Monday 6 July 2015

Currently Loving..........










....a whole big flippin' bunch full of stuff....






1. Dark Grey.....

I'm not sure why, but I have suddenly developed an obsession with dark grey.  I have it on my list to make a bed throw in charcoal. Heaven knows when I'll get round to making it, and maybe the colour obsession will have worn off by then, but I just cannot get enough of grey on pinterest. I've been contemplating dark grey walls, much to everyone else's protestations! Not sure I could be that brave though. I think I'll stick with accents.




2. Hot Cloth Cleansers.....


A short while ago I decided I had reached the age when I really ought to start to take care of myself more.

I'm a really girly girl. 

I can't help it.

I am drawn to sparkly, like a moth to a flame.

I like clothes shopping and spending ages at a fragrance counter.......

.....but I'm really low maintenance when it comes to skin.


Hitting my forties, and seeing the inevitable wrinkles set in and crepy eyes appear, I thought I ought to start to do a bit more to help myself out.

After reading about Sarah's new skin exploits, (one of my favourite blogs) I thought perhaps I ought to dip my toes in the world of beauty blogging too. Geez....talk about head exploding. Apparently wet wipes are an absolute sin, and don't even think about sloshing any face cream on until you've done a double cleanse. And as for soap and water............ Seriously?

A complete minefield of advice, no no's and must do's. It really opened my eyes. Errrrrr, I think I'll stick to crafty blogs, but I did pick up a few hints and tips.....which......for a low maintenance skin 'gal, are working a treat.

I've worked out, for my skin, which cleansers are the best, which are worth the money and which are not (for skin type). I've worked out how to properly use serum, night and day creams, how invaluable coconut oil is (for just about everything), and that I need to invest in a absolute ton of muslin and face cloths. Who knew? Cue many, many crochet cloths to be made too. For me personally, I started off buying several cheaper cleansers to try. I read that Superdrug's Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Cleanser was almost indentical to Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanser (which seems to be a beauty blogger's must have). I bought that, and I liked it a lot. I then went and bought more products from their Naturally Radiant range, and haven't really moved on, as I really like how they work on my skin. They do a good polish, balm and peel in the range and I use them all. I also LOVE their Optimum Serum. I got them all on offer so it worked out cheaper. Trilogy do a lovely rosehip oil which I use (but on my hands, not face). Superdrug do a vitamin E oil which is a pretty good all rounder on all dry skin areas. I've been using Lacura serum too, which got amazing reviews given its price.





I have to say though, it's all really is working a treat; and although I've not suddenly turned into Jennifer Aniston (I've become more of a fresher looking waynetta), I actually feel the forties 'drab' has lessened, and the thrities 'glow' has reappeared. 

So, although, some of you reading this may think 'huh? I've been doing this for years', I'm a bit slow off the old mark........or maybe just plain lazy.

By the way, I was not paid (or given free products) to talk about my choice of lotions and potions. It's purely what I have found to work for me.......and we all have different skin. I'm just not into paying mega money for products I use everyday, and these seem to work well for me at a price that isn't going to make me bankrupt.





In keeping with this new found 'glow', Clean eating is being sought, I'm trying to really love water (yuck), and my sweet tooth is trying to become less sweet with the aid of many sugar free recipe books.







I'm trying to be good (Avocado junkie), I have my lapses, when a big chilled wine is needed or a Mars Bar is craved. I've also just bought a waffle maker. Supposedly for the Bears (yeah right, who am I kidding), and I've perfecting the art of home made iced coffee (for these hot muggy days we are having). I've been trying different recipes, and although I'm sticking to the lowest fat ones possible......yikes......Vietnamese style.....delicious. I'm just making a lot for testing purposes mind! If I don't, how do I know what I like best?!!!!






3. Age.....

Well, I'm not loving the fact that I'm getting older and the days and years seem to be whooshing by at an alarming rate....but more the fact that my new skin regime must be having some effect. This week, someone took me for being 10 years less than I actually am. In this heat, I can't even put it down to the magic hoodie. Result. Now, ahem, I'll forget the fact that it was a young man who probably hasn't got a clue about how to judge a woman's age, but I'll take anything I can get! ha ha! The Bears' still think I grew up in Victorian times though. I also got a comment from a complete stranger on what lovely skin I had. Errrrr, I would NEVER have said I had. Seriously, how have I only just started actually paying some sort of attention to my skin? I might be able to walk around without a bag on my head now.



4. Repeat Repeat Jugs.....

I have a couple of Repeat Repeat mugs I found in my local little Department store a few years back. I LOVE them. As you know, I'm a texture girl, and these mugs are incredibly tactile things to hold. I was in the Department store again the other day, and low and behold, they do jugs. OH MY, just as tactile as the cups. They have gone down on my little wish list. They look kind of Scandinavian to me, which I seem to be strangely drawn too.


(Image from Repeat Repeat Online Website)




4. Clouds.....

Well, not so much currently loving as always loving. I have a thing for clouds you see. But this week has been particularly great on the cloud front. Baby Bear and I had a huge cloudbusting session one day this week. In just a few minutes, we saw a giant sea monster, Fantastic Mr Fox in his jacket,  and strangely, also his sidekick Kylie with his boggly eyes, a Knight, a running dog, a seal and a witch. A pretty good session.

One night the air was so muggy and heavy. There were flashes of lightning and distant roamings of thunder. I absolutely LOVE the sound of thunder. I heard the pitter patter of rain so I went outside in the back garden to feel the warm rain falling, and the sky was probably the most incredible I have ever seen it. It was every shade of swirly grey (50 shades even) and it reminded me of the scene in 'Ghostbusters' where the clouds go all weird and the team save the day. I was actually quite blown away. I desperately wanted to take a picture to preserve the image, but the rain was falling and it wasn't practical, so I made sure to preserve the image in my head.

It was mind blowingly B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

....and if I close my eyes now.....oh...yes....there it is again........


5. Bats.....

There are nesting bats in my neighbour's house, and at dusk, out they come for a play. It's such fun watching them.



6. Lighter Evenings.....

Walks in the evenings are really rather lovely. What more is there to say?







7. Sprinkles.....


I will NEVER tire of sprinkles, but they just keep finding their way into my view.






8. The Perfect Clutch.....


(Image from Notonthehighstreet.com)


(Image from Notonthehighstreet.com)

.....for bookworms. I saw these last week in a store and I totally fell in love with them. Different sizes and book fronts. Just the cutest idea. You can get them here




9. New Music.....




.....Oh......just loving this album. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful by Florence and the Machine.



xxx

31 comments:

  1. I will soon be 51 and everyone always tells me how young I look. I attribute it to my green smoothie I drink every morning (the greens help with collagen in the skin) and I use coconut oil as a moisturizer on my face. And of course, I hike/bike/run on a daily basis to keep my "machine well oiled". ;-) My daily beauty regime is very simple and inexpensive, but it works for me! Your pictures are beautiful, as usual.

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    1. Ooooh green smoothie.......what recipe is that? I'm trying harder to eat cleanly and help my body out a bit, and I'm being good...for me! Coconut oil is amazing isn't it? It's like a wonder product for everything! x

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  2. I just wanted to tell you how much I love your Pinterest boards ❤️ And thanks for sharing those old book wallets! They are beautiful!!

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    1. Thank you Miss Ann! They are rather lovely aren't they! I couldn't decide which one I liked best when I saw them. I may have to purchase one.......x

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  3. Beautiful post! Those book clutches...oh my word..... :). I love seeing all the things you love lately...it's very inspiring and brightens my mood! Xo

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    1. They are lovely aren't they! They don't disappoint in the flesh either. Just really pretty as clutches go! x

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  4. Ooh, I really love this post V. I'm a bit rubbish at skin care so will always happily follow any advice I can, particularly if it helps with the old eye crinkles!! I've been using Superdrug's Vitamin E oil since your recommendation and I'm convinced my neck is slightly less scraggy! I'm completely ignoring your Waynetta comment though, you muppet!!! Like Luksky, I'm a fan of healthy eating. Mind you, I've just bought some M&S juices - one of them is apple, pea, lime and mint, and it tastes like summer just threw up in a glass! xxx

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    1. Oh Heather, I nearly wet myself at your M&S juice comment! Do you know, I'm actually quite shocked at how different my skin looks and feels after a few weeks of properly taking care of it. I used to just do the bare minimum and shove a ton of crap on it at night and hope for the best. I wondered why it wasn't having any effect! Seeing better results in just a few weeks has spurred me on to really try harder to eat cleanly (or cleaner!) and see if I can help it from within. That might take a little more time as I love cake.......and chocolate.......pastries.......oh the list is endless!!!!!! Xxxx

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  5. You inspire me, too! To keep looking up, to slow down and remember to enjoy what's around me and find the good things.

    Well, I know what you mean about both the skin and the clean eating. I've gotten more serious about both of those in the past year, and I think we are fairly close in age. I had a sudden realization my body wasn't as forgiving as it used to be! I'm glad you've gotten your skin care worked out. For myself, I went to Caroline Hirons' blog and have become an absolute devotee; I just try my hardest to do what she says (on my own budget) and things have gradually improved, I think. It is extremely confusing at first, and that's coming from me, a person who has always used the nicest skin care I could afford but apparently not using it correctly or not always using the correct products for my skin. Slowly but steadily I'm figuring it out.

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  6. I guess I was just lazy and thought the bare minimum would suffice. I'm just really low maintenance when it comes to skin. I've used really expensive products that have had hideous results on my skin and I just think theses days that cheaper brands pretty much do the same job, if not better. But, like you say, it's all about finding the right products for your own skin and what works for you. It's a bit of a mine field though finding it, as the product range is incredibly vast. I guess I'm happy I've found something that's making a difference and is relatively cheap too. I really didn't think the results would be so visible though, but it's nice to be getting the 'glow' back! Xxx

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  7. I enjoyed reading about your skin care regime. I'm almost 37 and can already see some changes, especially around my eyes. They also look puffy a lot, so I'm always looking for ways to combat this. Your plan must be working, along with the cleaner eating; it sounds like people are taking a look! :)

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    1. Skin stuff is such a big thing isn't it. Also, your skin changes as you age so what used to work well, may not work so well later on and you have to start all over again! My friend has puffy eye issues and uses one of those rollerballs you can get for your eyes ( I think with something like cucumber extract), but she keeps it in the fridge and then uses it every morning, and the cold compress of the metal ball reduces her puffiness no end. She swears by that. x

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  8. Lovely post! I love the color grey and Florence and the Machine!! I would love one of those book clutches!! So beautiful!

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    1. I've always loved grey, but have really thought about using darker shades in the house recently. I love it with dirty pinks and neutrals especially! x

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  9. Oooh, love those Plum jugs. I have a jug a lot like the Meadow one, which I bought on sale in a National Trust shop a couple of years ago. Sadly it's in storage at the moment while I have builders in constructing a new (grey!) kitchen. I have secret plans for the dresser to house a new jug collection when it all comes back but must avoid it being engulfed by random rubbish!

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    1. Ooooooh a grey kitchen, how fab! Ha ha, yes, that's the problem with dressers isn't it.......they attract a lot of other stuff on their shelves too!!!!!!! x

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  10. ohhh my such loveliness in the bucket loads!!!! ;)....my happy vanessa escape hehe...I was out and about in a wonderful (expensive!!!!) cornish village which was full of these adorable little bay windowed shops, full to the brim with pretty things!!!!! and Stevie said to me 'do you like these??' and it was the purses that look like vintage books!~ i loved them...they also had ones in the shape of vintage bottles! ok...big swooooon!!!! hehehehehe!!!!....I also saw grey cushions with white rabbits on and thought i like that grey tone!...i do love this industrial meets vintage whites looks with the grey tones, a lot of the big industrial lamps and overhanging table lights i just love!!. My nanny who had the most perfect english rose type skin and she only used pears soap and water no creams or scrubs or pricey lotions. My skin is oily and dry and i find it hard to find the balance in a cream and i never thought id still get out breaks of spots in my mid 30s!!!!!!.... though i have found a pint of water an hour b4 i go to bed has helped (a chinese herbal doc told me that in london many moons ago) to flush out the nasties and clear skin. always enjoy your posts my lovely vanessa, wish i was eating as healthy as you! ive had too many trips to nice coffee shops with lovely cakes eeeekkkk!!!!. xx

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    1. I just love those little clutch books, such a novel idea and they are quite casual too. Yes, I think skin is such a difficult thing to get right. I have combination skin too, so trying to find something that worked well was really difficult for me. I cannot believe that my skin has looked so much better in just a few weeks. I thought it was going to take ages to find the right products this time round, but I think it's also trying clean eating too and water which is helping. I'm trying hard to clean eat, having said that, I've just had coffee and croissants with friends which isn't good! I'll have to try extra hard for the rest of the week now! ha ha! xxx

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  11. Lots of things to love. Those jugs are really beautiful. We've been looking at the amazing clouds we've been having recently. The great thing about clouds is that they keep changing.

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    1. I think that's what fascinates me so much with clouds, they just constantly change. x

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  12. I know this wasn't a sponsored post, but you've made me go ahead and order almost all the naturally radiant range!! I was disappointed that the coconut oil has sold out, even though I have NO idea how to use it, I clearly need some in my life!

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    1. Have you! Well, I hope that it works as well for your skin as it does on mine! The coconut oil got really good reviews on beauty blogs as being a really good cleanser with a hot cloth, but it didn't really work for me as I have combination skin, and I felt it left a residue. However, it'd probably be awesome if you had dry skin. But I like it as an oil on dry skin areas, tops of my hands, neck and decolletage. Great for the hair too for dry ends! x

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  13. Grey is a beautiful colour, one of my favourites too and the best thing about it is that is goes with just about anything (but in particular Pink) I too am a sucker for clouds especially the big fat fluffy white ones, delicious. We've been enjoying some good sunsets here and the clouds just add to the beauty of them, I could literally stand and watch them for hours, if only they would last that long.
    Have a wonderful evening my lovely x x x
    GemsCountryLifeDream

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  14. A lovely post Vanessa. I always enjoy posts like this when you learn more about the blogger. Ah and your still so young.....:-) Makes me wish I was your age again. Love the jugs and the books and the sprinkles....Off to listen to the latest album of Florence and the machine.

    Have a great week!

    Madelief x

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  15. So much happy... just lovely! We have a dark grey bathroom (think school uniform grey) and as there is a fair amount of white in there it is not at al gloomy. Somehow calming on a sunny day and cosy when dark. I had plans to introduce mustard in there but Mr R disagreed that mustard and grey go together. Really Mr R? Surely one of the most popular combinations of the past couple of years. Anyway, he and P went out to buy towels and came back with pink... And now I feel the need for an iced coffee... Yum!

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  16. oooooo.....I had to do a double take over that 'grey' thing going on!!! I thought I had the corner on 'grey'!!! (It really IS a wonderful colour, isn't it?!?) Everything here made me swoon.....lovely photos! (and catching up a bit.....the hexies are totally amazing!!! Loving that project so much!)

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  17. Great post. I am a soap and water girl and have been for years, but am now wondering if I should up my game? Thanks for the recommendations, I'm off to superdrug! Also, I'm totally with you on the dark grey. So elegant and timeless, but a bold neatral too. xx

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  18. Learning how to knit and found your blog. Love! However for me health and skin care mean no harmful ingredients and cruelty free. So, I'm sad that you mentioned fragrance counter in the intro. because modern "fragrance" is being linked to neurological diseases(like MS) and cancer in studies in the us(where I am) and have a history of cruelty to animals(leapingbunny.org). For aging too see http://www.rodalewellness.com/health/gerontogens. Elizabeth

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  19. I just started using the wipes on my face because it is so easy to grab one and clean my face in the evening and lessen my ever lengthening beauty routine but I felt they were a bit abrasive as I was using them and had a feeling they weren't good for me. Can't believe I should be washing my face twice! It seems by the time I'm in my 60's my nightly routine will take me approximately 60 minutes! ;)

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  20. I've just had an iced Vietnamese coffee from Broadway Market and it was gorgeous. Very dangerous and very yummy. I wondered where I had recently read about it and then remembered you'd mentioned them in this post here. So lovely to drink in the sun listening to the most fun buskers! Hope you're well lovely V x

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