repair work

 

I've been doing lots of repair projects recently, everywhere I look things seem to be falling apart.......

The binding on the quilt on our bed had completely disintegrated, and was beyond repair, so now there is all new binding, navy polka dots, they make me smile every time I see them.

As you can see from these two the photos there is some dreadful fading going on as well, and the faded fabric is clearly weaker and had developed lots of tiny tears.

 

After what seemed like hours of darning, my stitching were not that tiny.............. or unnoticeable......

but hopefully they will hold it together for another 17 years......

 

 

At least one member of the family has approved the repairs!

amie skincare

A few months ago Britmums were looking for reviewers for a skincare range by Amie, designed for sensitive skin. As I've previously mentioned about sunscreen, skincare and I don't always agree so I'm always looking for something that will agree with me. Added to that I also live with one of the worst skincare types in the world - teenage girl........... Oh the money we spend on products and lotions and potions in order to counteract the evils of teenage breakouts. Most of which (especially those which contain lots of tea tree oil - great for spots if it doesn't burn your face off first) end up being far too harsh for gentle young skin........... 

this is what the Amie website has to say about the products we were sent;

Morning Clear is an exceptional soap-free cleansing wash that removes all dirt, oil and make-up from your face without stripping or drying the skin. So, instead of your skin feeling tight or dry after washing, Morning clear's pH-balanced, 15% moisturising formula leaves your skin feeling beautifully soft, deeply cleansed and refreshed.

Harmonising natural actives
– active ingredients may blossom and elderflower purify and decongest the skin, keeping oiliness in check and helping prevent spot formation. Natural sugar moisturisers ensure skin is not stripped or dried out. Cocoa seed butter nourishes and sweet almond oil softens. Orange blossom and raspberry tone pores and refresh skin. Skin is left feeling clear and radiant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morning Dew,  Matte-Finish Moisturiser. For the softest, dewiest shine free skin. 90.8% natural ingredients.

Morning Dew is a really light daily moisturiser that's totally mineral oil-free and parabens free. Quickly and easily absorbed into the skin, it gives skin all the hydration it needs while controlling shine and leaving a smooth, matte finish that's a perfect base for make-up or facing the day or night "au naturel".

Harmonising natural actives – organic rosehip and bilberry nourish, natural plant sugars hydrate and Vitamin E acts as an anti-oxidant protecting against sun damage and pollution. Lemon Fruit Extract acts as an effective antiseptic whilst Orange Blossom is an excellent skin clarifying agent, helping to remove excess sebum and keep oily skin clear.






So what did we think? Well we have one very happy teenager. OK yes, there have still been spots, but nothing too bad. She loves the moisturizer too, it soaks in quick and smells nice apparently.
I like the facial wash a lot, it leaves a clean fresh feeling, not harsh, or drying, and on the rare occasions I do wear makeup it cleans it off well. The moisturizer smells fresh and clean, is easily absorbed and my skin feels soft.  Would I buy it again, for Miss K definitely, for myself, yes quite probably, although I may try their other moisturizer which has an SPF15. 

Do you have a favourite skincare product, or a tip for teenage skin. Please tell.

disclosure. We were sent a set each of these products to test. Both of these products retail at £4.95 and are available at John Lewis, Waitrose and online.
 

autumal baking

 

There are several large orange monsters in the garden.

 

I looked in all my cook books and found a lot of recipes for soup. I really like soup, but I was thinking more on the lines of cake. I'd borrowed the book Red Velvet Chocolate Heartache (in which vegetables are hidden in cakes) from a friend recently, and giggled at all the descriptions. But I'd given it back and didn't feel like I could ask for it again so soon, so off to the library I went and came back with a copy and then ordered several more from the online borrowing network. I love it, they text you to tell a book is ready to collect. What could be better than that. So much better than PPI texts........

 

The next day in a charity shop I found this.  I couldn't resist when I found the chapters were called things like Wintery suppers.

 

And Wintery Puddings.

 

I can cope with the arrival of autumn if I can plan in some comfort eating, although apparently it's not necessary. Bah Humbug.

 

I'm supposed to be filling out a complicated form today, but I'm procrastinating.

I've tidied the study.

Well actually I've tidied the notice board..............

You have to start somewhere...........

playing with your food

 

Playing with your food is usually considered bad manners......

but when you've picked blackberries, stewed them gently with a little sugar, pushed them through a sieve to remove the seeds and created the most wonderful dark purple coulis then playing with your food is the only available option.

 

first drip tiny droplets onto a mound of thick greek yoghurt,

 

and drag a tooth pick through the dots to create hearts.

 

Now take a teaspoon and swirl it around in a ripple of delight.

 

Continue stirring until you can't resist any longer, and then gobble it up.