February Empties

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - a staple for me. I need these in my life! I buy these again and again as they just work.

Yours Truly Organics Balancing Toner 150ml* - I loved this and would buy. See my review here.

TEWC Virgin Coconut & Lime Body Butter sample - I'm a huge fan of this body butter and I'd buy it again.  See my review here.

White & Elm Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner 30ml - this was a delight to use and I'll definitely buy again. See my review here.

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger Vitalising Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourites from Bodhi & Birch. See my review here. I've got a mini still to use but it's one I'd buy again.

Blue Labelle Ylang Ylang and Frankincense Body Oil 100ml - this is a staple for me now! I've already got another one in my stash. See my review here.

Bodhi Mint The Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - this is my favourite Bodhi & Birch Shower Gel. Will definitely buy again.

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo 60ml - this was nice to use and I'd buy again.

Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream 15ml - I loved this for dry rough patches of skin. Sure to buy full size soon.

Jimmy Choo EDP 50ml - I've not finished a bottle of perfume for ages! I really like this fruity sweet floral. Sure to buy again. This is my 3rd bottle of this scent.

Shropshire Lavender Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this was nice to use with a gentle lavender scent. Would buy again.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Eucalyptus Pure Castile Soap 237ml - I wasn't blown away with the scent of this so wouldn't buy again. Love the Peppermint version.

Kneipp Sweet Dreams Herbal Bath Valerian & Hops 20ml* - loved the effects of this bath oil. Great to use before bed for a restful night's sleep. Didn't love the scent of it but would buy. Kneipp Pure Bliss Herbal Bath Red Poppy & Hemp 20ml* - this was gorgeous! Would buy full size and Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml* - again lovely to use before bed. Super impressed with all of these.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - a staple. Have already bought again.

John Masters Organics Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler 60ml - I loved this. It left my hair super shiny and nourished. Will buy again.

pai Geranium & Thistle Balancing Day Cream 15ml - this came in a weekender travel kit which I'd buy again.

Blue Labelle Hand Oil 10ml - this was lovely. See my review here. Would buy again.

Rachel's Plan Bee Body Oil 112ml - I just loved this body oil. See my review here. Will buy again.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Bath Oil 100ml - this is a great dupe for REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil at a fraction of the price and just as nice. Sure to buy again.

S W Basics Cleanser trial size - this was nice to use and have another in my stash. Would maybe buy again.

SAMPLES - Melvita Bio-Excellence Youthful Serum 2ml* - this serum was a bit runnier than I expected. Absorbed quickly and smelt really nice. Would maybe buy full size.

Cowshed Perfecting Night Serum 2ml - this was nice to use and I got a few uses out the sachet. One to add to the wishlist I think.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

February: Lately I've been Loving

I simply loved this delicious Rock & Roast Special Edition Valentine's Day Box. Everything was super yummy. I'll be dropping hints near to my birthday! See Rock & Roast's website here and check out the delicious looking Mother's Day box here.

I love this little Love mug which hubby got me for Valentine's day. Therapie's Strength Fortifying Tea is great when you need a boost.

Olivine Love+Roses Beauty Mist - I simply adore this rose scented mist which you can spritz over your face, body and hair. Divine!  See my review here.

This cheese from M&S on crackers with a bit of homemade chilli Jelly is one of my favourite things ever at the moment! 

Lucy at No Mud, No Lotus very kindly did a guest post for me on the first day of February of her super gorgeous DIY Beauty: Floral Bath Melts. See her post here. 

Birch & Brook Library Scented Candle* - this exquisite scented candle is one of the nicest I've tried. See my review here.

What have you been loving this month?

*PR sample

Dr Jackson's 05 Face & Eye Essence

I was pretty thrilled when Naturisimo sent me a pot of Dr Jackson's 05 Face & Eye Essence (£60 - 50ml*) to review. The brand has been on my radar for quite some time.

This niche and super luxe range was created from 21 years of pharmacognosy research (the study of medicines derived from natural sources).  Founder, Dr Simon Jackson has been carrying out research in labs throughout the world as well as going on some fascinating sounding expeditions.

The company was founded in 2008 and it contributes a percentage of sales to a research foundation called The Natural Products Community. Aims include eliminating their carbon footprint, creating sustainable jobs and running conservation educational projects. There is no animal testing and products are free from parabens, PEG, phthalates, perfumes and synthetic colours.

Packaging is simple but very stylish and is recyclable.  The Face & Eye Essence is a light gel which is easily absorbed into the skin. It also smells great! having a slightly rosey floral scent.  Soothing and refreshing it revitalises and calms the skin.  You can also feel it instantly tightening the skin on the face and around the eye area as well as leaving the skin feeling soft, hydrated and radiant.

It contains natural extracts of Aloe Vera, Rose Water, Roman Chamomile, Baoba and Kigelia which calm, soothe, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, heal, hydrate, reduce pigmentation and firm. It really is a wonder product! I also love that it is a multi-purpose product.  It's also great for helping to combat signs for jet lag and for sun exposed skin.

To use: after cleansing apply a small amount to the face allowing to absorb before applying moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types.

Have you tried this product? Or any others in the range?

*PR sample

February Books

I'm not going to read any more books this month so here are my reads a little bit early.

source

Guantanamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould Slahi - since 2002 Mohamedou Ould Slahi has been in prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The US have never charged him with a crime but still he remains incarcerated.  Three years into captivity he began keeping a diary. He tells us of his life before disappearing into US custody and his life as a detainee.  This is a book everyone should read even although it's not easy reading. It is often terrifying and chilling. There are touches of humour and human kindness too along with torture, interrogation and abuse. Passages of the book have been redacted by the US Government.

source

Paris for One by Jojo Moyes - this is a 2015 quick reads book which I read in a couple of hours. It follows the story of 26 year old Nell who has never been to Paris. She decides on the spur of the moment to book tickets for her and her boyfriend. He doesn't turn up so she goes to Paris on her own and meets a handsome Frenchman and has the weekend of her life! A nice easy read.

source

Red for Revenge by Fanny Blake - another quick read which I found enjoyable. Maggie is married with two grown up kids.  Carla is widowed and meets Maggie in the local Beauty Salon. They get chatting and realise they are sharing the same man!  They decide to teach Phil a lesson and become good friends.

source

Hades (Archer & Bennett Thriller) by Candice Fox - I was given this copy by Net Galley to review*.  This is an absolutely fantastic first novel. It is fast paced and a brilliant read. 

Twenty years ago two children were kidnapped and left for dead. Raised by local fixer, Hades Archer an underworld figure at the scrapyard where he lives and works.  The children grow up and become cops. Eden is beautiful but cold and Eric cruel and calculating.

Frank becomes Eden's new partner after her previous one was killed. The search is on to find a murderer when toolboxes containing bodies missing vital organs are found at the bottom of the sea...

source

Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim - the story follows Mattie a slave who becomes wet nurse to newly born Lisbeth. Mattie becomes like family to Lisbeth - their relationship is strong and enduring. It gives a picture of what life was like on a plantation and Mattie's journey to freedom and dignity.

source

Out of the Dark by Adele Geras - another quick read which was okay. Rob Stone comes back from WWI with a damaged face and a broken heart. His Captain died on the battlefield and he is haunted by his ghost. He manages to trace the Captain's widow to give her back a photograph and a bible and finds he may have another chance of happiness.

source

The Doll's House (DI Helen Grace 3) by M J Arlidge - this is a super read. A young woman wakes up in a cold and dark cellar with no idea how she got there.  A body is discovered by a family at a nearby beach with a bluebird tattoo on her shoulder. The girl has distinctive dark hair and blue eyes. Her family didn't report her missing as she still sent them text messages and tweets. The man who takes the girls starves them to death before disposing of their bodies. We find out more about the DI and her new team and Charlie features briefly. A fast paced read with the search on to find the killer before Ruby becomes a victim too. Loved it! Can't wait for Liar Liar out on 10 September.

source

Sail upon the Land by Josa Young* - this is a complimentary copy from Net Galley. The story spans four generations of mothers and their daughter's lives over 80 years. The book is totally un-put-downable and a great read. It opens with Damson backpacking in India where she suffers a humiliating ordeal.  We learn about her granny, Sarah who was a VAD nurse in WWII and how she met her husband.  Melissa, Damson's mother is fragile and Mellita is the one who offers the greatest gift of all. Packed with drama, pain, love, heartache, loss, suffering, happiness, death, duty and hope. Loved it!

What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary copies from Net Galley

Alteya Certified Organic Bulgarian Rose Hair Treatment

Love Lula recently offered a great GWP (now sold out!) I picked up some birthday presents and something I've been keen to try for ages - Alteya's Certified Organic Hair Treatment in Bulgarian Rose (review to follow).

You can now buy up to 5 samples with order and I picked up REN's Keep Young and Beautiful Instant Firming Beauty Shot which I've wanted to try for ages!

And the amazing GWP:

Sign up to Love Lula's newsletter here to be one of the first to hear about new products and Gifts with Purchase.  Collect Loyalty Points - Love Lula offer a generous 1 point for every £1 spent (1 point = 10p). Spend £50 and you'll earn £5 worth of Loyalty Points. 

Have you bought anything lately from Love Lula?

Weekend Away

Apologies for lack of posts on Saturday and yesterday. I was away for the weekend! Our local football team were playing away in Dumfries so we decided to go and make a weekend of it and my very first away game! 

One of my friends lives in Dumfries so we stayed with her on the Saturday night. On the Friday we stayed at Trigony House Hotel and woke up to a dusting of snow! Trigony House Hotel is set in 4 acres of woodland and gardens, is dog friendly and run by husband and wife team, Jan and Adam Moore. There is also an Organic Veggie Garden in the grounds which would be great to see in full bloom!

We stayed in a Classic bedroom which was cozy and overlooked the garden (Room 5). Toiletries were by The Caurnie Soaperie which were lovely although I did pack some of my own too!

We ate some nice food at dinner and breakfast was an amazing full Scottish fry up! 

On Saturday we stopped at Thornhill and visited a gorgeous shop, gallery and cafe called Thomas Tosh which was stuffed full of books, beauty products, china, cards, artwork, jewellery, foods and drink and beautiful gifts. It is well worth a visit if you are in the area. The Lemon Drizzle Cake comes highly recommended!

source

We dropped our stuff at my friends and headed to the game. I was very happy our team won.  There was a great atmosphere and a big crowd.

What did you get up to at the weekend?

Therapie Protect Bath & Body Oil and Comfort Warming Rub

I was recently sent Therapie's two latest launches and I can quite honestly say they are fantastic!

The Protect Bath & Body Oil (£40 - 100ml)* is a potent blend of essential oils which are natural immunity boosters which help support us when we are tired, run down, stressed, have flu, feeling achy and needing a boost.

I've been using the oil both in my bath and over my body. It has a lovely uplifting citrus scent and is the "first line of defence when you start to feel wobbly".  It helps to calm and restore the body and mind. Love!

Comfort Warming Rub (£24 - 50ml)* - is first aid in a pot! This lovely balm when rubbed on the chest helps with congestion and first signs of coughs, cold and flu symptoms.  You can also use it on your aching joints and muscles to soothe and calm.  I'd been feeling a bit chesty and this totally soothed me.  It's also a perfect companion when the hay fever season starts.

Also available is a gorgeous little kit with both the above in small sizes (30ml & 15ml) along with a candle and a pot of Strength Fortifying Tea (£46)

source

Have you tried either of these? What's your favourite Therapie product?

See my other Therapie reviews - Step into Spring (Himalayan Detox Salts, Boost Hair & Body Wash & Harmony Tea) and Therapie Awaken Skin Rehab Scrub & Joie Uplifting Bath Infusion.

*PR samples

Latest Finds #1

I recently came across MAULI via a copy of Style Magazine and just yesterday my order of their Discover Mauli Gift Set arrived. The Sacred Himalayan Healing Salts are made for MAULI by Michelle Roques O'Neill of Therapie. My initial thoughts will be up once I can take proper photos in the daylight!

Haeckels made of margate have been on my radar for a while. Beach harvested skincare and fragrances made from locally foraged ingredients.  I'm fancying their Exfoliating Seaweed Block and the Juniper, Driftwood & Samphire Incense.

source

Shropshire Lavender - I recently picked up some delicious dark chocolate lavender hearts - lavender and chocolate works so well together! as well as a little gift bag with bath & shower gel and a mini soap - super cute! The products are lovely and lightly scented with lavender.

What brands have you discovered lately?

Docteur Renaud Discovery Travel Bag

This fab little Docteur Renaud Discovery Travel Bag (£25) is available to buy exclusively from Skin Evolution Limited in the UK.  To buy telephone 01452 864574 or for more information you can email office@skinevolution.co.uk.

The kit includes 5 trial sizes: Raspberry Cleansing Water (50ml), Raspberry Soft Cream (15ml), Raspberry Soft Mask (15ml), Carrot Scrub Detox (15ml) and Apple Eye Cream (5ml).  It would make a great Mother's Day gift or a treat for yourself or a friend as well as being a perfect introduction to the range.

I was sent the Raspberry Cleansing Water (50ml)* to review.

A light and refreshing micellar water cleanser which has a delicious raspberry scent. It removes make up, cleanses and tones in one step leaving the skin feeling comfortable and clean.  I use it alone on non or light make up days following up with a cleansing balm on heavier make up days.

This is really lovely to use and I definitely want to try more of the products. Have you tried the Docteur Renauld range?

*PR sample

This Works Sleep Plus+ Pillow Spray

I received this little sample pillow spray in the NET-A-PORTER holiday kit back in November. I've lately been having trouble sleeping so decided to give it a try.

The pillow spray is fast acting and is "clinically proven to provide a better night's sleep".  I've been putting it to the test over the last week or so and I can honestly say it has improved my sleep patterns.

Lavender essential oil is naturally encapsulated to gradually release aromatherapeutic benefits as you sleep and so when you awaken you feel refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

To use: shake the bottle and spray onto the bed linen. Natural night time movement releases the fragrance when you sleep.

"100% of restless sleepers said "This works".  Full size costs £25 for 75ml and it is something I'll buy soon!  I'm also tempted to buy deep sleep bath soak which sounds super relaxing and pampering. Do you find it hard to sleep sometimes?

See my review of this works in transit no traces here.

Fair Squared Lip Balms

These Fair Squared Lip Balms came in December's Love Lula Beauty Box. I hadn't heard of the brand before (one of the reasons I loved beauty boxes for trying new to me brands).

Founders Oliver and Salvatore chatted on the phone in London and Cologne and Fair Squared, an alternative trading company and pioneering Fair Trade brand was born. Social engagement, protection of the environment and animals are core values as well as quality ingredients and the feel good factor. Products are made with fairly traded organic ingredients and are Vegan and Vegan Society registered and they use producers in some of the world's poorest countries.

I initially thought oh just another lip balm in quite plain packaging...how wrong I was this lip balm is fantastic! Super moisturising and really lovely to use. My favourite is the Pomegranate Lip Balm which is super fruity and great for dry and flakey winter lips.

The lip balms are made with almond, apricot kernal and coconut oils along with cocoa butter, Vitamin E and natural flavourings. There are no parabens, petroleum or sulphates in the balm.

At a very reasonable £2.99 each I know I'll pick these up again and again. Buy them here. Other flavours available are Spearmint, Citrus and Vanilla. You can pick up a set containing all 4 flavours costing £10 here.

Have you tried these lip balms?

Beauty Wishlist

I'm trying not to buy any beauty products as I'm saving for my summer holidays. These are the products I'm lusting over right now.

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Body Oil (£17.56 - 100ml) - I'm loving using body oils at the moment and this new one from Weleda sounds gorgeous.

source

I dropped by Neal's Yard on the way home from work on Thursday for a browse. Their Wild Rose Body Elixir (£29 - 150ml) has my name written all over it! It is a light rose scented serum which absorbs instantly leaving the skin soft, moisturised and smelling of roses. What's not to love!

Skin & Tonic Travel Kit (£45) - I totally adore their Steam Clean Cleanser so I'd love to try the rest of the range.

source

Cowshed Grumpy Cow Uplifting Bath & Shower Gel (300ml - £16) after having tried a sample of this a while back this shower gel has been on my wishlist. It is great to use in the morning for an uplifting and awakening shower.

source

JOIK Damascus Rose Soy Candle (145g - £17.50) I've tried JOIK's wonderful bath truffles and definitely want to try more from the brand. I love rose scents so I know I'd love this candle.

source

What's on your wishlist right now?

Organic Surge: Extra Care Nourishing Rose Moisturiser & Hydrating Eye Cream

Happy Valentine's Day!

As you'll know I'm a huge Organic Surge fan. You can see my love for the brand here.

I've lately been really loving using their Extra Care Nourishing Rose Day Cream (50ml - £21.50)* and Hydrating Eye Cream (20ml - £18.50)*

The Nourishing Rose Day Cream* is an absolute delight! It smells delicious and absorbs instantly into the skin - it's a keeper for me! It's suitable for normal. dry or mature skin types and leave the skin deeply nourished as well as smoothing out fine lines and rejuvenating the skin. To use: apply after cleansing to the face and neck.  You could use the Replenishing Face Oil* beforehand.

The Hydrating Eye Cream* is enriched with Jojoba Oil and is also suitable for normal, dry or mature skin types.  It is a light cream which melts easily into the eye area - Organic Surge say "Apply after cleansing with your ring finger, working from your lower outer eye clockwise for your right eye and anti-clockwise for your left"  It hydrates and brightens the under eye area.

Have you used either of these?  What's your favourite Organic Surge products?

*PR samples