Five Products For Self-Care // Lucyy Writes

Now is the time to practice self care more than ever. Whether you’ve been working through the pandemic, lost your routine or have just started back, you‘ll agree that life has changed - with frustration, anxiety and more time on our hands. Below are five products to introduce some calm back into your lives OR that I’ve personally found of great help throughout the past few months.

Lush Shower Bombs | in Comfort, Not so Sleepy and Sleepy £2.75 each HERE

I've mentioned and featured Lush Shower Bombs on Lucyy Writes and my social media many times before. A lot of the time I really can't be bothered to run a bath OR feel that I'd enjoy/relax enough once in there. I always turn to a trusty Shower Bomb when needing to clear my head, after a stressful day OR times when I'm feeling anxious. Lush have three shower bombs on offer, all of which I'm fond of. Not so Sleepy is a truly uplifting, energising scent, whilst as Sleepy suggests, completes their relaxing range and provides a gentle scent before a tough day/after a hard day. Comfort (the little pink bomb) of the trio, will be popular for all times of day, if you're a fan of The Comforter bubble bar, you'll love the sweet, huggable scent. 

Whittard of Chelsea | Dream Time Infusion + Sweet Dreams Bundle £25 HERE

One of my birthday gifts from my parents this year were a huge box of goodies from Whittard's. As someone who finds in difficult to sleep and lie in - even on a day off, I'll still wake at the crack of dawn. To ease me into a better slumber, Mum decided to order the Dream Time Infusion via the Sweet Dreams Bundle on their website. This came with their famous Pao Infusion Mug. The Dream Time infusion is different to regular sleep themed teas, they usually focus around chamomile and can taste quite floral based. However this infusion is SO different to my regular Pukka Night Time teas. Featuring velvety apricot and creamy honey and vanilla. I also received further loose teas, cold brew tea bags and hot chocolate. Fabulous pick as always Jan. If you're finding it hard to unwind or relax during these difficult times, I'd recommend treating yourself to this little bundle - especially if you've never managed to get onboard with Night Time infusions before.

Simple Skincare Under-Eye Hydrogel Mask in Illuminating or Brightening £2.99 HERE

I'm an avid fan of sheet masks and under eye masks, having a large stash of them for regular pampering throughout the week. Working with computer screens every day I find my eyes get tired easily. Team this with Hay-fever season and I can't get enough of under eye masks - especially if you can't be bothered to settle for an entire facial sheet mask. Simple Sheet Masks are some of my favourite, so I'd obviously be a fan of their Under-Eye variety too. These are currently on offer in Boots + Superdrug for a lot less than their RRP - even better if you've got points to redeem like I had. If you're looking for a quick, beauty pamper, the refreshing eye masks are worth every penny.

Boots Botanics Pillow Mist in Peaceful Night  £6 HERE

I've tried the majority of Pillow Mists on the market, covering all budgets however I'm pleasantly surprised with this recent find in Boots, from their Botanics line. A lot of sprays can be very weak, sweet OR too floral based. However Boots have nailed this, the perfect strength to spritz your bedding and room with, the soothing blend of lavender and sweet marjoram eases you into a relaxed state.

High Kind* CBD Oral Drops in Tranquil 5% £27.99 HERE

An item I've been introduced to recently was CBD Oral Drops. I've always been intrigued when in Holland And Barrett where I've seen alternative brands being marketed. This past Father's Day I actually purchased my Dad CBD infused chocolate and a CBD Muscle Balm. Both went down well with my Dad and were a conversation starter. When High Kind got in touch I couldn't turn down their offer to send across one of their Oral Drops. High Kind CBD Oils use the cleanest extraction and distillation methods to bring flavour and palpable relaxing effects in every single drop. They have three flavours to decide from, with Energise being citrus based, Focus - Pine and Tranquil - Lavender. There are no nasty additives to the oils, they are completely free from Artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, lactose, yeast AND gluten. The Tranquil variety are designed to use an hour before bed, to enhance rest and recovery (with a guidance of 10-20 drops). Personally the taste is pretty strong - especially when you combine CBD with Lavender, even in squash you can taste, half the amount of drops. With this in mind, you may prefer the Citrus based Energy variety. If you or someone you know finds CBD a great help whether it be oral based or in beauty products, introduce them to the British Brand, High Kind where you'll find variety of products and strengths. 

I’d love to hear how you’ve been getting through these weird, unsettling times. Leave a comment or find me on social media! Of course I’ve love to have included some books - however that’s a whole post of its own. Take Care, Lucy xx

Disclaimer: products * sent for review purpose

What I Had For My Birthday 2020 | Lucyy Writes

It wouldn't be right to start posting without sharing a What I Had For My Birthday, especially when we're in a pandemic. I turned another year older on July 15th. I still suffer with Birthday Blues, due to seemingly focusing on milestones set in my head (thanks to society). Should I be settled? Should I own property by now? Children? Career? When it reality, it doesn't matter what stage I'm at, I'm actively saving into two accounts - to own property, I haven't met Mr Right yet but who cares, I love my own company! And lastly, I should be thankful to have a job (when lots have lost their routine Or job entirely) as well as my family having a mutual understanding that a Miniature Sausage Dog will come before a Mini Lucy.

Despite having a birthday in the pandemic, I'm lucky that I had the option for more freedom when a lot haven't earlier in the year. I had the day off work, hit the shops with my Mumma for some much needed quality time together. We treated ourselves with plenty of new purchases, a M&S Picnic Lunch and a beautiful Chai Latte in Nero. 

Parents, Friends and Family really spoilt me - I'd even had early birthday presents too. The day started with the parents and dogs invading my room with gifts, cards and a beautiful floral arrangement delivered. I thought rather than sharing everything I'd share some of my favourite gifts/buys of the day.

Whittards Pao Infuser Mug with Loose Tea's, Hot Chocolate and Cold Brew Tea Bags | Breathe Magazine Subscription | Oliver Bonas Trinkets | Tropic Skincare | Marble Makeup Brushes | Perfume - Britney Bargains and Roger & Gallet | Books - Deliciously Ella, Before The Coffee Gets Cold, Stork and Where the Crawdads Sing | Clothing - Topshop + Primark | Lush Shower Bombs

What have you treated yourself to recently?

Birthday Cake Cookies // Featuring The Hummingbird Bakery

Last week saw myself celebrate turning another year older, keeping to the theme I thought I'd share one of my favourite Cookie recipes with you all. Over the years I've whipped up many of The Hummingbird Bakery recipes, though their Birthday Cake Cookies remain a firm favourite of our family and friends. If you have a birthday coming up, these buttery cookies bursting with colourful shards are the perfect way to celebrate OR perhaps, you just need a little pick up through these difficult times. 

Method and Ingredients:

Cookies

120g unsalted butter

200g caster sugar

2 large egg yolks

1 tsp butter extract (purchase online, or use vanilla)

190g plain flour 

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

130g sprinkles

For the filling

115g unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

375g icing sugar

2-3 tbsp milk

80g sprinkles (to roll)

Pre-heat your oven to 175C and line 3 Baking Trays with greaseproof baking paper. Place the butter and sugar into a large bowl and beat by hand or with an electric mixer until light and creamy. Next, beat in your large egg yolks (one at a time) along with the vanilla/butter extract. Follow by folding in the plain flour, baking powder, salt and lastly, the sprinkles once a dough has been formed.

I find it best to refrigerate the dough, for at least a couple of hours, especially when the weather is so warm. Once chilled, weigh the dough into 30g balls and space out on greased baking trays, before baking for 9-12 minutes. You want the cookies to loose their shine and have firm tops. Leave the cookies to cool before transferring to a metal cooling rack. 

Whilst your cookies are cooling, if sandwiching together, you’ll need to prepare some frosting. Add all icing ingredients (apart from sprinkles) to your mixer and beat until smooth. Once made, take two cooled cookies, apply a generous amount of frosting to the flat side of one cookie (a piping bag is recommended), before popping on the second to create a sandwich. Next, pour the sprinkles into a dish, roll the exposed edges of frosting into the sprinkles and TADA, you have the ultimate birthday cake cookie.

Of course like all recipes on Lucyy Writes, you can easily make them gluten and dairy free. You’ll need to swap out the flour for gluten free (I use Dove Farm) and recommend using the Hard Baking Block by Stork (which is naturally dairy free). If you are coeliac, remember to read the ingredients on sprinkles as a lot still do contain wheat starch. I don’t use ‘butter extract’, I personally use vanilla extract as I always have that in. You also don’t need to sandwich the cookies together, they’re perfectly deliciously alone, to be dunked in a cuppa tea OR shared with a greedy Harry - whose little black nose always detects the freshly baked tray of cookies. You could also coat the bottom of the cookie in white chocolate.

Have you turned to baking or cooking during the pandemic? Lucy x

Recipe: The Hummingbird Bakery - Life is Sweet cookbook.