A quick post today because I’m writing this on Easter Sunday, when strictly speaking I should be trying to keep my kids from rampant sugar. One of them is currently spinning on Wonka soundtrack, the other has a water gun loaded and is “cleaning the inside of the windows”. I have a feeling all hell is about to break loose.
All hell has already broken loose this week, actually, in the form of Dexter the Cockapoo’s severe bout of canine gastroenteritis. Never has Dettol spray had this much action. The whole house smells like egg, boiled chicken and rotting guts. This is what I imagine an airplane cabin smells like when they open the door after a long flight.
Anyway: five favorites. Six things are listed, but I can’t recommend one of them (the Anine Bing sweatshirt) due to the fact that it was “coached,” which is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen. It looks like a rat has nibbled its way through the cuffs. I’ve kept the hoodie, obviously, because I’m not consistent when it comes to buying inappropriate clothing, but I’d like recommend the?
The jury is out. I haven’t found another hoodie with the exact weight, drape and shape that make this one so good…but boy was it a darling. (Of here* online.) And so, the five bona fide favorites – be sure to watch the video at the bottom of the page, because that’s where all the action happens:
1. Horticulture
I still buy cacti. And I still buy nice pots to put them in. I take it all Horticulture*, because the Hortology website tells you exactly what pot size and plant opening you need for each plant and then shows you exactly what pots to choose from. Tail! It just makes it easier to order in kilometers. Painless, I would go so far as to say.
I need them to increase their cacti range, that’s my only beef, because I’ve worked out most of the varieties now. My front room looks like Arizona.
If you would like £10 off your first order please use my link here*
Read: What I bought from Hortology
2. Pumps
Well well well if ballet pumps didn’t go and make a comeback! The shoes that have probably given an entire generation collapsed arches and permanent tendon damage! It doesn’t matter, they look stylish and you can pull them off without having to bend over in the middle – you’ve got to take the wins where you can in this life.
I love these pony skin flats from Boden here* – There are a few designers doing the rounds that are quite similar but they cost over £600 so compared to this they feel like a bit of a steal. They’re incredibly sturdy – we’re talking about Boden here, after all – and the toe shape is relatively wide. You don’t feel your toes get pinched. Although I would say they run a bit small if you’re wondering about sizing.
How could the ballet flat be improved? Sticking a strap on it, of course! Step forward (literally) Mary Jane. All the understated elegance of a ballet flat but with the practicality. What’s not to like?
Satin draws from Wyse London* they are lovely but most are sold out online – the leather ‘Pivot’ from Russell & Bromley are equally lovely, find them online here*.
3. Snail headband
Of all the weird things I’ve ever mentioned… this towel headband has been super popular every time I’ve worn it on Instagram. It has glued-on foam snail eyes. Are they eyes or antennae? Feeling? I don’t even have time to Google because I hear the music has changed from Wonka in the Zombies 2 the soundtrack downstairs and my son is probably seconds away from falling to the floor to do some of his breakdancing. All light bulbs should be removed from his area if he looks like he might be ready to breakdance, we learned that lesson the hard way.
The snail headband is great if you a) need something to hold your hair back when you wash your face and b) want to laugh. It’s completely absurd.
Find it here* on Amazon, it’s a few linds.
4. ELF Cleanser
Such a great beauty find: the elf cosmetics cleansing balm. Affordable cleansing balms are pretty thin on the ground, really – I feel like the mainstream mass brands are cottoning on to the fact that people want cleansers other than just ‘face wash’, but it’s slow progress.
So thank you elf cosmetics who have found a cleansing pot that is both extremely effective at removing makeup and removing dirt and easy on the wallet. £11 a pot, it breaks down into an oil that’s great to massage in and then peels off to leave skin feeling really clean but not tight at all.
You can find it here* In connection.
5. Straighteners
I did a comparison video on Instagram the other day: GHD Chronos vs Remington Ceramic 230. One pair costs ten times the price of the other pair. If you want to know how they both did, you can watch the video here.
Hair straightening is a favorite this month because I do it regularly and enthusiastically in an attempt to painlessly get me out of the “growing out” phase.
Read: How to Grow a Bob
I realize my hair will look and feel like old straw by the time we get to May – I’ve been trying different heat protectants to try and mitigate the damage – but now I’ve started the straightening irons, I just can.’ it doesn’t seem to stop.
Now I understand why people get addicted to straightening: it’s quick, foolproof and instantly makes hair look more groomed. I can straighten my hair in about an eighth of the time it takes to curl or wave it and it takes absolutely no skill. How did I only discover this now, in my forties? All that wasted time…
Ok I’m leaving. It’s a Christmas (Easter?) miracle that I haven’t heard the sound of breaking glass from the kitchen/dance floor and I don’t want to push my luck. I’m actually going out for a few weeks now so I’ll see you on the other side when schools go back and I hear myself thinking…
