Flash Fiction - Smashed

My 100 word flash fiction story using this photo prompt

*Photo credit Liz Young 


Smashed

'Don't smoke' she sighed, stamping out my ciggie. ‘Don't even think about drinking' she nagged, whilst tipping the bottle of wine down the sink. Words were never going to stop me. It was the cool thing to do at school and I desperately wanted to fit in. I had a lot to live up to.

Oscar winning. My mother, the successful dressmaker, designer extraordinaire. Miss Perfect. Well not so perfect, her husband, my dad, left her for a model. Turns out she was the alcohol swilling, chain smoking bitch. The mannequin's head? Based on the woman he left her for.


Hope you enjoyed this story
Bettina x

Crabtree & Evelyn Rose & White Chocolate Biscuits

Romance, flowers, chocolates - these beautifully presented All Butter Rose & White Chocolate biscuits from Crabtree & Evelyn have it all... An ideal gift to show your love this Valentine's Day.

The tin they come in is just so pretty and wonderfully illustrated. The biscuits themselves are crunchy enough to dip in your tea if you so feel inclined. In fact I brought out the Royal Albert China specially to indulge in a special afternoon tea as I knew the occasion demanded it. I felt incredibly decadent whilst daintily sipping on my tea and biting into these moreish buttery biscuits.

I am a huge, huge fan of anything rose so these rose and white chocolate biscuits grabbed my attention instantly and they didn't disappoint. These traditionally baked English biscuits are made with crystallised rose petals and pieces of white chocolate. The result is a delicate rose taste from the the perfumed flowers and the white chocolate is smooth and creamy to tantalize the taste buds with this truly romantic foodie gift.

Delicious limited edition biscuits that are the perfect addition to afternoon tea. Massive thumbs up from me.

Crabtree & Evelyn new limited edition Rose & White Chocolate biscuits cost £5 for 160G

*PR Sample

Flash Fiction - The Bully

My 100 word flash fiction story using this photo prompt

Image courtesy of Ted Strutz

The Bully 

‘It’s too cold!’ Mollie screamed, dipping her big toe tentatively into the water.

‘Don’t be a sissy, you know the rules. That is IF you want to be in our gang?’

Fred pushed Mollie into the water and laughed sinisterly…caught unawares, she lost her footing and became submerged completely. ‘I hate you Fred’ Mollie coughed and spluttered.

Hidden in the bushes, four other children looked on wide-eyed, how brave she was.

Mollie, no longer cold, admired her new perspective. Empowered, she climbed aboard the chair.

She had beaten the bully, ‘Your turn Fred’

He turned and ran. Stupid little brother.

Hope you enjoyed this story

Bettina x

*This is the first time I have taken part in the Friday Fictioneers 100 word story photo prompt... you can read the other stories here

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gelée Milk Cleanser Review

Lazy cleansing for me equates to no water needed. Yes wipes have a place (usually used on holidays in my case), but actually I don't really want to compromise on good skincare routines if I can help it. But I get it, we all have lazy days where we want to flop into bed with little effort, that is where new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gelée Milk Cleanser comes in...

Neutrogena say 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost® Gelée Milk Cleanser is an innovative cleanser combining the lightness of a gel with the efficacy of a make-up remover milk. The combination of Neutrogena® cleansing technology, hydrating agent and Hyaluronic acid which is naturally found in skin, help the formula to protect the skin barrier, boost hydration and help lock it in.

Boosts hydration

No rinse formula

Removes makeup

Leaves skin touchably supple

My thoughts 

This pump action cleanser has a lovely, fresh and fruity scent. The product comes in gelee form and feels really gentle on the skin as it effectively and easily wipes away and removes makeup including mascara. It does a great job of cleansing, I was surprised that it left skin feeling tacky to the touch but actually this only lasted a minute or two and then just like magic..skin just felt beautifully soft.

A great, no rinse formula cleanser.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gelée Milk Cleanser 200ml RRP £7.99

*PR Sample