Natural Bliss Teeth Whitening

Over the past year I have tried a lot of teeth whitening products, in the hope of getting gleaming white teeth.  My first real delve into teeth whitening was using the crest white strips, but after 3 days I had such bad sensitivity I had to stop using them, although they did the job it wasn't worth the pain.

When I was offered the chance to try out the Natural Bliss Teeth Whitening kit, I was very excited as it promises no sensitivity. The kit contains 3 powders, bicarbonated sodium, activated willow carbon and curcumin. All of which are natural and 100% vegan! You get enough powder in each for a minimum of 5 days use, once a day. I have now completed my 5 days and still have enough left ot do a few more treatments.

The kit is really simple to use, all you need is an old toothbrush.

Step 1 - Brush bicarbonated sodium onto your teeth first, leave it for 1-2 minutes and then rinse.

Step 2 - Brush the activated willow carbon onto your teeth and leave for 1-2 minutes then rinse. This step is really fun because the powder is black and makes for some hilarious selfies with black dribble (I have spared you mine).

Step 3 - Use your finger to apply the Cur-cumin and leave it on your teeth for 1-2 minutes again. Applying a yellow powder to your teeth doe seem counter productive when trying to whiten your teeth but Cur-cumin actually has a natural whitening effect on teeth.

I have really enjoyed using the kit and have had no problems with sensitivity, a big yay from me! It has removed a lot of the stains from my teeth and they look much whiter. There is also currently 20% of all kits, free delivery throughout December and also buy one get one free, hurah!

Bannana and Nutella loaf cake recipe

Today I saw this amazing looking cake on Pinterest and decided to have a go myself. The recipe is from 'Zoe Bakes'. It was so delicious that it is now almost all gone!

You will need -
2 ripe bananas
250g caster sugar
125g butter
60ml milk
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
375g plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
a pinch of salt
4 tablespoons Nutella

Method - 
Preheat your oven 170c, grease and line a loaf tin. Mix together the butter and sugar in a bowl, then add the egg, milk and vanilla extract.

Combine all of the dry ingredients in a separate bowl then sift them into the milk mixture. Soften the Nutella in the microwave and add half to the cake mixture and stir. Pour your mixture into the lined loaf tin then spread the rest of the Nutella over the top. Pop into the oven for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean!

The Nutella on the top goes beautiful and crunchy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside - amazing!

Manchester Christmas Markets

If you live near Manchester it is a tradition to go to the Christmas Markets in December (or November if you're feeling particularly festive.)

I like to go multiple times with all of my friends, partly because the food is amazing and I can't eat a crepe and a chocolate marshmallow stick all in one trip can I? ( I could), but also because I just really love them, it makes me so exited for Christmas!

I went along with my friend the other day, we had freshly made pesto pasta and tomato pasta and then a chocolate covered banana - amazing! We also saw three men dressed up as the three pigs, tails and snouts included. We saw lots of lovely Christmas decorations and some really unique gift ideas.

Where are your favourite Christmas markets?

Outfit and makeup of the day

 Just a quick little post today as I'm off to the Christmas markets in a few minutes to meet my friend! This is what I'm wearing -

White jumper - Hollister, Jeans - Topshop, Scarf - Matalan, Nail polish - Barry M Lychee, Necklace - forever 21, Daisy bracelet - local boutique.

I'm also going to wear my new faux fur coat from new look, is huge and fluffy and so cosy, perfect for the Christmas markets!

What are you doing to feel festive?

Manicure Essentials

Nail care is something that I have only really got into in the past year. One of my 2014 new years resolutions was to grow my nails and this is possibly the only one that I have actually done! For the first time in my life I have naturally long nails, so have treated myself to one too many nail polishes and these are the nail care bits that have really helped me along the way.

Nail buffer / file / clippers - when I first started growing my nails I was very reluctant to clip and file even the shortest amount of nail as it felt like it had taken so long to grow. But I have now realised that they grow out looking so much better with a regular trim, just like your hair! The nail buffer is great for making your nails look smooth and shiny.

Burt's Bees cuticle creme and hand salve - I use both of these on my cuticles and the surrounding area. They are great for getting rid of dry skin and softening the cuticles.

Soap and Glory handfood - my all time favourite hand moisturiser. I have used this for years (not this exact one obviously) and it has remained a firm favourite. This mini is so cute and perfect for popping in your hand bag, for you know - on the go hand moisturising ha!

Chanel Nail colour - 167 Ballerina - This is my top car boot find at a steal of 50p! It is such a delicate pink shade that looks very natural, it also looks great when you add a white tip to create a french manicure.

Collection 2 in 1 top coat - and finally my favourite top coat. Cheap and cheerful and it does the job. It is really glossy and creates and a lovely smooth, shiny finish.

What are your manicure favourites?

Pressed flower phone cases

 It's no secret that I love anything floral, so if you follow me on Instagram you might have seen that I have been making flower phone cases using real dried flowers! It is a way for me to try to make a little bit of money whilst doing something that I really enjoy. They are £10 each and are completley individual as each one is handmade and designed by me.

You can find them on my new website - Wild Shore Designs

I currently have cases available for Iphone 5/5s, but if you would like one making for a different phone model just let me know by email - 'beckyhp@me.com' and I can make you one.

I hope you like them, they make great Christmas presents for friends and family! x

November Favourites

I can't believe that it is already time for my November favourites post, but that makes me very excited because it means that it's almost time to open day one of my advent calendar hohoho! (Lindt chocolate anyone)

B is for Bee canvas pouch - I bought this a few months ago from the company that I used to work for as we got everything we stocked half price (which was very bad for my bank balance) but great for me! I can't find it stocked anywhere other than the site linked.

Barry M nail polishes (L to R - Lychee, Almond and Cappucino) These have become a new favourite of mine in the past few months, especially the Gelly high shine ones. These polishes are perfect for those of you like me who are very impatient when it comes to nail painting/drying. With one coat you can get a completely opaque finish that dries in no time at all - perfect!

Botanical Rose iphone case - I am an iphone case-aholic, there is no denying it! I am also a big fan of Rifle Paper Company so both of those things combined is a dream. The pastel colours and delicate 'rpc' logo are so beautiful.

Taylor Swift 1989 Cd - It is a very rare occasion for me to buy a CD. I pay monthly for a Spotify account but this album isn't available on it, I was going to download it on iTunes but there is something far more enjoyable about actually owning the CD and being able to put it on in my car! All of the songs are just so catchy, my favourites are definitely, Bad Blood, Wildest Dreams, Style and Out Of The Woods.

Art House Meath Notebook - I don't think this exact notebook is for sale anymore but I have linked the same one in black and white. This screen printed notebook is from a Charity called Art House Meath, all of the things they sell are designed by adults living with severe Epilespy and/or learning difficulties. I think it is so beautiful with the neon pink teapots - and whats even better is that 100 percent of the profits go to the charity.

Snippets of my room

This past week I have spent a lot of time sitting on my bedroom floor sorting out everything in my bedroom. I seemed to have gathered so much stuff so it was definitely time for a sort out! I have tried to go for a more minimal and clean look, as I love floral things but it was starting to look a bit busy with all the different patterns and print.

So here are some little snippets so far, I will upload more photos once I have finished sorting the rest.

What are your top tips for organising?

November Wish List

Teddy Bear Robe, Botanical Notebook, Joules Wellies, Knitted socks, Kitchen Aid, Topshop Lipstick, Essie - summit of style

Although I am currently on a spending ban, (insuring a car for a new driver is ridiculously expensive) there is nothing wrong with a good wish list right?

The Topshop teddy bear robe and knitted fleece socks looks so snuggly and soft, perfect for the Winter months. With Winter also comes a lot of rain so what better way to splash around in the puddles than these Stripey Joules wellies!

I have been lusting over a Kitchen Aid for as long as I can remember, although they come with a hefty price tag so it may have to remain on my wish list for a long time. At a much more affordable price is the Botanical Rose Notebook from Rifle Paper Company, I am most definitely a pretty notebook hoarder!

This Topshop Lipstick in the shade 'Boadroom' is such a beautiful frosted rose colour. I'm not quite brave enough to wear deep burgundy shades out of the comfort of my own home yet, but I feel like this colour could be much more subtle but still perfect for Autumn/Winter.

As well as being a notebook hoarder, I can admit that I might have one too many nail polishes, but that doesn't stop me from admiring this beautiful glitter polish from Essie called 'Summit of Style'. It would look lovely over a deep burgundy for Christmas!

What is currently on your wish list?