Protein Powder by Willpowders
I literally can’t go a day without my chocolate protein shake. I’d been dabbling with the idea of a protein powder for years but scared of bulking so I didn’t commit. Then a trusted friend on a new health routine - who looked incredible for it - introduced me to Willpowders. Not only does this powder have no fillers or nasties, it blows other protein powders out of the water with 17g of protein in every 25g serving. My trainer also assured me that i’d have to be eating a hell of a lot of it for me to see weight gain. And he’s right. I’ve been having it every day for 4 months and if anything, I’ve lost weight.
It is a bovine broth protein however, so not for Vegetarians! The benefit of it being bovine is that it’s also working on your gut, skin, bones, joints, muscles and immunity. As a 45 year old, the added protein counteracts age-related muscle loss and supports bone density. This isn’t the full picture obviously. Fibre is super important, as is weight training.
At first I added it straight into my coffee and whizzed it up with one of those hand-held frothers but then another friend said the tastier way to have it is as a shake. And OMG was she right. So now, each morning I make a double espresso and get it in the freezer asap. I then add some almond milk, the protein powder + a large ice cube and blend it. The addition of the ice make’s it super smooth, creamy and delicious. And the added bonus is it won’t spike your insulin like other carb and sugar loaded protein powders.
Eyelash Lift + Lash Growth Serum by UkLash
I’ve suffered from weepy eyes a fair bit at this pollen-high time of the year. Add mascara into the mix, and everyday feels like I’m battling the water obstacle course on the final of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Complaining to a friend, she quickly said ‘I wouldn’t know, i don’t wear mascara, I have an eyelash lift & tint.’ This was a revelation. As I get older I worry (that’s too strong, I think about) mascara exacerbating the thinning of my eyelashes but also in the summer months I would generally rather not wear make-up.
So fast forward a couple of weeks and I’ve had said eye-lash lift! Well, it’s completely changed my life tbh. It’s not a cheap treatment (£35-£80 depending on where you go) but the effect lasts 6-8 weeks. Since having it done I haven’t put mascara on once. The lovely therapist that held my hand through the process also recommended this eyelash serum which she swears by. Apparently it takes 25 days before you’ll see a difference but it works to nourish, condition and stimulate lash growth, resulting in longer-looking, healthier and fuller lashes.
Good Things by Samin Nosrat
Who doesn’t love Samin Nosrat! Her infectious passion for food alongside her authentic persona make you want to cook her food before you’ve even see a recipe. After her hit book ‘Salt Fat Acid Heat’ Samin went into a depression further to the pressure of sudden fame, on top of the pandemic that left her feeling isolated and drained. She slowly began her healing process by hosting small Monday night dinners for friends, in her neighbourhood in Oakland. This helped her remember why cooking matters: human connection. And now we are lucky enough to have this amazing recipe book.
One of my top recipe’s is the Gardenia - It’s a staple in my fridge now, I top cheese on crackers with it, add it to sandwiches fillings, drizzle on pizza. Anything that needs that bit of tang. And the ‘Summer Salad Matrix’ is a brilliant way to assemble a fresh salad based on an anchor ingredient, herbs, something creamy, something crunchy & a dressing.
'Once I hand them off to you, these recipes are no longer mine. They’re yours, to do with as you please. And maybe, in the act of receiving, a little thread of connection will be woven between me and each of you.'