Northcote: Gourmet Break

I've been on holiday these last two weeks and we've got up to lots of nice things in the UK (mainly involving eating, drinking and shopping) At the start of our break we stayed for two nights at Northcote, a Michelin Star Restaurant with rooms run by Nigel Haworth, Craig Bancroft and Lisa Allen (if you love your food and a bit of luxury this is the place to go!) 

Our room was simply gorgeous! We were lucky enough to get upgraded and the room and bathroom was huge! We also met Lisa Allen, Executive Chef which was amazing having watched both her and Nigel on Great British Menu.

Northcote from the Vegetable garden

The bathroom had a lovely big bath with a separate walk in shower with lots of Temple Spa toiletries - I was in heaven!

Tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk! As well as a supply of water and Belvoir Presse are included for your enjoyment.

We had the 5 course Gourmet Menu (link) on the first night (with the matching wines - which went so well with each course. Our Sommelier that evening was fantastic - she really gave us such an insight to all the wines and was really enthusiastic and friendly). On the second night we had the 7 course Tasting Menu. I've picked a few highlights from both nights - see below.

canapes with half bottle of champagne before dinner

amuse-bouche - cow's milk curd, sorrel granita, egg yolk, cheese straw - tasted delicious light and fresh and looks so pretty.

Onion Caramel Charred Hanger Steak, Pickled Artichokes, Yorkshire Blue Cheese - this was super yummy. Very tender and the flavours went so well together.

Ashcrofts Cauliflower, Black Pea Hummus, Smoked Onion Sauce, Garden Chives - this was simply one of the nicest vegetarian courses I've ever eaten. The baby cauliflower was cooked to perfection and simple accompaniments went so well. Delicious!

Organic Northcote Garden Blackcurrants, Malt Wafers, Bowland Cromwell Stout Ice Cream - I loved this light, fruity and malty dessert. Summer on a plate.

Ashcrofts Beetrood Rubble, Pickled Pullet Egg, Bronze Fennel, Pollen - another veggie course that we loved. Super fresh tasting beetroot. Simply delicious.

Beer Fed Dexter Beef Rump, Hand Cut Tartar, Duck Liver Crumb, Carmelised Shallot, Tarragon - melt in the mouth and delicious. The crumb also contained some pumpkin seeds for added crunch

hubby chose cheese for dessert one evening - I loved the separate board of bread, biscuits, chutney, celery and grapes

Petit Fours with coffee

After dinner the first night we came back to the room to a cute little Temple Spa gift on the bed - a very welcome and kind touch!

We also enjoyed drinks on the sunny terrace

And I enjoyed checking out the Vegetable Garden

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @NorthcoteUK

L'Occitane La Collection De Grasse: 7.5ml free with Harper's Bazaar Magazine

Whew...I thought the magazine freebies were amazing this month! I recently found out via a comment on my Magazine freebies post that Harper's Bazaar where offering a generous 7.5ml EDT sample from La Collection de Grasse from L'Occitane - collect all four worth £32!

I restrained myself and just picked two!

Magnolia & Mure EDT - a beautiful Blackberry and Magnolia scent which also has notes of Bergamot, Rose, Patchouli and Moss. It is simply gorgeous and one I'll be picking up full size. 

My second choice was Jasmine & Bergamote EDT which has notes of Jasmin, Bergamote, Mandarin, Lemon Leaves, Sandalwood & Cedar.  

A great wee freebie and a lovely way to choose a new perfume.  

Have you picked any of these up? One of my favourite freebies this month!

MOX Botanicals Calendula & Oatmeal Bath Milk

Shubana at berry's beauty very kindly sent me these MOX Botanicals Calendula & Oatmeal Bath Milk sachets.

MOX Botanicals was founded by Jennifer Slay, a Portland native who formulates organic bath milks, body soaks, lip butters and solid perfumes using organic and natural ingredients.

The giant teabags can be gently infused in the bath or you can empty the sachet into the bath water for a botanical soak.  The bath milk contains organic whole milk, sea salt, calendula petals and botanicals.  Suitable for sensitive skin.  Calming and relaxing with a delicate milky scent.

I'm also a fan of the Lip Butters. Have you tried anything from MOX Botanicals?

Thanks again Shubana!

Content Summer Wellbeing Collection

This lovely little set has been put together for Content's Summer Wellbeing Festival.  It is limited edition so grab it while you can! - see more info here. I received their Love collection for my birthday which I just loved!  This set is great value at £18 and it contains a collection for the mind, body and soul.

It is packed full of goodies!

Therapi Honey Skincare 5ml samples of Rose Otto Honey Gel Cleanser & Moisturiser (I've tried the Orange Blossom range and loved it) (link).

Pai Skincare Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 50ml - huge fan of this and a great size to be included in the set (review).

The Wellbeing Guide to London Handbook - this is stuffed full of the healthiest places to go, eat, with advice from leading wellbeing practictioners, keeping fit and feeling calm. I'll be marking off places to go when in London next.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Firm & Revitalise Dry Body Oil sample - I've been wanting to try this body oil since it was recently launched. Know it will be lovely as I'm a huge fan of the range you can see previous reviews here, here and here. Edit: It is amazing! Full size is already on my wishlist!

Ambre Botanicals Mango & Carrot Seed Extra Concentrated Hand Cream 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this brand also having reviewed their gentle face soap and body butter here.  Already tried this and I love it!

Tata Harper Irritability Aromatic Treatment sample - this calms and relaxes.

Punch Foods Super Seeds - a tube of delicious sounding snack seeds with smoked paprika and cayenne. Looking forward to trying these out!

Sun Warrior Raw Vegan Protein in Chocolate flavour - useful for anyone who wants to boost their health and fitness.

Four Sigma Sport Herbal Sachet - contains herbs which help your body go the extra mile.

I'm looking forward to trying everything out. Do you think you'll pick up this little set or have you already?

Sunday Treat: Tipsy Mallows

Tipsy Mallows recently opened up near to where I live and I've been meaning to stop by for like....ages!  When passing I'm always drawn to the very pretty window display.

Tipsy Mallows was set up by mother and daughter team, Michelle & Rachel Kelso. They initially researched and experimented making mallows with different flavours and liqueurs and before long Tipsy Mallows was born.

The mallows are delicious, light and fluffy and are available in a wide range of flavours (£1.50 each). We chose Gin & Elderflower and Tequila Sunrise.  They came with a pair of scissors to cut them into manageable mouth sized pieces (or you can take away if you can't eat it all at once...as if).

The mallows can be bought for weddings, events, celebrations or just because.. You can see more info here.  You can buy in boxes of 8 (£10 - choose 2 flavours), 12 (£15 - choose 3 flavours) and 16 (£20 - choose 4 flavours). P&P costs are extra and are couriered by Friday of each week.  I can highly recommend them!

Flavours include: Kir Royale, French Martini, Amaretto, Chocolate Baileys, JD & Coke (hubby is fancying this one!), Pimms, Irn Bru, Caramel Shortbread, Earl Grey & Carmelised Lemon and Chai Latte to name a few.  See more flavours available here.  If you have a favourite drink or cocktail Tipsy Mallows can re-create it for you - just get in touch with them.

We also had Bubble Tea (me) and Chocolate Milkshake. The milkshake came in a milk bottle and was rich and very chocolatey. For my Bubble Tea I chose Jasmine Tea, Coconut with Mango Tapioca Pearls.  I loved it.

Tipsy Mallows also stock a wide range of luxury chocolates and other sweet things, macarons and meringues - know where I'm going next time I need an edible present.

See the website here 

Facebook here

Follow on Twitter @tipsymallows 

Tipsy Mallows

230 High Street

Portobello

Edinburgh EH15 2AU

a beautiful world wishlist #1

I've just had a teeny tiny a beautiful world splurge of the super fabulous Dahliana Wildflower Youth Serum which is absolutely amazing and one of my favourite skincare products so far this year - see my review here*. I also picked up their Refreshing Citrus Cleanser which I'm looking forward to trying out and a full review will follow.

Here are some items I'm adding to my wishlist -

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Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator - Vitamin Spray (4oz £29) - this sounds simply divine! Vanilla scented the spray keeps skin hydrated throughout the day. Perfect in your handbag, on your desk and at the beach.

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BRAD Biophotonic Skincare Anti-Fatigue Mist (3.4floz £39) - one of a beautiful world's latest launches this mist re-energises, rebalances and fortifies dull and tired skin. It tones, revitalises and evens out the skin tone.

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Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil (118ml - £29) - I'm waiting for this fabulous body oil to come back into stock.  See my review here*.

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MuLondon White Chocolate Elbow, Knee & Heel Cream (60ml - £19) - this came in my S/S Sampler box and I simply adore it! Super rich, packed full of good things and it smells of chocolate - what's not to love! I've still got half a jar of this wonder cream but I'll be joining the waitlist to be one of the first to buy when it's back in stock!

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The Body Deli The Treatment Kit (£48) - a perfect try me kit or for travel. This little set contains 6 trial sizes - Blueberry Resurfacing Cleanser, Blueberry Fusion Micro Scrub (review*), Almond Milk Cleanser, Radiance Enzyme Peel, Solar Day Cream and Nourish Night Cream.

What's on your a beautiful world wishlist?

*PR samples

Pure Thoughts Lime & Ginger Hand Repair Balm

I received this 10g pot of Pure Thoughts Lime & Ginger Hand Repair Balm from Ailsa in the S/S Green Beauty Swap.

A super rich balm which is packed full of good things for dry hands. The balm has a zingy and spicy scent.

I've been using it after gardening for soft and moisturised hands and nails. You only need to use the tiniest amount so this little pot will last a while. The balm can also be used on dry elbows and knees - you know how much I love a multi-purpose product!

All Pure Thoughts products are free from Parabens, Chemical Preservatives, SLS, SLES, Petroleum, Artificial Colours and Fragrances.

I'm also a huge fan of Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter. What's your favourite Pure Thoughts product?

Petit Vour June Beauty Box: Away we Go: The Travel Collection

I was really excited when Madeline, the founder of Petit Vour contacted me to ask if I'd like to review their June Beauty Box*.  The name is derived from "petit four" small and delicious vegan beauty products (although sometimes full size products are included).

The International Plan is $30 a month which is around £17 (this includes shipping.) See more details here.  Boxes are valued at $35-$45 a month (£20-£26ish) although the value is often more. If you order in the online shop International Shipping is $14.99 (approx £9). You can collect PV points and there are value sets to chose from.

ncLA 5 Free Luxury Nail Lacqueur in shade Let's Stay Forever ($16 - £9) - a gorgeous summery shade "enjoy a little Californian love on your fingertips".

TAY Rosehip Balancing Cleanser with Seabuckthorn sample size (full size $35 - £20) - I've heard of this New York City based brand but haven't until now tried any products! The packaging is super cute.

EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner both 75ml ($17 - £10) - I love trying new hair care brands. These are Gluten Free, Paraben Free and Vegan and are fantastic! Took them on my recent short trip and love them. They leave the hair shiny and nourished.

MUN No.1 Aknari Brightening Youth Serum 1ml (full size $95 - £55) - the serum contains prickly pear seed and Argan oil which transforms the appearance of your skin.  Rose Oil scents and soothes.  As a huge serum fan I can't wait to try this!

What do you think of this box and it's contents?  Are you tempted to sign up? I am!

*PR sample

Magazine Freebies - August - Marie Claire, InStyle & Glamour

I do love a magazine freebie! On the way back from a few days away I picked up Marie Claire & InStyle magazines which have a couple of great freebies this month.  

Marie Claire is offering a balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm 40ml or their Face Moisturiser 15ml (worth £25 together) and Instyle the rather fabulous Neal's Yard Geranium & Orange Hand Cream 50ml which is worth £10!

Glamour magazine are offering a Clinique mini - moisturiser, mascara or a choice of two chubby sticks. As a subscriber I was delighted to receive a chubby stick mini in Super Strawberry.

Have you picked up any of these fab freebies?  Red magazine are offering a Rodial Glam Balm mini too!

Shopping my Stash #54

Here's what I've been enjoying using lately - rms beauty 'un' Cover Up a really great under eye concealer.  It can also be used as a light foundation. It is expensive but worth it!  John Frieda Full Repair Flyaway Tamer Smoothing Wand which is one of these products I wonder how I managed without! Perfect for smoothing frizzy bits of hair for a sleek and polished look. Diptyque Philosykos Perfume Oil Roll on this is one of my all time favourite scents. With fig and green notes it just conjours up summer for me.  butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil a super moisturising oil which smells of pineapple and coconut and suntan lotion. It deeply nourishes nails and cuticles. And finally, Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm which gives the lips a beautiful and nourishing sheer pop of colour.  What have you been reaching for lately?

Montagne Jeunesse Travel Pamper Pack

I popped into Semichem to pick up some essentials (cotton pads, toothpaste & mouthwash) and came across this Montagne Jeunesse Travel Pamper Pack (£2.99) which contains 6 sachets for hair, face, feet and body. Just perfect for a night away or a pamper session.  

1 x Passion Peel-Off Masque 10ml made with Pomegranate & Passionflower - I love peel off masks so looking forward to trying this out! Bet it smells gorgeous too.

1 x Crushed Apricot Kernal Skin Smoother 10g which deeply exfoliates the skin. Perfect to use on elbows, knees and feet.

1 x Crushed Blueberries Foot Cooler 10ml which cools and refreshes tired and hot feet.

2 x Juiced Orange Body Wash 15ml which is moisturising and invigorating helping to wake you up in the morning or refresh after a day sunbathing.

1 x Squeezed Lime Oil Intensive Spa 15ml this is a repairing & conditioning hair masque which contains lime oil along with orange, grapefruit and lemon juice.

I'll let you know what I think of each product.  Have you used this try me/travel pack?  What's your favourite Montagne Jeunesse product?