Category: Lifestyle

Ad – (gifted product) I received a Beverly Hills Formula Bronze and Brighten gift set in exchange for this blog post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. If you fancy seeing a little unboxing video of the gift set I’ve uploaded it to TikTok – You can find me at @awitchisreading on there! You can purchase your own Bronze and Brighten Gift set here.

I love how this little set has been put together. I’m trying to do a bit of a post lockdown “glow up” and what says glow up better than a nice, even tan and whiter teeth. I’m going to share my full glow up post next week with the sort of things I’m going to try and do to come out of lockdown feeling a bit better about myself and set some new routines in place. Self care will be playing a big part in that and I am all for trying things that make me look and feel a little better. The bronze and brighten gift set is a perfect set to get ready for summer. I haven’t had a chance to start using this just yet so I’ll update the post a little later in the month with my thoughts and any results.

The set includes:
A Professional 2 in 1 whitening kit which is a whitening pen and a series of whitening strips to put on the top and lower teeth
Advanced silver whitening toothpaste
5008 filament toothbrush
A trio of whitening toothpaste samples
Self tan mousse, eraser glove and duo application tanning glove

I wont pretend to be an expert when it comes to self tanning but I do enjoy giving my skin a bit of a summer glow. Not having a garden means I can’t really get out and sunbathe and my poor legs are never the same colour as my arms when the suns out. I’m all for giving myself a little bit of even colour all over before our holiday in July. I am however keen to try the whitening tooth paste strips and see if they give me a brighter smile. Alongside this lovely set I have my hair cut appointment booked in and I’m going for a complete restyle. I’m looking forward to a bit of pampering this month really as it’s been absolutely ages. I might even book myself an appointment to get my eyebrows waxed and gel nails applied before our break away. Honestly, I know to some if feels a bit superficial but it really makes a difference.

Ad – This is a paid post in collaboration with Klarify.

It seems everyone, right now, is getting ready for summer. For lots of us this is improving our movement, our skincare routines and maybe even shopping for a new wardrobe; a summer ‘glow up’ which feels especially important to many of us as we’ve been stuck inside for the last year. It’s been tough going hasn’t it? Many people might have noticed things about themselves, or paid more attention to their bodies needs and wants over the last year. Things they might have been putting down to stress or haven’t had the time to look into may have become more promenient. I’ve had some personal challenges myself that have made me question how I handle certain situations and have been keeping a check in on my mental health. I kind of feel like I’ve sort of had life on hold – on pause – recently and I need to get some structure back to my life, take more time for self care and just generally look after myself a bit more.

As well as all those lovely things that make us feel good about ourselves I want to talk about including allergy testing as it can be a way to improve your day to day life, not just this summer, but every season. Klarify’s allergy testing blog goes into lots of detail about how many people in the UK live with allergies and how an at home test might help. I’m quite lucky that I don’t suffer too much when it comes to allergies. I get maybe the occassional bout of Hayfever in the Spring and I did have a nasty reaction to suncreen a view years ago. Whilst I haven’t tried a home allergy test – as I just changed to a hypoallergenic brand of sunscreen – a home test would be really interesting and could help when it comes to planning things and buying certain products I know my body will appreciate.

Reading through the blog post above I was surprised to find 1 in 4 people in the uk suffer with a form of allergy however, they’re not always diagnosed by a doctor. This could be for many reasons, perhaps a person hasn’t been exposed to an allergen before or they don’t feel they ‘suffer’ for long enough with seasonal allergies to make them need a doctors appointment. There are, however, some allergies that are incredibly serious and require immeadiate medical attention – if you are worried about a particular allergy, seeking medical advice should always come first. Common allergies include things like hayfever, caused by various pollens, and pet hair. I think if you are considering a pet but you may have reacted to a friend or family members pet in the past knowing if you’re allergic could be really helpful and an at home test can confirm that for you.

If, symptoms are quite mild or occassional then a home allergy test might be really beneficial to find out exactly what kind of allergy you have and how to prevent symptoms – particularly if they are seasonal. Klarify offer a quick and simple home allergy test kit which is done in the comfort of your own home and then sent off for analysis in a lab. It is something I would consider as I occasionally get seasonal allergies, like hayfever, but I’m not sure what type of pollen affects me. It would be really handy to know so that I could be a little more prepared each season, have a little more information to prevent symptoms and have solutions such as anti-allergy medication at home just in case I need it.

The allergy test is simple to administer and recommends around 30 minutes of down time to get everything done and packaged back up again. The website has a clear guide on how to administer the test at home. The test does require the use of a lancing device on a clean finger as it requires a small blood sample in order to analyse allergens. You then send your sample off and activate your test online. There are full instructions for this too. The at home test comes with a code for you to use when you sign in. The test takes approixmately two weeks for results to be uploaded.You then get a detailed personalised report with the findings.

Waiting lists for allergy testing can be quite lengthy which is what draws people into private testing. Whilst changes and treatment should be at the advice of a health professional or specialist an at home allergen testing kit can help speed up the process if you have concerns.The Klairfy at home allergy test can test for things like different types of pollen, pets, food, yeasts and moulds as well as a selection of other allergens. It can help you to have an open discussion with your GP or other medical professional if you find these kind of things are affecting you and they will be able to guide you on the best recommendations, advice and treatments. When it comes to food it is not advisable to change your diet, or remove complete food groups from your diet, without a medical practioners advice however a private at home allergy test can certainly help confirm particular allergens. The klarify at home kit can not detect food intolerances and that is a discussion to have with your GP or health practitioner.

Ad – I received items from Tutti Rouge in exchange for this blog post. All opinions remain my own.

I’ve always been a busty woman and it has been an absolute joy to find more companies offering ‘curve’ ‘plus size’ and ‘fuller bust’ ranges in their underwear collections. All bodies deserve good quality, well fitting, comfortable underwear that makes them feel supported and sexy. I was thrilled when Tutti Rouge – Fuller Bust Underwear offered some items from their collection in exchange for a review.

Tutti Rouge pride themselves on providing sexy, shaping, supported and stylish lingerie

Do you know what I loved when I first clicked on the Tutti Rouge website? A whole manner of different bodies. I absolutely love this. I love that Tutti have asked a range of bloggers to share their own photos as well as having professional photos on their site of all different kind of lingerie wearing people. I saw rolls, I saw curves, I saw wide hips, tattooed bodies, fuller busts and all on people that looked like they were wearing something that made them feel good. This is so vital for young women shopping for lingerie. It’s vital to see somethat that makes you feel like you are worth spending money on to feel good. Different bodies are all over the website so I am proud to share products from a company that so clearly values diversity. I genuinely think no matter your size or shape shopping with Tutti Rouge will make you feel confident and you will find something you like.

Tutti Rouge offer a range of lingerie including bras, bralettes, knickers and bodysuits. There are a few different styles in each category including fuller bust bras and high waisted knickers. Colours include black, pink, purple and red among others. I know it’s a bit frustrating not trying things on right now however, according to Tutti’s FAQ’s they accept returns for faulty items and items not to your satisfaction providing the labels and hygiene stickers are still intact.

What Sizes do Tutti Rouge Stock?

The range goes to a XS – 6XL which I think is a good range. Bras are available up to a 48G. There is an international sizing chart on the website which is really helpful. The items I received were a 24/26 high waisted knickers, 6XL Body and a 40G/GG (Bralette). I felt these were true to size and a comfortable fit for me. When discussing what items to review I provided my size and colour and just asked for something Tutti Rouge felt would be a good fit and I was thrilled with what I received.

My Review of Tutti Rouge Lingerie

I received a Bralette and Knicker set and a Body suit in exchange for this blog post and I was thrilled with what I received. I’ve never tried a bralette before but I am totally converted. Being so top heavy I don’t feel comfortable or confident enough to leave the house without a bra. Being busty has often meant I either have thin straps which are easy to cover up but a lot of underwire which does get a bit uncomfortable wearing day in, day out. The other option is a non wired bra which has super thick straps over the shoulders for support which just doesn’t make me feel good when wearing strap sleeve dresses. The Tutti Rouge Bralette is a really happy medium for me.

The Baylie Bralette was in the Rougette range which is the curvier products available.The material was nice and soft, with a mesh, fishnet appearance and the straps a good size and I felt supported whilst wearing it. I think this is due to the wide underbust band which looks like it might be restrictive but it was actually really comfortable for me. I love the colour too, it’s so much nicer having underwear in a range of colours rather than the regular black, nude or white. It was just nice and comfortable really. Perfect for casual wear or just if you don’t want wire. I will absolutely try more Bralettes in the future. I also got a matching pair of high waisted briefs which were super comfortable. Again the thick band made kept everything in the right place and I wore alongside jeans.

The other item I received was the Hallie Body suit which is a black, lacy design but with a super supportive waist. It feels really lovely on with super soft material and just like good quality lingerie. I really like body suits and I think they’re a great option for plus sized people. They can be super stretchy but still make you feel really contained and show off your shape in all the best ways. The razor back style support with the thick waist band makes this ideal under dresses, I think. It just covers things really nicely and feels nice on. It gives you support in all the right places and it looks fabulous.

Anything else I need to know about Tutti Rouge?

There’s a student discount offer of 15% through a student beans account. Dispatch and delivery to the UK is between 2-10 days depending on the order and location. Items are shipped through Royal Mail and tracking is available if you select next day delivery. You can get free worldwide delivery on orders over £50.There is a sale section too. Prices all seem to be under £30 per item with many around the £20 mark which I think is an excellent price for good quality, comfortable lingerie for a variety of body shapes and sizes.

Have you already booked a post lockdown holiday for you and your family? We have! I am so excited to be heading back to our favourite place. We will be spending a midweek break in July on the Isle of Wight. The only difference is the holiday park. This time we are spending time at Nodes Point Holiday Park which is a caravan site on the island. It kind of feels like going abroad because we have to get there on about – pretty much the same thing right? Caravan parks are places we love visiting and have done as a family for a long time. For us, the Isle of Wight was an ideal staycation destination for a post lockdown break. We have already stayed at Landguard Holiday Park and Thorness Bay so it’s time to try another place and see what we think.

Self Catering Accomodation Will Hopefully Accept Bookings from 12th April

Park Dean Resorts are our go-to holiday park and have been now since 2014. They offer a great range of budget to luxuery accomodation and our experience last year at Ruda really reassured me that they took Covid seriously and were making everything safe and secure for families. They really delivered. Our holiday this year takes us to a place we love visiting as a family but this time we’ve booked something with a bit more luxury – a Hot Tub Lodge and I am SO excited for it. We are also taking Adam’s mum with us because she deserves a break to. We’re heading, hopefully, on a festive break with my parents.

Now there’s still a little bit of me that’s worried that things won’t go to plan and the roadmap might change and not happen exactly how it’s hoping to. I do remain hopeful though. We’ve booked our break for July which hopefully means plenty of time for restrictions to lessen. However, the accomodation is self catering, we’d like the pool to be open but we’re not too fussed. Mostly, we just want to get outside of our own town, do a little bit of exploring and have some quality family time together. Self Catering accomodation is opening in some places from 12th April, hotels and B&B’s are allowed to open up again (at this current time – it may change) from 17th May and we are all waiting on baited breath for things to open fully on 21st June 2021. That’s still some time away so hopefully those booking uk Staycation breaks in July and August will be able to have a break away.

Staycation Destinations for Post Lockdown Holidays this Summer

Anyway, let’s get on with exploring some destinations you might want to consider for a Staycation post lockdown holiday.

Center Parcs Holiday Villages

I will forever recommend Center Parcs as an ideal staycation destination because we had the best time. When searching for local accomodation and holiday parks near Longleat Centerparcs Longleat was the obvious and most recommeded option. They are currently advertising all their UK holiday villages from 12th April however the Sub Tropical Swimming Pool will be closed at this time. We actually have a booking with them for Decemeber 2021 – I’m hopeful that will go ahead after out January 2021 break was sadly cancelled. We first went in 2019 and just had such a wonderful time. Longleat in particular is a huge holiday village and is there anything more perfect than being in the woods. They are cashless, so you can use contactless or Apple Pay in all stores and restuarants. You can prebook activities online and there is currently no daily housekeeping but extra towels are provided.

Seaside Fun at Weymouth

Weymouth is one of my favourite beach places to visit. There are plenty of holiday parks and self catering caravan destinations for staycation post lockdown holidays. If you are happy to wait until further restrictions are lifted then there are so many lovely seafont B&B’s available too including budget prices and family friendly accomodation. We’ve stayed in Weymouth Premier Inn for a night away previously and would be happy to return for a night or two once we can. There is a beautiful sandy beach as well as mini golf, seafront arcades, afternoon tea and the sea life center.

Cornwall and Devon Family Holiday Parks

Cornwall and Devon always make me think of summer holidays with family when I was younger. They are popular UK staycation destinations and I expect will have plenty of post lockdown holidays available from the great range of holiday parks all over the coast, particularly North Devon. Last year we had a really positive post lockdown holiday in Ruda park, North Devon. It had a lovely bay with surfing and a sandy beach. People were observing social distancing. The arcade and restuarants were open as well as the ability to order collection and delivery to your accomodation.

A few years back we went to Cornwall and had a lovely week in the Mullion holiday park on the Lizard Peninsula. Evie, my eldest, thinks back fondly of Cornwall and would love to go back.