tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23062381366198158732024-03-05T07:54:54.688+00:00That Lisa Clare | Derbyshire Lifestyle and Travel BlogA Derbyshire Lifestyle Blog by a 30-something girl who really should know better by now.ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.comBlogger342125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-74482079812723291902019-08-25T22:00:00.000+01:002019-11-15T21:52:43.313+00:00Sunday Snapshot | Sunset over Beeley Moor<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeVQ4xcXwadDjSnCwjxbxitpApnyVYNue7648C5oGmi7bHSQZ_eGzHzKpFMSjwMVPc5dEbBJ7MsqC8O_KN9ybda793uQyjrkxNyeQ1z9gtovoAuNafN5K1MR-nePN6ZbmfqcPTbZI6CuS/s1600/sunset-beeley-derbyshire.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Derbyshire life - A little Sunday snapshot of the sun setting over Beeley Moor in the Peak District. " border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeVQ4xcXwadDjSnCwjxbxitpApnyVYNue7648C5oGmi7bHSQZ_eGzHzKpFMSjwMVPc5dEbBJ7MsqC8O_KN9ybda793uQyjrkxNyeQ1z9gtovoAuNafN5K1MR-nePN6ZbmfqcPTbZI6CuS/s640/sunset-beeley-derbyshire.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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A little Sunday snapshot of the sun setting over Beeley Moor in the Peak District. </h3>
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This Bank Holiday Sunday Evening Snapshot started out as an epic fail for Tim and I! We'd headed over to The Wheatsheaf at Baslow in search of food, only to find they'd finished early and be redirected to The Highwayman (who also didn't have room for us). We resigned ourselves to heading home and ordering a pizza but, rather than waste the whole evening, decided to take the scenic route back to Matlock.</div>
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So so glad we did, as it was that perfect, golden time of the evening and we were inspired to abandon the car at the side of the road and take a sunset stroll along some of the country lanes that run through Beeley Moor and capture some stunning shots of that evening's sunset.<br />
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Everything was such a glorious shade of soft pink and iPhone photos really don't do it justice at all, but I hope you enjoy these images as much as we enjoyed taking them...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXvx0QD1EHz2F2eJIpW0_2WJQ3QuCcmZbZQsVYwmTG_MkZjE5wo1WFNV4yDEtB3GbH5-M5dExI2p9h6oOaKJK25WOkMroUq5vLI1a9TajoL4aSS7c_1ONSZB6AU_GdQERRZbx587rZbQN/s1600/IMG_3662.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Derbyshire life - A little Sunday snapshot of the sun setting over Beeley Moor in the Peak District. " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXvx0QD1EHz2F2eJIpW0_2WJQ3QuCcmZbZQsVYwmTG_MkZjE5wo1WFNV4yDEtB3GbH5-M5dExI2p9h6oOaKJK25WOkMroUq5vLI1a9TajoL4aSS7c_1ONSZB6AU_GdQERRZbx587rZbQN/s640/IMG_3662.jpg" title="" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJja81nuqUjvQ2DUyTK8_-id5pn7dz6prTkg0nbe4qk3Rw8Hu1mN1-Bz0XR6oq7NGd6FL0IJHW-KHv8LSE29X4ixuQSL8IKX043AW_CJN4vRgGQ9wjZd_5v9mzbjbVoqNG4Fp45b9iEYF/s1600/sunset-beeley-derbyshire5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Derbyshire life - A little Sunday snapshot of the sun setting over Beeley Moor in the Peak District. " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJja81nuqUjvQ2DUyTK8_-id5pn7dz6prTkg0nbe4qk3Rw8Hu1mN1-Bz0XR6oq7NGd6FL0IJHW-KHv8LSE29X4ixuQSL8IKX043AW_CJN4vRgGQ9wjZd_5v9mzbjbVoqNG4Fp45b9iEYF/s640/sunset-beeley-derbyshire5.jpg" title="" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvokZwpeHplBeApz3pWz3f2EsXNLRTvwAfgs1v6chkZSUJSjpTPyhtFoJDenoH3fAIKX243sZgh9bM5xsOJuKkFeWxAfyBkTD5WyBYVVg1_Y8X1P5zasDp2GEV68OfKVvM7fu3XQgRoEc4/s1600/sunset-beeley-derbyshire3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Derbyshire life - A little Sunday snapshot of the sun setting over Beeley Moor in the Peak District. " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvokZwpeHplBeApz3pWz3f2EsXNLRTvwAfgs1v6chkZSUJSjpTPyhtFoJDenoH3fAIKX243sZgh9bM5xsOJuKkFeWxAfyBkTD5WyBYVVg1_Y8X1P5zasDp2GEV68OfKVvM7fu3XQgRoEc4/s640/sunset-beeley-derbyshire3.jpg" title="" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI-6oP3p1oPAMc6dECVMhQ8GTZwSf6v6w3L2H1Zy584LHhvo_7aadndIqIbUEKyOkFV7ANX9o0pWvO-zD-J7Kf7Mf8rBFfokauJL1dYxxUdCU-gBq6RNEqbfa9M_rkw_TTaYlTuPfhuom/s1600/sunset-beeley-derbyshire2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Derbyshire life - A little Sunday snapshot of the sun setting over Beeley Moor in the Peak District. " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI-6oP3p1oPAMc6dECVMhQ8GTZwSf6v6w3L2H1Zy584LHhvo_7aadndIqIbUEKyOkFV7ANX9o0pWvO-zD-J7Kf7Mf8rBFfokauJL1dYxxUdCU-gBq6RNEqbfa9M_rkw_TTaYlTuPfhuom/s640/sunset-beeley-derbyshire2.jpg" title="" width="512" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXvx0QD1EHz2F2eJIpW0_2WJQ3QuCcmZbZQsVYwmTG_MkZjE5wo1WFNV4yDEtB3GbH5-M5dExI2p9h6oOaKJK25WOkMroUq5vLI1a9TajoL4aSS7c_1ONSZB6AU_GdQERRZbx587rZbQN/s1600/IMG_3662.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJja81nuqUjvQ2DUyTK8_-id5pn7dz6prTkg0nbe4qk3Rw8Hu1mN1-Bz0XR6oq7NGd6FL0IJHW-KHv8LSE29X4ixuQSL8IKX043AW_CJN4vRgGQ9wjZd_5v9mzbjbVoqNG4Fp45b9iEYF/s1600/sunset-beeley-derbyshire5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
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For more real-time snapshots of life in Derbyshire and the Peak District,<span style="color: #0000ee;"> <a href="http://instagram.com/thatlisaclare" target="_blank">follow me on instagram.</a></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXvx0QD1EHz2F2eJIpW0_2WJQ3QuCcmZbZQsVYwmTG_MkZjE5wo1WFNV4yDEtB3GbH5-M5dExI2p9h6oOaKJK25WOkMroUq5vLI1a9TajoL4aSS7c_1ONSZB6AU_GdQERRZbx587rZbQN/s1600/IMG_3662.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJja81nuqUjvQ2DUyTK8_-id5pn7dz6prTkg0nbe4qk3Rw8Hu1mN1-Bz0XR6oq7NGd6FL0IJHW-KHv8LSE29X4ixuQSL8IKX043AW_CJN4vRgGQ9wjZd_5v9mzbjbVoqNG4Fp45b9iEYF/s1600/sunset-beeley-derbyshire5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a></div>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-70978049787967300712019-06-30T21:48:00.000+01:002019-11-15T21:51:46.360+00:00Sunday Snapshot | Among the Poppies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgfnDEd7jrhJmU-a0RLa54ntGLUdHIkocL35t9I9xlTupIP5TeMzuhRFrnhvMkH70p2tcvHOvX-BL0hUbwIQ2khBp8fAPHhhprIe-zNrxy-Dlx8EgbSFhs5n0DCZJl7lXt-ZYsub2i35L/s1600/Poppy-Field-Baslow4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come with me on a lazy Sunday stroll in the poppy fields of Bubnell, Baslow in the Peak District." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgfnDEd7jrhJmU-a0RLa54ntGLUdHIkocL35t9I9xlTupIP5TeMzuhRFrnhvMkH70p2tcvHOvX-BL0hUbwIQ2khBp8fAPHhhprIe-zNrxy-Dlx8EgbSFhs5n0DCZJl7lXt-ZYsub2i35L/s640/Poppy-Field-Baslow4.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Come with me on a lazy Sunday stroll in the poppy fields of Bubnell, Baslow in the Peak District.</h3>
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I do love a good summer Sunday drive-out. We are so lucky to have so many little nooks, crannies and gems to explore in the Derbyshire Dales and in the Peak District and the longer days and sunnier weather makes it criminal not to explore. Summer is also the time that the poppies are in full bloom in Bubnell, a little village tucked away in the Peak District, near Baslow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIaIDGgz0eiVlt04Z4X-yS5iG8tVgrXIBoPQh1nP5ojWOWZGINp0wvVOm8cN9pedfu05_SQnOLOu_KNcxRK45pWUD6KDf0Zj4gB6l1E5SMZreBvqmWLLtpiVCtfhPgJY7fpyC9IswdFmz/s1600/Poppy-Field-Baslow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIaIDGgz0eiVlt04Z4X-yS5iG8tVgrXIBoPQh1nP5ojWOWZGINp0wvVOm8cN9pedfu05_SQnOLOu_KNcxRK45pWUD6KDf0Zj4gB6l1E5SMZreBvqmWLLtpiVCtfhPgJY7fpyC9IswdFmz/s640/Poppy-Field-Baslow2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This summer, the fields surrounding <a href="http://www.bubnellcliff.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bubnell Cliff Farm</a> have come to life with a sea of brilliant red poppies (and some white if you can spot them). When you step across the road and into the field you are met with a vast wash of green and red that stretches way into the distance, where Chatsworth house is also visible in the background. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2AV91Pvo6cHLD86a5rNPU21nDzEl31nfzNHGxvsdLrF8X-CGyTezkDen8_CPmFmZPvbo93Z2IfIJko70GhSVrli7BUAjRepB8ghxRWVDDEltktig4uosiV5_-Ibu4otlkCHgtbVyuSRb/s1600/Poppy-Field-Baslow6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come with me on a lazy Sunday stroll in the poppy fields of Bubnell, Baslow in the Peak District." border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2AV91Pvo6cHLD86a5rNPU21nDzEl31nfzNHGxvsdLrF8X-CGyTezkDen8_CPmFmZPvbo93Z2IfIJko70GhSVrli7BUAjRepB8ghxRWVDDEltktig4uosiV5_-Ibu4otlkCHgtbVyuSRb/s640/Poppy-Field-Baslow6.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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You are permitted to explore the fields to your heart's content, which is probably the reason there have been so many photos popping up on social media from locals and tourists alike. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos on my phone while I was up to my waist in beautiful flowers, and couldn't help but wish I'd packed my SLR, but this was an on-a-whim excursion, and I count myself extremely lucky that there are places like this practically on my doorstep to mooch around when the mood just takes you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLT9X340uC2LC_EJ_MTis3bc2j5FVw45tUNenwlwe3rnvOdbsQwSX-4LczgJiywd_fFobsTYlf8pAWPhkPpsP-xP90yIqzD6gy3J0WO41sRlwnjjTJjvaKu23ge8WHT_i2tGPCuh9dmKf/s1600/Poppy-Field-Baslow+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come with me on a lazy Sunday stroll in the poppy fields of Bubnell, Baslow in the Peak District." border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLT9X340uC2LC_EJ_MTis3bc2j5FVw45tUNenwlwe3rnvOdbsQwSX-4LczgJiywd_fFobsTYlf8pAWPhkPpsP-xP90yIqzD6gy3J0WO41sRlwnjjTJjvaKu23ge8WHT_i2tGPCuh9dmKf/s640/Poppy-Field-Baslow+.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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As with most of my Sunday Snapshot posts, I'm just going to let the photos do the rest of the talking. If you get chance to visit Chatsworth, or Derbyshire in general over the next couple of months, this spectacle is well worth a slight detour, especially on a sunny day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5PpEsr5WkX5IO7hWwYr7fimYldM06YJGD-m0nh0pnMXTodbonRKA9O4cSSTYXQYWU5nkyiKyqPksS2YZvM11bOwZ8wF6ptJ4ARP1Vg40oRvtegOtmewq9JMYZXIu-nzmU9Nj90mDtpW9/s1600/Poppy-Field_Baslow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come with me on a lazy Sunday stroll in the poppy fields of Bubnell, Baslow in the Peak District." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5PpEsr5WkX5IO7hWwYr7fimYldM06YJGD-m0nh0pnMXTodbonRKA9O4cSSTYXQYWU5nkyiKyqPksS2YZvM11bOwZ8wF6ptJ4ARP1Vg40oRvtegOtmewq9JMYZXIu-nzmU9Nj90mDtpW9/s640/Poppy-Field_Baslow3.jpg" title="" width="512" /></a></div>
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If you're interested in a frolick among the poppies, you'll find Bubnell Cliff Farm, just outside of Baslow <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/53.1275776,-1.5581184/bubnell+poppy+field/@53.1869503,-1.6625966,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x487a282bb619bd1f:0x16ede33c30b3377f!2m2!1d-1.6382544!2d53.2425782" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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For more Sunday Snapshots from in and around Derbyshire, you can see some of my other photo-heavy round-ups using the tag here. </h4>
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<br />ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-18702587435830778422018-07-05T19:10:00.002+01:002018-07-05T19:10:54.818+01:00Go Bananas for The Body Shop! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_csVpZQ4AXkK1x34q2jk6VbckE5k_Y4SYbqmwehRQyRyXTfZ8yZ3cUc2b8ClLKgzknMloUTUQXLiRfVExdw-kqqNCqmfKjkQLoEQNdJnA94CqmSab5tyTWeEc5I0164GioY_I1hP0dd5/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Now that Summer has officially arrived, it's time to get TROPICAL with this Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Collection by The Body Shop" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_csVpZQ4AXkK1x34q2jk6VbckE5k_Y4SYbqmwehRQyRyXTfZ8yZ3cUc2b8ClLKgzknMloUTUQXLiRfVExdw-kqqNCqmfKjkQLoEQNdJnA94CqmSab5tyTWeEc5I0164GioY_I1hP0dd5/s640/IMG_2226.JPG" title="Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Collection - The Body Shop" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now that Summer has officially arrived, it's time to get TROPICAL with this 100% Vegan Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Collection by The Body Shop</h2>
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Not so long ago I posted about the launch of The Body Shop's new range of <a href="http://www.thatlisaclare.co.uk/2018/05/body-shop-body-yogurt.html" target="_blank">100% vegan body yogurts</a>. Well, now they've gone bananas (apologies in advance, the banana wordplay in this post is going to be plentiful) and released a complete fruity Banana collection that is entirely free from animal ingredients. My customers have also fallen in love with this range, and I just had to share my thoughts with you as soon as my delivery arrived...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Upy4bNPxkAUhWRy1UNicNzDKPVtXbUhDAq4Rc2wnQybYZHy8HjQ02SfOKrFOtVuAK3Y-CQBRK_j3F2X9GmcwsqKZrsRjuxgqXUCYgETIprouSXTMHURd4Vb80s-9y91-15fATDh-QPLc/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Now that Summer has officially arrived, it's time to get TROPICAL with this Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Collection by The Body Shop" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Upy4bNPxkAUhWRy1UNicNzDKPVtXbUhDAq4Rc2wnQybYZHy8HjQ02SfOKrFOtVuAK3Y-CQBRK_j3F2X9GmcwsqKZrsRjuxgqXUCYgETIprouSXTMHURd4Vb80s-9y91-15fATDh-QPLc/s640/IMG_2230.JPG" title="Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Collection - The Body Shop" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, what is it?</h3>
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- Banana Shower Cream</div>
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- Banana Body Butter</div>
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-Banana Body Yogurt</div>
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- PLUS a range of cute banana gift sets, complete with their own banana washbag</div>
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What's in it? </h3>
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As part of their Community Trade initiative, The Body Shop sources its organic banana puree from local growers in Ecuador. These farmers are paid a fair price for their harvest, which helps to sustain communities, and provide opportunities and valuable income for local workers. The Body Shop's partner farms are also committed to providing opportunities for more women in the region. Girl Power!!</div>
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What appeals to me even more is that The Body Shop always request the 'wonky' bananas, that aren't pretty enough to be shipped out to supermarkets, making this partnership a zero-waste win into the bargain! As well as these gorgeous organic bananas, these products have also been formulated with coconut oils, for even greater hydration and long-lasting moisturisation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuQTvgQUhjA4dLhcRgSgK7evYUcAVYAvgbTe0xBGpeu_gZEzlyn3vUUG62lxOU_nW96DB4OQ_1vLWSEdSSJC95ZQmg8VBjXXtNYSfNmhfAnPVpFWZ3WmDJocr-anl4NoerfbTmrYNtrNv/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Now that Summer has officially arrived, it's time to get TROPICAL with this Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Collection by The Body Shop" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuQTvgQUhjA4dLhcRgSgK7evYUcAVYAvgbTe0xBGpeu_gZEzlyn3vUUG62lxOU_nW96DB4OQ_1vLWSEdSSJC95ZQmg8VBjXXtNYSfNmhfAnPVpFWZ3WmDJocr-anl4NoerfbTmrYNtrNv/s640/IMG_2244.JPG" title="Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Care - The Body Shop" width="512" /></a></div>
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Is it any good?</h3>
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<i>Abso-flippin-lutely!!! </i></div>
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I'm a lifelong fan of The Body Shop Body Butters, and I was so excited when the Body Yogurts were released, as I now have loads more vegan product options to choose from. As I mentioned in my previous post, the Body Yogurts are a very worthy successor for the Body Butters, with a much lighter glide-on formula that absorbs in just 15 seconds and leaves zero residue on the skin. Amazing for anyone in a hurry! With almond milk and hyaluronic acid, the yogurts absorb moisture into the skin like a sponge, and lock it in for up to 48hrs.</div>
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I also mentioned further up the post, the Body Butter and Shower Cream in this new collection are also completely vegan-friendly, which is amazing news, as the vegan body butter options in The Body Shop's other core ranges are few - Fuji Green Tea and British Rose. That's about it. The culprit is usually bee byproducts such as honey and beeswax, but there's no trace of either in this new range, with no compromise to the quality and effectiveness of the formula. I've had the Body Butter on my arms all day and I feel super smooth and hydrated and I smell DE-LISH!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOc__Csjo0OJr-YPYD7XIhRnD1V68DBimFgORDb0Cm06zGv5mEMuZsTE1n2hQJXHSDfLshABmYwTniZ4pjUlz3iVpOmeFlvmTKASORvgs8vXXmt0aJlMJVptFkiK3UpJc8yAdO3IoTfu8H/s1600/IMG_2245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Now that Summer has officially arrived, it's time to get TROPICAL with this Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Collection by The Body Shop" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOc__Csjo0OJr-YPYD7XIhRnD1V68DBimFgORDb0Cm06zGv5mEMuZsTE1n2hQJXHSDfLshABmYwTniZ4pjUlz3iVpOmeFlvmTKASORvgs8vXXmt0aJlMJVptFkiK3UpJc8yAdO3IoTfu8H/s640/IMG_2245.JPG" title="Special Edition Banana Bath & Body Collection - The Body Shop" width="512" /></a></div>
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If you want more information on this, or any other product range from The Body Shop (vegan or otherwise) UK readers are very welcome to join my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/tbsahbylisaclare/" target="_blank">Body Shop at Home Group on Facebook</a>. I regularly post exclusive promotions, giveaways and discounts on many of The Body Shop's best-loved ranges and can ship anywhere in the UK. There are a whole host of new product lines just launched for high summer, so there's plenty more to discover! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Of course you don't have to order through me at all. You can also browse all of the latest product releases over at <a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/" target="_blank">www.thebodyshop.com</a></span></b></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Will you be going bananas for this new collection? What are your favourite vegan and cruelty-free products for smooth summer skin?</h3>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-90996066690428956952018-06-15T16:47:00.000+01:002018-06-28T16:50:48.204+01:00At My Desk: My Home Office<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJOciy_gVVdTUUWWypX95syk2sCyaMz8mnFjG_czFG0l8IvXUFZsJ__JNdnk944_CTt0WaIFVeUVa7qGwEb-WM7f4OVZT82x_Pgh6LTUqeGNaRrFBoI8w-NcqaHhpt2tTpWmsZkjhnuln/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJOciy_gVVdTUUWWypX95syk2sCyaMz8mnFjG_czFG0l8IvXUFZsJ__JNdnk944_CTt0WaIFVeUVa7qGwEb-WM7f4OVZT82x_Pgh6LTUqeGNaRrFBoI8w-NcqaHhpt2tTpWmsZkjhnuln/s640/IMG_0525.JPG" title="At My Desk: My Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. </h2>
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Ever since I moved into my new flat in September, I've been itching to give my readers a tour and to show you how I've styled my home. However, in reality, it's taken me quite a long time to really get into adding all the little touches that make it worth sharing. It took me 6 months to even get myself a coffee table! Fast-forward to June, and it's finally starting to look like my own. </div>
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My office is my unused spare room. It's actually the slowest room in terms of progress, and it's still half empty (apart from various boxes, laundry, and my spin bike), but I'm starting to really love my desk setup so I thought I'd take you on a little tour of my work corner, and show you where I spend my days.</div>
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Not gonna lie, sometimes I don't even work in here - it's very tempting to flop down on the sofa on my Chromebook, or even work from my bed if I'm having a bad endometriosis day, but my office is so lovely and bright and I definitely feel more motivated and productive when I work at my desk. Especially now that I have plenty of plants and pretty things to go on it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4XRb8gODsN1e1WdhW5XYzInTC1Ku5Ml4Px6-gROCvAC-FexE0AtethHz9ApMCAdqZ3BiRPcWNwH4LFBuAWSgiu9zIcQD3hJ_x38UtaMxwqroTim-qpO-nOX9aQ9GstsoLq6WgF-jNVqN/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4XRb8gODsN1e1WdhW5XYzInTC1Ku5Ml4Px6-gROCvAC-FexE0AtethHz9ApMCAdqZ3BiRPcWNwH4LFBuAWSgiu9zIcQD3hJ_x38UtaMxwqroTim-qpO-nOX9aQ9GstsoLq6WgF-jNVqN/s640/IMG_1658.JPG" title="At My Desk: My Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The Key Elements</h3>
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My desk itself is the IKEA Micke. If I remained true to my heart I'd have gone for a chunky rustic reclaimed wood-style desk top, but I don't have the budget for what I really want so I deferred to my inner handbag basic and went for the pristine white IKEA option. And I do really love it. The drawers are lovely and huge so I can stash plenty of snacks and stationary without my workspace being cluttered. My current chair is also an IKEA buy, but only a temporary measure, so not really worth mentioning - although, I will say that, for a basic, folding chair, it is surprisingly comfy and I'm happy to work all day on it.</div>
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I work on a 2015 iMac, which I definitely prefer now to a PC and would never switch back. I was so happy when I made this purchase, I could have cried. I'd been making do with a knackered old Windows laptop that was completely fried from 4 years of university, and I really wanted something that would catapult me into my new freelance career and do everything I needed it to do. It also allows me to sync everything up with my clients, as most of our shared documents and calendars are in iCloud. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap87V4WejrtfwzVid_crnJ7h9jMA_EQMVabFwyMpPGgECCQ7QsHVYJN6bXgh7IwE6ZMiwSS_ih_8_ebKRxCr-Q_pzB16qHPO18Xdg5gJb5o_xbi1Fcloz-USIriBzq9a5c664j2DPb5nc/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap87V4WejrtfwzVid_crnJ7h9jMA_EQMVabFwyMpPGgECCQ7QsHVYJN6bXgh7IwE6ZMiwSS_ih_8_ebKRxCr-Q_pzB16qHPO18Xdg5gJb5o_xbi1Fcloz-USIriBzq9a5c664j2DPb5nc/s640/IMG_1965.JPG" title="At My Desk: My Home Office" width="512" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Wall Art</h3>
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This is something I'm still working on, as this room is still very much a shell, compared to other rooms in my home. However, I recently came across the perfect focal piece on an impromptu trip to Dunelm. As an ex-Londoner, I do still crave the city from time to time, so this Canvas Map of London (£16.99) just jumped out at me. </div>
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I find it so understated, yet fascinating. I keep looking at it and reliving so many fond memories of my home and University in Greenwich, and travels around the city. It's the perfect colour scheme too, as it has a touch of neutral gold running through it. It also matches my University of Greenwich map notepad perfectly! </div>
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I also have my degree certification framed on the wall by my desk, as well as this motivational quote print. I felt like I had to have one of those. I think I'd have to hand in my blogging card if I didn't!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBtRpRm8BrKwEC7WyV_1JLnOHsXOPq7dYa54MgJPAe06rkhIGz4Mt7xDQqLfOPGkezgadUxrAhAMCAL_T-I0ZDicdJewvB3tlLsYhn1BHZNriUvqdzX2BJkdYhpUt4um0jhEmqo89QQ7s/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBtRpRm8BrKwEC7WyV_1JLnOHsXOPq7dYa54MgJPAe06rkhIGz4Mt7xDQqLfOPGkezgadUxrAhAMCAL_T-I0ZDicdJewvB3tlLsYhn1BHZNriUvqdzX2BJkdYhpUt4um0jhEmqo89QQ7s/s640/IMG_0407.JPG" title="At My Desk: My Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Little Touches</h3>
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<b>Copper Basket</b> - Primark</div>
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<b>Copper Plated Standing Photo Frame</b> - £5 Dunelm<br />
<i>(Inspirational photo of my gorgeous Dad not included, obvs)</i></div>
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<b>Rose Gold 2018 Diary</b> - Tu at Sainsbury's</div>
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<b>Mini Succulent</b> (part of a pack of 3) - IKEA<br />
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<b>Mini Cacti </b>(part of a pack of 3) - Sainsbury's</div>
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<b>Himalayan Salt Lamp</b> - £15 Amazon </div>
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<b>Harry Potter Mouse Mat</b> - Etsy<br />
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<b>Daily Gratitude Journal</b> - £18 Happi Empire via NOTHS</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuq3nSxTXwGi-_yS6pJKtSwN9JP_AmM2cfsQuqcqi09SoCpoqy5Jvn5YffV1uIlCJW2fWXDtz3w5qYJzLaS6t7eglt5BJV7JTTtIZz9jwoOcAI30Hi5GQtS_b7NCjFGSszlXaoVr0Eequ/s1600/IMG_0690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuq3nSxTXwGi-_yS6pJKtSwN9JP_AmM2cfsQuqcqi09SoCpoqy5Jvn5YffV1uIlCJW2fWXDtz3w5qYJzLaS6t7eglt5BJV7JTTtIZz9jwoOcAI30Hi5GQtS_b7NCjFGSszlXaoVr0Eequ/s640/IMG_0690.JPG" title="At My Desk: My Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was so important to me to have a photo of my Dad at my desk. He was so instrumental in helping me through my degree an getting me to where I wanted to be career-wise, and I hate that he's no longer here to see me progress. He gave me endless inspiration, and believed in me when I was losing the will to live over my dissertation and wanted to jack it all in. I love this little copper photo frame, and having Dad here will help me stay focused and not procrastinate - he'd be kicking my arse 7 ways to Sunday if he thought I was slacking. </div>
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The other notable accessory here is my Himalayan Salt Lamp. I've been a convert to salt lamps for a few years now and I now have one in pretty much every room. I just love how soothing they are and they really help with my anxiety - of which a lot is related to work. I can't be doing with bright, fluro lamps, which tend to leave me agitated and on the way to a migraine, so the warm glow of the salt lamp is exactly what I need if I'm working in the evening. It certainly helps me fall asleep quicker after staring at a computer screen all afternoon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4Apf7awG8z8cKJ4DV9VHflr3zAKleNZTsosRY6nPMaDUpykGers0iVv_n6k7GHNiPHSZLrxnel3w_F6p46NVemJC1_qh82ptL6G853tWESddLdb214rF_h7lu3CkKseEJajNdg6xGQte/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4Apf7awG8z8cKJ4DV9VHflr3zAKleNZTsosRY6nPMaDUpykGers0iVv_n6k7GHNiPHSZLrxnel3w_F6p46NVemJC1_qh82ptL6G853tWESddLdb214rF_h7lu3CkKseEJajNdg6xGQte/s640/IMG_0412.JPG" title="At My Desk: My Home Office" width="512" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Plants</h3>
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There HAD to be plants! I've always been a lover of houseplants, but I think I'm now the latest recruit to the 'crazy plant lady' tribe. Once I started I couldn't stop. I have 3 plants in here at the moment, but I'm sure more will find their way in. I just find them so beautiful and now I just have this need to be surrounded by them. On my desk, I have my mini Dracaena, which I picked up on a whim while at the Garden Centre in Matlock one weekend, and this cute little mini succulent from IKEA. </div>
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The crowning plant glory in the office so far is this Calathia, which was also from Matlock Garden Centre. I keep it in the office because I kept freaking me out at night when I put it in my bedroom. As a prayer plant, they rustle at night as they close up for the evening, and again in the morning when they unfold to receive the light again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLF0dEhnWZtPXTu67B15Jy55zyjmHZQVsgnVmIN-yXSG0592t07IQIBhQD75PGxdQmPzsDak0V1YBwLIICab62Tymz9CEYp6moruUlh2yKZdl4h4QA5dFxXr3au01Buu7bYsL0z8HuDP3/s1600/IMG_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLF0dEhnWZtPXTu67B15Jy55zyjmHZQVsgnVmIN-yXSG0592t07IQIBhQD75PGxdQmPzsDak0V1YBwLIICab62Tymz9CEYp6moruUlh2yKZdl4h4QA5dFxXr3au01Buu7bYsL0z8HuDP3/s640/IMG_1536.JPG" title="At My Desk: My Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGBKKaAGWWJLUAWgQWAIYqQ_FjJIOCuvojjd2skaDIGwXCAiS1iYe0DGCo3UKtcAMVtOF5qRPxq4l-zNYiIPAEIxbnwrKsrq4fCeB0QHUXnlMv9YvNsREZZW_fAUKbt5DVo-ilFy3VL7v/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#OfficeInspo! As a freelancer, my office is, literally, in my spare room. Take a peep at how I'm styling my home office. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGBKKaAGWWJLUAWgQWAIYqQ_FjJIOCuvojjd2skaDIGwXCAiS1iYe0DGCo3UKtcAMVtOF5qRPxq4l-zNYiIPAEIxbnwrKsrq4fCeB0QHUXnlMv9YvNsREZZW_fAUKbt5DVo-ilFy3VL7v/s640/IMG_1813.JPG" title="At My Desk: My Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
What's Missing?</h3>
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Eventually in here I would like a sofa-bed (because it's customary to have somewhere for visitors to sleep when they stay over) a rug, and some sort of shelving unit to display books, folders, and some more of my plants on. I'm also thinking of adding a little coffee table so that I can see clients in here eventually. Once all these things have been added (along with the rest of the plants) I'll be doing an update to this post to show you the finished result.</div>
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So, that's my office so far. It's still a work in progress, but I'm so pleased with how it's progressing that I had to share my desk space with you all. I can't wait to show you the rest of my home!</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
What finishing touches do you have in your office?</h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-78729863918158490472018-06-10T21:18:00.002+01:002018-06-10T21:18:48.518+01:00My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5MFXT4iMPhcn9gWK5VEzawNN69wKM3UDJX3YuieC_lwkGZca1Pdrwut3rModHKH9puwIQ2xdw52b2aHWCN51hmK_LvnS-5jXdERHopGI7XyZ1oL19459Hog4l5TwMN-Suz3RrgPz-glz/s1600/fathers-day-map-gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own..." border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5MFXT4iMPhcn9gWK5VEzawNN69wKM3UDJX3YuieC_lwkGZca1Pdrwut3rModHKH9puwIQ2xdw52b2aHWCN51hmK_LvnS-5jXdERHopGI7XyZ1oL19459Hog4l5TwMN-Suz3RrgPz-glz/s640/fathers-day-map-gifts.jpg" title="My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day" width="640" /></a></h2>
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Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own...</h2>
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For the first time this year, my Dad is no longer here to wish a Happy Father's Day to. Although, to be honest, I can't remember the last time I actually physically <i>saw</i> my Dad on Father's Day - apart from the customary phone call or Facetime - because he was <i>never </i>in the country!! Even so, the run up to Father's Day has been a little tough this year, but I couldn't not get in on Maps International's #MapsforDad theme. My dad was quite the globetrotter!<br />
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So, my content this year is a little trip down travel memory lane, and might also provide some Father's Day Gift inspiration for those shopping for a Travel-Mad Dad...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLiss68sFFw3hFzoYL3M1m0ZIVl5he9CoaYZjZ-JqghtcX4IBq7gXp0eJQ36hPHzhXXsODE58_xk8L0jKw1qdsW9iGq9_hiPDVlQmcHKgkbGzdA76rmQli1ENQgC7PR77Jd92Jd5iV3Kg/s1600/fathers-day-map-gifts-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own..." border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLiss68sFFw3hFzoYL3M1m0ZIVl5he9CoaYZjZ-JqghtcX4IBq7gXp0eJQ36hPHzhXXsODE58_xk8L0jKw1qdsW9iGq9_hiPDVlQmcHKgkbGzdA76rmQli1ENQgC7PR77Jd92Jd5iV3Kg/s640/fathers-day-map-gifts-1.jpg" title="My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Pin for every Memory</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8phxJO_m5sARyd4vv_kTaD-xEiWsBjv442utWA7oy54MdD0BoMDZaj7pJEnceM7ygM8Mqe_d5LpBtjU-Bv8YkoOA3JAecadYjrnBAqqvvn7VPWqZxP15P2JKnEVW6R4XDmP-hUWLFOpUM/s1600/fathers-day-map-gifts-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own..." border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1200" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8phxJO_m5sARyd4vv_kTaD-xEiWsBjv442utWA7oy54MdD0BoMDZaj7pJEnceM7ygM8Mqe_d5LpBtjU-Bv8YkoOA3JAecadYjrnBAqqvvn7VPWqZxP15P2JKnEVW6R4XDmP-hUWLFOpUM/s640/fathers-day-map-gifts-2.jpg" title="My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day" width="640" /></a></div>
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My parents actually have their own <a href="https://www.mapsinternational.co.uk/personalised-classic-world-map.html" target="_blank">Personalised Classic Map Pin-board</a> by Maps International, which my brother and I chipped in and bought for my Mum's birthday, following their epic trip to Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong in 2016 (which was a huge tick off their bucket list). Since they both retired, my parents have been relentless, unstoppable travellers, and they had the best time going over the map and sticking pins in every country they've visited during their years together. They've covered a lot of ground between them!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eFZx1LjqCdnPC31TnjBaXjOB7cQLQ7FlASkRD3Gmcj94CpCpa7RoF93YxnM2CPOkWvCqDmcHgPievqErUZC4E1L8CRwk1fzRt34gSi51H2snp226cag8T3YAM0F67_L27oj_Lqfx7-AT/s1600/fathers-day-map-gifts-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own..." border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eFZx1LjqCdnPC31TnjBaXjOB7cQLQ7FlASkRD3Gmcj94CpCpa7RoF93YxnM2CPOkWvCqDmcHgPievqErUZC4E1L8CRwk1fzRt34gSi51H2snp226cag8T3YAM0F67_L27oj_Lqfx7-AT/s640/fathers-day-map-gifts-6.jpeg" title="My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Singapore Sling at the Famous Raffles Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My Dad had many happy travel memories. Among the ones he would talk about most were celebrating Australia Day in Sydney with cousins, visiting Bob Marley's House in Jamaica, cruising in Cape Verde, and returning time and time again to Taurito, Gran Canaria, which my mum and I actually visited together in April this year for some quiet time and reflection (you can read more about our trip to <a href="http://www.thatlisaclare.co.uk/2018/05/lets-go-explore-mogan-gran-canaria.html" target="_blank">Mogan, Gran Canaria here</a>). It was the only place Dad had said he wanted to go this year, so we had to make that happen for him, and we had a wonderful, if a little emotional, time.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpHAwzaNaECq10tJ2sqzX_pdVVcm8jCis0xwQHJGv9O6z37gzmcVpnwnhMuUopQQGN8DegJ5BsiqVbA1syCriH7mGgPre7CBi8s1GLcxREd7gLXdXSeOrfJPMGFK9fDo0QZcJJMKEACAa/s1600/fathers-day-map-gifts-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own..." border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpHAwzaNaECq10tJ2sqzX_pdVVcm8jCis0xwQHJGv9O6z37gzmcVpnwnhMuUopQQGN8DegJ5BsiqVbA1syCriH7mGgPre7CBi8s1GLcxREd7gLXdXSeOrfJPMGFK9fDo0QZcJJMKEACAa/s640/fathers-day-map-gifts-5.jpeg" title="My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course, we travelled as a family also when my brother and I were younger. We didn't have the most money in the world, but when we did scrape enough together to get away we really made it count! My best travel memories include a road trip through France - which included camping in the Loire Valley, and ended in a stay in a rather grand looking rented chateau in Dordogne, along with many family friends - Malta with extended family, and a beautiful week spent in Portinatx, Ibiza, just the four of us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPhgqsHFy3DfMk7roCDjia3Oyb5crZ33Uy8Pnddx5Jk6orVZHMesZV5NA_zK8V3i-oyJH9kNlBFWzs29j9pMQ8nGkkQ_OMQmUnVYjk-TjfNDltLTEybbkpbngD7Qn0NM9N2VWvRB6mMZx/s1600/fathers-day-map-gifts-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own..." border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPhgqsHFy3DfMk7roCDjia3Oyb5crZ33Uy8Pnddx5Jk6orVZHMesZV5NA_zK8V3i-oyJH9kNlBFWzs29j9pMQ8nGkkQ_OMQmUnVYjk-TjfNDltLTEybbkpbngD7Qn0NM9N2VWvRB6mMZx/s640/fathers-day-map-gifts-8.jpeg" title="My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKjLELesRU8mYXMMZhZxzD33ulTpPw0D5W2bgDSJhmrmOe_ctLOxkh95usbjENn-Walf5DdyQnWc2YPtNtd0Tb1GGBPyR-JBTSNJvVNpxRol5xTt-fEM6ZomXRvd_wSiu16JnwTyDBFEj/s1600/father-day-map-gifts-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own..." border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKjLELesRU8mYXMMZhZxzD33ulTpPw0D5W2bgDSJhmrmOe_ctLOxkh95usbjENn-Walf5DdyQnWc2YPtNtd0Tb1GGBPyR-JBTSNJvVNpxRol5xTt-fEM6ZomXRvd_wSiu16JnwTyDBFEj/s640/father-day-map-gifts-3.jpeg" title="My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day" width="478" /></a></div>
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My Dad a laugh a minute, and never happier than when he was exploring somewhere sunny, or relaxing with a nice, cold beer by a pool or on the beach. I'm so happy that he got to travel so much during his retirement, but sorry for all the trips he wanted to take that he won't get to experience now. Guess this means I'm going to have to up my own travel game. The good news is, I now have my very own <a href="https://www.mapsinternational.co.uk/scratch-world-print.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scratch the World<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">®</b></span> map print</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e1Fr9rWBwLVqSVhR7RVTLvHqf5Y5DnxW4Qkmc3THpIv6P-B-ZuZmqx5PkUFuI6vVv5OMEmVPQqSaPWK08xEn4teqvfx4GC1CiVbw_R7sGJzOIRthGWGsNhDhMQNolg1UpH4Rgqb7eYfQ/s1600/fathers-day-map-gifts-7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Some Dads aren't here to celebrate with us this Father's Day, but we can still celebrate their adventures, and get inspiration for our own..." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e1Fr9rWBwLVqSVhR7RVTLvHqf5Y5DnxW4Qkmc3THpIv6P-B-ZuZmqx5PkUFuI6vVv5OMEmVPQqSaPWK08xEn4teqvfx4GC1CiVbw_R7sGJzOIRthGWGsNhDhMQNolg1UpH4Rgqb7eYfQ/s640/fathers-day-map-gifts-7.jpeg" title="My Dad the Explorer - Map Gifts for Father's Day" width="480" /></a></div>
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While I've travelled a fair bit in my time, and even spent a few years living and working in the Canary Islands, I'll admit I haven't actually ventured that far - mostly due to budget and a fear of flying. However, I'm suddenly experiencing a renewed sense of wanderlust this year, and my bucket-list is growing by the day! My Dad would have had great fun going over this scratch-off world map print with me, making recommendations and sharing stories. It would have made the perfect Father's Day gift for him.<br />
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This map has given me a nudge to organise myself and make some more travel happen this year, and moving forward. It's something I really do love, and I don't get to do enough of it. I'm going to be posting about various items on my bucket-list soon, to keep me on my toes.<br />
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If you're looking for the perfect Father's Day gift for a travel enthusiast, there's nothing more special than a Personalised World Map, or a Scratch Print. Maps International has a huge range of bespoke map gifts and prints that come with the Dave Stoker seal of approval!<br />
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<b>Browse the full range of travel and hobby prints over at <a href="https://www.mapsinternational.co.uk/map-gifts/shop-by-occasion/maps-for-father-s-day.html" target="_blank">mapsinternational.co.uk </a></b><br />
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-80976134546398308072018-05-31T14:36:00.000+01:002018-05-31T14:36:17.144+01:005 Reasons to Try... Facial Oils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgYWMdV3j8HqbjahSpoOGVY321WTUO0SbPr6tluGXK_E5SNpN-MEyP9JqC0bMY4ND4ot0U6SEqLtnkjur4swLr7ULqWyjpQEbJ0RvdCaDp7jfAQ0svZXHTx5PxbhiosqpWcfRaNDOkXqc/s1600/natural-facial-oils.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Here's why you should consider adding a facial to your 21st century skincare regime..." border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgYWMdV3j8HqbjahSpoOGVY321WTUO0SbPr6tluGXK_E5SNpN-MEyP9JqC0bMY4ND4ot0U6SEqLtnkjur4swLr7ULqWyjpQEbJ0RvdCaDp7jfAQ0svZXHTx5PxbhiosqpWcfRaNDOkXqc/s640/natural-facial-oils.jpeg" title="5 Reasons to try Facial Oils" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Women have been using natural facial oils to maintain healthy skin and a youthful complexion for thousands of years. Here's why you should consider adding one to your 21st century skincare regime...</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the years I've seen the beauty world go crazy for body oils and hair oils... yet so many are still reluctant to add oils into their daily facial skincare routine. I kind of get it - we were told from a young age that an oily face was the devil and excess oil leads to spotty skin and a shiny nose, and it just seems inherently wrong to voluntarily apply an oil to the face - but it turns out oils have many benefits for all kinds of skin types</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit92ITFr92NGYGazjDpVsv0_uYcSkaCw89ihSkTNgEitrWF_QR3CQqAUmCBrn2ms2HzAmG33pKuvyPO_1w5gF08x0c49jAPTh2MVgDzeZiRapNTVajx4D_yzhOXj1qMchZenTwj_Q4bwox/s1600/natural-facial-oils-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Here's why you should consider adding a facial to your 21st century skincare regime..." border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit92ITFr92NGYGazjDpVsv0_uYcSkaCw89ihSkTNgEitrWF_QR3CQqAUmCBrn2ms2HzAmG33pKuvyPO_1w5gF08x0c49jAPTh2MVgDzeZiRapNTVajx4D_yzhOXj1qMchZenTwj_Q4bwox/s640/natural-facial-oils-3.jpeg" title="5 Reasons to Try Facial Oils" width="640" /></a></div>
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Natural face oils were used in Ancient Eqypt to help women keep their skin protected and nourished. To this day, many facial oils are still made from similar ingredients, extracted from seeds, flowers, nuts and other plants. Modern favourites include coconut, argan, and rose, and are some of the most pure and natural skincare products available. </div>
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Facial oils are an instant fix for plumping the skin with moisture, without - contrary to popular belief - leaving your face feeling greasy or oily. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Here's 5 Reasons to try one...</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZFBCHxdWL8VQM5xkA2m-DOsfmpjRxla768hXvVJ1hH91lo1n2J3EsGgAG09fViyz8iEYyLZkqQHqHxTlZ2_ew2tnZHgjaNZRNQ6GYmEjEPTIhK-J6CGah7BU3Q4eVpFzF5aoVwOWwnRq/s1600/natural-facial-oils-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Here's why you should consider adding a facial to your 21st century skincare regime..." border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZFBCHxdWL8VQM5xkA2m-DOsfmpjRxla768hXvVJ1hH91lo1n2J3EsGgAG09fViyz8iEYyLZkqQHqHxTlZ2_ew2tnZHgjaNZRNQ6GYmEjEPTIhK-J6CGah7BU3Q4eVpFzF5aoVwOWwnRq/s640/natural-facial-oils-2.jpeg" title="5 Reasons to Try Facial Oils" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
1) Intense hydration and nourishment</h3>
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Facial oils are lipophilic (ie. they're drawn to fat) and are able to pass through the fatty layer of the skin's surface much faster and more effectively than a regular moisturiser. This not only provides an instant hit of moisture to thirsty skin, but also helps your skin retain that moisture more effectively throughout the day/night.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
2) Help Minimise Pores</h3>
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The best thing to shift oil and grease from pretty much anything is to... yep... apply more oil. Science can't be wrong! Facial oils effectively pull grime, dirt and fats out of pores, helping to minimise their appearance.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
3) Anti Inflammatory</h3>
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As well as being a soothing and hydrating treatment on sore or irritated skin, the natural ingredients in facial oils - such as rose or seed oils - can actually calm the skin and help bring down redness and irritation, while re-plumping it with moisture. Great for sufferers of eczema, rosacea, and other uncomfortable skin conditions.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
4) They make a great primer</h3>
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Because facial oils absorb into the skin so quickly, they make the perfect base for makeup and promote a smoother complexion.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
5) Younger Looking Skin</h3>
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By helping the skin retain moisture, facial oils make the skin appear more youthful and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxriU0Tg3ZDwFfCOwThTDcg8annj8AHXemH-MtufIO4JEnW91VMUd51Ialt82zAXyUqoxRVmJdpRFDkCpkxeSEbzHZTNpq5ROY5Q4R6ugWdRLIgEFqvS0atMBsQzPK_9oL_aQSK7e-5Wf/s1600/natural-facial-oils-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Here's why you should consider adding a facial to your 21st century skincare regime..." border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxriU0Tg3ZDwFfCOwThTDcg8annj8AHXemH-MtufIO4JEnW91VMUd51Ialt82zAXyUqoxRVmJdpRFDkCpkxeSEbzHZTNpq5ROY5Q4R6ugWdRLIgEFqvS0atMBsQzPK_9oL_aQSK7e-5Wf/s640/natural-facial-oils-4.jpg" title="5 Reasons to Try Facial Oils" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
How to use facial oils</h2>
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- Apply to damp skin to really lock in moisture</div>
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- Introduce them into your routine gradually, by adding a couple of drops to your regular moisturiser</div>
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- For a more intensive treatment, massage a couple of drops into your face after toning, before applying your moisturiser</div>
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- Massage the oil into your face in circular motions, paying attention to the direction of your jawline and cheekbones - this promotes circulation and absorption and helps contour the skin.</div>
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If you're unsure about using a pure oil straight away, why not start by trying one of the many fantastic oil-based cleansers that are now available? Personal favourites of mine are <a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/search?text=Camomile+Silky+Cleansing+Oil" target="_blank">The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil </a>and <a href="https://www.superdrug.com/Save-up-to-1-2-price-across-Skincare/Superdrug-Vitamin-E-Dual-Phase-Cleansing-Oil-150ml/p/297500?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqKXaoYiw2wIVjlQYCh0DAw9TEAQYAiABEgIM5_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKziqKSIsNsCFUZxGwod4OcG5w" target="_blank">Superdrug Vitamin E Dual-Phase Cleansing Oil</a>. These grab all of the dirt, grease, and makeup from your skin before emulsifying into a milk which is then rinsed away completely, leaving skin feeling wonderfully soft and ready for toner and moisturiser. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbaFM9mDYy9I25ohoFfp38v5K5wcOqBd2pECFFLLMiJXcofzCtGS9zdjOdE1724T3-7Lm4gFtQTOE01gP_jv190JbaeJz-8MCUsHCUrgp119W_ZvSw12qlE-Dz5mJDYUtn-UdGPYNT7YM/s1600/natural-facial-oils-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Here's why you should consider adding a facial to your 21st century skincare regime..." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbaFM9mDYy9I25ohoFfp38v5K5wcOqBd2pECFFLLMiJXcofzCtGS9zdjOdE1724T3-7Lm4gFtQTOE01gP_jv190JbaeJz-8MCUsHCUrgp119W_ZvSw12qlE-Dz5mJDYUtn-UdGPYNT7YM/s640/natural-facial-oils-5.jpg" title="5 Reasons to Try Facial Oils" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
3 Facial Oils for your Wishlist...</h3>
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<b><a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/face/targeted-treatments/oils-of-life-intensely-revitalising-facial-oil/p/p000513?activeVariant=1054402&ds_kid=0&utm_campaign=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuozM0Yew2wIVzZztCh21mgxOEAQYFSABEgIE_fD_BwE" target="_blank">The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil - £30 for 30ml</a></b></div>
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Enriched with 3 precious Community Trade seed oils - Camellia Seed, Rosehip Seed, and Black Cumin Seed. High in omega 3 and 6, as well as antioxidants, and naturally rich in oleic acid. Full review on this coming soon!</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-ordinary-100-organic-cold-pressed-rose-hip-seed-oil.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuozM0Yew2wIVzZztCh21mgxOEAQYBSABEgLBhPD_BwE&ef_id=WOFQvwAAAfPGHDuJ:20180531133239:s" target="_blank">The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil - £9 for 30ml</a></b></div>
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Rich in linoleic (omega 6) and linolenic (omega 3) acids, alongside pro-vitamin A, the oil targets signs of photo-ageing and boosts the skin’s overall health for a radiant result.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.elemis.com/superfood-facial-oil.html" target="_blank">Elemis Superfood Facial Oil - £45 for 15ml</a></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This natural blend of highly concentrated plant-based superfoods deeply nourishes and hydrates. Anti-oxidant and omega-rich Broccoli, Flax Seed and Daikon Radish feed the skin for a healthy, radiant glow.</span></span></div>
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Do you use facial oils? If not... what's stopping you?</h3>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-39361724997176208942018-05-29T17:33:00.000+01:002018-05-29T17:33:38.737+01:00Meeting Poppy - My Animal Rescue Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpstLHmKctK8DUAU7_5MtM3Hn4DlsW06uPuyUN-wNJ7MmKkP1eBe4jouMm52hAIqsrZ2I1hkwjVugYfp9E4CiWm4VwoNSR4F7iLnpy9JPXg1KL1s4qN8lxY8E7nSSZsuQz46X0Mm3_l6U/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpstLHmKctK8DUAU7_5MtM3Hn4DlsW06uPuyUN-wNJ7MmKkP1eBe4jouMm52hAIqsrZ2I1hkwjVugYfp9E4CiWm4VwoNSR4F7iLnpy9JPXg1KL1s4qN8lxY8E7nSSZsuQz46X0Mm3_l6U/s640/IMG_6707.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my <i>purrfect</i> Poppy cat...</h2>
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While I'm still working up to blogging about a lot of the things that went wrong in 2017 (and I believe I do need to pour it out at some point - sometimes venting is good for the soul), one of the defining events of last year was losing both of my beloved rescue ferrets - first Jasper, then Pedro - one by one to cancer. If that wasn't heart-breaking enough, in the same week as losing Pedro, my Dad was taken into hospital with what turned out to be a cerebral lymphoma that would eventually take him from us at Christmas. </div>
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I was pretty much prepared for the loss of my ferrets, but Pedro's death in late November was more sudden than I'd anticipated. He was doing great, despite insulinoma, right up until the moment he wasn't. I'd always said I wouldn't be having any more pets for the foreseeable after the ferrets, but my Dad's illness changed things. I just wasn't coping living alone, and I had no bundle of fluff to come and make me laugh and shower me with love when I was feeling down. My routine was firmly centred around looking after Pedro, and now I had nobody else to focus on.</div>
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Then, the day after my Dad's 'Leaving Drinks' (we don't do funerals in our family), this little tortie face popped up in my Facebook feed...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRU2LV5I-_CHihLTFN9RpXRtZsuaeX2UeWcDWI5T-75VEI27OMUk1cn-O1NhVPbUGa__IR77U5YqRrKyugTv0-Ds9RP6CY4X7uZu6ZOv3ne2aWTZ1KR_SgPENJhML1kbC9mjYY1B6g6UEy/s1600/IMG_5076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRU2LV5I-_CHihLTFN9RpXRtZsuaeX2UeWcDWI5T-75VEI27OMUk1cn-O1NhVPbUGa__IR77U5YqRrKyugTv0-Ds9RP6CY4X7uZu6ZOv3ne2aWTZ1KR_SgPENJhML1kbC9mjYY1B6g6UEy/s640/IMG_5076.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DanMartPhotography/" target="_blank">Dan Mart Photography</a></td></tr>
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My local animal rescue organisation here in Derbyshire, Ashbourne Animal Welfare (The Ark), posted an adoption appeal on their Facebook page for some of their senior cats. I'm the sort of person that doesn't discriminate when it comes to animals - I don't prefer kittens/puppies, and my favourite breed is 'rescued'. I also seem to gravitate towards the shy ones, and the ones who are a little rough around the edges. I'm not afraid of a little work, or of a medication schedule - I've been there and got the t-shirt. The reward is seeing them happy!</div>
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There were so many beautiful kitties included in that Facebook post, but these nervous little eyes just caught my attention. I learned on The Ark's website that 9-year-old Poppy's elderly owner had passed away in October 2017, and I just knew I wanted to meet her! She sounded like she needed the same thing as I did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8OrN1hZaU2AS504Nh-sMzJRuP_IJ-MT7eNbinY_lRStsMQ8iKUsp5zRlkOgtMzv9GUlXl0EP2pN7S-RY2MVCtPH9-rHAq5__nj7yp-UCOo4NYYRO9R0SbDHthusqPHHngJPNWhHVsULf/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8OrN1hZaU2AS504Nh-sMzJRuP_IJ-MT7eNbinY_lRStsMQ8iKUsp5zRlkOgtMzv9GUlXl0EP2pN7S-RY2MVCtPH9-rHAq5__nj7yp-UCOo4NYYRO9R0SbDHthusqPHHngJPNWhHVsULf/s640/IMG_0043.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="640" /></a></div>
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You know how the saying goes. You don't choose them, they choose you. When I phoned The Ark to ask about booking an appointment to visit Poppy, and the other cats in their cattery, in the back of my mind I knew I couldn't choose a cat just from a photo... or could I? I looked at so many cats that day in February, and I kept finding myself back at Poppy's pen. She'd come right out to greet me for scratches when I first approached, and she had the identical blanket to the one I'd had Pedro cremated with. It kind of felt like a spooky sign that I'd chosen right first time so, of course, it had to be her. She'd confirmed it!</div>
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Although, honestly, the thought crossed my mind to scoop up as many as I could carry and run for the door (no, not really... okay, yes, really)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxELdySOei6CTLwJXzUeOTaBenTvNZJCciY2kpd3h7GFPngNhSPQpBDVuggoCtafWmZPxDI1CucC-_YRLjjAHfYwvSgxLmwueGBivQOJv1tQKnv5eVirQksM9lwaD_ax_pKx-AbM0caJjP/s1600/IMG_6225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxELdySOei6CTLwJXzUeOTaBenTvNZJCciY2kpd3h7GFPngNhSPQpBDVuggoCtafWmZPxDI1CucC-_YRLjjAHfYwvSgxLmwueGBivQOJv1tQKnv5eVirQksM9lwaD_ax_pKx-AbM0caJjP/s640/IMG_6225.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="640" /></a></div>
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It turned out I could have taken Poppy home with me that very same day! However, we hadn't brought a cat basket with us, and I needed to stock up on supplies before bringing her home, so we agreed to go back the following day for her. After making my donation, which was over and above what they asked for because The Ark do such an amazing job, and rely solely on volunteers and donations, I scooped Poppy into her carrier and we drove back home to Matlock.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnCMPdqNTCOcW3-gEpXQzUkvT6vx4JRDJ8323xNcrhneSsoow6gfl0QntyS2Iw_hi4kLyL6ATs9MAGA5gw5teIrL0fZ_ltTYZo0pC75seWBqXMB1KgnZ1EBue4d-X5yoUMOomayHgCHzQ/s1600/IMG_0662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnCMPdqNTCOcW3-gEpXQzUkvT6vx4JRDJ8323xNcrhneSsoow6gfl0QntyS2Iw_hi4kLyL6ATs9MAGA5gw5teIrL0fZ_ltTYZo0pC75seWBqXMB1KgnZ1EBue4d-X5yoUMOomayHgCHzQ/s640/IMG_0662.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3uWqhmEx4pT31VaGAKXlCLn77CR1Tf_EGyCZNd_ExikyAvOOhNCsjdrHWf169fU9RwtEiPwThPuvaijNPx1yqb3FPEnpX59WBQV7WXMZom9TafRuPDnYcTU9ar9re3Fmo41GdWmiG0sC/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3uWqhmEx4pT31VaGAKXlCLn77CR1Tf_EGyCZNd_ExikyAvOOhNCsjdrHWf169fU9RwtEiPwThPuvaijNPx1yqb3FPEnpX59WBQV7WXMZom9TafRuPDnYcTU9ar9re3Fmo41GdWmiG0sC/s640/IMG_0664.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="640" /></a></div>
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Poppy has seriously amazed me. She's gone from being the nervous little soul in that first photo to being a playful, brave, and loving kitty. It took her a week to fully explore the apartment and gain her confidence, but all she does now is purr and play. She's still very nervous of people coming in and out of the front door, and will hide under the bed for a while before coming out to introduce herself.</div>
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My little girl is 9 years old, and also has a mild heart murmur that is being monitored, but she acts like a cat less than half her age. I've never known a cat go so bonkers over toys, and she has the most hilarious post-poop crazy-hour every day (usually in the middle of the night). She has also developed an attachment to Pedro's favourite ducky-bear stuffie. She goes mad for it, which surprised me because there's no catnip in it, and I'd never heard of a cat loving cuddly toys before. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96T8Vu7YbFI0iW-CqVNXi2fxwVhb38OrOCmgWMrBSZ0NesYcEfyFBrJTOmF9x6uNVYa7olWTLtweqKEZLfPMc58BZPGi210U8FjsjXBOjUcWFCwIX4x5Tfg84oa8gQpnLdm1Y_iW8UbEn/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96T8Vu7YbFI0iW-CqVNXi2fxwVhb38OrOCmgWMrBSZ0NesYcEfyFBrJTOmF9x6uNVYa7olWTLtweqKEZLfPMc58BZPGi210U8FjsjXBOjUcWFCwIX4x5Tfg84oa8gQpnLdm1Y_iW8UbEn/s640/IMG_5954.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd thoroughly recommend adopting a senior cat. Poppy is perfectly litter trained, and is so polite with her food. Sure, she can be a little grotbag sometimes, but she adores a fuss and will roll around on the bed for hours for tummy scratches. They have so much love to give, even the broken ones. I don't know what Poppy's life was like before she came to The Ark, but she's certainly loving life now. There's something really magical about watching an animal coming out of its shell and revealing their personality. I think her owner would be happy that she's found a new forever home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEDO1NR9HBrZEKGu-3AYgGHsDg_Oeeva17GeURxEot2bNBirq1KZz_5bErywocRWSUjYQa9XxVMAesYAXVieuO-HiSBJ0q3MqCGTpH8sLMTesotODcj2iPbC6ThmDkfYucxqDv93uBnoZ/s1600/IMG_8279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1450" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEDO1NR9HBrZEKGu-3AYgGHsDg_Oeeva17GeURxEot2bNBirq1KZz_5bErywocRWSUjYQa9XxVMAesYAXVieuO-HiSBJ0q3MqCGTpH8sLMTesotODcj2iPbC6ThmDkfYucxqDv93uBnoZ/s640/IMG_8279.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="580" /></a></div>
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Most people will tell you that I'm not, generally, a cat person, but I've always had cats growing up, and I'm not ready for a dog just yet (as much as it pains me to admit it). I wouldn't change Poppy for the world though. This fluffy little weirdo is definitely in my tribe! I am so grateful to the amazing staff at Ashbourne Animal Welfare for all the work they do, and for letting me take this little beauty home with me. Think it's safe to say she won't be coming back!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1DSAkm7q3UI_mvrLgKa_iNHBAsZuPwITrub9QWHEV77XvMR9vPtYnDTee7P9QjWqyjkiE2HmIJox9WzOML4B6HNagfUFUNH1IqTkFf0BdAnFSzYydtCC3XwzDTUniJfo5YpsI9Wrttqs/s1600/IMG_7522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I wasn't planning on adopting a cat this year, but sometimes life takes you in different directions just when you need it. Here's how I came to meet my purrfect Poppy cat..." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1DSAkm7q3UI_mvrLgKa_iNHBAsZuPwITrub9QWHEV77XvMR9vPtYnDTee7P9QjWqyjkiE2HmIJox9WzOML4B6HNagfUFUNH1IqTkFf0BdAnFSzYydtCC3XwzDTUniJfo5YpsI9Wrttqs/s640/IMG_7522.JPG" title="Adopting a Senior Cat - My Story" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are considering adding a cat or dog to your family, I'd urge you to consider adoption over buying from a breeder. So many wonderful pets (particularly older pets) are going unnoticed in shelters all over the UK, most through no fault of their own. Many, like Poppy, have been the unfortunate victims of circumstance, some have been rescued from homelessness, and some may have been victims of neglect. They all deserve nothing but love! </div>
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If you're in the Derbyshire area (or even further afield) I'd wholeheartedly recommend Ashbourne Animal Welfare. </div>
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<b>To browse all the cats and dogs currently available for adoption, or to make a donation, visit their website, <a href="http://www.ashbourneanimalwelfare.org/" target="_blank">www.ashbourneanimalwelfare.org</a></b></div>
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<b>Or you can keep up with all of The Ark's residents via their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ashbourne-Animal-Welfare-165194880217063/" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>.</b></div>
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Do you have an animal rescue story to share? How did you find your own furry family members?</h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-32122174432713870092018-05-17T18:11:00.002+01:002018-05-17T18:11:19.903+01:00What's in The Vegan Kind Box? May 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXlj11lm9CkCVeSPZgqnuADQ1vIg_k1uhI4CzVEitSNPp3-3rCvE59logu_hLpjufqv5Y5Y6ZqssFVghGT5MMydi1d1_VFPIGILF9TMBsTEXJJwgVPVHPx8YvN6IL9GLMfJkMY1pWB4Sk/s1600/the-vegan-kind-TVK55-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXlj11lm9CkCVeSPZgqnuADQ1vIg_k1uhI4CzVEitSNPp3-3rCvE59logu_hLpjufqv5Y5Y6ZqssFVghGT5MMydi1d1_VFPIGILF9TMBsTEXJJwgVPVHPx8YvN6IL9GLMfJkMY1pWB4Sk/s640/the-vegan-kind-TVK55-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's National Vegetarian Week!! So what better time to take a rummage through this month's The Vegan Kind Box? Here's a peep at everything inside TVK55...<br /> </h2>
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Following on from my last post, I'm sticking with a veggie theme - not least because it happens to be National Vegetarian Week in the UK this week. I've been sitting on my hands on this one ever since I received my <a href="https://www.thevegankind.com/" target="_blank">The Vegan Kind</a> May box because I don't want to be that person doling out spoilers and ruining it for other subscribers. So I've been patient. But I'm done being patient....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkmRV5C2zvkt2VrHZ8UHRFHlW3RkSLrWDyJtjdeI6B2xv2YsLaWY4qusRMJ0u82w091AradWXWLN4XNVuJ0VvdzkAk5POs05VSTKDaWJfTOgO15P4R_M7OCH0Zh2gwzD3-xlGmEAecVKY/s1600/the-vegan-kind-TVK55-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkmRV5C2zvkt2VrHZ8UHRFHlW3RkSLrWDyJtjdeI6B2xv2YsLaWY4qusRMJ0u82w091AradWXWLN4XNVuJ0VvdzkAk5POs05VSTKDaWJfTOgO15P4R_M7OCH0Zh2gwzD3-xlGmEAecVKY/s640/the-vegan-kind-TVK55-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It seems like forever since I reviewed a TVK box! I haven't yet been able to bring myself to explain my absence fully here, but I'm sure it'll come with time. The important thing is, I'm back now, so I'm raring to go on this month's box. </div>
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For those of you who might be new to TVK subscription box, or have had your curiosity peaked with all the veggie chat going on this week, The Vegan Kind were the first in the UK to offer a 100% Vegan lifestyle subscription box. Each month, TVK subscribers receive a yummy parcel of vegan treats, food items, and other household products or toiletries through their door. What could be better, right? They even branched out into doing cruelty free beauty boxes! </div>
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It really is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to new vegan products each month, and a great way to ease yourself into a more plant-based way of living.</div>
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So, what's in the Box?!</h2>
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Herby <a href="http://lovegeobar.com/" target="_blank">GEOSticks</a></h3>
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Crispy, herby little multigrain sticks made from rice, lentils and quinoa. These were the first item to fall prey to my office munchies (I tend to stash the contents of each box in my desk drawer each month) and contain some gorgeous Fairtrade ingredients from Japan and Peru.</div>
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<a href="http://www.chocolaterie-belvas.be/" target="_blank">Belvas</a> Flaked Belgian Chocolate Truffles</h3>
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Oh, my goodness! Very decadent, flakey-soft truffles made using 73% Peruvian cocoa. You'd never in a million years assume these were plant-based - they're so morish and indulgent!</div>
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<a href="http://www.betteryou.com/" target="_blank">BetterYou </a>Daily Vitamin B12 Oral Spray</h3>
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<b><i>"Where do you get your B12?"</i>... RIGHT HERE! </b></div>
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I've always favoured oral and sublingual B12 supplements and I'm looking forward to trying this one. It has the added bonus of chromium and green tea extract to keep you awake and alert. Just 4 sprays per day delivers 48,000% of your RDA(!!) and with a pleasant apricot flavour. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ilovesnacks.co.uk/" target="_blank">I Love Snacks</a> Californian Smoked Almonds</h3>
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Are you a nutter like me? If you're partial to a tasty hit of healthy fats, these will be right up your alley. And if portion control is an issue then the handy little mini-packs mean you can't get too carried away. These are great for a quick afternoon pick me up. </div>
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<a href="http://www.betterlittletreats.co.uk/" target="_blank">YumEarth </a>Organic Fruit Snacks</h3>
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SWEETS!! I love a good veggie jelly sweet and these are particularly tasty. They are flavoured using natural, organic fruit juices with no syrups or artificial colours/flavours. The icing on the cake is that they're also packing a hit of Vitamin C! </div>
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<a href="http://www.montezumas.co.uk/" target="_blank">Montezuma's</a> Dark Chocolate Chilli Mini-Bar</h3>
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There is no bad kind of mini-bar, and this little slab of pure joy packs quite a punch! You might have noticed Montezuma's creations in supermarkets, and this chilli variety was one of their original 5 products and inspired by a traditional Mexican recipe.</div>
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<a href="http://www.turmerlicious.com/" target="_blank">Turmerlicious</a> Choco Latte</h3>
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I'm really looking forward to trying this! I've heard amazing things about 'golden milk' turmeric lattes. This one is blended with coconut milk, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and... well... turmeric (obvs). All you need to do is add hot water!</div>
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My Thoughts... </h2>
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To be honest, I've yet to receive a TVK box I didn't like! This one, however, is particularly wonderful! I love everything in it! As always, it's super value for money, containing 7 good-sized products worth over £23. It's a great combo of sweet, savoury and functional too. I think if I had to pick a favourite product of the bunch, it would have to be the Belvas truffles. They are spectacular, and really didn't last long. I could have done with another box! </div>
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As always, there was a delicious recipe card included with the products for a yummy green veggie curry. 10p from each TVK55 box sold was also donated to Well Small Animal Rescue, which is a small cat rescue charity based in Lincolnshire. </div>
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To subscribe to The Vegan Kind, head over to <a href="http://thevegankind.com/">thevegankind.com</a><span id="goog_1877988197"><span id="goog_1877988203"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1877988204"></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1877988198"></span>, pick your box, pick your subscription, and you're all set! The Lifestyle Box Subscription (which is what I have) starts from just £8 per month. Or, if you're a cruelty-free beauty lover, you might also love their bi-monthly Beauty Box.</div>
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The Vegan Kind also operates an online vegan supermarket - probably the biggest in the UK - where they offer a HUGE range of cruelty-free, plant based products for home delivery anywhere in the UK! </div>
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What Veggie/Vegan Treats have you been enjoying for National Vegetarian Week?</h3>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-49986987039891534472018-05-12T19:52:00.000+01:002018-05-24T00:47:29.028+01:00UK Vegan Supermarket Finds - May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qLiSQ4wSB5kYRywc6aTf-wtly_LUcAAC0OY91zsLgoAio3gcHTnhaI0_tlWqIGLFEquRaEoy7bKnBbqD-KGVq0hOdRxDoMMhZk9KQLm1X2uqIEbLrc0UI_MkcdXKGEjJyxsrYgYtuHBr/s1600/UK-vegan-supermarket-finds-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qLiSQ4wSB5kYRywc6aTf-wtly_LUcAAC0OY91zsLgoAio3gcHTnhaI0_tlWqIGLFEquRaEoy7bKnBbqD-KGVq0hOdRxDoMMhZk9KQLm1X2uqIEbLrc0UI_MkcdXKGEjJyxsrYgYtuHBr/s640/UK-vegan-supermarket-finds-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meet the most exciting new vegan products I've discovered in UK supermarkets this month!</h2>
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While I was picking my brain for new, fun, and useful content to start churning out now that I'm rediscovering my blogging mojo again, I got to thinking about what sort of posts my followers on <a href="http://instagram.com/thatlisaclare" target="_blank">Instagram </a>(which I managed not to ditch during that dark period) have been liking the most, and...</div>
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It seems that people like it when you find new and exciting vegan products in UK supermarkets! I certainly do! It's why I'm always straight onto Insta to share them! So I figured it might be cool to try making a round-up blog post each month, featuring any delicious new plant-based products that have appeared on the market in the UK. Admittedly, these may only be new to me, but they're still worth sharing for anyone who might not know what to look out for...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16Ddy0cbMYBgrcdgZm0lz_NBYigeJSrnuD9dqnV497GpknXNkOJ4Un_V_yqRhhVz0hB0iNT0DsW92BDyB0Qq-p0VveA6cTNLL3Cyshx9vIK4lsd512lSnc03a4emK4xW68oP9HpXyarXP/s1600/IMG_7425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Daiya Mozzerella and Cheddar FOUND in Sainsbury's UK" border="0" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="1600" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16Ddy0cbMYBgrcdgZm0lz_NBYigeJSrnuD9dqnV497GpknXNkOJ4Un_V_yqRhhVz0hB0iNT0DsW92BDyB0Qq-p0VveA6cTNLL3Cyshx9vIK4lsd512lSnc03a4emK4xW68oP9HpXyarXP/s640/IMG_7425.JPG" title="Vegan Supermarket Finds - May 2018" width="640" /></a></div>
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Firstly... and most importantly....</div>
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Daiya Cheese comes to Sainsbury's!!</h2>
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This discovery has been an absolute game-changer for me. I can absolutely live without cheese of any kind and, when I do dabble in non-dairy cheese, I'm happy to accept something that isn't quite how I remember dairy cheese to be, as long as it's semi-decent in its own right (thanks a bunch Violife and Sainsbury's Greek Style), but then I found <a href="https://daiyafoods.com/" target="_blank">Daiya Foods</a>' Mozzerella Shreds and Medium Cheddar Farmhouse Block twinkling away next to the Vegenaise in my local Sainsbo's.<br />
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Not gonna lie, the price on these cheeses makes me unhappy (they're £4.50 a piece), but I couldn't not try them, as I've been hearing about Daiya ever since I first went vegan in January 2014, and I'm so pleased they're finally in the UK.<br />
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In short, these cheeses are pretty amazeballs. I'm going to do a separate post so I can talk more about them because they have the best texture and flavour of any vegan cheese I've tried. I'm still getting creative with them and figuring out new ways to use them (can you believe that I've actually forgotten a lot of ways you can eat cheese), but I'll be reporting back soon!</div>
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Sticking with Sainsbury's...<br />
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Vegan Summer Iced Coffee - SORTED!</h2>
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Another brand that seems to have found its way across the pond is Califia Farms with their uber-posh almond milk creations. My local Sainsbury's started stocking these last year, but I didn't get round to trying them until recently. Again, not the most budget-friendly of brands (like Daiya, these products are coming all the way from the US/Canada so the price hike its kinda understandable) but well worth grabbing when you see them on offer, especially now that the weather is heating up.<br />
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Also worth mentioning here is the new Alpro Caffe range of soy drinks - which includes a salted caramel coffee and hazlenut coffee flavour, which are slightly friendlier on the purse. I've tried them all and they are GOOD!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF-RPEGe2M4AG5rm09gaE5y9wFIhxGjGSgXGfH4wmKm5Ov9nmzpu1_pBTTzLmBVhtnIFhiymHg-NSbmoq-Y6AntvL_ChNDgwHhRuJ1lrRlh-JAXezok9fX4Ny2ctA3aQvizMAqe4riw0O/s1600/IMG_7845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Itsu Vegetable Fusion Gyoza FOUND in Tesco UK" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1493" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF-RPEGe2M4AG5rm09gaE5y9wFIhxGjGSgXGfH4wmKm5Ov9nmzpu1_pBTTzLmBVhtnIFhiymHg-NSbmoq-Y6AntvL_ChNDgwHhRuJ1lrRlh-JAXezok9fX4Ny2ctA3aQvizMAqe4riw0O/s640/IMG_7845.JPG" title="Vegan Supermarket Finds - May 2018" width="596" /></a></div>
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Let's nip over to Tesco for a minute...</div>
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Quick and Easy Freezer Finds</h2>
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These products might not be new to some of you, but I can't be the only one who hasn't been able to get my mitts on them until recently? The Itsu Vegetable Fusion Gyoza Dumplings have been on my shopping list for a long time, but only last week did I actually spot them when doing my online Tesco shop. I'm a massive fan of Asian cuisine, and dumplings are my jam so I will probably hoover all of these up in one go!</div>
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I also wanted to include these really handy bags of chickpea, bulgar wheat and mixed vegetables, because they look fantastic for a quick lunch thrown over big salad with some yummy dressing. Exactly what I want for summer! And really affordable too! </div>
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Aaaaaaaand, back to Sainsbo's....</div>
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Salty Vegan Chocolate Heaven!</h2>
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I actually first discovered these Sweet'n'Salty Almond choc bars by <a href="https://www.rhythm108.com/" target="_blank">Rhythm 108 </a>in a <a href="https://www.thevegankind.com/" target="_blank">The Vegan Kind box </a>(and they completely rocked my world), but only recently did they appear in Sainsbury's. I almost cried with happiness! </div>
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This is perhaps the best chocolate bar I've ever eaten - vegan or non vegan. Sainsbury's also carries the coconut variety, and there is also a choc hazelnut bar in the range (although not currently in Sainsbury's). At £1.25 each I think they're fairly reasonably priced. The bars could be a little bigger, but maybe that's a good thing for my muffin top in the long run. I could easily go mad on these! Throw one in your basket next time you're in Sainsbury's Free-From aisle - you won't regret it!</div>
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And finally... Superdrug!<br />
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Vegan, Cruelty Free Glow</h2>
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Had to add a little mention for this <a href="https://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Body-Care/Gradual-Fake-Tan/Solait-Gradual-Tan-Dark-200ml/p/734873" target="_blank">vegan gradual tan lotion</a> I snapped up in Superdrug this week. I go through phases of loving tan and really not caring about it at all, but since I got back from Gran Canaria (see my last post here) I'm loving my new, bronzed look for the first time in ages and I wanted a little something to help it last just a little bit longer. </div>
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While most of my other body care products at the moment are from The Body Shop, their tan contains honey so that's a no-go for me. I used to be a fan of Johnson's Holiday Skin, but didn't like the smell, and I don't like the cruelty... ENTER Superdrug Gradual Tan Lotion. Not going to say too much about this as I want to do a Summer Bodycare post over the next few weeks, but it smells like holidays and I can't wait to try it out. I really hope it's amazing! </div>
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Not sure if I'm going to be doing one of these posts every month, but I'll definitely be back in touch the next time I have a few exciting finds to share with you.</div>
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What new Vegan or Cruelty-Free products have you been trying lately?</h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-26390969838388216182018-05-09T18:11:00.001+01:002018-05-09T18:13:43.778+01:00Let's Go Explore: Mogan, Gran Canaria April 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HBPswfvOeZkHjOeypgImfh2shtxGkNx70RLtP9LMdDuw0YbLcgL0K8Yq219Is2_EZRrbbfFpmizOBlJ2VkM9ktm6QZzMLOlgABgiIoYl67bvIJ6s1RCvPtydblrkrz6aUGrNPznhsLd7/s1600/IMG_7226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HBPswfvOeZkHjOeypgImfh2shtxGkNx70RLtP9LMdDuw0YbLcgL0K8Yq219Is2_EZRrbbfFpmizOBlJ2VkM9ktm6QZzMLOlgABgiIoYl67bvIJ6s1RCvPtydblrkrz6aUGrNPznhsLd7/s640/IMG_7226.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Mogan, Gran Canaria" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria</h2>
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Travel! It's something I don't get to do a lot of in general. In fact, I haven't had chance to leave England <i>at all </i>until this year, since I moved back from Tenerife in 2009 (just shy of 9 years). Therefore, this has never been a travel blog, but that doesn't mean I haven't got a bucket-list as long as my arm and serious case of wanderlust. I finally got to fly away in April this year, and my destination of choice was Mogan, Gran Canaria.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoLVomH4GGhODBVJ47JafQ8uCNjOkYK4ziT5s46sR2z3lLS8JKTROf3AB29Usq7vb4zuOSsXmsS59ZXM2Mup0li7Qv08GLla1oQgXaG2fyMn3AJdTzZ9GZ8LPpJMe_9UlUrxk9dZNtV_H/s1600/IMG_7128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoLVomH4GGhODBVJ47JafQ8uCNjOkYK4ziT5s46sR2z3lLS8JKTROf3AB29Usq7vb4zuOSsXmsS59ZXM2Mup0li7Qv08GLla1oQgXaG2fyMn3AJdTzZ9GZ8LPpJMe_9UlUrxk9dZNtV_H/s640/IMG_7128.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Taurito, Gran Canaria" width="640" /></a></div>
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A bit of context: My Mum and Dad were/are serious holiday junkies, and this was their favourite place - and the only place they would go back to time and time again. Those of you who keep up with me on social media will know that we lost my Dad very suddenly on Christmas Day, 2017, and it knocked us all for a loop. After the month of initial shock and disbelief wore off, Mum and I texted each other randomly one night and both said the same thing at once... "Let's go to Dad's 'Little Cove'"</div>
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So this was a very personal journey for us.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuuDuV32i3xJJ8HKva81JXNr2Wv6rxn9hY6qcrG6c7Eh6P4e8HXouK8vywSIPdyTHeWkG7e9i5cDniZTdVRJLfB0CTv5QEIDgprxWfSVY79fLLowxh5k9FRpgBeOCDFOGuhww_912NUc8/s1600/IMG_7100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuuDuV32i3xJJ8HKva81JXNr2Wv6rxn9hY6qcrG6c7Eh6P4e8HXouK8vywSIPdyTHeWkG7e9i5cDniZTdVRJLfB0CTv5QEIDgprxWfSVY79fLLowxh5k9FRpgBeOCDFOGuhww_912NUc8/s640/IMG_7100.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Suite Princess Hotel, Gran Canaria" width="640" /></a></div>
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Taurito</h3>
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Tauro, and Playa Taurito, isn't actually a 'little cove', that's just what my parents always referred to it as. It's a beautiful little resort, a short bus or taxi ride away from Puerto de Mogan, comprised of just a couple of hotels, with a beach and a water park sandwiched in between. We stayed in the <a href="https://www.princess-hotels.com/en/hotels/gran-canaria/suite-princess" target="_blank">Suite Princess Hotel</a>, which is a very peaceful, adults-only, all-inclusive affair with stunning sea views from every angle. It was exactly what we needed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyIYqboxrZpObElJy2EOaqFKLlphcsrOCDjU-TgYPEuNZVypzVSerIspND7wuLwGo_tSe614FKTU5mATHFnVq3GWo21LwPGr9WvUcoZHIpILclqSvDsxHXsgu0q2NYir_o0_gtFfRW2HP/s1600/IMG_7284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyIYqboxrZpObElJy2EOaqFKLlphcsrOCDjU-TgYPEuNZVypzVSerIspND7wuLwGo_tSe614FKTU5mATHFnVq3GWo21LwPGr9WvUcoZHIpILclqSvDsxHXsgu0q2NYir_o0_gtFfRW2HP/s640/IMG_7284.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Mogan, Gran Canaria" width="480" /></a></div>
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Puerto de Mogan</h3>
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While, admittedly, we were limited in Taurito for exploration and adventure, one of the first items on our agenda was a day out exploring Puerto de Mogan on foot, a spot of shopping, and lunch by the marina. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7-xsY6gHSDp4nKuwnBuIVAF8CUlDw3sdkxz1xiBxcTGO3IIxKAV5CXxASlwBCUnCXZeEflFCQJLXAi-3RSx3GmNTQSU6LtC85ZCVS4SILtKaVTT2z6vo_AefMGKQKiXGT_VAQ5BmWb36/s1600/IMG_7388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7-xsY6gHSDp4nKuwnBuIVAF8CUlDw3sdkxz1xiBxcTGO3IIxKAV5CXxASlwBCUnCXZeEflFCQJLXAi-3RSx3GmNTQSU6LtC85ZCVS4SILtKaVTT2z6vo_AefMGKQKiXGT_VAQ5BmWb36/s640/IMG_7388.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mogan is a sleepy, smaller town, almost completely plastered in whitewash, with gorgeous pops of colour around every corner. The real hub of this place is the stunning marina, with an array of boats, restaurants, and crystal clear water. While all this is beautiful enough, I was completely taken by the wide variety of cacti, palms, and flowers growing along every street. Bougainvillea as far as the eye could see! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitix8PU7hWHZt4Xco8EQxCuqhW5-YlNjh7OaII6yPxzhe10UXeRPMrFqSMJrGyYKNWMg_Kgz1tiL4-Me3RaIRs6AMFsTlpd9WTUOfchbJ9xBZzdSUT4QE5QiUS26u2d_BUVHuZ_YlNgstZ/s1600/IMG_7232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1391" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitix8PU7hWHZt4Xco8EQxCuqhW5-YlNjh7OaII6yPxzhe10UXeRPMrFqSMJrGyYKNWMg_Kgz1tiL4-Me3RaIRs6AMFsTlpd9WTUOfchbJ9xBZzdSUT4QE5QiUS26u2d_BUVHuZ_YlNgstZ/s640/IMG_7232.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria" width="556" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrXXJ7oGnQB4nTDNwt8IwlQgjHnwWyJTesNfe51TSjrFfHVcL7Penv3DdUi8o0iSM81P2GtdHdAuXdsg-gQar2p1TRCBvBJMsDu0OFtcJAw1EkIMq09xWLFLzw-R3JEB7a0oZA8t0OgBA/s1600/IMG_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrXXJ7oGnQB4nTDNwt8IwlQgjHnwWyJTesNfe51TSjrFfHVcL7Penv3DdUi8o0iSM81P2GtdHdAuXdsg-gQar2p1TRCBvBJMsDu0OFtcJAw1EkIMq09xWLFLzw-R3JEB7a0oZA8t0OgBA/s640/IMG_7215.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEnqOGP5nntmlKkVecRp2WZJXmIooIdTDjNuzFQ3_4whk-CmticHYhA7a8xZl4FXiiQAAScl7iG4feC0mIzdIquj8_zMTIbh95BUQ3cpYOGhFg07nVVZhEaFp5NigedHHfESGKCI7eYLq/s1600/IMG_7227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEnqOGP5nntmlKkVecRp2WZJXmIooIdTDjNuzFQ3_4whk-CmticHYhA7a8xZl4FXiiQAAScl7iG4feC0mIzdIquj8_zMTIbh95BUQ3cpYOGhFg07nVVZhEaFp5NigedHHfESGKCI7eYLq/s640/IMG_7227.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCou-pZG3O2TqlhLWnoCdOc_JVOA9bv5LlEH8r0cJJz3pjDQuRS02-pzgxXqofeoC5f1qbFVVr93303zy6Quk3m8CFsKacLUgyPEOsUVxGaPwfsLobNTb5GUEOGiCqf1WJBqa8lBMrbYEv/s1600/IMG_7115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCou-pZG3O2TqlhLWnoCdOc_JVOA9bv5LlEH8r0cJJz3pjDQuRS02-pzgxXqofeoC5f1qbFVVr93303zy6Quk3m8CFsKacLUgyPEOsUVxGaPwfsLobNTb5GUEOGiCqf1WJBqa8lBMrbYEv/s640/IMG_7115.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Taurito, Gran Canaria" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99ve-Gy6WnVcPn5sRJdz6fVpIrT5ZRiGiMc3-e1TpmZTVokHnet7V7eeVKcgPCyZFE3wrXViT_S1bF5XtTVOdarxsaIg_EQrXer0_UjSVVruEOYt3pI5omRjLPR1BcruNMyyDbpHTfHCy/s1600/IMG_7223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1390" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99ve-Gy6WnVcPn5sRJdz6fVpIrT5ZRiGiMc3-e1TpmZTVokHnet7V7eeVKcgPCyZFE3wrXViT_S1bF5XtTVOdarxsaIg_EQrXer0_UjSVVruEOYt3pI5omRjLPR1BcruNMyyDbpHTfHCy/s640/IMG_7223.JPG" title="Papas Arrugadas with Red Mojo Sauce" width="556" /></a></div>
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What I Ate</h3>
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Sometimes Spain can be a bit of a minefield for vegetarians and vegans but, luckily, I happen to have spent a fair few years living in the Canary Islands, and know a fair bit of Spanish, as well as the local specialities. I knew before I even took off that I would be dining almost exclusively (through choice) on Papas Arrugadas (canarian salt-shrivelled potatoes) with red Mojo sauce, huge salads, and dreamy breads. Everything was labelled for allergens so I didn't have to bug anyone at all! </div>
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The Suite Princess was fantastic, with a HUGE salad bar, fruit platters, potatoes on tap, and a range of vegetable sides that changed daily. My Mum was pescatarian for the week, and filled up on prawns, avocados, grilled fish and salads. Lunch out was equally a breeze. I simply told the waiter what I didn't want on my plate and he came back with a glorious avocado salad, fresh juice, and... yep... more Canarian potatoes. </div>
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When You're Done Exploring</h3>
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As I mentioned from the off, the main aim of this trip was for Mum and I to rest, reflect, and try and process what we have been through since November last year. We spent many days just crashed out by the pool, or on the beach, reading, arguing over crosswords, drinking a lot of prosecco, and trying to heal. </div>
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Right from the off we knew my Dad was lurking in the background somewhere, just out of sight. From his favourite songs playing by the pool, to the number of cats we had come and visit us (my dad was a huge cat lover), and the beautiful rainbow that appeared over the sea on our last morning before checking out (my Dad seems to like to send us rainbows too). Don't get me wrong, I'm no spiritualist, but it seemed very spooky and significant. </div>
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We had said that this would be a one-off visit. Never to return. For Mum to say goodbye.</div>
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But, from our very first day there, we said there was no way we couldn't come back. We felt entirely at home and at peace there. </div>
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We booked this trip through <a href="https://www.tui.co.uk/" target="_blank">TUI</a>, as they are an operator that we trust, and Mum felt more comfortable with everything being sorted out in one place, but there are also deals to be had by booking directly with <a href="https://www.princess-hotels.com/en/hotels/gran-canaria/suite-princess" target="_blank">Princess Hotels</a> and arranging your own flights and transfers. I'm already costing up my next visit. I'd thoroughly recommend the Suite Princess for an adults-only break with stunning views, fantastic food, and rooms that are everything you need and more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WPAUwYDoYZkuJyiL3IG64Wh-Q4s8y81VQhn3LozIjR2eqsQ4LatJKZBmUWLr7Nbsd8lnX4I_ZLr1vTPxVxu8q8fU1ATlHfFSkEHn27XRt-XQXoxo-M75AukgRhs9JNrHdZS_GZJDWixa/s1600/IMG_8085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seeing the sights, and enjoying some well-earned, long-awaited rest and reflection in Puerto de Mogan and Taurito, Gran Canaria" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WPAUwYDoYZkuJyiL3IG64Wh-Q4s8y81VQhn3LozIjR2eqsQ4LatJKZBmUWLr7Nbsd8lnX4I_ZLr1vTPxVxu8q8fU1ATlHfFSkEHn27XRt-XQXoxo-M75AukgRhs9JNrHdZS_GZJDWixa/s640/IMG_8085.JPG" title="Let's Go Explore: Sunset at Suite Princess Hotel, Gran Canaria" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hopefully, I'll be able to incorporate more travel content into this blog now that I'm on a mission to revive it and have rediscovered my sense of wanderlust. </div>
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Where will you explore this year?</h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-55050248566521845502018-05-03T13:13:00.000+01:002018-05-03T15:34:22.967+01:00First Impressions - The Body Shop Fast-Absorbing Body Yogurts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRG84H15KhtjzonB54liPARfbe2sjIYcz-_ZeeJarXZO6X6ApH_MSATcZlukX0V7iI-2OOcaM-TdQWko9sVPUsfUAaAvmXAUTQM16Mm_zI_0bl09j6DwzehspPEhJWABGsgRkQy3uwiqSD/s1600/body-shop-body-yogurt-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's new in Vegan Beauty? Everything you need to know about The Body Shop's Fast-Absorbing Body Yogurts" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRG84H15KhtjzonB54liPARfbe2sjIYcz-_ZeeJarXZO6X6ApH_MSATcZlukX0V7iI-2OOcaM-TdQWko9sVPUsfUAaAvmXAUTQM16Mm_zI_0bl09j6DwzehspPEhJWABGsgRkQy3uwiqSD/s640/body-shop-body-yogurt-1.jpg" title="The Body Shop Fast Absorbing Body Yogurts - Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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What's new in Vegan Beauty? Everything you need to know about The Body Shop's Fast-Absorbing Body Yogurts</h2>
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On 1st May, 2018, The Body Shop launched its much-anticipated new range of vegan body moisturisers. Being a recent recruit to The Body Shop at Home* team (and a vegan), I've been looking forward to the release of <a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/body/body-yogurts/c/c00284?ds_kid=43700032567564676&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5qrXBRC3ARIsAJq3bwrBHgDeqo7FUdHV4iVYPHq-P75qY7bqgw7H5YnDvEiVVyN_QaMHZdYaAsSIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CIbfgdDA6doCFdgSGwodMuYAUw" target="_blank">The Body Shop's Body Yogurts</a> since I first heard about it in the new year, and didn't hesitate to snap some up for my kit (and my bathroom shelf) immediately. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4niDLNfFCQDS1M39HF1uD02Jx2iVjEu7HX9MT6YxYg0Cv3Dx-2I8O1MB43dIDFo-zt0XImlZmrnIvhwaRSdsPwoceomTjcvNSY38k7whF321yHzp6xvEyA_4L4eZrF_NgQo4Utq9-p0z/s1600/body-shop-body-yogurt-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's new in Vegan Beauty? Everything you need to know about The Body Shop's Fast-Absorbing Body Yogurts" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4niDLNfFCQDS1M39HF1uD02Jx2iVjEu7HX9MT6YxYg0Cv3Dx-2I8O1MB43dIDFo-zt0XImlZmrnIvhwaRSdsPwoceomTjcvNSY38k7whF321yHzp6xvEyA_4L4eZrF_NgQo4Utq9-p0z/s640/body-shop-body-yogurt-5.jpg" title="The Body Shop Body Yogurts - Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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About: The Body Shop Fast-Absorbing Body Yogurt</h3>
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- Lightweight, non-sticky, non-greasy texture</div>
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- Can be used on wet or dry skin</div>
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- Absorbs in 15 seconds</div>
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- 100% Vegan</div>
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- with hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge to seal moisture into the skin</div>
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- 48hr hydration</div>
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- Made with Community Trade Almond Milk</div>
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- Leaves no residue on the skin</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzECfp0d72J3uQETEm-5W16Su20tE70b82D4EJVPiDDekZfElGBvoAvkCrLQwy7_BiSkA2I7dK77Wq3qmCK1Ju8cz8iaCO8YyBMcLoFvUPewshkxH2Ehxyc6QyA-MtvXeIsUatCLVVXyJX/s1600/body-shop-body-yogurt-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's new in Vegan Beauty? Everything you need to know about The Body Shop's Fast-Absorbing Body Yogurts" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzECfp0d72J3uQETEm-5W16Su20tE70b82D4EJVPiDDekZfElGBvoAvkCrLQwy7_BiSkA2I7dK77Wq3qmCK1Ju8cz8iaCO8YyBMcLoFvUPewshkxH2Ehxyc6QyA-MtvXeIsUatCLVVXyJX/s640/body-shop-body-yogurt-2.jpg" title="The Body Shop Fast Absorbing Body Yogurts" width="480" /></a></div>
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Who is going to love it?</h3>
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This product has already received so much buzz in the media! As well as being The Body Shop's first 100% vegan body moisturiser, this new range will be fantastic for busy mums, holiday-goers, active people, gym bunnies... basically anyone who wants unbeatable moisturisation without a heavy, cloying texture. This product is absorbed into the skin in 15 SECONDS, making it ideal for anyone in a hurry. You can apply it straight from the shower and dress IMMEDIATELY - it even passes the skinny jeans test with no yanking or stickiness!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-0ymJRpuUH_QJ24ocX84yZUtiYRxFgC7cBvUj-LkAXbfweANq1Iv-MUVOCY0nMrsPcntBokORbZRViwVjnYoxHDQwuKXRq_CM8EyjdmITjGu3hRGDXKPIrvrxEhICii9PSQ82Thq8mtD/s1600/body-shop-body-yogurt-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's new in Vegan Beauty? Everything you need to know about The Body Shop's Fast-Absorbing Body Yogurts" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-0ymJRpuUH_QJ24ocX84yZUtiYRxFgC7cBvUj-LkAXbfweANq1Iv-MUVOCY0nMrsPcntBokORbZRViwVjnYoxHDQwuKXRq_CM8EyjdmITjGu3hRGDXKPIrvrxEhICii9PSQ82Thq8mtD/s640/body-shop-body-yogurt-4.jpg" title="The Body Shop Fast Absorbing Body Yogurts - Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, is it any good?</h3>
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Short answer... HELL YES! </div>
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Long answer... As a vegan, this product makes me extremely happy. While The Body Shop does have a couple of vegan options in their iconic Body Butter range (Fuji Green Tea and British Rose, in case you were wondering), it's amazing to finally be able to have a wider choice in fragrances. </div>
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Regarding the formula, it absolutely does what it says on the tub. This product is a lovely, light formula, that applies quickly and easily onto the skin, and sinks in in a flash. I recently returned from my first holiday in 9 years (more on that in another post), and am very keen to preserve my Gran Canaria glow, so have been using these daily in the morning. I've been really impressed with it overall. Any of you who know me from old, you'll know that I'm usually reluctant to buy into hype, and prefer to wait for results before I rave about something, but it's well deserved in this case. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3jbF3v8NivGxekYTtpPOR14_ovHq7xCmPaHW6-38GQ3NFjX_2TcErJ5z0JOBgMC-d8_xg8JPKCgL0c0KNo6wI9NxuGpUs89-9kHGi6V0aNPIdzbiB0p1Fv1fQC4u2r8b2c3P4FGAipxz/s1600/body-shop-body-yogurt-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's new in Vegan Beauty? Everything you need to know about The Body Shop's Fast-Absorbing Body Yogurts" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3jbF3v8NivGxekYTtpPOR14_ovHq7xCmPaHW6-38GQ3NFjX_2TcErJ5z0JOBgMC-d8_xg8JPKCgL0c0KNo6wI9NxuGpUs89-9kHGi6V0aNPIdzbiB0p1Fv1fQC4u2r8b2c3P4FGAipxz/s640/body-shop-body-yogurt-6.jpg" title="The Body Shop Fast Absorbing Body Yogurts - Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll definitely be continuing to use these daily. I've found I like to use them in the morning when I'm half asleep and in a hurry, then following with Green Tea Body Butter or a Spa cream in the evening.</div>
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If I had to pick a favourite, surprisingly, I'd choose Almond Milk. While the Mango Yogurt smells just like my favourite fruit smoothie (I call it summer in a tub), there's something very comforting about the Almond Milk. which is also suitable for sensitive skin types. It's like Baby Lotion for grown-ups. </div>
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<b>Also available in: Coconut, Strawberry, Moringa, and British Rose.</b></div>
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<b>RRP £8.50 for 6.98oz</b></div>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiSGU4WFKeO/" data-instgrm-version="8" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiSGU4WFKeO/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">I wish Instagram had smell-o-vision right now! This #Mango Body Yogurt smells just like a fruit smoothie 💚 . #thebodyshop #thebodyshopathome #tbsah #bodyyogurt #vegan #veganbeauty #skincare #bodycare #new #hydration #smoothie #donoteat</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tbsah_bylisa/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> TBSAH by Lisa Clare</a> (@tbsah_bylisa) on <time datetime="2018-05-02T17:06:38+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 2, 2018 at 10:06am PDT</time></div>
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<b>*DISCLAIMER!</b></div>
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As I mentioned up top, I joined The Body Shop at Home in December - as an extra hobby-job to earn a bit of extra gin money, but also because I've been so excited about The Body Shop's new collaboration with Natura and I want to support a business with great ethics that is moving in a more vegan direction. While I now work with the Body Shop, I am very strict about only offering praise for a product when it is deserved. If it's not worth your time or money, I will always say so. I don't love it because I sell it, I sell it because I love it!</div>
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I don't expect any of my readers to purchase products from me - I mainly want to spread the word about amazing, cruelty-free and VEGAN products - but if you'd like to keep up to date with new products and news from The Body Shop, or get advice from a plant-based consultant, any UK readers are welcome to j<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/203536980192182/?ref=group_header" target="_blank">oin my Facebook Group</a>. I'd be happy to have you, and I'm running some really exciting competitions in May!</div>
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What are your favourite cruelty-free body care products? I'd love to hear your recommendations!</h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-79781454229924200692016-11-25T14:15:00.000+00:002017-01-02T14:22:04.262+00:00Vegan Recipe: Cheezy Eggless Quiche using Mori-nu Silken Tofu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw4H41G36br8HP56eG-mPHHEYVOMQAdj0oXu02-5hCVfzcZq9m5li_8nhRFO2So4wYZUG0wzohqIZNTDNcCbyViMUZog3Wdc6vkLCs6MlhLnhK6SrtX_0gxUvNJvqIx9GhOuKmyWJmo66/s1600/quiche+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw4H41G36br8HP56eG-mPHHEYVOMQAdj0oXu02-5hCVfzcZq9m5li_8nhRFO2So4wYZUG0wzohqIZNTDNcCbyViMUZog3Wdc6vkLCs6MlhLnhK6SrtX_0gxUvNJvqIx9GhOuKmyWJmo66/s640/quiche+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's a reason you don't see many (or any) recipe posts flying around on this blog. It's because I'm not a very precise cook. Don't get me wrong, I can hold my own better than most in the kitchen but cooking, to me, has always just been an "okay, let's see what I can make with this then" sort of affair, and throwing in a bit of this and a bit of that to see how it turns out really doesn't translate well into a blog post. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbKagyEZXu4THQopdpUXIrDVRcrm81bCylb08Fh7HoLEQ5l6dbT-qUJJyvOisbWkYUgsX4VhRN9bZSZ7Ey5AyW4tZ1ngkEBmabywQlyZHvq7r5WBreYkTC08K8QinAfa39MpVbPjULE9H/s1600/quiche+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbKagyEZXu4THQopdpUXIrDVRcrm81bCylb08Fh7HoLEQ5l6dbT-qUJJyvOisbWkYUgsX4VhRN9bZSZ7Ey5AyW4tZ1ngkEBmabywQlyZHvq7r5WBreYkTC08K8QinAfa39MpVbPjULE9H/s640/quiche+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Recently, I was sent over some silken tofu to play with by the lovely folks over at Mori-nu UK. One of my go to uses for silken tofu has always been as a filling for quiche. I've made many many tofu quiches over the last 3 years and none of them have come out quite like the last. I do tend to use the same method each time, just with a slightly different brand or equipment. This is my attempt to share my method with you. This quiche can be made with any veggies or toppings you like. I tend to just use whatever I have in the fridge on any given day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92aV8yLJVlaPSWa32x1UHPKyeHdaNXYJy7nJDlu2v2-Aj4QjeWuUHIelwYv4hL5SIDmR-0Q5azYf0QZW51WsN6dCoqvJ68GfgjroQ7rmASRJvns11235Y05oOw7tf6GXMYtMzqtkMVpi-/s1600/quiche+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92aV8yLJVlaPSWa32x1UHPKyeHdaNXYJy7nJDlu2v2-Aj4QjeWuUHIelwYv4hL5SIDmR-0Q5azYf0QZW51WsN6dCoqvJ68GfgjroQ7rmASRJvns11235Y05oOw7tf6GXMYtMzqtkMVpi-/s640/quiche+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnxcAlqEY7zjPfEuqiuB2Cp6NKNv-bEXM3520FDfMLldxuiyAhRLnPrO05p_1v88uOsziajfmYuyRB2f6W7-tfrJQHjX4rNc2PDkjwVrfC9W4jWhEJbSE9b-y0OCep9GDz0fVvH1HEgdT/s1600/quiche+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnxcAlqEY7zjPfEuqiuB2Cp6NKNv-bEXM3520FDfMLldxuiyAhRLnPrO05p_1v88uOsziajfmYuyRB2f6W7-tfrJQHjX4rNc2PDkjwVrfC9W4jWhEJbSE9b-y0OCep9GDz0fVvH1HEgdT/s640/quiche+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wouldn't say that I'm a lazy cook, but my favourite recipes are the ones where you can do a big part of the work quickly and simply. This recipe hinges on the humble blender. The quiche mixture itself is just a case of throwing ingredients into a blender and whizzing it up to the desired texture - which is considerably thicker than a regular egg quiche mixture. I tend to eyeball this, but I will attempt to quantify things in the recipe below. </div>
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NOTE: I used a very shallow flan tin on this occasion, but the batter recipe below would easily fill a deeper tin (with adjusted cooking time), or even make 2 quiches! I had leftovers.</div>
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Ingredients</h2>
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Quiche batter</h3>
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1 pack - Mori-nu firm silken tofu</div>
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Heaped teaspoon - dijon mustard</div>
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A handful of your favourite shredded vegan cheese - with extra for topping</div>
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<i>(I used Follow Your Heart Cheddar Shreds)</i></div>
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A pinch of sea salt</div>
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2 tbsp ground arrowroot (for setting - you could also use cornflour or chickpea flour, this was just what I had on hand)</div>
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1/2 tsp turmeric</div>
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Approx half cup of unsweetened non-dairy milk - or enough to get a thick batter-like consistency without blowing up your blender</div>
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<i>(I would also add in 2 tbsp of nutritional yeast, but I was all out on this occasion)</i></div>
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Everything else...</h3>
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Jus-rol shortcrust pastry sheet </div>
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Medium onion - diced</div>
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Sliced tomatoes and mushrooms</div>
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Generous handful of spinach</div>
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Method</h2>
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Place shortcrust pastry into your chosen dish/tin and part bake, as per pack instructions, for about 5mins - remove from oven and set aside.</div>
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Place all batter ingredients into a blender and blend to a thick, smooth consistency - add more seasonings to your own taste if desired.</div>
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Saute the onion and spinach until onion is translucent and spinach is wilted.</div>
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Place onion/spinach into pastry base and spread out.</div>
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Pour batter mixture over onion/spinach and mix well (a better way to do this would be to mix together in a bowl first and then pour into base, but I didn't have a bowl)</div>
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Top with sliced tomato and mushroom and sprinkle with more shredded cheese.</div>
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Bake in the oven at around 175 celsius, for 30mins - or until quiche is set</div>
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Trim crust (just for the sake of neatness, although I never bother doing this to be honest)</div>
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Allow to chill and set further before serving.</div>
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I am aware that this is at risk of sounding like the vaguest internet recipe in history, but I've always trusted my eyes when it comes to cooking, and I don't think this recipe needs to be over-complicated - because it just isn't! My tofu quiche has been lapped up in the past at family parties without me even getting the chance to mention that it is vegan. </div>
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Silken tofu is a really great ingredient for egg replacement and handy to keep as a store-cupboard staple. You can also use it to add protein to smoothies or to create a thick, luxurious chocolate pudding. </div>
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Not sure if this blog will be turning into a recipe blog any time soon, but I've got a few recipes that I'm working on with my new Instant Pot that I feel like I want to share very soon. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
What is your favourite way to use silken tofu? What would you have made with it?</h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-65533290605628333252016-11-02T10:30:00.000+00:002016-12-10T23:00:25.964+00:00Autumn/Winter 2016 Nail Favourites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1ziEymiWOythcQHTxaw0_HBbHNelKREiDQzWsTHcCE8ZkkQOMiEMqA9cRuOcwleGXNstfK_xZwRHfc74aR83SjVV07f8loRiJoPV2045Q7tYAZ5TqTSdixuIY7-uEC2rHTQITPydWyUM/s1600/AW16+Nails+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1ziEymiWOythcQHTxaw0_HBbHNelKREiDQzWsTHcCE8ZkkQOMiEMqA9cRuOcwleGXNstfK_xZwRHfc74aR83SjVV07f8loRiJoPV2045Q7tYAZ5TqTSdixuIY7-uEC2rHTQITPydWyUM/s640/AW16+Nails+Title.jpg" title="Autumn/Winter 2016 Nail Favourites" width="522" /></a></div>
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Feels like a million and one years since I did a nail polish post - or a beauty-specific post in general, for that matter. Truth is, I haven't been wearing much makeup (I work from home), my skin is riddled with eczema so I've had to stick to the same couple of skincare products for ages, and my nails have been... awkward. BUT, here I am, and I wanted to share the nail colours and nail care products that are reeeeeally floating my boat this winter...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixpZJb_bBL-6FNeJs_uS_zuiL-z1tyX9eEFGZxiDAtCdMZIz_IlOSxUygYrmOBDTYpiWVeeBuiXL_tmQnrs6ipCJgjJTC-SjDiXCwAPU2aLRvogWQkx4AcQYkJRJoBjI5ADMexl3ZAOLR/s1600/AW15+Nails+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixpZJb_bBL-6FNeJs_uS_zuiL-z1tyX9eEFGZxiDAtCdMZIz_IlOSxUygYrmOBDTYpiWVeeBuiXL_tmQnrs6ipCJgjJTC-SjDiXCwAPU2aLRvogWQkx4AcQYkJRJoBjI5ADMexl3ZAOLR/s640/AW15+Nails+1.jpg" title="Autumn/Winter 2016 Nail Favourites" width="640" /></a></div>
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As someone who is very vocal in her adoration for the Autumn and Winter months - a major factor in which is my love of autumnal shades - I had quite a task picking my favourites for this time of year. This selection is made up of best-loved brands, old favourites and a couple of newcomers. I've divided the shades into warm and cool</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRYVg3tACbSEKk72slZtOx7Se3DHOycwuaLPQ8J63E1o_agmQJyZynAd46VymBxfdmOysO12AuKoo5LYldjlIhnGvegWS92FB9fmWgz8QQBnMOIBagRFtG7rtL5wYSdNExQ2mmfdf6tl1/s1600/AW16+Nails+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRYVg3tACbSEKk72slZtOx7Se3DHOycwuaLPQ8J63E1o_agmQJyZynAd46VymBxfdmOysO12AuKoo5LYldjlIhnGvegWS92FB9fmWgz8QQBnMOIBagRFtG7rtL5wYSdNExQ2mmfdf6tl1/s640/AW16+Nails+2.jpg" title="Autumn/Winter 2016 Nail Favourites" width="640" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Cool Tones</h2>
<h3>
<span style="text-align: center;"> 1) <a href="http://www.soignenails.com/products/bleuet" target="_blank">Soigne Botanique - Bleuet</a></span></h3>
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There are a few blue nail polishes that I couldn't live without, but my favourite Winter blue is definitely this one by Soigne Botanique. It's a gorgeous, deep petrol blue and a little bit different from any other blue I've found. Soigne are a firm favourite brand also, and all of their products are 100% cruelty-free and use some really innovative, eco-friendly, plant-based ingredients. </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
2) <a href="https://www.nailsinc.com/nail-polish/gloucester-crescent-powered-by-matcha_1444/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nails Inc London - Gloucester Crescent*</a></h3>
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When I first saw this shade I thought it looked almost identical to my beloved Sheraton Street but, upon comparing them, I decided I might even like it better. It's slightly more grey-toned and wintry which I love. This shade also comes with the added Superfood Boost of Almond Oil and Matcha for nail wellness and is a wonderfully rich and glossy formula. </div>
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3) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ciate-Paint-Polish-Varnish-13-5ml/dp/B007SYYO26/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=banaforbrea-21&linkId=ae097b156fc03e9bddd59ad87e2b4f43" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ciate London - Tweed & Tails**</a></h3>
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I got this polish from one of Ciate's Mini Mani Month advent calendars a couple of years back and it was definitely my favourite out of all the polishes. Can't believe I still have some left! It's still good though and I've worn it a couple of times recently. It remind me of that wonderful time when the countryside is just starting to change colour. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYBkDCM8iq0RAivHNy6C7YxyrUFcvPQYyLnFPIWOUZBkmL8QUYbT59D7Fb_XLT-rfuSnfgjkZKAEILvO2Bv2-X6LOLY10QCzJciZLhm3ETCtJqTZ0080xOqoNGKdDR9shDo8icNZ3kj5u/s1600/AW16+Nails+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYBkDCM8iq0RAivHNy6C7YxyrUFcvPQYyLnFPIWOUZBkmL8QUYbT59D7Fb_XLT-rfuSnfgjkZKAEILvO2Bv2-X6LOLY10QCzJciZLhm3ETCtJqTZ0080xOqoNGKdDR9shDo8icNZ3kj5u/s640/AW16+Nails+3.jpg" title="Autumn/Winter 2016 Nail Favourites" width="640" /></a></div>
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Warm Tones</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
4) <a href="https://www.nailsinc.com/nail-polish/kensington-high-street_317/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nails Inc London - Kensington High Street*</a></h3>
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To be honest, I actually always preferred St. Martin's Lane as my 'purple berry shade' of choice, but I received Kensington High Street recently and I've been really loving it. I've barely reached for the former since. I also really love Nails Inc's gel formula and the newer packaging is so gorgeous. </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
5) Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine - Paprika</h3>
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When Barry M first released their Autumn Gelly shades a couple of years back I rushed out so fast to grab them and they've been a firm favourite ever since (the next shade in this list is also from that release). I've never had so many compliments and people asking what polish I'm wearing than when I've been wearing this polish. </div>
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6) Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine - Mustard</h3>
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See above... Over the last 12 months I've discovered something about myself - I reeeeally love mustard yellow, particularly in Winter. This Barry M shade is sadly a little trickier to apply than others in that range, which baffles me a little bit, but it's so worth the effort. </div>
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Nail Care</h2>
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<a href="https://www.nailsinc.com/accessories/superfood-repair-oil_1436/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nails Inc Superfood Repair Oil*</a></h3>
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I go through phases with cuticle oil. I go from swearing by it to not bothering with it at all. At the moment I'm using this new one, as my cuticles seem to get much drier during the colder months, and it's doing a fab job. The dropper application takes a little getting used to compared to my previous Nails Inc brush-on oil, but my cuticles always feel lovely and soft when I've used this. With almond, rosehip and argan oils.</div>
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<a href="https://www.nailsinc.com/basecoat/nailpure-base-coat_425/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nails Inc 'Nail Pure' Base Coat*</a></h3>
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Not going to say too much about this one because I'm planning a post on the full range, but I have to tell you all how excited I am about the Nail Pure range of products. These products, much like Soigne Botanique, feature a wonderful 'free-from' formula with no chemical nasties and no animal derivatives. I've also been playing with a couple of the colour polishes from the range, so will report back very soon on how this formula compares to the other Nails Inc formulas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bTbdRnpHtsPlw9eHpP5Sk52GaxIQ9NWvzh1afkp2nKgUyK2fyh9T_s8FDhQuh3DoFeaU-aDyeLgbFdPs7Co5xfOuotazhklI_JSBK3r0XUp_wyxfzs2CA5dsTqM2FqKtCerS4v1YsvJ1/s1600/AW16+Nails+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bTbdRnpHtsPlw9eHpP5Sk52GaxIQ9NWvzh1afkp2nKgUyK2fyh9T_s8FDhQuh3DoFeaU-aDyeLgbFdPs7Co5xfOuotazhklI_JSBK3r0XUp_wyxfzs2CA5dsTqM2FqKtCerS4v1YsvJ1/s640/AW16+Nails+5.jpg" title="Autumn/Winter 2016 Nail Favourites" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been lovely pampering my nails again recently, following a difficult phase. They seemed to just decide one day that they didn't want to grow and wanted to split at any given opportunity, so I'd just left them to it for a time. I'm definitely making up for lost time at the moment though! </div>
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I hope you enjoyed looking through these shade selections - tell me your ultimate Autumn/Winter nail products in the comments. I'd love to hear your recommendations!</h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Products gifted to me for consideration</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>**Affiliate link (but be assured that I bought this product and bloody love it - if I didn't I wouldn't be recommending it)</i></span></div>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-12025540888321261372016-10-24T12:23:00.000+01:002016-10-24T12:56:52.640+01:00Pinspiration - Vegan Halloween Treats<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPqnibVjRxklnl_kl2nb-YZs4cBKUsG0jTC6NBgNwvJa0ewIkE3_41__kYyZFtDfwvwq8SZKKczpgB5W__YwmcoNFAZT55G36AJ00MHkd_qprqLxkyBHVoyUt6_4yPEzABy6Prx2BwCR9/s1600/Pinspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pinspiration - Vegan Halloween Treats" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPqnibVjRxklnl_kl2nb-YZs4cBKUsG0jTC6NBgNwvJa0ewIkE3_41__kYyZFtDfwvwq8SZKKczpgB5W__YwmcoNFAZT55G36AJ00MHkd_qprqLxkyBHVoyUt6_4yPEzABy6Prx2BwCR9/s640/Pinspiration.jpg" title="Top 5 Vegan Halloween Recipe Pins" width="426" /></a></div>
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The only thing I'm more obsessed with than Pinterest is Halloween. As soon as October rolls around every year I'm all about ghosts, horror movies, and pumpkin in <i>everything</i> and I've always been a sucker for sweet treats. So, for today's post I thought I'd attempt to combine the two and present you with my top 5 Pinterest recipe picks, just in time for Halloween 2016. I really rely on Pinterest when it comes to finding great vegan recipes. A quick keyword search on Pinterest usually turns up all the recipes you will ever need. It's also cheaper than buying expensive cookbooks and brilliant for discovering fabulous new food blogs. It's a vegan's dream! So here are my top 5 picks for vegan Halloween treats...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Note: Embedded widgets may not be visible on some mobile devices - switch to web view)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Healthy Pumpkin PopTarts from <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2013/10/07/pumpkin-pie-pop-tarts/#_a5y_p=2342548" target="_blank">Recipe Girl:</a></span></h2>
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PopTarts are so easy to make at home. Even though the regular kind (unfrosted) are usually vegan friendly, they are loaded with refined sugars and additives so this spooky homemade version should please both parents and kids alike. Simply sub for vegan butter and this recipe is perfect!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chocolate Pumpkin Candies by <a href="http://veggiestaples.com/chocolate-pumpkin-candies/" target="_blank">Veggie Staples</a>:</span></h2>
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All you need for a batch of these pumpkin-based chocolate bites is a chocolate mould. Sub the honey for agave or maple syrup and you've got an entirely vegan sweet treat.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Healthier Halloween Bark by <a href="http://www.housevegan.com/2014/09/healthier-halloween-bark-vegan-kid.html" target="_blank">House of Vegan</a>:</span></h2>
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Doesn't this look fantastic! I'm definitely going to attempt to make a big slab of something like this this year (even though the only halloween party I'm having this year is by myself, on the sofa, watching bad horror flicks on Netflix, so this should do nicely). This is a sweet and salty combination using crushed pretzels, seeds and homemade nut-butter candy corn.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">S</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">ugar-Free Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge by <a href="http://mydarlingvegan.com/2012/11/sugar-free-chocolate-pumpkin-fudge/" target="_blank">My Darling Vegan:</a></span></h2>
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You gotta love fudge, regardless of the time of year but what a great idea to add pumpkin as an ingredient! Although we don't celebrate it here in the UK, recipes like this would be perfect for Thanksgiving as well as Halloween.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Monster Rice Cereal Treats by <a href="http://www.forkandbeans.com/buy-my-ebook/" target="_blank">Fork & Beans</a>: </span></h2>
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Definitely saved the most impressive for last here! Cara at Fork & Beans is one of the most creative cooks I've come across. All of her recipes are also dairy, egg and gluten-free. What's more, she's produced an eBook showcasing all of her Halloween creations. Perfect if you're planning a party this Halloween!</div>
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*****</div>
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Tough to pick out just 5 from the many thousands of great pins I've come across lately! If you want more fang-tastic vegan food inspiration you can follow my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ThatLisaClare/vegan-halloween/" target="_blank">Halloween-themed Pinterest board</a>. </h2>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! </span></h2>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-58163078100285981252016-09-05T14:00:00.000+01:002016-09-05T14:10:50.818+01:00How to do Birthdays After 30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6PzrLCZun7XjXnqhm7dYTLE9r8PaPGCJK4D2ZCVf6VRL1HCjLwEKRnjVyJUZG-Z7v1HQU8kPvooNXS9FkvTCRCB_fo5EDUs0BiVfetPTBwtKpmrKzpuElnvq4xFIkEQj1cYsp9kkU9WG/s1600/gifts-570821_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6PzrLCZun7XjXnqhm7dYTLE9r8PaPGCJK4D2ZCVf6VRL1HCjLwEKRnjVyJUZG-Z7v1HQU8kPvooNXS9FkvTCRCB_fo5EDUs0BiVfetPTBwtKpmrKzpuElnvq4xFIkEQj1cYsp9kkU9WG/s640/gifts-570821_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over the last few days I've been seeing a lot of tweets on my timeline from people terrified of their impending 30th birthdays. I too was those people. It's my own birthday this week and my Facebook memories feed is currently riddled with 4-year-old updates from my own defiant advance towards the big 3-0 - I'll let you calculate my current age for yourselves from that, because I can't bring myself to type it outright - so I thought I'd scribble down a few words of wisdom for the next batch of wide-eyed 29-year-olds, nervously contemplating the next decade with uncertainty. </div>
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1. Confront The Dread</h2>
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The feeling of dread is legit. I felt it. It's fine. It's to be expected.</div>
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It's also largely unnecessary. I actually loved being 30, and if I could remain the same age for the rest of my life I would choose 30 every time. I approached my 30th birthday determined to prove to myself that I was still my young, trendy twenty-something self. So I defied age in the best way I could think of at the time - I dyed my hair bright pink (no, there are no pictures). </div>
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It lasted about a fortnight before I got fed up of the colour transferring onto everything I owned and reached for the ColourB4, but it served an amazing purpose. It displaced the fear. I'd done something spontaneous and daring and scary and it completely refocused me, albeit for a little while. By the time my 30th birthday rolled around I was relieved to be a regular brunette grown-up again. </div>
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2. It's okay to just have a quiet one</h2>
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In my twenties, the birthday default involved large groups of people, pitchers of various cocktails and 4am bedtimes. I also went through a phase of going on holiday around my birthday every year and getting steaming drunk on sangria and 1 euro Jagerbombs in the sunshine.</div>
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Now that I've crossed the threshold into my thirties, however, a night in front of the telly with a gin or two and a massive plate of chips is just as appealing. I've also found that, in your thirties, you and your friends become less and less available with the arrival of children and the fact that a week at work gets gradually more and more knackering by the year and you just can't be bothered.<br />
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Of course, given the right set of circumstances, we thirty-somethings are still young enough to enjoy an epic night out (and also still young enough to get away with it). Last year my birthday fell on a Saturday night and boy did I take advantage of it. I also had the wisdom and life experience to know to to pace myself, not mix my drinks, and woke up the next morning hangover-free and able to enjoy the biggest vegan brunch I've ever had in my life. </div>
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3. Never let people assume you're too old for birthday cake</h2>
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WRONG! Fatal error! You're never too old for cake. In fact, I put it to you that cake becomes increasingly important the further you travel through life. Of course, it's slightly awkward for me, being vegan, in that there are few people I know with the cakey know-how to make me a surprise birthday cake so I inevitably end up making my own (and eating it on my own), and I am entirely 100% at peace with that. This year I will be whipping up a chocolate/banana loaf and demolishing it while slumped in front of Season 5 of Suits. Cake is the lifeblood of birthdays and must be respected. </div>
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4. Relax - It's no big deal</h2>
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While it's totally okay to want to be made a fuss of on one's birthday, and surprise cards and gifts (especially if those gifts are wine) are guaranteed to make anyone feel special, it's far from essential to me these days. I find I become less and less bothered about birthdays every year. As mentioned above, making exciting plans is challenging, and stuff still needs to get done. You're just as likely to find me cleaning the loo or booking a smear test on my birthday as any other day. </div>
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Being self-employed, I'm lucky in that I can stealthily schedule myself a day off on my birthday if I want it, but 9 times out of 10 I'll just spend it doing laundry, eating cake, ticking various things off my to-do list, and watching Netflix in my pants. </div>
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5. The more practical the present, the better</h2>
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I'm actually pretty much done with birthday presents at this stage, nor do I ever expect them. I have no need for them at all. Except if they are things I <i>actually</i> need (or gin). Gifts that will enhance my life and make my existence less annoying. Post-thirty, I find that family members are more likely to just slip me 20 quid, which they assume will be spent on said gin, but that I usually donate towards a greater cause - such as my fledgeling Vitamix fund (at this rate I'll have enough by the time I hit 40).</div>
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That said, my mum once presented me with an electric blanket on my birthday and I almost cried. It was the most amazing present I'd ever received in my entire life. But, in all seriousness, it's the actual connection with family and friends and the Facebook birthday wishes from people I haven't caught up with in a while that make it for me. Not the presents. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, if you want to make this thirty-something happy on her birthday, buy me a drink, don't ask how old I am (unless you're prepared to tell me I look 10 years younger as part of the next sentence), don't fret if we can't schedule a night out immediately and, for the love of Pete, BRING CAKE!! </span></h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-46001391227516668572016-08-30T14:07:00.000+01:002016-08-30T14:10:01.239+01:00Caitlin Moran Has Changed Me Forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr3Hwz7oZrsNeTfUJ4UxBjaIpfbDp2KvkJaAxYkCMGtecKpck_zTAPuTMLfXmRz8vXAwZf3zR68Vt6a2XCP7TzrmuscqPz6YJvc6P92Xn7Fz0k7bazROqxPaEP7zyxfcfL6yTzS3lofar/s1600/LJIZlzHgQ7WPSh5KVTCB_Typewriter+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr3Hwz7oZrsNeTfUJ4UxBjaIpfbDp2KvkJaAxYkCMGtecKpck_zTAPuTMLfXmRz8vXAwZf3zR68Vt6a2XCP7TzrmuscqPz6YJvc6P92Xn7Fz0k7bazROqxPaEP7zyxfcfL6yTzS3lofar/s640/LJIZlzHgQ7WPSh5KVTCB_Typewriter+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've had a bit of a blogger epiphany this week, mainly thanks to the great and mighty literary powerhouse that is Caitlin Moran. I've been on a mission recently to re-read pretty much everything she's ever written and I came to the conclusion halfway through <a href="http://amzn.to/2bSVSi5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Moranifesto</a> that I've been approaching blogging all wrong since I finished University. </div>
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First and foremost, it was my need to write my way out of my ME/CFS-induced misery and frustration that lead me to start this blog over 6 years ago but I started worrying that nobody wanted to hear about my spoonie life and struggles. I was brought up on the premise that one does not express one's feelings, values, or insecurities, should they upset or offend anyone else or come across as a little bit loopy. So I quickly fell into the blogger/PR trap of thinking that I had to have companies throwing products at me in order to produce valuable content that people would actually want to read. </div>
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That side of blogging dried up for me when I took an extended pause during my final year of Uni and then moved out of London back to Derbyshire after graduation. No posh events, no exciting launches... <i>no more free Prosecco and macarons, for heavens sake!!</i> I felt very uninspired and out of the loop and have never quite recovered. </div>
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I've been operating under the assumption that my day to day life is pretty boring and that, unless I've got a specific project or product to write about, I have nothing much else to offer the internet and, as a result, not much blogging has been happening at all. Nobody wants to hear about my mundane, day-to-day, 30-something neuroses, right? Apparently wrong! I hadn't got much further into Moranifesto than page 46 - 'Printers are Evil' - when an atomic bomb went off in my head; 'OMG I'm actually relating <i>so hard</i> to this! I am no longer alone, going through life trapped in a box in my own head, feeling like a complete oddball! Is this actually what people want to read about?' </div>
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If that really is the case then I am suddenly bubbling over with inspiration. The limits have suddenly fallen away and I am staring out into a vast wilderness of possibilities. Much scribbling in notebooks and wide-eyed grinning has happened since then. I'm going to be embracing the randomness and having a good old chuckle at myself in the process. I vow to shout from the rooftops about my pathological fear of YouTube, my ongoing battle with stress-eczema, and my unhealthy obsession with kimchi.</div>
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Don't get me wrong though; this blog will still contain more of the usual. I'm still going to be rambling on about carbs, veganism, makeup, office furniture, and anything else exciting that I discover on my awkward amble through daily life. It'll just be peppered with random thought-nuggets from inside my head from here on out. I do hope that's alright with you lot.<br />
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So, thanks a bunch Caitlin. I remain, as ever, your loyal and humble disciple.</div>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-40029881015258969002016-08-21T15:30:00.000+01:002016-08-22T17:07:12.820+01:00Summer of TVK | 3 Box Bonanza!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvoxQLvjW4YP7LncRFfi0stWjZBpyaFQH4opazxnC7i2OFdwN0vY1uGGboIqotv0ucKW9w02fZgT948WCW2AjpjGfdrQ_XNVtrqqbs8s7DHzvIXHwrLtFP7Y1xnEOIpj0YhCID7GSmaUu/s1600/DSCN0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Vegan Kind TVK34 August 2016 Lifestyle Box" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvoxQLvjW4YP7LncRFfi0stWjZBpyaFQH4opazxnC7i2OFdwN0vY1uGGboIqotv0ucKW9w02fZgT948WCW2AjpjGfdrQ_XNVtrqqbs8s7DHzvIXHwrLtFP7Y1xnEOIpj0YhCID7GSmaUu/s640/DSCN0221.JPG" title="The Vegan Kind TVK34 August 2016" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well HELLO there! Once again, I'm going to kick off another post by apologising for how awful I've been with this blog. In my defense, I am on a mission at the moment to figure out a way to generate my own personal blog content more efficiently alongside the content I create for clients as part of my paid job. I hope this post goes some way to making up for it, because I've got a bumper summer crop of <a href="http://www.thevegankind.com/" target="_blank">The Vegan Kind</a>* for you today. 3 whole months' worth of wholesome, cruelty-free, vegan food and lifestyle goodness! </div>
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The Vegan Kind TVK 32 - June 2016</h2>
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The TVK box for June threw me right into the mood for summer. I guess they were as excited as I was, because the stars of this box were the <a href="http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/" target="_blank">Green People </a>Edelweiss Sun Lotion and natural tan accelerator, and the <a href="http://www.thinkproducts.co.uk/" target="_blank">Smooze</a> coconut and mango fruit lollies. The only thing that could have made this box better would be a plane ticket, a palm tree, and a good book (fat chance of that for me at the moment though - busy busy busy - maybe next year). </div>
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Also tucked away in this box was a glorious Chocolate and Raspberry Cookie from <a href="http://www.foodsofathenry.ie/" target="_blank">The Foods of Athenry</a>. I'm a huge fan of their baked goods after discovering their gluten-free mince pies last christmas and they're a regular with TVK. The <a href="http://www.goodfullstop.com/" target="_blank">Good Full Stop</a> cocoa orange bar was a refreshing change for me from the Nakd version, and I'd not got round to trying the <a href="http://www.granovita.co.uk/" target="_blank">Granovita</a> Vegetable Pate, despite seeing it around multiple times. Also... cheese and onion <a href="http://www.hootsnacks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hoots</a>! Enough said. 10/10 TVK!</div>
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The Vegan Kind TVK33 - July 2016</h2>
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I have another apology to make (that makes 2 so far this post, I'm going for a record) and that apology is to <a href="http://www.angelicglutenfree.co.uk/" target="_blank">Angelic Gluten Free</a>, whose chocolate, coconut and oat slices were too delicious and were the only item out of all 3 boxes not to survive to the photography stage of this post (although, the <a href="http://www.yushoi.co.uk/" target="_blank">Yushoi </a>Snapea Soy and Balsamic Vinegar rice sticks bag also looks mysteriously empty... my bad). Believe me when I say that you need them in your belly. I thought I could just pinch one and photograph the rest. How wrong I was. I will make it up to them by annihilating their stock at Vegfest London in October. </div>
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Massive shoutout once again to <a href="http://www.harperscandles.com/" target="_blank">Harper's Bizarre </a>for another TVK exclusive candle. I'm lucky enough to call Victoria Harper a friend and her candles are always welcome in my house. Particularly her raspberry and rose, so The Raspberry Kind was very well received. </div>
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This was a very sweet box, with <a href="http://www.goodygoodstuff.com/" target="_blank">Goody Good Stuff</a> cola bottles, a <a href="http://www.consciouschocolate.com/" target="_blank">Conscious Chocolate </a>Goji and Coconut mini-bar, and a delightfully refreshing <a href="http://www.virtuedrinks.com/" target="_blank">Virtue</a> Lemon Iced Tea in addition to the Angelic cakey goodness, but I also o-loved (see what I did there) the <a href="http://www.oloves.com/" target="_blank">Oloves</a> chilli and garlic olives.</div>
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The Vegan Kind TVK34 - August 2016</h2>
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Hard to choose a best out of all 3 summer boxes, but... I think this one just takes the trophy, purely for the <a href="http://followyourheart.com/" target="_blank">Follow Your Heart</a> Veganegg. Prior to becoming vegan, I remember citing eggs as something I could never give up. I was extremely 'meh' about cheese and I've never been able to stand the smell of bacon, but eggs were my bae (if I were the sort of person to use the word 'bae' *shudder*). I think I'm going to save my thoughts on this product for a full review and maybe even a taste test video. </div>
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Elsewhere in the box, I've thoroughly enjoyed munching my way through the <a href="http://hippeas.com/" target="_blank">Hippeas</a> Far out Fajita chickpea puffs, the <a href="http://www.landgarten.co.uk/" target="_blank">Landgarten</a> crunchy choco balls, and the <a href="http://www.squirrelsisters.com/" target="_blank">Squirrel Sisters</a> Coconut and Cashew energy bar over the last few days. We had my brother's 6 year old step-daughter staying over on Thursday night and she was only too happy to share the <a href="http://www.candykittens.co.uk/" target="_blank">Candy Kittens</a> Sweet Pineapple candies with me (in fact, she rather liked them - see below).<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJS9agXBvsp/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">I shared the @candykittens_uk from my @thevegankind box with my brother's 6yr old step-daughter (yes, I do occasionally share food - shocking, I know)... I think she liked them! 💚💚💚 #aww #vegan #vegansofig #vegansweets #cute #thevegankind #tvk34 #candy #sharingiscaring</a></div>
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A photo posted by Lisa Clare 🇬🇧 (@thatlisaclare) on <time datetime="2016-08-19T16:01:46+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 19, 2016 at 9:01am PDT</time></div>
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And, finally, there was the <a href="http://www.nativeunearthed.co.uk/" target="_blank">Native Unearthed</a> Volcanic Crystals and Aloe deodorant, which I haven't got round to testing out yet, but that I have high hopes for. I was also lucky enough to get a £5 John Lewis/Waitrose gift card with my box, which I donated to my preggers sister-in-law towards baby clothes as my first duty as an Auntie-to-be. </div>
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I know I say this every time I review a TVK box, but I've been getting these boxes (initially as a paying customer and now as a blogger) for well over a year now, and I can honestly say they never send out a bad box. They are amazing value for money and there's always something new to try with TVK. It's never the 'same old stuff' with them. I've never felt tempted to order from any of the other vegan subscription box services that have sprung up in the UK (TVK were the first). </div>
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For more information and to subscribe to The Vegan Kind Lifestyle Box visit <a href="http://www.thevegankind.com/">www.thevegankind.com</a></h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-55874703378675283042016-05-22T17:22:00.001+01:002016-05-22T17:28:55.673+01:00Pinspiration | Office Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been working for myself from home for almost a year now and I absolutely love it. Granted, my current living situation is a little 'unfortunate' and I don't have complete control over my workspace yet - I'm still working on boosting my finances since graduating from university and currently bunking in with my parents - but I've managed to carve out a little office space for myself in the guest bedroom and am currently trying to make it my own. I'm also dreaming of the office I'm going to have once I've finally got the deposit for my own house together. As always, I've turned to Pinterest for ideas and inspiration and thought I'd paint you a picture today of my dream office using Pins...<br />
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<i>(Note - embedded pins may not show up on mobile devices so switch to web-view)</i></div>
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Colours</h2>
My dream office is full of flowers, books, efficient storage and lots of natural light (which my current dark space is seriously lacking). As a general rule in my home decor, I like a combination of white, wood and neutral, soft colours, mixed in with metallics. I find bright colours really distracting in an office environment, and I'm very easily distracted when I'm writing. The slightest thing can throw me off and make me lose my thread.<br />
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Desk</h2>
My current desk is the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90214308/" target="_blank">IKEA Micke</a>. I chose it because it also provides me with a white backdrop for blog photography when I need it. In an ideal world I'd probably choose a pale wood finish for my desk-top, but I love IKEA for their affordable, functional options, and the drawers in the Micke mean that my surfaces don't get cluttered and plenty of room for my hoard of office snacks.<br />
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Storage</h2>
I love shelves. Historically I've always favoured floating shelves in either white or pale wood (see above), but recently I've started coming around to the idea of shelving units and bookcases. Eventually, I'd like my home office to also be a place where I can come to relax and read, so all my books will be kept there and I believe books should always be on display. Although drawer space is important to me, and I detest a cluttered workspace, I'm not keen on having too many drawers, so well-organised shelves are a must.<br />
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Lighting </h2>
In my head, the windows in my office of dreams are going to be huge. Due to chronic fatigue syndrome, a dark room makes me sluggish and drowsy and no amount of vitamin D is going to compensate for lack of natural light. While I know in my heart of hearts that having my desk face out of a window will seriously affect my productivity, it's nice to dream. My current office lighting is a bit slap-dash, as the room gets almost no natural light whatsoever, but I've put a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003SOMCNS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003SOMCNS&linkCode=as2&tag=banaforbrea-21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">himalayan salt lamp</a>* in there for a soft, pink glow while I work because I find the artificial glare of most desk-lamps too harsh.<br />
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Decor</h2>
I love the idea of having a feature wall in my home office, with interesting prints or art on it, while leaving other walls more minimal. I'd love to do a DIY job or giant pinboard, using various prints and quotes, but I also really love the idea of a large world map canvas. I'm working with a client at the moment that makes the most beautiful wall maps and murals (they made the map wallpaper featured in this pin - although I'd style it completely differently myself) and I just know I'm going to cave in and buy one as soon as I've got somewhere to put it. That wasn't a shameless client plug by the way, I genuinely love their products, which makes my work even more awesome.<br />
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I could go on forever about all the things I *need* for the dream office I don't have yet, but if you want more office Pinspiration, you should definitely follow my board. I've been going mad on office pins lately! Once I've got my current little corner the way I like it, I'll probably follow with a photo-tour post.<br />
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I also love sneaking a peek into others' home offices, so if you have an office tour on your blog or channel, do link to it in the comments, and it'll probably end up on my board!!<br />
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What's in your dream home office?</h3>
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<i style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">*Affiliate link (I purchased this product and absolutely adore it)</i></div>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-781983934779285882016-05-16T22:10:00.001+01:002016-05-16T22:43:56.662+01:00My Vegan Life (In Pictures)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eV7UMOd3ReFH2q6n8Yx8V15FIl5DjG9Uj26pdqsLrRdlJkxHUt4XyOjv59VlLwwidUwpM4M8rRkRTeGo0OKRQCrvxkWKrvAvubOgerkretHU61wXnwe4zoAy6nvWNBcA6yA3gTDbhhrZ/s1600/My+Vegan+Life+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My Vegan Life - That Lisa Clare" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eV7UMOd3ReFH2q6n8Yx8V15FIl5DjG9Uj26pdqsLrRdlJkxHUt4XyOjv59VlLwwidUwpM4M8rRkRTeGo0OKRQCrvxkWKrvAvubOgerkretHU61wXnwe4zoAy6nvWNBcA6yA3gTDbhhrZ/s640/My+Vegan+Life+Title.jpg" title="My Vegan Life (In Pictures)" width="482" /></a></div>
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I've been vegan for over two years now. It's not a secret. I've completely embraced it in every aspect of my life and it's been the most positive thing I've ever done for myself - although I didn't actually do it for myself to begin with - but I don't talk about it much. Sure, I'll wax lyrical about cruelty-free beauty products or what I had for dinner and I think I've used <i>all</i> of the vegan hashtags at some point in the last two years, but I don't really get deep and ethical about it online. To be honest, I'm a little self-conscious because I don't really fancy being stereotyped, and I don't want it to overshadow other aspects of my identity. Today, however, I really feel like giving a bit of insight into my day-to-day life as a vegan...</div>
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Vegans are some of the most food-obsessed people I've ever come across, and I'm right in there with them. It's not because we have trouble finding food either; it's more to do with the fact that a whole new world of food options opens up to you when you ditch old habits. Hand on heart, I can honestly say I don't miss anything that I used to eat - mainly because I've been veggie for most of my life, and because, a lot of the time, the meals I cook now are just plant-based versions of the meals I used to make. I may experience the odd feels when I see someone with blue cheese or a poached egg, but I definitely don't want to eat those things now. They don't register as food with me any more. Those feels are pure nostalgia and have been relegated to the 'been there, done that' folder in my brain. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA4jnnp5-x7fLjiny8_UFcl6TOaaIZfuV6IWceCLmdh1KsehS1yvtePfaBAGidKznXOOtwrTVGIlXlyJpqCHYa2KVCRCs4dGfRdOFo7yZPzmPXBFgUpzb5K6x0W2qY8fiA4mq6PIVeBvV/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pizza Express Pianta - Vegan Pizza" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA4jnnp5-x7fLjiny8_UFcl6TOaaIZfuV6IWceCLmdh1KsehS1yvtePfaBAGidKznXOOtwrTVGIlXlyJpqCHYa2KVCRCs4dGfRdOFo7yZPzmPXBFgUpzb5K6x0W2qY8fiA4mq6PIVeBvV/s640/FullSizeRender+%252819%2529.jpg" title="My Vegan Life (In Pictures)" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
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Nowadays, you'll find me getting ridiculously overexcited about artichokes, guacamole and sweet potatoes (although not on the same plate). Yesterday I baked a swede in the oven and devoured it whole, sprinkled with salt, pepper and nutritional yeast. I never enjoyed steak or bacon as much I enjoyed that swede yesterday. I'd describe my current diet as high-carb-low-fat, with mostly whole foods, although that may not be reflected in some of the photos in this post. We're all allowed treats once in a while, and vegan treats are positively saintly compared to their meat, dairy and egg laden counterparts. I shop in regular supermarkets and eat out at regular chain restaurants. </div>
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Beauty has been more of a challenge. I'm still using up the dregs of my pre-vegan makeup stash because I'm not in a position to be able to afford to throw away expensive makeup. Non-vegan ingredients are harder to identify on beauty products and animal testing is a minefield thanks to various legal loopholes. Thanks to sites like <a href="http://www.logicalharmony.net/#axzz48qxOPgdM" target="_blank">Logical Harmony</a> though, I'm able to make more informed choices now and, although there are occasional slip ups - I bought myself a new Barry M eyeshadow palette recently and the primer included with it turned out to contain beeswax - you live and learn) - I now know which brands to avoid and which brands offer amazing cruelty-free products for vegans. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I wouldn't say that being vegan has changed anything about my personality or who I am as a person, although I'm definitely more mindful now in my day to day life. I've learned that it's okay to ask questions and not to be scared to say no to something because it conflicts with what you feel is right, because people who belong in your life, and deserve your time, will always understand and respect your choices. The most powerful thing I've learned is that it's okay to change your opinion based on new information. One of the most humble things we can do in our lives is to be constantly in search of knowledge and to grow and shape our lives around the things we experience. Some things we see along the way may be shocking and unpleasant, but sometimes they make us better people. I'm definitely a happier, healthier person today because of those things. </span></td></tr>
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Now that I'm starting to ease myself back into regular blogging again, I'm going to try and share more vegan lifestyle related content, some amazing resources, and maybe even dabble in the odd plant-based recipe post (although don't get too excited about that - I'm a 'fly by the seat of my pants' kinda cook and very rarely use precise measurements or keep track of what ingredients I'm throwing in my pot). </div>
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For more snippets of my vegan lifestyle, feel free to stalk me over on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thatlisaclare" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/ThatLisaClare/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I'd love to see you all there! </h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-87069090432886520172016-03-29T10:55:00.000+01:002016-03-29T10:55:54.271+01:00Unboxing The Vegan Kind #TVK29<br />
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This month's <a href="http://www.thevegankind.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Vegan Kind*</a> lifestyle box had a lot to live up to. It's March. March means Easter. and Easter means treats. Luckily, vegan and cruelty free treats are what TVK do best. Somehow I've managed to keep the lid on this box for almost an entire month, and finally broke the seal on it on Easter Sunday to check out what was inside (and apply it to my face)... </div>
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<a href="http://www.consideritchocolate.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Considerit Chocolate Cream Egg</span></a></h2>
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No Easter is complete without at least one creme egg, and vegan/dairy-free folks no longer have to miss out. This version by ConsiderIt is ever-so-slightly more luxurious than it's Cadburys counterpart, made from hand-tempered Belgian dark chocolate with a fondant filling. It's also not as sickly as the original, which is a bonus for me. Also, excuse my fake-tan-stained nails in this pic (because it appears that 6 years of beauty blogging has taught me nothing)</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wheaty.com/" target="_blank">Wheaty Red Hot Chilli Pepper Spacebar</a></span></h2>
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I'm familiar with Wheaty products. One of the best things about my digital marketing internship with PETA was that their offices are just around the corner from <a href="http://www.vegancross.com/" target="_blank">Vx in King's Cross </a>and I could exploit their Wheaty gyro kebab wraps every day. The Spacebar is a first for me, and I found it most like a Pepperami/Frankfurter hotdog hybrid. I wouldn't say it was *red* hot, but then again I have a high tolerance for spice. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thevegankind.com/" target="_blank">Vegan For The Animals Magnet/Choose Compassion Sticker</a></span></h2>
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These really are delightful. The Vegan Kind have thrown these into the box themselves, as an added extra. The magnet is now proudly stuck on the side of my filing unit in my office. I'm looking at it right now as I type this. I'm still looking for a home for the sticker. You can also buy these separately from the TVK website.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.hectares.com/" target="_blank">Hectares Red Onion & Black Pepper Sweet Potato Crisps</a></span></h2>
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Always happy to find a bag of Hectares in my box. Hectares are a regular feature with TVK and they always manage to come up with great flavours that pack a punch. These have the moreish-ness of the red onion favour along with the bite of black pepper. Winner!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.foodsofathenry.ie/" target="_blank">The Foods of Athenry Cookie Shots Brownie Biscuits</a></span></h2>
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I love The Foods of Athenry. I devoured an entire box of their vegan, gluten-free mince pies over the festive period. They are a gorgeous family business hailing from Ireland, and these Cookie Shots are a cross between a biscuit and a mini brownie. I devoured them straight from the bag, but I must get my hands on some more because I feel like they'd be perfect for decorating a huge chocolate cake, which now obviously has to happen. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.soypresso.eu/" target="_blank">Soypresso</a></span></h2>
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Vegan, organic, fairtrade, recyclable packaging.. Soypresso is one seriously ethical iced coffee! I'm an absolute sucker for iced coffee and I'm drinking this as I write. Soypresso is the first cold coffee drink to be made from a soya base. </div>
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So, once again, TVK can do no wrong. It shouldn't really be a surprise to me by now, to be honest. They're the most consistent subscription box service I've ever known (and I've tried a few and had my fair share of disappointing boxes). Their quarterly beauty boxes are also very special. Note to self - must order one of those soon. </div>
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TVK monthly lifestyle boxes are £10 each (plus £3 P&P)<br />For more information about The Vegan Kind, visit their website at<br /><a href="http://www.thevegankind.com/">www.thevegankind.com</a></h3>
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<br />You can also find them on <a href="https://twitter.com/thevegankind" target="_blank">Twitter,</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thevegankind" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thevegankind" target="_blank">Instagram</a></h3>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-35515775632469241262016-03-28T15:53:00.001+01:002016-03-29T00:05:01.281+01:00Why I Ditched my Blog for 3 Months...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever just feel like you need to step away and breathe a while? I have. I went into January 2016 determined to make something better of this blog, and it ended up overwhelming me so much that I steered clear of it entirely for three whole months. I'd written down pages of things I wanted to write and it scared the emojis out of me. I'm now determined to embark on a journey of blog self-love and positivity and thought I'd share a few of my wobbles with you...</div>
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The end of April marks this blog's 6th birthday. I've never been a 'full-time' blogger and I've never felt like I've been able to put as much time into it as I've wanted to. I thought that, now that I'm working for myself, I'd find a whole new energy to pour into amazing content and get endless inspiration from everything. The reality turned out to be that I'm spending so much time and effort on blog content for my clients, I'm becoming seriously uninspired when it comes to my own. I guess when you do something full time as a job, it's harder to get excited about it in your spare time, but I chose my profession because of my love of writing and I would not be where I am now without this site. </div>
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I don't want this to come off as self-pity, but bear with me; my blog has never been what I'd consider 'popular'. I've always put into it as much as I had to offer at any given time, shared the hell out of my posts and taken an interest in other blogs, but somehow it's just never really happened for me. That's fine, I can accept that. I've had successes elsewhere and I love the content I've been able to create for my clients since I graduated from Uni and set out as a freelancer. However, this has meant that I've recently taken a "well, what's the point anyway" mentality when it comes to posting on That Lisa Clare. Blogging has changed a <i>lot</i> since I first came on the scene in 2010, and I need to catch myself up a little and get with the program. </div>
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I'm also at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to my blog personality and branding. Since I went vegan and cruelty-free I've been kind of stuck between not wanting to alienate my loyal readers and offend brands I've worked with in the past, and being afraid to go for it with a more vegan-friendly audience for fear of slipping up, particularly with the beauty side (the vegan police are real and cosmetics are difficult to judge sometimes). </div>
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So, what's the solution? I've come to remember in the last week how much I do adore this blog, and how I really need to pull my socks up and give it the love it deserves. The temptation was to ditch it entirely and start afresh elsewhere, but I just can't bring myself to do it. So I've come up with an action plan, and a list of promises to my blog, that I will do my very best to stick to in the coming months..</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Write down ideas religiously</span></b> - Whenever I get a spark of inspiration I will head straight to Evernote and jot it down before I forget it forever.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Talk to other bloggers</span></b> - I had a gorgeous chatter with the lovely <a href="http://www.hellogemma.com/" target="_blank">Gemma</a> on Facebook recently, and it's done me the world of good (and probably inspired this post, so thanks a bunch, Gemma!) I think we bloggers can all relate to each others struggles and are in a great position to help and inspire each other out of a rut. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rediscover photography</span></b> - I'm stuck indoors so much now that I work from home and, over the Winter months, I've had very little desire to get outside in the rain and photograph the world. Now that the days are getting lighter and longer, I'm going to force myself out of the door to capture the world. This goes for indoors too. I've invested in some studio lamps so that my dark, murky house is less of an issue. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Not forcing myself to post</span></b> - One way I've found to guarantee content that is half-hearted and 'meh' is to force myself to post. If I'm not excited about it, I'm not going to post about it. That's how blog resentment begins. It's not the end of the world if I don't get a post out this week. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't try to please everyone</span></b> - I'm understanding more and more that your tribe is out there and, if you speak to them, they will find you. I'm going to post 'me' and those who like it will find it, and maybe even stick around for more. I'm not going to be afraid of posting something just in case someone unfollows. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't be afraid of PRs</b></span> - Specifically, don't be afraid to contact brands for fear of coming across as cheeky. Now that I am a PR, I think I understand these relationships a lot better now and the idea of offering myself up to brands isn't quite as daunting. Yeah, so my DA and pageviews aren't off the charts... I've still got something to offer DAMMIT!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Never be disappointed in my blog</span></b> - I'm stopping this entirely. I'm just going to burst with pride from here on out. I'm going to read my own blog regularly, reflect on how far it's come over the years, and plan future world domination (well... maybe). I owe my career to this blog and it deserves love and appreciation in return. </div>
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I really hope this post didn't come off as a bit of a pity-party. It wasn't intended as such. I don't feel pitiful. I just needed to get all the gloom and uncertainty I was feeling out in the best way I know how. In a way, I'm glad I took the break to clear my head and gather my thoughts in order to move on to (hopefully) better things with this blog. I'm sure others may be able to relate somehow to how I'm feeling. I'd love to hear other bloggers' mantras and top tips for blog positivity. </div>
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What do you do when you get stuck in a blogging rut?</h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-5285208833539790702015-12-16T23:39:00.000+00:002015-12-16T23:39:13.888+00:00The Ultimate Festive Treats for a Plant-Based Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tFZY8QgKDPLZMzHnWKN4Lu8aX485jqRA7XbPjIj8w2tv9pL0SfzO9T65ZsAlezvSKhJr0LdE9iFVNo9gB2KsQLEJ_J8GGUxpinwn0ZW2hwI5TOgNZ8CcfAq5XrYFlSCT0IblG9rQ4kyU/s1600/Vegan+Xmas+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tFZY8QgKDPLZMzHnWKN4Lu8aX485jqRA7XbPjIj8w2tv9pL0SfzO9T65ZsAlezvSKhJr0LdE9iFVNo9gB2KsQLEJ_J8GGUxpinwn0ZW2hwI5TOgNZ8CcfAq5XrYFlSCT0IblG9rQ4kyU/s640/Vegan+Xmas+Title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was going to do some epic Christmas gift-guides this year. I really was. I was even excited about doing them. Not really sure what happened but, with the influx of various gift guides already doing the rounds on my social media feeds, I lost my festive mojo a little. Long story short, I've compromised. This post, whilst being packed with last-minute festive treat ideas and stocking fillers for your vegan or dairy-intolerant loved ones (we're really not that difficult to buy for if you know where to look), is also dedicated to anyone who wants to indulge themselves with plant-based goodness over the festive season. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUw9q-DVHEjujRpx1982I-424DMWpq6IOMSBVOleMD-qFcuaurnACaXiopzCktp6zH3c48H9auax8ILPoFyEahSORnJ6vp6107fph3ns1TnJhBu7XF0IgsvYeE33yRzRHC6ZMGDCODVE7/s1600/Vegan+Xmas+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUw9q-DVHEjujRpx1982I-424DMWpq6IOMSBVOleMD-qFcuaurnACaXiopzCktp6zH3c48H9auax8ILPoFyEahSORnJ6vp6107fph3ns1TnJhBu7XF0IgsvYeE33yRzRHC6ZMGDCODVE7/s640/Vegan+Xmas+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Vegan Life Magazine - December '15</h2>
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If you're planning a cruelty-free Christmas there's no better place to start than with the December issue of <a href="http://veganlifemag.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vegan Life Magazine*</a>. This issue has you covered with recipes, gifts and vegan news and stories. Their <a href="http://veganlifemag.co.uk/product-category/subscription-packages/" target="_blank">subscription packages</a> also make for amazing gifts for anyone looking to explore plant-based living in the new year. Doing Veganuary in 2016? This is your perfect companion! You can read via your tablet or pick up a print copy at Sainsburys, Tesco, WHSmith and other stockists. </div>
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Artisan Grains Cashew & Cranberry Roast</h2>
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I'm a huge fan of the Artisan Grains nut roasts. I've usually got one in the cupboard ready for my next roast dinner. They're also a hassle-free, last-minute Christmas dinner option. Just add water and bake in the oven. I'll be having this cashew and cranberry one on Boxing Day though, as part of a buffet. You can grab these roasts in Holland & Barratt, Tesco and <a href="https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Artisan-Grains-Country-Veg-Nut-Roast/264983011" target="_blank">Ocado</a>. There are several varieties to choose from and all come with the TLC stamp of approval. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCzC8z94aYmGeJQ6BLcyHGeCtKle3orlK3wJLNY3O5DXoUMAwjAcQzoy3uqo5IQRi62B6lfUGKMjnDCuP9eln1eAS6qKeh1iO3Sa1p7S9y5nSHYlqrsgGmbsPSphiFU0ceEaEApFRgXaI/s1600/Vegan+Xmas+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCzC8z94aYmGeJQ6BLcyHGeCtKle3orlK3wJLNY3O5DXoUMAwjAcQzoy3uqo5IQRi62B6lfUGKMjnDCuP9eln1eAS6qKeh1iO3Sa1p7S9y5nSHYlqrsgGmbsPSphiFU0ceEaEApFRgXaI/s640/Vegan+Xmas+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Vegan Kind Monthly Subscription Box</h2>
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Let's talk about <a href="http://www.thevegankind/" target="_blank">The Vegan Kind </a>for a second: Their lifestyle boxes are the highlight of my month, every month. This month I've got two boxes to delight my palette. Their regular December box (I'll be unboxing TVK26 over the weekend, so stay tuned for that) and a one-off Christmas chocolate selection box, which is staying firmly sealed shut until Christmas day. TVK subscriptions are a real treat for anyone, not just for vegans. They always find the perfect combo of sweet and savoury snacks, eco-friendly and cruelty-free toiletries and household items, as well as interesting ingredients you may have never thought to try before. Perfect Christmas gift!</div>
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Moo Free Chocolate</h2>
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Moo-Free have saved my chocolate cravings many a time over the last 2 years. Last year was my first Christmas as a vegan and I was scared to death that I wouldn't have any chocolate to line my stocking. Then I came across the Moo-Free selection boxes (available in Holland & Barrett, Sainsburys and other supermarkets) and advent calendars. As it turns out, this year I am practically overflowing with chocolate, but I still couldn't resist adding this mini chocolate santa bar to my festive stash. </div>
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Booja Booja Fine De Champagne Truffles</h2>
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If you want to go all-out posh with your choc this year, you've got to go for <a href="http://www.boojabooja.com/chocolate-truffles/collections/" target="_blank">Booja Booja</a>. There are loads of different varieties and flavours of these rich, naughty, truffles (including this box of 12 champagne truffles I received as a gift from my gorgeous boss) and they're widely available from Holland & Barrett, Waitrose, Ocado and other stockists. Don't be put off by the price - this box comes in at £9.49 - I can assure you the quality is more than worth it as a Christmas indulgence. As an added bonus, these chocs are also gluten and soy free and are made with coconut oil. </div>
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Choc Shot Spiced Orange Liquid Chocolate</h2>
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I'm still bummed about being unable to indulge in many of the festive seasonal selections at the likes of Costa and Starbucks, due to the presence of milk powder. Terry's chocolate orange is also off-limits. I'm seriously looking forward to mixing this extra special edition Choc Shot with some hot oat milk and smothering it in soy whip and marshmallows (see Freedom Mallows in the above pic - available from Holland & Barrett). This will be my Christmas Eve treat I think. You can pick up Choc Shot in most supermarkets. It's also perfect drizzled over desserts and porridge. </div>
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Harper's Bizarre Handmade Soy Wax Candles</h2>
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Couldn't not mention <a href="http://harperscandles.com/" target="_blank">Harper's Bizarre</a>, could I? These candles are one of my favourite things at the moment and Victoria has, once again, come up with some gorgeous Christmas fragrances this year. My favourites include Jingle Bells, Holy Moley and Figgy Pudding. There is still some availability on the Harper's website for these Christmas candles, but be quick! I can also recommend their entire range. For a few of my other favourite Harper's winter smells, see <a href="http://www.thatlisaclare.co.uk/2015/11/harpers-bizarre-winter-candles.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.</div>
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More Top Festive Tips</h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">- Stalk supermarket free-from aisles for dairy and egg free treats such as dark chocolate pennies, chocolate santas and other nibbles.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />- Loads of supermarket own-brand mince pies are accidentally vegan. Aldi's mince pies have no dairy or egg ingredients at all and are an absolute bargain!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />- Holland & Barrett is your best friend for DIY vegan/gluten-free Christmas hamper fillers, as well as veggie party nibbles, non-dairy cheeses and roasts.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />- If you want to be super-lazy, there's still time to order yourself (or a loved one) a luxury, vegan-friendly Christmas hamper. There are loads of options now. <a href="http://www.thatlisaclare.co.uk/2015/11/planet-organic-2015-christmas-hampers.html" target="_blank">Planet Organic</a>, <a href="http://www.archiebrowns.co.uk/vegetarian-vegan-hampers/" target="_blank">Archie Browns</a> and <a href="http://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/shop/collections/products/unique-gifts/dairy-free-vegan-hamper" target="_blank">Hotel Chocolat</a> all have amazing vegan and vegetarian selections and can still ship in time for Christmas. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">- Of course, you could always give a gift to the animals on behalf of a vegan/vegetarian loved one. Many animal sanctuaries, shelters and charities offer sponsorship gifts. Why not adopt a turkey? Or donate food and hay to rescued animals? </span></h3>
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I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year. Last year was the trial run and this time around I'm 100% on the ball and ready. I'm catering all of the veggie options at my family's annual Boxing Day gathering and have enough treats in my hoard to keep myself, my gluten-free sister in law and my dairy-free niece <i>extremely</i> happy over Christmas. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing all of my readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from TLC xxx</span></h3>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-70613463146942802332015-12-11T09:00:00.000+00:002015-12-16T23:38:18.315+00:00bonprix Advent Giveaway: The Tube Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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*Competition now closed*</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKX0QobAc-LQDagnWffqHw3ns_ODg9U_pNd9fHwN5mWc62NCMmvCy_KOQtmWNxEfXWfzAkVuartXQpDJJnwZp97L3k7PpW_ZzDTZ77KPP7cPia1676DxYzH7K0ByWiDSjGI56mla9f1hL/s1600/DSC_1155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKX0QobAc-LQDagnWffqHw3ns_ODg9U_pNd9fHwN5mWc62NCMmvCy_KOQtmWNxEfXWfzAkVuartXQpDJJnwZp97L3k7PpW_ZzDTZ77KPP7cPia1676DxYzH7K0ByWiDSjGI56mla9f1hL/s640/DSC_1155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's face it, when winter rolls around and the wind picks up, there's one thing we all reach for above all else; the trusty scarf. It's just the ultimate winter warmer. I'm a scarf fanatic, even in the warmer months. My collection is constantly growing and is beginning to push my actual clothes out of my wardrobe. I feel no remorse though, and I have no plans to change my scarf-hoarding ways. The latest addition to my collection is this gorgeous, deep berry, floral number courtesy of <a href="http://www.bonprix.co.uk/" target="_blank">bonprix*</a> and I have one to give away to you lovely lot!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here's how I styled it. I have a very particular set of colours that I reach for during the winter months, and berry and burgundy wine shades are always top of my list. This scarf ticks all of my boxes and I teamed it with this gorgeous crochet panelled shell top in mustard yellow, purple nails and gold accessories.</span></div>
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I've got one more of these scarves to give away to a lucky reader as part of their Christmas advent giveaway series. This flash giveaway is for today only. The requirements are as follows...<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">1) Entrants should follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ThatLisaClare" target="_blank">@thatlisaclare</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/bonprixUK" target="_blank">@bonprixUK on Twitter</a>,<br />2) Tweet a message using the hashtag #bonprixadvent<br />3) Leave a comment on this blog to tell me your ulimate Winter accessory (and don't forget to let me know your preferred contact method so that I can contact you if you win!)</span></h3>
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You must be a UK resident to enter this giveaway. The giveaway ends at midnight tonight (11/12/15) and the winner will be chosen at random using random.org. Good luck!!<br />
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You can browse the full range of Winter accessories over at</h3>
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<a href="http://www.bonprix.co.uk/womens/bags-accessories/scarves/_/N-19Z1z13zw3Z1z141eu?cs_ev=navigation-_-leftnav-_-Type-_-Scarves" target="_blank">bonprix.co.uk </a></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What are your go-to Winter accessories?</span></h3>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-17720325668712041172015-12-09T10:30:00.000+00:002015-12-09T10:30:00.778+00:00Top 5 Products for Glowing Winter Skin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfWLn-ckcvWErbuCZPW6TUHwd9OPYLiBXLx88XGEEgbCABLF4jZa1KQXnp2Ccohiz5g5GvN0-Pip0YAlkxIgFAKmmtX6ZYTW1UA56Ame3VLgkPGvnvbTXg9LsCJcmHr5f4IqHnS_yH3Tv/s1600/Winter+Glow+Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfWLn-ckcvWErbuCZPW6TUHwd9OPYLiBXLx88XGEEgbCABLF4jZa1KQXnp2Ccohiz5g5GvN0-Pip0YAlkxIgFAKmmtX6ZYTW1UA56Ame3VLgkPGvnvbTXg9LsCJcmHr5f4IqHnS_yH3Tv/s640/Winter+Glow+Title.jpg" title="Top 5 Products for Glowing Winter Skin" width="486" /></a></div>
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Ack, doesn't Winter really take it out of your skin?! It seems that, every year, as soon as the air gets colder and the wind picks up a bit, my skin begins to turn to stone. Dull, rough skin isn't a good look in any weather and I refuse to spend the festive party season looking and feeling like sandpaper so I've done something about it. Next week I'll be sharing with you my ultimate winter skincare picks, but today I'm feeling all festive so I thought I'd share with you 5 favourite products of mine for a glowing winter complexion, for face and body. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSCJAUKQzr9TIrqIsFyuUhLvCUlkEvwt661aar1Pg-Qpn9ZuRYDDbn9bms5Gc6BFNhBxmFGvPi5TzNENi6uqTd2xhmHREY-A02OhXevkmlX0y8taYgQVNo13Mgp-wiwoyGxAbzfbPWWM0/s1600/Winter+Glow+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSCJAUKQzr9TIrqIsFyuUhLvCUlkEvwt661aar1Pg-Qpn9ZuRYDDbn9bms5Gc6BFNhBxmFGvPi5TzNENi6uqTd2xhmHREY-A02OhXevkmlX0y8taYgQVNo13Mgp-wiwoyGxAbzfbPWWM0/s640/Winter+Glow+2.jpg" title="Top 5 Products for Glowing Winter Skin" width="618" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nipandfab.com/skincare/glycolic-fix" target="_blank">Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads</a></h2>
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Words cannot express my everlasting love for this product. I've been using it since it first launched. This is an exfoliating product designed to even out the skin's texture as well as brighten skin tone. I tend to pair it with my Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant a couple of times a week to really smooth things over but, after cleansing, I always swoosh one of these badboys around my face before toning, moisturising and applying makeup. Makes for a super smooth base. </div>
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<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Save-up-to-1-2-price-across-Skincare/-Superdrug-Vitamin-E-Sugar-Oil-Body-Scrub-250ml/p/297300#.VmdcQFXhDnA" target="_blank">Superdrug Vitamin E Sugar & Oil Scrub</a></h2>
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Superdrug's own branded products are regular in my routine now, and have been ever since I became vegan (almost) 2 years ago. Their Vitamin E range is a particular favourite of mine. In the past I've stuck religiously to Soap & Glory scrubs, and I still do use them, but this is a fantastic budget option. It's grainy, silky and really gets the job done. My skin feels glorious after I've used it and it really helps buff away that nasty, dull layer to make way for...</div>
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<a href="http://www.tanorganic.com/uk/product/tanorganic-self-tanning-oil/" target="_blank">Tan Organic Self Tanning Oil</a>*</h2>
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New favourite fake tan alert! Confession; I've had this product for ages, but never actually got around to using it regularly until the last couple of months, due to a seriously busy year of exams, graduations and moving house. This product just refuses to streak... ever. It's an oil so it smooths on really easily and gets into all those awkward bits with little effort. It's also really quick to sink in. It's made up of a blend of organic, eco-certified oils and gives a wonderful subtle glow after a single application. Totally buildable though, if you desire a deeper colour. For me, it just takes off that pasty winter tinge. Usually I'd prefer a more olive toned product, while this one is more gold, but I find that nowadays I don't desire such a deep colour. Perhaps I'm getting old. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbwtOj1_WbeU6IHD2mxW99oGjhfDXfwJNjlSrT0Y6q8V4TTwPLcOqB7_msD8E1MfonWk9Q2eFSE70ay5lztk421Kd-oqf4q6IPNjxUZvyemOK-Y1Ju1FxWfYPB7Ljz7dgIAIRNDE90Ool/s1600/Winter+Glow+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbwtOj1_WbeU6IHD2mxW99oGjhfDXfwJNjlSrT0Y6q8V4TTwPLcOqB7_msD8E1MfonWk9Q2eFSE70ay5lztk421Kd-oqf4q6IPNjxUZvyemOK-Y1Ju1FxWfYPB7Ljz7dgIAIRNDE90Ool/s640/Winter+Glow+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/GOSH/Gosh-Giant-Sun-Powder--Metallic-Gold/p/564354" target="_blank">GOSH Cosmetics Giant Sun Powder</a></h2>
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I'd be nothing without this <i>huge</i> compact. Can you believe that I've managed to use one up already? My favourite way to use it is to dust it over my shoulders, chest and legs (if I've dared to expose my pins, that is) ready for a night out. Great for when you haven't had time to tan and gives off a lovely, subtle shimmer. I also like to use it on my cheeks if I'm going for a more bronzed look (which is usually the case for me, I love my gold and brown tones). On darker skintones it would also make a brilliant highlight. </div>
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<a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_154614003199?CMP=SSH&tmcampid=28&tmad=c&sku=7527852&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=7527852&placmp=SSH_2361363232_301398021_18491919261&mkwid=scJf62te0%7cpcrid%7c79169391021%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cpdv%7cc%7cprd%7c7527852&gclid=COjtorKrzckCFSsEwwodpooDiw" target="_blank">Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer</a></h2>
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I'm sooooo late to the Too Faced party. I've heard cruelty-free bloggers across the board rave about this bronzer so I gave in a purchased it a couple of weeks ago. No word of a lie, I've used it almost every day since (well, the days I've dared brave the weather and venture outside, that is). It's the most amazing, blendable contour shade but it's also great for dusting over foundation and powder for a deeper colour. Because it's matte, its lovely for daytime wear, when you don't really want too much of a shimmer. My guess is I'm preaching to the converted here so I'll leave it there. </div>
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For a more thorough round-up of my Winter skincare essentials, stay tuned for next week's post. With everyone gearing up for the Christmas party season, I thought we could all use some extra glow this week. I also wanted to officially give the finger to this nasty stormy weather we're currently having in the UK. Desmond can officially do one. My skin is armed and ready! </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What are your top products for the perfect winter glow? Do you reach for the bronze when the weather gets rough?</span></h3>
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ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2306238136619815873.post-91102476956201982272015-11-19T19:01:00.000+00:002015-11-21T00:15:53.026+00:00Sponsored Video: Jamie's Earl Grey Martini<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hWA62iYutwRquLNnhnkdiLVWdI0Ha8PxRP1i4m91CMuCbpMnIRZtnXV9CatBJRoFstLHJ1PFpSDc4ZBylNHVimA8eAK7k3nb31AoXyKu7bE9-gCAq7x1phhZFWC4AlNKJe01rGCON6fB/s1600/tee-419320_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hWA62iYutwRquLNnhnkdiLVWdI0Ha8PxRP1i4m91CMuCbpMnIRZtnXV9CatBJRoFstLHJ1PFpSDc4ZBylNHVimA8eAK7k3nb31AoXyKu7bE9-gCAq7x1phhZFWC4AlNKJe01rGCON6fB/s640/tee-419320_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're anything like me, when someone mentions Earl Grey tea, you'll automatically picture the beverage above in all of its fragrant, chintzy glory. I've always secretly suspected that Jamie Oliver was a little off-the-wall bonkers, and his latest project with <a href="http://bit.ly/1PCsQSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PG Tips** </a>sees him, and the gang from Food Tube, getting extremely creative with our nation's favourite beverages. Including... an <i>Earl Grey Martini! </i>That's certainly a step up from a slosh of milk or a slice of lemon.<br />
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PG Tips have revamped a few of their classic blends, including Earl Grey, Assam and English Breakfast to put a fresh, new twist on these iconic flavours. The new Earl Grey features hints of citrus and bergamot to complement the classic PG Tips blend. Jamie Oliver and Food Tube have teamed up with PG Tips to encourage the nation to get creative with their cuppa. For a sneaky peek at what Jamie's been getting up to with our nation's favourite brew, check out the video below...<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="http://video.unrulymedia.com/app_wrap_general.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.unrulymedia.com%2Fwildfire_618325698.js&site_ref=[SITE_REF]" width="550"></iframe></div>
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For recipes, competitions and more, visit</div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1MmeYrR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pgtips.jamieolivercompetitions.co.uk</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You can also follow PG Tips on <a href="http://bit.ly/1PCsQCn" target="_blank">Twitter </a>and <a href="http://bit.ly/1PCsPOF" target="_blank">Facebook </a>for more 'outside-the-mug' ideas. </span></h3>
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<i>**Sponsored video content - Commentary is the author's own</i></div>
ThatLisaClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17606481918181648499noreply@blogger.com0