PandaVita Protein Bites

Thursday 26 January 2017

PandaVita Protein Bites

Fitness has started to become quite a big part of my life, and since going to the gym regularly, I have noticed differences in my shape, and my general health. However, going to the gym doesn't make you instantly healthy as what you put in your body is equally, if not more important.

Now I won't lie I'm definitely not the healthiest person, I enjoy crisps and donuts on a regular basis, but that is something I want to start getting better at. My main issue is I snack, and I snack on unhealthy things, so recently I've been looking for healthy ways to crave my 'sna-appetite' teheh

The other day I stumbled across a brand called PandaVita, they produce an Organic Baobab Powder, which acts as a superfood and is a great way to get lots of nutrients into your body (rather than loading up on chilli heatwave doritos). 

Over on their website which will be linked at the bottom of the page, they have loads of different recipes with ways to incorporate the powder into your diet, so I gave it a little go. I won't lie it wasn't as easy, or clean as I thought it was going to be but they taste delicious, so that's the main thing.

I did change up the recipe a little but I'll link the original recipe down below!

what youll need:


200g Oats
200g Pitted Dates
150g Dark Chocolate
2tbsp  Organic Baobab Powder
1tbsp Sesame Seeds
1tbsp Natural Coconut Peanut Butter 


To create they are super simple (unless like me you manage to make everything difficult). 

I was silly enough to not buy pitted dates, and it wasn't the end of the world but it did mean I had to pit all my dates. After I'd done that though, I blended the dates up. We don't have a food processor, so I thought it'd be a good idea to use my Breville Active Blend Blender, it worked, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it! Or if you don't have a processor and want to use this method, don't put all the dates in one go...


Once they'd eventually blended the recipe suggested adding all the ingredients into the processor and blending. Because of my lack of food processor, I gradually added the rest of the ingredients. When I make them again however,  I will definitely melt the chocolate first, as I found when I was shaping them there were still quite large chunks of chocolate.


In the end I gave up with the blender and used my hands, warning it got messy... very messy! Successful however, and once all the ingredients had combined, I shaped them. The recipe said to roll them into balls, but of course I had to make them look pretty.

Using a heart silicone mould, I know what you are thinking.. Genius! I filled up the silicone mould and put them in the fridge overnight.


I was actually really happy with the way they turned out, and they taste delicious so what more could you want? They're great as well as they're the perfect size to pop in a little tub and take around with me.

PandaVita is an incredible brand, with so many recipes of how to incorporate the Organic Baobab Powder into your diet, which I can't wait to try

some benefits of the powder:
improves your mood
boosts energy levels 
supports weight loss

If you want to know more about the powder, or where you can buy it, here are some helpful links:


PandaVita were also insanely nice and gave me the discount code Nadine15 to get you 15% off your first order

If you try any of their recipes tweet me, or tag me on instagram as I'd love to see!!

Thank you very much for reading,
hugs and kisses
nads

Empties Collection

Thursday 19 January 2017

Empties Collection

Now I used to love these, I haven't really seen them around that much recently, but I used to watch peoples videos on these all the time and they were their collection of empties. Which essentially was them showing what products they'd completely emptied out. So guess what I'm going to be doing..

Clinique Moisture Surge

This is one of my favourite moisturisers and was featured in my recent skincare routine. I got this last Christmas (2015) and it ran out December last year. This is mainly because I don't often overuse moisturiser and with this product you definitely don't need to. I also didn't use it everyday, as it was my go to product if my skin ever needed an extra lift.

I have repurchased this product, and I think it will always be part of my skincare, just because it's such a great product to have and I haven't found anything to be as moisturising and pleasing.

bobbi brown skin smoother pore perfecter

Sticking along the sort of skincare, as you can see from the picture this has been well and truly used up. It also has to be one of my favourite beauty products ever (big statement, i know). I picked this up after receiving a sample, and I loved it. It lasted me from July until Christmas. It's similar to the Benefit Porefessional in it covers up your pores, and smoothes your skin making applying foundation so much easier. The best part about this product however is, it also acts as a primer... whaaaaat

I haven't repurchased this yet, mainly because I got myself the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base for christmas so I'm trying that out for the time being, but I will definitely be buying it again in the future, and for £26 !!

MAC Studio Fix Foundation

Moving onto beauty, this was my first non-drugstore foundation and I loved it. I think in total i've used up two bottles, but after a while my skins tends to get used to foundation so I have to switch it up every now then. I also found that sometimes this foundation slipped off my face so I moved onto the MAC Pro-Longwear Foundation, this was probably my favourite of the two (I just can't find the empty bottle). 

So, yes I did repurchase, but at the moment I am currently using the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation. If I'm honest I think I would use the Studio Fix foundation now if I was going on holiday, as it was quite a dewy foundation, so I did find that I preferred the Pro-Longwear. It just depends what foundation you prefer really, if you are after a dewy foundation then it's definitely a winner.

Collection lasting perfection concealer

This concealer is probably one the most raved about and one of the most inexpensive ones you can get. I bought this after watching a Zoella video and I definitely have used more than one. I can't quite remember how long these really last me, but I constantly switch up my under eye concealers. I'd probably say this is better if you're looking to conceal blemishes as it's quite heavy for under the eye.

I have repurchased this, and I'm pretty sure I have one lying around somewhere that isn't used, I probably wouldn't go out and purchase it again though just because I find I prefer other products, I also only really use concealer for contouring.

Bourjois radiance reveal concealer

This is by far my favourite under eye concealer that I have ever owned. I can't even express how long I'd been looking for one that was just right and I picked this up at random. I'm now only on my second one as I bought a Nars Creamy Concealer in October so I use both (realistically I could probably get away with just using the Radiance Reveal but I want to finish up my Nars). The reason I love this product is it's light but gives a good coverage and 'brightens' my under eye which is essentially what I am looking for in an under eye concealer. Also it's a fraction of the price of Nars.

I will definitely be repurchasing after I finish the one I am currently using. I would say these usually last around 2 months, depending on how much you use obviously.

Maybelline lash sensational mascara

I'm a bit strange in that I never have one mascara I always use two at the same time, and they tend to last me around a month. I bought these two when they were on offer, and at the time that I bought them I didn't actually realise that the black one was made of an oil blend, essentially meaning it looks after your eyelashes a bit more, something I am always in need of. I do really like these mascaras, the wands were easy to use and I liked the formula of both.

I have repurchased the original Lash Sensational, and would repurchase the oil blend.


Sleek Face contour kit

I can not begin to tell you how many different contour kits I have tried, from cream, powder, gel, you name it. My favourite, and the ones I find the easiest are definitely the powder contour kits, as I currently use the Revolution Ultra Contour Palette. However, this Sleek Contour Kit, is the best one I've purchased, it's easy, simple, and comes with everything I need, a dark contour and highlight. As you can tell, I really really like the highlighter. This lasted me a good few months, and I kept putting off buying another.

I have since repurchased another one, and this will definitely always be floating around my make up collection, firstly because it's a trusty product, and two if I don't have space for 'bigger' make up this fits easily in my bag.

escada taj sunset

Now moving onto something a little different and that is perfumes. I never used to be that into perfumes, I'd spray a bit of deodorant and maybe a Victoria Secret spray and carry on about my day. But as I have got older, perfume has become part of my everyday routine. Since then I have built quite a collection and I somehow manage to make my perfumes last for ages. This one by Escada is my all time favourite ever perfume and just smells of holiday and summer, and is super fruity, I just love it.

Unfortunately however, it was a limited edition, whyyyyyyy, so repurchasing it has been difficult, but if I ever find it, I will be buying it again for sure.

justin bieber someday

Lastly is my Someday perfume, and this was one of the first I ever received, alongside the One Direction Our Moment. When it comes to perfumes I have never really been about brands, as long as it smells nice, that's all that matters to me, and most of my perfumes are from Zara (they are amazing). This perfume is very sweet and fruity, but I definitely feel like I've grown out of it now.

For this perfume I honestly don't think you have to like Justin but it would make a great present for someone just getting into perfume, as they are quite cheap now, and are a younger scent.

Do you have any empties floating around your collection? or products you definitely wouldn't repurchase?

Thank you very much for reading,
hugs and kisses





Too Faced Christmas Palette

Sunday 15 January 2017

Too Faced Christmas Palette (it's a bit late)

Now it's a little late, as Christmas has finished but I've been wanting to rave about this palette for lord knows how long (a very long time, since I got it in november)


It is the, Grande Hotel Christmas Palette by Too Faced !!!

This product has some of the coolest features I've ever witnessed. So not only does this come in the most adorable packaging and when you open it up inside there are three different palettes, and a Better Than Sex mascara mini. All the palettes are also scented... Scented! 
My main worry when I bought this was that the eyeshadows weren't going to be very pigmented but, there was no need to worry.

Eggnog Latte Palette
I've tried to edit these as little as possible so you can really see the colours inside. The first one is the Eggnog Latte Palette, now I honestly don't have a least favourite, as I was going to post them in a rank, and physically couldn't decide, as they are all so different but all have beautiful shades. I honestly can't fault anyone of the above shades, however Central Perk is probably my least used as I just don't often wear non-neutral colours on my eyes.

I often use Skinny Latte as an all over lid colour, or as a transition in my crease. Eggnog Latte also works beautifully as a highlight on the brow bone and inner corner.


Peppermint Mocha Palette
 The Peppermint Mocha is a bit more adventurous with berry and pink tones, which I have to admit Candy Cane isn't one I'd reach for probably ever, purely because of my skin tone, saying this though when do you ever get a palette and like every colour? 

Christmas Blend is one of my favourite shades from all three palettes, mainly because I am a sucker for shimmery shades. Peppermint Mocha, and Coffee Chip also work really well together if you are looking for a bronzed smokey eye.

Gingerbread Cookie Palette
Now without a doubt this is my favourite palette of the three, as browns are my go-to everyday colours. Gingersnap is honestly one of the best pigmented golden shimmer colours I have ever used and worked so nicely for Christmas, giving my eyes that extra pop (possibly my favourite shade).

What I have loved doing recently is using a red/burnt orange shade in my crease to add colour, and then using a mixture of Cup of Joe, and Black Coffee on my lid, to create a sort of backward smokey eye, and they go together really nicely.

Now the craziest part about all of this, is these palettes cost me £40 !!!
I honestly think that it is such good value for money, although some of the lighter shades are very similar, the fact that each palette also comes with a blusher I think just adds that little extra, and I still can't get over the fact that they are scented..
How does anyone come up with the idea to make eyeshadow smell of peppermint??

Are there any shades you love? or any palettes you bought / received over Christmas?

Thank you very much for reading,
hugs and kisses
nads

any products mentioned are listed below

if you can find a link to it please post in the comments below x 



Skincare Routine

Sunday 8 January 2017

Skincare Routine

I'm making this one of my first blog posts as this year, I really want to focus more on looking after myself. I've never really put much money or effort into a skincare routine, but I've found the times I have stuck to a routine of looking after my skin, it's made a hell of a difference.



Towards the end of December I decided to invest in a Liz Earle set as I'd heard lots of good things about the Hot Cloth Cleanser. Since then I have religiously removed my make up every evening, cleansing, toning and moisturising my skin. I picked up the Normal/Combination set as my skin often varies between oily and dry. Before starting this, I was getting lots of spots and blemishes all over my face, since however I have found I get a lot less spots, and my skin feels and looks plumper.

My favourite part about the Liz Earle cleanser is it's a hot cloth one, this essentially means that you use your hands to rub the cleanser into the skin, and wash it off using a muslin cloth, I love this, and one thing I have found with previous skincare is that I hate using my hands to wash all the make up off as ... water everywhere !!! In the set you get two muslin cloths included, I've also bought some from Ebay just because I don't like using the cloths when they are dirty.

Once or twice a week I also try to use the Nourishing Treatment Mask, this I feel really helps to brighten up the skin and give it a bit more of a glow, once again I use a muslin cloth to remove this.

Technically for this treatment you are meant to use it every morning and evening, but I just wash my face in the morning and moisturise using the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, this is a newer purchase and I have only been using it since christmas so I haven't seen any results as of yet, but it does really hydrate my skin in the morning. One perk of this product is it also acts as a primer, which I think is great as I have used moisturisers in the past and my make up has slid off my face within about an hour.

Another moisturiser which I have been using on and off for the past year now is the Clinique Moisture Surge, I mainly use this product when my skin is feeling really dry or I am travelling and need that extra skin pick me up, as it is super hydrating. Therefore I like to make sure I always have it floating around somewhere in my skincare.

What skincare products would you recommend / know and love?

Thank you very much for reading,
hugs and kisses

New Years Resolutions

Tuesday 3 January 2017

New Years Resolutions

Now I wasn't going to set myself New Years Resolutions this year, mainly because I never stick to them, but I think this is because I make them a bit too specific, or outrageous which means I end up keeping them for two days and just giving up. But as the year has started and I've felt really motivated and positive I have decided to set myself some resolutions. Some of them are a bit cliche and some of them are specific, but achievable... i hope!


Travel More
Last year I was really lucky in that I travelled a lot, and experienced a couple of my favourite adventures, most of it being off my own back as well and I honestly think spending money on travelling the world is so worth it, whether it's somewhere you've been before or a completely new place.

This year I definitely want to visit places I've never been before, last year I was fortunate enough to go to Bangkok, somewhere where before I'd of never put high up on my list, but it was one of the most beautiful and best places I've ever been. 


Be More Creative
I'd like to think I've always been quite a creative person, like when it comes to decorating cupcakes or making something look pretty, I will try my upmost best to make sure it looks as good as can be, but I never really put my creativity to the test, so this year I want to try perfecting Brush Lettering, which if you don't know what it is, is like calligraphy (i guess, feel free to correct me if i'm wrong)


It's basically hand written fonts, and i have been loving Pinterest recently, and i constantly see journals, or cards with brush lettering on them so I really want to try that out this year.

Read More
One thing i love doing, but never do enough of is... reading! Whenever i read a book however i get engrossed, finish it within three days, then spend a week or two obsessing over it, basically i love reading when i do it, so i want to put more time into it.

I notice that the more i read the easier it is to blog, because it gives me a wider range of vocabulary, as opposed to me putting 'like' after every sentence, so I definitely think reading is important, and especially for me if i want to get the most out of my blog. 

Say Thank You More
Something I saw on Twitter towards the end of last year and loved was about saying 'thank you' more, the idea essentially was that instead of saying 'sorry for being late,' you'd say, 'thank you for waiting for me,' now I absolutely love this idea. I am definitely guilty when it comes to over apologising, as I can say sorry about five times in a minute if i turn up late. Obviously I'm not going to stop saying sorry, but when it can be replaced with a thank you, that's what I'm going to try and do.

Focus On Myself
This ones a real big one for me, towards the end of last year I gave myself a lot more me time, whether that was an hour long bath, or just chilling in my room with the fairy lights on whilst sitting on my laptop. I think spending time on yourself is so underrated but can make all the difference, so if it means taking an hour out of every week to put a hair mask on, put a facemask on, and relax in a candlelight bath, those hours will be so worth it by the end of the week when you're feeling rejuvenated.

Make My Bed Every Morning
My last resolution is to make my bed every morning. I am incredibly lucky in that if I don't make my bed my mum will do it for me (before anyone says it, i don't ask her to, she just likes keeping the house tidy and insists on making my bed) but one thing I am awful for is staying in bed all day, so I think if I make my bed every morning it'll encourage me to be more productive.

Have you set yourself any new years resolutions?

Thank you very much for reading,
hugs and kisses
nads

A Fresh Start

Sunday 1 January 2017

A Fresh Start

I can not begin to say how long I've wanted to do this. I have been blogging now for around three years, on and off, but never consistently. I love blogging, I have done ever since I found out about people like Zoe, Louise, Tanya... the list goes on. Over the years I have definitely discovered more people and have fallen even more in love with the idea of blogging.

My biggest problem however is that I am such a perfectionist when it comes to anything like this, and nowadays the standards are so high I feel, or I set my standards in regards to how I want my blog to look so high. Beforehand I never put money and/or enough effort into it, and somehow expected to get results, well I ain't guna get no results if I ain't putting in the effort now am I?

Hence the fresh start, I'm keeping the name 'xoxonads' mainly because I love it and secondly, I may as well not bother with my full name, lots of people already have trouble pronouncing it let alone spelling it, so something short and simple suits me. The fresh start is more in regards to how my blog looks and what I want to post.

I have invested in a new camera (which will hopefully mean some 'blogger-esque' photos) and I am no longer in a job where I don't want to be, this year I've decided to really focus on what I actually want to do, and if that means putting most of my spare time and efforts into this blog then, y'all can all guess what I'm going to be doing.


So here's a picture of me entering 2017 with a smile on my face, and all the best intentions for the year in mind. I hope you all get everything you want from this year as well, and I look forward to beginning this adventure with you all.

Thank you very much for reading,
hugs and kisses
nads
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