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Makeup Tips: 

Amp up your eyeshadow game: 

Christmas is the perfect time to go bold with your eyeshadow. Think glitter, shimmer, and metallic shades. Not sure how to apply them? You can start by applying a base shadow in a similar shade to your skin tone. Then, use a dampened brush to apply the glitter or metallic shadow on top. This will help the shadow adhere better and give you a more intense colour. You can also use tape to create sharp lines and achieve a perfectly blended look.

Go red with your lips: 

A classic red lip always looks chic and is especially festive for the holidays. If you're new to wearing lipstick, start with a drugstore brand like Maybelline or L'Oreal. For a longer-lasting look, opt for liquid lipstick. My personal favourite is the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick.

Get glowy skin: 

Nothing says "Christmas" like glowing, radiant skin. Start by exfoliating your skin with a sugar scrub to achieve this look. This will help eliminate any dead skin cells and reveal your natural radiance. Then, apply a hydrating face mask and let it sit for 20 minutes. Finally, finish off with a highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bones, and Cupid's bow.

Hair Trends: 

Rock a festive updo: 

If you're looking for a holiday hairstyle that's both chic and practical, consider an updo. You can go for a classic bun or chignon or get more creative with a braided crown or topknot. Remember to add a pretty hair accessory like a sparkly headband or glittery hairpins. When wearing your hair up you definitely want to wear a statement earring to give you a little extra sparkle.

Go for big, voluminous waves: 

Nothing says "party" like big, bouncy waves. To get the look, start by applying a volumizing mousse to your wet hair. Then, use a large barrel curling iron to curl 1-inch sections of hair. Finish off with a texturizing spray for extra body and hold.

Opt for a sleek, straight style: 

If you're not into wearing your hair up, you can still look festive with a sleek, straight style. Simply use a flat iron to achieve a smooth finish, and then add a holiday-inspired hair accessory like a bejewelled clip or headband. The finishing touches always add a little extra at Christmas.

Shopping Advice: 

Give the gift of luxury: 

If you're looking for a luxurious beauty gift, consider something from La Mer or Dior Beauty. These brands offer high-end skincare and makeup products that any beauty lover would adore.

Sign up for beauty subscription boxes: 

Subscription Beauty Boxes are a great gift for someone who loves trying new products. Some of my favourites include Glossybox, Birchbox and Roccabox. 

Find the perfect stocking fillers: 

When it comes to stocking fillers, think small and practical. Beauty-related items like travel-sized skincare products, nail polish, or lip balm make great stocking stuffers. You can also consider beauty tools like tweezers, manicure sets, or hairbrushes.

I hope these tips help you get your beauty on this Christmas! Wishing you all a merry and beautiful holiday season.

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If you are one of those people who always like your nails to look good, whether you regularly have them painted to match your style or you’re simple file and buff kind of girl, you are going to want to check out these top tips for growing and maintaining the healthiest nails yet.

Wash your hands

The cleaner you keep your hands, the healthier you will be in general, we all know this, but what we don’t all realise is that the cleaner your hands are, the healthier your nails will be. Why? Because dirt and grime can get into the nailbeds and cause infections. Not only that, but cleaning and exfoliating will soften cuticles and get rid of dead skin for much more attractive nails overall.

Use collagen supplements

If you want to know why Kollo Health is the UK's leading marine collagen supplement, you need only look at the nails of the people who have used it for 3 months to see the changes it has helped along.This secret ingredient is one thing that can help you to improve the condition of your nails. Collagen supplements might not jump out as the obvious choice for healthy nails but they are great at strengthening them and helping them to grow healthily, so if you don’t get enough collagen in your diet, supplements are a must. A bonus is that you will also see differences in your skin and hair!

File in one direction

When you’re filing your nails into the perfect squoval or square shape, then you should not use your nail file like a saw moving it backwards and forwards. Doing this can weaken the nail so it is more likely to split or break and can cause do more harm than good. Choose one direction and stick with it, simply removing the file from the nail and bringing it back to the start before filing again in the same direction until you have the shape you want and a smooth feel to your nail.

Use a glass nail file

While we’re on the subject of filing your nails, it is far better to use a glass nail file than a traditional emery board, which can snag nails and give them a rougher finish. Glass nail files will smooth and shape without taking their toll on your nail health. Glass nail files are also known to last way longer than emery boards so the fact they are reusable makes them sustainable too.

Trim regularly

Regular trims help to keep nails healthy and manageable, Start by trimming every fortnight and then adjust as needed to maintain your shape, but don’t let them get too long without clipping as this can weaken them causing them to break easily. Creating a stronger nail will ultimately lead to a more healthy looking nail that is free from breakages.

Keep your cuticles

If you are thinking about cutting your cuticles or otherwise getting rid of them, think again! Your cuticles are important because they seal the nail, keeping it free from bacteria and other nasties that can cause problematic infections. If you really would like to trim them make sure they are not cut too short!

Give it a rest

Your nails need a rest from time to time, so if you are someone who loves nail polish and acrylics and extensions, take a rest from them now and again to let your nails “breathe” and recover from any treatments you might have. It's a good idea to allow your nails time without nail polish or acrylic every 8 weeks. This will help to restore them.

When your nails are healthy and strong they are at optimum condition, you don’t have to worry about breakages, and you can even get away with not painting them. Try these tips to start you on your journey of naturally beautiful nails.

Having a baby is one of the most amazing things in the world. Extending your family is beautiful and will completely change the way you live your life. Yet while it is magical, it is also a period of your life when you can feel a bit overwhelmed. You can go from feeling like yourself to being completely consumed by another little human being. Instead of being “you” then you turn into being a Mum and you can feel a bit like you have lost your identity. There is a transition period that needs to happen especially if it is your first time. If you find yourself in a rut and not feeling how you used to, there are some things you can try straight away. Here we take a look at some ways to feel like yourself after having a baby.

Make some time for a pamper day

After going through childbirth and having your new baby, it can be difficult to find five minutes to really relax. Which is where a pamper day can come in. Find a babysitter or leave your other half to look after your baby, grab a friend or head to a local spa on your own. When you are here, book in for a massage and get rid of any tension in your back and shoulders. You can also just take time to swim, relax in a spa or hot tub and read a book away from the distractions of your baby back home. It can really help to reset your mental health. But also just having time alone, to just be, is so important as taking care of a baby is a 24/7 type of job. Relaxing your mind and giving your self a rest will help to make sure you are the best version of yourself when you're with baby.

Take care of yourself

As well as something like a trip to the spa, you should take care of yourself through the little day to day things. This involves trying to have a skincare routine, moisturising with things such as CBD face cream can have relaxing effects (may not be suitable if breastfeeding) and having leisurely baths will give you the self care and relaxation you need. Having pockets of time throughout the day to do things for yourself is so important. Wash your clothes in nice smelling detergent, make yourself a tea and if you have time stretch it to a haircut and manicure. These are all small pamper things that might not seem like it, but they will make a big difference to the way that you feel. Making sure you stick to some of your past routines will help you find a little bit of yourself again.

Arrange some time with friends

Having time with your baby and your husband is all well and good, but sometimes you just need to go out and rediscover the old you. Speak to your best friends and arrange a time that you can spend with them, maybe go out to eat some delicious food or ask them to come over. Not having to worry constantly about baby or even having your friends over while baby is there will help to manage expectations of the new chapter you are about to begin with your friends too. You will feel more free and like yourself and you will also start to see how baby and your new role of motherhood is going to fit into your old relationships.

These are just a few ways that you can help feel like yourself after having a baby. It’s important that you do what you can in order to not lose your identity and remember that while your role is now a Mum, you are still “you” as well. Just doing a few little things for yourself can really help you to feel more like yourself and improve your mental wellbeing. It can be easy to feel 'mum guilt' when you are rediscovering the old you, however it's so important to remember that a happy mum makes a happy baby. What are some things you have done in the past to help after you’ve had a baby? Let us know in the comments below.

Amina xx

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Hi Everyone!

Now the holidays are over and Autumn is in sight it is time to start thinking about ourselves again! As a busy mum, it is hard to find time to focus on yourself, as your days are spent running around after the kids and putting their needs first. Being a parent is an important job, so it is only natural you want to prioritise taking care of your children’s needs. However, now and then, you may find you catch sight of yourself in the mirror and feel like you do not recognise the person staring back at you. It is easy to lose your sense of self when you are a parent, as your priorities tend to shift elsewhere. So, carving out a little time for yourself now and then where you can focus solely on yourself is crucial. Using this time to do all the things that make you feel great is a good idea, and choosing something with a continued impact on how you feel about yourself is the best way to enjoy continued benefits from your me-time.

Autumn is often the perfect time for busy mums to freshen up their style. Not only is the weather changing at this time, but it also brings a slight chill in the air and the chance to pack away those summer clothes until next year. But, the arrival of autumn also means the kids head back to school, and you no longer need to deal with the craziness of keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays. If you are wondering where to get started on freshening up your style for autumn, these 3 quick tips should be a great starting point:

Re-Think Your MakeUp

Playing around with makeup is an effective way to freshen up your style and create an entirely new look for yourself, and also one of the most fun. Trying out different colours and different formulations can make a massive difference and help boost your confidence at the same time. Put away the corals and pink and try to pick out deeper colours like burgundy and mauve. For a on-trend Autumn makeup look click here.

Express Yourself

Expressing your personality through your style is an excellent way to feel more like you every day. I recently got some some new ear piercings and have considered nose piercings before. Reclaiming your individuality is a great place to begin. A piercing is a simple, relatively cheap but effective way of expressing yourself. Booking in and getting your piercing done at a reputable salon is a must though to avoid possible complications. Once your piercing has healed, you may want to swap your nose or ear stud for something that better expresses your sense of style, such as the perfect gold ring instead.  

Refresh Your Wardrobe          

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mother-holding-her-baby-3270224/

Prepare as much as you can.

It’s virtually impossible to ever be 100% ready for a new arrival, but preparing in advance can be hugely beneficial. Taking practical steps like making sure you have a hospital bag packed and ready and you have all the essentials you need to bring your new baby home can help to minimise stress and make you feel calmer and more relaxed after the birth. Get your bedroom and the nursery ready, have family members on standby if you have pets that need looking after and take some time to rest and recharge your batteries. It's important to note however that no matter how much you plan or prepare, things may not always go as expected so be ready to adapt.

Understand that nobody is perfect.

Perhaps the most important lesson to learn when you have a newborn is that nobody’s experience is perfect. Social media and Hollywood films can make life as a family with a tiny bundle look like utter bliss when in reality, it’s a hugely emotional time for everyone involved. There are likely to be highs and lows and the early days of sleep deprivation and adjusting to parenthood can be something of a roller coaster ride. Every parent goes through the same struggles. Even if it seems as though others are sailing through with no metaphorical icebergs to contend with, know that you’re not alone if you have a bad day or you’re so exhausted that you can barely function. Talking to your partner or friend openly can really help if you're struggling and may open you eyes to how amazing you are actually coping. Your mind can play tricks on you, this paired with hormones and being a new mum can really leave you feeling down. But just know you are amazing.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Taking care of a baby is hard work and there is absolutely no shame in asking for help or calling in favours from friends and family. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or accept offers if your mum and dad are keen to sort the washing or clean the house, or you have friends and siblings queuing up to look after the baby while you grab a shower or have a nap. Use your support system to lighten the load. This is beneficial for you and it’s also a great way to encourage bonding between members of your family and close friends and your new addition. People can often want to at like superman and show they don't need help but this is the one time in your life where you don't need to act strong. Take all the help you can get.

Ask for expert advice if you’re worried.

Taking responsibility for a newborn can be incredibly daunting, especially if you’re worried that something is wrong. If you are concerned about your health, or your baby has started crying more than usual, or they seem unsettled or won’t feed, ask for advice. There are simple solutions you can try like colic tea for tummy troubles and adjusting breastfeeding positions for more comfortable, productive feeds, but in some cases, you may need additional help or treatment. It’s always best to get checked out or consult a midwife or your GP if you are worried. No matter how small the concern it always better to be safe than sorry.

Rest as much as you can.

Almost every parent will regale tales of sleepless nights when they talk about the first few weeks or months with their baby. As a new mum, it’s important to be prepared for sleep deprivation and disrupted nights and to rest as much as possible when you get the chance. Try to nap while your baby sleeps, ask others to help out so that you can rest in the knowledge that your baby is safe and don’t try to do too much too soon. Take it steady and let yourself recover from the birth mentally and physically. Be prepared to completely change your routine to suit the baby's.

Try to avoid putting pressure on yourself

Many of us approach parenthood with a rose-tinted vision, which makes us put pressure on ourselves and our partners. We have a perception, and if life doesn’t live up to that ideal, we can get frustrated and upset. Try to avoid putting pressure on yourself when you have a baby. Give yourself time to adjust, be kind to yourself, recognise that you can only do your best and go with the flow. Some people have amazingly positive experiences during the first few weeks, while others really struggle. Everyone is different. If you are finding it tough, try to identify and avoid triggers. You may want to stay off social media or minimise social contact for a while if seeing people makes you anxious or going on social apps makes you feel like you’re failing. You can only do your best and if you need help, advice or support, there are people there to make life easier. 

Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/parents-looking-at-their-baby-3584088/

The early days as a new mum can be confusing, daunting, nerve-racking and amazing all at once. If you are expecting, or you’ve recently given birth, hopefully, this guide will help you navigate your way.

Image Credit: Chenspec from Pixabay.

Do you know how to look after your mental health? Some of the obvious ways may pop into your mind, including:

• Practicing self-care.

• Doing things you enjoy.

• Seeing a therapist or taking medication, as needed.

These can all be simple effective ways to look after yourself. However sometimes a little bit more is needed. Getting yourself into good routines is a great starting point. But if you are feeling especially low then doing things to distract yourself can also be really helpful. Things such as, taking a walk, listening to music, doing some exercise, having a glass of water or even practising meditation have all been successful for me. Some things require more attention and I have noticed three areas which can have a big impact on mental health and would like to look at them a little deeper.

1. Look After Your Body

Looking after your body helps with your mental health more than you’d think. Eating right and exercising aren’t the only ways you can do this.

There are several ways to do so, including:

• Getting enough sleep.

• Drinking enough water.

• Avoiding smoking/drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

These are basics for mental health, making sure the body is working optimally helps the brain to work optimally. However sometimes no matter how much effort we put into our physical health some people can still have issues with this. For example with the link between body dysmorphia and plastic surgery . Body image can be a very detrimental factor when it comes to mental health as our expectations don't always live up to reality or societies standards. To help this I would limit social media and really focus on the goodness your body provides you. I myself having had three children can now appreciate my stretch marks a little more as they have provided me with such a gift.

2. Break Up Monotony

Having a routine can often be recommended. It can make you feel safe and secure. It can also lead to monotony, however.

Over time, this can impact your mental health. While you should still have a routine in place, you should aim to break up the monotony.

Plan things spontaneously. These can be one-offs or something that you decide to do relatively regularly. More than making plans spontaneously though, just make plans. Make sur you always have something in your diary that you can look forward to and enjoy.

You wouldn’t need to go too extravagant with these plans either. Instead, the focus should be on something that makes you feel happy, it could be as simple as a solo coffee date or a meal out with friends..

It’ll not only improve your mood, but help relieve any boredom or complacency you may be feeling.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Many peoples’ mental health can suffer because they feel as though they’re not accomplishing anything in their life. That could be financially, academically, professionally, and more.

Setting goals for yourself can help with this. If you already have these, then making sure they’re realistic is vital.

Should they not be realistic, then you might find it hard to achieve or or near impossible to achieve them, which can negatively impact your mental health. Adjusting your goals and putting a plan in place to achieve them is highly recommended.

Not only will this help your mental health, but you’ll be better able to achieve your goals. It could be worth having an overall aim broken down into smaller easier to achieve steps. Small and steady will help you to achieve your goals.

Though that could mean taking more time to achieve them, your mental health will be better for it.

How To Look After Your Mental Health: Wrapping Up

Figuring out how to look after your mental health can be overwhelming. It doesn’t need to be as difficult or complex as you’d expect. You have multiple options available and hopefully this article can act as a starting point. Determining what works for you can take time, although it’s more than worth spending time on it. Your mental health is key to your happiness so it is about time you started investing in it.

1. Create themed dinners 

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An effective way to build excitement about family mealtimes is to create theme-styled meals for dinner. Not only does it allow you to explore new meals, but you can also lower the pressure of thinking about dinner ideas every night. Moreover, your family can be involved in the decision process, further heightening their anticipation. Fortunately, there are several meal themes you can choose from, so you can be sure that you wouldn’t run out of ideas.

For instance, you can opt for a Meat free Monday if you enjoy vegetarian meals or a Taco Tuesday to incorporate some Mexican food into your weekly routine. It’s best to plan for the week by picking 7 themes to get the most out of your themed dinners. If you’re concerned that it may get boring to repeat the same themes weekly, feel free to spice it up by mixing them up or having a two week schedule that is rotated. Also, the internet is loaded with different and exciting themes, so feel free to utilize this useful tool. 

2. Schedule your mealtimes 

Are you looking to build consistency regarding mealtimes? If yes, creating a schedule is the way to go. Indeed, your busy schedules may tempt you to skip mealtimes for takeouts or restaurant meals. However, a meal schedule can help you stick to your resolve to eat at home. Moreover, this makes everyone aware of what to expect and cancel other plans if necessary. As a tip, factor in your regular activities to determine what time you can cook without interruption. For instance, if you can’t cook meals on Tuesday nights, you can batch cook meals before hand and freeze them or prepare food which will last over two days rather than one so there is left overs. Likewise, prepping your ingredients in advance can also ensure that you can cook easily at the scheduled times, so keep this in mind. 

3. Try new recipes 

Sticking to the same food plan helps you maintain healthy eating habits while maintaining your calorie intake. Moreover, you avoid dinner panics and the trap of ordering takeouts to make up for not planning dinner. However, preparing the same meals repeatedly can become bring over time, defeating the purpose of making mealtime more exciting. What’s more, you may be missing out on nutritional content found in various meals you don’t consume. Research also indicates that lower good bacteria diversity was linked to abdominal fat and obesity, and eating diverse meals can increase this diversity. Therefore, you want to include new recipes in your meal plan if you haven’t already. 

For instance, a simple potato leak soup recipe is a cost-effective yet satisfying meal to spice up your dining table. You can also source recipes from different cultures that you haven’t tried before, like Mediterranean-style and oriental dishes. As a tip, include one or two new foods weekly for the best results. However, ensure that your family actually enjoys it before adding it to your routine, this will avoid waste and an unpleasant dining experience. 

4. Keep your meals simple

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