A Birthday Swap

It's now become tradition that my good pal Julie and I do a birthday (and Christmas) swap. You can see what she gave me last year at my birthday here. We met on Monday and spent a lovely day having lunch at The Murrayfield Hotel, sitting outside enjoying the sunshine, each others company, a few bottles of wine and lots of unwrapping (naughty for me considering today's the day!) 

She totally spoiled me - too much to put in one photo and I don't think I'll need to buy any beauty again this year (or ever haha).

Abahna Travel set in Frangipani & Orange Blossom which is my favourite Abahna scent (shower gel, body lotion, soap, hand cream, mini mirror and wash bag) and a hand wash in the same scent. I've not had these in my stash for ages. The travel kit is so handy for weekends away and holidays. See my review of the minis here.

My favourite Shay & Blue fragrance Salt Carmel. All I can say is WOW. Thanks so much Julie. See my review here.

By Terry Rose Balm Tinted Lip Glosses - these are gorgeous. Looking forward to trying them out! I've tried the pale pink so far. Pretty glossy shade with a hint of rose. Love!  Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers - I've wanted to try these cult beauties for ages!  Love Korres body products and tinted lip balms so looking forward to trying their mascara.

Nip+Fab Multi-Fix Oil - I've not tried much from this brand so looking forward to trying. Two Cowshed bath & shower gels in Moody Cow & Lazy Cow. Huge fan of the brand and always looking for nice shower gels - thanks Julie!

Park's Aromatherapy Candle with Frangipani, Rose, Freesia and Lily. This smells gorgeous and I'm looking forward to burning it.

A lovely quirky tin tray and coaster. Made me smile!

Lots of beautiful stationery items - these always make my heart sing!  As well as a colouring in book - bliss!

Yummy edibles - The Marshmallow Lady Prosecco & Rose Petals Mallows (these are my all time favourites), a half bottle of the gin I discovered I loved after trying it in the Ginvent Advent Calendar, Tarquins Handcrafted Cornish Gin, Belgian Chocolate Praline Egglets, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (nom), a lovely little chocolate bunny, eggs & Rose & Violet Creams!

She also gave me this!

I'll take you through the contents in another post!  I was well and truly spoiled! Thanks so much once again Julie!

March: Lately I've Been Loving

Two of my friends sent us beautiful bouquets after losing Bess our dog - thanks again Nardine and Julie! So kind. My mum and dad sent us some too! I've never had so many flowers.  I also received some sympathy, thinking of you cards, notes and wee gifts - thanks Jo, Magi & Derek, Susan, Ana and my sis and her family. It's nice to know people are thinking of you. We still miss Bess loads.

I ordered a Teapigs pick n' mix sample pack and I've been enjoying trying the selection I chose.

I had money left on my Amazon voucher from Christmas and treated myself to a gorgeous new bag from Mia Tui. I first read about the brand on Mumsnet Peterborough - see here. It is so roomy and I love the colour (and the hot pink lining!) I chose a Matilda Mae in Aubergine. Review to follow!

Getting the plot ready for the growing season. I've now bought all my seeds and can't wait to get growing! Up here in Scotland it takes a bit of time for the soil to warm up so I'm hoping next month I can get sowing. (My patch is the the left hand side with the herbs at the top).

I'm a huge Reese's Peanut Butter Cups fan and hubby bought me this yummy box full of treats as a surprise to cheer me up.

I was sent this new Organic Surge Anti-Ageing Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser* (£12.50 - 150ml) to review and I can quite simply say it is one of the nicest cleansers I've ever used.  It smells deeply of roses and cleanses the skin leaving it revitalised, clean, soft and smooth.  Full review to follow.

*PR sample