How To Keep Your Eyes Healthy & Hydrated Throughout Summer

Summer is in full affect here in London and I am loving it!

As someone who wears contact lenses every single day, I find that throughout the summer I rather reach for my glasses, as my lenses can easily become very dry, leaving me with very dry eyes.

Sunglasses are a must for summer, to help protect your eyes from the suns glare, plus a must have accessory during the summer, heck all year round. Now being a lense wearer it is not cost affective to have my sunglasses prescriptive, so when Vision Direct got in touch to help me with my issue and keeping me stylish and my eyes hydrated I would have been a fool to not see how they can help me.

VisionDirect have a huge range of lenses on offer, it is certainly worth going through and finding out what best suits you and your needs! For my eye solution and keeping them healthy and hydrated I went for as per the recommended lenses made from silicone hydrogel, or you can always go for the daily disposable lenses the option is yours and there are loads to choose from.

I have to say since using the Acuvue Oasys, with hydraclear plus technology, not only do they keeps my eyes hydrated, but its helped with me step up my eye wear game and I’ve now an array of sunglasses, from 70’s swag, to slinky cat sunglasses and so many more.

The only place I will now be buying my lenses, plus I also found that Vision Direct prices are the best out there.

What are you doing to keep your eyes hydrated?

This post has been created in collaboration with Vision Direct

Lindsey

Routine Comforts | Top Tips On How You Can give Your Family A Better Night

As parents, we have so much going on and can at times find it hard to switch off, unwind and relax and like most kids, they too can pick up on this, which can lead to them having worries and becoming restless and finding it hard to relax and get a good sleep.

As we are now coming out of Lockdown and today is National Relaxation Day myself and TEMPUR® wanted to share some top tips on how you and your family can get a better nights sleep.

Routine is key, during the pandemic our routine changed, no more school run, but homeschooling! No dashing to work and fighting my way on the tube or work at all, instead doing work around the house and getting stuck in doing all the things you had always planned to do when you a few free moments.   

During this time is when I, we, needed a routine a good one and one that worked for us, to keep our minds stimulated, our body and soul healthy and happy. At first I had no idea where to start, what to do and by day 2 you could tell Leanora and I who are two very active people had become a little lethargic, from getting out of bed to watching the tv, feet up on the sofa, simply just not moving at all and we hated it!

By the end of day two, I had a plan, get a routine going, a routine that gave us what we needed, exercise, education, healthy food, arts & crafts, family time and most importantly a good night’s sleep.

Preparing for a good nights sleep, starts from the moment you wake up, what you do during the day can set you up for a how you feel and sleep. The moment Leanora woke up at the beginning, I have to admit I was guilty of it, she was straight on the Ipad and I found that whilst I had a ton of work to do in and around the house, it would keep her entertained! Wrong anything but, especially when it came to bed time.

During these tough times, Leanora turned 6 and one of her pressies was a bike, it was a lot bigger then she was didn’t realize it at the time, but within a week my baby was a pro. This enabled us to get out early and she go for a morning bike ride, whilst I ran along side her. I found that incorporating workout’s in to our morning routine really set us up and got the good endorphienes raring for us to go and have a productive day. So long IPad!

Healthy, good food is key, whilst don’t get me wrong we love a Maccy D’s and a  good takeaway, one of our favourite enjoyments were not longer offered to us, so we got in the kitchen together, which thinking now the amount of flour that ended up on the wall and food everywhere not sure if was the best idea I had at the time, but what I do know it brought out the little chef in Leanora which enriched and broaden her foodie horizons, now I can safely say, no more take out’s for us, we can make our own chicken nuggets and favourite curry in a hurry.

Education! Homeschooling I am not going to lie, I was petrified of homeschooling L, I am not a teacher, far from academic but it’s what our children need, that’s what we strive for, a good education. I found that L’s school provided us with so much resources and online work which was brilliant and guidance too on the work and how you should approach it with your child, that it was fool proof. When that was done we went on websites, purchased books and educational equipment from Amazon and we got stuck in! A few hours in the morning and afternoon, not only was it great for Leanora’s mentality but for us to be able to sit there and learn together, plus it was a great opportunity as a parent to find out what Leanora has learnt at school.

Bed time, our favourite time, teeth brushed, jammies on and a good ol stretch for a few minutes before we dive in bed, armed with a few of our favourite books we would read together. I find this a calm soothing moment for L and I, just to unwind in a healthy happy way, always sets us up for a good nights sleep. Another important part of getting a good night sleep is having the best of the best mattress and that being from TEMPUR® it is good enough for the whizz kids over at NASA it is good enough for L and I too. With an array of different mattresses plus a mattress size guide to help you choose the right one for, along with pillows or accessories what ever you choose it will help you blast off into the land of nod.

What is the bedtime routine, that works for you and your family? Let me know in the comments below!                

        

This post is in conjunction with TEMPUR®, but all thoughts are my own

Lindsey

Boots | Summer Skin At Home

I’ve nailed it! I’ve got my summer skincare at home ritual locked down. During these times we’ve all been restricted on what we can do and when I say that, I mean get your eyebrows, nails and makeup done so we’ve had to learn how to maintain our beauty regime in the comfort of our home.

Now is the time to treat yourself and I thought I’d share with you on how I am treating, ok spoiling myself with a little helping hand from boots this summer to give me that dewy glowy summer skin and for the best skincare products.

First we have my current favourite from Boots own Glow range the Glow Cleansing Oil, I like to really massage this gently into my skin, not only does it remove makeup and debris from the skin, but it leaves my skin looking radiant and not feeling dried out but hydrated.

Incorporating a rich facial oil into your skincare routine is paramount and is one of the best things that you can do for your skin. The Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil is heavenly and penetrates the skin straightaway, using this facial oil daily I have found my skin looks happier and plumper and remember a little truly goes along way.

I am big, big fan of La Roche-Posay! Their Anti-Redness Light Cream does not disappoint. I am prone to red patches on my skin, especially in the morning and I find that this super light cream helps calm the red tone to my skin as well keeping my skin protected with the added SPF15.

Throughout the day I find that my skin needs a little boost, a pick me up! Another new affordable beauty from Boots Glow collection I make sure to carry with me throughout the day is their Brightening Mist. It’s refreshing and a firm summer favourite to help keep you cool all whilst giving your skin that added glow and hydration and fits perfectly in my bag.

There is something magical about a facemask, its luxurious a real treat. There are so many different masks out there and each week or every few days I find my skin needs different attention, being if I’ve had a long week and my skin looks a little dull or I find it needs extra hydration I know that I can count on Vichy Purete Thermale Mini Mask Kit which contains 3 mini masks pots to help bring my skin back to life not matter the need there is mini mask pot for all you skin needs.

How are you taking care of your skin this summer? Let me know in the comments below!

This post has been created in collaboration with Boots

Lindsey

 

    

 

 

    

Dating During COVID, The Possible Next Step

Meeting new people, going out more and dating, was on my bucket list this 2020, but other vital world life issues took president!

This year I planned on getting out there, back on the dating scene, meeting new people having some me time, whilst I love being a mother, I didn't realise the importance of a little me time. Before COVID I worked a long 9 hour day at work, so the time me & L got home was like gone 6pm, we would be out the house for a goof 11 hours, so I felt that I needed to give her all my time, but what about a bit of me time.

Gearing up to have just that a little me time, meet new people, go on dates, a little no strings dating, have a little fun and catch up with friends lockdown happened. not allowing myself to be put off by COVID I decided to invest my time, download a few dating apps, check out a few websites and set myself up a cute little profile. 

Dating apps and your profile are big investment, this is where you get to show off you and put yourself out there, in hopes of meeting that new special someone, I mean don't get me wrong you will, hear or read all of the cheesy one liners, to some seriously funny ones,but I've found now more than ever during this time is when you can really get to know someone before you meet up.

First things first, be it an app or dare I say it, if you are just looking for a little fun, a hook up say on a sex dating site, make sure you fill out your bio completely! Secondly don't be afraid to put yourself out there, nothing wrong with making the first move, take the plunge after all who say's that a woman can not make the first move! You are strong and independent woman, besides how else are you going to meet that person, because if you don't scoop them up and get in there first guaranteed someone else will!

I've found that during this period, you are really getting to know someone, whilst not every match is a success, I have gotten to know my potential matches, I am finding people are actually talking more it doesn't just feel like a quick chat then meet up and going for a few drinks and connecting that way, not that we could!

society is certainly changing and speaking to a few friends the other day over zoom and finding out there views, we had a discussion about if we can talk over zoom why not,date virtually! It was a thought which I think would be great, in a safe environment of course, how dating apps would evolve and I think that a virtual date would be the natural next step for dating apps or sites! Would I be up for that, of course I would, but as I said as long as you are in a safe environment.

What do you think about dating apps going virtual, do you think it could be a thing, would you go on a virtual date? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment below!

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this is a paid collaborative post but all words are my own

Craft Gift Ideas To Do With The Kids This Week (when

Thinking of building up a crafting drawer, for your home? You are not the only one! There is no better time, to stock up on some favourties, from glitter, to coloured pens, paint and so much more.

This time can be a little daunting being cooped up at home, but we are very lucky to have the luxury to be at home, whilst the frontline workers are working hard and doing and incredible job to keep us all safe and healthy.

During this time if your have small kiddos a great way to keep them entertained whilst being at home is to get crafting.

Whilst not knowing when we are able to come out and see friends and family, Leanora and I decided that just because we can not physically meet and be with our loved ones, does not mean that we can not let them know that we are thinking of them.

If I am honest, my house is looking like someone sort of discotech with paper and glitter all over the place, but right now I would not have it anyother way, whilst at times however i'd rather be on the sofa, feet up and reading a book, crafting with Leanora is my highlight, until I have to clean it all up, but we are having lots of fun making and tidying up after, plus keeping busy keeps up happy and focused.

We have not seen my grandad, in nearly a month now, whilst prior to this pandemic, not a week went by we did not see him. To let him know that we are thinking of him and miss and love him dearly, we got our crafting hats on a decided to make a big collage to send to him to let him know we love him and we will see and give him cuddles soon.

A great platform for crafting material is from Design Bundles they have so many sweet images to let our family know we love them! Our favourites has to be the love svg or the heart svg format designs which you can purchase and download, they are inexpensive and have loads of designs to offer for you and the kiddos to either download and insert on to an e-card or print off to stick on your cards or canvas to be sent to your loved ones.

Those with or without kids, crafting is a great way to have a fun afternoon, making something plus it brings you together more than ever at this time. Not only has crafting with Leanora given me joy, it’s actually inspected me to start decorating our home. I’ve got two major tasks which I can’t wait to share with you, just waiting on a few things to be delivered which I’m super excited about and will show you the beginning and end results.

If you and your family are crafting, let me know what your favourite craft activities are in the comments below!

Be safe & well.

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this is a paid collaborative post but all words are my own

11 Minute One Pot Pasta

Pasta is my go to any time or day of the week. This delicious Martha Stewart inspired dish is a one pot wonder! Its a fresh delicious meat free family friendly dish, with a little kick of chilli. 

With Leanora and I working up a sweat in the garden, all I wanted to do is just have a fresh shower and a tasty bite to eat. However, after a long day of digging up weeds, turning the soil with new compost, taking up tiles to prepare for astro turf to be laid, all by me may I add cooking is the last thing I want to do, but is an essential. That is why this 11 minute pasta dish is the ultimate fuss free one pot dish to make. 

At this time in our life, we are all feeling the strain of COVID19 and not being able to leave the house, see family and friends freely, can be a bit of a struggle even a mental struggle, but it is what us all over the world have to do right now. 

The first few days of lock down, I, as you may have been too was in shock, what was I going to do am I allowed out, what about my parents, grand parents, what was going to happen with Leanora's education, what was I going to do. A few days of sitting on the sofa, watching the news, I knew that sitting there was not going to be healthy for me or more importantly Leanora and my family! I decided to make a schedule, make a plan of how I was going to use my time wisely, making sure Leanora's kept on top of her education and keeping us both fit and healthy. So I've made a daily scheduler and try to stick to it as much as possible and one of those things on my list is sorting out the garden and getting other items done around the house. I find that in insolation the way to keep on going is by putting good use to your time and being proactive and I am putting that proactiveness into my home and garden and Leanora all whilst cooking and baking along the way. 

So as we all have a spare 11 minutes, this one pot pasta dish is super easy to make. 

Ingredients - Serves 2

1 handful of pasta

1 medium onion thinly sliced

2 handfuls of baby tomatoes cut in half

3 cloves of garlic thinly sliced

1 bunch of fresh basil leaves

a pinch of salt (to taste)

a pinch of black cracked pepper (to taste)

a pinch of chilli flakes

Directions

1. In large pot add all of your ingredients and add water to just cover and cook over a medium high heat for 11 minutes. 

2. Keep an eye on the pot throughout the duration of cooking and stirring occasionally so all ingredients combine together and the pasta does not stick. 

3. Serve immediately. 

If you make this dish, let me know what you think in the comments or below or share your snap with me over on Instagram.

If you are looking for other recipe ideas, check out my recipes section. 

Lindsey

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

These Lemon Pepper Chicken wings are mouth-wateringly sensational and jam-packed with flavour.

An important part for me to stay sane and get through this pandemic is by organising my days, be it homeschooling times, activities to do with Leanora and gardening, but most importantly lunch and dinner prep. We are all cooking a lot more, personally I think it’s great, my waist may not be feeling it, but we slot in our daily work out with Joe Wicks, so I don’t feel as guilty about all the bread and cake we’ve been making and I’ve been eating.

I’ve been craving for KFC, fried chicken is literally my thing, not all the time but I mean I’m more than happy to smash through a 15 box with Leanora. So as no KFC is open, I decided to bring some tied chicken to me. I wanted something fresh, fried chicken can be a bit heavy at times, so I decided why not cut through it with a bit of lemon. Never had we had it this way before, so with Leanora out in the garden playing and wanting to make one of our favourite dishes I decided to get to it.

I made these wings in advance from the night before, all set for frying the next day. If you can, always try to season your meat the night before, or if you can’t wait at least give the seasoning 30 minutes to an hour to marinade and absorb all that great flavour

Armed with a few fresh lemons, some oil for frying I got to making these Spring fresh crispy chicken wings. 

Ingredients
1kg of chicken wings ( cut into wings and drummettes)
Zest of 3 Lemons
Juice of 1/2 lemons
3 tsp of crack black pepper
1/4 tsp Salt
2 cups of oil for frying
1 cup of flour

Directions
1.  In a mixing bowl, combine chicken wings with the zest of 2 lemon, 2 tsp of black pepper and toss well. Set aside in the fridge over night, or leave for 30 minutes - 1hour for the marinade to blend. Once ready to fry take out of the fridge and leave for 20 minutes to take the chill off.

2.  Pour enough oil to fry the chicken wings, I use a heavy dutch pan to fry.  Heat oil up to 375F if you don’t have a thermometer, just drop in a small piece of bread or fresh herb, if it starts to fry and rises, you are good to go).

3. Get another mixing bowl or shallow dish, add the flour, 1 zest of lemon, 1 tsp of black pepper 1/2 tsp of salt.

4. Once the chill has come off from your wings and you are ready to fry, coat your seasoned chicken wings in the seasoned flour and add to your pot of hot oil. Do this in batches as to not over crowd the pot.

5. Fry for 3 - 4 minutes on each sides, once done place on a cooling rack or on a clean plate, lined with kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil.

Serve up with some salad, fresh green beans or some fluffy rice and enjoy!

If you make this dish, let me know what you think in the comments or below or share your snap with me over on Instagram.

If you are looking for other recipe ideas, check out my recipes section. 

Lindsey