A Creative Lifestyle Blog By Zoe-Lee Skelton

Cruelty-Free Skincare I’ve Been Disappointed With This Summer

This isn’t the type of post I enjoy writing. Especially because one of the products I’m disappointed with from a brand that champions cruelty-free beauty. But I felt compelled to share my experiences with these two products – particularly because one of them has already received rave reviews.

The products I’m talking about are: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (in Light) and Superdrug’s Calm Skin Hydrating 2in1 Serum and Moisturiser.

Isle of Paradise’s Self-Tanning Drops

When I saw this luminious liquid on the shelves on the cusp of summer I was so excited. Not only was it £10 cheaper than my usual facial tanning oil but there was a shiny new range too – all of which is cruelty free and vegan! Absolute touch.

I tried these drops for a whole month and applied them as recommended by mixing them in with my usual facial moisturiser. I added 3-4 tiny drops and gently rubbed them in to my face. I was pleased with how quickly my face “tanned”. What I didn’t enjoy was the weird, wishy-washy, almost wood stain effect that kept congregating around my hairline and my eyebrows. Despite me ensuring an even spread of the drops, I would always end up with a patch of brown around any hair follicles. It meant I had to literally scrub at these patches to get rid of them, but even with pressure, these stains weren’t budging.

I was so disappointed that Isle of Paradise didn’t work out for me, especially because the brand is so fresh and utilises organic ingredients. I have got on well with the gradual tan body moisturiser which I use for my hands and feet when I’ve done a full-body tan. So in a way, we’re kind of on OK terms.

I ended up going back to my favourite facial tanning oil which is Vita Liberata, an anti age serum. This is more expensive but doesn’t give me the weird wood stain effect. I love it because there’s no animal derivatives, no parabens and no weird fragrance that you always get with self-tan products.

Superdrug Calm Skin Hydrating 2in1 Serum & Moisturiser

It pains me the most to write negatively about this beauty product.

I always switch up my daily facial moisturiser because I tend to use the more robust and targeted products at night. So when I saw this new 2in1 moisturiser serum from Superdrug at a very purse-friendly price I was super excited.

I can’t applaud Superdrug enough for it’s cruelty-free stance and product range. If I’m ever in doubt about any make-up or skincare you can guarantee that own brand superdrug hasn’t been tested on any bunnies. So it’s a safe choice.

Anyway, I gave this face cream a go for a whole month but it took me a while to work out where these strange white blobs kept appearing from across my face and on my hands. It turns out that every time I was rubbing my face this moisturiser was coming off from the top dermis of my skin and congealing into small blobs which meant that it wasn’t actually penetrating my skin at all. So this meant the ingredients probably weren’t working either. What a shame!

 

Have you used any of these products? How did you get on?

I’m going to write a post soon about products that I have loved this summer!

I’ve previously written about my favourite cruelty-free products for Autumn which will soon be upon us (bye summer).

A Short Stay At The Beautiful Chicheley Hall

Nestled within 80 acres of glorious landscape you’ll find Chicheley Hall. I had no idea this grade 1 listed building existed until this year but as I made the approach, this stunning mansion based just outside of Newport Pagnell commands attention.

You may have seen from my Instagram last month that I (and a friend) were invited to stay here for the evening. As I really enjoy looking around historic houses, I quickly accepted the invitation.

The mansion has 48 individually refurbished rooms, carefully manicured gardens, a restaurant, a bar and a resident peacock called George, who I was told sometimes wanders in and makes himself at home. That was the deal breaker for me; as soon as I heard George’s calls I knew I was going to enjoy my stay.

The building itself is something you would expect to see in a period drama. The impressive baroque facade is both dramatic and quintessentially twee.  Which is why it’s been selected as a film location for many well-known tv adaptations and films such as Pride and Prejudice and Black Beauty.

The interior is light and airy with very high ceilings on the ground floor and a large sweeping oak staircase leading up to the first floor.

 

Each space has it’s own unique character with dark solid wood walls in the breakfast room as well as tall marble pillars lining the impressive hall where wedding receptions are held. This room is the most spectacular, with plenty of natural light and period features.

The Bedroom: The Appleton Superior Suite

I stayed in the Appleton Suite for the night. The room had an upside down lock which was fiddly to open but only added to the charm of the place. I opened the door to a bright, period style bedroom with tall ceilings and two gorgeous sash windows which looked out over the gardens and lake.

The furniture was in-keeping with the date of the building but also had individual touches, as well as all of your mod cons like a TV and hot drink facilities, including free wifi should you need to do any work (or ‘gram).

The bed made me feel like a princess – it was literally the comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in (and I’ve stayed in Westin hotels!). Even with a few gin and tonics I slept all through the night (a difficult feat for me these days) and woke to the sound of George’s calls at a very reasonable hour, I might add.

At first we did have trouble finding the bathroom but that was only because the doorway was disguised as a wall panel. Again all of these features add to the rooms character and made the experience all the more exciting.

Speaking of the bathroom, this was like five star luxury. Everything was totally modern with large marble effect tiling on the walls and floor. There was even complimentary toiletries which I enjoyed  under the large shower head and felt refreshed.

The Grounds

But before I went to bed, we spent the evening exploring the grounds. The groundskeeper is definitely kept busy with the fruit and vegetable garden as well as tending to the trees that lined the pathway to the back of the house.

I couldn’t have asked for a better evening; the sun was shining and it was warm enough to sit outside in the garden and enjoy a glass of prosecco. The perfect way to finish off a stressful week.

I strolled down to the lake at the side of the mansion which had a resident swan. The grounds and the house are just so peaceful and tranquil. I can see why so many people get married here.

The Dining Room: Dinner and Dessert

Dinner and breakfast were both served in the intimate dining room. I adored this room the most as there were so many paintings watching over you and the large sash windows brought in a warm and delicate summer evening’s light.

All of the tables were neatly set for dinner with a a cute vase of freshly cut flowers.

We skipped the starter (even though they sounded delicious) and went straight in to the mains. Being the carb fiends that we are, we both selected gnocchi with feta, tomato and peas.

I’m not lying when I say my thoughts often drift back to this meal. Usually during work hours just before lunch time… it was so GOOD!

For dessert we opted for a homemade vanilla cheesecake, summer fruit cooli and a scoop of vanilla ice cream from the daily specials menu. Again, this didn’t stick around for very long.

Tummies well and truly full, we retreated to the lounge area and started on the gins. The room had an inviting fireplace and decor. This was the perfect place to wind down after a full on week and an evening of exploring.

Overall, this is the grandest place I have ever had the pleasure of staying at. When someone ‘puts a ring on it’ this will definitely be up there in my top places to have my wedding. The food, the atmosphere and the location were complimentary and yet still hit me with the wow factor at each turn. I can’t wait to go back for a longer break.

 

Have you been to Chicheley Hall? I’d love to hear about your experience.

Your Complete Home Makeover: 2018 Edition*

It’s difficult to resist the urge to give your entire home a makeover, especially when you take a look at all those inspiring interior design trends that 2018 has brought. From intricate wallpapers and enchanting hues to rich texture and authentic designs, there’s a world of design trends that will help you transform your space and give it timeless appeal.

The bedroom

As your personal space, your bedroom should reflect your sense of style and enable you to truly relax away from the world. Thus, you shouldn’t neglect its design, but rather pick elements that will create an ambience of comfort and warmth. Start by welcoming a soothing colour scheme that will set the tone of relaxation.

Blue is definitely the way to go in 2018, bringing serenity to your space. The combination of grey and yellow shades is also a stylish choice that will create a visual balance in your bedroom. If you’ve always wanted a four-poster bed, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s one of the biggest bedroom trends for this year. For a truly comfortable vibe, decorate your bed with velvet cushions and rich bedding. Dark timber is a beautiful choice for introducing the warmth of wood, especially when combined with vibrantly green plants.

The kitchen

Although a stylish choice, all-white kitchens are left behind in favour of colourful and inspiring designs in 2018. In particular, two-toned cabinets are one of the hottest kitchen trends while stainless steel appliances will continue to enjoy their popularity. However, everything from appliances to faucets will embrace a pop of colour, creating a cheerful, vibrant look in your space. For instance, dark appliances can work perfectly with soft marble countertops and bleached wood flooring. Such an inspiring and authentic design will transform your kitchen into a modern hub.

Once again, your kitchen won’t be complete without a splash of green that beautiful plants will introduce. When it comes to kitchen storage, you can go with cabinets with glass doors and open shelves to create an illusion of spaciousness. Afterwards, you should store away unnecessary items and keep your counters clutter-free to create an atmosphere of organisation and order.

The living room

The trends for 2018 will give your living room a touch of opulence, bringing the Baroque influence to your space. As already mentioned, velvet should be your top choice when it comes to materials. However, you should create a stylish contrast by juxtaposing an accent cushion with an elegant couch, letting this piece of furniture take the centre stage in your living room. As for colours, you should go with vibrant hues such as rich green, passionate red, mustard yellow and regal blue. You can use them for the living room backdrop or introduce them through accent details, such as a chic area rug or decorative elements. Plenty of greenery is more than welcome in 2018, especially big leafy plants with intricate natural patterns.

Wallpapers are also one of the biggest trends this year, so don’t hesitate to welcome them to your home. You can use a wallpaper design with a metallic finish and accentuate its texture, or liven up your space by embracing botanical motifs. If you want to add a touch of luxury, you can go with a marble-inspired wallpaper design that will give your living room a luxe flair.

The bathroom

The bathrooms of 2018 are ultimately elegant and luxurious with a spa-like atmosphere. The colour palette of dusty blue, soft plum, brown, charcoal and dark green will create a rich yet soothing ambience where an elegant, opulent tub can work as a stunning focal point. You can create a play of texture by introducing inspiring finishes, such as rose gold, quartz, chrome and satin. Furthermore, you should aim at creating a fresh, open atmosphere with plenty of greenery and natural light and without any clutter. For a touch of warmth to a soothing, neutral design, wooden details and accents are the way to go.

The year of 2018 is the perfect time for you to give your home a complete makeover. Not only will you introduce a sense of novelty, but you’ll also create a truly authentic design.

 

Guest Author Bio: Cooper Klein is an entrepreneur with a degree in Marketing. He’s interested in real estate and home decor. In order to spend more time with his family, Cooper decided to take a break, and he’s currently working from home as a blogger for SmoothDecorator and several other sites. You can find him on Twitter.

 

Little Black Dress With Debenhams And #OTRII

If you’re seeing Queen Bey, you want to look your best.

Courtesy of Debenhams, myself and ten other bloggers were invited to Beyone and Jay Z’s On The Run II tour at Wembley. We were asked to dress to impress from their Little Black Dress range which was so exciting.

Being spoiled for choice on their site, I finally picked a 90s style high neck mini dress with embroidered flowers and teamed with my vegan docs as I knew I’d dancing/drankin’.

Out of 11 bloggers, not one of us turned up in the same dress. And everyone looked amazing showing their own individual style.

The dress I have is stunning. It’s not too OTT which suits my style but can be dressed up and down depending on where I’ll be headed.  I also picked up the brand new chocolate scented Two Faced palette from Debenhams beauty counter, full of gorgeous browns to complement my outfit.

Once I was ready, I travelled in to meet all of the other bloggers for the first time. I felt a bit nervous going out on my own but I had the BEST night with the girls. Everyone was so nice and we bonded over food before the show. Basically food can brings everyone together. And alcohol – we started drinking white wine as soon as we arrived at the hospitality box.

The show started and obviously Beyonce and Jay Z nailed it. I really liked the concept of the On The Run Tour II – there was some quirky footage filmed “on their travels” from a golden sand getaway to scenes of Jay Z being baptized or “reborn” in a remote church. I’m guessing this was a metaphor to their re-validated commitment to one another.

I just want to thank Debenhams again for letting me part of their #debsxotrii event and giving me the priviledge of seeing the #OTRII – it was amazing. I’m looking forward to picking up more beautiful dresses from their range and discovering more fantastic beauty products – review of the Two Faced palette to follow <3

Why Home Maintenance is Good for Your Health

Considering how important our homes are to our lives, it’s interesting how few people show an interest in carrying out basic maintenance on their dwellings. Not only could routine care save you money by preventing expensive problems from developing, but looking after your home can provide several health benefits too. Most regular tasks aren’t too onerous, so even if you don’t think of yourself as a practically natured person, you’ll find looking after your home is rewarding on several different levels.

Mental health

Avoiding stress is one of the best ways of looking after your mental health, and problems with your home that require major works and expense can be very stressful indeed. Not to mention the trauma of discovering the damage that can be caused by such things as burst pipes and blocked drains and gutters. Take your outside tap for instance. It takes no time at all and very little expertise to make sure your outside pipes are sufficiently lagged to prevent the pipes from freezing in the winter. However, the damage that can be caused by a pipe that has frozen and then cracks under pressure can be very significant, not to mention costly. If you follow some of the excellent guides on home maintenance that are available on the Internet, you can even tackle what sound like more technical jobs, such as how to replace sillcock or other parts that ensure your outside water supply doesn’t leak or freeze.

Physical health

The obvious benefit of doing your own home maintenance is the physical effort involved. Any jobs you do will burn off some calories, and that’s always a good thing! However, it’s not just your fitness that will benefit from good home maintenance. Problems such as damp and mold can bring on respiratory difficulties, sometimes quite serious ones. Preventing the causes of damp and treating any signs of mold and mildew will keep your lungs healthier and stop you contracting respiratory illnesses or making existing problems worse. Vermin like rats and mice carry some quite unpleasant germs that can make you very ill, so attending to vermin control is another important part of home maintenance. Avoiding clutter and the build-up of garbage are important, as well as keeping everything clean and making sure these creatures can’t get at your groceries. Checking for holes and other points of access will enable you to block and repair any routes in and help you stay on top of the problem.

Your home is one of the most important things in your life, providing shelter and security, but also being a place that is yours, and becomes a part of your identity. Taking care of your home is an investment in your own health and wellbeing, both physically and psychologically. The skills you need to maintain your home are easy to learn and not very arduous, so it’s well worth investing some time and effort into learning them. If you aren’t able to carry out the maintenance yourself, then get a local handyman to do your checks and repairs for you. However you approach it, good home maintenance routines will save you money and keep you healthier.