GIVEAWAY ON INSTAGRAM!!

 Read, Write, Walk North East is an initiative set up by the author of the fabulous DCI Ryan series, LJ Ross. If you've not read any of these books yet, then you really should, and if you have, then you'll know that they've been set in some amazing scenic places around the North East of England. That's where this initiative comes into play. You can visit some of the places mentioned in the series, and complete a book trail on your mobile or GPS device - a blummin great idea if you ask me! Not only that, but if you solve clues along the way and uncover the hidden word, you simply email it to LJ Ross, and she'll send you a free book!! You really can't go wrong!! To find out more, simply click here

On top of all that, I am running a giveaway over on my Instagram feed where you can win a whole host of goodies including a full set of signed DCI Ryan books, scented candles, alcohol & gift vouchers to name but a few. I really wish I could enter as its such a fantastic prize lol 

Prize contents

This giveaway ends on 12th April 2021, so get your entries in now to be in with a chance of winning all these goodies! Click here and good luck!

I'm curious... What's your favourite crisp?

When it comes to crisps, Walkers salt & vinegar squares are my absolute faves! I've loved them since I was a child, and still love them just as much today.

Apart from their unique square shape, these little beauties have a delightful crunch with every bite you take, and are always packed with flavour. The only downside for me, is that one bag is never enough - I always eat them in twos!! 

I also get laughed at due to the way I eat these... I lick my fingers first, so that the flavour from each crisp will stick, then I proceed to pull out a crisp, lick all the flavour off, then chomp the actual crisp. I only eat one at a time too, I couldn't be chucking handfuls in, as I like to savour the taste. Once I've finished the last crisp, I'll lick the build up of flavour off my fingers, which is definitely the best bit for me lol

So, I'm a little curious here. What's your favourite crisp, and is there anything unusual about the way you eat them?

Rituals - The Ritual of Sakura Body Cream

This time of year, I suffer terribly with dry skin, yet always have difficulty in finding creams that not only work, but don't leave a greasy after feel. That's where this gorgeous body cream from Rituals comes in. Containing vitamin E and Centella Asiatica, this cream gently soothes skin and instantly softens rough areas, leaving skin soft, smooth and fully moisturised. It soaks in nicely without leaving any greasy residue, and the cherry blossom smell is absolutely delightful and quite relaxing too!
This is one of the best body creams I've ever tried, and my skin absolutely loves it.
Slightly more pricey than some, but it's so luxurious, smells delicious and works really well, so definitely worth it.

Please note, I appreciate that not everyone will agree with me, but these are my personal opinions and I loved it!

Have you tried it yet? What are your thoughts?

Mål Paper Daily Goal Setter Review

I was recently sent this gorgeous Daily Goal Setter from Mål Paper free of charge, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This really is a journal like no other! It comes in either black, grey or pink (as shown above), so is perfectly suitable for both men and women alike. It has a beautifully textured, quality hardback cover with the words 'daily goal setter' laid out in gold. The pages are also really lovely to write on, and thick enough so that the ink doesn't go through. I love how simple they've kept the design, yet still managed to add style and sophistication. The addition of the two divider ribbons is also really helpful, as most only come with one.

The name Mål, which is pronounced "mo-l" means 'goal' in Swedish, and we all have many goals which we strive to achieve on a daily basis. That's where this helpful planner comes into action. Not only can you jot down your plans etc, but throughout the journal are little motivational quotes to help keep you going...

I really love how the pages are laid out and that it's undated, so you can use it at your leisure without worrying that it won't be any good the following year(s) - something I always find such a waste with regular planners!
The first part has a few helpful hints on what you may like to include, which I found really useful, then you have a few pages to include any long term goals you may have, followed by both monthly and weekly review pages, all undated!
The 'Daily Tasks' section is my favourite. Each page starts by providing space for '3 things to be grateful for', followed by a 'daily affirmation', then a nice space for 'todays tasks/notes'. Right at the bottom is space to jot down 'great things that happened today' and then scale of 1 - 10 so you can 'rate your day'. I found that this really gave me food for thought and made me think more about my days in general and how I spend them.

If you're looking for a planner that has space for all your needs and isn't restricted by dates, then this is definitely the one for you! It would also make a really lovely gift for that someone special as it's such good quality.
For more information or to order your own Daily Goal Setter, then head to Mål Paper

Plantur 39

As a woman in my forties, hair loss is something I find I often worry about. I don't have any bald patches to speak of, however I do seem to leave loose hairs everywhere I go - something which drives my partner insane!! I've also noticed that I loose far more than I used to during brushing. When I heard about Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for women of my age, I knew I had to try it.
This shampoo is essentially for women who have been through the menopause, as after this, the oestrogen levels which protect the hair roots fall, causing the hair to become thinner & more brittle. Plantur 39 has an active caffeine ingredient which counteracts the negative impact of testosterone on the hair roots. I haven't yet reached the menopause, but this has already worked wonder for me.

Admittedly, I really don't like how this feels on my hair during washing. I have super fine hair which felt very knotted and coarse whilst massaging the shampoo in. I left for 2 minutes, then rinsed. My hair still felt awful, so I used a little of my regular conditioner.
From the first wash, the amount of hair I had to remove from my hairbrush had dramatically reduced! I dried using my hairdryer and was literally blown away with the results. I always get serious hair envy when I see people with z gorgeous healthy shine, as its something I've never been able to achieve - until now!! I've been using this every couple of days for around 3 weeks now, and my hair looks healthier than it ever has. It definitely looks slightly fuller, and there's significantly less hair loss throughout the day.
Overall, a great product which achieves great results.