Holland & Barrett More Store Opening in Plymouth

With the rise in healthy eating, those switching to vegan diets and a country with a greater understanding about what we're putting into our bodies, there's never been more of a need for a one stop shop that is suitable for people with all types of dietary requirements. Unfortunately, it's just something that major chain supermarkets don't cater towards yet. So last Thursday when the new Holland & Barrett more store opened in Plymouth I couldn't wait to have a look around and see what else they had to offer. I've always been a fan of Holland & Barrett, despite having to browse the two existing original stores in Plymouth that were tiny, dark and had limited brands. So with a brand new more store with SO many new and exciting brands, interactive elements added to the store and a body analysis section, there really is something for everyone in the new store. If you can't make it down to Plymouth (Drake Circus) just yet, here's an insider peek into this amazing new shop so you can appreciate just how impressive it is too!

I was instantly drawn to their new beauty section, I never realised that Holland & Barrett sold so many amazing cruelty free brands such as Burts Bees, Beauty Kitchen and Zoya. The new interactive elements excited me the most, including making your own body scrubs - how cool?!

You'd be forgiven for thinking these mini bath bombs were in fact bon bons, you can fill a tub of these to create your own pick & mix baby bath bomb selection, as a major bath bomb addict I found myself instantly drawn to this section!

I love the concept of the create your own bath bombs and lip balm sets, they're something a bit different and would make such great presents at Christmas time!

After a hard day of shopping the thought of making your own body scrub seems like such a treat, the lovely shop assistant talked us through each of the 3 stages and how you can create your own tailor made scrub to suit your skin type. You simply take the jar, fill with your chosen type of scrub, add an oil and shake it together well. Think like a build a bear type thing for grown ups - I really do love the concept of this.

A girl can never have too many nail varnishes, right?

I'm such a fan of Burts Bees, and I was so impressed with their massive selection, they've definitely given Boots a run for their money in this department!

 As a fitness fan, I was overjoyed that I could then gravitate into their fitness section, with only a few steps away from the beauty area, I was beginning to realise this was my dream shop... This part of the shop allows you to make your own protein shakes on the go, pick up some protein rich foods and even have your body analysis taken in their special body composition area, this includes measuring BMI and hydration levels to help customers improve their fitness and overall sporting performance. I absolutely loved the fun design of this section too, with a race track flooring and a blue theme throughout.

It was then time to satisfy those sweet cravings with a trip to their healthy pick and mix stand. Again, such a simple yet different concept which is just something I haven't seen elsewhere, you can mix and match your favourite nuts, chocolate coated dried fruits and more. It's a good way of trying different things out to see what you like, and maybe don't like so much! I picked up a bag myself, and it was maybe only slightly dearer than what a standard bag of pick and mix would cost, but a damn sight healthier!

If pick and mix isn't your type of thing, then you can head over to the olive bar to fill a tub to the brim for a super healthy snack.

But I'm sure this section will be everyone's cup of tea, a super cool tea bar filled with every possible tea you could imagine.

Then it was time to explore the area of the shop that I'm most familiar with which is their healthy snacks, vegan, vegetarian and free from section, except this shop had a lot more brands! I have finally managed to get my hands on some brands that I've been wanting to try for months such as Pip & Nut butters and Rebel Kitchen chocolate milk, mmmm! They also had 25% off everything in the store during the day which was amazing, so it's fair to say that I stocked up on a lot of healthy, guilt free goodies that will keep me going for a while!

I went along to the event with the lovely Emily, and I spotted these fruity crisps that were coincidentally named after her, needless to sell they fell into her shopping basket shortly after.. Also, can we appreciate the amazing packaging of these - so so pretty!

I headed home with a super generous goodie bag, as well as the treats that I picked up for myself, how could I not when I had waited for such an extensive selection of brands like this for so long?! They all came packaged in one of their lovely reusable tote bags, such a life saver when you still refuse to pay 5p for a plastic bag, it's just the principle of it isn't it? I also picked up one of Holland & Barretts loyalty cards which I didn't even know existed, it works in a similar way to any loyalty card, so there's no better incentive to keep eating healthily!

I couldn't be happier that Plymouth is now home to the flagship Holland & Barrett More store, aren't we lucky?! A lot of people still have preconceptions that Holland & Barrett just sells pills and seeds, as you can see it doesn't just sell that, and it has something to offer everyone, whether you're looking to pursue a healthy lifestyle, you're a gym fanatic or have special dietary requirements. Healthy living is a lifestyle choice more than anything, and this new store provides you with a real shopping experience that lets you stock up on the essentials in one shop, and help you to live that lifestyle with ease! If you want to hear more from the new store, be sure to follow them on Twitter: HB_PlymouthMore!

Have you been down to see the new store? Are you a fan of Holland & Barrett stores? Which is your favourite part of the new store?

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OOTD | Festival Fashion

Dress* - Apricot Clothing

Beachcomber Waterproof Coat* - Lighthouse

Shoes* - Rocket Dog via Schuh (coming soon!)

Despite not being a festival goer (I just don't fancy the mud & camping!), I am a huge lover of festival fashion. You'll still find me miles from a festival with a floral crowd on my head whilst wearing something fringed. One thing that festivals do have in common with daily life is the unexpected weather, you can almost put your life on it that it's either going to rain every day straight or there will be scorching sunshine for the length of the festival, there never seems to be a middle ground! 

So going to a festival well prepared for all weathers is your best bet, and one thing you'll definitely need to pack is a waterproof, yet stylish rain coat. There is a real gap in the market for stylish raincoats that are actually long lasting and don't resemble the thickness of a plastic bag. With festivals and the fashionista in mind, Lighthouse have put together a collection of practical, bright coloured, fully waterproof and stylish raincoats, which is where this canary yellow Beachcomber rain coat comes into play! I've always wanted to own a bright yellow raincoat, it reminds me of my childhood and makes me feel like a fisherman, but it's just perfect for British weather, and it makes the whole outfit pop. I paired it with a plain denim shirt dress and these super cool Aztec style boots, come wellies from Rocket Dog. These welly boots will be available very soon, exclusively to Schuh, so make sure you keep an eye out on their new in section!  I've never really seen a pair of boots like this before, they would definitely keep your feet dry and warm from the muddiness that awaits, and teamed with a lighthouse rain coat they'll help you get festival ready in no time!

What do you think of this outfit? Do you struggle to find a stylish raincoat? What would you wear to a festival?

*Products marked with an asterix (*) have been sent to me for review. However, all opinions in this post are 100% my own

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5 Hair Care/Styling Favourites

Having long hair at times can be both the best thing and the worst, no one can begin to imagine the tangles, caught hair and extensive hair drying times. But having said that, it's all worth it when it looks amazing! With the right hair care styling products and tools it has made my life a lot easier. Many of these products have been my favourites for absolute years, when I find something that works I hold on to it for life, if it ain't broke don't fix it right? If you're looking for something to make your hair more manageable, here are 5 of my current top 5 hair care/styling favourites that have made their way into my routine!

#1. Tangle Teezer
I've been confessing my love for the trusty Tangle Teezer since way before I began writing this blog 3 years ago. Sick of tangly hair and combs that snagged my hair in the shower, I was given my first compact tangle teezer 4 years ago for my Birthday and which I still use to this day, it really is long lasting! I now have a collection of 4 tangle teezers, all with different styles and sizes. I now have a tangle teezer for every bag I own, and I just couldn't be without one again. I cringe at the thought of putting a comb through wet hair again, and it's true that the tangle teezer is one of the best discoveries I have ever made for my long hair. It makes brushing it through in the mornings, at the end of the day, after a swim and in the shower a dream, getting rid of tangles with ease, and without snapping the ends of my hair. Tangle Teezer have expanded over the years since I first started using them and they now have a limited edition range to complement the existing originals, I mean who could resist a pug printed tangle teezer? I know what my sixth teezer to join the family is going to be...

#2. Lee Stafford Chopstick Styler
Where curly hair is concerned, the chopstick styler is a game changer. I repeat, this is the only curler I have ever used that creates tight curls which last and don't drop out. Sure, it's a very tedious task as it takes me just over an hour to create a full head of curl worthy hair, but boy does it look good, and it lasts for days even through sleep and daily life. It's not something I use often as I can imagine it's so damaging to your hair, but if you're looking for a fun, show stopping hair styler then you need this in your life! Proof is in the pudding as they say, see it below in action...

#3. Moroccan Oil
Many a blog post has boasted the amazing product that is Moroccan oil. At £30 a pop a bottle, this stuff is not cheap, but if you're looking to maintain long hair without it looking like straw or wanting to grow your hair, this stuff is like liquid nitrogen. You only need to apply a few drops of this to your hair after washing your hair and one bottle lasts me a year so it really is worth the money. It's one of the best hair oils I have used and I always think it's worth spending money on high quality items when it comes to your hair. 

#4. Invisibobble
Whatever your hair length, wearing it in a pony or bun all day can cause headaches and sore scalps. I tend to stick to low ponies or plaits these days because of the strain. When I use normal hair bands I feel like I have bruises on my scalp afterwards, ouch! I discovered invisibobbles about a year ago and haven't looked back, these unusual telephone cord esque bands are easy to use, they're virtually invisible once they're in your hair, they won't leave those tell tale marks on your hair, and most importantly they don't hurt your head! They're available in  a range of different colours these days and sizes, I have a clear box of these as I personally think they look more seamless and invisible in the hair!

#5. Towelling Headband
Not an essential, but a necessity. When you have long hair or any length hair for that matter, washing your face or brushing your teeth becomes a military operation. Trying to keep that hair back from your face isn't an easy task which is why I swear by my towelling headband. It's soft, pink and keeps all my hair back with ease, what's not to love? I wear it when I apply my makeup too so I have a completely clear base to work from with no hair that gets congealed within my foundation, or even worse, my lip gloss!

My hair care routine is constantly expanding and I love trying new products to help make my hair look fabulous, so do let me know if there are any other miracle products that I should be trying out! 

What are your hair care favourites? Have you tried any of these products/tools before?

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OOTN | Formal Night At Sea

Dress - Asos

Shoes - Next

Clutch - Topshop

As you may have noticed I've been AWOL on the blog front for the last 2 weeks (sorry!), but I'm sure if you follow me on social media then you'll have seen that I was cruising the med! As always, I had the most amazing time - a bit of sun and relaxation does the world of good. I'll fill you in more about my cruise on here over the next week or so. In the meantime I wanted to share one of my favourite formal outfits from the cruise with you, I also wore this dress for the first time back in March for a wedding and have properly wanted to share it with you all since then as it's just so beautiful.

Formal nights are my favourite night of the cruise, like I need an excuse to dress up anyway, but all the stops are put out for formal nights and I love getting glammed up and admiring other peoples dresses during the evening too! I love the grey/silver effect of this dress and the tight bodice and net skirt makes it look so beautiful and different. It goes with blush items so well, but I think it would look just as good with metallic silver shoes and accessories too. I purchased this dress a while ago now, but I know that Chi Chi Clothing do some similar organza dresses like this if you want to recreate the look for yourself, it's the perfect style for summer weddings, holidays and parties!

Anyway, how have you all been?! Have you been on a cruise before? Do you like this style of dress?

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