Glow Hub: Review

 

Glow Hub instantly attracted me with their pastel packaging, fruity scents and affordable prices, so I ordered a few items to try.

I purchased an item from each of the three ranges, which each suit different skin types, my skin is dry to normal.

Included in the three ranges are 'calm and soothe', 'purify and brighten' and 'nourish and hydrate'.

Purify and Brighten super serum £12

I like this serum as it made my skin look glowy and felt nice on the skin. It didn't do anything ground breaking to my skin but I didn't expect it to. It would be great for an everyday serum if you're looking for some extra glow and brightening.

Nourish and Hydrate serum mist £12

I was pulled in to this product as it was a mist and that seemed fun, especially to refresh your skin throughout the day. Honestly I don't this this was very hydrating and so if you have especially dry skin like me then it's not enough but it would be nice in the summer as a refreshing spritz and the peach scent is also enjoyable.

Calm and Soothe face mask stick £10

This is my favourite product of the three and I'd like to try more of their mask sticks. Something I find really annoying is when you buy a mask and it's five pounds or more and it's single use, not only does it feel wasteful but also a lot of money for one use. I think this works so well and can be used many times, it's also easy to use as you just rub it over your face using the stick then wash it off. After use my face felt especially clean and the whole experience of putting the mask on is very calming.

Overall, I think glow hub is a really cool brand. It's got innovative products and cute packaging without being crazy expensive.

baked vegetarian nachos - Recipe

These are great for lunch or dinner and you can adjust the toppings to whatever you have in the fridge to make a delicious meal. This recipe is super easy with only four steps and will take under 30 minutes to make.

Instead of using tortilla chips I use wraps which works great in this recipe but they also taste great on their own for a snack either plain or with a few dips.

The Recipe

Ingredients

I have made these multiple times using lots of different ingredients so I've listed the ingredients for the nachos pictured and then also ingredients I have also used which work well.

For the tortilla chips:

• Wraps (cut into triangles)- you can use any but I used some wholemeal seeded wraps
• fajita seasoning
• salt and pepper
• oil

For the topping:

• black beans- could also use pinto beans or red kidney beans
• sweetcorn
• quorn mince
• tomato puree 
• cheese- I used cheddar
• fajita seasoning

could also use:

• mushrooms
• peppers
• onion
• refried beans
• quorn chicken pieces

To finish:

• sour cream
• tomatoes

could also use:

• avocado
• salsa
• feta

Method

Step 1

Place the wrap triangles into a baking tray seasoned with some salt, pepper and fajita seasoning, drizzled with oil and place into the oven for around 10 minutes.

Then keep checking on them every few minutes until they are crispy and remove from the oven.

Step 2

Heat a frying pan with a drizzle of oil and place all the topping ingredients except the cheese into the pan and fry until cooked through.

Step 3

Place the topping onto the tortilla chips, sprinkle the cheese on top and then place into the oven for around 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Step 4

Add the finishing items on top and enjoy.

The Best of Cruelty Free Beauty Brands

Recently I have been attempting to only use cruelty free makeup and skincare products, I didn't realise how many brands I was using are testing on animals. From old faves which are luckily already cruelty free to new finds, as I searched for the best of cruelty free.

Starting with some brands which won't break the bank ...

NYX is one of the best cruelty free brands in the drugstore which can be hard to find as a lot of my previous favourites turned out to not be cruelty free. They have a huge range of products at such affordable prices, my current favourite products from them is the coloured eyeliners.

The Ordinary sell expensive looking skincare for a non expensive price, it can be difficult to work out what does what but there are lots of youtube videos from skincare experts explaining what should work for you. I'm currently using their hyaluronic acid which is great for dry skin and a great product to start with.

Zoeva Do you need makeup brushes? because if you do then look no further. Zoeva sell the best makeup brushes, I bought mine years ago and they're still going strong and are my most used brushes. It's best to buy the whole sets which can seem a lot but works out cheapest and means you have all the brushes you need.

BYBI This brand is a recent find and has quickly become a favourite. As well as having products which work well, they also use 100% natural and vegan ingredients as they strive to do better for the planet. They use glass for 70% of their packaging as it is more sustainable and for the rest of the products they use bioplastic which is derived from sugarcane. I have been loving the Buriti booster which is a lightweight oil for the daytime which you can either use on its own or add to your moisturiser. 

Here's a few to splurge on ...

Hourglass is pretty expensive so I have only tried a few products from them but the ones I have I've loved. Their products would make a great gift as the packaging is always beautiful, I use the highlighter all the time for a natural looking glow.

Pixi is my current go-to for skincare and I don't think they are hyped enough, their rose moisturiser has become my favourite and I have almost finished my second tube. They also sell really good toners, my favourites being the glow tonic and the Vitamin C tonic. 

Glossier is very hyped but in my opinion, for good reason. Their skincare and makeup has not let me down and I just adore all of the packaging. My favourite product is the milky jelly cleanser, it's great for removing makeup and is also very gentle and makes your skin particularly soft. I also need to mention futuredew as no other product I have tried gives that much glow.

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Healthier banana pancake recipe

Perfect for a weekend treat, while still being healthy-ish.

Ingredients

1 banana
1 egg
1 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup oat milk (or any milk you have)

oil or butter for cooking (I use coconut oil)

Toppings - you can use whatever toppings you like 
maple syrup

cinnamon

dark chocolate 

blueberries- you can mix these into the mixture or just place them on when serving 

Method
Step 1
Mash the banana then mix in the egg.

Step 2
Add in the flour and baking powder and mix together, then add the milk and mix together to form the batter.

Step 3
Pour a third of the batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form on the top and then flip the pancake.
Repeat two more times with the rest of the batter.

Step 4
Serve with maple syrup and any extra toppings.

The Easiest Shakshuka Recipe

This is super easy to make and tastes great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I love shakshuka and this is my personal spin on it. You can use whatever beans you have in the cupboard and add in any leftover veg you have in the fridge, as long as you have eggs and chopped tomatoes you can do whatever you want with it.

Ingredients- for 2

1x -Tinned chopped tomatoes
1 tsp -chili flakes
1tbsp -basil
1tsp- garlic salt
1tsp- pepper
1tbsp -maple syrup or sugar
1x- Can of Chickpeas, or butter beans, or black beans, etc  (drained)
4- eggs
Feta /or goats cheese

Method
Preheat the oven to gas mark 6

Step 1
Place the chopped tomatoes into a pan with the seasonings and cook until simmering for 5- 10 minutes.


Step 2
Add in the chickpeas and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3
Take the pan off the heat and crack the eggs into the pan.

Step 4
Crumble a handful of feta and/or goats cheese into the pan.

Step 5 
Place the pan back onto the heat and place a lid on the pan until the eggs are cooked how you like (the best is runny yolks- about 3-5 mins).

Step 6
Serve and enjoy!

White Chocolate Cookies // using coconut oil

Recipe

For 12 cookies

Ingredients-

100g coconut oil (melted)

175g coconut sugar

200g plain flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 egg

150g white chocolate (chopped)

Method-

1. Preheat the oven to 170c

2. Mix the coconut oil and sugar together in a bowl

3. Mix in the egg until combined

4. Add in the dry ingredients

5. Stir in the white chocolate

6. Place the dough into 12 balls on a baking tray, leave space between them as they will expand in the oven

7. Cook for around 10 minutes, until they have browned

8. Allow to cool and then enjoy

2000's inspired outfits

I've been loving 2000's fashion, so here's a few outfits I put together inspired by the era as I try to be Mary-Kate or Ashley.
I was going to just post a few images but I decided to also do some y2k inspired edits (lol) which were actually really fun to create.



Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

Outfit Details

Look 1 

white cardigan: Nasty Gal

midi Skirt: charity shop

shoes: lilac suede air force

Look 2

tie dye top: charity shop (It was actually too big for me so I cropped it myself which is a helpful hack when buying from charity shops)

low waisted jeans: charity shop

bag: Depop

shoes: Silver glitter Adidas Superstars

sunglasses: Asos

Look 3

top: Brandy Melville

corduroy trousers: charity shop

shoes: lilac suede air force

bag: charity shop (I painted the butterflies on it)

sunglasses: Asos

Podcast recommendations...

I love podcasts for in the car, on the bus, while you make dinner or just chilling in your room, and I know I'm not alone in this so here's a few recommendations.

The High Low
This is a pop culture podcast hosted by the amazing Dolly Alderton (I'm a big fan, read her book Everything I know about love) and Pandora Sykes, who is also great.
The podcast comes out weekly as they discuss the current events, giving their opinions on the goings on.

Table Manners
Hosted by the singer Jessie Ware and her hilarious mum, the two interview famous guests and cook them food, discussing the impact food has had in their lives while having a general chat.

I usually listen to this on the bus to uni, and often catch myself looking like a freak laughing out loud.

Same but different
Keelin Moncrieff an Irish you-tuber hosts the podcast joined by her sister to discuss many important topics which aren't discussed enough.
Check out her youtube channel as well, she's a really cool gal.

How to fail
Elizabeth Day chats with guests about their failures in life and what that taught them.
The podcast has had lots of successful guests with uplifting stories about the good that can come from failures.

The Necklaces I've been loving ..

I have recently become more conscious of the way accessories can amp up an outfit and for my birthday I was gifted a few gorgeous necklaces which have quickly become everyday staples.

Each of the necklaces are different metals so I usually wear them separately however for a layered look I am a fan of the different metals together, especially the gold and rose gold. These would be great gifts or you could treat yourself!

Missoma Gold Rose Quartz 

Monica Vinader Engraved pendant

DAISY Chakra

Kale Salads

1 ingredient 2 ways

Who doesn't love kale and I am kinda bored of the classic lettuce salad so by switching it up with kale you can add new flavours and mix things up a bit!
You can basically do anything with it once you have boiled it, just add which ever ingredients you would like and enjoy. These are two different recipes which are super easy and I love.

Halloumi and Mushroom

INGREDIENTS  (One Serving)

Kale

Tomatoes (chopped)

Mushrooms (chopped)

Halloumi  (Sliced)

Olive Oil

Amount? - So I kinda just throw it all in but it is about a handful of everything, a bit more of Kale, only drizzles of the olive oil and mayo. 

HOW - TO

Step 1

Put some water in a pan and add the kale put the lid on and let it steam until its wilted and therefore ready!

Step 2 

Put the Halloumi and Mushrooms in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil.

Take the Halloumi out of the pan when it is browned and crispy on both sides and then set aside.

Step 3

While the mushrooms are cooking drain the kale and add to a bowl with the tomatoes.

Step 4

When the mushrooms are browned and soft add the halloumi back into the pan to warm through then add into the bowl.

Step 5

Drizzle with a little olive oil and/or mayo and then mix all together so that all the ingredients are spread out.

Step 6

Eat and enjoy!

Tuna Mayo

This is a tuna mayo version I made the other day, using the same basic recipe but different flavours!

Back to Birchbox // August

I cancelled my Birchbox last year when I wasn't enjoying the products v much and saving the £12 a month was a bonus! However recently I subscribed again as some friends were and I felt like trying some new products as recently I feel as if my beauty collection has hit a standstill and I've been using the same products and not discovering any new.
I've had the box for a month so this is the second box and since I have a need to experiment with some flat lays and backgrounds this is the perfect opportunity.
So, here is Birchbox August ... all that it contained and a little review of the products ..... enjoy!

St Tropez
Bronzing face sheet mask

As you can see by the unopened packet I haven't used this yet however the concept intrigues me. I am a little concerned that I will come out with an orange face but whether I end up looking like an oompa loompa or not expect a review.

Spectrum
A05 brush

I've seen Spectrum brushes popping up everywhere out of the blue and so I was excited to see them in the box. This brush has the shape I like to use for bronzer and is very similar to the Zoeva 127 I use currently. The brush is super soft and blends well, I definitely want to try some more spectrum products.

NUXE
Dry oil shimmer

So this is something I would never even think about buying as it looks kinda weird and I'm not even sure what a dry oil is but I actually really like it and would even think about repurchasing. First of all it smells amazing and that is kinda the key factor to why it's so great. It's an oil but when you rub it into your skin it's not greasy but just adds moisture, a shimmery glow and a sweet scent.

LOC
Shadow stick

Birchbox alway seems to be putting eyeshadow sticks in and this one isn't bad quality and is a pretty shade however I don't use them very often. They are handy for on the go as you can basically do a one swipe on the eye and go but I would rather something new or different!

Number 4
Sugar texturizing spray

This is another that smells good, it gives your hair a bit of beachy texture and leaves the scent in your hair.

Bristol

My Current Makeup look - Orange eyes

I have recently been wearing orange eyeshadow for my everyday look and I'm lovin' it.
Everything in this look is a fave, I was going to do a makeup favourites post but this is basically it. I got some new faves from Sephora so if you know where to find them in the UK then holla! Most of the rest are solid faves that I've used for ages. I will be doing a Sephora haul post where I'll go into more detail of those products and can I just say how much I'm loving Tarte at the moment.
So heres the look and what I used ....


ORANGE EYESHADOW - Sephora
Mango Shake
Zoeva 227/Luxe soft definer
I've wanted an orange eyeshadow for so long and have had my eye on the Morphe 35OM palette however it is constantly out of stock so I bought this eyeshadow which was from Sephora and is their own brand. To be totally honest it is not the best pigment or lasting however I absolutely love the colour and so with some primer and setting spray I love it and would recommend.

EYELINER - Loreal
Superliner black precision

MASCARA- Tarte
Lights, Camera, Splashes

EYEBROWS - Anastasia
Dip Brow Pomade
Morphe M158

FOUNDATION - Bourjois
Healthy mix serum
Face sponge and Zoeva 102/Silk finish

POWDER - Loreal
Nude Magique BB powder
Zoeva 106/Powder

CONCEALER- Urban Decay
Naked skin
Sponge

BRONZER - Physicians Formula
Butter bronzer
Zoeva 127/Luxe sheer cheek

HIGHLIGHTER - Soap and Glory and Tarte
Hocus Focus and Amazonian Clay (Stunner)
Zoeva 231/Luxe petite crease

LIPS - Tarte
Tarteist lip paint (birthday suit)
This was a Sephora beauty insider gift so the shade is exclusive to that but they have some similar in the main range.

BRUSHES
I put the brush I used next to the product ..  you are welcome !
Most of the brushes I use are Zoeva and I would highly recommend, I have the Rose Gold set and it seems expensive (because it is) however if you work it out per brush then it's a deal!

               




                                                                         

January Faves

Creme Brule white hot chocolate (Whittards)

So, I discovered white hot chocolate and it's amazing! I had tried it before once but it was way too sweet and I didn't like it however now I am a changed women and love it .. so much. I have tried the one in Starbucks which they did for christmas which was great however I don't think they still sell it now christmas is over (sad face) but this one from Whittards is so good and also it's to make at home and therefore you can make it whenever you want. Also regarding the creme brulee part it just makes it better! Also have a look at their other hot chocolates as when I was finding a link I saw some lust worthy flavours..

Missguided jumper

I never would really think of Missguided for everyday clothes but just for dresses and they always have a sale so its super cheap. I bought this jumper and its became something which I wear all the time, it's just a staple everyday jumper!

New Look Pyjama bottoms (I bought these a while ago so the link is the same pyjamas but in the tall section)
SOooo comfy, who doesn't love wearing comfy clothes and chilling!

Mac face and body foundation
My sister had this and then I stole it from her and then she gave it to me! I like this because it is super light and fresh looking, I'm so into that dewy look at the moment so this is perfect.

Next embroidered boyfriend jeans
I've wanted embroidered jeans for so long and I have been drooling over the ones in Topshop however they are kinda pricy so when I saw these in Next in the sale I grabbed e'm. I am loving everything embroidered at the moment and these just add a little something to an outfit.

Mushrooms
OMFG I LOVE MUSHROOMS !
I used to hate mushroom partly because I hadn't tried them because people would say they are disgusting however now I can't get enough. Every meal needs a couple (or more) mushrooms thrown in. TIP: try something which you think is disgusting and so haven't tried in ages, you may now love it!

Lush bath bombs
I got a gift box from Lush for christmas and I'm slowly getting through the bath bombs and they just make having a bath even better, for some reason having coloured water just makes everything better (and obviously they smell amazing)!

Gilmore girls (for the 100th time)
I've mentioned this before and I will again since I've watched it all again for the 100th time (more like 4 but still thats kinda a lot since theres seven seasons) and I just love it so much and recommend you watch it. The new episodes came out in November (A year in the life) however more on that in a post coming soon and if you'd like to know more about the original series I talk about it here.

Thanks for reading
   O x