Ruby+Ed Chunky Knit Beanie

A few Saturday's ago I received an exciting delivery from Ruby+Ed. I opened my front door and there was a box waiting for me. Inside it was a  beautifully wrapped knitted beanie - just in time for the cold weather setting in.

I'm a big fan of hats and although I have a load of them I don't actually have a nice beanie so it was extra specially great!

I've been aware of Ruby + Ed for quite a few years now but if you haven't heard of them before check out their website. They make luxury loungewear - perfect for gifting your family and friends, or perhaps treating yourself. There is sooooooo much that I want from them at the moment. Their hats have also recently been spotted on the likes of Caggie Dunlop (Made in Chelsea) and Lydia Bright (TOWIE) so I'm in good company.

This particular hat is super soft and I've been wearing it loads since receiving it, including today when Mr M and I ventured out into the cold for a Christmassy day of fun. I've worn it turned up a bit but you could also wear it more slouchy as seen on their website.

Teamed with my big cream shearling coat from Oasis last year, a pair of grey Zara skinnies and the ASOS 'popcorn' jumper I felt very cosy.

One last thing - If like me you love all things Christmas, check out their Christmas competition too (here). They're giving away a pair of their novelty Mr Reindeer Slippers........ I LOVE them!! Perfect for Christmas morning with some Christmas pyjamas and a Christmas jumper...... or is it just me who is planning on wearing that?!? I'm hoping to get Mr M in matching attire too!

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream, Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream and Joyous Protein Rich Night Replenish Serum

The lovely girls at Antipodes kindly gave me three of their products to test out. I've had them for a month now to give them a good trial before doing a little review.
This is the first time I've seen this brand before and it's prices are similar to brands found in Space NK. http://www.antipodesnature.com/home.html

Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream - £26.99
I find it really hard to track down a good moisturiser for during the day. My skin can be quite dry so I need something creamy, but if my moisturiser is too heavy it doesn't absorb and my make up just slides off. Knowing this I have to say I wasn't expecting too much. However, I've been very pleasantly surprised. In fact, I think this is one of the best moisturisers I've ever used. Seriously.

The texture is creamy and moisturising but light enough for my skin to absorb. I would definitely buy this again. The fact that it also contains extract from Marlborough sauvignon blanc grapeseeds also makes it quite appealing - although I usually prefer those in my wine glass!!

Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream - £24.99
I'm not sure I should admit to this, but I don't usually use eye cream........ So I was quite excited to see if it did anything. The very fact that there was a big sticker on the front stating 'scientifically shown to stimulate synthesis of collagen production by up to 82%' also got me interested.

The cream is light and basically scentless and I've been using it religiously morning and evening. Now the problem here is that I have noticed a definite difference in my, eh um, eye wrinkles. However, is this because I don't usually use an eye cream?!? I'm not sure. But I sure do like the results.

Joyous Protein Rich Night Replenish Serum - £36.99

Last but not least is the night serum. Again I haven't used a serum before, but I do use Darphin's Aromatic Purifying Balm which, when applied, is quite similar I think. From the instructions I wasn't sure if I should be using it as well as a night moisturiser so I decided to just use a few drops. It is quite oily (it is a serum) but not uncomfortably so and by the morning it is pretty much absorbed completely. One main pro that I can see is that it seems to completely zap zits..... I'm not sure if it's meant to, but I've definitely noticed zits disappearing at a dramatic rate (I'm talking 24hrs!). The only down point is that it makes my hair line greasy which means washing my hair more frequently.

All of that said, if it keeps my skin looking like this, I'll be a customer for a while to come!

Disappearing act

I know, I know. I've been missing in action again...... I promise there's been a load of stuff going on though, such as:

• Interviews - Interview outfit posts to come
• A visit to a brand new and exciting bar - It's a secret bar no less!!
• Mr M's Movember - I have a few progress images to share as well as the moment it was shaved off
• Some new purchases - Very exciting of course
• A new skincare routine - Which I love
• My first published article - Eeeeeek. The excitement!
• A trip to London for a pampering event - Lots of fun
• An exciting delivery from Ruby+Ed - Very cute and cosy
• Christmas day of fun - Dinner at Hotel Du Vin and the purchasing of the BEST Christmas tree ever.
• A spattering of girly gatherings and big nights out - no photos available. Far too incriminating!

All of these posts will come flying your way over the next few days. But in the meantime here's a picture of a cute fluffy dog. Random - for sure. But I bet he made you smile!

Sadly he does not belong to me. However I've put him on my Christmas list, but I don't hold out much hope.

Xxx