DIY Beauty Products | #2





 

Hola,

All the way from Marbella this week!

 

 It's part 2 of my handmade beauty products series - Woohoo!

& today I bring to you the Pumpkin & Papaya nourishing face mask.

 

Both papaya and pumpkin are just two of the gorgeous tropical fruits that are oozing benefits not only to our health but to our skin. & this face mask is a perfect homemade recipe to make that combines these two yummy treats.

Tropical fruit such as pineapple, mango, coconut and passion fruit are only some of the widely available selection on offer to us these days and make terrific homemade beauty products.

 

So, here are a few useful facts:

The Papaya contains Vitamin A & C, Rich in Carotene, helps stop premature ageing, an anti-inflammatory, smoothing properties, a natural exfoliator & helps prevent acne.

The Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A, D, softens skin, Soothes sunburn, is great for hands & feet, reduces large pores & prevents oil build up.

 

Now we know the benefits, it's time to get messy!

 

+ Peel and dice the papaya, removing all the seeds. & drain your pumpkin from its tin (you can use fresh pumpkin but tinned works just as well.

 

+ Add the fruit & honey into a food processor & wiz to a smooth consistency. If you prefer to mix by hand (I do sometimes) that is perfectly fine.

 

+ Once smooth, add your brown sugar & mix in with a spoon until at a consistency you're happy with & enjoy your homemade face mask!

 

Caution!

All skin types, particularly sensitive skin, should do a small patch test first to make sure no irritation is caused.

Papain is a strong enzyme, which removes the dead skin cells. It is particularly high in unripe papaya so sensitive skin should only use ripe papaya. Anyone allergic to Latex should  also not use papaya due to the papain content.

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So there you have it, another easy handmade treat, these make great gifts too around Christmas time. Just load your face mask into jars, label with cute stickers & ribbons. However because these masks are fresh you must keep them refrigerated. If in an air tight jar, they should last for around 2 weeks.

 

I hope you've enjoyed my handmade series. I may do a few more in the future, but until then, have a go at my recipes & let me know how you get on!

 

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Enter my Superdry Scuba watch (RRP £59.99) giveaway here!

 

DIY Beauty Products | #1

 

 

When I first started this blog I originally planned it to be based around 6 beauty new years resolutions. & one of theses aims for the year was to experiment with homemade beauty remedies & expel a few old wives tales.

Well I never really got around to doing too many posts about handmade products, in fact I think I only actually did one in the end before I changed my blogs style, so today & next week I'm bringing you two organic masks that I have tried & tested.

 

So, here are the facts:
Avocado is known for its ability to moisturize hair, add shine and body. Bananas repair damage and soothe hair. Eggs add essential protein to strengthen hair and the oil conditions and shines.

 

Now we know the benefits, it's time to get messy!

 

 + First of all, you will need a food processor or hand blender. You can use a fork to mash the ingredients but you won't get a smooth texture.

 

+ Prep your fruit & veg by scooping all the flesh from the avocado & chopping your banana. Place them in the food processor with 1 beaten egg.

 

+ Wizz together for a minute, then gradually add your oil until you get a smooth & silky texture.

Above I did state that 2 table spoons would be enough but this is just a guide, You may need a little more or less oil depending on how ripe your fruit & veg is.

 

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I used this last week whilst I was alone in the flat - because no one wants to see me with no makeup & mashed banana slathered on my head! - & I let these super foods do their work for half an hour.
I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised with the results. My hair was shiny, it felt strong & most of all, it felt clean! - I am still partial to a Macadamia Oil bottled hair mask, but I would definitely do this again, because it most definitely does wonders for your locks!

 

Have you ever made your own beauty products?

 

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Getting healthy | This time I mean it!

 

 

 

 

The Gym Group Leeds

 

Sooo, I've been lying to myself for a while now about getting fit & healthy. I always seem to find myself in bed at night thinking; Oh cutting down portion sizes & doing a couple of sits ups every day will be a piece of cake! .. & coincidentally the following day I'll actually eat a whole cake instead of my new fitness regime!.. *face palm*

 

Well that is no more! Creature hounded me relentlessly until I signed us both up to the gym & for the past week I've actually found it to be quite enjoyable. I must admit, finding the effort to get up and actually go to the gym at first was a bit torturous, but after getting over the initial shock of *holy shit those machines look way too industrial* I'm actually pretty sure I've had a go on most of the equipment. & slowly but surely we're becoming one of those annoying fitness couples. (Minus the constant Facebook updates - I refuse to go that far) 

 

If you're in the Leeds area & looking for a decent gym, I definitely recommend The Gym, Its situated on the top floor of The Core shopping centre (which very handily has a Sports Direct below it!)  

Its open 24/7 which is great considering a lot of the others around Leeds City Centre are only open until 11pm, so you really have no excuse not to go after work either.

My only niggle about The Gym is that it doesn't have a pool, BUT its only £15.99 a month with absolutely no contract so you will not be binded for any length of time - Which is pretty decent to be honest.

Plus the equipment is top notch, they have tonnes of great classes every day & they have a lovely team of personal trainers too if you're in need of a helping hand.

 

| Rocket salad with Olives, Marinated chicken breast & low cal dressing. |
 | Fruit salad with low fat vanilla yoghurt |
 

Of course we also have to start eating well too. No more cake! - Or crisps, or cookies or any of those delicious processed snacks I so dearly love..
Instead our treats have been substituted for low fat yoghurt & fruit! & actually I'm not finding it as hard as I initially thought I would. I've found I absolutely LOVE bananas and blueberries.

As well as that we've also been eating a lot of high carb foods like Cous Cous. Ainsley Harriot does a yummy range which are on offer 5 for £3 in Tesco at the moment, which teamed with a little bit of salad and grilled chicken or salmon makes a pretty yummy meal!

 

We've been signed up at The Gym Leeds for about 2 weeks now & I'm happy to report I'm eating better, exercising 4-5 times a week and already I'm seeing my weight lifting capacity becoming higher & my stamina becoming a lot stronger. Plus I've lost 5lbs! - Huzzar!

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So, my lovely readers now is the time where I ask for your healthy wisdom!

I love cooking, but I need some suggestions on some low calorie/fat recipes that still taste great! HOWEVER, due to us living in a small apartment, we don't actually have a proper oven (just this weird combi-microwave grill.. of which I still don't know how to fully use)
So they need to be able to be made on a griddle pan/George Forman grill or on the hob.

Any suggestions would be great & if I make them I'll feature your recipe on Bo Blab with full credit to the master chef (which will be you.. Of course)

Do you accept my challenge?
 - Please post your recipes including full list of ingredients & instructions in the comment form below. Please also include you twitter or email address so I can inform you if I use your recipe!
 I will try and feature at least 2 recipes a  month (depending on how many of you accept this challenge!)
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Are you a fitness fanatic?
Can you recommend any classes that are worth trying?

 



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Foodie Pen Pals | March reveal

 

A'up darlin's

 

First off, major apologies for not posting in ages. I've been working full time thanks to Trinity being absolutely crazy busy with the opening few weeks, and we also don't have Internet set up at the man pad yet either so if I want to blog I have to shimmy on down to Caffe Nero! - Well, I suppose thats not all bad though eh?

 

Anyways I know I'm super late but I thought I'd finally get round to showing you what I received from my first month with Foodie Pen Pals. A few weeks ago I posted (see here) about what I sent to Stacey over at Nobody Said It Was Easy & you can also check out what she thought of what I sent here too.

 

This month I received my package from the lovely Lizzie, who sadly doesn't have a blog.
& after answering a detailed email about my likes & dislikes, I asked Lizzie to send me a package of all her favourite things (as I am really easy to please & there is not much I won't eat or try at least once!)

 

 

Lizzie has been kind enough to send me a really nice range of unusual treats & cooking bits!

 

Simon Rimmer Falafel mix

Montezuma Butterscotch chocolate

Naked Gingerbread

Panda lemon filled liquorish

 Biona Organic Thai chili paste

Somaq spice mix

Captain tiptoes Cajun spiced nuts

 

I was really intrigued when I received my package, it smelt really spicy! & I have to admit at a first glance the Somaq really puzzled me. I am a bit of a foodie but I had no idea what it was, however after a little research I've discovered that its a subtle sour noted spice that goes amazing with rice, in yogurt and over meat as a seasoning (so I can't wait to try it!) 

 

The  nuts were amazing, & literally lasted a few hours whilst I was revising yesterday. They were yummmmmmy & I'll definitely be seeking these out again. As for the naked ginger bread, that lasted seconds as soon as Creature spied it on the kitchen counter. He is as sucker for anything ginger & from what I made out from the "mmmm's" in-between bites, I think he liked it!

 

I've also already eat the butterscotch chocolate. I'm not a massive chocolate eater, but when I do eat it I prefer the higher percentage of cocoa, so Lizzie (although she didn't know this) did amazingly well with choosing a chocolate I really enjoy. I have to admit I didn't really taste the butterscotch but it definitely made the dark chocolate slightly sweeter and it was absolutely delicious!

 

The Falafel mix is something I can't wait to try too, I've loved Falafel ever since I discovered Prets hot wraps, so I'm really looking forward to trying out making my own.
The Thai chili paste is something I'm going to try out in some Asian inspired soups I've researched into (thanks to a handy suggestion on the packaging)

 

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Overall I was so happy & surprised by my package. It was really nice to be given a few things I've never tried before & being the ever adventurous foodie, I'm buzzing to get on with my new found recipe ideas!

& of course I'll share them in my Recipe of the Week/Month posts too!

 

This month I'll be sending to Bridget at From a Country Cottage all the way from Ireland! & I'm not entirely sure who is sending to me yet, I'm still awaiting word from my months partner.
Bridget has been kind enough to answer all my questions already and I have a little bit of a challenge on my hand with her being a Veggie, but thankfully I have a few vegetarian friends so I'll be seeking advice and flavour tips from them to hopefully send Bridget an awesome package.

(I think this maybe her first month too! As she mentioned she was a newbie) 

 

If you would like to sign up to Foodie Pen Pals (& I seriously recommend you do) click here for more information.

What do you think of the nibbles I received this month?
Is Foodie Pen Pals something you'd try getting involved with?

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ROTW - Baked lemon and rosemary chicken

I'm like the one-pot queen in my flat, or well, slow cooker queen, which is actually how I would usually do this recipe, but after reading something similar online I thought I'd give the oven a chance! & my lord it was yummy! This is probably one of my favourite dishes right now.

Its a really fresh dish & great for if you're feeling a little under the weather, because leftovers can be turned into the most delicious soup too! (add some chicken stock & blend)

But anyways, heres how I do my one pot lemon chicken!

 

 

Ingredients: (serves 4)

• 8 chicken portions (use a mix of legs, thighs and breasts if possible)
• 500g new potatoes, halved lengthways
• 2 lemons, cut into wedges
• 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
• A glass of white wine
• 4 tbsp olive oil  

 

Basic method:

1. Put the chicken portions into a roasting tin with the new potatoes, lemons, fresh rosemary sprigs, white wine, olive oil and season well.

 

2. Bake, uncovered in a preheated oven at 180°C/fan160°C/gas 4 for 40-50 minutes, until tender and golden.

 

  Handy tips:

On reflection, I found that basting the chicken halfway through really helped keep the chicken moist & succlent. If you're worried about your meat drying out, you can also cover the roasting tin with baking foil for the first 30 minutes, & remove the foil to crisp up the chicken skin.

 

TOP TIP - For those of you watching your waist. Remove the skin as its the fattiest part!

Would you try this recipe?
- Also don't foget to come back on friday for the launch of my first ever giveaway!

 

 

 

The rules I need to live by!

 

& so starts a new weekly post!

 

 

OK I admit, I did pinch this from another blog but it seriously needed to be shared again.
I found this last week after browsing through twitter and happening across LoveMealie  I've really enjoyed reading about her outlook on life & the importance of identity
So if you haven't checked her out yet, you really should do :)

Anyways, over this week I have been trying to live by these rules & so far I'm not doing too badly
- with the exception of the copious amount of bourbon biscuits I've devoured -

I've struggled a little with the big breakfast, as I'm not one for eating as soon as I get up. I'm definitely a coffee-to-go kinda girl & as much as I want to be hip and say I love green tea - I really can stand it.
Peppermint tea has been my substitute :)

I hope this is going to be the start of a whole new healthy lifestyle challenge.
I'll post again next week with an update about my progress & which rules have had a particular impact on my week.

 

My miracle hair care combination

I realise lately I haven't really covered any beauty products because of the 10 day you challenge. So today I'm going to let you in on my hair care secrets.

When I was younger, 14/15ish my hair was a mass of thick waist length ringlet curls.. I never straightened it, so it was in tip top condition, and the only products that ever touched my hair was shampoo, conditioner and the occasional bit of mouse.

Stupidly, When I was in year 9 at high school I saw one of the popular girls had got a choppy bob... & I just had to have it. So all my gorgeous curls were cut away, & honestly, it's one of my biggest regrets.

 

Since then my hair has struggled to grow past my shoulders, but that is a combination of reasons why though. I was a serial hair dyer, and straightened my hair everyday. so the damage I caused was horrific.

It's been only recently that I've began to really take care with my hair. & I have as a result found a fantastic combination of 3 products that has improved the condition of my hair & also made it grow to the longest that it's been in 7 years!
 

 

Here are my 3 Miracle hair care products, applied lightly, the combination can repair even the most damaged of barnets! Mine is a testament to that. I must stress however that of course these cannot make your hair thicker.. Which is a big bummer for me, so if anyone can recommend anything that can either create an illusion of thicker hair, or a miracle lotion that can solve my problem, please let me know! 

 

   Elvive - Nutri-gloss, light, conditioning shine spray. 200ml

 £3

 

I actually got this for free in a promotion at Tesco. The only shampoo & condition I use are Elvive repair and protect and the day I ran out, all Elvive products were 3 for 2 :) So naturally as a beauty blogger, I decided to pick up something I'd never tried before. & boy am I glad I did.

After washing your hair, apply a few spritz of this spray to damp hair and brush through before drying your hair. The result is an unrivalled shine and silky softness.

 

Tresemmé - Heat Defence styling spray, 300ml

 £5

 

Prices may vary on this product, but I got this from my local supermarket as a last resort when my previous heat protection spray ran out. I was reluctant to buy this at first because I am in fact allergic to the shampoo & conditioner. But because this spray mainly goes on the tips of my hair rather than rubbed into the roots I've had no reactions as of yet.

However the product as a heat protection spray is fantastic, It protects up to 230'c and smells really nice. The creature always comments saying our bedroom smells like a real salon once I'm finished with my hair.

Anyways, a good heat protection spray is key to anyone who, like me, straightens or curls their hair everyday. Also a tip I've found online advised for those who are trying to grow their hair, to avoid spraying products into the scalp as some lotions and potions block the hair follicles and slow down the growing process.

 

Lusters Pink Brand - Original oil moisturiser hair lotion, 355ml

- Buy it here -

 £5

 

Finally I apply a little of this lotion to my split ends.

 I paid  £5 for this at a salon in Chester almost a year ago & still have half the bottle left. You need only the smallest amount of the cream (a thumb nail size blob) otherwise you run the risk of making your hair look greasy. However when applied to your split ends and ran through the rest of your hair, the result is shiny, silk soft hair & spilt ends seem almost completely repaired!

This is also fantastic for any of you out there with extensions. The cream can literally revive old tatty extensions to a silky texture again!

 

 Here are some before & after shots of my hair. as you can see, my hair is a heck of alot smoother and silkier than before I started. For me this combination is working a treat, and I'm happy to say that in the few months I've been using these products, my hair has infact grown 6 inches down my back!

So they're definetly doing something right :)

 

Have you tried any of these products before and what did you think of them?

& do you have any of your own miracle lotions?

 

 

Beauty Myth Busting

 

 

Pimples pop up overnight – False

You hit your pillow with skin clear as a baby and wake up with an angry face invader on your forehead -- but that pimple is no overnight menace; it was actually plotting its arrival days in advance.

Pimples can pop up whether you like it or not due to simple things such as wandering spritz of perfume meant for your neck or simply a cheap claggy moisturiser. However it is true that overnight pimples can emerge in women pre-period, but this is mainly due to a build-up of natural oils in the skin.

Popping spots gets rid of them faster – False

Most of us have seen that cringe worthy scene in Kevin and Perry go large where the girls squeeze some nasty looking zits in the mirror. But how ever gross yet satisfying it may feel, you shouldn’t be doing it. By squeezing that spot you are actually pushing the gunk inside further down into your pores. Essentially prolonging the zits life and increasing the risk of spreading it across your face - Yuk

Toners are a skin essential – False

A good toner can make your skin come away feeling radiant, but the fact is if you are using a good cleanser and moisturiser every day, no matter how much that women on commission in Debenhams tells you it’s an essential for skin care, she’s wrong.

Toners may feel nice, and if you are a toning addict, you’re not putting yourself in harm’s way, but make sure you use an alcohol free toner to avoid stripping away good natural oils in your skin.

If you lose weight, you lose cellulite – False

It’s a sad fact, but unfortunately losing weight is not a cure for cellulite. (All those laboured salads and gym sessions for nothing) Cellulite is not a fat problem, but a skin problem. Losing some fat can smooth dimples in the skin but it is not a solution for cellulite itself. But if it makes you feel any better, even the likes of supermodels can’t escape the dreaded cellulite.

Eating chocolate makes you break out – False

Finally, a myth bust I can be happy about. Fortunately for us girls, the only way you can grow zits from eating the likes of chocolate or chips is if you smeared them over your face.

There is no scientific evidence that proves eating oily foods can cause acne, to our relief.  You may get bloated and of course large amounts of any fatty foods can contribute to weight gain, but zits? No. Bacteria and a poor skin routine are the main contributors to zits and blemishes.

BRB, off to the chippy..

Cucumber reduces puffiness around eyes – True

Often a sign of an alcohol fuelled night or a little too much salt on your dinner, puffy eyes are an unwanted addition to your morning routine. But we’re in luck, the botanical ingredient in cucumber known as cucumis sativus can help.

In this case, it's really the coldness that acts as a vasoconstrictor, constricting the blood vessels and pulling excess fluid out of the tissues to reduce puffiness. Caffeine is also an alternative, so next time you wake up with your face feeling like a bad allergic reaction. Flop a cold used teabag on your eyes, relax and some trashy morning TV on. 

Mayonnaise makes your hair shiny – True

Now I must admit I was quite reluctant when the time came to test this theory. The thought of smearing smelly, gloopy mayonnaise across my locks wasn’t too appealing.

However, with the combination of 1 egg, some essential oils (ideally jojoba & almond) and organic milk, this concoction is absolutely fantastic for keeping a natural shine and softness to your hair. Also for any mums out there, mayo is also a great alternative to head lice serums.

And because this mayo is going on your hair and not your thighs, reach for full fat! For once this product is guilt free ladies.

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I'll cover more beauty myths next month, but in the mean time maybe try my mayo remedy and let me know how it works for you? Or if you have any old wives tale you'd like to share, let me know and I'll add them to the list for the next few months!

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My first Graze box

 

Recently I have fell in absolute love with this company. The snacks are healthy, they're majorly tasty and your 1st one is FREE! - How can you go wrong?!
 

Graze are a weekly healthy snack delivery company that aim to lessen our waists without compromising on taste. From freshly baked breads and home made chutneys, to flavoured nuts and super detoxing berries. There is something for everyone.
 

Simply log onto www.graze.com and enter the code 5VRNWXDD to get your free box. However you must enter your card details onto your account (They DO NOT charge you for your 1st box if you use the code above) And after you receive your freebie, log back on to your account and cancel all future orders if you do not wish to receive any more!

(Personally I have had 3 boxes already! Yum!)

In my first Graze box:

Tomato, herb and Provolone cheese rustic marble bread

 Green olives with chilli and garlic



 Copacabana (Brazil nuts with dark and milk chocolate buttons)

Smoky red pepper gazpacho dip

Each and every one of my little punnets were delicious, which has lead me to keep my subscription with Graze for a monthly box. It's a lovely surprise in my mail box that never gets old!

 

So visit Graze today and grab your freebie while the offer lasts!
I did, and absolutely love them

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First Blog Post | The Beauty Resolutions

 

well I guess I better start by introducing myself...

Hi! My names Kerys Marie, I'm a 20 something Journalism student based in Huddersfield but originally from Merseyside -  The scouse twang is unfortunately unavoidable

And the purpose of this blog - I hope - is to finally be able to stick to some new years resolutions & write about them as I go! Pretty novel base for a blog I know, but I have to start somewhere.

I really hope you stick with me & enjoy reading my little slice of the web.

 

 - I will stop biting my nails & begin experimenting with nail art.

 

- I will stop dying my hair & instead experiment with beauty products designed to improve hair health, shine & length.

 

- I will strive to find the best hair extensions on the market, both value for money and quality.

 

- I will begin a series on my blog focusing on old wives tales & home made beauty remedies.

 

&&&& Finally

 

- I will strive to experiment with fashion & different styles

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Along side my studies I will be pushing to post as often as possible.
But until we meet again, I would love to know if you know of any interesting old wives tales & home spun beauty remedies you think I should put to the test!

Thanks for reading my first ever blog post!
& I hope you stop by again soon!

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