Selfie Factory

What:

We visited the Selfie Factory an interactive pop-up experience. At the selfie factory, you get the opportunity to take lots of image of yourself and friends in the unique photo-friendly rooms. Perfect for your Instagram feed and lots of fun.

Here is a list of the selfie rooms:

The Pink London Tube Train

The 2D Room

The Bath Room

The Rainbow Nelly Room

The Sofa Room

The Safe Room

The Pink Supermarket

The Flower Cove

The Mirrored Crouch Room

Plus a range of walls including; Angel Wings, Donut Wall, Floral Seat etc….

Location & Times:

ICON Outlet The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. The Selfie Factory runs until the end of November 2020, check online for opening times.

Pros: 

Great fun, interactive and defiantly a must-visit for selfie fans

Cons:

When we arrived we were a little surprised how compact it actually was inside, But after spending time in the selfie factory we realised it was compact, but the size didn't compromise the actual experience.

The time we have was more than adequate to get the shots we wanted.

Price:

£11.99 per Person for a 60 mins time slot 

Further Information:

https://selfiefactory.co.uk

Current Covid Guidelines:

We had a temperature check on arrival, signed in via QR code, there was hand sanitiser on entry and the staff cleaned surfaces in between usage.

Overall Rating:

4.5 

Great afternoon, worth a visit

Shake Your Beauty Holiday Advent Calendar Set

It’s the gift we’ve been waiting for all year! and its a gift I would love to receive Benefit’s holiday advent calendar set.

Inside you will find 12 of the bestselling & fan-favourite beauty treats which come in purse and mini & fun sizes. Open one present a day for 12 days to reveal a beautiful new fave.

The Shake Your Beauty holiday advent calendar set will cost you £58.50, but if you use Benefit products and love them like us, you'll know its money well spent. Check it out  https://www.benefitcosmetics.com.

5 EXPERT TIPS FOR EXERCISING SAFELY IN THE HOT WEATHER

Whether taking advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy a run or cycle in your local park, meeting up with friends to play sports or heading to your local gym to help squeeze into last year’s holiday wardrobe.
It’s important to establish the effects of heat on the body, in particular where exercise is concerned. 

Exercising in a high-temperature environment, whether that be outdoors or in the comfort of your own home, can lead to two main issues which can affect exercise performance and safety; body temperature and dehydration.

Training In a hot environment increases our core temperature which is what we know as hyperthermia. This increased core temperature can inhibit muscular endurance - the muscles’ ability to contract efficiently and repeatedly over long, sustained periods of time – and can also increase the rate in which we burn energy.
Exercising in warmer temperatures also increases the risk of dehydration which can have a huge impact on our bodily functions and performance, causing muscle cramps, confusion and increased heart rate to name a few. It is a big contributor to heat-related illness and is especially prominent when exercising in high temperatures.

With this in mind, below are 5 tips to help you avoid the pitfalls of exercising in the heat, stay safe whilst training during the warmer months: 

• Know your Limits: New to exercise or kickstarting your fitness journey? Take extra caution when exercising in the heat. You may have lower immunity to heat so take regular breaks and lower the intensity of your workout or make use of the weather forecast to plan outdoor activity for cooler spells. High temperature and humid environments are known to cause increased blood flow to the skin’s surface and blood pooling in the limbs which can lead to a drop in blood pressure and feelings of dizziness. Know your limits and understand that even avid fitness enthusiasts struggle to operate at their best in higher temperatures, so listen to your body and know when reduce the intensity or stop altogether.

• Hydrate: Loss of fluid can have a direct effect on our gut’s ability to keep up with the rate of water expenditure and can cause a drop in our body’s ability to utilize oxygen effectively, which leads to lower energy levels as well as reduced endurance and exercise sustainability. Staying hydrated helps our bodies to sweat, leading to a cooler core temperature. Hydration should be top priority when combatting the heat so ensure you drink plenty throughout the day and whilst exercising, and not just when you feel thirsty.

• Dress Appropriately: Black gym wear is best avoided in warmer temperatures as these darker fabrics absorb heat which can put more strain on our bodies during exercise. Instead, opt for something that is both light coloured and light weight; lighter coloured gym wear will help with the evaporation of heat, keeping you cooler for longer. 

• Avoid Peak Day Temperatures: If exercise or training outdoors is something new to you, avoid midday sun as it tends to be peak temperature and seek out areas with plenty of shade to protect you from the sun. If this is the only time you can train, exercise in a well air-conditioned gym or head to your local swimming pool to help keep you cool. If your training times are more flexible then opt to exercise in the morning or evening, when temperatures tend to be cooler. 

• Adjust to the climate: If you’re new to exercising in the heat, build up slowly as it can sometimes take a week or two to adjust to the climate. As you adapt, you can slowly increase the intensity over time or keep the intensity same and just increase the duration, try not to increase both at the same time. For example, you may go for a 30-minute cycle, walk or jog one day and increase to 45 minutes and so on over the coming weeks. Or choose a less intense cycle ride for the first couple of weeks and increase the intensity on a hillier route. Lower intensity bodyweight workouts such as yoga and pilates can also be cooler options for exercising in higher temperatures, due to the slower nature of the movements.

Steven Virtue, Fitness Content and Programming Manager at Total Fitness, the North’s leading mid-market health club, shares five tips for exercising safely in the hot heat.

 

Our Visit To Covent Garden

We decide to head to Covent garden we had spent a lot of time locally and was really looking forward to exploring a bit further afield now that some of the COVID restrictions had lifted.

Covent Garden looked very different, the usual hustle and bustle had gone, no street traders or entertainers insight, the cobbled streets seemed bare and for the first time ever I could see across the entire square. There were just small groups of people wandering around, probably wanting to get out and about like us, the shops were open but empty.

But we were so happy to hear that Milk Train in Covent Garden had re-opened so we made our way to get our long-awaited ice cream fix, the menu is currently limited, but there is still plenty to choose from. at the time we visited the seating area had been removed and the usual flower wall had gone, but it was nice to be back and experience the new normal.

We opted for a tasty vanilla ice cream with rainbow drops, chocolate sauce and of course sprinkles, It’s was nice to get out and experience the new normal pre-COVID.

Visiting Covent garden was strange after covid restrictions were lifted, it has to be one of the strangest experiences, but yet it filled us with a sense optimism of the return to normal life. We missed you Covent Garden and can't wait until you return to the hustle-bustle place that we all know and love.

Please note this post was our experience on 26 June 2020, we are defiantly looking forward to returning again.

EMOTIONAL FIRST AID

We know that we need to put a plaster on a cut or a cast on a broken arm, but how many of us fail to give the same care to our emotional health? Just because we can’t see it, doesn’t mean that it’s not as important! It’s not a case of just getting over’ psychological wounds, which can be just as crippling as physical ones. Leading UK life coach Carole Ann Rice shares 5 tips for emotional first aid.

1. Recognise it – the first step to dealing with emotional pain is to recognise it when it

happens and treat it early. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring it and hoping it’ll go

away – it’s likely that it’ll only become worse.

2. Change your gut reaction – it’s very easy when you’ve been hurt to let your feelings

spiral into other, more painful or even unrelated feelings. To stop this kind of emotional

spiral, learn to change your gut reaction.

3. Take care of your self-esteem – be compassionate to yourself. Self-esteem is like an

emotional immune system that buffers you from emotional pain and strengthens your

emotional resilience. Treat yourself as you would your best friend or loved one.

4. Use positive distraction – when your thoughts are getting you down, interrupt the

pattern with positive distraction. Habitual rumination isn’t healthy or helpful in any way.

5. Know yourself – pay attention to yourself and learn how you deal with common

emotional wounds. Get into the habits of recognising the signs and giving yourself the

love you need, at the right time.

Thank you to REAL COACHING Co for this post - Carole Ann Rice from Real Coaching Co is one of the UK’s leading life coaches and personal development experts. She helps people all around the world discover the best version of themselves. 

Are You Hot Or Not - Nails Inc

My sister gave me this amazing new Nail Inc nail polish never seen duo Are You Hot or Not both fabulous colours are heat reactive and change colour depending on how hot or hold you are.

I put the pink colour called Hotter Than Hot a stunning pink shade after a few minutes on my toes it began to turn into this lovely white shade.

The grey colour You’re Hot Then You’re Not which changes to a pinky nude. It's amazing to watching the clour hue change throughout the day.

The VOGUE Challenge - How To Create Your Own Template

The VOGUE challenge is yet another fun viral internet craze sweeping across social media, you may have noticed it in your Instagram or Tik Tok feeds, where users are becoming the face of VOGUE magazine.

This exciting challenge has gone viral and gives us all the chance to be a star in our social media feeds, at least for a day or so.

  

 

Here's how you can join in with the challenge:

• Take a selfie or use an existing image you have of yourself
• Use a mobile phone app such as PicsArt or Photoshop or cheat like me and use Photolab 
• Photolab has a ready-made VOGUE cover available, head into the categories section approx twelve images down you will find the pre made VOGUE cover (the only problem is that you cannot adjust the pre-written text, but its quick and simple option (see image above)
• PicsArt - Upload your image, then in the sticker selection you will find ready-made VOGUE stickers that you can layer on top of your image, simply adjust to your desire, PicsArt defiantly has more options available, plus you can add your own text and fun make it more personal.

Crop, adjust add additional text or logos and you're ready to be on the face of VOGUE, Don't forget to add the hashtag #voguechallenge and you're ready to join the craze. Go and have some fun.

The Brighten & Boost Superskin Facial Collection - Liz Earle

It's important to look after your skin, I have used Liz Earle products over the years and it defiantly one of the go-to products that I use on a regular basis, I particularly love Cleanse and Polish although cleansers I generally use the original version, so I was looking forward to trying the natural neroli limited edition one in this set which I purchased on QVC.

So what is in this fab collection:

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Natural Neroli Limited Edition 

Instant Boost Skin Tonic

Instant Brightening Eye Cream

Superskin Moisturiser with Natural Neroli or unfragranced

Eye Mask 

2 pure cotton cloths

The natural neroli limited edition is the same rice creamy consistency with a subtle fresh citrus fragrance containing neroli pure essential oil,  I applied it all over my face and neck and also on my eyelids massaged in for a few seconds then I used the pure cotton wet cloth and glided it over my face and neck to remove all of my makeup,  I had to wash out the cloth in between, but I do find it gives a nice deep clean and my and face looks radiant.

The next step is Instant Boost Skin Tonic I love this the light floral fragrance, I place a few drops on a  cotton wool pads and sweep over my face and neck I use it under my eyes which leaves my skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

After using Instant Boost Skin Tonic the next step is to moisturise, the moisturiser I chose is Superskin unfragranced, its a lovely consistency and a little goes a long way, I tend to dot some of the product on to my forehead, cheeks and chin and neck then gently massage in, my skin feels silky smooth and looks radiant after application, this moisturiser contains some amazing ingredients such as pomegranate flower, cranberry, borage and rosehip seed oils. 

The next product in the collection is Instant Brightening Eye Cream, I love using this after I have applied my foundation as it's a tinted and lightweight formula, I gently tap it around my eyes with my fingertips, immediately it makes my eyes look brighter as it contains light reflective pigments, my eye area is left hydrated and looking smooth, this can also be used as an eye primer before eyeshadow, the Instant Brightening Eye Cream contains horse chestnut flower, borage oil and echinacea.

Included in the set was a beautiful hand-painted eye mask, I did notice was the elastic covered material is a little too thick when laying on the side but it’s still a great bonus to the collection.

I bought this set as a Today's Special Value on www.qvcuk.com it is amazing value for money, I highly recommend it. 

Flapjacks

There's nothing quite like homemade cakes and treats, there's defiantly something quite satisfying when you are greeted by the smell of freshly baked treats wafting from the kitchen. Why not try these delicious Flapjacks, perfect for a lunch box treats or with a cuppa after work.

Ingredients
115g (4oz) Butter or Margarine
115g (4oz) Caster Sugar
85g (3oz) golden syrup
225g (8oz) Rolled Oats
1 Teaspoon Vanilla essence
a small handful of raisins (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180c/350f/Gas 4 and line your the tin with baking paper.
Melt the butter/margarine with the sugar and syrup.
Stir in the oats and vanilla essence then turn out onto the baking paper spread the mixture evenly and bake for 25 minutes, Do not overcook.

Cut into squares and lift from the tray whilst warm and place on a wire rack to cool down.

Father's Day On A Budget

As Father's Day fast approaches our minds turn to gifts and treats. But for some, it can big yet another expense, a strain on an already tight budget, but it doesn't have too. If you have a small budget its definitely worth shopping around, but if you don't have a budget to spend this year then why not try these simple and thoughtful ideas to celebrate the day.

• Make your own cards - Not only is this a fun thing to do, but it also can be very meaningful.     I defiantly look back on those hand made cards with fond memories. You don't need much just some card, pens or paint and a little inspiration.
• Make a Gift - A simple picture in a frame, bake a cake or some cookies, there are so many amazing websites and Pinterest ideas which can help you make a simple yet cherished gift for you loved one. Father's Day Ideas On Pinterest. 
• Write a poem - Nothing can be more special than something personalised and written especially for that special person.
• Breakfast in bed - Show you care, give the simple gift of breakfast in bed, its enough to put a smile on anyone's face.

• Pamper time - This can be the perfect gift for a stressed-out dad, light some candles, run a bath and share a facemask, who doesn't like a warm bubble bath to relax.
• Go for a drive or a stroll - Make the day special by getting out and about together even if it's just a short walk to the local park.
• The gift of time - Father’s Day is a great time to be together and enjoy each others company, the most rewarding gifts are free, so remember that the memories we make are the best gift of all.   
  
  
  

Vitamin D - Are You Getting Enough

Are you getting enough Vitamin D? This is one of the things I never really thought about until it starts to affect my health and wellbeing.

A few years back I started to feel not just a little bit tired or worn out, but totally exhausted, initially I put it down to my busy lifestyle and lack of sleep as I was juggling two jobs home life and a family.
I started to get really deep bone pain in my pelvis hips and legs, it was so painful and uncomfortable, but no matter what I was doing the pain was constantly there from the moment I woke up till the moment I went to bed, it also made everyday activities really difficult and challenging. After several months it had started to really get me down so I decided to make an appointment to see my doctor.

The doctor thought it could be a lack of vitamins or minerals and suggested that I have a blood test.

After a few days, my results were in, it was confirmed that I had extremely low vitamin D levels, I was immediately put on a high dose of vitamin D for a few months until my levels returned to normal, which they did, but a few months later I repeated the blood test and to my horror, my levels had dropped dramatically yet again. I'm now on Vitamin D for life.

What is Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is a hormone which is created in your body when your skin is exposed to the sun. Due to lifestyle and climate changes, Vitamin D deficiency is now a global public health problem, affecting an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.

Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods.

Sources include:

• oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
• red meat
• liver
• egg yolks
• fortified foods – such as most fat spreads and some breakfast cereals

Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements. In the UK, cows' milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it is not fortified, as it is in some other countries.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and sustain a healthy amount of phosphorous. Without the right amount of it, you could be at risk from developing numerous health problems including heart conditions and weakened bones.

Overexposure to the sun is a danger which has been greatly publicised and, as a result, people are covering up more and using sun cream when outside. Although this is generally a good thing, it does mean that we’re are having less sun exposure and in the UK and where the sun is not particularly abundant at the best of times, this can be harmful, plus most people have a more sedentary, indoor lifestyles and longer working hours means we’re getting less and less Vitamin D than ever before.

But with the correct supplementation (seek your doctor or pharmacist advice) and the right amount of exposure to the sun, this can help to reverse this and fix the imbalance in your body.

For more information check out the NHS Website https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-get-vitamin-d-from-sunlight/