So, can you spot whose tan is real and whose is fake…?

https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/9336288/four-women-strip-fake-tan/

Sam x

The post In Which I Pose In My Bikini For The Sun appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

So do you know what I did?

None of it.

I didn’t go to uni.

I didn’t become a model.

Why? Not because I didn’t have the intelligence, looks, or the ability. I didn’t go because I was lacking that one vital ingredient for success: self-belief. I didn’t think I was worthy. I woke up and told myself I couldn’t do it. I wasn’t good enough.

Yesterday, I got signed to a model agency. The first one I applied to, in fact. A second one is now interested in signing me too. I’m not telling you this to show off (although I am a teensy bit proud of myself). I’m telling you this because one of the most important gifts that comes with age, experience, hard times, knock backs and failures is self-belief. Resilience.

Ironically, before life had truly chewed me up and spat me out I had no confidence whatsoever. Yeah, I gave it the big’un; pretended to be the buoyant bolshy blonde that everyone expected me to be, but inside I was a terrified little mouse. It was only AFTER everything went wrong that I discovered my true inner strength and confidence.

On paper I’m a failure: I work in retail for a start. I’m divorced. Childless. Single. Living alone. But for the first time I know my value, and I understand my power. I don’t suffer fools gladly. I take no shit.

And yesterday, the Universe rewarded me with a modelling contract, aged 43. I’m not the smooth-skinned, innocent 18 year old I once was. I’ve got scars and flaws and wrinkles (many, many, wrinkles). But for the first time in my life I’ve also got confidence. And muscles (don’t forget the new-found muscles). And I’m going to look down the lens of that camera, and I’m going to bloody well own it.

Sam x

The post The Power Of Your Inner Voice appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

But before you get too excited by the spring-heralding appearance of hot cross buns, snowdrops and daffodils, let me tell you: this weekend is set to be chilly. Waaah! But instead of hunkering down in front of the fire with a dozen eggs of the Easter variety, why not swop edible gifts for something equally delicious but far less calorific: a new spring scent?

If you’re anything like me after winter, you already resemble an egg anyway; middle-aged spread is a thing. The struggle is real. The struggle to move, I mean. I’m like a Weeble. My current figure makes Humpty Dumpty look positively sylphlike. So this weekend I’ll be treating myself to some sweet-smelling treats instead of the calorific choccy ones. My waistline heaves a sigh of relief as I reluctantly put the Lindt bunnies (yes, plural – don’t judge!) back on the shelf and reach for my new Parfen perfumes instead.

First up is Lily-Of-The-Valley And Magnolia, a stunning white floral fragrance. The first aromas to tantalise your nostrils after a generous spritz are the citrus notes of orange and tangerine. This then develops into beautiful heart notes of magnolia, lily-of-the-valley, jasmine, and rose. Jasmine is one of my favourite summer flowers, so the inclusion of this note in the fragrance hints at the heady days of summer to come. Ahh, summer! Just saying the word puts a smile on my face. All that sunshine, long lazy evenings in pub gardens and frantic festival fun….(Sorry, I was getting sidetracked by thoughts of summer there – back to the fragrance!) The base notes of the scent are guaiac wood, sandalwood, and musk.

The fragrance is feminine and uplifting; the floral notes reminding me of the beautiful flowers that will soon start to bloom in parks and gardens up and down the country. I love spring! Not just because it’s my birthday this weekend (I know – blatant hint), which always brings lots of fun celebrations with my friends and family, but also because of all the other cute little Easter babies celebrating their birthdays too (and yes, I was including myself as a cute Easter baby there). Seeing the playful little lambs gamboling around amongst the daffodils has to be one of the sweetest sights, don’t you agree? (Not to mention the sight of them served up for the Easter Sunday roast with a bit of mint sauce – dee-licious!)

If all this talk of baby animals and flowers is just too saccharin-sweet for your tastes, you may prefer a lighter, more aquatic scent for the new season. Close your eyes. (Actually, open them again as you won’t be able to read this otherwise. Duh!). Imagine the aroma of walking along a beach, inhaling the fresh salty air, skimming stones out to sea. If this sounds like your kinda scent, let me introduce you to…Aquamarine.

This badboy is predominantly a men’s fragrance, but I have to say, I’ve been wearing it myself and I love it! Zesty top notes of grapefruit and orange give way to neroli, seaweed, rosemary and saltwater notes, before deepening to cedar wood and musk. For me, it is the scent of holidays, bottled. And we all know how much I love to travel.

On a chilly spring morning, I can close my eyes and be transported to my favourite beach with a generous spritz of this fragrance; taking a deep breath as I imagine filling my lungs with that salty sea air. Bliss!

So there you have it – two sumptuous spring scents to tempt you. At just £15.90 each, they are not going to dent your bank balance too much either. So instead of adding to your loved-ones’ winter weight woes this Easter, why not give the gift of scent instead of sugar? These fragrances will last a lot longer than the sugar-fix, and are a lot kinder in the dreaded fight against flab too. So I’ll be leaving those Easter eggs on the supermarket shelves and filling my basket with these fragrant treats instead*.

Happy Easter, Bird’s Eye Viewers!

*Well, maybe just one little egg won’t hurt. It is my birthday, after all…

To Buy Lily-Of-The-Valley And Magnolia click here. To Buy Aquamarine click here. To see the full range of fragrances available at Ivy Bloom, click here.

Online Easter Offer – Save up to £20 when you shop online

1. £10 off when you spend £40 or more. Use code SAVE10 at checkout
2. £20 off when you spend £80 or more. Use code SAVE20 at checkout

I was gifted the fragrances in exchange for an honest review.

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (lifeabirdseyeview)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post The Sweet Scent Of Spring appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

Science teacher (leaning over a bunsen burner with a roll-up cigarette dangling from betwixt his lips): “Hey! You at the back! Take that red-hot spatula off the back of his neck and pay attention!”

or

“Today we’re going to talk about reproduction….” to a class full of sniggering schoolboys who are tossing a plastic cross-section of the female reproductive system around the lab.

And that was at a grammar school.

If that rings true for you, you might not have learnt a whole lot in science class. I know I didn’t. I was an A-grade student the rest of the time, but science? Meh. I just wasn’t feeling it.

However, now I’m a forty-something skincare salesperson extraordinaire and self-confessed beauty product junkie, I wish I’d sat up straight and paid attention during the periodic table recitals and mind-blowing molecular structure sessions; skincare has got so…scientific.

So when I was recently contacted by Pharma Hermetic and invited to trial Ethernium Day Cream I was like: “Sure – why not?” I love a new product. Then I looked at the accompanying literature.

Woah.

They kinda lost me at ‘telomerase activity’…and by ‘cellular senescence’ I was away with the fairies. I tossed the brochure to one side, slapped on the cream and went about my day. After all, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, right?

But then, over the course of the next two weeks, my skin started to look…different. More even-toned – and smoother. The hormonal rash on my chin disappeared. I switched my usual foundation for a much lighter BB cream – something I’ve never done before.

I went back to that gobbledegook brochure and had another go at deciphering the blurb. Nope. It’s still Japanese to me, so here’s my review of the product…broken down into layman’s terms, with full links and explanations. Apologies if you sat at the front bench during double science and paid full attention, but for the benefit of those that are more “H2….oh?!” than “Ah yes, H2O….” here goes:

Who is Pharma Hermetic?

Pharma Hermetic is a Spanish company with over 30 years of experience in issues related to herbal medicine and beauty, using medical innovation to create cutting-edge cosmetics.

Their claim? Science that beautifies. The Ethernium SP-55 collection is a patented range of anti-ageing products based on the peptide SP-55. What is a peptide, I hear you cry? (Or is that just me?) And do we even care? (Also me.) Well, a peptide is a short chain of amino acids. Peptide SP-55® consists of 55 amino acids which help the stem cells in the skin to increase telomerase activity naturally and improve cell telomeres, thereby delaying the ageing process which affects the skin and allowing it to recover. 

The strapline ‘Eternity is closer than ever’ sounds a bit strong, but I’m willing to give anything a try to slow down the effects of the ravages of time on my face. The scientists over at IT Pharma are using this peptide thingy in their products to help repair damage to the DNA.

What’s in the cream?

So as well as this peptide SP-55 fella, what else is in the cream? Well, other key ingredients include TGFbeta, which helps cell repair and generation of collagen, Vinis Vinifera (grape) Seed oil (grape-derived products, such as, erm, wine, are always fine by me – bring them on!), sodium hyaluronate (that essential ingredient for any serious anti-ageing product) and plenty of antioxidant vitamins C and E.

What does it do?

“Ethernium Cosmetics, The first anti-ageing cosmetic treatment able to work telomerase activity with a topical application. Ethernium cosmetics naturally reverse the process of cellular senescence (using peptide SP-55), increasing the telomerase activity of the stem cells in the skin, decreasing accumulated DNA damage, abating aberrant glycosylation and enhancing cellular resistance to oxidative stress. Ethernium helps the stem cells in the skin, increase telomerase activity and, thereby, slows down the molecular clock. There is currently no other molecule patented for cosmetic use available on the market capable of producing these effects.”

Wow, bold claims! So let’s rewind and decipher the lingo…

Get it? I think I do. Sort of.

First impressions

The product certainly has kerb-appeal, with sleek silver and black packaging, plus an innovative pump which hygienically dispenses just the right amount of product.

Personally, I don’t like bacteria-laden fingertips dipping in and out of tubs of expensive lotions and potions (or should I say curious partner’s bacteria-laden fingertips); preferring my products to be in tubes or pump dispensers. This dispensing method is both hygienic and aesthetically-pleasing – the only downside is that you can’t see how much of the product you have left.

How does it feel?

The texture is smooth and easily absorbed, provided you don’t apply too much product; the amount dispensed in one full pump is easily enough for the face, neck and decolleté. (Use too much and it emulsifies; the more you massage the less quickly it absorbs.) The fragrance is minimal, and you can apply makeup straight away. Both of these features score Brownie points with me.

Results?

For the first few days I find the product pleasant to use, but I don’t see any real difference. Hardly surprising – skincare really needs at least 30 days of continual use to see a marked difference, since this is the life cycle of an average skin cell. However, after 10 days of continual twice-daily application my skin looks smoother; more refined and definitely more even-toned. After two weeks I even go out with no base on my face at all. Think that’s minor? Well seeing as I’ve barely had a bare-faced day since I was a teenager, this is actually a big deal for self-conscious old moi. I don’t even pop for a pint of milk without a full face of maquillage.

The recommendation is three months of continuous use to really see the full effects. I have only been trialling the day cream, but the recommendation is to use the cream in the morning and the serum overnight.

In the clinical trials 99% of patients achieved a satisfactory reduction in wrinkle depth and width, with a reduction of 85% in almost all cases after 18 months’ continual use of the day cream and serum. Impressive stuff!

My verdict?

Listen, we all know that short of a magic wand, nothing is going to reverse the ageing process. ‘Miracle creams’ are just that – about as believable as that Bible story about turning water into wine. Frankly, I ain’t buying it. (I mean the story – if you could buy water that turned into wine, I would definitely be queueing up in Tesco’s for that shiz!). I’m still none the wiser as to how this stuff works its magic…but I don’t care. As long as it makes my face look slightly less likely to scare small children in the street, then I’m slap-happy – on it goes.

So I’ll be leaving the science to the geeks who paid attention in chemistry class, applying my creams and potions and focusing my attention on the more important things in life…like a nice long bath with a glass of something cold and a boxset binge. Bliss!

To find out more go to www.etherniumworld.com.

I am not affiliated with IT Pharma or Pharmahermetic in any way. I was simply gifted the product in exchange for an honest review. 

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (lifeabirdseyeview)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post Ethernium Day Cream: Seriously Scientific Skincare appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

I recently returned from Spain to a welcome pile of goodies, and whilst rummaging amongst them I noticed a common theme: rose. The most popular flower there is, roses are a recognised symbol of love the world over. I doubt there’s a woman alive who wouldn’t be pleased to receive them. (Well, maybe a few with allergies, but let’s not split hairs.) However, when it comes to beauty, the fragrance of rose can be a bit Marmite, with some people of the opinion that it’s a tad ‘old lady.’ But love or hate this classic aroma, the benefits of rose as a therapeutic ingredient for our health and skin are undisputed: it works wonders.

For me, the scent of roses takes me right back to my childhood, when I would play in the garden, and (unbeknownst to De Mama) pull the heads off the roses and soak the petals in an empty ice cream tub half filled with water to make my own perfume. I can clearly remember sitting at our little red plastic table and chairs in the conservatory on a summer’s day, watching in wonder as the water slowly turned a pinkish colour over the course of a day or two; swishing it around before anointing my pulse points with the floral water, as I’d seen Mum do with her perfume sprays. Of course, it was all fun and games until she saw the state of her precious rosebushes…and the water quickly turned rancid; the petals brown and soggy. Fortunately, I’m no longer an amateur perfumier; I leave the formulating to the professionals and stick to buying, reviewing and selling beauty products instead.

Anyway, back to the health and beauty benefits of rose, of which there are many. Taken internally – as a tea or a tincture – rose is a mood-lifting, soothing antidepressant, useful during times of stress or hormonal fluctuations. Applied topically on the skin, rose is anti-inflammatory and calming; great for dry, sensitive or mature skins, or for those suffering from rosacea or acne.

There are two main types of rose used in skincare: rosa damascena or Bulgarian rose, which has a deep, potent aroma, and rosa centifolia, also known as Morrocan or cabbage rose, which has a light, sweet, clean scent. Rose essential oil is one of the most expensive there is, due to the fact that tens of thousands of rose blossoms, picked at dawn as they are unfolding, are required to yield just one ounce of the essential oil. The good news is that you only need a couple of drops to reap the rewards.

Rose oil is not to be confused with rosehip seed oil, which comes from the fruit of the rose plant and is rich in antioxidant vitamin C. Regular Bird’s Eye Viewers will know from this post that I’m currently trialling GOPO Joint Health, which is a rosehip supplement for healthy joints and reducing inflammation. I’ve been taking GOPO for a few weeks now, and as well as feeling better physically, my skin is looking much more radiant and imperfections improved. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Rosehip seed oil is great for scarring, pigmentation and skin imperfections as well as joints.

Convinced yet? Let’s cut to the chase! Here’s a round-up of…

My Current Top Five Rose-based Health and Beauty Buys

1. Armina Organic Rose Water, £10.90 for 100ml or £13.90 for 250ml, Ivy Bloom.

This 100% organic steam-distilled Bulgarian rose water available from Ivy Bloom is food grade; so pure it can be also used in cooking. I’m told it tastes good when added to a glass of bubbly too – but I’ll be saving it purely for cosmetic use. Either spray onto cotton wool and sweep over the face like a toner or spritz directly onto the face for a hydrating pick-me-up. Perfect for holidays or when flying, or just to rehydrate dry skin after a long winter in a centrally-heated atmosphere. The fragrance is divine, the quality evident. I’ve been using this twice a day after cleansing – a new staple in my daily beauty routine. 5/5 – love it!

2. Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil, Dr Botanicals, £49.90 30ml.

Following a generous spritz of the rosewater from Ivy Bloom, I like to apply a couple of drops of this facial oil by Dr Botanicals. Some oils can feel too heavy and greasy for daytime use, but this is surprisingly light in both texture and scent. Use before moisturiser or added to your day/night cream to protect, brighten and nourish skin. Rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C in an almond oil base, this oil is suitable for all skin types. (Contrary to popular belief, oils are also recommended for greasy skin as they balance sebum production). 4/5 – I love a more ‘rosy’ fragrance, but this lighter aroma will appeal to many. 

3. Whole Rose Buds by The Teamakers of London, via The Teatourist subscription box, £11 per month for a selection of 6 teas.

I’ve been receiving these boxes monthly from Teatourist for some time now, and it’s surprising just how many varieties of tea there actually are. These rosebuds from The Teamakers of London are both aesthetically pleasing and make a deliciously soothing yet uplifting tea. Simply put as many buds as you like into a mug, pour on boiling water and enjoy your Insta-worthy cuppa. Simples! 4/5 – love the flavour and simplicity, should probably have removed the flowers before drinking as I got a mouthful of petals. Extra point for prettiness.

4. Scentered Love Therapy Balm, £14.50.

100% natural. Apply this Scentered lip balm-style product to pulse points whenever you feel overwhelmed and in need of a hug. The Love aromatherapy balm combines top notes of clove and orange with rose, patchouli and cedarwood to create an elegant fragrance which smells amazing whilst restoring a sense of inner peace and balance. It’s been a crazy year for me so far – give me one for every handbag and pocket, pronto! 3/5 – love the convenient size, natural aroma and therapeutic benefits. Fragrance could have lasted slightly longer. Great for travel. 

5. Whittard’s English Rose tea bags, £5 for 25.

Whilst the loose rosebuds are an Instagrammer’s delight, you can sometimes find yourself with the odd bit of petal in your mouth as you sip on your brew. These Whittard’s English Rose teabags give a similar flavour but with the familiar convenience of a teabag. Best drunk with a scone, clotted cream and a generous spoonful of jam. 4/5 – similar flavour to the rosebuds. Not as pretty but more convenient in bag format. 

So there you have it! If your skin is in need of a radiance boost and your mood is equally as dull, it’s time to reach for the rose!

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (lifeabirdseyeview)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post Everything’s Coming Up Roses appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

Whilst a refreshing Mojito or three may temporarily quench your thirst, it would appear they do nothing for your complexion. Who knew?! (Ok: I knew). Chuck in 35-degree heat, a bout of food poisoning, and bucketloads of chlorine from various swimming pools, and my face was looking a little…well, lived in, shall we say? I’ve heard that up to the age of 35 you get the face you want, and after that you get the face you deserve. Unfortunately, that would appear to be true – my face is as creased as the clothes I brought back from my trip. I certainly look like I had a tough paper-round as a teenager.

So when invited to try The Escential Co’s Dead Sea Mud Mask recently I jump at the chance to pamper my prune-like face; greeting the Amazon delivery guy like a long-lost relative and tearing open the package with glee as soon as I close the front door.

Being something of a beauty nazi, I scrutinise the ingredients list, looking for baddies : parabens, paraffin and petroleum-industry by-products in general are skincare no-nos in my book. This product’s list of contents is fine by me, however; it’s packed with skin-nourishing goodies such as mineral-rich sea silt, kaolin (natural clay), shea butter, natural plant oils, aloe vera, tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), and sodium hyaluronate (a natural skin hydrator).

I whip the jar out of the box for the next test: the fragrance. It’s not a total dealbreaker if the aroma is not my favourite so long as the product delivers on its promises, but this does actually smell good: fresh, clean, earthy, natural.

Happy that it’s ticking the boxes so far, I cleanse my face and slap on a thick layer, avoiding the eyes. You’d think that part was obvious, but having worked in the beauty industry for many years, you’d be amazed what people do with their products:

Customer: “I’d like to return this eye cream, it made my eyes all red and watery.”

Me: “I’m sorry to hear that Madam, could you please explain how you were using it?”

Customer: “Well, I just put this much on (massive blob) and then rub it all over my eyelids and right under my eyes, close to my lashes, like this.” (Vigorously rubs aforementioned blob practically onto her eyeballs).

Me: “Hmmm. I think I can see what the problem is….” (eye cream only goes on the orbital bone, a rice-grain amount patted on using your ring-finger – but I know you know that).

Anyway, I digress. So I scoop out the vitamin-rich mud, which is satisfyingly thick and luxurious, smear it on and relax in the bath with a large Sauvignon (optional; but preferable, I find). The mask feels cool and tingly, and after a while hardens ever so slightly. The thicker the layer, the less it’ll dry, which I prefer. A very thin layer dries more and can crack, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

After 15 minutes, or approximately half a glass of wine, I rinse it off, pat dry, and feel my face with the back of my hand. It’s smooth, glowing and feels plumped, the tingly sensation being the increase in circulation which delivers that much-needed radiance boost. If you have particularly sensitive skin or rosacea you might prefer to focus this product on the t-zone, or leave it on for slightly less time. If you’re prone to reactions, I’d recommend doing a patch test before trying any new product, even those containing natural ingredients like this one.

The clay is great for drawing out impurities (best give me a bucketload of the stuff then!) and the aloe vera soothes and calms. Salicylic acid is great for healing spots (spots and wrinkles?! Yes, dear reader, sadly I have both), and the plant oils nourish dry skin.

My verdict? It’s a thumbs up emoji from me.

My little piece of heaven is a soak in a bubble bath with a pampering face mask and an episode of First Dates, so this little gem will be seeing a lot more bathroom action over the coming weeks, I’m sure. And if I look really rough, I could always just leave it on…

So if you can’t squeeze in a trip to the Dead Sea in the near future, bring the Dead Sea to your house. Whack this mask on your face (and body, if you like), add some Dead Sea Salts to your bath for extra regenerative salty goodness, close your eyes and let your imagination take you there…

Oh, and did you know that the Dead Sea is not actually a sea at all? It’s a lake. You’re welcome. Enjoy!

I have not been paid for this review, nor am I affiliated with the brand in any way. I was simply gifted the product in exchange for an honest review. If I don’t love the product and think you will too I do not write a blog post about it. I am an Amazon Affiliate, which means that if you buy the product through my above links I will receive 10% of the purchase price, which goes towards the running costs of my blog. Thanks!

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (lifeabirdseyeview)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post Need Some Vitamin Sea? The Escential Co. Dead Sea Mud Mask appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

Ha! Thought that’d get your attention.

Whaddya mean, I don’t have a perfect body?! Well, maybe not quiiite yet. But I live in hope. We all do, amiright? And one way I’m going to get that ‘bikini body’ (just saying the words makes me shudder) is by drinking my breakfast, like a good girl. Yes you heard me correctly, I’m going to drink breakfast. No, no, no. Before you pack me off to rehab, I’m not talking gin and tonic in my water bottle to start the day with a smile…although that would certainly spice up my morning commute. No, I’m talking Nutribuddy: an organic blend of oats, flaxseeds, chia seeds, coconut and the flavouring of your choice. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free and vegan – and unlike other shakes I could mention…it’s not taste-free. It’s actually bursting with flavour. High five to that! Did I also mention that it contains no chemical nasties? None whatsoever. Well I never. Aren’t I the virtuous one all of a sudden? Just stick a halo on me and call me an angel. Or something.

Now we all know that us girls can be a little pushed for time in the mornings, eh? I mean, who has time for brekkie when there’s the important matter of transforming from The Beast into a Disney beauty in the space of half an hour or so (or is that just me)? Now, unless you can trade my makeup brushes for a magic wand, I’m gonna need allll the time and tricks of the trade in the bathroom rather than the kitchen. One peek in my house will confirm this – bathroom shelves: groaning, kitchen shelves: empty. Sure, I could skip the makeup and have breakfast…but I’d rather start the day the right way: with lipstick and mascara. Because nothing tastes as good as glamorous feels.

BUT a hungry girl is an angry girl…and so is an ugly one. So I’m going to take one minute each morning to mix three scoops of my Nutribuddy breakfast, mix with 300-400ml of milk, shake it to make it, and voila: breakfast in a flash.

You can use any kind of milk: skimmed…soya…almond is my new fave. Although I still have no idea how they milk an almond?* To be fair, I thought almonds only came in croissants until a week ago.

With Nutribuddy Breakfast I can leave the house feeling and looking my best, with no grumbling tummy that could (will!) leave me reaching for a calorific almond croissant and hot chocolate as I pass by the coffee shop (we’ve all been there – some of us more than others, granted). They know me by name at my local Starbucks, which is never a good thing when it comes to your bottom…or your bottom line (those snacks add up in both calories and money, girlfriend!)

You’ve heard the saying: “Fake it till you make it,” right? Put on your smile, hold your head high and pretend to be confident until one day you just are?

Well my new mantra is: “Shake it till you make it.” I’ll just shake the Nutribuddy in the shaker until I’ve made it (one minute)…then shake my booty until I get the confidence and the (until now) elusive bikini body (okay, this may take sliiiightly longer than a minute, but a girl’s gotta start somewhere, right?).

So I’ll be swerving the sugary morning snacks and shaking it till I make it. Will you?

Watch my Nutribuddy Breakfast vlog below to find out more… (And if you think this attempt is amateur you should see the 27 previous takes. There’s a lot of stuttering, swearing and giggles).

I have not been paid for this article, I was simply gifted the product in exchange for an honest review. I only write about products that I love and feel that my readers would be interested in too. If I don’t totally love a product rather than write a negative review I just won’t review it at all. Should you choose to follow these pink links in this post and buy from Nutribuddy I will receive 10% commission on the total purchase price, which goes towards the running costs of my blog. Thanks!

*SPOILER ALERT: Almond milk is basically made by blending almonds with water. Crazy, huh? If this blows your mind as much as it did mine, watch this. 

Anyway, I’m off to finish my shake – byeeee!

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (Life:ABird’sEyeView)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post Nutribuddy Breakfast: It’s Buddy Delicious! appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

You work hard, right? Hustling for the dollar, day in, day out; working your carefully manicured fingers to the bone. I hear ya, gurl! So you deserve a treat; I couldn’t agree more. Let’s think about that treat for a moment, make it real. What’ll it be: a shiny new make-up compact? A slinky dress? Some new perfume?

Let’s say you decide on a sexy new scent, something to drive your man wiiiild with desire this weekend. It’s Valentine’s Day soon, after all. Let’s run through that little shopping expedition together, shall we? Close your eyes for a moment. I know, I know, you’ll have to open them to read this. Just picture the scene in your mind’s eye then….

So you walk into that chic little boutique, the one with row upon row of expensive designer fragrances. How much do you think that shop-fit cost? Those sleek shelves, twinkling lights, gleaming gold and marble fixtures….

Ok, now go to the shelf. Pick up a bottle of perfume. Feel the weight of the smooth glass in your palm. Those heavy sculpted bottles don’t come cheap you know. Uh oh! Here comes the glamorous shop assistant, ready to list (rather breathlessly, you note) all the reasons why you simply Must. Not. Leave. without buying that fragrance. You eye her appraisingly as she rattles off the features and benefits of the product; expensive haircut, perfect makeup, nice shoes. You paid for those – last month, remember? When you spent half your wages in this very store and she got her bonus.

Right. She’s got you in her grip again. Try to avoid eye contact – she’ll suck you in. But…she does have a point. It is an intoxicating scent. And it’s been created by that famous fashion designer. And…and…and…

Hold on! Stop! Take your hand off your purse. Think about this, for a second. When you wear this fragrance, will anyone see the expensive bottle? Nope, that stays on your bathroom shelf. Will anyone see the triple-figure price tag/designer name/classy boutique? Nope, nein, non. Of course not. Will that glamorous assistant be sashaying down the street alongside you, holding that pricey bottle aloft so that everyone who sees you coming will be aware of your impeccable taste and bottomless bank account? Negative. The only thing that really matters when buying a perfume – or any item really – is the efficacy of the product: does it do what it says on the tin?

In the case of a fragrance, there are only really two main criteria, as I see it: a) does it smell amazing? And b) does it smell amazing for a decent amount of time?
All the rest: the packaging, the advertising, the pretty shop window…it’s all just FLUFF. Sure, it adds to the overall shopping experience. But is it essential to the enjoyment of the product? Of course not. If money is no object, go right ahead and buy your designer fragrance. Knock yourself out! I’m not knocking it; we all love a bit of luxury. But if you want to have money left over at the end of the month rather than the other way around, why not consider Parfen Perfumes?

The brand

Parfen Perfumes was founded in Bulgaria in 1996. The fragrances are completely cruelty-free and vegan, and the minimal, recyclable packaging makes them an ethical and environmentally friendly choice. These eaux de parfums, like so many top quality fragrances, use only the finest French essential oils. These oils are combined in huge vats, or amphoras, at a concentration of 22% for the women’s scent, 18% for men’s, then decanted into plain glass bottles and labelled with the fragrance number. The short video below explains it clearly. By saving money on expensive advertising, packaging and shops, the savings can be passed directly onto you. So you get to smell like a movie star without needing the salary of one. Capiche?

Having worked with luxury fragrances myself for many years, I have a particular interest in fragrance and was curious to know more. I was kindly gifted a set of fragrances to review and when my parcel arrived I couldn’t wait to tear it open and anoint myself in some exciting new scents. Sure enough, the packaging is simple (yet stylish) and although distributed widely across Europe, the only UK outlet is in Reading. So unless you happen to live in the vicinity, you’re going to have to buy it online. But how do you buy a fragrance without smelling it first? Well, there’s a 24/7 online chat facility on the website, where you can tell them your favourite designer scent and the knowledgeable staff can match it to one of the 300 in the collection. Or, if you prefer, you can order samples (25 spritzes per vial, £1.20 each) before you commit to a larger size. Easy peasy.

My choices

I was asked by the brand for a list of my favourite fragrances so that they could hand-pick some from the collection especially for me. The ones I listed were: Essence by Marc Jacobs, Sensuous by Estée Lauder and Peony and Blush Suede by Jo Malone. For men I listed The Scent by Hugo Boss, Wow by Joop and old school classic L’eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake. I was sent a selection of 30ml perfumes including Jasmine and Gardenia, Red Rose and Peony, Black Orchid and Lemon and Ginger. I also received Blackcurrant and Vanilla, Orange and Patchouli, Dark Oud and Pineapple and Birch samples.

The ingredients

The fragrances I received contain mouth-wateringly delicious essential oils such as…

Jasmine and Gardenia: Top notes of bergamot, jasmine, mandarin and orange. Heart notes: gardenia and orange blossom. Base notes: amber, cedar, sandalwood.

Red Rose and Peony: Top notes of freesia, lychee and peony. Heart notes: lily of the valley, magnolia and rose. Base notes: amber and cedar.

Black Orchid: Top notes of jasmine, gardenia, blackcurrant, lemon and bergamot. Heart notes: orchid, spicy notes, lotus flower. Base notes: vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, incense and amber.

Lemon and Ginger: Top notes of nutmeg, bay rose, peppermint, lemon, orange and grapefruit. Heart notes: jasmine, cedar, vetiver, ginger. Base notes: labdanum, patchouli, sandalwood, olibanum.

My favourite

So which is my favourite? Being the girly girl that I am, my current absolute daytime fave from the collection (I’m still working my way through wearing them all!) has to be Jasmine and Gardenia. For evenings I’m wearing the more mysterious Black Orchid. My partner is loving the Lemon and Ginger fragrance. There are also several unisex fragrances in the collection, should you be kind enough to share (hmm, maybe not!).

Staying power

At this concentration the scents are classified as eau de parfum, and will last on the skin for upto 12 hours. Top tip: fragrances last longer on moisturised rather than dry skin, so always apply moisturiser prior to use. If you don’t have time to slather cream on your entire body, just apply a plain or matching moisturising cream to the areas you’ll be spritzing the fragrance onto, so neck, wrists…or wherever you’d like to be kissed ;-). Oh and never rub your wrists together – you’ll crush the delicate notes of the fragrance.

The prices

The fragrances come in three sizes:

30ml: £15.90

50ml: £19.90

100ml: £26.90.

I know – bargain, right?!

(If you prefer a more luxe look, all fragrances can also be purchased in 100ml frosted bottles for £28.90).

So if you want to be able to extend your fragrance wardrobe, and your partner’s, and still be able to afford to actually go out somewhere smelling amazing this Valentine’s Day, choose Parfen Perfumes. The glossy assistant at the designer boutique won’t thank you…

…but your bank account will.

Parfen Perfumes: You know it makes scents. 

I was gifted the products by Parfen Perfumes UK in exchange for an honest review. If you would like to purchase the fragrances for yourself, you can do so via the website (links in text), or via the Amazon links above. Should you buy from Amazon I will receive a small commission (upto 10% of the purchase price) which goes towards the cost of running my blog. 

Since this article was written the UK website has added products to their range from Armina Bio as well as Parfen Perfumes, and as such has been rebranded as Ivy Bloom. The products I have reviewed remain exactly the same; the links will simply redirect to Ivy Bloom.

Follow Ivy Bloom on Facebook and Instagram.

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (Life:ABird’sEyeView)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post Parfen Perfumes: Perfect! appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

In my younger days, I sought out only the party side of Ibiza; I cared little for her yoga-loving, green juice-gulping, incense-burning alter ego. It was as alien to me as little green men in flying saucers. But then, something remarkable happened. I grew up. Or should I say, I grew old. My body started to ache. The parties become less fun when the recovery takes longer than the night itself. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always be a house music-loving club-monster at heart, but I now realise that the secret of a happy clappy clubber is to get the delicate balance just right. Burn the candle at both ends and you’ll soon feel the heat. Years ago, I started working as a natural remedies shop and therapy rooms manager in London, overseeing a retail team of salespeople selling essential oil-based products, as well as managing 30 practitioners offering a wide range of therapies from homoeopathy to kinesiology. It was at that point that my casual interest in alternative therapies was piqued.

So when I was invited to the home of Gemma Espejo Degraph, husband Miguel and their two adorable children, Jaxson and Amelie-Angel (which also forms the base of their practise Electro Reiki Ibiza) to sample the treatments on offer, it was a no-brainer. Which was just as well – having rolled out of the Clockwork Orange party at Sankeys in Playa d’en Bossa a few hours earlier, the sorry remnants of my pickled little brain weren’t exactly firing on all cylinders…

I needn’t have worried. Stepping out of the blisteringly hot sun – eyeballs bulging like bloodshot boiled eggs behind huge fly-eye sunnies – and over the threshold into the crisp coolness of their pretty little Santa Eulalia finca, an instant sensation of relief and calm washes over me. Within minutes, Gemma has me up on her massage table, soothing meditation music tinkling gently in the background, the aromas in her essential oil diffuser tickling my nostrils. Like a Bisto Kid (yes, I’m that old), I follow my nose and inhale deeply as she sets about preparing her tools of the trade…

The Pain Genie, as I discover this gadget is called, is a handheld electronic device that is brushed over various parts of the anatomy, looking for blockages. A bit like a pimped-up Tens machine, it sends an electrical current through the body, “sticking” to areas which require healing. When she finds an injury or blockage, Gemma gently swipes the machine back and forth over it, encouraging energy into the area – thus allowing the body to heal itself. She is able to adjust the settings, so that the sensation is mildly tingly rather than painful; it’s actually a strangely enjoyable experience. Having successfully unblocked some “sticky” areas around my lower back and shoulders, it’s time for an aromatherapy massage. This is the second stage of the trilogy of treatments, and also my favourite.

Having predicted my hangover, Gemma has pre-blended an essential oil combo just for me, incorporating peppermint (for headaches and nausea), lemon (energising) and lavender (for relaxation) in a carrier oil, and sets about kneading my knotty muscles with the miracle potion. This particular treatment is known as the Divine Punishment Cure, and is just what the doctor ordered. It’s just as well I’m face-down on the massage table, I think to myself, as my tired eyes roll back in their sockets. I’m pretty sure I’m also drooling like a dog who’s about to be fed. Not the prettiest of sights! Ever the consummate professional, Gemma ignores my Les Dawson-style gurning and instead concentrates on working her magic on my tight torso and limbs – including my lanky legs which have seized up from dancing in towering heels all night long.

Just when I’m about to nod off, she gently leads me bleary-eyed from the table and onto a squishy bed nearby, where she wraps me in the Healing Health Blanket and swaddles me tightly like a baby. The blanket is lined with reflective metallic material similar to that used in astronauts’ suits, and has undergone extensive research by the Russian Space Program. It protects against potentially harmful electromagnetic fields, and the fabric rustles comfortingly as I cocoon myself in it and have a cheeky disco nap for what feels like seconds, before Gemma gently whispers to me that the thirty minutes in the blanket is up.

Blinking furiously, momentarily dazzled by the daylight like a newborn calf, I tentatively stand once more on my wobbly legs….only to find that they are no longer wobbly at all. The treatment has worked wonders, leaving me feeling like a new woman, ready to take on the world (or at least the Ibizan superclubs) once more. I’m agog and aghast, as I goggle in the mirror at my restored face: my eyes are no longer puffy, my candyfloss head has cleared, and I feel fresh, fierce and ready to fight another day. Gemma has performed a full factory reset; she’s rebooted this old boot. I have to take a moment to physically pat myself down in amazement.

In an ideal world, a trip to Ibiza would include a full 2-week stay, with a party every few days and plenty of R&R in between…but real life isn’t like that, as we all know; it’s more likely to be a flying visit with eight parties in four days. So if you need to fix up quicker than you can turn your malfunctioning iPhone off and on again, contact Electro Reiki Ibiza and allow Gemma’s magic hands to press control-alt-delete and reset your internal hard drive so you can party hard once more…

Electro Reiki is not just for self-inflicted suffering, oh no! It can be used to treat a multitude of ailments, from allergies to arthritis, infertility to depression. It is also used in anti-ageing beauty treatments. Gemma herself was driven to try the treatment by her own desperation to find a cure for the spondylitis that had previously blighted her life. For more information on the wide range of personalised treatments available, follow the Electro Reiki Ibiza Facebook page here, check out the website here or contact Gemma directly at electroreikiibiza@mail.com or on 00 34 626 036 699 or 00 34 971 326 807.

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (Life:ABird’sEyeView)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post Electro Reiki Ibiza appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

1. Glitter and face gems

No self-respecting party girl goes to a festival or Ibiza villa party without at least a smattering of facial sparkles these days, and if you know me IRL you’ll also know that I don’t like to do anything by halves. This little haul is a collection Andy and I (‘cos men like to shine too, yanno!) have built up over recent months from various sources, including Primark and New Look, although my absolute faves for quality and sparkle have to be Dust And Dance and The Gypsy Shrine:

2. Headdresses

Some people are of the view that wearing full-on feather headdresses is cultural appropriation, and disrespects Native Americans. I disagree, although I don’t necessarily fancy a debate about it when I go out partying, so rather than go the whole nine yards with a full-on traditional headdress I have worn a smaller feathered headpiece. If you want to play it safe, this little feathered headband is a gentle nod to the trend without ruffling the feathers of the party-pooper PC-brigade:

3. Feathered accessories

So if you like the idea of adding feathers to your outfit but want to stay away from hats and headdresses, the other option is to add a cute feathered bag or cape, like these fluffy little fellas from Topshop. I just had to get the bag, to be worn cross-body of course, for hands-free raving:

4. Sequins

I’m like a foraging magpie when it comes to all things sparkly, so I’m certainly no stranger to a sequin. This look may not be the height of understated sophistication, but is perfect for a fun day/night (and the next day?) of partying. My recent purchases have been this white irridescent dress from Pretty Little Thing and a bargain mint green one from Zara in the sale. Makeup in complementary shades by Kiko, my newest beauty crush. The Ibiza Nights jacket is from Pink Boutique:

​
5. Metallics

If glitter and sequins are a bit in-your-face bling for your liking, a hint of metallic looks party-ready without requiring sunnies to reflect the glare. Me, I’ll wear glitter, sequins and metallics all in one outfit, but if you prefer a more subtle approach, why not simply add a metallic bag or platform wedges to your usual look? Mine are from LilyLulu online:

I am also crushing on these rather special orange, purple and silver heels from And Other Stories, another fave Regent St haunt of mine (fine for dancefloors, not fields, mind):

Sooo now you’re all dressed up and ready to party like it’s 1999. If things get too hot in all that sparkle, just strip down to your Matthew Williamson bikini (orange of course, seeing as the party I’m attending next is the Clockwork Orange Ibiza weekender) from ASOS and shake what yo’ momma gave ya!

Enjoy!

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (Life:ABird’sEyeView)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post My Festival Festi-haul  appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.