Birchbox - January 2015

It's the first box of the year for Birchbox** and it kicks off being partnered with the go-to for all things health, fitness and well-being - Women's Health and a box titled 'Hit Refresh'. Inside the box are products that will help you start the year with your best foot forward! There is also a 'Hit Refresh' booklet which contains 12 bite-sized challenges with some tips. Each page has a hole which allows you to hang it up with perforated pages it allows you, should you wish you, the ability to pull out pages after completing them and I am determined to give some of them a go.

The first item in this month's box is a full size Stila Lip Glaze worth £15, in the shade  Glimmer which is a rosy pink shade to describe it.  As a twist up lip gloss which has a built in brush, it is quite a handy little item to have in your make up bag for a quick touch of gloss.

The next item is a 20ml sample tube of the Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner worth around £1.50. I have only ever tried the Elasticizer from Philip Kingsley, so I am looking forward to giving this a go.  This conditioner claims to transform lifeless locks and help seal flyaways due to the lustrous, wheat-protein conditioner.

The next product is a 5ml tube of HealGel Intensive worth £3.75.  I am a huge fan of HealGel products and have used this before which I have reviewed HERE.  As you only need a teeny amount at any one time to use it, this tube will last a good few weeks and it is perfect for that overnight or weekend away bag.

REN is one of my favourite brands and one I have been using for well over a year now, so I am always pleased to see a product from them in any box I get.  Within this box I have the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask which I have used once or twice from a smaller sample sized tube, so I am glad to see a 10ml version, which will at least give me 5-6 masks.  It is described as being a fast-working exfoliating treatment which improves texture, tone and combats congestion.  Has a value of around £6

The next product is one I haven't heard of before from Activbod and the product is called a Cooling Finish Lotion. It is a 20ml tube and is said to re-energise after a work-out as it is an invigorating menthol packed lotion. You use it by massaging it into clean skin and then you get a cool tingle. So I tried it out and there is most definitely a tingling sensation there.  This tube has a value of around £2.50

The final two products in this box are a Green Matcha Tea from Embrace which is apparently 100% natural with 10 times the antioxidents of a regular green tea.  You are told to take half a teaspoon and whisk it into hot water or cold water and you can also add it to smoothies and juices too.  On its own it is worth 99p



Then we have a Birchbox Pilates Band. It is said to tone, increase strength and improve muscle endurance with its resistance. So if anyone has a use for this and would like it, please do let me know as it isn't something I would use, but I did like to see it included because it does at least fit with the theme of the box. It also has a value of £7.99

So overall, I am really impressed with this month's Birchbox and I I really liked the theme, which for January is really appropriate. The box is worth around £37 which is great value for money when it costs just £12.95**.

Did you get a Birchbox this month?

5 amazing benefits of Pilates & Yoga

Image courtesy of ponsuwan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yoga Pilates and yoga are two of the greatest workouts for not only girls, but guys too. There are amazing health benefits that stem from doing these kind of work outs, so there are plenty of reasons to take it up – aside from the fact you’ll get a great body! If you want to get started but don’t have any of the equipment, you can get everything you need from a sporting and health retailer like Optomo Australia . Keep reading to find out how your body will benefit from undertaking Pilates and/or yoga as your new favourite workout!

1. Cardiovascular, Digestive & Nervous Systems

It’s been discovered that regular yoga and Pilates sessions help to normalise blood pressure and improve cardiovascular fitness and circulation. Yoga gives the heart a work out equivalent to going for a brisk walk. Due to the normalised blood pressure and circulation, your digestive system also benefits – it can help to speed up a system that is usually slow. All of these things work to benefit your nervous system – the improved blood flow helps to calm your body and soothe your nervous system. 

2. Body Strength

Most people find that their bodies strengthen a substantial amount after commencing regular yoga and Pilates classes. On average, after doing yoga for 6 weeks (three times a week) most people will then be able to do roughly 6 more push ups and 14 more curl ups. Those engaging in Pilates have found similar results: Pilates is great for strengthening core, abdominal muscles. Pilates is known to be 310% more effective for being able to strengthen and tighten the more difficult obliques. The best thing about these two workouts is that they add strength without adding bulk to your body – which is why dancers love to do them! 

3. Flexibility

Yoga and Pilates are great for gaining flexibility due to the structured postures involved. The gentle stretching is great for releasing muscle tension and stiffness too. Regular yoga participants are able to see their flexibility boost by approximately 24%. Pilates improves flexibility as well, particularly in areas such as hamstrings, hip and back. As well as flexibility, yoga and Pilates also work to fix your posture and give your body a taller, leaner look. 

4. Musculoskeletal

As well as general strength and flexibility, Pilates and yoga have great musculoskeletal benefits. The poses done in both exercises move your joints through their complete range of motion, which aids in mobility and eases the pressure on joints. Reduced back pain is another noticeable benefit of doing Pilates and yoga. It also helps to prevent osteoporosis, and provides relief for those already diagnosed. 

5. Mental Benefits

As Pilates and yoga requires so much focus and control , most people find that they are a lot less stressed after commencing regular classes. As they are less stressed, they find that sleeping is a lot easier and their mood is improved. Yoga and Pilates are also great for people with ailments such as cancer, depression or chronic pain, as they find they become much less fatigued. 

Pilates and Yoga have so many benefits – so start classes today! You’ll be a regular at your local classes in no time!

Do you do either?

*This is a sponsored post