July Books

Well I've excelled myself this month and read a whole series! I seem to be racing through books on the kindle.  Here's what I've been reading -

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Behind a Closed Door by Mel Sherratt (The Estate #2) - the second book mainly features Josie Mellor, the local Housing Officer. It follows the story of some of her tenants and the troubles in her own life.  A great read.

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Fighting for Survival by Mel Sherratt (The Estate #3) - Caren Williams finds herself back on the estate and finds herself and her husband living across from her old enemy Gina Bradley. The story features some of the other residents of Stanley Avenue - Ruth Millington who is struggling to bring up her boys and with life, the twins Rachel & Claire and Gina's nosy mother.  Some characters really turn their lives and personalities round. Some sad moments too. A real page turner.

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Taunting the Dead by Mel Sherratt - Steph Ryder was on a night out when she was attacked. They say 9 out of 10 murders are committed by someone the person knows.  DS Allie Shenton decides to begin her investigation close to home.  A great read with interesting characters and lots of twists and turns.

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Sleep Tight by Rachel Abbott - this book had me on the edge of my seat! Olivia Brooks calls the police when her husband and children are missing. She fears the worst as it is not the first tragedy which has touched her life.  DCI Tom Douglas is called to investigate.  Her husband is found and arrives back with the children saying it was all a misunderstanding. Two years later Olivia disappears with the children although evidence suggests she was at home. Her car is in the garage, her purse in her handbag and everything seems normal... 

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Broken Dolls by James Carol - super spooky read.  This is the first book in the Jefferson Winter series.  Ex FBI star profiler Jefferson Winter is haunted by his serial killer father.  He is called to London by DI Mark Hatcher to help to crack the case of a sadistic serial killer.  His victims are young women who he tortures and lobotomises but doesn't kill leaving them unable to live normal lives.  Another woman goes missing and the race is on to find her. An unputdownable creepy read.

I have also read the whole Dividing Line series 1-6 by Heather Atkinson. 

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I totally loved the series. It features gangster families the McGuires and the Laws.  Great characters and storylines. If you like Martina Cole you'll love this series.  

Book #1 Dividing Line is about the families at war and the wedding of Rachel to Danny McGuire.  Book #2 Divided Loyalties Rachel and Danny are at the top of their game working in conjunction with old enemies the Laws. Disaster is round the corner and Rachel is all out to get revenge. 

In Book #3 A Family Divided Rachel and husband Ryan Law with their children are trying to turn their back on their criminal pasts by setting up legitimate businesses. But they need to turn to crime once again to help family ties. 

Book #4 Fractured a tragic death brings them back to Manchester and to a volatile Alex McGuire who is blaming everything that's gone wrong on Rachel Law.  Rachel is kidnapped and Ryan does everything possible to defend his family.  

In book #5 Shattered Alex plots to kill his enemies once and for all. Book #6 - Aftermath sees Ryan's two half sisters turn up and turn their lives upside down again. Katia (Alex's ex-Mistress) who is violently grieving for Alex gives birth to two boys Alex and Daniel.

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Dividing Lines Origins by Heather Atkinson - this features the main characters in the series pre-Dividing Line.  You get to know more about each character, their personalities and incidents which moulded them into people they have become (Ryan Law, Rachel Thomas, Mikey McGuire, Jules Parker, Battler & Bruiser, Frankie McVey, Riley Cutter, Estelle Law and Frank & Martina McGuire).  It is a great read.  Heather is currently writing #7 - can't wait!

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Closing in by Susan Fortin - this follows Ellen who has left everything behind. She moves to Dorset becoming a nanny to a Criminal Psychologist's child. Strange things begin to happen and Ellen wonders if her past is catching up with her. Easy reading and slightly creepy.

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My final book this month is The Unthinkable who Survives when Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley.  This book is full of real life disasters and how those who survived them reacted and coped.  It focuses on the psychology of the human mind in stressful situations. Amanda talked to phychologists, risk analysts and survivors.  One story which stood out for me was of Rick Rescorla, Head of Security at Morgan Stanley who saved so many lives on 9/11. He made sure as many staff members as possible made it out the building.  Sadly he lost his life saving others.  The book helps you to be more aware and to help you make better decisions if you are ever in a disaster situation.  A thought provoking read.

What have you been reading this month?

Inner Me: Daily 4 Me - The Hectic Years 30+

I received these Inner Me supplements in the Latest in Beauty Hip & Healthy Summer Glow Box*. They were the first thing which caught my eye when I opened the box.  Included is a month's supply which I started taking on Monday (4 tablets a day, in a handy daily strip) - so I'll report back as to what I think when I've finished the course.

Included is:

Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Tablet

High Strength Omega3 Capsule

Lactospore 15 Billion Complex

Co Enzyme Q10 Capsule

You can sign up to a monthly subscription which costs £21/per month. See more info here or buy a one-off box at £30.

I'll let you know how I get on and my final thoughts in a month. Do you take any supplements?

*PR sample

July: Lately I've been Loving

One of the things I've been enjoying most in July has been the glorious sunshine and hot summer days.

We had a overnight stay in North Berwick, a seaside town 25 miles or so from Edinburgh. I just love visiting and enjoying the relaxed pace of life (it has also got some gorgeous shops) and we love stopping at Lobster Shack for some fish and chips and a glass of Thistly Cross cider.

While there I picked up this cute little sign from Susan at Ivy Cottage Designs at Why Not?. I simply love it!

Ever since I bought a second hand kindle I've been racing through books - I've actually read a complete series and a handful of other books this month! From me who said I'd never love a kindle...

We had a couple of super luxe days at Northcote and enjoyed drinks on the terrace in the sunshine.  See my post on our stay here.

A friend at work was in the states and brought me back (I gave her the money) Bite Beauty's super gorgeous Deconstructed Rose Lip Gloss Library. It's one of the nicest make up items I've ever owned, the colours are gorgeous and scented with rose. I use them everyday!

What have you been loving this month?

July Empties

I'm a wee bit early with my empties this month but I know I won't finish anything else. So here goes..

OLE HENRIKSEN Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths* - simply loved these paraben free cleansing wipes.  See my review here. Sure I'll buy them or others in the range soon. Don't use them all the time but especially like to use them on holiday or after a night out.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil 118ml* - simply adore this nourishing, nuturing and deliciously scented body oil.  See my review here. I'll definitely buy this again as I just love it.

Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumbers Bath Oil 30ml - I quite liked this bath oil. It is quite heavily scented and quite oily. I'd maybe buy it in winter.

MUN Brightening Youth Serum 1ml sample vial* - this came in last month's Petit Vour* box. I unfortunately dropped it from the cupboard in the bathroom and it smashed after a single use (cry) but I loved the one use of it I had. Smells gorgeous and felt really nourishing on the skin.

OLE HENRIKSEN Truth Creme 7ml - this came in a gift set and I loved it. Would consider buying full size. A really gorgeous citrus scented light textured cream.

REN Rosa Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water 200ml* - simply loved this. See my review here. Sure to buy at some point.

MOX Botanicals Calendula & Oatmeal Bath Milk - these giant teabags for the bath were gorgeous. See my review here.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts - 2 x 100g sachets - simply adore these salts. See my review here. I'll always buy these as quite simply they work!

Charlotte Hilton Rose Otto Sweet & Seductive Rosebud Milk Bath 225g - a delicious rose scented luxe milk bath.  See my review here. Will definitely buy this again as it made for a real luxury bath.

bodhi (now bodhi & birch) Rosemary Chi Himalayan Detox Salt Scrub 350ml* - is quite simply the best body scrub I've ever used. My favourite way to use it is to use the scrub all over my body before relaxing in a warm bath. Divine! Sure to buy once I use up the current ones in my stash.

Dahliana Overnight Fruit Lift Creme sample* simply love this! Huge Dahliana fan and want to try more from the range. See my review here.

de Mamiel Cleansing Balm sample - this was simply gorgeous to use. Nurturing, smells gorgeous and makes cleansing into a ritual. Full size is up there on my wishlist.  Thanks so much to Content for offering their fabulous sample service - see here for more details.

Caudalie Polyphenol C Eye & Lip Cream 5ml - a great lip and eye cream which plumps, reduces dark circles, de-puffs and soothes. Love!

Nuxe Huie Prodigieuse Multi-use Dry Oil mini - huge Nuxe fan and this is one of my favourites. Sure to pick up again.

Mel Millis Organic Neroli Hydrolate Mist Toner 10ml - adored this. See my review here. I will definitely buy this again and maybe others in the range.

Dr Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence 10ml - I received this from Ailsa in the S/S Green Beauty Swap. Loved it and full size is a buy-soon.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - love this and will keep on buying. One lasts me about a month. Great value and works well.

Dahliana Wildflower Youth Serum 1oz* - simply love this.  See my review here. Have already re-purchased this as it works! Love it.

laidbare Butter me Up Organic Shea Butter Body Butter 250ml - a rich and deliciously scented body cream. Will definitely buy again.  See my review here.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Pai Anywhere Essentials Collection: Perfect Balance

I received an email from Pai featuring the new travel collections. With a short trip planned I knew this would be the perfect travelling companion (now I need to store it away out of sight!)

I chose the Perfect Balance collection for Combination, Oily and Blemish-Prone Sensitive Skin.

The set comes in a cute white branded bag which is the perfect size to slip in your suitcase for a weekend away or holiday abroad. Great to pop in your gym bag or as a try me set before buying full sizes.

Inside there is Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (25ml) with an Organic Muslin Cloth. I'm a huge fan of this cleanser.  See my review here. To tone, Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Skin Tonic (12ml) I simply love this toner - it's one of my all time favourites. See my review here and finally, to moisturise Geranium & Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream (10ml) a light and easily absorbed cream - see my review here.

The sets costs £20 and will last for a two week break.   Collections are also available in Instant Calm, Pure Hydration and Age Confidence.

I was also sent a couple of samples which I think is a nice extra.

What do you think of the Anywhere Essentials Collections?

AS.AP Apothecary

I had the real pleasure of meeting Amanda, founder of AS.AP Apothecary last week and it was fascinating to chat to her about her work as well as being lovely to meet her.

She has recently launched her small batch distillery - AS.AP.  (I was a huge fan of her range of products as Wellgreen Lewes especially the Rose Body Butter).

She uses natural scents obtained from flowers, bark, leaves, roots, blossoms and moss picked from fields, mountains, gardens and hedgerows. She learned the art of distillation to create aromatics and essential oils.  You can read and see step-by-step photos of rose distillation here - I think it looks fascinating.

Amanda works with the seasons, growing and harvesting by hand and each harvest is different.  Louisa (who writes the features - check out the delicious Rose Turkish Delight recipe) previously worked with Falcon Coffee who produced Small Batch Reports on the growing conditions, harvest etc. AS.AP decided to do the same - see here.

Amanda very kindly brought me two of her new range of products to try and I can tell you they are both fabulous and I love the simple but stylish packaging.

AS.AP Cleansing Oil #5* (25ml - £29) - I'm a huge fan of cleansing oils so was excited to try this.  A super luxe oil which contains Rose, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Labdanum, Benzoin, Calendula, Borage, Rosehip, Jojoba and Castor Oils along with Vitamin E.  The scent is just amazing - slightly rosey with a vanilla warmth. It makes for a relaxing and comforting cleanse.  The oil deeply cleanses the skin removing make up and impurities leaving it clean, soft and radiant.  A little goes a long way, you only need a few drops.  It is best removed with a damp warmed cleansing cloth.

AS.AP Lip Balm #9* (5ml - £8) - You will know my huge love of lip balm so I'm happy to have this gorgeous little pot very firmly in my stash! Scented with Myrrh & Rose Geranium which is a perfect combination "sultry and resinous". I'm loving its Rose Geranium scent. Buttery soft it super moisturises the lips leaving them soft, smooth and nourished. Again it contains lots of great ingredients - unrefined Cocoa Butter, Sussex Beeswax, local Organic Honey, unrefined Avocado oil, Olive oil, Myrrh Essential oil and locally grown Rose Geranium.  This has now become one of my favourites!

There are lots of interesting products to buy including edible aromatic waters, first aid kit, face creams and glorious sounding body butters. I'm already making up my first shopping list!

Follow Amanda on Twitter @ASAPOTH 

*gifted

John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk

I bought this luxe hair milk from Love Lula recently. I'd been eagerly waiting it's arrival in the UK.  Love Lula are offering it at a special introductory price of £20 (118ml).

A light cream which is scented of roses (love) it nourishes and protects the hair with nine certified organic oils and extracts. Use it on lengths and ends for super soft and conditioned hair.  It can also be used as a styling product and is great for dry, damaged and frizzy hair.

Rose Flower Oil softens and nourishes, Apricot Oil helps with dryness, Rosehip Seed Oil is an antioxidant which soothes and hydrates and Moringa Seed Extract protects and strengthens.

I've noticed a difference to the condition and feel of my dry, coloured hair since using this product.  One I'll buy again - it's a keeper!

Have you tried this?  What's your favourite leave in product?

Marble & Milkweed Summer Get Away Kit

I picked up this cute little set from a beautiful world the other day.  They sold out within a few hours!  Keep your eyes peeled for the Autumn getaway kit which will be launched later this year.  It cost £26 with free P&P. I'm super pleased with all the trial size products in this carefully put together set.

Rose & Chamomile Cleansing Nectar 15ml - this is a gentle cleanser made with raw local honey, Organic Vegetable Glycerine, Chamomile and Bulgarian Rose Otto.  Suitable for dry, sensitive and mature skin types.

Rose & Tulsi Facial Tonic Spritz 10ml - An Organic Bulgarian Rose Otto and Organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) hydrosol which calms, nourishes and regenerates skin. Use as a toner or spritz throughout the day.

Summer Nourishing Body Oil 7.4ml (Limited Edition) - I'm a huge fan of the Nourishing Body Oil* - see my review here*.  I'm looking forward to trying the summer edition with Ylang Ylang, Pink Pepper, Jasmine and Wild Labdanum.

A piece of rose quartz - the Love stone - unconditional love which opens the heart chakra to all forms of love - self-love, romantic-love, family-love and platonic-love.  

Nourishing Facial Balm 8g - you can use this as a moisturiser or cleansing balm, for hands or dry patches of skin.  It's also great as a night cream and very gentle so suits most skin types.

An Organic Terry Cleansing Cloth - this is super soft.

Rosy Green Glow Elixir Tea (Limited Edition - enough for 5-6 cups) - contains Sencha green leaves, stoneground matcha powder and Bulgarian rose petals. An uplifting tea which is high in anti-oxidants. Can also be drunk chilled.

A Sweetgrass braid to softly scent your suitcase - the grass is lovingly cultivated on the eastern side of Washington State and has a scent reminiscent of Vanilla and new mown hay.

I'm really looking forward to trying everything and think this is a super cute mini set.  What are your thoughts? Did you pick one up?

Petit Vour July Beauty Box: Summer Loves: Petit Vour + Logical Harmony

Petit Vour's July Beauty Box* is in association with Logical Harmony, a Vegan Lifestyle Blogger.  

The International Plan is $30 a month which is around £17 (this includes shipping.) Boxes are valued at $35-$45 a month (£20-£26ish) although the value is often more. 

LVX Nail Lacquer in Lolli ($16 - approx £9) - this is a pale pink shade. In the photo above it looks darker than it actually is - see below for a better colour likeness.  A perfect shade for summer fingers and toes.

Modern Minerals Mineral Eye Shadow ($12.50 - approx £7) - this is a really pretty bronze shade. I'm looking forward to trying it out.

schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (full size $9 - approx £5) - this smells gorgeous! A natural deodorant which you apply using your fingertips after your bath or shower. I've used this twice so far and it has kept me fresh all day.

Pelle Beauty Face Oil sample size (full size $29.68 - approx £17) - I love face oils and I've never heard of this brand before.  I received "Luxe" which is anti-ageing and suitable for all skin types. Smells gorgeous - it contains Neroli & Jasmine essential oils.  Know I'm going to love this! edit: I do!

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

*PR sample

Latest in Beauty: Hip & Healthy Summer Glow Box

I bought the last Hip & Healthy box from Latest in Beauty and loved it - see my post here.  The latest summer edition is now available to buy and you can pick it up here. It is fabulous and I can't wait to delve in!

Get free P&P if you buy this box with code BBLIB14

The Hip & Healthy Summer Glow Box* is brought to us in association with Hip & Healthy magazine.  All the brands included in the box are offering discounts which are valid until either August or September - which is a nice extra and especially good if you fall in love with something included in the box.  There is also a recipe for a delicious sounding mocktail containing coconut water, pineapple, lime and fresh mint - yum!

The box costs £16.95 plus P&P and is worth over £100! 

The first thing that caught my eye was Inner Me's Daily 4 Me The Hectic Years 30+ - four supplements, vitamins and minerals which are taken daily to help support a hectic lifestyle and help hair, skin and nails be the best they can be.  Contained in the box is a month's supply. I'm looking forward to trying these.

Also included are a 7.5 day supply of Archeia Minerals for Hair, Skin & Nails. These supplements get good reviews so again I'm looking forward to trying them.

There is a beautiful Nailberry Nail Polish (15ml - Full size) in shade Groseille. These varnishes are free from Formaldehyde, Tolune, DBP and synthetic Camphor.

I'm a huge Nourish fan and excited to try their Golden Glow Toning Body Shimmer (2ml sample). I'm a huge fan of the version for the face - Illuminating Golden Glow Face Shimmer*.  The body shimmer is infused with gold resins and scented with neroli oil.  It leaves the skin with a golden glow as well as firming and toning.

Melvita Rose Extraordinary Water (25ml) is perfect for refreshing and toning the skin and smells deeply of roses.  It contains hyaluronic acid to soften and nourish the skin.  

James Read Sleep Mask Tan (25ml) - you put this moisturising self-tan on your face before going to sleep and in the morning wake up with a golden glow. I'm both intrigued and scared of this product! 

Green People Sun Lotion SPF15 with Tan Accelerator (20ml) - I've used this lotion before and it gave me a even and long-lasting tan.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (4.25g) - a 100% natural lip balm which contains beeswax and Vitamin E. 

Moa The Green Balm (15ml) - this multi-purpose balm is 100% organic and can be used on sunburn, eczema and dry patches of skin.  This is a great size to be included in the box.  Perfect to take on holiday.

Ohso Good for You Chocolate x 2 bars - Orange & No added sugar - I've tried these little chocolate bars which help to de-bloat and deliver good bacteria to your intestine before and thought they were delicious.

There are two Dragonfly Tea bags - huge tea fan so these are a welcome addition to the box.

Finally, a Salt Resort Wear voucher for £20 any purchase on their site - there is swimwear, accessories, footwear and candles available to buy.

Did you get this box?  Are you tempted?

*PR sample

Bee Good Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm

I simply love this bee friendly brand. I'm a huge fan of their Honey, Borage & Echium Intensive Hand Repair* see my review here and the Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water which featured in Shopping my Stash #53 - see here.

Bee Good's Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm* (10g - £4.75 or 3 for £10.50) is really lovely.

The packaging is simply gorgeous and I love how each parcel comes with a label which has wildflower seeds within it for helping to save the honeybees. I'll be planting this at my veggie plot.

The lip balm is rich and has a delicious vanilla scent. It super moisturises the lips leaving them shiny and nourished.  Apply as often as needed - this is in my handbag for use on the go.

It contains British Beeswax which protects, British Borage Oil which contains essential fatty acids, British Echium Oil to replenish and care for dry skin and Vitamin E.

Have you tried this lip balm? What's your favourite?

*PR sample

Souk Souk July Beauty Box

My July Souk Souk arrived yesterday. Not as good value as last month (box costs £12 plus £2.95 P&P).  The contents work out at £15.50 but I'm pleased to say I'm looking forward to trying the products from both brands.

Included is a Holy Lama Hair Boon Gift Set worth £10 which contains four trial sizes. (I've not heard of this brand before - one of the reasons I love beauty boxes - to introduce me to unknown to me brands).  The packaging is super cute and unique and the products are natural, fairly traded and vegan friendly and a Tisserand Sweet Dreams Roller Ball 10ml which is worth £5.50.

The Holy Lama Set contains:

30ml Holy Lama Naturals Nalikera Shampoo, 30ml Holy Lama Naturals Hair Conditioner, 30ml Holy Lama Naturals Hair Oil and a cute 20g Holy Lama Naturals Yogi Soap which is packed in a handmade basket.  Full reviews will follow.  

The other item included this month is Tisserand Sweet Dreams Roller Ball which helps you to relax and get a good night's sleep. I struggle sleeping some nights so looking forward to testing this out.

I can't wait to try everything out.  Did you get the box this month? What are your thoughts?

Love Me Beauty Box - July Edition Menu 2

My July Love Me Beauty Beauty Box* arrived yesterday. I picked Menu 2 this month. Also included is one of my most favourite products...ever..and is not on the menu card - an extra product!

LASHEM Lash Enhancing Serum 2ml sample (full size £40 - 3.5ml) - this serum nourishes, conditions and you can expect longer lashes in two weeks! Apply a thin line of serum at the base of your eyelashes in one gentle continuous stroke. Use once a day. Looking forward to trying this out.

So Susan Flutter Mascara (full size - £14.95) - this is a new product to the So Susan line.  This black mascara is infused with hyaluronic spheres to achieve the darkest and curviest lashes possible. 

OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in "Hollywood" (full size - £11.60) a brand I've not heard of before.  A hot pink shade which moisturises and is long lasting.

OFRA Pressed Eyeshadow in "Bliss" (full size - £8.80) - this is from the "Diamonds are Forever" palette collection. Gives a light shimmer of colour. Love the little mirror in the base. 

So Susan Dual Brow Powder (full size - £11.95) - create perfectly defined brows with these smudge proof powders. 

The Teashed 4am Tea (20 teabags - £3.50) - huge tea fan! This is a white tea which is low in caffeine. You can drink it at 4am and still be able to sleep. Great for the skin too as it contains loads of anti-oxidants.

Box Extra: Full size Weleda Sea Buckthorn Replenishing Body Lotion (200ml - £15.95) - I simply adore this gorgeous body lotion. A fab extra! See my review here.

Love Me Beauty costs £10 plus P&P. Sign up here.

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

*PR sample

Love Lula Haul

I came back from hols and spotted Love Lula's Clean Sweep Selection Box (£19.95 for seven items) and worth £39.50! I just had to snap it up!

KONJAC French Red Clay Vegetable Fibre Sponge (Full Size - £6.99) this sponge is suitable for dry and sensitive skin.  Leaves the skin clean and radiant.

Mitchell & Peach Luxury Shower Wash 50ml - huge fan of this luxe lavender scented shower gel.

La Claree Gentle Cleansing Milk trial size - not tried anything from this brand yet. It smells lovely.

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser (30ml - £10.95) - excited to use this product again. I used it long before I was a blogger. Deliciously scented with lemongrass, it is a natural exfoliant which is suitable for most skin types. Looking forward to reacquainting myself with this one!

MOX Botanicals Bath Milk in Coconut & Vanilla Bean (£8) - I recently tried these giant teabags for the bath and loved them.  Looking forward to trying a different scent.  See my review here.

UrbanVeda Purifying Facial Polish 20ml - I've received this in various beauty boxes.  See my review here.

Gielly Green Hand & Body Wash (50ml  - £5) - a deliciously scented product. See my review here.

Love Lula also let you choose up to 3 samples per order of £10 or more.  See more details here.  As these were two separate orders I was able to pick up two lots of samples.

I also picked up John Masters Organics latest UK launch - Rose & Apricot Hair Milk (118ml - on special currently at £20) - this leave in conditioner smells gorgeous and I can't wait to try it out - full review to follow.

Have you had any splurges recently?