April: Lately I've Been Loving

So many loves in April (it's my birthday and our Anniversary month):

I've been testing out two shampoos* from the new range at AA Skincare and they are absolutely fantastic. Expect a review (and giveaway) shortly. Totally bargainous too at £5.94 for 250ml.

We had an amazing Anniversary Trip to Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island which you can read about HERE.

I won a beautiful bottle of Miller Harris Citron Citron EdP following the #30plusblog (@WeAreThirtyPlus) chat with Miller Harris a couple of weeks ago. Ten people who took part were randomly picked to receive a bottle. A review is forthcoming. It's totally perfect for spring and summer.

I've been testing out these exquisite MAULI Rituals Oils* everything I try by this brand I just fall in love with. See my review of their Discovery Kit HERE. Expect a review shortly.

This night-time use Moon Lip Balm by HURRAW! is fantastic. It is really rich and deeply nourishes the lips, is scented with Vanilla and Peru Balsam (which helps you to sleep) while Blue Chamomile soothes. 

I received this cute little chest of drawers from my mum and dad at my birthday. It's great for popping in odds and ends and sits in my hall. You can pick one up at Lakeland.

I absolutely loved this little card from That Lame Company so much so I picked up their spring box. You can read my review HERE.

Julie gave me my first Urban Decay Naked Palette! Love it. What took me so long!

My pal Nardine gave me this beautiful notebook from Paperchase (I'm keeping it for good!). It is so pretty. See what other goodies she gave me here.

Discovering this lovely brand - PHB Ethical Beauty. Both products are amazing and reviews will follow.

source

I've just discovered Angela Marsons's series featuring DI Kim Stone. It's absolutely fantastic and I've just finished the second book in the series. If you like crime which makes you think and a fast paced story with lots of twists and turns you'll absolutely love the series.

What have you been loving this month?

*PR samples

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island: Anniversary Trip

Last weekend we had a wonderful trip to Isle of Eriska Hotel which is situated on it's own private Island in Argyll for our 11th Wedding Anniversary. 

We had a great time! Hubby had booked us into one of the luxury Spa Suites which are set away from the big house complete with their own hot tub (bliss).

As you can see we lived in complete luxury for the two nights we were there. (there is also a reasonably priced mini-bar). Next time I want to book a facial as the spa uses ESPA and Ishga products (should have thought to plan ahead!)  The complimentary toiletries were from Molton Brown (and all in scents I hadn't tried before).

The hotel offers guests an afternoon tea (included in the price) which we both really enjoyed. The second day it was warm-ish and we could sit outside. Simple pleasures!

We did a lot of relaxing but also walked a bit around the Island. It really is beautiful and the scenery is stunning. (we had a bit of a disaster when hubby nearly lost his trainer in a boggy patch - I can laugh about it now but it was scary at the time.) We should have borrowed a pair of these!

We stopped by Otter Point but unfortunately didn't see any real ones!

The hotel has a Michelin Star Restaurant and we enjoyed a delicious dinner both nights. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the restaurant has a great and reasonably priced wine list. We also enjoyed cocktails and large G&Ts!

Here's some of the food we enjoyed:

canapes

Slow Cooked Pork Cheek

Turbot Skirt, Eriska Beetroot, Fennel

Farmhouse Cheese

Selection of Cheese from the UK (delicious)

with homemade Walnut bread, Oatcakes & Orchard Apple Chutney

2nd night's canapes

Cured Loch Creran Salmon

Fennel, Fresh Curds, Preserved Lemon

Sirloin of Scotch Beef

Baked Sand Carrot, Baby Gem, White Onion

And of course we enjoyed a delicious cooked breakfast both days

The hotel has published a beautiful book "Eriska - The Story of an Island" which tells us about the history of the big house and the island and it really is a delight. I spent a couple of hours reading this lovely book and enjoying looking at the photos on our first afternoon (there is a copy to read in your room and dotted about inside the hotel). A complimentary copy is given to guests this year to celebrate 42 years as a hotel welcoming guests from around the globe - which I think is a lovely gesture.  I'm absolutely thrilled to have a copy.

We had an amazing stay and I'd love to go back!