Monday 27 February 2017

Physical Photographs

I love photos. They never change, even when the people inside them do. They just stay frozen with the characters stuck in time. 
As much as technology is great these days (-borderline 'scary-great') I miss the beauty of physical photographs. As a child, I remember my mom collecting film reels to take to the local photo shop to have developed. Weeks later we would go back and she'd come back to the car with stacks of photo packets. She'd spend so many evenings sorting them into photo albums and writing notes on the back about the occasion within the photo. What do we do now? We post them to facebook or Instagram, get some likes and comments and then that's it, they are forgotten forever. *sad
In 2015, I got a polaroid camera and fell back in love with physical photographs. Sure the quality isn't as defined but it is still a nostalgic luxury to hold your photographs -instantly, might I add. This process has spurred me to make an effort to print out my photographs and organise my own photo albums. Something to look back on, just like my mom is able to do. 


When was the last time you got your photos printed off? 
Cheerio for now! 
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Monday 20 February 2017

Review: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Facial Clay

Health & Beauty - Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask Tub
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay - Green Bentonite Clay Powder
I saw this face clay around over a year ago but steered clear thinking it was simply a gimmick product like a perfume called 'mermaid tears' or body shimmer called 'fairy dust'. It wasn't until it popped up in one of Simply_Kenna's Cruelty-Free Products video that I finally thought I'd give it a shot. The Aztec Healing Clay comes in a screw top tub, as seen above, which I paid around £9 for a 1 Lb tub from Amazon. There was a mixture of reviews on the site which made me a little hesitant but at such a cheap price I decided to go for it. 

The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Facial Clay has multiple uses and benefits, including removing dirt and impurities from pores. It's deep cleansing properties are miracle workers for the minimized appearance of pores and brightening effects on the skin. Bonus factor- it's 100% natural Calcium Bentonite (Green) Clay. 
How can you use it? 
  • The tub says the clay can be used for facials, acne, bodywraps, foot soaks, baths and insect bites. Personally, I have only used it on my nose, around my lip area and on acne as those are my problem areas. 
  • To use, simply add equal parts of the clay with raw apple cider vinegar or water to form a smooth paste. 
  • To mix, it's required to use a non-metal bowl and utensil
  • Make sure no liquid gets into your tub of product so the rest of the clay powder doesn't ruin.
  • Once the mixture is smooth, apply to problem areas and let dry. For delicate skin let the mix sit for 5-10 minutes and 15-20 minutes for normal skin. It will feel tight and may even have a warming effect on your skin. 
  • Once ready to remove, rinse off with warm water. 
  • Once removed skin will have a redness to it for around 30 minutes but soon disappears. 
  • Use once a week, or more often for problem areas. 
This product has become a must-have in my skincare regime and I use it once a week. Because you are mixing it yourself, at times it is a little tricky to get the consistency right and in the first few uses you can potentially waste quite a bit of the product. My advice to avoid this would be to start with the smallest amount and go from there, even if that means mixing up a new batch if you don't quite have enough for your use. I have to say, overall I am super impressed by this product and its' quality. I would recommend to anyone who wants to give their skin some extra TLC.


Have you ever tried Aztec Secret Indian Healing Facial Clay? What did you think?
Cheerio for now! 
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Monday 6 February 2017

Book Review: The Miniaturist

The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton 
Book | The Miniaturist
Book | The Miniaturist

This book was one that had caught my eye many a time from its place of pride, on the bestseller bookshelf at my favourite bookstore. I had read the blurb a half a dozen times but for some reason never purchased it. The description was so intriguing and it made its' way onto my reading list but there were always other books that distracted me until it was gifted to me at Christmas (is there a reoccurring pattern here? -I think so). It wasn't until our summer 'uproot' that I finally cracked the spine and got sucked into the world of what happens behind the doors of a 17th-century merchant trader family home in Amsterdam. 

The story revolves around Nella Oortman who becomes Nella Brandt, the young wife of Johannes Brandt. With her husband off at sea and trading in distant lands, he gives her a miniature cabinet house to fill her time and distract herself with. After sourcing a miniaturist the cabinet quickly comes to a life in a way that unnerves Nella and so the story twists and turns in the most unexpected of ways. 

Both the story and the way Burton has produced this story was both beautiful and intensely gripping. I wish I could mention more about this novel but I do not want to give away any spoilers, especially as there are so many plot twists within. As soon as you think you have figured out why and what is happening, you are blindsided by another piece of the puzzle. Overall, I loved this book. It made for a great read, no doubt one I will return to and reread over and over. 

Have you ever read The Miniaturist? What did you think? 
Cheerio for now!
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