Friday's Makes, Bakes & Learns #8

I was going to make homemade Christmas Crackers today but they ended up a bit of a disaster!  So I was frantically looking for something to do.

I sometimes make my own bath oil.  Super cheap and you can choose your scent by adding essential oils.

One of my favourite blends is lime and geranium added to a carrier oil (use up to 7 drops).

Next week I'm going to make Turkish Delight Vodka (which should be ready for New Year!)

November Books

I've managed two books this month -

The Girl you Left Behind by Jojo Moyes - I adored Me before You which I read in February.  This latest book from Jojo Moyes is about the lives of two women, Sophie and Liv.  Sophie's husband Edouard is fighting at the front and Sophie and her sister have been ordered to serve the German Officers at her hotel each evening.  The Kommandant becomes obsessed with a painting that Edouard has painted of her which hangs in the hotel.  Almost a century later Sophie's portait hangs in Liv Halston's home, a wedding present from her husband before he died.

"A chance encounter reveals the painting's truth worth and its troubled history.  A history that is about to resurface and turn Liv's life upside down all over again..".

Edouard's family start looking for the missing art work much of which was looted illegally during the war and a court battle looms.  Liv doesn't want to give up the painting which has been part of her live for so long and her husband's last gift to her.  I couldn't put this book down although I slightly preferred Sophie's part of the story.  A great read though.

In Her Shadow by Louise Douglas - Hannah Brown thinks she glimpses her old friend, Ellen Brecht one morning at work.  But Ellen is dead.  She narrates to us her past, her breakdown, her friendship with Ellen and Jago, their carefree summers in Cornwall before they started to grow up and this is interspersed with the current day.  It has a twist at the end I wasn't expecting.  A great read.

What have you been reading this month?

p.s. Friday's Makes, Bakes & Learns to follow!

November Empties

Here are my empties for November:

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion both 100ml - love this scent and these products. I treated myself to a gift set in this scent at the weekend.  You can read my mini review here.

Abahna Body Lotion sachets (5ml) in White Grapefruit & May Chang, Mandarin & Sicilian Bergamot and Lilac Rose & Geranium x 2 - all gorgeous.  I especially liked the White Grapefruit & May Chang.

Pure Thoughts Lime & Tangerine Bath Bomb - this was lovely and quite strongly scented with lime and tangerine.  This came from the Christmas Box which you can see here.  I'd buy again.

Sebastian Volupt Volume Boosting Shampoo 10ml sachet - this was nice to use, got two uses from the sachet but unsure if I'd purchase as there are shampoos I prefer.

Sebastian Hydre Deep Moisturising Treatment 10ml sachet - again nice to use but there are hair treatments I prefer.

Berkeley Square Royal Ballet Body Conditioner 6ml sachet - nice scent and I like the gel like texture but probably wouldn't buy.

NEOM Real Luxury Bath Oil 5ml - gorgeous! would love to buy again.  Really relaxing.

Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan zhi Bath & Shower 30ml - this was nice enough but I didn't love the scent so wouldn't purchase.

Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum 7ml - this came in the Caudalie Latest in Beauty Box.  Lovely.  Would perhaps purchase.

Milla Maddern Tranquility Body Wash 100ml - see my review here.  Scented with Lavender, Geranium and Mandarin.  This was really lovely to use and I loved the mix of essential oils.  I'll definitely purchase at some point.

Madara Deep Balance Toner 5ml sachet - this was a nice toner - I  got two uses out the sachet.  I'd maybe purchase in the future.

OV Naturals mini Triple Rose Facial Oil 10ml - see my review here.  I probably will not buy again as I've fallen in love with the Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil but the oil was lovely to use.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Creme 15ml - this was in a GWP offer earlier in the year.  Lovely to use, a real luxury cream.  Full size retails around the £170 mark! So I won't be purchasing.

Mythic Oil Colour Glow Oil vial - love mythic oil. Will perhaps purchase at some point once I get through my current oils.

YSL Shocking Effet Faux Cils 2ml - a great mascara and will purchase full size at some point.

Clarins Extra-Firming body Lotion 100ml - lovely to use with a nice scent.  Would perhaps purchase.  This was a GWP size.

Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - love this.  Will definitely pick up full size - especially now they are stocked in Harvey Nics!

Bliss lid+lash wash make up remover 30ml - this was a nice product but I've got cleansers that do the job just as well so wouldn't repurchase.

Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer 7ml - this was a freebie with Marie Claire magazine.  Another product which is very expensive full size.  I could feel it tightening the skin upon application but I hated the scent so wouldn't consider purchasing.

Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.15 2ml vial - I got this with an online Liz Earle order.  Gorgeous, will definitely purchase at some point.

REN Moroccan Oil Rose Otto Bath Oil 30ml - one of my favourite bath oils.  Will definitely purchase full size at some point.

Dr Organic Lavender Skin Lotion 30ml - I reviewed this lotion here.  I quite enjoyed using it especially before bed but I'm unsure whether I'd purchase as it does smell quite strongly of lavender.

No.7 Protect & Perfect Intense Overnight Hand Treatment 75ml - I got this with a £5 off No.7 voucher - I'd definitely pick it up again with the money off voucher.  A really nice hand cream.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil 30ml - my last mini one - sob! I'll buy this full size soon.  Just adore this bath oil. Super-soothing and relaxing.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream 7ml - picked this up as a Glamour magazine freebie.  It is super moisturising but I didn't really feel it did anything for dark circles etc.  Wouldn't purchase.

REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel 5ml - nice enough product but didn't love it enough that I'd buy it full size.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo 10ml - really liked this would consider buying full size.  It made my hair look so smooth (used along with the conditioner/smoothing treatment).

What have you been using up this month?

November Wants

These are the things I'm lusting after this month:-

Source: La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Foaming Mousse Cleanser

Source: Laura Mercier Hand Creme Quartet

Source: Bamford Geranium Bath Oil

Source: Noble Isle Summer Rising Cornish Hedgerows Bath & Shower Gel

What's you your want list?

Fior NC Make up Bag

I recently attended PAX in the City and entered loads of raffles.  Imagine my delight when I found out I had won a Fior NC make up bag!  It's really pretty and unique.  You can see Jayne's homeware products here.

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November Favourites

These are my November favourites:-

Bodhi Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy - I'm in love with this refreshing mint, marjoram and frankincense scented shower gel.  Great for use in the morning or after sport.  Intensely scented - it is just gorgeous!  Full size is currently on my wish list. Review to follow.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make-up SPF 15 in shade 4.  I received a sample of this and you can see my thoughts here.  My new favourite foundation. I picked full size up at the recent Harvey Nichols Christmas Shopping event with 15% off all beauty.

Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EDP - I absolutely adore this scent.  You can read my review here.

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 - received this in a mini set recently.  Absolutely lovely, super moisturising and leaves a slight rosy tint.  You can read my review here.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter - one of my favourite Pure Thoughts products.  Great for dry winter skin, smells wonderful and leaves skin intensely moisturised.

What are your favourites this month?

Love Lula Haul & a little surprise find at the local Chemist

Love Lula have some lovely new products in for Christmas so I picked up a few goodies.

You know my love of Rahua shampoo & conditioner so imagine my delight when I discovered Love Lula were stocking Rahua travel minis.  I picked up shampoo & conditioner at £7 each.  A bit expensive but I love this brand.

I fell in love with the cute Weleda Christmas Cracker which contains a mini citrus body lotion (20ml).  I will probably gift this.

The Lavera Balancing Mask (10ml sachet) I bought with points I'd collected up - it usually costs £2.90.  The sachet contains enough for two uses.

You can chose up to 3 free samples if you spend £5 - I chose some Caudalie ones.  The code BB12 gives you 5% off at checkout.

The pink box is Box of Bronner (£7.75) which contains two castille liquid soaps 59ml - lavender and peppermint (my fav) and a solid bar in rose (140g).  Still debating whether to keep or gift!

Have you bought anything lately from Love Lula?

I picked up this lovely gift set at a local Chemist - I got the last one!  Such amazing value at £4.95 for 3 full size bottles (hubby recently bought me the Coco de Mer one at Waitrose and it cost £4.07).

It contains 3 x 250ml Naked Body Washes - Coco de Mer, Starflower and Orange Blossom.

Charlotte Flowers Chocolate Advent Calendar 2012

We first tasted Charlotte Flower Chocolates at a luxury cottage for two near Aberfeldy.  The chocolates were delicious.  I've treated myself to the YOU Latest in Beauty Advent Calendar so thought it only fair I get something for hubby.  Last year when I got the amazing Selfridges one I made him one - see here.  

This year I chose this gorgeous chocolate Advent Calendar from Charlotte Flower Chocolates and it arrived last week.

It retails at £15 plus £3 P&P and contains 24 chocolates.  "Cocoa beans vary in taste and character depending on where and how they are grown as well as how they are processed".  The chocolates come from 15 different countries and some are joined by a Scottish flavour - Scot's pine, sea salt, meadowsweet and sea buckthorn to name a few.

There is also a 12 days of Christmas box which is only available the week before Christmas.  You can see this here.  A New Year Selection is also available.

The box comes with a menu card so you know exactly which chocolate you are getting each day.  You can see the website here and follow on Twitter @cocoaflower.

FoodeeBox - November

Jason, at FoodeeBox contacted me to ask if I'd like to try a complimentary box*.  I'd loved trying Flavrbox recently so was really keen to try FoodeeBox.

FoodeeBox donate a meal to Trussell Trust for each box sold - a great idea and one which helps and supports those going hungry in the UK at this present time. Trussell Trust are also taking food donations in Tesco on 1st and 2nd December.  You can find out more about this here.

You can sign up to a plan which will save you money - the 12 month plan comes in at £10 a month with free shipping and this includes 2 free foodie gifts.  Six months works out at £13 a month with 1 free foodie gift and free shipping.  Alternatively you can pay month by month at £15 with free shipping - if you chose this option you can cancel your box anytime.

Sign up before the 1st of the month to get that month's box.  The box contains produce from local artisan producers and if you find out that you love a product you can buy it directly from the website.

Onto the goodies I received:

All the items are carefully packed into a sturdy delivery box with shredded paper. A welcome letter is included which is nice.

Pagnum Yorkshire Original Chorizo - delicious! One of the nicest chorizo's I've ever tasted.  We ate half in pasta and had the remainder cooked tapas style in cider.  There is a special offer on the site of 3 for 2 on the chorizo.  You can see this offer here.  I may be tempted!

Womersley Botanically Enthused Raspberry Vinegar 100ml - this won a Great Taste Gold 2012 award.  I'm looking forward to trying this in salad dressing recipes although it also says you can splash it in drinks and chicken dishes.  I'm fancying trying it with duck.  This size retails at £3.70.

The Harrogate Preserve Co Lemon & Lime Marmalade 120g - I've been enjoying this sweet and tangy marmalade on my morning toast.  There is an offer on the website of 3 jars for £10.  It is beautifully presented and would make a great gift.

Bonny Mallows Vanilla Marshmallow Melts - these are delicious! Vanilla is one of my favourite flavours and these light as air mallows are a real treat!

The Nut Free Chocolatier - a mini box of four chocolates with raspberry and orange - simply delicious.

A fantastic box and great value - I'm definitely tempted to sign up as I loved everything in the box.  Have you signed up to FoodeeBox?

*complimentary box sent for review - love it!

Bargains!

I took out a year's subscription to Joliebox last year and had accumulated some points from that and some extra ones.  I chose to buy TAAJ Himalaya Micellar Water which retails at £16 for 500ml in their shop.  I'd loved receiving it in a previous Joliebox.  It arrived yesterday with a free 100ml bottle.  After a disappointing Joliebox this month, these softened the blow!

My second bargain was Redken Detox Shampoo (200ml - £11.98) from Salon Skincare.  As I'd had my 500th! transaction with Paypal they gave me a £10 voucher to spend at a variety of online retailers.  I'm nearly finished my bottle of this shampoo which I reviewed here.  So an absolute bargain for £1.98.

Have you picked up any bargains recently?

Friday's Makes, Bakes & Learns #7

Our dog Bess loves Power Flower Treats but at £3.99 a packet they are expensive.  My mum came across this recipe for dog biscuits in an old cookbook.  Super cheap to make (though the liver is gross and stinks!)  You can add grated carrot/sunflower seeds/cooked rice etc to the mix.

1/2lb liver

1lb wholemeal flour

1lb plain flour

1 egg

Bring a pan of water to the boil and remove it from the heat.  Put the liver in and let it stand for 15 minutes.  Whizz it in the food processor and mix with the remaining ingredients (I added some of the liver water to bind the mix together).

Cook in a slow oven (round about 130 degrees for fan oven) for about an hour and a half until hard.

Break up into smaller pieces (if you have a small dog) and store in a tin.  Super cost effective (I've got four packs of biscuit dough in the freezer).

Samples overload!

I'm still working my way through my samples for week 6 (see below).

But my stash seems to be multiplying rather than going down oops...

I gave a beauty box with essentials and a few luxuries to a homeless shelter last year along with a few other people - and I'm doing the same this year and will include some bits from my ever expanding sample collection!  I've also given to Give & Makeup a few times.

Clinique Gift with Purchase at Harvey Nichols

I went to the Harvey Nichols 15% off Christmas shopping day yesterday in my lunch hour.  Clinique are running a GWP offer - buy two items, one to be skincare and you pick up this fab gift!

Here is a list of what's included - all very generous sizes!

A cute make up bag and smaller bag in a flowery print

Rinse-off foaming cleanser 50ml

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 30ml

Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer 15ml

All About Eyes 7ml

High Impact Mini Mascara 3.5ml

Almost Lipstick in Black Honey 1.2g

Colour Palette - Eyeshadow duo and Blush - Smouldering Plum/Beach Plum

I'll be hanging onto a few of these and giving some as stocking fillers.  A great gift.  Do you think you'll pick it up?

Dr Bronner's Pure Castile Liquid Soap - Cleaning my Make up Brushes

I don't have a huge amount of make up brushes (and probably don't clean them as often as I should I am ashamed to say!) I tend to wear eyeliner and mascara every day and only occasionally eye shadow - hence my small collection of brushes.  I love the Dr Bronner's range of liquid soaps - my current favourite being the peppermint scent.

Make up artist Jodie Hazlewood says "I love Dr Bronner's soaps to clean my make up brushes with especially the peppermint soap which leaves them smelling clean and fresh.  The easy travel size is perfect for when I'm on the run too.  So many women forget to clean their make up brushes, but it is such an important part of maintaining healthy looking skin".

I was sent Peppermint* and Rose* Dr Bronner's Magic Pure Castile Liquid Soaps to clean my make up brushes with.

I dampened my brushes and then put a small amount of the soap on the bristles of the brush and lathered them up swirling the brush in the palm of my hand, rinsing and repeating until the brushes were clean.

Rub gently with a towel and then lay flat to dry.  They look like brand new brushes now and smell so fresh. I must make this a weekly routine task as its so easy to do.

I love that the Dr Bronner's soaps have 18-in-1 uses.  You can use as a body wash, for your hair, your teeth, to clean your make up brushes, for cleaning your home, laundry to washing your pets and car.  The list is endless!  Scents available are - Peppermint, Lavender, Rose, Eucalyptus, Citrus, Almond, Unscented, Baby Mild, Tea Tree and Green Tea.

Great value at £1.99 for 59ml and £5.49 for 236ml.  The Green Tea scent recently won the best organic launch at the Pure Beauty Awards.

How do you clean your make up brushes?

*PR samples

Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo & Conditioner

Hairtrade.com is one of the UK's leading online retailers of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products from top brands.

I am a huge fan of Paul Mitchell hair care products.  I've used Shampoo One, The Conditioner and Detangler a lot over the years.

I was sent Color Protect Daily Shampoo* and Color Protect Daily Conditioner* (both 100ml) to review.

The shampoo has an orange lid making it easy to grab the correct one while in the shower.  The shampoo retails at £4.04 and the conditioner £4.89 on Hairtrade's Website.  Great for stocking fillers, the gym or holidays.

The shampoo gently cleanses the hair and is safe for colour treated hair.  It also offers UV protection (making it great to take on holiday).  It cleans and hydrates the hair - it smells good too - a slightly floral/fruity scent.  It contains a colour extending formula which helps keep your colour for longer.

To use: apply a small amount to wet hair, massage and rinse.

The conditioner detangles and repairs the hair leaving it soft and static free. Containing UVA and UVB protection.  Again its formulation helps to prevent colour fading too quickly.

To use: apply to hair after shampooing massage in and leave for a few minutes then rinse.

I've really been enjoying using these products from a trusted Professional Haircare brand.  They've definitely been helping to keep my highlights bright and conditioned.  I'd buy these products again.  You can buy them from Hairtrade here.

*PR samples

The A - Z of Beauty Tag

I spotted this beauty tag on Beauty Fiend's Blog and was inspired to do it myself.  What you need to do is pick a beauty brand for each letter of the alphabet (difficult when you love a few which start with the same letter!) and recommend a product you love.

A - Abahna - Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion (link)

B - Bodhi - Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil - see my review here.

C - Chanel - Chanel Sycomore EDT - a perfume I'll always have in my collection (link)

D - Diptyque - I adore Philosykos and Eau Rose

E - Essential Care - A lover of Rose Moisturiser and Creamy Coconut Cleanser

F - Freyaluna - the mini Selection Box is a great introduction to the range

G - Gielly Green - Repair Travel Kit - 4 minis - shampoo, repair mask, body wash and body lotion.  You can read my review here.

H - Herbfarmacy - Herbfarmacy Hard Working Hands Cream (link)

I - Illamasqua - Freak EDP

J - Jo Malone - can't choose one thing - all gorgeous!

K - Kerastase - Bain Satin 1 Shampoo and Conditioner (link)

L - La Prairie - Extrait of Skin Caviar Firming Complex - not bought this for a good few years but an amazing product!

M - Myroo - Starflower and Orange Blossom Cleanser (review)

N - NEOM - Complete Bliss Organic Hand Cream (link)

O - Origins - everything from the Ginger range

P - Pure Thoughts - Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter (link)

Q - QVC - great for picking up lots of beauty products

R - REN - Rose Otto Bath Oil (link)

S - Skinvelop - The Cleanser (link)

T - Temple Spa - Skin Truffle (link)

U - Unique Naturals - Skin Serum Collection (link)

V - Vichy - Idealia Smoothing & Illuminating Cream (link)

W - Weleda - Lavender Body Oil (link)

X - Xen Tan - not a fan but only brand I could think of starting with X!

Y - YSL - Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil (link)

Z - Zoya

Joliebox Review - November

The courier just arrived with my Joliebox.  I'd seen a few spoilers for the box and I think it is the most disappointing one yet!

Joliebox say "This month's box is dedicated to all you busy city girls.  We know how hard it is to juggle everything - from friends to work to the upcoming Christmas buzz.  In honour of our newly expanded Joliebox family, we have picked our favourite up-and-coming brands recommended by each of our headquarters".

France - Topicrem Body Glitter 3-D Effect 15ml - this has sparkles in it and will be great for using for Christmas nights out - my favourite item in the box.  Also from France a teeny tiny 2ml sachet of Vav Moisturising & Regenerating Hand Cream.

Italy - Marvis Strong Mint Toothpaste - my tube has a hole in the side (going to email Joliebox to see if they can send another).  Smells super-minty.

USA - Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Cream 2ml sachet - what is it with sachets!  They are ok as extras but not as actual items.  I will try this out though.

UK - arrgh! Dead Sea Magik and Yardley!  A shame Joliebox couldn't have sourced some more original British Brands like Bodhi, Palm&Soul or Elemis.

Dead Sea Magik Gentle Cleansing Wash 25ml - this brand has been done to death in beauty boxes.  I will probably use it though.

Yardley Royal Diamond EDT sample vial - hate Yardley scents.

Did you get the box?  What are your thoughts?

Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser 30ml

I received Essential Care's Creamy Coconut Cleanser (30ml - £6) in my November Amarya Box.  I'm already a fan of Essential Care's Rose Moisturiser and you can see my review here.

The cleanser is for normal to dry or mature skin.  My skin is more combination but it is loving this gentle and effective cleanser. It has quite a herbal scent - but this is quite light and it has grown on me since I've been using it - its my new night time favourite!  It contains Clary Sage, a herbaceous plant which is grown for its essential oils which are used in skincare, aromatherapy and perfumes.

A light lotion which sweeps away all make up including stubborn eye make up (no need for a separate eye make up remover).  It leaves the skin clean and refreshed with no tightness or dryness.  I've been removing it with a damp muslin cloth but it is suggested removing the cleanser with damp cotton pads.

It can also be applied to clean skin as a light moisturiser - you know how much I love a multi-purpose product!

Full size retails at £14.50 for 150ml and the size I got in the box £6 for 30ml.

Have you tried this cleanser?  Do you use Essential Care products?

Friday's Makes, Bakes & Learns #6

Honey & Rosewater Face mask is super easy and cheap to make.  All you need is honey and some rosewater.  Mix the honey and a few drops of rosewater in a dish and then apply to your face and neck leaving on for 10 minutes and then remove with a warmed muslin cloth.  Leaves the skin radiant and soft.

Do you make any DIY beauty products?

Beauty Box Swap with Livia @ Heads and Nails

I arranged a swap with Livia at Heads and Nails a couple of months back.  My box arrived and the nail varnishes had broken in transit and gone over everything inside.  I was really disappointed and Livia was too.  She insisted on sending me another box and it arrived yesterday and it is fabulous - I love it! Thank you so much Livia!

I was super-excited by all these amazing goodies to open!

Oh WOW what an amazing box!  I knew Livia was going to the States so I'd asked her to pick me up some Sephora Body Wash Caps but instead she got me a full size (260ml) Monoi Bubble Bath & Shower Gel which smells amazing!  It's also in a really unusual bottle - so looking forward to trying this out!

Dermo Spa Scrub Romance 100ml - this has a really nice fruity floral scent - it actually smells a bit like pudding!  It has gentle exfoliating beads.  Another one I can't wait to try!

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3 in 1 Cleansing Gel for Face & Eyes 30ml - I've not tried many Philosophy products so looking forward to trying this.

Ionixx Color Preserve 7ml - This is a deep conditioner which you apply to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing.  Another product I'm looking forward to trying!

Miskito American Oil 5ml - a delicious smelling oil for the hair - apply before blow-drying.  Another product I can't wait to try!

H2O Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment 8ml - use as a moisturiser - another brand I've never heard of so excited to try!

Hidrafil Oil Free Face Lotion UVB 20 10g - love trying new brands and products.

SVR High Protection Cream Normal/Oily 3ml - another new brand to me.

Kalima Soap 30g - with shea and Illipe butters

Derma Nail Colors 11ml - shade Fever - a bright red.

A bronze toned lipstick

GAP Near EDT 2ml sample - with pink peony petals and peach - smells good.

TRACTA Eyeshadow Trio in a cute little box, 2 brown shades and 1 black 

Sisley Fluid Foundation - Honey 2ml sachet - real luxury sample.

GLAMBOX emery boards

What an amazing box! Thanks so much Livia - I love it all!  You can see what I sent Livia here.

You can follow Livia's blog here and follow on Twitter @liozzy

p.s. Friday Makes, Bakes & Learns to follow!