Ally Aldridge's Blog, page 50
July 6, 2018
NaPoWriMo progress
I’m not going to post an update every day as I think that will be too much, but I thought every 5 days would be a nice spacing. Here is how it is going…
Setting the goal
I only discovered that NaNoWriMo can be done in July (not just November) the night before it was due to start. I quickly created my account and set my goal. You can click here to see my post about this.
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My goal is to write 25k to finish my novel titled Glide. I’ve called the project Diamond In The Sky as this is what I am considering renaming the novel as. Here’s how I am getting on towards the challenge.
Day 1
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To achieve 25k, Camp NaNo suggested my daily goal be 807 words. I was very pleased when I kicked off with 806 words.
It was a fun chapter to start with involving the battle where Kiara loses her soul and becomes a crow.
Day 2
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I achieved 442 words which wasn’t as great as I hoped but it was the first day back at work and I was shattered when I got home.
It’s not so much the word count I was disappointed with but with what I wrote. This chapter was the first time Kiara got to fly. For something so exciting I think the chapter needs more to it. When I come to edit, I think I’ll spend a bit of time improving this part.
Day 3
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Today, I went to my first hypnobirth class and returned home so chilled out, I could barely move. I couldn’t write, I couldn’t do anything but be relaxed. I think everyone should do the course (pregnant or not). We live in a busy world and learning to find your zen is crucial.
Sadly, the result was a terrible word count of zero. On a plus note, I wrote some notes on what needs to happen in the story to give myself some focus.
Day 4
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I wanted to make up for skipping yesterday so despite a hard day at work I got in front of the keyboard and added a further 1,973 (the best word count so far!). My focus notes really helped me get started which saved time and got me writing. Perhaps, day 3 was more productive than I realised.
Day 5
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There is no denying that I’m tired now. I went to work wearing odd shoes (one navy, one black). In my defence, my bump is so big now, I can’t see my feet when I am slipping on my shoes. At least they were the same style. I would show you a pic but my feet look awful, so swollen, like trolls feet.
When I got home, I tried to put my feet up but my little boy wasn’t himself. He had this foul eggy burps and I thought he was going to be up all night being sick. I decided it best to conserve my energy and go to bed early. In the end, he was only up twice to use the loo but no sickness – phew.
Reflection
The first 5 days has gone okay. I would like to have done better but I am fighting against my body and juggling my responsibilities. Now is the weekend, I’m hoping to get in front of the keyboard, get ahead and set a new best. I’ll let you know how I get on by day 10.
Personally, I would like to achieve the challenge early incase my baby comes early.
Are you doing the challenge? How are you getting on?
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July 4, 2018
Review: Skin Organics Beauty Box (June)
Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products. These may be skincare, body care or beauty products. Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands. They dispatch on 20th of the month.
Cost: £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK
What was in my box?
Hydrate
This months theme is Hydrate. Inside this box are six products.
The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.
Sofia Latif: Facial Oil (sheet lists price as £20.00)
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This product was shortlisted for the Free From Skincare Awards 2018. This is a night oil that you can use to massage you cleansed face before bed and lift your senses. You can also add a drop to your morning moisturizer.
I have got a lot of facial oils at the moment but I will try it out before the end of the month so I can let you know how I got on with it.
Bowe Organics: Organic Lash Oil (sheet lists price as £19.99)
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This product was also shortlisted for the Free From Skincare Awards 2018. You massage the oil into clean dry lashes and it helps them become thicker and longer.
It sounds very promising. I will need to get using this right away as I’ve booked in for a lash tint and lift at the end of the month and I’m not sure I can use it after that.
The Cosy Cottage: Mango Nutter & Lemon Foot Balm (sheet lists price as £5.00)
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An intense foot balm to smooth and hydrate feet with mango butter, coconut oil, aloe vera and lemon oil.
I’m hoping this smells so good that I can entice my husband into giving me a foot rub *fingers crossed*.
Lucidlure: Allava Hair Mask (sheet lists price as £5.50)
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This hair mask is suitable for all hair types. You can either leave it on for 2 hours or over night for a deep condition.
I have never used a hair mask before. I’m excited to see how I get on and whether this is something I should add to my beauty regime.
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Refreshing Peppermint Facial Mist (sheet lists price as £4.25)
This is a floral water for refreshing your face throughout the day to pick you up when feeling sluggish in the heat.
I recently bought the Naturismo limited edition box which included Odacite, black Mint Cleanser. I’ve found the cleanser to be an amazing refreshing way to start the day and love the minty smell. That’s why I think I am going to get on well with this facial mist. Plus, it is just what I need in this hot weather and being heavily pregnant.
Peppermint & Lemongrass Pulse Point Oil (sheet lists price as £4.25)
This is for sharpening your senses and to treat headaches. Also helps treat cold or flu, jet lag, and combat tiredness and stress. Simply apply to pulse points.
This sounds really good and just what I need as I am finding it increasingly hard to stay awake at work by the afternoon – I am counting down the days to maternity leave (24 July – not long now).
Would I recommend?
Yes, another amazing selection of high quality products and by brands I’ve not heard of before.
I’m keen to use the Bespoke Aroma products and can’t believe how affordable they are. I’m looking forward to using the foot butter. I’ve never used a hair mask or lash oil, so I am unsure how I’ll get on with those. I never would have thought to buy them. My bathroom cabinet is full of facial oil, I doubt I’ll get around to using this one this month.
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All the products meet the promise of clean, green and cruelty-free – so if that’s something you desire, this is a great box for you.
Reflect on previous box
I’ve had a month to use the products I received and share my thoughts.
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This is how I got on using the products from my April box:
Sadly, I have been a bit stressed at work and returning home too exhausted to even pamper myself which has resulted in some products not getting used as expected. In addition, the past two weekends my little boy has been ill which steals my time and energy. Hopefully, June will be a better month and I’ll find a little bit of ‘me’ time.
A.S Apothecary: Wild Beauty Balm (website lists price at £42 for 30mls & sheet lists price as £21.00)
This has easily been my favourite product in this box. It is quite pricey so I am not sure if I will be able to afford it on maternity leave but it definitely will be on my wish list.
Just Be Botanicals: Loved Aromatherapy Chocolate (website & sheet lists price as £2.75)
I knew right away that this wouldn’t be for me as I don’t enjoy the bitter taste of dark chocolate. However, it is the most beautiful chocolate I have ever seen. It has rose petals within the bar and looks very elegant.
I’m going to share give it to my mum (she won’t mind that I had a little nibble). She’s not usually a chocolate person but does indulge sometimes in dark chocolate, plus, I need to find out how her holiday went.
Isla Apothecary: Neroli Body oil (website lists price as £32 for 100mls & sheet lists price as £4.50)
I haven’t used this. I put it in my hospital bag as it is a handy travel size bottle. I’m sure it will be lovely after my post birth shower.
Bodhi & Birch: Desert Rose Facial Oil (website lists price as £38 for 15mls and sheet lists price as £9.95)
I’ve just got too many face oils at the moment that I haven’t had a chance to use this.
Lucky Cloud: Nourishing Cleansing Balm (website and sheet lists price as £8.00)
This is the sort of cleanser I do really love but I’ve got a few cleansers on the go at the moment so I’ve decided to save this one for later in the year. I’m afraid I haven’t tried it out.
Roques O’Neil: Himalayan Detox Bath Salts (website and sheet lists price as £10.00 travel size)
A salt bath is very healing so this is in the draw in my bathroom ready for a relaxing bath when I return from hospital. I remember feeling very sensitive after delivering my son and a salt bath did help soothe and make me feel better.
Botany Blend: Meru Facial (sheet lists price as £2.50 sample size)
Again, I’ve just got too many face oils at the moment that I haven’t had a chance to use this.
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July 2, 2018
Art and craft with Arty Mouse
This was the first event of Felixstowe Book Festival I attended this year. I went last year too and loved it.
Parents with children aged 2 to 6 years old were able to drop in between 10am and 12noon to try out the Arty Mouse range. This is ideal for their age group.
This was a free event (no ticket needed). However, the books were available to buy at half price and I couldn’t resist.
Representatives of Arty Mouse (I think from Top That Publishing) and volunteers of Felixstowe Book Festival, had prepared tables with different activities for the children to try. The children were able to move freely between the tables.
Here is a pic of Noah trying out their Arty Flashcards. These cards enable children to practice their writing and develop their reading skills.
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Afterwards, children were rewarded with a certificate and some Haribo sweets. Sadly, I left behind Noah’s certificate and drawing of a cat, although, I think I would have been in more trouble with him if I had lost the sweets (luckily I put them in my bag).
The Arty Mouse products are a little bit special and make lovely gifts (especially the box kit books). I told Noah he could have two for the summer but the box ones I’m saving for his birthday and Christmas. He was very good about me taking them away as I could tell he wanted them most.
Noah was excited to get started in his book right away and really loved the themes in the book. He’s very into anything with wheels and robots are trending with him at the moment.
As I mentioned earlier, I am already a fan of Arty Mouse after discovering the fabulous books during last years Felixstowe Book Festival. I can’t believe I haven’t written a review of those we bought last year and I will make up for that later this month.
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July 1, 2018
The difficulty shopping for maternity/nursing outfits
So, firstly, I don’t mind that some of the maternity/nursing outfits are modelled by someone who isn’t pregnant as the outfit should be for during pregnancy and afterwards. In fact, I think it would be useful if these outfits were shown on a pregnant woman and a nursing woman to show how it looks at both stages.
My gripe is that I don’t believe any of these models are pregnant (the ones with bumps) or nursing (the ones without bumps). Everyone I know who is about to have a baby or just had one, have massive milk jugs ready for their hungry newborn. Even women who usually describe themselves as flat chested!
These models have lovely perky pre-pregnancy boobs like women who have never had a baby. It has led to disappointment when I have tried outfits on as they just don’t fit. Rather than sulk that my hunt for the right dress goes on, I decided to share the pics of me trying on the dresses.
Peach flap dress
Store: www.asos.com
RRP: £39.99
Brand: Mamalicious
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This peach dress looks classy and sophisticated on the model. It has a lift flap to access for breastfeeding. I like the colour and the satin ribbon that gives it something extra. I’m not keen on having sleeves in the summer. I wasn’t keen that under the flap the material was gaping and caused an unattractive crease. My husband thought I looked like a nun. I sent this back.
Blue wrap dress
Store: www.asos.com
RRP: £39.99
Brand: Mamalicious
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This is the prettiest nursing summer dress I have seen. On the model, I think it barely looks like a nursing dress. It’s a style I’d love for summer every year and I love pastel blue.
I’m not a ‘frills’ girl and certainly not after this – they were everywhere. The clasp at the bust was gaping. I think it needed a modesty panel underneath to take into account that it may gape. The blue had a grey tinge to it and wasn’t as pretty as the advertised picture.
The gaping made it feel tarty and not pretty. I sent this dress back.
Blue button dress
Store: www.hm.com
RRP: £24.99
Brand: MAMA collection
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It looks so pretty on the model and a beautiful light summer staple that you could easily dress up or down for multiple occasions. It could even be worn smart to the office in the summer.
This dress is terribly creased and I think it’s the sort of material that creases easily. I doubt I’ll have time to iron and do a school run with a newborn in September. The buttons are just decoration so it is not suitable for breastfeeding post pregnancy. In addition, the bust was too small and you can see the fabric straining in the photo – very uncomfortable.
This got sent back.
Lilac flap dress
Store: www.hm.com
RRP: £19.99
Brand: MAMA collection
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The model looks like a young version of me. I think everyone loves when they see a model similar to their own colouring as you can instantly tell if an outfit would suit you or not. However, she doesn’t look pregnant or like she’s just had a baby…
Lilac is a colour that isn’t around much in the shops but is ever so pretty. I bought this dress as something casual to wear but it fit and looked the best out of all the designs and was the cheapest.
I pulled the drawstring tight above my bump but when the baby is here and I am feeding, I will wear it loose like the model. I’m hoping the loose style will be flattering on my post-pregnancy body. I kept this dress.
The hunt goes on…
Although I kept the H&M lilac dress, it wasn’t quite what I wanted. I’ve booked a photo shoot for when the baby is here and I wanted a dress for a nice family picture but one I can feed and wear every day afterwards.
The lilac dress is perfect for summer feeding and I think teamed with leggings and a cardigan I can wear it through the cooler months too, but it is too casual looking for the shoot.
Please let me know if you see a dress you think I should try? I’m trying to avoid all the patterns and flowery styles and I don’t want to spend too much.
NB: I am 34 weeks pregnant in these pictures. Although, on Instagram, I put ’36 weeks’ as I was thinking ‘just 6 weeks to go’. Silly baby brain.
Shopping for maternity/nursing clothes
The second-half of this article is to help you out shopping. It will cover what you need to buy and when and the best places to buy. Many high street stores don’t cater to pregnant or nursing women.
You can try looking for regular clothing and adapting it for your changing body like stretchy fabrics or straps that come down easily. Button tops or wrap tops that you could still nurse in. If you are ordering regular fitting clothes you will likely need to buy larger than your pre-pregnancy size.
If you wish to buy actual maternity/nursing clothes then you will probably have to shop online as the high street is limited or nonexistent. If buying from this range, order in your pre-pregnancy size.
What you need for the stages
First trimester (up to the end of week 12)
From early on, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy, you will feel bigger. I felt like I was constantly bloated and nothing fit comfortably. Plus, I wasn’t ready to tell colleagues so I needed to hide the little bump.
I stocked up on clothes from Primark in a size or two bigger and wore loose-fitting tops. I opted to wear anything with a stretch like leggings or joggers.
The only maternity clothes I bought were some staple pieces from George (Asda), such as:
Maternity Tapered Stretch Trousers: RRP £8 (a bargain for work)
Maternity Over Bump Skinny Jeans: RRP £14 in black (I returned later to buy again in blue)
Maternity V-Neck Camisole: RRP £7 in navy, black and blue
Maternity Nursing Pyjamas Short Set: RRP £15 (these will last me from bump and beyond)
Racer Back Maternity Tankini Top: RRP £12.50 (I also bought the bottoms but can’t remember the price)
Strappy Lace Trim Comfort Bra/Comfort bra: RRP £6 (black and white)
20 Denier Maternity Cooling Tights: RRP £3
I matched them up with the things I could still fit into from my wardrobe. At this stage, your boobs are growing so you ought to wear bras without underwire. I wore sports bras, the cotton cami style bras from George and Groupon.
NB: Later in pregnancy, I had to shorten the straps on the V-neck camisole top as maternity bras come up high. I wish they’d put adjusters on the straps.
Second trimester (week 13 to end of week 27)
This is when you start to sport a noticeable bump. By the end of this trimester, people may even feel you show enough that they are able to comment on your beautiful bump. If you’ve told people, you’ll likely want to wear clothes that show it off.
I was lucky enough to go with a friend on a shopping trip around Lakeside. I got measured in Debenhams but bought my bras from Marks & Spencers. I got nursing bras so that I could use them after my pregnancy too.
The first shop I bought maternity clothes from was Top Shop but the store I went crazy in, for their brilliant range of maternity (and nursing clothes) was H&M.
However, H&M Lakeside had only one changing room, the store was boiling hot in March and there was nowhere for the pregnant women to sit who were waiting!
MAMA 2-pack nursing tops £17.99 ( I bought a few packs)
MAMA 2-pack t-shirts £12.99
MAMA Nursing dress £24.99 (suitable to wear to work too)
MAMA Floral pattern T-shirt £12.99
I really wanted to buy more but maternity bras are very expensive so my shopping trip had already exceeded my budget & usually I’m really good at not overspending.
Third trimester (week 28 to baby’s delivery)
In these final few weeks, I am feeling very big. Most pre-pregnancy clothes no longer fit with the exception of the odd loose maxi dress or stretchy maxi skirt. Even non-maternity leggings press into my bump.
I resent buying something that I can’t wear past pregnancy as I don’t have long left. I don’t want a dress that will cling to my bump if I’ve had the baby. I plan to breastfeed so I’d rather invest in nursing wear although choices are very limited. I have found ASOS to have the best range for maternity/nursing clothes.
I’ve also found a very basic store online that sells nursing clothes at affordable prices called Happy Mama. They also sell delivery gowns. I plan to order some pieces from their site next month for my hospital bag.
I bought a dress from Mamalicious for my sister’s 10y wedding party but it didn’t arrive in time. They said it would take 3 to 4 days standard delivery but it took 10 days! I complained and returned the dress and they refunded the cost plus P&P.
Where to buy
These are the stores I found best for clothing during my pregnancy:
ASDA – George
Top Shop
H&M
ASOS
Boohoo
Happy Mama
Mamalicious
Seraphine
Where are your top places to buy maternity/nursing wear?
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June 30, 2018
Camp NaNoWriMo (July 2018)
I literally signed up yesterday! This challenge is inline with my July writing goal. Wish me luck…
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5 Tips for achieving NaNoWriMo
When I attempted NaNoWriMo back in November 2017 I blogged 5 tips to help you achieve. The only thing I’m doing different this time is my goal is 25k words and I’m going to use Google Docs so I can write anywhere! If you’d like to read my tips, please click here.
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What I learnt from failing
Well November 2017 was a very challenging month for me and I didn’t achieve NaNoWriMo despite my top tips. November is always busy month for me but last year’s November was awful!
I don’t think you should see failure as a reason to give up. It’s a chance to learn and grow and become even better. If you’d like to learn from my mistakes, please click here.
June 28, 2018
Review: The Pip Box (June)
It’s a cruelty free beauty subscription box and contains a selection of five products – skincare, body care, makeup and occasionally a sweet treat too. Plus, a 50p donation from the sale of each box goes to an animal friendly charity (Animal Free Research). In addition, you earn loyalty points for each purchase which can then be used for money off future boxes.
Cost: £13.50 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK
Refer a friend scheme: Every time you refer three friends, you get a free The Pip Box. If you’d like to sign up, use my friend link: https://www.thepipbox.co.uk/refer/Aliso-SJFXKEDD
What was in my box?
The box came with an information card to tell me all about the products inside and their value.
Zerreau: Coconut Towel Off Shampoo (sheet lists price as £3.99)
This product is a hybrid dry shampoo that cleans your hair without using water. Spray the foam on and towel off.
This sounds like a great idea and I am looking forward to trying it out. I imagine festival goers would love it and it could be handy to freshen up down the beach. It may be useful at hospital or those early days with a newborn where you can’t tear yourself away from your little one or think straight due to no sleep.
As you can see from the photo, they’ve also included a discount for their new towel off body foam!
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Dermadeli: Rejuvinating Toner (sheet lists price as £1.50)
This travel size 10ml toner arrived as I was in need of a toner. I started using it right away and it’s very refreshing. It is also the perfect size to throw in your handbag and freshen up on the go. If I didn’t desperately need it, I may have put it in my hospital bag.
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LaRitzy: NUE Eyeshadow Palette (sheet lists prove as £35.99)
This is a full size palette of everyday nude shades to create a variety of looks that would suit most people for daytime or evening.
I was looking forward to this product as they gave a teaser and I am low on eyeshadow. However, my first impressions of the packaging hasn’t blown me away. The plastic casing looks a little cheap and mine has a scratch on the front.
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Hurraw: Sun Lip Balm SPF15 (sheet lists price as £3.99)
I had this balm last summer and loved it. I was disappointed when hunting for my summer essentials that I couldn’t find it and bought any SPF lip product on the high street.
What I love about THIS product is the added SPF protection, the organic ingredients and how good it feels.
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The Vintage Cosmetics: Matchbox Mini Emery Boards (sheet lists price as £3.95)
These are just really pretty. I recently broke my Ruby & Millie glass file that I loved for years and keep forgetting to get a new file. These will get used. Did I point out how pretty they are?
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Chewsy: 100% Natural Chewing Gum (sheet lists price as £1.25)
This is a bonus item that Pip have included in addition to the five products promised. What makes this gum special is the ingredients are 100% natural and sugar free.
I decided to give it a go whilst taking the pics and it is really yummy. It has a fresh minty taste with a little zest. I did find myself popping bubbles and it worked but is really stick and I had to wash it off my lips. Lol 
June 26, 2018
Simple content plan
In March, I identified that I needed a plan to help me manage my blog content. I needed the plan to be simple, quick and accessible so I could use it wherever I was and I had time.
Google spreadsheet
I decided to create a calendar in Google spreadsheets.
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I coloured the cells to indicate the content type:
Orange: featured post
Blue: writing post
Green: beauty post
Yellow: personal post
Pink: NaPoWriMo (a special feature/event)
I wrote my content idea on the colour coded cell. I made the text:
Bold: unwritten
Italic: started/in draft
Plain: done (scheduled)
This made it superveasy to see what posts I needed to write and when so I could prioritise.
Being easy to access on my mobile or any PC/Laptop meant it didn’t restricting my blogging.
Amending plans
Sometimes, I found I wasn’t inspired to write what I planned. So, I copied the cell to my ideas list for future reference and moved another idea into the vacant space that I did feel like writing.
I often have more ideas than time to write and this helps me stay focussed on the tasks I have chosen rather than trying to write them all. Being more focussed helps me get the article written in the limited time I have (usually an hour or two on a Sunday).
I can gather the pics I need for my blog and Instagram in plenty of time. I take these throughout the week and save to a folder on my phone.
Verdict
I’m really pleased with my simple plan as it work for me. Being more organised makes me feel more in control.
My future schedule
I do need to relook at my schedule and reduce the frequency ready for when my newborn arrives. In addition, I vowed to return to novel writing once my CIPD course is complete (end of June).
As a result, I think I’ll struggle to post every other day but I still want to achieve a fairly regular flow. Currently, my content plan is filled up until end of August and 50% full from there until December… Maybe, I can do it all…
I would love to know what you think and the methods you use to plan your content. I’m constantly learning.
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June 24, 2018
Me being featured!
Today, I am writing about one of my posts being featured on someone elses blog. It is the first time one of my articles has been shared. I was flattered, honoured and it felt like a mini achievement.
NaPoWriMo: Day 26 – Senses
They chose my NaPoWriMo poem for day 26, titled Senses. This is a deep, personal and emotional poem inspired by a very dark period in my life when I was struggling internally.
Click here to check out my poem on their blog.
Stoner On a Roller Coaster
Firstly, she is a blogger that is not a stoner. She explains on her ‘about page’ how she came up with this name for her blog. Her blog is about raising awareness for mental health and getting people to talk about. She has gained a lot of support from people on the blogosphere.
If you haven’t checked her out yet, head over and give her a follow (see link for my poem on their blog).
I’d like to thank ‘Stoner’ for choosing my post to be shared on their blog. It really means a lot to me that you liked my writing enough to repost, especially a poem that I felt vulnerable in sharing as it was so personal and revealing. I hope it helped others who are in that dark place know they are not alone.
Being featured
I often feature other bloggers on my blog. If I see a well written article that will benefit my readers then I have to share. I love how easy Word Press makes this and credits the originator.
The articles are usually tips for writers but I have also shared useful How To makeup tutorials. I am also keeping my eye out for blogs on parenting.
If you know of any blogs I should be following so I can discover their content, please let me know and don’t be shy to sign post me to your own blog.
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June 23, 2018
May/June, What have I been watching?
Here are the shows I have loved these past months.
The Originals (season 5)
Genre: Fantasy
The Originals is a spin-off series from The Vampire Diaries. The Vampire Diaries story is about a high school girl and her friends. During the seasons, they attract the attention of the original vampire and werewolf family.
The Originals series is about that family and has flashbacks to explain more about their origins. The series has a more mature tone as the characters are much older (they are the oldest!).
Last season, the family went their separate ways for safety, due to some very powerful dark magic cast against them by angry dead witches (this is a very brief summary). This season involves them all coming back together to take back control.
With The Originals you can expect complex family relationships and drama caused by ancient feuds. There is magic and blood and politics (their laws) in every episode. It is a great series and did not disappoint.
Handmaid’s Tale (season 2)
Genre: Drama – post apocalyptic
Wow, this season opened with an episode that had me on the edge of my seat. There were plenty of shocks in this season and I’ve found myself counting down the days until the next episode is released. It did slow a little in the middles but it was building suspense and laying down what was to come.
Handmaids is set in the future where women are struggling to fall pregnant, deliver and sustain a healthy baby. This has made people desperate for a child but can’t, fertile women are valuable and a new world order is implemented. They use religion to doctor their new idea and oppress their people. The population is captured and ‘trained’ for their new role in society and they are constantly watched by armed guards. Disobedience has severe consequences, including death as an example to others.
The handmaids are the fertile women. Their duty is to get pregnant and deliver a baby to the household they have been allocated to. The main character, June, is renamed OfFred to denote who she belongs to, I.e Fred is her master, the commander of the house she’s been allocated to. Conception is done by a biblical reading and then a ceremony involving the handmaid lying between the wife’s legs so the husband can impregnate the handmaids whilst looking at his wife. It is cold and rather disturbing.
The first season was great, so I had high expectations for season two and it didn’t disappoint. In this season, OfFred is heavily pregnant and fearing for the world the baby will be born into. Serena (the lady of the house – the Commander’s wife) starts breaking rules and appears to not be as devoted to her husband as she was originally.
Other countries are looking to Gilead to support them with their fertility crisis. There is a suicide bomber terrorist attack against the Commanders. Letters written by the oppressed women manages to be smuggled and released into Canada shedding light on what is really going on in America (now called Gilead) and damages their alliance with this country.
I’ve not finished this season but I am hooked.
Greys Anatomy (season 14)
Genre: Drama – medical
I still enjoy the medical emergencies and relationships between their staff but since Meredith lost her husband, it’s not quite the same. Their complicated love life helped push the series along and now there isn’t a strong storyline pulling the season together. I’ll keep watching but I don’t feel as attached anymore.
Rain (season 1)
Genre: Dystopia
This is a Danish TV Series. The world has been infected by a virus transmitted by the rain. Two children are hidden in a bunker by their parents. The children stay hidden there for years living off the survival supplies until they decide to venture out and try and find their dad. The world is quite dangerous as the survivors of the world are desperate for food and shelter. The siblings make friends with another party and travel together.
At first their accents were a little strange but I got used to it. Each episode finishes with a conclusion rather than a cliff hanger, often I felt the season would have been more compelling if it ended at a different point in the episode. My husband found the rain unbelievable as he felt they all would be infected with no survivors as sometimes it rains without warning (very true in the UK).
I would still recommend giving it a go as it is a different idea and it is great to see what is being created by other countries that often don’t make it to our TV screens.
I haven’t quite finished it yet as the episodes don’t leave me needing to know ’what next?’ But I will continue to watch this.
Siren (season 1)
Genre: Fantasy
I love mermaids and I love how they’ve made them so real in this series. The mermaids (or sirens) can shift into human form. They fear humans as we have hurt them in the past and stay hidden deep in the ocean. Due to over fishing, there is a lack of food and the mermaids need to come up higher to eat. One gets caught and that starts the catalyst for the whole season as another mermaid comes out of the sea to look for her sister. She has to quickly learn our ways and those helping and protecting her need to learn hers. When a mermaid feels threatened they are incredibly dangerous, in addition, they have a pretty song that can drive people crazy. There is a military group looking for the sirens to capture and experiment on.
The series was brilliant and I’m really pleased I watched it. I can’t wait for the next season – there needs to be more.
The only way is Essex (series 1 to 14)
Genre: Reality (sort of)
Oh no, what happened! I just put this on as some background TV and now I keep watching it. I call this ‘tacky tv’. It won’t enrich your life but it will kill time.
It follows a group of young adults social lives in Essex. Some things are set up for example two people who don’t like each other will end up in the same restaurant/club – resulting in having ’words’. Most of the guys are notorious cheats and lie. They deny it, the girls believe their lies and hates on anyone saying the truth but eventually it is so obvious they admit it and break up. The girls and guys love to gossip and often make situations within the groups even more tense.
You do end up liking some characters. I really like nanny Pat – she is a star. I think Jasmin is often treated unfairly by others who are jealous of her, she’s beautiful and never done anything wrong. I thought Amy was the nicest girl and it’s a shame she wasn’t in it for long. Tom is the nicest of the guys but there is still time for him to disappoint me and become a lying cheat.
They are all loaded but most of them don’t seem to work – they mostly open a shop or a night club but they are always out meeting for coffee/lunch (gossiping) or partying and on holiday (scandal & drama). The only character that appeared to have a real job was Amy Child’s who leaves after season 1 – I really liked her.
It you have time to kill, it’s not bad. Be warned you can get sucked in and cringe a lot.
Final thoughts…
Siren and The Handmaid’s Tale are my top two recommendations. Both were amazing for different reasons. They are the sort of shows that capture your imagination and leave you wanting (needing) more.I would love to know if you’ve watched any of the above (or planning to) and your thoughts on the shows.
Also, now you can see what I enjoyed watching this month you may have some ideas on what else I should be watching – please do make recommendations.
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June 20, 2018
Naturismo box
Every so often Naturismo does a box with a selection of products at a steal of the price. This box was £17.95. That’s about £2.50 per item!
It a great opportunity to try new products. It’s also worth signing up to their news letter to be aware of all their offers as they constantly have a range of deals going.
Naturismo don’t have a minimum spend and shipping is always free. Plus they have a huge selection of samples. It’s one of my favourite online beauty stores.
Here’s what I got:
Dr Hauschka: Lip Gloss (raspberry)
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On the brush it looks very vibrant but it’s actually a very neutral colour and give lips a glossy sheen of pink. It does feel lovely on, not tacky but sadly doesn’t last long.
Bellapierre Cosmetics: Blush (Autumn Glow)
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This brand has made it to my basket many times but never the checkout, so I was really pleased to finally try it.
The blusher is very pigmented and this coral pink is too orange for my lily white skin and looks like bronzer on me. I’d describe the colour as ginger because it matches my naturally red hair.
Despite the fact the colour is not for me, the brand has lived up to my expectations. I always thought they have strong pigmented colours and saw them as the Barry M of the organic world.
Inika Organic: Certified Organic Lip Tint (Candy)
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I have been looking at this brand recently and considering their face powders. It was nice to try this lip product.
I wouldn’t describe it as a tint. It’s highly hydrating and gives your lips a subtle nude look (your lips but better).
It is nice but I doubt I’ll re-buy as it is a lot like my Axicology lipstick which I prefer.
RMS Beauty: “Un” Powder
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I’m already a fan of RMS products and haven’t tried this powder yet.
I was planning on buying a new face powder and was contemplating trying Jane Iredale’s SPF powder or repurchasing Lily Lolo’s setting powder.
This powder is very light. I like how the little pot came with a little sponge pouf for application. My skin feels soft and it is helping keep the shine away.
Odacite: Black Mint Cleanser
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This cleanser is good for all sorts of skin complaints. I haven’t tried it as I’ve put this cute travel size cleanser in my hospital bag.
Pacifica Beauty: Stellar Gaze mascara (black)
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This mascara is designed to lengthen and strengthen lashes. I really don’t notice much difference between mascaras. I do prefer black and I love Pacifica mascaras as they don’t irritate my eyes. I usually buy the waterproof one so it is nice to try a different formula from their brand.
My makeup draw now has a good selection of Pacifica products. I am a fan and will buy more of their products.
REN Skincare: Flash Defence Anti- Pollution Mist
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I have been looking for a facial spray to cool me down on hot summer days and I remember how in November the labour ward was hotter than hell, so I think I need this considering I’m going to be heavily pregnant this summer and on that ward this August.
I’ve used it a few times and found it incredibly refreshing. I’m being reserved with it as I’m concerned the little bottle will get used up too quickly.
I am so happy with this product. It makes me feel good.
Estelle & Thild: Sample sachets
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I’m least bothered about trying these out as I doubt their ’light’ will be light enough. However, I plan to do a review on pale foundations and will test these out and report back on where it’s light enough for the pale skinned girl.
I do love the soft colours on their packaging and this it is ever so pretty.
Verdict
I am very pleased with what I got. There all things I have been curious to try and otherwise would never have got around to it and I think the price is outstanding.
Head over to Naturismo to see their current offers on a wide range of organic brands.
