IT'S OK TO NOT BE OK

I am so mad right now. 

I'm sitting crying into my laptop after seeing a bunch of Mental Health posts online. Just recently, another celebrity, apparently someone who always appeared happy and laughing, has chosen to end their life and the world can't comprehend it. Everyone's reacting to how sad it is and I've seen chainmail posts from people saying "you're not alone" and "their house is a safe zone and is a place of non-judgement". Well isn't it a damn shame you didn't feel the same a few years ago when your best friend was suffering? That's the fucked up world that we live in today folks. Where people feel sad for celebrities or can empathise with people they don't know over actually helping someone they do know with their problems.Why? Simply because they just don't have the time for it.

I went through a really tough time. At one point, I felt like I just couldn't catch a break. It was bad news after bad news. When I look back I can admit, I'd had a nervous breakdown. Life was too much and things started spiralling out of control. I hit rock bottom and ended up needing pills to get me up out of bed in the morning to face every day task that most people wouldn't usually think twice about.

I've always believed people don't treat Mental Health as an 'illness' as it is an illness that cannot always necessarily be seen. Just because we cannot see someones pain, does not mean it doesn't exist. You'll clearly see a broken leg or arm and right away you can see they are in pain. But when someone is hurting so much on the inside, it's not as easy to see. I've read somewhere before that depression is a selfish disease. And I do believe it to some extent, because when you're depressed you're not thinking about anyone else's pain or how your pain is affecting anyone but you. But I know from my own experience, is that I didn't want to burden anyone with my pain. And I don't find that selfish at all. Complete opposite in fact. 

Some people won't chose to share their mental health for a number of reasons; pride, fear of rejection; admitting defeat or the simple fact that they don't want anyone else to hurt like they are hurting. That doesn't necessarily mean it's up to them to help themselves. If warning signs are there, make more of an effort. If they start cancelling on you all the time, stop replying to your texts or they may start taking less care in their appearance. Are they irrational or behaving different? Having mood swings? Are they deliberately isolating themselves? Literally anything out the ordinary. I'd like to think I'd notice a change in my friend if they were struggling. If you're not sure, speak to them, speak to their parents or partner. Do anything because if they choose to end their life, you'll be the one left with the guilt and regret if you do nothing. 

If people who suffer from mental health could snap their fingers and feel better, believe it when I say we bloody would! Depression isn't a sign of weakness. It means you have been strong for too long.

To those I may have hurt during my darkest times.
Please forgive me, if I pushed you away. Forgive me, if I was needy and longed for you to physically show me how much I meant to you. Forgive me for hurting and taking longer to deal with my grief.  Forgive me, for not appreciating you tried to help. Forgive me, for not thinking of your pain too. But please remember, nobody in their right frame of mind just ups and quits their job. Stops making an effort in all aspects of their life and pushes their closest friends away. It's actually heartbreaking to feel like I meant so little, that my friendship wasn't worth fighting for. I think that's something that will stick with me forever. I wasn't worth it. 

I can imagine it being bloody tough being a friend to someone who struggles with Mental Health. But my god, I'd rather be a good friend than have anyone feel like they have to battle through it alone. After all, that's what friends are for, right? 

"Good friends help you find things when you've lost them. 

Things like your mind, your hope, your courage and your smile". 

MUM TIPS

MY TOP TIPS/ADVICE FOR NEW MUMS

Being a first-time mum myself, I know how hard it can be adjusting to your new role as a mumma and how the lack of sleep can affect your whole day, mood - everything! So I thought I'd conjure up a few things that have seriously helped me out and adapt to my new 'mum-life' a little bit easier.

1. Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine

Worth.Every.Penny! I remember speaking to my mum when I was pregnant and I told her I wanted a perfect prep as I'd read heaps of reviews online and she laughed at me saying it would be a 'waste of money' and remarked 'what's wrong with boiling a kettle?" Well, for once, I am glad I didn't listen to her!! When you have a screaming baby, hungry at 3am you don't want to wait/YOU CAN'T wait for 30 minutes while the kettle cools down. It's so not fun!! The perfect prep does all the hard work for you and has the bottle ready in a matter of minutes. It normally retails for around £120 but the likes of Asda, Mothercare etc are always doing half price deals. PS, even my mum has been converted and thinks its a god-send!

2. Car Seat/Pram Toy 

Picture this. You're driving in your car and you get stopped at lights. Baby starts to cry and you can't reach behind you to soothe them. What a nightmare! This had happened to me a few times and it wasn't until I was in a shopping centre one day and I saw a couple with their pushing their baby in the pram and noticed that they had a toy bar across the carseat handle. I literally went on to google right away to purchase one.  They are amazing. I bought mine from Smyths Toy Store for £9.99. It had a rattle, a mirror and a musical/light up lion and my son was obsessed. He was totally fascinated by the lion and would sit content for ages. Money well spent.

3. Ewan The Dream Sheep

Ewan certainly is a dream thats for sure. For those who don't know about Ewan, he is a soothing sheep which lights up and plays calming sounds that replicate those that babies hear in the womb. Ever since my son was born, I'd play white noise on Youtube on my phone and it would help settle him/get him to sleep but it meant me being phoneless until bub had fell asleep and when I did eventually get my phone back my battery would be low. Not ideal. You can attach Ewan to the cot and press any of his feet for approx 20 mins of soothing noises which helps the little ones drift off into dreamland. He retails for £29.99 which isn't the cheapest but if you're struggling to settle your little one - its definitely worth a try.

4. A Pram/Stroller Organiser 

I'm a little bit late to the game with this. I've seen so many people with pram organisers but never really felt the need for one. But if you're anything like me and constantly saying "where's my phone?", "where's my keys" then this could be your saviour! I ordered one from Amazon and I love it, it is big enough for me to fit nappies, wipes, purse, 2 bottles and it has a touch screen see through bag for my phone. My only wish is I'd bought it sooner!! 

5. Baby Classes

I remember being pregnant and wondering if I'd ever pluck up the courage to attend a baby sensory class (Moo Music, Jo Jingles Gymboree etc) and if I am honest, I don't think I would have if it wasn't for my prego friend! I am so glad I joined a baby class because not only do I think it helps bring on your little one - it's also a chance for you to meet new mum friends and be able to talk baby all day but still have grown up chats with people in similar situations. I attended both Moo Music and Jo Jingles with my son and he loved them both. They offer a variety of sensory toys and nursery rhymes to help them learn. I've got a great circle of mummy friends now and I do think mum-life would be a hell of a lot harder without them so get yourself to a class and meet some mummies.

I hope these tips help any mummies or mummies-to-be out. Leave a comment below with any tips you think all parents should know!

NIP & FAB MAKE-UP

The New Nip & Fab Make-Up Range

 

 

I was super lucky to be sent a PR package from Rachael at Nip & Fab to try out the new Nip & Fab makeup line. I was absolutely buzzing to try everything she sent me because Nip & Fab are such a massive contender in the skincare market, I had high hopes for the makeup.

 

 

First up are the Colour Correctors. Now I'm not going to lie, I personally don't really feel the need to colour correct. Yes, I have eye bags and spots but I always tend to use full coverage concealers and foundations so I've never found colour correcting a necessity but I was pleasantly surprised. The yellow shade really does brighten and the orange cancels out any blue/black bags under the eyes. They blend out well and a little goes a very long way. If you suffer from dark circles or are into colour correcting then there's no reason you won't love these. However, what I will say I'm not a fan of is the packaging. I've never been a fan of squeezey tube products because I don't think you ever get the full product out. Plus, if you accidentally squeeze too hard and too much product comes out it's such a waste. But really, at the price can we really grumble? 
RRP £8.95 each

  

The matte liquid lipsticks are probably my least favourite product and the only reason being is the shades I was sent. I think I suit brighter colours on my lips. I always feel nude lips wash me out, even though I love a nude lip look so I'd like to try other shades. The formula however, is spot on and it does last on my lips a really long time. Not drying or flaky at all. The liquid lipstick market is booming right now but I think Nip & Fab are definitely giving some of the higher end brands a run for their money. Why pay double the price for pretty much the same product!
RRP: £7.95 (ACTUAL STEAL)

 

 

The foundation mixers are AMAZING! The white shade, for me, has been a god-send. I buy most of my makeup online and I don't always get the colour match quite right. I have a few foundations I've neglected because they are a few shades too dark so having the foundation mixers means I've been able to use them again. Honestly, a staple product in any makeup collection. The great thing is - they don't alter the wear or coverage of a different brand of foundation either which is truly amazing!
RRP: £12.95

 

 

The foundation is a really good everyday foundation. I'd say medium coverage but builds really well and gives a nice flawless finish. I've used quite a bit of it already. Again, not a massive fan of the packaging (boo to squeezey tubes). You get 30 ml which is pretty average for a foundation and again, at the price, can we really grumble about packaging?? It could be a great foundation to take on holiday as it doesn't feel heavy on the skin yet still gives a nice coverage and you don't need to worry about it breaking in your suitcase - bonus!
RRP: £12.95
 

 

The contour palette is amazingly pigmented and has such a good variety of colours. You know how there is usually one or two colours in a contour kit that you just don't use? Well not this one. I've used every colour. Which is great because it's so versatile it'll suit all skin tones. They are extremely easy to blend because they are so finely-milled and they don't leave that "powdery" finish that I've experienced with other contour kits. To get 6 shades for only £15 is total steal if you ask me. RRP: £15.00

 

Ahh my favourite product that I was sent - the highlight palette. Just look at it. It is stunning! The shades and pigmentation are spot on - it's fast becoming my "go-to" product to use for highlight. Some shades are more subtle than others which is good for the days you want to glow but not like from space, you know? Without a doubt it will be coming on holiday with me. I think it will be perfect from the start of my holiday when I resemble Casper The Friendly Ghost and return resembling a bronzed golden goddess. HA! Who am I kidding, I've got a 1 year old, I'll probably come back whiter than I leave!! Again, another steal - £15 for 6 highlight shades. I've paid double that for 1 highlighter before....... madness!
RRP £15.00

All in all, I'd say you definitely need check out the new Nip & Fab make-up line as there are some really beautiful products. https://www.nipandfab.com/makeup

If you're quick - Superdrug are offering 3 for 2 right now on Nip & Fab make-up so go go go!!

The products are in my opinion, great value for money. Extremely affordable, easily accessible and incredibly pigmented. The products I've reviewed are only a handful of the collection. There are primers, mascaras, lip liners and more. The blush palettes have caught my eye - they look incredible!

I created this "day glam" look using the above Nip & Fab products. Can you believe the difference!
 

Have you tried any Nip & Fab products? Let me know in the comments anything that I must try!

This review is not sponsored. I have been sent these products in exchange for a review but I will always be 100% honest with my opinions.

SONIC CLEANSING BRUSH

MAGNITONE BAREFACED 

Skincare has become my obsession lately. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older and  my skin is changing or the fact that I don't wear makeup as often as I used to but I really notice a difference in my skin when I do look after it. I'm not just talking about taking my makeup off properly but really giving it a deep cleanse daily. 

I hummed and hawed for ages about buying a sonic cleansing brush because they are so pricey but my skin was looking the worst it had looked in YEARS so I bit the bullet and purchased a Magnitone BareFaced. A pink one, of course ;-)

My Skin Type

I suffer from large pores/textured skin and always have the odd hormonal breakout. I have pretty oily/combination skin as I do sometimes suffer from dry patches, especially if I use abrasive face washes and cleansers. 

What is a Sonic Cleansing Brush?

In Magnitone's own words: "A combination of sonic oscillations + pulsed vibrations to deep-cleanse, massage and tone your skin at the same time, just like a mini workout".


Why Magnitone?

I opted for a Magnitone Sonic Cleansing Brush over other leading brands because of a few factors. Price being number 1. Really budget friendly and with so many stockists like Look Fantastic, Feel Unique who ALWAYS have discount codes floating around it definitely hooked me in.

Secondly, I liked the look of it. Sounds a bit strange, right? Well my thoughts were, to entice me to actually want to properly clean my face every day (cause it's such a chore) I thought if I had a pretty tool it would make me want to use it (I'm a sucker for pretty things, packaging being my downfall) and I was right! I use it every morning and night and my skin has seriously thanked me for it. 

There are 2 settings: Facial Cleanse and PulseLift Toning Mode. Both modes last 60 seconds to stop over-cleansing and aggravating your skin. 

It's waterproof. You can use it and store it in the shower.

What's in the box? 

1. Magnitone BareFaced2
2. Wireless USB Travel Charger
3. Travel Bag
4. Magnitone Membership Card
5. 12 month warranty
   
   
   
   AND When I bought my Magnitone BareFaced, I also got a FREE shower holder worth £20.00!

Magnitone have a great variety of brush heads. I am desperate to try the Pore Perfection replacement heads. I've already noticed a difference in my pores with the Active Clean brush head, can you imagine what this brush head will do for my pores?! Giddy at the thought. 

My confidence hits rock bottom when my skin is at it's worst but my Magnitone BareFaced has really helped me beat overcome my fear of being well, bare faced! My skin is noticeably brighter, pores are less visible and the overall texture of my skin is so soft and smooth.

If you fancy trying out a Magnitone BareFaced - they are offering free delivery on their website this week. Would make an amazing Mothers Day present ;-)

https://www.magnitone.co.uk

EYELASH GROWTH SERUM

FLASH EYELASH GROWTH SERUM

Whilst I was pregnant, I didn't get that pregnancy glow everyone talks about. Yes my hair grew thick but to me the "new hair" that had grown just looked like broken hair; short and dry. My skin went dull and greyish and my lashes disappeared. I don't know where they went but their disappearance definitely didn't help my tired looking eyes. To be honest, I didn't really care up until a few weeks ago (my little Harry is now 6 months old, I can't believe how fast the time has gone!) and now that I have more time to myself, you know to do my makeup etc, I realised that none of my mascaras were giving me my usual spidery looking lashes. 

I tried Revitalash (eyelash serum which retails at £60!!) a few years ago and it made a huge difference to my lashes but it is SO expensive and what new mum on maternity pay can afford to shell out on ridiculously expensive beauty products, regardless if they work or not?? Not me anyway, so I was super chuffed when fLash sent me their Eyelash Growth Serum to try. 

"A lash conditioning serum like this has never been available before at such an affordable price with such a powerful promise."

I started using the product on the 9th August and used it religiously morning and night for 3 months.

Here is a picture of my lashes before with and without mascara (Benefit's Roller Lash) so you get a true idea of what my lashes were like before:

WITHOUT

WITH

So how does it work?

fLash Eyelash Serum penetrates the skin to reach the lash follicles where it coats them with fLash’s advanced conditioning formula. You apply the serum right along your lash line, as  if you were applying liquid eyeliner. After using the product for 3 months you are supposed to be left with long, fuller lashes. 

£35.36 gets you a 2ml tube, which used daily should last approximately 3 months (it lasted this long for me) AND if thats not enticing enough, fLash offer a 90 day money back guarantee if you're not happy with the results!! 

Are you ready to see my results? You won't believe your eyes......

WITHOUT

WITH

I am blown away by the results. My lashes are noticably longer and thicker. I friggen LOVE when a product that promises to work actually works and nothing makes me happier than seeing the results and comparing before and after pictures. I am obsessed with how long my lashes are. I literally had 1 coat of Roller Lash mascara on and my sister thought I had gotten individual lashes put on because my lashes looked so long! 

Here is the link to buy fLash eyelash serum - https://www.eyelashgrowth.com/?curr=GBP

I hoped you enjoyed my review. Leave a comment below if you've tried any eyelash growth serums.

Hugs
thebonnyblog
xo

BECOMING A MUM

LIFE BEFORE I WAS A MUM

When I first found out I was pregnant, it is true when people say a rush of emotions come over you and you ask yourself a million and one questions; "Am I ready?" "Can I afford a baby?" "Will I be a good mum?" "Can I cope?" "Do I need to stop taking my medication?" You see, before I fell pregnant I was taking anti-depressants on and off for a while. I battled with myself daily as I hated the thought of relying on tablets to make me happy so I would stop taking them but then I'd have a meltdown and realise I did need them and they helped me. My best friend died, almost 3 and a half years ago now, of an undiagnosed brain tumour. There were no real warning signs. We knew she hadn't been very well but the doctors failed to recognise the signs. I'll never forget the day I got the news. My life changed forever. I became very sad, withdrawn and felt my heart was breaking a little more every day. I carried a lot of guilt for not realising how seriously ill my friend was and that I didn't do more. It still hurts every day, such a raw numb feeling that she is gone. But she is now my star in the sky and with me every day.

When you are depressed, you don't see things clearly and you become irrational. I left my job of nearly 8 years without having anything else lined up because I'd had enough. Mood swings are the worst. My boyfriend would spend hours googling depression and anxiety- "how to deal with someone you love that has depression". He was so understanding, he knew I couldn't help the fact that I'd be fine one minute, angry the next then burst into tears straight after. He pulled me out of some deep dark places and I will be forever thankful. It takes a lot of courage being a friend to someone who has depression. I can imagine how draining it is. I lost a few friends because of it. Some didn't understand. Some didn't even want to understand and some had just had enough of it. I can probably count on both hands the people that really stuck by me and there are no words to describe how grateful I am. I decided to stop taking the anti-depressants for my babies health and now I feel stronger than ever. 

MUM LIFE

I had a pretty normal pregnancy, no real problems just the usual heartburn, tiredness etc. It went really quick too. I still went out and enjoyed my usual activities. I do believe its mind over matter and if you stay in because you're tired - you will become even more tired and your pregnancy will drag! 12 days after my due date, my little boy was born. Again, very quick labour with no serious issues. He was a healthy 7 lb 14 oz and I was smitten. Unconditional love is the only way I can describe how I was feeling. I was bursting with happiness. I made this little person, obviously with the help of my boyfriend but still, he was mine and I was going to love him with every piece of my broken heart. Our house was getting renovated so we lived with my parents until Harry was 5 weeks old and my goodness, I don't know how mamas do it without their parents. I was so lucky to have the support I did. Now we are settled in our little family home and it's safe to say I feel the most content I've felt in a very long time. I still have the occasional bad day but now I have the best reason to try and pick myself up. I've not felt the urge to take anti-depressants or feel I need to rely on them to stabilise my moods. Being a mum is the best feeling in the world. I sometimes wonder why I didn't have a baby sooner! I really believe Harry is my little miracle in that he saved me. He's helped me be a better, stronger person. Don't get me wrong, its tough being a mum. Very tough. There are a lot of things fellow mums don't tell you, they'll sugarcoat certain things and pretend everything is hunky dory at home when it isn't but thats okay. There is so much pressure to be the "perfect mum" and be able to do everything when in reality it's a lot harder. Trying to do everyday tasks and take your baby to all the important baby classes is physically and mentally tiring but so rewarding. Harry is nearly 5 months now and I still feel like I am winging it every day but I am having the best time learning. Becoming a mum helps you realise who and what is important. Not to stress the small stuff and focus on being happy and healthy for your child. It's so exciting watching him grow and learn new things every day- all babies really are little miracles! 

I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little better behind all the makeup. 

Thanks for reading xo

RIDE OR DIE TAG

MAKEUP INVESTMENTS

Makeup, skincare, haircare, nailcare... jeez the list goes on and our poor bank accounts are proof of just how much money we spend grooming ourselves! Yes, I am guilty, guilty of overspending for majority of my life. I sometimes wonder how much I've spent over the years (hundreds, maybe thousands? AHH) but......well there is no point worrying now, the damage is done and I'm the first to admit that I am a self confessed beauty junkie/shopaholic/advertisers dream. But so what, makeup makes me happy. The cost of it though, does not. 

I often find myself fighting with myself whether to buy certain products, especially if it's a rather pricey product. I never used to be like this though. I used to buy ANYTHING and unfortunately learned the hard way, that just because something is expensive, doesn't necessarily mean it works or that its a good product. How annoying is it when you fork out all your hard earned cash on a product that doesn't live up to expectations? Nowadays I'll browse online to see if there is any cheaper dupes/alternative products but sometimes, they can be a waste of money too!

SO I thought I'd share a list of my 'holy grail/ride or die' (worth the money) products to show that some products ARE worth spending a little bit extra. Call it an investment ;-)

1. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray- £22

Everyone needs a setting spray in their life and this is my number 1 I always reach for. It sets all the powders down on my face and it makes my makeup last all night. I never need to reapply my makeup on nights out. 

2. Chanel Tan De Soleil Universal Bronzer - £32

One of the most natural bronzers I own. It gives such a gorgeous colour pay off as though you'd been away in the sun. The tiniest bit goes a long way so definitely worth the investment. I use mine with a Sigma F88 kabuki brush and it blends like a dream!

3. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation - £31

I'm all about the matte full coverage foundation and this is photoshop in a bottle. My skin looks flawless when I wear this foundation and I find myself reaching for this more than any other foundation I own. I love it that much I have 3 shades!!

4. Becca Cosmetics & Jaclyn Hill - Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfecter - £32

I'm not really sure what we did before highlighting became the phenomenon it is now - how dull and flat would our skin look?! I own a couple of higlighters yet I reach for this every single time. It's the perfect champagne gold shade that just compliments any makeup look I create. So pigmented and gorgeous - worth every penny!

5. Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette- £38

I kid you not, I've had this palette for 3 or 4 years and look how untouched it looks yet I use it nearly every time I go out! Such a good variety of colours and they are all super pigmented. £38 is amazing value for money when you get 12 eyeshadows. I can't believe it has lasted me as long as it has - another product definitely worth investing in. 

6. Beauty Blender - £16

Again, what did we do before beauty sponges? Beauty Blender were the first to come out with the idea of dampening a sponge then applying your makeup with it, sounds a bit odd but it actually works so well. I've never had such flawless looking makeup before. There are so many brands that have brought dupes of the sponge out but I've had this beauty blender a good while now and it's going strong. I've tried other sponges that once you wash them, they fall apart!! So £16 may seem a bit steep for a sponge but I think it's definitely worth an investment. 

7. Laura Mercier Translucent Powder - £29

This is a must-have product for any beauty addict who loves a flawless finish. 

I use it mainly for setting concealer under my eyes or areas on my face which are likely to crease. It's a finely milled powder so it doesn't cake under the eyes or stick to any dry patches on my face. A little goes a long way as well so again, another product that is great value for money!!

When you're thinking about buying makeup from the drugstore/supermarket, remember this: you get what you pay for. Usually when you pay more for makeup, you're paying for a number of things: a reputable brand name, the packaging, pigmentation and quality. 

I hope this blogpost helps you if you are undecided making your next makeup purchase!

What are your ride or die products? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading

xo