Wellgreen Lewes Sample Selection

I contacted Amanda a while ago to ask if I could try some sample sizes of a few of her products. I already adore the rose scented range - see my review HERE. We agreed a price and this is what she sent me - much nicer getting fresh home made beauty samples through the post than a box of choccies!

Here's what I received - Jasmine Body Butter, Orange Blossom Body Butter, Rose Face Cream, Orange & Calendula Salty Soap Scrub and Prickly Heat/Sunburn/Aftersun Balm (the latter is a special potion Amanda made for her daughter for taking on her travels - I used it over the hot summer months and it really does soothe places where you get prickly heat and sunburn).

Orange Blossom Body Butter

I'm already a huge fan of the Rose Body Butter having reviewed it here and here. This butter contains pure orange and neroli. It is heady and floral and evocative of the mediterranean. Amanda goes to Cyprus every May to distill the blossoms. The butter also contains shea butter, coconut and avocado oil and pure Vitamin E.  A lovely butter with a light orange blossom scent.

Jasmine Body Butter

A very lightly scented butter (my personal preference would be for a stronger scent).  Packed full of nourishing shea butter, coconut and avocado oils with Vitamin E and Jasmine Essential Oil.

The butters are best used after a bath or shower when the skin is still slightly warm.  Alternatively you can add half a teaspoon to a warm bath.  The butters are whipped for over 30 minutes to make them light and fluffy.

Salty-Soap Scrub

A body polish made with salt, to scrub, soap to clean and a few flowers which makes for a great bath time pamper.  I chose Orange & Calendula scent which is invigorating and fruity.  Contains sea salt, olive oil, orange & calendula soap, calendula petals and orange essential oil.  Great to use to awaken in my morning shower.

Rose Face Cream 

Face creams are freshly made and only keep for up to 6 weeks (longer if stored in the fridge).  The creams are made with Amanda's flower waters and as few other ingredients as possible.  Nourishing, calming and soothing with a light rose scent.

Aftersun/Prickly Heat/Sunburn

A balm Amanda made for her daughter to take on her travels. I always get prickly heat on my decolletage and this balm has worked wonders this summer. I'll definitely be placing an order for this wonder balm next time I'm going abroad on holiday.

Have you used any of these or any other Wellgreen Lewes products?

See the website here

Follow Amanda of Twitter @WellgreenLewes

G Baldwin & Co: Pomegranate, Bilberry & Rose Revitalising Skin Tonic and Harmonising Bath Oil

I was recently sent Pomegranate, Bilberry & Rose Alcohol Free Revitalising Skin Tonic* (150ml - £9.69) and Synergy Harmonising Bath Oil* (25ml) from G Baldwin & Co to review.

George Baldwin the founder started his business at 77 Walworth Road, in South East London in 1844. In the last 160+ years Baldwins has passed from the care of George Baldwin & family to the Dagnell's who have helped Baldwins flourish into the store it is today.  Located at 173 Walworth Road, it is London's oldest Herbalist shop.  You can also buy online - see here.

Pomegranate, Bilberry & Rose Alcohol Free Revitalising Skin Tonic*
A refreshing and revitalising toner made with Pomegranate extract, Bilberry extract and Rose along with Floral Waters, Aloe Vera, Cucumber and Witch Hazel. Use after cleansing to refresh and tone the skin.  Apply with a cotton pad or use as a spritz. No animal testing and free from synthetic fragrances, colours, pegs, sulpates, parabens and silicones.  I found this tonic really effective for removing last traces of cleanser and toning this skin. It was also really nice to use.

Synergy Harmonising Bath Oil*
As a huge bath oil fan this was a lovely extra to receive.  It contains Lavender, Marjoram and Geranium oils which soothe, restore and balance.  Pour under running water, climb in and relax for 10 minutes.  A great value dispersable bath oil - 100ml retails at £6.95 making it perfect for a reasonably priced treat or small gift.

See the website here
Follow on Twitter @BaldwinsUK

*PR samples

Shopping My Stash #33

Here's what I'm using this week -

Bloom Remedies Daily Balance Cream with Sweet Orange, Geranium and Rose 30ml - this came in my recent Souk Souk box. I'm a huge Bloom Remedies fan. This moisturiser smells amazing! Light and aromatic it sinks easily into the skin leaving it hydrated and lightly scented. It also contains shea butter, sweet almond oil, Vitamin E and meadowfoam oils.  You can see my post on other Bloom Remedies products here and here.

Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour SPF 15 12.5g Rose* - I'm a huge Lanolips fan and this gives a light wash of pale pink colour - it's really pretty.  You can see my review of the original ointment here.

Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel 10g* - I sometimes get blackheads on my chin and this works wonders at getting rid of them.  See my review here.

Madara Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid 50ml - I received a sample of this in May's Amarya Box. Simply love it! I either wear it alone of mix it into a bit of foundation.  It adds moisture and illuminates the skin.

Wellgreen Lewes Rose Body Mist 50ml - a refreshing and lightly scented rose mist which is gorgeous for refreshing the skin.  See my review on the rose basket I bought from Amanda here.

Aveda Smoothing Body Polish 40ml - this came in the Aveda Editor's Picks box from Latest in Beauty. A really lovely, not too scrubby body polish which smell gorgeous!  What a great box that was!

Louise Galvin Sacred Locks Treatment Mask for Fine Hair 100ml - this also came in a Latest in Beauty Box. Huge fan of the range and this is fab. Just perfect for my hair type. It leaves it moisturised, glossy and smooth.

Have you used any of these products?

*PR samples

Love Lula Beauty Box - September 2013

My September Love Lula box arrived yesterday.  Here's what's inside:

ila Bath Soak for Pure Relaxation 50ml (£2.95) - with vetivert, petigrain and apricot. I've used some of these travel minis before. It helps nourish and relax and smells pretty good!

ila Body Lotion for Nurturing Skin 50ml (£2.95) - with apricot and rose geranium - this smells truly wonderful. Love Lula say "delicious to use, heavenly scented and super effective".

S5 Calm Serum Redness & Sensitive Skin Serum 10ml (£8.95) - this is the one which initially caught my eye.  It has featured in a beauty box I don't get previously. Contains "100% natural bio actives which reprogramme skin and reverse the effects of stress".

Oxygen Purifying Honey Mask - this came in February's Amarya box.  You can see my review here.  This was lovely to use so happy to use it again.

Evolve Perfect Radiance Facial Polish 4ml sachet - I think I've tried this before and enjoyed using it.

I'm happy with this month's box and I love that I'll use everything.  What are your thoughts?

YOU Beauty Discovery Box

YOU Beauty Discovery Box is the latest monthly beauty box.  Costing only £6.95 including P&P. The products are presented in a great little box (I'll find loads of uses for them).  YOU have teamed up with Latest in Beauty to bring beauty lovers trial size beauty.

What you do is chose two items from a selection and some surprise beauty treats are added.  You must make your choices by the 25th of the month. Also included is a little magazine which gives an overview of each product as well as money off offers.  Next month, it's handbag heroes.  You can join up HERE.

So what's inside:

Shiseido Super Corrective Duo - Super Corrective Eye Cream (5ml) and Super Corrective Serum (9ml) - looking forward to trying these out.

Daniel Sandler Waterproof Eyeliner in Grey Velvet - I'm a huge fan of waterproof eyeliners so looking forward to trying this out.  This is a full-size product.

Onto the extras:

Lalique Satine EDP vial - always happy to try out new perfumes. This has top notes of Jasmine Petals, Gardenia and Heliotrope, middle notes of Tonka Bean, Vanilla and Pink Pepper with base notes of Vetivert, Patchouli and Sandalwood. It's sweet and lightly floral. 

Pure Gold Collagen - single use - I've tried this supplement before and didn't find it really made any difference to my skin so I'll probably pass this bottle on.

The Vintage Cosmetic Company Emery Board - pretty floral patterned emery board.

Did you get the box?  What are your thoughts?

See the website here

Merionwen Eastern Spice Bedouin Nights Body Butter

I recently bought Merionwen's very beautiful Turkish Delight Lip Balm and Vintage Rose Bath Treats. See my post here.  I popped back to the shop to buy another Lip Balm to send to Brogan for the #bloggerssummerswap. You can see what I sent Brogan here. I was so happy she liked it all! I've still to receive mine, can't wait!

At the same time I bought Bedouin Nights Body Butter from the Eastern Spice range.  It "evoke images of hot sultry nights in a silken bedouin tent". You can see all the ranges here.  A rich whipped butter scented with rose, sweet orange and frankincense - it's simply gorgeous.  Smooth onto the body avoiding the face and neck - it melts in easily to warm skin. It has quite a light scent but I can still smell it a few hours after applying.

A huge (200g - £9.50) pot which is packed full of a rich blend of cocoa and mango butter, safflower and jojoba oils and essential oils of rose, sweet orange & frankincense. Leave the skin super soft, moisturised and delicately scented.

Have you tried any Merionwen products yet?

See the website here
Follow on Twitter @Merionwen 

Willow Organic Beauty - Barbary Fig Miracle Range

I was recently sent some products from the new Willow Organic Barbary Fig Miracle range.  I've been trying them for a few weeks now.

Sue Stowell, founder of Willow Organic Beauty previously worked as a creative interior designer.  The spa she was working with at the time asked her to source organic luxury beauty products. She couldn't find anything suitable so decided to create her own brand.

She teamed up with cosmetic chemists, herbalists and aromatherapists to develop a luxury organic range (the bath oils are pretty special too).  No animal testing, no parabens, SLS or mineral oils.  The products are Soil Association Certified.

The Barbary Fig Miracle range is the latest launch which combines the most up-to-date technology with powerful organic ingredients.  1000 kilos of Barbary Fig fruit creates 1 litre of oil which is packed with anti-oxidants and twice the Vitamin E of Argan Oil.

I was sent Gentle Cleansing Balm* (£38 - 120ml), Deeply Hydrating Toner* (£24 - 50ml), Super Firming Serum* (£80 - 20ml), Hydrating Moisturiser* (£52 - 50ml) and Luxury Conditioning Lip Balm* (£24).

Packaging is luxurious, the products are effective, a real luxury and are a joy to use.  

Gentle Cleaning Balm* - a light and easily absorbed cleansing balm which contains Barbary Fig oil, comfrey and marigold.  It deeply cleanses the skin and removes all make up including waterproof mascara. It smells fruity and is suitable for normal, dry and mature skin types.  Massage onto dry skin and remove with a warmed damp muslin cloth.  Leaves the skin soft, refreshed and clean.  Really lovely to use, this is one of my favourites.

Deeply Hydrating Toner* - a concentrated gel formula which hydrates the skin. Formulated with Barbary Fig oil, chickweed, comfrey and marigold to refine, calm and lightly moisturise the skin.  Leaves the skin refreshed.  Apply to the skin using damp cotton wool and smooth over the skin to remove any last traces of cleanser.  Suitable for normal, dry and mature skin types.

Super Firming Serum* - contains natural enzymes, Barbary Fig oil, Rosehip oil, and almond and aloe vera essences.  It helps to smooth, restore, replenish and firm the skin as well as reducing fine lines.  You can feel it instantly firming and tightening the skin on application.  Massage gently into the face and neck.  I love this!

Hydrating Moisturiser* - a light and nourishing moisturiser which contains Barbary Fig oil, rose, orange, thyme and marigold to soothe, protect and hydrate.  It leaves the skin radiant and restored.  Sutable for all skin types. Use after the serum.

Luxury Conditioning Lip Balm* - a rich and highly concentrated balm which is scented with orange.  It also includes comfrey, Barbary Fig oil, Vitamin E and antioxidants. Plumps up the lips and protects leaving the lips glossy and conditioned.  Apply as often as needed. This is a real luxe lip balm and would be great to gift.

Have you used any of the range?

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @WillowOrganic 

*PR samples

Rituals Touch of Hammam - Fresh Fig & Rice Milk Body Cream

I bought this lush body cream a while ago and found it when re-arranging my storage space.  So glad I did! I love fig scents and this one is pretty lovely.

An ultra rich whipped body cream which nourishes and firms the skin leaving it silky soft and smelling sweetly of fresh figs.  It contains rice milk to soften the skin and fresh fig to delicately perfume - it's gorgeous!

A light and fluffy texture which melts easily upon contact with the skin leaving it richly moisturised.

Rituals was founded by Raymond Cloosterman in 2000.  He created a concept - happiness can be found in even the smallest things. Everyday routines can be enjoyable rituals.  His company grew into an International success story - today his products - home, body, facial care, scented candles, perfumes, make up and tea can be found in 220 stores globally as well as online and in department stores.

Products are inspired by Eastern Rituals. Products are not tested on animals and are suitable for vegans.

Costs £15 for 200ml

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @Rituals 

Beatitude Peace Body Oil

I first tried Beatitude in September last year - see my post here.  I bought two soaps - rich body bars scented with rosemary, lavender, ginger and juniperberry as well as being packed full of moisturising shea butter, olive, coconut and castor seed oils with oatmeal to soothe. Rebecca also sent me a trial size of Peace Bath Oil*, a luxurious oil scented with ylang ylang, lavender, mandarin, petigrain and cedarwood.

Rebecca contacted me recently to see if I would like to try one of her new body oils.  She sent me Peace Body Oil* (100ml - £34) which is 100% natural and free from parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals and synthetics.

A soothing and nourishing oil which has a "serum like texture" and it comes in a beautiful French glass bottle making it a perfect gift or for displaying in the bathroom.

It contains essential oils of ylang ylang, mandarin, petigrain and cedarwood as well as daikon radish, oat oil, camellia oil and peach kernal oils.

It absorbs quickly and instantly hydrates the skin. Suitable for all skin types but especially dry and dehydrated.  Leaves the skin lightly scented and is a pleasure to use.

The other scents available are:

Patience: which is warming and invigorating - with essential oils of rosemary, lavender, ginger and juniperberry.

Joy: an uplifting and energising blend - with essential oils of orange, mandarin, petigrain, grapefruit and bergamot "sunshine in a bottle".

If you are visiting Scotland make sure to stop by Fletcher's Cottage Spa at Archerfield House in East Lothian. Here you can have a new treatment developed by Rebecca - Supreme Happiness Treatment (£90 for 75 minutes) which involves deep tissue massage, hot stones and Swedish acupressure. The treatment leaves you relaxed and uplifted and I think it sounds amazing!  The Beatitude Body Oils were created for this treatment.  You can read more about the Spa here.

You can also find Rebecca's products at myshowcase see here

See the website here

Follow on Twitter @beatitudeoils

*PR samples

Shopping my Stash #32

I simply loved the Melvita Apicosma Ultra Nourishing Body Balm which came in the British Beauty Blogger Edit Box. It featured in Shopping my Stash #25. I picked up full size from Naturisimo (150ml). Made from three different types of honey it is rich and hydrating and melts into the skin leaving it smelling sweetly. Suitable for all skin types and great for dry skin areas.

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow 480g - simply love this gorgeous scented scrub.  See my review here.

Suti Fabulous Organic Foot Balm 50ml - simply love this balm which super moisturises and refreshes the feet. I like to use this just before bed and pop on some socks to lock in the moisture overnight.  See my review here.

Lavera Organic Wild Rose Bath Salts sachet - I received this from Alice in the All things Nice swap - one of my favourites although I'd not used it for a while. Enjoyed a rose scented soak in the bath this week.

Dr Organic Manuka Honey Cuticle Nail Solution 15ml - this is the best cuticle product I've ever used.  It super moisturises the skin and nails and smells divine! 

Glam Minerals Lipsuite Rose Pink - this came in July's Souk Souk box. A preservative free, vegan, vegetarian and Halal approved product. Lip Balm, colour and Lip Gloss in one. Easy to apply with fingertips or brush. Give the lips a pink wash of colour.  Love it!

ila Face Mask for Revitalising Skin* - this came in the ila Little Face Treats* set. A rich clay mask which I've been enjoying using. See my review here.

Have you used any of these products? Are you shopping your stash this week?

*PR sample

Pampering #2

You can see my first "Pampering" post here.  Here's what I've been using for a pamper this week - 

Lubatti Pure Indulgence Scented Rose Bath Oil 200ml - a lightly scented bath oil which is lovely to use.  Read more about it here.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 40ml - simply love this deep pre-shampoo conditioner. Leaves the hair smooth, shiny and healthy looking.  You can pick up a free one with InStyle Magazine this month.

Dr Organic Manuka Honey Face Scrub 125ml* - I'm a huge fan of Dr Organic products and especially like the Manuka Honey range. This scrub is quite scrubby so I've been gently massaging it into my skin. It contains micro particles of volcanic lava, corn cob powder, ground fruit seed and Manuka Honey.  It leaves the skin radiant and clean.  A fuller review will follow.

Dr Organic Manuka Honey Face Mask 125ml* - a soothing and moisturising mask which contains Manuka Honey and China Clay which draws oil from the pores and rids the skin of impurities and dead skin cells.  Leaves the skin moisturised and nourished.  Love this! Fuller review to follow.

bubb & DIMPLES Champers Darling Nourishing Body Oil Candle Travel Size* - a gorgeous fruity/floral candle which after burning you can use the warm wax on your body to moisturise.  See my review of Breathe candle here.

bubb & DIMPLES Champers Darling Shea Butter in Champers Darling* - with the same scent as the Nourishing Body Oil Candle this is a rich and beautifully scented butter - great for elbows, knees and feet.  See my post here.

What's your favourite products for pampering?

*PR samples

September Buys & a Nice Surprise!

I was chatting to Lucy on Twitter (@LGmakeup) - she did my wedding make up many moons ago (8 years ago!) and she used to sell Jane Iredale make up. She pointed me in the direction of a local supplier and then asked if I'd like her to add what I was looking for onto her order.  I'm a huge fan of Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain.  I first received it in a Joliebox - simply love it!  You can see Lucy's website here where you can book in for bridal makeup, special occasion make up and make up lessons.

I found that I was running low on both my favourite foundations so popped into Harvey Nichols to pick some Maestro Fusion Make Up SPF15 (shade 4) up.  Stuart, the very helpful and friendly assistant also gave me some Luminous Silk samples (shade 4.5), a Regenessence Youth Regenerator Serum sample (3ml) and a sample vial (1.5ml) of the latest Armani Prive perfume Myrrhe Imperiale - EDP Intense - with notes of myrrh and benzoin - a spicy oriential with incense, musk, smokey and milky vanilla notes - gorgeous! (100ml retails at gulp £190).

A friend at work, Ann is just back from holidays in Spain yesterday and gave me this little bag....

I was so excited!

I've been wanting to try the Sephora Body Wash capsules like...forever!  There was also four little bath oil shapes.  Super pleased!

Have you treated yourself to anything this month?

Empties - my re-purchases

I've got a notebook I use to write down my empties - looking back over the last year and some 300 odd empties (yes, really!) these are the ones I've bought again and again. I don't have photos of all of them as some I don't have in my stash at this point in time but I'll definitely buy them again.

Pure Thoughts Tangerine & Jojoba Whipped Shea Butter 45g - this is my third or fourth pot and I'll definitely keep re-purchasing. A Pure Thoughts best seller.  It now comes in a metal tin and in a bigger size.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist - I don't currently have this in my stash but I will repurchase.  See my review here.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor 10ml sachet - I pick these up with Love Lula orders.  Leaves the hair shiny, smooth and in great condition.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Pure Castile Soap in Peppermint - my favourite Dr Bronner's scent.  I use to to clean my make up brushes and the bath.  See here.

Gielly Green Repair Shampoo 50ml - another one I don't currently have but love it.  See my review here.

bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil - simply love this face oil. See my review here.

Suti Fabulous Foot Balm - leaves the feet moisturised, soft and sweet smelling. See my review here.

Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator - one of my favourite gentle facial exfoliators. Smells great too.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion - my favourite Abahna scent.  See my review here.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil - my favourite bath oil and my favourite REN product.  See my review here. Don't currently have this but will be dropping hints nearer Christmas!

bodhi Mint Thé Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - my all time favourite scent from bodhi.  See my review here.

bodhi Ylang Ylang Incensa Sensual Bath & Shower Therapy - a spicy scent. Love using this in the bath for a long soak.  See my review here.

More bodhi love! bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy and Body Moisturiser - again a scent I just love.  See my review here.

Neom Complete Bliss Organic Hand Cream 50ml - my favourite hand cream ever! See my review here.

Neom Sensuous Body Wash and Body Lotion 50ml - these are really lovely. Scented with Ylang Ylang, Frankincense and Patchouli.  See my post here.

Mama Mio Mighty Moisturiser - simply love this light moisturiser which can be used AM/PM.

Pure Fiji Coconut Nourishing Exotic Oil - don't currently have this in my stash but love it.  Will definitely buy again soon.  It came in April's Joliebox.

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil - my favourite Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil.  This is the one which gives me a great night's sleep.

Korres Mango & Guava Shower Gels - both of these are my favourites. I've currently got the Guava one.  See my review of the Guava scent here.

London Oil Company Morning Glory Body Oil - again another one I don't currently have in my stash. Love this uplifting oil.  Sure to purchase again soon. See my review here.

Madara Refreshing Soap 250ml - this came in an Amarya Box. Love it. Helps to make me more wide-awake in the morning.  See my review here.

bodhi Neroli Lucé Revitalising Face Oil - I love using this light aromatic oil in the summer months. 

Lancome Nutrix Royal Mains Hand Cream 100ml - another favourite. This one is beside my bed. It deeply moisturises and smells nice.

Balance Me Skin Bright Hydrating Mist 60ml - this is my second bottle of this face mist.  One of my top products of this year.

Lucy Annabella Organics Argan & Bergamot Organic Treatment Oil - a 10ml size came in my August Amarya box. Simply loved this and bought the full size with the generous beauty box discount.  A full review to follow.

Have you used any of these products?  Do you often make repeat purchases?

HealGel Eye

HealGel Eye* (£32 for 15ml) is created by a team of leading British Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeons along with a Dermatological Biochemist.  Other products in the range include HealGel Face and HealGel Intensive.  You can find out more here.

An aqueous gel which soothes, repairs and protects. It feels cool on the skin and is light, non-greasy and suitable for all skin types.

The eye gel helps diminish dark circles, reduce puffiness and smooth out fine lines.  It locks in moisture and firms the eye area.

Contains "Arnica and Madecassoside which are suspended in liposomes with powerful peptides and biodynes to initiate a uniquely soothing and collagen boosting process". 

Created and made in the UK. Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sodium laureth, SLS, colourants, synthetic fragrances or xenoestrogen.

I'm loving using this eye gel. It has the texture that I like and it is easily absorbed.  Have you used this or any other HealGel product before?

See the website here
Follow on Twitter @HealGel

*PR sample

Red Magazine - Free this works body treats

Next month (magazine on sale 2 October) Red is giving away two this works body treats.

Both are 50ml sizes - ideal try me/for travel.

this works really rich firming lotion - an ultra-hydrating body lotion with Fig Buds and Jasmine - sounds gorgeous!

this works daily boost body scrub - a creamy scrub with Grapefruit and Tourmaline.

Do you think you'll pick up Red next month?

Free Philip Kingsley Elasticizer with InStyle magazine

Free Philip Kingsley Elasticizer (40ml) worth £8 with this month's InStyle magazine.  It also comes with a sachet of Palmers Cocoa Butter.

Next month pick up REN freebies worth £12.

August Books

I've only managed two books this month!

The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani - I simply loved this book!

It tells the story of two brothers Ciro and Eduardo, young Italian brothers who grow up in a Convent in the Italian Alps.

One day, Ciro meets Enza a local girl and they find they have a great connection. Enza falls instantly in love.  Ciro discovers something he shouldn't and is sent away from Italy to America where he becomes an apprentice shoemaker. Eduardo takes the path to become a Priest.

Enza never forgets Ciro and one day she and her father take the voyage to America in order to make money so that the family can build their own house in the mountains.

Ciro and Enzo's paths keep crossing but always at the wrong time.  Enzo works as a seamstress at the Metropolitan Opera House. Finally when they seem to be getting together at last Ciro heads off to fight in WW1.   

"As their destinies intertwine, and the world they know is changed irrevocably by war, the two must decide if their future lies together or apart.."

Simply loved this book - if you enjoy a story you can get lost in you'll love this book.  Also recommend Lucia, Lucia and The Big Stone Gap Trilogy.

My second book is Taking Minutes of Meetings  by Joanna Gutmann - a really informative book if you have to take minutes.  I recently went on a one day course run by Joanna which was really valuable.  See the courses here.  The book covers arranging meetings, preparing the Agenda, style, structure and layout, the Minutes, sections of a meeting, taking notes, writing up Minutes, recording decisions and actions and different types of meetings.

What have you been reading this month?

August: Lately I've been Loving

In August when I was off work we had a day out in Leith. We went to The Vintage for a delicious lunch - we ate off the grazing menu and everything was really tasty. You can see the menu here.

That same afternoon we stopped by Roseleaf for a Pot-Tail - a yummy cocktail served in a teapot with cups and saucers.  We chose a Mad-Hatter which was a mix of Koko Kanu Coconut Rum with homemade Fiery Ginger Beer and Lime - delicious!  Also available are a selection of fancy dress hats to wear while supping your cocktail!

I'm a huge fan of scented candles and in August I've been loving St Eval's Sea Salt Candle. Thanks to Sam at Honey Go-Lightly for discovering this beauty! See my review here.

OV Naturals Rose Geranium Harmonising Organic Artisan Face Oil 10ml* - Lucy very kindly sent me this new face oil to review (a full review to follow in the next couple of weeks). Simply lovely to use, smells amazing and I'm sure this will be the one to knock Triple Rose Luxury Organic Face Oil off the top spot! See my review of the Triple Rose face oil here.  

Homemade Piccalilli - made with some of the glut of marrows in the garden! Delicious with cold meat, pork pies or cheese.

I'm a huge fan of hearts and I love this little one I picked up at COVE a while back.

Finally, I'm a huge magazine lover and especially like Red and The Simple Things. Currently I'm also loving Psychologies mag - I love the articles, quizzes and that it makes me think more.  I adore both Sally Brampton's and Catherine Turner's columns.

What are you loving this month?