Five of my Recent Favourites

Well, this was supposed to be a monthly thing but as usual life is getting in the way of my blog. I'm not complaining though, despite extra health issues and lifes usual ups and downs things are pretty nice atm. At the weekend we went to Almondell Park which is actually pretty close to home but I've never been. It's a beautiful park but it is huge so I rested with a book (I've just started reading The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon, which I'm really enjoying, only £1.99 on Kindle too) while my son and husband went off exploring. 

This brings me nicely to my first selection of favourites: the book Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. I discovered this, like most things in life, on Instagram (mine is here btw, come say hai). Eleanor Oliphant is an outsider and loner who's had a deeply troubled childhood. Just how awful her childhood experiences are gradually unfold throughout the narrative. But it's not a dark book; in fact it's the opposite, it's filled with humour and warmth throughout. The last few chapters are especially joyous. If you've ever suffered clinical depression you'll recognise parts of this heart-wrenching and isolating illness, as well as signs of hope and recovery in this book. A joy to read, do it! (buy here)

I know I keep banging on about L'Oreal Matte Addiction lipsticks (which I reviewed here) but they are VERY good. I've been wearing Haute Rouge every single day for a good couple of weeks now. This is the most gorgeous cool-toned red (leaning towards raspberry). It's easy to apply, feels comfortable, and is long-wearing. If you haven't tried Matte Addiction yet I really recommend giving them a go, they're often on offer in Boots. 

I previously reviewed EKIA skincare here but have since returned to EKIA Creme Initiale Corrective Anti-ageing Cream* after having a little break from trialing skincare for the blog. I think I love this cream even more now. I love the smell, I love how it sinks in and doesn't leave any residue just smooth, comfortable skin, and I especially love how bright and healthy my skin looks using this. You can buy it from Holland and Barret here.

Another skincare product I've been trialing is PMD Microdermabrasion Device*. This is a handy at home microdermabrasion tool that aims to deliver brighter looking skin while diminishing the effect of fine lines and minor skin blemishes. It does this by using fine crystals and a vacuum to remove dead skin cells. I've been using PMD Microdermabrasion for over a month now, I'll post a fuller review when I've used it for longer but so far so good! It's super easy to use, doesn't take long to do and also doesn't hurt in the slightest. I think the effects can be seen most noticeably the next day (probably because the device helps skincare products to absorb better). My skin is much brighter and smoother. PMD Microdermabrasion Device is also much cheaper to buy than going to the salon for multiple treatments, just remember to use sun protection after use! You can find out more about PMD Microdermabrasion Device here.

Finally, some music. Since my son started nursery a few months ago I've had a bit of time to myself so I've been catching up with music. I went to a Metronomy gig a couple of months ago and they're constantly being played in our house. The track I can't stop playing is the wonderful ABBA-esque Everything Now by Arcade Fire. It's just a brilliant track and I think this band keeps going from strength to strength.

Have you got any recommendations for me? 

(*PR Sample, contains affiliated links)