STRETCH MARKS & WHY WE SHOULD ACCEPT THEM

Hello everyone,

Today's post is going to be all about stretch marks. What are they? why do we have them? and most of all, why do we dislike them?

What are they?
So after a quick search on Google, here is what I found for the definition of stretch marks (sourced from the NHS website). "Stretch marks are narrow streaks or lines that occur on the surface of the skin. Often red/purple to start with, before gradually fading to a silvery/white colour". Also on the website it says that stretch marks can occur all over the body, and occur to all different kinds of people, with different circumstances.

Why do we have them?
Again, after a quick search on the NHS website, here is what I found for why we have stretch marks, in medical terms. "Stretch marks are caused when the skin rapidly stretches as a result of sudden growth/weight gain. The stretching causes the middle layer of skin to tear, allowing the deeper skin layers to show through, forming stretch marks". Now this is a very brief and simple description, but I mainly wanted to add this to the post in order to show how it is a completely natural and common thing. As they are mostly caused around growth, stretch marks are more common in those with "growing" circumstances, such as pregnant women, girls/boys going through puberty, and other medical conditions too.

My personal experience
So I have stretch marks pretty much everywhere. I have them on my legs, arms, shoulders, chest, stomach, back. When I say everywhere, I really do mean everywhere!! I first started getting stretch marks around ages 13/14 I believe, and I remember at first I really hated them. Over time however they have faded and I think it got to the point where I had so many that I got used to them too. Another thing I came to realise was that literally everyone seems to have stretch marks, and this helped to normalize them for me. I have some stretch marks that go very deep which I don’t like when I see them, and I don’t like that I have stretch marks on my stomach but I have noticed now that  this is a toxic mindset, as they are something completely natural, can’t be helped and also really aren’t that bad. I find with lots of things in my life it is important for me to think about my own perspective, and I wouldn’t look at someone with stretch marks and think oh no, that looks bad. I wouldn’t even notice/think anything of it - and so people are most likely doing the same for me. So I have learnt to love and accept my stretch marks over time - even the ones I didn’t like before. I do think them fading has helped as they are a lot less visible now.

Why we should learn to accept & appreciate them
As I mentioned before, it seems that pretty much everyone has stretch marks. So for me, it makes no sense as to why they are still stigmatized and seen as unwanted. I think it is important for everyone to embrace the skin they are in - whether that skin has stretch marks, scars or other marks too. There really is so much more to life and when I hear of people not wearing certain things or not feeling comfortable in certain situations because of their stretch marks, it makes me truly sad. Sad to live in an unrealistic and unnatural world. Some people have stretch marks because of amazing things such as pregnancy, growth of certain areas and weight gain (which for some can be a positive thing). So the real idea I am trying to get across in this post is that stretch marks are just marks at the end of the day. Minor marks and a sign of life! I hope as time goes on ideas such as stretch marks being ‘flaws’ disappears so that people of the future (and current people) stop placing so much emphasis on such minor details and encourage and embrace diversity. It is something that I will definitely and do practice and hope to pass it on to others.

How to look after stretch marks/scars/delicate skin
An important thing to keep in mind when dealing with ‘flaws’ such as stretch marks, is how to see them in a positive light and I think care of whatever you see as a flaw can sometimes help. As stretch marks are similar to scarred skin, it does need that extra care and that’s where Rio Rosa comes in! I have been using two of their products, the body butter which is more of an all over product for me, as it's really luxurious and great for making your skin feel soft and amazing. The main product I have been using on my stretch marks however is their Rosehip Seed Oil, which I use specifically on areas I feel need that extra care. I have been using both products for a while now and love them both. They both feel great on the skin and feel very high quality which is what I love in body products. Both are reasonably priced and easy to get hold of (via the Rio Rosa website). You can use the code ‘MEG20’ for 20% off your first order too! The products are 100% natural and I think they're great! Of course you don't have to use these exact products, anything that links a positive action with the idea of stretch marks/anything you don't like on yourself should eventually mean you condition (probably a reference to Pavlov in there) yourself into accepting the way you are and embracing it.

A message to anyone out there battling issues with how they look - stretch marks or not - I hope you find love for yourself, as you truly deserve a life of self love and worth, and never ever let anyone make you think differently.

Never thought I'd be putting a picture of my stretch marks on the internet - but life is a bit like that sometimes! Put in black and white as they are not very visible alone. I definitely can't be ashamed of them now!!

Thanks for reading!

DEGUSTABOX UNBOXING - JULY 2018

Hello everyone,

Today I am going to be unboxing July's edition of Degustabox, a monthly subscription box containing food and drink items. I have been doing unboxing posts since August 2017, which you can take a look back through on here! You can find Degustabox via their website, Instagram or Facebook pages. The box is £12.99 a month, but I do have a (non-affiliate) which is 'SRMJ9', taking your first box down to £7.99 including postage!

So, on to what's inside the box! There were two versions of the box this month, the alcohol version and the non-alcohol version. The products marked with an '*' are the either/or products, and will depend on the box you get! 

PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH - CAPSICANA BRAZILIAN SMOKED PAPRIKA & SPICES SEASONING MIX (RRP: £1.00) // CAPSICANA MEXICAN GUACAMOLE MIX (£0.65)

First in the box are two products from Capsicana. They are extending their authentic Latin American range, and have included these two products as part of this. First is the Brazilian Smoked Paprika & Spices seasoning mix, which can be sprinkled on meat for the BBQ or used in the oven. Also in the box is the Mexican Guacamole mix, which is made to be added to one smashed avocado for homemade guacamole! I love guacamole and think this is a great and easy idea. I cant't wait to use it!

Both products are launching in larger Sainsbury's stores this month.

HEINZ SALAD CREAM (RRP: £1.49)

"After a century of being a must-have ingredient in lunchboxes and picnic hampers up and down the country, Heinz salad cream still has it's deliciously zingy taste that makes it one of Britain's best-loved sauces" - There's not a lot else to say I think!

ROSIE'S PIG FLAT TYRE CIDER (RRP: £2.00)*

Described as "lightly sparkling, cloudy cider with rhubarb juice. Made with fresh pressed Herefordshire apples, this sweet and well balanced cider is slowly matured and left unfiltered to create an uncompromising flavour. The fruity taste paired with a tart finish makes it refreshingly moreish". I absolutely loved this and will be buying this for myself. It's a perfect summer drink and I love it! *This is included in the alcoholic version of Degustabox only.

RIBENA SPARKLING DRINKS (2 X £2.70 each)

"Ribena Sparkling is a grown up twist on a classic - this time with bubbles included! Available in two tongue tickling flavours; Blackcurrant, and Pineapple & Passionfruit - this refreshing new drink comes in at less than 15 calories per bottle - available now in pubs near you. You should receive two flavours in your Degustabox. I have tried these and they're quite different to what I was expecting. They taste like still Ribena, but are fizzy! I think they are a good option for those who want a soft drink when out at pubs.

MISO TASTY MUGI BARLEY MISO SOUP (RRP: £3.75)

"Made from fermented barley and soybeans, our Mugi Barley Miso Soup has a light but hearty flavour. The mushrooms add a sweet, earthy taste and are packed seperately to keep our miso fresh and mushrooms flavoursome!" I am yet to try this, but next time I make ramen I may use it as a base!

PERCOL ICE COFFES (RRP: £1.50 each)

"We're a small bunch of coffee lovers who are passionate about bringing you the best beans. That's why we've created these irresistible Fairtrade and Organic Iced Coffees". I personally don't like coffee, but I gave this to my mum who really enjoyed it. You should receive one of two flavours in your Degustabox (I received the protein latte flavour).

PECKISH CHEESE TRAYS (RRP: £1.59)

"Peckish is a thinner, lighter, crispier snack made of rice and full of flavour! We are baked not fried, gluten free and under 100 calories per portion. The trays are perfect for sharing and entertaining this summer. I am yet to try these but they sound great!

PULSIN SALTED CARAMEL RAW CHOC BROWNIE (RRP: £1.59)

" A deliciously decadent healthy brownie... who knew that could even exist? Well, now it does! Crafted with the finest natural ingredients, the new Salted Caramel Raw Choc Brownie from Pulsin is the perfect treat for an indulgent yet guilt-free snack!"

ROWNTREE'S FRUIT PASTILLES 30% LESS SUGAR POUCH (RRP: £1.29)

"30% less sugar, 100% fun-filled. Introducing Rowntree's 30% less sugar fruit pastilles. The sweets you know and love, but now with 30% less sugar. Rowntrees sweets contain no artifical colours, flavours, preservatives or sweeteners" These went down a treat and still taste great!

LONDON FLAVOURS CRISPS (£0.95 each)

"Our premium crisps are made with the best British potatoes, roughly peeled, seasoned with delicious flavours and hand cooked in small batches to ensure an even crispier quality" You should receive two of four flavours in your Degustabox (I received lightly salted and cheddar and onion). I loved the lightly salted flavour of these!

CADBURY HIGHLIGHTS MILK CHOCOLATE DRINK (RRP: £2.99)

"The deliciously light way to enjoy hot chocolate! Cadbury Highlights Milk Chocolate has the smooth, milk-chocolatey taste of Cadbury, but with only 38 calories per cup!" I haven't tried this yet, but I love hot chocolate especially with the autumn/winter upcoming months.

That's everything for this post! I hope you have all enjoyed reading.

EMPTIES #3 - JULY 2018

Hello everyone!

Today I will be going through my recent empties - products that I have used over the past few weeks. I have done two of these so far and really enjoy creating them, so here's my third! As always, products marked with a '*' are products sent to me by brands for free, but all opinions are my own.

HEMPZ YUZU & STARFRUIT INSTANT SUNLESS BRONZING MOUSSE (MEDIUM)*
Enriched with 100% pure natural hemp seed oil. Paraben/gluten free and vegan friendly. I really enjoyed using this and it gave me a lovely colour. Easy to use, lasts well and is a great colour! It does have a scent, but it isn't that typical fake tan scent which I also prefer. All in all I really enjoyed using this and it is great for topping your tan up.

MASQUEBAR LAVENDER MODELLING MASK*
I've never used a mask like this before, you have to add water and mix it up yourself. The only thing I would say is that you do have to work quickly with it as it dries fast. It was easy to make up though especially with the instructions and spoon provided, and made my skin feel lovely, really supple, hydrated, soothed and soft. I didn't leave it on for as long as recommended as I took too long with the application so a lot of the mask had dried but all in all I was really happy with the results, enjoyed using the mask and would definitely use it again.

TOO FACED BETTER THAN SEX WATERPROOF MASCARA
This was only a mini version so not a full empty but I can definitely see what all the fuss is about with this! It makes your lashes defined, gives them a lovely curl and volume and overall makes my lashes look amazing! I would probably go on to purchase this in the future, although it is out of my usual budget as it is high end. I do think I'd prefer non-waterproof as I did find this was harder to remove than my usual non-waterproof formulas but it is a great option if that's what you are looking for!

NOUGHTY HAIRCARE DETOX DYNAMO SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER*
This product is 97% natural, free from silicones, sulphates, parabens, petrochemicals and is cruelty free. I really enjoyed using this, it made my hair so soft and clean and was the best my hair has felt in a while. I believe this is an affordable brand, and I would definitely suggest it if you're looking for a natural range of products with good morals, then this is for you! Despite being a two-in-one product, I found this didn't make my hair limp or greasy at all and I would definitely consider it again in the future.

SUKIN HYDRATING MIST TONER*
This mist toner is alcohol & paraben free, soothes & tones skin, is suitable for all skin types, contains no sulphates, synthetic fragrance, harsh detergents, artificial colours or mineral oil. It is also carbon neutral, cruelty free and vegan friendly. I absolutely loved this. It's so refreshing, makes the skin feel soothed, hydrated and all round great! It's so easy to use, I love the mist applicator and this is a new found love for me. I absolutely loved using it and would definitely consider it in the future, as it has an affordable price point too. I also love that they have great ethics!

RIMMEL WAKE ME UP CONCEALER (IVORY)
This concealer I really like. It doesn't have a huge amount of coverage (medium) but especially for under the eyes gives a natural and ever so slight glowy finish. I find it's not as good for covering blemishes so I tend to stick to using it as an under-eye concealer but it is a go-to of mine as it's affordable and works well for me! I have actually already re-purchased this so really do like it. I find the Ivory shade isn't very light - it tends to match my skin colour rather lighten it, which is my only minor fault.

JOAN COLLINS BEAUTY I AM WOMAN DRY OIL BODY POLISH*
Made in the UK, this body polish from Joan Collins was lovely. It's very nourishing but also very grainy (I'm not too sure what word to use), but they're my favourite types of body scrubs to use. It's great for removing fake tan, and all round makes your skin look and feel lovely. The scent is quite feminine, and lingers on the skin for a little while too. I really enjoyed using this overall!

TIME BOMB COMPLEXION COCKTAIL*
The aim of this is to detoxify stressed skin, which I would definitely say it accomplished. I used this as a toner to prep my skin for other products and loved using it that way. It left my skin with a lovely healthy glow and made my skin feel smooth but also clean. I really enjoyed using this and would definitely recommend it to anyone! I love the scent of this too, and it isn't heavily fragranced which I like.

MAKEUP REVOLUTION RADIANT LIGHTS POWDER (BREATHE)
This powder is a suggested dupe for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders. I have never tried the Hourglass ones personally, but this powder I really liked! It's great for keeping you matte but also still giving dimension to the face, it provides a natural looking glow and is great if you want a more natural look. I really enjoyed using this and would definitely repurchase. I believe it's £4 too so really affordable!

IMPERIAL LEATHER FOAMBURST UNICORN MARSHMALLOW BODY WASH
I have never tried a foam body wash before, but this one didn't disappoint! The foamy texture is lovely, and I do prefer it to regular body wash. The scent is sweet (which I love) and all in all I feel this was a great product, and I'd definitely try some of the other foaming body washes available in the future! I believe this particular scent is limited edition however. Also affordable at a few pounds!

FEATHER & DOWN SWEET DREAMS CALMING CANDLE*
This I absolutely loved!! The scent is amazing, and is so relaxing. The candle has a great fragrance throw off, and I really couldn't fault this. I love how simple the jar is, it looked lovely on my bedside table and I found using the candle light from this combined with the scent was great for helping me relax and calm down in the evenings - something I find very hard! I really loved this and would definitely look to get it in the future.

URBAN VEDA ROSE & BOTANICS REVIVING HYDRATING TONER*
This toner is ph balanced, natural, contains no sls, parabens or gm ingredients, is cruelty free and vegetarian society approved, as well as being made in the UK. This was a joy to use, left my skin feeling fresh, purified but not stripped and uncomfortable. It is definitely hydrating, which I wasn't sure about at first but came to love. I really loved this and would definitely recommend it to anyone, especially those with maturer/dry skin. I would definitely consider buying this in the future.

MAX FACTOR VOLUPTUOUS FALSE LASH EFFECT MASCARA
Finally is a mascara from Max Factor. The Max Factor mascaras are some of my favourites and this one didn't disappoint. This made my lashes defined, not clumpy. gave them amazing volume and gave them a little extra boost! I would definitely consider this again, and as Max Factor is an affordable brand it's easy to get hold of.

That's everything! I hope you all enjoyed this post.

DEGUSTABOX UNBOXING - JUNE 18

Hello everyone!

Today I am going to be unboxing June's edition of Degustabox, a monthly subscription box containing food and drink items. I have been doing unboxing posts since August 2017, which you can take a look back through on here! You can find Degustabox via their website, Instagram or Facebook pages. The box is £12.99 a month, but I do have a (non-affiliate) which is 'SRMJ9', taking your first box down to £7.99 including postage!

So, on to what's inside the box! There were two versions of the box this month, the alcohol version and the non-alcohol version. The products marked with an '*' are the either/or products, and will depend on the box you get! The theme for this months box is BBQ, perfect for summer!

PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH - CAPSICANA COOK SAUCES (2 X RRP: £1.99)
Product of the month is from the brand Capsicana and is two of their cook sauces. I received the flavours Brazilian Chilli & Coconut, and Cuban Chilli & Lime. Described as 'changing the way we eat Mexican and Latin American food, packed full of authentic flavours, helping to create tastier meals at home.' Two flavours are included in each Degustabox.

ROSIE'S PIG RASPBERRY ROLLER (RRP: £2.00)*
Next in the box is a can of drink, described as 'raspberry and cucumber flavour sparkling cloudy cider. A refreshing berry flavour with citrus notes creates a well-balanced easy drinking cider with a fresh finish.' *Only included in the alcohol version of the box. I really enjoyed this and would definitely get it again in the future.

FYRE FRUIT DRINKS ( 2 X RRP: £1.29)
Described as 'A refreshing sparkling fruit drink with an added kick of spices and sweetness from fruits to keep anyone wanting more. Available in two lively flavours, FYRE is a great-tasting drink with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. *Included in the non-alcohol version of the box.

FRYLIGHT AVOCADO OIL COOKING SPRAY (RRP: £2.99)
Described as 'Frylight Avocado Oil cooking spray is a great alternative to fatty oil for everyday shallow frying, roasting and baking. It can be used at higher temperatures than most cooking sprays due to the more resilient nature of avocado oil - perfect for stir fries'

PECKISH BBQ RICE CRACKERS MULTI-PACK (RRP: £1.79)
Described as 'a thinner, lighter crispier snack made of rice and full of flavour! Baked, not fried, gluten free and under 100 calories per portion.'

BRIOCHE PASQUIER PAINS AU LAIT (RRP: £1.75) 
Described as 'free from preservatives, artificial flavours and hydrogenated fats, our soft and tasty milk brioche rolls can be enjoyed at any moment of the day. They are also ideal for BBQ's with family and friends!

no&more raspberry&blueberry (RRP: £1.29)
Described as 'a beautifully balanced spring water with a hint of raspberry and blueberry. No sugar, no sweeteners, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and pH neutral: the perfect alternative to plain water. Find us in Boots and Waitrose or on social media @noandmore. I really liked this, and it was a nice alternative to plain water!

Idahoan Gratin Bake (RRP: £2:30)
'With a preparation time of less than 3 minutes and a cook time of less than 30 mins it makes an impressive accompaniment to any meal. Add contents to a casserole dish, with hot water, milk and a knob of butter and let the oven do the rest!' I am yet to try this but it looks ans sounds great!

Orangina Original & Light (2 X RRP: £1.20)
'Orangina, with it's unmistakable orange flavour, soft sparkle and real citrus pulp makes the perfect summer drink. It is both delicious on it's own with ice and a slice of orange, or as a mixer in mocktails and cocktails.

The Jelly Bean Factory Fairtrade box (RRP: £1.25)
'Filled with 36 delicious flavours and made using Fairtrade sugar, they are the perfect on the go snack.'

Mighty Fine Salted Caramel Honeycomb Bar (RRP: £1.00)
'The finest handcrafted honeycomb made with the very best natural ingredients. Our new 30g salted caramel bar is made with our signature light, crisp and slightly salted honeycomb covered in a creamy, caramel Belgian milk chocolate. Our bars really are the bees knees, so indulge and enjoy. Available in Sainsbury's local up and down the country.'

Great British Biscotti Co (RRP: £1.30) 
'A heavenly huddle of Belgian white chocolate, zingy cranberries and sublime pistachios, entwined deep within our classically buttery crumbly biscotti. All 20 flavours of our Biscotti are hand made with the best ingredients in our Artisan Bakery in Dorset. Soon to be available on Ocado and Amazon.' This was amazing!! So delicious and unlike anything I've ever tried before. I would definitely get this in the future!

So that's it for this month! I hope you all enjoyed reading this.