5 Tips For a Better Sleep

After months of persistent exhaustion I knew my sleeping habits needed to change. The old me would go to bed around 10:00pm thinking 'this will be the day I go to bed early'. However after reading the news, looking at Instagram and surfing the web, my hopes of restful sleep go out the window. So if your reading this and relating to my experiences or yawning (I hope your not bored), here are my 5 tips for a better sleep.

1. No Electronics

Every article I've ever read on sleep has recommended to avoid TV, computers or phones before bed. To be honest I feel like I've known this tip for ages but never applied it in my own life. Finally one night after aimlessly surfing the web for hours I realized this has got to stop! These days I make a effort to go to bed laptop free and the end result is a night filled with sleep.

2. Aromatherapy 

There is nothing out there that makes me as sleep ready as lavender. So every night I quickly spritz lavender mist on my pillow. Not only does this step take seconds, but it instantly creates a tranquil sleep environment. For those who are interested I use the affordable Aura Cacia Lavender Mist and it can be found here. 

3. Pyjamas 

Another contributing factor to my shit sleep routine was the fact I would wear clothes to bed. Pyjama's, sleep? Hear me out, but the habit of putting on a comfy pyjama before bed tells my brain its time to sleep. As where the act of putting on legging and a t-shirt get me ready for lounging in front of the TV. So to combat this issue I highly recommend the magic of a good set of pj's. All through slightly overpriced some of my all-time favourites come from Soma. With that being said there is always a great selection of affordable pj's at stores like Winners. 

Pyjama magic is a very real thing!

4. Routine

I have a bedtime routine for my daughter, we play, read and feed for a goodnights rest. However when I looked at my own bedtime routine it was a little backwards. So just like my baby I implemented a bedtime routine in my life and damn it ever change things. I think the old me use to get overwhelmed at a routine but really it only takes 10 min. My personal routine consists of pj's, brushing my teeth, aroma spray, lip balm, quick glance at Instagram and lights out. 

5. Go to Bed When Your Tired

As newly converted master of sleep the best tip I could have given my old self is go to bed when your tired. For years I would go to bed in hopes I would fall sleep early when in reality I wasn't tired at all.  After hours of tossing and turning, followed by hours wasted online I would fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning. These days if I'm not tired I make a cup of tea, read a book or go for a late night walk. 

With a little pyjama magic followed by a quick mist of lavender you can be a master of sleep too. If you have any tips feel free to share in the comments section below. 

Favourite Cook Books

My love for cookbooks grows deep. For instance I remember purchasing Julia Child's, Mastering the Art of French Cooking over 10 years ago and thinking to myself I want to move to France and master Coq au Vin. Unfortunately my dreams of moving to France never happened. With that being said to this date I can whip up one badass Beef Bourguignon. Thank you Ms. Child!  Since we all know that I'm a perfume addict and a blush hoarder I thought today venture out to cookbooks, more specifically my current favourites.

The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon

Don't let this vegan cookbook scare you each recipe I've tried has been flavourful, delicious and healthy. Thus far I've tried well over 10 recipes such as the zucchini muffins, Tex Mex Casserole and 15 min Creamy Avocado Pasta. However my all time favourite is the Fall Harvest Butternut Squash.

If you looking for some recipes that just so happen to be vegan and healthy you might want to check this out.

Also, just wanted to point out the photography in this book is just stunning.

Milk Bar Life by Christina Tosi

 I find the original Milk Bar cookbook overly complicated and the ingredients hard to find. Milk Bar Life on the other hand is loaded with simple, easy to follow, tasty recipes. One of my personal favourites is Grandma's Oat Meal Cookies... I swear these are some of the best cookies I've ever made. Filled with personal stories Christina Tosi narrative makes this cookbook quirky, playful and very loveable. If you happen to be a cookie monster with a love for comfort food Milk Bar Life would make an excellent addition to your collection.

Brown Eggs and Jam Jars by Aimee Wimbush-Bourque

From tips on barbecuing to making homemade jams this cookbook is an excellent all rounder. There is even a section on how to prepare for a summer picnic! I've tried a handful of recipes from this book, but some of my all time favourites are the Cheesy Butternut Squash Penne, Chicken Leak Shepherd's Pie and Coconut Cream Baked Oatmeal. The Coconut Cream Baked Oatmeal is so good I embarrassingly ate it all in one sitting. For fresh, seasonal, yummy, crowed pleasing recipes look no further then Brown Eggs and Jam Jars.

So there we have it my top three cookbooks of the moment. Now I need to go eat something because I've never written a post that made me so hungry! Thank you all for taking the time and reading.

EOS Smooth Stick Review

Let me first start off by saying it's nearly impossible to write this review without talking about the original EOS lip balm. Its innovative design, delicious scents and great ingridents are literally loved by the masses. I swear I've seen makeup collections that boast over 20 of these cute easter egg like lips balms! But in all the online hype about EOS I have yet to hear anyone talk about the Smooth Sick Lip Balm. So ladies here is my speedy review on the EOS Smooth Stick!

Before we dive deep into my brain of crazy lets start off with the basics. EOS claims the Smooth Stick boasts "long lasting moisture" and it "smooths on clear". To be honest I thought the website would have a more enticing decryption so into my world of crazy we go... 

I really like this lip balm. Now there are a few reason's why, but the most important is I really like the formula. Unlike the original Smooth Sphere Lip Balm, the Smooth Stick contains a coconut oil base. This emollient base means your going to have that incredible slip when it hits your lips. 

Actually I was quite impressed to see that this product only contains 10 simple, but effective ingredients. In my experience most popular lips balms contain well over 20.

Now here where things start to get crazy. I love the stick packaging! I know the sphere is fun, but if your clumsy like me you are also probably prone to dropping the darn ball. Cat hair and crumbs should not be in my lip balm. Also I like that you can put this in your pocket without sporting a huge circular bulge. And further more call me traditional, but I just like stick lip products!

The Smooth Stick is hydrating and feels great on the lips. The classic stick design might be dull to the common 13 year old, but I have to say I prefer it. If you wanted to try an affable lip product I highly suggest the Smooth Sick.

The 3 Product Face

Last week during a hot, humid summer day I decided to take the baby for a walk. By the time I got to the end of the street the weather had got the best of my face. Not only did I feel hot, but my freshly done makeup felt like a gross, slimy mask. By the time I got to the park (a mere 5 min walk) this anti-wipe beauty blogger was taking off her makeup with a baby wipe. 

Gasp! I know...

So what is one to do... There are a couple of things you can do such as get long lasting makeup, but I recommend scaling back on products! Ladies let me introduce you to my three product face it's hot weather friendly, takes seconds to apply and yet it looks absolutely flattering on. 

Product #1 Concealer 

Everyone knows the heat can cause you to sweat. This additional oil build up can actually breakdown your foundation giving the look of a cakey face. So the best quick fix for faking good skin is a touch of concealer to problem areas only.What amazes me once my problem areas are corrected the rest of my face instantly looks more polished. It's a two second hack for better looking skin!

My problem area are my dark circles and my favourite product to fix them is Clarins Instant Concealer. I love this concealer, which should come to no surprise to you because I can't stop talking about it...review here... now on to the next product!

Product #2 Mascara

Macara is kind of a miracle make up product if you ask me! Not only does a touch of mascara add definition to the eyes, but it can also make you look more awake and ... and...I got nothing, but more awake is definitely a plus in my sleep deprived life. During the summer you might want to consider getting a waterproof mascara. A waterproof mascara can help prevent your mascara from running on muggy, humid days.

Currently I am using the last bit of my Smashbox Full Exposure. It's not a bad mascara by any means, but there more better, more affordable options out there.

Product #3 Highlight

From blurring fine lines to making your skin glow, if you want to fake healthy looking skin I am convinced that highlight can be your best friend. If you were thinking a highlight just goes on top of your cheekbones your wrong: a pass through the centre of your nose can make it look smaller, a touch on the cupids bow can make you lips look larger, a dot by the tear duct can make your eyes look wider... 

One of my all time favourite highlighters is NARS Copacabana. The finish of Copacabana is cream to powder which makes it an excellent choice for hot weather. 

So the next time the hot weather has your foundation caking up and your liquid liner running to your chin remember these three products! Actually come to think about it if your feeling especially lazy these three products are an excellent way to save time too, or if your feeling hungover or travelling ... You get the idea! 

Thank you all for reading and I hope you all enjoy the weekend! 

May Favourites

The warm summer weather is finally here and with that comes two things SPF and busy summer weekends. While I always remember to wear an SPF,  every summer I forget just how busy things get and this May was no exception. From family visiting from out of town to going to Baby Show's... hell this month I even went to a blogger event! So with May's warm weather and hectic schedule, here are my monthly favourites.

By Terry Ombre Black Star in Bronze Moon

If you were looking for a beautiful bronze eyeshadow look there is nothing quicker then By Terry's Bronze Moon. This product is so easy to apply I'm confident that I could even do this with my eyes closed. To make things better the formula of Bronze Moon lasts all day, without creasing, smudging or running. I love this stuff especially when I'm pressed on time, plus the bronze makes me feel instantly summery!

Lancome Juicy Shaker in Mangos Wild 

I love this lip product, its fun, adds a splash of colour and it's really comfortable on the lips. If you were looking for a new exciting lip product and wanted to give the matte lip trend a break I highly recommend this. You can see my whole review here!

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White

If your a fan of Stella Mc Cartney's, Stella you will love Nirvana White. Both perfumes share a beautiful peony base. However unlike Stella, Nirvana White contains musk note which makes it slightly more subtle, airy and clean. If you hate wearing perfume on really hot days this is an excellent lightweight scent. I also really happen to live the convenient roller ball its perfect for on the go touch ups.

Eminence Firm Skin Treatment

Not only does this treatment help firm, but it also helps fight wrinkles, plump and gives the skin a radiant glow too. To make matters better the formula works on all skin types and smells like a berry smoothie. I think this is a great treatment especially if your sensitive to retinol creams. A more in-depth review can be found here. 

So there we have it my (very late) May favourites. 

This month should be a busy one as well, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties... with that being said I have some amazing posts to share with you guys over the next month so hang tight! 

Thank you guys for reading and I hope your having a fantastic start to the week.