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My Summer Haircare Routine

Since releasing my summer skincare routine last week, I thought it was only fitting to post about my summer haircare routine as well. I have a mixed relationship with my hair, and I’ve posted about this a lot whenever I cover this particular topic. On one hand, my hair is very manageable, no frizz or major blowdrys needed to tame my simply straight locks. But on the other hand, it is incredibly fine and can be prone to tangling if I don’t maintain a regular haircare routine. So here’s what I’m using right now for my summer haircare routine…

Step One: L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Shampoo

This organic shampoo is just the thing my hair needs to start my summer haircare routine off the right way. It’s got the most wonderful citrus tang to wake my hair focicals up and give it a refreshing boost. I’ve almost run out so next week I’ll be doing a restock o clock.

Step Two: Organic Shop Moroccan Argan & Amla Conditiner

This conditioner from Organic Shop is just perfect for my hair type, it just glides through effortlessly and is a lightweight and nourishing conditioner. My hair texture feels so much better as soon as this product is on, and I rinse out after about 5 mins.

Step Three: Prep and Dry

This is probably one of the most important steps to my summer haircare routine. I always give my hair a post-wash treatment, and at the moment I’m using Dove’s youthful vitality BB cream for hair. Just two-three pumps through the length of my hair makes it so easy to brush out any knots with my trusty Tangle Teezer and then I wrap it up with an Aquis hair turban.

Step Four: Unwrap and Brush

About 30-40 minutes later, depending on how quickly I have to dash out the house, I unwrap my hair and give it a quick brush through. No heat needed as my hair dries pretty well in the hair turban, and no straightening required either- but that’s just my hair type!

What’s your haircare routine like right now? If it needs a refresh, then definitely try my method out and let me know how you get on!

Saharasplash x

If you missed my summer skincare routine, read it here

PR samples included, all thoughts and views my own 

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Being Mum without losing your style

Being a mum is terribly great. I use the adjective terribly as sometimes it is the most challenging thing spending hours tying to get a baby that needs sleep to go to sleep when they just don’t want to. But all hardships aside, when I wake up every morning and she’s there to greet me, it’s the best feeling ever. Although a lot has changed in my life, I’m not willing to relinquish my style in the process. With the help from some of my favourite lingerie brands, I can stay true to myself and my inner fashion guru (yes, she’s always in my head and never really left).

1. Auralure

Auralure is a fabulous business owned by a mum just like me. Her eye for detail in flawless matching sets just calls to my style and taste. It makes my job being a breastfeeding mum so easy with front detaching clip, plus no nursing clips on the straps mean more versatile wardrobe choices.

2. Cake Maternity

I’ve raved about this brand before on my blog, and I’m here to show you a bra from the truffles collection, available in cup size B-F. A deep purple is so much better than opting for black ah-gain. Redefine your wardrobe starting with the first thing you put on, but ironically no one sees. You’ll know what you’ve got on under there though, so make it beautiful.

3. Tutti Rouge

This bra below is not a nursing bra, but I must say its design and elastic material makes it as good as any other when breastfeeding. I love the V neck at the front and back, making it a chic decision if you want to rock a tank top or lower cut top. This brand is a must-remember for all the busty ladies out there, they stock up to a HH!

4. Hunkemöller

Hunkemöller are again another favourite of mine that appeared on my blog when I was 6 months pregnant– one year ago now how crazy is that?! Now 8 months post partum I’m still going back for more with their unique and wonderfully made designs. The detail is stunning on this Marie longline bra, and guess what? It’s now on sale!

And if all of that left you wanting more, see the women’s underwear at Knix for some fabulous, seam-free choices to make your inner fashion guru smile.

There are many ways to handle being mum without losing your style, do you have a secret style tip you’d like to share? Leave a comment below if so!

Saharasplash x

PR samples included, all thoughts and views my own

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My summer skincare routine

It’s been far too long since my last beauty post, and so I’ve pulled out all the stops for this one. I’ll be sharing my summer skincare routine with you all today, starting with the legs!

Connock London do the most amazing body products made from kukui oil to keep your skin looking 100% radiant this summer. I apply a little oil to my legs and arms. As IPL hair removal is so huge right now, this has promoted me to get my Smoothskin IPL device out too! I had to stop using it when I fell pregnant but I’m making the most of it in my summer skincare routine again.

A true life saver is a lip balm that works for you and your lips. Mine is from Hempz Beauty, and contains pure natural hemp seed oil which keeps my lips hydrated like no other product I own.

This next product is another key item in my summer skincare routine this year. It’s the Finishing Touch Flawless from JML Direct, which is just perfect for removing fine facial hair. I use this around my chin and upper lip as I can’t stand waxing or plucking these sensitive areas. It’s got an 18-karat gold head and so easy to clean with its microblade system. Where was this product when I needed it years ago? JML always brings out the most innovative products and I’m a true fan since I got my very first gel bra back in 2005! Retailing right now at £19.99, go grab one while this product is hot on the shelf!!

Another top pick from my skincare arsenal is this microdermabrasion polish from Botanics, available at Boots. I don’t use this every day, but when I feel my skin needs a refresh then I use this in the shower to make my skin feel great again!

My toner and micellar water are from SVR Laboratoires, a French brand which are dedicated to scientifically create products that are anti-allergy focused. Available on Feel Unique and Look Fantastic with prices starting from around £4 and go up to about £15 so great prices!

My previus blog post on Image Skincare will tell you all about this hyalurinic wonder. It’s been in my routine long before summer hit, and it will still be here when it’s over!

Another Botanics product is the all bright eye roll-on, which is very much needed after a bad night with Alice.

Finally, let’s talk about Heaven. If you haven’t heard of Heaven Skincare before now, let me tell you it is one of the best companies out there in the beauty world in my opinion. I first discovered the brand after a London blog event where I met the founder Deborah Mitchell. They were showcasing their bee venom mask range and since then, they have gone on to achieve some amazing things. The Heaven Skincare flagship salon also recently competed on a programme called Spa Wars, and obviously came away with a trophy. They are one of the biggest and most popular stalls at the Pro Beauty show in London each year, and I’m in love with so many of their every day essential products like this oxygen cream. Quality, luxury and pure heaven!

I hope you’ve discovered some fab new products and if you have any questions at all about my summer skincare routine then reach out with a comment below or on social!

Saharasplash x

My latest foodie post is such a good one, make sure you read new gluten free discovery at the Cosy Club Ipswich.

PR Samples included in this sponsored post, all thoughts and views my own

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New gluten free discovery at The Cosy Club Ipswich

I think you all know by now that Ipswich is my home town. When I was 19 I left for the University of East Anglia, lived in Spain for my year abroad, then quickly got a job in London. Eight years on, I’m now in between Essex and Suffolk, as the majority of my family still live in the same places where I grew up. So, when I heard all about the Cosy Club’s new gluten free menu, I had to visit my nearest one, which happened to be in the heart of Ipswich town! Read on to sample my new gluten free discovery at The Cosy Club Ipswich.

As it was a special occasion- I don’t get out much without the baby- I decided to invite my sister along so we could get dressed up and have a girl’s night out. Our table was booked for 7.30pm and we were right on time.

We had the choice to sit wherever we wanted, so we went for a booth at the back with views of the bar and kitchen.

Evie and I decided on cocktails and tapas for starters…

  • Garlic mushrooms on GF toast
  • Pulled chicken and chorizo with crispy potatoes

The starters came within no time at all and smelled wonderful. I do love a good tapas, and this one didn’t disappoint!

Next up, mains…

  • Roast chicken breast with balsamic sundried tomatoes, pesto and new potatoes
  • 8oz sirloin seak with thick cut chips and a rocket and parmesan salad

The mains were cooked to perfection, my chicken was tender and so yummy! The veggies and sauce complimented the dish and flavours from the chicken, and Evie’s steak was just as good. I did have to help her finish the chips though- that’s what big sisters are for.

Now, onto dessert. We were both quite full from our two courses already, but you can always find that extra spot for dessert am I right?!

  • Warm chocolate brownie
  • Peach Melba sundae with almond brittle

The desserts were amazing- they weren’t too big and my almond brittle was just amazing. The extensive choice on the new gluten free menu just blew me away.

I’ll definitely be going back to taste more options from the Cosy Club menu soon. Have you visited your nearest Cosy Club? Tell me all about it in the comments below.

Thanks for reading new gluten free discovery at The Cosy Club Ipswich,

Saharasplash & Evie x

There’s still time to get some Father’s Day inspo from my recent post here

Disclaimer: I was invited by The Cosy Club for my honest review, all thoughts my own

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Make your father’s day a memorable one

Us mums can be a bit guilty of stealing our babies from other members of our family, including daddy. Thinking back to a recent dinner time, I was making a main meal and Paul was in charge of feeding Alice. But within the space of a few minutes I found myself taking over and trying to do everything and pushing him aside. I’m guilty as charged, and I think that it’s time the dads had a bit more credit where credit is well due. In just under two week’s time the nation will be celebrating Father’s Day, and in 2018 we are celebrating Paul’s first one with Alice. I’m really pleased to say we are going to make our first Father’s Day a memorable one, and we are starting it early to get in good spirits!

Paul is such a loving and devoted father as I knew he would be. Alice’s face just lights up when he comes into the room and I’ve been lucky enough to watch their relationship grow this past 7 months.

I’ve teamed up with Prestige Hampers to give Paul a well-deserved surprise for his first Father’s Day this year…

This hamper is perfect for any dad who loves an after-dinner cheese fest, and Paul certainly is that dad!

Such a lovely selection of hand-picked products to make your Father’s Day a memorable one.

Alice just loved helping dada open his hamper of cheese and wine. No doubt she will also love to help eat it with him later!

Paul is always there to pick Alice up for a cuddle, although sometimes they have a bit too much fun if you ask me! Secretly I know Paul delights in the fact that he has a little baby girl to spoil, even though he keeps saying we’re going for a boy next time!

Make your Father’s Day a memorable one this year and see what other amazing gifts Prestige Hampers have to offer right here.

Saharasplash x

Find out how we got on when Fantastic Services came round to spruce up our oven!

Disclaimer: PR samples included, all thoughts and views my own

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Smart Technology is Making it Easier to Sell Homes

When it comes to selling a property we all want to make it as easy as possible, as well as making sure that we sell for the most money possible. This means that homeowners, whether they have intentions to sell their home in the near future or not, want to know how to make sure that they maximise the value of their home.

One great way that you can try to up the price is with smart technology. Smart technology comes in a variety of shapes and types and each of them have their own benefits, as well as their own ability to influence how much your property sells for.

With so many different varieties out there for you to choose from, it can be hard to realise which is the right smart tech for you. So, to help you out, we have put together the main varieties that you can choose from and why they might just be the right choice for you.

Smart security

Security in your home is not a new thing, in fact, seeing that a property has security is often something that will entice people to buy. However, as times change, so does the expectations of people. This means that the old options of securing your property may not be as impressive as they used to be. Now, there are smarter options when it comes to securing your home. This includes, smart locks, smart alarm systems and of course CCTV that is then linked to your smartphone.

Smart lighting

There was once a time when being able to control your lights at the flick of the switch was impressive, however, this isn’t the case now. Smart lighting is all the rage and this often comes in the form of providing wireless controls for the lights throughout the house, as well as the ability to create a schedule for when you want your lights to be on and when you would like them to turn off, even if you are not home.

Smart smoke detectors

The main focus of a smoke detector is to ensure that you know if there is a fire in your home. Of all the smart tech in your home, this is the one that you are going to want to make sure does its job. Thankfully, smart smoke detectors are available to be installed in your home, not only will these devices alert you to a fire when you are home, but they will also give you an alert when you are out of the house. Thanks to the fact that they are linked to your smartphone.

Smart appliances

It is no secret that we love the idea of making our lives as easy as possible. Smart appliances are definitely a great way to do this. They come in a variety of different types with different features. You could opt for a smart washing machine or a smart microwave, however, one of the most popular is a smart fridge. These often come with an integrated computer system that will be linked to your phone. Allowing you to create a shopping list as you look in your fridge, as well as alerting you to when you are running out of things too.

Smart heating

Heating your home and the energy that it takes has become a huge focus for the makers of smart tech. There are a variety of options out there that you can choose from if you want to heat your home the smart way. You could install a smart thermometer, remotely controlled heating controls (which link to your smartphone) or underfloor heating, which is much more economical than other forms of heating.

So, could wet underfloor heating help you sell your home? Of course, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind when it comes to selling your home, however, there is a good chance that installing underfloor heating, or any of the tech that we have mentioned in this article is going to make your home more appealing to those who are looking to buy.

Not only this, but if you do decide to invest into this tech whilst you live in your home, then you are also going to feel the benefits too. Whether that is reducing your energy bills whilst you heat your home, keeping your home secure, particularly when you are not there or alerting your family to a fire, these are all things that are going to make your life that little bit easier. Which is something that we could all do with in our lives.

Written in collaboration with Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies

If you’re after more home life content, see what an amazing job Fantastic Services did with our shocking oven!

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