Wimbledon Afternoon Tea At The Ampersand Hotel London

The popularity of Afternoon Tea shows no signs of abating and in an effort to go that extra mile and offer something a little different from the traditional Tea, I have noticed more and more themed teas appearing on the menu.

In my opinion this is no bad thing and to be welcomed. I am enjoying seeing the creativity from the chefs and trying out these alternative twists on the classic British tradition.

On Sunday I found myself at The Ampersand Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in South Kensington trying out the Wimbledon themed Afternoon Tea. I took along my husband (the blonde who needs to opt for a dairy free option) for company.

We ordered the Champagne Wimbledon Afternoon Tea, at the time of ordering we were asked if there were any dietary requirements and so we asked if it was possible to have a dairy free afternoon tea for the husband. We had to wait a little longer for our food to arrive as the chef was whipping up some delightful alternatives for my husband.

The Drawing Rooms where Afternoon Tea is served is a gorgeous and stylish lounge setting. I loved the cool decor and the ambiance was incredibly relaxed and informal, there was unimposing background music being played.

We were brought a glass of champagne each and chose our teas to accompany the food. I opted for an Afternoon Tea with notes of caramel whilst my husband went for a light Darjeeling which were both great options.

Wimbledon Afternoon Tea served 21st June to 6th July 

My menu 

Savoury Gougeres

Gloucester Old spot ham, sauce gribiche 

H. Forman & Son London smoked salmon, dill & cream cheese 

Coronation chicken 

Cheese with fruit chutney 

Homemade white chocolate and plain scones served with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve

Pastries

Coconut mousse & mango passion fruit jelly tennis ball on a lime cake tennis court 

Gingerbread tennis racket 

Strawberry and cream tart

Blueberry white chocolate ganache macaroon 

Pimm’s cocktail shot

What a menu! Not a finger sandwich in sight or an egg mayonnaise filling... and the pastries and sweets were made of all the elements that make up the perfect Wimbledon experience  - A tennis racket, the ball on the green grass lawn, strawberries and cream tart, a macaroon in the Wimbledon colours and finally a Pimms shot. 

The mini rolls were so light to bite into and yet so deceivingly filling. I loved every single one of them, my favourite had to be the Coronation chicken, I would really like it to appear more on Afternoon tea menus.

The scones were warm and delicious. The pastries were utterly delightful, there wasn't one that was left. 

This Wimbledon themed Afternoon Tea was so so good. The taste every bit as good as its appearance!

We have to give the chef huge credit for catering to my husband's request for dairy free at such short notice, his sweets were composed of meringues and plenty of fruit which he enjoyed immensely. 

To sum up - A stylish, charming and informal setting. Fabulous food. Well worth a visit.

Wimbledon Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel £32.50 (£44.50 with a glass of Champagne)

*Look out for further themed teas, alternatively the Classic Afternoon Tea costs £27.50 (£39.50 with a glass of Champagne)

Dr.Organic Handwash Review

A huge thumbs up from me for these brilliant handwashes from Dr.Organic. They are paraben free, SLS free, do not contain any artificial colours, harsh chemicals, fragrances or preservatives. 

There are three products in the range -

Organic Tea Tree - cleansing, revitalising and restoring. This smells medicinal with the classic tea tree scent which is a huge hit in this household. Hands feel super clean and best of all are left super soft.

Organic Aloe Vera Rich Soothing Cleanser - sensitive, restoring and protecting. This has a gorgeous, fresh, slightly citrus scent.

Organic Lavender Handwash Purifying Cleanser - fragrance, conditioning and balancing. Unsurprisingly this smells of Lavender.

My husband has terribly dry hands and since using the Dr.Organic handwashes has seen a huge difference in the condition of his hands, they are softer, smoother and there is minimal, if no dry skin at all. I don't suffer from dry skin but I have noticed that my hands don't feel tight (like I need to use a cream to make them feel more comfortable) after washing with a hand wash when using these SLS free products.

We have been so impressed with the Dr.Organic Handwashes that we will be switching for good. Yes they are more expensive than our usual choice but they are worth it.

Dr.Organic Handwashes are available from Holland & Barrett and cost £5.19

*PR Samples

Charles Worthington Shine Booster All Over Gloss Spray Review

Charles Worthington say 

Even the healthiest hair can sometimes use an extra shot of shine to create the sort of mirror finish that paparazzi flashes bounce off. The Shine Booster collection of products uses the unique Luminoil Complex which penetrates deep inside the hair cuticle, nourishing hair from within and smoothing the surface to give serious, shimmering shine. Green fruits and white florals – including jasmine blossom and lily – give a fresh, revitalising fragrance to the range.

This mirror-shine formula, with added Crystal extract, smoothes away flyaways and split ends. Hair is left sleek, gleaming and super-gloss shiny.

My thoughts 

This is super easy to use, simply spritz all over your finished style. This All Over Gloss Spray doesn't leave hair feeling sticky or weighed down with product, in fact you won't even know that you have used an extra product. It doesn't leave hair greasy looking either, instead you are left with beautiful mirror like shine and hair that looks really, really healthy and wonderfully sleek. Scent wise this is gorgeous and hair smells sublime!

I love using this just before I am about to head out. Brilliant product and at just £5.99 a bargain.

Charles Worthington Shine Booster All Over Gloss Spray 100ml £5.99

*PR Sample

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Nude Beige Review & Swatch

 I had been lusting after a new nude lipstick for some time and trawled endless beauty counters looking for the perfect one.. Nothing tickled my fancy or instantly grabbed me, either being too brown, too dark or too pink. Until I came across the YSL counter whereupon I promptly fell in love with Nude Beige 1 from the Rouge Volupte range.

With that all important feel good factor, Rouge Volupte boasts beautiful luxurious gold packaging and a stunning central YSL design with the shade colour on the outside for handy reference.

This is a truly first class lipstick, it glides on with its silky, creamy formula but doesn't compromise on pigment. It applies evenly and leaves lips feeling moisturised and soft. It also has an SPF15 so perfect for all year round.

Nude Beige is a stunning nude/pink shade that on appearance looks like it could be a nude to suit all colourings. It suits me but also looks amazing on my mum who has green eyes and red hair.

YSL Rouge Volupte Nude Beige Swatch

Wearing YSL Rouge Volupte Nude Beige Lipstick

This may be my first YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick but it certainly will not be the last.

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick £25

Good Things Manuka Honey Daily Moisturiser Review

This daily moisturiser is part of the new Manuka Honey range from Good Things. The range also includes a creamy cleanser (which I really want to try), a radiance face mask and a refining scrub.

Good Things say 

This lightweight, youth-protecting formula combines the intense moisturising properties of royal jelly and beeswax to provide deep hydration to skin. With echinacea extract to promote skin longevity, leaving skin feeling nourished and looking renewed. Bee venom helps boost collagen levels, while propolis and manuka honey add an antibacterial element. Added sunscreens provide daily protection leading to firmer, clearer, visibly healthier looking skin.

My thoughts 

First thing to note is that it should not be used by people allergic to bee and wasp stings.

This moisturiser for the face smells good enough to eat. It has a delicious sweet honey scent but it isn't overpowering just really, really pleasant. The cream feels thick coming being dispensed from the tube but is light and absorbs instantly. You may think that the inclusion of honey in the ingredients would leave skin with a sticky or tacky residue but it doesn't.

It leaves skin feeling super soft, bright and glowy. A good moisturiser for my normal/combination skin and such excellent value makes it hard to resist.

The only thing I would say is that in the description  it mentions added sunscreens providing protection but gives no indication of what level this is. In any case, I use a separate facial sunscreen!

Good Things is free from Parabens, Mineral Oils, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

Good Things Manuka Honey Daily Moisturiser 100ml costs £7.99 

*PR Sample

LOLA by Perse Nail Polish - Tangerine Dream & Sandstorm

This orange and gold nail combo quite simply has to be my new favourite Summer Nails look..The orange representing the Sun and the gold representing golden sands on the beach. This just screams HOLIDAY!

LOLA by Perse is a new brand for me but already I am impressed with these nail polish shades, formula and finish.

040 Tangerine Dream is a gorgeous milky orange shade and 035 Sandstorm is the perfect shimmery gold shade.

LOLA Nail Polish 11ml is £8

LOLA Make Up by Perse is available from Marks and Spencer Beauty Halls and Online.

*PR Samples

Alesha Dixon Rose Quartz Review

When I was told that Alesha Dixon's fragrance Rose Quartz outsold One Direction's One Moment offering by 2 to 1 in The Fragrance Shop it peaked my interest. I must admit I am not immediately drawn to a celebrity fragrance just because a certain celeb is fronting it but I am open to giving them a go.

Rose Quartz was inspired by Alesha's love of crystals and their healing properties. Rose Quartz is known as the stone of love bringing positive thoughts, feelings of self worth and happiness to its owner. This explanation was enough to convince me to try the scent!

The bottle is soft pink and shaped like a crystal, in a nod to the Rose Quartz.

The fragrance features top notes of Bergamot and Grapefruit which on initial spray provide a fresh and fruity beginning but this soon settles to a beautiful, subtle and feminine floral fragrance with heart notes of Rose, Magnolia, Geranium and Jasmine. The fragrance contains a woody base with notes of Amber, Patchouli, Vetiver, Cedar and Musk

The result is a hugely wearable and appealable perfume that is not at all showbiz largesse but one that appears to have been carefully thought out.  Very nice.

Thumbs up Alesha!

Alesha Dixon EDT Spray 100ml costs £24.50 from The Fragrance Shop 

*PR Sample

Glossybox June 2014 - What's Inside Mine

June's Glossybox has the theme of Summer ready. Glossybox are also guaranteeing 3 out of 5 full size products in the box with a minimum box value of £45.

So what was in mine ...

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara £10.99 

This was a welcome inclusion. It is one of my favourite mascaras.. although in Summer because of hay fever I need a waterproof mascara.

Teez Beautiful Eyes Flat Stiff Brush €19 

This is a new brand for me but the product features a super pretty print brush handle and soft natural bristles. I haven't used this yet but I will.

Rituals Qi Gong Organic White Lotus & Yi Yi Ren 24h Anti-perspirant spray 50ml £3.50 

A travel size version of the full size version that is available to buy. This smells very fresh and light. I will use this for a weekend away.

Nail Girls 3 in 1 Base Coat/Top Coat and Nail Strengthener 10ml £13.50 

I rarely apply a top coat to my nail polish so I am looking forward to giving this a go and seeing if it adds super glossy shine to my polish.

So Susan Concealer Quad £17

Another new brand for me to discover. This small quad  contains 4 concealer shades to cover dark circles, blemishes and minor imperfections. I like the range of shades, it could carry me through all seasons.

Final thoughts 

Value wise this is a stonking box and I did essentially receive 4 full size products and a travel size one. In addition the products are all ones that I would use or at least give a go.
Great box for June.

Glossybox costs £10 plus P+P

*PR Sample

Taylors of Harrogate Sweet Rhubarb Tea Review

I first noticed Taylors of Harrogate teas when the beautiful Flower Fairies advertising caught my attention. I absolutely loved the charming books and illustrations from Cicely Mary Barker when I was growing up. To see them in print again brought it all back to me, however I digress .. Taylors of Harrogate have recently gave away samples of their fruit and herbal teas and of course I couldn't wait to try!

I am a huge fan of rhubarb, the mix of tart yet sweet fruit especially in a crumble is just delicious so I was curious to see how this was going to transfer into a tea.

Taylors of Harrogate say 

Created in partnership with the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew

We’re completely smitten with the tangy-sweet flavour of natural rhubarb, so we’ve captured it in a cup. It’s partnered with two ingredients that work in perfect harmony – the refreshing sharpness of apple and the peppy zing of blackberry leaf – to make a wonderfully vibrant infusion.

Only natural ingredients, caffeine free, no added sugar.

Ingredients - 

Hibiscus, rosehips, sweet blackberry leaves, apple, natural flavourings (10%) rhubarb (2%)

My thoughts 

Not only does this smell delicious in the cup the actual taste is equally delicious. A perfectly balanced cup of sweet with a tanginess that is refreshing. As Taylors of Harrogate say, the taste of rhubarb has been captured in the cup which I was delighted with. So many fruit teas are a huge disappointment but this is given a massive thumbs up

Nice for any time of day. 

Available from Tesco, Waitrose and direct from the Kew website

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid SPF15

Just like the Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid the Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid boasts the same benefits -

Piz Buin say 

This face fluid combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB protection with an ultra light formula that dries instantly. The hydrating fluid spreads easily over your skin for a weightless dry touch feel. The non sticky and non greasy formula absorbs instantly without leaving white marks which makes it ideal to be worn daily. Enriched with an anti-oxidant* Vitamin E derivative, it helps to prevent sun induced premature skin ageing.

Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid is sweat and water resistant.

Benefits

Has an instant dry touch
Feels ultra light on application
Formulated with special powders to give a unique dry touch feel
Oil free formula which leaves a non greasy finish, skin feels silky smooth

My thoughts 

This has the gorgeous scent that is synonymous with Piz Buin. This light fluid is so light that it feels like it is barely there on the face, leaves no white marks and dries instantly without leaving a sticky residue. In fact I find that it acts a bit like a primer as it provides a great base for makeup application. 

I have been trying out the SPF15 as a lot of my products already contain an SPF but I would be tempted to upgrade to the SPF30 version as I do like a higher SPF in the Summer months. 

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid 50ml is available in SPF15 and SPF30 versions costing £12

*Boots currently have it on a half price offer for just £6

**PR Sample

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

When I wrote a post on facial mists I mentioned I wanted to try the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist.

I tried it when I went to M&S one day and fell in love with it, just before I got round to buying it I won it in a Jurlique competition and so here it is featured on BeautySwot.com

Rosewater Balancing Mist

Jurlique say

A light, hydrating mist rich in Rose Essential Oil and powerful botanicals to refresh and enliven skin and senses.

This light, hydrating mist with precious Rose Essential Oil is designed to improve skin tone, moisture levels and skin balance. Marshmallow and Aloe help to hydrate skin's surface. Skin feels hydrated, refreshed and dewy.

Ingredients 

Marshmallow and Glycerin help prevent moisture loss and intensely hydrate and soften the skin.
Rose and Aloe Vera soften, soothe and calm the skin.
Grapefruit Seed provides antioxidant protection.

To use - Lightly mist onto face or mist into hands and gently press onto the skin.

My thoughts 

I am a massive lover of rose products and scents and so the idea of this facial mist was hugely appealing. It doesn't disappoint. The scent is just like rosewater, beautifully fragrant. The spray is perfect for spraying a light mist. It smells so good and skin feels refreshed, cooled and dewy.

I apply after cleansing and through the day for lovely and soft instantly hydrated skin. It doesn't interfere with makeup and actually helps set it.

This is the perfect Summer companion and would be excellent kept in the fridge for extra cooling benefit.

I thought I would love it and I do.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

50ml £16.50
100ml £21.50

Paul & Joe Beaute Colour Lasting Base Nail Enamel in Indigo Blues

Today's Nails Of The Day come from Paul & Joe Beaute - this is Indigo Blues (15) from the Colour Lasting Base shades. Housed in a gorgeous vintage-inspired bottle this is a deep blue shade that is perfect all year round. I like teaming it with denim.

The polish is formulated with organic plant oils to treat nails and keep them healthy and the formula is quick drying and long lasting. I used two coats for the nicest finish.

There are 23 shades to choose from

Paul & Jo Beaute Colour Lasting Base £12

*PR Sample

3 Top Male Fragrances For Father's Day

Father's Day is this Sunday (15th June) and if you are after some last minute gift idea inspiration then I have three gorgeous fragrances right here.

First up is Hugo Boss - Boss Unlimited Eau de Toilette

I always find Hugo Boss make great scents for men and the limited edition Boss Unlimited is no exception.

Claiming to be the must have scent for this Summer of Sport, the fragrance is represented in advertisements by England Goalkeeper Joe Hart. 

Top notes - Iced Violet Leaves, Mint & Grapefruit
Heart notes - Pineapple 
Base notes - Sandalwood, Musk & green Cistus

The result is a refreshing and invigorating scent that has a heart that is ever so slightly sweet and finally releases a masculine and aromatic woody dry down.

This scent is unmistakably Hugo Boss and the ice white bottle is super cool. I predict this to be a bestseller.

Hugo Boss - Boss Unlimited 
EDT 50ml £41
EDT 100ml £55

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Lacoste L!VE Eau de Toilette Spray

If you are looking for something a bit more edgy and modern then take a look at Lacoste L!VE

This cubed shaped blue bottle features the scent name written in red on a white background on the front, another side is red with the Lacoste crocodile logo in white and two more white sides.

The scent is quite different from others on the market and I think would appeal to a more youthful audience. Energetic and stylish this scent will make a man stand out from the crowd.

Top notes - Lime
Heart notes - Green Leaves & Fresh Aquatic
Base notes - Guaiac Wood & Dark Licorice

The result is a vibrant and zesty awakening of the senses followed by a freshness which finally lays down to a sensuous end.

Lacoste L!VE EDT 100ml £47

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Lacoste EAU DE LACOSTE L.12.12 Blanc Limited Edition 

Another sporty inspiration, this time featuring Tennis and Lacoste's heritage with the sport. In celebrating the fact that Rene Lacoste invented the Polo Shirt, this scent take inspiration from the iconic white L.12.12 polo shirt and the flash of yellow on the white bottle, the tennis ball.

The fragrance is described as a modern collectible scent with a nod to the past.

Top notes - Grapefruit, Rosemary, Cardamom & Cedar Leaf
Heart notes - Tuberose, Ylang Ylang & Oilbanum
Base notes - Cedarwood, Georgywood & Vetiver

A chic woody, male floral fragrance this scent is fresh and clean with a gorgeous spicy aspect to it.

I have to agree there is something intrinsically classic about this fragrance that reassuringly reminds me of my dad but it is most definitely not an old man's scent. The simple white bottle is bound to appeal. I really like it.

Lacoste EAU DE LACOSTE L.12.12 Limited Edition EDT 100ml £47

*PR Samples

Camera Lens Espresso Cups - Gift Idea!

When these brilliant camera lens espresso cups/shot glasses popped into my inbox this morning I knew I had to share them with you.

Photography enthusiasts/coffee lovers will love these. I think they make a great gift idea.

Suitable for hot drinks or spirits

Set of 3 £14.99 from www.thepresentfinder.co.uk

L'Occitane au Bresil Jenipapo Shower Oil & Body Lotion

With the World Cup being held in Brazil this year it is no surprise that many brands have Brazil inspired offerings.

One of my favourite skincare brands L' Occitane have created a delightful limited collection of bath and body products inspired by and made from Brazilian ingredients. Two plants are featured in the range - Jenipapo - a citrus tree from the Cerrago region, it seeks the sun and soaks up energy and Vitoria Regia - a water lily from the Amazon that falls asleep at dawn and blooms when night falls. In addition the artwork for the packaging was created in colloboration with local, talented illustrators.

The results, a bright and colourful collection with suitably inspiring scents.

Today I feature two items from the Jenipapo bath and body collection but later this week there will be more....

Jenipapo range -

Jenipapo flowers contain a scent with green, floral, fruity notes. Notes of citrus , watermelon and pina coloda follow with lily of the valley and frangipani trees. Finally, the scent rests with a blend of musk, sandalwood and vanilla.

The result is a delicious and sparkling fruity floral scent that explodes with the sweet smell of Summer.

Jenipapo Shower Oil 250ml £14

It is no secret that the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil is my holy grail bath product and this is a similar product. A shower oil that emulsifies in contact with water to become a milky liquid that cleanses and softens skin whilst leaving skin with a most wonderful fruity scent.

Summer in a bottle.

Jenipapo Body Lotion 250ml £20

The body lotion also contains the same scent so is ideal for layering. It is a really light lotion that absorbs pretty much instantly.

L'Occitane au Bresil range is available now 

*PR Sample

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Pore Control Scrub Review

Dermalogica's Clear Start range may be aimed at teenagers and the youth market but I had such good results with a product from the previous range - Clean Start and its Ready, Set, Scrub which is rather similar to this skincare product so four years down the line I was willing to give it a go.

Dermalogica say 

Deep clean pores and scrub away dull skin for a clearer you! Purifying bentonite clay absorbs excess oil and debris from skin, and helps to control shine. Refreshing botanicals reinvigorate skin. Skin-smoothing scrub helps skin feel cleaner and fresher than before.

My thoughts 

I use this after I have cleansed with an oil based wash and I think it is quite simply brilliant. The paste is so smooth with a very fine grit so you know it is removing dull skin but extremely gently. I would call this more of a polish than a scrub but either way it is very effective. The menthol gives it a refreshing and cooling effect on the skin which is rather welcome in this heat.

Results -  My skin is smoother, brighter and clearer since I started using this a week ago. The pores on my nose look far smaller and my foundation sits better too.

10/10 from me

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Pore Control Scrub 75ml costs £13

*PR Sample

You, Me & Tea at The Noodle House with Whittington's Tea Emporium

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing a tea pairing evening with the utterly delightful Kyle from Whittington's Tea Emporium at the newly opened on Shaftesbury Avenue The Noodle House.

The Noodle House is described as a place which shares the tranquillity of the teahouses and the vibrancy of buzzing street food stalls, with tastes that are combined to take you on a journey of experience and exploration.

You, Me & Tea - Promised an evening of tea history and brewing know-how pairing green teas with tasty accompanying noodle house dishes.

I can tell you now it certainly delivered. The evening was fun, informative and we consumed wonderful green teas each carefully selected to go with the items on our menu.

We were greeted on arrival with a Jasmine and Peach Iced tea Mocktail - this was made from sweet Jasmine tea, white peach puree and lemon.

The menu for the evening 

From the small plates selection -

The Noodle House lime green tea with Si Racha Prawns 

Tempura style prawns served with spicy mayo. 

This pairing brought out the flavours of this tasty starter. The green tea is super smooth and virtually clear.

Citrus Green with Wasabi Prawns 

Tempura style crispy prawns tossed in a wasabi dressing topped with a refreshing mango salsa

This tea and starter pairing was a revelation - the smooth citrus tea to my surprise completely cancelled out the heat of the wasabi when drunk. Amazing.

From the large plates selection - 

Gyokuro accompanied by Asian Fish Parcel

A tea to bring out all the delicate fish flavours. Yum.

To a noodle plate - 

Jade Tips (Mao Jian) accompanied by Vegetable Car Kway Teow

Flat rice noodles with shiitake mushrooms, bean sprouts, leeks, tenderstem broccoli, spring onions, garlic and chives

Unfortunately I completely forgot to take a picture of this giant and filling bowl of delicious noodles and vegetables. Jade Tips is a gentle tea that allows for the subtle flavours of the dish to come out without overpowering it.

Back to a large plate - 

Jasmine Pearls accompanies by Javanese Nasi Goreng

Wok-fried rice with prawns, chilli, spring onions and Sambal Belachan, topped with a fried egg, served with two chicken satay skewers and prawn crackers

As this was a taster selection from the menu ours was missing the fried egg and a satay stick but it was no less of a dish. This was mine and my companions favourite. Fragrant Jasmine green tea enhanced the myriad of flavours exploding in the mouth, each mouthful brought something else to the table. Very nice pairing indeed. 

Finally we had our refreshing dessert and accompanying alchoholic cocktail 

Citrus Ginger Gelato & a Spice Island Iced Tea Cocktail 

A perfect end to our tea and food pairing discovery evening. The Gelato was created by an Italian Ice Cream Maker with The Noodle House who have a selection of tea infused Gelatos. Very clever indeed and it tasted amazing, I probably would never have chosen this off the menu but it was smooth, creamy and delectable. The cocktail was the ideal tea inspired drink to accompany the gelato, made with Gin, spiced tea gin, lemon, Abbots Bitters and ginger ale.

Would I go again? Absolutely. It was a fabulous way to spend an evening. I learnt so much about the different green teas, how they are made and how best to make them and got to eat the most wonderful food. 

A great idea.

Don't worry that you missed this one one as there are going to be more tea tasting events with The Noodle House and Whittington's Tea Emporium. Each event is going to be held on the first Tuesday of every month.

Note - The next event is 2nd July (Wednesday!)

Tickets costs just £15 

For more information contact - Whittington's Tea Emporium: www.wtea-emporium.co.uk.
To find out more about The Noodle House visit: www.tnhlondon.com

*I was a guest for the event 

Bomb Cosmetics Candles - Raindrops on Roses & Scones & Cream

This week my home has been brightened up with the addition of these super cute candles from Bomb Cosmetics. Not only do they look great as a home accessory but they smell incredible too.

Pretty unlit and lit, the first candle is from the Fresh and Funky Glass Candle collection - Raindrops on Roses. Pink wax, a sprinkle of chunky glitter and a heart and a star.

Raindrops on Roses is described as - Fresh & dewy, this elegant floral scent opens with fruity top notes of grapefruit, cassis, apricot and bergamot along with green leaves. The spicy heart centres around muguet, rose and jasmine, resting on a woody, musk base.

Approx burn time - 35 hours

My thoughts 

This smells so nice and fresh when unlit and when lit the scent is beautifully fresh too. Perfect for Spring/Summer days.

The foodie and afternoon tea lover in me couldn't resist Scones & Cream, An Afternoon of Dreams. This is from the tinned candles collection. Blue wax with pink and blue hearts. Adorable packaging and design, inside and out. I would definitely be tempted to try more.

Bomb Cosmetics say 

A rich afternoon tea with nuances of lemon sherbet on a heart of tempting vanilla and butter biscuit. With geranium and rose essential oils. 

Approx burn time - 45 hours

My thoughts 

Unsurprisingly this is has a gourmand fragrance that smells good enough to eat! This is very sweet, personally I adore it and would light this to relax, write poems and stories and just drift away in a whimsical dream... however my husband wasn't so keen on this. He preferred the fresh smell of Raindrops on Roses.

Bomb Cosmetics candles contain essential oils and are all hand poured, even the shapes are hand cut! What a lovely introduction to the brand. I will be back..

Bomb Cosmetics Raindrops on Roses Candle £6.99

Bomb Cosmetics Scones & Cream Tinned Candle £7.99

*PR Samples

Dr.Ceuticals Super Repair Hand Cream Review

Dr.Ceuticals say 

Regular application of a hydrating cream is key in the
battle against skin dryness and ageing. This advanced glycerine-based hand cream boosted with anti-ageing coenzyme Q10 and a pro-collagen peptide helps to intensely moisturise and replenish lost moisture and suppleness to hands. Skin-conditioning Allantoin and antioxidant Acai combine to further boost repair and nourishment. Light and non greasy the cream sinks into skin quickly to leave hands dry-to-the-touch but restored.
My thoughts 

This is my current hand cream for popping on before I go to bed. It smells lovely and fresh, but still with a familiar cream scent. It is light and non greasy, instantly making hands look better and smoother and feeling beautifully soft.

Dr.Ceuticals Super Repair Hand Cream 7ml £9.99

* Currently on offer at Boots for £6.99

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Cream Review

Another product review from the items that I won in the Jurlique photo competition and this time I have fallen in love with the eye cream.

Regular readers will know that a key beauty staple for me is a hydrating eye cream as years of suffering from Hay Fever have taken their toll.

Jurlique say 

A high performance antioxidant eye cream, features powerful botanicals and plant oils to help improve skin firmness, provide long-lasting moisturisation and help reduce the appearance of fine lines while intense brightening properties help to fade dark circles and puffiness. Skin feels firm, smooth, hydrated and looks luminous.

The Benefits:

Helps to replenish and brighten the delicate eye area.
Helps improve firmness around the eye area.
Helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Helps provide hydration and protection from environmental aggressors.

Key Ingredients:

Arnica extract helps to soothe skin while Eyebright extract helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and brightens skin around the eye area.
Cucumber extract helps to refresh skin and Safflower Oleosomes are known to help improve skin suppleness and smoothness while providing long-lasting moisturisation.
Native Australian Flower Extracts are rich in antioxidants to help provide protection from environmental damage.

My thoughts 

I absolutely love this eye cream, I have been using it for only a few days so far but it is so good that I am hoping for excellent results with continued use.

The first thing that hit me was its most wonderful and calming herbal scent. It is a joy to the senses but adds to the experience. The cream itself is really light and absorbs fast. The eye area feels soft and hydrated and looks brighter and smoother.

This eye cream makes a real difference to my eyes, I wake up with dry, lined under eyes and this does the trick nicely to make them look more youthful.

My only niggle is that the hole on the tube is quite wide and so I have to be really careful not to squeeze out too much product!

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Cream 15ml costs £34

Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour Review - Just Bewitching

The Summer social scene events calender is under way and if like me you want your lipstick to last further than that first sip of Champagne then you should take a look at Max Factor's Lipfinity Lip Colours.

Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour 24 hrs

Max Factor say 

The original long-lasting lip colour is the perfect way to make a lasting impression. Now with a new applicator for true bold colour that stays put all day.

• Hot must-have shades that last for up to 24 hours.
• Moisturising balm gives a smooth finish with luscious shine.
• New applicator for a defined, bold finish.
• Available in a range of 25 subtle to vibrant shades

Benefits 

Intense Colour
Long lasting
Waterproof
Glossy
Colour impact
Day-to-night

Base Coat - The highly pigmented base coat contains a combination of ingredients to ensure the colour sticks to your lips and a flexible layer that ensures the adhesive element is soft enough to flex as you move your lips. 

Top Coat - The moisturising top coat seals in moisture and delivers a super alluring shine that lasts all day. 

The Result - Long-lasting colour that feels smooth and soft to touch whilst still looking freshly applied for up to 24 hours.

Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour Just Bewitching Swatch

My thoughts 

Last month Max Factor launched 6 brand new shades handpicked by make-artist Pat Mcgrath. The 6 shades offer everything from nudes to brights. This brings the total shades to 25.

Always Delicate (soft nude)
Just Bewitching (coral)
Just in Love (hot red)
So Glamorous (deep red)
Stay Bronzed (subtle brown)
Stay Cheerful (hot pink)

I was sent Just Bewitching to test out. I must admit I am partial to a pretty coral and love wearing it in the Spring/Summer months so this was perfect in shade for me.

The product works best when applied as per the instructions. Apply a thin layer of the coloured base coat, let it dry and then apply the top coat to add shine. It is important to only apply a thin, even layer of the base coat as the product can clump and become cakey if you apply too thickly, as I found out when I tried this the first time!

True to its word once applied, I was so happy to see that it did not transfer on to drinking glasses or other people's cheeks or lips ;-)

Looking in the mirror, it still looked perfect after drinks and food and long into the day. I was most impressed.

It certainly passed my lipfinity test. You don't need to take out both products with you, just the moisturising balm as it can feel a little dry (not so much for me though as my lips are in pretty good condition) and to keep the glossy, shine topped up through the day.

Wearing Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour - Just Bewitching

Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour costs £10.99