PRETTY YOUNG THING

EVENT: LUSH SPA BIRMINGHAM BLOGGER EVENT

26 July 2019

Have you heard of a Lush Party? Neither had I until recently when I was invited along to the store to find out all about them.

It doesn't matter what the occasion is you can book a Lush party and it's fully customisable so you can choose a theme, what goodies you take home, everything.

It's £25 per person!

We had a relaxing pamper party, so at the event we got hand and arm massages, we were shown how to give a massage and were shown lots of amazing massage bars, and got to learn about them. I really liked Pearl and Each Peach (and twos a pair) they both smelled incredible!

We then went on to make our own fresh facemask, using fresh blueberries we got to make, catastrophe cosmetic which is a calming and moisturising fresh face mask.

After this we got to mooch around the store and check out all of the incredible products. We all got some goodies to take home too, including our Fresh facemasks !

It was such a lovely event and was so nice to catch up with some of our lovely brum based bloggers!

The LUSH Spa store in Birmingham is AMAZING! It's huge! I need to check out the Spa it sounds amazing!

* we were gifted some products, we are not obliged to blog about the products or the event

LIFESTYLE: CREATING MORE SPACE IN YOUR HOME

Millions of people dream of a bigger home. Something with space to breathe, move, and let’s face it - they are easier to tidy. But often you will have to create your own space to achieve that. And, it isn’t always expensive - you can work with your budget and time scales to get the job done.

So, if you are looking for great ways to create more space in your home, here are some tips for you.

Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash

Loft Conversion

If you have some cash to spend, you can actually just physically create more space. After some careful planning with a loft conversion company, you can have something beautiful made. Of course, this will take some time, but once you have finished, you can have one large space or two smaller spaces added to the top of your house. Of course, what you choose to use them for is up to you, but in general, it is a great way to add value and space to your home.

Clutter

Most of us simply have too much stuff in too small a space. We are nesting creatures. We like to fill up our spaces with shiny objects, things that make us happy, and soft furnishings. Not to mention the fact that if you don’t have a brilliant storage solution, then you can find ‘stuff’ piling up around you. It might just be time to make like Marie Kondo and donate or bin the things you just aren’t using. It might not be the easiest of things to do, because we get pretty attached to our stuff, but for most people, once it is done the space that is created is huge.

Decoration

If you have darker walls, unless your space is pretty big, it can make the room look very small. It is always better where possible to opt for lighter wall colours. Pastel shades are great if you want to add some colour, and white is usually the winner in all cases.

If you can’t stand the idea of white, then magnolia and other natural stone shades will be perfect.

Mirrors are an excellent idea too. They bounce the light around the room and can make the place feel much more extensive. When you place more than one at just the right angle, they can elongate the space with ease.

Less Is More

While it might be tempting to get a cover unit, and a table, and then some extra bookcases… consider if you really need them - or you are merely filling space up. Floating shelves often provide the ideal solution for lighter items, and you can check out Pinterest for cool bookcase solutions. Think about what is vital in your rooms - for the living room a sitting space and a coffee table, perhaps? What is a must? Then once you figured out the minimum - what do you have that is excess?

It might even be time to think about if you are potentially a minimalist at heart. Splashes of green plants against white walls - with exactly what you need and no more - might just be the space creating solution you are looking for.

*Collaborative post

INTERIORS: HOW TO FINANCE YOUR RENOVATION AND INTERIOR DESIGN DREAMS

24 July 2019

Buddy Loans

https://www.buddyloans.com/

http://www.bluntyandblooms.co.uk

Source

Finding the funds to finance your property and interior design renovation sometimes isn't as simple as you'd first like to think. The property market has been suffering several wobbles in recent years due to an unstable economic climate and many homeowners are turning to property renovations and home makeovers when they feel like a change instead of moving to pastures new.

With our homes being precious places where we go to relax, socialise and spend time with loved ones it is important we have space that's not only comfortable but also pleases the eye.

But even when you have a hundred wonderful ideas on how you’d like to refresh and revitalise your home, sometimes financially you just can't afford to commit to it. Home improvements and renovations don't come cheap, especially for larger jobs like repainting your bathroom or kitchen. You especially don't want to cut corners on there's, especially if you're looking to increase the value of your home in time.

Fortunately, you don't have to wave your dreams of an updated and aesthetic space goodbye due to lack of funds. Here we’ve outlined some of the top ways for you to get a cash injection to truly make your house a home.

Take a look at a few options and decide which one is right for you.

Tap Into Equity By Refinancing

If you are lucky enough to know that you have substantial amounts of equity tied up in your house, now might be a good time to dip into it if you want to take on a redesigning project. Refinancing your mortgage helps you to get a lower interest rate, lower repayments and it also gives you a chance to cash out on some equity. If you're not looking to sell, to get some profit from the equity released- a cash-out refinance will potentially free up a lot of cash that can then go towards your decorating dreams not to mention anything else you've had your eye on.

Get a Home Equity Loan or Personal Loan

To avoid the hassle of completing several tedious and frustrating re-mortgaging forms you may want to look into getting a home equity loan or personal loan. Using your home as collateral you can get a loan for home improvements. Alternatively, there are personal loan companies like Buddy Loans that can lend you the cash you need if you need to get the work done in a hurry.

Ask A Friend

When it comes to renovations that need to be done quickly and if you're credit rating is really not up to scratch. Consider asking a friend for help. They are more than like not going to charge you an insane repayment amount and they are more than likely just happy to see you doing home improvements and making your living space more enjoyable for yourself and your family. An added bonus of borrowing from a friend is that you may have much looser repayment terms, repayment schedule and interest rates, if there are any at all.

Get A Reverse Mortgage

If you're a retiree on a fixed income it can be difficult to finance much-needed home improvements like bath rails or stair lifts. It may not feel comfortable to use a chunk of your savings on renovation projects. Luckily there are a few options for the elderly. For those aged 62 and over, a reverse mortgage is an option for financing costly endeavours. A reverse mortgage works by converting a small part of your equity into cash. It’s a perfect solution for retirees who may be asset rich but cash-poor and be strapped for finances. Secondly, with a reverse mortgage, it doesn't need to be repaid until after your passing or when you decide to sell your property.

Use a Zero Percent Interest Credit Card

Taking out a loan for home renovations and improvements usually involves paying back heft sums in interest. Make sure that you have a strict budget in mind and keep track of the costs of things as you go, to avoid being stung with an unexpectedly large contractor bill at the end. A good way to keep on top of things is to consider financing your work with a 0% interest credit card. Some credit cards feature 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 to 18 months. Make sure that you pay off the credit card during the introductory rate period and you’ll save yourself the hassle of being overcharged.

Bottom Line

This is your home and you should be 100% comfortable and proud of your space. So if feel your house is outdated you have the chance to do something about it. Explore your financing options and choose an option only if you feel 100% comfortable with it.

*Collaborative post

CONFETTI FLOWER FIELD AT WICK, PERSHORE.

16 July 2019

Amelias outfit - Dress: Next/ Cardigan: Asda / Trainers- Converse. My playsuit is Primark

A few weeks ago we headed along to the Confetti Flower Fields in Wick, they are only open for 10 days of the year to the Public. I thought i'd share a few snaps from the day!

LIFESTYLE: THINGS TO DO WITH A TODDLER NEAR SOLIHULL THIS SUMMER

With the summer holidays nearly here I thought i'd share a few days out that we have done recently or intend to do over the next few weeks. It can be overwhelming choosing things to do especially during the summer holidays as places can get really busy and you can end up spending loads of money trying to fill your weeks with things to do with the kids. As Amelia is only 1 we don't have to worry about the school holidays just yet but it's nice to have a few things planned whilst the weather is good! Most of these days out are affordable and within 2 hours of Solihull/ Birmingham.

DAY AT THE BEACH - Our nearest beach is Weston Super-Mare which is about a 2 hour drive and I think it's totally worth it if the weather is good! There's a huge beach so the kids can make sandcastles all day long. Loads of arcades, fish and chips and donkey rides! Such a good day out, you just need to fill the car up but don't really need to spend loads of money. Why not bring a picnic along!

If you don't fancy a 2 hour drive then try Bosworth Water Park, its about 45 minutes away from Solihull and they have huge lakes, sand, peddle boats, mini golf! It's great, we went a few weeks ago on a really sunny day and it was fab, Amelia had a dip and played in the sand! We brought a picnic along too! The only thing is the car parking is quite expensive so take that into account.

If you don't drive but fancy a day on a beach then head into Touchwood because their Safari beach is now open!! They have loads of buckets and spades, deck chairs and it's free!!

Amelia absolutly loves feeding the ducks! We take her to Brueton/ Malvern Park in Solihull town centre. We head over to the Parkridge nature reserve where they sell duck/bird seed for 50p a bag and go along to feed the ducks. Sometimes we bring a picnic and make a day of it and sometimes we just go of an afternoon to kill some time.

St Nicholas Park in Warwick is one of my favourite things to do in the summer. It's a great day out! The parking is cheap, bring a picnic (there is a little cafe) Theres a sandpit, climbing frame/ park and the paddling pool, theres also some fairground rides. This is such a great cheap day out especially when the weather is good!

Strawberry picking, we did this right at the beginning of the season and we want to do it again. Another cheap day out! We went to Manor Fruits Farm over Tamworth way but theres a few dotted around. We liked Manor Fruits because they had a little cafe and kids bouncy castles too!

FARM - This is Umberslade farm which is our absolute fave! It's such a good day out, theres loads to do pony rides, tractor rides, holding the small animals, brushing the ponies, feeding the calfs! It's about £9 for an adult but such a lovely day out, you can spend all day there, theres a cafe and the prices are reasonable or theres loads of picnic benches to bring a packed lunch!

We also liked Atwell Farm, this was a bit cheaper but I found there were less animals. They so however have a huge soft play area, a good playground and outside bouncy castle, fire engine and tractor for the kids to play on. There's a coffee shop and gift shop too!

Sheldon Country park is fab too! They are currently renovating the kids playground but it's meant to be ready for the holidays. The farm is free and its small but cute. Theres a little tea room here.

A few days out we have planned over next few weeks include, Alton Towers Waterpark, I want to visit a Lavender Field for cute pics obvs, Strawberry picking again and Stratford Upon Avon Rec.

Is there anywhere else we need to check out this summer? We are trying to keep to a budget so not mega expensive places. What do you have planned for the summer?

BEAUTY: THIS WORKS PERFECT BODY RANGE

I've been loving the This Works perfect body range and though i'd share my thoughts on the collection so far. I've been using these products for a few weeks now and wanted to let you know how i'm getting on.

First up is my favourite product from the range, Perfect Legs Skin Miracle! OMG this product is amazing!! It's a moisturiser for your legs and it leaves them feeling super soft and hydrated. Enriched with Vitamin C and E to even out skin tone and restructure the skin, caramel for a warmth adding tint and Arnica to even out skin tone and fade brusing. It's leaves the legs feeling super soft and hydrated and leaves them with a subtle glow! It's just gorgeous! It's blends in so well so leaves no streaks. It gives you a soft, natural glow. You can actually use this all over too!

Along side the Perfect Legs Skin miracle I use the Perfect Legs 100% Natural scrub, this is an exfoliating balm which naturally exfoliates and restores moisture! I like to use it every few days/ once a week to get rid of any dullness. It smells incredible too and is an Eco-friendly scrub. Use this and the Perfect Legs Skin Miracle for the most amazing pins ever!!

The Perfect Cleavage Firming lotion is lovely, it's a lightweight moisturiser designed for the sensitive skin on the neck and chest! This is an area that women find goes wrinkly and can cause us to look older that we want to let on. Apply this daily to brighten, tighten, firm, and nourish damaged skin. This is an area that can be overlooked when applying moisturiser. I've been using this for afew weeks and it's just such a lovely product.

Last but not least is the Perfect Heels Rescue Balm. This product is perfect for bringing back the moisture and repairing damaged heels and feet. Massage it into the skin to combat dry cracked heels. It's a nice product not too greasy/ balmy. It dries into the skin well and quickly, I tend to pop it on before bed or if i'm wearing sandals I will apply it during the day.

There's loads of great offers on right now so head over to the This Works website to check out the Perfect body range!

* all products were gifted

[AD]: URBAN VEDA RADIANCE HYDRATING RANGE

4 July 2019

I've been loving the Radiance hydrating range from Urban Veda, it's perfect for the warmer weather were having as it really hydrates the skin. The range includes a day and night cream, hydrating toner and even a body wash and body lotion. I've been using the radiance day cream and radiance hydrating toner so thought i'd share my thoughts.

First up both products smell incredible, even Clint has commented on the scent as it's just so lovely. It's a fresh, clean, floral smell, it's just gorgeous but not overpowering. The range is enriched with brightening Tumeric extract to brighten even the dullest complexion.

The day cream is light-weight which is perfect for the summer months, it dries into the skin super quick and preps the skin ready for the day. UrbanVeda Tumeric is designed to naturally balance environmental factors with botanicals to help skin lock in moisture and retain it's natural glow. The papaya and Goji berry extract is enriched with a cell-repairing amino-acid complex to help correct signs of hyperpigmentation, boost complexion and balance skin tone. I've noticed a real difference in my skin, it has more of a natural glow and feels more plump and hydrated. I've also noticed the wrinkles on my forehead appear less prominent, this is due to the Ayurvedic arjuna extract which is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The hydrating toner is lovely, I apply it to the skin with a cotton pad in circular motions as instructed. It removes all traces of make up and balances the PH level of your skin to boost hydration. It's a really lovely, gentle product. It doesn't sting and leaves the skin feeling really clean and subtle. Again the Tumeric, Papaya and Goji berry work together to hydrate and brighten the skin.

I'm really enjoying the range so far and have noticed a real difference to my skin straight away. I have been using both products morning and evening, I think I will invest in the night cream as the day cream is lovely and i'm sure it won't disappoint. If you shop over on Fragrance Direct right now you can Save 10% if you spend £50 and you can also get a free gift if you buy 2 or more products from Urban Veda.