I need healthy, happy hair please

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Shampoo, £6.99, Boots

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Conditioner, £6.99, Boots

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment, £7.99, Boots

First of all I am going to let you into a little secret, I have not been too kind to my hair over the years. Highlights, lowlights, straighteners you name it, and I'm pretty sure I've done it. This time last year I did have quite long hair, but it was bushy, sun damaged and in need of a good mop chop - so I decided it was time to banish those split ends, and have a blunt, Fearne Cotton inspired shoulder length bob. I really loved this style, but after a few months, visits to the salon gradually dwindles along with it, the health of my hair. A year later and here I am again, silly me. A horse wouldn't even be tempted by my straw like maine. So I decided enough was enough. 

I first heard of the Lee Stafford hair growth treatment through a friend of mine at Uni, who swore it helped her achieve the long hair she sports today. Easily convinced, I skipped down to my local Boots and picked up pot. Its been just over a month since I started using this wonder, and I have to say that my hair has grown an inch since. Now, I lead a relatively healthy lifestyle so whether this growth spurt is due to to these factors, I don't know. However, my hair has never grown this fast in such a short amount of time, so I can only assume its the treatment working its magic. After my visit to the hairdressers this morning, I decided to pick up another tub of Miracle Growth Treatment Mask, along with the matching shampoo and conditioner. 

I am now determined to have healthy, happy, luscious locks, fingers and toes crossed.

Introducing...my Pug obsession

Catseye Pugs on the Road Cosmetic bag, £11.50 (available at www.johnlewis.com)

Catseye Pug wash bag, £16.99 (available from www.johnlewis.com)

So, by now you may have sussed that I have a slight fascination with all things PUG. Some may call them ugly, but I think they are the most endearing canine creatures to walk this planet, enough said. For me it doesn't get much better than this, and I will definitely be adding this to my birthday wishlist.

NEWS JUST IN!

Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Facial Wipes, £5.50

I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted this little lilac packet sitting quietly on the shelf of NYR on Saturday. I am so excited about this product launch as face wipes I've previously used have made my skin feel as tight as a leather purse! These biodegradable, 100% organic cotton cloths are soaked in lots of lovely cooling ingredients, ideal for removing make up and everyday grime. What's more, they are completely ALCOHOL FREE! 

The verdict, so far so good, and I've had no reactions or unfortunate flare ups. Once again, another successful creation from the team at Neal's Yard, jolly good work.

Current Cleansing Routine

To get the ball rolling on MOABJ, I decided to feature a post on my current skincare regime. You'll soon learn that I am often trying out new skincare products in the quest to find the ultimate solution for perfect skin - in the meantime, I will share with you my tried & tested.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £14.25

If you're not familiar with the name already, then it is something you need to become acquainted with, and fast. I started using this four years ago, and haven't found a cleanser since that has made my skin feel as good as this. This luxurious formula contains three main ingredients; Cocoa Butter, rich in essential fatty acids which keeps moisture levels up, Chamomile which is incredibly soothing and Eucalyptus, a decongestant that keeps pores squeaky clean. Extremely gentle and lightly exfoliating (with the help of the cotton muslin cloth), C&P leaves your face make-up and blemish free. Thumbs up from me!

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic, £12.50

This toner is a great after using C&P, or just as good on its own in the morning to refresh the complexion. Unfortunately, I suffer from a rather oily skin tone, so I find this an essential in my everyday routine - however, for anyone with normal/dry skin I wouldn't say it's a necessity. Has a lovely floral fragrance and leaves my skin fully prepped for my daily moisturiser.

Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Rosehip Oil, £17.25

A recent purchase from the NYR at Westfield, I've been using my Rosehip Oil every morning and evening for the past five days. Rosehip is known for bringing back skin cells and collagen in a healthy way, thus contributing to the elimination of dark circles and pigmentation. Luckily, I don't suffer terribly from either, but this is a fantastic way of keeping my skin in tip top condition.

Boots Soltan Beautiful Bronze, £4.66

Being a tan addict, I find myself pondering in the self-tan isles of Boots on a regular basis. My most recent purchase is the Soltan Beautiful Bronze for Face, a light everyday gradual tanner. So far, I'm not overly impressed by this product, which is slightly depressing as I read such good reviews about it online, and the bargain price was hard to resist. Don't get me wrong, it does provide some form of sunkissed colour, but for me I'm looking for something slightly stronger. Back to roaming the beauty counters for now...

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask, £14.00

The last product on my list is this cleansing mask. This suits my skin perfectly as it helps draw out impurities that have built up over the week, without drying out my skin and leaving it feel irritated. It contains green clay, a natural detoxifying ingredient that banishes any blemish in sight, and super calming manuka honey. I use this once or twice a week, depending on whether my skin is behaving itself that week.

Breakfast Addiction

BEHOLD...Overnight Oats - my latest bff at breakfast time.

First unveiled to me by a friend of mine Who shares the same passion for healthy, weird and wonderful things.

The oats are soaked overnight in bowl (I used a jar of peanut butter that was coming to an end, oh so naughty) with the milk and yoghurt of your choice. Left to absorb all the delicious goodness, the next morning you will be greeted by your creamy textured oats with open arms. Top with your favourite cereal, nuts or fruit and hey presto - you're ready to indulge.