Health

Friday 13 October 2017

REVIEW || OPTREX ACTIMIST 2 IN 1 SPRAY FOR DRY AND IRRITATED EYES


How annoying can dry eyes get? As a constant glasses and contact lens wearer, I find it very difficult to keep my eyes moist and ready for the day. I have naturally quite dry eyes and as you can imagine staring at a screen all day long will hurt my eyes twice as much because of how dry they get. Another annoying thing is that I wear quite a lot of eye makeup nearly every day, so when it comes to using eye drops it's a no-go as I don't want my makeup to run down my face. So, when I was sent to try out the Optrex ActiMist for dry and irritated eyes I was super excited to try it out and see if it will work well.

Brian Tompkins who is one of the UK's top optometrists says: 
While ‘Screen Eyes’ symptoms are often mild, having irritated or gritty eyes can be a nuisance and disruptive when you’re trying to go about your day. I find that sufferers don’t link dryness or soreness to staring at their screen or recognise that it could be exacerbating their symptoms. The first step we should take as eye health practitioners is to educate people about ‘Screen Eyes’ and help them both recognise the symptoms and manage them. There is currently a lot of confusion on this topic.”

The bottle is very handy, it's small and not an awkward shape which makes it easy to carry around - even if you want to pop it in your coat pocket or clutch bag on a night out. I was sort of expecting it to look more like a nasal spray but I'm glad it comes in a cute little bottle!


Now, the instructions advise to use it on bare eyes, but you should familiarise yourself with the instructions where you will find that it is okay to use it on top of makeup but be sure to use a good eyeshadow primer as you don't want it to run! I use it in the morning and at night before bed, and anytime my eyes feel very dry and need a moisture boost.

The smell, on the other hand, is very different from what I expected it to be. I thought it'll smell like a usual glasses cleaner or something along the lines but it actually is sort of scentless but reminds me slightly of the 1 calorie cooking oil spray hahaha! I mean, it's not a bad thing but that's what I familiarise it with.


Overall, I do enjoy using this product and feel like it does help relieve my eyes after a long day of staring at a screen and reading seminar papers. I would recommend it to makeup wearers especially, as it comes in a lot handier than regular eye drops.

*This post contains a PR sample.

Are you a glasses/contact lens wearer? Would you try this mist?

Lots of love,
Maya xo

Friday 21 July 2017

CHEAP AND HEALTHY SNACKS THAT WILL STOP YOUR CRAVINGS


So, you've clicked on this post and now you're wondering what snacks can be 1. yummy, 2. healthy, and 3. cheap all at the same time? Well sit back and relax hun, because you're in for a treat (no pun intended)! I usually do my food shopping in Tesco as it's close to my workplace and house, but since I'm moving to a new place in September my closest shop will be Aldi (I'm very happy about this). As you can see, these things were all bought at Aldi on my recent trip for some vegetables but as you can see the trip took a different turn and I ended up buying some goodies - #NoRegrets.


Ever since trying Popchips for the first time in my life this year (and loving them obviously), and hearing from many influencers that Aldi does a cheaper version I had to try some out. They come in two flavours - BBQ and Sour Cream & Chive - the BBQ are my and Kieran's favourite, and at only £1.29 they're a bargain! Aldi's Pop Outs are made with a lot less fat and are actually a healthy alternative to regular crisps so you can still enjoy yourself and indulge in some heavenly crisp sandwiches.


Talking about a crisp heaven, I came across these sweet chili gluten free rice cakes which are AMAZING. I've always been a big fan of rice cakes and usually tend to go for slightly salted rice cakes or plain with a bit of peanut butter to taste but these are great on their own as either a lunchtime or late-night snack. As I mentioned above, these are also gluten free so anyone can enjoy them! - they also come in a few different flavours but this one sounded the most appetising to me, and at only 79p per packet you cannot go wrong!

I used to be obsessed with peanut butter but since literally over-dosing on it a couple of years ago I stopped buying it and would only have it on special occasions. When I came across this wonderful jar of Wholenut Smooth Peanut Butter which has no added sugar, I had to buy it. It's great on toast, mixed in a smoothie or protein shake, with porridge - the combinations are endless! It tastes very nutty which I personally love and know that even Kieran will eat it if it's mixed in with his food! I believe this only cost me £1.29 on offer with the usual price being around £1.50 which s still very affordable.


Cacao powder was on my shopping list for a while but I wasn't going to buy any until we had settled in our new flat but seeing it in Aldi for only £1.99 I had to buy it - come on now! It only has 37 calories per 10 grams which is pretty good, especially if you like to add it to unflavoured protein or porridge. I bought it to make a healthier version of brownies or granola bars that taste good so my little brother and sister can enjoy them as well as the adults.


I feel like I've saved the best 'til last! These are honestly the best brownie bars I have ever tried and believe me when I say I've tried a LOT 😳 They are gluten free, soya free, vegetarian, and it says milk free so I guess they're also vegan? But make sure you check the ingredients list before you buy them as they may contain some traces of animal produce. It's like they're a cheaper version of the Nakd bars which are pricey but oh-so-delicious! I believe these only cost £1.49 for 3 bars so it comes up to 50p per bar which for a healthy snack is fantastic - my university sells a piece of fruit for 80p so I'd much rather stock up on these and carry a packet around in my handbag to snack on inbetween lectures for an instant energy boost.

Have you tried any of the snacks I mentioned above? Did any of them tickle your fancy? I know for a fact that I'll be getting some more of these during our weekly food shop as you can't go wrong with tasty, healthy AND cheap snacks like these.

Lots of love,
Maya xo

Monday 12 June 2017

HOW I TAKE CARE OF MY DRY, SENSITIVE AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN


My skin has had its ups and downs recently, it gets especially bad around that time of the month. I started using new skincare products along with my old ones and I've really noticed a difference in my skin. Having combination skin consisting of an oily t-zone, dry patches, acne and being sensitive to a lot of products, makes it a lot harder to take care of.

I've been after a good exfoliating brush for a long time, and while a lot of people tend to go for the Clarisonic one I bought the Rio one for only around £13 from Asda! It was a great buy as it works really well and removes all the dirt from my skin after a long day of wearing makeup.

The Regime London Deluxe Collagen tablets have been my lifesaver during the winter months when my skin is feeling extra dry and my nails are breaking. I think it's a great supplement for those who are a bit lazy when it comes to skincare and want to look youthful with minimal effort.


One of my all-time favourite products to cleanse is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner, as it purifies very well without leaving an oily residue on my face. I find that majority of toners don't clean well but spread dirt around - especially in the t-zone.


My recent additions to the skincare family include the Buff&Butter Tea Tree and Olive Squalane oils which are great for my skin type. I use the Tea Tree to combat spots as it dries them out and has healing properties, on the other hand, the Olive Squalane is fantastic for dry skin and leaves my face feeling like a baby if I leave it on overnight!

Ever since I bought the Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque I've been in love with it. I try to use it once to twice a week as I feel that it clears my pores so well as if I have had a facial done! If I were to recommend any face masks, it'll definitely be this one - don't be put off by the price as it is worth it and lasts a long time.

MAC's Mineralise Charged Water is great for those wanting an effective primer/setting spray but suffer from dry skin. It helped my skin look a lot dewier the past few weeks of owning it.


The biggest impulse buy was the Opatra Gentle Exfoliating Gel which I bought for £20 at the Clothes Show in Birmingham last year. I feel like it works well for getting rid of dead skin cells however, I do find it hard to believe that it isn't the product itself that is creating a shedding effect... Either way, I feel like it does something to my skin which I guess is a good thing haha!


Decleor honestly makes the most gorgeous bottles of serums. I got given this set by my mum and I must say it's great for the warmer days. The small size means it's easy to travel with and I know for a fact that I will be taking this whole set with me on my holiday to Rome.

What is your current skincare routine? Have you tried any of the products that I'm currently using?

Lots of love,
Maya xo

Wednesday 7 June 2017

HOW TO STAY FEELING HEALTHY THIS SPRING WITH HELLO DAY


This Spring has been a weather roller coaster. From gorgeous sunny days to miserable rainy ones, it feels like England will never settle! I'm one of those people who's moods change depending on the weather - I feel super productive and happy on sunny days, and down and lazy on rainy ones! So, when I heard about the Hello Day Spring Box I was very excited to try it out for myself to keep on top of my mood swings!


I love the box itself, it's so pretty and screams 'Spring'. The colourful butterflies make it a great decoration for Spring time. I wasn't expecting the box to be as big as it was,  I was happily surprised as it's easy to store and useful to store medicine/supplements inside once open.


The Hello Spring box comes as a seasonal kit (there are also Summer, Autumn and Winter boxes available), containing 4 coordinated food supplements to improve your health and wellbeing. The Spring Box comes with Vitality Balance, Circulation Activate, Digestion Detox, and Libido Stimulate (ikr). I was really keen to try out the Detox sticks which you dilute in water the most as I have recently been trying to lose weight and tone up, and what's a better way to start than have a full on body detox?



Both, Digestion Detox and Circulation Active come in a form of 'sticks' which contain the product in powder that needs to be diluted in a glass of water and best taken during lunch. The Digestion Detox is formulated with Fennel which helps support a healthy appetite and aids the digestive tract to detox. Like I've mentioned above, I was very excited to try this one out as I feel like I've definitely put on some weight over Winter, and I find that this product works well but I don't like the taste of it so as soon as I drank it, I follow it up by a full glass of water to wash down the taste!
On the other hand, the Circulation Active sachets contain Red Vine Leaf and Blackcurrant Berries (much more tasty) which help improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure naturally - my dad would love this. For best results this should be taken before dinner diluted in a glass of water - it's a pre-dinner treat due to its sweet taste!


The Libido Stimulate tablets - not a very well spoken topic on this blog, helps to reduce fatigue, promote desire (yup) and restore positive wellbeing. This little one is formulated with Magnesium and Maca Root which are the key ingredients for supporting sexual function in men and women, and has best effects when taken after dinner.
Last but not least, the Vitality Balance are great multivitamins combining Magnesium and Siberian Ginseng to reduce tiredness while strengthening mental and physical energy (yes please). This one can be taken whenever with a glass of water to help keep it down but I like to take mine in the morning with my breakfast to start the day off nice and fresh!


Overall, I'm very happy with my Hello Spring box, I'd love to try the other boxes available throughout the year to see if there would be a visible difference. I do have to say that I feel more energised and less bloated thanks to these supplements and following a healthy diet.

You can buy a Hello Day Box for £69.00 here, or download the free Hello Day app from the App Store or Google Play to manage your health and wellbeing.

*The Hello Day Spring Box was sent for me to review, all opinions are honest and my own!

Have you tried a Hello Day seasonal box? 

Lots of love,
Maya xo

Wednesday 28 December 2016

RECIPE || QUICK AND EASY ROCKY ROAD






As most of you will already know, I've got a massive sweet tooth. I love anything to do with chocolate - whether it's solid or liquid haha - but one of my all time favourites has to be Rocky Road.

I didn't research any recipes for this as I know that many people like to put either raisins, nuts or jelly tots in there. I'm all about the chocolate chips and marshmallows!!

Ingredients:
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate Chips
- Digestive Biscuits
- Milk Chocolate 

Method:
- Take a few biscuits and crush them in a bowl
- Add the chocolate chips and marshmallows to the bowl with crushed biscuits
- Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl on the stove
- Pour the melted chocolate in the biscuit mixture and mix 
- Empty the bowl in a square dish
- Leave to cool
- Serve!

That's how easy and quick this recipe is! So if you have guests coming over and want to whip some dessert up quickly without putting too much effort in then here you go! This is also a great treat for the little ones, and perfect for lunch boxes!

What's your favourite pudding?

Lots of love,
Maya xo
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