Benefits of collagen - So Body Co CollaSlim review
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in bones, skin and muscles. It accounts for 30% of your body's protein. Providing strength, structure and support to your body.

Although we make collagen naturally, as we age the amount our body produces, reduces. This is why our body can start to wrinkle, our joints ache and our muscles become weaker.

Scientific research has proven that adding collagen to your diet can provide you with anti-ageing benefits and reduce the issues mentioned about. 

I was kindly given the opportunity to review So Body Co CollaSlim, meal replacement shakes with collagen protein.

*Just to clarify, I would never recommend or suggest any weight loss products or plans, but we are allowed to try new things, right? Besides, I am keen to feel and look a bit healthier in myself this year, so it's worth a try.

So can CollaSlim from So Body Co reduce signs or ageing, and lose weight? We'll see!

CollaSlim is the first meal replacement shake with added collagen. Providing a full meal to support weight loss and introducing more collagen into your body. Honestly, recently I've been missing out on having breakfast. I find the morning can be one of my most productive times of the day, and because of that, I don't stop to sit down and eat. On the days I don't eat breakfast, I tend to feel a lot more tired and prone to overeating later on in the day - after all, 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day!'.

So I decided to instead have a CollaSlim shake for breakfast, and it worked perfectly for my routine. No need to stop or slow down, but I could still filll myself up without snacking on all the unhealthy foods. 

Collaslim come in a range of flavours, Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana Bread, Strawberry, Salted Caramel and Coffee - I chose to go with chocolate and salted caramel, flavours I knew I wouldn't have an issue with. 

Benefits of collagen - So Body Co CollaSlim review


On the packets it is recommended to mix a scoop of the powder with almond milk, which honestly sounds delicious! But almond milk isn't something I regularly buy, so I mixed the powder with water instead - and I can confirm they taste great! Like a low calorie milkshake almost. 

I gave the shakes a try every morning for 2 weeks, and honestly I did see an improvement with my aches and generally body creaks Haha!

However we were then struck down with a sick bug, so my body was back to feeling completely empty and achey again, but I can tell already that the little morning boost of collagen will make a real difference in the long run. 

So I'm determined to start again and give them a proper go this week. In regards to the weight loss, I cannot confirm or deny the effects as I do not weigh myself, I much rather go on how I feel, and after feeling ill, my body feels a little delicate. But like I said, I ready to give these shakes another go and experience the full benefits.

Do you fancy winning a month supply of CollaSlim and giving it a try yourself?

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Good luck!

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www.whimsicalmamabox.com

In case you haven't seen it plastered all over my social media, the Whimsical Mama Box is here.

Our subscription box is designed to give busy mums a little break - a chance to relax, pamper themselves and even get a few laughs in the process. Every month you'll get a box filled with fun, thoughtful items that will make you feel special. We also include a personal note from us to give you a little extra encouragement and support. We hope you'll give us a try and get a chance to enjoy some guilt-free pampering!



Whimsical Mama Box is an amazing way to treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care and wellness! Each month, you'll receive a surprise box filled with handpicked goodies specifically tailored to your needs. We all need a little extra self love and care, and this could be the perfect way to do just that - while also discovering new products and services that you may not have known about before. We hope you enjoy this special treat! Filled with specifically chosen products by mums, for mums.



If this sounds like your kind thing, be sure to head to WHIMSICALMAMABOX.com to grab your own box! I cannot wait to see you there!


In the meantime, feel free to head to our Instagram page for regular updates.


If you want to be in with the chance of winning a !!SPA DAY FOR TWO!!, enter the giveaway below. 


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How to show yourself some love this Valentines Day  - Self care
Valentines Day isn't just about romantic love, it's about the love of a friend, the love of a family member, the love of a child and their mother, self love - love is all around

Self Care and Self Love are so important, we all know it but sometimes it can be hard to put the effort in and take time out just for yourself. Unfortunately when you don't make the time for you, burnout, stress and exhaustion are often a result. 

There's no better time to show yourself some love, make some effort to care for yourself than Valentines Day. It's a great excuse to indulge in a little self care, to slow down and enjoy your own company. Do things you enjoy - you deserve it!

So I'm sharing a few ways you can show yourself some love this Valentines Day!


self care ideas for valentines day

Take the day slowly

Not every day needs to be constant, on the go from the second you open your eyes - particularly if you aren't exactly eased awake by a blaring alarm clock either! Wake up slowly, stretch your body, try some light morning yoga and make your favourite morning drink. You don't always have to rush, take it slow, embrace the easier mornings and appreciate all that you have. 

Journaling

Valentines Day is a fab time to fill in your journal, or even just write a little note to yourself. If you don't fancy that just take a few minutes and have a think about just how incredible you are.

- what is your favourite thing about yourself?
- what is your favourite part of your body?
- what do you enjoy doing on your own?
- what is your biggest dream?
- what is your favourite meal/snack you could whip up, right now?
- what gives you energy?
- what do other people love about you?
- what amazing things have you accomplished in your life so far?

Eat something delicious

Your favourite meal, an amazingly delicious snack, your go-to takeaway or even your favourite chocolate bar. Treat and indulge yourself. 

Put the effort in

Unless you fancy prancing around in your pyjamas all day (totally acceptable too btw!), why not put a little effort in and make yourself look and feel good. Try a new makeup look, wear that gorgeous dress you put away for a "special occasion", give that hair curler another whirl. Whatever you fancy, just have fun with!

Laugh

Laughter is the best thing ever. Laughter decreases stress, increases oxygen intake, releases endorphins and generally just makes you feel amazing! "Laughter is the best medicine" is actually true because it offers you amazing health and wellbeing benefits!
So watch a funny movie, spend time with others who get your sense of humour and make you laugh till your stomach aches. 

If you only do one of these ideas today, make it this one. 

Have a soak

There's nothing better than a good bath to relax your body and soothe your muscles. Have a proper fancy, all out pampering bath if you fancy it. Use your best products that you put away for a special day - every day is a special day! Treat yourself! Fill the tub with bubbles, bring a drink and a snack - a book too maybe? Whatever you like, but I want you to really make this bath a good one!

self care ideas for valentines day

Do something you enjoy

Make an effort to do something you enjoy today. Everyone enjoys something! Do you have any particular hobbies? Painting? Knitting? Running? Writing? Cleaning? Gardening? Gaming? There's a million different things you could do, and if you aren't sure what you enjoy - why not give a few activities a go and see what takes your fancy, you might discover a whole new hobby you love!

Feel love

What makes you feel loved? Does your partner? Your friends? Your parents? Your children? Everyone wants to feel love from another person - so make an effort today to spend time with those who make you feel like you are the most important person to them. Make sure you show them just how important and loved they are too! 

I hope you have an amazing Valentines Day, make sure you fill up your cup! 


If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children
Becoming a mum changes your life, there's no doubt about that. It's one of the most life changing experiences that you can go through. You go from being independent, just having yourself to take care of, then suddenly being responsible for a whole new life. It's sets us up on a completely different pathway. It can make you feel like you are losing part of your identity, you no longer feel like you anymore. Or at least the you you once were. It's so important as a mum that you have a strong sense of self, of who you are. Even if it's not the you that you used to be. Yes it might be a drastic change, but it's an amazing one. I'm sharing a few ways to help you feel like you again, after having children.

It might feel like your identity has been forgotten somewhere along the way, that you have lost yourself. But trust me, you're still in there. You just need to reignite that feeling, rediscover the person inside. 

Catch Up With Old Friends Or Make New Ones
Meet up with some of your old friends for a coffee, invite them over for a catch up. This is definitely something that works. I don't know if it's just me, but whenever I see my old friends, even if I haven't seen them for a good few years it doesn't feel like that. It doesn't feel like any time has passed. You should even try to make some new mummy friends. New friends who you'll have things in common with, and you can sit down with a coffee and a cake together and discuss motherhood, and everything that comes with it. While it's fantastic to keep in touch with your old friends, it's great to make new, like minded friends like you too. Visit a parent & baby group, get chatting to parents at the park. Whatever works for you. 

Do Things Just For You
I know I find it hard to do things just for me sometimes, but it's important. You need to take care of yourself and you deserve to do things just for your own fulfilment now and then. Remind yourself that you are 'not just a mum'. Treat yourself, do something you love doing, something that makes you happy and feel good. Learn something new, apply for a job, go out for the afternoon. Everyone deserves a break now & then.

7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children

Ask For Help
Ahh the classic piece of advice new mums are always given. 'If you need help, ask for it', but the truth is we don't want to. We don't want to ask for help or advice because we will feel like a bit of a disappointment if we cannot cope alone. This is such rubbish. Everyone needs help sometimes, everyone deserves help sometimes. There's no shame in asking for it, especially when you are a new mum. It can be overwhelming, and people are more often than not so willing to help out. Take advantage of an extra pair of hands!

Do Something Spontaneous
When was the last time you were spontaneous? Yes it's pretty tricky to do something on the spur of moment when you have kids, because of course you don't just have yourself to think about. But it's still possible. Hire a babysitter, or ask a family member and go on a spontaneous date night! Book a last minute holiday, pack up and go on a road trip or even just go for it and book yourself in to have that hair cut you've wanted for months. 

Do Things By Yourself
As a mum, It can be hard to find time just to yourself. There's always something you should be doing. But finding that time just for you is so important. We tend to feel a bit guilty when we take time out for ourselves, because there's always something else we could be doing, something to tick off that never ending checklist but truth is, some things can wait. Taking care of yourself is something we should be doing - so add it to that checklist! (and not right at the bottom!). Make the time to do things by yourself. When your parents are looking are your little ones, when they're at nursery, or school. Do something alone. Just by yourself. Go to a café, the cinema. Go on a long walk or snuggle on the sofa with a movie and popcorn. What ever you fancy, just spend some quality time with yourself!

7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children

Try Some Retail Therapy
When you first become a mum, your whole sense of style tends to just get thrown out the window. It's totally understandable! Comfort is key! But when your little ones get a bit older, you can spend a bit more time on your clothing choices.  Treat yourself to a new item of clothing, it'll make you feel and look amazing. 

Spend Time On Your Appearance
I get it, I totally get it. When you have children, it's so much harder to find the time to make yourself up like you used to. You might have discovered that you love more neutral, natural make up and that's perfectly fine! I tend to wear minimal make up in the day now, and just shove my hair in a mum bun! But every once in a while, spend a bit more time. Get your hair done, paint your nails. Pamper yourself. You're worth it.

It's not the fact that your identity has disappeared, or you have forgotten who you are. It's the fact that yes, becoming a mum is a huge, life changing thing. It's going to change you, but it doesn't mean you are not you anymore. It will add to who you were. You are different. But that's ok. 

You have changed but you are still you, and you are amazing. 

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Toxic Positivity And How To Avoid It
I'd like to think I'm generally a positive person. I try to see the good in everyday, notice the little things that make me happy. I like to try and promote positivity and good vibes, bring others up and brighten their day - but let's be honest here, no one can positive, and happy all the time. 

It's mentally and physically impossible to be happy all the time, and those who promote constant positivity are fake, and toxic. 

Sure I like to share and read inspirational quotes, share happy moments in my life, compliments others to hopefully brighten their day a bit - but that's not me, all day every day. Every one has days when they feel utterly awful, when nothing can cheer them up and they're really struggling - and shoving positivity or 'good vibes' down their throats is going to do far more harm than good.

Toxic Positivity And How To Avoid It

What is toxic positivity?

Toxic positivity is pretty much showing that you (or you are encouraging others to be) happy, upbeat and positive all the time. That's just not realistic, not true and not something to aspire to at all. 

It's suggesting that people shouldn't have negative emotions, that it's their fault if they can't cheer up or make the best of the situation. People are made to feel a huge range of emotions, from joy, and happiness to anxiousness or hopelessness - all are valid and very real emotions.

Positivity isn't always best, and not always appropriate. Sharing 'good vibes' wont help someone who is struggling and it wont magically make their problems go away. Toxic positivity is dangerous for us all, but especially with those who might struggle with physical or mental illness, or are going through a really hard time at the moment. 

Shoving inspirational quotes and pretty much telling them to 'cheer up' is a really bad move. Again, it's basically saying 'No, your feelings aren't valid. You need to lighten up". Often if people are struggling and looking for advice or support, they need real support. They need to be acknowledged and shown their negative feelings are valid, normal and that you are there for them. 

The same goes for yourself! It's absolutely possible to project toxic positivity onto yourself. Putting on this fake persona that everything is always good, you have no reason to feel upset or negative. You should be happy, so be happy. Making yourself feel this way, or telling yourself your feelings are stupid or invalid is just as bad as projecting into onto others. Just remember your feelings are always valid, and by hiding away the negative feelings you are making things worse for yourself.

Toxic Positivity And How To Avoid It

Examples of toxic positivity;

"Cheer up!"

"It's not as bad as it seems"

"Stop being so negative all the time"

"Smile! It's not that bad" 
(I absolutely detest this one. I have resting bitch face ok, and often people mistake that for me being miserable or sulking. I don't have to smile because you tell me I should mmkay)

"Just be positive"

"Look on the bright side"

"Be grateful for what you do have"

Just imagine you were in someone else's shoes for a minute. Imagine that person was having a really bad day, or something huge and traumatic has happened in their life. Or perhaps they're really struggling to get out out bed, struggling with awful depression. 

Then this awful, smiley, cheery person chimes in, telling them to SMILE, or telling them it's not that bad, it could be worse. Is that helpful? Will that help improve their situation, or make them instantly feel happier because you insisted they should feel that way? Absolutely not. 

Being positive without being toxic

As I mentioned above, I like to think I'm a pretty positive, happy person but that by no means means I'm constantly happy. That everything is always perfect in my world and I have absolutely no reason to feel sad, down or disheartened. Everyone feelings those feelings, we all all designed to feel and express a huge variety of emotions - no one is always happy. 

But still, (I'm going to say it again and again) whatever you feel - your feelings are absolutely real, and 100% valid. You're allowed to feel the way you are feeling and it's normal to feel all sorts of emotions all the time. 

I guess the main factor is, be positive while acknowledging and accepting negative feelings too.
Toxic Positivity And How To Avoid It

Avoiding toxic people

I guess when it comes to removing toxic people from your life, we always think of the people who hurt you, are cruel to you etc - but what about the people's whose lives seem so perfect, they seem so happy all the time, like nothing ever goes wrong in their lives, and you just wish, for one second that you were as happy and positive as they seem to be 24/7. The truth is, they're lying to you. 

Of course, that doesn't mean that you can be positive at all! Try not to let little things get you down to much, or at least not for longer than necessary. Remember all the wonderful things you do have in your life, how thankful you are for those things, what an amazing human being you actually are. Try not to worry too much about things that are out of your control, look after yourself always.

The trouble with social media nowadays, particularly if you are someone who uses it a lot, is that from a glance, it's pretty much paradise - well Instagram at least. Perfect homes, perfect families, perfect holidays, smiling faces, lots of money. IT'S A LIE. No one is perfect, no one has it all and no one is happy all the time - but that's the only side you'll see on the internet.

Toxic people come in all shapes and sizes, and some of the most toxic people you'll meet are those who make you feel, well, pretty worthless - probably without even trying. I've had to remove a few toxic people from social media because they were making me feel awful about myself! These perfect happy families who have it all, can do it all and have nothing negative to say about their lives at all - makes me feel mediocre at best. We all have our different strengths and weaknesses, we all have a huge range of emotions, it's normal!
And if there are people you follow who make you feel bad about yourself, remove them now. 

Delete/mute/block them on social media, remove them from your lives. If they're not making you feel good, they don't deserve to be in your life. 

Toxic Positivity And How To Avoid It

Have you had to deal with Toxic Positivity in your life? 


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Toxic Positivity And How To Avoid It

Did you know music has a wide range of health benefits? Music can improve your mood, decrease pain, depression and anxiety, not to mention encouraging you to release your emotional expression. 

Upbeat music helps boost the brain's production of dopamine - a hormone in the body that influences your mood, feelings of reward and motivation!

ULTIMATE HAPPY MOOD BOOSTING PLAYLIST 2022

ULTIMATE HAPPY MOOD BOOSTING PLAYLIST 2022


So let's face the music and dance! If things aren't currently going your way, or you're feeling a little down in the dumps - you definitely need some mood boosting techniques. The cheapest and easiest cure for a grumpy kinda day - is blasting some feel good, mood booster music!

ULTIMATE HAPPY MOOD BOOSTING PLAYLIST 2022

Play them in the shower, play them on a walk alone, play them while you clean or drink your tenth cup of coffee and I guarantee you'll be in a better mood!

CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE PLAYLIST!

ULTIMATE HAPPY MOOD BOOSTING PLAYLIST 2022

Let me know your favourite song on the list! 

What's your favourite go-to happy song?


If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

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ULTIMATE MOOD BOOSTING PLAYLIST


Homemade Rose Face Mask For Normal and Combination Skin


Homemade Face Mask For Normal/Combination Skin


When it comes to skincare and pampering, a good facemask is essential! Although it probably seems a lot less hassle to pop to the shop and purchase the first facemask you see - it's so much better for your skin, and your wallet to make your own!

Making your own facemask doesn't have to be complicated, and it definitely wont be pricey! You'll be able to ensure all the ingredients are natural and you'll know every ingredient in it unlike store bought products.  Natural products can do absolute wonders for your skin, while detoxing and moisturising your skin, removing impurities and unclogging pores. What's not to love about that?

I've already shared my absolute favourite facemask for dry and sensitive (and sunburnt!) skin, but today I'm sharing my go-to homemade mask for normal or combination skin.

Homemade Rose Face Mask For Normal and Combination Skin

Natural Ingredients


Roses
Did you know that roses have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties? Roses have been used in skin care for years and they can help reduce redness and moisturise your skin too. 

Rose can calm and soothe your skin, as well as reduce redness - so it's a fantastic product for acne prone, or oily skin. It helps to clean away impurities and dirt, while locking the moisture into your skin to keep your skin soft and supple.

Roses are also full of vitamins, to protect and hydrate your skin and due to the gorgeous scent of rose, it can even help you relax and brighten your mood too! They are really amazing plants. 

Honey
Honey has a wonderful array of beneficial properties for your skin (it's a regular ingredient I use for homemade skincare products!). Honey is antibacterial, and anti-septic so it will really clean out your pores, remove dirt and bacteria and it can even treat acne. It's also moisturising and soothing - ideal for sore or dry skin. Plus Honey is full of antioxidants, so it'll help boost collagen production, nourish damaged skin and even fade scars!

Natural Yogurt
Natural yogurt has a huge range of skin care benefits too, many are similar to honey and rose but yogurt is best at soothing and cooling your skin. It'll help revitalise and hydrate your skin if it's feeling dry or sore. It's really just a huge moisturise boost for your skin - plus it can help fade blemishes and fine lines too. PLUS, it's antibacterial and anti fungal too. 

See, with all these fantastic ingredients, do you really want to go back to store bought facemasks?


How To Make Homemade Face Mask

This Rose face mask is really quick to put together. With just 4 ingredients, it'll only take about 10 minutes max. Plus, if you make a bigger batch, it can be popped into the fridge for up to a week!

You Will Need:
* 2 Tbs Natural Yogurt
* 2 Tbs Rosewater
* 3 Tbs Manuka or Raw Honey
* A handful of rose petals

The cheapest, most basic natural yogurt will work for this face mask! (Just ensure it's flavour free, it'll usually be about 50p) You can easily purchase natural rose water, or you could make your own even easier, pick a few rose petals from the garden and you're nearly there!

Lastly, you'll want to use Manuka or raw honey, as the basic, cheapest store bought honey's are usually overflowing with sugar - look for something a little more natural. HUGE bonus if you can purchase a jar of local honey. 

1. First things first, you'll want to wash the rose petals with cold water. Allow them to soak for a few minutes to wash off any bugs or dirt. While the rose petals are soaking, you can mix up the rosewater, honey and yogurt in a bowl.

2. Once the rose petals have finished soaking, you can crush or rip them up and add them to the mixture. 

3. Either using a pestle and mortar, or by popping it in the blender - combine all the ingredients well together. Using a blender does create a smoother face mask and therefore, easier to apply - but it's really up to you.

4. Using clean fingers, apply the mixture in gentle circular motion to your face, décolletage and neck. Be sure to avoid your eyes, nostrils and mouth.

5. Leave the mask to dry on your skin for about 15-20 minutes. You should feel the mask soaking into your skin, hydrating and tightening it almost immediately.

6. Rinse off the face mask using cool or warm water. I generally like to wash masks off with my hands and finish it off with a light scrub using a soft wash cloth.

7. Pat your skin dry and apply your normal moisturiser - and enjoy your radiant skin!


Have you ever made a DIY face mask before? 

I'd love to hear if you give this one a go!  










If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee

I'd really appreciate it! 

Homemade Rose Face Mask For Normal and Combination Skin