You heard it, the Aldi specialbuy event is back on in store and online right now. I always love covering this event and firmly believe that Aldi is the top store when it comes to essential and affordable baby and toddler products. I have discovered so many gems from the seasonal specialbuys, so here’s what I’ve got and recommend this time…
The Lacura range is always a part of our bathtime routine. Although the strawberry is my favourite scent to wash my daughter’s hair with, we are going to be trying out the lemon and tea tree oil for a zesty change.
Lacura 3 in 1 conditioning shampoo: 79p
Aldi kindly gifted us these products to try out, and we also received a towel bundle, some lovely bibs, books and the most adorable set of trainers below!
Hooded towel/wash mitt set: £3.99 Pack of 3 bibs: £2.99
These shoes are in the specialbuy event for just £5.99 and come in pink or blue. Alice just couldn’t wait to get these easy slip-ons on her little feet.
Sound books: £1.79 Trainers: £5.99
Alice is wearing size 18-24 months and we are going to be wearing these all summer long I can tell.
One thing I spotted online that I definitely need to pick up is this gorgeous Koala SureGrip Mat by Nuby. It’s just £6.99 and just love how you can store different things in the face and ears!
What will you be getting in your local Aldi this week? If you don’t have one nearby, then head over to their website to see it all.
Saharasplash x
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We can talk trends, speak style and give tips about fashion, but no matter the season nothing makes an outfit sing like a winning smile. The traditional methods of dental equipment and dental care like pastes, brushes, mouthwash and floss are so varied it’s hard to choose something that works for you. Some newer innovations are also coming into play, with brands like Quip trying to entirely revolutionise the idea of a “toothbrush” and turning it into more of a “jawscrub”, a term I had never heard of before researching into this article. I just love the chemistry behind beauty, and think that we all need to know a bit more about what we are using and where it comes from. I want you to consider this post as a sort of dental de-mysticism, but also as a guide and review to help out those who struggle with their smile. Everyone’s been talking about this, and now so am I: it’s activated charcoal.
What is activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is something that has been around for the better part of several decades, but you may have only just heard about it more recently, or maybe not at all. Before it became better known as a health supplement, it may have come to your attention thanks to those bizarre pictures of black ice cream cones that were making their way around the internet last summer. You might know charcoal better as the solid grey block you come across in art classes. This is actually the same material but with an extra set of special chemical treatments that give it some odd but rather useful properties. Following chemical treatments (usually done with bases, or extra oxygen) activated charcoal develops thousands of tiny, very shallow pores. This means that a single gram of activated charcoal can have between 500 to 1,500 metres of surface area!
Why is all this useful? Well because all these tiny pores creating all this surface area means that activated charcoal is very good at a chemical process called ‘adsorption’. Yes, I spelt that right; where absorption is about one chemical placing another inside itself, ‘adsorption’ is when a chemical sticks to the surface of another chemical. This is where activated charcoal’s main use comes in. Water treatment plant filters use activated charcoal to filter impurities as they bind to the activated charcoal molecules, pulling them out of what then gets pumped into our taps. Still with me? Then let’s move on…
Why is activated charcoal a superfood?
The idea that activated charcoal can work as a superfood to ‘adsorb’ toxins has lead some scientists into thinking perhaps it can adsorb many other harmful and less desirable things from our bodies too. Everything from the stains on our teeth to just plain, everyday toxins. That’s why people have been putting it in their ice creams and burger buns – that and it just makes the ice cream look much more Instagram worthy.
Does activated charcoal honestly work?
There’s definitely lots of science to say that adsorption is a useful process when it comes to water processing and toxin treatment. Those sorts of industries aren’t usually as influenced by the industry I come from- media. Evidence from magazines and online reviews is usually more anecdotal rather than data-based. The idea that activated charcoal could adsorb the stains on your teeth does seem plausible based upon my investigation, but unlike other toothpastes you might want to wash your mouth out thoroughly after brushing! In regular toothpaste, the active ingredients do their best work if they are left on your mouth. With active charcoal, it’s more of a ‘one-and-done’ solution.
When it comes to dental equipment, there may be more mileage. Toothbrushes with activated charcoal in their bristles may be especially useful since you blend direct contact with the teeth plus the vigorous kinetics of a good old-fashioned scrubbing. The bristles can also adsorb mouth odours and other kinds of unpleasantness you might find lurking between your lips and behind your gums. While the science is currently still out on the subject of activated charcoal toothpaste and toothbrushes, the principle behind the idea is at least somewhat sound. Whether activated charcoal will remove the toxins you build up every day during a good cleanse is another question. Activated Charcoal certainly won’t harm anyone, and given all the before and after pics flying around, I might just give it a try- how about you?
Saharasplash x
This is a sponsored post, all thoughts and views my own
As I’m writing this post I can’t help but hear Julie Andrews singing in my ear, but there definitely could be worse songs to have in your head all day! I thought it was about time I did a roundup post of everything I am loving right now, from my favourite pyjamas to what I’m reading. Sound fun? Here are a few of my favourite things…
I’ve recently redecorated the master bedroom and I just love it. The chunky knit throw is from The Range and the blush tone suede pillows are from George, Asda. I’ve taken to making my bed each morning which I have never done before in my life- maybe there is an age you reach and suddenly realise the importance and satisfaction of this task??
TU Alice in Wonderland pyjama set: £16
Every time I see Alice in Wonderland products, it’s in my shopping bag faster than the white rabbit. This gorgeous pale blue pyjama set is from TU by Sainsburys and is £16. Super soft and definitely needed after an evening’s work on the sofa with cake and tea.
My favourite bra right now is this stunner from Hunkemoller: it’s the Samara underwired push up bra, which does up at the front, super handy! This just moulds to my shape and I often forget I’m wearing a bra when I wear it- such a pretty design too.
The life-changing magic of tidying by Marie Kondo: £12.99
It’s no secret that my organisation skills have been somewhat hectic my entire life, then I watch a show on Netflix based on this book. My wardrobes, drawers and the way I see my possessions has entirely changed, and I can honestly say that Marie Kondo is to thank for this. If you haven’t jumped on the ‘KonMari’ bandwagon, I highly recommend you see what it’s all about, especially if you are crap at keeping your house and home tidy!
Pandora Sentimental Snapshots Charm: £40
This Mother’s Day I was truly spoiled, and I now have another charm to add to my collection. This is my most favourite yet, as it looks just like an Olympus Pen camera!
My health has taken a big hit since having Alice in many ways. I try to stay on top of eating a balanced diet and taking care of my skin, so these beauty collagen gummies from Bioglan are the first thing I reach for in the mornings (they’re on my night stand). No effort except a strawberry treat that will help top up collagen levels and to support healthy hair, skin and nails.
The last stop on my list of favourite things is by far the most relaxing. I am loving Image Skincare’s range of products, here I am using their Rose Quartz face roller and recovery face mask. The mask is wonderful on my sensitive skin, and after the magic has absorbed into my skin, I am left feeling rejuvenated and glowing.
If there is anything you see in this post that I haven’t mentioned where it’s from, leave a comment below and I’ll share all my secrets!
If there’s one thing you want to do to stand out this season, it’s definitely stay away from florals. Florals in Spring, although are quite lovely, don’t make as big of an impact as you might want for a special event or wedding invitation. So here’s why I’ve written a handy style feature: four bold looks this Spring. I’ve chosen four outfits and matched them to a pair of shoes and bag so you are all set to go. Take a look at the quartet below and I’ll go through what I’ve picked out to help create a fierce, confident outfit…
Outfit 1: In the Navy
I just love matching a cobalt blue with neon yellow or lime. You will be seeing a lot of neons this year all the way through to the end of summer, so get ahead of the trend and start wearing it in Spring. There’s just something about the right sort of party shoes when pairing with a cropped jumpsuit. And if you get a bag to match too, the whole thing just sings.
Playsuit: I Saw It First Shoes: Quiz Clothing Bag: Boohoo
Outfit 2: Spilled Vino
If there’s one pattern that goes well with a dark red it’s leoprd print. Having said that, you want to make sure it’s a subtle leopard print or it might be too over the top. I’ve found these heels from Quiz Clothing that gives a flair of your inner spirit animal each time you step, plus I’ve chosen an on trend box bag to go with it.
Pantsuit: I Saw It First Shoes: Quiz Clothing Bag: Shein
Outfit 3: Dotty Girl
I’m starting to think I have a thing about polka dots. I wore a polka dot dress to my graduation ceremony, for my baby shower and also a lot while I was pregnant. Dots are classic and will never disappear from the high street, so why not be bold with a dotty print? I’ve matched this outfit with a textured, pearlised heel and bag for a stand out effect you can count on.
Pantsuit: I Saw It First Shoes: Quiz Clothing Bag: Femme Luxe Finery
Outfit 4: Sasspot
I often call my daughter Alice a sasspot these days, and although she hasn’t quite hit 18 months, I can definitely imagine her rocking this look when she’s 18 years! I found this dress in H&M just after Christmas and I’m just waiting for the right event to make its debut. I had some help picking out these accessories from my sister, who is obsessed with transparent attire at the moment. Are you brave enough to expose the contents of your bag? If yes, this outfit is for you.
Dress: H&M Shoes: Quiz Clothing Bag: Missguided
So there you have my style feature: four bold looks this Spring. Which one caught your eye the most? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll share your answers on my social media.
Saharasplash x
Thanks for stopping by- make sure to find my blog post featuring entertainment from the U.K. Pleasure Boys before you go!
This is a sponsored post, all thoughts and views my own.
There are many reasons as to why I wanted to write a post about this particular week. As many of you will know, the UK celebrates Mother’s Day this Sunday- the adverts are on our screens, display windows are filled with reminders, but I can’t help feel torn about the holiday. I am excited as a mother and being able to spend the weekend with my own mum, but there is a part of me that wishes my mother-in-law, Iris were here. My heart also goes out to many people I know who have lost mothers and female figures in their lives, as it can’t be easy during this season.
I am going to make this week special by dedicating it to all the women who have had a positive impact on my life, for however long or short. My mum being the biggest impact will be getting a few surprises, and we are going to start off the weekend with a three course meal from a local pub in Suffolk (more details to follow!)
This week will also see a lot of pampering with the help from Nivea (items pictured were gifted), a brand super close to my family. My sister never goes without the Nivea daily face cream and there is always a plentiful supply of lip balms and bath products stocked at my mum’s house. I am taking over a few new products like the Rose & Argan Oil Lotion and the Hyaluron Cellular Filler. Sharing is caring, and we share a lot between my nan, mum, sister and I. Generations of love and care really resonates with the Nivea brand, and I am lucky to be able to have such a strong female surrounding still as I am reaching my 30’s.
What is your favourite Nivea product, and which lovely lady would you share it with? Let me know in the comments how you will be celebrating or remembering this week- whatever way, make it special.
Saharasplash x
Thanks for reading, why not check out my latest RUSH Hair experience before you go!
Items in this blog post are gifted, all thoughts and views my own.
There comes a time in every blogger’s life where they discover a new app that is a game changer for creating content. If you took a tour through my old iPhone (which is now far behind me thank goodness) and scrolled into my blogger apps folder, you would find the usual FB, IG, Pinterest, but for editing my photos you would find Phonto, Huji and Photo Collage. Now I have had an upgrade to the new Huawei P30 Pro, I decided to upgrade to more sophisticated editing. On my new android you would find Photoshop Express, Over and Canva which are all working brilliantly. Something I did not expect to help as much as it does is Google Photo. Every so often an ‘animation’ pops up which I can save in the form of a GIF and you can also have fun with a random collage generator. So here’s where today’s post theme stems from- every blog needs a fashion collage. And what better brand to collaborate with than Femme Luxe for a brilliant and on trend blog post?
You know what they say- twinning is winning! We decided to team up wearing our matching loungewear sets from Femme Luxe Finery and have a little slumber party. My sister is wearing the black with white stripe off shoulder set and I am wearing the khaki hoodie loungewear set which is my go-to after I get home and need something quick and comfy. Hot chocolates in hand plus many dodgy selfies later, we took this shot which is so cute and sums us up succinctly; two twenty-something year old sisters just looking for a bed and a warm beverage past 10pm on a Thursday evening.
Orange floral lace bodysuit with Black high waisted PU leggings
This outfit has to be my most favourite look of all. It’s daring, bold and pure sass. Naturally I had to borrow my sister’s animal print bag and teddy coat jacket to finish off the look. The leggings fit like a glove and are thick enough you don’t show VPL (visible panty line) which is what a girl dreams about in a legging. The bodysuit is my perfect shade and I would definitely wear it with a matching shade of lipstick.
Black belted one shoulder jumpsuit
I used my sister as a model for this jumpsuit as it suited her really well. She tends to dress down when it comes to shoes so decided to try on a pair of crisp, white kicks with the jumpsuit. I think it worked a treat, and the curve of the neckline is so flattering and stylish. A huge thumbs up from me!
I am in love with this camel cold shoulder long sleeve jumpsuit. It’s such a simple outfit that I have paired with a white and black buckle belt from e.buckled and nude studded stilettos. It comes with a matching belt in case you want to stick to the original look. I will definitely be wearing this once I have some free nights to go dancing.
It’s clear to see the endless possibilities with these outfits as well as all the crazy collage options from different editing apps. What apps are top of your list for creating and designing? Let me know in the comments below, or reach out to me on social media.
