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The Fight for Fresh | NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser

NUORI Vital Foaming CleanserThe Fight for Fresh with NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser *

Ok let’s not go into how long it’s been since my last beauty feature. Maybe I got a little too comfortable in my skincare regime and neglected that side of my blog? Quite possibly. Even so, beauty and skincare products are still a major part of my daily life. In fact I’ve been discovering – and using – so many awesome beauty products recently, that’s it has reignited my love for it.

So today I wanted to share a little secret with you, all the way from Denmark. It’s from a perfectly packaged brand who knows exactly what they’re doing with natural ingredients. Here’s my review of the NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser.

The Fight for Fresh

I was a little confused when I first looked at the albeit gorgeous packaging on my NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser. It said ‘Start using by…’ Wait, I’m sorry what? We’re all so used to expiry dates, and best befores that this threw me off entirely. Luckily it was explained on the packaging as a date that I should be paying a lot of attention to. Why? Because each product is stamped with a date which you should start using it by (at the latest). This means you’ll benefit from optimum freshness and efficacy of the 100% natural ingredients used.

You see, NUORI’s products are freshly blended every 12 weeks into small batches. Effectively making each product it’s own little  celebrity. Whilst the premium packaging minimizes exposure to air, light and bacteria. NUORI’s products are free from parabens, synthetic colour, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, petroleum, PEGs, surfaces, MEA, DEA, TEA, polypropylene glycol, phthalates, and silicones.

That’s some pretty damn modern skincare right there.

Is NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser worth it?

Quite frankly yes, because it wondrously manages to checks all of my boxes:

  • 100% Natural ingredients
  • Kind to sensitive skin
  • Non-drying
  • Smells great
  • My skin loves it
  • Travel friendly

As for cost, well price is always going to be a big factor when it comes to skincare. However after years of trying out different products I am fully on the side of re-buying those that I love. Yes, even if they do cost a little bit more. And that’s where I stand with the NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser. Taking in to account the utter lack of nasties, and complete joy of usage, I think it’s worth the £25 price tag.

You can purchase the NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser at MOI MÊME.
Read more of my beauty reviews and recommendations here.

NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser

bloomzy /

Hand Cafe – East Village London’s Little Secret

hand cafeHand Cafe | East Village | Nearest Tube: Stratford | Map

It is my firm belief that everyone should have a local cafe. Cafes are the perfect place to lose yourself in your thoughts, contemplate life, or just enjoy a damn good coffee. When we moved to East Village in Stratford, the cafe offerings were pretty sparse. And by sparse I mean the closest (decent) cafe was in Homerton. That cafe was 46b Espresso Hut.

I’d been a few times when I was in the area, but it wasn’t close enough to become a ‘local’. So you can imagine my surprise when one of the units near our apartment put up a sign saying a new cafe was coming. But this wasn’t just any cafe. This was Hand cafe – 46b Espresso Hut’s younger sibling.

Hand Cafe – East Village London’s Little Secret

I really have nothing bad to say about Hand, so this post is going to be one of those genuine glowing reviews, that don’t come about too often. They’re dedicated to bringing good coffee and high quality food (using local ingredients) to the people of Stratford…and anyone who fancies paying a visit really.

From toasties to shakshuka, it’s anything but the usual foodie fare. The colourful yellow and purple dish below? That’s bacon, avocado and egg on sourdough. They’ve got the ‘traditional’ dishes down, but they’ve added their own special flare to them. My favourite is the Hand Granola; the fruits change based on what’s available and in season, and the added touch of bee pollen and mint adds a whole new dimension of texture and flavour to this breakfast staple. Trust me, you won’t bore of the food here.

More than just coffee…

I visit at least once a week, and often see the same faces (as well as new ones). Eva and Dom spend a lot of time getting to know everyone, and always greet you with a smile. And it’s not forced. These are genuine people doing something they love, and sharing it with those around them. Their hard work and determination has really helped cement Hand as – in my opinion – the best cafe in East Village. Hand cafe is a gem amongst a growing community. I think I’d even go as far to say it’s the heart.

Check out more: Where to Eat in London

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Winter Skincare Saviour Routine | Beauty

winter skincareMy Winter Skincare Saviour Routine

Ok, so it may officially be autumn, but I’m already thinking about my winter skincare routine. Winter can be tough on all of us. The combination of lack of sunlight, harsh wind and rain, and cold weather is not ideal. It’s fair to say that we all suffer a little at this time of year. As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always cautious about taking extra care. So I’ve put together my My Winter Skincare Saviour Routine.

Winter Skincare for… Eyes

  • FaceD – Instant Effect Depuffing Eye Mask | Buy
    • One of my favourite eye masks for reviving tired, puffy eyes.
  • Trilogy – Age-Proof CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate* | Buy
    • This caffeine eye roll brightens, lifts and refreshes. It also keeps me going during the day when my eyes need a pick-me-up. A saviour for someone who works in front of a screen full-time.
  • Ren – Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift* | Buy
    • I love eye creams, and I’m always after the next wonder product. This gel-serum not only lifts, but dramatically brightens the delicate eye area too.

winter skincare

Winter Skincare for… Face

  • Sephora – Precision Pore Cleansing Pad | Buy
    • I use this in my daily routine. It works to invigorate the skin and clean pores, helping to exfoliate and soften the skin.
  • Caudalie – Grape Water | Buy
    • I use this as a toner, to set my make-up, and to sooth my skin. Wonder product!
  • Omorovicza – Oxygen Booster* | Buy
    • This oxygen-rich serum works to revitalise, replenish and hydrate lack-lustre skin. This is one high quality product.
  • Elemis – Biotec Skin Energising Cleanser | Buy
    • A gentle, deep-cleansing wash, for refreshed looking skin. This smells amazing, and treats my skin good.

Winter Skincare for… Body

  • Balance Me – Rose Otto Body Cream* | Buy
    • My skin tends to get dry around Winter, and sometimes I suffer from eczema. So this ultra soothing cream for dry skin is perfect.
  • Pai – Rosehip Bioregenrate Oil* | Buy
    • This is the ultimate multi-tacker. Perfect for the body, or face. Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil can be used to improve: dry patches, flaky patches, blemishes, dull skin tone, fine lines, scars, and sun damage.

winter skincare

Winter Skincare for… Hair

  • Aesop – Nurturing Shampoo  | Buy
    • Great for dry or damaged hair. I haven’t been let down by an Aesop product yet!
  • Aesop – Colour Protection Conditoner | Buy
    • This conditioner contains UV-protective Sunflower Seed to prolong colour retention and Hydrolyzed Oats to hydrate and soften chemically treated or damaged hair.
  • Grow Gorgeous – Cleansing Conditioner* | Buy
    • Forget shampoo. Forget conditioner. This does it all in one…make that 11-in-1. It combines foamless cleansing and deep conditioning in one step to rebalance the scalp and restore hair. I like to use it once a week.

winter skincare

Leave your winter skincare recommendations in the comments.
Don’t forget to check out more of my Beauty posts.

bloomzy /

Atelier September: The Perfect Copenhagen Brunch?

copenhagen brunchThe Perfect Copenhagen Brunch?
Atelier September Cafe & Interiors Store | Website | Map

One of the first things I do when I spend a long weekend in a new city is find out where I can get brunch. As a fan of Scandinavian food, this task was made even more exciting when I travelled to Copenhagen last week. After consulting several books (500 Hidden Secrets of Copenhagen), my Cereal Guide and a few blogs, I had a decent list at hand. At the top of this list was a creative space with a difference – Atelier September.

Atelier September: The Perfect Copenhagen Brunch?

Atelier September is perfectly located a short walk from Copenhagen’s city centre, and just down the road from the popular area of Nyhavn. The cafe boasts bright, clean, spacious interiors at the front of the store, whilst hidden inside the back is a small interiors store/creative space – for all your Danish homeware needs.

The cafe opens at 9am on a Saturday, and since I’m an earlier riser when I’m travelling, I headed over for opening time. I always think the popularity of a place can be seen through the dedication of it’s customers. We arrived around 9:05am and there were only two tables left at this point.  Luckily we grabbed a window seat, so we could people watch…and you know, perfect lighting for blog photos.

The food

For breakfast, you’ll find eggs, rye bread, cheese, granola and fruit on the menu here. It’s simple, but perfect for starting your day on the right note. Lunch time sees a selection of cheeses, hams and breads. Not too different from breakfast, but a great selection none the less.
I went for rye bread and egg. The rye bread was fresh, and the best I’ve had to date. I really loved that the boiled egg was still runny inside, and it complimented the rye bread well. It might sound and look like a simple breakfast, but it was delicious. The perfect start to my Copenhagen travels.

The coffee

As for beverages, Atelier September really excels at bringing variety to the table. Options include fresh pressed juices, matcha, soda, green tea and coffee. I like to start my day with the hard stuff, so I went for a cappuccino (no flat whites here!). I have no complaints.

Does Atelier September offer up the perfect Copenhagen brunch?

Definitely, especially if you’re like me and you don’t always want to over-indulge. If you do, that’s fine too, I’d just suggest you order a couple of dishes. As for value for money, we paid around 140 Krone (£16) for two coffees, and two egg & rye bread breakfasts. That’s not bad when you break it down, and when you consider that you’re brunching in Copenhagen (it’s not a cheap city). The staff here are helpful, and offered us an English menu when I asked about an item on the menu (my Danish is limited to DuoLingo). Afterwards I chatted to the manager about how she wanted to visit London, and how she fell in love with Copenhagen and moved there. If a cafe has good staff, it will go far. And it’s definitely part of the success behind Atelier September. If you want a real Danish experience, head here. It’s a serious contender for the best Copenhagen brunch.

You can find Atelier September at Gothersgade 30 1123 Copenhagen
Check out more: Where to Eat

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Let’s Test the Honor 8 Camera! | Review

honor 8 cameraTesting the Honor 8 Camera in real London life situations

Does anyone actually remember a time before smartphones? No, me neither. As much as we all hate to admit it, our phones are a big part of our lives. I for one will admit that I feel lost without mine. That isn’t because I feel the need to constantly be doing something with my fingers. No. It’s because I feel disorientated if I don’t have a camera on me. That may be confusing, so let me explain myself…

The Honor 8 Camera: A Review

When I’m buying a new phone there’s only one thing I care about besides calls/text. The camera. Honestly, truly (anyone who gets that reference is my new BFF). I can’t live without a camera, and luckily nowadays I don’t have to, because every phone has one. However not all camera phones are created equal. So when I heard about the new Honor 8 and all of it’s shiny camera features, I just had to test it out!

Check out my review, and I photos took with the Honor 8 camera below.

The Tech

Following with previous models, the device holds a dual camera with two 12 MP sensors; one RGB sensor to capture colours and one monochrome sensor for detail. Minus an optical filter, the monochrome sensor captures three times more light than normal, improving the dynamic range of the image and reducing noise – even in darkness – delivering unparalleled picture quality.

On top of this, the Honor 8 camera supports an extensive set of functions and filters, from light painting and beauty mode to panorama frames, slow-mo, food mode, HDR, super night and water mark.

The Photos

We could talk tech all day, but does the Honor 8 camera pay off? Well I took the Honor 8 out for the day around East London to test it out. I took colourful photos, food photos, close-ups, even photos of moving water. I really put the camera through it’s paces.

The big screen was really helpful in framing my photos, and tapping on the screen brought up a selection of editing tools to help get the perfect shot. I was a little worried that the screen would show a preview of an image that wouldn’t actually translate to the photos. However the photos came out clear and sharp. The Honor 8 camera captures colour in an amazing way. The colour you see in front of you, is exactly what you see in your photos too. That’s not something a lot of camera phones can do. Probably the most remarkable was the photo I took of moving water. The image was ridiculously sharp; capturing every ripple and bubble. Colour me impressed.

Final thoughts?

The Honor 8 camera is seriously a massive contender for the best camera on a smartphone right now. I was blown over by the sharpness of the photos, and how crisp the colour was. And that’s just the basic camera! I don’t really take selfies, but the beauty feature is definitely a bit of fun. As is the ‘food camera’, which brightens and saturates images slightly – to bring the most out of your food photos. The pro camera is definitely useful for those who already know their way around an SLR. However it might be confusing for those who are new to these kind of tools. The night mode and water mark features are also quite exciting, and I’ll definitely be checking them out.

If you’re after a new phone and a camera is a big part of your decision, you should definitely be considering the Huawei Honor 8.

You can buy the Honor 8 at Three.

——————————–
The Huawei Honor 8 was gifted to me by Honor, however all views, photos and words are my own.

honor 8 camera
honor 8 camera

Honor 8 Camera

honor 8 camera

bloomzy /

Review: Guess Connect Smartwatch | Style & Tech

guess connect smartwatchGuess Connect Smartwatch *

I love technology. Whenever something new and innovative comes out I’m the first one to jump on the bandwagon. As geeky as it may sound, wearable tech has found it’s way into our everyday lives. The smart watch is no longer something you’d only see in a James Bond movie. It’s a reality. In fact it’s so common now that it’s become a part of people’s personal style. The future is here!

The Guess Connect Smartwatch: Review

As much as I love smart watches I have never actually invested in one. Why? Well I already carry a ton of tech products on me, and I like to switch my watches depending on my outfit. There wasn’t much choice either, and I like to have my pick of the best tech out there. So when I was recently sent the Guess Connect smartwatch I was eager to try it out, and see what the fuss was all about.

The Look

This smart watch is the perfect combination of old and new, with a 41mm analog face. You can find it in 4 colours, one of which is a striking blue and rose gold. Personally the black and gold combo was right up my style alley. It’s definitely something I’d look for in a regular watch. That said, the watch itself is quite chunky for my taste. But this is a general problem for me with my oddly tiny hands and wrists. However my friends told me that as chunky as it was, it didn’t look out of place, which was a relief to hear.

The Tech

Tech-wise, this has all the basics you’d expect from a smart watch: connected via bluetooth, call and voice command, the ability to receive notifications, camera and music control, as well as other features. I tested the watch out and it synced up with my phone easily; I was receiving notifications in no time. I personally like the scrolling text and email feature. It allows me to preview my messages before checking them on my phone later. Not to mention the weather, music and camera functions, which are great. You can’t download apps onto the watch, but then this smartwatch isn’t about that.

Final thoughts?

As an introduction to the world of smart watches, this is perfect for any style driven person. At £250 it may seem expensive, but if you’re after a smart watch then this one certainly won’t break the bank. Plus it does pretty much everything you’d expect a fashion forward smart watch to do. It’s interesting that Guess have been one of the first designers to jump on the smart watch bandwagon. And I don’t think they’ve done too bad a job. Think along the lines of style-meets-tech, that’s when you’ll start to understand what the Guess Connect smartwatch is all about.

You can buy the Guess Connect smart watch at Debenhams.

guess connect smartwatch guess connect smartwatch

bloomzy /

Where to Eat in London: 155 Bar and Kitchen

155 Bar and Kitchen155 Bar and Kitchen | European | Website
155 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, EC1 3AD

Weekend brunch is almost a ritual for the typical Londoner. Whether it’s with your significant other, your friend group, or even a quiet one by yourself, it’s the perfect way to spend a morning…or afternoon. I’ll admit, I’m a serial bruncher. I do it at least once a week, so you know I’m seriously knowledgable. I just love it.

Where to Eat in London: 155 Bar and Kitchen

I like brunch even more though when I can pair it with window shopping. That’s why 155 Bar and Kitchen was the perfect location for me. Attached to trendy lifestyle store Clerkenwell London, 155 Bar and Kitchen offers up European food from breakfast to dinner. The stylish interior blends perfectly with the vibe of the restaurant.  I’m such a sucker for a good looking restaurant.

Of course I was there to brunch, and what better way to do it than with  a bottle of prosecco? Ok so we didn’t just dine on bubbly. In fact we tried a couple of dishes and shared them:

  • 155 Waffles
    At 155 your Belgian (the best in my opinion) waffles come with a choice; bacon & scrambled egg, or berries and cream. Savoury and sweet is my jam, so I went for bacon and egg. The waffles here are homemade, and are the perfect mixture of crunchy outer, and soft inner. Whilst the bacon and egg help even out the sweetness of the waffle. It’s truly a match made in heaven.
  • Classic English Breakfast
    This has to be the prettiest English breakfast I’ve ever seen. And that’s definitely the weirdest sentence I’ve written for a while. There wasn’t too much food, nor was it greasy – two of the main sins of a full English. In summary, not only did it look good, but it tasted pretty damn good too.
  • The coffee
    As always, a brunch spot is nothing without good coffee. If you fancy a bit of caffeine alongside your prosecco – coz you should totally get prosecco too – then don’t fear, 155 does not disappoint on this either.

Final thoughts? 155 Bar and Kitchen is a ridiculously cool and sleek restaurant, perfect for any foodie. Because guess what? It’s all style, and a hell of a lot of substance. If you’re in Clerkenwell, this seriously needs to be on your list of go-to places. And if you don’t? Then get off your sofa and head there straight away!

Check out more: Where to Eat in London

155 Bar and Kitchen155 Bar and Kitchen155 Bar and Kitchen155 Bar and Kitchen