I've been lucky enough to discover so many fantastic products recently, whether they are gorgeous skincare items, nourishing haircare, beautiful stationery or very useful tools. Today's post is all about the stand out products I've been loving over the past few weeks as well as the items that are new to my skincare collection and daily routine. For my initial impressions and unboxings, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). 

During lockdown my skin has gone through so many changes, I think in part due to anxiety and a less than healthy diet, so I've had to re-think and switch up a lot of the products I was using to work with this new phase of my skin. I've had countless changes to my skin since my teens, from eczema (age 14 to 26) to normal skin (26 to 27) and now spotty areas with some dryness so there have been a few challenges to contend with over the past four or so months. However, I've thankfully been able to find a few products that seem to help including the Pixi Clarity Tonic, La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume and a couple of new skincare items from L'aves. 

*L'aves Skin Riches Bright & Lift Extreme Performance Facial Elixir (£65, 30ml)

*Exfoliating Soap Bag - Happy Planet Box 

Last month I reviewed a new subscription box, the Happy Planet box which focuses on vegan, natural and eco-friendly products. I loved all of the products in the summer box but my favourite has to be the exfoliating soap bag which is the item I've used the most from the box - it has become an item I use on an almost daily basis. The bag, made from natural plant fibres, is designed to contain a bar of soap and it not only lathers the soap well but exfoliates the skin too. It is such a simple product but one that I haven't seen before and now I know that I'll be purchasing another in the future; it is especially useful if you have smaller pieces of soap as they can fit into the bag together. 

*Lee Stafford CoCo LoCo with Agave Shine Mask (£6.99)

Unlike my skincare, I haven't changed up my haircare products for a while, as I've been trying to finished mini or half-used products since lockdown but there has been one stand out haircare product recently. Lee Stafford is such a nostalgic brand for me as I used almost exclusively Lee Stafford products throughout my teens! I have been impressed with everything I've tried from their more recent ranges and the coco loco shine mask is no exception! 

The mask is cruelty free, vegetarian friendly and contains coconut oil and agave essence to leave the hair feeling silky, soft and shiny. I have been using the mask a couple of times per week to make sure my hair is nourished and soft! The mask not only leaves my hair looking great but it smells fantastic too. I'd highly recommend this mask as well as their amazing 'keep it clean' dry shampoo. 

*Old English Company Personalised Foil Notebook (£12.95)

Lastly, a stationery item that I not only love but it is very appropriate to how my mind has felt during lockdown (we're still in lockdown in Manchester)! I was very kindly sent the cute personalised foil notebook in the blush pink shade which also features my name on the front cover. There are so many other notebook designs and colours to choose from too. I think the quote on the front of the notebook of 'my brain has too many tabs open' is very apt for most of us during this pandemic. 

I love the design, the gorgeous gold foiling, the size and the personalised aspect of the notebook; it also has the most perfectly spaced lined pages. I think this personalised notebook, along with any of their other gorgeous designs, would be fantastic gift ideas for stationery lovers this Christmas. They also have an amazing range of pins, keyrings, prints, planners, pens, gifts and more to choose from! 

Have you tried any of these products? 

 
It has been a while since I've wanted to take part in a book tour as I never want to feel pressured to finish a book by a certain date or feel compelled to finish a book I'd rather not as I'm very much a mood reader. However, I was very excited to take part in the book tour with Corvus for a review of the third book in The Wanderer Chronicles by Theodore Brun. I reviewed the previous books in the series back in 2018 (which seems like a lifetime ago) and loved both, giving them a rating of 3.75 each! 

*A Burning Sea by Theodore Brun (475 pages) ★★★ (3.75, yet again!)

I was very kindly sent a hardback copy which has one of the most striking book covers of the series; although I think my favourite cover and story overall has to be the first book. As this is the third book in the series, I wouldn't want to give away any spoilers to those who haven't read the previous two books. However, within the first book, A Mighty Dawn, we follow Hakan, son of the Lord of the Northern Jutes as he is faced with life changing truths and tragedy which forces him to find his own way in the world and change his identity. 

Both the first and second books in the series are filled with adventure, conflict, blood shed, oaths and battles, all of which I adore in fantasy and historical fiction! The third book is no different in the level of conflict and fighting, although we have a new setting to explore of Byzantium which was vivid and atmospheric, especially with the lies, mystery and subterfuge surrounding the characters. I love the character of Erlan as he's the typical humble hero and a character you'll want to root for. I've been following his perilous, adventure filled journey which encounters more of a few near death experiences, injury, heartbreaking loss and a little hope and I finally wanted him to have a happy ending within this third book. 

There are so many aspects of this book that I enjoyed such as a quick and easy writing style, the camaraderie between a number of the characters, the page turning battle scenes and the dark humour throughout. Although I think my favourite aspect of the series as a whole is the classic adventure feel of the books as they are all reminiscent of age old tales of villains, monsters, battle-hardened heroes and a hopefully happily ever after. 

I do have to a mention a few topics which may be uncomfortable for some such as rape and torture within the book. Additionally I did have a couple of issues, hence the rating, such as potentially unnecessary sex scenes and the way some the physical characteristics of some characters are described (also can every writer on the planet stop describing breasts as 'orbs' please) but I would still highly recommend this series if you are looking for a fast paced, adventure filled read with elements of norse mythology and viking culture.

I'm currently reading a short story by Theodore Brun, A Winter's Night, which is free on Amazon. Also, if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription or a free trial then you can read the first two books for free. 

Make sure you follow me on GoodReads for more book ratings and to stay up to date with my current TBR. 

Have you read this series? Do you read any historical fiction or fantasy? 

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We've all been spending much more time at home, whether we're in lockdown, quarantine or working from home which has a few benefits (less time commuting or saving money on petrol) but it also has a few negatives. The difficulty of finding the correct work to life balance and stress is something we've all been struggling with.

Stress is a very personal struggle with various stress helpers out there such as yoga, meditation, pampering, exercising or spending time with friends (unless you are still in lockdown as I am in Manchester). However, while I don't encourage retail therapy, it can sometimes help and one home or garden feature that may have more benefits than it seems is a hot tub! 

Decrease Stress 

Along with baths, spa days and saunas, a hot tub can reduce stress which is always welcome. Stress can have a lasting effect, if it isn't managed, on not only mental health but also physical illness. Stress has been linked to potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems and more. Reducing stress and finding ways to manage stressors, is something I'm trying to work on and I think it is a more long-term issue than it appears to be. 

Decreases Back Pain & Sore Muscles 

A more immediate sign of stress, along with headaches, loss of appetite and worrying, can be muscle aches and pains. Relaxing and stress relief can help muscle tension and general aches or pains. If stress or physical labour is part of your daily life or job then a hot tub might be a great investment in the long term to help with physical strains or the effects of stress. 

Exercise 

Swimming and water-focused exercises can be a great option for those with limited mobility. Hydrotherapy can help reduce stress on the joints, ease muscle aches and increase circulation as well as helping with your mood. Exercise in general can be a fantastic way to not only manage your weight and stay healthy but to boost the amount of endorphins ('happy' hormones) which can lighten your mood. 

Striking Home & Garden Feature 

As well as all of the physical and mental health benefits of a hot tub, it also makes a striking and inviting home or garden feature too. There are so many hot tub sizes, styles and designs on the market for your specific needs - I have been searching through and mentally spending money on the perfect hot tub for our garden! Whichever hot tub you choose, water treatment systems need to be considered to make sure that your hot tub or swimming pool is clean and safe to use. 

Relaxation & Family Time 

Lastly, it's the ideal relaxing environment for friends and family too! Time with friends and family is so important (I think during lockdown I've realised just how much I miss time with my friends and how much I took that time for granted) and why not spend that time relaxing together...maybe with a cocktail or two!

Do you have a hot tub? Would your purchase a hot tub in the future? 

We all know how much I love subscription boxes at this point; I've reviewed so many from food, beauty and lifestyle boxes to green beauty, fragrance samples and geeky goodies. You can check out my reviews on my blog or on the All Subscription Boxes website. Therefore I'm always interested to try new subscription boxes so I was very excited to try the Rave Coffee subscription which I've been testing out for the past couple of weeks. 

*Rave Coffee Subscription (from £7.95 per month) 

The subscription has many variations including the style of coffee, how you brew your coffee and the quantity as well as whether the box is for yourself or a gift for someone else. The base price is £7.95 per month but it will differ if you add more bags of coffee to your subscription box. The subscription is available as a monthly box as well as a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription, which would make a great gift option for *cough* Christmas *cough*. 

Within the subscription box, you'll receive the ethically sourced coffee you have selected and you'll also receive information about brewing, growing or tasting coffee, to expand your knowledge while you enjoy your coffee. I received the brew guide with my subscription box which contains information all about the different ways to brew coffee from using a cafetière (which is what I use), chemex and aeropress to espresso, cold brew and more. It also includes a how to guide for each method as well as tips which would be great for a coffee brewing beginner, like myself!

Images from Goddiva  This is a collaborative post (not paid)

It's almost time for autumn, the best season and with it comes not only halloween but the promise of Christmas and New Year (I think we are all ready for this year to be over!). Autumn, Winter, Christmas and New Year always make me think of not just cosy clothing but sequinned dresses, as I think that sequins are quintessentially festive and ideal for the cosy months. 

Every season I have this all consuming need to buy a new wardrobe filled with seasonally appropriate clothes and accessories; this is even stronger at the end of summer and as we finally head towards autumn (the best season, don't argue with me). I may have already purchased a few autumn jumpers and loungewear in the bank holiday sales but so far...so far, I've been very good. 

Midi Dresses

I think midi dresses are a bit overlooked but I think they can look very elegant and flattering, if you get the length right for your height. I'm very petite at only 4ft 11'' so finding the length of dress to suit me can be a little tricky. Wedding guest dresses and cocktail dresses are perfect in the form of midi dresses especially if a few sequins are involved. I have a couple of midi dresses are I think they are very flattering!

Sequinned Dresses 

Christmas dresses and prom dresses have to be bejewelled with sequins or embroidery, that's the rule. You can't have a Christmas dress without sparkle, it's the time for sparkle! Goddiva have such a wide range of sequinned dresses to choose from in a range of styles, designs, sizes and lengths. I particularly love the long and flowing maxi dresses that are covered with sequins as they will make anyone look incredible. 

Maxi Dresses

Last but not least, maxi dresses which are great for any occasion as they look incredibly elegant and sophisticated. However, they are even more perfect for the colder months as paired with skin-toned tights and a faux leather jacket, they can be practical AND beautiful. I wore a maxi dress as a bridesmaid a couple of years ago and loved how flattering it was so I am definitely on the look out for petite maxi dresses (and a few more midi dresses) for the upcoming autumn and winter months. 

Goddiva is definitely the place to go for your formal and special occasion dress needs as they have such a wide selection to choose from in a variety of colours, designs and sizes, including plus sized dresses. They also have a few masks to choose too; I've been using my green Goddiva mask for the past few weeks and I love it!

What do you think of these dresses? Have you purchased from Goddiva? 

We all know how much I love subscription boxes, from food boxes (DegustaBox) to beauty boxes (LookFantastic and Latest In Beauty) but there's one that combines a few of my favourite things! The Happy Planet box from The Evolution contains a variety of vegan and cruelty free beauty and lifestyle products in one sustainability and eco-friendly focused box. 

I was very kindly sent the *Happy Planet Summer 2020 Box (£23.50, including shipping) which contains a selection of natural, eco-friendly and vegan beauty products as well as a couple of lifestyle items, all of which I couldn't wait to try, especially as the products smell very summery and fresh! For more information, check out The Evolution website linked above. 

*Organic Pure Green Tea by Clipper

*Organic Orange and Grapefruit Facial Oil (£10.50)

*Mango and Lemon Foot Balm (£7)