How To: The Best Guacamole (Ever)

Ingredients, based on one Avocado, serves two: 

1/4 Red Onion (finely chopped)
1/2 Yellow Pepper (diced) 

Tsp of Olive Oil

Two squeezes of Lemon (or one tsp, ish) 

Sprinkle of salt

Tsp of Garlic Puree

One Avocado

Method:
Mash avocado, and mix it all up together. Depending on the firmness of your avocado either serve as is or whack it all in a blender for a little. That’s pretty much it. 

The wonderful thing about this guacamole is that it’s actually super cheap to make. Today's post comes to you from a week in my month where I am very, very poor however I did manage to make hummus and guac, from scratch, and serve by only spending 55p on pitta bread and 30p on a lemon. Who knew Lemon's were so expensive!?

I know that some of you will be looking through the ingredients list with a judgemental eye, but trust me. Don’t judge it till you’ve tried it; with the bitterness of the red onion countered with the sweet yellow pepper - it just works. 

I like my garlic, so some people may prefer to add 1/2 a teaspoon but use your noggin and adjust these things to your personal taste. 

Lush: Skincare Secrets

In the world of blogging and vlogging and hauling along with not only high street hauls but also high end hauls and drug store hauls it’s time to go back to basics. 

As wonderful as I’m sure Liz Earle and Sunday Riley are with their Micellar Water, Hot Cloth Cleansers and various Face Polishes (?) I prefer the basics; basic packaging, basic ingredients with the best results. 

It’s very easy to get lost in all the science talk of collagen this and plumping, rejuvenating, hydrating that but at the end of the day, I find that products that promise too much let me down a lot because they’re too focussed on trying to do everything, they can’t achieve the one thing they’re really meant to. 

In the morning and evening, I clean my face (the best way I know how) with Lush products.
First things first, the make-up comes off. 

Ultrabland Facial Cleanser:
Described as “beautifully simple and very effective” the cream to oil cleanser works wonders for me. This kind of formula is really popular at the moment but Lush sometimes gets overlooked for skincare because of all of the exciting bath products.
“Almond oil, rose water, beeswax and honey” make this product one of the simplest yet also the most highly effective on my skin. Sadly, the beeswax and honey mean it’s a no-go for you Vegans out there. Ultrabland removes dirt without “stripping away the skins natural defences” because almond oil is used as a ‘carrier’; it mimics the skins natural oil; sebum. This makes it easier for the skin to absorb the soothing rose water and moisturising honey.
Although I was initially wary of rubbing oils into my skin, I have never regretted using this cleanser. Because of the skin-clearing, moisture balancing effects of Ultrabland it feels like a high-end cleanser, without the high-end price tag. 

Eau Roma Toner Water:
After the cleansing comes the toning and I’ve chosen Lush’s light and floral toning water for the task. “Rose water to help soothe redness whilst lavender water will balance the skin” and it does exactly what it says on the recycled black plastic bottle. This toner hydrates the skin effectively, whilst soothing at the same time and clears the skin of any leftover traces of cleanser.
Because I have major frustration with any breakouts on my face, I struggle to find the right cleansing routine. Previously, I have over used products that have been too harsh, such as The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Toner because I thought my skin was bad enough to need it; the standard over emotional, over dramatic reaction. The Tea Tree toner from The Body Shop was too strong for me which meant my skin cleared initially and then proceeded to break out far worse than it had before – my mistake.
Eau Roma is gentle enough to look after my skin, whilst the ingredients are effective enough to get the job done. 

Grease Lightening:
After all my make-up has been removed, I like to apply a little Grease Lightening to any breakouts or problem areas. “Nip any breakouts in the bud without upsetting the skin around the area” which, again, is exactly what it does. One thing that I really love about Lush (among many) is that they don’t make any over compensating promises. Their ingredients do the work for them because they are effective; that’s all that matters. This spot treatment is antibacterial and antiseptic with ingredients like rosemary, thyme and tea tree as well as being rich in antioxidants from grape juice and witch hazel (which is also an anti-inflammatory and astringent).
It’s light enough to be applied in your morning cleansing routine, during the day if needed, and at night post-cleanse.
I don’t like products that claim to be the be-all and end-all when it comes to clearing breakouts but I’ve never felt better in my skin than now that I have a stable routine in place. 

Enzymion:
With one whole lemon in each pot (fact, not scientific jargon to confuse you) this facial cream smells lemony fresh without smelling like bleach which some beauty products somehow manage.  Fresh fruit contains enzymes and “alphahydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells” and brighten complexion which is definitely apparent when using Enzymion; one of my biggest moans about my skin, especially in winter, is that I feel like my skin is very dull and almost translucent. Enzymions zesty ingredients brighten my skin and make me feel happier to go about my day. It sinks in really, really well and doesn’t feel heavy on my skin. I tend to have quite an oily T-zone, but the mattifying properties in Enzymion work wonders and I feel just that much more confident. Usually winter calls for a more heavy duty moisturiser but my skin doesn’t call for it. I can imagine that most people would find Enzymion most useful during the summer months.
I don’t tend to heap the cream on, either, a little goes a long way with this cream which makes it even better value for money.
It comes in a standard Lush ‘black pot’ and counts for your ‘5 black pots’ free face mask which is always a winner!

(For those who don’t know – if you bring back 5 CLEAN black pots to your local Lush, you can choose a free fresh face mask to say thank you for recycling!)

It may sound materialistic and vain to go on and on about skincare and how it makes me feel, but for most people the first thing you see in the morning is yourself in the mirror. If you can’t find any good points in the reflection, then it doesn’t start the day as well as it could. It’s nicer to wake up to clearer skin. Clearer skin = happier days.

Overall, taking into consideration the balance of effectiveness with money spent the best product will usually always come out as a Lush product. You can find all the information about the products above by clicking on the links above, or on the Lush website. Also, anything in those sexy little italics, is direct from Lush. 

Here's an article from Lush that you might find interesting too, it's all about their definitive guide to cleansing! I can also give a thumbs up to products mentioned here, especially Mask of Mag, Oatifix and Angels on Bare Skin.

All of the Lush online channels are listed here;
Lush UK Online

Lush Kitchen Online
Lush UK Twitter
Lush UK (Southampton) Twitter
Instagram – LushLTD
Instagram – LushSouthampton

REVIEW: Lush Cosmetics - Celebrate Body Lotion & Golden Wonder Ballistic

Being a resident Lush fan and newly employed Christmas Temp has given me the opportunity to not only be able to afford new Lush products, but to also get to try them earlier – everyone’s a winner.

I’ve got my trusty pot of Karma Kream so I never looked into the other lotions but then I met Celebrate and it was a match made in heaven for days when Karma just isn’t quite what I want.
Of course, even though a limited edition Christmas product, the 225g cream comes in the standard Lush black and white pots. When I’m done with Celebrate, I’ll be adding it to the ever-growing pile of ‘clean-black-pots-to-take-back’ pile. If you’re unaware what I’m rambling about, where have you been?

One of Lush’s many recycling schemes involves customers bringing back five empty, clean black pots – we send them back to the factory for recycling and you, as the customer, get a free fresh face mask out of it. I’ll say it again, everyone’s a winner. 

“A sumptuous body lotion with oranges, almond oil and lime. As it’s Christmas we’ve also added a splash of cognac to put you in the festive mood.”
With generous helpings of the citrus ingredients, this slightly thicker lotion packs a whole zesty punch and is the perfect product for getting jazzed up before heading out to your office Christmas Party – leave the whole room wondering, what on earth is that amazing smell?

This lotion is so bright, it’s a refreshing break from all of the predictable ‘christmas’ scented products from companies across the board at this time of the year.  “Lime and Brazilian Orange bring cheer to the body and mind. Almond oil and cocoa butter will moisturise and soften the skin.” Celebrate is packed full of goodness, particularly in Almond Oil which is high in vitamin E which is so good for your skin, along with Fair Trade Organic Cocoa butter. A fully Vegan-friendly product, this just adds to the Vegan range that Lush has curated – working toward creating a better workplace, creating better products.

“This lotion shares its fragrance with Golden Wonder bath bomb making it a perfect way to layer the uplifting blend of essential oils whilst softening the skin. It’s also self-preserving, giving us true cause to celebrate.”

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Golden Wonder is probably one of, if not, my favourite Ballistic at Lush at the moment. It is a chunky square ballistic, covered in shimmery gold lustre with a cute bow design on top; looks like a little Christmas gift.
If you get the chance to see one in store, give it a shake – you can hear the little secret ballistics inside rattling around.  There are three little different coloured ballistic pebbles, surrounded in a blue ballistic casing, which is then completely covered again in the white and gold ballistic layer, so not only does it smell amazing – it’s awesome to watch, too!  If you’re giving a Golden Wonder as a gift – don’t tell them about all the layers, let it be a surprise! 

Because Golden Wonder is quite big, with such an array of colours and an awesome scent package to boot, this product is perfect for a gift for pretty much anyone - it just keeps on giving.

With the same fragrance as Celebrate body lotion, the uplifting Orange and Lime oils refresh you from spending your days trawling around town doing your Christmas shopping. Or, perhaps you work in retail too and need a break from the world when you get home – if so, this fella is your guy.

Although the original Golden Wonder, retailing at £3.75, does have a cheeky splash of cognac to keep you on your toes, there is an alcohol free version for those inclined. The original should be available in most stores across the UK for sure, and the alcohol-free one I know for sure is available on the Lush Website.

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Mangaminty-ify your Skin!

Good evening and welcome back. If there is one shop that I can smell a mile off, it’s Lush. You know that smell - the sweet, telling smell that a Lush store is nearby?  I am a homing pigeon for Lush stores. 

I will always be a massive fan for Lush’s KARMA range; the perfume stick, the atomiser, the soap, the bubble bar...the list is endless and so is my love for this signature scent. My boyfriend always says, anyone wearing or whenever he smells KARMA, it smells like me. And I’m okay with that. The patchouli and orange blossom perfume has become ‘my smell’ and I couldn’t have chosen better – a great scent at a great price!
However, this birthday I had an extra little cash so I decided to branch out and see what else I might enjoy. (After picking up a few KARMA necessities, obviously!) Firstly, was DIRTY; the soap for men for James; he loves the smell and it always makes you feel so tingly-clean. Then I reached the fresh face masks...

Restore your radiance with a fresh concoction of fruits, butters , clays and essential oils.

Yes, yes that’s what I need. I’ve been so stressed recently with post-University worries that my skin has been breaking out left right and centre. The stress of needing to find a new house, moving into that new house, affording rent, trying to get a new job, dealing with housemates, receiving all final grades etc is taking its toll on my face and that’s making me even more stressed, so I needed a fix.

“A multipurpose mask with a mixture of gentle yet effective ingredients to clean, calm and clear the skin – now in a self-preserving formula!”

MASK OF MAGNAMINTY does exactly what it says on the tin. Having bought it on Thursday, I’ve used it three times since and the skin on my face is near enough clear; so much better. Having clearer skin is such a weight off my shoulders, I don’t have to think about it when I’m putting make up on in the morning or throughout the day when I’m worrying if my make-up has rubbed off and everyone can see how bad my skin was. If you feel panicky about your skin during the day, MAGNAMINTY is the answer. This version is the self-preserving edition which means some of the ingredients are different so that Lush don’t have to add in any harsher preservatives which wouldn’t be any good for the skin. 

Easy to apply, the mask is branded as a ‘face and back pack’ as it can be smoothed over the skin anywhere you like. On my first use,  I applied quite a generous amount over my full face and a little on the backs of my shoulders where I’ve been getting a few little breakouts – since then I’ve applied it twice more to my t-zone and fully across my forehead and my skin has thanked me for it. I feel more comfortable in my skin and that makes the day easier. I know you might think that sounds silly, but when you start the day by having to pile on the war paint to hide blemishes on your face it can take a toll on your mindset – waking up with clearer skin just starts the day off right for me!

The mask is made with peppermint oil to stimulate and cool, along with marigold oil and chlorophyllin (which gives it that greeny-healthy colour) to treat the skin. Evening Primrose seeds and aduki beans gently exfoliate the skin when you remove it, which in my case has been after my skin has soaked up as much goodness from the mask as it can. Usually I apply mine and then get in the bath, after about 20 minutes I wash it off. According to the Lush website, there’s also “mineral rich Kaolin to nourish and antibacterial honey” to stimulate the blood cells just under the surface of your skin to leave it looking bright and refreshed. 

My skin looks clearer and feels smoother and with a layer of light moisturiser before bed (after cleansing and toning) and the regular application of this facemask, I believe I’ll be having completely healthy, clear skin in no time. 

Don’t let the colour put you off –  think about all those green juices and how good they are for you. Green is good!

Mask of Magnaminty - Buy It Here!
Next time, I think I'll try: Cosmetic Warrior, Brazened Honey or Love Lettuce. 

Til next time, stay safe. 
BarGirl. ♥

BarGirl Eats Out (Aka HungryGirl)

Good evening and welcome back. I hope you're enjoying your second bank holiday in less than four weeks - don't go getting excited that this is becoming the norm; BarTenders of the world can't take it. 

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of attending The Hush Hush Grub Club's Friday 2nd of May Dinner; Eat Your Greens. A supper, planned around entirely vegetarian dishes by one of my close friends. You can read all about The Hush Hush Grub Club on Cassi's website - she has such a passion for working to show people that you can actually taste the difference between processed stuff that comes in boxes from the supermarket and fresh, local, organic foods. She chose, this week, to say that solely with vegetables. 

I'm a meat-eater and probably always will be but there are nights when I just don't fancy meat (or can't be bothered to cook meat) so I will usually fall back on some sort of vegetarian Asian food - probably Japanese. This dinner with Cassi, some of her friends and previous Grub Club supporters really opened my eyes to how much good stuff can come of a diet designed around veggies. 

A menu ranging from homemade pesto dips, salads, roulades, tarts and eventually desserts completely underlined everything the Grub Club stands for. I was blown away by the Eton Mess for dessert and my boyfriend loved his Beetroot Brownies; purely because of the difference REAL fresh fruit and veg makes.

The best meals come from the best ingredients and this dinner, hosted by Cassi at Toscanaccio's  Italian Food & Wine Bar in Parchment Street, Winchester was full of the best combinations; amazing food, completely chilled out atmosphere, beautiful decorations and really wonderful people. 

Dining like this, where you buy a ticket and just see who else turns up, is big in New York and big in London - I'm really happy Cassi is bringing this to Winchester. For people who like to try new things, new foods, new places as well as meeting new people - The Hush Hush Grub Club is the place for you. 

You can find The Hush Hush Grub Club along with the rest of the work Cassi is doing, on Twitter and on Facebook. 

Til next time, stay safe. 
BarGirl. ♥