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/