You wouldn’t think there’s much difference between one eyeliner and another but this one that I bought from Zoeva Cosmetics is my new favourite. Easy to apply, easy to sharpen, stays put all day, great colours with a bit of shimmer – what’s not to like.
Zoeva Velvet Love eyeliner in Metallic Taupe (their best selling colour) £16. Lots of other brilliant colours available too. Check their website.
Here’s another little me-time treat you may well like – a Spacemask. My sister gave me a pack and I’ve just spent a very relaxing 20 minutes wearing it.
Just take the mask out of the pack and it automatically starts heating up. Pop it on over your eyes and fit the loops around your ears. The warmth and gentle scent really promotes relaxation.
Available in Jasmine, Rose, Chamomile or Orange/Grapefruit scents.
Box of 5 costs £18.50 from Spacemasks (10% off your first order) or available as single packs on Amazon but more expensive at £7.99 each.
Just finished reading “Fresh Water for Flowers” by Valerie Perrin and I was completely captivated by this beautifully written novel. The story follows Violette, a cemetery caretaker who has a unique ability to learn about and care for the dead and their mourners. As she unravels the mysteries of the deceased buried in her cemetery, we are taken on a journey of love, loss, and redemption.
Perrin’s prose is lyrical and poetic, painting vivid images of the French countryside and its inhabitants. The characters are richly developed and their stories intertwine in unexpected ways, keeping me hooked until the very last page.
“Fresh Water for Flowers” is a tender and poignant exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.
Available from Amazon here
Despite the Times and Telegraph fashion departments declaring Keen shoes as the ugliest ever, they have become the most sought after footwear for a reason (or two).
First and foremost, the comfort level of these shoes is unmatched. The wide toe box allows for plenty of room for your toes to move and breathe, while the cushioned footbed provides excellent support for all-day wear. You can walk for hours in these shoes without any discomfort.
Additionally, the durability of Keen shoes is outstanding. The rugged outsole grips well on various surfaces, making them perfect for holidays.
In terms of style, we find the unique design of Keen shoes to be quite charming. They have a quirky and fun look that sets them apart from other Summer footwear options.
Overall, we highly recommend Keen summer shoes to anyone looking for a comfortable and versatile option for their outdoor activities. Don’t let the critics deter you!
This is not a paid ad. We genuinely think these shoes are brilliant.
Anna Jones is an award winning cook and her recipe book shows how we can cook quickly, sustainably and stylishly. There are 200 simple recipes featuring vegetables that keep things fast and easy. Knock-out flavours but without taking time and energy. Sunday Times bestseller.
Stainless steel, German design nail clippers. Easier to use due to non-slip handle. Strong and sharp but safe. £8.98
Why do some people swear by regularly taking apple cider vinegar? You may have come across praise for it on social media, so is it hype or actually something you should consider taking?
Apart from making a great salad dressing, limited studies show it may help lower blood sugar levels, reduce bloating, aid weight loss, soothe skin blemishes, help digestion and even boost your immune system.
Apple cider vinegar comes in two types – it’s recommended that you choose one with the ‘mother’ (where the good bacteria has not been filtered out).
Apple cider vinegar is quite acidic and should not be consumed undiluted on a regular basis. Obviously if you have allergies to either pectin or apples, avoid apple cider vinegar. However, for most of us, it’s perfectly safe to drink apple cider vinegar on a daily basis. Speak to your GP if you have specific dietary requirements, are taking medication, have allergies, or any other concerns before taking ACV regularly.
For an invigorating tonic, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cider vinegar with honey in a glass of water and enjoy.
You never know, it may also be good for your waistline…
More about apple cider vinegar can be read here
Eborian CC cream is a lightweight skin perfector, tinted moisturiser and brightening face cream. Korean products seem to work wonders, am not quite sure why, but they have an excellent reputation. Treat yourself and prepare for the compliments to come rolling in.
This little tube of heaven also gives you SPF25 protection. You only need a couple of drops – I use a kabuki brush (which makes the product go further) – and although this lightweight tinted moisturiser is white, it almost instantly blends to your particular skin colour and hydrates your complexion. It may be a small tube but it lasts a long, long time…
Available on Amazon for £17.58 at the time of writing.
Why not have a quick look at some of the other products Annabel and I have tried and tested.
So much to rejoice in this book – The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot – which features two people of very different ages. An emotional rollercoaster from debut author Marianne Cronin. It’s the new and unforgettable Richard & Judy Book Club pick and highly recommended by Annabel too!
Quick heads up on a brilliant make up brush kit from Marks & Spencer. Four great little brushes which are excellent value and quality (as we have come to expect from this brand).
More products that we’ve tried, liked and are happy to recommend to you.
M&S
Ariane Poole and Annabel did a fun, chatty Instagram Live today – all about make up for older women and how to look at any age. There were so many really useful tips so do try and watch the video which is on our Instagram feed.
Annabel swears by Ariane’s ‘looking great at any age’ make up products. Why not have a look at her website and, if you are impressed as much as we are with her range of products, you can obtain 20% off using our exclusive code: FRIENDS20
You can also join Ariane on her regular Instagram Lives every Wednesday at 7pm (UK time).
Products used in the Live video:
Annabel used from @arianepoole.cosmetics
Ariane wore:
To receive 20% Off at Ariane’s website use code FRIENDS20
“There are a lot of ways you can kill someone. I know because I’ve seen most of them at close quarters”
The recently retired High Court Judge, Wendy Joseph, describes in her bestselling book Unlawful Killings, what it is really like adjudicating on life-changing murder cases at the Old Bailey.
Wendy recently stepped down as one of the handful of judges qualified to preside over murder trials at the Old Bailey. And one of the few female ones at that.
For the first time, she can now talk about what it’s really like presiding over and ruling on life-changing cases. Through six extraordinary stories, she explores why we kill, what happens in court and what this teaches us about the society we live in. It’s a page-turner of a book – get your copy here.
If you live in or near London, you may be interested in attending a literary event on Wednesday 21 February when Wendy will be discussing her book, Unlawful Killings at Kent House in London’s Knightsbridge. For more information or to secure your ticket, please visit the website or use the QR code below. Doors will open at 7pm and there will be a chance to meet the author at the book signing after the talk. Tickets are £25 (or £20 when you use our exclusive promo code GRACE2024) and include a complimentary glass of Roebuck Estates vintage fizz.
This is a QR code. Simply hover your mobile phone’s camera in front of it and click on the yellow link that pops up. It will take you to the Kent House Series website where you can read more about the upcoming interview with Wendy Joseph which will be held in Knightsbridge, London on Wednesday 21 February.
Have you checked out our delicious new recipes yet?