Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Monday, 19 July 2021

These are a few of my favourite things #9

 

Books:

Vintage Style by Sarah Kennedy 

This covers just about everything you would want to know about recreating vintage style from different eras. It’s not cliché in anyway, instead it’s practical and interesting. The history was fascinating and perfect for vintage enthusiasts. For each style/era information is noted on key looks, style tips, celebrity examples, history, colour palettes, and much more. I would recommend it to people who are interested in the topic, it’s a great book to have!

Creating Creatures of Fantasy and Imagination by Claudia Nice

A beautifully crafted book showing readers how to draw creatures of fantasy. Chapters are broken down into different mythical creatures such as faery folk, dragons and sea monsters, etc. The author takes us through her creative process including step by steps and photos she has used to help her. 

The art is truly stunning and her fictional stories are fascinating. This book would make a good gift for artists wanting to draw out of the box or fantasy fans looking for something different to read.


Shelf Life by Simon Parke

This is a memoir in diary format of a vicar of twenty years, Simon Parke who shares his 
experience of moving jobs and working in a supermarket stacking shelves. One of those 
books that makes you feel like a fly on the wall. Entertaining and interesting to read.

Smile! by Leigh Hodgkinson

Absolutely loved this, quirky fun picture book. It didn’t go in the obvious direction 
I was expecting. Sunny the protagonist really shone and felt believable to me as 
a girl wanting to get her smile back. The ending sealed the deal for me.


The Garden of Hope by Katie Rewse

This story of love and hope really pulls on the heart strings. Maya 
and her Dad miss Mum very much so in her memory they transform 
their garden. Beautifully told with equally lovely illustrations.

Jamela's Dress by Niki Daly

A lively, atmospheric story about Jamela who goes to buy 
some dress material with her Mother for a wedding outfit.


How to be an Astronaut and Other Space Jobs by Dr Sheila Kanani

A highly informative, fascinating book for children who want to have a job in 
the space field. The author discusses the real logistics of what it takes in a way 
that’s accessible to children. It’s also a fun read with engaging illustrations.

Fireside Feasts and Snow Day Treats by Ryland Peters & Small

An evocative cookery book for those cold but cosy autumn and winter months. 
All of the recipes look delectable. I enjoyed the photography and reading experience.


Music:

Music Played by Humans Gary Barlow

This has been a very recent love of mine. The songs on the album
 have a unique, chirpy sound that is different from Gary’s usual style.


Beauty:

Avon Face and Body Bronzing Gel in Shade Light

I thought I would give a shout out to this amazing product I’ve been using. This was the first 
Avon make-up product I have bought in years. Luckily, it’s been a big hit and I’ve been applying 
the wash off bronze gel to the legs and arms for a skin kissed glow. (Not cruelty-free/vegan)


What have you been loving lately?
Do you have any entertainment or beauty recs for me? :-) Xx

Monday, 27 July 2020

Summer Fruit Crumble



Hope my lovely readers are well. I’ve been baking much more this year and it’s been helping me stay positive. I made this summer fruit crumble a little while back now. In my adapted recipe, I included a tin a peach slices, a fresh banana and some frozen berries. I’m more used to crumbles in autumn and winter so this summer adaption was fun to create. I used a basic crumble recipe, without rolled oats, and decided butter would be best for extra indulgence. It went down well with family too.

Do you like crumble?
What is your favourite crumble filling? :-) Xx


Saturday, 29 June 2019

Original Source Lemon & Lime Foaming Shower Gel


Lately, I’ve been enjoying using this Original Source shower foam, and I thought I would share a mini review on my blog. I purchased mine inexpensively at Wilko, for £1.75. I recommend taking advantage of offers and I’ve come across the Original Source shower gels in places like supermarkets, the pound shops and drugstores.


The brand is Vegan, and widely available on the high street. I love the scents available, they do lime, lemon, rhubarb and so on in the standard shower gel. There are also quite a few options in the foam version, I personally went for the lemon and lime which is such a perfect summer fragrance.


The pumping action on the shower foam is pretty cool, and a small amount of product goes a long way. My only bug bear, is the bottle isn’t as widely recycled as the standard range (I don’t think). But other than that, I’m really glad I tried this product. Next on my to-try list are their water infusions range.

Do you like the Original Source brand?
What shower gel are you currently using? :-) Xx

Wednesday, 26 June 2019

Camfields Espresso Bar Review & Tour




Welcome back; today I’m going to be sharing a café I’ve visited quite a few times now and I’ll be talking through the menu as well as my general experience. The café is located on Saltburn seafront, and they offer a range of beverages, snacks as well as light meals such as paninis etc. I’ve tried a few things on the menu, and overall have been really pleased.

I have had a meal there once, and I ordered a special panini which I really enjoyed. I only really have sweeter things at meal times now because of the sugar and my dental issues but their extensive ice-cream/smoothie range is great if you are after treating yourself. I would be inclined to order one of their smoothies again if I went for lunch one day.





The coffee is generally of a very high standard, and I mostly opt for a decaf latte. The croissants are really buttery and fresh, I think I’ll be having one of those again! I was a bit disappointed with the scones sadly, but they may have been having an off day. 

It’s lovely to sit outside in the summer when the sun is shining, it’s really blissful actually and one of the highlights of visiting the café. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but the staff are welcoming, and there is a lovely atmosphere. Overall I would recommend the café (and Saltburn) for a day out.






What do you tend to order at cafes?
Do you have a favourite café to recommend? :-) Xx

Wednesday, 19 June 2019

Sandside Café Runswick Bay Review & Tour


Welcome back and hope you are all well. Today I’m going to be doing a café review which we visited while on holiday in Runswick Bay last year. Sandside Café is on the sea front of Runswick Bay, and we went in for lunch. So let’s begin…

We went at the height of summer in 2018, and it was fairly busy but we got a table outside and had a lovely coffee. The sun was scorching so we headed inside the café for something to eat. The décor was very pretty and sea themed. We sat by the window and had a spectacular view of Runswick Bay.



Unintentionally we all picked the same thing to eat, we had the prawn salad sandwich on brown bread with side salad and crisps. It was very fresh (and filling!). I had a glass of apple juice which was nicely cooling with the warm weather. 

I would recommend you try Sandside if you are in the Whitby area. We went on the beach afterwards and I got some great photos as well as an ice-cream. We also visited The Runcible Spoon Café on the same holiday and the review is here.



Have you ever been to Runswick Bay?
Does this look like a café you might want to try? :-) Xx

Saturday, 18 August 2018

Escada Sorbetto Rosso Perfume


Today I’m going to be talking through a perfume I received for my birthday. Escada has been one of my favourite perfume brands for a good while and have tried most of the different scents they have come out with. They tend to bring out a new limited edition summer scent every year I think and the first one I ever tried was the Island Kiss which remains my favourite. I was pleased to see the 2018 edition at Boots.com on sale so ordered it in mind for my birthday.

I was really pleased with this product, the heart note of melon comes across first and is so fun for the summer months. It does remind me of Island Kiss quite a bit which is nice but all the scents are fairly similar from the brand I would say. The packaging is beautiful, but it’s not one of my favourites from Escada. I paid £20 for a 30ml bottle which for a designer brand is a bit of a bargain. Summer is coming to a close but I plan on wearing this perfume up as it’s so pretty.



General Info and Scent Description:

The new limited edition Summer 2018 Escada Fragrance Sorbetto Rosso is a fresh and fruity fragrance inspired by the spirit and scents of the Italian Amalfi Coast. The scent contains notes of Mediterranean orchards and refreshing sea salt and held together with a heart of Watermelon.

Top Note: Juicy Pear, Aquatic accord 
Heart Note: Mouthwatering Watermelon 
Base Note: Warm amber, Praline accord


What fragrance have you been wearing over the summer? 
Have you ever tried Escada perfumes? :-) Xx