October: Lately I've been Loving

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

I picked up this gorgeous wee book by local artist Peter Jones. It may be a little book but it's the sweetest thing and perfect for any lover of Portobello.

I had the real pleasure of trying gorgeous Casa Mencarelli, a beautiful new skincare line. See my review HERE. The products are beautiful (I also love that you can buy trial sizes as well as full sizes).

I loved attending the 10th Portobello Book Festival - I normally go to a few things but only managed along to the fascinating discussion by Sara Sheridan and Alex Nye - "no place for a woman" and of course I had to get signed books. The Ice Maiden I'd already read and you can see my mini review in my July book round-up.

I'm testing out the latest launch from Dafna's Personal Skincare - Active Mist* which is incredible - expect a review on the blog soon!

Being a tester for Triyit - I was delighted to receive a box of wonderful new products* from Beauty Kitchen - I've already got some favourites - expect reviews up on the blog soon.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

October: Lately I've Been Loving

So many October loves! We were in London for the American Football at the beginning of the month and we shopped, ate out, drank cocktails and met up with friends, Nardin and Sam.

Hubby treated me to a bottle of my favourite Jo Loves Pomelo (see my review HERE). I also tried the fragrance paintbrush and have dropped some hints for Christmas (I'd love it in Pomelo). So good for use on the go instead of lugging the 50ml bottle around with me.

I picked up a Stella Says Rosewood & Geranium Hand Rescue Balm at Maltby Street Market (and Stella popped a little treat in - her best-selling Lavender & Chamomile Lip Rescue Balm*. Expect a review of this duo soon!

We were staying at our favourite London Hotel - Taj St James Court Hotel and they very kindly upgraded us to a Executive King which was a lovely spacious room. 

It was great to visit Shay & Blue again, and get to try out all the new perfumes. The friendliest welcome was from Adriana at Ancienne Ambiance it was so, so lovely to meet her (and she very generously gave me some treats to take away). The Tuberosa Tuberose Tea-Light candles launched on Thursday - they are gorgeous! With a really good throw and a 6hr burn time each.

The shop I was most disappointed in was one I was keen to visit. As you'll know I had a Bloom Perfumery perfume subscription for two years and I'm a huge fan of the shop. The assistant couldn't have cared less and I felt like I was annoying her speaking to her.  So not a good experience!

A Little Bird Gin Negroni is a must at Maltby Street Market oh and I loved a Rose & Lavender G&T at Tuttons Covent Garden.

The American Football was very disappointing but I did pick up a pretty necklace from an American girl in the bar beforehand! (the guys were all jealous haha).

We went to local Edinburgh Gastropub, The Ox and my two standout dishes were a divine Avocado Houmous with pitta bread and Chocolate, fruit and nut brownie with rum & raisin ice cream. Looking forward to going back!

I attended the brilliant Portobello Book Festival and heard some amazing authors speak. Oh course I had to get a signed book or two! (and The Angel in the Stone is brilliant!)

I've been trying more and more artisan candles and this one by Samuel & Paris is just divine. It's got a gentle seaside scent and a woodwick. Love!

The usem note cards* are such a clever invention. They slip easily inside your wallet or pocket and are fab for jotting down a quick note or shopping list.

What have you been loving in October?

*complimentary