April: Lately I've Been Loving

Here are my April loves (getting back to the shops yesterday was such a thrill!)

Blossom season brings me so much joy! As well as sunny skies and sunshine. 

My first Cult Beauty order since December! I couldn't resist their The Sunshine Edit which is worth over £135 and can be snapped up for £40 (at time of writing it's still available). I'll review the items inside soon. 

I've been having a lot of random Naturisimo splurges which bring untold joy. I can never resist a new fushi product (their Bringer of Peace Herbal Body Wash) and Neom's rather wonderful Great Day Magnesium Body Butter. Both are brilliant and reviews to come!

David treated me to a rather amazing Afternoon tea from the Waldorf Astoria with fizz for my birthday which was quite wonderful. It was the Blooms and Flowers edition and totally delicious (the current one running is Edinburgh Zoo and is available until 30 June). A gorgeous treat.

Staying on the birthday theme David gave me a huge surprise pressie. I've always lusted after a Hotel Chocolat The Velvitiser since we gave it to my dad for his 80th and I can confirm it makes the very best Hot Chocolate at Home.

I'd not had a The Perfume Society Discovery Box for ages. I used birthday money to pick up their The Indulgence Discovery Box which contains 14 perfumes of various sizes from vials to mini bottles and a Ruth Mastenbrook mini candle. Such a treat. 

Popping to the local shops again - so good (although our great greengrocers, Root Down has been open throughout). In Scotland, the shops opened again on the 26th April. I picked up the Sun Salutation Yogi Tea with Cinnamon, Cardamom & Orange (which is delicious - I might need to go back for more!) and asparagus from Root Down Portobello, stationery items and the free Booktime mag from The Portobello Bookshop (I'm already a huge fan of these particular Rifle Paper Co notebooks) and a little Gisela Graham decorative item from Two Sisters Portobello which is the place to go for large and small gifts.

What have you been loving this month?

*Love Lula: BLOSSOM: Green People, Therapi Honey Skincare & JOIK

*Received free of charge as a Love Lula Accredited Blogger - AD. As you'll know, I've been theming my blogger picks this year with Love Lula and for April I chose BLOSSOM. I'm a huge fan of springtime blossom so it was a natural pick. See my previous reviews - SLEEP, LOVE and AWAKEN.

I chose Green People's Moisturising Shower Gel with Neroli & Marshmallow (£13 - 200ml)* (which is free from SLS/SLES, parabens, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phthalates, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), colourants and artificial fragrances) making it one of the purest shower gel that nature can offer. It has a gorgeous neroli blossom scent and creates a rich and silky foamy lather. 

To use: apply a small amount to wet skin, massaging before rinsing. Skin is left feeling clean and nourished with a light floral aroma. I like this a lot!

My second pick this month is Therapi Honey Skincare's Orange Blossom Hydrating Toner (£25.50 - 100ml)*. It balances normal and sensitive skin types and has a beautiful orange blossom aroma. My skin has recently felt like it has needed a bit more hydration and this beautiful toner revitalises, hydrates and balances. It really is a joy to use!

To use: spritz onto the skin after cleansing or any time your skin needs a hydration boost. Happiness in a bottle!

My final pick under the Blossom theme is JOIK's new-in Apple & Elderflower Foaming Handwash (£15 - 250ml)* with a nod to Elderflower blossoms. It's enriched with aloe juice and apple extract. The liquid becomes a foam the instant you pump some from the bottle and has a divine fruity/floral scent. It quickly and easily cleans the hands leaving them delicately scented and feeling nourished. I absolutely love it and although it is on the pricey side for a hand wash I'll definitely repurchase as it's so nice to use.

To use: pump a small amount of foam onto damp hands and wash as normal. Rinse. 

Another joy giving month. I've really loved trying this trio which are effective, luxurious and nice to use. Have you tried any of these products?

April: Lately I've Been Loving

With everyone getting used to lockdown and not getting out and about as normal I've found simple things have rocked my world in April. I celebrated quarantine birthday which turned out just as enjoyable as drinks and dinner out..

Read on to see what I've been loving:

A walk by the sea during my daily exercise is truly lovely.

Blossom! I can never get enough of it! It makes me smile.

Birthday cards mean so much! Friends know me so well...

A new (from July) personalised planner from Papier brings me so much joy. See my review of my previous one HERE. I find it absolutely perfect for blog planning.

Food orders from Root to Market, the brainchild of head chef at fhior restaurant to support the local supply chain and independent businesses during the pandemic have cheered up our month - you can order on a weekly basis (the fillet steaks are the best I've ever tasted - thanks Henderson Meat).

Happiness is... three new birthday gins! Thanks Gillian, Nardin and David! 

A little stock up of Botanic Dew Hand & Body Wash from Bodhi & Birch - see my review HERE. A personalised note from founder, Elijah always makes me smile!

My ffern Organic Small Batch Perfume Spring 20 arriving (it arrived later than planned due to bottles/tops coming from Barcelona). It was worth the wait - it's simply stunning! See my review HERE.

I stupidly (duh!) gave up my allotment in January. I've been nurturing some herbs on the windowsill. I definitely want to pick up some more when I can!

And rounding it all up - a stunning Portobello sunset! What have you been loving in April?