Many of you will know that I absolutely love fiction writing and have always dreamed of being an author. In the past I have shared a few short stories and poems on the Friday Column section of the site which have always had a good response...
One of these short stories was 'A Tempting Trio' which seemed to go down exceptionally well, people were asking me to write more as they wanted to know what happened next. So, I put finger to laptop and wrote the full story and hey presto the result is my brand spanking new novel 'A Tempting Trio'!
The book comes under the umbrella of Women's Commercial Fiction and more specifically 'Chick Lit'.
If you want to read more you can download the full novel from Amazon Kindle for the special price of just 99p! Click here to download your copy http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B011ZEUQZI or for US readers http://amzn.com/B011ZEUQZI
Enjoy!
Bettina x
Tuesday 21 July 2015
A Tempting Trio - The Full Story! Available To Buy Now!
Labels:
Books,
short stories,
The Friday Column
Friday 10 July 2015
GlossyBox July - The French Edition
July's GlossyBox has gone all French with its specially inspired French edition. This is a real discovery box and features and focuses on French skincare brands whilst promising to give you a healthy looking complexion.
The box is an artistic delight, created and designed by Fashion artist Jamie Lee Reardin. It is just gorgeous and I will be putting it to good use, if only I could draw like that!
The contents
Inside the box is a see-through travel pouch £3.99 (the correct size for hand luggage).
It has a really cute illustration on the front and personally I love see-through cosmetic bags as I do like to be able to see the contents! I will be taking this on hols with me.
The only full size product in this box is the Lollipops Lip Balm £4.15
This smells so good, like marshmallows. It leaves lips feeling super soft and glossy. It contains antioxidants, vitamin E and protects lips from UV damage. Paraben free.
Noxidoxi - Enhancing Serum Base 25ml (full size £33.46)
Claims to provide complete hydration, tighten pores and to protect the skin with antioxidants.
This is a really generous sample size. To be worn under your moisturiser I am looking forward to trying this.
Teoxane Cosmeceuticals Perfect Skin Refiner 15ml (full size £70)
This is a night 'Skin Renewal' cream containing hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin. 10% Glycolic acid helps to resurface the skin and calming ingredients to reduce irritation. Should be used every other night as it is potent (I am warned of a slight tingling sensation...eek!) SPF during the day is a must!
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream 15ml (full size £31)
I am a huge fan of Vichy products and this tiny pot is perfect for travel. This moisturiser promises to plump skin, smooth dehydration lines and promote a radiant complexion. It smells wonderful. This won't last very long...
Final thoughts
Well I have to say I am looking forward to looking like a new woman with incredible skin with the claims of these products, I shall let you know how I get on :)
July Glossybox 'Vive Le France' French Edition costs £10 + p&p from Glossybox.co.uk
*PR Sample
Monday 6 July 2015
Street Food Afternoon Tea at The Arch London
Boutique 5* Hotel The Arch London have launched an alternative afternoon tea in the shape of a Street Food Afternoon Tea. If you are looking for something a little different from the usual sandwiches, scones and cakes, this just may be for you!
Inspired by London's thriving Street Food scene this afternoon tea consists of tastes from around the world which I think is a brilliant idea. I am sorely tempted by this menu!
Savoury delights will include Mini Beef Burgers with Onion Marmalade in Brioche Buns; Smoked Chicken, Chilli, Avocado and Mango Tortillas, Mini Handmade Scotch Eggs with Piccalilli; and Chicken Satay served with a Peanut Dipping Sauce and Sesame Seeds.
The contemporary Afternoon Tea will offer fresh warm cinnamon and sugar doughnuts filled with apple jam in the place of scones.
Sweet treats will include homemade Macaroons; exquisite Mini Coffee Éclairs; and a Lemon & Mango Rice Pudding with Toasted Coconut. Strawberry & Pistachio Tarts, and Mini Raspberry Victoria Sponges proving a nod to the traditional British Afternoon Tea.
Inspired by London's thriving Street Food scene this afternoon tea consists of tastes from around the world which I think is a brilliant idea. I am sorely tempted by this menu!
Savoury delights will include Mini Beef Burgers with Onion Marmalade in Brioche Buns; Smoked Chicken, Chilli, Avocado and Mango Tortillas, Mini Handmade Scotch Eggs with Piccalilli; and Chicken Satay served with a Peanut Dipping Sauce and Sesame Seeds.
The contemporary Afternoon Tea will offer fresh warm cinnamon and sugar doughnuts filled with apple jam in the place of scones.
Sweet treats will include homemade Macaroons; exquisite Mini Coffee Éclairs; and a Lemon & Mango Rice Pudding with Toasted Coconut. Strawberry & Pistachio Tarts, and Mini Raspberry Victoria Sponges proving a nod to the traditional British Afternoon Tea.
As well as Champagne, you can enjoy cocktails alongside the tea. These include Indian Clouds, a homemade jasmine tea infused cocktail; or Cuban Lager, a mojito without the rum, both priced at £12.
Priced at £29, and £38 with Champagne, the Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the hotel’s stunning Martini Library, stylish restaurant, or chic Salon de Champagne lounge.
The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
For reservations, please call: 020 7724 4700 or www.thearchlondon.com
The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
For reservations, please call: 020 7724 4700 or www.thearchlondon.com
Labels:
Afternoon Tea,
london
Friday 3 July 2015
spa London York Hall Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual Treatment Review
A couple of week's ago I headed up the Central Line to Bethnal Green for a treatment at day spa - spa London York Hall. Billed as an affordable luxury spa I was curious as to whether it would live up to my high expectation.
Located a very short walk from Bethnal Green Tube, York Hall is a grand old building that houses the local swimming baths and the Oasis that is spa London, downstairs. I went along with my husband to try out the new VIP Double Suite but you can go with a friend if you prefer.
Once downstairs we were greeted by the friendly receptionist who asked as to fill a form with a few details (this is the norm before having treatments) and then we were handed a bag with a robe and towel. We swapped our shoes for flip flops, being a teeny shoe size mine were a little on the large side but no matter. We were shown to the changing rooms and put on our swimwear. At spa London there are days when it is women only, men only and mixed which personally I think is a really nice touch. It does mean that they do sometimes flip the changing rooms depending on requirement. The ladies on this occasion was the small changing room. I would have preferred that there were closed rooms to get changing in.
Once back out we were greeted by one of our therapists who showed us around the Thermal Spa facilities and said we could use them before our treatment. I strongly recommend going a bit earlier than your treatment appt so that you can enjoy the rather fabulous facilities, unfortunately we didn't have time to try them before and we had to dash off after.
Set in London's oldest Turkish baths, it boasts the following facilities - two Aroma Steam Rooms, Tepidarium, Caldarium, Laconium, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Monsoon Shower, Hammam, Plunge Pool, Bucket Shower and Relaxation Lounge. Some of these I have to be honest looked like instruments of torture, however the husband is keen to go back and experience them.
We did have a short sit in the Hammam and Relaxation Lounge which was incredibly relaxing.
It was time for our treatment - spa London's Signature Treatment - Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual. We were led to the VIP Double Suite and asked to get changed into the obligatory paper knickers (for me) and paper shorts (for him). My knickers were the teeniest of thongs!
The therapists run through the treatment we were going to get. I was a bit disappointed when she didn't mention the head and scalp massage, so I asked whether it was included and she admitted she had forgot! However we did get the full treatment promised which comprised of the following -
A deluxe treatment inspired by Cleopatra’s bathing ritual thought to have preserved her youthful beauty! It involves a full body wash and scrub to deeply cleanse body and soul before a luscious milk and honey mixture is poured onto the body and a nourishing hair treatment coats the head and scalp. Whilst the goodness sinks in, a face and scalp massage is performed sending you into a hypnotic state. You are then veiled in a mist of rose and orange blossom before a milk application massage is given.
Located a very short walk from Bethnal Green Tube, York Hall is a grand old building that houses the local swimming baths and the Oasis that is spa London, downstairs. I went along with my husband to try out the new VIP Double Suite but you can go with a friend if you prefer.
Once downstairs we were greeted by the friendly receptionist who asked as to fill a form with a few details (this is the norm before having treatments) and then we were handed a bag with a robe and towel. We swapped our shoes for flip flops, being a teeny shoe size mine were a little on the large side but no matter. We were shown to the changing rooms and put on our swimwear. At spa London there are days when it is women only, men only and mixed which personally I think is a really nice touch. It does mean that they do sometimes flip the changing rooms depending on requirement. The ladies on this occasion was the small changing room. I would have preferred that there were closed rooms to get changing in.
Once back out we were greeted by one of our therapists who showed us around the Thermal Spa facilities and said we could use them before our treatment. I strongly recommend going a bit earlier than your treatment appt so that you can enjoy the rather fabulous facilities, unfortunately we didn't have time to try them before and we had to dash off after.
Set in London's oldest Turkish baths, it boasts the following facilities - two Aroma Steam Rooms, Tepidarium, Caldarium, Laconium, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Monsoon Shower, Hammam, Plunge Pool, Bucket Shower and Relaxation Lounge. Some of these I have to be honest looked like instruments of torture, however the husband is keen to go back and experience them.
We did have a short sit in the Hammam and Relaxation Lounge which was incredibly relaxing.
It was time for our treatment - spa London's Signature Treatment - Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual. We were led to the VIP Double Suite and asked to get changed into the obligatory paper knickers (for me) and paper shorts (for him). My knickers were the teeniest of thongs!
The therapists run through the treatment we were going to get. I was a bit disappointed when she didn't mention the head and scalp massage, so I asked whether it was included and she admitted she had forgot! However we did get the full treatment promised which comprised of the following -
A deluxe treatment inspired by Cleopatra’s bathing ritual thought to have preserved her youthful beauty! It involves a full body wash and scrub to deeply cleanse body and soul before a luscious milk and honey mixture is poured onto the body and a nourishing hair treatment coats the head and scalp. Whilst the goodness sinks in, a face and scalp massage is performed sending you into a hypnotic state. You are then veiled in a mist of rose and orange blossom before a milk application massage is given.
My thoughts
Being washed and then scrubbed in preparation for the treatment was invigorating and not too harsh which I was fully expecting it to be. The milk and honey mixture was poured onto the body, it smelt divine and was lovely and warming. I enjoyed this a lot. The face and scalp massage was quite honestly one of the best things I have ever experienced, it was so gentle and relaxing that I am pretty sure that I fell asleep!
We then had a shower to wash off the mixture and this was just gorgeous as my skin, at this point, was already feeling silky soft. We got to choose which milk application we wanted to be used on us and both opted for the Green Tea & Ginger which smelt so wonderful, uplifting and refreshing.The veil of mist, Rose & Orange Blossom smelt so good, I want to buy it! (I meant to ask what it was) This was used twice during our treatment and really was exceptionally sublime a scent.
We both absolutely loved our treatment, the feeling of relaxation and well being lasted the whole day. The massage so good and the whole experience; location, cleanliness and facilities I give a huge 5 stars. My skin was left super smooth, ready for Summer. Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual is a fabulous way to kick start Summer Skin or just completely escape from the stresses of life. I was scrubbed, buffed and moisturised to perfection.
We are planning a return visit very soon!
spa London York Hall Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual costs an extremely reasonable £59 per person and lasts 50 minutes.
*We were guests of spa London
Labels:
london,
paraben free,
review,
Skincare,
Spa
Thursday 2 July 2015
Summer Ready Feet in Five Easy Steps
Here is my guide to getting Summer ready feet in just five easy steps.
I must confess the idea of going to a salon and having a pedicure is not my idea of fun, I much prefer to do it in the comfort of my home and using these tools it takes just a few minutes.
Now dig out those sandals and show off those feet!
*PR Samples
I must confess the idea of going to a salon and having a pedicure is not my idea of fun, I much prefer to do it in the comfort of my home and using these tools it takes just a few minutes.
- Soak feet.
- Trim nails, going in a straight line (if you have thicker, more problematic nails use *Boots Pharmaceuticals Toe Nail Clippers (£8.49) these are just brilliant as I can vouch)
- Buff off hard skin from the soles of your feet - I like the Scholl Pedi Express which makes light work of it.
- Deeply moisturise those feet - I am currently loving *Boots Intensive Foot Softener 150ml (5.99). It smelly lovely (no lavender here!) and really softens skin leaving it silky soft and it heals cracked heals thanks to the ingredient UREA.
- Finally, choose a fabulously bright coloured nail polish and paint away! I hate waiting for polish to dry so I am using 60 Seconds Super Shine by Rita Ora for RimmelLondon in shade Bestival. One application is all you need for super shiny nails and it dries fast. Perfect!
Now dig out those sandals and show off those feet!
Nail polish - 60 Seconds Super Shine - Rita Ora for RimmelLondon - Bestival |
*PR Samples
Labels:
Boots,
Foot Cream,
nail polish,
NOTD,
pedicure,
Rimmel,
Summer
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