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

Updates: White & Elm, Ermana Natural Skincare, IASO, F.O.Y.

Today I'm giving you updates as to my thoughts about products I've now used for a few weeks or longer:

White & Elm - I first tried a couple of products from White & Elm way back in February. I'm been using their Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum almost exclusively since then (and I've still loads left making it a real cost effective buy).  I've found it nourishes and hydrate the eye area (I also use it above my top lip). It also helps to diminish dark circles and minimise fine lines. I'd buy again.

Ermana Natural Skincare - this beautiful range launched in August and I was lucky enough to be able to try two products from the range. See my initial thoughts on Cleanse Balm* and Nuture Body Oil* - HERE. 

I have found the Cleanse Balm to be lighter in texture than other cleansing balms I'm currently using (which makes for a nice change), it has a delicious feel good scent and deeply cleanses removing make up and daily grime. It's a keeper!

The Nurture Body Oil is a lightweight oil scented with Neroli, Petigrain and Ylang Ylang and is up there in my top 5 body oils! The only negative I'd have is I'd prefer the oil to be in a pump bottle rather than a dropper bottle which would make it easier to use.

IASO Ghassoul Black Cleansing Oil* I felt a bit hurried by the company to write my review in September before I'd really had a chance to try the product out properly.

I can now honestly say it is a really effective cleansing oil which helps to eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, dirt, oil and impurities leaving the skin feeling clean and fresh. I have also found it to be effective in removing stubborn eye make up.

Finally, I reviewed a number of products by F.O.Y. back in August and I said I'd report back as to how I felt the Double Action Anti Cellulite Gel* was performing. I used it happily for a few days or so until my skin flared up in a red itchy rash. I can only assume I'm allergic to one or more of the ingredients it contains. I am however still enjoying using the Day Cream, Night Cream and Eye Gel from the brand.

Have you tried any of these products?

*PR samples

February Empties

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - a staple for me. I need these in my life! I buy these again and again as they just work.

Yours Truly Organics Balancing Toner 150ml* - I loved this and would buy. See my review here.

TEWC Virgin Coconut & Lime Body Butter sample - I'm a huge fan of this body butter and I'd buy it again.  See my review here.

White & Elm Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner 30ml - this was a delight to use and I'll definitely buy again. See my review here.

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger Vitalising Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourites from Bodhi & Birch. See my review here. I've got a mini still to use but it's one I'd buy again.

Blue Labelle Ylang Ylang and Frankincense Body Oil 100ml - this is a staple for me now! I've already got another one in my stash. See my review here.

Bodhi Mint The Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - this is my favourite Bodhi & Birch Shower Gel. Will definitely buy again.

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo 60ml - this was nice to use and I'd buy again.

Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream 15ml - I loved this for dry rough patches of skin. Sure to buy full size soon.

Jimmy Choo EDP 50ml - I've not finished a bottle of perfume for ages! I really like this fruity sweet floral. Sure to buy again. This is my 3rd bottle of this scent.

Shropshire Lavender Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this was nice to use with a gentle lavender scent. Would buy again.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Eucalyptus Pure Castile Soap 237ml - I wasn't blown away with the scent of this so wouldn't buy again. Love the Peppermint version.

Kneipp Sweet Dreams Herbal Bath Valerian & Hops 20ml* - loved the effects of this bath oil. Great to use before bed for a restful night's sleep. Didn't love the scent of it but would buy. Kneipp Pure Bliss Herbal Bath Red Poppy & Hemp 20ml* - this was gorgeous! Would buy full size and Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml* - again lovely to use before bed. Super impressed with all of these.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - a staple. Have already bought again.

John Masters Organics Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler 60ml - I loved this. It left my hair super shiny and nourished. Will buy again.

pai Geranium & Thistle Balancing Day Cream 15ml - this came in a weekender travel kit which I'd buy again.

Blue Labelle Hand Oil 10ml - this was lovely. See my review here. Would buy again.

Rachel's Plan Bee Body Oil 112ml - I just loved this body oil. See my review here. Will buy again.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Bath Oil 100ml - this is a great dupe for REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil at a fraction of the price and just as nice. Sure to buy again.

S W Basics Cleanser trial size - this was nice to use and have another in my stash. Would maybe buy again.

SAMPLES - Melvita Bio-Excellence Youthful Serum 2ml* - this serum was a bit runnier than I expected. Absorbed quickly and smelt really nice. Would maybe buy full size.

Cowshed Perfecting Night Serum 2ml - this was nice to use and I got a few uses out the sachet. One to add to the wishlist I think.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

White & Elm: Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner & Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum

I first mentioned White & Elm back at the beginning of January when my order arrived. I've been using both products since then and I'm nearly finished the Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner mini. I look like I've hardly started the Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum but a little goes a long way.

The best (and mostly organic) ingredients are used. These are sourced from Organic Certified Farms and Fair Trade suppliers. Products are lovingly hand made by Sherelle in Fort Collins, CO and are made with 10 ingredients or less, are Vegan and Cruelty Free. Products are free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates, PEGs, glycols, fillers, silicones and dyes.

Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner mini - this toner smells delicious! It cleans, refreshes, balances, hydrates, reduces pores, soothes, heals and moisturises. To use: shake the bottle, apply toner to a cotton pad and wipe over the face after cleansing.  This is one of the nicest toners I've ever used. Full size is going on the wishlist!

Ingredients: Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile) Hydrosol*, Glycerin (Vegetable)*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract*, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Essential Oil*, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Essential Oil*

*Organic Ingredient

Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum - I've used this everyday since I got this serum and it hardly looks like I've touched it making it great value for money. A little goes a long way. The serum brightens, strengthens and nourishes the delicate eye area. It's the perfect size to pop in your bag for weekends away and holidays.

To use: apply a small amount of serum to slightly damp skin onto the outer corners and just below the eye.

The serum is stuffed full of nourishing oils which slow down ageing, soothe, soften, rejuvenate, help restore elasticity, heal, reduce lines and the depth of wrinkles.

WOW this product is amazing! My under eye area looks brighter and lines are less visible. I'd definitely buy this again.

Ingredients: Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckhorn) Oil*, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E) Oil Non-GMO

*Organic Ingredient

Next time I think I'll be tempted by - Sweet Almond Foaming Cleanser Mini, Rosehip & Argan Antioxidant Serum and definitely one of the Masks.

Have you tried any products from White & Elm?

white & elm: Organic Small Batch Beauty

I had a big US splurge just after Christmas as I knew I was starting my spending ban (failed yesterday as I picked up two SW Basics Discovery Sets in a beautiful world's #PinkFriday sale - one for me, one for forthcoming giveaway - I did have a tenners worth of points saved up though which made my purchase a bargainous £26).

I came across white & elm on Twitter and quickly browsed the website - two things which jumped out at me were Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner mini (it smells gorgeous!)($12) and Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum ($18).

My order cost $20 to ship which with the two products worked out at £33.24. Unfortunately, I had to pay Customs of £3.85 with a hefty £8.00 admin charge to Royal Mail.

Despite this, I'm looking forward to trying both items.  I'll let you know my thoughts once I've had the chance to try!

Follow white & elm on Twitter @whiteandelm

No Buy January & Happy New Year!

I've decided to do #NoBuyJanuary again this year as I have lots and lots of lovely products and samples to use up so I'll be continuing to shop my stash and show you my wish lists! 

Just after Christmas I came across Rachel's Plan Bee via Julie's blog and treated myself to a Facial and Body Oil, and a couple of things each from also new to me brands - BEING Apothecary and White & Elm as well as a travel brush set from Bellapierre in the Naturisimo Sale and I also signed up to The Perfume Society as a VIP Subscriber.  I now most definitely need a month of no spending!

I am keeping one beauty box subscription (Love Lula) and I am also allowing myself to buy up to two magazines a month (as well as my subscription to Red mag).

This should be do-able. Are you taking part in a spending ban this month?

And a very Happy New Year to everyone!