Friday 31 July 2015

July Books

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


The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley* (copy from NetGalley) - the story is about a group of devout Catholics who make a yearly pilgrimage from London to rural Lancashire. The old house where they stay is called the Moorings and is situated on a stretch of rural coastline called The Loney.  The sands here are treacherous when the tides come in too fast and many a life has been lost here...

The story is narrated by "Tonto" a nickname their new Priest, Father Bernard has given the younger Smith boy. His brother Hanny is mute with learning difficulties and they come to the shrine every year to pray for him and hope for a miracle cure.

Also in the party is mummer and farther, the new Priest having recently taken over from Father Wilfred after he passed away, Father Wilfred's brother and his wife, Miss Bunce the church housekeeper and her fiance David.

The old house with it's odd history creaks and groans, the weather is wild, the locals unfriendly and the woods a scary place to be after dark. The boys meet a young heavily pregnant girl and Hanny is drawn to her. Things happen that week which have repercussions years later when the boys are adults. A great suspense read. Would recommend.


The Summer of Secrets by Sarah Jamson* (copy from Netgalley published 13 August) - A coming of age story which is set in 1983 with a couple of chapters in the present day.  Sixteen year old Helen is spending summer alone and confused. Her mum has left her dad and she's finding life hard.

The Bohemian Dover family move into the cottage at the end of the lane by the canal and Helen & Victoria begin a tentative friendship which lasts all summer long until something happens which will change their lives forever..

Thirty years on and Helen has been unable to move on from that summer evening. She meets Victoria by chance and finds out what really happened that day. A great debut and memorable story.


The Prodigal by Nicky BlackThis story was initially written for TV and Nicky transformed it into a novel. I have to say I simply loved it. 

Frank dies and leaves Lee and his mum homeless. Lee eventually gets himself out of Newcastle and comes back 20 years as a DS. He's the man that they hope will turn around crime on the tough Valley Estate. He also forges a relationship with the daughter he never knew he had who is a funny typical teen. He meets Nicola Kelly, wife of local hard man Micky and is drawn to her. We also meet Nicola's friend Margy who supports Nicola through thick and thin. Fast paced and exciting, a gritty true to life story which is full of hardship, love, saddness and humour.


Swerve by Vicki Pettersson* (copy from Netgalley published 7 July). An absolute edge of the seat nail bitter! I loved this fast paced and sometimes gruesome novel. Kristine Rush and her fiance Daniel are en-route to visit his mother for the annual 4th July party at Lake Arrowhead, California. They stop so Kristine can change her clothes after her scrubs had coffee spilt on them. They stop by an unmanned rest stop and a faceless man attacks Kristine in the toilets. 

When she is able to make her way back outside she find Daniel has been abducted.. What follows is a chase over the desert to find him with a killer tracking her every move...this book has a huge twist which I didn't see coming..Fast paced, scary and exciting. Would recommend.


Left for Dead - A Maeve Kerrigan Story by Jane Casey - this is a short story about Maeve's early days as a rookie Police Woman.

A violent rapist is attacking women and leaving them for dead on South London streets. Maeve responds to a domestic disturbance and finds the latest victim. As a new recruit she battles sexism and fights to be taken seriously. I've since downloaded some of the earlier books to read.



Digging Deep in the Garden - Book One by John Walker* - John very kindly sent me an e-copy of his first book. It is super informative and takes the form of articles which he wrote for Organic Gardening magazine. You will find some thoughts on climate change, genetically modified crops, impact on the environment of pesticides etc, composting to reduce landfill and producing rich compost and general organic growing among others. A great read which I'd recommend. Very informative.

What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary

Thursday 30 July 2015

July Empties

Here's my empties for July:



Green & Spring Repair & Restore Hand Wash 300ml* - I really enjoyed using this hand wash and I'll definitely buy it at some point. See my review here.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - a staple which I keep buying again and again.  I like the scent and it keeps me fresh.

Bite Beauty Lip Gloss - shade four - loved this and would try and pick it up again although it came in a Limited Edition gift set.

The Naked Skincare Company Rose Water Toner 50ml - lovely to use nice and refreshing. Would maybe buy.

Bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Body Moisturiser 40ml - using up the last of my bodhi minis. Love this. Will buy again.

Lush Self-Preserving Ocean Salt 120g - huge Ocean Salt fan. Will re-purchase.

Bodhi & Birch Rosa Rosa Hydrating Toner 100ml* - loved this toner and was sad when I'd finished it. Sure to buy. See my review here.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Lavender Pure Castile Liquid Soap 237ml - huge fan of the brand and this scent was lovely. Would buy again.

Lucy Annabella Argan & Bergamot Organic Treatment Oil 10ml* - love this! See my reviews here* and here. Sure to pick up this beautiful body oil again.

Lucy Annabella Time Out Organic Bath Milk 10ml* - this was lovely to use and made for a relaxing bath. Would maybe purchase full size.

Ambre Mango & Carrot Seed Hand Cream 15ml - a super rich and concentrated hand cream which is perfect for dry hands. I've got tons of hand creams to use. Maybe when I get through them I've buy this.

Blue Labelle Argan & Sea Buckthorn Face Oil 10ml* - this was lovely. I'd maybe buy when I reduce my stash. See my review here.

Saach Organics Mint & Rosemary Shower Gel 50ml - loved this minty scented shower gel. One I'll definitely consider purchasing in the future.

L'Occitane Velvet Balm 15ml - this is just gorgeous! Full size is on the ever expanding wishlist.

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil 15ml - I didn't like this as much as the balm. So wouldn't purchase.  It had a sort of greasy feeling on the skin.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 40ml - a wonder product which leaves my hair shiny, glossy and looking healthy. Will buy again and again.

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Facial Cleansing Gel 10ml - love this! So much so I picked up another mini set. Full size on the wishlist.

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - love this shower gel and will buy again. See my review here.



SAMPLES:

John Masters Organics Geranium & Grapefruit Body Wash 10ml - this is one of the new scents and was refreshing to use. Would maybe buy full size.

John Masters Organics Geranium & Grapefruit Body Milk 10ml - easily absorbed with a gentle scent. Would maybe buy full size.

John Masters Organics Rosemary & Arnica Body Wash 10ml - this was a bit too herbal for my liking so wouldn't purchase.

Two Odacite sample vials - Papaya & Geranium Serum Concentrate and Acai Rose Serum Concentrate - these seemed nice but with only one use I couldn't really tell if they suited my skin or not.






PERFUME SAMPLES:

Annick Goutal Eau D'Hadrien EDT sample vial - a gorgeous refreshing citrus scent perfect for summer. Would love full size.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir sample vial - one of my favourite Jo Malone scents. Sure to buy full size again sometime.

L'Artisan Mur ed Musc EDT - love this blackberry and musk scent. Will buy full size at some point.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Wednesday 29 July 2015

Evolve Satin Leg Gloss & Hyaluronic Serum 200


You know I love discovering new brands and buying on the spur of the moment. (which will be stopping when my spending ban kicks in later in August). I recently discovered new to me brand Evolve which is available at Naturisimo. I was lucky enough to receive a freebie in the form of a 10ml bottle of Hyaluronic Serum 200 with my order which was available while stocks lasted.

My purchase was Satin Leg Gloss (100ml - £20) which is scented with Gardenia along with mineral Mica and Titanium to add sparkle making this the ideal product to use with a suntan. It's stuffed full of nourishing ingredients making it a great body oil for dry skin. Camellia Oil moisturises and keeps the skin supple while Bisabolol soothes and adds shine.

The products are organic and handmade in small batches in a Hertfordshire studio and are Vegan, free from parabens, PEGs, phthalates and artificial colours.

The freebie Hyaluronic Serum 200 (10ml - worth £9.34) is fantastic and my favourite of the pair! It is a clear thickish serum which hydrates from within, firms and plumps up fine lines and wrinkles. Organic Pomegranate extract softens and protects and the serum is scented lightly with Organic rosewater.  Suitable for all skin types but especially dry and mature skins.

Have you tried any Evolve products?

Tuesday 28 July 2015

July: Lately I've been Loving

So many things I've been loving in July!



My pretty Bewitched Accessories purse my mum got me at the House for an Art Lover Shop. I just love it.



Shay & Blue Watermelons* an amazing scent which I absolutely adore. See my review HERE.



I've got quite a storecupboard of homemade jams and chutneys. Love making them.



Been loving using these products from OSKIA - sheer luxury. See my review HERE.






I came across Lesley Williamson Photography on Twitter and seeing as the above saying is my all time favourite I knew I had to pick up a card. There are also brilliant coasters which I'm buying soon! See the shop HERE.



The very talented Emily at Fleurelle Illustrations painted this gorgeous watercolour for a header for the @CraigentinnyTel twitter. So pretty I got it framed and it's now hanging in the kitchen.



We thoroughly enjoyed Savour 2 earlier in the month and enjoyed delicious cakes from Bostock Bakery and Zukr Boutique. Want to visit both again...and soon!






Last Sunday we had a delicious lunch at The Scran & Scallie. If you are around Stockbridge in Edinburgh I highly recommend it. The fish pie was delicious as was hubby's steak pie and my pudding simply summer in a glass (champagne jelly with summer fruits and sorbet) yum!


TARDES by CARNER EdP this was the perfume I fell in love with this month from Bloom Perfumery July Sample pack - see my post HERE. It smells truly gorgeous and full size is on the wishlist (in fact I might be tempted to pick it up in October when I visit the shop). 

What have you been loving this month?

*PR samples

Monday 27 July 2015

Naturisimo Wish List - July

I'm always seeing wants over at Naturisimo here's what I'm lusting over right now:


Estelle & Thild Sweet Vanilla Blossom Body Oil (£16.90 - 100ml) - this body oil sounds lush! A mix of botanical oils scented with Vanilla and Orange Blossom.


Estelle & Thild Spring Rose Blonde Body Scrub (£17.90 - 200g) - an organic polish scented with rose. What's not to love!


Oskia Skin Smoothing Massage Candle (£34.50 - 200g) - sheer luxury! A Rose de Mai scented candle which you light, wait until it melts and then pour the warm wax on your skin for massage. It absorbs instantly moisturising and lightly scenting the skin.


Balmology Travel Set (£17 - 3 x 12g) - I'v used the very lovely Neroli & Sweet Basil Cleansing Balm before - see my review here. I'm keen to try the other two products in the kit - Calendula & Chamomile Comfort Balm and Neroli & Frankincense Beauty Balm.


Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Sweetness (£33.00 - 2.4g) - I've lusted after any Kjaer Weis product for ages! This coral shade looks perfect for summer. It give the lips a light sheer wash of colour.

What's on your Naturisimo Wish List?

Sunday 26 July 2015

Nula Soy Las Pampas Piccolo Candle

I first spotted Nula Soy when The Beauty Shortlist tweeted about them arriving at Love Lula. Off to investigate I totally fell in love with the exquisite Las Pampas Piccolo Candle (40g - £14) in it's pretty red glass.



Nula Soy was founded by Helen Cornford in 2012 and the company was inspired by her grandparents.  Her grandmother had an approach to natural living which was ahead of her time - she made natural remedies and grew an organic garden. In the 50s with her husband she bought land and turned it into a plant nursery and florist.

There are 6 fragrances in the range which come in different coloured glassware, the glassware, in 3 sizes - Alto, Mezzo and Piccolo are made to the highest ecological standards in the Barvarian Forest and each one bears the Nula Soy motif.

Elizabethan Gardens represents England in 1568 a soothing blend of Rose Geranium, English Lavender and Chamomile. Las Pampas represents Argentina and is sultry and passionate with notes of Patchouli, Ylang Ylang and Grapefruit. Moving on and Maui Beach in Hawaii is exotic and sensual, a blend of Pikake Flower, Ylang Ylang, Lime and Ginger. We then come to Bali where we relax and feel tranquil with notes of Sandalwood, Vetiver, Mandarin and Lemongrass. The final two are Blue Mountains in Australia where we feel restored and fortified by notes of Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Lemon Myrtle and Peppermint. Peaceful Earth is meditative and harmonious with notes of Frankincense, Sweet Orange and Bergamot.




I chose Las Pampas a seductive blend of Patchouli, Ylang Ylang and Grapefruit which is perfect to burn on long summer evenings.  The candles are made with 100% pure certified organic Essential Oils and natural soy wax from North America with a cotton wick.

I'll definitely be picking up some more! Have you tried Nula Soy Candles?

Saturday 25 July 2015

Shay & Blue: Watermelons

As you'll probably already know I'm a huge Shay & Blue fan having bought my first bottle of Atropa Belladonna blind after having read The Sunday Girl's fab review (I'm now on my second bottle). See my review here. I went onto buy the mini set - see my thoughts here which led me to a full size bottle of Salt Caramel (well..my friend Julie gave me it in our birthday swap).

I've been testing out the delicious and fruity Watermelons (30ml - £30)* which is the perfect summer scent.  It also featured in my The Holiday Edit last week.


It opens with a juicy hit of the freshest Watermelon along with Green Mandarin, with heart notes of honeysuckle and green tea which gives body. Clipped vetivert grasses give depth and contrast.

The scent was created in 2015 by Perfumer, Julie Massé and Founder, Dom de Vetta.  I think it's the perfect summer scent and recently I've been wearing it all the time. I think it is easy to take from daytime wearing to summer evenings as although fruity and fresh it has an added depth to it.  Love!

What's your favourite Shay & Blue scent?

*PR sample

Friday 24 July 2015

Oskia Little Luxuries


I've been testing out some Oskia luxury trial sizes (15ml)* and I can quite honestly say they are fabulous. I'm a huge fan of their Renaissance Cleansing Gel (review) and I've actually tried the Renaissance Mask before (which I loved!)  You can pick all these up at Naturisimo.

The Oskia Perfect Cleanser (retails at £32.50 for 125ml) is a nutrient-rich balm which deeply cleanses the skin removing daily grime and make up. It's suitable for all skin types. To use: massage using damp fingers onto the skin. Add a little bit of water to form a milk and remove with warm damp muslin cloth. This cleanser is lovely to use (but I just slightly prefer the Renaissance Cleansing Gel).

Oskia Renaissance Mask (full size £48.50 for 50ml) is fabulous.  See my previous review here. I've been loving it all over again. From the delicious rosey scent to the way it feels on my skin and the after-effects of a fresh glowy complexion - Love!

The final item in the trio is Oskia Bedtime Beauty Boost (full size £74.00 for 50ml). This luxurious night cream melts easily into the skin. It works overnight so you wake up to fresh, bright and luminous skin. To use: massage onto face and neck before bed. Suitable for all skin types but especially dry, mature and hormonal skins.

What's your favourite Oskia product?

*PR samples

Thursday 23 July 2015

Beatitude Skin Salvation Facial Oil


I've been testing out beatitude's Skin Salvation Facial Oil (30ml - £38)* which deeply nourishes and cares for the skin. Made from natural plant essences and essential oils it helps to tackle ageing, fine lines, dehydration and fight free radicals.

It contains anti-ageing oils of Rose, Neroli and Immortelle along with Rosehip, Oat, Vitamin E, Evening Primrose, Squalane and Black Cumin Seed Oils.  Great for dull, tired skin as it rejuvenates and regenerates leaving the skin looking glowy and healthy.

Apply 1-2 drops to your palm and massage into face, neck and decollete.  Wear alone or under moisturiser AM and PM.

"A hard working facial oil that gives results - it is quite literally your skin salvation in a bottle".

Have you tried this facial oil or any of the other gorgeous products in the range?


*Sample gifted to me by the brand

Wednesday 22 July 2015

Take 5: Hand Care

My previous Take 5 include: skincare and haircare. Up this time is Hand Care. These are my current (and some long term favourites)


Neal's Yard Wild Rose Hand Cream - this lush cream was a mag freebie. Super rich it deeply moisturises the hands leaving them smelling of roses..I may have picked up two of these! 

Next up is the gorgeous Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Cream* - a deeply nourishing and deliciously scented hand cream which leaves the hands nourished, hydrated and smelling of lemons. Love! See my review here.

I had to include a bodhi & birch favourite - Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum - I think this is my second or third bottle. Super rich it is easily absorbed it leaves the hands feeling comfortable and cared for (as well as smelling gorgeous!) See my review here.

I'm a huge fan of the very lovely Kai perfume oil. This hand cream smells just like it!  It nourishes and protects and smells of kai perfume - what's not to love!

My final choice is DECIEM Hand Chemistry which deeply nourishes the hands. You can expect a noticeable difference in just 10 days.

What's your favourite hand care products?

*PR samples

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Isle of Light: Candles & Wax Melts

I first spotted Isle of Light candles over at Life in a Breakdown and loved the look of the candles and wax melts so went to look at the site.  The products are made by Keeleigh Currell who was just 17 when she set up her business which has now been running for a year and a half. She turned a much loved hobby into a business.

The candles and wax melts are hand made using 100% renewable Soy wax and high quality fragrance oils.  They are luxurious but affordable and the packaging is simple, chic and pretty.



I chose The Coast Votive (£5 - burn time 20hrs) which is scented with Bergamot, Orange, Amber, Coconut, Vanilla and Almond. It has a light coconutty scent which is reminiscent of summer holidays.

For my wax melts I chose Fresh Linen (£4.50 - you can get these in heart, shell or flower shape). I am a sucker for laundry fresh linen scents. It has notes of White Musk, Orange, Eucalyptus, Sea Kelp, Jasmine Petals and Mimosa. Use in your oil burner to scent your home.


Candles also come in Medium (£8 - 30hrs burn time) and Large (£13 - 45hrs burn time). All the scents sound fab. Next time I'm fancying Botanical GardensOriental Spice and English Pear & Vanilla.

Have you tried any products from Isle of Light?

Monday 20 July 2015

The Libbie Club: 30% off Skin & Tonic STEAM CLEAN 50g & Gentle Face Scrub 30g

I was trying to resist but being a HUGE Skin & Tonic STEAM CLEAN fan I knew this Libbie Club Offer was too good to resist! I chose to go with Kelly as she's a newbie to the Libbie Club this month. STEAM CLEAN on it's own costs £27 so what you are getting for your £25.20 is a brilliant cleanser (under its normal price) with a completely free Gentle Face Scrub (and free P&P) See more details HERE.


Have you bought anything from The Libbie Club?

Sunday 19 July 2015

The Holiday Edit

I've been really ruthless on deciding what products I'll take on holiday. I've picked products I really love and know work for me.

Skincare:


Skyn ICELAND Glacial Cleansing Cloths x 10 - I don't use wipes that often but sometimes I use them after a night out for a quick cleanse and they are a holiday must have.

Skin & Tonic STEAM CLEAN 15ml - probably my favourite cleansing balm this year. I love it's minty scent and how quickly it gets rid of daily grime and make up.

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Facial Cleansing Gel 10ml (yep I picked up another mini set!) See my initial thoughts on this lovely cleanser HERE.

I'm a huge bodhi & birch fan and I'm packing the mini Rosa Rosa trio - Clarifying Cleanser, Hydrating Toner and Daily Moisturiser. All of these are 5ml. See my review HERE.

Also being packed are 3 Antonia Burrell minis - Forest Dew, Mask Supreme 7-in-1 (review) and Creme Supreme (review) (all 10ml). See my post on the discovery kit HERE.

For eyes it's got to be Josh Rosebrook's amazing Oculus Formula* 1oz which I love. See my review HERE.

Lastly, my favourite de Mamiel Summer Facial Oil 20ml which I simply adore. See my review HERE.

Bodycare:


bodhi & birch Mint Thé and Jasmine Falls Bath & Shower Therapy both 50ml - I picked two of my favourite minis which can be used both in the bath and shower. I'm thinking of a cooling relaxing bath after a day in the sun or sightseeing....aahh. See my reviews HERE.

Lj's Natural Solutions Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml - I'm addicted to this stuff! One of my favourite body oils this year. I'm never without a bottle. See my review HERE.

Olivine Love+Salt Beach Hair & Body Mist 2oz - which is summer in a bottle. It smells deliciously of coconut and can be misted through the hair for beach waves or used as a body mist. This came in the S/S '15 a beautiful world box.

I love the shimmery Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR 10ml - for a light touch of summer shimmer.  My final item is a Dr Bronner's Lavender Shaving Gel sample.

Hair:


Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer 20ml - this came in the Latest in Beauty Awards Box (link). I'm a huge fan of this wonder product which makes my hair look healthy and glossy. It's a must have.  Also in there is another Philip Kingsley product Swimcap 50ml which can be used to protect your hair from the sun, wind, chlorine and sea water - it's a new try.

Another product from the #LIBawards box is COLAB Dry Shampoo in Monaco 50ml - I've been keen to try this after reading so many rave reviews.

Yarok's feed your ends leave in conditioner 2oz - is perfect for keeping dry ends conditioned and cared for.

I've also accumulated some sachet samples -


Perfume:


I like a little bit of choice:

Tom Ford White Suede EDP 4ml, The Library of Fragrance Salt Air 15ml, Creed Virgin Island Water vial, Miller Harris Coeur de Jardin vial, Diptyque PhilosykosShay & Blue Watermelons 30ml* a delicious fruity scent (full review upcoming!) and a Travalo filled with Laboratory Perfumes Gorse (review).

What are your holiday picks?

*PR samples

Saturday 18 July 2015

Win a Travalo Atomizer on Twitter

Check out my Twitter to find out how you can win a Travalo Perfume Atomizer. See my review here.  The giveaway is open worldwide and ends at midnight on Monday.

It will be wrapped in my personalised "Beauty Balm" wrapping paper which I picked up from Wicked Wrapping Paper - isn't it so cool!



May Lindstrom: The Jasmine Garden

I've wanted to try The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist ever since it was launched. I picked it up earlier in the month when Cult Beauty were offering a great GWP - see what I bought HERE.


I can quite honestly say I'm smitten with this gorgeous mist. It smells wonderful and makes the skin look dewy and refreshed. I know it will be a repeat purchase.

Handcrafted using the finest exotic and nutrient rich organic ingredients which are sourced and harvested sustainably and mindfully. Products are cruelty free and vegan.  Formulated, hand blended and personally filled in May's private studio.

The mist (£46 - 100ml) has a beautiful jasmine, cocoa and vanilla scent so delicious it's almost good enough to eat! The mist calms, restores elasticity, refreshes, soothes, replenishes and is addictive! 

To use: mist over cleansed skin to seal in hydration and nourish. Can also be used to set make-up or throughout the day to refresh and revive your skin and your mood.

Have you tried this?  What's your favourite May Lindstrom product?