March Book Round-Up

Here's what I've been reading in March. I sort of lost my reading mojo mid month, just with everything going on but I'm hoping I get it back to it as I've lots of amazing books on my kindle/taking part in some great blog tours. Books marked * I very generously received from the publisher via netgalley/direct from publisher.

*Waiting for Lindsay by Moira Forsyth - this was my first book by Moira Forsyth - I'll definitely go back and check out her others!

At the heart of the story, the main character is thirteen year old Lindsay Mathieson who goes missing when everyone else is playing on the beach. All her brother and cousins can say is that she walked up the beach, went round the rocks and disappeared..

The story jumps from the past to the present (30 years later) and we find out how the others have coped with her disappearance. On the main, they have pretty much kept in touch with each other and found myself totally engrossed in their stories and lives. A great read which I really enjoyed and would recommend.

*The Switch by Beth O'Leary - having adored The Flatshare I was thrilled to read The Switch. It's not published until the end of April so I'll share my review in my April book-round-up! Highly recommend though - it's a brilliant read (I wished for it on netgalley and the publisher very kindly granted my wish!)

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - Vanessa Wye was just fifteen and at boarding school when her English teacher, Jacob Strane starts grooming her. The story flips back to then and the present. In the current day he's been accused of sexual abuse by a former pupil and Vanessa has to dissect her feelings - he was after all the love of her life, her awakening, her teacher... A dark and disturbing tale which gripped me to the very last page.

*Sister by Kjell Ola Dahl - I'm taking part in the blog tour in early April so catch my review then. 

The Donor by Clare Mackintosh - Meg, Lizzie's daughter receives a life saving heart transplant and they are all hugely grateful to the donor. After Meg appears in the local newspaper the donor's mother Karen gets in touch and asks to meet Meg. They feel it's the least they can do....but will they regret it? It's a twisty tale which was easy to read and which I devoured in one sitting.

The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe - I loved this sweet tale of female friendship and love. Lara Cliffe is about to get married to the sweetest man who would do anything for her. She's on her hen-do with three of her best friends to Amsterdam when on the boat over she comes face-to-face with her ex, the guy who jilted her and the one she never forgot.... It's a great wee heartwarming story which I really recommend.

The Barn on Half Moon Hill by Milly Johnson - after having enjoyed the previous story I picked up another short read by Milly. Cariad Williams has been writing to movie star, Franco Mezzaluna since they were kids but he's never written back... She's just found out he's coming to the theme park where she works and has told her catty flatmates they are an item.. they don't believe her so can't wait to see her trip up on the day. Luckily Franco rises to the challenge and takes her out for lunch. They have so much to talk about and have a fun time and... he makes her dreams come true.. a nice short read which I recommend.

From last month:

*Little Doubt - DI Kelly Porter #7 by Rachel Lynch - I absolutely adore this series and Kelly Porter! Ella Watson is a wealthy mum of two who is randomly stabbed in broad daylight when out running in a nearby park. Later that same day, Keira Bradley, who lives on the Estate meets the same fate. Who is behind it? DI Kelly Porter is running the two cases side by side. Her boss, is obstructing her at every turn and no one on the housing estate feels able to speak to her for fear of reprisals.

As ever, she is determined to seek justice and it blows her for six when she finds a traitor in the ranks. I couldn't put the book down. It's fast paced and riveting and I can't wait for book #8. So recommend this book and the series.

What have you been reading this month?

Book-ish Book Club: A Book Subscription Service: March 2020

I randomly came across the Book-ish Book Club on Twitter and signed up for one month to try it (paperback £12 a month - check out the subscriptions available HERE). My letterbox friendly box arrived on Friday and here's what was inside...

Inside the box is a tissue wrapped book of the month along with some other treats.

This month you get a code for 15% off at the online-bookshop, a cute little pen from Legami, an info sheet and a bookmark (always useful).

Inside is Ali Smith's book Spring (which I haven't actually read!)

"What unites Katherine Mansfield, Charlie Chaplin, Shakespeare, Rilke, Beethoven, Brexit, the present, the past, the north, the south, the east, the west, a man mourning lost times, a woman trapped in modern times?"

"Spring. The great connective"

"With an eye to the migrancy of story over time, and riffing on Pericles, one of Shakespeare's most resistant and rollicking works, Ali Smith tells the impossible tale of an impossible time. In a time of walls and lockdown, Smith opens the door. The time we're living in is changing nature. Will it change the nature of the story?".

"Hope springs eternal"

I'll let you know my thoughts on the book in a monthly book round up. Are you a #BookishCrickBookClub subscriber?

March: Lately I've Been Loving: My Chronicle Book Box, Pure Anada, Kiss the Moon, Bloom+The Simple Things mags

Everything changed so much in March with the coronavirus - I hope everyone is staying well and safe. *Means I've received something free of charge for review. Here's what I've been loving in March:

Hubby made Kedgeree, a delicious mix of basmati, smoked haddock, onion, curry paste and boiled eggs with a sprinkling of chopped parsley. We had it for brunch (but would have it for dinner too!)

My first My Chronicle Book Box which I reviewed HERE. It's such a carefully thought out subscription.

*I fell head-over-heels for Pure Anada's Peppermint Cream Effervescent Bath Soak* and Cocoa Body Butter*. The scent is almost good enough to eat - sugary mint with a touch of vanilla. Just sublime. This duo is fabulous for a non-calorific treat. See my review HERE and pick yours up HERE. 

*A truly decadent box of treats from Award Winning Kiss the Moon. The luxe packaging, beautiful scents with effective formulas just make my heart sing. Perfect for a moment of calm before bed. You can see my review of their GLOW Bedtime Bath Salts* HERE and their CALM after Dark Face Face Oil* HERE. A review is coming shortly for their gem CALM After Dark Sleep Balm*. The range is perfect for some me-time and to calm and relax both the body as well as the mind.

Lovely lifestyle magazines - my favs being Bloom and The Simple Things - with two gorgeous covers! I adore the 'lil' birds on a branch!

What's given you joy throughout March?

*JOIK Organic: Matcha & Green Clay Detox Facial Mask & Rejuvenating Day Ceam

*Sent to me free of charge as a member of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for an honest review:

I recently tried two of JOIK Organics other products - their Lemon & Geranium Natural Mineral Deodorant* and their Sweet Orange & Mint Body Butter* which were both fantastic. See my review HERE.

Today I'm sharing my thoughts on their Matcha & Green Clay Detox Facial Mask (£23 - 75ml)* which purifies, clarifies, refreshes and detoxes the skin (my oily t-zone loved this herbal-minty-fresh scented clay mask). It's especially suited to normal, combo and oily skin types (get 15% off at Love Lula when you spend £30 or more (exclusions apply). This code - SPRING - is valid until midday on 1st April - perfect time to stock up on some treats!)

Green Clay penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve impurities, detoxify and balance oiliness. Vitamin rich Matcha Tea hydrates, calms and pampers the skin, reducing irritation and redness. Nordic herbal extracts of Yarrow, Lady's Mantle, Peppermint, greater plantain and Melissa brighten and regenerate, evening the skin tone and making it glow. Serenoa palm and Juniper berry extracts have anti-bac properties which helps to refine pores. Organic Shea butter and Safflower oil nourish and hydrate while Organic Peppermint essential oil cools and refreshes the skin.

To use: apply a layer to cleansed skin leaving on for 5-10 minutes before washing it off (I tend to use a warmed damp cloth). Skin is left looking bright and refreshed.

I've also been really impressed with their Rejuvenating Day Cream (£35 - 50ml)* which is presented in a pump action glass bottle and has a lotion type texture. The scent is herbal and the "cream" absorbs instantly, firming and hydrating. 

The skin is plumped and smoothed by plant derived skin identical moisturising complex which binds to the skin's surface like a magnet locking in moisture and strengthening the skin. This powerhouse formulation also includes moisturising and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, patented active Calcium 2 Ketogluconate which protects from moisture loss and promotes skin renewal. Polysaccharides rich in fern tree extract give a natural lift and tightening action while Organic Argan oil moisturises and softens. Extracts from Watercress, Nettle, Field Horsetail, Budleia Davidii & Thyme protect. Organic Sacha Inchi oil renews, improves elasticity while Caper Flower, Mulberry and Rhodiola Rosea extracts boosts skin's energy supplies and improves radiance. Skin is younger looking, energised and radiant.

To use: apply to face and neck in the morning.

I've loved using this day cream which brightens, nourishes and plumps the skin.  Pick yours up - HERE (Mask) and HERE (Day Cream).

What are your top picks from JOIK?

March Empties

I actually used up the hand washes just before the Corona Virus became very real for us in the UK. Hope everyone is staying well and safe. Products marked * I received as a Beauty Shortlist Judge.

Olverum The Body Oil 10ml - I love the bath oil by the same brand so my interest was piqued to try the body oil which came, I think in a Latest in Beauty Box. Lovely to use, I'd definitely pick up again.

Tom Daxon Sicilian Woods 4.5ml EdP - which I received in a sampling box last birthday as a gift from hubby. See my thoughts HERE. This and Resin Sacra were my hands-down favourites and I'll definitely buy full size of both at some point.

As you know I was delighted to be asked to be a judge again at the recent Beauty Shortlist Awards and fell head-over-heels for the stunning Award Winning Desavery. I especially adored STELLAR Daily Serum* (it's scented with truly uplifting Bergamot Essential Oil) and SMOOTH Hyaluronic Acid*. A truly wonderful range which I'll buy again soon as I can.

Walden Natural Perfumes Castles in the Air EdP 15ml was an absolute delight. It featured in my project 10 pan (which I'm still slowly working through - see HERE and HERE (that's me now used up 4, so it's def a long process!)

I loved trying Evolve's Daily Apple Hair & Body Wash 50ml which was the perfect try-me-size/for travel. I loved it's light apple scent and how well it worked as a hair and body wash (full size is on the wishlist).

I'm a huge, huge, huge fan of Molton Brown's Christmas scent Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash 350ml - I normally pick some up in the sale - but it sold out really quickly. I'll definitely be picking some up when it launches next October. See my review HERE.

I also adored Noble Isle's Tea Rose Hand Wash 250ml which has a delectable rosy scent (I want to try more from this range!). See my review HERE.

Corinne Taylor Spirit Room & Linen Mist 100ml - I love this award winning brand and I adored Spirit! It's an earthy and grounding blend with sage, palo santo and cedarwood and I was pretty upset when I used the last drop! Adds to wishlist once again..

What have you been using up this month?

*Love Lula: REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil

*Sent to me free of charge as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. 

REN's Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil (30ml - £47)* has piqued my interest for a while. It was when I spotted it in a magazine as a Beauty Expert's pick for glowy, plumped and smooth skin I knew I had to jump right in and try it for myself.

Their Bio Retinoid range is anti-ageing: it'll reduce wrinkles and age spots, leaving the skin look radiant, brighter and younger looking. Formulated with Retinoid analogue (a flower extract), Vitamin A and Hyaluronic Acid. I've found the oil to be very gentle with a slightly herbal aroma. It hydrates, protects, smooths and helps to even the skin tone. (I also love that you can recycle the packaging easily (minus the pipette).

To use: AM & PM before moisturiser. Warm 4-5 drops between your hands and gently pat over the face, neck and chest. 

I've found the oil brightens my skin and smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles, absorbing instantly and leaving my skin hydrated and glowy. It's a buy again product for sure! What are your favourites from REN? (I also adore Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil!)

Shopping My Stash #113

I've not been purchasing as much just now in these uncertain times (I've sort of lost my beauty and reading mojo - though I'm hoping they come back!) I'll be doing lots more shopping my stash posts/reviews of products I already have. Products marked * I've been gifted for review.

I absolutely adore Lush's Sleepy Body Lotion which really is a hug in a jar. It's perfect to use before bed for restful sleep. It's creamy, comforting and soothing with an oaty and lavender scent. NUXE's Huile Prodigieuse Riche has the same scent as the original best seller but with a richer texture. It's good for dry skin and hair leaving them nourished and luminous. Balm Balm's Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm* (which I received in December's* Love Lula Beauty Box) makes short work of make up and daily grime and has a delicious Frankincense scent.

From Award Winning 100 Acres Apothecary (which came in January's Skin Organic Clean Beauty Box) is their Rose & Lavender Bubble Bath which is a soothing and relaxing treat with plenty of frothy scented bubbles.

A while ago I spotted that Revolution Beauty had a lovely new skincare range and I've been trying their very affordable and gentle 12.5% Vitamin C Serum which brightens and helps make the skin glow! It's a very affordable £10 (there is a 3 for 2 offer on their website for skincare currently).

I adore Walden Natural Perfumes and Live the Life Natural Perfume Oil* is a beautiful blend of bergamot, orange, tuberose, sweet violet, sandalwood, Brazilian rosewood and China jasmine. It's a fruity floral with a hint of spice. A fuller review will follow.

My final item is from gorgeous JOIK - their Organic Pink Grapefruit Body Lotion* which has an uplifting and joyful citrus scent. See my review HERE.

What have you been reaching for lately?

Old Faithful Makers' Balm Hand Balm

Old Faithful's Makers' Balm Hand Balm (£10 for 15ml - size above is 60ml - £27). I picked this hand balm up at sale time, I think it was £22 (but I'd pick it up again at full price). I love the simple, stylish and recyclable/re-usable packaging too.

The balm is sumptuous and deliciously hydrating. It was originally made for ceramicists whose hands dry out when they are working. I have to say right now the scent of the balm is an absolute delight - Vetiver and Patchouli with a touch of Elemi and Bergamot making it earthy, woodsy, slightly citrus and spicy (it's lush) and perfectly unisex.

Founder and formulator, Gareth (former sales & marketing professional) was recovering at home with a prolapsed disc and while housebound began reading about and playing with oils. He discovered that his shave oil which he formulated himself was a lot better than what was out there. He completed an aromatherapy diploma, continued to self-learn and started formulating products for himself and friends and family. The said friends and family loved the products and urged him to take it further - and luckily for us Old Faithful was born!

It's stuffed full of nourishing, protecting, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and regenerating ingredients such as shea, mango and cocoa butters, beeswax, infused carrot oil, macadamia and calendula oils.

To use: scrape a small amount out of the pot and massage into hands and nails.

I definitely want to go back and try some of the other unisex products such as: Réunion Cleanser, Sole Salvation Foot Balm and Hamman Moisturising Serum.

What are your favourites from the brand?

*JOIK Organic: Sweet Orange & Mint Body Butter & Lemon & Geranium Natural Mineral Deodorant

Sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program for an honest review.  I'm a huge JOIK fan, having tried a number of their products in the past. The range is created in Estonia and is effective and affordable. Pick yours up at Love Lula (there's a great offer on until 1st April - get 15% off when you spend £30 or more (conditions apply) with code SPRING - see more info HERE.

Their lush Sweet Orange & Mint Body Butter (£14.90 for 150ml)* is a delectable and luxe blend of nourishing butters and oils and is scented with essential oils of Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang and Spearmint which give the body butter a fresh and zesty scent. It really is a delight, has a velvety feel on the skin and is a perfect pick-me-up/feel good treat. It melts easily onto warm skin leaving the skin feeling hydrated and delicately scented. 

Their Lemon & Geranium Natural Mineral Deodorant (£15 for 50ml) is formulated with natural mineral salts, which help to act as a pH adjuster creating an environment where bacteria can't grow thus ensuring a safe and natural freshness. It's scented with Lemon and Geranium which gives the deodorant a zesty/floral scent. I did find it initially quite wetting (I normally use a stick deodorant, although I've used roller-balls in the past). It is however very effective, smells good and I've found I've stayed fresh all day. It may be a little bit pricey for a deodorant but it's one I'll pick up again as it just works.

What are your favourites from JOIK?

*Blog Tour: The Unreliable Death of Lady Grange by Sue Lawrence

*I received a paperback copy free of charge to enable me to take part in the blog tour. I absolutely loved the book which is based on a true story.

Edinburgh, January 1732: It's Lady Grange's funeral. Her death is a shock: still young, she'd shown no signs of ill health. But Rachel is, in fact, alive. She's been brutally kidnapped by the man who has falsified her death - her husband of 25 years, a pillar of society with whom she has raised a family. 

Her punishment, perhaps, for railing against his infidelity - or for uncovering evidence of his treasonable plottings against the government. Whether to conceal his Jacobite leanings, or simply to `replace' a wife with a long-time mistress, Lord Grange banishes Rachel to the remote Hebridean Monach Isles, until she's removed again to distant St Kilda, far into the Atlantic - to an isolated life of primitive conditions, with no shared language - somewhere she can never be found. 

This is the incredible and gripping story of a woman who has until now been remembered mostly by her husband's unflattering account. Sue Lawrence reconstructs a remarkable tale of how the real Lady Grange may have coped with such a dramatic fate, with courage and grace.

My thoughts?

I absolutely loved this richly drawn novel (based on a true story) which is set in Edinburgh, London and the Hebrides in 1732. 

Lady Grange very much has a mind of her own and will say exactly what she thinks, regardless of it being appropriate or not, much to her husband's disgust. She's not one for holding back and tells Lord Grange she's annoyed by his infidelities and Jacobite leanings. She even goes so far as to tell him, the pillar of society that he is, that she's minded to go to the authorities and smear his good name.

He's having none of this and arranges to have her removed to a remote Scottish island, meanwhile letting their children believe their mother has died. She find island living hard at first, although her claret helps her through closely followed by her friendship with the island Minister...

She makes contact with her daughter, "her Angel" without her husband knowing and they hatch a plan to get her off the island. But disaster strikes and she finds she really is unable to outwit her husband.

I really enjoyed this historical tale based of true facts and would highly recommend it.

*Love Lula Beauty Box: March 2020

*I receive the Beauty Box free of charge for an honest review as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. 

I didn't receive the info card in my box this month but the contents are worth £75! 

Inside this month is a duo from newish brand at Love Lula - Biovène Barcelona and inside is a Citrus Dream shampoo and conditioner duo (£5.99 each) which hydrate and balance the hair. Looking forward to putting them to the test!

From FoM London there is 10ml of their Anti-Pollution GLOW Serum which feels lovely on the skin. It'll hydrate, plump and even skin tone and has a beautiful floral scent. Expect a review shortly.

We have Purifying Foam from Madara (150ml which is currently on special offer of £15.72). I'm looking forward to trying this foaming cleanser out! Again, expect a review for this one.

The final item this month is Kathleen Natural's Sensual Rose Body & Massage Oil (100ml - £34) which smells deliciously rosey with a touch of citrus. I love it's multi-use element in that you can use it in for massage or as a body oil. 

For me, it's a great box and reviews will follow. Are you a subscriber? What are your thoughts?

My Chronicle Book Box: March: An Invitation to Die For..

I blame Jo over at My Chestnut Reading Tree for enabling me to sign up for My Chronicle Book Box (I read her review and knew I wanted to be a member straight away!) The subscription costs £25 a month and payment is taken on the 1st of each month. What you'll get is a hardback signed first edition (swoon) and some other treats which tie in with the book that month.

March's theme is An Invitation to Die For....

Inside the box is your wrapped book (I had no idea what the book was so didn't initially read the info sheet), a card with an interview with the author, a wooden invitation made by Cam Graphic, a plant bookmark displaying deadly botanicals and a cute little mini planter which is suitable for miniature blooms and succulents and made by Sheffield's Burgon & Ball.

So far...so good..

I was really excited that this month's book was firstly one which I hadn't read but also one which is on my wishlist! The Guest List by Lucy Foley is Lucy's second crime thriller and the storylines surrounds the marriage of Jules and Will on a remote island off the Irish coast. Everything has been planned to perfection and it should be the perfect day. Oh and it is.... until the body is found... I'm really looking forward to reading it and will share my thoughts in my monthly book round up (not likely to get round to it this month - but it will be soon!)

And for a closer look at the other bits in the box..

I'm really chuffed with my first My Chronicle Book Box. Are you a subscriber? What are your thoughts on the theme and contents this month?

Naturisimo: The Home Spa Discovery Box

I always love a Naturisimo Discovery box but hummed and hawed before I jumped in and bought one of their semi-recent ones (there's now a new Spring Glow one available, while stocks last). The Home Spa Discovery Box (currently still available) costs £19.95 and is worth £82). Nestled inside are 9 items:

And for a closer look..

WOW! Great value.

From Madara is their Infusion Vert Intense Antioxidant Body Cream (200ml - £17) which I've had the pleasure of using before. It's a rich cream which is intensely nourishing with a pleasant herbal scent (this is nearly the price of the whole box!)

I've had Bamford Pebble Soaps before and this mini one (40g) is perfect. It's scented with geranium essential oils and shaped like a heart. It has a beautiful scent and creamy lather. So nice to have one of these joyful soaps back in my stash.

From Weleda there is a 50ml tube of their Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash which I've used several times before. This orangey citrus scented creamy wash is lovely to use. See my review HERE.

Always love a bit of Dr Hauschka and inside is 10ml of their Rose Nurturing Body Oil which will soothe and calm the skin. Its the perfect size for try me/travel.

From Estelle & Thild is a full size of their BioCleanse Deep Cleansing Detox Mask (75ml which is worth a whopping £34.90). This was the product which mainly swayed me to buy the discovery box (but I'm well pleased with everything else within!). The mask will unclog pores and rid the skin of toxins. A review will come!

Inside is a 2.8ml of A'kin's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil which I've had the pleasure of using before. See my review HERE.

Whamisa, while I've heard of, I've never used any of the items in the range before. I'm looking forward to trying their Organic Flowers Foaming Gel (20ml) which is a gentle SLS free hydrating cleanser.

From Green People there is a 30ml trial size of their Quinoa & Artichoke High Shine Shampoo 30ml which I've tried before. Always a handy size to have in my stash.

BOUCLEME was a new to me brand last box (I've fallen head over heels for their Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo). Although the brand is mainly for curly hair types some of the products are universal. Inside this box is 100ml of their Intensive Moisture Treatment which I'm looking forward to trying out.

It's a great and well thought out box in my opinion. Did you pick one up?

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Pure Anada, Coast73, Kiss the Moon, Saint Iris Adriatica, Odylique, Shay & Blue

Next Sunday is Mothering Sunday and here are some gift ideas (* marked have been gifted for review).

This duo* from Pure Anada which you can purchase at Live in the Light is almost good enough to eat and the perfect non-calorific treat! The scent is minty with a a slight vanilla sweetness and the products are lovely to use (And who knew? There is a whole Peppermint Cream range available at Live in the Light!) I'll definitely be checking it out.

The Effervescent Bath Soak (£11.50 for 450ml) is formulated with Israeli Dead Sea and pink Himalayan salts and will infuse your bathwater with essential minerals to detoxify and ease muscle tension. African Shea Butter and Cold Pressed Olive Oil softens and hydrates the skin. To use: add a handful to a hot bath, jump in and relax.

Cocoa Body Butter (£8 for 125ml) this rich and decadent body butter is an absolute delight. It melts easily onto warm skin and leaves it with a slight peppermint/vanilla scent (lush). To use: apply to clean dry skin daily to hydrate and soothe.

I've been really impressed with this lovely duo which make bath time into a real treat. Pick yours up HERE.

Coast73 Candles are based in Gullane in East Lothian in Scotland. The Essential Oil Natural Wax Candles are a latest launch and are gorgeous! I was very kindly gifted one* for review. You can buy via the Facebook page or at Cherish Vintage Tearooms in Gullane in their Emporium.

The candles are formulated using natural waxes and essential oils. Sea Buckthorn, with Bergamot, Orange & Camomile has a gentle fruity and slightly herbal aroma and a very even burn! 

The perfect little gift is a bar of soap* from Kiss the Moon, as well as being exquisitely packaged these soaps are beautiful to use. They brighten up your day and are a lovely treat. See my review of their GLOW soap HERE.

The whole lot of mini saints in their On-The-Glow Bliss Pack (£65) (which comes with a beautiful branded bag or receive this free with the purchase of 3 mini saints) from Saint Iris Adriatica. The Award Winning Croatian inspired brand is formulated and founded by Sanela Lazic, to reflect the country's heritage and wellbeing. The scent is uplifting, fresh and citrus.

Sanela very kindly gifted me two of the mini saints - Vitality Spritz* and Wake-up Droplets* and I purchased the other three to enable me to try the whole range + get the gorgeous bag!  The three I purchased - Energy Cleanse, Purity Paste and Serenity Salve - expect a review of all five very soon.

Odylique's product of the month is their Award Winning Creamy Coconut Cleanser* with 10% off. See my review HERE. It'd be the perfect skincare treat for your mum.

You can't go wrong with a perfume from Shay & Blue. Of course I had to pick up the latest launch Blackberry Woods (£30 - 30ml) which is an exquisite blend of deliciously juicy blackberries, with neroli and lemon at the heart and a base of cypress woods. It really is a delight (my only negative is I'm not so keen on the new packaging - I miss that big "signature" bow on the front of my box!)

I gave my mum (saw her this weekend) a bouquet of flowers from my local shop - The Wild Flower Shop, a lipstick from Beauty Pie, a John Lewis voucher and some beauty samples I'd gathered for her.  What are you giving your mum for Mother's Day?