Archives for 2023

June 9, 2023

How to Successfully Meet the Needs of Your Foster Child

When a child is taken into the care system, their needs change. While all the basics still need taking care of, like providing a safe space and ensuring basic needs like access to food and hygiene outlets are met, there is also an underlying advanced needs catalogue to take care of as well. Meeting all of these things directly is one of the most pressing role demands for any foster carer. Here are some ways you can ensure both the small stuff and the big stuff is well taken care of.

Engage with Your Agency

Every foster carer has regular meetings and general check-ins with their core social worker team. However, there is also value in regular communication with the wider agency as well. An agency like thefca.co.uk represents the child and brings them to your door. They will always have a selection of invaluable advice, ongoing training, development strategies and enrichment activities where you can meet other carers and foster children too, which is great for both you and your foster child. There is an irreplaceable sense of kinship to be discovered in such a route, and it should be leaned upon from the very start of your journey. 

Tackle School Head On

Every school is different, and some will inevitably be worse than others at providing for the needs of fostered children. As a carer, you must find paths through to educational engagement, because every child deserves to feel safe and capable of finding their feet in this world. Your job will be to get them through the door, a task that is not always the easiest if you happen to have a placement with a school refuser. However, there are ways forward and it all begins with a conversation and having the confidence to advocate for what needs to happen. 

Listen

The simplest thing of all is just to listen. When you address a situation through the lens of wanting to fix it, there are no guaranteed that this can ever come to pass. However, when you step in and decide to just listen, all sorts of doors open up. When a child has someone who listens to their concerns authentically and only offers advice when action is asked for, they will be able to build trust in that dynamic. Of course, there will often be times when you have to take action for safeguarding purposes, but it is not always the case. The point is to establish a rapport that is able to continue for the duration of a placement and create scope for your time together to be genuinely beneficial. 

Stay Vigilant

There is a clear distinction between vigilance and hypervigilance, and it is vital that you don’t let one seep into the other. Staying vigilant means ensuring you are switched on and paying attention whenever your foster child is talking to you or behaving in a concerning way. When you do this, you can find the best route forward for both of you. 

Taking care of needs is a big part of your responsibilities as a foster carer. It will guide your role and dictate the successes too.

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June 9, 2023

Milk_Shake Hair Care products are Amazon’s Choice

Did you know that milk_shake® offers a full range of hairstyling, treatment, temporary hair color & body products formulated in Italy? These products make your at-home beauty routine like a salon experience.  The milk-shake products, so far, have had (#milkshakehair ) 23.7 million views on TikTok and (@milkshakeusa ) has had 1.3 million likes on TikTok!

 

Milk_Shake products

 

milk_shake silver shine shampoo – $26

milk_shake Leave-In Conditioner – $24

A spray conditioner for untreated or slightly dry hair, it gives manageability to damaged hair, protecting the hair shaft and enhancing the moisture balance of the hair. Milk proteins supplement and strengthen the hair shaft while fruit extracts and honey revitalize strands, making hair glossy and more manageable. The exclusive ingredient, Integrity 41®, protects hair from UV rays, improving color stability.

milk_shake sun & more collection

milk_shake’s NEW sun & more collection includes 3 pre and post sun hair and skin products that provide protection, nourishment and hydration.

1. milk_shake sun & more crackling mousse – This “crackling” foam with aloe vera and liquorice extract hydrates and refreshes the skin after sun exposure. The “crackling” technology also facilitated the quick absorption of the active ingredients.

2. milk_shake sun & more bi-phase leave in conditioner – This is an ultra-light bi-phase protector and a leave-in conditioning spray that protects hair exposed to sun, salt and chlorine. While hibiscus oil gently detangles the hair and prevents the split ends, muru muru butter softens the hair and protects the hair from sun and stress damages. Quinoa protein compensates color-fading and acts as a shield that protects the damage caused by the sun, salty water and chemical treatments.

3. milk_shake sun & more incredible milk – This is a spray-on mask with 12 different cosmetic benefits and with UV filters, to give all the necessary elements to protect hair during the summer. No rinse formula. Simply apply to damp hair, distribute and style.

Find more milk_shake products HERE.

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June 9, 2023

It’s Acne Awareness Month – Shop the Best Avarelle Acne Patches For Every Pimple Stage

 

” I wish these were available when my cystic acne become an overwhelming skin issue for me.” -Leah, It’s a Glam Thing

 

avarelle pimple patches

As an acne expert, Avarelle knows that all pimples are not alike. Some pop up slow and painful while others can flare up within an hour. This leaves many of us to question, “What do I do now?” Through Avarelle’s constant research for the best ingredients, the brand has two new patches that work with pimples at beginning and advanced stages of development: Multi-Dart Microneedle Pimple Patches for early stage cystic acne breakouts and Gunk Out Patch for whiteheads or later stage of pimples

Now, you can get a HEAD-START with MULTI-DART.

You can safely ward off stubborn and early-stage pimples before they blossom into an embarrassing “don’t look at my face” eruption. As the brand’s 1st microneedle acne patch, these innovative and effective patches are designed with unique cone-shaped microneedles that gently reach deep-rooted gunk, delivering powerful acne-fighting ingredients directly into the source of the problem. Each pouch contains 18 patches and should be worn at night and removed in the morning.

The 3 powerful acne-fighting ingredients found in each patch include: Tea Tree, Cica & Niacinamide – all with their unique benefits for the skin.

  • Tea Tree helps to fight acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts.
  • Cica, also known as Centella Asiatica, is a natural ingredient that helps to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.
  • Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and improve its overall appearance.

In addition to Tea Tree, Cica, and Niacinamide, Avarelle’s Multi-Dart Patches also contain Sodium Hyaluronate. By adding sodium hyaluronate to the patches, Avarelle has created a unique formula that not only fights acne but also helps to keep the skin hydrated. This is particularly important for those with acne-prone skin, as many acne treatments can be drying and irritating. By using Multi-Dart Patches with sodium hyaluronate, you can target pimples without compromising the overall appearance of your skin.

By combining these powerful ingredients along with cone-shaped microneedles, Avarelle’s Multi-Dart Patches offers an easy solution to a full-blown breakout.

Priced at $16.99

And, you can KNOCK IT OUT with GUNK OUT!

GUNK OUT targets ready-to-pop pimples using a combination of Tea Tree and Cica oil, Avarelle Gunk Out Patch also come with the thickest, the most absorbing and adhering hydrocolloid by far for one reason: To be the most effective pimple patch out there!

These acne patches are made with advanced 2x adhesive hydrocolloid that is ultra-thin and non-irritating with a transparent finish. They are vegan-friendly, carbon free certified and animal cruelty-free, their products are formulated with all natural ingredients like tea tree oil, cica and calendula oil to fight blemishes fast. They are different from other pimple patches that tend to use non-vegan ingredients for their hydrocolloid production whereas Avarelle is vegan certified via vegan.org

  • Gunk Out is a hydrocolloid pimple-removing patch that will suck the gunk out of pimple, work as your pimple popper & facial tool, improve the look of spot overnight.
  • Named after Avarelle’s advanced medical grade hydrocolloid, this absorbing and adhering tool will remove spot within 6 – 8 hours, just like pimple extractor!
  • 12mm, 100 acne patches, infused with natural, acne-fighting ingredients, Tea Tree and Calendula.
  • Vegan & Cruelty-free, non-yellowing Acne Patch, helps get rid of your pimple faster, by protecting the pimple with its transparent finish.

Priced at $16.99

 

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June 7, 2023

Winnie Harlow Wears UNOde50!

Winnie Harlow posted photos on Instagram wearing UNOde50 while out in LA! The model accessorized her shopping look with UNOde50’s Asceplius Necklace ($450, https://www.unode50.com/us/). Fans of the brand include Jessica Alba, Jasmine Tookes, Demi Lovato and Billie Eilish.

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June 6, 2023

Ashley Greene Wears Drowsy Sleep Co

Actress Ashley Greene posed wearing matching Drowsy Sleep Co masks with her sister-in-law and Hummingway co-founder Olivia Khoury. The ladies look cozy in Drowsy Sleep Co’s Green Sapphire ($79, https://us.drowsysleepco.com/) & Blue Belle ($79) 100% silk, black-out sleep masks. Additional fans of the brand include Winnie Harlow, Heather Rae El Moussa, Scheana Shay, Tinx, Gabrielle Union and more!

Drowsy Sleep Co is available on ShareASale (ID 125248).

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June 6, 2023

TOCCA’s Luxurious Launches for Summer


As the saying goes, April showers bring May (and almost June) flowers. TOCCA (Amazon and ShareASale/SkimLinks affiliate-friendly) takes these gorgeous blooms and reinvents the sumptuous scents into their NEW Garden Collection and Luxury Fragrance Wardrobe – a luxurious way to discover delicate fragrances for the warmer months ahead. Whether as a beautiful hostess gift or for your own travel needs, they are simply, and stunningly, perfect for Summer.

Proof that the best things come in small packages, TOCCA’s new product launches – the Luxury Fragrance Wardrobe and Garden Collection – invite you to indulge and Love Yourself with these travel-friendly new sets for Spring and Summer. A fragrance house celebrated for distinctive and intoxicating scents, TOCCA (Amazon and Shareasale/Skimlinks affiliate-friendly) creates exquisite products that are designed to delight, inspire, and add touch of beauty to your life.

Luxury Fragrance Wardrobe (SRP: $68; $93 value)

A chic, giftable travel spray collection featuring TOCCA’s top-selling scents in a precious tin case. This iconic luxury discovery set contains the following nine travel-sized fragrances, so you have something for every mood and occasion:

  • Florence – Bergamot, Pear, Gardenia
  • Cleopatra – Grapefruit, Jasmine, Vanilla Musk
  • Stella – Italian Blood Orange, Freesia, Spicy Lily
  • Giulietta – Green Apple, Pink Tulip, Vanilla Orchid
  • Simone – Watermelon, Ylang Ylang, Frangipani
  • Colette – Bergamot, Sandalwood, Pink Peppercorn
  • Liliana – Neroli, Watery Peach, Muguet
  • Gia – Tangerine, Turkish Rose, Pink Peppercorn
  • Belle – Italian Bergamot, Petit Grain, White Freesia

Garden Collection

This season, TOCCA’s inspiration evokes a delicate freshness and the feeling of new beginnings. Delightfully muted pastels mingle with sparkling gold accents expressing the TOCCA brand’s signature whimsical femininity.

These new cherished fragrance and hand cream sets are perfect for Summer travel or as a hostess gift:

o   Discover precious and collectible TOCCA Eau de Parfum mini replicas in a high-quality keepsake box made out of fully recyclable materials

o   Each set includes the following six scents: Florence, Stella, Colette, Cleopatra, Giulietta and Simone

o   A scaled down version of the Deluxe Set, also packaged in a whimsical box that can be upcycled and used as a keepsake

o   Features the following three bestselling scents: Florence, Stella and Giulietta

o   Enriched with natural extracts from coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe, these moisturizing, paraben and phthalate free hand creams leave skin feeling soft and beautifully fragrant

o   Whimsical rigid box can be upcycled and used as a keepsake

o   Available in the following popular scents: Cleopatra, Florence, and Giulietta

About TOCCA

From St. Lucia to Rome, a group of friends with a love for travel, vintage Italian apothecaries, architecture, and design started TOCCA in 1994.  Named for the Italian word for “touch” after the intricate embroideries and textures that launched the brand, TOCCA celebrates the art of indulgence.

TOCCA is now a globally sought-after fragrance house known for its commitment to the art of perfumery. TOCCA perfumers carefully curate ingredients to evoke a world of contemporary sophistication & modern femininity. Each fragrance reflects the spirit of a TOCCA muse or iconic place. Bath & body products are formulated with natural extracts, vitamins, and oils, to deliver nourishing, touchable fragrance ritual experiences.

We share a genuine appreciation for timeless beauty and are inspired by old-world romance and charm.  Each of TOCCA’s covetable fine fragrances and indulgent home & body products are created with the same intent…  to invite you to take time to indulge and remember to Love Yourself.

You can find TOCCA at fine retailers worldwide including Sephora, Nordstrom, Blue Mercury, Anthropologie, Liberty of London, specialty stores nationwide, and online at TOCCA.com, Beautyhabit.com, and Amazon.

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June 6, 2023

Better than Prozac: How Beans Raise Serotonin and Make You Happier

The magical fruit…

 

Beans are often considered a boring and plain food that people eat only because they are trying to be health.

However, you might be surprised to learn that beans can actually make you happy!

This is because of their impact on our microbiome and the production of short chain fatty acids and serotonin.

Firstly, let’s talk about our microbiome.

Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. The health of our microbiome is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing.

Studies have shown that consuming a variety of plant-based foods, including beans, can help to promote a diverse and healthy microbiome.

When we eat beans, they pass through our digestive system relatively intact. This means that they make it to the colon, where they become food for our gut bacteria.

The bacteria in our gut ferment the fiber in beans, producing a variety of beneficial compounds, including short chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

SCFAs are important for our health because they help to reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and regulate metabolism. But that’s not all – studies have also shown that SCFAs can have a positive impact on mental health. For example, one study found that when SCFAs were administered to mice, they exhibited reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviors.

But how do SCFAs impact our mood? It turns out that they play a role in the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that is often referred to as the “happy hormone.”

Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep, among other things. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and anxiety. When we have healthy levels of SCFAs in our gut, it can lead to increased production of serotonin, which in turn can improve our mood and overall wellbeing.

So, the next time you are feeling down, consider adding some beans to your diet. Not only are they nutritious and filling, but they can also have a positive impact on your microbiome, SCFA production, and serotonin levels – all of which can contribute to a happier and healthier you!

Want to be even happier, blissed out and sleep like a baby?

A high fiber diet like the one above combined with Lava Love CBD may be just the thing to rocket you into a new dimension of heath and wholeness. Use code HALF7 to save a whopping 50 percent on 8 oz CBD today. Raw, vegan, organic and highly effective!

#blissmoods #bettersleep #panicfree

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June 6, 2023

Introducing Cariona Reusable Menstrual Pads

Introducing Cariona, the maker of  super soft and comfortable reusable menstrual pads (which are also odor-free!).

Offering an impressive variety of flow absorption and beautiful prints, the brand is destigmatizing a normal body function. Choose pads based on your individual flow, with fun prints like floral, fruit, and animals, as well as all black options.

Cariona works with women in third-world countries by donating reusable pads. Ensuring girls and adults have access to reusable period products protects their health, relieves the financial burden of constantly buying new ones, ensures they have support for the long-term, and many other reasons. They believe in supporting their global community and strive to offer comfort to those who need it most.

At-A-Glance Features:

  • Odor-free, leak-proof, and hypoallergenic
  • Soft, absorbent, and comfortable to use
  • Available in many fun patterns and sizes
  • Pads stay in place and reduce shifting
  • Perfect for sensory issues or sensitive skin
  • Can be used with seamless underwear
  • Three to five-year lifespan
  • Always period ready, eliminates period product shortages
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June 6, 2023

Single-Use Deodorant is the Smart Choice for Hygienic Protection

Christie  is xcited to introduce you to Underarm Deodorant Granules, the brainchild of award-winning licensed Esthetician and Certified Medical Electrologist Christie Shumate. With over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, Christie has revolutionized the world of deodorants with her plant-based, aluminum-free creation.

I know what you’re thinking – single-use deodorant…but why?  Here are FIVE reasons:

  1. Plant-based and aluminum-free: Underarm Deodorant Granules (UDG) offer a natural alternative to traditional deodorants that contain aluminum.

  2. Cutting-edge innovation: UDG represents a groundbreaking approach to underarm deodorants, delivering effective results.

  3. Single-use, sanitary application: The unique method of wetting fingers, sprinkling granules, and massaging them into the underarm ensures a clean and hygienic experience with each use, avoiding the transfer of bacteria.

  4. Award-winning: Named one of the “Innovative Products of the Year,” Underarm Deodorant Granules have gained recognition in the industry for their groundbreaking formulation and application method.

  5. Safe and eco-friendly: Eliminating aluminum and utilizing plant-based ingredients, UDG promotes personal safety and aligns with sustainable practices, offering a safer and more eco-friendly choice.

Hailed by many as a “genius move,” UDG avoids the transfer of bacteria from underarms onto a stick or roll-on that is used repeatedly, day after day. (Um, ew).  Perfect for travel,

1oz Jar, 60+ Day Supply, $24.99

ABOUT CHRISTIE

Christie’s journey to develop this groundbreaking product began when she became deeply involved in the survival journey of two close friends diagnosed with breast cancer. She discovered a potential connection between aluminum-containing deodorants and cancer. Determined to find an aluminum-free alternative, she explored the market but found the only natural products available were ineffective. She used her background and esthetic expertise to develop the world’s first plant-based, aluminum-free, single-use, granule deodorant – that ACTUALLY works!


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June 3, 2023

How to Have Healthier Hair

One of the most significant impacts on our hair is hormones; the other is environmental factors. Although there are a few things in between, like genetics and the products that we use – even our diet will dictate how healthy our hair is!

It is tough to get thick, luscious fuller hair without giving your hair care routine a complete overhaul – and some things will need a bit of trial and error too.

For example, unless you know that your hair needs protein and is porous, you might be adding the wrong products.

Here are a couple of tips to help you get the hair that you want.

Photo by Tamas Pap on Unsplash

Big Chop

You might not like to hear it, but often what needs to happen is the big chop. The big chop gets rid of all of the unhealthy, damaged hair and lets you start from a black canvas (almost). If you don’t like a short do, then hair extensions can be used in the meantime while your healthy hair grows in.

The big chop will give you some style and the chance to get into a healthy hair routine, and as it grows, it will be that gorgeous hair you are looking for.

Washing

How and what we wash our hair has a significant impact. Why? Well, because shampoo has a range of chemicals in it that will be going directly onto your scalp and hair. If you wash your hair too often, then you might find your hair quickly becomes dry and brittle.

Using too much shampoo or the wrong shampoo for your hair type can also have a huge impact too. Build-up on the scalp and on the roots can stifle growth and strip away the natural oils.

We need some of those natural oils to help hair stay supple and have a healthy scalp.

If your hair is curly or wavy, you can go longer between washes – and you absolutely should. Check out curly girl hair-washing methods to get the best curls and waves of your life.

Coarse, curled, coily, and thick hair needs a lot of moisture, so hydrated shampoos are ideal. In most cases, though, it will be recommended that you skip the shampoo and go for a conditioner wash instead.

Fine hair gets oily faster, and going for a while between washes might not be possible. A gentle shampoo is ideal to stop it from getting dry.

Heat protection

Yes, if you have ever used heat on your hair without a heat protection spray, you are doing irreversible damage. Curling tongs, hot combs, straighteners, crimpers, and anything else heated damaged the hair.

And, if you dry your hair too closely with a hair dryer, that can have an adverse impact too. Instead of holding your hair dryer close to your scalp, move it away so you can just about feel the heat. Look at how hairdressers and stylists use the hairdryer compared to how we use it at home.

And, in the summer, use an SPF hair spray.

Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner, conditioning mask, and conditioner for washing all do different things. And while they might feel great when used in the wrong way, they will leave a build-up and might even dry your hair out more.

Deep conditioning is a must for waves, curls, coils, and thicker hair. These hair types need that extra moisture.

Try to use a mask while you are in the bath or shower so it has time to sink into the hair and have the maximum impact.

Skip putting conditioner on the roots as this will make it greasier and faster and mean you get into the cycle of washing too often.

Choose a conditioner that meets your needs rather than just the first one you grab. Hydrating for dry hair, softening for coarse hair, and so on. Pick your products wisely.

Tools

Would you use old skincare and bad tools on your face? The answer is likely no – and the same should apply to your hair.

Make sure that you are buying hair tools like brushes, combs, and heat tools that are high quality and have great reviews. Cheaper tools tend not to have exact temperatures or give you no control. As well as being made from inferior materials.

And always wash your brushes and combs at least once a month to remove build-up, dead hair, and oils.

The first thing to master when using your tools and with your new fresh, and healthy-looking hair is a blowout; here is how to do it on a budget: 3 Tips For A Big Body Blowout .

Photo by Tamas Pap on Unsplash 

 

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