These are a few of my favourite things #18

 

Books:

Guardians of the Planet by Clive Gifford

This is a thorough and well researched book aimed at children who want to be eco-warriors. There were some really helpful practical tips which gave me a few ideas to try. Some of the statistics shown were pretty hard-hitting and left an impression on me. It was an informative read showing that caring for our planet can be fun; one that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Our Planet by Matt Whyman

This is beautifully presented, oversized book showing children the wonders of the natural world. It is predominately about hope in preserving what we have, but underlying this is a message to be aware of the struggle’s animals are having due to the climate crisis. I found it educational, even reading it as an adult.

Alex and Lulu Mix and Match by Lorena Siminovich

We follow friends Alex and Lula who love art collaging. The story develops around Lula’s latest project; she can’t seem to get the right colours so the pair go on an outing to get inspiration. The picture book leads to a discovery about mixing colours, and as an educational topic I think it’s great for budding artists.

Stitched Textiles: Birds by Rachel Sumner

The author is a textile artist who’s subject focuses on birds in their natural habitat. She provides step by step instructions on a number of projects. Her art work is stunning and it was fascinating to discover her creative process.

Create Your Own Kindness by Becky Goddard-Hill

In this children’s book we learn about all aspects of kindness, being kind to yourself, others and the world. It includes the mental health aspects on why we should be kind, and delves into emotional intelligence a little bit. The author has done other books that I would also recommend in a similar style, with slightly different themes.

Helping Our Planet by Jane Bingham

I’m working my way through as many environmental books as I can, as I have a passion for the subject. I found that this one was one of my favourites for the target audience of children. I really appreciated the in-depth information about renewable energy as well as clever, everyday tips for families to try for themselves to reduce their carbon footprint.

Films:

Sand Dollar Cove (2021)

‘Real estate development project manager Elli is sent by her company to seaside Connecticut town of Sand Dollar Cove to acquire the beachfront property they've chosen as the site of their new resort. Brody, the charming local who holds the deed, wants to make sure the town's beloved pier - where many memories have been made over the years remains intact. Elli and Brody spend time together while she tries to figure out a way to make the deal work and the undeniable connection between them grows.’

This was a lovely, escapist film that I would recommend. I thought the family dynamic in Brody’s family was portrayed well. 

Charlies Angels (2000)

‘They're beautiful, they're brilliant, and they work for Charlie. "Charlie's Angels," is a sexy, high-octane update of the original '70s action-comedy TV series.’

This was a re-watch for me, and didn’t regret coming back to it. There was some serious girl power, and found myself enjoying the action sequences.

What Women Want (2000)

‘A cocky, chauvinistic advertising executive magically acquires the ability to hear what women are thinking.’

I like to come back to this film every once in a while, as it’s one of my favourites. The acting is great, there are some really endearing moments, and I like the focus on the graphic design industry.

13 going on 30 (2004)

‘A girl makes a wish on her thirteenth birthday, and wakes up the next day as a thirty-year-old woman.’

I forgot how much I love this film. The dual timeline works nicely, going from Jenna as a teenager to her working as an editor at Poise magazine. The cast is great, and it was fun to see how a fashion magazine is run.

Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016)

‘Alice is appointed to save her beloved Mad Hatter from deadly grief by travelling back to the past, but this means fatally harming Time himself, the noble clockwork man with the device needed to save the Hatter's family from the Red Queen.’

This one was something a little different for me, and found there were elements that I really liked. The themes of how precious time is, and what we do with it resonated. 

Music:

Lost and Found by Martine McCutcheon

This month I found I’ve been listening to music quite a bit. I stumbled across this 

album on my music app and liked it straight away as Martine has a lovely voice.

In The Zone by Britney Spears

I like the general vibe of this album, it’s mellow but with a good beat. 

What have you been reading this month?

Have you watched any of the films mentioned? :-) Xx

Cinnamon Biscuits

 

I’ve been doing some more baking recently and thought I would share it. I used a recipe from ‘Mary Berry Fast Cakes’ and would recommend both the recipe and the book. Page 210 if you have a copy. I was quite pleased with the results, and my brother made some positive remarks.

I’d been looking for a cinnamon biscuit recipe for a while and I found these had a lovely flavour without being too sweet. I would bake these again as I enjoyed making and eating them. I’m slowly making my way through the baking books I own trying to complete as many recipes as possible. I might revisit these in autumn as cinnamon is perfect for that time of the year.

Have you been baking recently?

Let me know if you like the look of these! :-) Xx

My Simple Skincare Routine

 

Today I wanted to share some of the skincare products I have been using. I sometimes get sensitive skin so tend to use quite basic, just do the job products.  So let’s begin…

Vitamin E Body Cream (Cruelty-free)

I’ve been using this for the last couple of months as it’s gentle and effective. There’s a subtle floral scent to it as well as leaving my skin super soft.

Vitamin E Day Cream SPF 15 (Cruelty-free)

This is one of my favourite products in my routine; I use it on my face to keep it soft and smooth. The vitamin E range is very affordable and good for sensitive skin.

Simple Cleansing Lotion (Cruelty-free & Vegan)

I couldn’t get hold of my usual cleanser one month so went on a search for something else suitable. I was delighted to see this brand had gone cruelty-free and vegan which is great as the product works nicely on my skin. 

Simply Pure Eye Make-Up Remover (Cruelty-free)

I use this to get rid of mascara and although I don’t apply it every day, it’s a good staple.

Original Source Shower Gel (Cruelty-free & Vegan)

My all time favourite shower gel brand is Original Source. I’ve been using them on and off since my teens and love the zesty smell of the lemon or lime scent.

Avon Bronzing Gel (Shade Light Bronze)

I first started using this product last summer to add colour to my legs. It has a natural tan look to the skin and I would highly recommend it.

The Body Shop Black Musk Fragrance Mist (Cruelty-free)

I took quite a while picking out my current fragrance with the help of my local BS rep. I feel this was a lovely choice as it’s very feminine and classy.

Vaseline Lip Balm

After being outside when it’s cold my lips tend to chap. I have started applying Vaseline lip balm most days to keep them in top condition. It’s a great all round product in my opinion.

Do you have a simple skincare rountine too?

Have you tried the Vitamin E range before? :-) Xx

Magazine Review #3 (Oh)

 

Name of magazine

Oh (Issue 58/Early Spring)

Who is it aimed at?

Anyone who likes art and culture would like the magazine. 

It also seems to be for family oriented people.

The slogan

Mindful being – Mindful doing

What the magazine aims to achieve

The magazine feels like a comforting hug including escapist articles, and mindfulness tips. 

This issue was written during the pandemic, so topics for how to keep well are included.

Favourite articles

I read this cover to cover and I enjoyed all the articles. My tops were ‘Sisterhood’ an exploration of family ties, ‘In the flow’ about why we swim, ‘Green economy’ living life sustainably, and ‘How to be still’ the practice of acceptance.

Further notes

Reading this magazine was one of my highlights of the month. Sometimes I feel with certain magazines that they are just not aimed at me but with this, I was fully interested and inspired.

Would I buy another copy?

Yes, without a doubt I would order another issue. ‘Oh’ is more widely available to buy online than other titles I have read in the past.

Any DNF (Did not finish) magazines lately?

Practical Mindfulness Book (Issue Six)

I thought I was going to thoroughly enjoy this one, but because it was too technical and jargon was used I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t find it accessible.

Have you heard of Oh magazine before?

Do you read magazines in your spare time? :-) Xx