How to follow

Hey I thought I would write a quick post because a few people have said to me they don't really get how to follow my blog.. All you do is click the 'Join this site' on the right hand side, then type in your hotmail/gmail/yahoo address.

That's it!

J

Ully x

Dr. Organic ~ Best natural beauty products range

I have just discovered the Dr. Organic range and simply must tell you about it. Having finally finished the never ending sulfate-packed John Frieda volumising shampoo and conditioner a bought about a lifetime ago (I have a thing where I have to finish something before I buy a new one) I was excited to go out and look for some products with all natural ingredients that would nourish my hair rather than strip it of life and lustre. First stop Boots and Superdrug. Disappointed. On my way home walked past a Holland & Barrett...



On the back wall, lo and behold - the Dr. Organic range! As you can see, the choice is quite extensive and it took me a good while to figure out what it was I wanted. The different ranges have different predominant ingredients, including olive oil, coconut, royal jelly, manuka honey, aloe vera, pomegranate, rose otto, vitamin E, lavendar, tea tree, dead sea mineral, and snail jelly. (Yes, snail jelly. Not a typo). Each range has both hair and skin products, different active ingredients having different benefits, therefore there should be something for everyone. All are sulfate-free, rich in antioxidants and nutrients and I thought I would give  a brief description of what each one is good for:

For dry skin and hair - go for olive, coconut, or argan oil ranges. These are rich in natural oils and essential fatty acids (EFA's) to help nourish, moisturise and rejuvenate

Oily skin and hair - tea tree, pomegranate, aloe vera. These won't add any excess oils like those above and help to restore natural oil levels

Anti-wrinkle - royal jelly, snail jelly, rose otto, pomegranate. As well as a good moisturiser, these have anti-aging properties for tired skin

Sensitive or blemished skin - manuka honey, lavendar, aloe vera, tea tree. These have soothing properties and tea tree is a natural antibacterial.

Relaxing and cleansing - dead sea mineral for ultimate home spa experience

Repairing and protecting - vitamin E and manuka honey. These help repair damaged cells, rich in restorative amino acids and antioxidants

My hair is very fine, gets dry and easily breaks. Not ideal when you are trying to grow it long... so I went for the Vitamin E shampoo and the Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner. The shampoo will help to strengthen and protect the hair, while the conditioner is the repairing and moisturising. I have used it twice now and found my hair is very soft and smooth, I love it!

 

I can't wait to try some of their skin products too, been eyeing up those anti-wrinkle creams (just need to finish the pot of Clinique I have!)

 

Ully x

 

Bondax - All I See (Darius Remix)

Oral-B Pro Upgrade ~ and don't forget to floss!

Since I last wrote about the Pro Expert Whitening toothpaste (see earlier post), Oral B have come out with an even better whitening toothepaste! Let me present - Oral-B 3D White Luxe...

In my previous post I told you that Oral-B have a patent on a type of fluoride that is one of a kind in that it whitens and strengthens at the same time (not many people know this, I happened to live with three dentists in my final year). A good scrub and a rinse with some mouth wash and you'll have teeth that sparkle from a mile away. Remember though, as important as it is to brush your teeth as it is JUST as important to floss! Flossing gets rid of about 40% of the bacteria in your mouth, bacteria that can lead to all sorts of mouth inflammations, gum disease, tooth cavities, and even heart disease when you get older. You'll thank the younger you if you're vigilant now. Flossing is so easy to forgot as there is no instant gratification, however, if you look closely around you you'll notice those yucky yellow edges of non-flossed teeth... yep I've pointed them, you'll never not see them now. Sorry!

Ully x

Huxley ft. S-Man - Callin

Mindfulness ~ Headspace App

Today I want to tell you about a new app I have been using called Headspace. I was recommended it by a friend when I was going through a bit of a stressful time a little while back. Headspace is an app that teaches you how to practice mindfulness and although I had heard of mindfulness before, I never really knew how to do it until now. Now if you don't know what mindfulness is, then I suggest you read on...

It has been proven countless times that people who meditate lead happier, more fulfilled lives and are often more successful. Simple solution then - we all meditate and all our life problems are solved! Err... Have you ever tried meditating? I don't know about you but I find it very difficult. The closest thing I used to come to practicing meditation is in the five minutes at the end of a yoga class. And then I would usually fall asleep.

Mindfulness is a way of teaching meditation by making it a lot less abstract. It is like a step-by-step guide on how to clear you mind by focusing your awareness on your breathing and your surroundings. Of course, naturally your mind will begin to fill with thoughts - this is totally normal and during mindfulness, you are taught ways to acknowledge thoughts without reacting to them and eventually letting them pass.

The technique has been shown to have some pretty incredible effects on the human brain. It is prescribed to people who suffer from anxiety and depression, as it teaches people to react to their own thoughts and feelings without judging them so that you are able to deal with negative feelings with a much greater sense of perspective. It allows you to notice and observe your emotions without passing judgement on yourself. 

For people who don't necessarily suffer a mental disorder, numerous studies have shown that mindfulness can help you in your day to day life in an abundance of ways, including reducing stress and anxiety, as well as increasing focus and creativity. Practicing mindfulness a little bit every day for a even a small amount of time actually changes the shape of your brain which helps you to connect to these new mental pathways when faced with difficult situations. 

The app is an introductory course, involving a ten minute exercise, called 'Take Ten' for ten days. In these ten minutes, the app plays a voice which talks you through the technique, telling you when to focus and on what, as well as when to let your mind wander around. Some days there will be a short animation, telling you more about the different techniques to try as you become more advanced. I am currently on day nine and will definitely be signing up to the website after where you can pick and choose from hundreds of lessons to help you in your daily life. 

Although it is only ten minutes, sometimes it is difficult to find the time - I have found that right before bed or first thing in the morning is the best. Mindfulness is also good if you're like me and can become impulsive (particularly when faced with a box of chocolates...) The other day I had a massive craving to gobble down a whole bag of pick'n'mix, and despite knowing full well the feeling of regret that would ensue I was finding it very hard to resist. Ten minutes of mindfulness and the craving was gone. I have also found that I am already a lot more motivated and focused on things I do and I have no doubt that these ten minutes a day have had a great part to play in this.

If you're interested then read more here where you can sign up for free.

Happy Headspacing,

Ully x

Grades - Crocodile Tears (Cause & Effect Remix)