Light of mind

The wait.

We are currently in a season where everyone is graduating, people are getting exam results and awaiting responses from universities, sometimes it can feel like good things are happening to others whilst your life is at a standstill. Thats not to say you don't want to see others succeed but you would rather be receiving congratulatory messages than sending them. I was motivated to write this post after realising I'm not the only one in this situation. It can be ridiculously frustrating to feel that you have been faithful and yet nothing in your life is progressing or moving as you want it to. I have had to adapt my way of thinking and it has helped me deal with this current situation

Even if you aren't religious here are some steps that can help anyone during this time.

1. Be grateful always. every morning when I wake up I've started listing all the good things in my life right now. From my own health to being grateful that I was able to pay my car insurance. My life is definitely not where I want it to be but by changing my perspective I'm able to see that its not so bad either. Its made me content in my current situation and thats not to say I've become complacent. Im more positive, and feel more confident and secure in myself because of this which has made me happier! Constantly speaking negative words about your situation or about yourself will on fuel your anger, frustration and resentment. It doesn't produce and fruits

2. Don't unplug from the source. With nothing going your way it can be so easy to stray from God. To try fix the situation yourself and turn your back on God. Continue to pray, read his word and do the last thing he told you to do. He knows the situation you're in and maybe its not time yet for what you've been praying for but He knows the plans he has for you (Jeremiah 29 V 11) and he determines your footsteps (Proverbs 16 V 9). For those who aren't Christians, everything happens for a reason and its no mistake that you are where you are right now. Keep the faith and hope alive (as cringe as that sounds!).

3. Take advantage of this season. that means if you're currently unemployed, whilst you apply for jobs, also use this time to enjoy some of the hobbies you may not have time to enjoy when you're working or develop a skill. For those who have been praying for an increase in finances, sometimes it may not come in the way of an increase in your salary but maybe you have a skill you can use to start making money from which you can turn into a business.

Disclaimer: I am in no way a preacher, I just wanted to share with you how I've dealt with the current situation I'm in because I know I'm not alone. Don't compare your journey to anyone else.
 Read the bible, listen to sermons and pray.


Until next time,

Chengetai Victoria
xoxo

Oh Vera!


Its only been a week but I'm pretty sure I've fallen madly, stupidly, head over the heels in love.....with Aloe Vera! I know I am extremely late to the party but in case anyone else has been completely oblivious to all the benefits of Aloe Vera, I'm here to fill you in.

• Aloe Vera is extremely moisturising as its made up of majority water as well as Vitamins A, B, C and E. 
• It can be used to restore, exfoliate and treat skin. 
• Its great for your hair too! Acting as a conditioner, preventing itchy scalps and promoting hair growth
• It can be used to fight ageing because of its high vitamin content 
• The high water levels make it perfect for keeping  skin moisturised without leaving your skin feeling greasy. 
• It has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial 

Here are some ways I've used it and plan on using it in the future.

1. Apply it onto your face before bed as you world a normal face mask and leave it over night, which is simple enough. It has cleansed my skin and got rid of blemishes. In the morning I just wash it off, before toning and moisturising.

2. Mix a table spoonful of natural yogurt, two tablespoons aloe vera and two tablespoons of lemon juice in a bowl. Then Apply to face! The lemon is great for getting rid of acne scars and brightening your skin,whilst the yogurt can help remove blemishes and acne as well as moisturise and soothe your skin. The lemon can also be used as  a toner on its own.

3. Add one tablespoons of brown sugar with two tablespoons aloe vera and use it to wash your face. This mask is great for exfoliating your skin and will leave your skin looking so much brighter. Also using brown sugar with coconut oil to exfoliate your lips can also be amazing!

4. Mix one large egg and two table spoons of aloe vera in a bowl and leave it on your skin as a mask. This will help firm your skin and prevent lines and wrinkles.


Once I've tried it on my hair I will update you!

Until next time,

Chengetai Victoria
xoxo

Bourn Beautiful Naturals Review


If you haven't heard about Bourn Beautiful Naturals they are a black woman owned business based in the UK.  Aside from the fact their products have become my skins new best friends, I was already won over because it is a black-british brand and its a woman behind it all! ( girl power!!)
Over the last month I have tried out 4 of their skincare products, each product is hand crafted and free from those evil ingredients we're told to flee from ( sulfates, parabens, TEA, DEA and petroleum). Whilst I have never had particularly bad skin, I usually suffer from texturisation especially in my t-zone, light spotting on my forehead and cheeks, and my skin can be particurlarly dry on my forehead whilst oily on my nose. My daily skin care regimen usually consists of a face wash/scrub, toner and a moisturiser, I also try to use a face mask at least once a week.


I tried out their So sensitive Face wash, Lavender RefreshMint Toner, So sensitive rose moisturiser and Goats Milk and bentonite clay mask. My initially observation when I tried each out is how gentle they are. Hand on heart I would feel comfortable using them on my new born child because they are just that mild on the skin. Below is a close picture of my skin just before I started using the products. I have some small spots but I have put that down to hormonal changes and as you can see there is slight texture on my nose.


So sensitive face wash -£8.00
I routinely start with the so sensitive face wash, an extremly mild and gentle cleanser, that doesnt foam and smells like baby products. I like to lightly exfoliate my skin daily and so I used this face wash with my face brush and this really prevented my skin from forming a rough and hard texture particularly around my nose.

I followed up with the Lavender RefreshMint Toner -£6.50
Whenever I use toner I can automatically see the benefits it has to my skin. this product however, is INSANE. I am extremely impressed with it. It is better than shop bought toner I have used. Its completely refreshing and soothing for my skin, I am also obsessed with the fact I can just spray it onto my face as opposed to pouring the toner on a cotton pad. I also used this on my flight to Morocco, my skin felt extremely dry and looked awful so before I got off the flight I sprayed my skin before moisturising it.

So sensitive rose moisturiser -£8.00
this product has a very light weight formula and contains rose water which combats irritation and inflammation.  it also contains SPF-20 which was an added bonus because I usually use coconut oil or Shea butter to moisturise my face, both of which don't contain SPF. I found the product to sometimes be slightly sticky but it definitely did its job. I am also used to much thicker moisturiser and this product is quite thin.


Goat's Milk and Bentonite clay mask - £5
I love this stuff! It is a great exfoliant and just helps to draw out any impurities. The girls at bourn beautiful naturals also recommended I add some coffee to the mask and this gave me the best glow and felt a lot brighter and fuller. I always use this before a night out or anytime before I am about to wear a lot of make up.


I hope you found this useful and that you are motivated to try these products out. Use my discount code: LIGHTMIND15 for money off!

until next time
Chengetai Victoria
xxx