Saturday 31 January 2015

January Books


Electric Light (Blair Dubh Trilogy 3) by Heather Atkinson -  two residents of Blair Dubh are murdered and then a third commits suicide. A sniper is stalking the village determined to rid it of evil.

Craig Donaldson finds himself in Blair Dubh again hunting down a murderer. He is happy Freya and his son are safe in Glasgow.  When Freya hears Craig may be in danger she insists on helping out guiding the rescue team through the forest which she knows well having played there as a child.  She learns of a secret which has been kept from her for all these years by the rest of the villagers. This is the third part of a trilogy.


Poison Bay by Belinda Pollard* - if you only read one book this year make it this fast paced adventure! I simply loved it. A group of school friends get together 10 years after they last met to go on a hike through the wilderness in New Zealand. All have secrets and are tied to a tragedy which happened over 10 years ago. I loved the characters, the vivid descriptions of the trek and scenery. You actually feel like you are there!  Lots of twists and turns and a great storyline.


A Way from Heart to Heart by Helena Fairfax - the story follows top model Kate and her son George after the death of her photographer husband in Afghanistan.  Stuart is a friend of Paul's who she's never really got on with who gives her a shoulder to cry on.  He takes his godson out every month on a trip to bond with him and get to know him.  Kate and Stuart become more friendly - he is a Editor at a City newspaper. He goes with Kate to the countryside with a bunch of disadvantaged teens and writes their stories for his paper. You are on the edge of your seat wondering if Kate will take the plunge and try again at love. A tale of sadness, loss, friendship, family and love. I loved it!


Snowing in Bali by Kathryn Bonella - a fascinating account of drug trafficking and dealing. Kathryn's first book Hotel K is also worth a read. She talked with the biggest players in Bali's drug world. She tells us about their wealth, power, big houses, partying, surfing and total extravagance.  All the highs and the lows of them or their mules getting busted and finding themselves either spending life in prison or on death row.


The Life I left Behind by Colette McBeth*Six years ago Melody Pieterson was attacked and left for dead. Her friend and neighbour was found guilty and sent to Prison. She becomes a recluse being unable to go out unless with Sam her fiancee, her friend Patrick or her Personal Trainer is with her. Her neighbour David is released from prison and a murder takes place. The body (Eve's) is found in exactly the same place Melody was found and the same jewellery item was left at the scene. The first suspect is her old neighbour. The story is told from three women's viewpoint - Melody's, Eve (who is now a ghost) and DI Victoria Rutter. I found it a great read with lots of twists and turns and had decided who the murderer was before it became apparent it was someone else! Would recommend.


Late Fragments Everything I want to tell you (about this magnificent life) by Kate Gross - this is one of the saddest but uplifting books I've ever read.  Kate finds out she has terminal colon cancer. This book is for "her knights" - her 5 year old twins. It maps out her childhood, university life, travelling, meeting the love of her life Billy, working in Government for two PMs and then being CEO of an international charity called the African Governance Initiative (which provides support and advice to post conflict African states) the joys of life, the wonders and the sadness of not being there to see her boys grow up. 

She also wrote a blog called the nuisance (what she called her terminal cancer). Kate died on Christmas Day 2014 ten minutes before her boys awoke to open their Christmas stockings.

What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary copies from NetGalley

Friday 30 January 2015

January: Lately I've Been Loving

My friend Claire gave me this little diary. She said she spotted it and thought instantly of me! Wonder why...haha. (We used to have wild nights out!) I love it. It made me giggle. I'm using it for recording what blog posts I do each day.




I was ill just before Christmas and missed my work's night out - boo! I got my Secret Santa when I went back to work in January - it's a beauty!


I got this kai set from Cult Beauty just before Christmas - I simply adore kai perfume oil.  It contains gardenia (one of my favourite florals) along with jasmine, rose, tuberose, lily, cucumber and green notes. It's expensive but I'm on my third or fourth bottle! The hand cream is lovely too. It absorbs quickly and leaves the hands smelling of kai. This little set cost £44 (the perfume oil on its own is £40). 


I totally fell in love with Shay & Blue's Salt Caramel scent before Christmas but with other things to buy I didn't.. I'd picked up the trial size set #SpendingBanWeek3 and I've been wearing it just about all the time since! Full size will be mine...and soon!  My mother-in-law also loved it and asked if we could buy it for her birthday!




We went for lunch at Just Burgers and Beers and I had super delish The Carlos Santana - mexican inspired with homemade flatbread, corn chips, jalapeno, red pepper and chipotle salsa - yum! (the sides were to die for too!)


Spotted this wee bench outside a cafe in Leith Walk, Edinburgh. Made me smile.


Also on Leith Walk (Albert Place) we came across this fab new pub called The Black Fox. It serves a wide range of craft beers as well as cocktails, spirits etc. The homemade pizzas from the food menu looked great too. Looking forward to going back soon!


Delicious Toatie Tablet* handmade by Diane and can be delivered worldwide! it is very moreish as well as being delicious.  See more info here.




What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

Thursday 29 January 2015

Spending Ban: Update 4

I had a little spend the other day oops! I couldn't resist The Perfume Society's Love Scents Discovery Box which was a bargainous tenner to members with free P&P (you can however pick it up if you are not a member for £15 including P&P).  My box has still to arrive but you can see what's in it here.


I do have a few wants this week though...


Soapsmith 4 Piece Step into London Set (exclusive to QVC £30 plus £4.95 P&P) which includes an all scents soap assortment 8 x 15g, 1 x Bloomsbury Bath Soak 350g, 1 x Camden Town Bath Soak 100ml, 1 x Marble Arch Body Butter Melt 100ml and a wash bag.



Balance Me Rose Otto Body Oil (£24.50 - 200ml) - I'm currently loving using body oils and know I'll love this scent. 



REN Keep Young & Beautiful Instant Firming Beauty Shot (£36 - 30ml) - I've heard great things about this gel-serum which lifts and plumps the skin leaving it "smoother, tighter and more youthful". 

If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

Wednesday 28 January 2015

January Empties


Think this is my smallest amount of empties ever! I'm not going to use up any more products this month so here they are a few days early..

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - these a staple for me. See my review here. I buy these again and again as they just work.

Therapie Joie Uplifting Bath Infusion 60g - I really enjoyed using this bath infusion.  See my review here. I'll buy again I reckon.

The Body Deli Living Hair Sprouted Mineral Greens Shampoo 240ml* - I loved this shampoo (and it lasted ages!). See my review here. It's one I'll definitely buy again at some point.

Amphora Organic Collection Rose & Pomegranate Hand Wash 250ml* - this was really lovely to use and I'd definitely buy. See my review here.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil mini - my all time favourite bath oil. Will buy again. See my review here.

CARU Rose Facial Serum Sample - this was gorgeous and I'd definitely consider full size once I reduce my stash a bit.

Dahliana Refreshing Citrus Cleanser 113g - I didn't love this when I first started using it but by the end I was sad it was used up.  I mentioned it here. I'd buy again.

The Body Deli Creme de la Rose 10ml - loved this beautiful face cream.  See my review here. Nardin gave me one at Christmas so I'm pleased to have another! It's a face cream I'd definitely buy full size.

Blue Labelle Rose & Jasmine Body Oil 50ml - this had a really delicate scent but was nice to use. I prefer their Ylang Ylang & Frankincense version so wouldn't buy this one again.

Thea Fruit Enzyme Rejuvenating Toner 50ml* - I simply loved this and would buy. See my review here.

SAMPLES:

I've only used two sachet sample from my Samples Stash this month -




Beauty Lab Black Diamond Energising Serum* and Moisture Complex*. These were pretty lush but too small (1ml) to get an idea if they are suited to my skin.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Tuesday 27 January 2015

Cult Perfumes by Tessa Williams

I started chatting to Tessa just before Christmas and she very kindly offered to send me a copy of her book Cult Perfumes*.  It is a really informative read and full of gorgeous photos. It's the perfect coffee table book and I know I'll dip into it again and again.


The book opens with an introduction and then we are introduced to a selection of Cult perfumeries and brands including but not limited to: Annick Goutal (Vanille Exquise), L'Artisan Parfumeur (Mure et Musc), Creed (Iris Tubereuse), Diptyque (Philosykos), Frederic Malle (Lipstick Rose), Jo Malone London (Grapefruit), Miller Harris (rose en noir), Ormonde Jayne London (Frangipani), Penhaligon's (Bluebell), Robert Piguet Parfums (Fracas) and Serge Lutens (Sa Majeste la Rose) - I've put my favourites from each brand in brackets.  







There is also a section on niche brands - ones I've tried are - Bond No.9, By Killian, Le Labo and Nasomatto. The book is really fascinating and I highly recommend the book if you are into cult and niche scents.

You can buy the book direct from Tessa who will inscribe a personal message! See more details here.

See the gorgeous range of candles available here.  The candles are inspired by the elements - FIRE - EARTH - WATER - AIR.


FIRE - is reminiscent of of a glowing fire and has notes of amber, incense, woods, patchouli, vetivert, coconut, sweet vanilla caramel, lapsang souchong, musk, tonka and smoke.

EARTH - an earthy scent with lemon and orange, pepper and geranium with patchouli, sandalwood, leather, cedarwood, vertivert and musks.

WATER - with pure aquatic notes of white jasmine, lemon, bergamot and aldehydes and lily of the valley and musk.

AIR - a refreshing and invigorating aroma with notes of ginger root, lemongrass, grapefruit, cardamon, coriander and lemon peel.

Follow Tessa on Twitter @tessajwilliams

*PR sample

Monday 26 January 2015

Yves Rocher Winter Skin Saviours

I've used Yves Rocher products on and off for quite a few years now. I was sent some of their products which soothe and care for dry winter skin.


I'm a huge fan of a soak in the bath and the Les Plaisirs Nature Fizzy Bath Cube in Coconut* (£1.50) creates lots of coconut scented tiny bubbles. The Les Plaisirs Silky Cream with Organic Oats* (£13.50 - 200ml) is a lightweight cream which absorbs quickly into the skin leaving it moisturised and soft to the touch. I also love the little kilner jar the cream comes in!


I've used the Botanical Long Lasting Moisturizing Hand Cream* (£3.90 - 75ml) several times before. It soothes and super moisturises dry hands leaving them deeply nourished. The Botanical Foot Care Anti-Fatigue Iced Gel* (£5 - 50ml) is perfect for tired legs and feet. It is super cooling with a minty-lavender scent.  It comforts and refreshes - great to use if you've been standing all day/out shopping!


Have you tried any Yves Rocher products lately?

*PR samples

Sunday 25 January 2015

BEING Drift Salt Bath & Bloom Lip Service


My package arrived from BEING on Friday and I'm delighted with it. The brand has just launched and I managed to get a pre-launch special of 15% off.

Founder, Cynthia is a former Marketing Manager whose career was full on and she longed for a quieter pace of life in France. When this didn't happen she decided to learn how to create and make gorgeous products which calm and soothe both the body and mind.

Products are hand made with love and care in Portland, Oregon. They are 100% Vegan and natural and contain no parabens, no preservatives, no additives, no synthetic dyes or fragrances, no soy-based ingredients, no SLS and are GMO free. Packaging is reyclable and reusable and the boxes are packed with shredded junk mail!  Cynthia also works with fair-trade certified suppliers.

I chose Drift Salt Bath ($18 - 227g approx £12) which are made with Hiwa Kai Black Lava Salt and Dead Sea Salt. They provide "balance and increases blood flow while essential oils of atlas cedarwood and juniper berry inspire mental strength and stability for an empowering and transformative soak".

To use: once immersed in the bath add salts and disperse with your fingers.

I've not had the chance to try these yet - tonight for sure!

My second purchase was Bloom Lip Service Enlightening Vanilla+Rose ($12 - 15ml - approx £8) as soon as I saw this I knew I had to have it! A lip balm in two of my favourite scents!  This was created to remind Cynthia of rose syrup desserts and vanilla wafers at her favourite Lebanese cafe.  Apply to the lips as often as needed.

With shipping (no Customs yah!) my order totalled $43.50 (£29) making it an affordable treat! 

See the website here
Follow on Twitter @beingapothecary

Saturday 24 January 2015

A chat with Antonia Burrell & Creme Supreme Moisturiser Review

Yesterday I had the very real pleasure of a telephone interview with Antonia Burrell and I was able to ask her about her some questions about herself and her skincare range. I must admit I did get a bit tongue-tied and didn't ask nearly as many questions as I should have! Thanks so much for your time Antonia and to Babushka Communications for arranging it!



Have you always been interested in Natural Beauty?

Not always. It became apparent when working as a Business Manager for Aveda for six years and this really opened her eyes to natural beauty.

What inspired you to launch Antonia Burrell Holistic Skincare and train as a Therapist?

Antonia trained as a Therapist at 19. She'd always been fascinated about skincare and anything to do with the skin. In her teens she found that when asking about her skin type at beauty counters there was a lot of inconsistency as to how her skin was assessed so she decided to research everything there was to know about skin and spent time reading and researching as well as being a frequent visitor at a bookshop in Derbyshire browsing the beauty shelves.  Her mum's beauty routine also inspired her.

What's your favourite product?

Mask Supreme 7-in-1 - mine too!

Are there any new products in the pipeline?

Absolutely - it's top secret! I'm personally hoping for some body care items.

What is your number one skincare tip?

Cleansing. Make sure to double cleanse every night.

I have been trying out Antonia's Creme Supreme Facial Moisturiser (£68 - 50ml)* for the last few weeks.  The cream is 100% natural and is a great anti-ageing moisturiser as well as helping to clear up blemishes and reduce redness.



This wonder moisturiser boosts radiance, calms inflammation, reduces dark spots, evens skin tone, hydrates, plumps the skin, firms, soothes and smoothes. I also find it really mattifies my oily T-zone.

It is a light cream which is easily absorbed, feels comfortable on the skin and has a pleasant fruity and slightly herbal scent.

The moisturiser is infused with an anti-acne complex which can help reduce acne and improve oily skin as well as Larch extract, a natural SPF booster with UV absorbing properties and it is a plant alternative to collagen which will help to minimise fine lines and firm and tone the skin leaving it radiant and renewed. It also includes Patented Olive Leaf Extract which protects, detoxifies and clarifies. Mango Seed is stuffed full of antioxidant Vitamins and the cream is enriched with Amazon patented bio-actives which balance oily skin.

I've found the cream leaves my skin looking healthy, soft, smooth and glowy and it takes my skincare routine to another level.  I'm also a huge, huge fan of Antonia's amazing Mask Supreme 7-in-1* see my review here.

Have you tried any Antonia Burrell products?

*PR samples

Friday 23 January 2015

Plant Brooklyn: CALM DOWN Bodywash


A new launch at a beautiful world are these gorgeous body washes from Plant Brooklyn. For a limited time get 10% off with code HAPPY10.

Handmade by Holly and Bjarke in Brooklyn, NYC the washes "combine green practices with Scandi cool".  I love the quirky packaging which is recyclable. The washes are free from parabens, SLS, petroleum, silicones and other chemicals.

I was sent CALM DOWN* (9.5fl oz - £12.50) which is made with 9 skin friendly ingredients - Organic saponied Coconut, Olive and Jojoba oils, Organic vegetable glycerine, Guar gum, Aloe Vera, Rosemary extract and scented with Essential Oils of Ginger and Lavender.

This wash relaxes, helps you to unwind and calms the mind and body at any time of the day and has a frothy lather which cleans and refreshes.  The scent is spicy with a hint of lavender.

Also available:

BE WELL - with Eucalyptus, Bergamot & Lemongrass which helps to boost the immune system and clear your head.

GET HAPPY - with uplifting Geranium & Peppermint which will make you smile!

GET IT ON - with Sandalwood, Ginger & Cedarwood which is a passionate, warm and sensual blend.

WAKE UP - with Rosemary & Lemongrass to revive and energise.

More products from the brand will be added later this year. Keep up to date with news by following @abw_uk on Twitter.

*PR sample

Thursday 22 January 2015

Spending Ban: Update 3

Well...I failed spectacularly on my spending ban during the middle of last week! I was feeling a bit down (no excuse I know!) and splurged big style!  I'd looked at this little set before Christmas and was tempted to buy it at the Harvey Nichols Shopping Party...but resisted...until now!


I'm already a huge fan of Shay & Blue's Atropa Belladonna scent - see my review here.

The set also includes the delicious Salt Caramel which I can't stop wearing. It contains caramel, sea salt, tonka bean, Bourbon vanilla and sandalwood. It is sweet, delicious, cozy and makes me feel like I've come home! This is my new signature scent for sure (two people have asked me what perfume I'm wearing!) and I know I'll buy a full size when this one's finished.

Also in the set is Blood Oranges and Sicilian Limes two fresh and fruity scents. I've not really tried them much yet so further thoughts to follow.

The final scent in the set is Almond Cucumber which is perfect for Spring and Summer. Light and refreshing and quite unlike anything I've worn before.



And so, I'm going to continue my ban into February too after this enormous splurge (£65).

For once, I'm not wanting anything this week!  If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

Wednesday 21 January 2015

Organic Surge Replenishing Facial Oil

I was recently sent Organic Surge's Replenishing Face Oil (30ml - £23.50)* to review. This oil is part of the new Extra Care range.  You can see my review of the Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser here*.


The oil is enriched with Argan Oil, Yarrow Oil, Safflower Oil and scented with Geranium, Lavender and Bergamot Essential Oils. A super-lightweight oil (I initially thought it was too light for my skin - but upon using it regularly I was proved wrong!) which absorbs instantly and hydrates and rejuvenates the skin leaving it radiant and renewed.

Suitable for Normal-Dry, Sensitive and Mature skin types. It is 100% natural and 55% Organic and certified by EcoCert.

To use: apply a few drops after cleansing. It can also be used to add extra moisture to a face cream or mask.

I'm really impressed with the performance of this oil and it's one I'd buy.  Look out for my forthcoming review of Organic Surge's Hydrating Eye Cream*.

*PR sample

Tuesday 20 January 2015

The Naked Skincare Company: Evening Relax Body Oil & Hydrating Skin Balm



I received these The Naked Skincare Company products in December's Souk Souk Beauty Box. I'm really impressed with both these products and I definitely want to try more from the brand! I received their Rose Water Toner in the Rose Hamper from Nardine but I've not cracked it open yet!

Stephanie along with her husband and children run the business from South Cumbria and their children inspired the range after Stephanie began making products for the family to use.

Products are natural, eco-friendly, free from chemicals and artificial ingredients and are beautiful! Packaging is recyclable and minimal.

Evening Relax Moisturising Body Oil (30ml) - Full size is 250ml (£25) - this oil is simply gorgeous! It is made with Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood Essential Oils and smells beautiful.  Packed full of nourishing oils such as Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernal and Vitamin E.  It is perfect to use just before bed to calm and relax. I know I'll be buying this again and again.

Orange & Frankincense Hydrating Skin Balm (30ml) - Full size is 100ml (£8.95) - this rich balm smells delicious! It deeply nourishes the skin and soothes and calms the mind.  It absorbs instantly and is great for elbows, knees, feet, hands and in fact all over the body! 

There is also a beautiful range of skincaresoapsbath bombsDIY KitsAccessories and Candles.

Have you used any products from The Naked Skincare Company?

Monday 19 January 2015

Shopping My Stash #61

Sorry for no blog post yesterday my laptop is sick! I'm taking it in for repair this morning first thing! Hubby let me borrow his for a while yesterday.

This week I've been reaching for..



Studio 10 Long Lasting Velvet Liquid Lips in Tearose - this full size came in a Cult Beauty GWP. This is demi-matt, long lasting, moisturising and not sticky! The shade is really pretty too and one I'd have picked.

Sunday Riley Start Over Active Eye Cream 10ml - this came in the same goody bag from Cult Beauty. I initially found it a bit drying around the eyes especially under the eye but on persevering with it I've found it is great for reducing dark circles and brightens the under eye area. It has more of a gel texture than a cream.

Onnen Organic Coconut Oil Glycerine Face Cleanser Unperfumed 100ml* - this is an unscented face cleanser which is hand made in small batches in Wales.  I usually favour scented face washes but this is really lovely to use and very gentle on the skin.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 400g - this is a staple for me as it just works. See my review here.  I always have these in my stash.

Salcura Hand Hydrator 75ml - this hand cream came in December's Love Lula Beauty Box. It is perfect for dry winter skin and I use it every night before bed.  It deeply nourishes the hands and nails and absorbs quickly.

Vinali Body Lotion 25ml - this came in January's Love Lula box. It was nice to see a new to me brand in the box. It is made with Organic Grape Extract. A light lotion which absorbs quickly and smells nice.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*PR sample

Saturday 17 January 2015

Rachel's Plan Bee: Body & Facial Oils

I spotted Rachel's Plan Bee Body Oil over on Julie's blog and knew I had to have it! By the way do pop over to Julie's blog it's a great read and I always see products I want!

Rachel first created a lotion bar for her son before launching Rachel's Plan Bee. All products are made with natural oils, butters, beeswax, with gentle scents and absorb easily, nourish and soothe the skin.  Handcrafted in small batches with love.  Her son is "still the centrepiece of this endeavour: my very best product tester and certainly my biggest fan".

The products contain no parabens, petrochemicals, artificial colours and fragrances, phthalates or gluten. Packaging is recyclable (and pretty!).



The Body Oil ($24 - 112ml) is one of the nicest I have ever used! It smells gorgeous and super nourishes the skin.  This is a product I want forever in my stash!  It contains Apricot Kernal Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Cranberry Seed Oil and is scented with a delicious blend of Vanilla and Orange Peel Oils.

Customers loved the scent of the face oil and asked Rachel to create a body version.

And this is so true! "will have you reaching for your bottle between bath times to remind you of life's simple pleasures".

To use: shake the bottle and massage 1-2 pumps onto damp skin to seal in moisture. It can also be added to your bath, as a massage oil and before shaving.  Love!


The Facial Oil ($20 - 30ml) is a botanical blend of skin loving oils including Apricot Kernal, Squalane, Grapeseed, Vitamin E, Safflower, Cranberry Seed along with Vanilla Planifolia and Orange Peel Oils.

It absorbs quickly and is more suited to Normal to Dry skin types (I'm normally combination but in winter time my skin is more dry).  I find my skin only needs a drop.  The oil feels really lovely on the skin. A fuller review to follow.

To use: shake the bottle before using and apply 2-3 drops to cleansed skin both morning and evening.  There are approximately 200 applications per bottle. 

Rachel very kindly popped in a sample of her Bee Cream which is a rich and nourishing moisturiser perfect for dry skin areas, cuticles and hands. 


Next time along with the body oil I'll be adding Lotion BarBody Butter and Body Polish if fact I want the whole shop!

Follow Rachel on Twitter: @RachelsPlanBee 
See the website here

Friday 16 January 2015

L'Erbolario Peony Scented Bubble Bath

L'Erbolario is an Italian Beauty Brand which recently launched in the UK.  It was founded in Italy by husband and wife team Franco & Daniela. They have a passion for the healing properties of plants and flowers which led them to create a wonderful and wide range of perfumes, oils, soaps, creams, conditioners, body and skincare products.  You can view the catalogue here and visit their London store at 106A Upper Street, N1.

I was sent Peony Scented Bubble Bath 250ml (£12.50)* to review.


This subtle floral bubble bath creates lots of foamy bubbles and can be used in both the bath and shower.   Makes for a super relaxing bath.  The other products available in this scent are - EDP, solid perfume, perfumed body cream, perfumed soap and diffuser oil.

I think it would make a great gift or treat.  Have you tried any products from this brand?

*PR sample