Lifestyle

The Spookiest Halloween Spotify Playlist

11 October 2021 21 Comments

I just love spooky music and that’s why I had to make The Spookiest Halloween Spotify Playlist! Making this list was so easy because my music tastes work so well with Halloween.

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins scream in the dead of night
This is Halloween, everybody makes a scene
Trick or treat ’til the neighbours gonna die of fright
It’s our town, everybody scream
In this town of Halloween!
From the classic The nightmare before Christmas.

Halloween has been a favourite holiday of mine ever since I was a teenager. I have always loved programmes and movies that are either spooky, horror or thrillers. When I was a child, scooby doo was a cult favourite but as I got older I started watching hammer horror movies and that’s when the love of all things spooky come in.

I have lost track of how many scary movies, series and podcasts I have listened to or watched over the years.

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Trying out Topolabamba in Glasgow, UK

22 September 2021 14 Comments

Hello Everyone!

I enjoy going out for meals in restaurants but my favourite time of the year to go is on my birthday! I have been meaning to visit Tompolabamba in Glasgow for a fair number of years now but just never got round to it, especially with the Lockdown. Finally, now I have been with my family ‘ Trying out Topolabamba in Glasgow, UK. I can share my review with you now guys.

Mexican food has been a favourite of mine ever since I went to Mexico on vacation when I was 15 with my mum and sister. I have positive memories for sure including seeing Teotihuacan. In Mexico city the food was extraordinary; my tastes buds were bursting with flavours I have never had before!

Trying out Topolabamba in Glasgow, UK | Review — yummy guacamole and tortilla chips

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Flo an Organic & Affordable Period Subscription Box

14 June 2021 2 Comments

Over the past few years, period care products have improved so much. They are much more planet-friendly options such as moon cups and products like this which are biodegradable. I have been looking for a brand that offers a subscription that delivers cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and planet-friendly options. I believe I have found a wonderful option with the Flo Period Subscription box!

Here we Flo are a period subscription box that offers various products, including pads, tampons, or a mixture of both. On their website, they also offer other products like bladder care products and also condoms.

A cheeky combo pack of 15 bamboo pads: 10 Day + 5 Night. ‘Day’ pads are 240 mm + great for light to medium flows. ‘Night’ pads are 280 mm + perfect for heavier flows. With compostable wrappers!
From Flo Website

Flo an Organic & Affordable Period Subscription Box

First Impressions

I love that you can have it as a subscription service or a one-off. I got the one-off version so I could give it a try before committing to the service. Postage is free.

For some reason, I don’t get along with tampons so I got a mixed box of pads which are the day and night pads. My order came within 5 days of my ordering which is impressive and great if you know your cycle. They are no need to wait around because the parcel fits through the letterbox, result!

My Thoughts

I really love that these are biodegradable pads and made with soft organic bamboo. I have to be honest with you all, these didn’t work so well for me as one packet of these is simply not enough (10 days and 5-night pads) I had to buy more pads at the shop as I have a heavy flow, especially the first few days.

At £4.99 each buying another box isn’t an option for me as £10 is a little too much for me. I did find them comfy but not 100% leakproof every time.

Check out Flo below

http://www.hereweflo.co

Until next time

Mel x

40 Nostalgic Movies and TV Shows to watch

24 March 2021 25 Comments

I don’t know about you guys but one of my favourite things to do in my free time is to watch programmes from yesteryear. Life can be super stressful at times so watching movies from our childhood can be so comforting and bring back some wonderful nostalgic memories.

Growing up, I watched a variety of movies and tv shows. A mix of action, tearjerkers and comedies. Many of them are still my favourites to this very day. So let’s open up the popcorn, bring out the snacks and enjoy some throwbacks!

Check out my 40 nostalgic movies and tv shows to watch to bring back some feel good, old school vibes!

person in black and white striped socks lying on bed — Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com

40 Nostalgic Movies and TV Shows to watch

20 TV Shows

Courage the Cowardly Dog (1996-2002) This programme was really scary when I was a kid but I love it now! It sure has creepy vibes! It’s about a dog called Courage, abandoned as a pup, he was found by Muriel who lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband Eustace…If you know, you know haha! Weird things always happen to Courage and he has to save the day!

The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005) I absolutely loved this programme, it was one of my favourites; especially that evil character, HIM! Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup have to save the town from evil villains.

Recess ( 1997-2001) The theme song to this was brilliant, always made me and my sister watch!

Spongebob Squarepants ( 1999-Present) I have loved this programme since forever! As I have got older I think I am more like Squidward LOL!

Dexters Laboratory (1995-2003) Another classic! I really enjoyed watching this and would rewatch this again with my kids. It’s about a boy who has a lab, his sister Dee Dee usually destroys his experiments.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003) What can I say to do this programme justice? I love it so much that I called my cat Salem.

Keenan & Kel (1996-2000) This programme is just full of laughs, worth the watch.

Dragonball Z ( 1996-2003) Another one of my sister and myself favourites! My parents weren’t too pleased though aha, they thought it had too much fighting. A classic!

Gladiators (1992-2000) I loved the American adaption of Gladiators, when I was younger I wanted to grow up to be a Gladiator.

Blind Date (1985-2003) I wish they would bring this back, it was brilliant. Cilla Black was the perfect host.

Continued…

The Crystal Maze (1990-2020) The original series was by far my favourite, it had so much character. Its a game show where contestants when in as a group to do tasks to get time in the crystal maze for prizes.

Keeping up Appearances (1990-1995) I have been in tears of laughter many times watching this! Hyacinth Bucket is a character for sure!

Art Attack (1990-2007) An art show which I always wanted to follow along with but never had the supplies lol!

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996) A show that needs no introduction, legendary!

Ricki Lake (1993-2004) I really enjoyed watching this show, it had a vast amount of subjects.

The Vicar of Dibley (1994-2007) I recently rewatched this during Ramadan last year, wonderful watch.

Mr Bean (1990-1995) A man of few words but so many laughs! I could watch Mr Bean every so often.

Drake & Josh (2004-2007) They are step brothers with opposite personality, learning to live under one roof while at the same

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) I have always loved Vampire themed programmes/films, this gave me chills watching before but love to watch now.

Unsolved Mysteries ( 1987-2010) Before all the documentaries they were ‘Unsolved mysteries. This programme was a programme I watched with my mum.

Top 20 Nostalgic Films

Harry Potter film series (2001-2011) I am sure we have all seen the Harry Potter movies but if not I recommend them. I grew up watching these movies so makes it great to look back onto.

Pirates of the Caribbean film Series (2003-2017) These were my favourite films when I was a teen, Jack Sparrow and Will Turner were epic in these films.

Edward Scissorhands ( 1990) I watch this film every Christmas, it brings happy tears to my eyes. It a man created and he’s left unfinished with scissors as hands when his creator unexpectedly dies.

Happy Gilmore (1996) Happy learns his gran is going to lose her house so he ends up entering a golf tournament. The thing is he wanted to be a hockey player…

The Bodyguard ( 1992) Rachel is a singer/actor and she gets death threats from an obsessive stalker, she hires a bodyguard and falls for him. Love this film, Whitney Houston played the part perfectly.

The Mummy and The Mummy Returns (1999-2001) I am a huge fan of ancient Egypt so these films have been watched many times! i know its not historically correct but still, its wonderful.

Blade series ( 1998-2004) I love these so much that I have them on DVD. Blade is half human and half vampire, who hunts vampires.

Jurassic Park series (1993-2001) Based on the book, this science fiction film series is a must for anyone wanting nostalgia.

Men in Black ( 1997) K & J, (the men in black) are agents fighting against intergalactic events. Everyone thinks the song is catchy right? ‘Here come the men in black…the galaxy defenders, na na naa…’

Of Mice and Men ( 1992) I am not the only one who learnt about this book/film in English class right? It made me cry that’s for sure.

Continued…

The Mask (1994) Stanley has a simple life as a bank employee till he finds a mask created by Loki(God of Mischief). When he wears the mask becomes an eccentric/fun and somewhat powerful character.

Interview with the vampire (1994) I first watched this in my teens, it has so many amazing actors in it, which reminds me, I need to rewatch this.

Sleepy Hollow (1999) Ichabod Crane is a police detective called to a village to find out whos behind a series of murders. He soon finds out its a headless horseman with a curse.

The Addams Family Series ( 1991) A supernatural black comedy film created by cartoonist Charles Addams. This gothic family is different from many but very family-based. I love the relationship between Gomez and Morticia.

Hook (1991) Peter Pan (Robin Williams) has grown up but needs to return to Neverland to save his children from the dastardly captain hook.

The Witches (1990) A film il never tire from! This is based on Roald Dahl’s novel. A boy uncovers a witches convention and tries to stop them but gets turned into a mouse. He has to stop them from turning all kids into mice.

Death Becomes Her ( 1992) A writer and an actress have hated each other for years. They want the same man and it leads to them taking a miracle cure to stop the ageing process, thing is that it has effects, oh dear!

10 Things I Hate About You ( 1999) If you haven’t seen this then I recommend it!

Beyond the mat (2000) a documentary film worth watching if you are an old school wrestling fan like me.

The Truman Show (1998) I love this film, it has to be my favourite of all time. Truman is an insurance salesman when he slowly discovers people around him are actors and he’s in a tv show. 100% recommend.

What are your thoughts?

I hope you enjoyed my top 40 picks! They are many I have missed I am sure but let’s be honest, looking back they have been some brilliant films and programmes!

Comment down below and tell me your favourite nostalgic movies/tv programmes

until next time

Mel x

Simple at-home UTI testing with TestCard

19 March 2021 6 Comments

*Sponsored post, products sent. All my thoughts on the product are my own and unbiased*

Simple at-home UTI testing with TestCard

Over the years my blog has constantly changed and with that change, I would say it’s grown with me as a person. So that’s why I can open up more with everyone as I feel like it’s ok and at the end of the day, life is for living and you never know you might share life experiences with others.

So with that being said, that brings me to today’s blog post. UTIs! I know it’s not really spoken about freely but I thought it would be great to be open with you all and share the subject. I have tried TestCard (UTI) Urinary Tract Infection self-testing strips and used their app.

Common symptoms of UTIs are as follows

An intense burning while urinating
Unusual smelling urine
Pain in the lower back

I have had UTIs previously, and it definitely wasn’t pleasant! I used to be so embarrassed to get treatment. We need to get past the embarrassment because UTIs are incredibly common, even if you’re not sexually active.

Getting tested can be a right pain at times because getting an appointment can sometimes take longer and going right now is a bit harder because of Covid-19. Finding out about TestCard has been wonderful as they are a great way to get instant results at home for an affordable price.

TestCard unrine self test kit — Testcard comes in an envelope that can easily fit a letterbox.

When it comes to UTIs (Urinary Tract Infection) I have heard so many myths about how they happen and remedies.

One myth I have heard is that drinking cranberry juice can reduce getting UTIs but the fact is that it’s only a placebo effect and it’s simply not true. I got told this and I’m glad I know this now because cranberry juice is so damn sour for me LOL!

Another thing is that UTIs can happen for a multitude of reasons and it’s not always intercourse that causes it even though it can be a contributing factor. For some people, they can be recurrent and sometimes they have no symptoms at all.

Myths and Facts

Fact: Some people are just prone to recurring UTIs, men can also get them!
Fact: Symptoms can vary, some people have no symptoms at all, however, common symptoms include pain when urinating or/and burning.
Myth: They are not caused by poor hygiene, sometimes they are just unavoidable.
Myth: Cranberry juice will reduce chances is a total myth, I was shocked by this as I was advised by a lot of older family members.

testcard app — The simple to use app can be downloaded at the apple store or android.

Anyway, onto the TestCard.

TestCard is a self testing kit in which you order online

They send you an envelope with two self-testing strips. Inside the envelope, it tells you the instructions on where to download the app. I used the Apple store to download the free app.

How to use

(First Step) Before you get started make sure you have a clean container to collect urine. Then simply tear open a sachet and hold the strip by the top and scan the QR code so the app knows which test you are using.

(Second Step ) To take the test simply dip the test in the urine to the max wet sign briefly.

(Third Step) While holding the testing strip simply scan the QR code to match up with the blue guidelines on the screen.

(Fourth Step) It takes about a minute to get your results on the screen. Depending on your result you can share results with a health professional.

testcard test strip — The testcard strip. Simply hold at the hold here and dip till the max wet sign.

My final thoughts on TestCard is that they are bloody brilliant! I have never taken a test at the comfort of my own home before but wow what a difference. It was more relaxing for me to take the test and I wasn’t rushing around.

The test is very simple to use and the app is perfect and easy to use. Getting the results almost instantly brought a huge relief to me. I will 100% use them again if I ever feel like I may have a UTI.

Of course, consult with your health professional if you feel the need because at the end of the day, only you know your body.

TestCard (UTI) Urinary Tract Infections Test strips cost a super affordable £12 and even have FREE delivery.

Check out their website below

https://testcard.com/products/utitest

Use my code MEL10 to get 10% off of your first order

Posting Eco-Friendly Parcels for your Business from Lil Packaging*

25 January 2021 9 Comments

With online businesses booming right now, finding the right parcel solutions can be an uphill struggle.

My mum likes to sell online on eBay. She used to buy packaging from many different shops every other day because they never always had enough available. As time passed she opted for an easier way to get packaging whilst at the same time being eco-friendly.

While sorting out her eBay orders she always reuses as much as possible and is huge on recycling. I am also thinking of starting my own business one day and after finding Lil Packaging, will be paying them frequent visits.

Many factors come into play when buying packaging for a business and that’s where Lil Packaging comes in as they offer a bulk buy service which is much greener, plastic-free and affordable.

crop man packing stack of books in opened cardboard box — Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

The world is a crazy place right now with what’s going on but selling online shouldn’t be something to worry about. Lil Packaging has everything you need when it comes to posting parcels. Look no further!

When you order from them there will be no plastic nor unnecessary rubbish that will clutter the oceans and earth. Only eco-friendly packaging for your business needs.

They are proud to be

Plastic-free and recyclable as possible
Sustainably sourced FSC certified
Minimised damage and postal costs
Everything is tried, tested and perfected.

5 stars rated by their customers, with good reason of course. Their packaging is value for money without compromising quality and assured to get to you intact.

So whether you’re posting Electronics, Books or chocolate Lil Packaging have the solution for you which will make the trip from A to B safe and green! Please check them out as you’ll make a more earth-friendly choice when choosing packaging at Lil Packaging.

Do you sell online or like me know someone who sells online or who could benefit from this wonderful service?

Mel x

*This post is sponsored (I think being eco and having recyclable products is important. All opinions are my own*