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Savisto Home Mortar And Pestle Review
I was recently contacted by Savisto and asked if I wanted to collaborate and do a review. The company specialises in home ware and kitchen accessories, and I chose to review a mortar and pestle. I love to cook and have always wanted to experiment using a mortar and pestle, blend herbs and make my own sauces and salsas.
So when the product arrived, rather heavy but well packaged, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in. The mortar and pestle is hand-crafted from granite and it is a lovely, stylish speckley grey colour. I was rather surprised with how large it really was, but also delighted with the width as it meant I didn’t spill any ingredients out the sides when using it.
Mortars and pestles are used for crushing and blending seeds, herbs, and other foods into an ideal consistency. It is great kitchen exercise and you find yourself bashing away any frustration you have been harboring!
I decided to make a red pesto and a spicy guacamole. Using the mortar and pestle was easy, as it was so heavy it required little effort and it blended all my spices, crunchy peppercorns and garlic cloves perfectly.
Granite is non-porous which makes it a superb material to create a mortar and pestle with. It was easy to wipe clean and I could wash it with a mild soap which saved me time from doing it the old fashioned “dry cleaning” way. I noticed that after using it, there were no stains or marks inside from what I had been making and it scrubbed up well.
This mortar and pestle is great quality it is tough, durable and does the job very well! It will look wonderful on any kitchen counter and in my opinion it is a must-have kitchen accessory.
Overall I really rate this product, it is super easy to use and if you are unsure of what to make with it, I recommend having a scroll through pinterest where you will find some amazing recipes.
Savisto have a wide range of exciting products and I can’t wait to discover more.
Leave a comment below with your mortar and pestle recipes.
Thanks for reading,
Gee
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*I was sent this product in exchange for an honest and genuine review. All opinions are my own*
Eden’s Semilla Review
Eden’s Semilla have a range of oils including Jobobo, Vitamin C and Rosehip. I was sent the Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid serums to test. At first I was sceptical as although I have used oils on my hair and for aromatherapy I had never tried them on my skin because I have sensitive skin.
Seeing the ingredients of the serums was a huge positive for me knowing that there is only a very small chance my skin could be irritated by the serum.
The ingredients include Aloe Vera extract, Witch Hazel, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Rosehip Oil.
I used this product every morning before applying any moisturisers and other skincare products. After a few days I noticed a difference in how bright my skin looked and also how I had a natural glow on my face.
A little goes a long way with the oils so only a couple of drops is needed to successfully cover your face. The formula absorbs well and doesn’t linger on skin, which was a huge relief for me as I thought it would leave behind a residue.
It felt nice to awaken my face up to a nice oil skincare routine and I noticed that the serum has reduced the redness around my breakouts and shrunk my pores. It is a really hydrating residue and my skin now looks and feels healthier.
The packaging boasts that will reduce fine lines and wrinkles and eliminate dry patches. I immediately started using the product and every evening before bed I would cleanse my face then spread the serum evenly and leave it to soak in. Now I have always loved using essential oils and using a product such as this one that has natural and organic ingredients is something that does attract me in terms of purchasing beauty products.
After using the product every day for over a week I have noticed huge changes. My skin feels softer, firmer and my dry patches have completely disappeared.
The only concern I had about using the serums was that I was worried it would make my skin greasy however the formula does not leave any residue, it isn’t sticky and I was so pleased it didn’t leave my skin with excess shine and make it look greasy.
I recommend adding serums into your beauty regime if you haven’t already and if you have then go ahead try the range from Eden’s Semilla! The products suited my skin types and really worked for me, overall I had really positive experience with the oils and I can’t wait to experiment more with serums.
Have you used serums before?
Thanks for reading,
Gee
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*I was sent this product in exchange for an honest and genuine review. All opinions are my own*
15 Reasons To Love Autumn
- Chunky jumpers and flannel shirts
- Autumn scented candles (cinnamon is my favourite)
- Extra hour of darkness = more sleep
- Reading a good book or writing under the comfort of a blanket
- Long walks and hikes in the cool air (especially when the first frost appears)
- Movie nights
- Bonfires and log fires- I love going to the pub on an evening or visiting my parents and sitting next to a log fire
- Rainy days
- Colourful crispy leaves
- Dark lipsticks and autumnal coloured eye shadows like copper, gold and light brown.
- Hats, scarves, gloves and boots.
- Hot drinks especially mulled apple juice and hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows!
- Halloween! I love decorating my house with pumpkins and lots of candles!
- Comfort foods – Pies, stews and roasts and let’s not forget the puddings! Pumpkin pie, dark chocolate brownies and sticky toffee pudding.
- The overall beauty of it – everything looks so much prettier in autumn
Leave a comment below telling me what you love about autumn.
Thanks for reading,
Gee
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Garnier Skincare Review
Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask
The Moisture bomb tissue mask promises one week of hydration in just 15 minutes and it includes ‘anti thirst’ technology. Soaked in a serum which includes hyaluronic acid, plant serum and naturally-derived ingredients including the infusion of pomegranate, the mask is a quick fix for your skin after a long week of wearing makeup.
Perfect if your skin is in need of pampering, the sheet mask is suited to all skin types and feels extremely refreshing on your face.
The tissue mask is ideal for those that are travelling or those looking for a post party treatment as it requires minimal effort and it is great if you are on the go.
I found the product a little fiddly and awkward to apply as it is a large mask. The one-size-fits-all shape was too big for my face and I found it difficult to smooth the mask down in the right places. The serum is sticky and almost feels slimy, however on application it felt cold, comforting and smelt lovely.
After wearing the mask for 15 minutes my skin was glowing! I was surprised at how instantly I could see and feel the effects of the mask. My skin felt smooth, soft, and it definitely felt hydrated and revitalised. Even when I woke up the next morning I was still feeling the effects of the tissue mask including plumped, radiant, and youthful looking skin.
There is no doubt that this mask does exactly what is says on the packet and did in fact leave my skin feeling refreshed. However, although I enjoyed using this product I do think for those that have oily or combination skin like myself it should be used once a fortnight rather than weekly as I think it doesn’t help those oily sections of the skin.
Micellar Cleansing Water
Micellar water is a popular product and many have rated it over standard cleansers and makeup removers. The formula is made up of tiny micelles that remove dirt and lift impurities to leave your skin feeling and looking clean and product free.
I ditched makeup wipes a year ago and chose to use gentle cleansers and micellar water based products to remove my makeup. I have used Nivea and Simple cleansers but found the Garnier micellar water for combination skin my favourite.
The bottle is 400ml and Garnier claims you can get 200 uses out of it, obviously this depends what products you have on your skin and how much makeup you are wearing. I do find that my bottle does last quite a long time and you only need to use a small amount to successfully cleanse your skin.
A simple and effective treatment it takes only minutes to pour some on a cotton pad and cleanse your face. The water prevents blocked pores and removes excess oils without stripping the skin of the natural oils it produces.
For me micellar water is a better alternative to makeup wipes as it is gentle and unscented. It requires little effort and overall it cleanses quickly and effectively alongside leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
As previously mentioned I suffer with combination skin so I am always on the lookout for a daily moisturiser that can hydrate my skin effectively but not leave it looking greasy and shiny.
Moisture Match Daily Moisturiser
Garnier has launched the moisture match range of moisturises to suit all skin types. The range includes 5 different moisturisers aimed at people with normal, dry, very dry, dull and oily skin. I purchased the oil-free moisturiser which promises to give your skin 24h hydration and shiny control.
On opening the product I wasn’t expecting miracles but I can honestly say that I was really surprised with this product. Enriched with green tea extract the moisturiser absorbs into your skin quickly and instantly mattifies without leaving your skin dry as a result. The formula is a whipped consistency that feels fresh and cooling on the skin.
The only criticism I have is that I wouldn’t recommend using it as a night moisturiser. I don’t think it is hydrating enough to last a whole night and that’s why I would only use this as a day cream.
Overall my skin feels smooth and soft, the product is a nice and light consistency and the texture actually makes it a great primer for makeup. It has a long-lasting matte effect and doesn’t leave skin looking oily. It leaves you with a natural shine and healthy glow and it is moisturiser I will definitely purchase again!
All products can be purchased from Boots.
Have you used any of the products above? Leave a comment below!
Thanks for reading,
Gee
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A Costa Blanca Vacation
I spent a week with my family on vacation in Calpe. Located in the northern region of Alicante, Calpe a fishermans town that has two bays right on the water.
We were stayed in a large villa up in the mountains in an urbanisation called Maryvilla. Used mainly as holiday homes for the Spanish people and homes for many who have retired out in Spain, Maryvilla is a quiet place with only one bar, a couple of restaurants and a lovely beach at the bottom.
Little did I know until I got there that Costa Blanca is actually the perfect place for sport climbing, water-sports and outdoor activities. Known to have some of the best beaches with clear water and plenty of sand and further out small coves and caves making the Costa Blanca perfect for rock climbing over the sea (water soloing).
There is a warm climate for most of the year and with many resorts, restaurants, bars and shops remaining open throughout the winter months, Calpe and surrounding towns have become a popular destination for families and many couples looking for a weekend break.
If you love going for a swim then head down to the local beach or watersports centre where you can kayak, learn how to paddle board, snorkel or do I what did and have fun on a giant inflatable sea assault course.
Playa De La Fossa, Levante and Arenal-Bol are the main beaches in Calpe but are only just a few of the beautiful beaches across the region. Hire a boat or pedalo and explore the tiny beaches or sail down the coast to the larger resorts and towns.
Alongside the beaches and boat rides, wandering The Old Town was a highlight of the holiday as it features Mudejar-Gothic architecture and historic sites. If that isn’t enough for a history buff then the Calpe is also home to The Museum of Archaeology which has an array of artifacts and also has the ruins of a castle.
If you fancy a crazy night then head over to the Benidorm, in particular English Square, for a night of drinks, tribute bands and 24-hour fry ups. My one night in Benidorm was definitely an experience! Popular with stag and hen parties the cheap drinks, hilarious comedians, and the general atmosphere give Benidorm it’s British reputation but I can’t deny it was one of the funniest nights of my life!
Calpe has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a rock climbing weekend or a laid back beach week, Calpe and the rest of the Costa Blanca will not disappoint!
Things to do in Costa Blanca:
- Visit the beaches
- Explore the variety of water-sports
- Climbing
- Visit Benidorm for a wild night!
- Go to the archaeological museum in Alicante
- Aqualandia waterpark
- Book a boat ride
Gee
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SugarBaby Vita+Skin Review
The Vita+Skin range are a cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and paraben free beauty range from the Australian company SugarBaby.
The range features 100% organic coconut water and oil. I received the coffee and coffee body scrub* and the hydrating coconut hair treatment*.
The tropical pink, blue, cream and palm tree packaging is really aesthetically pleasing and looks so cute on my bathroom shelf.
Now I’m not a coffee drinker but on opening the coffee and coconut scrub the smell definitely wakes you up in the morning. This rich and sweet exfoliator is in a resealable pouch is non-abrasive and moisturising. I found that using it a few times a week helped brighten and even out my skin tone. It is perfect as a pre-tanning scrub and lifts out all the dirt and whilst hydrating the skin.
A great feature about this scrub is that it doesn’t easily dissolve so you can scrub for as long as you please before rinsing off. The product states that it will reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, and it will stimulate blood flow. I have been using it for just over a week now and I don’t think my stretch marks have reduced but it has definitely eliminated dry and uneven skin patches.
The coconut hair treatment comes in a little screw top pouch and is also in a perfect travel size. After shampooing you place it on your hair for 5-10 minutes depending on how much of a deep condition you would like. The treatment contains shea butter, aloe vera and other natural oils. It smells lovely and after rinsing your hair is left silky and soft. The treatment is suitable for all hair types and definitely leaves you feeling nourished.
Overall I really have enjoyed using this range, the products smell lovely and really leave you skin and hair feeling refreshed and nourished. Out of two products the scrub was definitely my favourite and I recommend trying this one out!
Have you used any of the Vita+Skin range? Leave a comment below.
Thanks
Gee
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*Although I was sent these products to review I am under no obligation to leave a positive review and my opinion is honest.
My Top 10 Hand Luggage Essentials
It’s that time of year where many go on their holidays and I am one of the few that loves packing a suitcase, and getting my hand luggage ready well ahead of time in order to have a stress free trip.
I have finally managed to take a minimalist attitude and pack only the necessities, here are my top 10 on-board luggage items (in no particular order)
- Face Wipes: Antibacterial, baby wipes or cosmetic wipes whichever you prefer they are a handy item for keeping refreshed during and after your flight.
- iPod/iPad: I love downloading films onto my iPad for those long flights to keep me entertained. Some flights can be noisy so I love popping my headphones in and listening to some chilled music that I can nod off to.
- Book:You can’t go wrong with a good book! I have to travel with at least 2 books to keep me entertained and help calm my travel anxiety.
- Moisturiser: My skin tends to dry out when flying so I always carry a little bottle of face cream to keep my hands and face hydrated. Just make sure it’s 50ml or under!
- Notebook and pen: I carry a notebook and pen everywhere I go to doodle and write lists or general ramblings. Inspiration can come at any time so I always like to have something to hand.
- Scarf: Planes can get cold, so I always pack an over sized scarf to keep me warm or to use as a pillow.
- Camera: I always take my SLR camera on board as I don’t like leaving it in my suitcase. It also means I can take a few snaps around the airport whilst waiting for my flight. Alongside this I take Jamie’s gopro, it is the perfect travel camera for catching those action shots and underwater moments.
- Deodorant/Lip balm/Hair ties: Take a little beauty bag onto your flight and fill it with a few essentials. My extremely thick, long wavy hair is always getting in the way so I love to have a few different hairbands tucked away or on my wrist. Lip balm prevents dry cracked lips on long-haul flights and if you want to feel a bit more glamorous when stepping into arrivals then take a little nude lipstick. Deodorant is an obvious one, planes are sweaty places so I always take a small spray or roll on.
- Bottle of water: Stay hydrated by purchasing a bottle water at the airport. Even if you want to have a nightcap while on board, taking a bottle or water will prevent dehydration. Sometimes I take vitamin C tablets or rehydralyte with me so if i’m feeling a little nauseous or under the weather I can pop one of these into my water.
- Snacks: If you are like me and get a little peckish during a flight then pack a few snacks. I like to take a cereal bar, a small packet of crisps and then either some biscuits or a small pack of sweets to get a quick sugar boost.
What are your travel essential? Leave a comment below!
Thanks
Gee
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Mini Beauty Haul
L’Oreal Clay Mask
The L’Oreal masks is available in three varieties (detox, purity and glow) and I decided to get the detox mask just because it contains Charcoal.After using it I was so surprised at the immediate results. All blackheads, dirt, dead skin cells and other impurities were removed straight away. It left my skin looking healthy, fresh and super clean.I’m very excited to try the other masks.
E.L.F Rose Gold Liquid
After receiving an email informing me of the free UK postage I had to have a look at the ELF website. I stumbled upon this amazing rose gold liquid eye-shadow and when it arrived I just fell in love with it! It’s super pigmented and easy to apply, you do have to use an eye-shadow primer first and then a similar colour eye-shadow after just to set the liquid. The ELF products are really good value for money and this liquid eye-shadow also comes in two other shades including copper!
Smashbox Contour Kit and Photo Finish Primer
After receiving these goodies from the boots review panel I binned my old and nearly finished contour palette and got stuck in with this one. The kit contains everything you need including a small step by step guide, a small angled brush and three powders; a contour powder, bronzer and highlighter. It is so easy to use and the pigmented powders blend really well. It gives you a glowing radiant look that is natural and defined. A palette apparently favoured by Kim Kardashian the Smashbox contour kit is, in my opinion a definite a must have.
Vichy Dermablend 3D Foundation
As someone who doesn’t wear foundation I wasn’t fussed about this product when it arrived. However after using it I was shocked with how much it reduced my pores. Perfect for oily and combination skin this foundation has SPF 25 and is hypoallergenic. It contains salicylic acid and when applied leaves your skin with a smooth and velvety finish. A small amount gives excellent coverage and the formula is light and doesn’t feel heavy or thick on the skin.
Have you used any of these products? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below.
Thanks
Gee
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“Why am I yellow?”
After a long weekend of binge drinking, eating takeaways and not sleeping much its to safe to say I wasn’t feeling my best. However I didn’t expect to wake up on a Monday morning with unbearable stomach cramps and yellow eyes and skin. It didn’t take long until I was at the doctors having blood tests to find out why I was looking like a Simpsons character.
The jaundice faded but I was diagnosed with a minor condition called Gilbert’s Syndrome.
Gilbert’s syndrome is when the yellow substance found naturally in the blood (Bilirubin) increases and starts to build up. It is a genetic disorder that’s hereditary and according to UK statistics around 1 in 20 people have Gilbert’s.
It took me a while to understand what it was, and accept the changes that I had to make to my diet in order to avoid this short period of jaundice and fatigue. There are a few symptoms of Gilbert’s including nausea, dizziness, IBS, brain fog, and fatigue. Although Gilbert’s is not a medicated condition it helps to know what triggers you may have and how you can prevent feeling unwell.
I took the steps to cut out alcohol, fatty and oily foods (only sticking to the good fats) and anything made with MSG. My doctor recommended the Paleo diet, and although I had heard from other GS sufferers it worked well, unfortunately after my 3 month trial it made me feel worse.
It’s been a year and a half since my diagnosis and I feel healthier than I have ever felt before. Of course I treat myself to the occasional chicken kebab and my diet isn’t too strict but all the little things I have changed have paid off.
GS doesn’t pose a risk to health and doesn’t cause complications, yes there are some medications I now can’t take but overall GS hasn’t restricted my life whatsoever.
My message to other GS sufferers is look at changing your diet, take care of your body and you will feel fine. Just because you get diagnosed or labelled as something it doesn’t mean that you can’t carry on living your life, and there is plenty of other illnesses in the world that are far worse than a having a few days of jaundice and fatigue.
To anyone else that may think they have GS, go and get tested and then find out what triggers your symptoms so you can change it.
I’m happy my body reacted the way it did otherwise nothing would have changed and I would living an unhealthy lifestyle.
Thanks for reading, leave a comment below and tell me all about health issues you may face and how you cope with them.
Gee
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Georgia 