Yaoh Skincare

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Yaoh are an independant vegan company based in Bristol, UK who are one of the original hemp beauty companies. They were the first cruelty free and natural beauty brand that I ever used, around ten years ago. Since then they have extended their range which includes bath products, skincare, suncare, lipcare and even organic food!

Deep Forest Moisturiser £6.99, 56g

Containing multiple essential oils this is an incredibly effective moisturiser. It has the thick consistency of a luxury night cream but sinks in fairly quickly. This would be the perfect base for foundation if you have very dry skin and primers don’t work for you. My skin has become a lot drier since turning 30 (on the exact day, I swear) but Deep Forest Moisturiser replaces everything I’m naturally lacking for healthy, younger looking skin. For combination skin I’ve found applying an essential oil based moisturiser like this (sparingly), after cleansing, can re-balance it over a week or two.

Tropical Fruits Body Butter £11.99, 200g

I find this to be more of a cream, rather than a butter or balm but it still hydrates really well and feels lovely; a little like comfort-food for the skin. I love that it doesn’t leave my skin feeling really tacking and so I’m able to put on leggings and/skinny jeans within a few minutes of application; something that’s often impossible after using a lot of other body butters. One thing which does disappoint me is the ‘tropical fruits’ scent. I was expecting it to smell like a giant holiday cocktail but it just doesn’t. I am glad that it doesn’t contain any synthetic perfumes though so…

50% off all body butters throughout October 2018 Use code BUTT50

Lip Balms £2.95, 4g

Made with Candelila Wax, Olive Oil, Vitamin E and Comfrey, these lip balms are work really hard to rescue dry damaged lips and also act as a barrier against harsh weather. They have a nice scent but don’t taste of much, which I like because otherwise I’d lick it all off!

50% off selected lip balms Oct-Dec 2018 Use code LIPS50

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Look out for my upcoming review of Yaoh Shampoo and Conditioner!

❤Chrissie❤

Ciate Dewy Stix

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Ciate Dewy Stix £22 are available in three shades: Glow a champaign coloured iridescent glow, Gleam a gold hue of duo chrome pearls and Lustre a rose gold shade.

I chose Gleam as it was medium toned (most flattering for my skin tone) and I only wanted a slightly warm highlighted look, rather than a blush or pale highlight. I love the colour and the almost gel-like texture of this product. The screw up packaging with it’s metallic finish and little stars is equally adorable and practical. It glides on easily and only a small amount is needed for an obvious effect.

Unfortunately I think the effect is way too obvious and I would describe this product as ‘sparkly’ rather than ‘dewy’. It does not make me look like I am naturally glowy and radiant; it makes me look like I have put a pale golden eyeshadow on my face! I now realise that ‘Glow’ may have created a more suitable look but I didn’t want anything too pale. It’s a shame Ciate didn’t just make ‘Glow’ in all three shades.

However, ‘Gleam’ is perfect for a party, a night out clubbing or for an obvious  ethreal/supernatural look but a tad cringe for everyday wear.

Maybe it’s my fault and I should have gone the kind of liquid highlighter that states it’s subtle enough to mix with foundation but I was really sold on the words ‘dewy’ ‘balm’ and ‘minimal shimmer’ stated on the Ciate website.

Rating 2/5

❤Chrissie❤

10 Positive Things Dyspraxia Has Given Me

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I know posting a diagram showing the problems which dyspraxia can cause might seem counter intuitive to the tittle of this post but I think it’s the easiest way to show you what dyspraxia actually is. Personally, I have less problems with fine motor skills and more severe problems with attention, memory, sensory issues and general spacial awareness Neurologists tell me.

dyspraxia infographic

Before I knew what was going on with me I felt like a big dumb freak but my school friends always said “We love you because of the that you are, not despite it.” My boyfriend says the exact same thing to me. I’ve got much more confidence now and because I’ve been diagnosed later in life it’s meant I’ve had to develop my own coping strategies and I’ve started to realise that dyspraxia has shaped me in positive ways.

Creativity and a random jukebox in my mind

As my brain is always whirring around with random thoughts – especially at night – I can get really creative ideas and little revelations about life. If you follow me on Twitter you will be able to attest to this! It has also meant that I’ve never run out blog post ideas once, in the 2 and a half years that I’ve been blogging. Everyday I have a line or the chorus of a song going around my head in a loop for frequent periods. I’m reminded of some great songs from passed decades I’d forgotten about or had no idea I even knew the words to!

 

Determination

‘If you fail try, try and try again’ or in my case ‘and again and again…..’ this can be seriously tedious but having to persevere has made me really tenacious. Even as a child I was a really determined little thing who wasn’t easily defeated… or stubborn at all ;o)

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Humour in the face of adversity

If I’m in a shitty situation I will some how manage to find humour in it. Failing at hundreds of little things everyday since childhood I’ve experienced a lot of flippant negativity. This could have made me an overly defensive, bitter bitch but I chose to have fun with a self-effacing sense of humour instead. I don’t mean I’m putting myself down constantly to get laughs, I just manage to find humour in dodgy situations. Rather than getting embarrassed after opening a packet of M&M’s in such a way they fly all over the place, I’ll make a joke like “I just thought I’d share them with EVERYONE!” Having an unrestrained imagination helps to turn the mundane into the ridiculous and therefor amusing very quickly. Anyone else made themselves laugh out loud at their own thoughts, when on a crowded bus?

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I can be surprisingly focussed

I’m used to coping with difficult situations. Having dyspraxia means that I need to pause before steaming into something and instead I need to figure out a way to do it, that works for me. I’m constantly accessing situations. I’ve realised this has made me a lot more ‘on the ball’ over the years. For instance travelling to London and finding my connecting train to Cornwall in an incredibly busy station didn’t phase me. Wandering around a maze like hospital didn’t phase me. I got utterly lost like, and went around in a circle – twice – but I didn’t get stressed. Being in situations where things aren’t instantly and entirely evident to me is pretty normal. Confusing yes, but somehow reassuringly normal and not as stressful as it might be to someone who isn’t used to feeling this way. Also if someone has an accident I can suddenly become detached enough to think practically rather than panic, which is always good.

Breath and relax…

I’ve learned a level of patience I never thought possible. Loosing my train of thought right near the end of a sentence or a sum, tripping up over nothing, spending ages making a simple but perfect meal only to drop the plate face down on the floor, all of these things have and continue to test my patience but my gosh, have I developed A LOT of it! When spoilt princesses (the grown up kind) are having a full on diva fit because they didn’t get served at warp speed, I just roll my eyes. When someone is running late and everything seems to be going wrong I can calm them down, offer them a cuppa or a cocktail and say something daft to make them laugh because I understand exactly how that feels. I’ll admit sometimes you might here me yell “For f#c% sake!” and launch an object across the room but then I’m usually calm immediately after my therapeutic mini meltdown.

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I’m always organised

I rule at being organised. Ok so I’ve missed many appointments because I’ve got the order of the numbers in the date mixed up or lost all track of time because I’m hyper-focussed on Grand Theft Auto. These experiences and many more have taught me that Post It notes, reminder alarms (on my laptop, phone, iPod and paper calendar), nagging reminders from my boyfriend and Mum, simple but detailed filing systems and adorable stationary are essential.

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Lateral thinking

I tend to think differently than others and sometimes I can easily solve a problem which others have been struggling with, because it just seems obvious to me. Kind of like when an adult is over complicating something and being governed by the rules of how something is meant to be done, then their child looks rather non-plussed and suggests “Why don’t you just do it like this?” I’m sorry I can’t think of any specific examples here, every time I try to think of any, they opaquely half form and then float out of my head! That’s the nature of dyspraxia and I don’t mind about my mind ;o)

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Weeding out the dickheads

When you are a bit of a weirdo as I am – and I mean that affectionately – it doesn’t take long to realise who your friends are. They are the ones who don’t judge, don’t constantly make ‘jokes’ at your expense, who try to help without being patronising. Who don’t try to finish your sentences because you are apparently taking too long or simply talk over you as if you are a toddler or hard of understanding.

I’m tidier than a maid

Everything I own has it’s own place where it lives and it always gets put back there almost as soon as I’ve used it. When you put something down and forget why it’s not in your hand 30 seconds later, things need to be ordered so you can find it again. When you can scan a room four or five times for something that’s in plain site and still not see it, things need to be kept tidy. Floor space needs to be free from clutter so that I don’t trip over the stuff I’ve left there. I do hate homes that are so sparse and neat they don’t feel homely and I don’t have a compulsion to tidy, I’ve just learned how to make my space work for me.

People know where they stand with me

I’m honest to a fault. In my twenties as a temp I was so terrified of offending candidates for the position of ‘new BFF’ I over thought everything before I spoke and I mean EVERYTHING. It was exhausting and when the words did finally come out they sounded awkward and rehearsed. Nowadays I trust I’m not a total idiot or a big ol’ bitch and I just go with my instincts and “blah blah blah” away freely to everyone. Sometimes I sound a bit dumb, sometimes I’m really quick and witty, sometimes I’m a little tactless but it’s better than being anxious and paranoid. Plus 70% of people I meet tend to really respect my honesty and the other….er…..30% just need to lighten up a little, hehe!

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I hope this gives people an insight into this hidden disability in general (recognised in the 1990’s) or that it helps anyone who recognises some of the symptoms, diagnosed or otherwise.

Your comments welcome as always :o)

❤Chrissie❤

October Pin Collection – part 1

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I love Autumn and alternative pop-culture so I’ve naturally acquired a lot of pins which are perfect for October and Halloween.

Pumpkin and Coffee First – Old English Company, We Are The Weirdos Mister – Punky Pins, Moon and Stars – Primark mixed bag, She’s Mad But She’s Magic- can’t find anywhere, Ghost Cat and Sweater – Little Lefty Lou.

Do you have a favourite designer or place where you get pins?

Chrissie V—V

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You Don’t Have To Hide Your Disability Or Condition

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I have what is referred to as an ‘invisible disability’ because Dyspraxia is part sensory, part co-ordination and part comprehension/attention/memory related, it’s not always an obvious physical thing. Invisible Disabilities have their own problems when it comes to mingling with the general pubic (yes, I know). I’m going to list them because I like lists!

Lazy But Frequent Assumptions People Make About You

  1. People loose patience with you because they think you are being lazy or just taking your own sweet time.
  2. People think you’re just a big weird goof and make tactless observations or find it easier to avoid what/who they don’t understand.
  3. People scowl at you for using things/spaces for disabled people because you aren’t in a wheel chair or you don’t have a big neon “DISABLED” sign hovering over your head.
  4. People think you are acting precious or being a bit of a diva because you’re asking for special attention or more frequent attention compared to everyone else, who’s just ‘getting on with it’.
  5. People think you are being an ignorant arsehole. Yes, I just love loosing the plot of our conversation about your baby who’s just started walking (and who’s name I can’t remember) or literally bumping into you on the street when we’re the only two people on the pavement or over compensating and giving you a ludicrously wide birth (hilarious to watch apparently!) or struggling to join in a group conversation and then blurting out what I want to say when it’s not even relevant anymore.
  6. That you are just plain stoopid.

Talk About Your Condition/Disability! Tell people!

Don’t stop strangers in the street and regale them with details of your latest Dr’s visit like, but do get a dialogue going with people you are going to be spending a lot of time with.

In hindsight I would have found it so much easier in every college, every job and every new circle of friends I’ve made, if I’d have just had ‘the talk’ with them. Alright, back then I had no understanding of why I struggled so much but I knew which things I struggled with.

 

Yeah, I know it shouldn’t be up to the disabled person to set the standard and to feel like they have to justify their actions but explaining them might possibly make it easier for said person in the long term. Your disability shouldn’t be something you are ashamed of either.

Why Covering For Your Disability Won’t Always Work

I did an Office Administrator apprenticeship in my 20’s where I wasn’t much older than most of my colleagues kids. They noticed straight away that I wasn’t coping very well but falleveryone was lovely and they all really helped me. After a year the apprenticeship was over and I had to find a new job.

I fell in with a group of people that had started a month earlier and had bonded with each other quickly. After 6 months I still felt a little like I was ‘the new girl settling in’ and had an uneasy feeling I hadn’t meshed quite right with them. I automatically assumed it was down to my wonky social skills. Other people in the office had previously dropped subtle hints to me about ‘knowing who your friends are’ etc. but subtlety isn’t my strong point and anyway, these people were doing just enough to con me into thinking they genuinely were my friends. I think that they knew I was (intentionally) hiding something from them and something i_m_fine__by_halliova-d5jex0lwasn’t quite right, so they all thought it gave them the right to treat me like shit. I ended up leaving because of it, with no other prospect of employment on the horizon but that’s not the point. They were a bunch of knobs, obviously, but that’s not the point either….

Accept It And Own It!

The point is, I was trying to hide my condition in plane sight and failing miserably. One minute I was chatting a mile a minute and the next I was being evasive and not making eye contact. Fine not fine. Basically I was really embarrassed by my ‘weirdness’ and was bright enough to quickly be able to come up with a vaguely plausible excuse for every symptom, while t the same time feeling really rather stupid. We need to remember we aren’t wrong or broken, we just function differently. We shouldn’t be making excuses for being who we are or acting the way that we do regarding being different.Every single person on the planet has things they are good at and things they are crap at. The only difference with us is that we are more determined to give the things we know we’ll struggle with, a try in the first place.

If people notice you are acting or doing something that’s a little different don’t try to hide it,uniqueness-quotes or make excuses for it. People will see through you and wonder what on earth is going on. If you continue to behave like that, it’s pretty obvious people are going to get tired or even annoyed. It’s not fair I know but there you go. Either find a quiet time to have a casual chat or wait until someone brings it up and then just be open and honest with them about it.

 

Even if you only make your lecturer/manager aware so that they can make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you cope. For instance, amassing angrier and angrier warnings from your boss for being late, when you struggle with time management and planning might actually be avoidable! Maybe you could start and finish slightly earlier/later to avoid rush hour?

What To Say About Your Disability or Condition

Maybe talk about specific things you struggle with, if you’ve been diagnosed with a certain thing or the reason why that condition effects you (if you are lucky enough to know) or how long you’ve had it. Go into as much or as little detail as you want but try to keep your sense of humour. At the very least it gives people a better understanding of you, and why shouldn’t they!

Admit If You Need Help WithA Task

I know with invisible disabilities it’s possible a person can keep on scraping by and covering up their mistakes or their needs but that knotted stomach feeling of dread can lead to anxiety and depression. It’s much better to ask for help or clearer guidance from your teacher/lecturer/manager/colleagues/friends from the start, even if that help is just a little more patience or understanding from them. Absolutely everyone needs help sometimes so if you are really really struggling with a task don’t feel embarrassed to ask for some!

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Being more open about it might make you feel vulnerable at first but as I’ve learned, hiding it can make you just as vulnerable. They are some awesome people out there with more empathy and understanding than you might first realise.

The more people talk about disabilities, the more people get to hear about them and gain a greater understanding of them :o)

Chrissie xx

Maleficent Tee from Pop in a Box

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Where

Pop In A Box sell Funko Pops! as well as other pop-culture merch from various brands, like this Disney Maleficent tee £14.99.

Design

I think her image here is subtle but effective, in a quietly menacing sort of way. The printing is more faded in real life than it looks on the website. I usually prefer this as it gives it a retro look as if I’ve picked it up from a charity shop or I’ve had it since I was young.

Unfortunately, I think the designers were a little too enthusiastic about the grainy effect of the image. There’s ‘faded and edgy’ and then theres ‘had a fight with a sandpaper’. As a result, it looks almost sketched on with pencils, rather than printed and I can’t decide if I actually like that or not.

Maybe I might dye it a slightly darker grey to give it more depth. I did this with my Count Duckula tee which was originally white with very bright printing and it came out looking really stylish.

Fit

I chose ‘Medium’ which, according to the size chart, is the equivalent of a UK size 12 and found it to be true to size. It’s a slightly fitted, flattering cut rather than boyfriend-fit, a good length and not too tight around the neckline or the sleeves.

Rating 3/5

Chrissie V—V

5 Aids Which Really Help with Dyspraxia and Related Disabilties

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For Dyspraxia Awareness week I thought I would share an old post of mine.

Jar Opener

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Or as the Bloke likes to call it ‘the openzy shifter’ lol This is so easy to use with a little wheel which winds in the rubber band until it’s tight around the jar and then you angle the handle to lock it and only need the slightest turn – ta da! Similar here.

Reinforced/Non Slip iPad Case by STM

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The entire edge of this case is surrounded by chunky rubbery plastic meaning my iPad is protected if I drop it and so much easier to grip. I actually hate the person who came up with polished aluminium finishes! It has a cover which folds into a stand position, making it easier to type or watch and a clear back so you can still read your engraving. It’s also fairly water resistant and fastens with an easy open magnetic grip. Buy it here.

Shower Chair

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This can completely fold up so it’s out of the way for other people but when unfolded it’s very sturdy and safe. The arms can be folded up if they get in your way while sitting on it. Because I have so much hair to wash it takes me about 25 minutes, which used to really make my back ache. Not to mention the whole spacial awareness probs causing me to bounce of the walls and door and worrying about slipping and knocking myself out. Similar here.

Multiway Opener

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This gadget is genius! It opens the lids on plastic bottles, beer bottles and you can slide the ring pull of a drinks can into a groove and use it for leverage instead of breaking your fingernails. It also has a hook to open peel back food tins. Similar here.

Wrist/Ankle Support

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A lot of people who have Dyspraxia also have hyper-mobile joints (which bend/stretch too much) and get fatigued easily (not surprising seeing as we use up more energy trying so hard to do ‘simple’ things) but this Boots wrist support really helps. It was recommended to me  by a waitress with Hypermobilty who carries a tray all day. Can’t get a better recommendation than that! If you are having trouble with the fit, go to Decathlon who will measure and fit you with one of their supports.

Kitchen Timer

I find having a timer so handy for so many things. Setting myself reminders of when to turn things on or off like a cooker or a heater; setting how long I want to spend doing something so that I don’t get too hyper-focussed and loose track; to remind me to do things at certain times of day. I used to use my iPad but found it confusing, similar to when using a timer with multiple timers on. So now I use a simple egg timer and big post it notes, along with general routines I’ve got down over the years.

Do you have any suggestions?

❤Chrissie❤

Happy Blogversary To Me!

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I’m glad WP let me know because I’d totally forgot it was my blogs anniversary and exactly how long I’d been blogging. It amazes me that I’ve managed to stick with the same thing for six years! I’m sort of proud of myself but rather than it being an achievement as such, it’s more of a flexible hobby, a creative outlet and a great way to communicate with lovely people.

Thank you so much for following, commenting and liking, it means a whole lot!

Chrissie xxx

September – Monthly Round-up

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Food & Drink

My Bloke got me these posh teas from Twinings so I can have hot drinks that aren’t builders tea (strong, milk, two sugars) which I’m not overly fond of. I can’t attest to their waking and sleeping powers as my brain seems to function in any other way possible, than what’s expected; I can say they both taste lovely though. Fairly subtle and fresh in flavour and not too perfumy.

We are successfully growing chillies! The plant is both male and female so you get a really soft and narrow makeup brush and act like a bee and go around all of the flowers pollinating it. We planted it at the start of summer and now have seven decent sized chillies, with lots of tiny little green globes that will hopefully grow bigger.

I’ve figured out the perfect way of making a vegetarian Roast ‘Chicken’ Salad & Fahita Filling.

Style

This is the one of my trusty styles for autumn, along with a more dressy look I’ll post next month.

Of course there had to be something Halloween related as we near October. Unbelievably some of the things I wanted to include in Halloween Fashion were already sold out!

I’ve never been a big Disney Princess fan, in fact the words used to make me shudder as a kid BUT I’ve always loved a good baddie. Perfect for Halloween Disney Style.

Beauty

Here’s why this GOSH BB Cream was both a hit and a miss.

Ooh pretty! See what I thought of the Barry M Holographic Eye Toppers and what look I created using the green one.

If you want an everyday mascara which will be kind to your lashes and the environment then PHB Natural Mascara is the one you need.

Random

Even though my Bloke has never watched friends he has somehow picked up on the recent resurgence of it and has started saying Joey’s expression “How you doin’?” to me. He started off enthusiastically (and hilariously) saying “How ya doing!!!” while wiggling his eyebrows up and down. Bahahaa! Nope. I told him it’s “How you doin’?” with one eyebrow raise to accent the word ‘you’, that makes ALL the difference. He is now utterly and disarmingly brilliant at it! I seem to have subconsciously picked up on the Joey look too.

Squirrels hate me. Yup. On three separate occasions I have been screamed at by a squirrel. Walking by one on a footpath, walking under a low hanging branch and yesterday one was on a tree, next to the window and I was inside the flat! I’m starting to agree with Carrie Bradshaw that they are indeed ‘Just rats in cute outfits.’ Although, that may be an injustice to rats.

Here’s an honest and lighthearted list of 15 Relatable Ways Brain Fog Effects People. You might think of someone or even yourself as rather ‘ditzy’ or sort of ‘head in the clouds’ but it could be brain fog if they/you have chronic fatigue or various other conditions. I’ve come out with some great one-linners and wonderings while feeling brain-fogged however.

 

❤ Chrissie ❤