babyurbeautiful

Hooray! Today is the day that one of the most covetable Instagram brands GLOSSIER is now shipping to the UK.

Once upon a time there were certain brands you could only buy abroad unless you fancied adding the cost of a flight to the USA, or ridiculous shipping costs.
Maybe you were savvy enough to be one step ahead and found them on eBay, Depop or the like (but were likely to pay WAY over the odds). I nearly did it myself - but managed to hold back until the launch date today (plus I know the PR!)

Anyway today is the day that Glossier have started shipping their 22 products to the UK after just over two years of serving just the US (they launched in 2014) inspired by what girls want in real life.
Started by Emily Weiss CEO of beauty bible Into The Gloss and her of The Hills fame (she's bloody gorgeous to boot).

Why are we so excited about this launch?

If you don't know about Glossier, you absolutely MUST. We are not paid to say this at all - we just love the ethos of REAL SKIN - which seems to be an anomaly in the world of Instagram (Face Tune, anyone?)

The brand uses the tag line: Skin first. Makeup second.
If your skin is dehydrated, off-key, and just basically having a total bitch fit (man, you should see my profound bags today Tesco would be proud to use them for home delivery purposes) anyway if your skin isn't performing at 70-90 per cent (we're realists here at Babyurbeautiful) then make-up is going to sit HORRENDOUSLY!

The brand was born on social media and has legions of beauty devotees (766k followers on Insta to be exact) who just love the millennial candy pink branding, the bubble-gum pink zip bags the products arrive in (these were selling on Depop for £5 alone!) and catchily named products - I mean seriously 'Cloud Paint' just sounds dreamy, right?

Plus we love that there is no hard sell like 'anti-ageing' formulas or 'eye bag treatments' and its desire to 'democratise the world of beauty' by consulting their fans and readers of the accompanying blog IntoTheGloss.com what they REALLY want.

CEO Emily describes the brand as 'go easy' i.e enjoy making yourself look good and stop picking out flaws with the vision of a 'beauty brand that didn't have to make women feel crap about themselves' -  - perfect for those exhausted mums who are the complete antithesis of the Love Island/Kardashian look.

Anyway here are our top three if you fancy a little splurge today:

Milky Jelly Cleanser, £15 - cleanser for removing the traces of the day



Best for removing all traces of make-up (unless waterproof mascara), this PH-balanced cleanser is  made with five skin conditioners including Pro-Vitamin B5 which is a powerful natural moisturiser,
1/4 of the H20 content is replaced with rosewater - so it's not only nourishing but soothing on the skin.

Priming Moisturiser, £18 - Skin prep and moisturiser in one

How much do you currently pay for your moisturiser?
I often mix it up and can go from £1.99 Astral to a £30 Dermalogica and love both just as much as they inevitably both do the job of keeping my skin hydrated and that's all I'm simply looking for.
This amazing product is a purse-friendly multi-tasker that is light and build able for a dewy canvas ready for your make-up application.
It has a anti-redness complex with a mix of tea and honey extracts to help calm skin; it's pumped full of antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E which help protect against external aggressors.
Then one of our favourite ingredients here at Babyurbeautiful: Hyaluronic acid, which helps give skin that mega hydration hit by (it holds 1000 times its own weight in water) by holding onto water in the spaces between the cells of our skin thus keeping it plumped and hydrated.

Cloud Paint, £15 - Blusher



Don't panic by the price point a teeny tiny dab is needed to transform your face from that flushed from within glow.
The pillowy, gel-cream formula is buildable so you wont end up like Aunt Sally NB: google her!
One of the key ingredients is collagen which retains a high amount of water to hydrated and plump your skin with moisture.
Oh, and our favourite hue - the peachy on trend BEAM (pictured).

www.glossier.com

L x

'It's not the happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.'



Today saw babyurbeautiful popping to the Rituals press day.
Now my 3 1/2 year-old is at reception from 8.30 to 3pm (let's say 9 to 2 on my clock) my day is basically organised around dropping and collecting him (and we all know about my tardiness) so it's now  much easier to get work done with the niceties inbetween.

Today's launch was around Ayurveda - the ancient art of living wisely and the 5,000 year old science of life.
You're probably thinking 'oh here we go, what rubbish is this?'
It's not, it's quite apt actually.
Every year in the UK, 70 million workdays are lost due to stress related conditions including anxiety and depression, and is the leading cause of sick days - as mums, we can't decide to take a day off of our kids.

According to Ayurveda, we should try to be in tune with our body and our energy levels balanced - easier said than done, right?
Coffee can only do so much, and in terms of being in tune - I certainly know when 'that' week is!


Ayurvedic practises work in a way of balancing our energies and reaching optimum health and well-being; and as a mum it's all too familiar being out of kilter.
Even if you're not a mum, we all need to take a few minutes out and EVERYONE can spare 5-10 minutes for this.

Here's the breakdown of doshas (energies):

VATA

You have an impulsive personality, you're energetic, fun and lively. Your mind is easily distracted and hyperactive.

When Vata is balanced:

You are joyful, creative and vital

When Vata is unbalance: You are fearful and anxious.

PITTA

You have a sharp mind and have good concentration powers. You're passionate and enthusiastic, stable and very reliable.

When Pitta is balanced: You are intelligent and content.

When Pitta is imbalanced: You are angry, aggressive and demanding.

KAPHA

You're laid-back and easy-going, loving and compassionate. You are very calm and stable, but you can also be possessive and have a tendency to hold on to things.

When Kapha is balanced: You are loving and forgiving

When Kapha is imbalanced: You are insecure and envious

Which one resonates with you?
I won't divulge mine, but strangely I knew I would be told which specific one - even though I didn't have any clue what any of the dosha energies were about!

Rituals have devised three dry oils linked to your personal Dosha.
Where the ayurvedic practise comes into play, is by massaging yourself in the morning or the night and feeling comfort in this simple act.

Even though I clearly related one particular dosha, I decided to take an alternative dry oil home because the scent was more appealing to me.
The dry oil helps balance your energies by you giving a self-loving mini massage (hands, hair, arms) anything that makes you feel good.
I never forget packing a particular massage oil into my hospital bag because it restored a sense of calm.
A follower on my Instagram guffawed at my hospital bag essential - but when I birthed with no pain relief (and it wasn't an easy birth, believe me!) it brought comfort to me - it's honestly the little things.

VATA contains almond and basil and works to relax and energise - take this one slowly and don't apply to much pressure.
PITTA (does not contain bread, no!) it has lavender and ylang ylang and helps you to feel joyful, energetic and passionate - it's important you use long, slow strokes for this one.
KAPHA is ginger and cinnamon and helps you feel loving and compassionate - this one is all about the pressure to invigorate the body and mind.

Each of the oils are £19.50; whenever you feel any feelings of insecurity or imbalance just take a deep breathe and inhale your energy balancing oil.


Lauren x

Last year I attempted to fix up a treatment with Lush UK called The Planets.
It didn't materialise, but I managed to eventually fix it up for this month.
It must have been fate.

I got a surprise to discover the treatment was 3 hours long, so I had to swiftly shuffle appointments and block out my day - the little one was with nanny, so it worked out perfectly.

Whenever I walk past my local Lush store, I often get overwhelmed by the array of scents, but as soon as I stepped into the Chelsea store I became immune to it and nothing overpowered or sent my senses overdrive.
I won't deny that Lush hasn't been massively on my radar, I am hypersensitive to strong fragrances, and whenever I received a delivery (I'm a beauty writer by day) I could smell the bag before it hit my desk and often felt a little queasy.

On arrival at the London Kings Road store, I was directed down to the spa through the Chelsea shop - if you weren't aware, you can experience a spa tour even if you're not having a treatment.
The spa is delightfully simple, with a large rustic solid wooden table to fill the essential health forms out on.
By the toilets there is a variety of lush products to test out - should you wish. The staff are exceptionally happy throughout the store  - which I thought was a real testament to the brand.

The therapist, Pauline, gave me a warm welcome in her thick Bordeaux accent.  As I mentioned before, I had no idea what I was in for - just 3 hours of unadulterated bliss!
She explained the Planets treatment over a fragrant water, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover it had a somewhat holistic approach, with huge attention towards astrology.
This is where it became apparent that this treatment was more than apt for the start of the 2017.

I was presented a pack of cards and told to pick a word that seemed relevant to me - Uranus was staring straight up, and the naughty side of me was drawn to the innuendo. So Uranus (or mine) it was.

The Planets Facial Essentials

The card was presented as 'Challenge', which most of last year was - especially after losing my job of ten years, and constantly battling to be heard and taken seriously with ideas - now it's trying to carve out a freelance career.

She mentioned the treatment would be a lot of letting go of the past, and that I can open up as much or as little about it. I thought felt very perturbed about offloading onto a stranger....

Basically the treatment works in three parts; the past, the present and the future, I won't  ruin the entire treatment and go too much in depth, but here's a quick synopsis.


The past

This incorporates a indulgent 1 hour and a half massage using one of the infamous Lush massage bars which melt into your muscles.
As soon as a relevant pressure point is detected, your therapist will explain what the area is, and the issue you could be up against. You then feel compelled to answer, what the heck!
For instance, the left side is creative, and the right logical - the bottom right of my back was linked to money, as a freelance not knowing when you'll work next - no wonder it was as stiff as a board.
But the interesting one, (which is when I realised the efficacy of the treatment), was when she said do you struggle to let new friends in? Absolutely not!
I'm a very warm person. But then I found myself contending with a dull pain as her  thumbs kneaded a pressure point and I found myself blurting out about a friend who had been a bit of a dick last year, dropping me when I needed her after years of continuous support from me.
As I opened up, the area 'popped', Pauline laughed and said 'there you go!', we closed the metaphorical drawer and eased the pain with a warm stone, and moved on.

The present

Having a 'tea party' with my therapist wasn't what I expected, as warm papaya tea and a chocolate macaroon was placed around a palm-reading area.
A multicoloured bath bomb was placed in the middle of the table to depict a planet, and dry ice gave the room a mystical aura as it bubbled up and circumnavigated itself around the 'world'.
As a gentle arm massage was performed, we addressed me as a person who fell into the 'water' category - my palm was also read - I won't elaborate, that's for you to find out for yourself (about you, obviously!)
Throughout the treatment there's a score of music, no achingly annoying whale sounds or panpipes.
The score has been re-worked around the entire treatment, for instance when when you're letting go - a crescendo.
One part I commented how it felt like a weirdo clown was on the loose, and Pauline confirmed the part was actually called deranged circus, or something similar (don't worry, not my mental state!) no part of the instrumental was the same, and having a background in music I found the attention to details incredible!
I found myself mesmerised as how cleverly executed and perspicacious the arrangement was.

The future

We'll, this where I left thinking ok I can do this, it seemed a lot of my blockages were to do with self doubt, and as the therapist moved down my body with a lamp oozing with dry ice and an uplifting lemony scent - she was signalling I let go and move on.
The future is the facial part of the treatment, and it was so interesting to be introduced to the lush products I'd so often overlooked, like the solid facial serums (solid because they contain no nasties like parabens) the massage bars that melt on contact with the skin, the intoxicatingly scent of the lemon and rose mask and facial techniques to 'lift' and anti-age the skin.
One thing I will say about this entire treatment is the skill of the therapists, they take great pride in making you feel comfortable, relaxed and acting as your therapist for the day.
This may not be the treatment for you, and the price tag of £285 may put you off.

Do take into account its a three hours treatment, consisting of an hour facial, a ninety minute massage and the palm reading aspect (with hand and arm massage).
Sweet tea and chocolate is served and you're packed away with the majority of the products used.

Relaxation Levels 5/5
Price 4/5
Location 4/5
Products used 4/5

I'd also like to say, where I was so ignorant to the length of the treatment, all I'd eaten all day was a Marshmallow bar and had a cappuccino.
My therapist was obviously concerned about my energy levels, so sent one of the staff out to get me a sandwich completely off her own back - how adorable.
I left seriously relaxed and positive - self doubt be gone!

Are you a big fan of Lush, and have you experienced any of their treatments before?

Challenge for Lozza!

As mums, taking time out for yourself is a rare treat.
Whether it be for a quick nail paint, life-saving gel nails, or a blow-dry (the white noise often sends the sproglet off - remember this, ladies).
Whatever way you choose to use your spare time to feel half human, is an achievement in itself.

Having a 3-year-old at pre-school (3 today as it goes) *sobs*.
I get Tuesday and Thursday to myself to try and squeeze in a pamper around work and life admin - although most of the time is spent multi-tasking on the phone/I-pad (which he has usually commandeered) with every cloud 'n all....

Cat (Bub Editor 2) and I tried to co-ordinate our diaries, turns out she was having a pregnancy massage and I was off to review the new Margaret Dabbs, housed in Corinthia's swanky Espa Spa - so here we go.

Three weeks ago the internationally renowned Margaret Dabbs, set up a new sole spa at the Corinthia hotel, and I couldn't wait to waltz those weary tootsies down the marble hallways to prep for his birthday (Albie really appreciates red toenails, let me tell you).
His theme is 'Blaze and the Monster Machines' so naturally I planned a shiny red polish aptly named 'cheeky' to match his balloons!

Marble Massive - swanky changing rooms

Before any colour goes anywhere near your toes, a thorough Medical Pedicure is performed, and this is where the pedicure is like no other I've ever experienced before.
Margaret is the pioneer of the Medi Pedi - which is performed by one of her skilled and qualified podiatrists. Mine was the lovely Thomas, extremely professional, friendly and informative - and a big fan of my feet!

This pedi is not focused on 'pretty' with just a scrub, clip and shape and shiny polish - this is the real deal and is a hybrid health and beauty regime for your tootsies.
However good or bad your feet are - the Medical Pedi addresses the foot in its entirety.
Turns out my 'disco ankle' is a little bit worse than I thought it was.
Thomas wants me back.

The Medi Pedi is performed on a dry foot to ensure long-lasting results. The entire 45-minute treatment takes place on a super huge squishy bed and gives it less of a clinical feel.
While you're all cocooned and cosy, out comes the surgical paraphernalia to remove dead skin, tidy your nails, and skilfully transform your feet from weary to cheery.
It's really strange to see your feet minus any polish, very unconventional these days.

Your feet are overhauled via the safe, surgical removal of all dead and dry skin and calluses.
The nails are then cleaned (all the gross dead skin removal under the nail bed), shaped and buffed (never seen the blighters so shiny, and bare) and your feet are left revitalised.
The lovely Thomas then added the pampering part of the pedi, of a scrub followed by foot massage using Margaret's signature Emu-oil based products.
Emu oil is used for its anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial products - all the anti's, if you please. Three hours later my feet still feel super soft.
The piece de resistance was being able to close my eyes for ten minutes and enjoy the added addition of oxygen to revitalise - minus the nitrous oxide part, unfortunately.

Then came the pretty part. I was slowly transferred (NB: floated) to the Finishing Studio to finish off my tootsies with the super shiny 'cheeky' that ravishing red I mentioned earlier.

Mammas on the Oxygen...

Medi Pedi: 45 mins is £85, with Director is £125,  Supreme Pedicure, 55 minutes £60, Shape and Polish, £25, www.margaretdabbs.com  plus you get to use the swanky spa facilities at the www.corinthia.com

LN x

Multi-striped Round Neck Dress

Suspicious Cat Tee and Magic Pants

Rainbow Dress

It's not often I'm virtuous but when I am - I do it with gusto - no Mc Donald's, gluten, or alcohol in sight.

In short, I'm one extreme to the other - a gluttonous pig inhaling chocolate and ice-creams; to quaffing smoothies, quinoa and anything else of generally unpalatable  taste and texture in order to shift the bloat.

So when the team had the chance to visit Ragdale hall (a hydro health spa) I got my fine fettle face on.

We headed to the acclaimed Ragdale Hall, where, despite working in beauty for eight years, I've never actually got the chance to visit.

On initial arrival the grounds appeared very well groomed. Much like the staff themselves. Unfortunately I couldn't say the same for myself. We'd both been putting the world's to right, running businesses, blogs and babies (baby making in Cat's case)  all very exhausting to say the least.

The Hall itself is located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside. The journey there from Essex was very pleasant - especially with Cat to witter away to on the 2-hour schlep.
There was an air of serenity (minus us stumbling along with our heavy bags we needn't have brought) and we loved ye olde world charm of the Victorian architecture complimented by state-of-the-art spa and modern chill-out areas.

Ravishing Ragdale Hall

When it comes to a spa. I don't ask for much, but if I want a sauna and a hot tub  - I can go to my local gym, right? (It's a bit posh is my gym).
But I get listless, not to mention hot and bothered in the standard sauna, whirlpool and experience showers.
Give me a rose-petal scented steam room, twinkly relaxation room and a pan pipe/dolphin chorus for good measure - and I'm sold.

Well, I wasn't just sold - I was signing up to stay for the week (like literally pricing up a week).
The service and the general feeling is phenomenal - not a word I use often, but became enamoured with after watching a drunk guest on Come Dine with Me who kept repeating it after every mouthful of dessert.

In the past, the words 'Thermal Spa' always brought what I can only describe as disappointment - as I mentioned before, a sauna, whirlpool and freezing cold showers ends up aggravating rather than relaxing me.
I'm the token screamer with my howls reverberating around the spa area.

On entry to the TS (thermal spa), I really wasn't expecting much.
Cue a condescending sniff (so ungrateful) to discovering what I thought was a dry, boring slab of marble that I should plonk myself on and sit in silence. ...
After opening the door, there was marble, in the form of steps, yes!
At the bottom of those was a cave, filled with water and illuminated by multi-tonal lights in pinks, greens and pretty warm hues.

Twinkly lights at their best

If it wasn't for the silence and an awkward stomach gurgle ( FYI I can't not talk for less than 5 minutes) I would have stayed in there and shrivelled up like one of the prunes that I was later served up for breakfast. It was divine! There was an inside rapid pool that lead to outside (pictured below) I won't spoil it for you if you decide to visit - but the TS had a LOT to offer two weary ladies.

Outdoor Pool Vibes

I wondered if we were getting preferential treatment, it certainly felt like it. But then I realised that everyone is treated with the utmost care and individuality.
We weren't A-listers - but for that weekend felt like P Diddy flipping deuces at every opportunity.

Everyone receives a welcome drink on arrival and after every lunch and dinner, tea and coffee is on the house. Which, in effect, makes it feel like it's home from home; 'Cuppa tea, darl?'
There's none of this churning the guests out, hurrying them along and conveyer belt treatments like so many other spas. Everything is in your own time and, well, just refreshing really.

I also had a bloody lovely therapist,  Heidi.
(Let's all give Heidi a massive Heidi high-five.)
We were assigned to each other by chance, as you usually are (doh).
The facial I received was tremendously relaxing, I probably dropped some zzz's mid- massage as my spotty, aggravated skin was transported into silky, smooth and glowing.
After an hour of pummelling and enlivening using only the finest Decleor from their mandarine range (scented like sweet marmalade) it also has nourishing ingredients like cranberry and argan oil for parched skin like mine.
A quick Amazon purchase later, and I've now got this collection at home and LOVING it (quick newsflash; recently smashed on the floor).
I then booked up another two treatments with Heidi as I was hugely impressed - and trust me, like Gillian McKeith is to turds, I'm the beauty alternative.

I could honestly go on and on about our much needed weekend away, food was top notch, company was even better (go, Cat!) and the ultimate achievement?

We relaxed.

Babyurbeautiful were sent to Ragdale Spa to review, Overnight reviver break from £211pp including treatments, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation


I bought Max Factor Facefinity Compact foundation on a whim as it was being promoted near the till in Superdrug for £9.99 (I think RRP is £10.99). I am quite into powder foundations at the moment as they are quick to apply and I don’t have a lot – or really any – time to put my face on before leaving the house these days. And this one is a compact with a sponge and mirror so no need for additional brushes.

I really like this product and want to just say that out of the gate. It goes on smoothly, gives great coverage that you can build up where it’s needed, and the finished outcome is a glowing even complexion.  Above all it takes seconds to apply so I am keeping it by the hallway mirror for quick application before leaving the house.

But the problem I’ve got is that the shades available are quite dark and so I’ve bought two so far that aren’t suitable, at least for my winter skin tone.

I’ve seen about 6 shades of this. Porcelain, Ivory, Natural, Sand, Golden and Toffee. The first one I bought was Natural. There were no Ivory or Porcelain ones left so I just grabbed this one thinking it would be in the right ball park at least. But it turned out to be quite dark. The sort of thing I would use after a two week sunshine holiday to make my face match my body (I am never able to get a good tan on my face, just a bunch of annoying freckles).

But I liked the product so I thought I would save that one for holidays and buy a lighter shade for normal use. I don’t have porcelain skin by any stretch of the imagination, so I bought Ivory. But once I tried this one at home, it is also too dark. In fact it isn’t much different to the Natural one and definitely not what I would describe as Ivory.

So I’m a bit annoyed, mostly with myself! But is everyone so permatanned these days that foundation shades are overall getting darker?  I want to get the Ivory one but I’m reluctant to invest more money in another shade if it's not going to be right. But I do really like this product. Maybe I’ll have to invest in some fake tan instead!

RL x

Judge the results for yourself from my video

Clarins Double Serum Age Control Concentrate
Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate



I was recently lucky enough to go on a work trip to New York where I had a day and a half of blissful free time before coming home. Imagine. No children, no husband, just doing what I wanted when I wanted after having three full night’s sleeps in a row!

However the weather was absolutely freezing and my face went all red and puffy and so I was unfortunately easy prey when I walked into Bloomingdales and was accosted by the very lovely ladies at the Clarins counter.

Normally I don’t allow myself to get sucked into these things, being naturally suspicious as well as hating to feel obligated into making a purchase. But, given I was kind of high on freedom at the time, I just thought what the hell and sat down. What followed was the saleswoman rubbing and dabbing a bunch of different lotions and gels on my face, ruining my makeup, which I then asked them to touch up and consequently I was a bit scared to look in the mirror afterwards – these people aren’t exactly professional make-up artists! And then she laid out the products she’d used and asked if I wanted to buy any. And I felt the pressure, having sat and been dabbed at for 10 minutes, so I thought what the hell, I could use some good eye gel and face serum. After all, parenting young children is aging me faster than I thought possible.

So I picked out two products to buy and she walked me to the till and ... “that will be $250 please”. And my immediate thoughts while choking on my bile were ... Er, what’s that now? Did she just say $250?? For two fricking products? Shit that’s expensive. It’s not that expensive in the UK. Or is it? Is it too late to change my mind now she’s rung them up? Can I just make a run for it?

But the British in me took over and I was too proud to admit I couldn’t afford them, so like a chump I handed over my credit card, paid and legged it with my ‘free gift’ as a consolation prize. Because a teeny tiny travel cleansing set really makes it worth the money :-)

But you know, even if I only get to use the products once and can’t afford to buy them again, at least my skin might get to look a bit less tired in the meantime.

I bought:
Double Serum Age Control Concentrate (lowest price I found on a UK website is £37 for 30ml or £64 for 50ml on beautyspin.co.uk )
Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate (£39 for 15ml on beautyspin.co.uk)

Are they worth the money?

Well it’s hard to say. The Double Serum has a lovely feel on the skin and creates a nice glow. But I’m not sure if it’s meant to improve the current state of my skin or to stop it getting worse. The Eye Concentrate is very moisturising and a bit of relief for my poor sleep deprived eyes. I’m not sure there was a noticeable improvement after a few applications though.

But I don’t like to judge these things on the first go. I will use them until they run out and see what happens. Then I’ll report back with a full review and decide if I want to fork out for more!

RL x

Hands up who hasn't tried micellar water yet?

Are you a mum?

Do you use face wipes?

Are you falling asleep with your make-up on?

Is your skin often dry?

Can you be arsed to cleanse and tone?

Do you know how drying and bad some face wipes are for the skin?

If you answered yes to more than two of those - listen up!

Micellar water should be a staple in any mums beauty routine, simply because it's the laziest and easiest way to cleanse and leaves skin supple and squeaky clean.

The teeny micelle molecules in the water use a clever technology to attract the dirt (a bit like a magnet) which then lifts away make-up and grime - and there's no need to rinse.

Simply soak your cotton wool in a reasonable amount, and with one deft swoop you've removed the grime of the day and can collapse in bed.

BUT here's the exciting bit....

The Sanctuary (of Spa fame) are SO confident about their new micellar product, they're offering customers the chance to bring in an old pack of wipes to swap for a sample of their Cleanse Foaming Micellar Water - FOR FREE!

This is only on the weekend of 19-20th MARCH in BOOTS stores nationwide. 




So get down there armed with your wipes and a smile.

Everyone loves a spot of multi-tasking, if it's not pinching the fellas razor (although I don't currently have one to pinch off of) then why not start stealing the baby's stuff too?

I'm suffering with a head cold and snotty nose. I can't stand that horrible thick nasal speech - and if someone sounds ever so slightly 'flu-ey' I recoil in horror and shuffle away.
If it happens to be on the train - I scuttle to the next carriage. That dramatic.

Right now, I've got a giant red hooter and a tissue hanging out of my nose to stem the persistent runny snot, and Albie keeps exclaiming: 'silly mummy!'

My absolutely go-to baby cold product is Calpol Vapour plug and Nightlight - it's bloody marvellous.
It can be used from 3 months plus and helps clear the nasal passages and make breathing easier for baby. It was initially recommended by a dear mummy friend, Stacey - 'Haaaaiiii Stacey!'
I've not looked back since.



It has a scent reminiscent of a spa, with lavender and camomile pulsing through the plug-in. Which is why, instead of my usual Beechams powders, I'm stealing Albie's product. Although I did purposely go out and buy this for ME today.

It comes with 5 refill pads, and says it works for up to 8 hours with each pad. I'd say you get 2 days fragrance/vapour out of each one - with it waning slightly after the first 24 hours.

My entire house becomes enveloped with lavender, and I feel it really helps with congestion.
I have so many of the plugs kicking about the house, so if, god forbid, you're an entire house of flu-bags - then just pop one of the plug/nightlight refills in each room - and you can all breathe easily!
Either way it's a great alternative to caffeine/all sorts of heart-race inducing (for me, anyway) cold and flu remedies.

A couple of paracetamol at my worse points, and a night with my Vapour Plug, I'll go with the alternative option, thank you!
Oh, plus some Vicks rub on the soles of my feet. Boom!


LN

Introducing Poppy

I don't know about you, but I'm still in winter mode. OBVIOUSLY. What with the absolutely baltic weather 'n all.

*walks in, cranks the heating up to 30*

Which translates quite simply in my house as: black 40 denier tights, black jeans, black leggings and sh*t loads of layers.

It also means I can hide the absolute forest that is threatening to sprout through the aforementioned - by donning my sexy leg attire to the office (and no-one is any wiser).
I can still look fit, but full of fuzz.

Most men would be horrified if they saw what lives beneath my leggings. But it's lucky I don't have one to judge - so I wantonly parade said chewbacca pins in the comfort of my own home.

It was brought to my attention recently that us ladies are being completely ripped off in the hair removal stakes.
Given the fact, come summer, we desperately need to depilate. Unless of course, we want to be mistaken for our German sisters (soz, Helga) or look like we're wearing the latest 'furry trimmed' bikini bottoms, we're under duress to buy razors - often at eye-wincingly stupid prices.
But worst of all, a mans pack of five is cheaper than one of our pretty little pink counterparts - JUST BECAUSE THEY'RE BLOODY PINK AND SMALLER (yes, I am getting shouty!)

I find myself re-buying the body of the razor and ten ton of packaging to avoid buying overpriced heads.
Did you know it works out cheaper to buy the body with two free heads? Maybe you did.

I then use this razor for the next few months, find myself getting ingrown hairs, nicks and cuts, or patches of hair where the blade has worn down and isn't doing feck all - all because I don't want to have to pay another £6-10 for a new body/razor etc four weeks down the line.
So that's my FFS moment.

On a FFS vibe - have you heard of Friction Free Shaving? Probably not.



It's the first UK based razor subscription service where four heads are delivered to you once a month for as little as £3 and no P & P. Amazing.

This isn't a sponsored post - it's just to raise awareness to fellow mums of this brilliant service that will make life a hell of a lot easier and something else you don't have to think about (nor nick off your hub - wasn't a shaving pun FYI).

I didn't get any roses this year for Valentine's.

But I did get myself Liz Earle's new limited edition Rose & Cedrat Cleanse & Polish.

Silky smooth texture

With the freezing cold weather, and the ultra drying central heating (says me sat next to the radiator typing this) you need to ramp up the daily cleansing routine.

The rich cleanser is perfect for sloughing off dead skin cells (when used with the muslin cloth provided).
You can gently massage the cream over skin while showering, then put your pure muslin cloth in hot water, wring out before gently 'polishing' off the cream.
It even removes stubborn mascara - it's gentle and effective.
No panda eyes here (except from the lack of Valentine's cards).

Other wonderfully moisturising ingredients like cocoa butter help to soften skin, as chamomile readily tones. It's also well known rose is great for soothing sensitive skin; aka moi.

I'm not a big fragrance girl unless it's aromatic and spa-like; but this fragrance, despite it's main component of rose, smells more zesty and orange.

After googling Cedrat, I soon discovered the 'large fragrant citrus fruit with a thick rind' is cold pressed just before it's ripe to make the fragrant oil.
Should I have known this? Apologies if not - I'm still on the basic lemon, lime, orange stages!

It's a must for cheering skin up, and possibly mum for Mother's Day.

Are you a Liz Earle lover - what one is your favourite and why?

For 150ml it's £20.75 and comes with 2 muslin clothes.

Liz Earle Limited Edition

A sample was sent to Babyurbeautiful for review purposes

LN x

I know we're predominantly a mummy and baby beauty blog, but sometimes we like to go off piste, which is rather apt given it's the height of ski-ing season.

I've been rather piste off with the issues my stomach caused over Christmas - I spent days cramping with excess stomach acid, then living on mash potato/soup/stews after my excessive cheese/pigs wrapped in blankets consumption. Then it continued into early Jan/Feb - after a few heavy nights on the sauce, heavy eyes for me the next morning where I'd be running up and down the stairs to make the loo - it was awful.
In short, I'm allergic to wheat/barley - still NOT fully proven, but my arse would contest if it wasn't.

Gluten free items tend to be bland, full of sugar/salt to make them less tasteless/cardboard-like, but we've come on leaps and bounds. Suddenly companies are proud to boast of their wares with scrumptious puddings, bread, even sausages (yes, those buggers are full of flour/wheat/all sorts!)
So I thought I'd round up a few that are keeping my stomach very happy - and my son also likes....

Pudology



I can't believe these sweet treats are gluten and dairy free (also vegan friendly) given how great they taste.
The one floating my boat is Millionaires' Pud.
It's not too sweet, has a lovely mixture of chocolate, a nice biscuity base (even though it isn't biscuits, obvs) and a delicious caramel layer made with soya milk.
The chocolate is laced with madagascan vanilla and the biscuit base is a gluten-free friendly blend of rice, potato, tapioca, maize and buckwheat.
A lot of love has gone into these puds - and I insist you try this particular one.

9/10

Available from Tesco

Amy's Kitchen




One of my favourite items from Amy's kitchen is the Broccoli & Cheddar bake, perfect for those lazy gluten-free lovers - one to shove in the micro.
A fusilli pasta (rice pasta) with cheddar sauce and broccoli and even faux breadcrumbs for that extra crunchy texture, it's certainly a winner with me and my little man.
No meat, fish, poultry OR eggs are ever used in Amy's products - again, I'm in disbelief - from the fact it tastes so bloody good. It's also vegetarian society approved.

Sainsbury's Nationwide

8/10

Mrs Crimbles



So we were sent a variety of Mrs Crumbles items to try, and the one that made say 'hello!', or should I say, 'Bonjour!' was the authentically French madeleine cakes.
Each individually wrapped, I found myself eating one for breakfast, in the afternoon with a cup of tea - quite frankly, all day long. It's no wonder I don't roll out of the door...
The chocolate version with a nice gooey choc filling was my preference, as the classic one was a bit sweet, I could feel my teeth groaning in pain with the sugar content - and they had a slight aftertaste - but the chocolate was spot on.

 www.mrscrimbles.com

7/10

So if you're just generally avoiding wheat/naughtiness - I can't stop you on the naughty front, but give my gluten-free heroes a go.

LN x

The inimitable Steph - Photo Credit: Emily Gray