Month: January 2016

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I was recently lucky enough to be included on a review team for Love Shea and their wonderful range of natural skincare. The product I was sent to review was their Himalayan Sea Salt and Rose Moisturising Salt Scrub, RRP £12.99

I have to admit, it had been quite some time since I had used a scrub – mainly due to the worrying environmental side to them (we have all heard the horror stories surrounding those little plastic beads!), so it is fair to say that I probably had grandma elbows (and probably knees!) when this gorgeous little pot arrived to greet me one morning.

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The product boasts hand crushed salt, which is high in minerals including magnesium, potassium and calcium, great for detoxifying the skin, encouraging skin cell restoration and reducing the signs of ageing. Other ingredients include organic virgin coconut oil, rosehip oil, rose geranium essential and lemon essential oil – it’s one of those indulgences which you don’t have to feel guilty about in more ways than one, as it is also 100% vegan friendly!

Firstly, I have to say, I was very impressed with the packaging. The product comes in a very “on trend” and practical, “kilner” style jar, which I will most definitely be using after the product has been used up. It is beautifully branded, with the font and imagery on the flyer and label, reflecting a natural and calming feeling.

The next thing to hit me, as I opened the lid of the jar, was the amazing fragrance of rose – and I really do mean amazing. It literally smells like someone has just bought you a bouquet of a dozen roses – gorgeous! I couldn’t wait to try the product, and following the instructions, I used it on damp skin in the shower. It is quite a fine grit so it doesn’t feel too harsh on the skin at all, and I have fairly sensitive skin so if I can use it, anyone can.

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My skin felt immediately smoother and actually cleaner somehow, but I did use this for several days that week I have to say by the end of the week I was very happy with the difference. I could feel a complete difference in the trouble spots, like knees and elbows – in fact I think I had forgotten my skin could feel that smooth! More than that though, I genuinely felt that by the end of the week, my skin generally had a glow to it – even my best friend noticed; I just looked healthier.

I would thoroughly recommend this product to anyone, especially if you are looking for a good quality scrub which is 100% natural and 100% vegan friendly – what could be better! You can buy this and all the other tempting Love Shea products, including body soufflé, face serums and soaps here.

This sample was sent to me free of charge through the blogger review service of the VEGAN lifestyle ASSOCIATION. I have not been paid for this review and it is my genuine and unbiased review of the product. LoveShea Skincare is listed with the VLA and offers Associates a 15% discount and you can take advantage of this here. [https://veganlifestyleassoc.com/directory-entries/loveshea-skincare/]

Maybe baby….. Maybe not

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Whilst I do enjoy hearing cute stories about people’s children, I am starting to tire of people talking to me in a way that assumes there will be a point in my life when I have children myself. As I think most do, I have mostly pictured children in my future, and if you asked me right now, today, yes I would like one or two at some point. Then again, ask me next week and I may have changed my mind. I have not yet made the decision to have children and more than that, I am increasingly aware that, nature permitting, it is very much a choice, and perhaps one day I will decide not to have them. And that will need to be ok; with myself and with the rest of the world. Also, maybe I won’t be able to have children and then the choice will be taken out of my hands.

People seem to be aware of the issues and stigma affecting those who cannot have children, but not much is said about how it feels when others talk to you about “when” you have children – assuming that you want them and can have them. I say this not just for myself and about my situation, but also for the many many other combinations of situations and opinions of others. Some people may just not like being around children, some may prefer animals as “children”, some may find their life calls them to places and to make plans which simply don’t involve children.

I feel similar about being vegan actually. It’s a choice I’ve made, and since I made it, it has been eye opening to observe how most people assume that everyone else acts as they do and believes what they do. “What…. You don’t eat meat or have dairy?!!…. What do you eat?!!” The idea that there is another way, is often too much for people to comprehend – and of course, must be for weirdos (not for compassionate people of course – that’s a whole other blog!)

I often hear people say that not having children is something people regret when they get old. I find that quite assumptious, and quite offensive actually. As an only child, I often worry about being “old and alone”, but that fear alone is not a reason to have children. That would be like saying “oh phew, now you exist so I won’t be on my own”. I’m sure it is a lovely feeling to know that you have children who will be there for you when you’re old and infirm, but I wish people would think twice about pointing that out as a reason that someone should consider having children, because as I said, you never know someone’s feelings, reasons or history.

I cannot predict the future, nor would I want to, so I don’t like the feeling of social pressure that comes from others assuming that children are definitely in my future. Right now, I hope they are. But if not, I don’t want to be made to feel that my life is less full than theirs, because who knows what any of our futures hold.