March: Lately I've Been Loving: My Chronicle Book Box, Pure Anada, Kiss the Moon, Bloom+The Simple Things mags

Everything changed so much in March with the coronavirus - I hope everyone is staying well and safe. *Means I've received something free of charge for review. Here's what I've been loving in March:

Hubby made Kedgeree, a delicious mix of basmati, smoked haddock, onion, curry paste and boiled eggs with a sprinkling of chopped parsley. We had it for brunch (but would have it for dinner too!)

My first My Chronicle Book Box which I reviewed HERE. It's such a carefully thought out subscription.

*I fell head-over-heels for Pure Anada's Peppermint Cream Effervescent Bath Soak* and Cocoa Body Butter*. The scent is almost good enough to eat - sugary mint with a touch of vanilla. Just sublime. This duo is fabulous for a non-calorific treat. See my review HERE and pick yours up HERE. 

*A truly decadent box of treats from Award Winning Kiss the Moon. The luxe packaging, beautiful scents with effective formulas just make my heart sing. Perfect for a moment of calm before bed. You can see my review of their GLOW Bedtime Bath Salts* HERE and their CALM after Dark Face Face Oil* HERE. A review is coming shortly for their gem CALM After Dark Sleep Balm*. The range is perfect for some me-time and to calm and relax both the body as well as the mind.

Lovely lifestyle magazines - my favs being Bloom and The Simple Things - with two gorgeous covers! I adore the 'lil' birds on a branch!

What's given you joy throughout March?

Christmas Gift Ideas: Home, Garden & Car

With Christmas fast approaching (yikes) here are some ideas of perfect presents for gifting:

Petits Rituels Candles & Wax Melts - these are beautiful candles and melts which are perfect for gifting. See my review HERE*.

A great stocking filler is NIA Car Fragrance which comes in scents suitable for both men and women (hubby has been testing out the Sandalwood, Sage & Seasalt scent* (£7.50) and has found it to gently scent the car. See the full range available HERE.

Beautiful Vintage Tea Cups and Saucers for #PoshBirds from The Spoilt Sparrow. See the website HERE and Facebook page HERE. I've already picked up a few for Christmas presents and a gorgeous one for a giveaway which will be launched shortly! See my review HERE.

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3-in-1 Apple Peeler (£18.95) from Handpicked Collection which would make chutney and pie making a breeze. It will peel, core and slice. You can also use it for pears and potatoes.

Take out a subscription to The Simple Things magazine for yourself of a friend. It gives me hours of reading pleasure and is such a joy to receive each month. See more details HERE.

*PR samples

Splurge while on Spending Ban

I mentioned in my recent Spending Ban Update I'd had a little online shop - you can see the post here.  Two of the purchases arrived this week.

I couldn't resist Latest in Beauty's Caudalie offer of a 15ml size of Premier Cru The Cream and 7ml of The Eye Cream.  They cost £14.95 plus P&P and are worth £50!  They are presented in a cute wee cardboard box - so would make a great present.  A review will follow.

My second item(s) came from Remedy..for - a small company which I came across in The Simple Things magazine.  Homeopath Fiona Wray makes beautiful skin and body care products and you can see the full range here.  The products are natural and organic and are formulated and handmade by Fiona.

I picked up two gorgeous heart shaped Organic Body Butter bars - Rose Garden and Winter Therapy - both packed full of cocoa butter, organic oils, beeswax and essential oils.  Again, a full review to follow.  I was also sent a complimentary sample of mint edition soap which smells fab!

My third item was April's Beautylishious's bag as it is featuring two brands I am really keen to try - you can see the spoiler here.  Have you had any splurges during your spending ban?

Spending Ban - Update 6

I was doing really well in week 6 until I spotted that Latest in Beauty were offering luxury samples of Caudalie The Cream and The Eye Cream (15ml & 7ml) for £14.95 (worth £50) plus P&P and I caved! ooops.  

Then after reading The Simple Things magazine I came across a company called Remedy...for and two Organic Body Butter Bars slipped into my trolley...And then on Sunday I saw April's Beautylishious spoiler and caved again as I really wanted to try the Lola's Apothecary mini bath oils which feature in April's bag - so not a good week!  A total spend of £41.20 - although I might ask for the Beautylishious bag for my birthday.

Here are the products I'm "wanting" this week - 

Saaf Face & Body Kit - the products sound interesting and are all organic and free from chemicals and from a brand I've heard of before but not tried any products.

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YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation - heard so many bloggers rave about this foundation that I really want to try it!  I think I'm the only beauty blogger which hasn't tried it yet.

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Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin EDP - with notes of rich rose, pink and black pepper, violet and musk.  Sounds amazing can't wait to smell it.

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Clinique All About Lips - another product I've seen raved about on beauty blogs.  May try and pick it up next Bonus Time at Harvey Nichols.

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Dr Periccone No Concealer Concealer - already love the No Foundation Foundation and have seen reviews of this on several blogs recently - to name two - Sam's post here and Evelyn's here.  It looks amazing and it looks like it really works!

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How's your spending ban going?  And what products are you wanting this week?

Cooking from The Simple Things magazine

I first mentioned this amazing new magazine "The Simple Things" here.  I just love it and it even inspired me to do some baking (yummy chocolate and raspberry brownies) and some courgette and potato fritters with produce from the plot!  Roll on next month - the next issue is out next week :)

The Simple Things Magazine - First Issue Out Now!

I picked up the new magazine, The Simple Things today (October issue) and its fabulous!  It comes from the people who bring us Mollie Makes.

I am loving everything about it - but here are a few of my favourite things.

It is simply a gorgeous magazine! You can subscribe here.  It is definitely a magazine I'm going to be wanting to read every single month! I picked my copy up in M&S but WHSmith, Sainsbury's and most major supermarkets stock it.  Have you read this issue or do you think you will?