Inlight Organic Face CleanserInlight Organic Face Cleanser 2
“A gentle, nurturing, pleasingly sumptuous cleanser that has been a huge and enduring hit with our customers since the very first day we launched.”
Inlight Organic Skincare products are award-winning natural beauty products handmade in Cornwall. I’ve been using the Organic Face Cleanser for a few months and have just run out. It’s a oil-based cleanser which I love, I’m a huge fan of oil and balm cleansers. It’s formulated with coconut, jojoba and olive oils, green tea, cypress and rosemary to deeply cleanse and gently polish the skin.

This 100% organic cleanser comes beautifully packaged in a glass jar with a metal lid, and has a little wooden spatula for application. It’s solid at room temperature and starts to liquefy as it’s massaged into the skin. It has a subtle spicy scent as ginger root extract is one of the ingredients; this really adds a “wakey-wakey!” boost to your AM cleanse!

For your PM cleanse there is no need for a separate eye make-up remover as I found that this cleanser was able to get all of my make-up off. I did find that I needed to rinse with a clean facecloth several times to make sure there was no oily residue left, however my skin was left feeling cleansed and soft without feeling at all dry; I felt truly pampered!

Inlight Organic Face Cleanser is available from http://www.inlight-online.co.uk/ £30.00 for 60ml.

Inlight Organic Face Cleanser

Inlight Organic Face CleanserInlight Organic Face Cleanser 2
“A gentle, nurturing, pleasingly sumptuous cleanser that has been a huge and enduring hit with our customers since the very first day we launched.”
Inlight Organic Skincare products are award-winning natural beauty products handmade in Cornwall. I’ve been using the Organic Face Cleanser for a few months and have just run out. It’s a oil-based cleanser which I love, I’m a huge fan of oil and balm cleansers. It’s formulated with coconut, jojoba and olive oils, green tea, cypress and rosemary to deeply cleanse and gently polish the skin.

This 100% organic cleanser comes beautifully packaged in a glass jar with a metal lid, and has a little wooden spatula for application. It’s solid at room temperature and starts to liquefy as it’s massaged into the skin. It has a subtle spicy scent as ginger root extract is one of the ingredients; this really adds a “wakey-wakey!” boost to your AM cleanse!

For your PM cleanse there is no need for a separate eye make-up remover as I found that this cleanser was able to get all of my make-up off. I did find that I needed to rinse with a clean facecloth several times to make sure there was no oily residue left, however my skin was left feeling cleansed and soft without feeling at all dry; I felt truly pampered!

Inlight Organic Face Cleanser is available from http://www.inlight-online.co.uk/ £30.00 for 60ml.

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I’ve raided my stash again this week and picked a few more products to use. It’s great seeing what products I’ve already got; I’m saving money by not immediately buying new and I’m also freeing up some space.
20130819_092904
The warm weather has been causing my skin to breakout in a few pesky spots, but hopefully this Montagne Jeunesse Mud Pac face mask will help  

I moisturise my body every day without fail so this Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion will get used in no time 

I ran out of moisturiser so chose these two samples from Derma E to use as well as this tube of Blanc Cachemire Day Cream 

I have so many samples of perfume knocking around, this miniature bottle of Belle D’Opium was from the 2011 Selfridges Advent Calendar! 

I found this little bottle of Aromatherapy Associates Enrich Hair Oil and can’t wait to use it 

A lot of people love Lush Whip Stick lip balm but I have never tried it before, I do hope it’s good.
What do you think of these choices?


Stash Raiders #2

I’ve raided my stash again this week and picked a few more products to use. It’s great seeing what products I’ve already got; I’m saving money by not immediately buying new and I’m also freeing up some space.
20130819_092904
The warm weather has been causing my skin to breakout in a few pesky spots, but hopefully this Montagne Jeunesse Mud Pac face mask will help  

I moisturise my body every day without fail so this Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion will get used in no time 

I ran out of moisturiser so chose these two samples from Derma E to use as well as this tube of Blanc Cachemire Day Cream 

I have so many samples of perfume knocking around, this miniature bottle of Belle D’Opium was from the 2011 Selfridges Advent Calendar! 

I found this little bottle of Aromatherapy Associates Enrich Hair Oil and can’t wait to use it 

A lot of people love Lush Whip Stick lip balm but I have never tried it before, I do hope it’s good.
What do you think of these choices?


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In my March beauty box from Birchbox I received a single-use sample of the Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask. I used it a couple of weeks ago and was amazed with the results.
Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation MaskSanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask 2Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask 3

This two-step mask contains peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump and repair the skin’s structure and give a tauter, firmer appearance. You apply a layer of the Peptide Transformation Serum first, then apply a layer of the Thermal Rose Clay Mask, which smells lovely. Straight away I could feel a warming sensation and I left the mask to work for 15 minutes.

After removing the mask I looked like I had just had a full-on facial! My skin was literally glowing, looked more radiant and felt so much softer and smoother. I am definitely going to be purchasing the full-sized treatment very soon – imagine how I’ll look after following through on the full 30 days!

Have you tried this and did you get visible results?

Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask

In my March beauty box from Birchbox I received a single-use sample of the Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask. I used it a couple of weeks ago and was amazed with the results.
Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation MaskSanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask 2Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask 3

This two-step mask contains peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump and repair the skin’s structure and give a tauter, firmer appearance. You apply a layer of the Peptide Transformation Serum first, then apply a layer of the Thermal Rose Clay Mask, which smells lovely. Straight away I could feel a warming sensation and I left the mask to work for 15 minutes.

After removing the mask I looked like I had just had a full-on facial! My skin was literally glowing, looked more radiant and felt so much softer and smoother. I am definitely going to be purchasing the full-sized treatment very soon – imagine how I’ll look after following through on the full 30 days!

Have you tried this and did you get visible results?

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My fiancé LOVES soup. I’ve always promised I would try some soup recipes but never got round to it. Oops. I first made this Chunky Tomato Soup a couple of months ago and since then it has been on the menu every week. It’s so easy to make and utterly delicious, and even Baby N gets to enjoy it too.

Chunky tomato soup recipe ingredients

For 2 generous portions (plus a baby-sized portion!) you need:
  • 400g tomatoes, blanched, peeled and cubed
  • 150g potato, cubed
  • 1 celery stick, cubed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • a handful of basil - I’m using Greek basil because the tiny leaves look so pretty
  • 750ml vegetable stock
  • olive oil
  • pinch of dried chilli, as much or as little as you like
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of pepper
Method
  1. Heat 1tbsp of olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion, chilli and salt and heat gently until softened.
  2. Add the celery and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the potato, stock and basil. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes and pepper. Heat gently for 5 minutes.
  5. Check your seasoning. If you’re happy, it’s ready to serve with a big chunk of crusty bread!
Chunky tomato soup
Chunky tomato soup babyled weaning blw

For babies, spoon some of the soup over little chunks of bread and let it soak in (and cool down). It’s easy for them to then pick up the bread and the small cubes of vegetables. Baby N loves this soup; I use Kallo stock cubes which are really low salt and better for babies!

Enjoy!

RECIPE: Chunky Tomato Soup

My fiancé LOVES soup. I’ve always promised I would try some soup recipes but never got round to it. Oops. I first made this Chunky Tomato Soup a couple of months ago and since then it has been on the menu every week. It’s so easy to make and utterly delicious, and even Baby N gets to enjoy it too.

Chunky tomato soup recipe ingredients

For 2 generous portions (plus a baby-sized portion!) you need:
  • 400g tomatoes, blanched, peeled and cubed
  • 150g potato, cubed
  • 1 celery stick, cubed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • a handful of basil - I’m using Greek basil because the tiny leaves look so pretty
  • 750ml vegetable stock
  • olive oil
  • pinch of dried chilli, as much or as little as you like
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of pepper
Method
  1. Heat 1tbsp of olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion, chilli and salt and heat gently until softened.
  2. Add the celery and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the potato, stock and basil. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes and pepper. Heat gently for 5 minutes.
  5. Check your seasoning. If you’re happy, it’s ready to serve with a big chunk of crusty bread!
Chunky tomato soup
Chunky tomato soup babyled weaning blw

For babies, spoon some of the soup over little chunks of bread and let it soak in (and cool down). It’s easy for them to then pick up the bread and the small cubes of vegetables. Baby N loves this soup; I use Kallo stock cubes which are really low salt and better for babies!

Enjoy!

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My friend is getting married next month in Greece and we have been invited to the evening reception when they get back to the UK. I’ve been looking for a cute outfit for Baby N to wear. Although it doesn’t have to be as formal as if we were going to the wedding, I still want to dress him up a little!

If money were no object I’d dress him in the outfit on the left which is from Ralph Lauren, they do such beautiful clothes! But in reality he’ll probably wear the outfit on the right which is from Next and much more affordable. It’s still just as gorgeous and the mock braces on the shirt looks really cool.

I love the little trilby hat, I think it goes with either outfit, but it’s not really practical on a baby. I’d have to quickly take a photo before he no doubt yanked it off. He probably won’t wear shoes either, but I couldn’t resist checking some out as they do look mega cute!

One thing is for sure: whatever he ends up wearing he most definitely will be rocking a bow-tie!


Baby N's Wedding Style
What do you think of these outfits? Where else would you recommend I look?

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Baby N’s Wedding Style

My friend is getting married next month in Greece and we have been invited to the evening reception when they get back to the UK. I’ve been looking for a cute outfit for Baby N to wear. Although it doesn’t have to be as formal as if we were going to the wedding, I still want to dress him up a little!

If money were no object I’d dress him in the outfit on the left which is from Ralph Lauren, they do such beautiful clothes! But in reality he’ll probably wear the outfit on the right which is from Next and much more affordable. It’s still just as gorgeous and the mock braces on the shirt looks really cool.

I love the little trilby hat, I think it goes with either outfit, but it’s not really practical on a baby. I’d have to quickly take a photo before he no doubt yanked it off. He probably won’t wear shoes either, but I couldn’t resist checking some out as they do look mega cute!

One thing is for sure: whatever he ends up wearing he most definitely will be rocking a bow-tie!


Baby N's Wedding Style
What do you think of these outfits? Where else would you recommend I look?

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                                 ♥ Bloglovin’ ♥ Twitter ♥ Instagram ♥ Facebook ♥
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A few weeks ago I visited the Hitchin Lavender farm and picked two HUGE bags of lavender. It’s been drying out in my kitchen ever since and I decided to make some shortbread biscuits with it. I love shortbread, although usually I make them plain or with a touch of vanilla. I was a bit nervous about how they would taste with the lavender but they are so delicious! This recipe makes about 15-20 biscuits.

Lavender shortbread recipe
Ingredients
  • 125g salted butter at room temperature (you can use unsalted, but I prefer salted)
  • 55g caster sugar
  • 180g plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon of lavender
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 170 for a fan oven. 180-190 for a non-fan oven.
2. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
3. Bash or chop up the lavender.
4. Mix the sugar and butter.
5. Add the flour and lavender and stir until all the flour is combined.
6. Press the dough together, adding a few drops of water if it’s too dry, and roll into a log shape.
7. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for half an hour.
8. Once chilled, slice the dough into 1cm thick discs.
9. Arrange on the baking tray leaving a bit of space between each biscuit.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they just start to turn golden.
11. Leave to cool while you make a cup of tea.
12. Enjoy!

I’m eating mine as I type this, I literally can’t stop. They’re so scrummy! If you’ve got some lavender growing in your garden then give this recipe a go. It’s so easy but really impressive!
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Lavender Shortbread Recipe

A few weeks ago I visited the Hitchin Lavender farm and picked two HUGE bags of lavender. It’s been drying out in my kitchen ever since and I decided to make some shortbread biscuits with it. I love shortbread, although usually I make them plain or with a touch of vanilla. I was a bit nervous about how they would taste with the lavender but they are so delicious! This recipe makes about 15-20 biscuits.

Lavender shortbread recipe
Ingredients
  • 125g salted butter at room temperature (you can use unsalted, but I prefer salted)
  • 55g caster sugar
  • 180g plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon of lavender
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 170 for a fan oven. 180-190 for a non-fan oven.
2. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
3. Bash or chop up the lavender.
4. Mix the sugar and butter.
5. Add the flour and lavender and stir until all the flour is combined.
6. Press the dough together, adding a few drops of water if it’s too dry, and roll into a log shape.
7. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for half an hour.
8. Once chilled, slice the dough into 1cm thick discs.
9. Arrange on the baking tray leaving a bit of space between each biscuit.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they just start to turn golden.
11. Leave to cool while you make a cup of tea.
12. Enjoy!

I’m eating mine as I type this, I literally can’t stop. They’re so scrummy! If you’ve got some lavender growing in your garden then give this recipe a go. It’s so easy but really impressive!
Follow me on Bloglovin, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Google+

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I went to a birthday party on Saturday, it was my friend’s little boy’s 3rd birthday. There was a BBQ, party food and, of course, cake. As well as that, my friend had ordered loads of handmade cupcakes and I just had to show you. They are absolutely amazing!

cupcakes minions minion peppa pig ice cream cookie monster

They are handmade by a lovely lady who has a Facebook business, Stacey’s Cupcake Boutique. You really need to take a look at her amazing cakes, they will make you drool!

Yum!

Absolutely Amazing Cupcakes

I went to a birthday party on Saturday, it was my friend’s little boy’s 3rd birthday. There was a BBQ, party food and, of course, cake. As well as that, my friend had ordered loads of handmade cupcakes and I just had to show you. They are absolutely amazing!

cupcakes minions minion peppa pig ice cream cookie monster

They are handmade by a lovely lady who has a Facebook business, Stacey’s Cupcake Boutique. You really need to take a look at her amazing cakes, they will make you drool!

Yum!

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Woohoo, my August beauty box from Birchbox arrived today! I’m so happy as it usually seems like I’m one of the last to get theirs and this month I think I might be one of the first!

Birchbox August beauty box instyle 1Birchbox August beauty box instyle 6 contentsBirchbox August beauty box instyle 3 contentsBirchbox August beauty box instyle 4 contentsBirchbox August beauty box instyle 5 contentsBirchbox August beauty box instyle 7 magazine

Summer Nights is the theme of the August beauty box from Birchbox and it’s a special collaboration with InStyle magazine; here’s what I got in mine:

♥ Bluemandarines SkinLine Energetic Cellular Cream A light moisturising cream packed with peptides to brighten, refresh and protect the skin. Yes please, this is right up my street. I got a 10ml tube.

♥ Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Body Wash I love Molton Brown, they’re a British brand with fabulously luxurious products. This smells heavenly. I got a 30ml bottle.

♥ LAQA & Co. Lil’ Lip Pencil in Ring of Fire I saw a spoiler ages ago showing what was going to be in the box and I was really excited about this chunky lip pencil. Luckily I have received the colour most people were lusting after, a gorgeous bright red! I got a 2g pencil.

♥ Gerda Spillmann Hydro Pearls This is the second Gerda Spillman product I’ve had from Birchbox; the last was a foundation that was wayyyy too dark. At least I’ll be able to use this one! It’s a 10ml tube.

♥ Philip Kingsley Elasticizer I LOVE this stuff! I’ve mentioned it a couple of times here and here. My hair is in need of a good conditioning treatment so I’ll be using this tomorrow! I got a 40ml tube.

♥ Inner Me Lustrous Locks Vitamin Complex This is a ‘lifestyle extra’ and it’s funny that they should include this as I have just cancelled my monthly supply of postnatal vitamins and was wondering what I should take from now on instead. I got 28 tablets which is two weeks’ worth.

♥ Birchbox Gel Eye Mask This is a ‘beauty extra’ and again it’s something I have been in need of. I have a baby. Puffy eyes galore. Enough said!

There is also a special subscription offer for InStyle magazine – 12 issues for £11. Head to www.instyle.co.uk/birchbox to find out more.

So that’s everything I got, 7 products in total which is loads and I think this might be one of my favourite boxes so far! It’s a really good mix of products, a real head-to-toe box.

If you like the look of the Birchbox beauty box and want to sign up, please feel free to use my referral link: http://birchbox.co.uk/?raf=674. The box costs £10 per month plus p+p.

Let me know your thoughts!

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Birchbox – August Beauty Box

Woohoo, my August beauty box from Birchbox arrived today! I’m so happy as it usually seems like I’m one of the last to get theirs and this month I think I might be one of the first!

Birchbox August beauty box instyle 1Birchbox August beauty box instyle 6 contentsBirchbox August beauty box instyle 3 contentsBirchbox August beauty box instyle 4 contentsBirchbox August beauty box instyle 5 contentsBirchbox August beauty box instyle 7 magazine

Summer Nights is the theme of the August beauty box from Birchbox and it’s a special collaboration with InStyle magazine; here’s what I got in mine:

♥ Bluemandarines SkinLine Energetic Cellular Cream A light moisturising cream packed with peptides to brighten, refresh and protect the skin. Yes please, this is right up my street. I got a 10ml tube.

♥ Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Body Wash I love Molton Brown, they’re a British brand with fabulously luxurious products. This smells heavenly. I got a 30ml bottle.

♥ LAQA & Co. Lil’ Lip Pencil in Ring of Fire I saw a spoiler ages ago showing what was going to be in the box and I was really excited about this chunky lip pencil. Luckily I have received the colour most people were lusting after, a gorgeous bright red! I got a 2g pencil.

♥ Gerda Spillmann Hydro Pearls This is the second Gerda Spillman product I’ve had from Birchbox; the last was a foundation that was wayyyy too dark. At least I’ll be able to use this one! It’s a 10ml tube.

♥ Philip Kingsley Elasticizer I LOVE this stuff! I’ve mentioned it a couple of times here and here. My hair is in need of a good conditioning treatment so I’ll be using this tomorrow! I got a 40ml tube.

♥ Inner Me Lustrous Locks Vitamin Complex This is a ‘lifestyle extra’ and it’s funny that they should include this as I have just cancelled my monthly supply of postnatal vitamins and was wondering what I should take from now on instead. I got 28 tablets which is two weeks’ worth.

♥ Birchbox Gel Eye Mask This is a ‘beauty extra’ and again it’s something I have been in need of. I have a baby. Puffy eyes galore. Enough said!

There is also a special subscription offer for InStyle magazine – 12 issues for £11. Head to www.instyle.co.uk/birchbox to find out more.

So that’s everything I got, 7 products in total which is loads and I think this might be one of my favourite boxes so far! It’s a really good mix of products, a real head-to-toe box.

If you like the look of the Birchbox beauty box and want to sign up, please feel free to use my referral link: http://birchbox.co.uk/?raf=674. The box costs £10 per month plus p+p.

Let me know your thoughts!

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In my July beauty box from Birchbox I received a Chia Shot from The Chia Co. It contained 8g of black chia seeds, which actually is naturally a mixture of black and white seeds. The white seeds are specially selected to make the white seed products!

Chia seeds shots shot

 Chia seeds are a source of omega 3, dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants. Chia promotes heart health, joint mobility and flexibility, and aids a healthy digestive system. I tried the seeds sprinkled on my very boring salad and very dull porridge. Here’s the salad:

 Chia seeds salad

The seeds don’t taste of anything at all really, they just added an extra crunch to my salad. In the porridge they seemed to swell slightly, but again no noticeable taste. I think it’s a great, easy way to get some extra fibre and goodness in your diet.

You can buy a pack of 8 Chia Shots for £4.79 from http://www.thechiaco.com.au/content/chia-shots-10-x-8g-uk.

Have you tried chia seeds? Are there any other superfoods you’d recommend?

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Food Friday – The Chia Co Chia Shots

In my July beauty box from Birchbox I received a Chia Shot from The Chia Co. It contained 8g of black chia seeds, which actually is naturally a mixture of black and white seeds. The white seeds are specially selected to make the white seed products!

Chia seeds shots shot

 Chia seeds are a source of omega 3, dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants. Chia promotes heart health, joint mobility and flexibility, and aids a healthy digestive system. I tried the seeds sprinkled on my very boring salad and very dull porridge. Here’s the salad:

 Chia seeds salad

The seeds don’t taste of anything at all really, they just added an extra crunch to my salad. In the porridge they seemed to swell slightly, but again no noticeable taste. I think it’s a great, easy way to get some extra fibre and goodness in your diet.

You can buy a pack of 8 Chia Shots for £4.79 from http://www.thechiaco.com.au/content/chia-shots-10-x-8g-uk.

Have you tried chia seeds? Are there any other superfoods you’d recommend?

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When Baby N was a couple of months old I noticed a tiny dry patch of skin on his chest. I duly moisturised his skin daily but the patch just got bigger, and redder, until he had big red angry blotches all over his back and chest. The doctor said it was baby eczema and prescribed Oilatum which seemed to stop it getting any worse but didn’t help his skin get better. I remembered that my fiancé had used Gentle Green Soothing Cream in the past and since it’s made from completely natural ingredients I thought it would be worth trying on Baby N to see if it would help him.

Gentle Green Soothing Cream 1Gentle Green Soothing Cream 2

The ingredients list makes it sound like you could eat it: shea fruit butter, avocado butter, coconut butter, sunflower oil, rosehip seed oil, hemp seed oil, sea buckthorn fruit, marshmallow, calendula, chickweed, St John’s wort, nettle leaf, Roman chamomile, manuka and lavender. That’s it. No synthetics or nasties to be found here!

In the jar it’s a fairly solid balm which softens to an almost liquid consistency when rubbed between your fingers. It smells very much like chamomile tea! You don’t need to use too much but be warned, a few of Baby N’s vests have been stained slightly yellow. I think this must be from the sea buckthorn. I decided that I would gladly put up with stained vests if it meant his skin would get better.

I ended up with a routine of applying Oilatum after Baby N’s morning bath, then applying Oilatum and Gentle Green Soothing Cream alternately at each nappy change, then smothering Gentle Green Soothing Cream at night time. It took a good couple of weeks of doing this but his back and chest are now completely clear. He still has a small patch inside each elbow and a small patch on his shoulder which I’m having to use a steroid cream on but otherwise I’m delighted with the improvement.

Gentle Green Soothing Cream isn’t cheap, it costs £30, but it does work and my little boy is no longer scratching himself to sleep or waking up crying because he’s itchy! You can buy it here.

Have you ever suffered with eczema? How do you manage it?

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Gentle Green Soothing Cream

When Baby N was a couple of months old I noticed a tiny dry patch of skin on his chest. I duly moisturised his skin daily but the patch just got bigger, and redder, until he had big red angry blotches all over his back and chest. The doctor said it was baby eczema and prescribed Oilatum which seemed to stop it getting any worse but didn’t help his skin get better. I remembered that my fiancé had used Gentle Green Soothing Cream in the past and since it’s made from completely natural ingredients I thought it would be worth trying on Baby N to see if it would help him.

Gentle Green Soothing Cream 1Gentle Green Soothing Cream 2

The ingredients list makes it sound like you could eat it: shea fruit butter, avocado butter, coconut butter, sunflower oil, rosehip seed oil, hemp seed oil, sea buckthorn fruit, marshmallow, calendula, chickweed, St John’s wort, nettle leaf, Roman chamomile, manuka and lavender. That’s it. No synthetics or nasties to be found here!

In the jar it’s a fairly solid balm which softens to an almost liquid consistency when rubbed between your fingers. It smells very much like chamomile tea! You don’t need to use too much but be warned, a few of Baby N’s vests have been stained slightly yellow. I think this must be from the sea buckthorn. I decided that I would gladly put up with stained vests if it meant his skin would get better.

I ended up with a routine of applying Oilatum after Baby N’s morning bath, then applying Oilatum and Gentle Green Soothing Cream alternately at each nappy change, then smothering Gentle Green Soothing Cream at night time. It took a good couple of weeks of doing this but his back and chest are now completely clear. He still has a small patch inside each elbow and a small patch on his shoulder which I’m having to use a steroid cream on but otherwise I’m delighted with the improvement.

Gentle Green Soothing Cream isn’t cheap, it costs £30, but it does work and my little boy is no longer scratching himself to sleep or waking up crying because he’s itchy! You can buy it here.

Have you ever suffered with eczema? How do you manage it?

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I’ve run out of a few products but the 90 Day Spending Ban that I did a few months ago has left me with some good habits. Rather than going out shopping I’ve raided my stash and found these!

 Sanctuary mask Lancome Hypnose Weleda almond cleanser Simple toner RMK cleanser balm

I’ve been a bit slack with skincare recently and it is starting to show, so I’ll give this Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask a go ♥ My YSL Shocking Mascara has been feeling really dry but I’ve been desperately trying to eke it out. It has finally given up but luckily I had a tube of my favourite Lancome Hypnose mascara in my stash ♥ I’ll be using this Simple Soothing Facial Toner for the sake of it really, I’m usually far too lazy for toners but I got this at Christmas so I may as well use it! ♥ I’ve picked a few cleansers because the Derma E Vitamin A Glycolic Cleanser is a one-use sachet and the Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion is only 10ml so won’t last long. Once they’re both used I’ll use the RMK Cleansing Balm.

What do you think of my choices?

Stash Raiders #1

I’ve run out of a few products but the 90 Day Spending Ban that I did a few months ago has left me with some good habits. Rather than going out shopping I’ve raided my stash and found these!

 Sanctuary mask Lancome Hypnose Weleda almond cleanser Simple toner RMK cleanser balm

I’ve been a bit slack with skincare recently and it is starting to show, so I’ll give this Sanctuary Active Reverse Facial 30 Day Thermal Transformation Mask a go ♥ My YSL Shocking Mascara has been feeling really dry but I’ve been desperately trying to eke it out. It has finally given up but luckily I had a tube of my favourite Lancome Hypnose mascara in my stash ♥ I’ll be using this Simple Soothing Facial Toner for the sake of it really, I’m usually far too lazy for toners but I got this at Christmas so I may as well use it! ♥ I’ve picked a few cleansers because the Derma E Vitamin A Glycolic Cleanser is a one-use sachet and the Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion is only 10ml so won’t last long. Once they’re both used I’ll use the RMK Cleansing Balm.

What do you think of my choices?

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I mentioned in my post about VitaBella Anti Aging Face Mask that I went on my friend’s hen do recently. I was very excited especially as it was my first social outing since Baby N arrived, so I put a lot of effort into getting ready.

For my nails I used OPI Dutch ‘Ya Just Love OPI, a deep purple with a slight rose gold shimmer, and popped W7 Pink Debris, a pink and silver glitter, on each of my ring fingers. I know some people loathe ring finger accents, but I still love them!

OPI Dutch Ya Just Love OPI W7 Pink Debris nail polish

The photo on the left was taken in sunlight, it really shows up the fine shimmer in the OPI. The photo on the right was taken indoors, the purple looks much richer. A coat of Seche Vite over the top added glossiness and kept my nails chip-free.

What’s your favourite nail polish at the moment?

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Disclosure: I received the W7 nail polish for free to review, however all thoughts and opinion remain my own.

NOTD - OPI Dutch 'Ya Just Love OPI & W7 Pink Debris

I mentioned in my post about VitaBella Anti Aging Face Mask that I went on my friend’s hen do recently. I was very excited especially as it was my first social outing since Baby N arrived, so I put a lot of effort into getting ready.

For my nails I used OPI Dutch ‘Ya Just Love OPI, a deep purple with a slight rose gold shimmer, and popped W7 Pink Debris, a pink and silver glitter, on each of my ring fingers. I know some people loathe ring finger accents, but I still love them!

OPI Dutch Ya Just Love OPI W7 Pink Debris nail polish

The photo on the left was taken in sunlight, it really shows up the fine shimmer in the OPI. The photo on the right was taken indoors, the purple looks much richer. A coat of Seche Vite over the top added glossiness and kept my nails chip-free.

What’s your favourite nail polish at the moment?

signature

Disclosure: I received the W7 nail polish for free to review, however all thoughts and opinion remain my own.
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My friend Lauren is off work as it’s the school holidays so on Monday we met up for lunch at one of my favourite local places: Hermitage Rd. Bar and Restaurant in Hitchin.

hermitage rd pulled pork sandwichhermitage rd warm brownie ice cream salted caramelhermitage rd ice cream peanut butter

We both chose the pulled pork, apple & rhubarb compote sandwich (£6) which came with a small portion of fries. I shared mine with Baby N. For dessert Lauren chose the ice cream (£4.50) – a scoop each of peanut butter, vanilla and strawberry – while I had the warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream (it should have been peanut butter ice cream but I changed it) and salted caramel (£6). I didn’t share this with Baby N; he had a rice cake. I’m sure he enjoyed it as much as I did the brownie!

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Food Friday – Lunch @ Hermitage Rd. Bar and Restaurant

My friend Lauren is off work as it’s the school holidays so on Monday we met up for lunch at one of my favourite local places: Hermitage Rd. Bar and Restaurant in Hitchin.

hermitage rd pulled pork sandwichhermitage rd warm brownie ice cream salted caramelhermitage rd ice cream peanut butter

We both chose the pulled pork, apple & rhubarb compote sandwich (£6) which came with a small portion of fries. I shared mine with Baby N. For dessert Lauren chose the ice cream (£4.50) – a scoop each of peanut butter, vanilla and strawberry – while I had the warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream (it should have been peanut butter ice cream but I changed it) and salted caramel (£6). I didn’t share this with Baby N; he had a rice cake. I’m sure he enjoyed it as much as I did the brownie!

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A mixed bag of empties this month. Some products I’ve loved, some not so much. One of my favourite perfumes. Some products I’ve had in the drawer for ages, some I’ve used pretty much as soon as I got them.

July empties

Davines Authentic Moisturising Balm – Oops, I originally got this last year in a Joliebox (now called Birchbox). It’s a multi-purpose balm that can be used as a cleanser, body treatment and hair mask. I tried all three of those uses but actually my favourite use for it was as a shaving balm.

Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Softening Body Cream – This smells amazing, I got it in a set at Christmas. Jasmine and ylang ylang, such a classic combination. It left my skin feeling smooooooth.

Natural Honey Body Milk – This came in the December Joliebox beauty box. It’s a light body lotion with a subtle scent that really reminds me of The Body Shop cocoa butter that I used when I was a teenager.

YSL Saharienne – I adore this perfume. It is perfect for summer. It smells of sandy beaches, white flowers, a citrus tang. Love love love it.

L’Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 Mask – This was nice enough but didn’t do anything amazing. It was a sample sachet but it didn’t excite me enough go out and buy it.

Pantene Repair & Protect Shampoo – Another sample sachet. This was a nice shampoo with a really rich lather but I have a feeling that if I used it long-term it might make my hair feel a bit heavy.

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Youth Enhancing Serum – I got a few of these sample sachets through the post, every week I seemed to receive another one! I like the serum for the face, I’m not keen on the one for the eyes though. I’ve got some more of them but I will give them to my friend.

Lush Grass Shower Gel – This little sample pot was given to my fiancé when he bought me some bath bombs while he was in France. They must have thought the bath bombs were for him as this shower gel has such a strong, masculine scent! It’s lovely, if you’re a man!

B/Attitude Body Soufflé – Originally when I received this in the May Birchbox I thought it smelled wonderful. By the time I finished the tub I was sick of it! The scent was so rich that it became sickly and the cream itself was really slow to sink in.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm – I really like this cleanser, just not the price tag. You can read my review here.

Moa The Green Balm – Another cleanser I like. You can read my review here.

VitaBella Anti Aging Face Mask – I got this in the July Birchbox and used it last weekend in preparation for my friend’s hen do. You can read my review here.

Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator – Like the B/Attitude Body Soufflé I received this in the May Birchbox. It smells so nice and is full of natural ingredients, but my skin didn’t love it.

Have you tried any of these products? Link me to your July Empties in the comments below!

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July Empties

A mixed bag of empties this month. Some products I’ve loved, some not so much. One of my favourite perfumes. Some products I’ve had in the drawer for ages, some I’ve used pretty much as soon as I got them.

July empties

Davines Authentic Moisturising Balm – Oops, I originally got this last year in a Joliebox (now called Birchbox). It’s a multi-purpose balm that can be used as a cleanser, body treatment and hair mask. I tried all three of those uses but actually my favourite use for it was as a shaving balm.

Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Softening Body Cream – This smells amazing, I got it in a set at Christmas. Jasmine and ylang ylang, such a classic combination. It left my skin feeling smooooooth.

Natural Honey Body Milk – This came in the December Joliebox beauty box. It’s a light body lotion with a subtle scent that really reminds me of The Body Shop cocoa butter that I used when I was a teenager.

YSL Saharienne – I adore this perfume. It is perfect for summer. It smells of sandy beaches, white flowers, a citrus tang. Love love love it.

L’Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 Mask – This was nice enough but didn’t do anything amazing. It was a sample sachet but it didn’t excite me enough go out and buy it.

Pantene Repair & Protect Shampoo – Another sample sachet. This was a nice shampoo with a really rich lather but I have a feeling that if I used it long-term it might make my hair feel a bit heavy.

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Youth Enhancing Serum – I got a few of these sample sachets through the post, every week I seemed to receive another one! I like the serum for the face, I’m not keen on the one for the eyes though. I’ve got some more of them but I will give them to my friend.

Lush Grass Shower Gel – This little sample pot was given to my fiancé when he bought me some bath bombs while he was in France. They must have thought the bath bombs were for him as this shower gel has such a strong, masculine scent! It’s lovely, if you’re a man!

B/Attitude Body Soufflé – Originally when I received this in the May Birchbox I thought it smelled wonderful. By the time I finished the tub I was sick of it! The scent was so rich that it became sickly and the cream itself was really slow to sink in.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm – I really like this cleanser, just not the price tag. You can read my review here.

Moa The Green Balm – Another cleanser I like. You can read my review here.

VitaBella Anti Aging Face Mask – I got this in the July Birchbox and used it last weekend in preparation for my friend’s hen do. You can read my review here.

Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator – Like the B/Attitude Body Soufflé I received this in the May Birchbox. It smells so nice and is full of natural ingredients, but my skin didn’t love it.

Have you tried any of these products? Link me to your July Empties in the comments below!

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