Giveaway: Neom Inspiration Body Cream

A huge thank you to everyone for all their support.  To say thank you I'm running a giveaway. Due to the weight of the item it's UK only.

What can you win? - a 200ml pot of Neom's Inspiration Body Cream - which is packed full of good things for the skin including Acai extract, Cocoa Bean, Rosehip, Almond and Avocado oil and scented with Violet, Chamomile and Cedarwood - it will make you feel inspired, confident and motivated!

The giveaway will run until 11 April at midnight.  Good luck!

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March Books

The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan - each chapter is told from a different viewpoint from a member of a small town in Ireland just after Ireland's financial collapse. I found the characters believable and their stories stayed with me long after I'd finished the book. 

The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes - I was excitedly awaiting the release of this book as I'm a huge fan of Jojo's other books.  Jess is a single mum with 2 children and 2 jobs. Her daughter is brilliant with numbers and her stepson is being bullied because he's that wee bit different.  They meet Ed Nicholls whose life is equally chaotic in different ways. He helps them out and the relationship between him and Jess grows.  Full of laugh out loud moments which had me giggling as well as deeper issues and moments. An amazing read.  Highly recommend.

Ghostwritten by Isabel Wolff* (I received a free copy from Love Reading sent for review) - Klara, a dutchwoman who is nearing 80 is ready to share her memoirs with her family. Her son Vincent by chance meets Jenni, a ghostwriter (she writes others books who are unable/unwilling to write their own stories) at his goddaughter Nina's wedding and asks her if she'll write his mother's memoirs.

Klara is a survivor of Japanese Intern Camps in Java during WWII. Jenni is deeply interested in Klara's story. She finds out Klara lives in Polvarth in Cornwall the scene of a tragic event in Jenni's past. Jenni and her boyfriend have been going through a rough patch and she decides a few days apart might be good for them.  She meets with Klara twice a day and discovers the secrets and stories from her past. She learns that Klara was brought up on a rubber plantation in Java before enduring the horrors at the intern camp. 

Chatting to Klara draws out Jenni's own story and we learn of her connection to Evie who we meet at the beginning of the story.  A real page turner. A story of love, loss, friendships and moving on. I loved it.

How to make Money Blogging - Bob Lotich - this is the skinniest book I've read about blogging but it is full of great tips and ideas.  There is no fluff just how Bob Lotich did it. A super informative read.

What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary

March: Lately I've Been Loving

Two of my friends sent us beautiful bouquets after losing Bess our dog - thanks again Nardine and Julie! So kind. My mum and dad sent us some too! I've never had so many flowers.  I also received some sympathy, thinking of you cards, notes and wee gifts - thanks Jo, Magi & Derek, Susan, Ana and my sis and her family. It's nice to know people are thinking of you. We still miss Bess loads.

I ordered a Teapigs pick n' mix sample pack and I've been enjoying trying the selection I chose.

I had money left on my Amazon voucher from Christmas and treated myself to a gorgeous new bag from Mia Tui. I first read about the brand on Mumsnet Peterborough - see here. It is so roomy and I love the colour (and the hot pink lining!) I chose a Matilda Mae in Aubergine. Review to follow!

Getting the plot ready for the growing season. I've now bought all my seeds and can't wait to get growing! Up here in Scotland it takes a bit of time for the soil to warm up so I'm hoping next month I can get sowing. (My patch is the the left hand side with the herbs at the top).

I'm a huge Reese's Peanut Butter Cups fan and hubby bought me this yummy box full of treats as a surprise to cheer me up.

I was sent this new Organic Surge Anti-Ageing Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser* (£12.50 - 150ml) to review and I can quite simply say it is one of the nicest cleansers I've ever used.  It smells deeply of roses and cleanses the skin leaving it revitalised, clean, soft and smooth.  Full review to follow.

*PR sample

Shopping My Stash #48

Here's what I've been using this week - 

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam 50ml - I'm a huge Green & Spring fan and found this in the cupboard while I was searching for something else. Perfect to use just before bed as the herbs it contains are perfect for relaxing and soothing.  See my review here.

Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream 25ml - this very generous sized pot came in the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar. Made with anti-oxidant rich Rosapene Oil this light cream nourishes and regenerates the skin overnight while you are sleeping.  It's one of my favourite Trilogy products.

MVO Face Oil sample* - a rich and lush face oil packed full of nourishing things for the skin.  See my review here.

Viridian Skin Repair Oil 100ml* - a lavender scented body oil which is perfect to use just before bed.  See my review here.

SHU STEAMCREAM 75ml* - yet another product with a lavender scent! I love this light as air multi-purpose cream.  See my review here.

The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Micro Scrub 60g* - one of the freshest and most delicious scented products I've ever used. A really effective scrub.  See my review here.

What have you been using this week?

*PR samples

March Empties

Here's my March empties:

Nourish Balance Essential Moisturiser sample - this was nice to use and had a great scent but quite a small sample so unsure if it's really suited to my skin. I'd maybe try and purchase a bigger size.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - simply adore this bath oil. Sure to buy it full size at some point.  See my review here.

Conscious Skincare Grapefruit & Cedarwood Body Wash 50ml - this was lovely and refreshing. I'm tempted to pick up full size.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion 20ml - my favourite Weleda scent. Sure to buy again.  See my review here.

Maddi Alexander Frivolous Bath Oil 10ml - this was lovely to use and scented with citrus and spice. Would buy again.

Revive Creme Visage SPF30 5ml - a real luxe face cream. Was nice to use but probably wouldn't purchase as it is super pricey.

bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - one of my favourites. See my review here.

Urbanveda Daily Purifying Facial Wash 20ml - this was nice to use.  See my review here. I've got another stashed away to use.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation 30ml - one of my favourite foundations. Will repurchase.

Estee Lauder Daywear BB Creme 5ml - this was nice to use, a natural looking shade and one I'd consider purchasing.

Urbanveda Radiance Face Wash 20ml - again a nice product. Would perhaps purchase.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash 100ml - huge fan of the bath oil. This is lovely too.  Got a few minis to use up.

Dr Organic Pomeganate Deodorant 50ml - love this deodorant. Already picked up another.

Dr Bronner Peppermint Magic Pure Castille Soap mini - my favourite Dr Bronner's scent. I have already re-purchased this.  Mainly use it to clean my make up brushes (or the bath!)

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Evening Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - nice enough to use but prefer Deep Relax or Inner Strength scents.

Omorovicza Gold Hydalift Mask 2ml - a gorgeous mask.  See my review here.

SKINLikes Natural Deodorant 70ml* - one of my favourite deodorants.  See my review here. Know I will buy this effective and nicely scented deodorant again.

kai shampoo 59ml, kai conditioner 59ml and kai perfume oil 3.6ml - absolutely love this scent and would repurchase all in a heartbeat.

Willow Organic Beauty Super Firming Serum 20ml* - loved this! See my review here.

*PR sample

Spending Ban - Update 2

I first embarked on another spending ban on 23 February and you can see my Update 1 here.

I did cave last week and bought a couple of things:

This is an essential! My current favourite deodorant.

I was keen to pick up Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation but I wasn't exactly sure of my shade so I used Content's excellent Sample Service only to find that the shade I wouldn't probably have picked is way too dark for me!  The other samples (4 for £3 including P&P) I chose were rms beauty 'un' cover up in shades 22 and 33 (shade 22 is perfect for me), rms living luminizer and De Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm (which is gorgeous!)

I was in need of a new powder and after hearing rave reviews of rms beauty 'un' powder I decided it needed to be mine! I picked it up with 10% off and free P&P at Naturisimo.  I can honestly say so far so good.  It minimises shine in the T-zone and leaves my skin looking matte for longer.  So a good buy.

Here are my wants for update 2 -

I'm generally finding the spending ban okay. I've now given up all my beauty boxes and am beginning to make a dent in my stash.  Are you on a ban or about to start one?

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser, V-Cense Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial & Mother's Day Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil

REN's Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser* (£16 for 150ml) is a rich cream which is scented with roses - simply gorgeous! It comes with it's own cleansing cloth which is always a welcome added extra.  

You only need one pump and this will cleanse the whole face and neck of make up and daily grime making this cleanser great value for money.  It is packed full of skin loving goodies such as Cocoa Seed Butter and Rosa Damascena Flower Water. 

To use: apply to dry skin, massaging it over the face, eyes and neck and remove with a warmed dampened cloth.  It leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh.

An exciting new product is launching this month - V-Cense Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial.  I was sent a couple of sachets* to try it out. Massage the exfoliating formula onto your skin and then add a splash of water to activate the Vitamin C which helps to removes blackhead, dull skin cells and leaves the skin radiant, revitalised, smooth and firm all in 1 minute! A wonder product! 

For Mother's Day check out REN's special bottle of their Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil - see here.  I was very lucky to receive my own personalised bottle at Christmas.  This is a Limited Edition and will be available while stocks last.

  

Have you used any of these?  What's your favourite REN product?

*PR samples

bare innocence: Essence of Vali: The Gift of Peaceful Sleep, Tealights & Jasmine & Orange Cocoa and Shea Butter

This little set* is an absolute must for anyone who finds it difficult to drop off into a peaceful night's sleep.  It contains 30ml Sleep Soothing Mist, 30ml Sleep Massage & Bath Oil and a mini vial of Sleep Concentrate.  See full details here.  This is a great introduction to the range or would be perfect as a gift.  I've been using the Massage & Bath Oil in my bath and then as a body moisturiser, misting the room with sleep soothing mist and then putting a drop of the sleep concentrate on my pillow which helps to ease myself into a deep sleep.

Lemon & Tea Tree Tealights* (3 - £4.50) made with environmentally friendly organic plant wax each with a burn time of 8 hours. The little glass holder can be used again.  A Light citrus scent with a hint of tea tree.

Jasmine & Orange Cocoa & Shea Butter Cream* (100ml - £8) a fluffy and rich butter which super moisturises the skin.  It smells simply gorgeous. Free from parabens and other chemicals and there no animal testing. It can also be used as a hand cream.

See the website here and see my review of Essence of Vali Massage & Bath Oils here.

*PR samples

Silver Lantern Tea

Rebecca from Silver Lantern Tea sent me a selection of samples to try. Silver Lantern Tea is based in London and offer a selection of high quality loose leaf teas and tisanes which you can enjoy as the come or blend with others to create a tea unique to your taste.

Tea helps you stay hydrated and counts as part of your daily water intake. It has high levels of anti-oxidants and a cup of tea provides important vitamins and minerals. 

You can sign up to a tea subscription - see here and chose from a 3, 6 or 9 month sub.

I had a tea tasting session using pretty little teacups and my favourites from the selection sent were blending Chamomile* with Rose Buds* which made a fruity floral tea perfect to drink to calm down or just before bed.  My second favourite was the delicious and delicate floral Jasmine Yin Hao Lotus*. I also enjoyed the vibrant and fresh tasting Peppermint tisane*.

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @SilverLanternTe 

*complimentary

Beauty Balm: Pure Beauty Magazine - Looking for Beauty Bloggers!

I was very excited to appear in Pure Beauty's March edition in Beauty Bloggers "Product of the Month" feature.

My choice is The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Micro-Scrub - see my review here. 

The magazine is super-informative and features lots of new brands and products which are launching soon. Have a peek!

If you would like to feature in the beauty bloggers "have your say" column please email Georgia - georgias@hpcimedia.com

See the Pure Beauty Magazine website here.

Thank you & current products I love

A big thank you to everyone for their kindness about our dog Bess getting put down. It's been a tough week (know it will continue to hurt for quite some time).  

Expect a wee tribute post to Bess next week with lots of lovely photos which were taken last spring by Cheryl at Edinburgh Dog Photography.

The following are products which I've found have pampered and cared for me this week. I think everyone should have them in their stash!

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil 118ml* - I simply love this super moisturising oil which is scented with Cardamon, Sandalwood and Rose Otto (a few drops can also be added to the bath).  See my review here.  You can buy at a beautiful world.

bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil 30ml - one of my all time favourite face oils. Smells divine and deeply moisturises the skin. It's a real treat.  See my review here.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 7.5ml - this bath oil simply wipes your worries away (or at least for a little while!)  See my review here.

Indie Lee Calendula Eye Balm 0.5oz* - I use this rich balm in the evening. It is an absolute lifesaver for reducing dark circles, minimising fine lines and brightening the eye area.  It is packed full of nourishing mango seed butter, Calendula Oil, Beeswax and Lavender Essential Oil.  Again, you can pick this up at a beautiful world.  Remember to use code INDIE10 for 10% off any Indie Lee product in March.  I also recommend Rosehip Cleanser, Squalane Facial Oil, Lemongrass Calendula Body Lotion and Blemish Lotion.

Bloom Remedies Organic Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang Rescue Balm 50g* - a rich balm which can be used on dry skin areas on the face and body. It smells simply gorgeous and can help rescue low moods.  I've been using this on my hands, knees and elbows just before bed. Stuffed full of good things for the skin - Organic Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Sandalwood, Benzoin, Patchouli and Ylang Ylang Essential Oils.  Buy it here.

Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Moisturiser 50ml* - a certified organic product which combines honey, propolis and beeswax with cold pressed organic oils and plant butters. The range of products are formulated in-house and the company aim to do all they can to reverse the decline of bees and the loss of biodiversity.  This moisturiser is simply gorgeous, light as air, smells delicious and is truly uplifting.  It contains Neroli and Jasmine Essential Oils. Easily absorbed, it feels light and moisturising on the skin.  You can buy the range here.

Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer 30ml* - this has given my skin a much needed glow this week! I wear it before foundation or mixed into foundation.  See my review here.  Buy at Big Green Smile.

*PR samples

A mini break from blogging

Our dog Bess was put down yesterday and I'm feeling sad, heartbroken and miss her like crazy. She was such a sweetheart and loyal friend. I'm having a couple of days break from blogging but will be back soon. x

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Naturisimo Wish List

I know I'm on spending ban but I'm allowed to wish!  Here's what I'm wanting right now from Naturisimo.

Melvita Discovery Set which includes products for the face and body. A steal at £9.95 and worth £33)

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Tata Harper Be Adored Line Reducing Lip Treatment a rose tinted lip plumping treatment which leaves the lips hydrated and looking fuller.

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John Masters Cacoa & Cupuacu Hand & Body Butter - this rich and super moisturising body butter sounds like something I'd love.

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Lily Lolo Natural Lipstick in Desire - a cool intense red and French Flirt - a warm mid toned red. I don't own many red shades and think these look fab. I do own the Romantic Rose shade and love the colour as well as the texture, high pigmentation and moisturising feel on the lips.

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Balance Me Rose Otto Body Oil - As you'll know I'm a huge fan of body oils, balance Me and Rose scented products! This will deeply moisturise the skin leaving it scented with roses.

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Oskia Renaissance Hand Cream - I've tried a sample of this very beautiful and super moisturising Rose scented cream. It's simply gorgeous.

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What products are on your wish list right now?