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

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

August: Lately I've Been Loving

So many August loves..

We attended Foodies Festival in Edinburgh at the beginning of August and enjoyed a day in the sunshine and ate and drank some delicious food and drinks. (my pictures all seem to be of drinks...hmm)

I've been testing out a selection of healthy treats from Clearly Scrumptious** which I've really been enjoying. They are great for the afternoon slump at work and save me reaching for chocolate!

My favourites have been crunchy dried apple wedges and juicy dried strawberries - I'll definitely have to source some more of these and they are one of your 5 a day!

I've been trying the glorious Be In Blossom Ocean Flower Multi-Complex Serum+Creme (30ml - £46.80)* which my skin is loving. Expect my review early in September.

I've got Amanda at A.S Apothecary to thank for introducing me to the exquisite Tinkture Rose Gin. I just picked up "The Little Guy" but a full size bottle will be mine and soon. It's the most delicious gin I've ever tasted and the packaging is makes me squeal with delight - isn't it so pretty (and reusable!)

Of course I couldn't not mention Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box for August. The theme was Refresh and inside were four new to me brands - this is what beauty boxes should be all about - it really makes my heart sing. See my initial musings HERE.

What have you been loving this month?

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

July: Lately I've been Loving

So many July loves..

We dined at recently opened The Little Chartroom in Leith and had a delicious meal (ask for a seat at the "bar" and you can see all that's going on!) It's where they prepare the starters and desserts.

The food's gorgeous and below are my choices:

Heritage Tomatoes - Feta - Watermelon - White Balsamic

riccotta and parmesan gnudi - charred corn - greens

Elderflower Ice Cream Sandwich - Strawberries - Granola

The food was incredible. Can't wait to go back!

Jill (@OnTheShelfBooks), Joanne (@portybelle), Kelly (@LoveBookGroups) & Sandra (@Bookloverworm1)

Had a great meet up with these book blogger pals! Great chit-chat and book swapping! Roll on next time!

My eco-friendly coffee cup which I bought at our local gift shop COVE.

I think Naturisimo's Sensitive Soul Discovery Box was one of the best yet! See my review HERE.

A trip to North Berwick always makes me happy! We stayed at a cute Airbnb which was a little studio with it's own kitchen, seating area and shower room (oh and on street parking too!) - really lovely - can't wait to go back. And of course cocktails at Herringbone are a must!

East Lothian based Beatitude have repackaged their wonderful body oils* into glass pump bottles which makes it much more user friendly. Joy is my favourite scent - see my review HERE. 

We had dinner last week at Forage & Chatter and my dessert (sorry the photo's not great!) was one of my favourites this year. Yoghurt parfait with rose and rhubarb. Divine!

What have you been loving in July?

*complimentary