January: Lately I've Been Loving

I ran out of time in December to do a "Lately I've been Loving" post. But I did share my month-by-month Highlights for 2017. So, my January loves are a little early..

I picked up this sweet little shell heart in COVE which is made by a local artist. It really is the sweetest thing and brings me so much joy.

Just before Christmas this beautiful Millennial palette* by MEMI arrived which contains really wearable shades, both matte and shimmery (£22). I'll be reviewing it soon but just wanted to give it a mention. Pick yours up HERE.

Fortnum & Mason chocolates at Christmas (from my boss). I love the exquisite packaging & what's inside was delicious. A real treat.

Discovering Henné Organics at Naturisimo made my month (if not year) as their Rose Diamonds Lip Exfoliator had been on my wishlist for ages. See my review HERE.

Sara Sheridan who writes the brilliant Mirabelle Bevan series (set in 1950s Brighton) sent me (and others) a short story. I was absolutely delighted. You can pick the first in the series up HERE.

I was thrilled to win a competition on netgalley (courtesy of the publishers) to win a proof copy of the fabulous Still Me by Jojo Moyes*. It's such a brilliant read - so, so lovely to catch up with wonderful Lou again. My review will be up nearer the end of the month in my monthly round up but it's publication day today so go BUY.

It's also publication day for the fabulous M P Wright and J T Ellington in Restless Coffins*. Pick yours up HERE. I was chuffed to bits and then some to get a mention in the acknowledgements again. It's a great series which I highly recommend.

I've totally fallen for beautiful brand Ezàpè Naturals and their glorious body butter which came in this month's fab Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box - see my initial thoughts HERE. The Rosemary Body Butter is so good I had to buy a full size pot! A review will follow.

What have you been loving so far this month?

*complimentary

Just out: All Through the Night (J T Ellington) by M P Wright

The e-book of All Through the Night (J T Ellington)* by M P Wright was published today. You can pick up your copy for a bargainous introductory price of 99p from Amazon.

Mark sent me a proof copy of the book a few months ago and here's my review:-

The story is set in the Spring of 1966. JT has recently moved his business to the office above his Cousin Vic's gym.

He's nursing a hangover after a night out with his cousin when Ida Stephens, Administrator at the Walter Wilkins Orphanage stops by to offer him a job in tracing a Dr Theodore Fowler. Dr Fowler has been in dispute with the orphanage over pay and has taken death certificates from the archive.  The orphanage need these back and will pay the doctor for their return no questions asked. She also wants JT to ask him “where we can find the truth”.  He finds this question strange but agrees to take on the job.

In this second part of the trilogy we find out more about JT and his friendship with his old neighbour Mrs Pearse. He's touched when she gives him a useful gift on his birthday. We also meet up again with ballsy Loretta, Uncle Gabe and Aunt Pearl.

JT arranges a meet with Dr Theodore Fowler which "reaps terrible consequences" for them both. He finds the certificates as well as something else he never expected to find in the storeroom. He also finds that there are people out there which will do whatever they can to get what belongs to them back.

Loretta, Carnell's widow, who will always look out for JT sends him to go and stay with her Uncle Benny & Aunt Estelle however Paxton, a Military Policeman is after what JT is safeguarding and will stop at nothing to get it back. 

An absolute roller-coaster of a read with lots of twists and turns and surprising moments with an ending I just didn't see coming.  A thrilling and memorable second novel and I highly recommend it.

*complimentary

Blog Highlights 2015

Here is a month-to-month snapshot of a highlight a month (2 in September) in 2015:

January:

Discovering White & Elm

February:

A Guest post from Lucy, at No Mud, No Lotus - Floral Bath Melts

March:

Attending The Perfume Society Event: Rock the Ages at Jo Malone, Edinburgh - link

me meeting Jo Fairley

April:

Discovering much love for the de Mamiel Season Oils - Spring

May:

Bloom Perfumery Yearly Perfume Subscription - initial thoughts here

June:

Tracey at Face Up Beauty sent me a lovely box of try-me's along with some full size items she enjoys in June. See my post HERE. Swapping with lovely blogger friends always makes me smile.

July:

July saw me try Shay & Blue's gorgeous fruity Watermelons* scent which is just perfect for summer. See my review HERE.

August:

Summer hols link

September:

AS Apothecary collaborates with Harris Distillery link

I was absolutely over the moon to be chosen as one of six to review M P Wright's forthcoming book All thought the Night - see a wee sneak preview here. It's due to be launched in April 2016. 

I totally loved his first novel Heartman my review of which you can see here. I'm looking forward to finally meeting Mark when he comes to Edinburgh to promote his book!

October:

Our trip to London see HERE. Also meeting up with Sam & Nardine (@HoneyGo_Lightly and  @Miss_Nardine) I also loved visiting all my favourite perfume shops - see HERE.

November:

My November highlight was the gorgeous watercolour my friend Emily at Fleurelle Illustrations painted for me - it featured my favourite things and I just love it!

December:

Featuring in Odylique's Top 30 Must Read Blogs made my month (if not year!)

What have been your highlights this year?

*PR sample