BlanX Whitening Toothpaste Trial & Review!

Hello My Lovelies

Hands up if you want a safe way to whiten your teeth! Well... a couple of weeks ago I was kindly sent a big box of Blanx whitening toothpastes to trial and review and some for you my readers to win! I'm not a huge fan of showing my teeth on camera so my mum and dad stepped forward rather quickly and excitedly and said they would love to give them ago. 

They both tried different BlanX products. My dad used the Advanced Whitening (£7.49) the first whitening toothpaste to be based on ingredients derived from natural Arctic Lichen and my mum the Intensive Whitening Treatment (£10.20).

The pictures below show their teeth before starting to use the toothpastes and the discolouration that they both had. The packs also come with a colour guide so that you can check the colour of your teeth before you start which is a nice extra to receive. 

Both used the products for two weeks as suggested by BlanX and they made sure that they used them twice a day to see the best results. My dad is always trying new and different whitening toothpastes and they never seem to have an effect on his teeth so he was really happy to see changes even after a few uses. My mum found the intensive whitening treatment great for the stains she has from tea and coffee and liked that the toothpaste didn't have a horrid flavour like so many do. They both agreed that the toothpaste left their breath fresh all day.

BlanX have some rules for a healthy smile...Change your toothbrush every three months; avoid to much tea, coffee and limit starch found in bread and pasta, make sure you have an appointment with your dentist every six months and eat a varied diet. These are all fab tips but not only this but BlanX have been working with Natasha Corrett founder of Honestly Healthy Food to look at ways to maintain a white smile using natural products and foods. Natasha suggested a recipe idea for Strawberry Gazpacho, a chilled soup using a range of delicious, healthy whitening ingredients. Natasha says "Strawberries are fantastic natural whiteners because they contain Malic Acid, which removes surface stains from teeth and whitens the enamel."

You can see how to make this by following the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qpKnp9wAjY

I think overall that the BlanX toothpastes had started to make some major improvements to the overall colour of their teeth especially to my dad's as his are looking so much less yellow then when he started just two weeks ago! With my mum's teeth, there has also been some improvement- they are both extremely happy with the colour of their teeth so far and are excited to repurchase and continue with regular use in the hope that the BlanX products will restore their teeth to their natural whiteness.

With prolonged use I think you would see longer lasting results. After seeing how easy to use, the changes and that the products do not contain any harsh abrasives or peroxide which harm tooth enamel I too will be purchasing some next time I visit one of the following Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Waitrose and Feel Unique.

BlanX have kindly given me all of the products in the above photo to give away to one of you! To win all you have to do is follow my Twitter @steaders83 and BlanX Twitter @BlanXuk and RT the competition tweets using the #HonestlyblanX. A winner will be chosen at random on Friday 6th November at 18:00. This competition is only open to those in the U.K

Have you tried BlanX products before, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                         X


*These products were sent to me for review purposes.

Autumn Budget Beauty Saviours!

Hello My Lovelies

Autumn is well and truly upon us! I adore the warmer weather for mainly one reason I don't get sick. As soon as October is here I start to get colds, flu's and all sorts...So every year in my bag I'll carry some beauty essentials that make it that little bit easier and can cheer me up!

Carmex moisturising lip balm. I love the packaging and easy application of this product. A yummy scent of cherry that you can most definitely taste on the lips. I found with this that it actually stings my lips; a bit like lip plumping lip glosses, so I also have a nice pout!

I Love...Raspberry and Blackberry cleansing hand gel. A new addition to their amazing product line that smells delicious and keeps those nasty germs away. I particularly like to have this at work on my desk as my office is a hot bed for sickness- I literally lather my hands in this stuff and at only £1.25 it's an absolute steal! Make sure you check out other scents in the range.

If your not into scented products then you have to one of these original Lypsyl's in your bag. These take me back to my childhood formulated with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera a super soothing balm that will keep chapped lips at bay! 

Other items I love to use throughout these cold months are...

Superdrug's Dead Sea Purifying Clay Mask- My skin suffers in the winter, so when ever a nasty break out occurs I grab this face mask and within a day or two my skin looks fab! You should be moisturising all year round but this one from Simple is rich and keeps my skin supple and protected from the harsh winter elements.

What are your beauty saviours for the Autumn and Winter- let me know in the comments!

Till next time

                 Tori.

                      X

*This post includes PR Samples.

Liz Earle Rosemary & Rock Rose New Candle!

Hello My Lovelies

As you all know I have a total obsession with candles- I have scents for all times of the year and love to burn them in my room on a winter evening or when I'm in the bath to relax! 
Liz Earle candles are no exception I've had the Eucalyptus and Rosemary candle before and adored it, so when Liz Earle sent me one of their candles from their new range I couldn't of been more excited. 

I can confirm that the Rosemary & Rock Rose candle is a beauty! I'm so glad this particular scent arrived on my door step as it is meant to be calming, restore and unwind busy minds which I definitely feel I need in my life. 

The aromatic rosemary and balancing cedarwood essential oils mix to bring pure serenity. I spent all weekend with this candle burning as I chilled on my bed with a face mask and glass of wine by my side and I did feel very tranquil and relaxed. 

The scent before burning had an extremely over whelming power and I was worried it might be a bit too much but as soon as it was lit it had a soothing and understated perfume of floral notes and a slight musk yet it could still be smelt throughout the house.

All of the candles in the range that also include Lavender and Basil, Damask Rose and Pink Pepper and new packaging for the Eucalyptus and Rosemary candle are made from responsibly- sourced 100% soy wax and beeswax; but I wouldn't expect anything less from Liz Earle!

All beautifully packaged in pastel water coloured boxes they would make a wonderful gift and with Christmas just around the corner I would love to see another from the range sitting under my tree.

Priced at £40 each and available from today make sure you pick one up next time you pass by your local Liz Earle, John Lewis or Boots counters.

What do you think to the new ranges from Liz Earle, let me know in the comments!

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                        X

*This was kindly sent to me for review purposes.

Autumn makeup... Mac Lipsticks!

Hello My Lovelies

Recently I showed you my ultimate favourite Autumn nail polishes and today is the turn of the lipsticks!

In the Autumn and Winter I tend to wear more make than any other season and when I want to cheer myself up or finish off a face of makeup then I always pop a bit of Mac lipstick on. I adore wearing all the different colours that Mac produce and the colours I reach for every Autumn and Winter are just so on point!

The colours I've chosen from my stash are from the bottom of the photo Plumful, Velvet Teddy and New York Apple. All berry or neutral shades that are just prefect for this time of year. All of these lipsticks are so easy to apply, I sometimes like to use a Mac or drug store lip liner just to prolong the wear.

What are your favourite Autumnal lipstick shades, let me know in the comments!

Till next time,

                  Tori.

                       X

#BEYOU Campaign!

Hello My Lovelies

When I recently heard about the Treaclemoon #BEYOU campaign I knew I had to share it all with you and so that you too could get involved!

Treaclemoon are the official charity sponsors for BulliesOut a charity that supports pretty much everybody to stamp out bullying and to help those affected by it!
This campaign specifically is about celebrating each and everyone of us as individuals! Shouting from the roof tops what makes you who you are and why!

So... I'm Tori I love to travel, blog and I'm left handed!!

It's so easy to be apart of this fabulous campaign, it can be as easy as buying some of the #BEYOU merchandise that includes one of these super snazzy wrist bands! http://www.treaclemoon.net/beyoushop/

or you could encourage your friends and family to embrace #BEYOU. You could also run your own fundraising event maybe a cake sale (yum!) for the charity.

Make sure you check out the BulliesOut website at https://bulliesout.com/ for lots of information about them and many other ways you can help and raise awareness. Don't forget to use the hash tag #BEYOU on all social media!

Let me know if you do anything to support this amazing charity!


Till next time,
                   Tori.
                        X

Curvy girl outfit of the Day 11!

Hello My Lovelies

This past week I went over to Portsmouth for the evening to see the band The Shires (make sure you read my last blog post for pics!) Whilst I was over there I thought I would take some photo's of my outfit.

I absolutely adore my new Nike trainers, they are super comfy and light weight. I bought these in Sports Direct for £47.00. My trousers are from Peacocks, they were the first time I had worn them- I had really high hopes but I soon realised they were not going to be worn again as they kept falling down. It's such a shame as I love this outfit and I have such an issue finding trousers that fit my curvy legs/bottom!

My favourite jacket of the moment from DP's, my top as seen in my previous outfit of the day/night. My bag is my brown Longchamp Le Pliage which I've had for almost a year and one I love to get out in the winter.

What are your current favourite items of clothing, let me know in the comments!

Till next time,

                  Tori.

                       X 

Thanks to my sister for taking these fabulous photo's!

Travelodge Portsmouth & Dancing all Night!

Hello My Lovelies

On Tuesday night my sister and I took a little trip over to Portsmouth for the evening so that we could dance the night away. Luckily we didn't have to rush back for the last ferry as the fabulous team at Travelodge hooked us up at their local hotel!

Travelodge in Portsmouth is about 7 minutes away from the centre of the City and roughly 10 minutes away from the Isle of Wight ferry terminal and the cross channel ferries which means it's super accessible and convenient for those passing through for the night or stopping for longer in Portsmouth. The hotel even has complimentary parking, how many hotels can you say offer that?

Arriving at the hotel, check-in went like a dream and the room we were allocated by the smiley, helpful staff was extremely airy and spacious giving us both plenty of room to do our hair and make up for the night out at the Portsmouth Pyramids to see the up and coming band The Shires. 

Whilst my sister used the room to get glam I popped into the spotless bathroom for a long hot shower which was impressively large.

Once we were ready for the night we took a quick selfie and then it was time to dancccce and sing along to lots of amazing tunes! 

Once the gig was over we were definitely ready to return to our room at the Travelodge and the huge comfy king size bed that awaited us.

The next morning I popped to reception to pick up two Rise and Shine breakfast boxes and enjoyed a picnic in bed. I was a bit disappointed that this Travelodge didn't have a restaurant so that I could have a full breakfast but these cute boxes were actually very filling and I decided to take the Eat Natural bar for a snack later in the day.

We also took advantage of the complimentary tea and coffee making facilities and flat screen t.v. Before long it was time to get ready for a day out in Portsmouth and Southsea and then the boat back to the Isle!

Travelodge Portsmouth is a great hotel for those on budget and with it being so close to the City Centre it's a great place to lay your head!

I can't wait to book my next night away with them and so can you by visiting their easy to use website https://www.travelodge.co.uk/

Have you stayed at a Travelodge recently, what did you think- let me know in the comments!


Till next time,
                  Tori.
                       X






*I was kindly accommodated at this hotel for review purposes.

Harvester Windhover Manor Review

Hello My Lovelies

If you're looking for some where to eat in Southampton that serves fresh, scrumptious value meals for all the family than the Harvester- Windhover Manor is the place to go!
My sister and I were invited along to try out the menu upon arrival our attentive host Katie explained how the menu worked and wow were we spoilt for choice! With such a huge choice it took us quite some time to choose what to have. 

Katie brought us out our chosen drinks from the extensive menu whilst we carried on perusing all the different meals- I had an apple juice and my sister a very berried juice drink.

We started with the salad cart which comes free with any main meal and you can return to have as much as you like. All looked really fresh and was constantly refilled when it became low on yummy food.

I also picked up the lovely rolls to eat alongside the salad. I could of also of chosen a sauce from the large range which are also all seasonal but chose to have a plain salad.

For mains my sister chose the salmon and green beans unfortunately they didn't have mixed vegetables so she went for some baby potatoes.

I picked the scampi, chips and peas I have to say that the scampi was probably the best I've ever had!

It was a Saturday night when we visited so it was super busy I could tell that this was a really popular restaurant, the staff including the manager Paul how were all absolutely fab and consistently asking all of the customers if they had everything they needed and were comfortable. 

The meals were extremely filling; we obviously didn't fast enough before the visit, however I was able to fit in an amazing desert the Cookie Dough, Caramel & Chocolate Fudge Brownie Stack, I was so excited that I forgot to take a pic until I almost finished it, whoops! But trust me it looked and tasted like no other dessert!

I would visit this Harvester again in a heart beat and with their new menu coming next week it might be sooner rather than later!

Have you visited a http://www.harvester.co.uk/ restaurant recently, what do you think of all the food choices? Let me know in the comments. Also check out this YouTube video so that you can create your own Harvester inspired food at home! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjS-NX-FjRE 

Till next time,

                   Tori.

*I was kindly invited to the Harvester-Windhover Manor for a complimentary meal, how ever as always all views and thoughts are entirely my own.

Ole Henriksen 3 Little Wonders Set Review!

Hello My Lovelies

Recently I've been really hating my daily skin routine but I didn't know what I wanted to do, other than a complete overhaul. Then came the task of finding a brand/s to try that wasn't going to break the bank either and I got confused (there are just too many!).
As I was contemplating all of this Escentual were looking for bloggers to try Ole Henriksen's 3 Wonders and I saw it as a sign!

The set comes with three products: Truth Serum Collagen Booster, Invigorating night treatment and Sheer Transformation. In the  morning you use the truth serum which has an orange scent and feels a bit sticky but soaks in to the skin in uber quick time. You then use the sheer transformation infused with vitamin C. In the evening you simply use the  invigorating night treatment a jelly like serum and the sheer transformation. The sizes are great for trying out the products for the first time or would make a great travel kit but surprisingly I think will last a long time as you literally only need a very small amount of each.

Ole Henriksen says that the benefits of using these products on your skin is the 'reversing of all visible signs of aging skin. Each proprietary blend works in synergy to reveal your most youthful, healthy & radiant complexion. With nurturing textures and indulgent aromas, witness the transformation as you delight in the experience of treating your skin.'

I noticed that my skin was a little less greasy and felt beautifully soft which is something I'm extremely pleased about. My favourite item from the set was the Sheer Transformation a light weight, silky moisturiser. Whilst using all of these products my sensitive skin has taken well to a new routine and I've not had any breakouts, this might be due to the fact that they are free from Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates. 

I think with prolonged use I might start to notice larger changes in my skin which is why I'm definitely going to buy this set again as it's such a simple and effective skin care routine and this particular set only costs £18.00 you can buy your own here http://www.escentual.com/ole-henriksen/olehenriksen044/

Have you tried these from Ole Henriksen, let me know in the comments.

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                              X

*This set was sent to me for review purposes.