Period Pains & A Fab Little Bag.......

As an eco friendly bunny happily skipping along, trying to be the change I want to see in the world there are the occasional tiny (ok – some times massive) stumbling blogs and decisions about the right and wrong of an action that need to be made. Now this issue has been bothering me for some time, ladies – how do you dispose of your tampons?

 

If, like me, you care about the environment, or have ever experienced a blocked toilet, you probably hate the thought of flushing tampons – but the alternative “bag and bin” options can be fraught with anxiety, embarrassment and difficulties…

 

We know flushing a tampon is just not a good idea for several reasons:

 •Our sewer systems can only handle bodily waste and toilet paper; anything else, are a nightmare and frequently get stuck, and if it floods can end up in our rivers, seas – yuk!

 •Embarrassing… they don’t always flush away, if you’ve ever experienced poor plumbing you’ll know the problems flushing tampons can cause!

 •Sometimes you just can’t flush them eg. septic tank, festivals, camping, sailing etc.

 

So you can imagine my delight when I was contacted by Martha Silcott - inventor of FabLittleBag TM. The list of there amazing qualities goes on but here are a few…..

 

• Super Practical

 

FabLittleBagTM is a discreet little bag that you can drop your used tampon into and then seal securely with one hand using the patented clever finger loops, this is really useful if you are holding a used tampon in the other hand!

 

• Environmentally a better choice

 

Made 35% from organic material, oxo-biodegradable, and since there’s no need to flush they keep tampons out of the rivers, seas and sewers.

 

• Guilt-free, Stress-free

 

No need to worry about if there is a bin, or if you have a nappy sack on you or if there is enough toilet paper to wrap it in. FabLittleBagTM puts you back in control of disposal, every time, anywhere…

 

The best solution. Period.

 

Get yours at Amazon, Ocado or Waitrose.

 

Find out more at http://www.fablittlebag.com/

 

 

Faking it, Barbie & Cheating the Sun......

With the sun firmly refusing to put his hat on and the summer zooming away at an alarming speed nothing cheers us girls (and some boys!) like a splash of fake tan. Over the years I have used many brands from the cheap to the expensive and everything in-between. While some brands are better than others there is no arguing that prepping is crucial for the ultimate tanning finish. Hair removal should be completed 24 hours before to enable the pores to close. If you're worried about open pores on the face, use a  gentle facial exfoliator that cleans and helps seal the pores. Otherwise apply an ice cold flannel to the face for a few minutes first. A must do tip is to free the skin of any older self tan and the remnants of any oil based products. A hot soak and exfoliation is ideal, then avoid any body moisturiser to keep the skin like a clear canvas, so that the tan can cling evenly. Always clean your teeth before self tanning to avoid water or toothpaste reacting with tan at the side of the mouth. Remember you don't want your tan wet for at least eight hours.

Even if you're super confident applying your own self tan, always apply the same preparation tips, it really makes a difference I promise! Tie your hair back and apply a small amount of barrier cream carefully over the eyebrows (Superdrug do a brilliant SFV one). Blonds and fair heads should also apply a little around the hairline to avoid staining, as white bleach blonde this is an essential step.

The best application is with a mitt however if you are experienced and through use your hands but ensure to wash them well after.

When it comes to keeping the colour looking natural and hydrated, always stick to cool showers and press the skin dry with your towel. Then moisturise generously with an oil free moisturiser. I like the ESPA oil free moisturiser.  

Contouring your tan on the body is a must if you'll be showing arms and shoulders in a strapless dress. An extra layer of product on top of your existing colour should be applied sparingly from the top of the shoulder and dragged under the arms. A trusted mousse from  Superdrugs own range applied with a tanning mitt helps make this easy and effective."

If by any chance there are any unwanted signs of tan - perhaps on the palms, wrists, heals etc - a great tip is to use a little olive oil on a cotton pad. This helps fade down the colour.

But by far my favourite cruelty free vegan fake tan is Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion which gives skin a natural looking even tan. The natural and organic tanning ingredients develops into a sun kissed, streak free, radiant look after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Not only does the self-tanning lotion give a beautiful fake tan, but also contains moisturising and nourishing ingredients of organic macadamia, organic jojoba and organic shea butter to keep skin soft and smooth. Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion can be used on sensitive skin thanks to the calming ingredients of calendula and aloe vera and smells nice too!

Storms, Leaking Tents & Smelly Sleeping Bags - The Girls Guide to Glamping..........

The idea of roughing it during a camping trip might sound appealing if it weren't for the sudden storms, leaking tents, smelly sleeping bags, and questionable food. For a number of people, their first camping experience often becomes their last, but there is now a camping option growing in popularity: glamorous camping, otherwise known as glamping. Organized glamping trips feature all of the exposure to the great outdoors as traditional camping trips, but the amenities found at the campsite far exceed anything most campers have ever experienced.

During a typical glamping trip, for example, the tents are often designed with bright designer colours and materials, not the olive drab canvas tents of yesteryear. These tents can be rigged for electrical power, which means occupants can operate appliances, reading lamps, and climate controls. People may sleep on full-size air mattresses, or even regular spring mattresses provided by the outfitters.

Many of these trips do involve the same types of excursions provided by traditional adventure groups, such as safaris, hiking, and river rafting, but the focus is often on the comfort of the guests. Comfortable transportation is usually provided from the campsite to the excursion and back, and guides are responsible for providing such amenities as full-course meals and laundered clothing upon a guest's return to camp. Some trips are more primitive than others, however, so guests may actually have to experience a little discomfort while glamping.

The idea appears to have been inspired by the experiences of young, rich entertainers and models at outdoor events such as open air rock concerts. Many wealthy concertgoers wondered if it might be possible to avoid the trappings of a hot tent on a muddy field just to enjoy a show or the wonders of nature. Several adventure groups saw an opportunity to cater to the needs of disillusioned campers who wanted to experience the positive aspects of camping without so many negatives.

Many companies that specialize in camping equipment and supplies have created high-end or designer gear over the years, but few campers wanted to be seen carrying brightly coloured tents or packets of gourmet foods. With the growing popularity of glamping, however, many would-be campers are now buying up designer camping gear and other amenities before going on their own trips. Even those on more modest budgets are discovering it is now acceptable to bring along a few more comfort items while camping outdoors. While this may still be a niche market, it does offer people the chance to experience all of nature, not just its insects and bad weather.

For me our annual girly glamping trip (we have been going for 3 years) is the perfect chance to kick back and relax without having to drag all the equipment you need around. A time to spend time with your girls, drink wine and cook everything on a BBQ (no idea why things taste better cooked on there!) It is an opportunity to watch the sun rise, recharge your batteries and escape work for just a few days. All I can say is bring on the next one!

Sunny Days, Friends & Stuffed Peppers (vegan & gluten free)........

So the *finally* has his hat on and is playing nicely! There is something so perfect about early mornings, sunny days, friends and if any one dare moans they are too hot, well….

 

In this lovely sunshine it is important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of infused water (my favourite is by dash-water.com) but food can also play a big part in keeping you hydrated too. Water melon, peaches, big green salads as well as lots of other fruits and veggies can help keep us cool and nourished during these gorgeous sunny days. And some times you just need a little something to go with them, so for me that will always be the stuffed pepper. Super cheap, easy and nourishing this humble veggie can be spruced up into a perfect little treat to be served along side that green leafy salad in the sunshine when your friends pop round…..

 

Stuffed Peppers (serves 2)

• 2 large peppers cut in half and de seeded.
• 1 red onion chopped.
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tsp minced garlic (I used lazy garlic)
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice
• ½ can of kidney beans
• Handful of frozen sweet corn
• Green leafy salad for serving (I used romaine, kale, cucumber & baby spinach)

 

How To -

• Cook the chopped onions and add the mixed herbs, garlic and paprika.
• Mix into the cooked rice, red kidney beans and sweet corn.
• Stir until sweetcorn is cooked.
• Spoon into the pepper halves.
• Cover in foil and bake them for 45 mins at 180c Gas 4, until tender. Serve with a green leafy salad in the garden with friends. Enjoy!