August is a month when things seem to slow down. I guess it’s the calm before the September storm when life ramps up again! I’m using it as a time to switch off (I’m taking my annual leave this month… hooray!) and taking a moment to also re-evaluate life sh*t. You know? I have a big birthday next month so that probably has something to do with it. I’m finding myself analysing the past decade and scoring myself on how I did… things I can improve or work on, things that I’m proud of and how I’d like the next decade to look. Whether you have a big birthday or not, I think August is a perfect time to take stock and check in with yourself. Think of it as personal admin. It’s so so important we carve out time for it so use this slower month to re-evaluate life and make sure you’re still happy with the path your on before we enter the final quarter of the year. Just you wait, I’ll be talking about Christmas before you know it!

The Healthier Chocolate Digestives

I’ve discovered a tea-dunking-ly good biccy and I am not here to gate-keep! I love English breakfast tea and enjoy nothing more than popping my kettle on and brewing a cuppa as a ritual to break up my working day. I grew up dunking biscuits in my dad’s tea in the morning so when I learnt about Prodigy’s new plant-based biscuit range, I had to put them to the test. Their Chocolate Oaties and Chocolate Digestives hit all the spots… delicious, chocolatey, moreish, dunkable and rather more nutritious than their supermarket counterparts thanks to their low sugar, fibre-rich nature. 

Prodigy’s journey began in 2020 with a vision to revolutionise the snack industry, offering healthy and sustainable options. Co-founders Neena and Sameer Vaswani are passionate about conscious snacking, avoiding palm oil and using compostable packaging. As the UK’s first plastic-negative chocolate brand, Prodigy (who proudly don an impressive B-Corp certification) delivers real chocolate with kindness, empowering consumers to make healthier choices everyday.

A Chocolate Supplement Designed For Period Care

Women’s health is definitely a subject of interest for me, I guess that might seem obvious given the industry I work in but I strongly feel that all women should feel empowered to prioritise their health and be able to have the knowledge and confidence to take steps to optimise all aspects of their wellbeing. My friends might refer to me as the “period whisperer” because they usually turn to me for advice on all things cycle and period info! I think cycle health is such an indicator of overall wellbeing so I proudly do a lot of reading on how to support female hormones and how to have a healthy cycle, whether that’s through lifestyle habits, diet or supplementation. I was recently introduced to Dome, who are equally as passionate about period care. 

Their Period Care supplements are specially crafted to introduce iron into your bloodstream, replenishing what is lost during menstruation. These delectable milk and dark chocolate spheres (yes, made from real chocolate!) incorporate microencapsulated iron, infused with vitamins B6 and B12, effectively combating fatigue, enhancing mood, and supporting blood flow regulation during your menstrual cycle. Throughout extensive testing, Dome Vitamins observed that 98% of users experienced increased upliftment and energy when taking these supplements during their period. Additionally, 100% of participants expressed satisfaction with the delightful taste and texture. If you love milk chocolate buttons, you’ll love these!

A Natural Bathroom Cleaning Hack

Part of being an adult is learning that a clean house NEVER stays clean. Why?!! It doesn’t seem fair! You do a big clean and organise session, feel smug at how beautiful your house looks and then boom, it’s dirty again in 0.5 seconds. One thing is for sure, my mum made it look a lot easier than it feels! One cleaning task I HATE doing is the bathroom. It’s the room that gets the dirtiest the quickest and I find it such a bore. BUT it has to be done so I won’t deny I like to look for hacks and shortcuts to make it easier. Recently I tried cleaning the dreaded shower screen with a natural concoction of baking soda and lemon and it worked a treat for the terrible limescale. Londoners will know how frustrating our hard water can be so I’m happy I’ve found a natural solution to those pesky water marks! Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a damp sponge, squeeze some lemon juice until it starts fizzing and get scrubbing. Repeat as often as you need.

Being Proactive About Fertility

I’m turning 30 in September and I’m feeling mixed about it. Over the years I’ve heard so many people share their worries and woes about turning 30 and it instigating a bit of a panic and I guess I naively thought, what’s all the fuss about?! It’s not that much of a big deal. Ahh the inexperienced youth was I! Here I am in my last month of my 20s and I do feel weird about it. 

I guess you look back at the decade and give it an analysis. Have I done “enough”? Have I done this, have I done that, have I achieved the level of success I feel I should have by now… I guess all these thoughts are only natural, however, one big thing I still have many questions about is becoming a mother. I know it’s what I want but I don’t shy away from the fact that it’s a huge life change and I think readiness is important. I married quite young, at age 23, so I’ve had a few years to ponder when I might be ready but with Covid-19 I feel like in some ways, I lost precious time. I was 26 when the pandemic hit and, at a time when I should have been loving life and feeling free to travel and have fun, the world stopped temporarily. It took a huge hit on my anxiety and it inevitably delayed my desire to have a child. Here I am, approaching 30 and I’m still making up for lost time. Wanting to plan holidays and enjoy being selfish for a little while longer but fertility is right up there at the top of my worry list. Have I left it too late? What if I have an issue I don’t know about? Will I take ages to fall pregnant? I wished I’d started trying sooner… etc etc. I’m sure I’m not alone, despite plenty of reassurance from friends I’m worrying about nothing! How I’m combatting this fear of the unknown is I’m going to be proactive and just find out the answers to my questions. I have decided to seek out some basic fertility testing that checks for things like egg reserves and hormone levels in the hope that knowing more about my current fertility status puts my mind at rest or at least guides me on my next step. Who knows, maybe it will spur me on to take that big leap, or maybe it will just give the peace of mind, I am good to wait a little longer. Whatever happens, I hope that knowledge will empower me.

A Hyaluronic Acid & Rosemary Scalp Treatment

I have to say, probably one of my favourite ways to indulge in some self-care is showing my hair some love. I really feel my best when my hair is freshly blow-dried or I’m simply just having a good hair day! Greasy, horrible hair just makes me feel like the pits in all honesty and I’d opt for a blow-dry over nails any day! I recently headed to Live True London to try their new Hyaluronic Acid & Rosemary Scalp treatment and I think it’s worth adding to your self-care pamper hit list! At the forefront of the latest trends, Rosemary oil takes centre stage as a powerful and favoured ingredient – if you’re on TikTok, you’ll know what I’m talking about! This exclusive treatment showcases the potent blend of Rosemary & Mint shampoo and conditioner, working in harmony to nourish your scalp and hair, resulting in irresistibly soft and thoroughly cleansed locks. To elevate the experience further, they introduce a revitalizing hyaluronic acid hair treatment, infusing your strands with moisture and effectively taming frizz. As the crowning touch, you’ll get an expert blow dry, leaving you with luxuriously styled hair that exudes radiance. I topped off my experience with the most gorgeous highlights I’ve genuinely ever had, courtesy of Glenesa at their Wardour St salon, and I’ve never felt so good!

The New (Caffeine-Free) Alternative To Matcha

I’m really not a matcha girl (despite every attempt to love it like I feel I should!) but I am pleased to report that I’ve found an alternative that is much milder in taste and happens to be caffeine-free too. As I’ve stated above, I love breakfast tea, but other than that, I’m not into any other caffeinated beverage. I’m not super anti-caffeine, but I like that I don’t crave or rely on it to get through my day. With matcha providing so many health benefits, I do feel in some ways I miss out on that but Clearspring have come to the rescue and I’m now loving their Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha. Crafted from 100% organic Japanese mulberry leaves, this matcha sets itself apart as a caffeine-free option, making it ideal for those seeking a delightful alternative to traditional matcha. Sustainably grown in the picturesque region of Kagoshima, Japan, this matcha embodies not only exceptional taste but also a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Its velvety smooth flavour surpasses that of its conventional counterpart, making it a versatile choice in various culinary creations. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast looking to reduce caffeine intake or simply prefer a zero-caffeine option, this is definitely one to add to your shopping list.

words by Molly Jennings