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Moonlight Mel

Cruelty-Free Beauty, Plant based Food & Lifestyle Blogger

Lockdown

Simple at-home UTI testing with TestCard

March 19, 2021      6 Comments

Simple at-home UTI testing with TestCard
You get two tests in the pack, which makes it more value for money.

*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

I’ve Lost 40lbs in Lockdown

March 9, 2021      22 Comments

I lost 40lb in lockdown - no diets

A 5 Year journey

For the past 5 years, I have been on and off ‘fad’ diets and the result?… I failed! I used to get random bursts of ‘let’s eat better and get the fitness journey started, but for whatever reason, I would end up giving up within a week as everything i have tried in the past has been to constrictive.

In August I turned 30 and I knew I had to improve my lifestyle. I was eating whenever i wanted and I wasn’t even hungry, only because I was bored, upset or just used to the routine. Lockdown didn’t help either.

I promised myself to start a healthier lifestyle a day after my birthday as I was tired of continually gaining weight and eating for no reason so before starting anything, I did a little homework on what would work for me and the first thing I did was download a calorie counting app. The one thing I knew I couldn’t do was give up my chocolate and crisps as this girl has a sweet tooth LOL!

nutracheck weightloss app

How it started and my journey

In my early twenties, I was between size 8-12, including two pregnancies with my daughters when I was 21 and 22. When I got to the age of 25 I got comfort eating because I felt insecure in myself because of very personal relationship circumstances that really affected my self-esteem and confidence. From then onwards my weight spiralled out of control and I’ll be honest, I never even noticed it much because I bought larger clothes and it wasn’t until they got tight that reality sunk in and stepping on the scales was another reality check.

I changed my mindset. I knew I couldn’t continue on that route because it was damaging for me physically and more importantly, mentally. It was slowly getting painful for me so I decided to get fitter and healthier not just for myself but for my kids too.

10 things that helped me lose weight

  • Food scales – These have been the most helpful thing in my kitchen! I measure most things I eat with this. Using scales helps me know how much I am eating because with eye measurement you don’t know unless you have been using scales for a long time.
  • Avoiding Liquid Calories – Now i can’t say I completely got rid of sugary drinks, I like to have them on occasion, like a weekend. Other times I prefer to have sugar free drinks or flavoured water.
  • Using NutraCheck or MyFitnessPal – My absolute favourite thing ever! It has kept me motivated and shown me all the food calories and nutrients I eat, love it!
  • Wearing a step counter – I like to keep my steps to 10,000 and having a counter whether it be a phone or watch helps keep me motivated.
  • Enjoying the foods you eat – Now I love to eat and I like to make sure I eat what I like. I fit foods I like into my calorie deficit.
  • Eating plenty of protein – Protein has been a big help on the journey so far as it helped keep me fuller for longer. Eggs, yoghurts and tofu are my favs!
  • Taking progress photos/Measurements – I know it sounds daft but I never noticed the loss until I took photos. My clothes used to be tight but now they are loose haha!
  • Try out new recipes – I bought a couple of cookbooks to help me learn to make healthier alternatives. My fav at the moment is pinch n nom.
  • Treating myself to something every 10lb lost – I like treating myself to something for saying girl, you go this! I have previously got makeup, a house plant and books.
  • Finding the extra motivation Occassionly when needed – Sometimes I need a kick up the bum for motivation so I like to read books on confidence, anxiety and positivity. This could vary for everyone but for me, it helps. Feel-good films also help me.
weight loss journey 40lb lost in lockdown
On the left is July 2020 looking fabulous and on the right is me a few days ago in March 2021!

I am here for the long haul

I don’t have a goal weight in mind but I will see what happens when I go back to the gym and when society is back to normal. One thing I am excited about is to start weightlifting again. It also shows you that it’s mostly calories/nutrition compared to going to a gym. But the gym does help polish up everything and the atmosphere is awesome!

I know weight loss isn’t for everyone and that is fine. We are all unique and we all know what we want for ourselves and me, this is what I want and I love the journey i have been on and continue. Loving yourself is important.

The journey to lose 40lb has taken me since August. It hasn’t always been plain sailing as some weeks I wouldn’t lose and other weeks I would stay the same, its a journey and I am enjoying flowing with it rather racing ahead.

Anyways I am happy with how I have improved in terms of mind and soul. I know it might be a slow journey but this girl is enjoying it, no matter how long it takes, I am here for the long haul.

Until next time

Mel x

Check out my other recent fitness posts

How to Keep Fit in Lockdown

How to keep fit during Lockdown

February 25, 2021      17 Comments

So we are well into the swing of the third lockdown now. During the first lockdown, I was at a loss about what to do food & fitness-wise. So I decided to research and trial and error what works for me.

It took me till August 2020 to find out what worked for me. I have been doing that routine ever since. Here are a few things that have helped me lose nearly 40lbs since I started my journey.

concept of sports training
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
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My Favourite Skincare Products of 2020 – What a year!

February 8, 2021      36 Comments

We are well into 2021 now but lets take a little look back to 2020.

2020 has to be one of the most trying years not just for Scotland but most of the world. I have not seen my family in over a year now and on top of that my routine has been completely changed because of the three lockdowns we have had. Since routines have changed so has my skincare routine. The main reasons being the everyday use of face masks, putting on harsh hand sanitiser and not forgetting just the stress of lockdown.

I have had to adjust my skincare regime a lot since lockdown started as I have noticed my skin is more sensitive and dry. My hands are drier because of using hand sanitiser more often and my face tends to get acne from wearing a face mask. This year has been a whirlwind for my skin, so adapting my skincare was a must.

my favourite skincare products of 2020
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20 fun things to do this festive season

December 10, 2020      24 Comments

2020 has definitely been a year to remember for so many reasons and most of them being things we want to forget about. Thankfully we now have a vaccine and hopefully, in 2021 there will be much more happiness and catching up with life.

Even though 2020 has been with a lot of negatives with Covid, I have had positives in life such as reading more, spending time with my kids and basically having mre time to relax. I am going with the positive vibes and sharing some things that can brighten up the festive season.

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Going back to the Gym: After Lockdown

September 15, 2020      Leave a Comment

going back to the gym after lockdown
Hello everyone ❤
It seems like forever ago when the gyms shut at the start of Lockdown back in March. During the lockdown, I have to say my fitness levels did suffer as I didn’t do as much exercise with restrictions and also me being super nervous of the virus put a dampener on things. I have been a member of the gym for a few years now so I was wondering how it would be when it opened up again. 
England opened their gyms in July but here in Scotland, it was nearer the end of August for them to open again with restrictions of course. Now I have to admit I was super nervous going back to the gym after all the time off and of course, the worry of COVID 19 was niggling in the back of my mind.

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Welcome

Hello, Darlings! I'm a Thirty-Something Blogger. I am a busy mum of 3 and we have 4 guinea pigs.

We live in Glasgow. I love hot chocolate, saving money and spending time with my family. In my free time, I love walks, taking photos and reading.

On my blog, I love talking about skincare, makeup and food and anything I feel fits. Want to work with me?

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From the archives http://moonlightmel.co.uk/2019/03/lush-iris-flower-bath-bomb-review.html?utm_source=ReviveOldPost&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ReviveOldPost #bloggerstribe #bloggerssparkle #teacupclub #influencerrt #30plusblogs #lbloggers #bbloggers #theclqrt

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Dying my hair pink with ColourFreedom Magenta Dream 💕

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From the archives https://moonlightmel.co.uk/2018/07/revolution-reloaded-newtrals-2.html?utm_source=ReviveOldPost&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ReviveOldPost #bloggerstribe #bloggerssparkle #teacupclub #influencerrt #30plusblogs #lbloggers #bbloggers #theclqrt

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New Post 📩
Simple Low Sugar Vegan Oat Pancakes recipe for one 🥞

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From the archives https://moonlightmel.co.uk/2019/07/making-delicious-gluten-free-protein-pancakes-with-muscle-moose.html?utm_source=ReviveOldPost&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ReviveOldPost #bloggerstribe #bloggerssparkle #teacupclub #influencerrt #30plusblogs #lbloggers #bbloggers #theclqrt

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  • This Isn’t Chicken Plant-Based Lemon & Herb Skewer Review
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  • Pixi Rose Bodytreats Collection
  • 40 Nostalgic Movies and TV Shows to watch

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moonlightmel

moonlightmel
I've heard of probiotics in food but its the first I've heard of probiotics in food but its the first I've seen it in skincare ( I'm aware I might be late to the party with this 😂) 

(gifted) This is the new @antipodesskincare Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream 🌱
The cream is made with good bacteria and hyaluronic acid for calm, hydrated, healthy-looking skin. It smells gorgeous and feels very refreshing on the skin. I've used it for a few weeks now and I love applying it before bed as it feels cool to apply and over time helps skin feel hydrated. 
It's 100% natural origin and vegan friendly 🌱
Have you tried this yet? 

#antipodesskincare #glasgowblogger #thatsdarling  #instabeauty  #flatlayoftheday  #skintreats #faceoftheday #beautyjunkie #veganuk #antipodes #skincareproducts #skincareroutine #skincare 
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It’s Thursday already!? Today is so sunny and I It’s Thursday already!? Today is so sunny and I love it. 
I didn’t have this for Iftar last night but I thought I’d share this anyways! This is tofu Katsu curry with avocado maki and I got it from @kokushiglasgow 🌱 
They have plenty of vegan options and il be going back for sure whenever I feel the need for a takeaway 😋

How is everyone today? 

#veganuary #veganglasgow #plantbasedfood #glasgowfood #30plusblogs #discoverunder10k  #scottishbloggers  #foodblogger  #glasgowfoodie  #thatsdarling  #ukblogger  #glasgowblogger  #bloggersuk  #flashesofdelight  #glasgowfoodblog  #flatlay #instabeautyblogger #veganuk
Its Thursday already? This week has been quick 🙃
We had a great Easter weekend but wow it flew by lol. Anyways It’s been a while since I last did a Smokey eye makeup look and I’m loving it! Defiantly going to do it more often 🖤
How’s everyone’s week been? 

#girlswithpiercings  #alternativegirl #alternativestyle #effyourbeautystandards  #gothicfashion#killstarclothing  #gothicfashion #plussizebeauty  #alternativecurves #curvyootd #psootd #grungestyle #pinkhair #grungeoutfit #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #thickthighssavelives #hipsterstyle #thickthighsprettyeyes #alternativeaesthetic #glasgowblogger #bonjovi
Thinking about how much Easter chocolate I’m goi Thinking about how much Easter chocolate I’m going to eat today 😋
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