Tag: lifestyle

Infrared Sauna: A Gentle Path to Wellness

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One of my favourite treats for my body I have tried! If you’re curious about infrared saunas (and pods), here’s the short version: they use light-based heat to warm your body directly, so sessions feel gentler than traditional saunas while still delivering real wellness perks. The vibe is calm, the air isn’t stifling, and when the pod has a vibration function, it also doubles as a massage and can improve blood circulation throughout the body. Well rounded recovery option when you are tired, feel off or after pushing it at the gym.

Top benefits people use infrared saunas for:

Improved circulation: Heat widens blood vessels and raises heart rate mildly—similar to a light workout—helping blood flow and nutrient delivery.

Muscle and joint relief: Warmth can ease stiffness and soreness, supporting post-exercise recovery and comfort for everyday aches.

Stress and mood support: Heat exposure often triggers endorphins and deep relaxation, helping you unwind and sleep better.

Skin support: Increased circulation and sweating can leave skin looking refreshed; some notice a clearer, brighter tone over time.

Cardiovascular support: Regular sessions may help with blood pressure and endothelial function in some people, though research is still developing.

Metabolic effects: You’ll burn a modest number of extra calories during sessions; treat this as a bonus, not a weight-loss plan.

Detox via sweat: Sweating helps your body excrete small amounts of certain compounds, but claims of “deep detox” or heavy-metal removal are still being studied.

I highly recommend trying it out, for 15mins the first time and build up to 30/40 minutes sessions later on. Stay hydrated! I think it depends on the model you are using, as the pod in the picture was quite gentle, I didn’t feel dehydrated at all, but I did notice a big effect on my mood and the recovery after working out was faster with less muscle ache.

If you are looking into trying it out, or would like to set up an at-home version, I have found some items on amazon to aid you!

Happy shopping:

(all are affiliate links)

Grab an infrared sauna blanket
https://amzn.to/3X8JiBw

or a portable sauna tent
https://amzn.to/49B948U

a sauna thermometer/hygrometer to track heat and humidity
https://amzn.to/4oSENGX

electrolytes for rehydration
https://amzn.to/4oj9rJT

a quick‑dry microfiber towel
https://amzn.to/4hETMBY

a BPA‑free water bottle with a straw lid
https://amzn.to/47nduyS

a gentle, fragrance‑free post‑sauna moisturizer with ceramides
https://amzn.to/4oSdFrO

Have you tried an infrared sauna before?

Are you tempted to try if you haven’t?

Top 15 High-End Outlet Finds for Your Closet

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Are you ready for some great sales finds? It is a perfect way to invest in good quality pieces to complement your closet.

Flannels is one of those shops that is just so much fun to visit. I especially love shopping online and Flannels has such a good outlet section!

If you like me and like to buy high-end High Street or even entry-level Designer things, check out the list below. It’s a mix of women’s offers.

I only selected items that offer an amazing value and quality combo, and I tried to select with plenty of sizes still available, but as always with outlet, amounts available are limited, and selection is accurate at the time of posting this, 27th October 2025.

All items chosen are timeless and will work for you for many seasons, some better for colder weather but a few are more of a spring-summer buys.

Hope you find this list useful!

Please note that the links are affiliate.

Happy shopping!



1 – OFF WHITE Women’s Tmby Wool Blend Jacket

2 – Thomas Sabo Women’s Rotatable Band Ring

3 – Mugler Women’s Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

4 – PANGAIA Cuffed 365 Jogging Bottoms in celestial blue

5 – AGOLDE Criss Cross Shorts



6 – Nobodys Child
Women’s Cable Crew Neck Jumper

7 – Grenson Fleur Loafers

8 – Polo Ralph Lauren Knitted Tarten Scarf

9 – Ted Baker Woven Mini Dress

10 – RAEY Single-Breasted Coat

11 – REDONE
Women’s Straight-Leg Stove Pipe Jeans

12 – Boss Women’s Jewela Stylish Jacket

13 – MOON BOOT Soft Nylon Sneakers

14 – Barbour Corinne Quilted Jacket

15 – COMME DES GARCONS WALLET Zipped Wallet Purse

I have already bought the Pangaia joggers and the Agolde shorts – both will be perfect this coming spring-summer! I am trying to decide which of the other items to get as well.

Would you get any from the list?

xoxo
Justina

Life-Enhancing Favorites | Aug 2024

Posted in favorites, Healthy eating, Holidays, lifestyleTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Some links in this blog post are affiliate.

Hello, lovelies!
Welcome to a world of life-enhancing favourites! In this blog post, I’m excited to share some of the top additions to my daily routine that have brought value, convenience, and sustainability to my life. From nourishing bone broth to eco-friendly laundry options and personalized vitamins, these recommendations aim to inspire a healthier, more conscious lifestyle. Join me as we explore these exciting discoveries and embrace positive changes together.

One of my favourite additions to my diet is an old all-time favourite superfood that recently made its way back to popularity, bone broth. I buy it from Freja Foods. I chose it because it’s made from 100% natural ingredients, responsibly sourced and for all the information they provide, like the nutritional values. It’s easy to order, really delicious and offers quite a few options to choose from, different packages and subscriptions. Currently, you can get 20% off with the code SUMMERSALE20.
My go-to is the beef broth for its high protein and collagen content, providing great value for money. I usually enjoy it instead of tea or coffee, but it’s versatile for use in recipes and even smoothies.

Another fantastic find that has become a beauty favourite for me is Trust Deodorant. It offers long-lasting odour prevention that can last up to 3 to 6 days and is aluminium-free. This deodorant remains effective even after showering and swimming and is perfect for travel with its compact size. And it might seem that it’s a little pricey but it’s really not as it last 2-3 months!

Mixing in a home management topic, laundry, I would love to recommend trying out laundry detergent strip sheets as an eco-friendly and versatile option. They are convenient and great for travel too as they will not ruin your close like spilled detergent or popped detergent capsules. These strips are easy to use for both hand and machine washing, take much less space on the shelves, and eliminate the need for bulky plastic bottles, or gel pods, minimizing plastic use in your daily life. My favourites are these two:
Good Clean Stuff and The Lab Co.

When it comes to vitamins, it can be challenging to find trustworthy products. For a personalized approach, I highly recommend trying Vitl.com, a subscription service that tailors a set of vitamins based on your lifestyle and needs, and even offers blood and DNA Nutrition tests to determine a bit of more science-based advice. It’s convenient and packaged for each day so you don’t need to worry about drinking a double portion by accident.

In skincare, I would like to talk about something for travellers or anyone looking to hydrate and protect their skin on the go, a Hypochlorous spray. It can be a useful addition to your skincare routine. It helps hydrate and protect the skin from bacteria. For someone who gets spots quite regularly, this has been a big favourite to prevent them.

Lastly, a fun lifestyle recommendation is Too Good To Go app, a platform that allows you to rescue surplus food from local businesses at a discounted price. It’s a great way to try out new foods, reduce food waste and be more environmentally conscious. By using this service, you can explore various locations offering all kinds of foods from bread and pastries to health stores, and organic stores, or grab comfort foods like pizza or burritos, and contribute to reducing food waste in your community.

I hope you find these recommendations helpful! If you try any of them out please share your feedback, I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments. See you in the next post!

Hustle Culture

Posted in Food For Thought, lifestyleTagged , , Leave a comment

As a society, we have been conditioned to believe that success is only achievable through hard work and hustle. We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us to work harder, sleep less, and sacrifice our personal lives for the sake of our careers. This is what is known as hustle culture, and it has become a pervasive and toxic force in our lives.

Hustle culture is the idea that success is only achievable through constant hard work and sacrifice. It is the belief that if you are not working all the time, you are not doing enough. This mentality has been perpetuated by social media influencers, motivational speakers, and even some (or most) employers who encourage their employees to work long hours and sacrifice their personal lives for the sake of their careers.

The problem with hustle culture is that it is not sustainable. Working long hours and sacrificing your personal life can lead to burnout, stress, and physical and mental health problems. It can also lead to a lack of creativity and innovation, as people become too focused on their work and lose sight of the bigger picture.

So, should we stop idealizing hustle culture? I say hell yes to that!
Instead, we should focus on creating a culture that values work-life balance, creativity, and innovation. We should encourage people to prioritize their personal lives and take care of their physical and mental health.

Let’s work together to create a better, more sustainable, and more equitable future!

3 Good Subscriptions to Try

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Most of us would love to do something to positively affect the future and be a bit more environmentally friendly.

Why not try a subscription option from companies that do exactly that. You can enjoy trying out new things whilst somebody else takes care of everything for you while you save some money and help the environment in some kind of way.

It’s also usually an independent start-up, a business with a great innovative idea and involves people that really want to do something good for the world. So why not try their product out and see how it goes?

I personally have been using these three subscriptions/apps below and they are absolutely amazing. I cannot recommend them highly enough. One is a referral so if you do try, I will get a little reward(a discount off my next order).

Environmentally friendly. Saves you money. Sounds like your cup of tea?

Oddbox

As they describe themselves on LinkedIn: “Eat good. Do good. Stay odd. Rescuing the “too-wonky” and “too-many”, direct from farmers. ” The idea is that your weekly or bi-weekly subscription will be delivered full of veggies and/or fruits, that otherwise would be thrown away because they don’t meet supermarket standards or were too many. Click below for my referral link to activate your discount!

Too Good To Go

Not a subscription but still a great app to try out. From their website: “Too Good To Go is a community of Waste Warriors fighting food waste together. As a user, save meals from stores and food professionals around you.” “Too Good To Go is the app that lets you rescue unsold food at your favorite spots from an untimely fate.” I myself have saved 28 bags so far, that amounts to approx 70kg CO2 saved, as well as £217!

TheVeganKind

From their website: “Whether you are newly vegan, or long term, our vegan boxes are designed to add a bit of flare to your month! We scour the land looking for exciting new products, and ship them all to you in a carefully packaged box once a month. You never know what you will get! – but you can rely on Team TVK to craft vegan boxes that are 100% cruelty free, exciting, and exceptional value for money.”

I have been subscribing to the box since around 2016! Love discovering new things. It’s also great that you can pause your subscription for up to 3 months, if you need a little break or if you are travelling.

Use code “VEGAN” and get £5 off. No catch! (offer available at he time of this blog post going live)

Hope you try, and if you do – enjoy!

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

xoxo
Justina

Chase away the January Blues with Puppy Yoga | My Soho Times 

Posted in Dogs, lifestyle, london, MovementTagged , , , , Leave a comment

mysohotimes's avatarMY SOHO TIMES

Are you looking for a new activity to brighten up your new year, and boost your mood? Research shows spending quality time with a dog (or other any animal for that matter) can have a positive impact on your mood and your health. Pets can be calming stress-fighters… but what if you don’t have any? My Soho Timesand My London Times editors, Kai Lutterodt and Justina Matuleviciute, put the tail-wagging yoga trend to the test… is Puppy Yoga all that it’s cut out to be? Justina shares more…

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New Fragrance Myrica Muse

Posted in lifestyle, Perfume, StyleTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Hi all! Another exciting event I was invited to attend this past Wednesday at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair was the celebration of the launch of British Perfumer Miller Harris’s new fragrance, Myrica Muse.

Created by expert perfumer Emilie Bougée, Myrica Muse has been developed using upcycled perfume notes and Emilie was in attendance on the evening to present her expert insights into the future of sustainability within the fragrance.

An exclusive aperitif evening and trend discussion were held in the glamourous Red Room at The Connaught Hotel.

Myrica Muse is presented as a sensual red berry fragrance and was developed with upcycled perfume notes to encapsulate the quiet sophistication of an aperitif enjoyed before a special occasion.

A little bit more detail from the Miller Harris perfume page :

A fruity floral musk fragrance created by perfumer Emilie Bouge set to a confident blend of red fruits and charming upcycled rose mixed with spices and a nuanced boozy character to give Myrica Muse a seductive, sophisticated finish with retro charm.

Strawberry and the bayberry (Myrica) combine with energetic natural tangerine and pink pepper in a fruity but alluring opening. For the first time at Miller Harris, upcycled Rose and Patchouli then combine in the heart to envelop the wearer in a timeless floral musk heart. The glamour is brought to the fragrance with a confident but subtle natural rum from Reunion, perfectly fused with a creamy natural vanilla infusion and resinous Benzoin.

Top Notes: Strawberry, Bayberry, Pink Pepper, Tangerine

Heart Notes: Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Patchouli*, Rose*, Rum

Lasting Impressions: Benzoin, Musk, Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla

This scent is so lovely I feel very lucky that all attendants were gifted one to take home!

Have you tried Miller Harris perfumes before? which one is your favourite? Would you try Myrica Muse?

xoxo
Justina

World’s First Sparkling Water Glass

Posted in home, Kitchen, Review, shoppingTagged , , , , , 2 Comments

Everyone that knows me know how much I love sparkling water so when my friend Kai invited me as a plus one to a water tasting dinner, to celebrate the launch of the world’s first sparkling water glass by SodaStream, I immediately said yes!

The evening was absolutely amazing, my mind was blown by how interesting a water tasting can be, and it was just an introduction to it! The location @farmacyuk is so pretty! And the sharing menu was fully vegan, gf and organic, and so so good I want to go again tomorrow! 😋

Let’s talk about the reason we were there, the sparkling water glass!

The design of SodaStream sparkling water glass is rooted in insight from expert water sommelier Doran Binder and has been beautifully hand-blown by expert glass artist Elliot Walker, winner of Season Two of Netflix’s hit series Blown Away, so it’s sure to be the showstopper on every table. 

The launch of the ultimate sparkling water glass celebrates the arrival of SodaStream’s most stylish sparkling water maker to date, the Art. Now, not only is it easier than ever to make your own sparkling water, but you can also enjoy it in a glass that enhances every aspect of your sparkling water too. So, whether you like to enjoy a glass of sparkling water at dinner (or if you are like me and sparkling water is life all day, every day) or want to impress friends with your hosting skills, SodaStream’s special edition sparkling water glass is a perfect choice. 

Each glass has been hand blown by Elliot Walker: “I’ve created a whole variety of glass projects throughout my career, but this special edition sparkling water glass has by far been one of my favourites. Whilst following the same brief, each piece is handmade and bespoke, which has a beautiful symmetry with a glass of sparkling water made with SodaStream, as no two bubbles are the same.”

The special edition sparkling water glass is available to consumers from Friday 9th September at 5pm. There will be 100 pieces available to people with the purchase of a SodaStream Art machine (I tested it out, and ohmygod, now I want to replace mine with the new model!) when using the redemption code: ARTOFGLASS. But hurry, the sparkling water glass is only available while stock lasts!

Would you add sparkling water glasses to your home glassware?

xoxo
Justina

5 Places to add to your dog-friendly list for the next time you are around West End

Posted in Dogs, london, Out In London, TipsTagged , , , , , , 2 Comments

West End covers some of London’s most popular and exciting neighbourhoods in the city. It is true also for dog owners looking to take their furry friends out on a day out. 

It can be difficult to find restaurants that welcome pet parents with their dogs with open arms, so I thought I will share a few of my favourite places both you and your friends, including the ones that woof, can enjoy.

Here’s my hand-picked choices of places in or around West End where you can find spots where you can get yourself a coffee or meal, without leaving your pooch at home! 

My Place Soho 

https://www.myplacesoho.com/

This hot brunch spot in the heart of Soho is a popular neighbourhood hang out spot not only for hoomans but for pooches of Soho too. If you are lucky you will get a table outside so you and your furry bestie can people watch as you sip away a great cup of coffee or a steller espresso martini. Or… head inside for a cosy getaway from the heat and busy streets whilst you have a bite from a wide selection of brunch favourites, burgers and sharing platters. You won’t need to sacrifice quality in exchange of being able to bring your pet!

40 Dean Street 

https://www.fortydeanstreet.com/

One of iconic Soho spots, serving authentic Italian food for nearly two decades and is located in the very heart of Soho neighbourhood. A perfect location to enjoy a delicious meal, stellar spritz and watch Soho life go by from their cozy terrace (insider tip: this little spot also serves the prettiest cocktails, at great prices!).  A lovely place to bring your four legged friend, ideally during off-peak times when it’s less busy. 

Quo Vadis

https://www.quovadissoho.co.uk/ 

Another Soho place that I cannot imagine Soho without. Quo Vadis is a restaurant and a member club founded in 1926. “They take seriously their role as stewards of the reputation for excellent food and drink, uproarious company and serious enjoyment.” You might need to be a member to be able to bring a dog with you but it’s well worth it – give them a call to discuss, as you might be okay if you join them with a pup for breakfast service. 

28-50 Oxford Circus

https://2850oxfordcircus.co.uk/ 

Newly opened restaurant is the latest addition to the area I am so excited about. Famous for their love of dogs, they offen have one of the owner’s pups, Molly, the sweetest of golden retrievers, making the rounds to make sure everyone is enjoying their visit. For the humans, 28-50 offers their extensive award winning wine list and modern European cuisine. It’s also a very instagramable spot ir you or your pup needs an instagram update!

Cecconi’s Mayfair

https://www.cecconis.co.uk/ 

Just steps away from the famous Burlington Arcade, in the glamorous Mayfair, Cecconi’s is well know not just as the spot to be seen in, enjoy an great Italian meal, a killer cocktail and outstanding service but also for their hospitality to pups. Why not try their mouthwatering Truffle Pasta, pizza or rib eye. It’s a perfect spot, especially for a special occasion, when you want to treat yourself but want a place worth every penny of the slightly spendier prices. 

How Matcha 

https://www.howmatchaofficial.com/ 

Venturing a little bit further, into the lovely Marylebone, in a beautiful location on Blandford Street – a place for matcha lovers, a perfect spot for a catch-up over a How Matcha frappé with a mountain of matcha whipped cream and a matcha ice cream sando – summer afternoon essentials, really! Or choose something healthy to keep up with your diet, with creative blends featuring power nutrients like turmeric, collagen, and ginger, plus calming boosters like CBD and many more. They do not leave out your fluffy companions from the indulging into a treat either, at the counter you will find a jar filled with various treats – there will be something even for the pickiest of pooches. 

Have you visited one of these places before? Perhaps you have a few of your favourites you would like to suggest that are worthy to add to the list?

Let me know in the comments below!

All the best,
Justina

Out In London | Roaring Twenties & Jazz Night Out

Posted in london, Out In London, Personal, ReviewTagged , , , , 1 Comment

The Occasion: Date night

The Plan:  | Immersive Play “The Great Gatsby” | 28-50 By Night

In Short:  Dress up for immersive theatre, afterwards relax with smooth jazz while sampling through an award-winning wine list

Budget: 70£/person or more if you add dinner etc

Looking for an interesting date night? Try immersive theatre! Gatsby’s mansion is located in the fabulous Mayfair and is a perfect setting to start off your evening.

Enjoy one of the greatest stories of the 20th century and join Jay Gatsby’s party. This brilliant adaptation of the novel takes you to the roaring ’20s… at Gatsby’s new mansion, just around the corner from Grosvenor Square.

You are encouraged to dress up although it’s not an entry requirement. Keep in mind, at least during our experience, the best and worst dressed have been acknowledged – and I am all for it. I miss the days when people at least put some effort into getting ready for theatre, our lives can get so monotonic, why not make it a bit more special by mixing in a feather here or there… or a feather boa. I went all out of course:

IMG-20220608-WA0035-Edit-Edit-01-Edit

My tip no2 – don’t be late! Doors close precisely at start time and you will need to wait to be let in after the initial welcome by the cast is done. It’s not more than ten minutes but still takes away from experience. This brings me to tip no3 – make sure you order plenty of drinks (be it water or a bottle of Champagne or whatever else you fancy) for the play. Once it starts, the bar won’t be open until much much later – staying without a drink at Jay Gatsby’s party sounds like a shame to me!

The play is about 1 hour 50mins and you’re welcome to stay for a drink afterwards. Another good note: the only time you can take pictures inside is after the cast leaves.

Get your tickets here

23/08/22 edit: Currently can get general admission tickets for £25 (instead of £39.95) and general admission + cocktail for £34 (Instead of £49.95)! Get them here on travelzoo.com

When it’s time to leave the Mansion, it still feels too early to call it a night – I have the perfect spot for you to visit to end your evening just right:

28-50 By Night

Head to 28-50 By Night (just about 5mins walk) to enjoy a late night dinner or snacks and some amazing wine (or cocktails but they are famous for their wine list and my policy is always: …when in Rome…) whilst you enjoy smooth jazz and blues performed by some of the best of London’s Jazz scene.

The atmosphere is dark and reminds a hidden NYC jazz bar – you do need to know where to go to find the entrance! It’s the little alley just off the Marylebone lane, sort of hiding behind their sister venue 28-50 Marylebone. The team is lovely and will be happy to direct you should you have any trouble finding it!

To find out their acts line-up for the month click here.

Full disclosure, I know of both places due to PR work. It did not require a blog review but I find this night-out plan lovely and genuinely would recommend it to anyone that wants to do a little different than just getting a drink at a bar.

Love,
Justina