September: Lately I've been Loving

Here's what I've been loving in September: 

A smallish dropbox from The Rose & Thistle Wax Patisserie which I started at the beginning of August. Huge love for Gain Island Fresh and Morello Creme so far!

I read The Midwife's Secret by Emily Gunnis* which I kindly received from the publisher via Netgalley. It's an absolutely superb read and one of my favourites this year. It publishes near the end of October so watch out for it.

Trying out the scrumptious new Vanilla & Salted Caramel Wax melts from Olfactory Candles. Seriously mouthwatering. Get 15% off your 1st wax order with SANDRA15.

Looking after my boss's gorgeous wee dog Astro (looking for treats!)

I signed back up to Balneaves monthly wax melts box again! Total fail I only missed a month before I needed my sub back!

Discovering a lovely new homewares shop in Musselburgh called Coast & Wild. Looking forward to popping back. 

Receiving proof copies* of two fantastic looking books!

Lunch at Foresters, our local pub with a pal. What have you been loving in September?

June: Lately I've been Loving

JOIK's Hot Chocolate Candle* is simply mouthwatering. See my review HERE. I definitely want to try more candles from the range (and hopefully at some point Love Lula will stock their new diffusers).

I love pretty stationery and #boxoflame by That Lame Company ticks all the boxes for me. See my review HERE.

The perfumes I've been enjoying lately (so sad I'm nearly finished that Miller Harris!!)

Two Eternities EdP by Walden* - see my review HERE.
Vetiver Insolent EdP by Miller Harris - I love this spicy vetiver scent.
Jo Malone Grapefruit cologne - the first Jo Malone perfume I bought. I love its uplifting citrussy grapefruit notes.
Kai Perfume oil - huge fan of this beauty! The body care products are gorgeous too. See my review HERE.
Balm Balm Mandarin and Bergamot Single Note Perfumes - these are simply gorgeous, fruity, delicious and perfect for summer. Love Lula are selling the minis set for £9.95 just now which is an absolute steal! See HERE.

These new Schmidt's sensitive skin deodorants in Coconut Pineapple (screams of summer) and Jasmine Tea are available to buy at a beautiful world.

I really enjoyed going to the book launch of Lesley Kelly's new book The Health of Strangers which you can pick up in any good bookshop or at Amazon. I love a signed book and it's now on the groaning TBR pile!

I love this little snap I took of a ladybird down at the allotment. Simple pleasures eh!

This pudding is total summer in a glass - vanilla pannacotta with strawberry soup, strawberries and strawberry sorbet! Delicious. Get yours at The Guild of Foresters in Portobello (I'll definitely be going back to try it again soon!)

What have you been loving this month?

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

Lately I've been Loving: December

I've been loving having 3 advent calendars to open each day! It's been a real luxury! My absolute favourite has been the sneaky wee extra one by 4160Tuesdays. It's been a real treat to have a new perfume for 25 days in December.  Some I already know I'll be buying full size with some I still need to test out fuller.

Day 1

(YOU Beauty, M&S, 4160Tuesdays)

Day 24

(YOU Beauty, M&S, 4160Tuesdays)

You can see what I received on the first day in more detail HERE, on days 1-6, 7-15 and 16-24. 

It was really fab to discover Lucky Cloud Skincare at a shop local to me. See my post about Cahoots HERE. The Sweet Orange & Vanilla scent is just gorgeous and the balm is my absolute favourite.

Discovering gorgeous Letterbox Gifts - see my posts HERE and HERE. Excited to hear there will be new boxes out next year. If this was a monthly subscription box I'd be at the top of the queue!

We had an absolutely delicious meal for David's birthday at the beginning of December at Ondine. As ever the food and service were amazing - we always treat ourselves to Oysters! Can't wait to go back to try the Grand Fruits of the Sea.

December saw me dine twice (Christmas menu) at Foresters Guild, a local pub with food. Both times I ate the same and both times it was delicious! Pic below is of the salmon starter.

I received some fab Christmas presents including this perfume by Miller Harris which I first tried in London in October. Review will follow.

What have you been loving this month?

Christmas Lunch at Foresters Guild, Portobello, Edinburgh

On Sunday we went for Christmas Lunch to our local pub - Foresters Guild which is located in Portobello, Edinburgh. The pub got a re-vamp earlier in the year. A map of the town adorns the ceiling and the menus are made from the original floorboards.

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The food was simply delicious and the staff really efficient and friendly - if you are in the area I highly recommend! They also serve a huge range of beers and lagers as well as the usual wines, ciders, and spirits.

David started with the Chicken Liver Pate with Orange and Anise Syrup with Balsamic Roasted Figs.  The pate which was very obviously homemade was smooth and flavoursome and the figs and mini apples the perfect accompaniment.

I had the Hot and Cold Smoked Salmon with bread and butter, capers, shallots and lemon. This was a very generous portion which was delicious and fresh tasting.

We both chose Turkey which came with stuffing bonbons and homemade gravy. The board with all the trimmings was overflowing!   I can honestly say it was as good as homemade.  

You can have Christmas menu throughout December. Phone to book - 0131 669 2750. See the website here and follow on Facebook here.