New cook books (mostly gluten free)...

I Quit Sugar for Life - Diabetes is high in my family and as I have Coeliac Disease (which is linked to diabetes) I want to try and prevent it if I can through my diet. I read about this book online and then went into Waterstones to see if they had it, I like to see a book before I buy it.  This book is beautifully laid out and has lots of delicious recipes which try and eliminate all the extra sugar.  Throughout this book there are well researched facts which help you to pick the best ingredients and the best items which are good for your body.  I have only flicked through this book so far and I can tell it's going to be one of my favourite cooking/reference books to reach for. To note - this book isn't gluten free but as I have been on the gf diet for 5 years now I know what to substitute to make it gf.

Simply Gluten-free & Dairy Free - This is a book I had eyed up when in Waterstones, the front cover picture alone had me hooked so when I seen it online for a better price I of course had to buy it.  For me I feel that dairy products make me feel bloated, I haven't cut it out of my diet completely but I would like to reduce my intake and find better substitutes.  I've started to buy the lactose free cheese and I actually prefer it to 'normal' cheese.  I can't wait to start making some of these recipes to learn how decrease the amount of diary I consume.

Flourless - being on a gluten free diet can be restricting so when it comes to desserts I love being able to make scrumptious options so I don't feel left out, most of the time people don't even realise what they are eating is gluten free, that usually means it's a really good dessert.  I've never made any flour free desserts yet but I've read reviews about flourless chocolate

Seriously good gluten free cooking - I've grown up watching Phil Vickery (one of my mum's favourites) so when I seen that he had a gluten free book I of course had to have a look and then ended up buying it.  The recipes seem simple enough to follow which is what I like in a cook book:)

The Reboot Juice diet recipe book - I have been looking for this book ever since I watched the documentary that coincides with it 'Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead'.  This man Joe Cross was getting fed up with his lifestyle and health issues so went onto a juice diet along with doctors monitoring his health at all times.  Below is a synopsis of the programme (it's on Netflix):

'He trades in the junk food and hits the road with juicer and generator in tow, vowing only to drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice for the next 60 days. Across 3,000 miles Joe has one goal in mind: To get off his pills and achieve a balanced lifestyle.

While talking to more than 500 Americans about food, health and longevity, it's at a truck stop in Arizona where Joe meets a truck driver who suffers from the same rare condition. Phil Staples is morbidly obese weighing in at 429 lbs; a cheeseburger away from a heart-attack. As Joe is recovering his health, Phil begins his own epic journey to get well.

What emerges is nothing short of amazing – an inspiring tale of healing and human connection.
Part road trip, part self-help manifesto, FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD defies the traditional documentary format to present an unconventional and uplifting story of two men from different worlds who each realize that the only person who can save them is themselves.'

After he ended his 60 days it showed that all his health issues had pretty much disappeared and he slowly introduced healthy food items back into his diet.  I would never go onto a juice diet (unless for health reasons) but I enjoy having a smoothie or fresh juice for breakfast or an in-between meal option .  This book was only £3.99 in The Works (which is online as well), they had it in their sale items.  To note - this book isn't gluten free but as I have been on the gf diet for 5 years now I know what to substitute to make it gf.

My favourite places to buy books is either The Works, The Book People or Amazon.

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Duty free shopping spree...

Benefit cheeky sweet spot box o' blushes set

Clarins vanity travel set

Benefit b.right Triple Performing Moisturising Facial Emulsion SPF 15

Clarins Instant light lip perfector set

Clinque superbalanced foundation

Estee Lauder double wear light

I was invited to a duty free night by a friend, not only did this mean I was able to buy all these beauty items at the duty free price but there was an extra 25% off! I had to really control my spending which was very hard... but all the above products for around £85, such an amazing saving.  Next year I will definely be taking a list.

I am so happy with all these products, I've only used the Estee lauder foundation and the Clarins eyeshadows.  When I wore these products for the first time I got compliments from work colleagues.  

Have you tried any of the above products?:)

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Early Christmas Spirit with The Body Shop Advent Calender...

Okay everyone how adorable is the packaging for this years Body Shop Advent Calender! This has truly got me excited for Christmas as of course I can't wait to start opening it:)

It is £50 and includes all of the below products:

Almond Hand and Nail Cream 30ml
Almond Nail File
Frosted Cranberry Heart Soap 25g
Frosted Cranberry Shower Gel 60ml
Frosted Cranberry Shimmer Lotion 60ml
Eye Definer Black 1g
Strawberry Heart Soap 25g
Strawberry Lip Butter 10ml
Strawberry Hand Cream 30ml
Colour Crush™ Nail Colour 6.8ml (Relish the Moment)
Glazed Apple Heart Soap 25g
Glazed Apple Body Lotion 60ml
Vitamin E Moisture Cream 15ml
Vitamin E Moisture Mask 6ml
Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream 15ml
Moringa Shower Gel 60ml : Moringa Body Milk 60ml
Mini Crinkle Lily
Honeymania™ Lip Balm 10 ml
Wild Argan Oil Body Lotion 60ml
Eyeshadow Brush
Shea Shower Cream 60ml : Shea Body Butter 50ml
White Musk® Eau de Toilette 10ml

I love the fact that not only do The Body Shop not test on animals but they also are involved in a wide number of charitys.  Money from certain gifts (this advent calender is one) are going towards the charity War Chid which will pay for a child to attend a class:)

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Lush goodies unwrapped...

I finally caved in and went into Lush and treated myself to all these lovely goodies.

Golden Wonder bath bomb

Candy mountain bubble bar - I broke a bit off the top of this to add a little extra to a bath I was running:)

Twilight bath bomb

Dashing Santa bath bomb

Christmas Eve bubble bar

Cinders bath bombs - these are probably my all time favourite bath bombs as I just love cinnamon 

I also bought the butterbear bath bomb but I've already used it:)

What's on your Lush wish list?

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The Body Shop sale haul...

Okay I know this looks a little crazy but when I tell you how much I got all this for you will be amazed! The Body Shop were having a crazy sale last week with a code for money off sale items as well. I was able to get all this for £22.20 including postage... now how could I not buy it?!?

£1.80 each

£1.80 each

£3.00 each

This is what the blueberry body scrub looks like, it reminds me of raspberry or strawberry jam. Looks good enough to eat!

The Body Shop are still having a sale so I would suggest having a look on their website as their products never disappoint:)

Have you bought anything from The Body Shop recently?

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Lush buys...

It was my birthday last week and I received a lush gift voucher. Of course I had to immediately go and spend it. I keep my lush bath bombs etc in this soap & glory tin to keep them fresh and to keep any moisture out. I wanted to try Lush products that I've never used before, so I bought the following:

~Lush Sugar Scrub - £2.95 each - this contains: lavendar, ginger, fennel & sugar. I bought two of these as I love using scrubs so will probably use them up quickly.

~Big Blue bath bomb - £3.25 each - this contains: seaweed, sea salt, lemon oil  lavendar oil. I love the lush ocean salt scrub which has a similar smell to this, nice and fresh.

~Butter ball bath bomb - £2.50 each - this contains cocoa butter, ylang ylang oil, sodium bicarbonate. I bought two of these and have used one already, the oil disperses in the water and leaves your skin very soft. 

Have you used any of these products before?:)

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ZARA sale delivery....

I love online shopping as it feels like you're getting a present every time you get one delivered. I love opening the items and seeing how they compare to the online pics.

I was very good this time and only bought two things, however there is a ZARA very close to my work so there's still time to look through more sale items.  This lovely grey bag for £12.99 & this gorgeous printed skirt for £12.99, it's now down to £9.99! This skirt is a stretchy material which makes it really comfy.

I just had to do a close up as I'm in love with this bag, it's just the perfect size!  It has a pouch at the front, one inner zip & a nice sized strap. Unfortunately I can't find it online to link it for you:(

I'm very happy with my items, and would suggest that you have a look a their sale items, you'll not be disappointed.

Have you bought anything from the Zara sale?

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I'm back with a Sheinside haul...

Hi all, I'm back after taking a break from my laptop at Easter.  A couple of weeks ago I watched a few youtubers who had recently been sent items from Sheinside, of course I quickly went on and had a look to see what I could buy.  I usually go straight to the sale section on any website as I am a complete bargain hunter. I always wear blouses with jeans or tucked into skirts and I found a lot to choose from on this site!  

From left to right I bought:

~ White Batwing Short Sleeve Birds Print T-Shirt which was £5.89.

~ White Long Sleeve Polka Dot Epaulet Blouse which was £13.38. 

~ Beige V Neck Long Sleeve Birds Print Blouse which was £11.89.

~ Black Long Sleeve Leaves Print Dipped Hem Blouse which was £10.11.

I placed the order on the 7th of April and received it on the 22nd of April... 15 days later. When I opened the packaging I straight away noticed the poor quality of the items,threads hanging out and bad stitching.  These four items came to a total of £36.25 which included a 20% off code.  As you can see they have lovely prints on them and I do love the shape of these blouses however I think I could have got similar items on ASOS for the same price and better quality. 

Have you bought anything from Sheinside... if so what did you think of your items?

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Gluten free snacks...

Five years ago I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease, this means I have to stick to a strict gluten free diet.  I had been sick most of my life and the doctors I went to were basically useless and never sent me for any tests. It was only when I moved to a new doctor that they couldn't believe I had been left unseen and not knowing what was wrong with me.  I was then sent to see consultants who immediately knew it was coeliac disease by the gastroscopy test. 

I never enjoyed bread, even when I was a child I can remember my mum trying to force me to eat pancakes as she thought I was just a fussy eater and the doctors didn't tell her otherwise (quite a funny story to tell people now).  If I accidentally eat products containing gluten I get violently ill and it takes a few days for me to feel better again.   Some people who have Coeliac don't seem to get as severe side affects but it is still doing damage to their bodies, not sticking to your gluten free diet can lead to possibilities like bowel cancer. People ask me if I miss eating 'normal' products and they feel bad when I'm out and can't eat certain things, my mind tells me not to eat those products and therefore I don't seem to crave gluten food.

Below are some things I would have in work or on the go when I can't find anything that is gluten free.

Urban Fresh Dried Mango Slices & Urban Fresh Dried Pineapple these have recently been revamped and are very nice, I like putting handfuls of these into snack bags and putting them into my handbag.

Having Coeliac means that sometimes you can get an upset stomach so I enjoy drinking a peppermint tea after meals as it helps your digestive system.  Having Coeliac also means you are at higher risk of catching colds/flu's and feeling run down as it's an autoimmune disease. I try and take a echinacea & raspberry tea every day as echinacea helps with your immune system. 

It can be hard to figure out what to have for lunch, I usually bring in left-overs from the previous nights dinner.  If I sometimes forget lunch I usually like to eat rice cakes with banana or some organic peanut butter on them, they are actually quite filling.   

Bananas are always a good food to have as they release energy slowly and are a great snack for in between meals.  If I'm having a craving for chocolate I enjoy eating these Kelkin chocolate covered rice cakes. I now and again buy these 9 bars which have all natural ingredients which give an energy boost, they are quite big so I tend to half them, the peanut flavour is my favourite.

At the weekends I enjoy having rice cakes with cheese and piccolo cherry tomatoes on the top, these are so delicious!

You can never go wrong with yoghurt and fruit when you are feeling peckish, natural yoghurt is my favourite then I usually add fruit to it.

For breakfast I sometimes have natural yoghurt with banana in it, this is so yummy and very filling.

At the minute this is my favourite bar to eat in the morning in between breakfast in lunchtime.

Does anyone else have Coeliac Disease, if so I would look to see what you all like to snack on:)

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Top 5 skincare products under £10

These are my top 5 highstreet/drugstore skincare items which are all under £10. My skin can be very dry/sensitive and oily at times and all of these really help to keep my skin under control.

Number 1 on my list is of course the very well known Oilatum at £7.65 from Boots.  List is the best face cream for sorting out the dryness around my nose area.  It also leaves the rest of my skin feeling nourished and glowing.

Number 2 is the Simple age resist night and day creams.

Number 3 is another wee cheat Olay Regenerist Night Renewal Elixir when you order it online from allbeauty.com (my all time fav online store for beauty) it's (was) under £10 but retails at £29.99. I use this every night before I use my simple night cream.

                                                      

Number 4 is my trusted Superdrug Deep Action Pore cleansing nose strips, these are the only nose strips that actually work for me.  I know this is disgusting but I like to see the results on the strip when I pull it off (feels so good!lol)

Number 5 is the Eau Roma Water toner from Lush. This to me is the best toner for dry skin!  It has rose and lavender in it which makes it calming to the skin and leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Whats everyone else's favourite under £10 products?:)

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