Haircare: NutriHair Trial

I've been having an argument with my hair for about a year now, or at least I think that's how long, point is I can't remember when it started but I've noticed it has become so thin and in bad condition, yet I don't know why.

I've tried everything; hair treatments, serums, specially designed shampoos, hair masks you name it I've used it. So why does does my hair seem to lack the oomph it used to? 

The main problem is how thin my hair has become, it must have been a gradual change as I never used to have thin hair. From this picture you will see what I mean - this is ALL my hair!

So it's time to try a new approach and make changes from within, according to research there is a strong link with hair shedding / thinning and low iron.

I am going to trial a haircare supplement and fingers crossed this makes a difference. NutriHair is recommended for women who have reduced hair volume compared with several years ago - tick, or who have noticed hair shedding more than before - tick.

They recommend to take 2-3 tablets a day for up to six months and after reading the glowing reviews most people see a difference after about 3 or 4 months so here's hoping.

I'll let you know how I get on in a few months time.

Nutrihair (£24 for 180 tablets, visit www.naturesbest.co.uk to buy)

Liv x

Skincare: Top 3 Cleansing Products

I’ve always been an avid follower of the ‘Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise’ regime but back in my student days these consisted of cheap high street cleansers, toners and moisturisers until I was introduced to the brand Elemis - then everything changed and I realised the importance of using good quality skincare.

Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser

Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser

Compared to the previous cleansers I had used, this product made my skin feel really clean. Rather than just removing the top layer of makeup I could see it had got rid of all dirt and grime from the day yet without stripping the skin of moisture.

I also have the Balancing Lavender Toner which compliments this product and helps to close the pores after cleansing.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish - Hot Cloth Cleanser -

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

About two years ago I attended a beauty awards event and was so excited to see the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish in my goody bag. I had heard such great things about this product as well as the brand as a whole so had high expectations...it didn’t disappoint.

This is a much thicker cream and smells so fresh, it is made from natural ingredients such as Eucalyptus oil and Beeswax so you know it's good for your skin. After massaging one or two pumps of this on to your face you then run the muslin cloth under warm water and wipe it off, this also acts as an exfoliator.

This makes your skin feel so fresh and tingly!

Left: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish. Right: Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser

The only down side is the effort, I realise that makes me sound lazy but after a hard day the thought of smothering my face in a thick cleanser and taking time removing it with the cloth...I'd rather just use a lighter, quick cleanser you can remove with cotton pads. Therefore, I tend to use this about once a week or at the weekends to thoroughly clean my skin.

Clarisonic Mia

After much hype around the Clarisonic from the press to the celebs (Millie Mackintosh swears by it...and from looking at her glowing complexion she's a pretty good advert!) I was so happy to get a Clarisonic Mia of my own about a year ago.

I would love to say I have used it religiously ever since, but noting my earlier comment reality is I do go through phases of using it lots and then not for a while. However, when I do use it I notice the difference in my complexion. 

Clarisonic uses small sonic vibrations of up to 300 movements a second, to help clean, soften and smooth your skin. They state that you can use it up to twice a day but I would say it's probably best to use it every few days so to not over exfoliate your skin. However, the great aspect of the Clarisonic Mia is that it isn't harsh at all instead it provides gentle cleansing process but I always believe in balance and not to overdo it. 

Another great element of this product is that it alerts you to move on to the next area of your face with a series of beeps. I like this feature as it makes me feel I have spent enough time for my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. 

One thing to note that gets me every time is that it can feel a bit ticklish especially around your nose...every time I use it on my nose I have uncontrollable giggles! 

After using it a few times a week for a few weeks my face felt noticeably smoother and looked much clearer. I also feel that it must be helping to tone my skin due to the vibrations, this will help prevent sagging and loose skin in years to come.

To conclude

Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser for everyday use, Liz Earle Cleans & Polish to really clean the skin and for deeper longer lasting results also use the Clarisonic Mia a few times a week.

Liv x

Baking: Banoffee Pie Cupcakes

Lazy Sunday afternoon, perfect time to get out the Primrose Bakery cookbook. If you like banana and you like toffee well you're going to like this...

You will need:

For the Banoffee Pie Cupcakes

125g unsalted butter, at room temperature
250g caster sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp good-quality vanilla extract
250g plain flour, sifted
2 tsp baking powder
4 ripe bananas (preferably turning black), mashed with a fork or broken by hand into small pieces

For the topping (I've doubled the original recipe):

90g unsalted butter
135ml (9 tbsp) semi-skimmed milk
330g light, soft brown sugar
360g icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp good-quality vanilla extract

For that extra lil something:

2 bananas, sliced

As always start by preheating the oven 180°C/gas mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tray with muffin cases

Next cream the butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat again briefly.

Gradually add the flour and baking powder and beat until well combined. Do the same with the bananas.

Divide the mixture evenly between the muffin cases, filling each case to about two-thirds full. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the centre of one of the cakes comes out clean.

Leave the cupcakes to cool for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack.

While the cupcakes are cooling time to make your icing.

Combine the butter, milk and brown sugar in a saucean and put on the hob over a high heat. Stirring continuously, bring to a boil. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and stir in half of the icing sugar.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the rest of the icing sugar and vanilla extract and stir until it thickens.

When the cupcakes are completely cool, ice them with the caramel buttercream and decorate with banana chips.

Now for the finishing touch - homemade banana chips...

Slice a banana or two into even thin slices and sprinkle with some cinnamon.
Lay the slices onto baking parchment on a baking tray

Pop these in the oven on a really low heat for an hour (this may vary depending on your oven so just keep an eye on them and leave for an extra half an hour if needs be)

And voila, really easy, minimal effort but impressive homemade banana chips. Use to decorate the cupcakes and scatter extra chips on the plate.

Liv x

Beauty Crush: White Nails

White hot nails is my new obsession.

It's glamorous, fresh and the type of look you see in LA, but to get this right you need the white to be really bright. For this I used Nails Inc Floral Street. It's so standout it makes me smile even typing this, I keep seeing a flash of bright white.

I also tried Seche Blanc II, for a more subtle look but I don't think it's quite right. It gives more of a milky look with a pearly sheen which is pretty but not stand out.

I had to do 3 coats and as you can see it's still slightly streaky, so a good one for french manicure tips but not full nail coverage, for that you may need Seche Porcelain II.

To finish you have to use Seche Vite the ultimate quick dry topcoat. It's my favourite topcoat, glides on so smoothly and leaves such a glossy finish, it makes any home manicure look professional.

From left to right: Seche Blanc II, Seche Vite and Nails Inc Floral Street

If you're going to go white you need to go flash white!

Liv x

Marlow and Me

For those of you who are feeling suffocated in London take a trip down the M40 to Marlow for some lazy swan gazing and afternoon treats...

I grew up in London and apart from my Uni stint in Manchester I have always lived here. I really love living here but feel it's important to venture out of the city for regular breaks to other towns around the UK. It gives me space to breathe and makes me appreciate the hustle and bustle of London, rather than resent it.

So this weekend I went on a day trip to Marlow, with the hubby, to walk around the quaint town and of course we booked ourselves in for afternoon tea for when our feet grew tired and tummies hungry.

There's something about water that I've always found relaxing, give me a river or lake and a sprinkling of swans and I could gaze the day away...

So after some swan-gazing we walked around the shops and even found a hidden garden to relax in. Next we wandered over to Bowaters Restaurant. This is part of the Macdonald Compleat Angler hotel and like most of the establishments in Marlow is perfectly situated by the river. 

We opted for the standard afternoon tea for two which filled the spot beautifully....though perhaps the panna cotta shot was a tad too sickly.

Liv x