7 Day ZENB Challenge

As a family, we are always looking for ways to get extra vegetables into our diet, as well as finding healthy snack alternatives that won't leave us feeling hungry straight away. Which is why, when ZENB got in touch about taking on their seven-day challenge, focussing on incorporating their Veggie Sticks in our daily life, we jumped at the chance.  

If you haven't heard to ZENB, let me give you a bit of information on this excellent brand. ZENB focusses on promoting the benefits of leading a plant-based lifestyle, and they pride themselves on only using quality, organic ingredients which are vegan friendly and gluten-free. Within their four delicious Veggie Sticks, you will always find vegetables are the first ingredient. The brand has launched in the UK, and if at the end of this blog post you find yourself craving one of their scrumptious Veggie Sticks, then click the link at the bottom of the post, to get them delivered straight to your door, they even fit through your letterbox!

Now, let's get down to how we as a family incorporated The ZENB Veggie Sticks into seven days. 

Day One

I had run out of my homemade granola so instead, I chopped up the ZENB Carrot Veggie Stick and added it to my fruit & yoghurt 

A delicious breakfast and a way to add tasty vegetable flavours to a dish they wouldn’t normally go in!

Day Two

I am a big coffee, tea and biscuits fan but sometimes it’s good to switch up your snacks! So today on my downtime I tried the ZENB Beetroot Veggie Stick! It has no artificial flavours or preservatives, plus it’s gluten-free! I ate this in seconds.

Day Three 

I think I have found my favourite pre-surf snack! 

In addition to the vegetables, ZENB uses additional ingredients such as puffed brown rice, red quinoa and almonds. Delicious! 

Day Four 

A quick lunch for the family! Avocado on toast with a ZENB Beetroot Stick crumbled over the top 

Day Five 

Post-Yoga Snack// Ben and I have been trying to practice more yoga and it always makes us surprisingly hungry. 

Today we enjoyed the ZENB Carrot Veggie Stick. It includes organic ingredients which are vegan friendly and gluten-free. They also always make sure vegetables are the first and main ingredient! Which is awesome. 

Day Six 

No waste meals! 

Our leftover stir-fried rice topped with a ZENB Red Pepper Veggie Stick! 

Our leftover dinner was perfectly paired with a Veggie Stick which includes as much of the vegetable as possible in each bar! ZENB uses parts often thrown away, including peel, core, stem and seeds, helping to raise awareness of reducing food waste!

Day Seven 

 

What an awesome 7 days it’s been! My family have had fun testing out new recipes and switching up our snacking. It’s safe to say we are big fans of ZENB in this house.

All in all, we loved the ZENB Veggie Sticks. They slotted well into our meal plans, snacking and gave us a lovely feeling when we ate them. Knowing that they are organic, vegan friendly, and they focus on using whole vegetables ticked a lot of boxes for us. I cannot rave about them enough! 

To find out more about this brand head to their website: www.zenb.co.uk

This blog is in paid partnership with ZENB.

Green People Handcare & Sun Creams

What a crazy few months that’s been, with the highs and lows have come some surprisingly happy moments. I have had some revelations during this time, and it’s made me realise what matters the most: my family, friends, our home and our health. I have slowed down, reflected and made changes. I now stop to smell the flowers when we walk. I bake more and have become more conscious about the products I am using, which is why I am so happy to be collaborating with Green People on another blog, this time, I will be focussing on the products we have been using in our home over the past month.

First up, we all know the importance of washing our hands. We did it before, but we are doing it more than ever. Albee is now at an age where he understands about washing hands; he loves it, he finds the process quite playful. As a family, we have been using the Green People Deep-Cleansing Hand Foam, which is suitable for sensitive skin. It’s a two in one hand wash and foam, which feels lovely on the skin. It’s 91% Organic and contains Australian Tea Tree extract, Manuka, Aloe Vera and Larch Tree, plus Lemon Tea Tree Oil.

Next up, with all the hand washing, I have been going a little crazy with the hand cream, and the Green People Everyday Hand Cream, which is scent-free has been my hand cream of choice. It’s instantly hydrating and is ultra-kind on the skin of all ages!

The hand care doesn’t stop here! The next product that I have been using, in my eyes in a game changer! Green People Edelweiss & Green Tea SPG 30 Hand Guard, yes you read that correctly, a handguard! We all know the importance of wearing SPF, especially on our faces, but our hands often get forgotten. It’s scent-free 84% organic, fast-absorbing and offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays! I keep this in my beach bag and make sure I always apply it as I would my face suncream.

Which, brings me perfectly onto suncream! We are big beach fans in this family, Albee is happiest when his a running around on the beach and splashing in the waves, which means SPF is essential to us. Also, as surfers, we have a duty of care to our oceans and using reef-safe sunscreens have something we always try to do. We have been using a selection of ocean-friendly suncream from Green People and can confirm; we are hooked. Albee’s skin is very sensitive and in the past has had reactions to suncream but the Organic Children Sun Lotion, SPF 30 has worked wonders on his skin. It’s rich in Aloe Vera and toddler-friendly. It rubs in quickly, doesn’t make him look like I’ve dipped him in white paint and feels comfortable on his skin! If you have a toddler, you will know how much they hate having cream put on them, but honestly, this suncream rubs in so quickly they are back playing in no time!

As for the creams, myself and Ben have been using, we have loved the family start kit! It’s a great way to test out the ones that work for us. They have also partnered with the Marine Conservation Society, since 2011, donating 20p from every sale of every one of their full-sized marine-friendly sun lotions! How awesome is that?

To shop the products click the links below!


Green People - Green People Handcare


Green People - Green People Sun Cream 

This blog was in paid partnership with Green People, but as you know, I never endorse anything I don’t fully support or use myself! 

Green People Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask Review

We all go through periods in our lives where we are overwhelmed and finding the time for that much loved "self-care" malarkey doesn't even come into play. Well, I have just come out of one of those spells. Life got hectic, really hectic. I felt tired, run-down, overstretched - in every which way. 

Thankfully, within these four walls - that I sit and type this blog from has calmed down. The world has not, in fact, it's got very chaotic, but I try to keep the normality and catch up on the things that make me feel calm and reconnected with myself. 

Skincare, for those of you that follow my Instagram feed, will know is something I love. My skincare cabinet is filled with creams, oil, balms and now much to my delight the new Coconut Charcoal Purifying Face Mask. I have teamed up with Green People to review their latest creation. I have to say when they asked me to review this product I jumped at the chance. I love trying new products, and in all honesty, my skin needed some serious TLC. These last few weeks have taken it out on me and much to my delight it has been written all over my face. 

When it comes to skincare, I love making the whole experience something unique. Be it putting on my favourite comfies, lighting a candle or if it's been an extra-long day, pouring a glass of wine. So, when this delightful package arrived, I knew I had to take some time to indulge my skin because it had been long overdue!

This was my first time using a face mask containing charcoal, so I had no idea what to expect. Upon reading the details of this mask, I was delighted to see the mask focusses on mattifying and balancing combination or oily skin, which is precisely my skin, one week it can be greasy, one week it can be dry! Turns out, this mask is also a brightening, deep-cleaning, which will give you glowing results. I'll jump in straight away before I say anything else. It does exactly what it says on the box, exactly what it says! My skin felt tingly while the mask was on, which I love because, to me, that shows the product is working. 

The face mask is sustainably produced, using coconut shells that are a by-product of coconut-based products. It contains 87% certified organic ingredients. With activated charcoal that absorbs pollutants and reduces the appearance of pores.

If you're looking for something to brighten your skin and lift your mood a little, then this is the product you need to buy.

I have linked the product for you to shop! HERE 

AZURA BAY MATERNITY LINGERIE

If you've been following my blog and social media for a few years, you will have seen I often collaborate with Azura Bay, an ethical lingerie and loungewear store who specialise in eco-luxe fashion for women. Although I have never met Ashley, I feel we have connected with our passion for empowering women and celebrating the female form through beautiful lingerie. The blog you are about to read is in collaboration with Azura Bay, and I am going to share some of my experiences of breastfeeding.

Naturally, when I found out I was pregnant, I didn't want to stop modelling. I wanted to feel empowered with my new body and celebrate it, not hide it away. I also wanted to document the changes my body went through, because not only did I find it fascinating, I also found it quite challenging. The first significant difference I noticed was the size of my boobs they grew - quickly. Almost overnight! In all honesty, it wasn't something I wasn't prepared for at all, but it was something I eventually embraced and just made sure I adapted my wardrobe to my expanding body.

I reached out to Ashley at Azura Bay to see if she had any lingerie that would suit my pregnant physique and soon to be a postpartum body. Much to my delight, she did, and I was gifted the most beautiful Nursing / Transition Bralette. It was and still is the most luxurious and elegant bra I own, to date!

So now you know the bra I lived in while pregnant and breastfeeding, but let's chat a little more about "pregnant boobs."

To put it bluntly - my boobs felt heavy. They ached, they were sore and uncomfortable, but the minute I put on the Mayana Genevieve, Nikki Black Lace Bralette I felt instant comfort. It was like someone has lifted all the extra weight off my chest, releasing the pressure off my back, it felt like heavy. Now looking back at them, I realise HOW BIG they were. They were almost the size of my head, and I have a big head! It is quite spectacular how much your body changes.

Well, the changes don't stop there. When I gave birth to Albee, in the early hours of 30th August 2018, my body changed again. I was no longer carrying my son. I was holding him in my arms, breastfeeding him and kissing him gently on his forehead. It was the most mind-blowing feeling and still is nearly 18 months on.

Breastfeeding, however, was not the magical experience I thought it would be. I struggled a lot at the start; I couldn't get into the swing of it. Albee didn't latch well, and as a result, I ended up with mastitis in both boobs, one of which resulted in an abscess. I had to go to the hospital so many times I lost count. I had my boobs drained, which was not a pleasant experience and meant I had to leave my son with a family member much earlier than I would have liked. It was not to welcome into motherhood that I expected. I wasn't fully aware of how unwell it had made me until the third course of antibiotics hit my system. I thought I was just tired after looking caring for a newborn, but there is tiredness, and there is not being able to pick your child up because your body is so unwell.

I then had to express for six months and combination feed formula and breastmilk, to try and prevent the same thing happening again!

It was not how imagined my breastfeeding experience to go. I thought I would be able to feed Albee for at least a year. It did break my heart, and I battled with a range of emotions and feelings, all of which I put on myself. However, looking back on it, I know I tried my best, and I made the best decisions for my son and me.

Now I am 18 months on, and Albee is thriving, and I want to share my advice on breastfeeding and feeding for expecting mothers. So here they are:

Listen to your instincts
Do what feels right for you. You know your body better than anyone so listen to it.

Buy a great bra
If you chose to breastfeed, invest in a good-quality nursing bra. I cannot rate the Azura Bay Mayana Genevieve, Nikki Black Lace Bralette enough. For pre and post-birth, all you want is to be comfortable, but it doesn't need to leave you feeling frumpy. You CAN feel beautiful and be a nursing mother!

Ask for advice in the right places.
Chat to your friends, call your local breastfeeding specialist, and ask family members who have had children. Sharing your experiences and calling upon others for their advice will help you understand the journey you are on.

Fed is BEST
A fed baby is the best kind of baby. Many will argue that breast is best, but if it is making you unwell or stressed, then maybe it's not.

Be patient with yourself
You are going on a crazy journey, and whether you choose to breastfeed or not, you are going to feel many emotions. Hopefully, lots of these emotions will be positive, but trust me, there will be a few that are not. Try not to dwell on these. Just ride it out, relax and trust in the process.

I hope that by sharing my story that it may help some of you. If you are an expecting mother or a new mother reading this, remember you are enough, do what you feel is best for you and your child and give yourself time. Time to adjust to your new role, be patient and above all enjoy it ALL!

Photos by Checkered Photography 

DIY Wire Shell Ring

A little while ago, Kernowcraft sent me a Gemstone ring DIY kit. I couldn't believe how simple it was to put together and it really took no time at all! I actually didn't even use any tools, but you may want to use a spoon or if you have the kit, a bezel rocker.


It really is a two-step process and you have your very own stunning ring with the gemstone of your choice. It is very much a beginner-friendly kit, which would make the perfect gift for anyone who is a budding jewellery designer or who has a love of rings. 

Here is how I made my own Wire Shell Ring. 

Step 1
Place the cabochon into the ring setting.
Mine is a Peruvian Amazonite Cabochon

Step 2

Use a bezel rocker (or spoon!) to gently push the claws of the setting over the stone - alternating from each side, to keep the stone central. 

Or as I did, with my fingers, then later, finishing it off with a spoon to ensure it was secure.

There you have it! It is that simple. To grab on for yourself just click here

*gifted from Kernowcraft 

Over One Year On

It’s been a while since I spoke about motherhood — nearly seven months, which is a little embarrassing. But, as all parents know, time flies by when you've had kids, ah screw that, time flies for everyone.

One thing I will say about my life flashing before my eyes there has been a direct correlation with my lack of motherhood blog posts, and going back to work - one day shy of full time. Finding the time to sit down and write, doesn't come as easy as it used to, but hopefully, I will get back my blogging hat on a little more.

In June, I stepped back into the office for a few more days a week, and suddenly my life became full. The weeks flew by. The months flashed before my eyes and my time with Albee became more precious than ever before.

Albee is now 14 months old, nearly 15 months. He is walking, he can communicate with me. His vocabulary blows my mind! I never knew a child of his age could communicate in the way he does. Our bond is deep; I feel a real connection with him; he’s like my little buddy.

Each stage he goes through is lovely, and as much as I miss the newborn cuddles, and his ability to fall asleep anywhere. My walking, talking, pasta gobbling toddler that loves to play peek-a-boo has made motherhood fun for me, in ways I never knew possible!

Already, I have digressed. This blog entry wasn’t meant to be about how awesome Albee is, although I could write pages and pages on this subject. What I wanted to talk about was how I have felt going back to work, after having Albee.

It’s is getting close to my year anniversary of going back to work as a mother. Starting with just one day a week at three months, which may seem a little soon to some, but when you’re self-employed and also love your job, you have to make it work.

I struggled. I missed Albee, but I was also thrilled to be back at work. I loved being involved in decision making, planning collaborations, and writing about surfing again.

There were moments after having Albee that I felt like I’d lost my identity. My body had changed. My hormones were all over the place, and I questioned who I was and wanted to be.

Going back to work helped me reconnect with who I was before, and I feel fortunate to be able to say that. Not everyone gets that chance or loves their job. That one day at work a week helped me find me again. It also made me more present as a parent.

Then at ten months on, I was back in the office three days a week, with one day or working from home. Now, this was a lot harder because we had to decide to find childcare for Albee.

Our childcare is fantastic, but I still cried the first day I left him and had to go to work. I know I am not the only mother that goes through this, but it doesn’t make it any easier.

Albee is thriving in childcare, and our time together is filled with adventure, playtime and visiting family. I am excited for our days off together like I used to feel about weekends.

As much as it may sound like I have been smashing the work mum balance, it’s not without that horrible plague that I call “Mum Guilt!” I hate it. I have had no "mum guilt" from anyone in my life; the only person that makes me feel guilty is myself. Who knows why I do, because it’s flipping stupid. All I am trying to do is provide for my child.

It’s because of this terrible feeling that I wanted to write this blog post. Being a mother is hard enough, especially when you through trying to maintain a career into the mix. Whether you’re a stay at home, mum, working mum, juggling the two mum. Whoever you are and whatever you’re doing don’t be hard on yourself. You are doing your best and whatever you feel is right for your child. There is no right or wrong way to do this; we are all just winging it.

No one prepares us for the changes that we are set to face. Changes to our bodies, emotions, careers, relationships with our partners it's such a hard transition to go through. So, remember, never judge a mother by her perfectly styled hair and super on-trend outfit, because she is going through nearly all if not all the same emotional marathon that you're on.

Bringing up children is hard, it’s life-changing and a lot to deal with, so go easy on yourself. Take it all in your stride and trust in yourself; you are smashing it!

Only Hearts Azura Bay

Back when the sun was warm on my skin, my tan was a little darker, my hair laced with saltwater and the days felt endless. So, with summer feeling like a distant memory, I thought I'd share images from another one of collaboration with ethical lingerie and women's loungewear store Azura Bay and photographer Lizzie Churchill. 

This was, in fact, my first lingerie shoot since having my son. My body has changed, and so has my opinion of it, but much to my surprise, instead of disliking my body since childbirth, I love it more. 

It has a new purpose; it created life and has helped me nurture that life and continues to do so. I will never look at myself in the same way. 

One thing I couldn't wait to do when I felt fully recovered from birth was to get into some pretty underwear. I was sick of wearing big pants and sets that made me feel frumpy. I wanted to be in sets that made me feel confident and comfortable at the same time.

In this blog, I am wearing Only Hearts Organic Cotton Wrap Bralette and the Organic Cotton Not So Basic Thong.

I hope you like the images and stay tuned for more from our collaboration.

x

This blog features images which were taken as part of a paid for collaboration