September Empties

Here's what I've been using up in September. If a product is marked * I was kindly given it for review:

*Florena Fermented Skincare 24H Hydrating Face Mask 8ml - this creamy mask was lovely to use. See my review HERE. I've got quite a few masks to use up but I'd likely buy it in future.

Fair Squared Olive Hand Cream 50ml - a really lovely hand cream which absorbs instantly. I was sorry to use it up. Will buy again.

Lucky Cloud Orange & Ylang Ylang Soap - a gorgeous natural soap with easily recyclable packaging. Sure to pick it up again.

Noble Isle Bath & Shower Gel minis (30ml each) - huge fan of this brand and loved all of the scents - Rhubarb Rhubarb!, Scots Pine & Tea Rose). Likely to pick these again in bigger sizes.

Nudge Boutique's sublime Saffron Glow Neroli & Vanilla Dry Body Oil 30ml - simply stunning. I've since stocked up. 

I used up two Raven Botanicals products at the same time! Both have been repurchased! I adore their Spellbind CBD, Bakuchiol & Yarrow serum 10ml (review to come) and the wonderful Solstice Facial Oil 30ml Review.

It was nice to revisit LJ Natural's divine Organic Purity Rose Body Oil mini. Adds to wishlist to buy when I use up more stuff! 

Sad to use up Dafna's Active Mist 100ml - gorgeous stuff. See my review HERE.

I used up the last of my Schmidt's deos. Geranium Flower was nice and effective. I love nknaturals seasonal skincare and enjoyed their Summer Copper Distilled Botanical Mist 50ml all summer long. See my review HERE.

Huge love for Bodhi & Birch's Sicilian Rose Body Oil 100ml which I picked up for a song in a recent online shop closing down sale. See my review HERE. Will definitely splash out on this again! 

I loved Africology's sublime Skin Conditioning Body Oil 50ml* which is scented with neroli. See my review HERE.

Madara's Moonflower Tinting Fluid Rose Beige 50ml is a staple in my stash. I've given up wearing foundation since the pandemic. I find this evens my skin and gives it a soft glow.

My final use-up this month is Kerastase's fantastic Nutritive Lait Vital conditioner 75ml which my hair loves. Sure to pick it up again at some point.

What have you been using up in September?

*Christmas Gift Ideas: Candles & Books

*productsamples You can see my earlier Christmas Gift Guide HERE which included Beauty Products and Candles. There are so many lovely candles out there I just had to include a few more in this post! And books, so many lovely ones you maybe wouldn't treat yourself to..

Totally new to me is SUN.DAY of London, a gorgeous home fragrance brand created by London based Macedonian fine artist, Natasha Garbawi. The range is hand crafted and inspired by family herbal recipes passed down through the generations along with healing properties of plant folklore.  You can see the whole range including diffusers and aroma mists as well as beautiful candles HERE. I was very kindly sent a mini 80ml candle (£12) in Midnight (Somewhere)* which is a blend of lavender, rose, lemon, lime and orange peel. A review is forthcoming - it's lush with an excellent throw!

I absolutely adore this candle by Lucky Cloud Skincare. Restore* is the perfect pick me up - it's calming notes instantly de-frazzle and calm. See my review HERE.

I had the total pleasure to try an Elm Road studio candle* this year. Petals is one of the most luxurious ones I've ever tried. See my review HERE.

Living with Coco Chanel: The Homes and Landscapes which Shaped the Designer by Caroline Young* (link) is simply stunning. Caroline very kindly sent me a copy and a review is forthcoming! 

I had a little twitter win of a copy of The Coorie Home by Beth Pearson which is gorgeous. It's the perfect Christmas gift for any home lover.

Any of the others in this pile I'd highly recommend too...

And last but no means least have you thought of a Daily Goal Setter Planner? One of the best quality ones I've had the pleasure to try is by Mål Paper it's truly beautiful and very good quality (£20.95). See my initial post about it HERE.

What's on your Christmas Wishlist?

Love Lula: Lucky Cloud Skincare Super Balm

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of Lucky Cloud, Edinburgh based skincare brand. I've tried and loved their mini balancing face oil* (Review), nourishing cleansing balm & nourishing face oil* (Review) and hydrating body milk in sweet orange & vanilla and coconut lip butter (Review).

As part of my Love Lula Accredited Blogger picks for March I selected their Mini Soothing Super Super Balm* (15ml - £6.50).

It's the perfect try-me size or for taking on holidays. The rich heavenly scented balm (lavender+rose geranium) is stuffed full of good things for the skin including sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil, Vitamin E, shea and cocoa butter and arctic oat botanical extract.

Use on dry patches including heels, elbows, knees, hands, feet, legs (I've even used it on flyaways!) Apply a small amount to an itchy scalp to calm and cool, use it to remove eyebrow make up, apply a small amount of balm to your lashes before sleep. It can also be used as an eye balm, to calm sunburn, a sore nose after sneezing and wind chapped skin. It really is a do-all product!

To use: Apply as often as needed for deeply nourished and calmed skin.

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. All thoughts are genuine and my post contains one affiliate link

Love Lula: Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare Mini Balancing Face Oil 10ml

I'm a huge fan of Lucky Cloud Skincare having previously loved trying their Nourishing Cleansing Balm* and Nourishing Face Oil* - see my review HERE. I'm an absolute sucker for mini products so had to pick up their Mini Balancing Face Oil (10ml - £9.50)* as part of my Accredited Blogger Picks for February.

As with the whole range this face oil is fantastic. It's the perfect try me size or for holidays and weekends away or it would make a great small present/stocking filler.

Organic Calendula heals while St John's Wort and Borage soothe. Lightweight Squalane moisturises. Acai and Andiroba help with acne prone skin while Jojoba, Rosehip and Evening Primrose oils nourish and rejuvenate. Lavender calms while Bergamot uplifts and Frankincense heals. The blend is lovely - calming and restoring.

The oil absorbs quickly leaving the skin feeling nourished and calmed. It's suitable for combination/oily skin types.

To use: apply a few drops to your fingers after cleansing and massage onto the skin. Can be used AM and PM.

Buy Now

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. All my thoughts are genuine and my post contains a couple of affiliate links

December Empties

This must be the smallest amount of empties ever! Here goes:

Amphora Aromatics Orange & Clove Reed Diffuser Kit* which I loved. With a long lasting Christmassy scent the kit was just all round excellent and brilliant value. Will pick up some in different scents soon! See my review HERE.

Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare Nourishing Cleansing Balm 60ml** is simply divine. I'm so sorry to have finished this up! See my review HERE. I'm sure to pick this up when my cleanser stash reduces a bit.

Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist 100ml* which was lovely to use. Would buy as I like the way it left my skin looking refreshed and dewy. See my review HERE.

Herbfarmacy Refining Cleanser trial size which gave me a couple of uses. It gently but thoroughly cleanses the skin leaving it feeling clean and comfortable. I'd buy once my stash reduces a bit.

Omorovicza Refining Facial Polish 30ml which is a staple for me (I've just cracked open another!) 

JOIK Juicy Apple Shower Foam** which came in the JOIK Advent Calendar. It was nice to use and had a herbal apple scent. Unsure if I'd buy full size or not.

Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protection 10ml which my hair loved. I'll maybe pick up full size at some point.

IHANA Hydrating Day Cream 5ml* which was lovely and nourishing (my skin loved it when I had the flu recently as it didn't have too strong a scent!) Would maybe pick up full size. See my review HERE. 

Oskia Perfect Cleanse 3.5ml which was nice to use but I feel their Renaissance Cleansing Gel suits my skin better so I wouldn't buy.

What have you been using up this month?

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

August: Lately I've Been Loving

So many August loves..

A little bee spotted feasting on this sunflower at the allotment #simplepleasures

I bought these gorgeous melts from The Botanical Candle Company which smell divine! I picked their mix & match pack which contains 2 each of the whole range - Seville with dried orange & lemon peel, Darjeeling & Tea Rose with black tea and rose petals, Almond Grove with roasted almonds, Lavender with dried Yorkshire lavender and Laundry Day with dried Cornflower petals.

The incredible Skin Organics Beauty Box - August's theme was Self Care* and the box contained 3 new to me brands (how exciting). See my initial thoughts HERE.

This amazing new skincare duo** from Lucky Cloud which is available at Love Lula - see my review HERE.

Last week I went to the final #WritersOnTheFringe at Blackwells, Edinburgh. It was great to meet Sara again and pick up a book of a new to me author, Mason Cross. I do love a signed book!

After Foodies Festival we went down to the pond at Inverleith Park and met these friendly pigeons!

We had a few days holiday in beautiful Fife and enjoyed eating and drinking!

We had some amazing cocktails at The Adamson in St Andrews - my colleague Peter had recommended the Zombie! (delicious).

 Halibut - Spiced Israeli Couscous - Goats Cheese - Spinach

Rose Infused Panna Cotta - Sorbet - Meringue - Summer Fruits

We had lunch at Craig Millar @ 16 West End in St Monans which was delicious! Highly recommend. I especially loved the amazing bread and the divine rose pannacotta!

While in St Monans I picked up a couple of locally made products - which featured in my recent post HERE.

Dinner at The Cellar in Anstruther was amazing! Here are some of the courses we enjoyed (yes, and that bread was delicious!)

Rabbit Leg - Pea Mousse - Tomato Jam

Local Crab - Black Garlic - Courgette - Almond Foam

Cured and Torched Mackerel - Pickled Cucumber - Dill - Yoghurt

Heritage Tomato - Chive Oil - Aged Beef Fat Dressing - Goats Crowdie

Halibut - Baby Gem - Bacon - Mussel Juice - Charcoal Oil

Gartmore Duck - Carrot Puree - Pickled Elderflower - Gooseberry

coffee and petit fours (the seabuckthorn jellies were delicious)

What have you been loving in August?

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

January Empties

I'm not going to use anything else up this month so here's my January empties:

HealGel Eye 15ml* - I really liked this and would consider buying it in the future when I reduce my stash. See my review HERE.

Kai Body Wash 2oz* - I'm a huge fan of the kai perfume oil and this wash was lovely to use. See my review HERE. One I'd definitely consider treating myself to.

Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak 200ml - I reviewed this back in August*. Absolutely loved it and have since re-purchased it a couple of times. It was one of my favourite products last year.

Blue Labelle Body Oil with Ylang Ylang & Frankincense 100ml - again love this and will purchase when I reduce my stash a bit. See my review HERE.

Mio Liquid Yoga 53ml - this came in the M&S Advent Calendar. Really enjoyed using it. Would buy full size.

Just Be Happy Hand & Body Lotion 15ml* - really enjoyed using this. Full size is on the wishlist. See my review HERE.

Aromatherapy Associates Breathe Bath & Shower Oil 9ml - this worked wonders when I had the flu over New Year. Maybe not my favourite scent but it worked when I was feeling ill. 

Jane Iredale Smell the Roses Hydration Mist* - absolutely loved this and would buy. See my review HERE.

Dr Bronner 18-in-1 Peppermint Castile Soap 237ml - my favourite Dr Bronner's scent. I've already stocked up.

Living Nature Kelp Extract Nourishing Body Wash 200ml* - a gorgeous nourishing body wash which I'd definitely consider buying. It featured in Lately I've Been Loving in November.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - love these and have already stocked up. They just work!

Evolve Tropical Blossom Body Butter 30ml - I simply adored this gorgeous body butter. See my review here. Full size is on the want list!

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 9ml - this is one of my favourite scents. I'd buy full size.

Korres Citrus Shower Gel 50ml - this came in the recent Bath & Unwind bag. I prefer the Guava and Mango scents. Probably wouldn't buy this.

Diptyque L'Eau de Tarocco cologne sample vial - I simply loved this fruity scent with orange, rose, cinnamon and saffron. I'm going to buy the scent for summer. It's just so lush!

Molton Brown Hand Wash with Frankincense & Allspice 100ml - this came in the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar. Loved it and will buy next Christmas.

Lucky Cloud Body Balm with Sweet Orange and Vanilla 60ml - loved this. See my review HERE. Will buy again.

Bodhi & Birch Mint Thé Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourite scents from the brand. Will definitely buy again once I use up some of my stash.

L'Occitane Verbana Shower Gel 75ml - this came in my M&S Advent Calendar. Was nice to use and refreshing. Would be good for holidays. Would maybe buy.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Shopping My Stash #68

Now I'm back on the spending ban I'll be shopping my stash weekly - I'm planning #NoBuyJanuary but might try and keep it up until the end of February. Here's what I've been reaching for -

Ermana Natural Skincare Comfort Balm 15ml* - I'm a huge fan of this brand and first mentioned the balm HERE. I've had a bit of a cold from the end of December so I've been using this on dry patches around my nose to soothe and moisturise.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProMoisturiser 7ml* - this is a rich moisturiser which nourishes and protects winter skin. It featured in Little Treats #11 see HERE.

Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare Sweet Orange & Vanilla Body Balm 60ml - I simply love this rich balm which deeply nourishes the skin and uplifts the senses making it perfect for dry winter skin.

Tabitha James Kraan Amber Rose 4-in-1 Organic Conditioner 60ml* - I love a muti-purpose product and this conditioner does wonders for the hair. I use it either as a leave in or rinse out product but it can also be used as a nourish scalp cream or styling product. It has a powdery rose scent which is lovely.

Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick - I received this in a set at Christmas. A lovely rosey shade which moisturises the lips and leaves them with a pop of natural colour. I was surprised it had a flat top but it applies well and I love it!

What have you been reaching for?

*PR samples

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?