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Monday 30 December 2013

Review: Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel Sensation

I previously got a gift from one of my bestest friends ever and it contained this shower gel. The Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel Sensation. Well, that's a mouthful.

Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel Sensation RRP €8,-

Whenever I'm in town I love to check out the rituals store to give their products a little sniff. Sorry, I just can't resist. And I think that the Ayurveda collection has my favourite scent. This shower gel contains organic ingredients which are sweet almond oil and Indian rose, which gives the product its beautiful scent. It is sweet but has a little, how do I call it, spice in it. It's not your typical sweet scent. Sometimes I find sweet scents a bit overpowering, but the scent this Rituals Shower Gel has is an amazing balance between sweet, sexy, sensual and romantic and not overpowering at all. It kind of reminds me of holidays in the East, although I have never been there.

The Indian rose is meant to be relaxing for body and mind, but I didn't really find this scent really relaxing for some reason. But I actually like that. Showers are supposed to wake me up most of the time, and a relaxing scent won't really help to wake you up. This is why this shower product can be used any time of the day, being it morning or night.



I have been loving this shower gel from the moment I opened the present. I mean, look at that packaging, it is beautiful and captures the feeling the scent will give you perfectly. It gives you an oriental spa feeling, just like the scent does. It looks quite luxury, which is always nice.
But not only is it a product that stands there being pretty in your shower, it is really good.



First of all it is a foaming shower gel. The first time I used it I kind of felt like I was putting shaving foam all over my body, but I got used to it quickly. It is very easy and quick to apply and the foam makes the product feel quite luxurious. Who doesn't want a luxurious shower now and then? Another bonus, because the foam reminded me of shaving gel, I actually tried shaving my legs with it and it worked perfectly. A handy 2 in 1 product.

 
As you can see a little goes a long way
 

After showering you can still enjoy the scent because the bathroom will smell like sweet almond oil and Indian roses for quite a long time. I was actually amazed when I got into my bathroom the next morning, after taking a shower the previous night, and find my bathroom still smelling really nice.
Sadly the scent doesn't stay that long on my body, but on the other hand, with all other great smelling products I use daily, it might be a tad bit too much.



It is said that the sweet almond oil restores the moisture balance of the skin, but I didn't find it as moisturizing as I hoped it would be. Still it does a great job as I have naturally really dry skin, which improved a lot when using this. But my other shower gel does a greater job. Depending on your skin type it may be moisturizing enough for you, but for me, especially during winter, it wasn't.



Would I buy this product? Well, to be honest, no matter how much I love it, I wouldn't buy it for myself. I think that it is a bit too pricey for an every day shower gel. But I would definitely buy this for someone else as a present.

In case you are not very fond of this smell, but are interested to try out a foaming shower gel. Rituals has lots of other scents you can choose from, ranging from fresh to fruity.
Are you male or looking for a present for a man? Rituals also sells a foaming shower gel for men.

Have you ever tried any of the Rituals' foaming shower gels or any other Rituals products? Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear your thoughts.

~Xx
 






13 Personal Questions Tag

So since you don't know a lot about me I thought it would be a good idea to do the 13 Personal Questions Tag. This way you can get to know me a little bit.
Let's start right away.



1. What do you order at Starbucks?

To be honest, I don't go to Starbucks a lot. But the drink I order most is probably a vanilla latte. I'm not a big coffee lover, because I think it is bitter and I don't like that. But the vanilla latte isn't very bitter, but more sweet. I also really like to try out the seasonal drinks. I remember I once had a coffee which was apple crumble flavoured, which was really good. So to sum up, I order a seasonal drink when they appeal to me and otherwise a vanilla latte.

2. What is one thing in your closet that you cannot live without?

This one is very easy. My black jeans. The only time I will wear any different coloured pants/jeans is when all my black jeans are in the washer. They are so easy to pair with and always look good. And, when paired with high heeled booties, a great way to make your legs look longer.
My favourite pair? I still need to go and buy a good pair of black jeans, since mine are getting quite old. The ones I own are either from H&M or Primark. The Primark ones are really good, but after a while they start losing their shape and get a little bit too wide. Since I'm quite slim most jeans are too wide, but that's not the only problem, my legs are very long, so most of the times jeans are too wide and too short. But the Primark ones fitted perfectly. Note: They started losing shape after half a year which I think is quite normal for a pair of jeans I wear way too much.
The other pair I own are from H&M and are a tad bit too short for me, but the shape holds quite well. (I do have these less longer than my Primark ones) The only problem I have with them is that they attract fluff.
And that was a lot about black jeans. You can see I love them very much.

3. What is one thing that most people probably won't know about you?

I can be either really pliable or really stubborn, there isn't really an in between. Most of the times I am more pliable than stubborn. But once my mind is set on something it has to be that way and nothing else than that way.

4. Name one thing that you want to do before you die.

Okay, so these type of questions I don't like to answer, because I have to think about death and all the things I can't do anymore, which is something that actually quite scares me.
I seriously can't choose one thing. There are so many things I want to do! I can't choose just one.
I'm not going to say just one thing, I'm going to say nothing. Of course I want to do a lot of things, but most of all I just want to be happy doing them. I always think: "it will happen when it will happen". I'd love to travel, have my own family, a successful job. But those are things that aren't realistic right now. They won't happen tomorrow or even next year. What I want to do before I die is to be able to look back and say I have enjoyed my life to the fullest and won't think: "but I never had a successful job", or: "I never travelled as much as I wanted to". And I'm taking this question way more serious than I should.

5. What is one food that you cannot live without?

One? That's hard. I'm going to go for vanilla ice cream with strawberries and chocolate sauce, although I think that is cheating. But honestly, I can't decide between them, ice cream, strawberries and chocolate are just too good.
After thinking really hard I made the decision to go for strawberries, because they are not only delicious but also very healthy, while the other two, well.. not so much.

6. What quote or phrase do you live by?

Enjoy the little things.
I'm really one to enjoy the little things. I think they aren't appreciated enough. I always look around me and appreciate the beauty by which I am surrounded, the sky, the stars, the light the sun gives. Coming home after a long day or holiday and get that "Ahhhh, I'm home" feeling and get cosy on the couch. Cuddling with your cat, or reading books late at night in bed with fairy lights on. I always try to take some time each day to appreciate the little things, and they always cheer me up.

Another one I really like is:
Never give up, just take a rest and try again.

7. What do you like and dislike about the YouTube community?

When I was really ill for a long time (almost two years ago) I got a lot of comfort from YouTube. After a while TV series and films got boring, but YouTube never did. It was amazing to find people who had the same problems as I had and they made me feel less alone and less sad. Because I had so much support from them I created this blog with the same purpose. To be there for the people who need some support. Who need to know they are not alone. Who need something the cheer them up.
The downside is probably the haters. Sometimes I read comments and I feel really sorry for the person to whom that comment is directed. No matter how thick your skin is, hateful comments will always hurt. Mean comments are not the rewards YouTubers earn for their hard work.

8. What is your number one most listened to song on iTunes?

I listen to a lot of songs and the songs I listen to change all the time. But a song I keep loving is Wolf like me by TV on the radio. I really like and it is definitely one of the songs I sing out loud while cycling (question 13).

 


 

9. What kind of style would you define yourself as having?

 I don't really have one style. The one day I'm dressed really casual and the other day really girly and then the next day quite classic. I love to combine styles and most of the times go for a casual/chic combination. With a blazer, black jeans (of course) a nice top and then my black sneakers. My style really depends on my mood and if I feel like dressing up in the morning or not.

10.  Favourite number?

I don't really have a favourite number. It used to be 19 when I was young, because I was born on the 19th, but it never gave me luck. Then it was 13, because I thought if my lucky number doesn't give me luck, maybe the unlucky number will. But 13 didn't give me any luck either. So I don't really have a favourite number anymore. When I have to pick a number I just go with the number that feels right that moment. At this moment, I'm feeling 11.

11. Two hobbies

Making my own clothing items, from the start to the end, meaning looking for inspiration, drawing, buying fabric and sewing. I love all the things. I have so many things I want to make, and hopefully you will see some diy's soon on my blog.
My other hobby is photography. This hobby I have only recently developed. But I got very attached to photos and think they are just too important. I love to capture precious moments and make the photo look even more beautiful by editing it and collect all photos in an album, so I can look back at them, not from my laptop but from a real old fashioned album.
This also counts for filmography. Like my little video I made of my trip to London.

12. Two pet peeves?

When someone says something to you, but you don't catch it the first time, so you ask what he/she said and they respond with: "Oh, doesn't matter". For some reason I can't stand that. Maybe I'm too curious, but it really annoys me. I mean, why bother saying it the first time? I'm sorry I didn't catch it the first time, but it doesn't mean I'm not interested.
My second pet peeve is quite weird. I don't know if anyone else has this, but I really hate the indirect warmth of bodies. For example when you sit on a chair in a classroom and the chair is still warm from the person who sat there the hour before you. Or when someone has been using your phone and you get it back and your phone is all warm. I don't know why, but it just feels gross to me. However, I do like direct body warmth. Nothing better than a long hug.

13. Guilty pleasure?

I like to sing very loudly while cycling (but only when no one can hear me). This is why it is so great that the road to school lies between lots of fields where no one can hear me.
It is very satisfying for some reason. To be able to scream it all out in a place that is all yours.
No I'm not ashamed (only just a little bit).
Note: In the Netherlands it is very common to go to school by bike. Barely anyone of my age owns a car.

And those are the questions answered.
I hope you liked it and if you want to do this tag too, feel free! No one will stop you.
I would love to see your answers.


~Xx

 


  



 

Sunday 29 December 2013

Christmassy London

During the holidays my boyfriend and I went to London. I've always been wanting to go to London and Christmas time is just the best time to go. All the lights and beautifully decorated display windows. It feels like living in a fairy tale.

Of course I made a few pictures during my stay and I thought it would be nice to share them with you. So here they are:
 
 
I think I might have fallen in love with the Big Ben. I don't exactly know why but I think it is very magical. Maybe because of Peter Pan?
 
 
And of course we have been on the London eye. We went there when it was dark and the view was stunning. It was amazing to see the lights from double-decker busses moving across the bridge below us.
 
 
My boyfriend and I.
 
 
 
The streets covered in Christmas decorations. I may kind of have walked the entire road with my mouth wide open..
 
 
 
The displays were beautifully decorated. I loved the detailed work. For example the Play-Doh Snowmen with each a different story. I laughed at the two snowmen worrying about the other snowman who had fallen of the edge and is barely holding on.
 
 
You can't go home before having fed the squirrels.
To be honest, I think this was the best part. They are just so cute.
 
 
 Because of the storms we were advised to leave early so we wouldn't miss our boat. But I was taking a risk and wanted to visit Leicester square and the Tower Bridge before we started on our journey home.
 
 
Once at the Tower Bridge it started raining very hard and the wind was very strong. We were soaked when we got back on the tube, but we made it in time.
 
However saying that... The tube was delayed and we had to run to the next stop were our train would be leaving. But we made it.
Oh and during our run to Liverpool Street Station I stepped in London's biggest puddle after having tried so hard to avoid all puddles and keep my shoes dry.
 
The hotel we stayed in is named Dolphin. The quality wasn't great, but the price was fine. Especially for its location. The closest station (Paddington) was less than 5 minutes away.
 
I also made a compilation of all my little video snippets from London, which was mend to go up as a Merry Christmas wish. But I had a few problems editing and it got up after Christmas.
But it is still fun to watch (There are squirrels, a lot.)
 
 
I had an amazing time in London and I can't wait to go back, whenever that may be.
 
~Xx



 
 
 

Friday 20 December 2013

Sick Tip #1

So I decided to call my tips "Sick Tips" and this one is the first of many.
In my Sick Tips I will write tips that have helped me to improve my health.
In the hope these tips will help others, I will be sharing them on my blog.
In case you came here to read beauty & fashion related posts, don't worry, they will come very soon. I promise.

Now that is all done, let's get going.

Whilst being on one of my many tumblr expeditions, I came across this text:

Source: tumblr.com

This text stood out to me, because it is something I try to do every day.

For most people waking up early in the morning is very hard and I'm one of them.
Especially during the winter, because it is way too cold outside and staying in bed is just a lot warmer and much more snugly.
However, school will begin in a few hours and I need to get ready.
Now the thought of going to school or work might not be the best motivation to get out of your bed.

As a CFS patient sleep is very important to me. If I don't get enough sleep I do not only feel extremely tired, but also very weak, nauseous, dizzy and suffer from bad back and neck aches and muscle pains. Staying in my cosy warm bed and catch some more z's to feel better in a few hours is an easy choice, but most of the times not the best one.
Missing school, work or something else of such importance isn't very convenient. I usually regret my choice of staying in bed for my health at the end of the day.

Please don't understand me wrong here. Most of the times, when you don't feel well, staying in bed is the better option. However for me, and maybe some other people, it is often better to get out of bed and go to school. It is hard to explain, but it is really something only you can decide. Only you know exactly how you feel and therefore what you should do.

I think we all have those days when we rather stay in bed than get up. I just have them very frequently. The key is to motivate yourself enough to want to get out of bed more than to stay in.
That is why I try not to think about the long school day I have ahead of me, with the boring lessons and the huge amount of homework, but about the people I will see and the fun chats during between lessons. When I think about those things I feel more motivated to get up. It is easier to decide to get out of bed, even if this means feeling poorly all day, when you have a fun day ahead.

If you are not motivated enough, try something else, for example, reward yourself when you get home with a nice treat e.g. chocolate, cake or ice cream and lay down on the couch watching TV or a movie, or plan something fun on that day to keep you going. This doesn't have to be something big. Choose something of which you know you will have enough energy for. This can be a movie night or a nice dinner with friends, but you can also invite someone over and just have a nice evening chatting away. Whatever you feel like. If this is too much, a nice warm bath is also a really nice and great for those sore muscles. Or you could just crawl back into your bed, knowing that you deserved it.

Trying is very important, if you have tried, you can never fail. Even if you decide halfway through the day that you feel too poorly to go to the rest of your classes, or work those last hours, you have done a great job anyway and you can definitely be proud of yourself. I am too.

I am not saying that staying in bed all day is wrong and you should feel bad about yourself because that is surely not the case. If you have a bad day you may of course lie in bed and rest until you feel better. The point is that you need to feel proud of your achievement and you shouldn´t forget to reward yourself, like the treats, a warm bath or allow yourself to buy that lipstick you have been wanting to buy for a long time. Whatever you want.

Rewarding yourself is very important. It is another motivation to get up next time. (Just a tip, don't reward yourself with gifts all the time, your bank balance might not like it and to give yourself the evening off is a really nice treat as well.)

Another important thing is that you know your boundaries, when can I go and when can't I go. This is usually something you learn along the way by making mistakes. I definitely made some mistakes, for example forcing myself to go to prom, because I didn't want to miss it, but I ended up fainting and the guard made me go home. Even though I was very stubborn and did not want to go. "I feel fine, really".

But also the other way around, staying home whilst I could have gone to school. Those days I thought I was really stupid and weak and I would never get well that way. However, most of the times I did need the day off. Yes, I am quite stubborn and usually ask too much of myself. Not good, don't do this.

What I do now every time I am in doubt if I should go or not is to get downstairs and eat my breakfast. After that I can decide if I should stay home or am able to go to school. By getting out of bed you've already made the first step and it's easier to continue. Sometimes I feel better after eating my breakfast and I know that I can go to school, other times I feel worse and know that I definitely shouldn't go if I don't want to faint again and crawl back into my bed.

I always try again after a couple of hours, because in some cases I feel a lot better after a few more hours of sleep and can go to school the rest of the day, only having missed the first lessons. I would suggest this, but you are the one who can judge best if it will work for you or not. Not everyone is on the same "level" and some feel worse than others. This even changes every day, one day you may feel better after a few hours of sleep and the other day you may not. Other people can't even go to school or work because of their disease and for those I am really sorry. I almost had to be home schooled because of my CFS which was something I really did not want because I would miss my friends a lot.

What I want to say with this is that you should decide for yourself if this is something that could help you. Never follow my advice blindly and before following my advice read my disclaimer.

So to look back at the text, the wonderful thing that happens every day I go to school is seeing my friends and my sweet boyfriend, the fun conversations we have and maybe, a tiny little bit, the things I learn that day. Yes, I am a little bit of a nerd. And when I'm home after a long, hard day of school feeling like I could hibernate, I lie down on the couch and watch my favourite TV series, films and YouTube video's, with a hot chocolate with a lot of whipped cream.

If you think about it, a lot of wonderful things can happen on a day. The important thing is to keep an eye out for the tiny little but oh so wonderful things.

What are the wonderful things happening on your day?

~Xx

Before following my advice read my Disclaimer
 


Wednesday 11 December 2013

Oh Hi There

Jeajjj I finally did it, I've created my own blog!
I thought i would do a little "welcome to my blog" kind of post thingy. Soo...
                                                 
Welcome to my blog!
 
There are not a lot of posts right now, in fact this is the only one.
But I promise many more will come soon!

Since my blog is a beauty, fashion & lifestyle blog, I will post things beauty, fashion and lifestyle. Containing OOTD, FOTD, Reviews & Favourites.
I will also post DIYs on how to sew certain clothing items, because that's what I love to do.
Also, since I have CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), I will write posts about that, giving tips to other CFS patients or people who suffer from comparable diseases.
 So that is what you can expect to find on this blog soon.
 
I'm really looking forward to writing more posts and I hope I'll see you here again soon!
~Xx