When I started looking at ways to cut the amount of plastic packaging I generate in my home, I noticed that natural deodorants were cropping up in my Instagram feed with increasing regularity, I took it as a sign and investigated further.

I was worried about the effectiveness of natural deodorants, but thought if the occasion called for it I could go back to my tried and (thoroughly) tested Dove antiperspirant for a day if necessary.

But the more I read about it the more I began to discover that once you switch, you need to stick with it. There's a whole thing about detoxing your armpits, riding your body of the build up of pore clogging nasties from mainstream products.

Despite the fact that I wasn't looking forward to this detox period, I decided to just go for it. My chosen natural deodorant turned up just as the hottest weekend of the summer was about to kick off. Nothing like throwing myself in at the deep end!

I bought the Your Nature Natural Deodorant Stick in cedarwood and grapefruit. The scent was pleasant enough. I did feel a little damp under the arms on a few occasions, I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't an antiperspirant, nevertheless I was impressed with this from day one.



I was paranoid about odour, but a few quick secret armpit sniffs set my mind at ease and I stopped worrying about it. I couldn't believe I'd been lucky enough to find a natural deodorant that suited me so easily, some people have a reaction to them and have to try loads of options before finding one that suits.

The stick lasted a decent amount of time. I think I finished it in early November, so about four months.

I decided to try a different product, this time opting for a solid deodorant from Lush, mostly because I could pick this up instore locally. This had no packaging at all so I was hoping that I would love it. But I didn't. The scent wasn't all that pleasing but I could've forgiven that if it had worked. I felt smelly on several occasions, and became really self conscious. After a time my armpits became red and felt uncomfortable. Bearing in mind that I was using this in cooler temperatures than the first product, it really didn't do well in comparison.

After about three weeks I gave up and decided to try something else.



Next I purchased a We Love The Planet deodorant stick in mighty mint. I love the smell of this, and so far I've really liked it. I don't think I would've gone for a minty scent before, but this is really unusual. I sometimes catch a whiff of mint and it's actually rather pleasant.

I would've preferred a solid deodorant, without any packaging at all, and I'll keep looking (please leave any recommendations in the comments), but for now I'm happy that I've found a few natural deodorants that work for me, and that have fully recyclable cardboard packaging - better for me, better for the environment.

Another plastic free swap I've made in recent months is toothpaste. Back in June I purchased Georganics Natural Toothpaste from Peace With The Wild.

I've always been a little skeptical about natural toothpastes but the increasing desire to reduce plastic in our household was the push I needed to give it a try.

It smells lovely, very minty. The flavour however leaves something to be desired. After forty odd years of that minty fresh feeling regular toothpaste gives, this took some getting used to.

The texture is harder and drier than normal toothpaste, and it's got a warm, bitter taste. It doesn't foam either, so you can see why it took some time to adjust.

I'm going to stick to non plastic packaged toothpastes but I'd like to try other alternatives, I miss the minty taste, and the fresh feeling the mint gave to my mouth after brushing.

Up next on my list to try are the Peace With The Wild Toothpaste Tablets. I'm hoping these will be a bit closer to the mark.

Any recommendations for plastic free toothpastes?

Another eco swap I've made in recent months is perfume. I discovered this on Instagram, and there are a number of reasons I have for for switching to this brand. One, it uses minimal packaging. Two, it doesn't contain palm oil. And three, it is made with all natural ingredients here in the UK.

Eden Perfumes offer a large number of fragrances matched to those you can find on the high street, but without the excessive packaging and nasty ingredients.

The first one I tried was No.051 which is equivalent to Narciso Essence by Narciso Rodriguez. The first time I wore this was to a family gathering, and on hugging my cousin hello she exclaimed 'you smell delightful!', you can't ask for a better reaction than that.

I've also tried No.401 a sweet oriental vanilla scent equivalent to La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain, and No.419 a womanly floral scent equivalent to Paloma Picasso by Paloma Picasso.

I was concerned that the scent wouldn't last long but I'm happy to say that I can still smell these on my skin when I go to bed.

The 30ml bottles are all a very reasonable £18.00, and 50ml are £24.00, a fraction of the price you'd pay for these scents on the high street. What's more they offer a refill service. You can return the bottles to be refilled at the cheaper price of £15 for 30 ml, or £20 for the 50ml bottles.

I don't think I'll ever buy perfume from the high street again.

For a while now I've been swapping products around the home for those in plastic free packaging.

One of the swaps I made was my shampoo. I'd been using a solid shampoo bar from Lush but I found it tangled my hair and sometimes left it feeling weird. The conditioner bar from Lush didn't work well for me either, I found that it was difficult to use and added tangles rather than helping to eliminate them.

My search for an alternative offered up Beauty Kubes. I chose it as it claimed conditioner wasn't needed. Having taken two bottles in to the shower for years I had my doubts but the only way to know for sure is to try it, right?

They're easy to use, you just crumble the cube in your hand and add water to make a paste. You use the paste just as you would shampoo. I leave it in while I get on with the rest of my shower, then rinse it out. I find this gives the best results. I never thought I'd be able to go without conditioner but I don't need it after using this. My ancient Tangle Teezer takes care of any tangles with ease and my hair dries soft and smooth, and feels really clean.

The box contains 27 cubes and is £9.50. I don't wash my hair everyday so these will last me a few months and when you consider that I used to spend more than that on bottles of shampoo and conditioner I think these are reasonably priced.

I purchased mine from Peace With The Wild, but Beauty Kubes have a website of their own, and I noticed they're available in Selfridges as well so there are plenty of places to buy, just pop in into Google.

To keep them dry I store them in a glass jar in my bathroom. When I travel I take a few cubes in a small tin, which is so much easier than bottles.

I'm really pleased with this product and highly recommend it.

When it comes to Christmas and birthday gifts, I like people to tell me what they want, because if I'm left to my own devices I always, always, end up buying something for myself in the process of choosing a gift. Seriously, I need help.

It might seem a little unimaginative but it helps my bank balance no end, and I can always be sure the recipient will like what they receive.

The one person I don't need a list for is my husband, we never give each other lists. I'm happy to leave large hints in the form of a blog post, that he might happen across if he so chooses, but generally we like to surprise each another.

In a few months we'll celebrate our second wedding anniversary. I'm determined to buy him something to fit the cotton theme this year. Paper was easy last year, and I have a few ideas for cotton. Two of which come from UncommonGoods.

UncommonGoods got in touch and asked if I'd like to have a look at their website, I'm always intrigued to find new online shops and this particular one is full of unique gift ideas. It's a fab shop, and I what I really like about it is the commitment to sustainability - in all aspects of the business. From printing catalogues on 30% recycled paper or paper from FSC certified forests, to helping suppliers work in a socially, and environmentally responsible manner. They don't sell leather, fur or feathered goods either. Nothing has a negative impact on the environment, and respects all living things. It's refreshing to see these things being put before profits.

My first port of call was to find Andy a gift for our anniversary. We both like personalised items and this embroidered bambo hoop immediately caught my eye. Not only does it fit the cotton theme, it's simple and effective, and would look lovely in our newly decorated entrance. The novelty of having a new surname still hasn't worn off for me.

Keeping with the personalised item idea, I wondered about something else for the home, I was drawn to this tree throw. I love the pink version as we got married in the spring, but it'd be perfect for snuggling up together in the colder seasons.

I wondered if a little look at birthday gifts would throw up any interesting gift ideas for a cotton anniversary, but I got sidetracked when I saw this small bluetooth tracking device that works with an app on your phone. He's always asking me if I've seen his keys, despite having a bowl in the kitchen into which all keys are meant to be thrown when we arrive home. Clearly I still have some work to do here...

I have Instagram to blame for the impulse purchase of two Latest In Beauty boxes. I saw a post showing the Build Your Own box and had to check it out for myself. And when I posted a pic of my two boxes, Kezzie asked 'oooh, show us what's in it!!!'

I enjoy a beauty box, I've tried Glossybox, Birchbox, and My Little Box in the past, but I've found that there is always at least one item that doesn't get used. By picking your own items you're guaranteed a box you'll love.

This beauty box isn't a subscription box either, you buy what you want when you want to, you have to register but your obligation ends there. This was a real plus point for me as I don't want a box every month.

I purchased two boxes. The first was The Glamour Summer Edit which is full of summer essentials, the products are worth £104 but it's available to buy for just £20.

However, the most exciting for me was the Build Your Own box.

You can pick 3 items for £8.99, 6 items for £12.99 or 9 items for £16.99, this includes postage.

I opted for the six items, this works out at £2.17 per item which is pretty good value (next time I'll go for the 9 item box as it works out as £1.89 per item).


Here is what I chose;

L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara (Full Size)
This is £10.99 in Superdrug and I'd wanted to try it for a while.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Watermelon (Full size)
I've always worn lip balm throughout the summer and fancied something with a hint of colour. It's a very pretty shade, has a tempting peppermint scent, and retails at £5.99. I'm tempted to try the Plum and Fig shades too.

Before I go on, I just want to point out that I'd already had my moneys worth with these two products alone.

Bee Good Lift and Brighten Eye Cream (1x5ml)
Full size is £19.75 for 15ml on their website (or you can buy a 5ml tube for £8.00), buying it as one of my six items in this box saved me £5.83.

Mauli Himalayan Healing Salts (1x60g sachet)
I had to find out more about these, they smell divine. The ritual insists you relax in a warm bath for 15 - 20 minutes. Who am I to argue?

A 500g refill pack of these salts is £36.00 which works out at £4.32 for 60g so I paid half price for this.

It was at this point that I was satisfied that I'd got a good deal and stopped working out anymore costs.

Real Techniques Deep Cleansing Brush Gel 2x7ml sachets
Just because I wanted to test it before buying a full size bottle, which is exactly the idea behind Latest In Beauty - try before you buy.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Ultra Light Fluid (3ml)
Although it stated quite clearly on the website that this was a 3ml tube, I did think it would be bigger. I'm not sure there is enough here to get a true feeling of the product. It might be enough to cover my face a few times but that's it. Still I'm interested to see what it's like.

Have you tried any of the of Latest In Beauty boxes?

It's been a while since my last empties post, so I won't share everything I've used, just the things I think are worth a mention.

I knew it must've been a while since my last post because the bag I keep them in has been overflowing for weeks and now it's just getting in the way. This morning I kicked a shampoo bottle across the room, scaring a cat in the process.

I don't normally share bath empties because as long as they smell nice I'm easily pleased, but these two were delicious.

The Sanctuary Luxury Bath Float  |  Boots  |  £10.00
This was a treat-to-myself before Christmas. I love the smell of this range and even though it's far more than I'd normally spend on a bubble bath I really enjoyed soaking in this delightful smell!

Frosted Plum Bath Fizzers  |  The Body Shop  |  No longer available to buy
I loved the delicate pink hue of my bath water when I used these. And they smelled delicious too. My skin felt lovely and soft after using these, it's just a shame that they were limited edition and are no longer available.

My face saw a lot of new products.

Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover  |  The Body Shop  |  £9.00
My sister in law gave me this as it irritated her eyes. I don't normally get a reaction from eye make up removers so I was happy to take it off her hands. But this made my eyes sting too and left them a little red. I was so surprised as this is suitable for sensitive eyes and is dermatologically and  opthalmologically tested. To be fair I wouldn't have continued to use this anyway as it doesn't shift the waterproof mascara that I wear everyday.

Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel  |  Superdrug  |  £5.99
I spoke about his briefly in my New In post and I still love it. The kiwi fruit and mulberry extracts tackle dull skin and uneven skin tone, whilst the glycolic acid get to work smoothing the texture of your skin. It's a lovely gel formula that smells pleasantly masculine and results can be seen overnight.

Simply Pure Hydrating Serum  |  Superdrug  |  £2.69
This first featured in the same post as the above and is another product I'm glad I found. It's super cheap but so, so lovely. It's hydrating without feeling tacky, it sinks in well and it's easy to apply moisturiser afterwards. A great product and a great price!

24hr Soothing and Rehydrating Fresh Mask  |  Nuxe  |  £18.50
I got this in a beauty box some time ago. It has a lovely floral scent (mimosa I think) and leaves skin feeling soft, I washed this off after relaxing with it on my face for a while, it doesn't dry onthe skin so is great for using in the bath. You can just rub in the excess but I found this left my skin feeling a tiny bit tacky. A nice treat though.

Vitamin E Moisture Lotion SPF 15  |  The Body Shop  |  £13.00
I found this left my skin felt greasy so I used this as a neck cream instead. I don't normally use a separate cream for my neck but I didn't want to waste it. It's nice but not for me.

I'm still searching for my perfect shampoo and conditioner.

OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner  |  Boots  |  £6.99 each
I liked these but they didn't wow me, and had the same niggles as they first OGX shampoo and conditioner I tried - stiff bottles make it hard to squeeze out the product, the product itself is very thick which doesn't help, and you can't balance it on it's head when the product runs low.

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner  |  Boots  |  £5.99 each
Nice but it's not 'the one'. My hair felt clean and soft but... I don' know, it just wasn't amazing.

Lee Stafford Big Fat Mousse Spray  |  Boots  |  £6.99
I've had this for ages and have finally I've decided to bin it. It sounded like the perfect thing for me as I hate the feel of mousse on my palms. It fizzes (like that powder sweet you pour onto your tongue, what's that called?) which is kinda fun and is a nice mousse in terms of hold and not feeling stiff or tacky in your hair, but this sprays mousse everywhere and scares the cats.

Elegant Touch Rapid Dry for Nails  |  Boots  |  £3.05
This is a must for me because as soon as I paint my nails I get an itchy nose / have to go to the loo / forget that I've just painted my nails and start using my hands...

Rhubarb and Rose Replenishing Hand Cream  |  Molton Brown  |  £10.00 for full size 40ml tube
This was in a Birchbox and I love the scent! It's deliciously rhubarbular (and also moisturises nicely).

Two of my mascara staples.

Max Factor Masterpiece High Definition Mascara in black waterproof  |  Boots  |  £9.99
My lashes are stubborn, they don't like to hold a curl and I find very few brushes and formulas that work well for me. This is one that does.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara  |  Boots  |  £13.50
Really Ree recommended this and I haven't used anything else since. I've already purchased a replacement. It has a teeny tiny brush that gets to all my bottom lashes. Normal sized mascara wands are too big and I just end up making a mess.


Of course I've used my usual suspects - Dove Original Deodorant (have yet to find anything that rivals this), Garner Micellar Cleansing Water, The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, and the The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover.

I was delighted to read Caroline Hirons post What To Buy? The Body Shop and see my favourite cleansing butter featured. If Caroline Hirons says something is good, then you know it's going to be good.

The post made me want to try several other Body Shop products though - the Nutriganics range sounds amazing and the Aloe Cream Mask and the Warming Mineral Mask have all made their way onto my must-try list, which is a tad on the ridiculously long side at the moment!

What have you enjoyed using recently?

On Saturday morning my postie knocked on the door and surprised me with a unexpected parcel. The lovely guys at Corkers Crisps had sent me a box full of their delicious crisps!

They have some new flavours and a new look. As a graphic designer I love a little brand refresh, and as someone who really appreciates crisps, I love eating crisps!


The new look gets the thumbs up from me. Based on the everything that is quintessentially British, they are still easily identifiable as Corkers but the colours pack more punch. The ghosted British icon wallpaper background has been replaced with a vibrant collection of colourful graphics.

The new look packaging better represents their quirky, original ethos. I like it.

As for the new flavours, they've added to the vegetable crisp range with Parsnip with Honey & Black Pepper, and Sweet Potato with Chilli (as part of the redesign the vegetable crisps can now be identified by the teapot graphic, the potato crisps by the bowler hat).

Andy isn't a fan of vegetable crisps (which suits me, it means I get to eat them all!). But I did let him try these new flavours as he loves anything with chilli, and his love of parsnips knows no bounds.

Andy and I sampled the delights of Corkers crisps back in September. I fed him as he drove his tractor up and down, and tried to guess the flavours. It was fun, it was funny.

It's an afternoon I often think about and it always makes me smile.

Corkers now remind me of summer, of hanging out and laughing with my husband, and spending a lazy afternoon doing very little (well I didn't do much, Andy was working ...).

It seemed perfectly timed that another box of crisps arrived for me to share with Andy on Valentine's Day.

Forget expensive gifts, chocolates and roses - romance resides in the bottom of a packet of crisps in our house!

We tried the vegetable crisps first. As I predicted I loved the parsnip ones, sadly so did Andy which meant I had to be a nice wife and share them. The sweet potato and chilli crisps were spicy and a nice twist on regular vegetable crisps. If you're a fan of vegetable crisps these won't disappoint.

It seems the Red Leicester and Caramelised Onion might have been replaced with Cheddar Cheese and Chive. Not for the faint-hearted this flavour packs a serious punch! They are Delicious (note the capital 'D').

The one thing you can say about Corkers crisps is that they are flavourful, these are not delicate hints of flavour, but tastebud assaulting, make you sit up and pay attention flavours, teamed with a good satisfying crunch.

They're every bit as good as I remembered.

For my own amusement I wanted to see if Andy could correctly identify the flavours after our blind taste test back in September. He couldn't. But he was close enough.

I let Andy have the Duck and Hoisin Sauce crisps all to himself because they're his favourite. And he's mine.

///  Thank you to Corkers Crisps for sending me these tasty morsels just in time for Valentine's Day. All opinions, and crisp related memories are entirely my own  ///

A mixed bag of empties this time around. Some I liked, some I didn't.

This one I loved! Although it might've been usurped for a few new products I've found recently, this Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant is great for dull skin. Used twice a week my skin felt brighter and as it helps to combat congestion it can help to keep blemishes at bay.

I first heard about this Lisa Eldridge's skincare routine video. I think the name is a little misleading though, I wouldn't expect a 'gentle' exfoliant to have much impact on my skin, but this really did. I highly recommend this product.

Next up, a few base items. An eyeshadow primer by Nicka K New York. I got this in a Glossybox ages ago and really liked it. It's cheap at £4.99 but having finished this tube I discovered one I like better. The Nicka K version has a wet formula, whereas my new find is dry and easier to apply - Beauty Bay The Collection Lip & Eye Primer. It's a total bargain at £3.00 and can be used on the lips too (although I haven't used it on my lips yet).

And Supergoop! CC Cream, I mentioned this last year and I found a second tube of this hidden in the bottom of my make up bag, I've fallen in love with it all over again. It's self adjusting colour gives great coverage without being obvious and I love that it has an SPF 35. A full size tube is pricey at £32.00 for 47ml but as it acts as a foundation, primer and SPF you're getting three products in one.

The Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Anti Belmish Purifying Cleansing Wash didn't blow me away. In fact his has been discarded while half full. I expected to feel / see / notice a difference but I didn't. I'd rather use my beauty staple, The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, over this any day.

I did and didn't like this OGX shampoo and conditioner. My hair felt nice after use but this is over shadowed by what I didn't like, which was that the bottles are hard and it can be really difficult to get the product out. The product itself is quite thick, which probably doesn't help, and I found I had to warm the shampoo between my hands before I could use it, otherwise it felt as if it was tangling my hair. Also, you can't stand these on their head when they're nearly empty. So annoying.

This No7 Skin Beautiful Energising Mask so old! It's got about a third left in the tube but I'm done with it. It's a really nice mask, it leaves skin looking more radiant but as much as I enjoy a peel off mask (it's so satisfying to get it all peeled off in one piece, right?) I also find them a bit of a faff. I won't be repurchasing but I would recommend it if you like peel off masks.

Love this Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. I have the radiance primer too which is equally as good, but this is the primer that convinced me I should use one. It really does make my foundation / BB cream go on with ease, and it looks better and lasts longer.

Without doubt I'll purchase this again.

There where three products that I found really disappointing. The Maybelline Baby Skin had a really artificial, plasticy smell that really put me off putting it on my face, and The Rodial Lip Balm had a funny taste that left my mouth feeling coated. Not pleasant.

But it was the MyChelle SPF that was the most disappointing. It has quite a thick consistency, so when I applied it I felt I had to rub it in a lot, and when used with a serum, a primer and a moisturiser or BB cream it just felt like too much.

I find that too many layers of product end in the whole lot rubbing off. Two or three layers are enough for me, so I'll be sticking to products with an SPF included instead.

What products have made it into your beauty cabinet?

Day 2 of Blog Every Day In November with Rosalilium

I singed up to be a Fabletics VIP back in February when I needed some new running gear for outdoor exercise in the colder months (I ran in the snow!).

Now, I do not believe that you have to have sports gear to exercise. Nope, no way. As long as it's comfortable and you move in it and it keeps you cool / warm, depending on what activity you're doing, then anything goes.

But I joined Fabletics because my normal wardrobe offered nothing in the way of sportswear. I don't wear leggings (only footless tights), I don't wear joggers and t shirts are limited. So I joined, lured by the £22 introductory offer.

I was pleased with the items I received, above left, (although I chose a more expensive outfit, so paid more than the £22 advertised, but I did get it half price). None of it got much use though, I just couldn't get into my running groove.

The idea of Fabletics is that each month you can chose an outfit from £44, you can skip the month, as many times as you like, as long as you do so by the 5th of the month.

I've skipped most months since February. I missed the deadline one month and so I ordered leggings and a top, above right, that both went unworn until recently.

I decided to cancel my subscription as I wasn't really make the most of it. The only way you can do this is by telephone. This really irritates me, I can subscribe online, why the hell can't I cancel online?!

I was about to find out exactly why.

I telephoned them. I told the guy I wanted to cancel my subscription. He wasn't having any of it. He was persistent, polite but very persistent, I couldn't be bothered to argue. I agreed to stay, thinking that I'd call back another day when I was feeling feisty.

Anyway, by staying they upped my points but 500, you get points for each purchase you make and each review you leave. When you get to 1,000 points you can chose a free outfit (to a certain value). I'm well aware that this isn't a free outfit, it's all built into the price but as I'm edging ever closer to 1,000 points I am looking forward to getting my 'free' outfit, I'm such a sucker.

Recently I've started going to an exercise class on a Monday night and a Pilates class on a Friday evening. So my workout gear has been getting some use at last. I'm even contemplating going out running again.

The items are all really good quality, the styling is nice. I have no complaints about that. The outfits available fall into different price brackets, the cheapest being £44. For this you normally get two items. And these are bog standard items, no pretty patterned leggings or cute tops. Just plain t shirts and leggings. The prices go up from here - £52, £62 and above, for which you get three, sometimes four items, but it's in these price brackets that you'll find the nicer items.

You can order items separately to make up your own outfits if you don't like the outfits they've put together, as long as your order totals more than £44, if it's less you're charged £44 anyway and difference is credited to your account.

Would I recommend joining Fabletics? If you like good quality, nicely designed gym gear that you don't mind paying a lot for, then yes. Just don't expect it to be easy to leave when you want to. I obviously didn't ever get up the energy to call back and try to cancel my subscription after my first (failed) attempt.

Would I've gone back to Fabletics for more sportswear if I'd successfully cancelled my VIP membership? Probably not, I'd have most likely gone elsewhere. And this is exactly what these subscriptions depend on.

I'm thinking that I'll get a few more things, I need some more tops for Pilates as I prefer loose fitting tops for this and maybe some yoga trousers, and then I'll tackle the persistent telephonist once again.

Wish me luck!

Where do you shop for your sportswear?

I really like crisps, so when I was asked if I'd like to review some the answer was obvious.

There were two reasons I agreed. No.1 I really like crisps and no.2 they're grown and produced in East Anglia (which is home to me).

The crisps in question are Corkers Crisps. Great name and I love the patriotic branding with British icons - the Mini, a London taxi, a cricket bat, a telephone box...

Anyway, I thought I'd do a tasting session with Andy one night, perhaps whilst watching a DVD or several episodes of The West Wing, but with him working silly hours at the moment I had to take the crisps to him.

Whilst waiting for this opportunity I scoffed the Sea Salt, and Sea Salt and Cider Vinegar. But that's just between you and me.


My opportunity came a few days ago when Andy was working in one of the fields nearby. I hopped into his tractor cab and proceeded to fill him with crisps. He didn't seem to mind.

I decided to amuse myself by making it a blind taste test. He was happy to play along, although he did give me a sideways glance when I told him his thoughts would be published on the worldwide web.


First up the Red Leicester and Caramelised Onion. His guess - sour cream and cheese, which I thought was a pretty good guess. I liked these ones especially, but then this is the sort of flavour I prefer. They're not your average cheese and onion, they taste more authentic, perhaps less processed or more naturally flavoured, I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe I need another bag to be sure ;)


We agreed that they had a good crunch to them, I'd been promised this in the PR info and wasn't disappointed. They're not called 'crisps' for nothing. Apparently the crunch comes from the potato being grown in peaty fenlands - so well done the peaty fields of Cambridgeshire.

After that we tried the Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper. He said 'lots of pepper and something'. These did have a strong pepper flavour, especially as an after taste, the salt was a little lost but we both liked it.


Then we tried Sweet Thai Chilli. 'A chilli something' he said. These were a lovely colour and I think he knew they would be chilli before he even tried it.


Next up Gressingham Duck and Hoisin Sauce. He pondered over this for a while, he knew the flavour but couldn't put his finger on what it was. In the end he guessed at prawn crackers, knowing that it wasn't right. As soon as I told him, he could put the two together, and declared these his favourite.

And finally we tried Pork Sausage and English Mustard. "I want to say turnip, but I might not know what a turnip tastes like. It's an earthy root vegetable anyway" he said. I liked these, I thought the mustard flavour came through first and then gave way to the meaty taste but Andy couldn't taste either. Interestingly he likes mustard and eats loads of it and I'm not a fan and yet I could taste it and he couldn't.

I should point out that he has rather odd taste buds, according to Andy a digestive biscuit spread with tartar sauce is a taste sensation.

Yeah, he's a wrong'un.

As for the ones I tried at home - Sea Salt, and Sea Salt and Cider Vinegar - both were really tasty, the crisps seem slightly thicker and more robust than other brands. The Sea Salt and Cider Vinegar had a lovely tang to the after taste, and the perfect amount of sharpness. I can see why they have recently won Potato Grower of the Year by UK Growers and been named Best Regional Supplier by Waitrose (they also have a host of Great Taste Awards).


Most recently they've launched vegetable crisps, I kept these to myself as Andy isn't a fan and these are really tasty too. The bag disappeared far too quickly and I could've easily eaten another pack... or several.

So, would I buy them again? Yes. Especially the Gressingham Duck (that are reared on the farm) and Hoisin Sauce, and the vegetable crisps.

They're available from National Trust properties, the Tate, selected Waitrose stores and also Waitrose.com

Have you tried Corkers Crisps?

///

Thank you to Corkers Crisps for sending me these tasty treats. All opinions, my crisp obsession and oddly taste-budded husband are entirely my own. 

///

(Day 32 of blogging everyday for 40 days)

You know how it is, you go into Boots to buy a new mascara and come out with much more.

I'd seen the Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Waterproof Mascara in a Vivianna Does Makeup 'new-in' video and wanted to give it a go. It's a much bigger brush than I normally go for but I got on OK with it, in fact I really quite like it.

I have a few other mascaras that really work well for me but I'm always looking for something to give me longer, fuller, better lashes. As you can see (below) it works wonders on my lashes - look at the difference! I curl them and then add a generous layer of this - being waterproof it holds the curl really well (to take it off I use the Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Make-up Remover which is brilliant!).


I spotted the Bourjois Blush Exclusif, it claims to transform into a bespoke pink, and having really liked the Body Shop Universal Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick that matches to your skin's pH, I decided to give this a go.

It's a very pale, pretty, girly pink so I use it sparingly to just add a hint of colour. I much prefer pinks for autumn and winter and this one is lovely.


I'd seen these Maybelline Colour Drama lip crayons on VDM too, I already have one in the shade Minimalist, and picked up Fuchsia Desire and Red Essential. They're really nice, great colour, not too drying and they last well. I like to apply lightly, really smoosh it in, blot and then add another light layer and blot again. I find that with the pink one it starts to turn a little iridescent if you really layer it up, which I'm not keen on, hence the light layers.


This Lily Lolo Mineral eye shadow is impossible to see in the photos (I'm wearing it on my lower lids), but it's lovely in real life. It's a very pretty peachy shimmer that is subtle enough for daytime, or would look lovely over a darker colour if you wanted something more dramatic. I saw this on a Lisa Eldridge tutorial and ordered it immediately.

And here's the finished look.


Also wearing - Supergoop CC Cream  //  Benefit Erase Paste  //  Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer  //  Soap & Glory Archery Brow Pencil //  Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot powder  //  Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

What's new in your make up bag?

With my face done, I'm going to pop outside to take some outfit shots for tomorrow's post. I found a couple of nice jumpers on a recent charity shop jaunt that I'm really pleased with.

(Day 22 of blogging everyday for 40 days)