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Sustainable and Ethical Lingerie Brand – IDentity Lingerie

sustainable and ethical lingerie brand 2
IDentity Lingerie is a UK-based sustainable and ethical lingerie brand

I don’t buy clothes very often; in fact if I’m being extravagant I might buy a new item of clothing once every few weeks. As someone who cares about the quality and story behind the clothes they’re buying, this has made it much easier for me to be sustainable.

I probably buy new lingerie even less often, but not always for the same reasons. The reality is that I find it difficult to purchase sustainable and pretty lingerie in my size. Anything over a D cup is often plain, overly expensive, mass-produced, or a mixture of all three. This is why I was not only intrigued but genuinely happy when IDentity Lingerie contacted me about collaborating with them.

A Sustainable and Ethical Lingerie Brand

How can a lingerie brand be both sustainable and ethical?

IDentity Lingerie is a family run business based in Lincolnshire, UK. They’ve been using high-quality fabrics to hand-make sustainable and ethical lingerie since 2017. They use a variety of best practices to make sure that their brand is as sustainable and ethical as can be, such as:

  • On-demand production & made to order items
  • Using sustainable materials, and refurbishing any returns
  • They follow European labour laws and offer their artisans fair competitive wages

When my items arrived I was so incredibly happy with the quality of the material and the fit. Not only was my lace back bralette comfortable, but it also looked incredibly stylish and sexy. Which as I mentioned before is not something I’m usually lucky enough to find when buying bras. The strappy panties were also a great fit and looked really beautiful.

I was also very impressed with IDentity’s customer service when I couldn’t find my exact size. They asked me for my measurements and passed them on to their highly skilled artisans to make sure I had the perfect fit. And this wasn’t a one-off, they will happily help out their customers who are unsure of their size or just want a second opinion.

If you’re looking for lingerie for big bust, or just trying to make your underwear draw a bit more sustainable and ethical, IDentity Lingerie is worth checking out.

sustainable and ethical lingerie brand 2

This post is in collaboration with IDentity Lingerie. However, all images, words and opinions are my own.

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Summer Beauty Essentials you can’t live without

Summer Beauty Essentials including dr Dennis gross dark spot sun defines, ultra violet skin screen and cool refreshing mist with spf 15
Summer Beauty Essentials you can’t live without

With a change of season, comes a change in beauty routine. Long gone are the cold nights, cloudy days and lack of sunlight, which brought dry and dull skin. New obstacles have arisen with hotter weather, plenty of sun rays, and a ton of humidity. Thankfully this year we are fully prepared.

From innovative sunscreen to easy solutions, I’ve introduced quite a few new brands to my beauty routine recently, which I’m really excited to share with you. I’ll be spending this Summer focusing on the basics; SPF, moisture and glow. I’ve taken a bit of a break from makeup recently, so clear skin is a must. This means taking care of my skin before and after going out in the sun and making sure I top up my sunscreen on the go.

Without further ado, here are my Summer beauty essentials.

Summer Beauty Essentials for 2021

Not pictured:

I’ve always been an advocate for taking care of your skin first, and I think that’s pretty apparent with this list. I can’t stress enough how important it is to transition to wearing a higher SPF during Summer, even if you’re not going outside. It may not be groundbreaking, but it is practical, and it goes a long way to taking care of your skin… now and in the future!

Don’t forget to check out more of my beauty recommendations and let me know in the comments which products you’ll be coveting this Summer.

Summer Beauty Essentials including caudalie tan prolonging after sun lotion, supergroup unseen sunscreen and Maison margiela replica perfume samples
Summer Beauty Essentials including Dermalogica smart response serum and moisture masque
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Taste of The Côtes du Rhône | Masterchef Exose Grant’s Recipe

A taste of the Côtes du Rhône with Masterchef Exose Grant’s Rosé Poached Peach recipe

I’ve been bringing the Côtes du Rhône into my home for over a year now, through the beauty of wine and food. It’s been a welcome reminder of the South of France, and all of the delicious produce the area has to offer.

MasterChef finalist, Exose Grant has created two recipes, at home, that are inspired by and work well with Côtes du Rhône wine, reflecting just how accessible and high quality the wines are. I was challenged to replicate one of Chef Exose’s recipes – queue me running around a hot kitchen shouting “yes chef!” to myself.

Rosé Poached Peach

I find cooking/baking incredibly relaxing & satisfying, and this was no different. I had such a wonderful time trying out a new recipe, with some of my favourite ingredients; peach, star anise and rosé. I added my own little twist to the final plated dish by soaking the cake in the syrup from the peaches, sprinkling orange peel onto the cream, and decorating with fresh herbs and star anise on top! I didn’t want to deviate from Chef Exose‘s amazing recipe, but I wanted to add my own flare to it – something I like to do whilst cooking/baking.

You can view the Rosé Poached Peach recipe that I created on Chef Exose’s Instagram, as well as a complimentary savoury main dish.

Taste of The Côtes du Rhône

I love sharing food, so I made the dish for myself and my partner. He actually prefers red wine though, so he paired the dish with a Côtes du Rhône Plan de Dieu, whilst I had a glass of the Chateau Saint Nabor – the same rosé I used in the dish itself. Although it would equally go well with a white. If you hadn’t guessed it yet, all of the wines in this post are pretty versatile and suitable for most occasions and dishes. Perfect for a taste of the Côtes du Rhône.

You can find out more about Côtes du Rhône wines and where you can purchase them here.

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.

Three cote du rhone wine bottles stand on a wooden dish

Items were gifted by The Belleville Collective, however, all images, words and opinions are my own.

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5 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Lockdown Tips

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Lockdown
5 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Lockdown Tips

This morning I logged onto social media, as I usually do. But today was different. Today I was met with a flurry of posts, all with one topic in common…

“I can’t believe it’s been a year already!”

“A year on from lockdown and…”

Yes, as of March 23rd 2021 it’s been exactly one year since the UK officially went into lockdown. Now I’m not going to go too much into the specifics as we all know why, when and how. One thing I did want to touch on though, is the effect lockdown has had on my own mental health and wellbeing, and how I’ve coped during an unprecedented year.

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Lockdown Tips

Lockdown and the pandemic have taken their toll on most of us – with feelings of loneliness and hopelessness becoming a common issue over the past year. I have personally struggled with the latter as well as ongoing anxiety. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I wanted to try and help anyone else who may be suffering. I am not a doctor, and I’m only going off my own personal experience, and what I’ve learnt from it. I’m simply offering up some small changes to try to and help combat these feelings.

Create a routine

Our day-to-day routines have changed drastically throughout lockdown. Whether it’s working from home or missing out on social activities – everything has changed. Routine is a good thing, and creating a feel-good daily routine can do wonders for wellbeing. Why not try out some relaxation techniques, or pick up a new hobby?

Watch where you’re scrolling

Social media and news outlets have become sources of escape and knowledge, for better or worse. And it comes as no surprise that they can quickly become overwhelming. Take some time to think about whether these channels are causing anxiety (through sensationalist content maybe), and take stock of how much time you spend on them. If need be, stop using them altogether.

Take a daily walk

It’s a well-known fact that being out in nature can do wonders for your mental health. If you’re able to do so, try and take a daily walk. You can mix it up by taking different routes to your usual. Make the most of this time to explore your neighbourhood.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

This is a big one, I know. And we all need help from time to time. Whether it’s friends or family, or an unbiased helpline, please do reach out to those around you if you need it. You can find some helplines and resources for those who might need them, here.

Treat yourself

A lot of us have lost out on the things that used to allow us to take a breather, such as eating out at restaurants or going to the cinema etc. So whilst it’s great to save a little money if you can, it’s also important to treat yourself from time to time. E.g. ordering a weekly takeaway from your fave local.

Read more wellbeing tips now.

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Lockdown

Source: 1, 2

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Tonic 15 x Suitcase The Carry On K-Beauty Kit

Tonic 15 x Suitcase The Carry On K-Beauty Kit
Tonic 15 x Suitcase The Carry On K-Beauty Kit (Worth £143)

My love affair with the Tonic 15 x Suitcase K-Beauty Carry On started through an Instagram ad… as all good relationships do. At the time I couldn’t justify buying it, which worked out pretty well for my friends, as they actually already had the idea of buying me it for my birthday.

I was beyond ecstatic to be gifted it. Not only because I’m a big fan of the Korean beauty industry and Suitcase magazine, but because I also love being introduced to new brands and products. Naturally the pairing of Tonic 15 – a Korean beauty & make-up store, and Suitcase – a travel & lifestyle magazine, was perfect for me.

Tonic 15 x Suitcase K-Beauty Carry On

A collection of eleven specially selected products – some cult classics and some new – this premium edit is teeming with skincare, body and haircare saviours to give you a beauty boost.

Full-size products

Travel size products

Thoughts?

There are three full-sized products included in the Tonic 15 x Suitcase K-Beauty Carry On. Whereas this is great, the selection is a bit odd. I can’t wait to try the ‘gesgep Bare Cream’ & the ‘AROMATICA Root Enhancer’ (the ‘COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence’ is already a fave of mine), but I would have liked to see a full-size cleanser in the mix. As for the travel size samples, they’re still a decent enough size that you can get an idea of what the products are like, and whether you want to purchase full-size versions later.

There a great selection of Korean beauty products here, no doubt. The kit is priced at £69 but worth over £143, and it includes a lot of the less “mainstream” Korean beauty brands, which I love to see. I’m beyond excited that I received this for my birthday, but I would have happily purchased it myself. You can buy the full kit at Tonic 15.

Don’t forget to check out more of my beauty recommendations and let me know in the comments which products you’d want to try from the Tonic 15 x Suitcase K-Beauty Carry On.

Tonic 15 x Suitcase The Carry On K-Beauty Kit
Tonic 15 x Suitcase The Carry On K-Beauty Kit
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Côtes du Rhône at Christmas | Lifestyle & Food

Côtes du Rhône at Christmas
Bringing a little bit of the Côtes du Rhône at Christmas this year

Remember how I boasted about enjoying the Côtes du Rhône at home this summer? Well I’m back to do it all over again, but this time with a festive hat on and a bottle of Rasteau wine in tow. I was lucky enough to be sent a beautiful Christmas hamper including a bottle of Rasteau wine, as well as some delicious cheeses, chocolate etc to enjoy alongside it.

Côtes du Rhône at Christmas

Picture this – a village nestled deep in the heart of the Southern Rhône Valley, perched on a sun laden hillside with ancient Château ruins. This is the village of Rasteau – the wine’s namesake.

This November, the Rasteau appellation celebrates 10 years of being recognised as a Cru (recognised for its quality and distinctive terroir) of the Cotes du Rhone; the highest accolade given within the region. It’s well known for producing a small, yet impressive, selection of both still and fortified wines.

Typically, Rasteau red wines have a spicy warmth, which in my opinion is perfect for this season. They’re also ideal for food pairings, such as stew, charcuterie, blue cheese, slightly spicy dishes and chocolate – so I know what I’ll be doing with my bottle. If you’re looking for a bottle or two to adorn your table this Christmas, I’d suggest you take a look next time you’re perusing wine shelves (whether they’re virtual or physical).

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.

Items were gifted by The Belleville Collective, however all images, words and opinions are my own.

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5 Helpful Wellbeing Tips for the Bedroom

wellbeing tips for the bedroom
My 5 Top Wellbeing Tips for the Bedroom

Personal wellbeing is something I’ve been discussing on this blog for years and I believe it’s even more important now than ever before. With a lot of people spending more time at home, I got thinking about what I could touch on next. My own sleep pattern has been up and down for years, but oddly it’s improved since lockdown. I’m sure this is due to a number of factors (some of which I touch on below) but I believe having a bedroom that allows me to breakaway from all of the chaos of the day helps a lot. So here are my wellbeing tips for the bedroom.

5 Wellbeing Tips for the Bedroom

Create a calming environment

Above everything it’s important that your bedroom is a calm place that you can withdraw to when you need it – whether that’s for a cheeky midday nap, or just as the room you escape to at the end of a long day.

One way of creating a calming environment is to do a spring clean. Clear out things you don’t need. For those that you do, less is more – choose storage solutions that allow you to hide clutter. It will help you feel less stressed and make it easier to tidy your room.

Introduce some nature into the bedroom

Houseplants are an amazing way of transporting you to a different place. Research has shown that they can reduce stress & anxiety, lower blood pressure and help with breathing problems. Some of the best plants for improving the air quality in a room are snake plant, peace lily and devil’s ivy. And of course they look lovely.

Also consider natural materials in your bedroom. Try cotton sheets, wooden interiors and a wool throw – for example.

A tech free room

Lying in bed and watching tv, or scrolling on your phone – everyone does it. But technology in the bedroom is a big no no. It’s been shown that the light omitted from our phones, laptops and tvs can contribute towards a poor sleeping pattern and keeping you awake for longer. Removing the temptation from the room (no tvs, laptops etc) can go a long way towards helping.

Make your bedroom look good

It’s not rocket science, a well styled room makes us feel good. So why not do the same with your bedroom? Blue is the best colour for painting your bedroom – it’s a calming colour, which is conducive to sleep. In terms of bedding, choose quality fabrics that will let your skin breathe such as Egyptian cotton.

Luxury bedding company Dusk’s research has shown key design trends across the UK:

  • Scot’s purchase 10% of Britain’s faux fur (more than anywhere else)
  • Simple, minimal styles are favoured more in Wales
  • Londoner’s purchase more goose-down bedding
  • Northern Ireland spend more on luxury (higher togs and quality fabrics) bedding

Lighting is important

Natural light has a ton of benefits, physically and emotionally. It does wonders to boost both your mood and quality of sleep. But did you know that having a lack of light in your bedroom is just as important?

Black out curtains are a must to block out artificial and natural light whilst you’re sleeping. Darkness is essential for your body to produce melatonin – basically to get a good nights sleep and help your body clock. If you love being woken up by the sun, sleep lamps are a great idea and mean you won’t have to compromise.

wellbeing tips for the bedroom
wellbeing tips for the bedroom

Items were gifted by DUSK, however all images, words and opinions are my own.