October: Lately I've been Loving

Here's what I've been loving in October:

I picked up this gorgeous wee book by local artist Peter Jones. It may be a little book but it's the sweetest thing and perfect for any lover of Portobello.

I had the real pleasure of trying gorgeous Casa Mencarelli, a beautiful new skincare line. See my review HERE. The products are beautiful (I also love that you can buy trial sizes as well as full sizes).

I loved attending the 10th Portobello Book Festival - I normally go to a few things but only managed along to the fascinating discussion by Sara Sheridan and Alex Nye - "no place for a woman" and of course I had to get signed books. The Ice Maiden I'd already read and you can see my mini review in my July book round-up.

I'm testing out the latest launch from Dafna's Personal Skincare - Active Mist* which is incredible - expect a review on the blog soon!

Being a tester for Triyit - I was delighted to receive a box of wonderful new products* from Beauty Kitchen - I've already got some favourites - expect reviews up on the blog soon.

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

Review: Casa Mencarelli

I've had the real pleasure of trying Casa Mencarelli which is certified organic by the Soil Association. The range is created and formulated by founder Lucia. She personally developed multiple chemical sensitivity and started to make her own organic range.

Formulated with clean and organic ingredients the range will care for and nourish your skin leaving it looking glowy and healthy. Ingredients are inspired by the founder's childhood in Italy include Olive Oil, Tomato Seed Oil, Lemon, Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil, Honey and Green Clay Powder to name a few. The products have a "natural" and "earthy" type scent.

SICILIA Lemon & Clay Face Mask & Scrub (12g - £8, 80g - £25)* the smaller of size of which came in my August Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box (it was my first try of this gorgeous brand). 

Formulated with pure Sicilian Green Clay and Lemon Peel Powder the mask/scrub will gently remove dead skin cells, impurities and leave your skin looking glowy and cared for.

To use: to activate the mask mix 1-2 tsp of powder with a teaspoon of mineral water or Honey & Orange Toner to make a paste. Apply to the skin leaving on for up to 10 minutes before rinsing.

SOLE E MARE Sea Buckthorn Serum (15ml - £18, 100ml - £65)* and is one of my favourites from the range.  The serum is very rich in anti-oxidants such as Beta Carotene, Vitamin E and Essential Fatty Acids Omegas 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 which help to repair and regenerate.

Deeply nourishing the serum hydrates, plumps out fine lines and wrinkles and increases collagen production. Soothing and repairing it will help to restore suppleness and radiance.

To use: rub a pump between your palms before pressing it onto your face and neck.

ACQUA DI MIELE Honey & Orange Toner (15ml - £8, 100ml - £30)* which instantly refreshes the skin. Formulated with Organic Orange Blossom hydrosol and fine Italian Organic honey. It has a sweet floral scent.

To use: apply to a cotton pad, sweeping over the face and neck (avoiding the eye area).

CREMA DI POMODORO Nourishing Tomato Night Cream & Cleanser (15ml - £15, 60ml - £45)* as you'll know I love a multi-purpose product and this one can be used as a night cream or cleanser.  It'll hydrate, protect and nourish. Rich in anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins and carotenes, lycopene and phytosterols. 

To use: as a cream cleanser with a warmed wet cloth to remove make up and daily grime or as a rich and nourishing night cream. 

It has a fruity, earthy and herbal aroma. Wake up with beautiful soft skin!

The final item in the range I've been trying out is their BELLISSIMA BALM Sea Buckthorn Balm (15ml - £15, 60ml - £45) which is perfect if your skin needs a little bit more nourishment. Ideal for dry, mature and sensitive skin types (it's also great for knees, elbows and feet). It's packed full of good things for the skin making it ideal if your skin needs some TLC.

To use: apply a small amount to cleansed face and neck. Can also be used for other dry skin areas, as a lip balm or moisturising mask.

I love that the whole range is available is smaller sizes which are great for try me or for holidays. Pick yours up HERE. I've been so impressed with this beautiful new brand.  Have your  tried any products from Casa Mencarelli? If so, what are your favourites?

*complimentary

September: Lately I've been Loving

So many September loves...

Nothing I like more than homemades. This jam is one of many things I've made with the glut of plums from my plum tree at the allotment. Delicious!

This Oblepikha hair mask* by Natura Siberica is just amazing. See my review HERE - it's one of my favourite hair care products this year.

My fav breakfast ever - avo on toast with poached eggs (with feta & chilli too). Delicious.

I've just started testing out the beautiful range of products** by new Glasgow based brand Casa Mencarelli, who are also Formula Botanica graduates. Expect reviews soon! Thanks to Paula for including a trial size from the brand in August's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box. It really is a gorgeous and very luxurious range.

I picked up this delicious duo by aye pickled at our local monthly market. The strawberries are seriously yummy! 

This gorgeous calming NYC CALM candle from Wildheart Organics which I picked up in the summer in North Berwick is glorious. I've been having some stressful days at work so I've been lighting this in the evenings to de-stress and relax. It has notes of Lavender, Mandarin and Sandalwood. The candle is handcrafted using soy wax and pure essential oils and is one of the nicest candles I've used for a while.

Being invited again this year to be a Beauty Shortlist Judge for the 2019 Awards is an absolute honour and I'm absolutely thrilled. I'm currently putting some amazing products through their paces. Brands can sign up until Friday 2nd November - see more information HERE.

What have you been loving this month?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

**complimentary - sent for review

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: August: Refresh

August's Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box's theme is Refresh and inside are five gorgeous products (and four new to me brands - amazing!) Full reviews will follow.

OMG I'm so excited to delve in..

And for a closer look..

From new to me brand Eden Days is a 60ml pot of their Hawaiian Haven Whipped Body Butter (£6.50) which smells gorgeous. It's a blend of organic green tea, ylang ylang, neroli, lavender and geranium essential oils along with quality natural oils. I'm looking forward to trying this! I love too that it's housed in a reusable/recyclable tin. 

And another new to me brand (such joy) is Butter Bar Soapery and inside this month is an exclusive product from the brand (it's not yet available to buy online). This mouthwatering Revive Body Polish (200g - £15) is almost good enough to eat. 

From Delune is their Coconut+Rose Facial Mist (100ml - £18) which smells glorious. I'm looking forward to trying this hydrating, delicately scented treat! 

I love how Paula finds these artisan small brands. From new-to-me Casa Mencarelli is a 12g pot (£8) of their Lemon & Clay Face Mask & Scrub which is made with pure Sicilian Green Clay and Lemon Peel Powder. Simply mix with water, honey or hydrosol to activate the mask. 

From BAO Skincare, a brand I very recently discovered (I'm currently trying their sample sets) is their Apricot Rose Face Polish (50ml - £14) which gently polishes the skin.

As ever some of the brands have offered generous discount codes. I'm absolutely thrilled with my box - 4 new to me brands - this is what a beauty box should be about. Absolutely love it.