Pre Long-Haul Flight Prep: The body & Skincare Edition

13 February 2018

Pre Long-Haul Flight Prep: The body & Skincare Edition
I’m off to San Diego tomorrow, and whilst I’ve nearly finished packing, I’m also prepping my body for the journey. 

Flying is one of the most dehydrating things you can do to your body. So preparing yourself for a long-haul flight isn’t just about what to take in your carry-on (although, more on that in another post soon) it’s about giving your body that little extra TLC than you normally do. 

As a frequent flyer, and more so this year, I’m pretty hot on keeping my skin hydrated when flying, but it’s also good to be preventative ahead of your flight — Who knew preparing yourself for your long flight wasn’t just about packing?! Although it does mean you have a little more time in-flight to catch up on some films (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, FTW).

The night before
I do my normal cleansing routine, followed by the Origins Retexturizing Mask. Whilst this is on, I apply an eye mask and leave both of them on for around 20 minutes to do their thing, before removing them with warm water and a flannel 

I then slap on some Glossier Super Bounce serum, followed by my Clinique Pep-Start Hydrorush moisturiser. I leave these on, and just apply a little more before climbing into bed. 
Pre Long-Haul Flight Prep: The body & Skincare Edition
Scrub a dub dub
Post-shower and shave, I slap on a load of products that I tend to only use when I’m having a pamper sesh at home - I’m talking body scrubs (Rituals The Ritual Of Sakura) and your favourite smelling body wash, followed by moisturiser - I use Glossier’s Body Hero Duo. They smell divine AND seem to do some sort of beauty witchcraft to your body (in a good way).

Luscious Locks
My hair has a life of its own - it has taken me 32 years to realise that, so when it comes to flying, I give it a good wash, and slap on a conditioning hair mask. My hair then stays in a bun on the day of my flight, with occasional shakeouts and reapplication.


That’s it - it may seem like a hassle the night before, but your body and skin will love you for it. 

From this post


Valentines Day Gift Guide

11 February 2018

With Valentine's day only days away, I thought I'd get my Valentines gift guide ready for you all. 

Whether you are looking to treat someone special in your life or just treat yourself, here are a few ideas to get you going.

Valentines Day Gift Guide
Valentines Day Gift Guide
Anya Hindmarch Bag (one can dream!)




Cin Cin, Hove

7 February 2018

Cin Cin, Hove
They launched their first Italian Bar and kitchen in the backstreets of the North Laines in 2016, and little over a year later, one of my favourite restaurants in Brighton, Cin Cin have opened their second restaurant just along the road in Hove.

Cin Cin Hove is a very welcome addition — it’s the Italian restaurant the neighborhood has been needing for a LONG time. It has stuck to the same formula as their Brighton site, with an open kitchen and counter seating setup but is bigger, with around 35 covers and a private dining area for groups.
Cin Cin, Hove
The menu has similarities to their Brighton site with small plates, home-made pasta and antipasti still on the menu, but with the addition of the ‘secondi’ section, featuring three dishes which are designed to be the main course of your meal - a real game changer. 

Another new addition to their Hove site, is the preparation kitchen based downstairs in the restaurant, giving Head Chef Jamie Halsall and his team the chance to create more dishes and prepare things that can take a lot of time and space for both the Brighton and Hove sites.

Perfect for lunch or diner (or both!) you'll be welcomed by David and his team and sat overlooking the kitchen area and bar.
Cin Cin, Hove
Kick things off with a board of antipasti, featuring a selection of Italian salumi and cheeses - the perfect snack whilst you make the all important decisions on what to order next.
Cin Cin, Hove
 Nduja & polenta crochette, parsley mayonnaise - light and fluffy with a little kick.
Cin Cin, Hove
Cin Cin, Hove
 Next up, my all time favourite - Burrata with Beetroot and Basil
Cin Cin, Hove
Cin Cin, Hove
Eating our way through the menu, we couldn't forget to have one of their home-made pasta dishes -  Cin Cin's take on Spaghetti carbonara, with smoked eel and confit egg yolk.
Cin Cin, Hove
Aside from the laid-back atmosphere and wonderful staff, being able to sit back and watch the chefs cook up dish after dish of delicious Italian food is one of my favourite things to do.
Cin Cin, Hove
Cin Cin, Hove
From their Charcoal Robata grill - Sussex pork, creamy polenta, smoked king cabbage

Gorgeous flavours, with crackling that had us fighting over it. 

If that doesn't get you dribbling all over your keyboard, and booking a space, then I'm sure this will
Cin Cin, Hove
Birra-misu.

Oh yes, you heard right! 

A modern, softer take on an Italian classic, substituting marsala with coffee-flavoured stout and salted caramel.

See you at the pass!


Cin Cin Hove
60 Western Road
Hove 
BN3 1JD

Book: 01273 726 047

Open Tues-Sat for lunch (12:30pm - 3:30pm) and Dinner (6pm - 11pm)

Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser

5 February 2018

Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser review
The Eve Lom Cleanser has been a favorite of mine for a couple of years now, and definitely kicked off my skincare obsession. I’ve gone through a fair few skincare products and still love trying new ones out, but my skin is super sensitive at times and this cleanser just works for me, and has become a part of my daily skincare routine.

One of the things I love about the product, is the ritualistic way it’s meant to be used - massaging onto dry skin, letting it sit on the face for a bit and then take off with a hot, damp muslin cloth. It leaves your skin so soft, and if your skin is anything like mine (as dry as the Sahara desert) then it will make your face feel soooo good and pampered.
Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser review
But, let’s get a little real though - everyday can’t be a spa day at home. I have a pretty busy life, and sometimes it can feel like a real task to even take my makeup off at the end of the day (that’s even if I bother to wear any), or getting out of bed 10 minutes earlier before work to go through the cleansing process can be a painful decision to make. Eve Lom took that feedback from their customers and launched their new Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser, which I picked up at the end of last year, and I have been trying out for the last couple of months.
Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser review
The science bit
The Eve Lom gel Balm Cleanser has been clinically proven to moisturise skin for up to 12 hours after use. When applied, it works in two stages. One: Melting away makeup and impurities, Two: cleanses to enhance skin with intensely moisturising and hydrating active ingredients.

Ingredients 
Clove oil (antiseptic) 
Eucalyptus oil (banish toxins and purify the skin) 
Egyptian chamomile oil (energising and moisturising)
Shea butter (moisturising) 
Grapeseed oil (regulate oil production)
Argan oil (to soothe and nourish)

Key Benefits:
Antiseptic properties for healing and purification
Clove, chamomile, argan and olive oils soothe, hydrate and protect
Lecithin provides emulsifying effect
Deeply moisturising cleanser

The Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser has all the best things about the original cleansing balm, but comes in a pump action tube (instead of the pot) dispensing a lightweight gel balm to gently cleanse and hydrate the skin. It’s a lot more convenient for those who are always on the go.