June 2014 Books.

                                       Here are the books I have read throughout June.                                         

                                                                    

  Chameleon by J Jackson Bentley.
 A security firm is hired to protect an African stateswoman who aims to deliver a speech which will expose the exploitation and theft from her nation by her own government. They fail in their mission to protect her, but is anything as clear cut as it seems. I really enjoyed this fast paced book, and will definitely look for more by this author.
               
                                                                 

  Eeny Meeny by M.J. Arlidge.
 I read this on the recommendation of Sandra and this was another really good read. Two victims are chosen and left with an unthinkable choice. Either one must kill the other to be released or they both starve to death. Could you choose? I was absolutely gripped with this and can't wait for the release of the next book.

                                                                 

  Broken Dolls by James Carol.
 I love a good thriller and this is one of the best I have read in a long time. A number of women from London have been abducted, tortured, lobotomised and then released. Jefferson Winter, a former FBI agent and son of one of America's most notorious serial killers is brought in to track down the psychopath responsible for these gruesome crimes. A classic race against time to find the latest woman to go missing before she suffers the same fate. This was really quite grisly in places, but such a good book.

                                                                

The Four Streets by Nadine Dorries.
My final book of the month isn't the kind of book I would usually go for, but I literally read this from cover to cover in one sitting. Set in Liverpool in the 1950's and based on a very close knit Catholic and poverty stricken community. This is the first book in a trilogy, with the next book being released at the end of the year. Life is tough for the residents of these streets, but ultimately it is a story of a community who would do anything to protect their own.

S5 Skincare Nourish Cleanser.

 

My review of S5 Skincare Nourish Cleanser is long over due. I have tried a few things by S5 Skincare and have been really impressed with the quality of their products. I blogged about their Restore Cream a while ago, which tells you a little more of their story here

 

I have taken the ingredients list from the website as I forgot to take one from my bottle, and white writing doesn't show up very well on a photo of an empty bottle.

 

Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aqua (water), Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil*, Punica Granatum Seed Oil*, Rosa Rubigiosa Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Parfum (Natural, Low Allergen Fragrance), Tocopherol. *ingredients from organic farming.

  I would describe this cleanser as somewhere between a balm and a gel. It has a thick texture which is like honey, but without any of the stickiness. You apply a small amount to dry skin, massage in and then rinse away. On contact with water it becomes more of a milky liquid. Undoubtedly it falls into the luxury category as at £32 for 200mls it isn't cheap. However, my bottle has lasted me just over three months of twice daily use. so it does last a good while.

 I have really enjoyed using this cleanser, it is nice and gentle on my skin but effective. It does a good job of removing eye make up, and hasn't irritated my eyes in any way. When massaging it into the skin it has a pleasant warming sensation, and massaging it into my skin feels like my skin is being pampered. Most importantly it leaves my skin lovely and soft. I haven't found it to be drying on my skin at all.

 I think this is one of the nicest cleansers I have used for a while and look forward to trying other things from S5 skincare's range.

SoukSouk June 2014

                                                                           
                                    

 I have been really looking forward to picking up my Souk Souk box from the post office today. After seeing what we were going to receive on a couple of other blogs, I knew June was going to be a good month. There are items from brands I am familiar with, as well as a brand that is completely new to me. I think there is something for everyone in this box.

  The first two items are from Mel Millis and include a 10ml each sample of  Organic Neroli Hydrolate Mist Tonic and Phytonutri Neroli & Baobab Re-Energising Face Oil I haven't tried anything by Mel Millis yet, but they have been on my wish list for a little while now. I am very pleased to be able to try these. The facial oil in particular is a very good sample size to try. I also love that the paper boxes have seeds in them, all ready to be torn up and put in a plant pot or garden.

 The next two items are from a brand I am not familiar with. There is a 10ml sample of Revitalsing Hair Serum and a 5g sample of Antioxidant Facial Mask by FoM. I am particularly looking forward to trying the hair serum. I desperately want to find a good natural hair serum that will moisturise the ends of my hair without weighing it down or making it look greasy. The mask can also be used as an exfoliator.
  

 

The final item is a full sized Fix Me! Repairing Serum by Yours Truly Organics I have seen this range on quite a few blogs recently and the brand has had such good reviews. The whole range is aimed at problem skin. For me personally, I am lucky enough not to need something like this, and so this is the one item I am not sure that I will use. However, I think it is a fantastic addition to this month's box, as I am sure a lot of people will absolutely adore it.

 

This is definitely my favourite box from SoukSouk for quite some time. I think it is great to be able to try products which I have seen on blogs, and I think it shows that SoukSouk are in touch with the kind of products it's subscribers want to try.

Jogg Box June 2014

   As some of you will have realised I have quite the subscription box addiction going on. At some point I have subscribed to most of the beauty boxes going. However I saw something on Twitter last week that was a little different. This is a monthly subscription box aimed at those of us that run. Jogg box costs £15 a month (+£3 p&p) and aims to deliver a selection of nutrition products and accessories. You can cancel at any point.                                              

 I am someone who has never really bothered with nutritional products as I have never thought I have run for long enough to justify it. As I increase my distance, and with the (hopefully) warmer weather coming it is time to pay a little more attention. Nutritional supplements are notoriously expensive, and to be honest some of them have the nutritional value of a can of coke. I see this as being a good way of trying out different products before committing myself.

 

 

My first box included a couple of stickers and a plastic wallet for cards. There were coupons for 10% discounts against SportTape and Bobo's Juicery. The first 50 subscribers to Jogg Box had a sample of the SportTape. I am not sure that I will use these to be honest.

 

 

The products I actually received are as follows;-

 

2 High5 tablets which each make 750mls of sports drink. The packaging says it contains key electrolytes and vitamin c. I would have liked a little more information on calorie content, but I can find out that at a later date.

 

A 40g sachet of Good Active Shake. This is a Hemp protein shake and can either be made with water, or added to juice or smoothie. It is completely plant derived. I am pleased to receive a protein shake sample as this is one of the things I really don't know where to start with.

 

A sachet of SOS rehydrate which is added to 500mls of water. The card in the box says that this tastes salty and the sachet itself carries a warning that anyone with a heart, kidney or other medical condition should consult their doctor first. I have to say I am a little wary of this and will be checking up to see how it compares to dioralyte which is almost half the price.

 

A 70ml bottle of Beet It Sport which contains organic beetroot juice and lemon juice. This is the kind of product I like. No jiggery pokery, just a natural product. I am very interested to see how this turns out.

 

 

A Pulsin Vanilla Choc Chip Protein Snack. This is suitable for Vegan and Gluten free and has the added advantage of being chocolate flavoured. Always a bonus in my book.

 

2 Miracle Tree teabags. This gets brownie points for being organic. It contains numerous antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and vitamins. I drink way too much tea, so this is a welcome change.

 

Perhaps one of the things I am most excited to receive is the Foot Rubz by DueNorth.This is a massage product which is based on acupressure technique. This is going to get a lot of use. Sore muscles be gone.

 

A sachet of EneryGel by High5. I have never used a gel before so I am quite looking forward to trying this.

 

A sachet of Pro Active Sports Wash by Halo. This is a non bio product designed to remove sweat and odour from sportswear. Although I don't think it is likely to be a very environmentally product I am going to wash the hubby's trainers with it.

 

The final product is a water bottle which is designed to worn over your jogging bottoms. I go through no end of water bottles as the kids tend to steal them for school, and boy wonder has a tendency to chew the spout. I am really intrigued by the design and can't wait to see whether it is comfortable to run with.

 

All in all I am pretty pleased with my box, and suits my needs perfectly. I will try most of the contents and hopefully it will give me a better idea of what  type of products suit me and are worth paying full price for.

Green Beauty Swap S/S 2014

As my blog has developed, my focus has moved from beauty products, to replacing them with greener alternatives. It is very much a work in progress, learning as I go. One of the nicest things about blogging and in particular green bloggers is the sense of community. As many of you know Ria from NaturRia Beauty recently organised a swap between blogger and I was lucky enough to be paired with Annie from Hello Purple Clouds

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed doing this. I love reading Annie's blog, and feel that we have very similar tastes and interests. I have learned a huge amount from Annie, particularly from her DIY Wednesday posts. I wish I were half as creative as Annie. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know Annie a little better, even if I do suspect she has overspent our budget. Onto the swaps .....

 

The first thing I opened was this lovely poem Annie had written for me. I am very touched by this.

Annie has clearly put a great deal of thought into the gifts she has picked for me. Expect to see much more detailed reviews of these products.

Top of the stack is a jar of Geranium & Apricot Intensive Hand cream by Great Elm Physick Garden which is just perfect for me.

A Plum & Bramble candle by The Indigo Chick, which smells utterly gorgeous.

A huge tub of Grapefruit, Lavender & Frankincense Natural Body Scrub by The Buddha Beauty Company.

A bottle of Dreamtime Pillow Mist. What you can't see from the photo is that the bottle actually says Karen's Dreamtime Pillow Mist. This is one of Annie's creations, so I am chuffed to pieces with this.

A White Tea Facial Mist by Neal's Yard Remedies.

The green sphere is a jar of Anar Naturals Ayurvedic Scrub (how cool is the packaging?) 

An Ameretto and a Raspberry lip balm by Crazy Rumors.

A mini Raw Chocolate Face Pack by Raw Gaia.

A packet of Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts.

The box at the back is the Rose WellBeing Box by Pinks Boutique.

A sample of Lulu & Boo's Cleansing Balm, Fruits & Vitamins Brightening Mask, Multi-Vitamin Face Cream and Frankincense Regenerating Serum.

Four perfume vials from Ravenscourt Apothecary.

The final item is a mini Lemon & Geranium Body Melt by The Earth Works Cosmetics. This really made me smile, if you want to see why, you will have to read Annie's post.

As you can see I have been spoilt rotten by Annie's wonderful thoughtful swap and I am humbled by her generosity. I am looking forward to trying everything.

Bee Yummy Skin Food

 

I have been enjoying trying all the samples I received in my beauty box from A Beautiful World. The next of my product reviews is the sample of Bee Yummy Skin Food. I have been using this at night time, and sadly I have now finished this sample up.  

 

Bee Yummy skin food is made from Wildflower Honey, Honey Cappings, Bee Pollen, Propolis, St. John’s Wort Oil, Royal Jelly, Purified Water, and Balsam Fir Needles. It is a raw product which has been hand harvested and is free from preservatives.

 

Bee Yummy Skin Food is a thick and luxurious cream, which can either be used as a moisturiser or as a rejuvenating treatment. It is packed full of nutrients, and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Bee Yummy can be used to treat burn and wounds as well as blemishes, eczema and psoriasis to name but a few. A multi-purpose product always earns extra brownie points, and this is at home in either the first aid kit or the bathroom cabinet.

 

As I said a little earlier I had been enjoying this as my night cream. Despite being a very rich and thick cream, it never felt heavy on my skin. I found it absorbed quickly, and was very moisturising. I loved how healthy it made my skin look. This is definitely one of my favourite samples from my beauty box and the full size is firmly on my wish list.

The Body Deli Light Facial Emulsion.

 

I have had my Spring/Summer beauty box from A Beautiful World for almost a month now, and thought it time to share how I have been getting on with some of the products I received. The first is this 10ml sample of Light Facial Emulsion by The Body Deli

 

The Body Deli has been created by David Parker and Margaret Skarin who use raw super foods in their range of fresh and organic skin and body care. Their products are made by hand in small batches in California.

 

I first had a try of The Body Deli when Sandra from Beauty Balm was kind enough to send me some of her Blueberry Fusion Scrub and so was really pleased to fine a sample of a Body Deli product in my box.

 

The Light Facial Emulsion as the name suggests extremely light moisturiser that has clarifying properties. It helps to regulate oil and sebum production and unclog pores. I have taken the following ingredient list from The Body Deli's website.

 

(*) DENOTES ORGANICALLY GROWN - Antioxidant Micro-Clustered Ionized Water, *Virgin Coconut Oil, *Jojoba Oil, *Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Ionic Mineral Solution: Silicia, Sulphur, Magnesium, Copper, Cetearyl Olivate an Sorbitan Olivate (Olive Oil Emulsifier), Fresh Cells of Pomegranate, Pumpkin & Carrot, *Green Tea Extrat, *Watercress Extract, *Yarrow Extract, Squalane, *Evening Primrose Oil, *Carrot Seed Oil, *Rosehip Seed Oil, Alpha Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, 1% Salicylic Acid, *Olive Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucosamine, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Essential Oils of Blood Orange, *Lemon, Ylang-Ylang, Vanilla Bourbon, Leuconstoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (Natural Perservative System)

 

 I have used this every morning since my box arrived and still have about 1/4 of the bottle left, so am pleased with how far this little moisturiser has gone. Really this is better suited to oiler skin types than my dry skin, but that isn't to say I haven't enjoyed using this. For me, this is a lovely light Summer time moisturiser. I really like the matte finish it gives, without drying my skin. It leaves my skin looking fresh and healthy. I can't really comment on how good it is at controlling outbreaks as this isn't my skin concern, but I think this would be very helpful for a lot of people over Summer when the heat and humidity kicks in.

 

Although I have enjoyed using this and have been pleased with the results I don't think I will buy the full size as is it isn't quite the right product for me. There are other products in The Bodi Deli's range that are on my wish list. The Almond Milk Cleanser and the Crème de la Rose being top of the list.

 

Have you tried any of The Body Deli products? What would you recommend?

 

 

 

 

 

Current Make Up

 

I have seen a few of these posts recently and really enjoy reading them. I thought I would share what make up I wear on a day to day basis. For all my hoarding tendencies I keep my make up to a minimum. I want something that is quick and easy to apply and that requires very little touching up through the day.

 

My current mascara is Avril's Organic Black Mascara. To say how cheap this little mascara is, I am really impressed with it. Avril claim that this will give both length and volume, but in reality I find it to give more length than volume. I think it gives lovely fluttery eyelashes and have been very pleased with it's staying power. I have not found it to smudge or flake.

 

I have been enjoying Une's Ultra Black Eyeliner on my waterline. Again this is another product that is good value for money. It is jet black, and stays put. It has a really nice consistency, not too soft that it makes a mess and not too hard that it is scratchy.

 

On my lips I have been using PHB Ethical Beauty's pencil lip liner in Dusky Rose. I have been using this as a lip colour rather than a liner. The colour is so flattering, it has coppery undertones. It is nice and soft, again has good staying power. I find it comfortable to wear and doesn't dry my lips out. This is one of my favourite items to have received in a beauty box for a while.

 

I have been using Bohemian Chic Minerals eye shadow in Paisley. This loose eyeshadow is a nice soft, taupe. It just gives a hint of colour which is perfect for everyday wear. There are plenty of other brighter colours if you fancy something bolder.

 

My blush of choice is Surfer Girl by Lily Lolo which is a cool toned matte pink. I love this against my pale skin. It gives a very natural look and lasts well throughout the day.

 

As you can tell I like a very simple routine and these fit the bill perfectly.