Tried and Tested: Needlite – a dose of daylight for your desk

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Did you know that corporations and individuals waste vast resources every single day from lack of daylight? I didn’t but researchers at the Interdepartmental Neuroscience program at Northwestern University in Chicago, reported that there is a strong relationship between workplace daylight exposure and office workers’ sleep, activity and quality of life. It doesn’t only apply to the workplace though. Have you noticed how we are normally happier and more efficient during the ‘bright’ summer months? In addition, research show that North Europeans suffer more from afflictions related to lack of light than Central Europeans. Light therapy is nowadays a widely known form of therapy in the Northern regions as it was proven that it boosts mood and performance. A recent study shown that the darkness of winter is worst and the respondents:

  • 54% believe that it has a negative effect on their quality of life;
  • 18% feel sad and depressed;
  • 20% are more tired and have less energy;
  • 8-12% suffer from designated winter depression.

Needlite is an innovative desk lamp with daylight which gives its users all the benefits of daylight including: more energy, better performance, mood and sleep. Needlite was launched in 2015 in the Nordic countries. The company founders discovered that all over the industrialized world people are spending more than 23 hours indoors per day on average in poor lighting all year round. Unfortunately, indoor light is just a fraction of daylight and normally it is of poor quality.

Needlite lamps are designed in Denmark and offer its users excellent work light all over their work-spaces. What’s great about them is that they are super easy to set and implement in addition to looking super modern and chic.

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Needlite lamps come as a set of two lamps to offer you a shadow-free desk lighting a a better distribution of light. A survey of Needlite users found that:

  • 55% experienced improvement in energy levels;
  • 41% experienced better focus;
  • 42% experience better mood;
  • 63% would recommend Needlite to others.

Summary:

I personally use Needlite at home and I love the concept behind this desk lights that recharge your energy, while you work. They expose its users to light high on blue wavelengths helping them to perform and feel better during the day. In addition, these modern desk lights use the energy efficient LED lights to save you some money long-term. I would recommend them to anyone who spends long hours indoors. I have been using Needlite desk lamps for over 3 months now and I am not only more energetic but I also sleep better so I couldn’t have asked for more. Needlite is not cheap but it is one of these investment buys that will benefit you for the years to come so it is definitely worth every penny!

For more information and to purchase please visit:

https://needlite.com/

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Pauline

Christmas Gift Edit

As Christmas approaches, I started thinking about what to get for my friends and family. Chocolates and socks are a necessity but what else can you get to make the people you care about happy? As a result of my search, I put together a shortlist of products that I could consider for my closest family members-my husband, my parents and my sister. I hope you find my suggestions useful and if you decide to buy any of the items listed below then I hope that the person you get them for will appreciate them.

Firstly, I wanted to get something special for my husband. He is going to get a few small presents and as he loves his roast dinners I decided to get him the ‘Christmas Roast Dinner Box’ from Ross & Ross. Ross and Ross is a small, multi award winning fine food company based in the Cotswolds. It specializes in Wedding & Event Catering and Handmade British food gifts.

The owners Ross Bearman and Ross Whitmill share a passion for great British food. They have worked in the fine food industry for over 15 years. Their website offers a range of fine-food gift boxes and last year they expanded the popular Man Box collection to include a cider variety in addition to launching The Homemade Curing Kit. I have previously bought my husband The XL Man Box from their website and he loved it so when I saw this limited edition Christmas Box, it was a no brainer and I bought it for him immediately. Christmas Roast Dinner Box has everything you need to make your Christmas dinner that extra bit amazing and more tasty. The box contains:
– Roast Potato Oil
– Pigs in Blankets Dust
– Roast Turkey Rub
– Brussel Sprouts Dust

For more gift ideas, please check their website:

https://www.rossandrossfood.co.uk/shop/

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What’s more, as we both love traveling I decided to get him the Adventure Map from Firebox. If you like scratch maps then the adventure map offers a new twist and is aimed at explorers who are willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences.

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The Adventure Map features over 280 adventurous bucket list experiences, which can be uncovered as they’re completed. It is a perfect gift and I am sure that my husband will love it. What’s most important though we will be able to experience and share these experiences together-I cannot wait to decide where to go and what to do next!

If you would like to order your own Adventure Map then go to:

https://www.firebox.com/Adventure-Map/p7996

Secondly, I thought about my parents. I always get them a joint present that they can enjoy together in addition to their favourite perfumes. I recently came across The ‘Happy Linen Company’ that produces beautiful bedding exclusively designed for them. The business was founded at the beginning of 2017 by a team passionate about the unique prints and linens. The company offers a range of exclusive bed sets made from the finest blended cotton, 100% cotton flannels and fantastic children’s curtains. The goal of its owners is to establish an affordable, ‘go-to’ brand for bed linen. I decided to order a beautiful duvet cover & pillow case set with a Nordic inspired festive Scandi print. I love the fact that this set is reversible so my parents will get 2 great designs in one set. All Happy Linen Company’s goods are created using a blend of high quality natural cotton and polyester ensuring a soft, durable, easy care finish. Nobody can ever have too much bedding and my parents love changing theirs regularly so I am sure that they will be happy with it.

For more beautiful bedding, please check their website:

https://happylinencompany.co.uk

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Thirdly, I wanted to get something personal for my older sister. I have recently discovered Scrumpies of Mayfair-a British brand that got their name from going to ‘scrump’ apples from an orchard – a very unique British form of mischief. A range of Scrumpies knickers caters for every personality and each of 8 unique styles are named after a different apple. The brand was established by a married couple who retired from their careers as international lawyers to design these stylish knickers. I have instantly fell in love with their designs which only use the highest quality fabrics like British silk, French lace and Czech crystals. Scrumpies of Mayfair are a perfect Christmas gift and they come beautifully packaged in a blue box. Each of the boxes also contains a unique collectable charm which can be worn in many ways. How many charms will you collect?

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I decided to get a pair of Northern Lights knickers for my sister as they are very chic and elegant. They look absolutely perfect and I am sure that she will like them.

To purchase any Scrumpies of Mayfair’s knickers visit their website:

https://scrumpiesofmayfair.com/

In addition, she loves to watch box-sets and Netfix with a cup of tea whilst being wrapped up in a warm blanket so got her some traditional English tea, some shortbread biscuits to go with it and a super-soft blanket from Heat Holders. It will not only make a superb Christmas gift, but make the perfect addition to any home. The blanket comes in 16 colours and it is sized at 180cm x 200cm. I decided to get it in Cherry shade. What I like about Heat Holders blankets is that they have adapted their unique thermal technology to produce these luxury premium fleece blankets, which achieve a toasty 1.4 tog rating. In addition Heat Holders blankets are fully machine washable so easy to care for.

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For more information and to purchase visit www.heatholders.co.uk

I hope that this review will give you some ideas and help you to come up with a perfect gift for your dad

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Pauline

 

Tried and Tested: Bio Essence Jelly Make-up Remover

This week, I would like to tell you about the new launch a Miracle Bio Water make-up remover from Bio Essence. We all know the importance of a proper cleansing routine – the lack of one will lead to outbreaks, puffiness around the eyes, formation of fine lines. Taking off make up has never been so easy. If you are looking for a gentle make-up remover that is quick to use, gentle and effective then you should look no further.

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Bio Essence Jelly Make-up Remover swiftly removes make-up whilst at the same time soothing and deeply moisturising your skin. Thos cleanser is paraben and colorant free. Ulinke many cleansers that leave your skin dry, this Bio Water cleanser has an ultra mild formula which soothes and moisturises the skin and it does not strip your skin of it’s natural moisture. It is suitable for use all over your face, around eyes and lips.

I really like it’s jelly texture which cushions the skin against friction between hands and face to prevent wrinkles and skin sagging.

How to use it:

I simply use 1 pump of this cleanser onto my hands and then rinse it off with water. Bio Essence Make-up Remover ‘melts’ the make up but doesn’t leave any sticky or oily residue and it has a non-greasy formula.

Result:

If you are looking for a natural, paraben free make-up remover should definitely try this Bio Essence Jelly Make-up Remover. My skin not only looks fresh but it also feels hydrated and looks radiant. I will definitely try some more products from this range.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

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Pauline

Tried and Tested: Eye of Horus, Brow Fibre Extend!

This week, I would like to tell you about the new launch of vegan approved, Brow Fibre Extend from Eye of Horus.

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I’ve tried this product recently as I wanted to fill some gaps in my eyebrows. Nicely defined brows help to open the eye and make your face look more profiled and sexy. I normally use eye-brow pencils but as I love trying new products, I was looking forward to trying this eyebrow fibre. The product is made by Eye of Horus-an Australian brand of colour cosmetics that takes inspiration from the Ancient Egyptians, the originators of Beauty Products. It was interesting to discover that the iconic Eye of Horus was a spiritual symbol of the ancient Egyptians who lined their eyes with black Kohl, creating an almond-shaped eye symbol – which was believed to protect their eyes as well as providing a statement of beauty.

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Eye of Horus Brow Fibre Extend, comes in 3 shades, light, medium and dark. As I have brown hair I decide to go for a dark shade which looked natural and gave me an instant definition to my brows. The product contains organic brow enhancing botanicals such as Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract and Laminaria Digitata and Moringa Oil to assist in brow hair growth and make them looks healthy.

The key product features described on the website are:

  • Subtle colour to brow and sets in a long wearing formula
  • Water resistant
  • Vegan & cruelty-free
  • Talc Free
  • Paraben Free

Price: £19.00

Result:

If you are looking for a natural, vegan and paraben friendly range eye brow products then you should definitely try it. Mineral pigments give will fill in and gaps and define your eyes with adding a subtle color to your eyebrows. What I personally like the most that the product has a long-lasting formula and I do not need to re-apply it during the day.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

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Pauline

Tried and Tested: Maui Moisture Bamboo Fibers Collection

As some of you probably know, I really enjoy trying new hair products.  A couple of weeks ago, I came across the Maui Moisture range. The range consists of shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments. What really intrigued me was that all Maui moisture products are made with 100% pure aloe juice and are infused with pure Coconut Water instead of regular water. The range doesn’t include any:

  • mineral oils
  • silicones
  • sulfate surfactants
  • synthetic dyes

There are five ranges available however as I have fine hair, I decided to try the Maui Moisture Thicken & Restore Bamboo Fibers Collection.

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The range helps to enhance and strengthen your hair and gives a fuller-looking hair that smells amazing and looks healthy. It consists of:

  • Maui Moisture Thicken & Restore Bamboo Fibers Shampoo (385 ml)
  • Maui Moisture Thicken & Restore Bamboo Fibers Conditioner (385 ml)
  • Maui Moisture Thicken & Restore Bamboo Fibers Blow-out mist (236 ml)

The unique blend of aloe vera juice, infused with coconut water, bamboo fibers, castor oil and neem oil helps to strengthen hair and encourage healthy-looking glow.

Result:

If you are looking for a natural, vegan friendly range of hair care then you should definitely give ‘maui moisture’ a go. The range not only smells sensational but it also helps you to gently cleanse, restore and rejuvenate your hair. My hair looks fuller and feels thicker and stronger and I’ve only been using it for slightly over 2 week now.

Give it a go!

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

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Pauline

Ross & Ross – Wedding Anniversary Foodie Gift Idea

It is our first wedding anniversary next week. My husband is a git of a computer geek so he requested some vouchers so he can buy a new gaming equipment. I wanted to also get him something he can enjoy straight away and as both myself and my husband are massive foodies I decided to get him The XL Man Box from Ross and Ross.

Company:

Ross & Ross is a small, multi award winning fine food company based in the Cotswolds. It specializes in Wedding & Event Catering and Handmade British food gifts. The company has just won 2 stars in The Great Taste Awards for their BBQ Salt and The Cotswold Pig-the beer that goes into a lot of the hampers. In addition, Ross and Ross won some other awards including:

  • Winner of ‘Gift of the Year’ Food & Drink Award 2017 (Homemade Curing Kit, Salmon)
  • Finalists of Best Independent Retailer Award at the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards 2017

The owners Ross Bearman and Ross Whitmill share a passion for great British food. They have worked in the fine food industry for over 15 years. Their website offers a range of fine-food gift boxes and last year they expanded the popular Man Box collection to include a cider variety in addition to launching The Homemade Curing Kit.

Who are the boxes for?

The boxes are suitable for any male that enjoy a quality food and beverage. Ross & Ross range ranges from themed Father’s Day and Wedding boxes (for Ushers, Best Man, Father of the Bride) to generic boxes suitable for any occasion.

I decided to get my husband The XL Man Box described on the website as:

‘It’s BIG, it’s spicy and totally separates the men from the boys.’

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The XL Man Box contains:

  • Premium Cotswold Lager, 5.0% 330ml Made by The Cotswold Brewing Co, Bourton on the Water. A smooth, subtle lager with a soft, fruity flavour. Additive free, preservative free and unpasteurised for the freshest, truest possible taste.
  • Cotswold Pig Ale, 4.4%, 500ml Made by Stratford-upon-Avon Brewery
  • British Charcuterie 100g – Original Salami Made by the Cotswold Curer, Cirencester. Artisan producer of salami and chorizo made from locally sourced free range pork in the Cotswolds.
  • British Charcuterie 100g – Spicy Chorizo Made by the Cotswold Curer, Cirencester. Artisan producer of salami and chorizo made from locally sourced free range pork in the Cotswolds.
  • Mr Trotter’s Great British Crackling – Original 60g Pork Scratchings made from 100% prime British pork skin from the finest British pigs.
  • Mr Trotter’s Great British Crackling – Jalapeno Chilli 60g Pork Scratchings made from 100% prime British pork skin from the finest British pigs.
  • Plum Chutney 115g jar Slow cooked Cotswold plums with spices and apples. A great all-rounder for cheeses and terrines.

Prices:

All Ross & Ross boxes are reasonably priced and offer a great selection of gifts ranging from £20-40.

Please refer to the website for more details.

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Pauline

Tried and Tested: Paul Mitchell Limited Edition STYLE DUOS

I love trying new hair products and today I would like to tell you about a limited edition style Duos from ‘ON THE HORIZON’ Paul Mitchell’s range.

Paul Mitchell launched 3 different styling duos to meet the needs of its clients:

  1. Refresh and boost
  2. Stay Smooth
  3. Voluminous Vibes

I decided to try 2 of these limited edition sets.

Firstly, I tried ‘Refresh and boost’ set consisting of:

  • Paul Mitchell’s ‘Super Skinny’ Serum – this lightweight serum conditions your hair and leaves them shiny and silky. It creates frizz-free effect in any weather. In addition, this serum also speeds up drying so you will get lovely smooth results in less time. It comes in a handy 150ml bottle with a pump.
  • Paul Mitchell’s ‘Hot Off The Press’ -is a great heat protector so if you style your hair often then you should definitely try it. It protects your hair from damage caused by heat styling and boosts your hair’s strength.

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Secondly, I tried ‘Stay Strong’ hairspray and ‘Dry Wash’ that are part of the ‘Refresh and Boost’ set.

  • Paul Mitchell’s ‘Express Dry Stay Strong Hairspray’ is a strong-hold spray that offers the ultimate style support and provides maximum control and volume. I really love this product as it holds my hair perfectly in place and adds extra movement to it.
  • Paul Mitchell’s ‘Dry Wash’. This is definitely the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used. It has a lovely, clean hair smell and it leaves my hair looking like they’ve just been washed. It is colourless so it is ideal for anyone and it doesn’t matter what colour hair they have. It is suitable for all hair types and it makes my hair look beautiful and fresh.

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Result:

No matter what your styling concerns are, Paul Mitchell’s limited edition sets provide something for anyone. I’ve been using them for a while now and it would be difficult to move back to using any other products. I truly recommend them and as the products come in summer limited edition sets you are able to buy them at the special price now.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

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Pauline

Charlotte’s Web Jewellery – perfect anniversary gift

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Lots of you are asking me for an advice on what to get for your partner’s birthdays, anniversaries etc. As my 1st wedding anniversary approaches, I am also struggling to find something that my husband will like and enjoy. On another note, I have recently helped my colleague to find a perfect anniversary gift for his wife from Charlotte’s Web Jewellery collection.

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Designer:

Charlotte’s Web began to create her own bespoke collection of jewellery and clothing after one her trips to India. She started promoting her range during the intimate jewellery parties and on the London markets. Charlotte’s passion for travel, adventure and fashion is reflected in her designs.

Collection:

Charlotte´s Web jewellery collection aims to aid mindfulness and creating contemporary yet bohemian style pieces which have strong spiritual connections. She uses the powerful gemstones, which have been recognised for centuries as having healing, empowering or calming qualities means that our jewellery is not simply designed to enchant the eye, but to sustain personal strength and growth at the same time.

Charlotte´s Web jewellery collection includes pendants, earrings, rings, bangles. All pieces are created consciously in India by talented local craftsmen who are treated well and fairly paid.

Charlotte’s collection is perfect for a gift especially if you are celebrating an important milestone in your marriage.

  • 7th Year – Copper – there is a lot of jewellery in Charlotte’s collection that features copper.
  • 25th – Silver – all of Charlotte Web’s jewellery is handmade from Sterling Silver.
  • 30th – Pearl – Charlotte uses Pearls in a lot of her designs.

Who is it for?

Charlotte´s Web’s jewellery pieces can be worn by anyone. Her pieces are modern, chic and combine unique, enchanting designs with well-being. I ordered a couple of items from the website:

  • Rajput half hoop mixed metal earrings.
  • Rajput mixed metal spinning charm necklace.

They are both made from sterling silver 925 including posts & butterfly backs, Brass, Copper & Turquoise. They arrived in a lovely white box and were wrapped up some black tissue paper.

Prices:

Charlotte´s Web’s jewellery collection is reasonably priced and offers a great selection of gifts ranging from £25.

Please refer to the website for more details.

Website:

https://charlotteswebuk.com

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Pauline

Tried and Tested: Paul Mitchell’s Limited Edition Hair Brushes

Today I would like to tell you about a limited edition Hair Brushes from Paul Mitchell’s collection. They are bohoo-inspired to help you create festival ready looks at the comfort of your home and on the go.

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Paul Mitchell launched two summery hair brushes. I have fine, long hair I just love their Limited Edition 427 Paddle Brush. It is designed for medium to long hair styles and gives your hair a movement and volume that other brushes won’t. It is perfect for blow-drying my hair and it provides a nice, smooth finish. It is pretty lightweight to enable anyone, painless styling.

The second brush that Paul Mitchell launched this summer is a Limited Edition 413 Sculpting Brush. This brush is an essential in any handbag and its vibrant coral colour makes it looks very stylish. It detangles your wet or dry strands in no time. It is also great for blow-drying and finishing and as it is quite slim, it has a permanent place in my gym bag.

Result:

Paul Mitchell’s limited edition brushes are the new essential tools for anyone who wishes to get a nice, smooth finished styles and add some movement to their hair. They are this summer’s ‘must-have accessories’.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

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Pauline

Tried and Tested: Jan Marini Rejuvenate & Protect Duo

Today I would like to tell you about the Jan Marini Rejuvenate & Protect Serum and Moisturiser that I’ve tried recently. I love trying new products so I was really looking forward to trying this range.

Firstly, I applied C-ESTA Serum based on vitamin C and DMAE – a powerful antioxidant cocktail which neutralizes free radicals to prevent skin cell damage. Other ingredients of this serum include: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins (B6 & E), Tyrosine and Zinc. They are great if you wish to prevent premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. C-ESTA Serum is a perfect solution for younger, healthier looking skin and it protects your skin against future damage. In addition, Hyaluronic Acid stimulates collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin.

Secondly, I applied Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant over my Elemis moisturiser. It is a great weightless, daily face sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection. This invisible revolutionary shield offers unequalled skin protection against toxins and decrease the risk of cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant is fast-absorbing and it contains microscopic particles for additional oil control. It can be worn with or without makeup.

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Price:

£95.00 for both products and currently you can also get a free cleanser if you purchase a set.

Website:

https://www.dermacaredirect.co.uk/jan-marini-rejuvenate-protect.html

Overall result:

I have been using Jan Marini Rejuvenate & Protect Duo for over 3 weeks now. My skin looks radiant and has a more even tone. I have a combination skin so I was worried at first whether the products will be too heavy but they are both suitable for all skin types and absorb quickly.
My skin looks younger and I’ve already seen an improvement. My fine lines seem less visible and my skin is lastingly glowing with youthful beauty. I even declined to wear make-up over the weekend as I like how radiant and fresh I look.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

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Pauline