Save Some Green - Bamboo Toothbrush

I have been reading a lot of zero waste blogs lately and decided that I would like to reduce the amount of waste I produce and eventually become zero waste. The blogs I was reading inspired me so much to really take a look and the amount of waste I produce and it was socking to me. Have you ever really looked at the waste you produce? Probably not. When you do you realise how much you through to the land field aka in your bin. If you really look you can actually recycle 80% of your rubbish, compost 10% and the rest can be reduced by the way you buy products.

The first thing I replaced was my plastic toothbrush, to be honest I was due a new toothbrush anyway so I thought it would be a great opportunity to buy a Bamboo one. The toothbrush handle and bristles are both made from Bamboo, it comes in a recycled packing too.  

At first I wasn't sure about the toothbrush as I found the bristles to be quite hard but after a few times using it , the bristles become softer and nicer to use. One of my favourite blogs to read is http://www.trashisfortossers.com/2015/04/why-i-make-my-own-toothpaste.html this is where I found the recipe for making your own toothpaste. Now it isn't for everyone and I was very wary of using the recipe because toothpaste is an important part of your day to day. After Google-ing baking soda toothpaste and finding out it still includes nasty chemicals, I decided to make my own using this recipe and it works great if not better but it doesn't taste the same that's the only issue I have with it. 

I purchased my Bamboo tooth brush from http://savesomegreen.co.uk/ this website sells other products which can help you to reduce your waste. 





All images above were taken by myself.
This product was purchased by myself and wasn't gifted to me.

Cornish Soap Company Review

Last month I was invited to my bosses beautiful wedding in Mevagissey, Cornwall. I have never been to that part of Cornwall before and I have no idea why as it was absolutely amazing! The views from the house we were staying in were incredible and I now understand why my boss chose to have her wedding in such a wonderful setting. While I was there I went wondering to the local shops, only a two minute walk down a rather steep hill. As I was enjoying the lovely scenery, I stumbled across The Bath House & Soapery.

It looks a little bit like Lush but doesn't smell as strong which I loved, as I find Lush too over powering while trying to shop. While I was in there I had a lovely chat with the young lady working there on Sunday and she gave me some great insight to their products. She made me aware that Lush use's around triple the amount of ingredients in their bath bombs but the Bath House & Soapery use only five and then it hit me, maybe that's why it doesn't smell as strong in here! 

After asking the poor girl working there a million questions, my main one being 'can you advice me on a product I use when shaving my legs , as they are very sensitive and come out in a rash after shaving'. She advised me to use  http://www.bathhousesoapery.co.uk/#!product/prd2/3367874671/just-for-him-shaving-gel-150ml as a shaving gel, even though it says its for men I thought I would give it a go. 

Having used this for a month now, it has definitely helped with my rashes and they have gone down significantly since I have been using this shaving gel. As I am very fussy with smells another thing I really liked about the gel is that it smells incredible, it's like a light tea tree smell. 

As well as the shaving gel I was also advised to buy a sensitive body lotion http://www.bathhousesoapery.co.uk/#!product/prd2/3367874691/wellbeing-sensitive-skin-cream-150ml this has done wonders cooling my legs down after I have shaved. It has contributed to my shaving rash going down, now I am getting less spots and irritation. I am starting to feel more comfortable about wearing skirts without tights or leggings, as my legs have seem to made an improvement.

While I was there I also stumbled across their natural and chemical free deodorant http://www.bathhousesoapery.co.uk/#!product/prd2/3367876361/wellbeing-natural-deodorant-(aluminium-free)-50gm  which my auntie has been suggesting I use for years but I have never found one I particularly like. I have now found one!!! It comes in a plastic twist bottle but I like to put some on my fingers and then put on my under arms as I feel I get better coverage this way - each to their own though. 

I highly recommend all of the products above and they are made without chemicals and with as little ingredients as possible because lets be honest why would you need 16 ingredients when you can use five!! 

Since I have bought these products I have been trying to reduce the amount of waste I use, this means that I only recycle, reuse or compost items. As these come in plastic bottles they can be recycled here in the UK however it would be great if there was a glass bottle option for the people who are trying to cut back on the amount of plastic they use. 

To purchase these products or to view more of their range, visit the website below.
http://www.bathhousesoapery.co.uk/

All images used in this post have been taken by myself. 
I also purchased the above products, these were not gifted. 






  

Justine-Louise photography

My friend Justine-Louise is a very talented photographer based in Essex and has been working professionally since 2010, photographing some of her favourite artists and making some amazing friends through her passion.

Justine has worked on all types of photography from alternative fashion and live music too weddings and portraits. I have Justine here to talk to us more about what started her passion for photography and what other loves she has. http://www.justine-louise.co.uk/

When did you realise you had a passion for photography?
I have always loved taking photos, even as a kid with a small instant camera. I started to become seriously interested in photography when I was 13 and started attending gigs. I would never go without a camera, and I would literally queue for hours outside the venue so I could be right at the front to take photos of all my favourite bands!

What is it that attracts you to the art?
I love how you can really push boundaries with it. I really enjoy experimenting with lighting, colour, textures and creating something out of almost nothing. I like how I can see my idea come to life and develop over time.

Is there a certain part to photography you enjoy the most?
To be honest I really like it all! I started out doing music photography and eventually moved into photographing models, and I tend to dabble in most areas as I like to keep my work fresh, and keep myself inspired.


How has your journey been in the profession since 2010?
It has been great, I have met and worked with some amazing people. At the start I had the awesome opportunity of assisting one of my favourite photographers. It has been great to see how my work has progressed since then. I have grown a lot more confident and I'm not afraid to try new things.

Has there been a stand out point that you are most proud of within your photography career?
I would say 2014 as whole stood out to me, as this was a year where I discovered new areas, worked with new people, and probably got published the most :) 
Recently Justine has been published in; Gorgeous Freaks, Sour magazine, Twisted Edge magazine, Freque magazine and Elite magazine.



What is it that you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I can be found doing other creative things, such as drawing, making jewellery or creating props for shoots. When I am having some downtime though I can be found on my PlayStation either playing video games, or watching Netflix. I also love reading fiction and graphic novels.

What are looking to get out of 2015?
I am looking to produce more high end fashion images, and also creative beauty work. It would be great to also do more weddings as well as work with more families. I would also like to delve further into the cosplay scene.

Please visit Justine's website for pricing on weddings and portraits as well as all of her fabulous experience http://www.justine-louise.co.uk/  
If you would like to contact Justine-Louise regarding prices and packages please email her;
contact@justine-louise.co.uk
Also make sure you like Justine-Louise Photography Facebook page. 

Christmas gifts for him

Sorry I have been away for so long, I've been a busy bee lately! This is my 60th post now, so I am creeping my way towards the big 100 - which is exciting I will have to do something extravagant for that post. Although I am getting a little a head of myself, so lets get back on track with my better late than never Christmas gift guide for him.

I know there are a lot of ladies out there who find it hard to buy for their other half or any male member of their family for that matter. I am here to help you by showing you what I think are some great choices for gifts, some brands have been featured on here before but that's because I am a big fan of their products. We do have some new entries to the blog this time though, with some unique and wonderful products which you would never think of buying someone! 

First up are my favourite and forever loved brands.

Rasha Swais:  

You want your other half to stand out from the crowd this Christmas and with this fabulous paisley shirt they will. 

Available from http://rashaswais.com/ for £48.00.

Mod Shoes:

No I am not going to tell you to buy shoes for someone, as I think it is more of a personal choice but I am going to show you this lovely knitted tie. It is great for a stocking filler and the best thing is they also sell socks to match!

This very stylish knitted tie is available from http://www.modshoes.co.uk/ for £29.


Johnny & Me:

Keeping the style going with this fantastic on-line accessories website for men. What's a great fit for men's stocking fillers? wallets? cufflinks? sock sets? You name it Johnny & Me will have it.

These smart cufflinks are presented in a stylish gift box available from http://www.johnnyandme.com/ for £32.50


Green People:

Recently I discovered Green People while looking for make up which is organic and chemical free, in the hope of improving my skin. When I was on their website I got lost within the amazing products hair care, make up and best of all beauty products for men.

This nifty shaving set is available from http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/ for £25.


IT'S A WOT:

Here is a website that is full of unique paraphernalia that is perfect for a secret Santa gift or stocking fillers. Ranging from the quirky to the practical!

Image from http://zoeliannex.blogspot.co.uk/ visit her blog page to read her review

For them guys who are always on the go available from http://www.itsawot.com/ for £9.99.



Keep your eyes open for my next Christmas gift guide for her....

Glossy Box - Pop Art

I have noticed that there are some bloggers who have signed up to Glossy Box, where they get sent 5 samples of products at random which they then in turn review. 

Well I'm unable to review them all as I have yet to try all the products, actually I think there is only one I haven't used yet as I keep forgetting - which is always helpful! 

It was off to a good start, the packaging is lovely and being a pop art fan I will be keeping this box for keep sakes. I was so excited when I received my Glossy Box, it was like an early Christmas present to my self - every girl loves make beauty products even if you don't wear them all the time like myself.

In my box there was; Etre Belle Liplift Peel, Nuxe Creme Fraiche de Beaute Mask, Rimmel London BB Matte Minis, So Susan Flutter Mascara and Ciate Paint Pot (Blue).

My favourite products from my box are the Ciate nail polish, the colour is gorgeous such a lovely deep shade of blue - it matches a lot of my clothes as well. The Etre Belle Liplift Peel was surprisingly good as well, when I originally read the back of the tube - I thought this is going to be rubbish, but I was wrong. Its a very good lip exfoliator while moisturising the lips, which prepares them well for lipstick and keeps them soft even after applying lipstick.

The products that didn't get me excited was the Rimmel London BB Matte Minis, mainly because I found the foundation to be too thick as well as being slightly too dark for me (which isn't there fault - how were they to). I have a thing about the consistency of foundation, can't be too thick or too runny and in this case it was too thick - I felt like I was caking it on even though I wasn't.

So Susan Flutter Mascara was a big disappointment for me as that was something I desperately needed as mine had dried up, and when I opened it the brush was one of them annoying plastic type ones. I am also fussy when it comes to mascara and I like to have a big thick brush when I get a mascara, I think it makes my long eye lashes look 10 times better. The other brushes make it look like I don't have any mascara on most of the time - that was my main problem with the mascara. 

I have not yet had the chance to try the Nuxe Creme face mask, so I will have to let you all know about that but my favourite product out of my Pop Art Glossy Box is Etre Belle Liplift Peel - I would never think to purchase this but now I have used it, once I run out I will be getting more. 

I will be receiving another box this month but that will be my last one, as I can't afford to do this every month and just wanted to see what they were like.