I'm So Glad We Live in a World where there are Octobers

The most wonderful time of year? I think so...

I've always been a lover of Autumn and although this year been a little different with fewer days out and adventures in crisp, brown leaves - we've still tried to make the most of it. J went back to preschool in September so we've had a little less time to do things but as with most things this year we've found comfort in the small things. 

We've been for coffees as a three, ran through puddles and crunchy leaves and explored the many parks around the city. There was a visit to a pumpkin patch, a birthday to celebrate and plenty of yummy food so looking back over the month was the perfect time to pick out some highlights and have a chat. 

The NEW Immortelle Divine Collection by L'Occitane

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At the beginning of September, L'Occitane re-launched one of their award-winning ranges with an all-new formula much to the excitement of skincare fans everywhere. The Immortelle Divine Collection is made using a beautiful golden flower that was discovered twenty years ago - since then, they have been studying its anti-ageing properties and thanks to eco-extraction technologies their research and development teams have found two new extracts. 

The two new extracts are Immortelle Super Extract and Immortelle Super Aqueous Extract, with Immortelle Super Extract, in particular, being likened to be as effective as synthetic retinol but more gentle to skin. The new and powerful botanical compound includes twenty-one active molecules all from a little flower found in the Corsican Maquis. 

The flower bears the name of Immortelle because she doesn't wither against the salty winds from the Mediterranean sea or by being in harsh sunlight nor does she wither once picked. It's quite an amazing little flower. 

Joshua's Halloween Box 2020

Last year, I was chatting on Twitter about Halloween boxes and if they were a thing because I really loved the idea of creating one for Joshua. My idea originally stemmed from Christmas Eve Boxes and so I started researching and didn't find much so I thought I'd just create my own and it was super popular so I thought I would share his box for this year too.

Joshua is too young for trick or treating and buckets full of sweets so a Halloween Box was the perfect alternative for our little ghoul and to help make things a little spooky. With trick or treating being out for some many this year due to the pandemic, it's also the perfect way to celebrate at home - we're having a little Halloween party too!

Meet Upcircle's Newest Arrivals

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Back in January of this year, I came across Upcircle for the first time - an all-natural skincare brand that uses leftover ingredients, bringing them back to life as beauty products. Think used coffee grounds and fruit stones - ideal for the skin.

Upcircle previously known as Optiat underwent a revamp in 2018 with a new name, logo and packaging! This saw all tubed products switched to 100% aluminium, glass or cardboard packaging all of which are easier to recycle.

The brand is very recycle, re-use and re-purpose which is exactly what we need in the current climate. 

You can read more about my first thoughts on Upcircle in my post, Introducing the All-Natural Skincare Brand Upcircle but for now, I want to show you three of their brand new products that I've been testing and using the last month. 

What I Read in September

And just like that the ninth month of the year ended and with it my latest collection of books is here. I was on the go-slow last month but I seem to have found my groove again. We're still staying home a lot at the moment - we've ventured out a little more than we have been and it's been nice but I'm not quite ready to let go of our time at home as a family, it has been so valuable to us all. 

With September, our routine started to look a lot more normal especially with our son going back to preschool which I'm so not ready for but that does mean I can spend his mornings there with a cup of coffee and a book so not all so bad! 

As always, I keep everything I've read on my Books 2020 highlight on my Instagram so if you're looking for any more recommendations - be sure to look there too. 

Why you must visit Blue Jasmine Immediately

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Before the world plunged into the unknown Blue Jasmine opened its doors in Ocean Village, Southampton much to the delight to many in the city. Delivering contemporary Southeast Asian fine dining it's somewhere you immediately have to add to your to try list. I finally stepped through their doors a few weeks ago and it was so worth the wait, in fact, I've been back twice since.

At Blue Jasmine, they follow a simple philosophy: to serve Asian gastronomy that has been elevated to fine dining standards. This carries through every aspect of the restaurant, from their waterside location to the precision with which each of their dishes is expertly prepared and plated and boy are they presented beautifully!

Their modern take on Asian cuisine is a celebration of authentic flavours. Overseen by Executive Chef Daren Liew, the menu delivers the essence of Southeast Asia while using the best local ingredients from Hampshire, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight before enhancing with spices imported from Malaysia, China and Thailand.

The LUSH Halloween Collection 2020

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Autumn has arrived and with it comes the Lush Halloween collection for 2020! Lush seasonal releases are my absolute fave so I've been waiting in anticipation for this collection to enter stores and it doesn't disappoint especially as my ol' fave Lord of Misrule is right there - I don't know what I'll do if they ever discontinue it. 

There's a handful of products to choose from including bubble bars, bath bombs, frightening shower gel and a pretty fabulous Fangs n Eyes knot wrap which is sure to give you a fright! There's also a super cute pumpkin mask holder which is a great way to gift bath bombs to any Halloween Lush fans. 

Buckle up because things are about to get spooky as I run through the range...

Our little boy, you're almost three!

I feel a sudden rush of emotions for Joshua at the moment - I think because 2020 hasn't exactly been plain sailing, I'm feeling more protective of him than ever. I'm an overprotective parent, I've spoken about this previously in my post I'm Scared and with the horrors of Covid and a year pretty much in our own bubble - I feel as though that has really intensified. 

A month or so ago he went back to preschool for the first time since lockdown ended. We started him a little earlier than most at the beginning of this year and we had just found our rhythm with it when it was time to pull him out in March. It took a lot longer than I thought it would for us both to settle into the preschool routine so I was so nervous for him restarting in September. Turns out I had nothing to worry about as he ran in and had the best time. He came on in leaps and bounds during lockdown and that's only become more apparent since he returned. 

A Guide to Cosy Nights & Hygge

*This is a paid partnership with Local Heroes - see disclaimer*

Autumn to me is the best time of year - the leaves begin to change colour, the evenings get darker and it means our nights can be spent curled up in a blanket with a warm drink watching the latest boxset surrounded by candles and twinkling lights. Sounds blissful right?

Installing a sense of calm in those colder months is really important for my mindset and so creating a little guide on how I do just that couldn't come at a better time especially as we're getting so close to putting the heating back on! 

hygge

/ˈh(j)uːɡə,ˈhʊɡə/

a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being

Latest in Beauty 2020 The Beauty Calendar Award Winners

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When it comes to beauty advent calendars, I've been waiting patiently to see what Latest in Beauty had in store for us and yesterday I finally had a peek inside! 

Available NOW - The Latest in Beauty Award Winners The Beauty Calendar has landed in time to make your festive season go off with a bang and with twenty-four show-stopping products from everything to makeup, skincare, haircare and more included - you're gonna want to hit that shop now button. 

The beauty calendar is worth over £300 and it can be yours for just £70! You can also get £10 off using the code LIBAC10 but be quick because it is absolutely going to sell out. 

Just a forewarning, there are plenty of spoilers in this post!