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saharasplash8 July, 2016

Bloggers Hangout Summer Heatwave

Another month, another fabulous Bloggers Hangout event. This time the location was Charing Cross and the venue was The Strand Gallery. I had been looking forward to this as I do every BH event. Danielle (the founder) always goes the extra mile and certainly puts on one hell of a shindig for the bloggers as well as the brands attending. The Bloggers Hangout Summer Heatwave (as I am calling it) was a 3-day extravaganza of which I managed to attend 2 days. I can’t wait to give you all the juicy details about my fav brands there and who I went with!

On the first day, I went with a lovely blogger called Kendra. She is an American blogger over in London for a few months so we met up and I showed her just how amazing being a blogger in London can be! It was so hot in the venue we both were glad we wore summery dresses!

We visited KB Hair and took this epic snap, KB Hair Extensions had some lovely colours to show us, including grey!

Sass and Belle, a homeware brand with so many lovely things, had a chat with us and talked us through their range of amazing summer products. I adore my pineapple cup which I featured in my Karma Cola post!

We met a fabulous nail wrap designer who was displaying her amazing collection of Dinkibelle wraps. I can’t wait to try mine out and show you!

The Perfume Shop was located downstairs at the venue and they had the most amazing display of all their favourite fragrances old and new. My absolute favourite of the day was Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb, it’s to die for! Floral fragrances and the stunning setup definitely had me in the summer mood at the Bloggers Hangout Summer Heatwave!

Onto Day Two. This time I took with me my best blogger bud Merrell-Ann from TrousseauDiaries to explore some more!

We met Pink Parcel who are a fabulous brand helping girls from all over with their ‘Classic Period Drama’ It’s a monthly subcription service to help us girls through our stressful times every 28 days and they include not only femenine products but makeup, skincare products and best of all- chocolate!

I met with Faust’s Potions on the 2nd day who were just great. They have come up with some lovely remedies to help wake you up in the morning (which tastes like orange juice) and also they have one to help relax you before bed at night time. I’ll be fully reviewing these products on the blog very soon so not going to give away anything else!

Regenerate were great to see at the event, they are a dental care company who have created products which help to restore your enamel. I must say I’ve been using the toothpaste for just over a week now and there is no sensitivity anymore when I eat cold things which is wonderful. I will definitely keep you all posted on how I progress with the advanced toothpaste and boosting serum.

I also took some shots of three gorgeous bloggers wearing DaSilva London clothing outside the venue. It’s the perfect spot for a blogger to stop and take some photos if you don’t want to trek all the way to Kensington!

Thanks so much for a spectacular Bloggers Hangout Summer Heatwave 🙂

Saharasplash x

For more fabulousness, find out more about my 2 great skin savers for summer now

saharasplash4 July, 2016

Two Great Skin Savers for Summer

Since starting my journey as a full time blogger, I’ve been going non-stop to bring you the best fashion, beauty and London lifestyle. These last few weeks have definitely taught me that I need to use my time wisely if I am going to make a successful longterm career from being a blogger. A lot of people have been saying that it must be great to not have to get up and go to work in the mornings, but that just isn’t true. I get up at the exact same time as I did before to start work off as early as possible. I seize each day as I am very aware that every single day counts. So this post is all about being conscious of time and I have Two Great Skin Savers for Summer to show you which I’m obsessing over right now!

These two products are from a brand called Time Bomb. Their slogan is: ‘We can’t stop time, but we can change how it shows on your face’. It’s something that we are all after am I right? Products which defy the natural order of things and that help to maintain our youthfulness for as long as we can. As a beauty blogger, I was so impressed with Time Bomb so here’s my Two Great Skin Savers for Summer.

Time Bomb Complexion Cocktail with a shot of Chlorophyll

This product smells like fresh, lush greenery as soon as the cap is open. This is great for me as an allergy sufferer, if I actually take a whiff of freshly cut grass I’m a sneezing mess! The Complexion Cocktail with a shot of chlorophyll is designed to detox your skin and create a smooth and renewed complexion. I use this every day and my skin is left feeling so soft and perky! This is a definite must for sun seekers and those who want a quick and easy way to get back to fresh and healthy skin.

Time Bomb Cosmetics holiday in a bottle

This is such a star product I cannot recommend it enough. It’s adorable size makes it perfect for on-the-go commuters who want a radiant boost to their complexion. This holiday in a bottle isn’t a tanner or a foundation, this is a pigmented cream which changes colour as you apply to give you a perfect ‘just got back from the beach’ glow.

Just look how this product changes my pale hand into a bronzed beauty!

Taken Inside

Taken Outside

These Two Great Skin Savers for Summer go hand in hand, and I am confidently looking ahead to the future with Time Bomb in my bag and a smile on my face.

Saharasplash X

If you loved my two great skin savers for summer then see what other brands I’m talking about from the Bloggers Ball!

PR Sample

saharasplash3 July, 2016

The Bloggers Ball 2016

Where do I begin with The Bloggers Ball 2016? It is going to be really hard to capture the essence of this event I think as it was one of those ‘you had to be there’ events in my opinion. To sum up for you before I go into further detail, it was crazy, big, wonderful and addictive! So many bloggers and brands, so many bodies and booths to visit, I imagine it was something similar to speed dating but on steroids, and I still didn’t get to visit everyone and see everything! I’m going to talk about my favs that I did get to see and of course I have to shout out to Scarlett London for organising this grandeur affair at DSTRKT London!

Selfie Glow

Selfie Glow are are cute company just perfect for bloggers who love a good tan! Cruelty and paraben free, these guys were the first exhibitors I visited. They are US based but making their way over to the UK market this year. I hope I can work with this lovely brand soon while we have some sun in London!

Fei Liu Jewellery

Fei Liu jewellery really caught my eye. I love the elegant design of his pieces and I am still after something signature to wear on my wedding day. Fei Liu really stood out to me and the sparkle was just lovely!

Bon Prix

I’m sure you have all heard of the longstanding brand Bon Prix. They had brought with them a few of their summer collection essentials which were fabulous! Definitely check out their site if you’re going on holiday or just feel you need to jazz up your summer wardrobe, I’m sure they will have you covered!

Bravura London

Bravura London are a new find for me. It was great to meet them at The Bloggers Ball 2016 and talk about their different products meant for different types of skin. I chose to trial the Glycolic acid for its abilities to reduce fine lines and breakouts.

Monin

I’m sure you’ve all had a taste of what Monin has to offer, whether you know it or not. Monin provide the syrups for Costa coffee, so those caramel lattes and hazelnut mochas are all down to this great brand. On the day, they had brought with them a lovely pitcher of lemonade which was fantastic. I didn’t know how many syrups they did until I saw the range at the Bloggers Ball- check out their site to discover all the amazing flavours, they have practically everything!

On The Beach

On The Beach are an online travel agency who aim to deliver great holidays at great rates. They were there on the day to meet us bloggers and also have a beach party too! There were plenty of selfies taken at their booth and the OTB team were such great fun! Really hoping to take an On The Beach holiday if the wedding budget allows this year!

Vatika Naturals

Vatika are another new brand I discovered at The Bloggers Ball 2016 and I’m so glad I did. I’ve been using the Argan Shampoo pictured below since the event and it’s honestly the best shampoo I’ve ever used. Not only does it smell amazing, it creates a fabulous lather without using half the bottle, and my hair comes away feeling so nourished my hair is like silk. Definitely recommended, and I can’t wait to try out their Black seed hair mask! Available at Superdrug.

Tessuti

The last brand (and the most fabulous by far) is Tessuti. They are an online luxury boutique who stock both men and women’s ranges. I was immediately drawn to these guys as soon as I saw the Melissa shoes- you kow how much of a Melissa shoe collector I am! I’m really excited to be working with Tessuti after meeting them at The Bloggers Ball 2016 so stay tuned this month to see what piece I’m styling up from Tessuti.co.uk!

What I Wore

I wore a bright orange cocktail dress courtesy of Solace London and I paired the dress with some rose gold lace up heels from Ego. On my nails I have Thumbs Up nail wraps!

Saharasplash x

For more content and to find out about a fabulous fizzy drinks company called Karma Cola, click here.

saharasplash28 June, 2016

Drink No Evil Karma Cola

I was immediately drawn to Karma Cola drinks not just for their great design, but also because of the story that goes with the brand. Drink No Evil Karma Cola is all about doing good and enjoying some great drinks in the process. The brand currently has three amazing beverages for all walks of life, and I am in love with all of them! Let me tell you a bit more about them…

The Karma Cola foundation aims to produce fizzy drinks which stand for a cause. Every drink purchased helps a village in Sierra Leone, Africa and the proceeds help to support a number of Sierra Leonean communities by maintaining local areas to sending young people to school.

Flavour 1- The original Karma Cola

This is made from a cola nut (yes cola comes from a nut!) all the way from Sierra Leone. It has a unique blend including ginger and lemons which makes for a thirst quenching delight.

Flavour 2- Lemony!

This is a great mix of organic lemons and fair-trade sugar cane which makes the farmers smile. It makes its drinkers smile too as the lemon bursts out and hits all those taste buds.

Flavour 3- Gingerella

Gingerella is perfect for those wanting a fiery taste. It is quite strong and bursting with notes of vanilla and ginger.

Pour and Enjoy!

Here are some more shots courtesy of my sister Evie. You should get in touch with her here if you are needing a blogger photoshoot! She captured the drinks in action, which I’m sure you agree look so tempting during the hot summer season! We chilled the drinks before pouring each for a clean and refreshing taste…

This cute pineapple glass is from Sass and Belle

So good in more ways than one- don’t forget that the more drinks Karma Cola sells, the more help they can do! Why not join the Drink no Evil Karma Cola campaign and host a great BBQ with some amazing drinks for July?! These drinks are available to purchase at Waitrose right now

Saharasplash x

For tips on how to host your own party, I’ve got you covered in my latest post right here!

PR Samples included

saharasplash20 June, 2016

what’s on my watch list right now

Over the past 10 months of serious blogging, I have explored many of my passions and written about them. You will know saharasplash best for fashion, beauty and gluten free lifestyle, but now I am wanting to do a bit more as my journey continues. For those of you who read my Dubai series, you’ll know that I am recently engaged and planning for a November wedding. I cannot wait to explore bridal blogging over the summer, but right now I am going to be sharing another big part of my life- film and TV. Paul and I just love a good TV show and attending premieres and special screenings around London. So for those of you that are curious, I’ve written a post all about what’s on my watch list right now…

I tend to stay away from the mundane and go for shows about fantasy/heroes/sci-fi as this has been something that has stuck with me since I started watching Buffy back in the late 90’s. Vampires, witches & werewolves seem to grab my attention, and no matter how many shows there are about them (and there are a lot!) I tend to get hooked pretty fast.

TV shows

I have just caught up on The Flash and Arrow, so I’m left with Game of Thrones (soon to end too!) and Gotham. Gotham is a must see for any Batman fan, the show just gets better with each episode so loving this and I am part way through season 2.

Netflix is definitely one to keep an eye out for. Shows like Daredevil and Jessica Jones added a much needed thrill to my screen this year and both of these are available to watch in 4K for the best viewing too!

Onto films

I will always love my classic John Hughes movies which sets itself aside from the usual genre I go for. From time to time I do love to go back and watch these old greats- who doesn’t love a bit of Ferris and the Breakfast Club?!

What’s on my watch list right now though is more up to date. I am currently loving Amazon Prime’s Instant Video service as I get to watch great movies like X Men: Days of Future Past and The Martian, both available in 4K viewing mode!

Up and coming on my watch list

Up and coming on my watch list is definitely the new Suicide Squad film. I must say I am more of a Marvel girl, but after the showdown bewteen last month’s Batman vs Superman, I am excited for another DC fix!

The Suicide Squad will also be available in 4K, as will the most anticipated film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Check out the latest Panasonic HDR 4K TV to watch them in great quality when they’re out! So that’s what’s on my watch list right now, I would love to know what’s on yours? Place a comment below to get the conversation started 🙂

Saharasplash x

Disclaimer: collaborative post

For more content, check out my latest post here where I went to visit a brand new London spa

saharasplash13 June, 2016

Thai Square Spa London

I don’t really attend spas all that much- between working, blogging and balancing a social life I find that there isn’t much down time left for me to take a break and relax. That all changed recently upon my visit to the newly relocated Thai Square Spa London, and I’m so excited to tell you all about my visit there…

I booked a day off work and so on Friday morning I packed my bikini in my oversized handbag and set off for Charing Cross from Canning Town. Thai Square Spa is about a 5 minute walk from the station and sits on the very corner of the block- it’s easy to spot as there are huge flags outside the building!

As I went in, I was immediately greeted by reception, and I confirmed that I was booked in for a signature wrap and use of the facilities after my treatment. The reception area was decorated so nicely and had a lovely relaxed feel as soon as I was inside.

The iMantara range of products affiliated with the spa was on show and available to purchase if you liked. I have tried the Siamese Sole foot scrub and lotion which are absolutely divine. The scents are so unique with hints of tea tree, orange and jasmine, and the brand is against animal testing which is something I always look out for.

So onto my treatment!

I had a Thai Square Spa Signature Wrap, which I was quite intrigued about when I saw it on the website. I had only ever had massages before and so was up for trying something new for a change. The treatment started with a lovely foot soak from my therapist. She used salts and warm water to cleanse my feet while I enjoyed the signature blend of herbal tea from Thai Square Spa. After that, I got onto the massage table face down, and I had the cool algae painted on me from my feet all the way up to my shoulders with a brush. It was really soothing and the massage bed was heated too so that it started to dry and harden on my skin. I turned over and the process was repeated on my front half. Not going to lie, the belly felt the cold more than the rest of my body, but it wasn’t unpleasant at all. After this, I was wrapped up like a china doll in loads of towels, and left for 15 minutes for the wrap to soak in. It was lovely and toasty, any more than 15 minutes and I would have definitely fallen into a deep sleep!

After this, I showered to remove the wrap and my skin was super silky. Once finished, it was time to venture round the rest of the Thai Square Spa facilities.

I pretty much had the spa to myself, so it was the perfect time to take some shots!

Here is the central point of the spa. There are plenty of chairs to lie back in and remove yourself from the busy London city, I was completely blissful as I sipped my tea and enjoyed my lazy afternoon.

The jacuzzi and steam/sauna rooms are in a separate chamber just past the lounge area. It was so nice to feel the warm bubbles of the jacuzzi, I felt like I was back in Dubai again!

Thai Square Spa London is the perfect place to get away from everyday life and have some luxury pampering. I went by myself, but I can definitely see myself going back with Paul or maybe some girlfriends too for a great time. Thank you to Thai Square Spa for having me, and I will be seeing you again soon!