Tuesday, 24 October 2023 / London, UK

MY FAVE CLEANSERS AND TONERS FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION

Glow daily AHA tonic Shop the toner

2% BHA Liquid exfoliant Shop the toner

Clearing skin wash Shop the cleanser

MY ENDOMETROSIS JOURNEY AND DEALING WITH NHS

I was diagnosis with endometriosis in February 2023. Ever since, I have researched to try and better understand the condition and to learn what I can do to reduce the symptoms as much as possible. Today, I like to share a little more of my story with you.

What Endometriosis is?

Before we get into my experience, thought it might be good to share what my understanding of endometriosis is. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb e.g on the bladder, bowel or even the lungs. This tissue is affected by your menstrual cycle and results in pain for the person affected. This pain can be debilitating. Much worse than period pain and can also be mid-cycle. If the condition progresses, it can: limit someones life by reducing what they can do and when, negatively impact their metal health and cause embarrassing situations where you feel obliged to explain to friends, family or a workplace manager what is disrupting your life. You can find out more information from the NHS.

My Journey with Endometriosis

I started experiencing uncomfortable period pain pretty much since I my first period. I remember experiencing very heavy bleeding and painful cycle immediately . I had to always double up on painkillers (paracetamols & ibuprofen) and wear the thickest pads just to get through the day. Alongside this, I also struggled with low iron. This has left me feeling very fatigued, with painful leg cramping and nausea. I was referred to a gynaecologist when I was 12 years old due to experiencing pain in my pelvis every month. As many readers will know, a gynaecologist is senior doctor that specialises conditions that affect female reproductive organs. The gynaecologist said I had dysmenorrhea, that this is normal and to take pain killers to manage the pain.

This carried right through my teens and twenties. This was me. I learnt to cope. To book time off work I expected the pain to be worse. To be strong.

In 2022 I had had enough. I finally decided to contact the GP. Again. I was sick of having to take time off work virtually every month during my period and also week after my period. Dealing with my manager had become very stressful. He didn't understand or sympathise with me. I'm sure you can imagine this caused me a lot anxiety. This is on top of the pain I was still going through every month.

My GP arranged for me have an internal ultra sound to get more information about what was happening inside me. This revealed that I had an endometrial cyst and two fibroids. I was also prescribed mefenamic acid as a stronger painkiller and advised to take the contraceptive pill. feel that I should explain at this stage that I personally do not want to use the contraceptive pill. While I respect every woman may make a different choice, my understanding is that it is not something that should be taken for a prolonged period of time. This would be the case if I used it to try to manage my condition. I was also referred to a gynaecologist to decide on the next steps.

When I met with the gynaecologist I did not feel he - why are they always men?! - was helpful at all. He just told me same thing I had heard and tried to try persuade me to take contraceptive pill to reduce the size of cysts and fibroids. I explained why I did not want to use the contraceptive pill and the gynaecologist seemed frustrated with me. I did not feel heard or understood. I asked for surgical intervention and was told that my fibroids/cyst were too small for the NHS to operate. He booked me a further ultra sound for six months time to see if there was any changes. And that was it. I felt abandoned.

Following this my symptoms progressed. My relationship with my manager at work deteriorated. He started to use language that left me worried I might lose my job. Eventually, I had to join a union to ensure I was not being treated unfairly. My union rep was one of the first people who actually seemed to understand what I was going through. He helped me secure an agreement where I could work from home to help me manage my symptoms. Eventually, I move roles before my situation with my manager got worse.

After sometime of taking the mefenamic acid I noticed my heart rate increase when I was taking them. It turns out that is one of the possible side affect. I contacted my GP to request an alternative painkiller. I spoke to a different doctor this time and she actually seemed to care and showed me understanding. She prescribed an alternative painkiller - codeine phosphate, and helped to speed the process for me to see another gynaecologist. I eventually a second gynaecologist. They went through all the options they have for me and finally started the ball rolling for me to get laparoscopy - keyhole surgery where they will removed the endometrial tissue and fibroids. A laparoscopy is the only way to accurately diagnose endometriosis for certain but said she believes the cyst is endometriosis.

I am currently on the waiting list to have my surgery to hopefully have the endometrial tissue removed along with the fibroids. They cannot say for certain what it will be possible to removed until they begin the surgery and see what is actually happening inside. I believe that the ultra sound is not 100% accurate. Im patiently waiting but feeling very tired of this up and down journey. I have dealing with this for the past 18 years now. I want my life back. I am hoping and praying I can finally put an end to debilitating pain.

Overall, my experience with endometriosis has been horrible. I am constantly tired, nauseous and 2 weeks of the month are just agony. I have followed so many individuals suffering with this condition on social media. So many women are going through this terrible condition. We are all in the same situation and every story is full of suffering, a long wait to diagnose, being told to take the pill. It is not taken as seriously as it should be. It's very hard condition to deal with as employers aren't accepting of it and it can lead to bullying and discrimination. The waiting list just feels like never ending process and it's frustrating because it's expensive to go private. It is around £7-10,000. Which is more than most people can afford.

If you are struggling with endometriosis and don't know what to do next or just want to speak with someone that understands then don't hesitate to get in touch with me on instagram.

SELF CARE TIPS OF YOURSELF

Tips on taking care of yourself

There is a few things I will do in order to start my self care day, which is normally on Sundays.
Here's a list of my kit to self care

Candles are at the top of my list; I always light up candles all day everyday they keep me so calm, serene and add solace to my home . So I usually light up a candle on my self care days to start my relaxation and play soft music in the background.

I love adding bath bomb to my bath. This adds colour to the bath and smell so good. I buy my bath bombs from lush cosmetics.

Pour a glass of your favourite wine/ non-alcoholic drink - this is nice way to also helps with relaxing and unwind especially after a stress day.

Order or make your favourite meal - eating a lovely meal makes me feel very good.

Take 5 minutes to write in your journal - this is such great way to offload your mind and release your mind to help improve your mental health. This a great way to cultivate positive thoughts.

Read a book

Watch your favourite movie

Take a brisk walk outside to get fresh air

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS THAT YOU USE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET

These are some of my favourite positive affirmations which I like to use daily and on days when I need a pick me up. I hope you can use these too.

I live in abundance
I am enough
I am proud of myself
Today is going to be great day
I can be anything I want to be
I will find joy in the simple things
I radiate positive energy
I love myself conditionally
I do not have to myself to anyone
I have the power to create the life I want

KIM K INSPIRED MAKEUP DOLCE GABANNA SHOW

Hey,

I recently recreated Kim K Inspired makeup which she wore at Dolce Gabanna show

Here is a breakdown of all the products I used to create the look

Face

I used Charlotte Tilbury flawless foundation (shade 10 Warm) - https://rb.gy/7mtzt

Dior forever skin glow foundation (4W) - https://rb.gy/gpwmf

Concealer

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer (shade 9) - https://tinyurl.com/2n78we8k

Contour Concealer

E.l.F. cosmetics camo concealer (deep cinnamon) - https://tinyurl.com/3mhu2c5p

Powder

Laura Mercier - Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur - https://tinyurl.com/bd7xby4a

Blusher

Makeup Revolution blush palette (sweet and spice) - https://tinyurl.com/52e4wjjc

Eyes

Morphe brushes 3503 Fierce by Nature artistry palette

Urban decay born to run eyeshadow palette - https://tinyurl.com/25x9cdjh

Kylie cosmetics kylash volume mascara - https://tinyurl.com/mu5tz4j7

Amazon half eyelashes - https://tinyurl.com/yckhkvkd

Lips

Nyx Cosmetics Slim lip liner brown - https://tinyurl.com/32dc9nfc

Doll beauty cosmetics - https://tinyurl.com/y87ymnws

AUTUMN/FALL BUCKET LIST 2023

As we approach autumn I wanted to do up my ultimate Autumn/Fall Bucket list. These are all the activities I feel would be nice to do this autumn. I don't know about you but as the weather changes and the evenings become darker it really helps me having a bucket list to look forward to.

- Visit a pumpkin patch

- Make some s'mores

- Make a hearty soup

- Buy an autumn scented candle

- Cozy up and watch romantic movie

- Book a weekend getaway at a cosy cabin/ hotel

- Decorate your house with autumn decor

- Go for autumn decor shopping

- Go on a day road trip somewhere with a nice, cosy, quaint pub

- Make a hot cup of chocolate with some marshmallows

- Play board games

- Carve pumpkins

- Make some Autumn inspired cocktails

- Make a Autumn wreath

- Make a pumpkin pie

- Have a self - care night with you favourite autumn bath bomb, your candles lit up and slow music playing in the background for a nice cosy ambience.

Hey everyone,

After a long break, I am back to blogging. I have endometriosis and fibroids. Which has meant that I haven't felt like my normal self. I have good days and I have bad days. I'll share my endometriosis in a future blog.

Today, I finally wanted to write again. I want pour my thoughts into my blog. I've published a blog about relaxing my natural hair along with this announcement.

Anyway, I hope you all have been doing well despite how crazy the world is currently.

MY RELAXER HAIR JOURNEY

After 9 years of being natural I finally decided to relax my hair. I found the natural hair life to be a hassle. I'm blessed with thick hair but this made maintaining natural hair a challenge.

I know a lot of people are team natural but I've learnt that every should do what suits them best on their hair journey. If you want to relax your hair, great. If natural hair is working for you, perfect. Natural hair is beautiful. I take my hats off to everyone who is able to maintain and grow their natural hair. It just didn't work for me.

Sadly, when I relaxed my hair I relaxed my hair I had to have a lot of it trimmed. I was not aware but he spilt ends had gotten quite bad. It was quite a shock. Fortunately, my hairdresser is fantastic. I can't recommend Elite hair lounge enough. Ever since attending my first appointment I've been following their advice and I have seen a transformation in the health of my hair.

I stretch out my relaxer for 12 weeks and use protective hairstyles two week after that. This has helped keep my hair strong. I also make sure to wash my hair every two weeks and use protein mask with essential oils - I have noticed this has helped the health of my hair and helped my hair to flourish.

Obviously, this is just my experience but I hope that it help you out. If you are looking to try something new your hair, see below for the products I use on my wash days.

Avlon Affirm Nourishing Shampoo

Shop the product here

Avlon Affirm hair care Nourishing Conditioner

Shop the product here

Africa's Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise

Shop the product here

Nature Spell Avocado Oil

Shop product here

Nature Spell Black seed Oil

Shop product here

Nature Spell Peppermint Oil

Shop product here

MY GO TO SIGNATURE RED LIP

Red lipstick is the ultimate statement in my beauty routine , I always rock red lipstick with full face of makeup or without makeup. I feel like red lipstick is such a timeless product that every woman should have in the makeup bag. It suits all skin tones , the best way to navigate finding the perfect red lipstick is by choosing the right undertone of red lipstick which suits your complexion.

For me I always like to go for red lipstick with blueish undertone as it compliments my skin tone really well and makes my skin tone stand out.

If you are interested! Here's a tutorial on How I achieve my signature red lip