Lunch at The Woodspeen

Every now and then it's nice to do something a little bit fancy. On this occasion, Fraser and I went to try out a brand new restaurant in Newbury called The Woodspeen.

Opened in October last year, it's run by internationally acclaimed Michelin star chef John Campbell and serves seasonal food from local sources. It's quiet country setting is highlighted in the light and airy interior design with a wall of windows looking out onto the rolling countryside. Both Fraser and I agreed before even tasting any food that we already wanted to come back.

The staff were so friendly and attentive without a sense of rushed hustle-bustle. It was highly relaxing and we were immediately made to feel comfortable. Our first taste of the restaurant was their homemade bread, served with homemade butter and houmous. We ordered our drinks (a decent merlot for me) and enjoyed every last bite of this bread.

We decided to try out the Lunch/Pre-Theatre menu. To start, I had the courgette soup with salmon, sweetcorn and watercress topped with avruga caviar.  Fraser had the smoked ham and chicken terrine served with kohlrabi, apple and yuzu and a side of brioche. Mine came out with the soup in a seperate jug which the waiter then poured around the centrepiece. It really added a touch of theatre to the starter, especially given the bright colours.

Every bite was incredible. We sampled each other's dishes so I can agree that his was just as nice as mine. We followed the starter with a main of braised lamb neck fillet, smoked wet garlic potato, plot peas and pickled beetroot. I wanted this dish to last forever. The lamb was perfection and we both agreed that the potato was the best we'd ever had (sorry, Mum). 

Finally, we finished with a gorgeous dessert each. I chose the pistachio and olive oil cake topped with a buttermilk sorbet and poached apricots. Fraser chose the vanilla panna cotta, with muscat jelly, raspberries and mint. Again we sampled each other's dishes and both were equally delicious. 

The whole experience was wonderful. Especially since the restaurant garden was just across the road and we saw the chef himself wandering around the vegetables there as we were leaving. Just next to the garden is a cookery school where John teaches masterclasses for things like bread-making and steak. Fraser and I are already looking at these courses and planning our next visit. Knowing that their menus change with the seasons, there's always going to be something new to try here.

I've recommended this restaurant to everyone and thought I'd share my experience here. If you're ever in the West Berkshire area, I highly recommend you treat yourself to a meal at The Woodspeen :-)

Tabitha

Xx

My Little Box | July 2015

This month's My Little Box theme is Road Trip and it is filled with adorable travel accessories. I know I say this every month but I love receiving these boxes - it always feels like such a treat and both the contents and illustrations add to that special feeling.

My Little Box July 2015 Contents:

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water | £1.99 for 125ml
Essie Nail Polish | £7.99
DCER Golden Temporary Tattoos | £3.50
My Little Beauty Summer Sorbet After Sun Gel | £9
BIC Cristal Stylus Pen | £1.40
BIC Ready-To-Send Notebook | £3.50
My Little Box Travel Organiser | £10.50

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
I tried this once and have been removing my makeup with it every day since. For something so pure, it really does remove makeup efficiently, no scrubbing required. I can't believe the price on this too - will definitely be re-purchasing!

Essie Nail Polish
I love Essie nail polishes. They're one of the only high-street brands that doesn't chip within 12 hours and have an amazing range of shades. This brown one wasn't my favourite for me. I think it would be gorgeous on someone with a bit of a tan but wouldn't look right on me. Luckily, a colleague of mine gets My Little Box too and had a red glittery shade sent to her so I can swap.

DCER Golden Temporary Tattoos
More of these amazing tattoos! I have tried out the ones I got from Birchbox last month and love them so I'm definitely excited about these. Especially because they're so dainty. Perfect for a pretty little touch to any occassion.

My Little Beauty Summer Sorbet After Sun Gel
Still haven't been sun burned this year so can't really try this out properly but I love the cute packaging of this and it definitely feels nourishing on my normal skin. This might be another one I save for next year's holiday.

BIC Cristal Stylus Pen & BIC Ready-To-Send Notebook
I wasn't really sure what this notebook was at first but when I opened it up, I loved the idea! Imagine being on holiday and sending a postcard back to your self filled with memories, photos or little souvenirs. It would be such a lovely thing to come back to and I can't wait to try this out. Unfortunately, I won't be going on holiday until next year but I will be saving this until then. Bonus points for the pen included which has a rubber tip to act as a stylus for your touchscreen devices.

My Little Box Travel Organiser
Another one that I'll be saving for next year's holiday but so cute and helpful! It's got little pockets for your tickets, passport and credit cards plus a slot for a pen. I can definitely see me making use of this through the airports next year.

I'm always so excited to receive these boxes and can't wait to see what next month's theme will be! I have another post on here for you tomorrow so be sure to check back then. Otherwise, you can subscribe to this blogs and get emails anytime there's a new post - check out the links on the top right of this page for that :-)

Tabitha
Xx

Birchbox | July 2015

This month's Birchbox was for the first time ever a Birchbag. It is a celebration of summer creating a poolside splash-proof clutch full of what they deem to be 'summer essentials'. I loved this idea, even if I wish we'd been given a colour choice.

I've had this bag for a couple of weeks now (again, sorry for the delay in posts this month) so I've had the chance to try everything inside it a couple of times.

Birchbox July 2015 Contents:

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum | £16
Unani Aloe Vera Gel | £15
POP Beauty Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Parfait | £15.50
Benefit Cosmetics Dream Screen | £25
Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Luminizer Gel (Full Size Sample) | £8.95
Spa to You Nail File | £2.99

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum
I've always kind of liked the product from this brand but I've never loved one until now. I'm always a fan of a good serum so when I tried this one and it not only smelled amazing but worked well too, I was hooked. I've been using it almost every day since I received it. My skin looks and feels fresh after applying this serum. It's made with chamomile, aloe vera and lavender so all my favourite scents in one little tube. I will definitely be purchasing the full size of this product.

Unani Aloe Vera Gel
I haven't burned yet this year so can't say I've tried this on sunburn. However, I've tested it out on my neck and arms after a hot day and can definitely attest to it's cooling powers. It has the added bonus of moisturising the skin too so will be particularly useful for the days following a sunburn where your skin feels dry and flakey.

POP Beauty Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Parfait
I have been doing a peach themed eye since these shadows arrived. I love the quality of these! Highly pigmented with just the right amount of shimmer for summer days. I particularly like the lighter shadow which I've been doubling up as a brow-bone/inner-corner highlight. The shadows last all day with no fading or creasing. These are a definite winner for me.

Benefit Cosmetics Dream Screen
I'm always a bit nervous about sunscreen on my face because of how oily they tend to be. But this product is extremely lightweight and absorbs for a matte finish. It felt more like a really decent primer rather than a sunscreen and with an SPF of 45 I have to say I'm impressed. My skin felt smooth and was shine-free throughout the day. As a Benefit product, it was bound to be a little pricey but I'm already adding it to my list of holiday essentials for next year.

Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Luminizer Gel
After their last sample refused to open more than once because of really poor packaging, I wasn't too excited about this. I have sampled this a couple of times now and I have to say that Jelly Pong Pong have really redeemed themselves with this one. It is packed with shimmer so a few tiny dots of it go a long way. I tend to shy away from liquid highlighters where I use a powder base but this interacts really well with it. I dabbed a few dots along the top of my cheekbones after setting my foundation and it blended perfectly. I'll definitely be using this a lot across the summer.

Spa to You Nail File
There's not a lot to say on this one given that it is just a nail file, but I've tried it out and it does what it says on the tin. I prefer my nail files to have polish/buff sides to them so will probably be popping this in my handbag as a back-up.

All in all, a great month for Birchbox! There were a couple of standout winners this month and I loved the concept of the Birchbag. As always, if you're interested in them then check out the Birchbox website for more info or to subscribe!

I'm going to be posting tomorrow and Tuesday to make up for my lack of posts this month so definitely come back for that or subscribe using the options at the top right of this page to be notified whenever there's a new post :-)

Tabitha
Xx

Quick Update

Hello! I know I haven't posted so far this month and am at risk of breaking my resolution to post at least 4 times a month.

I have the posts planned and photographed but am nearing the end of my Digital Marketing diploma course that I'm doing at the moment so have been spending every free moment studying, sleeping or at work.

Sorry for all the excuses! Posts coming soon. 

Xx

My Little Box | June 2015

This month's My Little Box is themed around the French Riviera and it's contents are a perfect compliment to this. It's a rainy day as I write this and this box is making me crave a holiday on a sunny French beach so bad!

My Little Box June 2015 Contents:

Kerastase Ciment Thermique, Blow-Dry Care for Damaged Hair | £19.50

Loved By Sarah Lavoine Nail Polish | £6.50

My Little Beauty Sea Salt Fresh Scrub | £8.50

Sarah Lavoine x My Little Box Sunglasses | £18

My Little Box Planters Duo | £6.50

Kerastase Ciment Thermique, Blow-Dry Care for Damaged Hair

This stuff smells amazing! It's like a mango/papaya sweet scent that lasts all day. This is a leave-in conditioner that helps to repair damaged hair plus make your split ends seem sealed up and shiny. It doubles up as a heat protector too so ideal with the (occasionally) hot summer heat.

Loved By Sarah Lavoine Nail Polish

I have been looking for the perfect summer blue colour for ages and have finally found it. I can't wait to see how long this lasts. If it can make it a good few days without chipping, I'll be wearing this colour all summer.

My Little Beauty Sea Salt Fresh Scrub

The My Little Beauty products never let me down. The quality of this scrub is amazing. You only need the tiniest blob as it is packed with salt crystals. It doesn't have a very strong smell but I get a faint hint of cucumber which adds to the fresh feeling. The packaging is super cute too.

Sarah Lavoine x My Little Box Sunglasses 

My main reason for loving this box is the accessory aspect. A fresh pair of sunglasses are always a welcome addition and I love the style of these. I have the type of face/head that can't carry off most sunglasses styles well but these seem to really suit me. The frames aren't the most amazing quality in the world and are similar to what you'd find at Primark. That said, the lenses are lovely and do come with 400 UV protection.

My Little Box Planters Duo

These are so cute! I don't have any plants but they're perfect for putting my brush holders in for an added summer feel (and to hide the fact that I store my brushes in an old Primark candle jar). There's a smaller size tucked into the large one that you don't see pictured too.

I know I say this every month, but it's another great box from My Little Box this month. Definitely check out the My Little Box website if you're interested in subscribing to them. They also have an app with a daily surprise (search My Little App on the app store) and a really cute Instagram account (@my_little_box_uk) if you want to low-key creep on their brand first.

Tabitha
Xx

Birchbox | June 2015

The June 2015 Birchbox theme was all about ballet-pump brand French Sole and featured some gorgeous box designs inspired by the shoes. New subscribers even got to pick their box design. There were lots of great products this month plus one stand out favourite for me.

Birchbox June 2015 Contents:

English Laundry No. 7 For Her | £60
Yes To Cucumbers Facial Wipes | £4.99
Cowshed Body Lotion in Knackered Cow | £20
Beauty Protector Protect & Oil | £16
Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss | £17.50
STYLondon Temporary Metallic Tattoos | £7.99
Birchbox x French Sole Shoe Box | No Price Listed

English Laundry No. 7 For Her
I would love to review this now but unfortunately, my box arrived without the actual sample :-( I sent a tweet to Birchbox who came back really quickly with an apology and after providing my details, they have arranged for a new one to be sent. I can't wait for it to arrive since the description in the Birchbox booklet makes it sound amazing.

Yes To Cucumbers Facial Wipes
These smell a little too strongly of cucumber for me but they seem to do the job they're made for. I'm pretty happy with my Tesco's own cucumber wipes which performed exactly the same as these and have a nicer scent in my opinion. I doubt I'll be switching to these in future.

Cowshed Body Lotion in Knackered Cow
Love Cowshed products so I was happy to see this addition. It smells like sweet lavender and a little goes a long way so hopefully the sample will last me a while. My skin definitely feels hydrated and the scent really lasts.This is perfect for pre-bed moisturising.

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil
You all know I love hair products so I was happy to see not one but two bottles of this in my box. This is supposed to help hydrate your ends while giving your hair a lovely shine. At the same time, it's a heat protector so ideal for protecting your strands from the UV rays. It smells sweet and luxurious so definitely a little treat for pamper days.

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss
I was excited for a bit of makeup I could use this month's since the May samples weren't for me. This is a lip crayon that can be both high shine (just apply) or a satin/matte finish (apply and blot) or used on the cheeks. The colour is well pigmented and a gorgeous shade. I'm not quite sure it's a good shade for my skin tone now it's summer, but come autumn I think this will be perfect paired with a brown matte lid and thick winged liner.

STYLondon Temporary Metallic Tattoos
This was by far my favourite addition. I've been wanting some of these for ages but haven't seen any designs I've liked yet. I used to love temporary tattoos as a kid so seeing them in these bright metallic styles like a new accessory is exciting. I can't wait to try these out! I can see myself buying these again already.

I don't see myself using the shoe bag for shoes any time soon. More likely it will be used for toiletries or jewellery but it was a nice addition to the box. Definite favourite are the temporary tattoos this month.

I hope you're all enjoying June so far. I'll be back with a new post in a couple of days on this month's My Little Box contents so be sure to check back then. Also, remember to check out the Birchbox Website if you're interested in subscribing to these yourself.

Tabitha
Xx

Review | Makeup Revolution Iconic Palettes

In another recent wander round Superdrug, I spotted a stand for a brand that I'd never heard of before called Makeup Revolution. It turns out, they've only been around since March 2014 otherwise I'm sure I'd have heard of them before. They had an impressive range in gorgeous packaging and incredibly low prices. Their range starts at £1 so perfect for me on my budget.

I spotted their Iconic Palettes and I couldn't resist buying them once I'd swatched from the tester tray. These are AMAZING and out of stock on their online shop so definitely popular. I picked up Iconic 1 and Iconic 2. Both were £6.99 each at Superdrug and can be found at the same price on the Makeup Revolution website when they're back in stock.

 They come in black matte palettes which are thick and sturdy. Each one of these includes a double ended eyeshadow brush too. Yes, an eyeshadow brush instead of those useless sponge applicators you get with other brands. The brush included is actually really decent so this was an added bonus.

The first thing that lured me in with these was the colours. Both palettes contain some truly gorgeous shades with both matte and shimmer options. The pigment is beyond amazing too. The rich darker shades have so much depth to them and blend so easily. There are a tonne of other palette options available besides these so I can't wait to explore the rest of the range.

After application, the staying power of the shadow is impressive too. There was no fade, smudging or sitting in the crease. I love these shadows and have really enjoyed playing around with them. Definitely a perfect bargain find!

I'd recommend a look at their website. There's over 300 products on there and all of them are cheap as chips but excellent quality. I know I'll be heading into Superdrug again soon to swatch some more of their range :-)

Tabitha
Xx