This is not the chocolateyest cake in the world...this is just a #tribute

There comes a time in every blog to bake, and post pictures of the resulting cake. Today is this day!

I decided that today's post wouldn't be on the lovely benefit eyeshadow that I had planned, but instead, after a very important conversation with a friend, on the importance of taking time out for you. In Cosmopolitan this month, Alicia Keys puts it this way- 'On the airplane, they tell you to secure your own mask before anyone else's.'  

This makes an awful lot of sense to me.

In July and again this month, I've been feeling that I'm at maximum busy, and trying to get far too much done in what is clearly a ridiculously short time span- this week, I've hardly even had time to blog! And yet, when a friend asks 'Can you do me a favour...' I'm all about the 'yes, of course...!'

......Despite the fact that this may make me (a) frantic (b) late to do something else (c) double book myself (d) unable to live my usually organized and happy life as normal.

Why do I say always say yes, when I could suggest sometimes that I was really busy but happy to do it if nobody else could take it on/could do it the following week etc? If I did this, I'd have more time to secure my own mask, and excel at work, bake cakes for friends and take care of myself, which would then result in a happier, less stressed friend who had time to help out when it was really important.

I'm not going to follow this with a cliche about how as women we are busy focusing on our families, or our careers- we're all bright people here and everyone, male or female, has a life to focus on. However, I have been reminded this week of how important it is to take care of ourselves, and that taking time for make-up, hair styling, choosing clothes and/or baking a fantastic cake to share with friends is a really healthy (ok- you know what I mean!) way of taking care of yourself and remembering just how great you are at being you.

This week I'm going to follow Alicia's advice, and secure my own mask- literally. Next post, Face Masks!

I'd love to know some ways that you chill out and reward yourselves- is there a favourite bubble bath, face mask or eye cooler pack that you enjoy, or like me, do you paint nails in times of stress? Any tips welcome!

Love, 

Emma xx

Gifts from Friends

 Gifts from Friends

 

A quick thank you to my lovely friend Sarah, for buying me the perfect present! The Tea Shed does delicious, properly blended teas that really taste real- none of this ground up leaves malarkey... :)

There was a pack of four cups which each hold 20 beautiful silk tea bags, and she cleverly requisitioned a cardboard tray from a friendly Starbucks employee to give them to me in- brownie points for creativity!

4am Tea is light, refreshing and low in caffeine, making it perfect for before bed or, as it says on the box, a sleepless night.

Proper Mint Tea is smooth but peppy- it'll wake you up, gently boost digestion if you've had a big meal, and leave you feeling in tip-top condition.

Berry Orange Tea is fruity, rich, and very warming in the rain! With bits of real orange, you feel like you're detoxing and getting your vitamin C hit in the snuggliest way possible.

Mr Grey's Tea is a bergamot sensation- relaxing, lightly spicy and warming with milk, or crisp, delicate and tangy with lemon, this works whatever mood I'm in!

Highly recommended to all tea lovers, and I'm eager to try some more soon! In fact, I might go put the kettle on now...

Love, 

Emma xx

Notes on Green tea (thanks, Asia...)

 

matcha tea (before water!)

Green Tea Soothes My Soul.

According to the folks at Twinings website, 'the British Journal of Nutrition has revealed that drinking more than three cups of green tea a day was found to protect against cell deterioration as we age. DNA tests showed the equivalent of five extra years on the tea drinkers' lives.'

Stop. Hold. The. Presses. You mean that people who drink a lot of Green tea might live five years longer? 

Seems like a fair trade...

So whether you prefer Matcha or Sencha, flavoured, plain or with honey, it seems like green tea is already a good idea. BUT WAIT! 

There's more. I know. Insane!

Other suggested benefits of Green Tea include:

• A reduction in certain types of cancers (including breast, prostate, ovarian and endometrial).
• Lower (bad) cholesterol levels and balance the ratio of good/bad cholesterol
• Reduce body fat storage for a short time
• Inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots
• Killing  bacteria that cause dental plaque
• Mild Appetite reduction  
• Detoxifying effects (whole body)

So why aren't we all drinking it? Well, it's hard to beat a cup of English Breakfast of a morning, but I've certainly felt healthier, with more energy, even clearer skin and bright eyes since I added cups at 10.30am and 3pm.to my day. 

Very recommended- try all sorts of brands/types, as they vary hugely, and sit back and watch the benefits!

Love, 

Emma xx