By Invitation Rose Gold Michael Bublé EDP Review

If an invitation from Michael Bublé hits your mailbox, of course you say yes!

I do enjoy discovering new scents, and as luck would have it, I had just finished the perfume I was using when I was asked if I would like to try the new EDP from Michael Bublé - By Invitation Rose Gold. 

The bottle is identical to the original except for the fact it is in a stunning and bang on trend rose gold shade. If it works, and it does, there is no need to deviate. It's a lovely bottle that has the all important shelf appeal so that ticks the at first glance box.

So how about the fragrance, because let's be honest, we are not going to be wearing the bottle... ?

The fragrance is described as a floral oriental gourmand.

Michael Bublé says 

Starting with sophisticated top notes of radiant magnolia, red fruits and Granit pear, By Invitation Rose Gold has the tenderness of a rose and peony heart, with a hint of black plum. With a lingering praline and vanilla base – and just a touch of precious spice – the fragrance is charming and elegant.

At a glance -

Top notes - Red fruits, Magnolia and Granit Pear 
Heart notes - Rose, Peony & Plum 
Base notes - Vanilla, Praline & a touch of Spice 

My thoughts 

I can see this appealing to all ages. As soon as you spray, the perfume is bursting with sparkly fruit notes which are blended beautifully with floral tones. The gourmand aspect and added sweetness, is provided by the delicious vanilla which I detected instantly. As it dries down, it fades into a most delightful, lingering and addictive fragrance, with the praline and spice preventing the sweetness taking over and becoming cloying.

The result is a warm, sweet scent that is sophisticated, utterly feminine and ultimately, seductive. A perfect date night perfume.

By Invitation Rose Gold Michael Bublé EDP  - £29 for 30ml and £55 for 100ml. Available from www.michaelbubleperfume.com and The Perfume Shop. 

*PR Sample 

Hawksmoor Guildhall - Steak & Seafood Restaurant Review

When I got the opportunity to have a date night with my lovely husband (the tall blonde one) I seized the chance! I had been yearning to go to Hawksmoor, billed as London's best steak for a long time but various life events have meant that it had been put on the back burner, but, in February we finally got round to booking a table. I have to say my expectations were high and Hawksmoor had a lot to live up to.

Date Night Outfit

I emerged from Bank tube station on a dark, wet, evening and a big smile was there waiting to greet me.. yes the tall blonde one had come straight from the office, in his gorgeous blue suit and looked suitable sauve and dare I say it... sexy! The evening was ours and we were going to make the most of enjoying a peaceful meal without young fingers trying to grab at our meals, we were child free ...woo! 

We made the short walk to Hawksmoor Guildhall, excellent location if I do say so! and were soon whisked to our seats. The waitress was very friendly and service was most definitely with a smile. As we had booked an early sitting the vast room was virtually empty but by the time the food arrived at our table the restaurant was filling up nicely. The air was filled with a pleasant, buzzy atmosphere. As it is located in the heart of the City, there were a lot of business people dining out, but equally there was a nice mix of young and old, friends and couples on dates, all enjoying their meals. Trust me, I am a people watcher and made notes, lol. 

I had asked a few people for some recommendations prior to going and having already perused the menu I knew exactly what I wanted. 

I skipped the starters and ordered the following 

300g Rump Steak cooked medium to well done

Creamed Spinach side 

Triple Cooked Chips side 

Onion Rings 

A Marmalade Cocktail 

The Marmalade cocktail was a perfect choice. (A recommendation from friends) it was fruity and tangy but on the right side of bitter and wonderfully refreshing, slipping down my throat a litte too easily...I would order this again. 

The tall blonde one chose the following ( the onion rings we shared) 

400g Sirloin Steak done medium 

Buttered English Greens (without the butter!)

And another portion of the famous Triple Cooked Chips 

Washed down with a beer  - Kernel London Porter

A jug of water was also brought to the table for the meal. 

What can I say? 

My steak was cooked to perfection, it literally melted in my mouth. The chips were crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. In hindsight we over ordered and just one portion of chips between the two of us would have been sufficient. The onion rings were delicious, but my top recommendation is actually the creamed spinach. I was a bit nervous at ordering it as I do not like spinach. Well it turns out, it is all about the way it is cooked. The spinach was creamy, smooth and ever so slightly sweet. I devoured the whole serving, it was just too moreish to leave. Incredible. 

Once we had finished we were offered the dessert menu and whilst there were many options of temptation I knew it could quite possibly send me over the edge of feeling full to feeling more than full. As we had a tube journey to make, I chose to go with a friend's recommendation,  the lighter option - The Salted Caramel Rolos 

Crisp dark chocolate encasing a rich, sweet and delicious caramel with a salty bite to it. These were so good and a perfect way to end the meal. Even better, I held back on finishing my cocktail and sipped after a bite of chocolate made it taste like chocolate orange which I love! 

We had an absolute blast, conversation and laughter flowed and the food satisfied us immensely. We will be back. 

CHEERS! 

Flash Fiction - Steps To Success

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Karen Rawson

Steps To Success

‘Cut’

Someone handed Evie a blanket and a hot drink which she accepted, hungrily. Smeared in mud and red liquid, she detested every minute of this dreadful ‘B’ movie. ‘Necessary evil’ her agent had explained when he had sent her for the role. Her outstanding beauty meant she got the part without so much as opening her mouth. The plum parts had somehow eluded her thus far. This would be her big break, she could feel it.

                As the pterodactyl swooped down, she gave it her all, screaming as if her life depended on it. Her bank balance certainly did.  

               

Bettina x

*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50

Having finished the moisturiser I was using, I popped into The Body Shop to purchase a new one which included an SPF as we entered the warmer months... Never mind the fact that it was snowing, I like to be prepared!

Explaining what I was after the sales assistant quickly led me to the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 which I promptly purchased after testing a bit on my hand, liking the scent and being seduced by the very high SPF.

When I got home I had a little wobble as I wasn't entirely sure that what I had purchased was indeed a moisturiser... having used it a few times, I didn't feel the need to use a separate moisturiser but I am still not entirely sure what it is... ha ha.

The Body Shop says 

From the effects of the sun to the environment we live in - we’re constantly facing daily aggressors that can damage our skin. Introducing NEW Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 PA++++, our strongest multi-protection to help protect your skin day after day. A feather light, milk-to-water essence with broad spectrum UV filters, brightening red algae and Vitamin C, to help protect skin against multiple skin aggressors, while providing utmost comfort.
UVA Protection: PA++++: Helps protect skin from UVA rays, including long UVA rays, which reach deep within the skin and accelerate the process of skin ageing.
UVB protection: SPF 50 helps protect skin from UVB rays that trigger redness and damage the skin’s surface.
Anti-dullness: With red algae extract and vitamin C to brighten skin for a more luminous complexion.

My thoughts 

Well I have to say that this is up there as a staple in my every day beauty routine. This essence, featuring a light and runny lotion consistency which instantly absorbs leaving skin feeling soft with no trace of tackiness. It offers very high sun protection and as mentioned above, has a pleasant delicate floral scent. As promised it does what it says on the packaging ... it really does brighten the skin and gives a lovely healthy looking glow effect. It also works beautifully as a primer under foundation, when applying Estee Lauder Double Wear it literally glides on across the skin, my skin look fabulous.

10/10 I will definitely be repurchasing.

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 costs from £17 for a very generously sized 40ml tube. 

3 Gorgeous Summer Scents

I can be quite fussy when it come to scents and particularly when it comes to wearing perfume in the Summer. Having hay fever my sensitivity is heightened and I look for wearable and gorgeous scents that do not 'get up my nose' and antagonize excessive sneezing or irritation.

Recently I discovered three perfect scents that fit the bill and I think you will like them too.

First up is BOSS The Scent For Her EDP 

This is a sweet and fruity floral but exceptionally wearable for both day and evening due to its addition of the gourmand Cocoa.

The sweet fruitiness begins with the burst of honeyed Peach, settling with a floral heart of Freesia and Osmanthus flower. Depth is added by the dry down of delicious and intense roasted Cocoa. Addictive and seductive.

The second sweet and fruity floral scent is Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming EDP

This is a sexier and more youthful, playful perfume. Bursting with red berries, it features a heart of Rose petals from Grasse and fresh Peony and settles with White Musk. The result is a sweet and lasting scent which is a pleasure to wear.

Finally, I have really enjoyed wearing Mugler Cologne Thierry Mugler EDT 

This is a unisex fragrance which really appealed to me the instant I sprayed it onto my skin.  A fresh and clean scent, Mugler Cologne is ideal for Summer. A delicious citrus fresh which comes from the Bergamot, Neroli and Petit Grain. It has a heart of African Orange Flower and again finishes with
White Musk.
Green, Clean and Citrus fresh, I love it.

What perfumes are you loving this Summer?

Nivea Shower Silk Mousse Review

Who doesn't love a good old pamper in the bath? ... well as a busy mum of two, the bathroom is my sanctuary and I am always on the look out for gorgeous treats to make that chill out time a relaxing and indulgent experience.

Indulgence and feeling luxurious doesn't have to cost the earth as these lovely silk shower mousses from Nivea prove.

In delectable but light scents, Lemon Meringue is slightly sweet but wonderfully zesty, zingy and fresh. Rhubarb Raspberry is a fabulous concoction of sweet berry fruit but with the added tartness of rhubarb that stops it being overpowering and too sweet. I have to say both scents are just gorgeous. Shaking the can ensures the foam comes out rich, thick and firm. Lathering it over the body it covers and envelopes the skin completely with its luxuriousness. Skin is left feeling super silky and soft to touch until your next shower.

At just £2.99 for Nivea Shower Silk Mousse it's a huge thumbs up from me

*PR Samples

Signs

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Björn Rudberg

Signs 

Beth was crying hysterically when the rescuers found her. Lying beside Robert’s lifeless body, her legs were fixed to the ground bloodied, pitted with debris.

‘Didn’t you kids see the signs?’

Beth nodded, her crying slowing before she managed a whimpered, almost silent, 'yes.’

‘So, what, you ignore them do you?’

Flashbacks of the step that sent Robert  tumbling off the cliff edge sent Beth wailing once more. A kindly rescuer glared at the man who had dared to interrogate the distraught teenager.

Beth shook her head profusely, she wasn’t a rule breaker. ‘No sir, we didn’t know what it meant.’

Bettina x


*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here