Tuesday 31 July 2018

July Book Round-Up

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


Her Watchful Eye by Julie Corbin* - Ruby, an ex-copper works as a CCTV operative in Edinburgh. She sees someone on the screen who she hasn't seen in five years and begins to watch her - following her moves on the screen as she goes to her job at the restaurant and back to her flat and hanging out with her boyfriend...she's just watching out for her...she's not being an obsessive stalker is she? Lennie, her friend and colleague gives Ruby's life some grounding when she lets him in.

We learn of the heartaches in Ruby's life and how she can't forget or forgive herself for the thing she's done. Her soon to be ex-husband who never wanted a family is soon to be father to twins which causes Ruby no end of pain. All Ruby wanted was a child and a second chance. A twisty read with an ending I just didn't see coming. Would recommend.


Stalker by Lisa Stone* - Derek Flint is middle aged and still lives at home with his mum. He works in home security and every night watches over his clients on CCTV in their homes. They've become like his virtual family.

A series of crimes take place and all the victims have CCTV installed by Derek's company. DC Beth Mayes digs deeper and finds that somehow Derek is involved. Unbeknown to him he's been hacked and they can see everything he can... A twisty read which I enjoyed.


The Death of Mrs Westaway by Ruth Ware* - Hal Westaway, who lives alone in Brighton following her mother's tragic death suddenly receives a letter from a solicitor in Penzance telling her that her grandmother has left her a substantial amount in her will. She doesn't believe the letter is for her - her grandparents are dead after all. She owes a lot of money to a loan shark and her day job as a tarot reader doesn't bring in much money so this might be the answer to her prayers.

She travels to Cornwall and Trespassen House and meets her relatives who are a mixed bunch, some of whom are enraged their mother has left almost everything to a stranger. The house is creepy and surrounded by resident magpies which makes everything feel more threatening. Hal's installed in an attic far away from everyone else with bars on the window and a lock on the outside of the door. The housekeeper, Mrs Warren seems to take an instant dislike to her.

There's a story running alongside from the past and two girls who have happy and unhappy times at Trespassen House. It's very cleverly woven into the story in the present day. Hal unearths a lot of secrets, mystery and tragedies and you wonder if she'll make it out of Trespassen House alive...A brilliant, brilliant read which I loved.


Fatal Inheritance by Rachel Rhys**It's 1948 and Eve Forrester is trapped in a dull and lonely marriage with straight laced husband Clifford. She receives a solicitors letter out of the blue in which she learns that a wealthy stranger has left her a quarter share in his villa. She's got no idea who or what Guy Lester means to her.

Clifford and of course her mother Mary almost forbid her to leave England for the beautiful and sparkling French Riviera. She's been invited alone to find out more about her inheritance. Used to rationing and penny pinching she falls head over heels for the decadence, abundance and glamour of the Riviera.

The Lesters are not at all happy to welcome this stranger to their midst. Who is she in relation to their father? A twisty read which made me gasp out loud when I learned of the connection(s). Eve was a brilliant character who grew and developed over the course of the story, ready to make her own decisions and forge her way in life. Totally brilliant and highly recommend.



In Love and War by Liz Trenow* - the story is set in July 1919 and three very different women are searching for three men very dear to them who lost their lives at the battlefields of Ypres in Belgium.

Ruby, is just married and looking for her husband's grave. Confident Alice, a loud American is looking for her younger brother and Martha and her son Otto, looking for someone close to them. Three very different women who when it comes down to it are not very different at all.

The women go to look for their men in the cemeteries around Ypres and beyond. You feel transported there to the battlefields, trenches and feel the devastation of war. Freddie, a British soldier who stayed there after the war is an interesting character who is also searching for who he is. The women grow and change and find out they are in fact stronger than they could ever believe. The characters and storylines stayed in my mind long after I'd finished the book.


Islands in the East by Jenny Ashcroft* - The story is set in Singapore in the 1890s and the 1940s and the two stories are intertwined. In 1897, identical twins Mae and Harriet, born from an affair have always had each other despite the malicious gossip. They are sent to Singapore by their benefactor and one of them has to marry creepy businessman David Keeley. 

When dashing Alex Blake comes into their lives the twins, for the first time in their lives fall out and their loving relationship fractures. The interwoven story is set in 1941 and Ivy, an Intelligence Officer is posted to wartime Singapore. She's going to be such an asset to the war effort as she speaks fluent Japanese and will work interpreting and tracking their movements. 

She has ghosts from war-torn London and when she meets gorgeous Kit she doesn't believe she should be allowed to be happy. She also meets up with friends of her grandmothers and is truly surprised to learn they lived in Singapore. The story is about love, rivalry, betrayal, war and friendships. I thought it was a brilliant novel. Highly recommend.


The Ice Maiden by Sara Sheridan* -  I adore Sara's Mirabelle Bevan series so pretty much knew I'd fall for The Ice Maiden and what a fabulous, well researched, engrossing and un-put-downable read it is.

The story is set initially in 1842 when Karina stows away on a boat leaving Deception Island. She's destitute and hungry, owing money here and there since her husband went missing at sea. She dresses as a boy and sneaks onboard a boat she believes is bound for England for onward journey to her sister in Amsterdam. But, the ship is bound for the chilling and unforgiving Antarctica. 

It's soon discovered that she's a woman and she forms a friendship with the ship's surgeon, Joseph Hooker. Life on board is tough and fascinating to read about. There's a twist in the tale which shocked me and took me a while to get used to. Karina is brave, plucky, passionate, impatient and wants it all. She's a great character. The fact interwoven into the story is an expedition - the Voyage of Discovery and the attempt to take the South Pole by Scott and Shackleton. I absolutely loved the story and would highly recommend.



The Girl in the Letter by Emily Gunnis* - The story opens in 1956 when Ivy Jenkins falls pregnant by her footballer boyfriend. He wants nothing to do with her or the child and she's sent in disgrace to St Margaret's, a house for unmarried mothers run by nuns. Her baby Rose is adopted against her will. 

In the present day, Samantha Harper is a journalist who is juggling her busy job and caring for her four year old daughter with the help of her Nana and sometimes her ex, Ben. Her Nana has a series of letters from a young mother who is begging to be rescued from St Margaret's which makes heartwrenching reading. Samantha delves into the past desperate to get the story which will be the making of her career. She also cares deeply about what happened to Ivy and Rose and getting to the bottom of what happened at St Margaret's. 

Kitty, a famous TV host is searching for her sister and will stop at nothing to find out the truth. The stories are intervoven and there are some surprises in store for Samantha. With twists and turns I didn't see coming. A thrilling but sometimes harrowing read which was un-put-downable. Highly recommend. 
What have you been reading this month?

*copy from the publisher via Netgalley **copy from Love Reading

Monday 30 July 2018

No.35 Oak Lane Online Gift Store

No.35 Oak Lane is a fabulous online gift store based in Northern Ireland. I stumbled upon it after we followed each other on Instagram. The ranges are sourced from independent makers and artists and are carefully curated and presented - pick up gift sets, cards, postcards and a wide range of gifts which you can buy singly or make up your own gift box (which I did!)

"by supporting us you are supporting independent businesses, makers and designers and the environment. Your support allows age old traditions to stay alive and dreams to come true".

They also support the 'Just a Card' campaign which aims to encourage people to buy from a designer/maker at an independent gallery or shop and to help reinforce the message that all purchases, however small are vital to the survival of small businesses. 

Here's what I chose (some of my items were in the sale):


Isn't that packaging just gorgeous! You can chose a customised label at no extra cost. I love the simple brown paper packaging and string. When you open up your parcel inside is a re-usable brown box (p&p is £3.95)


It's the little things that make me smile!


And for a closer look..


A beautiful HOBO Soy Candle in Citrus+Basil (£12.80) this fresh and zesty scented candle is great for summer. A review will follow when I get the chance to burn it! 


From The Handmade Soap Co their Sweet Orange, Basil & Frankincense Soap (£5.95) which is gentle, sweetly scented and handmade for hard working hands. See my review on the brand HERE.


I adore nice notebooks and this one by Dusty Boy Designs is just beautiful. It's A5 in size and has 64 blank pages. It's currently on sale for £4.95.


Rounding up my selection is a single Spacemask (£3.50) which I've tried before. These are great for relaxing and soothing tired eyes and minds! My final pick is Rococo's Orange Blossom Neroli Milk Chocolate Small Bee Bar 20g (95p) which didn't last long! Milk chocolate with a silky taste enhanced with sweet neroli and orange (yum!)

Have you bought anything from No.35 Oak Lane? What takes your fancy?

Sunday 29 July 2018

July: Lately I've been Loving

So many July loves..

We dined at recently opened The Little Chartroom in Leith and had a delicious meal (ask for a seat at the "bar" and you can see all that's going on!) It's where they prepare the starters and desserts.


The food's gorgeous and below are my choices:

Heritage Tomatoes - Feta - Watermelon - White Balsamic

riccotta and parmesan gnudi - charred corn - greens

Elderflower Ice Cream Sandwich - Strawberries - Granola

The food was incredible. Can't wait to go back!

Jill (@OnTheShelfBooks), Joanne (@portybelle), Kelly (@LoveBookGroups) & Sandra (@Bookloverworm1)

Had a great meet up with these book blogger pals! Great chit-chat and book swapping! Roll on next time!


My eco-friendly coffee cup which I bought at our local gift shop COVE.


I think Naturisimo's Sensitive Soul Discovery Box was one of the best yet! See my review HERE.



A trip to North Berwick always makes me happy! We stayed at a cute Airbnb which was a little studio with it's own kitchen, seating area and shower room (oh and on street parking too!) - really lovely - can't wait to go back. And of course cocktails at Herringbone are a must!


East Lothian based Beatitude have repackaged their wonderful body oils* into glass pump bottles which makes it much more user friendly. Joy is my favourite scent - see my review HERE


We had dinner last week at Forage & Chatter and my dessert (sorry the photo's not great!) was one of my favourites this year. Yoghurt parfait with rose and rhubarb. Divine!

What have you been loving in July?

*complimentary

Saturday 28 July 2018

July Empties

Here's what I've been using up in July:


Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence 15ml - this came in the recent Naturisimo Sensitive Soul Discovery Box. Lovely to use, really enjoyed it. Would maybe buy full size.

Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash 20ml* - I love all the Weleda body washes. They are nice to use, creamy and nourishing and come in nice scents. Will definitely buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil 10ml* - again a beautiful product from Weleda. Will buy full size when my body oil stash reduces a bit.

Rituals Ritual of Ayurveda Dry Body Oil 5ml - this came in a Latest in Beauty Box. It's teeny tiny. Seemed nice enough but there are other Rituals scents I prefer.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Firm and Revitalise Dry Body Oil 5ml - have tried this before and loved it. Full size is firmly on the wishlist!

bodhi & birch Rosemary Chi Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - while not my favourite scent from bodhi & birch this is awakening and bracing and I enjoyed using it in my morning shower recently.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Peppermint Pure Castile Soap 237ml - an absolute staple in my stash. I use it to clean my make up brushes and the bath! 

Givenchy Ready to Cleanse Cleansing Cream in Gel 5ml - this was a Feel Unique sample from their pick n mix range. Nice to use with a floral scent. Might or might not buy.

Sisley Suprema La Nuit 5ml - wow what cream! It costs £475 so will never be in my stash but it was lovely to try and left my skin looking luminous.

Acqua di Parma Arancia di Capri EdT 1.2ml - this was a Feel Unique sample pick. Zesty and refreshing I loved it. Full size is on the wishlist!

Skyn Iceland Glacial Facewash 20ml - which was a Latest in Beauty pick. With an Ocean fresh scent and foamy texture it was lovely to use. I'd maybe buy full size.

Anita Grant Organic Rose Body Oil 15ml - nice to use although I thought the neroli oil I used up last month slightly had the edge so wouldn't buy.

Chantecaillie Rose de Mai Cream 10ml - another pricy one so unlikely to buy. My skin loved this rose scented gel. Really beautiful.

Weleda Evening Primrose Revitalising Body Wash 20ml* - nice to use. Hadn't tried this scent before. Would maybe buy.

D’ALCHÉMY Micellar Cleansing Water 30ml** - I'm a huge fan of this lovely brand. See my review HERE. I'd buy this when my stash reduces.


Soap Daze Lemongrass & Patchouli Soap - I'm a sucker for nice soaps so couldn't resist their mini soaps. I've been using them at my wash hand basin and I'm sure they'll last a while. Would buy again however.

O&M Seven Day Miracle Moisture Masque 15ml - a brand I'd been wanting to try for a while. Love their shampoo & conditioners. This masque gave me two uses and left my hair nourished and healthy looking. Would buy full size.

Sisley Hair Rituel Precious Hair Care Oil 1ml - I just loved this! It made short work of frizz and left my hair looking glossy and healthy. Full size is firmly on the wishlist. Loved it.

Sisley Hair Rituel Revitalising Smoothing Shampoo 8ml - lovely to use but unlikely to buy as it's pricey. Was nice to try however.

D’ALCHÉMY Spectacular Hand Therapy 1.5ml** - which I received in July's Love Lula Beauty Box. It's a beauty and full size is firmly on the wishlist.

Sisley Eau Tropicale Moisturising Perfumed Body Lotion - wow this is gorgeous! With a coconut scent the rich lotion deeply nourishes and leaves the skin smelling glorious. Want!

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner 5ml sachets - I've used these before and my hair loves them. Will buy at some point.

What have you been using up this month?

*complimentary
**sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

Friday 27 July 2018

Willow Organic Sorbet Glow Age Preventative Skincare

I've had the real pleasure of trying latest launch by Willow Organic the beautiful Sorbet Glow Age Preventative Skincare* which is formulated with the naturally active ingredient Gatuline Expression, the natural botox which is extracted from the upper parts of the Acmella Oleracea plant (native to south America, Africa and Asia). It'll smooth crow's feet after just one use, reduce wrinkles and redefine the eye and lip contour.

I've tried a few products from the range (isn't the packaging beautiful).



All the products are amazing and you feel them working straight away but the star for me is Vitamin Facial Oil 30ml (£58)*.



It's a Vitamin rich oil (Vitamin A, E, C and F) and it hydrates, protects and nourishes the skin. Formulated with Gatuline Expression, healing Rosehip Seed Oil and hydrating Jojoba. Rosehip naturally contains Retinol and Omegas 3 and 6 plus antioxidants and fatty acids which help to correct dark spots and hydrate. To use: apply a few drops to the face and neck AM and PM. Use alone or with Nightly Rejuvenating Balm or Radiance Day Cream.

The Facial Oil has a citrus-floral scent and absorbs almost instantly. I've found my skin looks healthy, nourished and glowy after use. It's one I want always in my stash so it will be replenished when this ones done!



The Nightly Rejuvenation Balm 50ml (£52)* is a rich luscious cream with a gel/balm like texture which melts easily onto the skin (you only need the tiniest amount). It feels instantly firming on the skin. Formulated with Gatuline Expression, vitamin rich Acai Oil which deeply nourishes and plumps, Cranberry Seed Oil improves elasticity and regenerates while Rhododendron Flower extract soothes. To use: apply a small amount to the skin nightly.

A luxurious night balm which firms and tones. Wake up with beautifully soft and plumped skin. Again, this has the same delicious fruity-floral scent.



I was also sent two trial sizes of Super Firming Eye Treatment* & Cell Renewing Cleansing Mask* which I loved. The eye treatment has a gel like consistency and is easy to apply around the eye and lip contour.  The mask has a creamy texture which I found really nourished my skin. 

A beautiful collection of products which I highly recommend. Pick yours up HERE.

See my review of the Barbary Fig Miracle Collection HERE.

*complimentary

Thursday 26 July 2018

Lucidlure Allava Conditioning Hair Treatment


I received Lucidlure's Allava Conditioning Hair Treatment (trial size) in my June Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and I can honestly say it's fantastic! 


The range is handcrafted in small batches and formulated with natural, unrefined organic ingredients including plant based food grade cold pressed oils, steam distilled essential oils and unrefined butters.  Packaging is recyclable or reusable and is pleasing to the eye - simple and stylish.

There are no parabens, petrochemicals, SLS, mineral oil, synthetics, artificial colours, fragrances or dyes used.

Allava Conditioning Hair Treatment is a rich blend of nourishing organic oils and organic unrefined shea butter - it's got a rich natural buttery scent and is suitable for all hair types.

To use: massage into roots and draw out through the lengths making sure the ends are saturated. Leave on for 2 hours or overnight. Before washing wrap your hair in a hot damp towel for 10-15 minutes which will help the oils pentrate deeply into the scalp and hair shaft.  Wash hair thoroughly before finishing with conditioner. You can also apply a small amount after blow drying to nourish and smoothe flyaways.

I simply love this exquisite hair mask - it leaves my hair silky smooth and shiny (and I've found I need to wash my hair less often after using it - which is always a bonus!) Pick yours up HERE.

Wednesday 25 July 2018

Sofia Latif Face Oil


I've had the real pleasure of testing out Sofia Latif's Face Oil (30ml - £45*) (it's also available in 10ml size - £20) and was recently Shortlisted in the 2018 Free From Skincare Awards.

Sofia used to be a blogger and I love that she's turned into formulator and creator and founder of her own brand. 

The SL Face oil is exquisite - it's scented with exotic Jasmine Flower extract which balances and lifts the mood and Bulgarian Rose which refines. Sofia took 15 years to perfect her luxurious face oil and each oil in the blend has been selected for a reason - to nourish, regenerate and strengthen.

The Face Oil is organic, Vegan, natural and contains pure nut, seed and flower oils. Amber glass bottles are used which are recyclable. And Sofia likes to give something back. For each bottle sold a percentage is given to lendwithcare, an organisation which lets you invest in an entrepreneur who want to work their own way out of poverty to success.

Organic Sweet Almond Oil seals in moisture, strengthens and absorbs quickly, Rosehip Seed Oil is anti-ageing and helps to minimise wrinkles and fade scars, Marula Seed Oil helps with evening skin tone and firming, Moringa Seed Oil heals while Pomegranate Seed Oil regenerates. 

To use: PM either alone or layered over serum. You can also add a few drops to your moisturiser

My thoughts?

The face oil is exquisite (that scent!), it absorbs almost instantly and takes caring for your skin to another level! Wake up with nourished, glowy and soft skin with fine lines and wrinkles smoothed (this face oil will definitely make my best of '18 cut). Pick yours up HERE.

*complimentary (I also received a 10ml mini bottle in June's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. See my initial thoughts HERE)

Tuesday 24 July 2018

Letterbox Luxuries: The Dainty Collection - The Stationery Love Letterbox Gift Set

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Letterbox Luxuries after having received their Time to Sparkle Gift from hubby at my birthday. See my review HERE. All the gift sets are carefully curated with love, care and attention to detail and exquisitely presented. 

There are a new range of boxes - when a card just isn't enough - called The Dainty Collection which start at £12.99 including p&p. See the gift sets available HERE.


Isn't that packaging gorgeous! It really makes my heart sing!


Inside the Stationery Love Letterbox Gift Set (£18.99 including p&p) is a beautiful Sloane Stationery La Vie En Rose notebook with 72 cream pages which are gold gilded and unlined. It's perfect to pop in your handbag for making notes or luxury beauty shopping lists!

Also nestled inside is a Savon Claire Pencil Set in pink which is beautifully boxed and finished with a ribbon and wax seal (it's the little things which bring so much joy). The pencils are embossed with - Amour, Parfait, Magnifique and Fabuleux and they come ready sharpened for immediate use!


I think the sets are gorgeous and perfect for gifting - if you can bear to give them away!


Pick yours up HERE

Monday 23 July 2018

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box - July - Rose

I picked up my July Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box on Friday before rushing out the door for a wee weekend in North Berwick. I finally got round to looking more closely at everything in July's box last night.


The theme this month is rose (isn't that tissue just exquisite!)


And for a closer look...


The first item to jump out at me was new to me brand Zenon Kition and inside is 100ml Floral Beauty Mist (worth £9.99) which you can use skin, hair and scalp.

I'm already a huge fan of Alteya Organics Age Defense Rose Oil Hand Cream (30ml - £6.20) See my review HERE. Very happy to have a back up now in my stash!

From Lola's Apothecary is their Delicate Romance Body & Massage Perfume Deluxe Roll-on (10ml - £20) which is rose heaven! Use as a perfume, as a body oil or for massage. It's exquisite.

It's nice to see a make up item in the box. Inside is Odylique's Lip Line in Rose (full size - £12.50) which I'm looking forward to testing out.

From Balmkind there is their Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018 Finalist - Alpine Rose & Lysine Lip Balm (10ml - £12) which I reviewed HERE.

There's a duo from Weleda - two trial sizes from their Wild Rose range - Creamy Body Wash (20ml) and Body Oil (10ml). I tried these recently for the first time and loved them.

The final item is samples from Green People of their Damask Rose Facial Oil (5ml) and Damask Rose Moisturiser (10ml).

It's a great value box this month and stuffed full of rose scented goodies and as ever money off coupons from most of the brands. For me this month there are two new to me products and one new to me brand. Are you a subscriber? What are your thoughts?

Friday 20 July 2018

Alyaka Wishlist

Alyaka is the place to go to find brands such as Iles Formula, Evody, GRESSA, Mahalo, Siam Seas, In Fiore, Imaginary Authors and KOSA Beauty to name a few (much excitement).

I recently purchased Iles Formula Haute Performance Discovery Set (£25) which I can't wait to try! I love that every order comes with free samples (it's the little things).


And so... I decided I needed to do a wishlist..

Bois1920 Sensual Tuberose EdP (£149 - 100ml) which sounds totally gorgeous! The perfume has top notes of coriander, peach and tuberose, a heart of coconut, heliotrope, jasmine, mugane and orange blossom with a base of benzoin, orris, patchouli, sandalwood and white musk. 

EVODY Cuir Blanc EdP (£72 - 50ml) which is leathery and musky and has top notes of violet leaf, a heart of amber and iris and base notes of Russian leather and white musk.

Imaginary Authors Violet Disguise EdP (60ml - £70) which I first tried via my Bloom Perfumery Subscription way back in April 2017 and I loved it. It has notes of plum, violet, dried fruits, balsam, amber, evening air and the month of May.


GRESSA Lip Boost - Radiant (£29 - 7ml) a brand which has been on my wishlist for ages! This lip boost feels like a balm and looks like a gloss and gives the lips a pop of moisturising colour. 


Mahalo Sample Kit (£28) this clever kit contains samples sizes (one or two uses) and contains 5 samples - Petal Hydrating Mask (2ml), Rare Indigo Beauty Balm (2ml), Balm Moisturising Treatment (2ml), Bean Mask (2ml) and Unveil Cleansing Balm (2ml). The kit is redeemable against a full size skincare product. It's great to get a feel for the products before splashing out.

IN FIORE 4-2-4 Travel Set (3 x 25ml, 1 x 15ml - £220) this brand's been on the wishlist like forever too and this is a great try-me set. It contains Lustra Illuminating Cleansing Essence 25ml, a homeopathic oil-based cleanser which removes dirt, purifies, plumps and nourishes, Gentle Cleansing Emulsion 25ml which is ultra mild and addresses complexion imbalance, redness and irritation. Fleur Vibrante Healing Floral Essence 15ml a remedy-in-a-bottle which contains a potent cocktail of fortifying antioxidants, flavonoids and essential amino acids which penetrate into the skin to optimize cellular function and refine. The final item in the set is Vitale Toning Floral Essence 25ml which revitalises and protects.

What's on your Alyaka wishlist?

*my post contains a few affilate links