#LittleLoves

I saw this linky over on Emma's blog and I thought I'd try it out this week as it's a great way to share with you some of the things that have been going on with me over the past few weeks...seeing as I'm not exactly setting the school gate on fire with my style. The linky is hosted by Morgana over at butwhymummywhy so if you'd like to get involved too... just click on the little loves logo at the bottom of the post.

ReadThis week I've been I flying through my book club book. It definitely ranks as one of the best we've read. 'After the Fall' by Charity Norman is about a family who emigrate from the UK to New Zealand.  The book opens with a small boy falling off a balcony and being airlifted to hospital. The chapters alternate between present and past, following the boy's progress in hospital and sharing the background to the move to NZ. It's an interesting insight into the impact a long distance move has on a family and how the secrets and demons don't get left behind. It's an addictive, fast read - some of our recent book club books have been rather challenging so this was most refreshing!

I enjoyed it so much, it prompted me to seek out another one of Charity Norman's books 'The Son In Law'. It's not as instantly gripping but I think it will be an interesting insight into a challenging family dynamic.

WatchedLiving at my mother in law's at the moment means I'm watching more TV than I normally would. We've got ourselves into a lovely routine some evenings of PJ's, G&T's and a 9pm drama so I've had to get up to speed with Silent Witness (harrowing at times/a bit hard to take seriously at other times), Last Tango in Halifax (not what I was expecting - really enjoying it!) and Broadchurch. Now I never watched the first series of Broadchurch as I have an 11 year old and I really struggle to watch anything that involves a child coming to harm. But I was told I could pick up on series 2 without having watched 1 and broadly, that is correct though I did read a synopsis of Series 1 online to clear up a few parts of the story that were confusing. Suffice to say, I'm hooked. David Tennant is really impressive and I love the dynamic between his character and Ellie.

HeardLittle May - an Australian band that Fearne Cotton played on Radio 1 last week. I was straight onto Spotify to listen to their debut EP and have enjoyed listening to it while blogging. I would say they're a bit like a female version of Mumford. Not quite as rocky but with similar strong guitar and harmonies. This is my current favourite song of theirs - Boardwalks

MadeLots of pies and casseroles Having lived with just a hob and microwave for the past month, it's been such a novelty to have the use of an oven at Granny's. Aunt Bessie's oven chips have made a welcome return too :)

WornIt's not been too exciting the past few weeks but I do think this has as much to do with the time of year as it does with the fact that I don't have all my clothes out of boxes, don't have a wardrobe and am living out of a suitcase! It was nice to finally locate this coral coat from Almost Famous (now in the sale!) - a fab coat to brighten up the grey and blue.

But what I've enjoyed most this week is what I've worn on my skin. Back in November I succumbed to the marketing and bought a premium, cosmetic-giant face cream and the best way I can describe it is that I've felt like my skin has been clogged up with chemicals since I started using it. The cost made me perservere until it was finished but going back to one of my favourite organic natural brands was just amazing this week...my skin looks and feels 10 times better. If you're concerned about ageing, don't opt for the fast chemical laden results promised by the big corporations. In the long term, organic is the real secret to gorgeous skin. My new face cream is the Dr Organics Snail Gel Cream...don't be put off by the name - it uses the remarkable cosmetic benefits of Helix Aspersia Muller, a unique substance the snail produces to quickly regenerate its own shell and skin when damaged. It smells of lemongrass and is so lovely and nourishing.

For cleansing, I've just bought some Moa Balm - I'm a huge fan of balm cleansers used with a hot flannel. My skin never feels as clean with cream cleansers or face wash. Moa is lovely as it's full of healing yarrow - great for scars or nicks/cuts. It's between £7 and £10 for a 50ml tub online - which is about two thirds the size I would have bought of my usual favourite, Temple Spa In the Beginning. So not a huge saving but it's nice to mix it up a bit - I think your skin gets too used to the same products so it's good to change things around. Boots Botanics have a great balm cleanser too though I'm not a fan of the smell. Funny how the smell is so important when it comes to skincare.

and finally...

A little message for all the mums out there awaiting AQE/GL results in Northern Ireland tomorrow morning. I've already negotiated to meet the postman at the start of his run though honestly, I'm not concerned about how well he scores at all...I just want this part of the process to be over. I know whatever he gets, it will all work out the way it's supposed to and it will be for the best.

Ax