Happily Ever Author is a group run by Pagan on Facebook. She posts prompts to get authors to socialise and share what they are working on and to set goals. She sometimes gives prizes (I got a YouTube guide) and sometimes she promotes her books and other group (Paperback Kingdom).
Paperback Kingdom is a Facebook group linked to services she offers such a course, 1:1 coaching, etc. I can’t tell you much more as I’ve not paid for the additional content.
About #NewYearNewNovel
Pagan set her Happily Ever Author group members a challenge in December to start doing the prep work for a new novel in 2019. This was supported with videos where she shared her tips and techniques for doing this, from how to come up with a story idea, outling, character development, etc. These were really useful and I would like to watch them again.
Although, all I have written is the opening to my story (Scarlet House), I do feel more prepared and clearer about what I will be writing. I can’t wait to finish my current editing project so I can start on a brand new novel for 2019.
Have you discovered any awesome writer groups online?
I am one lucky girl. My husband spoilt me at Christmas to lots of makeup from my wish-list.
Here is what I got:
Two eyeshadow palettes from Tarte:
The differences between them are explained below but I wanted to cover what I love about both of them, just once.
The palettes feel very strong and sturdy. I’m not sure how deep the pans go, but potentially they could be very deep.
I love the big mirror in the lid. I think it slightly magnifies my face so I can see myself more easily.
Both palettes come with a leaflet giving two example looks that can be created and instructions on how to achieve it.
Tarte: Rainforest of the seaeyeshadow palette volume II
This palette is able to create everyday looks or dramatic evening looks. As I don’t get out much in the evenings, I’m choosing to use the darker shades to softly line my eyes. There’s a mix of matte and shimmer shadows.
Tarte: Rainforest of the sea has highlighting eyeshadow palette vol III
This palette has lighter shades and good for daytime looks only. All the shades have a shimmer. Although, I don’t find this palette as exciting, I do feel it is more practical for my lifestyle and will get used more.
Tarte: Lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara
So far, I am getting on alright with this mascara. Any mascara makes my lashes look better (or at least visable). It hasn’t irritated my eyes or left smudges or flakes under my eyes. I like it.
Tarte: Rainforest if the sea radiance drops
I had no idea what this was when I added it to my wishlist but it’s a best seller and I was curious. I’m still not sure even now I have it – lol.
It comes out on a pipette and is an oil. The oil has a gold shimmer to it. Is it skincare, makeup or a hybrid of the two?
I’ve been dabbing it on like a highlighter and like the effect. It makes my skin look healthier like I am glowing.
Two Axiology lipsticks
Before I go into the shades I want to tell you why I love these lipsticks.
Firstly, they contain no harmful ingredients. They do not support animal testing at all. They are certified vegan and don’t use palm oil.
I love the lipstick cases. You push the base and they pop up. It’s so satisfying! They look beautiful and are recyclable.
Axiology: Lipstick – The Goodness
This was my most used lipstick of 2018 and it ran out. I’m so glad to have it back. I’m sad I caught the tip in my excitement getting it out and now already looks used.
This lipstick is a shimmery nude shade. It’s just for lips but I like putting it on my cheeks too as a highlighting blush. It is very pretty and natural.
Axiology: Lipstick – Worth/Radiance
This will be my lipstick on 2019! It is an orangey red shade on me and looks gorgeous. It’s quite subtle and sadly doesn’t last long so needs to be reapplied but it is such a pretty colour. I love it.
Nui Cosmetics: Liquidfoundation – Intense Kanapa
This is my favourite organic foundation. I apply it with my fingers or a sponge. You can build it up easily to get the coverage you need and has a nice smell to it.
Would I recommend?
Yes! My husband has done really well. I am so happy with this haul which will keep me going during maternity leave.
Everything feels good on my skin, doesn’t irritate and looks awesome. I feel excited to do my makeup and play with my new products.
Have you tried any of the above or get any new beauty products for Christmas?
This has been one of the hottest summers in a long time and sun safety is important to me.
What I love about this product is the twisty caps to open and close meaning you never worry about loosing the lid. Being able to spray makes application quick and I can reach everywhere easily. It is clear, so I don’t get white streaks and it doesn’t stain my clothes.
The Kids bottle is my 4y old son’s but when my sensitive one runs out, I have used his. The kids one smells great with a fruity scent – an added bonus. We have reordered both more than once this summer!
The product is free of nasty chemicals, has a broad spectrum protection and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s non-sticky and biodegradable. Plus, it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes!
The frangipani flower on the front of the bottle is my wedding flower and first attracted me to the product.
What I love is that this summer scent is designed to stay fresh in the heat with ingredients that are photosensitive. It has a beautiful light fruity scent that isn’t overpowering. All the ingredients are natural and will leave skin soft and not sticky.
This lip product is moisturising and protective in the sun. The zinc oxide in it, is a natural sun protection and I think it does lighten my lip slightly but I like the look. It is meant to have a flavour but I can’t smell or taste it so it’s very light. All the ingredients and organic.
Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist (mine is a sample/travel size. The full 60ml RRP £24.00)
I have been loving facial mists this summer to keep myself cool but this one was my favourite.
In addition to refreshing my skin and being free of harmful chemicals, this product protects your skin from pollution and boosts your defences. I don’t live in a high pollution area but it made my skin feel great and I noticed a difference.
Salt of the Earth
Natural Deodeant (RRP £5.99)
I have been using the pink Lavender and Vanilla one for a while now and love the scent. Sometimes, I think lavender can smell a bit old fashioned but this is a gentle clean smell.
I decided to give the melon and cucumber one a go. The cucumber smell is stronger than the melon, it gives off a refreshing unisex scent.
At first, I found it strange that it felt like I was spraying my underarm with water as it feels wet. My old deodorant coated my pit in a dry powder. I gave it a go and I am so glad I did. It is gentle on the skin under there which is often forgotten and doesn’t make me feel itchy whereas my old deodeant did.
Smelling fresh all day in the heat without irritated skin makes summer so much better so it made my list.
Back in June, I did a first impressions post of the Naturismo box I purchased. Click here to see the post.
I’ve been using the products for just over a month now and feel I am in a good position so say how I got on with using them and what I liked, or didn’t like. Here we go:
I won’t rebuy this. I like colour on my lips and this is too natural for me. It gives a little gloss but doesn’t last long. It’s not tacky and actually feels very moisturising.
I won’t buy this because it is so orange on me, it is more like a bronzer. The product is very pigmented so I think I would enjoy other shades by this brand and plan to check them out in future.
It feels more like a balm than a tint. The colour is a very pale nude and doesn’t last long on my lips. I’ll use it for natural days but I won’t rebuy.
The sample pot is quite small which makes it tricky to get the powder out. I like the little powder puff but I found I prefer applying it with a brush. It did highlight the dry skin on my nose so unless I need my make up to last a few hours, I didn’t find myself reaching for this. I don’t think I will rebuy this powder but I really liked having the opportunity to try it as it has been on my wish list for a long time.
I really like this cleanser. It didn’t make it into my hospital bag because I tried it once and liked it so much that I started using it every day and it has almost run out. I’d like to rebuy this but it’s not cheap. I found the zingy minty freshness really good in the morning and my skin feels so clean after using it.
I can never have enough black mascara. As my eyes are quite sensitive in this heat and keep watering I did have an issue with this mascara running. I had to go back to my trusty Pacifica waterproof version. However, I wore it on a night out and it was fine. I think I will keep it in the draw ready for the cooler months. I would buy this again.
This was the first empty. I really liked this toner and found it so refreshing. I would want to rebuy this product. I am also very tempted by their Glow AHA Tonic as it reminds me of Glow by Pixi. Now, I have found the brands products effective I am interested in trying more by them.
Tinted moisturiser: I suspected that this would not be light enough but I tried the tinted moisturiser and I really like. The colour is perfect and my skin looks so healthy. Its very sheer so I still need a concealer for blemishes but in this hot weather a tinted moisturiser is all I want. I am pleasantly surprised and interested in buying this again.
Healthy glow foundation:
Summary
I am pleased that I got to try these products out. It had helped me discover new brands and try items from my wish list. I have been surprised by some products and disappointed by others, however, at only £2.50 each it was a very affordable way to discover what is right for me.
Head over to Naturismo to see their current offers on a wide range of organic brands.
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.
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.
So, firstly, I don’t mind that some of the maternity/nursing outfits are modelled by someone who isn’t pregnant as the outfit should be for during pregnancy and afterwards. In fact, I think it would be useful if these outfits were shown on a pregnant woman and a nursing woman to show how it looks at both stages.
My gripe is that I don’t believe any of these models are pregnant (the ones with bumps) or nursing (the ones without bumps). Everyone I know who is about to have a baby or just had one, have massive milk jugs ready for their hungry newborn. Even women who usually describe themselves as flat chested!
These models have lovely perky pre-pregnancy boobs like women who have never had a baby. It has led to disappointment when I have tried outfits on as they just don’t fit. Rather than sulk that my hunt for the right dress goes on, I decided to share the pics of me trying on the dresses.
This peach dress looks classy and sophisticated on the model. It has a lift flap to access for breastfeeding. I like the colour and the satin ribbon that gives it something extra. I’m not keen on having sleeves in the summer. I wasn’t keen that under the flap the material was gaping and caused an unattractive crease. My husband thought I looked like a nun. I sent this back.
This is the prettiest nursing summer dress I have seen. On the model, I think it barely looks like a nursing dress. It’s a style I’d love for summer every year and I love pastel blue.
I’m not a ‘frills’ girl and certainly not after this – they were everywhere. The clasp at the bust was gaping. I think it needed a modesty panel underneath to take into account that it may gape. The blue had a grey tinge to it and wasn’t as pretty as the advertised picture.
The gaping made it feel tarty and not pretty. I sent this dress back.
It looks so pretty on the model and a beautiful light summer staple that you could easily dress up or down for multiple occasions. It could even be worn smart to the office in the summer.
This dress is terribly creased and I think it’s the sort of material that creases easily. I doubt I’ll have time to iron and do a school run with a newborn in September. The buttons are just decoration so it is not suitable for breastfeeding post pregnancy. In addition, the bust was too small and you can see the fabric straining in the photo – very uncomfortable.
The model looks like a young version of me. I think everyone loves when they see a model similar to their own colouring as you can instantly tell if an outfit would suit you or not. However, she doesn’t look pregnant or like she’s just had a baby…
Lilac is a colour that isn’t around much in the shops but is ever so pretty. I bought this dress as something casual to wear but it fit and looked the best out of all the designs and was the cheapest.
I pulled the drawstring tight above my bump but when the baby is here and I am feeding, I will wear it loose like the model. I’m hoping the loose style will be flattering on my post-pregnancy body. I kept this dress.
The hunt goes on…
Although I kept the H&M lilac dress, it wasn’t quite what I wanted. I’ve booked a photo shoot for when the baby is here and I wanted a dress for a nice family picture but one I can feed and wear every day afterwards.
The lilac dress is perfect for summer feeding and I think teamed with leggings and a cardigan I can wear it through the cooler months too, but it is too casual looking for the shoot.
Please let me know if you see a dress you think I should try? I’m trying to avoid all the patterns and flowery styles and I don’t want to spend too much.
NB: I am 34 weeks pregnant in these pictures. Although, on Instagram, I put ’36 weeks’ as I was thinking ‘just 6 weeks to go’. Silly baby brain.
Shopping for maternity/nursing clothes
The second-half of this article is to help you out shopping. It will cover what you need to buy and when and the best places to buy. Many high street stores don’t cater to pregnant or nursing women.
You can try looking for regular clothing and adapting it for your changing body like stretchy fabrics or straps that come down easily. Button tops or wrap tops that you could still nurse in. If you are ordering regular fitting clothes you will likely need to buy larger than your pre-pregnancy size.
If you wish to buy actual maternity/nursing clothes then you will probably have to shop online as the high street is limited or nonexistent. If buying from this range, order in your pre-pregnancy size.
What you need for the stages
First trimester (up to the end of week 12)
From early on, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy, you will feel bigger. I felt like I was constantly bloated and nothing fit comfortably. Plus, I wasn’t ready to tell colleagues so I needed to hide the little bump.
I stocked up on clothes from Primark in a size or two bigger and wore loose-fitting tops. I opted to wear anything with a stretch like leggings or joggers.
The only maternity clothes I bought were some staple pieces from George (Asda), such as:
Maternity Tapered Stretch Trousers: RRP £8 (a bargain for work)
Maternity Over Bump Skinny Jeans: RRP £14 in black (I returned later to buy again in blue)
Maternity V-Neck Camisole: RRP £7 in navy, black and blue
Maternity Nursing Pyjamas Short Set: RRP £15 (these will last me from bump and beyond)
Racer Back Maternity Tankini Top: RRP £12.50 (I also bought the bottoms but can’t remember the price)
Strappy Lace Trim Comfort Bra/Comfort bra: RRP £6 (black and white)
20 Denier Maternity Cooling Tights: RRP £3
I matched them up with the things I could still fit into from my wardrobe. At this stage, your boobs are growing so you ought to wear bras without underwire. I wore sports bras, the cotton cami style bras from George and Groupon.
NB: Later in pregnancy, I had to shorten the straps on the V-neck camisole top as maternity bras come up high. I wish they’d put adjusters on the straps.
Second trimester (week 13 to end of week 27)
This is when you start to sport a noticeable bump. By the end of this trimester, people may even feel you show enough that they are able to comment on your beautiful bump. If you’ve told people, you’ll likely want to wear clothes that show it off.
I was lucky enough to go with a friend on a shopping trip around Lakeside. I got measured in Debenhams but bought my bras from Marks & Spencers. I got nursing bras so that I could use them after my pregnancy too.
The first shop I bought maternity clothes from was Top Shop but the store I went crazy in, for their brilliant range of maternity (and nursing clothes) was H&M.
However, H&M Lakeside had only one changing room, the store was boiling hot in March and there was nowhere for the pregnant women to sit who were waiting!
MAMA 2-pack nursing tops £17.99 ( I bought a few packs)
MAMA 2-pack t-shirts £12.99
MAMA Nursing dress £24.99 (suitable to wear to work too)
MAMA Floral pattern T-shirt £12.99
I really wanted to buy more but maternity bras are very expensive so my shopping trip had already exceeded my budget & usually I’m really good at not overspending.
In these final few weeks, I am feeling very big. Most pre-pregnancy clothes no longer fit with the exception of the odd loose maxi dress or stretchy maxi skirt. Even non-maternity leggings press into my bump.
I resent buying something that I can’t wear past pregnancy as I don’t have long left. I don’t want a dress that will cling to my bump if I’ve had the baby. I plan to breastfeed so I’d rather invest in nursing wear although choices are very limited. I have found ASOS to have the best range for maternity/nursing clothes.
I’ve also found a very basic store online that sells nursing clothes at affordable prices called Happy Mama. They also sell delivery gowns. I plan to order some pieces from their site next month for my hospital bag.
I bought a dress from Mamalicious for my sister’s 10y wedding party but it didn’t arrive in time. They said it would take 3 to 4 days standard delivery but it took 10 days! I complained and returned the dress and they refunded the cost plus P&P.
Where to buy
These are the stores I found best for clothing during my pregnancy:
ASDA – George
Top Shop
H&M
ASOS
Boohoo
Happy Mama
Mamalicious
Seraphine
Where are your top places to buy maternity/nursing wear?
Here are the shows I have loved these past months.
The Originals (season 5)
Genre: Fantasy
The Originals is a spin-off series from The Vampire Diaries. The Vampire Diaries story is about a high school girl and her friends. During the seasons, they attract the attention of the original vampire and werewolf family.
The Originals series is about that family and has flashbacks to explain more about their origins. The series has a more mature tone as the characters are much older (they are the oldest!).
Last season, the family went their separate ways for safety, due to some very powerful dark magic cast against them by angry dead witches (this is a very brief summary). This season involves them all coming back together to take back control.
With The Originals you can expect complex family relationships and drama caused by ancient feuds. There is magic and blood and politics (their laws) in every episode. It is a great series and did not disappoint.
Handmaid’s Tale (season 2)
Genre: Drama – post apocalyptic
Wow, this season opened with an episode that had me on the edge of my seat. There were plenty of shocks in this season and I’ve found myself counting down the days until the next episode is released. It did slow a little in the middles but it was building suspense and laying down what was to come.
Handmaids is set in the future where women are struggling to fall pregnant, deliver and sustain a healthy baby. This has made people desperate for a child but can’t, fertile women are valuable and a new world order is implemented. They use religion to doctor their new idea and oppress their people. The population is captured and ‘trained’ for their new role in society and they are constantly watched by armed guards. Disobedience has severe consequences, including death as an example to others.
The handmaids are the fertile women. Their duty is to get pregnant and deliver a baby to the household they have been allocated to. The main character, June, is renamed OfFred to denote who she belongs to, I.e Fred is her master, the commander of the house she’s been allocated to. Conception is done by a biblical reading and then a ceremony involving the handmaid lying between the wife’s legs so the husband can impregnate the handmaids whilst looking at his wife. It is cold and rather disturbing.
The first season was great, so I had high expectations for season two and it didn’t disappoint. In this season, OfFred is heavily pregnant and fearing for the world the baby will be born into. Serena (the lady of the house – the Commander’s wife) starts breaking rules and appears to not be as devoted to her husband as she was originally.
Other countries are looking to Gilead to support them with their fertility crisis. There is a suicide bomber terrorist attack against the Commanders. Letters written by the oppressed women manages to be smuggled and released into Canada shedding light on what is really going on in America (now called Gilead) and damages their alliance with this country.
I’ve not finished this season but I am hooked.
Greys Anatomy (season 14)
https://youtu.be/Ncn0L-ykTOM
Genre: Drama – medical
I still enjoy the medical emergencies and relationships between their staff but since Meredith lost her husband, it’s not quite the same. Their complicated love life helped push the series along and now there isn’t a strong storyline pulling the season together. I’ll keep watching but I don’t feel as attached anymore.
Rain (season 1)
Genre: Dystopia
This is a Danish TV Series. The world has been infected by a virus transmitted by the rain. Two children are hidden in a bunker by their parents. The children stay hidden there for years living off the survival supplies until they decide to venture out and try and find their dad. The world is quite dangerous as the survivors of the world are desperate for food and shelter. The siblings make friends with another party and travel together.
At first their accents were a little strange but I got used to it. Each episode finishes with a conclusion rather than a cliff hanger, often I felt the season would have been more compelling if it ended at a different point in the episode. My husband found the rain unbelievable as he felt they all would be infected with no survivors as sometimes it rains without warning (very true in the UK).
I would still recommend giving it a go as it is a different idea and it is great to see what is being created by other countries that often don’t make it to our TV screens.
I haven’t quite finished it yet as the episodes don’t leave me needing to know ’what next?’ But I will continue to watch this.
Siren (season 1)
Genre: Fantasy
I love mermaids and I love how they’ve made them so real in this series. The mermaids (or sirens) can shift into human form. They fear humans as we have hurt them in the past and stay hidden deep in the ocean. Due to over fishing, there is a lack of food and the mermaids need to come up higher to eat. One gets caught and that starts the catalyst for the whole season as another mermaid comes out of the sea to look for her sister. She has to quickly learn our ways and those helping and protecting her need to learn hers. When a mermaid feels threatened they are incredibly dangerous, in addition, they have a pretty song that can drive people crazy. There is a military group looking for the sirens to capture and experiment on.
The series was brilliant and I’m really pleased I watched it. I can’t wait for the next season – there needs to be more.
The only way is Essex (series 1 to 14)
Genre: Reality (sort of)
Oh no, what happened! I just put this on as some background TV and now I keep watching it. I call this ‘tacky tv’. It won’t enrich your life but it will kill time.
It follows a group of young adults social lives in Essex. Some things are set up for example two people who don’t like each other will end up in the same restaurant/club – resulting in having ’words’. Most of the guys are notorious cheats and lie. They deny it, the girls believe their lies and hates on anyone saying the truth but eventually it is so obvious they admit it and break up. The girls and guys love to gossip and often make situations within the groups even more tense.
You do end up liking some characters. I really like nanny Pat – she is a star. I think Jasmin is often treated unfairly by others who are jealous of her, she’s beautiful and never done anything wrong. I thought Amy was the nicest girl and it’s a shame she wasn’t in it for long. Tom is the nicest of the guys but there is still time for him to disappoint me and become a lying cheat.
They are all loaded but most of them don’t seem to work – they mostly open a shop or a night club but they are always out meeting for coffee/lunch (gossiping) or partying and on holiday (scandal & drama). The only character that appeared to have a real job was Amy Child’s who leaves after season 1 – I really liked her.
It you have time to kill, it’s not bad. Be warned you can get sucked in and cringe a lot.
Final thoughts…
Siren and The Handmaid’s Tale are my top two recommendations. Both were amazing for different reasons. They are the sort of shows that capture your imagination and leave you wanting (needing) more.I would love to know if you’ve watched any of the above (or planning to) and your thoughts on the shows.
Also, now you can see what I enjoyed watching this month you may have some ideas on what else I should be watching – please do make recommendations.
Tropic is a natural, vegan and cruelty free skincare brand. Like Avon, the brand enables people to become reps and sell the products from the comfort of their home enabling them to earn whilst juggling other commitments like raising a young family.
I’ve been a fan of Tropic for a while and this isn’t my first or second purchase. I’ve befriended one of the product representatives on Facebook called Sabrina Ward and follow her on Instagram (@Tropic_Luna). This enables me to keep up with the latest offers.
What did I get?
https://instagram.com/p/BgwfDwZBFmy/
My husband has stolen my Skin Revive moisturizer and had the cheek to ask me to buy him some more! I decided this was a good excuse to spoil myself with the body oil I’ve had my eye on for a while now. I saw a free gift offer was running.
Although, Tropic do parties (like Ann Summers), I just don’t have the social circle to have one so buying this oil was a gamble as I had never sampled it. What captured my attention was the ingredient ‘frangipani’ which was my wedding flower.
The oil has not disappointed. It is really beautiful with a flower floating inside the bottle. The oil smells amazing with a tropical floral scent that is very relaxing. It rubs in quickly.
I originally bought this as part of a skincare set (Travel Essentials) and found it to be really good. I then re-bought but recently I have been trying out some other moisturisers from my subscription boxes and I guess it gave my husband the change to try it.
It is a light day cream and works well under make-up. My husband likes it because it isn’t tacky feeling. You can read my original review of the product and the others in the travel essential kit by clicking here.
The deal was that if you spent £50 you would get a free gift – so I had to get my oil ;)
My free gift was this wild, mint and pineapple body wash which has a lovely zesty smell that is great to use to wake you up in the morning. My husband and I have been arguing over who the free gift belongs too (me). It also came free with a pouf puff.
The Pip Box is a beauty subscription box with a selection of cruelty free products. A donation from the cost of the box goes to an animal friendly charity (This month is Animal Free Research). The box contains a selection of five products – skincare, body care, makeup and occasionally a sweet treat too.
In each box is a card encouraging consumers to share their pictures on social media. They then choose a winner to get their next box free. Last month, they chose my February pictures and I got my March box free.
The box came with an information card to tell me all about the products inside and their value.
Dr Botanicals: Tropical Invigorating Cream (website RRP £29.00, Sheet lists price as £44.00)
Dr Botanicals is a London based vegan skincare brand and made from pure natural ingredients, paraben-free and no harmful preservatives. They pride themselves on their products being kind to your skin and animals.
The cream is really light but moisturising and sinks in fast. The tropical smell isn’t strong and reminds me of grapefruit but that’s not listed as an active ingredient. These are:
Elderflower: to protect the skin from free radical damage
Chamomile Flower Extract: to heal and soothe irritated and damaged skin
Tiara Flower Extract: to deeply nourish and purify the skin
I’m still really enjoying their day cream from last months edit too – click here to read.
Saturated Colour: Make Me Matt (website and sheet RRP £8.00) and Moisturising Lipstick – Naked Pink (website and sheet RRP £7.00)
This month I got two products by Saturated Colour. This is a UK brand (Essex), cruelty free and vegan friendly. The brand is affordable and they products have great colour and some clever ideas.
The Naked Pink lipstick is a gorgeous colour that would suit almost anyone. It is a daytime pink and you could wear it to work. The ‘make me matt’ is a clever product that can turn any lipstick matt. If you have an old favourite that is the perfect shade but want it to be matt, then this is for you. I think it is genius.
Her are some pics and swatches of the lipstick, Make It Matt and Lip Lock (another Saturated Colour product for longer lasting lip colour).
Top pic: Make it Matt (over lipstick)
Middle pic (L to R): swatch of lipstick alone, lipstick with Make it Matt, lipstick with Lip Lock, lipstick with Make it Matt & Lip Lock
Bottom pic: Naked Pink Lipstick
Okko Skincare: ‘Try me’ Natural foot balm stick (£21.00 RRP for 50g on the website, £3 on the sheet for 4.5g ‘try me’ size)
Okko Skincare use natural and organic ingredients in their products. They are proud of their balms in a stick format as this enables you to throw it in your bag without the risk of spills.
I was impressed go easily the stick was to apply to my foot. It instantly turned into an oil. I used it straight out my morning shower but think this would be better before bed to allow the oil more time to penetrate. It has a nice smell and I’d be interested in trying more of their sticks.
Raw-Ganic: Refreshing Aloe and Green Tea Facial Wipes (£2.99 on the sheet and website)
Raw-Ganic is an English brand (Oxford). The brand uses natural and organic ingredients that are environmentally sustainable and affordable. It is vegan and cruelty free.
I like these wipes. I’ve used them to remove Make-up before bed and in the morning. I also tested them on removing the searches from my arm and it came off easily, even the swatches with Lip Lock. I’m thinking of putting them away in my overnight bag or next to my bed for when I’m too tired to take my makeup off with a full cleanse.
Would I recommend?
I am a regular subscriber to The Pip Box and never been disappointed by the contents. It was really rewarding to get my box for free and goes to show that the company really do care about their customers.
I’m starting to grow a nice collection of Saturated Colour and Dr Botanics products and I am interested in buying more. I like being introduced to new brands I may not have discovered otherwise like Okko Skincare and Raw-Ganic both organic brands with great ethics.
