STRENGTHEN YOUR HAIR WITH THE GRO+ ADVANCED SYSTEM FROM VEGAMOUR

Ad/Gifted – The Vegamour Hair wellness products  featured in this post were gifted to me in exchange for a review. However all opinions are my own.

The products we use on our hair and scalp can have an effect on our hair's wellness. It's important we use the right hair products so that we have shiny, fuller and healthier hair. Our scalp often gets forgotten about and products that help to exfoliate and remove build up are an important part of our hair care.

Vegamour have a great range of hair wellness products. A few years ago I got to try out their GRO range, which I got on really well with. Now Vegamour has a  brand-new launch which is their most advanced approach to hair wellness! I've been lucky enough to try out some of the products from their new launch which is the GRO+ Advanced System that is an extra-strength system clinically proven to reduce hair loss* — no RX required. 

*Due to breakage from washing and combing in a 120-day independent, third-party clinical study with 40 participants using GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum once daily.

The system features a clean, plant-based ritual curated for those seeking hair products that pair vegan and cruelty-free ingredients with truly remarkable results. If you are unsure if this range is suitable for you than check out this quick hair quiz. The quiz helps you to work out which range of products are suitable for your hairs needs. 

I was sent the new GRO+ Advanced Shampoo and Conditioner along with the GRO + Advanced Hair Serum set to try. The new range was co-developed along with a dermatologist to develop an extra strength system for severe shredding. From their clinical study they found 93% of participants had a clinically measured improvement in hair density and 87% had a reduction to hair loss.  They also have great reviews so you know they are going to give excellent results. 

How To Decorate For Autumn On A Budget

I love to decorate our home for the seasons and autumn is definitely my favourite. So if you are anything like me then you may have noticed that there is a bigger range of autumnal decor in the shops these days. However, there are plenty of autumn decorations you can create yourself for free or for a fraction of the price you will pay in store. The great thing is if you have kids you can get them involved to create some unique and personal decor items.

 

Get inspirATION

When comes to decorating for autumn on a budget then you need to get inspiration for the decor that you want to have in your home. These cosy colours and sustainable style trends are popular this year.

My favourite place to find inspiration is Pinterest, where you can find autumn decor as well as crafts to follow. You can also find inspiration from places such as Instagram, magazines, other bloggers and even from visiting home decor shops to get ideas.

Second hand items

Charity shops, online selling sites such as Vinted and car boot sales are great places to find autumn decor or materials to craft autumn decor for a fraction of the cost of buying them new.

You never know what you will find, so it's worth keeping an open mind - for example, if you see a plant pot that would be perfect if it was in an autumnal orange or brown colour then consider painting it or even a plain glass jar can be turned into a gorgeous autumnal piece with the right lights.

Collect pine cones and conkers

Pine cones and conkers are the two things that instantly make me think of autumn, and the great news is that you can usually find them for free whilst out on walks. You can make it a fun activity to do with the kids going on walk to specifically find them or you can start collecting any as and when you see them.

When you have a big enough collection of pine cones and conkers then you will want to clean them to remove insects and sap before you use them to decorate. To do this simply submerge them in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar for 30 minutes then shake off the excess water and with the pine cones bake them in the oven at 200C until the pine cones open up again, which could take between 30 to 90 minutes.

Once you have a stash of cleaned pine cones and conkers there are so many budget-friendly decorations that you can make. I've come across so many fun ideas on Pinterest.

Some ideas include:

Show Off Your Gadgets with Holdems

 *This is a collaborative post

Novelty gadgets make fun gifts and they can be great to add a bit of character to your gaming set up, bedroom or living space. Holdems from EXG pro are a new release for holding your phone, AirPods and little gadgtes and having them on display. They are a cute collectable item that are available in a range of different collections such as characters from Sonic the Hedgehog, Lilo and Stitch, Teenage Ninja Yurtles and Fall Guys. 

How to know what types of doors you need for your business security

*This is a collaborative post

Security concerns have evolved considerably in recent decades. Despite the emergence of threats in the digital realm, however, the bare basics of property security remain relevant for any business that operates brick-and-mortar premises.

While there are multiple components involved in this process, getting the right doors will be up there in terms of importance. These are the steps you’ll need to go through to get the right ones.

Carry out a security risk assessment

Working out which doors you should get will start the same way as with any other form of risk management: by carrying out an in-depth security risk assessment. This will typically require working with an external security consultant, ideally one who has experience working with businesses in the same niche as yours. 

Based on a thorough assessment of your business, the neighbourhood it’s in, and a range of other variables, they’ll be able to provide an in-depth report full of potential security improvements. Security doors will often form a central part of that report. 

Understanding the different options

Next, you need to understand the basic options available in terms of security door solutions.

Steel doors

Steel doors are likely the most secure option on the market. They’re resistant to a wide range of different forced entry techniques, providing an excellent solution for high-risk areas, such as front and back entrances.

AUGUST 2024 BEING THRIFTY

Being Thrifty in August was tricky with all the days out and keeping Blake entertained. There are waya though to get discounts on family days out which we implemented. Next month I'm being alot more strict with spending and trying to have a low cost month. As much as I'd love to have a no spend month, I find it's not something that works well for us. Anyway here are some of the being thrifty things I've managed to do this month from deals to freebies etc.

Skin + Me

You may have seen Skin + Me advertised on social media. I decided to give it a try this month and recieved the following for £4.99:

- Daily Doser ( personalised to my skin)

- Serum (trial size)

- cleanser (trial size)

- moisturiser (trial size)

Will I buy them again? Probably not as even though the products are great they just aren't affordable for me. I do however recommend trying them out at £4.99 as the trial sizes are great for popping in a bag when travelling.

Free day trip to Skegness 

We got to go to skegness for free as a local charity was doing a day trip to visit the Eco Centre. We had a great time and got to also visit the arcades etc and do our own thing for a few hours after.

Kids eat Free

We made use of the kids eat for free deal at Prezzo. 

Keratin Hair Straightening: Smooth Locks or Slippery Slope?

 *This is a collaborative post 

Keratin hair straightening has become a popular solution for those seeking sleek, manageable hair. The treatment promises to tame frizz, reduce styling time, and leave hair with a glossy finish. However, before diving into this beauty trend, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it's the right choice for you.

The Pros of Keratin Hair Straightening

1.     Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair: One of the most significant benefits of keratin treatments is the ability to eliminate frizz. For individuals with curly or wavy hair, frizz can be a daily battle. Keratin helps to smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in a sleek and polished appearance. This is particularly beneficial in humid climates where frizz is more prevalent.

2.     Easier Styling: Keratin treatments can significantly reduce the time spent styling your hair. By making hair more manageable, you can often skip the daily blow-drying and straightening. This can save you precious time in the morning, allowing for a more straightforward hair care routine.

3.     Long-Lasting Results: Unlike other hair smoothing products, the effects of a keratin treatment can last several months, typically up to three to six months, depending on your hair type and how well you maintain it. This makes it a cost-effective option for those who want long-term results without the need for frequent salon visits.

4.     Reduced Damage from Heat Styling: Since keratin treatments reduce the need for daily heat styling, your hair is less likely to suffer from the damage caused by frequent use of flat irons and blow dryers. This can lead to healthier hair over time, with less breakage and split ends.

5.     Versatile Results: The level of straightness achieved through keratin treatments can be adjusted according to your preference. Whether you want pin-straight hair or just a reduction in frizz and curl, your stylist can tailor the treatment to suit your desired look.

PERSONALISED PHOTO GIFTS WITH MY-PICTURE.CO.UK

 *This is a collaborative post 

We love having photos up around our home  especially classic framed prints, canvases, desktop frames and photo blocks that we can pop here and there around the place. We often like to mix it up and change them out to give our home a bit of a refresh. We've not done this for a while so when My-picture.co.uk got in touch it was perfect timing for me to team up with them and share some of their products that make the perfect photo gifts for family and friends.

My-picture.co.uk offer a wide range of customisable products that are both of high quality and are sentimental, making them perfect gifts. Plus, if you keep reading I've a code that will give you 10% off your order. Here are some of the items that I picked out that are sure to be well received no matter the occasion;

Framed prints

Framed prints are a great way to turn photos into memories. With My-picture.co.uk you will receive a premium high-quality print with a traditional white mount in an elegant frame of choice that has an acrylic glass cover. Available in six different sizes and five frame colour options these slimline framed prints are a great option for your gallery wall.

Desktop photo prints

Desktop photo prints are great for the office, sat on your desk or table as well as your mantelpiece. Thanks to their built in easel back they can stand up on any flat surface for you to display. Your photo is printed directly onto 9mm board, ready to display without the need of an additional frame. Available in three formats they are a quick and easy decor solution that's affordable. 

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH B.BOX

 *This is a collaborative post

With Back to School approaching it's an expensive and somewhat stressful time for parents. With uniform to buy and other accessories such as lunch boxes, water bottles and backpacks these tips on how to slash those costs will definitely come in handy.

If your child has a packed lunch instead of school meals, it is important to have a high quality lunch box and water bottle. Especially ones that will last the whole school year and beyond. That is where b.box comes in as they are passionate about creating functional everyday essentials. 

b.box goal is to make parents lives more easier in an innovative way. Although mainly focused on baby products that puts your little ones on the path to independence they also do a bento style lunch box and drinks bottles ideal for school.

Back to School Giveaway

With the summer holidays almost at an end it's time to get everything ready for Back to School. We've had a great summer so far filled with lots of fun things but we are more than ready to be back into the swing of a routine.

Get ready for an exciting opportunity as some of the top UK bloggers unite to bring you a fantastic back-to-school giveaway! We've teamed up to offer one lucky winner a fabulous collection of school essentials that will make heading back to the classroom a breeze. From stylish lunch bags and durable water bottles, to school shoes and jackets, this giveaway promises to equip you with some great goodies to kick off the school year in style. Join us in this collaborative celebration and enter for your chance to win these amazing prizes. Let's make this school year the best one yet!

The Bloggers

In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to our bloggers! The bloggers taking part are:

My Balancing Act | The Mum Diaries | Boxnip | Welsh Mum | Wotawoman Diary |  Catch Up With Claire | Synderella Slims |  Pounds and Sense | Jenny in Neverland | Life with Jupiter & Dann | Be Your Own Example | Diary of the Evans-Crittens | Have A Merry Little Christmas | Crafted With Perfection | Thrifty Husband | Norfolk's Best | Joanna Victoria |  Crazy Little Thing Called Love | Birds and Lilies | My Life Your Way | We Made This Vegan | Things To Make And Do | Cosy Cottage Chronicles | Sunshine and Selfies | Single Dad's Guide To Life | Two Plus Dogs | Hannah and the Twiglets | Cats Kids and Chaos | Anything and Everything Else | The Money Making Mum | The Property Investor Blog

The Prizes

Win a pair of Start-Rite school shoes!

Start-Rite Shoes is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a pair of school shoes for their child.

The foundation of any school uniform is a quality fitted pair of shoes, but there is nothing uniform about a Start-Rite school shoe! With 12 new styles added to their school shoe collection this season, Start-Rite is more prepared than ever to protect your children's feet. No one size fits all, as every pair of feet has individual requirements to ensure healthy physical development.

Whether you’re looking to support wide or narrow feet, a high instep, or shoes that double for a special occasion, Start-Rite has a style to suit every child.

EcoSplash Fleece Lined Jacket Navy from Muddy Puddles

Gear up for the ultimate back-to-school season with Muddy Puddles' in our back-to-school giveaway! Included in the prize bundle is a top-tier kids waterproof jacket that ensures your young adventurers are ready for any weather.

This navy raincoat features an impressive waterproof rating of 10,000mm to keep your child dry during heavy downpours, perfect for rainy days. Crafted from durable, breathable fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, it’s both eco-friendly and long-lasting. The soft fleece lining provides extra warmth, while the jacket's design makes it easy to layer across various seasons. Fully taped seams offer robust protection against the elements, and reflective details enhance visibility in low-light conditions for added safety. Plus, it's machine washable at 30 degrees for easy care.

Muddy Puddles has your kids covered for back to school with their back to school jackets, waterproofs, and more—ensuring every rainy walk to school, puddle-jumping session, and chilly playground adventure is tackled in style and comfort!

SMASH lunch bag and water bottle set

Gear up for the school year with an essential lunch bag and water bottle set! The Smash Lunch Bag is your kids perfect lunchtime companion, designed with full insulation and an antibacterial lining to ensure their meals are as fresh as possible. Made from premium neoprene, this lunch bag is not only fully washable but also brings a splash of personality and fun to every meal.

Stay hydrated in style with the Smash Twin Wall Soda Bottle. Made from durable stainless steel, this sustainable bottle features a sleek design and a removable cap, making it an ideal everyday accessory. It’s BPA-free, food-safe, non-toxic, and offers a smart, twin-walled construction.

A Healthy Colon Starts With You: Easy Tips for Better Digestive Health

 *This is a collaborative post 

Your colon might not be something you think about every day, but it's a vital part of your digestive system. It helps your body process and eliminate waste, absorb nutrients, and maintain a balance of good bacteria in your gut. Taking care of your colon is essential for your overall health, and it doesn't require major lifestyle changes. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to keep your colon healthy and happy.

1. Boost Your Fiber Intake

Fiber is essential for keeping your colon functioning properly. It helps move waste through your digestive system and can prevent constipation, which can cause discomfort and lead to other health issues. A diet rich in fiber also supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for your colon's health.

You can increase your fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Some high-fiber foods include apples, berries, carrots, brown rice, and lentils. Try to include a variety of these foods in your daily diet. If you're not used to eating a lot of fiber, introduce it gradually to allow your body to adjust.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is crucial for your digestive health, including your colon. Staying hydrated helps soften your stool, making it easier to pass and reducing the risk of constipation. Water also helps your body absorb nutrients and maintain overall health.

Make it a habit to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. If you're physically active or live in a hot climate, you might need even more. If plain water isn't appealing, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber for a refreshing twist. Herbal teas and soups can also help keep you hydrated.

3. Keep Active

Regular physical activity is not only good for your heart and muscles; it also benefits your colon. Exercise helps stimulate your digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.

You don't need to be a gym enthusiast to reap the benefits. A simple 30-minute walk each day can do wonders for your digestive health. If you enjoy more vigorous activities, swimming, cycling, and jogging are excellent choices. The key is to find something you enjoy and stick with it.