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Ally Aldridge Books, Review

Learning through art with Arty Mouse

I discovered Arty Mouse last year at Felixstowe Book Festival (2027) and been a fan ever since. I was pleased to see them in attendance again this year and again offering amazing deals on their brilliant books. Click here to see my post on their event.

Here are a couple of reviews on the titles I’ve brought and used with my son:

Play Clay

This book is box shaped and inside is a plastic tray with all the bits you need to complete the pages. There is plasticine and cardboard cut out shapes (for example eyes, legs, hat). You then use the plasticine and shapes to complete the image and can draw with a wipe clean pen. Each page has a prompt, I.e a birthday cake that needs so many candles. This encourages counting as well as being creative.

My son had really enjoyed this book and it is easy enough to follow that he can do it independently on his own. When finished all the parts tidy away inside the book, ready for another day.

The only issue we’ve had is we lost some of the cardboard shapes so at the event I suggested they sell add on or replacement packs to increase the longevity of their reusable product.

Printing

This book is another box shaped one and inside is a plastic tray with all the bits you need to complete the pages. There is a stamp and foam shapes. You then use them stamp the shapes to complete the image and can draw with a wipe clean pen. Each page has a prompt, I.e a Loch Ness monster with missing humps. This encourages them to think about the shapes around them and how they make pictures.

My son loves this book too and on the last page he enjoy the freedom to make his own stamp picture. He is confident to use this without supervision due to clear easy to follow instructions.

My only suggestion to Arty Mouse would be to enable add on packs to collect more shapes and maybe even different colour ink pads.

I love how easy it is to tidy away, store and it’s a whole activity in one. Sometimes the plastic tray gets in the way of pressing down on pages on the left, so it might be nice to be able to remove the tray and reattach it afterwards.

Flash Cards (Numbers)

These are classic flash cards and store neatly in a box with the pen and cloth for wiping the cards clean when you are finished.

The cards have the familiar Arty Mouse characters. One side has the number for children to trace and can be found within the numeric picture. The other side has the number written as a word to practice writing. This is a great set to practice hand coordination with a pen and is really good quality.

At the FBF event, Noah had fun using their Words pack. The image below shows him using the pack -ignore the cat scratch on his face, he learnt a valuable lesson about not getting in the cats space that morning too.

Sticker Doodles

This was a book I bought at this years FBF and as soon as we got home Noah was straight into it.

I was a little hesitant about buying this book as it’s not reusable like the others. This book encourages children to draw in it with the wipe clean pen and at the back is a selection of sticker shapes that children can use to finish the pictures on the pages.

Noah has enjoyed playing with this book and has only torn one sticker – they do sometimes need a little help getting them off the pages.

Here’s a little video of Noah using the sticker book as soon as we got home.

They also had a book for cutting that I almost bought Noah as he is very into scissors at the moment. Maybe, I’ll get that next time…

My thoughts…

I also bought two more of the box sets but put them away for Noah’s birthday or Christmas. The box style books do make beautiful gifts.

All the titles I have bought have been of a high quality and the characters are appealing to preschool and early years children.

I hope they attend future FBF, as I would go to their stand. I also would be interested in buying more from their range. I am a fan, especially of the titles that can be reused.

*****

Have you tried any of the Arty Mouse titles?  Do you know any similar books that I should check out – I’d love to hear your recommendations.

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Ally Aldridge Goals, Writing

NaPoWriMo progress (Day 6 to 15)

So, I said I’d update every 5 days but was so busy I didn’t!  So this is a 10 day diary on how NaPoWriMo is going, covering day 6 to 15.

Setting the goal

My goal is to write 25k to finish my novel titled Glide. I’ve called the project Diamond In The Sky as this is what I am considering renaming the novel.  You can click here to see my post about setting the goal.

Day 1 to 5

If you want to read how the first 5 days went, please click here to view the post.

Day 6 to 15

We are now half way through the challenge and it is challenging…  Here is how day 6 to 15 have gone:

Day 6 to 10.png

Day 6

I wrote 0 words.  I started the day trying to get some laundry done in the morning.  The afternoon was my son’s graduation ceremony at nursery which was an amazing day.  When I got home, I told my husband all about how proud I was and just didn’t do any writing.

Day 7

I wrote 1,289.  I decided to skip a chapter that I was struggling to get motivated to write and instead wrote the next chapter.  Now, I feel clearer about the chapter I skipped and ready to go back and write it.

Day 8

I wrote 1,493.  I feel clearer about where my story is going now and was able to write the next chapter. It wasn’t the most exciting chapter but it was necessary and setting the path for what is to come.

Day 9

I got a refer on one of my CIPD assignments – I had hoped the course was finish so I could concentrate on other projects like NaPoWriMo.  The time after work that I would have spent writing had to be put on hold as I needed respond to my lecturers feedback and resubmit ASAP.  I want to finish before I have my baby and my due date feels like a ticking bomb!

Day 10

Today, was my Hypnobirthing class.  I love Hyponbirthing.  It is so relaxing.  The only problem is that I am so chilled out afterwards that I can’t do anything.  Word count was zero.

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Day 11

I was determined when I got home from work to catch up with my word count but I got as far as about 426 words before my son started being sick.  I then spent an uncomfortable night with him, comforting him as it came out of both ends.  He was amazingly tough though.

Day 12

Hubby took the day off to look after my son as it would be very difficult for me to rearrange my appointments at work, especially with only 6 days of work left before maternity leave starts.  On next to no sleep, I did a full days work (let’s call it newborn training).  When I arrived home I was too tired to write.

Day 13

Yay, my son is better.  Just as well as we had a busy day planned.  I cancelled visiting a friend with a newborn as a precaution – my son could be contagious – instead, we did jobs in town (pay library fines, allergy test for my pampering next weekend, etc).  Then we went home for lunch. In the afternoon, we visited the school he will be starting in September to take part in a preparing for school activity.  Then my husband’s best friend came over and we chatted until I had to go to bed.

Day 14

Our house is a mess!  We spent most the morning doing chores at home and popped out to buy paint for the nursery.  I then played with my son in the garden in this glorious sunshine.  It’s so good to see him happy and well.

Then once he was in bed, I got ready for a night on the sea front with one of my best friends – something we want to enjoy before life gets complicated with a new born.  Word count was zero though.

Day 15

Today, my hubby has been great keeping my son busy so I could get in front of the PC during the day because I’m often too tired in the evening. I manged to achieve 2.5k!  That is my personal best this month and it is only midday so there is chance I could add to that later on.

I also really like what I have written. There was a bit of adding to earlier chapters as well as adding a new chapter.  I got to write about her casting and developing her powers and confronting Mariah and I loved it.  The boys are back now but I will be looking for any chance to sneak off and write some more.

Reflection

I’m so pleased with my achievement today.  If only I could have more days like that. I have seen what I can achieve if I can get the time to be able to write.  I still love that feeling of creating my story, the world, characters and the magic.  It is what I love and even when I felt like quitting, I couldn’t.  This is me.

I am still behind target though, however, I have had some unexpected challenges that halted my progress. I thought I had finished my CIPD course and I had not anticipated my son being ill.

I have still managed to keep my blog posts regular and sent an article to a publication (fingers crossed they like it).  I’d like to get ahead of my blog schedule as I’m sure I’ll be distracted once the baby is here and I don’t want to fall silent.

When I think about all I am juggling, I am achieving an awful lot – even if I do say so myself.

Let me know if you are doing the challenge and how you are getting on?

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Ally Aldridge Personal, What have I been watching?

What to watch if you love witches!

This month, I thought I would share with you some of the best TV series and movies to watch if you love witches.

Movies

Practical Magic

Genre:  Fantasy Romance

This film is based on a novel by Alice Hoffman, a best selling author. If you haven’t checked out her novels, I recommend them.

The film is about the sisters overcoming a curse to find true love and keep their man.  It is just as much about the bond of sisters as it is about magic, curse and romance.

The Craft

Genre:  Fantasy/Teen Drama

The main characters are the girls that don’t fit in and I think we have all felt like that which makes them instantly likeable.  They become ‘sisters’ and unlock the secrets of witch craft enabling them to make their biggest wish come true.

This is the sort of story I would love to write.  Maybe, one day…

Hocus Pocus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UUMsInka2s

Genre:  Childrens

This film is by Disney so you know it is going to be good.  The three sisters are absolutely hilarious and today you can find memes online from the film.  “Sisters!”

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Genre: Childrens/Anime

This is from Studio Ghibli famous for their brilliant Japanese animation films. This film is about a young witch finding work at a small seaside town. She makes friends becomes part of the community and improves her broomstick flying skills. It’s a sweet story about believing in your self and trying your hardest.

The Witches

Genre: Childrens This is based on a Roald Dahl novel. As a child the book was terrifying and I found the film scary in parts too. The child hating witches are from children’s nightmare but do not fear, as it is a children’s film, the brave little boy (or mouse) and his grandma, will stop their wicked plan!

Televison

Witches of East End

Genre:  Fantasy/Drama

The mother has kept the truth from her daughters that they are witches but it is about to come out.  This series follows the daughters discovering and learning their powers and all the trouble that comes with it. Family secrets are uncovered and deadly truths.

American Horror Story (Season 3)

Genre: Horror

Of all the American Horror Story seasons I have watched, this one of my favorite as I loved the magic of the witches.  Each season is a new story so you don’t need to watch the previous seasons to watch this one. It is a horror series aimed at adults so you can’t watch this with the kids.

The Secret Circle

Genre: Fantasy/Teen Drama

This series was great.  The main character doesn’t know she is a witch as her mother has tried to keep her away from it all.  When her mum dies, she goes to live with her grandmother and discovers she is a witch.  With her return the circle is complete and the local teen population’s powers are fully awoken and now, others are coming for them.

Salem (series)

Genre:  Historical/Horror

This period drama is about witches hiding in plain sight.  It is gory, nasty and twisted.  These are not your sweet love potion witches, these are the ones that manipulate and have the power. It’s gory in places but has a lot of the traditional nastiness of witches like demon worship and familiars like reptiles (toads, snakes, etc).

Bewitched

I loved this show. It is a little dated as it’s set in a time when the dutiful housewife runs around after their husband but there is a very wholesome sweetness about this show. There’s the meddling mother, the nosy neighbour and crazy aunt Clara.

A few years later, a film with the same name based was created based on the TV show starting Nicole Kidman.

Just add magic

I started watching this when I had Amazon Prime but never finished it. First impressions, it is a great series for young girls (and those that enjoy kids shows). The main character discovers a ’cookery’ book. It turns out to be a spell book. The friends start using the ’recipes’ to help although often something goes wrong. Magic is so unpredictable.

Many more…

There are many more TV series and films with witches in and I’ll probably kick myself later when I remember those I should have included.

My all time favourite witch has to be Willow from Buffy but that isn’t until towards the end of the series.  At the start she is just the nerdy best friend of the slayer.  She’s also a redhead so she gets extra points for that.

There is also Charmed but although I watched it I wouldn’t say it made my favourite list.

Quite a few films based on fairy tales like Hansel & Gretel or The Huntsman (Winter’s War) that all feature witches are films I love but my list was getting long so I may make a fairytale list another day.

Do you love any of the above? Can you think of any witch films that I’ve forgotten or you think I’d love, please do recommend.

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Ally Aldridge Beauty, Haircare

Simply Redheads

I’ve wanted to buy this shampoo and conditioner for years but always held back because it’s not cheap. I finally decided to treat myself.

I discovered the brand on the Ginger Parrot store. A website with news and products for redheads.

Ginger Parrot have bundle deals for the Henna and Horse-chestnut line or Colour Enhancing line. I preferred the Henna and Horsenut as it used more natural ingredients.

I searched for Simply Redheads to learn more about the brand and discovered their new line, Henna and Cherry shampoo. Their products use natural ingredients and free of harmful ingredients (E.g SLES, parabens) and won an award.

Customer Service

I emailed them to get advice on which one I should buy. Zoe replied and was really helpful. Both henna lines were suitable for me. The Cherry has the added benefit of being anti-dandruff and reducing hair loss – neither are an issue for me.

The Cherry wasn’t in a bundle but she put one together for me. When she packaged up the goods, she added two travel size bottles from the hose chestnut line so I could try them too.

I must say, the customer service was the best!

Henna and Cherry Shampoo: RRP £14

Henna and Cherry Conditioner: RRP £14

Bundle (shampoo & conditioner): RRP £22

Review

I didn’t notice much difference whilst using the product but my husband noticed the next day that my hair looked shinier and healthier.

The Cherry isn’t a strong scent. I’d hoped it would be more fruity but it’s very subtle. I guess that’s better than being overwhelmed by a smell.

The henna isn’t strong enough to influence the colour of your hair, just to give you the healthy boost that henna is good for. I once used a henna dye and it was so messy, but this was really easy to use. It is simply shampoo/conditioner.

The bottle is quite big. Despite my long hair, I can’t see this running out soon. It is more affordable than I originally anticipated.

Will I buy again?

I would buy this again. I haven’t tried out the travel size bottles yet and I’m tempted to swap them with the other brand in my hospital bag. I think next time I’ll buy the Henna & horse chestnut as there is a bundle that includes a leave in conditioner and I like the look of that.

Ally Aldridge Books, Festival

Who runs the world?

Lunch with Hayley Long and Virginia Bergin

This was the second event of the 2018 Felixstowe Book Festival that I chose to attend.

It was hosted at Felixstowe Library and they put on a selection of nibbles.  The sandwiches were really good and I got a glass of fresh orange juice in a wine glass (very sophisticated).  Not so sophisticated was trying to juggle my paper plate, glass, mobile phone, notebook and pen but I somehow managed.

The format of the event was Hayley interviewing Virginia about her book and chatting a little about her own too – like they were two authors hanging out.  It was very informal between the pair.  It made the event very personal as they told us about their books and what inspired them to write these stories.

Afterwards, we got to mingle and I had a wonderful inspiring chat with Virginia.

More about Hayley and her new book “Being a girl”.

Hayley Long - Author profile.png

Hayley was inspired to write a book that gives teen girls advice on how to survive puberty, however, there are lots of useful tips that would benefit women of all ages.  She describes her book at ‘How to make life easier’.

Hayley showed us some pages from her book with illustrations by Gemma Correll (famous for Pugs, not Thugs) and that some text is small like a whisper and some text is big and loud.  It looks like a fun book by about an awkward subject.

I was delighted to hear that Hayley is a local girl and went to school here.  It is really inspiring to hear that someone with similar roots made it and that it is possible.

Writing about such a personal topic was quite scary to publish as she wasn’t sure what reaction she would get.  Of all the complaints she envisioned, she had not anticipated people would complain about a tampon on the cover.

I didn’t buy her book today but if it is still around when my little girl is starting high school it sounds like the kind of empowering book I would want her to read.  She has also written other stories that are based around the Suffolk area that sound really good.  

More about Virginia and her new book “Who Runs The World”.

Virginia Bergin - Author profile.png

Virginia is a very passionate woman who talked about how much the world has changed in the past 100 years for women, like being able to vote and how she feels there is still more to be achieved. She discussed the recent equal pay success but that she thinks the next step is to change the culture and is supportive of the ‘me too’ movement.  It’s not just about changing the law but about changing the way we think towards each other about what is right and wrong.

The idea for this book was sparked whilst chatting to someone studying Tess of the d’Urbervilles at school.  She has also studied this book 30 years ago.  I’ve never read the book so I had to try to follow what it was about by what she was saying but it sounds as if the main character is repressed by a man and although she liked it in school she now looks back and sees how wrong it is.  

Virginia’s imagination then began exploring the idea of a world where women were in control and how this comes about.  She didn’t want to simply switch society over, she wanted to create something new.  Then she came up with the idea of a virus that only affects those with the Y chromosome.

Never wrong a writer (1).png

Killing off all the men made me giggle.  It made me think about a warning I read once about why you should never piss off a writer.  I couldn’t find the quote online so I made my own (see image above) which captures the gist of it. Virginia doesn’t want men to die but this quote makes me feel there are few men that may have made her virus deserving list.

Virginia is very animated when she speaks, especially doing typing hands when talking about writing.  It made her a very likeable person to listen to.  She told us about how difficult writing this novel was as she kept worrying about what people would think and if she has portrayed women without men’s influence in their life correctly.

She questions how gender is portrayed and spoke about how strong women are always made out to be masculine and asks why this is. Why can’t women be allowed to be strong and still accepted as a woman?

Virginia likes to make people think “How do you want the world to be different” and is often impressed at school visits how much the children are aware of what is wrong with the world and how they want to change it.

She recommended reading The Power by Naomi Alderman.

Mingling afterwards

After the interview there was time for us to eat some more food, buy the books and chat to the authors.

I waited patiently and then had a lovely chat with Virginia.  I asked her about whether people had judged her for writing SciFi.  Most people I know, judge me for writing fantasy.  She was very encouraging about writing what you love and never giving up.

I asked her about how long it took her to find the right agent.  She told me that a few years ago she had been writing scripts and had an agent but when she wrote The Rain she found a publisher quickly and was picked up by an agent too.  She told me never to take rejections personally and to keep trying. She also pointed out that self publishing has come a long way and especially for Sci-Fi and Fantasy it can really expand the market for writers.

She encouraged me to find local writers groups as these can be really useful to critique your work.  Another lady overheard us talking and introduced herself.  She does a leisure learning course at a local college on Creative Writing and encouraged me to come along and meet the other students who often form their own group once the course is complete.

I bought Who Runs The World and Virginia signed it and wrote a nice message to me inside to encourage me to never give up.

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Ally Aldridge Personal, Skincare

Naty Ambassador

What is it?

The invitation to be a Naty Ambasador came up on Instagram and the timing couldn’t have been better as I was looking at my nappy options.

Anyone can sign up to become an ambassador and there is no obligation to buy their products. However, to gain the rewards of being an ambassador you will need to spend money as it is in the form of generous discounts. Here is what you get:

  • 65% off their diaper bag (full of products to start you off)
  • 10% off your first order
  • Free shipping when you buy two or more products
  • Quarterly exclusive limited offers for ambassadors only

I signed up and this is what I received:

Diaper bag (changing bag to UK residents):

Diaper bag (with free products): RRP £79, ambassador price £35

The bag

I don’t know the individual price of the bag but it is:

  • GOTS certified organic cotton
  • Internal pockets for everything
  • Stroller attachable

The bag is a dark Khaki green canvas style material. The clasp slide through a loop so will be quick to open when you need something inside. It feels of good quality.

The stroller attachment is on a Velcro loop. You could use it to attach thinks you don’t want to lose, like car keys, and tucking it inside.

Internally there are nine pockets, labelled up to help with organising the contents. There is a pocket for your mobile, sunglasses, nappies, food, nappy bags, wipes, wallet, clothes and bottle. I’ve not tried out the pockets yet to see if they are big enough. The food one looks small, perhaps it’s only intended for cutlery and bibs. There appears to still be a decent amount of space in the middle.

To start you off, the bag comes with the following products:

The nappies: RRP £6.25, free with diaper bagThese nappies are what inspired the brand 22 years ago! Landfill is full of plastic nappies that can’t biodegrade and are a real problem. In addition, mainstream nappies are full of harmful chemicals. Naty devised a nappy that only uses natural ingredients and is gentle to your babies delicate skin and biodegradable! Rash cream: RRP £5.15, free with diaper bag I think you can see from the picture all the reasons that make this nappy cream special. There is a long list of no nasties. It is a certified natural and organic product. Once baby is here, I probably won’t use this right away as I try to put off putting any products on my baby’s skin as long as possible. It will be handy to keep – I remember when Noah was teething, he got sore. I’m sure I’ll need something for baby number two when that happens and this product ticks all my ethical boxes. Baby wipes: RRP £2.95, free in diaper bag These sensitive (unscented) wipes are safe to use on a newborn. However, I will use cotton wool and water for as long as I possibly can. I will pack this is my changing bag in case I’m somewhere that I can’t do that. These wipes are also environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable. They were the first brand to be Vincotte certified which is the highest standard for renewable raw ingredients and very difficult to achieve. There is a good article by Thames21 about how wet wipes are polluting our rivers and contributing to the micro plastics problem. Click here to read the environmental impact of using mainstream wipes over an eco alternative like Naty. Magazine and crown: price unknown In the bag is a magazine all about the brand. It tells the story of why it began its mission 22 years ago to develop a brand that is kind to children but also the environment. It details all the innovative products they’ve added over the years and it’s turns out that they do a lot more than just nappies. There’s a double page spread detailing all the certification and awards they have achieved (Vincotte, SSNC, FSC, Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association, GOTS) to prove their eco status. The crown is a little cardboard for your little prince/princess and printed on it says ‘King of Nature’.

Using my 10% off

Disposable bags: RRP £2.50, Ambassador price £2.25

With Noah, I rarely used nappy bags. I would use the sticky tabs to fold the nappy up and make a sealed parcel and put straight in the bin. Sometimes, there wasn’t a bin and I had to take my stinky parcel with me.

I don’t like nappy bags as they are more plastic waste and another layer that’s filling landfill.

When I saw that Naty had a biodegradable alternative, I was keen to buy. I will be selective about when I use them (i.e. a real stinker and no bin nearby). I’m pleased they can biodegrade and I feel better about using these.

Would I recommend?

The products certainly meet all my desires where the environment is concerned. I feel happy about using this brand on my baby. The little lady hasn’t arrived yet so she’s not tested them out but I have high hopes these will get repurchased.

Naty has a subscription service that allows 15% off and is for all customers (ambassador or not).

I think the benefits of being a Naty ambassador are awesome. I’m glad I signed up and would recommend it to anyone interested in supporting or trying out an eco friendly brand.

Ally Aldridge Goals, Writing

NaPoWriMo progress

I’m not going to post an update every day as I think that will be too much, but I thought every 5 days would be a nice spacing. Here is how it is going…

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#nanowrimo Progress so far…

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Setting the goal

I only discovered that NaNoWriMo can be done in July (not just November) the night before it was due to start.  I quickly created my account and set my goal.  You can click here to see my post about this.

My goal is to write 25k to finish my novel titled Glide. I’ve called the project Diamond In The Sky as this is what I am considering renaming the novel as. Here’s how I am getting on towards the challenge.

Day 1

To achieve 25k, Camp NaNo suggested my daily goal be 807 words.  I was very pleased when I kicked off with 806 words.

It was a fun chapter to start with involving the battle where Kiara loses her soul and becomes a crow.

Day 2

I achieved 442 words which wasn’t as great as I hoped but it was the first day back at work and I was shattered when I got home.

It’s not so much the word count I was disappointed with but with what I wrote. This chapter was the first time Kiara got to fly. For something so exciting I think the chapter needs more to it. When I come to edit, I think I’ll spend a bit of time improving this part.

Day 3

Today, I went to my first hypnobirth class and returned home so chilled out, I could barely move.  I couldn’t write, I couldn’t do anything but be relaxed.  I think everyone should do the course (pregnant or not). We live in a busy world and learning to find your zen is crucial.

Sadly, the result was a terrible word count of zero.  On a plus note, I wrote some notes on what needs to happen in the story to give myself some focus.

Day 4

I wanted to make up for skipping yesterday so despite a hard day at work I got in front of the keyboard and added a further 1,973 (the best word count so far!).  My focus notes really helped me get started which saved time and got me writing. Perhaps, day 3 was more productive than I realised.

Day 5

There is no denying that I’m tired now. I went to work wearing odd shoes (one navy, one black). In my defence, my bump is so big now, I can’t see my feet when I am slipping on my shoes. At least they were the same style. I would show you a pic but my feet look awful, so swollen, like trolls feet.

When I got home, I tried to put my feet up but my little boy wasn’t himself. He had this foul eggy burps and I thought he was going to be up all night being sick. I decided it best to conserve my energy and go to bed early. In the end, he was only up twice to use the loo but no sickness – phew.

Reflection

The first 5 days has gone okay. I would like to have done better but I am fighting against my body and juggling my responsibilities. Now is the weekend, I’m hoping to get in front of the keyboard, get ahead and set a new best. I’ll let you know how I get on by day 10.

Personally, I would like to achieve the challenge early incase my baby comes early.

Are you doing the challenge? How are you getting on?

Ally Aldridge Beauty, Body Care, Skin Organics Box, Skincare, Uncategorized

Review: Skin Organics Beauty Box (June)

What is it?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products.  These may be skincare, body care or beauty products.  Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands.  They dispatch on 20th of the month.

Cost:  £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

What was in my box?

Hydrate

This months theme is Hydrate. Inside this box are six products.

The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.

Sofia Latif:  Facial Oil (sheet lists price as £20.00)

This product was shortlisted for the Free From Skincare Awards 2018.  This is a night oil that you can use to massage you cleansed face before bed and lift your senses.  You can also add a drop to your morning moisturizer.

I have got a lot of facial oils at the moment but I will try it out before the end of the month so I can let you know how I got on with it.

Bowe Organics:  Organic Lash Oil (sheet lists price as £19.99)

This product was also shortlisted for the Free From Skincare Awards 2018. You massage the oil into clean dry lashes and it helps them become thicker and longer.

It sounds very promising. I will need to get using this right away as I’ve booked in for a lash tint and lift at the end of the month and I’m not sure I can use it after that.

The Cosy Cottage:  Mango Nutter & Lemon Foot Balm (sheet lists price as £5.00)

An intense foot balm to smooth and hydrate feet with mango butter, coconut oil, aloe vera and lemon oil.

I’m hoping this smells so good that I can entice my husband into giving me a foot rub *fingers crossed*.

Lucidlure: Allava Hair Mask (sheet lists price as £5.50)

This hair mask is suitable for all hair types.  You can either leave it on for 2 hours or over night for a deep condition.

I have never used a hair mask before.  I’m excited to see how I get on and whether this is something I should add to my beauty regime.

Bespoke Aroma: 

Refreshing Peppermint Facial Mist  (sheet lists price as £4.25)

This is a floral water for refreshing your face throughout the day to pick you up when feeling sluggish in the heat.

I recently bought the Naturismo limited edition box which included Odacite, black Mint Cleanser.  I’ve found the cleanser to be an amazing refreshing way to start the day and love the minty smell.   That’s why I think I am going to get on well with this facial mist.  Plus, it is just what I need in this hot weather and being heavily pregnant.

Peppermint & Lemongrass Pulse Point Oil  (sheet lists price as £4.25)

This is for sharpening your senses and to treat headaches.  Also helps treat cold or flu, jet lag, and combat tiredness and stress.  Simply apply to pulse points.

This sounds really good and just what I need as I am finding it increasingly hard to stay awake at work by the afternoon – I am counting down the days to maternity leave (24 July – not long now).

Would I recommend?

Yes, another amazing selection of high quality products and by brands I’ve not heard of before.

I’m keen to use the Bespoke Aroma products and can’t believe how affordable they are. I’m looking forward to using the foot butter. I’ve never used a hair mask or lash oil, so I am unsure how I’ll get on with those. I never would have thought to buy them. My bathroom cabinet is full of facial oil, I doubt I’ll get around to using this one this month.

All the products meet the promise of clean, green and cruelty-free – so if that’s something you desire, this is a great box for you. 

Reflect on previous box

I’ve had a month to use the products I received and share my thoughts.

All May

This is how I got on using the products from my April box:

Sadly, I have been a bit stressed at work and returning home too exhausted to even pamper myself which has resulted in some products not getting used as expected.  In addition, the past two weekends my little boy has been ill which steals my time and energy.  Hopefully, June will be a better month and I’ll find a little bit of ‘me’ time.  

A.S Apothecary:  Wild Beauty Balm (website lists price at £42 for 30mls & sheet lists price as £21.00)

This has easily been my favourite product in this box.  It is quite pricey so I am not sure if I will be able to afford it on maternity leave but it definitely will be on my wish list.  

Just Be Botanicals:  Loved Aromatherapy Chocolate (website & sheet lists price as £2.75)

I knew right away that this wouldn’t be for me as I don’t enjoy the bitter taste of dark chocolate.  However, it is the most beautiful chocolate I have ever seen.  It has rose petals within the bar and looks very elegant.

I’m going to share give it to my mum (she won’t mind that I had a little nibble).  She’s not usually a chocolate person but does indulge sometimes in dark chocolate, plus, I need to find out how her holiday went. 

Isla Apothecary:  Neroli Body oil (website lists price as £32 for 100mls & sheet lists price as £4.50)

I haven’t used this.  I put it in my hospital bag as it is a handy travel size bottle.  I’m sure it will be lovely after my post birth shower.

Bodhi & Birch:  Desert Rose Facial Oil (website lists price as £38 for 15mls and sheet lists price as £9.95)

I’ve just got too many face oils at the moment that I haven’t had a chance to use this.

Lucky Cloud:  Nourishing Cleansing Balm (website and sheet lists price as £8.00)

This is the sort of cleanser I do really love but I’ve got a few cleansers on the go at the moment so I’ve decided to save this one for later in the year.  I’m afraid I haven’t tried it out.  

Roques O’Neil:  Himalayan Detox Bath Salts (website and sheet lists price as £10.00 travel size)

A salt bath is very healing so this is in the draw in my bathroom ready for a relaxing bath when I return from hospital.  I remember feeling very sensitive after delivering my son and a salt bath did help soothe and make me feel better.  

Botany Blend:  Meru Facial (sheet lists price as £2.50 sample size)

Again, I’ve just got too many face oils at the moment that I haven’t had a chance to use this.

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Ally Aldridge Books, Festival

Art and craft with Arty Mouse

This was the first event of Felixstowe Book Festival I attended this year. I went last year too and loved it.

Parents with children aged 2 to 6 years old were able to drop in between 10am and 12noon to try out the Arty Mouse range. This is ideal for their age group.

This was a free event (no ticket needed). However, the books were available to buy at half price and I couldn’t resist.

Representatives of Arty Mouse (I think from Top That Publishing) and volunteers of Felixstowe Book Festival, had prepared tables with different activities for the children to try. The children were able to move freely between the tables.

Here is a pic of Noah trying out their Arty Flashcards. These cards enable children to practice their writing and develop their reading skills.

Afterwards, children were rewarded with a certificate and some Haribo sweets. Sadly, I left behind Noah’s certificate and drawing of a cat, although, I think I would have been in more trouble with him if I had lost the sweets (luckily I put them in my bag).

The Arty Mouse products are a little bit special and make lovely gifts (especially the box kit books). I told Noah he could have two for the summer but the box ones I’m saving for his birthday and Christmas. He was very good about me taking them away as I could tell he wanted them most.

Noah was excited to get started in his book right away and really loved the themes in the book. He’s very into anything with wheels and robots are trending with him at the moment.

As I mentioned earlier, I am already a fan of Arty Mouse after discovering the fabulous books during last years Felixstowe Book Festival.  I can’t believe I haven’t written a review of those we bought last year and I will make up for that later this month.

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