Candyfloss & Dreams

Author: Kat Candyfloss

SENSSE Beauty Products Review

I’ve talked before about how I’m trying to take better care of my skin and using some new skincare products. I’ve been balancing this out with two tools from SENSSE’s range of fantastic tools. I’ve been lucky enough to try the SENSSE Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush and Exfoliater alongside the SENSSE Hot and Cold Facial Bar. Both products work really nice alongside each other for amazing skincare results and for a really nice treat. I think cleansing is so important and I really notice a massive difference after regularly exfoliating.

The SENSSE Facial Cleansing Brush is fantastic because you really get the most from your cleanser. I’ve used this with a few different cleansers including cream and foaming. I’ve found using the cleansing brush I need half as much as I would usually use so it’s really helping me to get the most out of my products too. The brush gently cleans the skin and exfoliates thanks to the little brushes which feel very soft. It’s quite strange going from a manual motion to an electronic one but it really has been making a massive difference. My skin looks so much brighter when I cleanse and exfoliate properly and this also helps to clear breakouts.

The SENSSE Hot and Cold facial bar is amazing and even Adam is convinced by it. The product massages the face with your chosen moisturiser and again a little goes a long way. First you use the warming setting to relax the muscles and apply your moisturiser. You can either have it warming or warming and massaging which really helps to relax the muscles in your face. Once your moisturiser has been applied you switch to the cooling setting which helps to tighten everything back up, close your pores and helps to prevent any nasties getting back into your skin. The cool setting is also amazing to use in a hot flush or on a hot day.

Both products are easy to charge, maintain and clean. The come with USB style chargers and are easy to transport.

Disclaimer: I received these products in exchange for this review. All opinions remain my own.

August 20, 2017
Peachy Fox Organic Skincare Review

I usually have pretty good skin but I do have some mild rosacea, dark circles and suffer the occasional breakout. I’ve recently been trying out Peachy Fox Organic Skincare to try and get a bit more moisture in my skin and reduce the redness. Peachy Fox are a London based organic skincare company that are pretty new to the market and have some great products available on amazon. I’ve been able to try the Anti-Redness Skin Calming Lotion, Organic Collagen Eye Gel and Organic Retinol Moisturiser. The combination of these three products has helped reduce the puffiness under my eyes which is something that really irritates me. The eye gel really brightens up the area too which reduces those dark circles.

I think the Anti-Redness cream is great, it’s really calmed my skin down and using this and a simple BB cream I don’t feel I always need a full face of makeup to leave the house. The lotion glides onto the skin really easily and I usually leave it about five minutes to allow the lotion to absorb into my skin before applying any makeup. It’s a little thin to use at night but makes a great morning moisturiser. The Retinol moisturiser is probably my favourite product. I have combination skin which has a few oily patches so I find I need a moisturiser that provides a matte affect. This really helps reduce shiny patches under my makeup and keeps my skin looking smooth and feeling hydrated.

I really like that these products are organic as I want to use things that I know are going to be sourced well and good for my skin. With all three of these products I find a little goes a long way. Each have a little pump which dispenses the perfect amount each time. You can buy these products on Amazon now.

Disclaimer: I received these products for a very low discount in exchange for this feature. All opinions remain my own.

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August 19, 2017
Top 7 Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep When You’re Pregnant
This is a guest post.

It’s hard enough to fall asleep at night on the regular, but now you’re pregnant, and there are other comfort issues at play.

Although there’s really nothing you can do about the kicking and moving (at least until baby comes) there are some things you can do to make yourself as comfortable as possible so that you can get the maximum amount of sleep each night. Because, after all, your baby is growing inside you and you both need as much rest as possible! Check out this infographic which talks about how your mattress affects sleep quality.

Here are my top 7 ways to get a better night’s sleep when you’re pregnant:
1. Find a position that works well for you.
In general, everyone has a sleep position that they prefer. Some people are side sleepers, some are back sleepers, some prefer a fetal position or to sleep on their stomach. When you’re pregnant there are obvious reasons why some positions won’t work for you.

It’s important to note that sleeping on your belly can be dangerous for the baby and for yourself, because it can restrict blood flow to both of you. Know that sleeping on your left side is ideal for your circulation and baby’s blood flow and growth, according to WebMD, but ultimately you should experiment with different positions until you find the one that works the best for you.
1. Invest in a pregnancy pillow.
Pregnancy pillows can be amazing for helping you get comfortable at night. Not only do they make you feel more comfortable but they also position you correctly, and help keep you from assuming positions that might be harmful to you or your baby (like rolling over).

If you’re not sure which pregnancy pillow is the right fit for you, you should check out this helpful list of comparisons from SleepAdvisor.
1. Sleep in just the right spot.
And I don’t mean in your bed. Sometimes your bed is going to be the best place, but when you’re pregnant, that couch, armchair, or futon looks pretty good, too! It all just depends on what makes you feel the most comfortable.

Sometimes it’s going to be the room that gets the coolest within your house, and sometimes it’s going to be in the chair that reclines the farthest. Experiment with different locations, surfaces, and levels to find the best fit for you.
1. Get a Maternity Band.
Maternity Bands aren’t for sleeping with, but wearing one during the day can definitely cut down on your pain at night and allow you to feel more relaxed, leading to better slumber. You can read this article from healthline.com on why Maternity Bands are super helpful during pregnancy.
1. Ease Up on Caffeine & Large Meals Before Bed
You’re pregnant, so you’re likely avoiding caffeine anyway. If you aren’t, you definitely need to, because not only is it bad for baby but it’s also not letting you sleep as much as you should be able to at this point.

Additionally, although you are eating for two (or three), you should limit the size of the meals you eat before bed. Large meals before bed can lead to even more heartburn, indigestion, and it can make your body stay up all night trying to digest the meal, when it should be helping your baby grow.
1. Find Things that Relax You.
This is kind of an obvious one, but a lot of times women get so wrapped up in taking care of their families that they forget to take care of themselves. Make sure you’re doing things for you. Wear comfortable pajamas, put on your favorite movie, take a hot soothing shower, or drink a cup of sleepy time soothing (non-caffeinated) tea.

You should make sure to do whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed right before bed for an amazing slumber. If you don’t necessarily have a relaxation routine, you may want to look into yoga and meditation, and there are specific classes geared towards pregnant women.
1. Limit Electronic Exposure
Finally, as soon as your favorite movie or TV show is over, you should turn it off. The worst thing you can do is try to go to sleep with the television on, or with your mobile phone in your hands. The electronic glare affects your brain and “wakes it up”, leaving it even harder for you to go to sleep.

Not to mention, the jury is still out on whether the emissions from these devices can be harmful for you in large doses. Make sure to be truly unplugged at night so you can go to sleep soundly. Of course, the one thing that you can allow yourself to have electronic wise, is a sleep tracker, which will let you know how much sleep you’re actually getting, and ways you can improve. Here’s an awesome sleep tracker, and some more tips from Candyfloss & Dreams.

Try these simple tips for a better night’s sleep and in no time at all, you’ll not only be sleeping with a baby, you’ll be sleeping like a baby.
August 18, 2017
A Beginners Guide To Cruise Holidays

We’ve had the pleasure of sailing to Bruges and Norway and that has totally converted me to cruising. I remember booking my first cruise and not having a clue what to expect. It was quite daunting actually as it was going to be my first holiday abroad as an adult. I had to take care of insurance and passports and do other adulting tasks like paying for it. We decided on a cruise because it seemed like a faff free way to holiday and after speaking to a travel agent and how passionate she was about cruising we were absolutely sold. I was also inspired to cruise because of my grandparents who had cruised along the Fjords and loved it. I wanted to visit Norway and this seemed like an ideal way to visit the country and get a real taste for the scenery. I’ve now been on a couple and they are my preferred way to travel. I don’t particularly like flying, I don’t get seasick and I like the fact that as soon as you’re on the boat you’re on holiday.

Choosing Your Cruise line

There are so many cruise companies out there it’s really hard to choose who to cruise with. I would advise considering one that depart from the UK for your first cruise. P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean both cruise from Southampton which cut down our options a lot. We went with P&O as we liked the fact that everything on board was in £’s and that was what was recommended to us. P&O are a good company to start cruising with, I think, and have a great range of amazing holidays. Do your research before hand and find a company that has everything you need on offer for your party. Travel Loving Family have posted some amazing tips for cruising with kids that is worth reading when considering who to cruise with.

Choosing Your Cabin

A lot of companies allow you to choose a cabin when you book a cruise. Sometimes you have to pay a bit more for this. P&O have a ‘select’ price option which enables you to choose your exact cabin so you know your cabin number before you board. I find this very handy as you can easily locate it on the ship when you book. You can have a flexi option where you’ll be given your room number a few weeks before you sail. Cabins choices are inside, outside, with balcony or suite. We love a balcony as it gives you a little more space and it’s so nice to relax privately. However those on a budget, do not let an inside cabin put you off. You can easily get a breathe of fresh air 24 hours a day being on deck and there is a lot of seating and plenty of places to relax. Those with children, choose a ship with a kids club which will give you all a bit of extra breathing room. With P&O the kids club is free, but it’s important to register early on in the cruise.

You can also select if your cabin will be at the Aft (back) Forward (front) or Midship (the middle). Apparently those that worry about seasickness a midship cabin that’s lower to the ground is your best best.

What’s Included?

Most Cruise Ships come with Full Board which basically includes all the food. P&O include Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate at meals and with room service. Juices and Water is also easily accessible. All other drinks need paying for however most ships operate by using a cruise card. This is swiped when you make a purchase and you may at the end of your holiday. You can usually purchase drinks packages prior to sailing. Some of these include premium coffees, soft drinks and wines. Other cruise liners offer more complete drinks packages to include cocktails, beers and spirits too. Buying a drinks package can be a great saving.

Evening entertainment, cinema screenings, swimming and the gym are all usually included in the cost of your cruise. I quite like the evening shows to be honest. I especially like a comedian and on our cruise to Norway we saw two who were very funny. The dance and music productions are pretty good too, if a little cheesy, but a fun way to pass the time in the evening. Some of the kids clubs operate until a little later too with movie nights to give you a chance to enjoy some time as adults.

What isn’t included?

Excursions – these an be booked in advance or during sailing

Tips – you can pay in advance for this with some companies and each company usually has a different policy. If service is not satisfactory you can remove tips from your account or choose to tip individually. With Royal Caribbean you still need to pay tips with any drinks even if you pay tips in advance.

Premium Dining – this is usually bookable prior to sailing or on the ship and includes a cover charge per person. It’s usually very fine dining and a great chance to try lots of different food.

Spa Treatments – again, companies include packages you can prebook or you can pay with your cruise card on the ship

Dressing for Dinner

Dressing when cruising is always a topic of conversation, you want to know what to pack! Every cruise will usually have at least one formal occasion evening where you are given the chance to dress up. I really like this actually especially when sailing from Southampton where there is no baggage allowance. I believe Norwegian Cruise Lines do not have a dress policy as they feel this is more family friendly. Children are fine in smart casual dress. Men will be required to wear shoes and jackets. I think women have a lot more freedom on these formal occasions to be honest. On our 2 night cruise there was one formal night and one smart casual night. On our 7 night cruise there were 2 formal nights. One was a Captain’s Gala and the other was a black and white theme which was a lot of fun. Annoyingly you don’t know the theme until you’re on board.

Adam and I 2015

Cruising is a really lovely way to travel and has many perks. I hope this has helped you prepare a little for your first cruise and you have a wonderful time.

I’d love to hear any top cruising tips you have?

August 16, 2017
My Breastfeeding Story – I Could Not Cope

I wouldn’t say I’m an advocate for breastfeeding. In fact I have hardly talked about my early day parenting struggles on the blog because I didn’t really think anyone would care but I’ve read countless amount of stories about breastfeeding recently with it being National Breastfeeding Week. I’m not really sure why there needs to be a national breastfeeding week to be honest. I’m not entirely sure why I’m even bothering to write this. So many will disagree, some will agree, a lot of people really wont care but hey, why not share my thoughts and failures too. If it helps. Late to the party, as usual.

I’ve already written about how I feel like I’ve failed my daughter and all the parenting mistakes and mishaps I’ve had. Well, not all but still. I know that breastfeeding is natural and anyone who wants to and can should and should be free to do it wherever they want. I get that people want to defend the right to feed. I don’t agree that mothers should be ushered into a public bathroom to feed their baby. I think that’s appalling actually. I also don’t understand why it’s a common debate between other parents. How does the way another mother feed their baby affect you? Mothers that bottle feed feel judged, mothers that breastfeed feel judged. Surely, as mothers, we feel judged all the time about every single parenting decision we make, can we not just cool off on this one choice? I once spoke to a midwife who said I couldn’t care less how you feed your baby, as long as the baby is fed what does it matter? I wish more people had this attitude.

I breastfeed in total for 16 weeks, the majority of it was combination fed and it was awful. It wasn’t beautiful, it was exhausting. I didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t have support. I didn’t want to feed in public because I didn’t want to get my boobs out in all there massive glory. I also needed about eight cushion to support Evie around my flat tyre belly and I was so scared to move properly because I was terrified I’d rip a stitch from my c-section. I don’t think breastfeeding is beautiful in the same way I don’t think child birth is beautiful. It’s just something that happens…I don’t understand comments that say it’s oh so beautiful and glorious and wonderful. I don’t think I’ll ever see it like that.

My breastfeeding journey was rubbish. When Evie was three weeks old I was told by a nursery nurse I had never met before who came to my house that I was doing a rubbish job, that Evie wasn’t gaining enough weight, that I should give up, that I was a failure. She was absolutely vile to me and I reported her to my health visitor for her attitude. I was 21, I was vulnerable, I was in a horrible relationship, a new mother, recovering from major abominable surgery and I had to face that. So not only was I dealing with the horrible cluster feeds, bleeding nipples, overwhelming tiredness that made me cry, the inability to sleep in my own bed because it was too high for me but to be told I was failing was too much. I gave in, I went to formula and I got a decent night sleep. Evie also started putting on weight. She slept through the night at seven weeks and has done ever since. I don’t feel guilty about my decision to change.

Having another baby has been a very real topic in our household for the last few months although we haven’t decided when it’s brought back a lot of feelings and questions. Do I really want to breastfeed again? Yes, because I do believe that those first 16 weeks gave Evie some goodness which stopped her being so sickly. I’m going to be less fat which will make movement easier (post birth I mean, because I am losing weight!). I’m going to have a supportive partner who actually loves me. However, I do not want to exclusively breastfeed. I don’t want to attempt to do it in public and that is a totally personal choice. I don’t care if other people want to do it, I don’t want to. I don’t want to be the only one that gets up in the night. I want to be able to go out and see family without being dictated by the boob feeds. I want to express and if that doesn’t work I will formula feed.

But I worry. I worry if I start breastfeeding that my baby will not take a bottle and then I’ll be stuck doing something that I understand is good and healthy and natural but something I don’t enjoy. Something that makes me feel trapped and scared because I might not do it right. Something that means it will completely be down to me and I don’t want to be the only feeding parent. The thought of it makes me anxious and makes me want to not even try. I don’t care that this makes me selfish, my body is mine. I know people will probably be thinking oh you might feel different next time around, it gets easier, you might enjoy it. I won’t. I know I won’t because I know that I will get those thoughts of NO in my mind so strongly that out of sheer stubborness I won’t feel happy about it if I can’t express, combination feed or use a bottle. I need options in my life.

So my message is to those that feel like you’re failing for whatever reason you’re not. Don’t let anyone judge your right to choose how you parent, how you feed. Do what works absolutely best for you. Get yourself informed, seek support from and don’t judge yourself. There is a story behind every successful breast and bottle fed baby. Seek them out.

August 14, 2017