'Eau Ressourcante' - Silky Smooth Body Cream

Eau Ressourcante, Silky-Smooth Body Cream - £29

When I went along to Boots last week in search of my favourite Clarins Eau des Jardins Smoothing Body Cream I became distracted by some of the other lotions and potions that Clarins have to offer. Amongst them I found the Eau Ressourcante Silky-Smooth Body Lotion, it smelt so divine I decided to give it a go instead. 

One of the things I really love about the Clarins products is their use of natural plant extracts and essential oils, so much better than chemical based ones. The smell of this cream is so fresh and light, it claims to work a bit like aromatherapy inducing feelings of relaxation while rebalancing your senses, both of which I'm in great need of at the moment! 

The robina and longan properties help to moisturise and stimulate the skin leaving it feeling smooth and soft without any greasy residue while the essence of basil, iris, cedar and benzoin infuse the skin with a beautifully natural aroma. At £29 it's quite an expensive product, especially when compared to the Body Shop Body Butter, however it comes in a 200ml tub that should last for some time, I am defininately thinking of buying the matching Eau Ressourcante Bath and Shower Milk, £19, when next in Boots. You can check out the full range of products in this scent on the Clarins website here, I know I will be.

I'm so glad I decided to give this product a go instead of opting for my usual choice, sometimes it's good to try something new.

Have you tried any other Clarins products that you 

would recommend?

Deborah

xxx

Patent Sorbet - Jimmy Choo's perfect summertime dessert!

 Even Arthur pays the Choo's deserved respect!!!

Firstly, let me apologise for the lack of recent posts. I've felt like I'd lost my blogging 'mojo' lately but the arrival of these gorgeous pair of summertime Choo's really helped to lift my spirits and inspire me to get back to some serious typing.

These beautiful Prova wedges are a great addition to my shoe collection incorperating both the comfort of a wedge with pretty pastel patent style, what more could a girl want? I have real problems finding shoes that both fit properly and are also comfortable as I have ridiculously small feet (35.5UK) but these tick not just these boxes but so many more. I love the pastel peach colour of the wedges and am sure they will go with so many outfits in my wardrobe from pretty summer dresses to faded jeans and Tshirt, a very versatile shoe.

Although these may seems a little expensive, when you consider both the quality and the enjoyment of many years of wear I prefer to see them as an investment. The Prova wedge also comes in a beautiful lemon sorbet and many more shades, you can check them out on the Jimmy Choo website here.

I'm off to give my Choo's another airing, shoes like this deserve to be seen!!!

Do you have a favourite pair of summertime shoes?

Deborah

xxx

The Forest of Dean - A perfect 'getaway' for the whole family!

Holiday family photos are a must!

You may have noticed the lack of posts over the last week, well this was due to a break spent in the Forest of Dean with the whole family including dogs!!! With my eldest son Simon living in South Wales and the rest of us always busy on the South coast it's a good opportunity to all get together and chill. Below are just a few snaps taken while away, I hope you enjoy.

 View from Symonds Yate West of the Saracens Head pub and ferry.

    The dogs weren't so sure about crossing the river on the ferry.

Mr Moonstone, myself & Arthur.

If you are a keen photographer then there are many opportunities to snap the fantastic views while out walking in the woods. There's also mountain biking and horse riding for the more adventurous but beware the wild boars, we saw plenty of evidence but not one boar!

 Lisa and myself on ponies, eek!

While the boys went mountain biking, making themselves sore in places a mother would rather not think about, Lisa and I decided to give pony trekking a go. I haven't ridden for many years and Lisa has always been scared of horses from a very early age when a horse mistook her hair for hay so this had the potential to be quite an adventure. We needn't have worried, it proved to be very tame and a very enjoyable way to see the beautiful countryside, despite a near fall, I may even be tempted to take lessons again. Later that day we visited Symonds Yate where the views are absolutely spectacular!

After a lot of walking and riding some good food and drink was required. I would definitely recommend both the Saracens Head pub and the Royal Lodge in Symonds Yate East.

 Group shot!

From left to right, Will, Willow, Si, me, Arthur, Mr Moonstone and Lisa

By the end of the week we'd taken part in many activities, come second in the weekly quiz and completely worn out two very energetic dogs, I'd say that would indicate a brilliant time was had by all!!!

To see more photos and info then you should hop on over to Lisa's blog, Topaz & May where she's written several posts on the holiday, a good read.

If you are interested in visiting the Forest of Dean then check out the Forest Holiday site here, I would really recommend it, this was our second visit and we will definitely be going back again next year.

What's your favourite family holiday location in the UK?

Deborah

xxx

Blooming Marvellous!!!

  

Accessorize 'Camilia' statement necklace and ring - £19 & £10

Firstly, let me apologise for the lack of recent posts. We've been away on a family break to the Forest of Dean, a beautiful part of the English countryside best appreciated on foot, mountain bike or horse and a definite must for all dogs! Look out for an upcoming post on our holiday or nip over to Topaz & May to see what we got up to.

As I'm sure you're aware it's the Chelsea Flower Show this week so I thought it would be a good time to review this beautiful 'Camilia' statement flower necklace and ring from Accessorize. I bought these two a few weeks ago and they've already proved to be a very useful addition to my wardrobe. I'm a big fan of the 'statement' necklace anyway but I immediately fell in love with the lovely flower design of these pieces, a little different from the brightly bejewelled items so popular on the highstreet at the moment.

The delicate blush ivory colour means you can wear these with just about any shade although it probably wouldn't work too well with a highly patterned outfit, simplicity is key. I'd also keep my earrings very simple too, maybe a pretty pair of diamond studs to finish off the look.

At £19 for the necklace and £10 for the ring I thought these were fairly reasonably priced, especially if you are going to wear them as much as I have already. If you have a wedding to go to this summer these would be the perfect accesory to compliment your outfit, they'd also work really well with this seasons florals, so versatile!

What's your favourite accessory this summer?

Deborah

xxx

REVIEW-Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara - Don't go on holiday without it!!!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara (black), £20.50

When it comes to repurchased beauty items this little gem is right up there at the top of my list. I am a big fan of Estee Lauder's Double Wear products anyway but this one is an essential part of my make-up bag and I've been using it for many years. You can even forget about buying a 'waterproof' mascara for your summer holiday (let's face it, none of them really work) as this one does the job.

Last year I decided to give Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara a go but was a little disappointed with the results, one dip in the pool and I faintly resembled a panda. It also smudged when the temperatures rose and I began to glow, thank goodness for sunglasses, so not a good look!!!

I've tried other luxury brands including Chanel but the results have always been the same and that's when I turned to my old faithful Double Wear product. I can honestly say that it really is ZERO SMUDGE even after a day spent by the pool, I wouldn't go back to waterproof mascara's again. This mascara is still in place at the end of the day and needs a good quality eye make-up remover for complete cleansing.

The product itself is really simple to apply and doesn't leave you with unsightly clumpy lashes. A couple of coats gives the eye lashes a little extra length and definition staying in place throughout the day, however, this may not be the mascara for you if you prefer a really thick dramatic look. The packaging is really stylish incorperating Estee Lauder's trademark blue and gold, it always looks good in your make-up bag or handbag. At £20.50 it's actually one of the cheaper mascara's from Estee Lauder and is certainly competative with some of the other luxury brands on the market making I think making it well worth a go.

I'd love to hear what your favourite brand of mascara is and have you discovered a waterproof one that actually works?

Deborah

xxx

UPDATE - Arthur and I have just returned from a very very wet and windy dog walk, notice NO SMUDGING, however, my damp thighs seem to suggest that my waterproofs aren't quite as waterproof as they used to be!!!

Arthur and Deborah

xxx