumn and Winter girl so as soon as the hot weather starts, I'm kind of straight away in a different mindset so it's always a tricky few months for me. That being said there are a few things which I do find are really enjoyable in Spring and Summer and I do find they make me feel more positive so I thought I'd share them.

Leave The House

I'm such a homebody, and to be honest I'm probably far too comfortable with staying in, and that's okay, but when the weather gets warmer, I really like to try and get out as much as possible and enjoy it. One of the great things about Spring and Summer is that is stays lighter for far longer so you have plenty of time to go out for a walk or take a trip to the park. Just getting some fresh air for an hour can completely change up the day and change your mood. I never regret going out and getting some sun, taking a book or putting some music on is a good tip too to properly relax. Also why not take advantage and take a picnic with you?

Spring Clean

If you're not feeling your best, cleaning might not seem like the most fun thing to do but I have always found that if my home is tidy, I feel 10x better and it instantly improves my mood. I actually find mess only makes my anxiety worse and I get so stressed so a good spring clean really is one thing I try to do when I'm feeling a bit rubbish. I know that's probably contributing, or at least not making anything better and once things have had a bit of a refresh, I find I have too.

Put Your Phone Down

I'm on my phone far too much, always refreshing Twitter and Instagram and I have no doubt that contributes to my low mood sometimes. With social media it's easy to compare yourself to others so when I can I like to take a bit of a break from it. When taking a walk in the summer, leave your phone in your pocket and instead actually sit and chat to whoever you're with, or read a few chapters of a book. Let's face it, we're not going to miss loads by having a few hours without it are we?

Fresh Food

I've always found the better I eat, the better I feel, not just physically but mentally too. In Spring and Summer there is nothing better than a fresh salad (and they really don't have to be boring) or a bowl of fruit, I always feel so much better for choosing something like that and in the warmer months, meals like this are so refreshing. Cooking in Summer is horrendous so easy meals are a winner. Something else I like about fresh food in Spring and Summer is creating exciting juices and mocktails. Last year I loved creating different milkshakes aswell but this year I want to get a load of different fruit and create some tasty juices that are refreshing to have sat outside.

Know It's Okay To Say No 

Whilst I mentioned making sure you get fresh air throughout the warmer months, when it comes to events or occasions with friends and family, it's okay to say no. Lots of people love the thought of get togethers and BBQ's in Summer but for me, they're something I really struggle with and I put a lot of thought into whether it's something I can do. Sometimes I don't even know til the day whether I can face it, and that's totally fine. As people say 'no is a complete sentence' so don't feel you have to go explaining or apologising when you can't do something that others may find easy if it's going to cause you stress, anxiety or upset. Whilst I think it's important to push yourself when you can, sometimes it's just not possible and that's fine!

Do you have any self care tips? 

Similar Posts - 5 Things That Help Me On A Bad Day // Why Self Care Is Important

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