December Books & A Yearly Round-Up

Here's what I've been reading in December:

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Pieces of You by Ella Harper - Lucy & Luke are soulmates and their relationship is the envy of their friends. Married for five years and the only thing missing is a much longed for baby.  Lucy has suffered a series of miscarriages and looses her baby just as she finds out Luke, a Paramedic has had an accident at work and is in a coma.  A heavily pregnant woman called Stella arrives on the scene and appears to know all about Lucy and her and Luke's marriage.  The story is told in flashbacks, from Lucy's view, Patricia's view (Luke's mother) and from his sister Nell's view.  A tear jerking novel which is so sad but it has a hopeful ending.  I really enjoyed this book and the story stayed with me when I finished it.

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The Seafront Tea Rooms by Vanessa Greene - Journalist Charlie is on a mission to find the best tea rooms in Britain for an article she's writing for the magazine where she works.  When she discovers The Seafront Tea Rooms she knows she's found something special.

Kat, a single mum convinces Charlie to keep the tea room out of her article by agreeing to join her on a research trip.  Seraphine, a French au-pair with a love of baking joins them.  The girls form a great friendship and travel around finding hidden gems.  There is also a bit of romance. A great easy reading book.

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Working Girls by Maureen Carter - this is the first book of the Sergeant Bev Morriss mysteries and I loved it! Fast paced and gritty it follows the story of a young prostitute Michelle who is brutally murdered. Bev has to race against time before the murderer strikes again... Bev be-friends other young prostitutes in a bid to find out who is behind the killings. Believable characters, plot and a great read.

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Two Penny Blue by L K Jay - I simply loved this short story which follows the life of present day Dr Penny Black and Florence who arrives in the future from 1840. They find out that they can both help each other.  I especially loved reading about the photograph album Florence passes to Penny. A great little memorable read.

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Dalintober Moon - A DCI Daley Thriller by Denzil Meyrick - great to see DCI Daley and DS Scott back for this mini mystery. A body is found in a whisky barrel on Dalintober Beach. It seems that the man was murdered a long time ago. There is a twist in the tale I didn't see coming! 

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Dead Old by Maureen Carter (Bev Morriss Mystery 2) - this follows the hunt to find the murderer of Sophie Carrington and other elderly ladies. Fast paced with lots of twists and turns some of which I didn't see coming. Bev's family are also affected by the case. A great read.

Daughter by Jane Shemilt - this is the story of a GP whose 16 year old daughter goes missing. It is told in the present day, before she went missing and the day she went missing. I found it an interesting read and didn't see the ending coming! I loved it.

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Christmas at the Crescent by Veronica Henry - I loved this short story which tells the story of Josie and her baby son Titus. She gave up her job as Head Chef at a hotel when he was born and is struggling to make ends meet. Titus's father Giles didn't want the responsibilities a baby brings. Josie meets her neighbour Harry who you just know is going to let her down!  Giles isn't happy to learn about Harry and decides he wants to spend time with his son. It has a nice ending.

Cult Perfumes by Tessa Williams - this is a fascinating read about perfume and cult brands. A full review is forthcoming!

Looking back January - November here's what I read. I was hoping to read at least 4 books a month:

January - 5 (link)

February - 3 (link)

March - 4 (link)

April - 6 (link)

May - 7 (link)

June - 9 (link) this was the month I discovered the kindle!

July - 14 (link)

August - 9 (link)

September - 4 (link)

October - 6 (link)

November - 6 (link)

December - 9

Favourite books this year:

Love Nina:Dispatches from Family Life by Nina Stibbe

Bay of Secrets by Roseanna Ley

The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan

The One plus One by Jojo Moyes

The Railway Man by Eric Lomax

Two Turtle Doves by Alex Monroe

The Book of You by Claire Kendal

Never Look Back by Claire Donoghue

Eeny Meeny by M J Arlidge

The Sunrise by Victoria Hislop

Somewhere to Hide by Mel Sherratt

Broken Dolls by James Carol

Dividing Line Series by Heather Atkinson

Whisky from Small Glasses by Denzil Meyrick

Your Beautiful Lies by Louise Douglas

The Ways of the Dead by Nelly Tucker

The Last Witness by Denzil Meyrick

The One I was by Eliza Graham

Pop Goes the Weasel by M J Arlidge

Gin Glorious Gin by Olivia Williams

Stealing Power by Bo Brennan

Heartman by M P Wright

The Perfume Garden by Kate Lord Brown

Academy Street by Mary Costello

The Story of You by Katy Regan

Working Girls by Maureen Carter

Two Penny Blue by L K Jay
Daughter by Jane Shemilt
Christmas at the Crescent by Veronica Henry

What's been your favourite books this year?

December: Lately I've been Loving

I received a very lovely present from Bee Good which featured in my November post last month. This very special little handcrafted bee* found its home among the flowers!

Hubby gave me not one but TWO Jo Malone gifts for Christmas! Always a super-luxe treat and something I'd never buy for myself. Reviews will follow once I've tried them out. 

I hated having flu before Christmas (I missed out on my work Christmas party boo!) I found A.Vogel products really helped me out! Taking the Echinaforce drops* and especially the hot drink* with Black Elderberry (with a drop of honey) helped ease my aching limbs, fluey shivers and headaches. Highly recommend if you are feeling poorly!

I really enjoyed my alternative Ginvent advent calendar this year - you can see my thoughts on the first six days here. Hubby also got me a bottle of Tarquin's Handcrafted Cornish Gin for Christmas. It was one of my favourites and featured on day 4. Absolutely love the unique bottle too!

I couldn't not mention my beautiful Rose Hamper which I received from my friend Nardine at Christmas. She knows me so well and love that everything was picked knowing I'd love it.

Just before Christmas I received a copy of Cult Perfumes* by Tessa Williams. I've been enjoying leisurely afternoons browsing through it. A full review to follow shortly. Check out Tessa's beautiful Elements Perfumed Candles here. I'm tempted by FIRE which is a woody incense scent with coconut, sweet vanilla caramel, patchouli, vetivert, lapsang souchong, musk and tonka with smokey woods.

What have you been loving this month?

*PR samples

December Empties

Here's what I've been using up in December:

de Mamiel Botaniques Salvation Body Oil 30ml - this came in the Net-a-Porter Holiday Kit Box and I loved it! See my mini review here. This is very firmly on the buy soon list (maybe after #NoBuyJanuary).

Josh Wood Silky Smooth Shampoo 50ml - this came in a trial size kit and was really nice to use. It also had a beautiful rose type scent.  Would buy again.

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel 250ml - simply love this. It is my favourite Organic Surge shower gel scent. I always have a back up.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - a staple for me. I buy this effective deodorant again and again.

Bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - one of my favourite bodhi & birch scents. Sure to buy again.

Bodhi & Birch Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - again love this scent. Will buy again.

Bodhi & Birch Camomile Sky Calming Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - one of the new scents from Bodhi & Birch. I loved this. Sure to buy again.  See my review here.

Dr Bronner's Peppermint 18-in-1 Liquid Soap 237ml - my favourite Dr Bronner's scent. As soon as I'm getting low I re-purchase.

Susanne Kaufmann Shower/Shampoo 50ml - this came in the Net-a-Porter box. Was nice enough to use but wouldn't buy.

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser 2ml sample - this is a best-seller and seemed quite nice. Would maybe purchase but quite a small sample to make a purchase decision.

Kypris Beauty Elixir I 1,000 Roses 3ml sample - I simply loved this.  See my mini review here. Would love full size but this is very expensive round about £144. A forever on the wishlist item I reckon!

Rosemira Organics Citrus Blossom i-restore eye cream sample* - this was a gorgeous eye cream and one I'd buy full size. A big enough sample to know it was right for me. See my review here.

Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 25ml - huge fan of this gorgeous cleanser.  See my review here. Got another in my stash and would buy again.

earthbody Dream Body Oil 1 fl oz - this was lovely to use just before bed as it contains lavender. Would buy.

Neom Complete Bliss Body Wash 240ml - love this rose scented wash. Unfortunately unless I see another in TKMaxx I won't be able to use it again as this particular scent in body products has been discontinued. Shame!

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial 5ml - loved this floral scented oil. Was pleased with how radiant and renewed it left my skin. Would buy full size.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR sample

A Rose Hamper

My friend Nardine (@Miss_Nardine) surprised me with a huge rose filled hamper for Christmas. It is stuffed full of incredibly gorgeous goodies. I'm so looking forward to trying and tasting everything! 

WOW!  Now for a closer look...

A gorgeous hand poured rose candle from DW Home which smells just beautiful and is in a pretty pot. Looking forward to burning this! 

REN Moroccan Rose Otto mini Gift set with my favourite Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil (review), Body Wash and Body Lotion. Love! 

Rose de Fath EDP by Jacques Fath 100ml - I've never heard of this perfume brand. It is in a totally decadent bottle with a huge stopper. Looking forward to trying!

A pretty make up bag, the very gorgeous The Body Deli Creme de la Rose (10ml) review, The Naked Skincare Company Rose Water Toner 50ml, Balm Balm Rose Geranium Lip Balm and By Terry Baume de Rose 3g (I've wanted to try this like...forever!)

A luxe box of rose scented Roger & Gallet soaps and Anna's @ Meteora Rose hand made soap.

Barely There bauble containing White Lily & Sweet Rose Blossom Bath Pearls & Caviar, Barely There White Lily & Rose Blossom Bath Petals and Lovely Rose Scented Hanging Clay with Rose Oil.

Tea with Tom Rose & Almond Cream Tea and Caffe Florian Black Tea with Rose Petals.

Waitrose All butter rose heart shaped shortbread (cute!) and Rose & Violet Creams (one of my favourite sweet treats).

Uncle Roy's Rose Petal Jam & Rose & Hibiscus Jelly - nom!

Waitrose Rose Petals and Uncle Roy's Edible Sugared Small Red Rose Petals - going to use these for some baking!

A beautiful Harrods doggie shopper bag and a pair of John Greed rose coloured earrings.

Thanks so much Nardine! You know me so well! I simply love everything. 

Reviews will follow.

Wishing you All a very Merry Christmas!

I'd like to say a big thank you to all my readers and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I'm taking a couple of days off to unwind, relax and enjoy Christmas.  Hope you all have a wonderful time x

I won Lady Woolf's 100 FB Followers Giveaway!

I was super pleased to learn I'd won Lady Woolf's recent giveaway. My prize arrived yesterday and is jam packed full of goodies.

Here's what I won:

2True Nail Polish in Shade 12

Champneys Repair Moisture Mask 50ml 

Champneys Energising Lime Body Scrub 350ml 

Cellu-Cup

Dr Organics Snail Gel 50ml 

Filorga Age Peel Wipes x 3 

Good Things Five Minute Facial Mask 100ml

iRejuvenate The Cream of Wonders 125ml 

Joomo Face Wash 100ml 

Kenzo Flower in The Air Sample

Miners Maxi Mascara in Black 

Morgan Taylor Nail Polish in Regal as Royal 

Ochre Awaken Body Lotion 250ml

OPI Mini Liquid Sand Polish in What Wizardry is This

Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion 89ml 

Paperself Merry-Go-Round Lashes 

Paperself Deer & Butterfly Lashes

SOAK Yourself Bath Ritual Kit (Muscle Soak)

Yardley Royal English Daisy Perfume Sample

Yves Rocher Hydra Vegtal Eye Cream 30ml

WOW is all I can say! I'm looking forward to trying everything! Thanks so much once again Michelle! Lots to try and expect a few reviews soon.

Thea Organic Skincare: Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme Range

Founder Althea was inspired to create her organic skincare range Thea after visiting Africa in 2008. She stayed in a remote village and watched the villagers using sand and natural rocks and stones to exfoliate, condition and remove hard skin on their bodies.  On returning to the UK she set about formulating and researching and in late 2011 Thea Organic Skincare was born.

I was sent a selection of products from the Skin Brightening range*.

I've really been enjoying using the products. Here are my thoughts:

Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme Toner 50ml* (150ml - £15.95) - this toner conditions, refreshes and brightens the skin with natural Alpha Hydroxy. Natural fruit enzymes help to remove any impurities, help to smooth out any fine lines and wrinkles, restore balance and brighten. To use: after cleansing spritz onto a cotton pad and gently rub over face and neck.  This is one of my favourite items in the range and one I will buy.

Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme Creme Exfoliator 15ml* (50ml - £24.95) - this cream exfoliator is gentle (the exfoliating granules are tiny). It exfoliates the dull surface layer of the skin, helps to unblock pores and brighten.  To use: apply on dry skin using upward circular motions. Remove with damp warm muslin cloth.

Skin Brightening Pineapple & Papaya Face Mask 15ml* (50ml - £22.95) - this gel mask helps to dissolve dead skin cells, is full of Vitamin C as well as Organic Pineapple and Papaya which brighten and exfoliate the skin. The mask revitalises dull skin leaving the skin radiant and renewed.  To use: apply a thin layer over the face after cleansing and toning. Leave on for 15 minutes then remove with a warmed damp muslin cloth.

Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme Creme Moisturiser 15ml* (£8.95) (200ml - £44.95) - a light and fuffly moisturiser which smells gorgeous! It has a real fruity scent.  This is my favourite item in the range. It absorbs quickly and is a real pleasure to use.  It leaves the skin looking radiant and deeply hydrated. To use: Apply AM and PM after cleansing.

I've really enjoyed using the range of products. They compliment each other well and I would highly recommend them.  Have you tried any Thea Organic Skincare products before?

*PR samples

Souk Souk December Beauty Box

My Souk Souk Beauty Box arrived on Thursday and I was happy to see contained two brands I've not tried before....but a bit disappointed to see a product which I've had in zillions of beauty boxes - the INIKA Black Eyeliner....

So onto the contents:

I was pleased to see two products from The Naked Skincare Company which look fantastic.  Evening Relaxing Body Oil 30ml sample size - this is lovely! It is made with Sweet Almond and Apricot Kernel Oil along with Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood Essential Oils. I'm looking forward to trying this and Hydrating Skin Balm 30ml which is scented with Orange and Frankincense and is great for dry skin areas as well as calming and soothing. 

Another brand I've heard of but not tried before is Fairfield Gardens Lip Balm (£3.89). This is in Spearmint & Fennel and is refreshing and soothing. I love lip balms and can never have too many.  This is a welcome addition to the box.

I'm a huge fan of Pure Thoughts already and love their soaps. I'm looking forward to trying this Winter Wonderland mini soap. It contains Cedarwood and Pine Essential Oils giving it a festive woodland scent.

The final item in the box is that dreaded INIKA Eyeliner which is worth £10.75. All in all I am pleased with my December box but have decided to stop my subscription for now. (#nobuyjanuary is looming!)

Did you get this month's box?  What are your thoughts on the contents?

Mello Watermelon & Cantaloupe Raw Fresh Juice

Mello was founded by Rose Aldean who grew up in the Middle East and enjoyed pure, fresh melon juice everyday.  She was unable to find anything like it in the UK so decided to create her own raw fresh juices.

Fresh fruit is "placed in a water pressure vessel and subjected to a high level of isotonic pressure. This inactivates spoilage micro-organisms" It helps to keep the juice fresh, with a vibrant colour while retaining health benefits. The drink is 100% raw and natural. Costing £2.49 for 250ml. Available at Harvey Nichols, Ocado, Planet Organic and Wholefoods Market.

Watermelon* Juice is crisp and refreshing with a real watermelon taste. It also includes a small amount of fresh pomegranate juice which gives it a slightly tart edge.  This is the perfect juice to rehydrate during and after a workout. Also lovely in a watermelon martini!

Cantaloupe* Juice is sweeter and is full of beauty boosting benefits - its helps clear up acne, moisturise and helps with fine lines and wrinkles as it contains high levels of Vitamins A & C. This juice is great for a low cal energy boost for the mid-afternoon slump.

My thoughts? Both are delicious and I'd like to see them available to buy in more places. Have you tried this juice?

*PR samples

urbanveda: Reviving Renewing Night Cream Rose+Botanicals

I've used some of the other skincare ranges from urbanveda before.  See my review of the Purifying range here.

Products are formulated using natural ingredients and the principles of Ayurveda using herbs, flowers and fruits combined with vitamins and actives.  The ranges are designed to suit different skin types. Find out your dosha here.

The ranges: Purify, Soothe, Revive and Radiance.

Packaging is recyclable and products are free from parabens, SLS, artificial colours, no GMO and certified by the Vegetarian Society. No animal ingredients except cruelty free honey and beeswax and no animal testing.

I was sent the very lovely Reviving Renewal Night Cream with Rose+Botanicals (50ml - £14.99)* to review. It is good for tired or mature skin types.

This light but rich fast absorbing night cream smells divine! It has a delicate rose and jasmine scent which is soothing, calming and perfect to use just before bed. It is also a pleasure to use and one of the nicest night creams I've tried lately.

It contains hydrating Rose Damask Flower Water, organic and collagen boosting extracts, is rich in Essential Fatty Acids and Omega Rich Bio-Oils.  It helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles as well as restoring suppleness and elasticity.

To use: apply to face, neck and decolletage nightly after cleansing.  I definitely want to explore more products in this range.

Have you used any urbanveda products?

*PR sample

Trill Farm Spring Sea Salt Body Conditioner with Coconut & Cleavers

I recently came across Trill Farm's Season Boxes (Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter). These boxes are stuffed full of edibles, health & beauty and homes & garden items (and look amazing!)  You can check out what's inside the Winter box here.

Trill Farm is a 300 acre mixed Organic Farm in East Devon. Romy Fraser and her family bought the farm in 2008 with the aims of developing an education centre, accommodation and several small businesses on site - Trill Farm Garden, grazing Cattle & Sheep, Soap & Natural Beauty Workshops and a Herb Growing Business.

All the products are creating using ingredients grown on the farm.  I'd spotted the Spring Sea Salt Body Conditioner 150g (£12 plus £4.95 P&P) in a magazine a while back and knew I'd like to try it out at some point.

The scrub smells simply fantastic! Slightly herbal with citrus notes.  It is made with Coconut oil, Shea Butter, Rosehip, Honey, Cleavers herb and Petigrain along with Cornish Sea Salt. If you use it on damp skin it is super gentle and deeply conditions the skin.  Using it on dry skin makes it a bit more scrubby.

Apply to damp skin in circular movements before rinsing. It leaves the skin soft, smooth and nourished.  Next time I'm wanting to try Autumn Warming Balm and one of the soaps.

Have you tried anything from Trill Farm?

My Top 10: 2014

Here are my top ten beauty products this year. You can see my top 10 from 2013 here. I found it fairly easy to select as these are all products I already buy again and again or will do in the future.

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel 250ml - I first received this shower gel as a PR sample but loved it so much I buy it again and again. I just love the slightly exotic and fruity scent.  See my review here*.

Lucy's Lotions Vitamin E & Grapefruit Rejuvenating Night Oil 100ml - this light and easily absorbed oil nourishes the skin. It smells of uplifting grapefruit. See my review here.

RMS Beauty 'Un' Powder 9g - I'm now on my second pot of this wonder powder. It absorbs any oil on the skin leaving it matte and flawless. I'll always have it in my stash!

Laboratory Perfumes Gorse EDT 100ml - a winner hands down for me this year i.e. my favourite scent. Love it's coconutty fresh scent. It smells different on every wearer.  See my review here.

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean sample pot - I received this in a YOU Beauty Discovery box and can quite honestly say its the best cleanser I've used this year. Super minty it cleans away every last trace of make up and daily grime leaving the skin feel clean and nourished. It featured in Lately I've been Loving last month - see here.

Yarok Feed your Moisture Masque 4oz* - quite probably the best deep conditioning hair treatment I've ever used! it leaves the hair glossy and silky smooth. See my review here.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts - I buy the 100g pouches again and again to top up my chic black pot. These salts just work. They also featured in my top ten last year too!  See my review here.

Blue Labelle Body Oil with Ylang Ylang & Frankincense 100ml - a rich and lush body oil which smells divine. See my review here.

Bodhi & Birch Rosa Rosa Daily Moisturiser 50ml* - a real luxe product. This heavenly scented and easily absorbed moisturiser is my favourite moisturiser this year. The cleanser and toner are pretty special too.  See my review here.

Bodhi & Birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum 30ml - simply love this zesty scented nourishing serum.  This is my second one! See my review here*.

What's been your favourite product(s) this year?

*PR samples

Love Lula Beauty Box - December

I picked up my December Love Lula box from the Post Office on Saturday and must say I am pleased with the contents this month - the box is stuffed full!

Inside is:

Dr Bronner's Lavender Magic Soap (£5.99) - I'm a huge fan of the Peppermint scent and this brand. This is multi-use use for hair, body, to clean make up brushes, cleaning, laundry...the list is endless!

Salcura Hand Hydrator (£11.99) - I can never have enough hand creams and this one seems fab.  It absorbs quickly and smells nice. Looking forward to testing it out.

Fair Squared Vegan Lip Balms x 2 (£2.99 each) - I love lip balms. These are scented with Pomegranate and Spearmint.  Super nourishing the balms are great for dry winter lips. Love!

JOIK Citrus Bath Truffle single use - know I'll love this as I love their White Chocolate Bath Truffles. See my review of these here.

There are also two JOIK sachet samples - Silky Facial Serum with Cranberry & Wheatgerm Oils and Shimmering Raspberry Body Lotion.

A great value box at £12.50 each month. Sign up here. Did you get this month's box?  What are your thoughts?

Air Motion Pro Hairbrush Giveaway

I've got a fab giveaway for you today.  You can win an Air Motion Pro Hairbrush* worth £11.95.  This giveaway is UK only.  See my review of this fabulous brush here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*prize supplied by Air Motion

Botanicals Christmas Gift Collections & Therapeutic Foot Soak

Botanicals are offering a fantastic freebie this Christmas (available until 19 December). All you need to do is purchase two Gift Collections and get a free Daily Essentials Facial Collection worth £24.95.  Choose from Rose & Camellia or Mandarin & Chamomile.  Do your Christmas Shopping & get a gift for self!

Two of the sets which caught my eye are the Footcare Trio (£22.50) and Handcare Essentials (£34.95).

I've been testing out Therapeutic Foot Soak (75g)* which is made by mixing Himalayan Rock Crystal which contains 84 essential minerals with Dead Sea Salts along with Essential Oils of Tea Tree, Peppermint and Spearmint. It smells fantastic! Really uplifting with a minty and touch of Tea Tree scent.

It is perfect for soaking your feet after a day's shopping or night out. 

To use: sprinkle a couple of teaspoons into a footbath and infuse. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes.

The soak is really lovely and relaxing. I rarely soak my feet but it is definitely something I want to do more! I loved the scent of the pink tinged salts and how relaxed and soothed my feet felt afterwards.

Have you used this product?  What's your favourite Botanicals product?

See my previous reviews - Organic Beauty Try Me Set and Anti-Ageing Hand & Nail Serum.

*PR sample