What to expect from an ESPA Facial at John Lewis, Southampton

Back at the end of 2014, I was introduced to ESPA at the Southampton Bloggers meet up. After a little consultation and a chat with the lovely Jo from the counter at Southampton's John Lewis, I left with a small batch of samples, which I used with much enthusiasm. My skin never felt so soft and it all smelt amazing! Since that weekend they have been my go-to products for a Sunday-night pamper session.

I was also kindly given a leaflet which gave me the opportunity to enjoy a 30 minute facial with ESPA, and after trying to fit it in to my busy weekends, I finally went along to enjoy thirty minutes of luxury!

I met Jo at the ESPA counter  at midday one Saturday and, after a quick introduction, I was lead to the beauty room. I had no idea that this room was in John Lewis, as it's tucked away - it really is a hidden gem, as it means that you're never too far away from the opportunity for a little pampering.

Having only ever experienced a massage before, I wasn't sure what to expect from a facial! Jo left me to sort myself out at first. After filling out an information sheet about my health and any conditions or concerns I may have, I removed my top (leaving my bra, straps down, on - thank goodness!). I tucked myself under the towels and lay on the bed waiting for Jo to return. I was both excited and nervous.

The room was incredibly peaceful, considering I was in the middle of one of the biggest shops in Southampton's West Quay shopping centre. I could hear distant sounds of shoppers, but my surroundings were so lovely I barely noticed. The room was dimly lit, giving the feel of candles and glowing lights - it was comfortably warm, the towels and bed were soft and cosy and I felt very safe (which is important when you're feeling a little vulnerable).

Jo was wonderful and made sure I was comfortable and relaxed before starting the cleansing process, using products to ensure my skin was clean and clear and ready for treatment. It was a great start to the experience and my face felt so fresh afterwards! I was asked to smell two cleansers - the strongest scent would indicate what my skin needed the most, which was a great way of allowing my body to choose products according to its response. I loved this, and ended up opting for a beautiful floral cleanser.

Next came an analysis. Jo explained to me that she would dim the lights and hold a mirror up before shining UV lights onto my skin. This was so that we could see what was really going on - sometimes what your skin does on the surface doesn't reflect what it really needs. For example, my skin may be dry on the surface, causing me to use hydrating products, but underneath it may be incredibly oily, which would require a different skincare routine altogether.

I had explained at the beginning that my skin was dry, with hormonal outbreaks and scarring. I wasn't surprised, then, that when the UV light was shone up to my skin that the feedback was focusing on dehydration. I was shown that I had black patches beneath my eyes and on my cheekbones, when the rest of my skin showed purple, meaning that my skin really was very, very dry. I also had tiny orange dots around my nose, indicating oily skin. Jo confirmed that I needed to focus on hydrating my skin, and would need to start using eye cream to ensure that I would start preventing early ageing, which I'm at risk of. At nearly 25, I was wondering when I should start getting concerned about this, so I was pleased (and admittedly a little shocked!) when she told me this.

I have to admit, I'm not overly surprised my skin is so thirsty - I've always struggled with keeping myself properly hydrated, and barely drink throughout the day. This has been just one of a number of alarm bells from my body telling me to drink more, so it's time to start getting serious about liquids.

After the analysis, which was a real highlight for me,  Jo set about pampering my face, neck and decolletage according to what my body really needed. I lay on the bed as her fingers tapped, stroked and rubbed my face, working its magic, occasionally asking me friendly questions and explaining what she was up to so that I'd know how to care for my skin at home. She even massaged the back of my neck and top of my shoulders. I was allowed to relax...and boy, did I.

Last year I went to the Marriott Hotel in Bearsted and had my first full body massage, which I loved but didn't feel I could fully relax during. This facial however left me feeling extremely calm.

As the session ended, Jo gave me a moment to sort myself out, and I sat in a daze for a few minutes in that calm, glowing room.

At the end, Jo gave me a list of all the products she'd used in case I wanted to treat myself in the future, and also provided a few generous samples of the products which had been rubbed and massaged into my skin during the past thirty minutes. I left and wandered around West Quay for a few hours afterwards feeling as if I was walking on clouds. I didn't want to break the calm that had come over me and was so delighted that it had soothed me so much!

Another little perk was that I felt that I could shop in Southampton's city centre for a few hours after my facial (still in a daze!) with no makeup on. I was barefaced, but I truly and honestly could not have cared less. I felt amazing, I was confident that I could care for my skin, and I was at the calmest I had been in a long time.

That evening I texted Jo to thank her for the experience, and I really could not be more grateful for those amazing thirty minutes that she gave me. I have never felt so relaxed and so happy with my own skin. It really was what I needed.

Since my consultation and facial I have banished those drying facial wipes from my routine (except for dire emergencies!) and have started cleansing every day with micellar water, using serums, moisturisers and eye cream every night. I'm hoping to see a real difference in my skin - and in my general health too, as I endeavour to drink more during the day.

If you'd like a facial experience and some luxury product advice, I'd really recommend checking out ESPA at your local John Lewis, if they have a counter. If you hail from Hampshire, I can't recommend seeing Jo enough. You'll have a really luxurious experience which is more than just a relaxation session, but an education as well, and Jo is just so friendly and helpful.

I hope to return to the ESPA beauty room in the future (the brand is slightly out of my budget, but I may indulge and treat myself!) - however, in the meantime, I'll be taking better care of my skin - and what's under it.

Have you ever been for a facial, or used ESPA products? I'd love to hear your thoughts and about your favourite items. 

REVIEW: Dinner at 64 Degrees, London

On the last day of February I had the pleasure of spending the night in Pimlico's Artist Residence hotel - with beautiful interiors, comfort and great service, it was the perfect stay. This hotel also happens to have it's own restaurant and, well...if you're staying there for a night, it would be rude not to try the food!

64 Degrees is a stylish and enigmatic restaurant twinned with Artist Residence in London. It offers a fast-paced dining experience, with an open kitchen, fast tapas-style dishes and a bustling atmosphere.

I'll be honest here - it took a little convincing for me to try the restaurant. I spent a while considering whether dinner would be too expensive for me (it's no budget venue) and with a few mixed reviews online (I love Tripadvisor!) I was worried that it wouldn't be worth the cost. I'm always keen for a perfect night.

I honestly had nothing to worried about.

After enjoying a few hours in The Loft, I finally decided that it would be too much of an effort to walk anywhere else for dinner and called reception to see whether 64 Degrees would happen to have any spare seats on a Saturday night. I wasn't expecting anything, and was prepared for it to be full, but the lady who welcomed us into the hotel offered us a table at the kitchen bar at 8pm - perfect!

The restaurant was buzzing by the time I arrived - it was so lovely to simply walk downstairs for dinner. It made our experience feel very exclusive. The room had a cosy atmosphere with low, moody lighting. I was surrounded by the sounds of customers chatting, loud (very varied!) music and sizzling food, and it was perfect for a spontaneous Saturday night dinner. Some may have found it too loud - it's no place for a mellow night - but for me it provided a lovely informal feel for a restaurant that could have easily been ostentatious. The noise and busyness doesn't mean that intimacy is compromised either, which was great.

After ordering some wine and browsing the menu, we decided to opt for six different tapas-style 'small dishes', two each from the meat, vegetable and fish sections. I love this style of dining, as it allows you to try a multitude of flavours, treat yourself to something new or indulge in an all-time favourite. An informal dining style for a laid-back but luxurious restaurant.

The dishes arrived one by one, as they were ready, which meant that they were fresh and hot! First  we were surprised with complimentary Scallop wontons, which were so delicious and a wonderful start to the night! Then came the scallops with chervil and whey - at £11 for three, it wasn't cheap, but it was a treat. They were cooked really well and had a lovely accompanying sauce. I'm not a huge seafood fan, but these were a tasty start. However, I will add that they were my least favourite dish of the evening (not that they were bad!) . The best was yet to come.

The Potato Knödel, cos and smoked butter were next and this was one of my favourite dishes. These were little Hungarian potato dumplings, deep fried, and served with charred lettuce! I wasn't sure about the lettuce but was pleasantly surprised as I found it incredibly moreish. I wish I had ordered more if these deep-fried beauties and oddly I couldn't stop eating the cos.

Lobster Croquettes were the third seafood dish of the night (no photo, sorry!), and were again utterly amazing. Simple tiny breaded lobster cakes, with gomasio and scotch bonnet. I wasn't sure about the latter but thankfully it wasn't spicy and was another tasty meal! I don't eat much seafood but I enjoyed how subtle and flavoursome these were - not too fishy, and very meaty. I'd love to try more lobster in the future.

Up next - our second vegetable dish - Romanesco, with cauliflower and fregola. We had to ask the waitress what this was and she told us that it was like a 'veggie macaroni cheese' which sold it to us instantly! This was a very unusual dish, unlike anything I've ever eaten before, but it was tasty and light and exactly how the waitress had described it. I'm not sure I'm selling it to you, and I know the photo isn't convincing, but it was very good. This dish was exactly what I was looking for from my experience at 64 Degrees - I wanted to try unusual and exciting food which I wouldn't find anywhere else, and this hit the spot.

The next dish was a true favourite - kimchi chicken wings with buttermilk and blue cheese. I'm not normally a fan of blue cheese but this was very tasty and real comfort food! You can't really go wrong with chicken wings, and although this wasn't my choice of plate I'm so glad my accompanying diner chose them! They were indulgent, moreish and slightly naughty!

Lastly came the venison haunch, with beetroot and cavolo nero. I know this isn't to everyone's taste, and I truly surprised myself when I tried this - Im not a big meat-eater and never thought I would be ok with eating venison. However, I was very much in a 'you only live once' mentality and thought I would go for it.

The venison came in both steak form and as a croquette, with three types of beetroot. I was so surprised at how much I loved this dish - it was rich and tender, so it was the perfect sized-portion - the meat was completely mouthwatering. I adored the croquette and was surprised at how well the beetroot went with the meat. I would definitely order this again! It was the perfect savoury dish to end on and one of my top choices for the evening. I'd even be inclined to order a larger portion.

After six meals, I was bedazzled. Each and every one was delicious and thoroughly enjoyable. Each time I was presented with a meal I was so excited to try it.

The service throughout the evening was wonderful - I loved the way the chef would fully explain the dish as it was passed to you, so you always knew exactly what you were getting, and it was always presented with pride. The staff obviously loved their work.

I also really enjoyed sitting overlooking the kitchen. It was a little odd at first, but as the evening went on I was fascinated (and a little distracted!) by the chef's work and watching the food being prepared. It added to the informal, exciting atmosphere and made the evening an event rather than a simple meal.

When the main meals were over, we couldn't resist opting for a dessert! I decided to choose something unusual again, and so went for the coconut arancini, mango and pineapple. These were very tasty and not overpoweringly sweet - though a little heavy - and ended the evening well.

I left 64 degrees in a little haze of contentment. I was reluctant to leave due to the lovely atmosphere and friendly staff, and couldn't believe the quality of the food I'd eaten. I felt like I'd really indulged and was surprised at how filling such small plates could be! I had no need to be worried about the cost - it really was worth the money and was a truly unique experience. 

It's not a restaurant I will be going to regularly - this was a special occasion for me - but I would recommend it if you fancy a bit of a different and special night out in the Pimlico area. I can imagine it's better on a peak night rather than midweek, and if you're looking for an informal feel then request a seat overlooking the kitchen - if you don't mind seeing people handling your food! I really think it's a great place for a (slightly pricey) date - great food, no pressure, and the food and kitchen will provide a distraction if it's not going so well!

I had a wonderful evening quite literally on my doorstep at Artist Residence, both down to the amazing food and wonderful service. The staff were friendly, helpful and efficient, the food was exciting, indulgent and delicious. If you're in the area and looking for something special - or if you're staying at Artist Residence, then 64 Degrees is definitely worth considering! Just make sure you book ahead.

The menu at 64 degrees changes seasonally so the food I've mentioned on here may no longer be available. It's worth taking a look online before you take the plunge! They've introduced a few little extras too, such as large plates which I would have loved to try.

Thank you 64 degrees for a lovely evening. I could eat your knödel and venison forever!

REVIEW: The Cornerhouse, Winchester

Hidden away in the quintessential streets of Winchester is a little cafe, nestled between one road and another. Inside, you'll find sweet decor, a table groaning with cakes under glass cases, and a menu full of fresh, honest food.

The Cornerhouse in Winchester had been recommended to me by a friend, and seemed like the perfect place to take my dear friend C for lunch when she came to visit the city. It sounded wonderful, and I was pleased to find that booking a table (as I had been advised!) was simple - I did it by email, and had a quick and friendly response, which was a great start.

At 1pm one January Saturday, C and I found our way to our lunchtime destination and were led to our table straight away. The Cornerhouse is a little meander away from the main Winchester high street...but don't let that fool you. It's no secret hideaway!

Within moments I could understand why I had been told to book. A queue of eager and hungry Hampshire folk had suddenly sprung up and was weaving through the door and outside. It certainly seemed like a popular place - which is always a good sign.

After ordering our drinks (raspberry lemonade for me, hot ginger beer for C) we set about trying to decide on our food. The menu wasn't too big, but there was plenty of choice and everything sounded delicious; from the simple sandwiches to the main courses. I ended up plumping for the Roasted Butternut Squash, Pumpkin and Goat's Cheese Salad, while C eventually chose the Chargrilled Halloumi Skewers (who can resist cheese?!). I'll be honest, I had my eye on the salad since I had a sneak-peek at the menu a few days before, and had set my heart on it.

While it was busy enough for us to have a little wait (we weren't bothered - more time to chat!) our food came surprisingly swiftly. We were impressed with the neat and colourful presentation...but even more so with the taste.

I love salads when they're done properly, and only order them if I think they'll be something really special - this one really, really was. My lunch looked fresh and inviting, and contained such a wide and unusual range of ingredients. It was such a wonderful, flavourful dish.

The pumpkin and butternut squash and grapes (grapes!) were sweet and complemented the cheese perfectly - I adored the beetroot and thyme dressing and, to my delight, it was a slightly warm salad - even better on such a chilly day. It was incredibly moreish and comforting. I ate it all very quickly, and couldn't stop telling C how much I loved it. It was definitely one of the best salad's I'd ever ordered!

Not that C was listening, of course - she was too busy tucking into her halloumi skewers which, she assured me, were 'completely amazing'. We both declared our dish the best, and then agreed to disagree (though I'll admit, I want to try her dish next time to see what her fuss was about!).

Though the portions were generous, we both decided we couldn't come to Winchester's Cornerhouse without trying their cake. I had been told that I must, and had trouble deciding which flavour - in the end I opted for a Salted Caramel creation, and really enjoyed it. 

The cake itself was really well baked and the slice was a generous size. I wasn't one hundred percent sure about the icing - the centre had been slathered with a layer of crunch peanut butter - hence the salted caramel - and the top was dripping with a caramel icing. It was unusual, but it was still very good. C had a gluten-free lemon cake and found hers to be very tasty. It may not have been the best cake I'd ever eaten at a cafe, and I feel like it may have been hyped up a little too much, but I do think Mary Berry would approve. I'd pop in for cake again.

We payed our bill (presented to us in an adorable Beatrix Potter book!) and left completely raving out our lunch. I am not joking when I say our praises cropped up in conversation every five minutes for the rest of the day, and even now we are Whatsapp-ing our desire to go back and eat it all again.

Thank you, Cornerhouse, for a memorable and wonderful lunch. I'll be back for more next time I am visiting!

If you're in Winchester and fancy a good lunch, breakfast or cake stop, I couldn't recommend The Cornerhouse enough. The staff are lovely, despite how busy it gets, and the food is brilliant. Take a peek at their menu online beforehand, and I'd really recommend you book beforehand so you avoid being disappointed! I can't wait to go back to try breakfast (and, who am I trying to kid...another slice of cake!)

For now, however, I am left trying to figure a way to recreate that salad at home.

REVIEW: Ebb & Flow, Southampton

Last weekend I met a friend for a long-awaited catch up over good food and drink. Much to my delight, she suggested we head to a new restaurant in the centre of Southampton: Ebb & Flow.

I've often found that the city centre is in need of more unusual coffee stops and cafes - there are a few, but it's always good to have a few more places to stop by for a light bite and tasty coffee between grabbing a bargain at your favourite shops. When I heard that somewhere new had opened up, I knew I had to try it!

As soon as I stepped through the door, I immediately fell in love with the place. Inside, the cafe bar is just gorgeous - quirky decor, with oversized floral lampshades, a beautiful bar with copper taps, so many different chairs and tables...I could go on. It's pretty spacious too and has plenty of seating. At 1pm on a Saturday it was busy, of course, but I settled on a little table for two near the back. Despite being fairly open plan, it still felt cosy, welcoming and just so friendly.

The menu is a long list of delicious-sounding all-day brunch options, flavoursome flatbreads and tasty main meals, so I had a tough time choosing! It's a casual 'order-at-the-bar' service, which reaffirms Ebb & Flow's laid-back, friendly nature. 

After a lot of dithering and deciding (the sign of a great menu!) I finally settled for their Bubble and Squeak, which was served with a poached egg, hollandaise sauce and pancetta, accompanied by a Wild Berry juice.

Upon ordering we were told that it would be a 40 minute (or so) wait. This was fine with us, since it was peak time on Saturday and the place was packed, and it gave us plenty of time to catch up over our delicious juices! I don't mind a slight delay with food when it's fresh, tasty and the restaurant is cute!

Oh...let me tell you about those juices! They were served, to my delight, in a large jam jar with ice in, and a cute glass, and were so, so fresh. It was sweet, but naturally so, and incredibly refreshing. I loved the quirky presentation (perfect Instagram material, of course!) though there was a lot of ice in there, which watered it down a bit if you left it for too long. I will definitely head back for one in the summer months to cool and refresh myself after work!

My meal arrived hot and very well presented on a beautiful plate - I swear this place will be my interior inspiration! I always like to be polite, and wait for my company to receive their meal too, so that we can eat together. There was quite a long wait between both of our meals being brought out however, and while I really appreciate food being brought out hot and fresh as it comes, it would have been nice not to have waited so long to eat together. I didn't want to eat my whole meal before my friend had even started hers!

Thankfully though, her choice arrived and we both tucked in with relish. My meal was delicious and it was so nice to have something a little different! My poached egg, unfortunately, wasn't runny as advertised on the menu, but it was still really tasty and I'd definitely order it again. I heard many great things about the open omelette too (mostly in the form of yummy noises from my friend!). 

Everyone around us seemed to be enjoying themselves too, and all of the food looked and smelled amazing! I wish I could have tried more from the menu but, alas, we didn't have the time. I suppose I'll just have to return to try more! I have my eye on the flatbreads next...

I left Ebb & Flow with a huge grin on my face - how better to spend a Saturday afternoon than in a gorgeous new cafe bar with great food, very friendly staff, and lovely company? Its the perfect place for a mid-shopping catch-up  with friends and, I imagine, post-work cocktails.

I'll be honest - I didn't care about the longer waiting time - it was a busy Saturday, and it meant the the food was fresh to order. It was a shame it took a while for us both to get our meals, but the staff were great about it,  food was really worth it, and there's a pretty relaxed atmosphere, so it didn't bother me for too long.

I'll definitely be back for more food and to try their sweet treats - they even do afternoon tea too, which I am very keen to try. I'm so pleased to see another unique eatery pop up in the city. Welcome, Ebb & Flow - you'll be seeing much more of me this year!

Ebb & Flow can be found on Above Bar street, near other restaurants and not too far from all of the shops, including West Quay.

If you want to read another (rather fab) review, Tammi of Tammingtons got there before me (and she eats Gluten Free, so perfect for other GF foodies!)

There's nothing like a pretty, friendly and tasty cafe catch-up to start the weekend off well. Let me know if you've been and what you think in the comments!

#sotonoctmeetup - The Goody Bag

It's a little delayed - but I have been able to give you all a little sneak peek into the goody bag from last month's #sotonoctmeetup - I promise the next one will be up quicker!

I wrote about my experience at my first local bloggers' meet-up on October 25th. I was incredibly excited to be a part of it all, and it was a great opportunity to meet some lovely fellow bloggers...but the little cherry on the delicious bloggers' cake was the generous goody bag we received at the end of the day!

Not only did we have some lovely brands with us throughout the day, including ESPA, Lush, Merumaya and In Situ Cosmetics, but other brands had been generous enough to donate some treats for goody bags and a raffle.

I was lucky enough to win a Crabtree & Evelyn gift set in the raffle - which I didn't manage to photograph or review as I just had to give it to my mum, as she never treats herself to beauty products like that! Other great prizes included some beautiful jewellery from Silver Tree and treats from ESPA, who were at the event themselves, amongst others!

Now, the goody bags were just lovely. Catherine had popped a little heartfelt tag on the bag, which was crammed with goodies, many of which were natural and cruelty-free. Here are some of the gifts and samples I received!

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom and Manuka Honey samples - NSpa Coconut Body Mist - Andrew Barton Miracle Frizz Tamer - Nanshy Blending Brush - Metique Antiseptic Lotion - Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer - Steamcream - Leighton Denny Varnish in Miss Behavin' - Arbonne Calm For Face - Oh! Organics Mandarin Lip Balm.

There were also a number of leaflets and offers within the bag too, which I am still yet to go through and make the most of, so I'm looking forward to that. I've already been using some of these products - I have a bad habit of hoarding and saving treats like these up! I've been enjoying using Steamcream, the lip balm is lovely, and the body mist smells amazingly fresh. I also received a few compliments for the Leighton Denny varnish! I'm looking forward to testing out my other treats in the run up to Christmas - when you need treats like these the most! I also received a cute teacup and teapot set and some chocolate.

I felt very lucky to come back with some amazing gifts. As well as these, I received a mini ESPA skincare kit - which I have been absolutely loving, so expect  a review very, very soon!

If you attended the #sotonoctmeetup I'd love to know which products you've been enjoying the most!

So Natural: So Calming Lavender and Aloe Vera Shampoo & Conditioner*

In the summer, the lovely ladies over at So Natural popped along some of their products for me to try. Along with my brown bag full of body products (including an amazing body & face oil, and a body scrub) they sent along another, with some natural treats for my hair!

Although in my previous posts I mentioned that I do like to try and use simple, kind-to-skin products on my face and body, my hair is another story. Honestly? I’ll just buy whatever is on offer, as I find a lot of haircare over-priced. If it’s discounted, and my bottles are nearly empty, I’ll put them in my basket and be on my way.

This is strange, really, because my head is where my really sensitive skin lives. I’ve always had a temperamental scalp; a combination of soft water and stress can leave it incredibly uncomfortable. This has, fortunately, calmed down as I’ve grown up, but sometimes it does flare up and it’s times like this when I could probably do with taking better care of it!

I tend to use all of the usual shampoos to help with this, but I’ve never really considered using something natural, to soothe my skin and care for my hair. I never really thought about using chemical-free products to help with this problem of mine.

As explained in my previous reviews, So Natural are a family business who focus on kind-to-skin, cruelty-free products without chemicals. Good for the body, and the soul.

I received So Natural’s So Calming Shampoo and Conditioner. My first impressions were very good; the products come in lovely bottles, which match my other samples and look good on my bathroom shelf - always a priority, of course! I was particularly pleased to see a pump dispenser for each; I tend to end up with far too much product in my hands usually, so this means no wasted lotions and potions and therefore less money wasted too. It also means that bottles can't be dropped with slippery hands in the shower - something I'm always doing! I always think that a pump dispenser for hair-care gives the product a really high-end, luxury feel.

These products contain lavender, which is perfect for me, as I usually wash my hair before bed in the evening. They smell calming, and subtle, so thankfully not too overpowering - nobody wants their hair to smell like an over-stocked florist! The aloe vera is also very soothing and a lovely addition to the product. These were definitely chosen for their lovely scents as well as for their soothing properties for your skin and scalp.

On each of their samples, So Natural had provided information about their products. I had been advised that these would not foam quite as much as other shampoos and conditioners, due to the absence of chemicals. This was very reassuring, and it was nice to know what was normal for the products so that I didn't worry when the time came to use them. Sometimes it’s nice to physically see the difference between natural products and chemical-laden ones.

I really enjoyed using the shampoo and conditioner. I loved the pumps, as I've mentioned; the products are easy to use, and they stay nice and clean! The So Calming Shampoo smells lovely, and still foamed enough for me, despite the warning. My hair felt deeply cleansed, as if it had got rid of any residue from other hair products used throughout the day. I'm always keen to try to prevent the build-up of gels and oils in my hair and this shampoo certainly left my hair feeling naked, natural and clean.

The So Calming Conditioner was equally as deliciously-scented and easy to use. As with the shampoo, due to the natural ingredients the conditioner wasn't as rich and thick as some others, and I wasn't sure how much to use. I'm used to my hair feeling coated in a 'mask' of conditioner, and so I instinctively used a large amount to get the same effect. This, I think, was a mistake, as I clearly struggled to clean it all off, and my hair was a little greasy after being left to dry naturally. This was a real shame as it was lovely to use, and smelled divine. Unfortunately, the same thing happened after I used it for a second time. It's clear that with these products your hair won't feel covered in the product even when you've definitely used enough!

My verdict? The shampoo left my hair feeling incredibly clean and light, and both products smelled so relaxing. The products definitely made my hair feel restored - which is exactly what was promised! My scalp also really benefited - perhaps the purity of the ingredients and the lack of chemicals meant that my scalp was less irritated, and this is definitely something I'll be considering for the future. Sadly, I was a little disappointed that my hair felt so greasy, but I'll put this down to my own personal misuse of the conditioner! I don't think this will happen every time with proper use and 'portioning'. I must have been too enthusiastic!

I am continuing to use So Natural's So Calming Conditioner and Shampoo as part of my routine - I think my scalp will thank me for it!  I'm also more careful when using the conditioner - less is definitely more with these products, and it definitely proves that natural and chemical-free does not mean less effective!

*This post is a review of products sent to me by the company. However, my views are 100% honest and completely my own.

Happy Halloween: Lush's Sparkly Pumpkin

It's Halloween in just a few days, and even though I don't go all out for it, I do like to participate in my own little way.

This year I'm not donning fancy dress; my plan is to carve a pumpkin, help my housemate with her costume (A-Level Art finally comes in handy!) and enjoy a seasonal treat or two...namely some pumpkin soup and, of course, a festive Lush product!

Lush's Sparkly Pumpkin is a cute little treat, perfect for a low-key nod to this time of year. I spotted it at the Lush Festive preview a few weeks ago, and a couple of days later I went back to buy it. As well as gorgeously glittery (who can resist that shimmer?) it smells gorgeous, with lime, juniperberry and grapefruit oil. 

This is not a zingy fragrance, however, and it's not overpoweringly refreshing. In fact, I used this bubble bar at 10pm for a night-time bath, and it was perfectly relaxing. It's not pungent, and creates the most beautiful burnt-orange water with gold sparkles floating amongst the bubbles. I sank into my bath and felt instantly soothed and pampered. Sparkly Pumpkin is uplifting and calming - it's a shame this scent isn't available all year round!

If you're looking for an alternative Halloween to one spent scrambling for fancy dress ideas and navigating the streets filled with trick-or-treaters or drunken students, this would be the perfect start (or finish!) to your night - whether you choose to follow it with a classic horror film, or something a bit more subtle. It's also calorie-free - the perfect alternative to all of those devilish sweets and cakes!

I think many of Lush's Halloween products get overlooked, thanks to the hype surrounding their Christmas treats - however, their products, like Sparkly Pumpkin, shouldn't be ignored - they're just as gorgeous and are perfect for Autumn.

Grab one of these beauties before they vanish soon - hopefully, we'll be seeing the Sparkly Pumpkin next autumn! I'll definitely be buying one again.

If you fancy a Halloween costume idea which doesn't break the bank, take a look at my post from last year - the perfect last-minute DIY outfit.

Happy Halloween!

London Life: Sunday Brunch at Ffiona's, Kensington

On a drizzly Sunday morning, I awoke with a stinking great cold.

It was August, would you believe, but the weather out of the window and my immune system were trying to tell me otherwise.

Still revelling in the previous night's theatrical masterpiece at the Gielgud Theatre, I checked out of my hotel and headed out to South Kensington for a spot of Sunday brunch - because what else can you do at the weekend in London?

After a spot of googling, we eventually found our way to Ffiona's, tucked away around the streets. We were promised the 'best brunch in London' by a number of reviews, so we headed in,  anticipating a real treat.

Our first mistake was clear from the very beginning; we were asked if we had booked (we had not). This was met with a slight grimace - we had clearly underestimated the popularity of this tiny cafe, and I started to worry that our brunch plans had been scuppered by spontaneity. Eventually, however, we found ourselves perched on the end of a large table, having been told we'd need to leave within the hour as they were expecting to get busy.

Unfortunately, this was a little uncomfortable - my seat was right next to the door, which was obviously in continual use, and was a bit disturbing and cold. Being sat at the very edge of a table isn't the best way to feel welcome, and after a slightly frosty reception (our menus were handed over briskly, and no guidance or friendly chatter was provided) I felt a bit awkward. 

The other visitors were clearly enjoying themselves. One American family were being talked through the variety of the menu by one lady who was charismatic and entertaining; and another couple were tucking into their food with gusto.

The cafe itself was lovely; small, intimate, and nicely decorated, with beautiful furniture and pretty fresh flowers.  I thought it was even a bit quirky. The menu sounded delicious too, especially the lunches, which I knew would prove popular within the next few hours!

I opted for a simple pot of tea, and blueberry and maple syrup waffles, having been craving them all weekend! The food arrived promptly and I have to say the waffles looked and tasted delicious. It was a treat for my senses! Sweet, fluffy, and warm, with a whole jug of maple syrup to myself. I would have liked a few more blueberries (I just about got one of my five-a-day!) as I love my fruit, or a few more topping options,  but they were tasty. I did get a bit confused when ordering, as the menu gave the impression that I would get more than just blueberries, but perhaps that was my mistake.

I was told on good authority that the Pesto Benedict was delicious and unique, and the suggested addition of halloumi was excellent (a plus, suggested by the waitress!). Though apparently the Hollandaise Sauce could have been better). It's safe to say the Brunch menu was impressive and very enticing.

As promised, within the hour we had left and ventured back into the pouring rain to explore the museums on Exhibition Road. It was all a bit of a whirlwind, to be honest - we did have time to chat and muse over our tea, but it wasn't the relaxed, drawn-out brunch we would have preferred on a Sunday. 

I like to be honest in my reviews, and while the food was lovely - simple, fresh and filling - I do think it was a bit over-priced for what we received. The service was also a little 'off', sadly. I am sure that the team at Ffiona's are lovely and a lot of thought and care has gone into the cafe, as they have a very good reputation, but I felt rather unwelcome - perhaps this was because we were cheeky enough to turn up without a booking. 

The various reviews online seem to mostly rave about Ffiona's, but from my experience it seemed a little over-hyped. However, I know that I have only been once, and it's hard to judge somewhere on a single experience. Nevertheless, I would have liked to have had a better brunch - it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either, and we both left feeling a little...odd. And it wasn't just because of my unseasonal cold.

Lush Cosmetics Preview - Halloween & Christmas 2014

Last night I went along to my local Lush Cosmetics store to have a cheeky sneak-peak at their new products for Winter 2014 before they became available in store today.

I've always been a huge fan of Lush, and when I found out about the event I just jumped at the chance. Nothing screams the arrival of Winter in the beauty world more than sparkly shower gels, cinnamon-scented soaps and the cutest little bath bombs. Both Halloween and Christmas are covered, so there's something for even the grumpiest of scrooges!

It seems a little early for all of this - and I make a point of only celebrating Christmas from December 1st...but who can resist an opportunity like this? I stock up on Christmas goodies every year, so I arrived excited to find a new favourite - and slightly nervous, as it was my first 'event' as a blogger!

I find that treating myself to seasonal products a few months before Christmas can really set the mood. These bath bombs and gels aren't just for Christmas - they're for winter, and we should make the most of them!

My first reaction was joy at seeing some brand new treats amongst old faithfuls. Every year, Lush bring out their most popular seasonal products - such as Snow Fairy shower gel and Cinders bath bomb - but there were plenty of new things to try.

My favourite new product was the Hot Toddy shower gel. A beautiful deep red with golden sparkles, this gel smells of traditional yuletide; cinnamon, cloves, ginger and a hint of lemon. It's not the lightest of scents, but I can imagine it will be very warming on a cold winter's morning. Needless to say a little bottle of this made it's way into my basket instantly - I can't wait to try it!

I loved the range of shower gels; Snow Fairy and So White are both lighter and sweeter - I'll be hoping to try the latter soon - it has a crisp, apple scent which complements the name!

My heart was also lost to their solid soaps. I don't use these very much, as I find shower gels more user-friendly - but I loved Yog Nog and Reindeer Rock. Both are beautifully formed and would look great beside the sink!

Of course, they both smell divine too - Yog Nog was my favourite, with a sweet, creamy gingery scent reminding me of a hot milky drink beside the fire. It contains soya yoghurt, cloves and nutmeg, making if soft and comforting. I couldn't help myself - I had to buy a chunk! The other soaps were also lovely - but I couldn't buy them all, even if I wanted to! Reindeer Rock smelt refreshing and fruity, and was a beautiful deep red, so that's next on my list. I think the solid soaps are often overlooked, and they didn't seem to get much attention last night - but make sure you notice them this Christmas, as they are gorgeous!

When it comes to bath bombs, bubble bars and melts...well, there are just too many to name. Lush have over thirty different products out and the majority of these are bath treats. Stand-out products for me, however, were Holly Golightly, Lord of Misrule, Butterbear, Sparkly Pumpkin, Cinders and The Melting Snowman. It is so hard to choose, however, and I would happily use every single product in the run up to Christmas and Halloween. There is a great mixture of traditional and quirky, and each one of them brings a surprise.

Of course, it wouldn't be a seasonal preview without the glitter! After speaking to one of the assistants, I learnt that the glitter in their products has recently been reformed so that it doesn't get everywhere as much as it used to. This means you can buy these shimmering treats without fear of finding glitter in your bathroom and on your body for weeks after use! I find this appealing - I always worry about the mess that comes with sparkly products such as Holly Golightly and Star Light Star Bright, but now I have no need to.

Personally, I enjoy traditional scents; cinnamon, nutmeg, pine...if it smells like a spiced pudding or a walk in the winter woods, I'll be besotted. Christmas, for me, is about traditions; greens, reds, golds, comfort food, blankets, fires and nature. I'm not normally attracted to sickly sweet products like Snow Fairy or Candy Mountain (as delicious as they are - I won't say no!) - so many of my favourites are spiced scents.

Unfortunately I didn't get to see any of the gifts or cleansers - I think they were brought out after I left - but I will be heading back in store very, very soon, so no doubt I'll pick some up then.

For fear of waffling on and listing products, I'll stop here. But my final thoughts on Lush's Halloween and Christmas products? Halloween unfortunately seemed to get overshadowed by the sheer volume of Christmas stuff - so I would have liked to see a little more of those. There was not one product I disliked, however, and there is so much to choose from - which means that you're bound to find the perfect gift for friends and family in there somewhere!

I loved having a little snoop around before they went on general sale - and I can't wait to try out my Hot Toddy, Melting Snowman and Yog Nog - so watch out for reviews! I can't wait to get my hands on some more of my favourites.

You can find all of Lush's Christmas and Halloween products online and in store now.

Do you have a Lush Halloween or Christmas Favourite?