This summer has flown, hasn’t it? I feel like I was only just signing off my last Weekend Wishlist as the kids were breaking up in July - and yet here is my last Summer Notes of 2026.

Normality will resume in a fortnight, with weekly emails back on the agenda - and even though I’m always sad to say goodbye to summer, I do love cosy season too, so there is lots to look forward to.

But let’s stick with summer for now - and here goes with my last Summer Notes:

1. I’m typing this from beautiful Italy - and we were enjoying every second of our annual jaunt to one of our favourite places in the world. We usually drive down over two days - but this year, we decided to pause for a few days in the Alps and had a gorgeous few days surrounded by stunning scenery and fresh mountain air in Alpe D’Huez. I don’t think there are many more scenic places in summer. As this emails goes out, we will starting our journey home - back through Italy and then France - and I will be dreaming about the food, weather, and the beach until we are back here again. There’s just something about Italy.

   

   

   

2. I’ve read a few books on this holiday, the first being Roman Mornings by Matson Taylor. This novel takes you right into the heart of Rome with all the city’s warmth, history, noise, and charm jumping from the pages. If you want summer to last a little bit longer, this is an excellent choice. I felt like I was transported to those bustling streets as I turned the pages - and just loved the eclectic characters. Available at Amazon here.

   

3. I am a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury makeup and this Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick caught my eye in their new arrivals. I went for Rosy Glow - and I’m so happy with the natural flush it gives my skin. One sweep across the cheekbones, blend with a brush, and hey presto - so easy! Available in 6 x colours in either a mini or full-size. Find both by clicking here.

4. I might be late to the party, but I have enjoyed drinking glasses of Hugo Spritz this summer, both at home and overseas - and as someone that could never really get the taste for Aperol Spritz, I thought I’d pass it on! To make it at home, fill a large wine glass with ice, clap six fresh mint leaves between your palms to release their oils, and drop them into the glass along with two lime or lemon slices. Pour in 30 ml of Elderflower Liqueur or Syrup, followed by 90 ml of chilled Prosecco and a splash of Soda Water. You can get your Elderflower Syrup here - or buy ready-mixed cans of Hugo Spritz here. It’s summer in a glass.

5. I’m a little bit obsessed with the new FARM RIO x Stanley collection - and think I need one of the Quenchers in my life! Hard to pick my favourite, but it’s probably this Destiny design, with its bright parrot. Browse them all here.

6. I was gripped by new Netflix drama The Bombing of Pan Am 103 right from the first episode. I grew up hearing this story, but never fully understood what this small town in Scotland went through on that night and the aftermath. If you need a new series, I really recommend it.

   

   And that’s a wrap for this week - but don’t forget that I have some brilliant lists to browse of the best deals at Amazon, if you fancy some bargain hunting!

   My Daily Deals are here, the best Toy Deals are here, and the best 50% off deals are here! Well worth a browse, as the deals have been amazing over the past few weeks!

   See you again in two weeks time, when the Weekend Wishlist will resume weekly - and we creep towards autumn. Until then, enjoy the last few days of summer :-)

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

I hope you have had a lovely few weeks of summer since I last emailed!

We’ve had lots of fun and you will read about some of it below - but I just want to add that we have had our fair share of quiet days at home too, where we are juggling work with trying to entertain the kids (invariably on screens)! If that sounds like your summer too, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone! Most my happy memories of summer holidays as a child are playing in the garden on endless summer days - and I always like that reminder that kids enjoy slower days at home too.

Here are my highlights of the past few weeks:

1. We spent a wonderful night at Port Lympne in Kent earlier this week - returning this summer to Rhino Lodge to sip our drinks in the pretty garden as the sun set over a trio of rhinos happily plodding around. Utterly magical - and I can’t recommend this place enough. This was our 5th overnight stay at this fabulous place - and I’m already planning the next visit. Rhino Lodge (sleeps 5) is one half of a gate house - with Wolf Lodge (sleeps 4) being a few steps away the other side, which is where my sister and parents stayed. We had a very happy 24 hours of hopping between the rhinos and wolves - the best of both worlds, with the family all getting to be together. If you haven’t yet visited this amazing place, you can find out more by clicking here.

2. I’m a big fan of the brand Sculpted by Aimee - and I had heard brilliant things about this new Cream Cushion Foundation with SPF30, so treated myself last week. It’s so incredibly easy to use and gives such a lovely coverage - pigmented enough to balance skintone and hide imperfections, whilst giving skin a very natural glow with additions of Niacinamide and Vitamin E. The compact makes it perfect for throwing in a handbag too. New favourite foundation for sure! You can shop it at Amazon here.

   

   

3. I started reading Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth this week, after hearing some very, very good things about it! I would’ve actually liked to read it on the beach on holiday, but it would’ve given the boys such excellent fuel for teasing their little sister when they spotted the book in my hands that I decided to listen on audible instead! I am enjoying every second - such a page turner and I adore main character Mabel. Add it to your reading list immediately. Available to shop here.

   

4. I treated myself to this Molten Olive Chain Necklace from one of my favourite jewellery brands Missoma London - and I am in love. Such a simple, but stylish necklace that I will be wearing all year round - but I think looks especially fabulous in summer. Not cheap, but one of those jewellery pieces I know I will love for years ahead. Available online here.

   

   

5. I’ve been to see the new Spider Man movie Brand New Day twice since I last emailed! I took the boys a few weeks ago to our local cinema - and they loved it so much, they convinced their Dad to drive the whole family to our nearest 4DX cinema at the weekend, complete with the chair moving, smoke, water, scents, and air blasted in our faces! The next best thing to a Disney ride, in my opinion - and a lot of fun! I’m not a Marvel fan and hadn’t watched any of the others films in the franchise, but I really did enjoy it both times - so well worth a watch! Showing now nationwide (find your nearest 4DX cinema by clicking here).

6. And finally this week, I’ve spotted so many fantastic toy deals at Amazon that I’ve compiled a list - these prices are so good, it’s worth buying now and stashing away for Christmas! You can browse all my picks by clicking here

And that’s a wrap for this week! See you again in a fortnight for my last Summer Notes, before the Weekend Wishlist returns in September !

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

Morning - and welcome to my first Summer Notes email of the season; a slightly abridged version of my usual Weekend Wishlist, which will be back weekly in September as usual ! I hope you enjoy my notes this week - and please do leave me a comment and subscribe, as it always make me smile on a Saturday morning!

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1. We had a gorgeous week down in Cornwall with family - once again blessed with the very best weather! We stayed in Polzeath, which I adore as a town. Perfect for older kids and teenagers, as they can surf or bodyboard in the waves, play ball games on the vast expanses of sand, and wander down the beach and grab food / drink when they want to. It would be my dream to have a house on the cliffs overlooking this beach! Just need to win the lottery first (until then, I will dream!)

2. I managed to read one book that holiday, which was impressive given how busy it was with the 9 x cousins reunited! And that book was a total and utter gem! I love the author Joanna Glen and her novel All the Mothers is very close to the top of the list of my favourite books ever - so when I spotted her new book The First Acts of Summer was due to be published a few weeks before I went away, I pre-ordered in a heartbeat. And what a joy it is ! Perfect for summer reading, it’s set on a beach in Norfolk and follows the adventures of our main character as she visits every summer - right from childhood to present day. Please read it and let me know what you think - I enjoyed every single word of this! Available to buy at Amazon here.

3. Whilst browsing with Mabel in Sephora (her favourite shop in the entire world, despite 99% of the products being unsuitable for a 9yr-old), I discovered a couple of gorgeous new Kayali fragrances - and couldn’t resist snapping them up for summer, as they are perfection! I bought the smallest size, as they are quite pricey - and went for both Maldives Ylang Coco 20 Eau de Parfum (shop here) and Maui Sweet Banana 37 Eau de Parfum (shop here). The size of the bottles is perfect for travel too!

   

4. I watched Project Hail Mary with the kids - it’s a new film, so not available yet on streaming, so we paid £4.99 to rent it from the Sky Store. I’d heard good things about this film, but was feeling quite confused a few minutes in - I’m very happy we stuck with it, as it turned into a very excellent film! Recommended as a summer holiday activity for quiet days - my 14, 12 and 9yr old loved it!

5. We’ve also been watching a lot of the Commonwealth Games this week, especially the swimming. I think it’s a shame the BBC didn’t get the rights, as it feels a bit lost on TNT Sports - and not many people are talking about it. Watching has filled the void left by the World Cup finishing, so I recommend tuning in if you haven’t already.

   

6. Finally, if you want to be organised this summer, I have put together a guide of Back to School Amazon Deals to save you lots of money ! Well worth a browse by clicking here.

   

   And that’s a wrap for this week - but don’t forget I’ll still be updating my Amazon Daily Deals every single day during the summer holidays too. You will find them pinned to the top of my Facebook pages - and at my Amazon Storefront here.

   Have a lovely few weeks until I email my next Summer Notes - and if you have time, I’d really appreciate a quick comment to let me know what you think :-)

   Leave a comment

   Louise xx

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   *Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

I hope you are looking forward to the school summer holidays too if you have children - but I am well aware that it’s one big juggle for a lot of working parents. I also remember fearing the endless days stretched ahead when my children were all still quite small and I was at home alone with them every day for weeks. If you are in that phase, I promise that it does get easier. You will blink and suddenly have teenagers that you have to kick out of bed every morning so you can go and have some fun! Now they are older, I love the slower pace, the chance for lie-ins, and a little break from their sports commitments too.

On that note, this will be my last full Weekend Wishlist newsletter now for a while, but you will still get a newsletter every fortnite over the summer - renamed Summer Notes. It will be shorter, without a wishlist at the bottom - but still lots of lovely things to tell you about, so I hope you will enjoy. Normality will resume in September - and I’m sure it’ll roll around ridiculously quickly!

If you love serious Amazon deals, I’ve put together a guide of the very best 50% off deals this week - and I’ll be updating it daily to make sure the best deals are always featured. Well worth a browse with your morning coffee today here!

Let’s kick of this week’s picks…

Loving. If you like the scent of coconut sunscreen as much as I do, this one is for you! I ordered Carfume’s new Limited Edition Hawaiian Tropic Car Air Freshener for my car this week - and it just makes me so happy whenever I climb in. Perfect for extending that holiday feeling this summer - and extremely affordable at Amazon too. Shop here.

Booking. I’m a big fan of Sam Ryder, so have booked my tickets to see him in Jesus Christ Superstar in the West End this autumn. Sam will play Jesus in the run from from now until September 5th at the London Palladium - and again from October 16th to January 9th, 2027 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, before taking the show on tour around the country. The role of Herod will rotate between a list of superstars including Rob Brydon, Boy George, and Michael Ball. I can’t wait! There was still good availability when I booked at the link here.

Buying. I discovered the pyjamas from Their Nibs this week - and what a gorgeous brand! I ordered the Aqua Seahorses Gauze Oversize Shortie Pyjamas for myself and a matching child’s set for Mabel as I just loved the print - and I’m seriously impressed with both the fit and the quality. The brand have kindly offered all my newsletter subscribers a discount if you want to treat yourself too - use the code mumof20 for 20% off until the 9th August. Shop here (I have my eyes on this blue set!)

Booking. If you haven’t heard about CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), let me introduce you. This brilliant charity offer free heart screenings for young people between 14 and 35yrs old. My eldest does a lot of swimming and I really him checked, so have booked him into a screening in a few weeks time. Over 365,000 young people in the UK have benefitted from this charity’s work, without doubt saving lives in the process. You can sign up for notifications of screenings in your area by clicking here - and please do donate if you can spare some pennies so they can continue their fantastic work.

Loving. These River Island Beige Heart Mesh Ballet Flats are on my wishlist since spotting them this week! So fab for the remainder of summer - but I think they’d look amazing with jeans and a trench in autumn too. Just gorgeous ! Shop them here.

Bargain of the Week

I’ve bought my boys this Sure Men FIFA World Cup 2026™ Limited Edition Superstar Deodorant Gift Set to stash away for their Christmas stockings! Currently down 40% at Amazon - snap it up while it’s in stock by clicking here !

This Week’s Wishlist

The combination of khaki green, bronze, and pink is a winner for summer - and I love this combination of a floaty dress, teamed with metallic accessories and stacked jewellery. A few treats for our homes and beauty stash too!

1. ZOË DE PASS EYEWEAR Dolly Pink Glitter Sunglasses - click here to shop

2. H&M Set of 5 x Rings - click here to shop

3. PeachyKeenPrintz Here Comes The Sun Print - click to shop

4. H&M Tie-strap Maxi Dress - click to shop

5. Rixo Sabella Bracelet - click to shop

6. OUAI Ibiza Fragrance Mist 97ml - click to shop

7. Nexlum Turbo Handheld Fan - click to shop

8. THE JACKSONS Jute C’est La Vie Lavinia Tote Bag - click to shop

9. SKIN & TAN Face Tanning Drops 30ml - click to shop

10. Stanley Quencher Stainless Steel FlowState Tumbler - click to shop

11. BEAUTY PIE Awesome Bronze Daily Self-Tanning Lotion - click to shop

12. Stradivarius Flat leather Tie-up Sandals in Gold - click to shop

13. SUMMER FRIDAYS Flushed Lip Stain - click to shop

14. UKLASH Tubing Mascara - click to shop

And that’s a wrap! See you again in a couple of weeks for our first Summer Notes of the season!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

I’m not a big football fan - I literally only watch big England matches and my kids playing - but there’s just something infectious about The World Cup…

I don’t just mean the England team either - but so many different elements coming together to just make me love it. The Norway fans joining the team in the Viking Row, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper giving players half his age a run for their money, the underdogs winning huge matches, those videos of fan zones all over the world with the fans going wild, and my 12yr-old waking up every morning and shouting ‘DON’T TELL ME THE SCORES!” as he bombs down the stairs to watch the highlights.

I really do hope that England win tonight (for my little boy, if nothing else) - and I have my new England T-Shirt ready! But if they don’t, we will still enjoy the matches to come. In fact, we’ll all be a little sad when it’s all over - thank goodness for the school holidays to distract bereft little football fans!

Talking of summer holidays, if you are heading away this summer, I’ve put together a list of the best Travel Games & Activities to keep the whole family entertained. You can browse it here.

A quick note to ask a favour. If you are enjoying these newsletters, but haven’t yet subscribed, it would make me very happy if you subscribed at the button below - you will also get a chance to win an Amazon Voucher every single month just by being here! And if you are already one of my lovely subscribers, a like or a comment is so helpful - and you can do that below! Thank you so much in advance!

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Buying. I had to buy myself an England T-Shirt for tonight, but football shirts just aren’t my thing - so I snapped up this Nike England World Cup 26 Happy Glorious Logo T-Shirt. It’s officially menswear, so I went for a M - perfect fit. If we happen to win tonight and you fancy one yourself for the next game - or if you just want to be patriotic , you can snap it up at ASOS here

Reading. When everyone is talking about the same book, I need to know what all the fuss is about - and that’s why I opened The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett this week (author of The Help). Prepare yourselves, as it’s a very long tale - but it’s a seriously beautiful one about a young girl called Meg who finds herself in a home for ‘unadoptable’ girls in Missippi in the 1930’s. Given the length of this book, I expected it to be a bit of a slog - but I was so wrong. It’s very readable, very warm, very funny, and just an utter delight. I’m enjoying every second. Available at Amazon here.

Loving. If you follow me on social media, you may remember how much I loved the Banana Bread Latte that I drunk every day in our hotel in Hawaii - perfection! I was so excited to hear that Starbucks were launching a Banana summer collection - and the Iced Caramelised Banana Latte has won my heart. Give it a go if you wander past. Or if you fancy trying it at home, I’ve found a recipe that works really well - 30ml of STARBUCKS® Rich Black Iced Coffee Concentrated 260ml (click here), mixed with a tall glass of your favourite iced milk, then a dash of Simply Banana Syrup (click here) and a dash of Speculoos Caramelised Biscuit Syrup (click here). Try it - and thank me later!

Buying. I like to let my hair dry naturally during the warmer months - mainly to give it a rest from heat styling, but also because it keeps me cooler on very hot days. I’ve stocked up on another bottle of COLOR WOW Dream Cocktail Coconut Infused Leave-in Treatment after running out of every drop last year - I just love this product! The only version of the Dream Cocktail range that is designed for either air or heat-drying, you only need a pea-sized amount to run through hair after washing. It locks in moisture, defines curls, adds shine, smells incredible - and is currently on a deal at Amazon here.

Staying. My boys had a swimming gala in the London Aquatics Centre in Stratford last weekend. I first visited the pool in the London 2012 Olympics and it blows my mind that my own children are now swimming in it. I stayed overnight with the boys in a family room at The Stratford hotel - a very spacious room with 2 x double beds that fits up to 4 (I think they could add a pull-out bed for a 5th). The hotel is so well located, literally seconds from Stratford International and minutes from Stratford Tube Station to get into Central London. It’s right by Westfield Stratford for shopping and countless restaurants - and a few minutes from the Olympic Park for strolls. For a London break, I really recommend it - cheaper than central hotels, so well located, and extremely comfortable. More details here.

Bargain of the Week. This Calypso Hair & Scalp Protection Spray SPF30 is the perfect buy for holidays, keeping your scalp protected in the sunshine with a lightweight, non-greasy formula. It’s a bargain currently, down 61% from £7.69 to just £2.99 - shop here!

This Week’s Wishlist

I am thinking ahead to holidays - as wouldn’t it be glorious to waft around in this beautiful dress, these shades and bundles of gold jewellery on a balmy evening overseas? Take me there please - immediately !

1. Oliver Bonas Novie Waterproof Etched Star Stud Earrings - click to shop

2. River Island Cream Tortoiseshell Oversized Sunglasses - click to shop

3. H&M Folding Fan - click to shop

4. RIXO Hayden Chiffon Midi Dress - click to shop

5. Alex Monroe 22ct Gold-Plated Lemon and Leaf Necklace - click to shop

6. The White Company Raffia Crossbody Drawstring Bag - click to shop

7. John Lewis Stripe Alphabet Notebook - click to shop

8. Nails Inc Kissing in Kensington Nail Polish - click to shop

9. Kayali Maui Sweet Banana 37 Eau de Parfum - click to shop

10. New Look Gold Faux Leather Toe Post Sandals - click to shop

11. Accessorize Beaded Grapefruit Crossbody Bag - click to shop

12. BURGA Favorite Bikini Water Bottle - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

Amazon Prime Day landed at exactly the same time as the UK heatwave, which meant I spent my days frantically hunting down the very best deals while simultaneously trying to keep myself, a bulldog and 3 x children from melting. My laptop was permanently balanced somewhere near a fan, my phone barely left my hand, and I’m fairly sure I survived on iced coffee alone.

I hear another heatwave is hitting next week - and I’m not ready for it. I think I muttered to my husband at some point in the fog of a 37’C day ‘never let me complain about the cold ever again!!’ (of course I will in January and he will remind me!) It’s very difficult to find anything in stock to keep us cool at the moment, but I have pulled together the best available buys at Amazon here - currently no air-conditioning units, but I’m keeping a very close eye out for you all.

On a different note, I created a shopping guide for everyone heading away this summer, which has been very popular this week! Well worth a little browse by clicking here.

Congratulations to this month’s winner in our Substack Competition! I emailed Connie S this week and she has now claimed her voucher! If you’d like to be in with a chance to win next month, all you need to do is subscribe and stay subscribed! All comments, likes and shares are so appreciated too if you have time - and thank you so much to everyone that takes the time to do that each week!

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Moving onto this week’s recommendations…

Buying. My first recommendation this week might be a bit niche, but honestly it’s one of my favourite buys of all time! As a big tomato fan, I struggle to find tomatoes I love as much as those we eat every summer in Italy - and when my friend recommended The Isle of Wight Tomato Company, I thought I’d give it a try. OH MY GOSH! The best tomatoes I’ve tried in the UK by a mile - we now subscribe every 2 weeks to both the Family Box and the Kumato Tomato Box (the latter especially is just heavenly). Give it a go if you love tomatoes too - all details here.

Loving. How gorgeous is the swimwear from Amazon Essentials for kids this season?! It absolutely reminds me of Boden - but at a fraction of the cost! Choose from rash vests, swimsuits, swim shorts, and bikinis in ages from 2 to 12yrs - all from just £7 ! Click here for all my favourites !

Planning. I do love a National Trust day out in the school holidays - and I think it’s a genius idea that properties around the UK are running Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trails this summer. Kids can pick up trail sheets - and work together to find 10 x Mega Evolution Pokémon along the trail. If you need a bit of an incentive to get your kids outside this summer, this could be the perfect idea! Find your nearest location here.

Buying. I ordered Joanna' Glen’s brand new novel The First Acts of Summer as a pre-order, as she’s one of my favourite authors of all time (if you haven’t read All My Mothers, I am insanely jealous - and you should read it immediately!) Her latest novel was published this week in hardback - and I am saving it for my next holiday, as I know it’s going to be too special to zoom through now. The story is set at the beach - and I will enjoy reading with my feet in the sand. Click here to order.

Loving. I couldn’t resist snapping up the phone cover I included in my Wishlist a few weeks ago - and it arrived this week! It reminds me of bright stripy towels - and I will be using it all summer. Available at Etsy by clicking here,

Bargain of the Week. This Intex Inflatable Donut has been an amazing bargain this week, if you are heading off on holiday (or for use in a pool at home!) Down 64% from £12.96 to just £4.61 ! Click to shop here.

There are also some gorgeous bargains in the Boden sale this week - and with the code 3TV3 you can take off a further 15% this weekend! These fab Asymmetric Sandals are a steal - down from £89 to just £30.26 ! Click to shop

This Week’s Wishlist

That frilly bag! So pretty! Added to my shopping basket immediately!

1. Stradivarius Star Crab - click to shop

2. Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Bluetooth Speaker - click to shop

3. H&M Aviator-style Sunglasses - click to shop

4. Seaspray Mia Ruffle Bag - click to shop

5. Yes Sir, I Can Boogie Tee - click to shop

6. M&S Pure Cotton Sand Resistant Beach Towel - click to shop

7. River Island Brown Premium Leopard Print Shorts - click to shop

8. Lanolips Sun Balm SPF 30 Tropical Lip Balm - click to shop

9. Oliver Bonas Middle Child Ceramic Mug - click to shop

10. Nails Inc Euphoria Highlight Polish - click to shop

11. Boden Asymmetric Sandals - click to shop

12. M&S Pure Cotton Palm Embroidered Outdoor Cushion - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

I have lived in lots of different places in my life so far. In the middle of busy cities in my Dubai and London days, in a large town growing up, and now on the edge of a small rural town with my family, to name just a few. I have enjoyed every place I have lived (bar a couple of dodgy London choices - but needs must when you aren’t earning much and still want to be close to the action) - but I think by our 40’s, we know what we need. For me right now, it’s the stillness of the countryside.

I still love the city - and I genuinely enjoy getting off the train in London and feel that familiar buzz. But I am always happy to wake up the next morning and look out my bedroom window to see the bunnies jumping around my garden and the countryside rolling off into the horizon. With such a busy work and family life, I just need to feel calm at home I guess.

We have friends that live close enough to walk now - and we strolled over there on Saturday evening for drinks in the early evening sunshine. As we sipped our wine (scroll down for a recommendation on that!), a deer stood in the orchard at the end of their garden watching us. It was a magical moment that just confirmed how much I love where we live . A revelation for me, after living in so many places for so long at such a fast pace.

Despite feeling very settled at home, I still love the odd holiday - and I have put together a list of the very best Travel Deals at Amazon. Each and every item has a tasty discount - and if you are travelling this summer, it’s well worth a browse by clicking here

On the subject of Amazon, a quick reminder that Amazon Prime Days start this coming Tuesday 23rd and run to Friday 26th. I’ll be up through the night compiling the list of very best deals on that first morning - and promise to publish to my Facebook page at 6am on the dot. Click here to bookmark my Facebook page - and I’ll see you bright and early on Tuesday!

If you aren’t a Prime Member, now is a great time to get a free trial so you can snap up the deals - you can click here to join for 30 days for free !

Finally, I got some lovely feedback on the £25 Amazon Voucher competition last week - so let’s do it again! After reading, just comment on your favourite part of this newsletter this week - and I’ll randomly select one of you to win a voucher ;-)

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Drinking. Let’s get straight into the wine recommendation - as it’s a good one! After hearing that Aldi was selling a wine that looks and tastes very similar to Whispering Angel (at better than half the price), I hotfooted it down there last weekend and scooped up the last few bottles on the shelf (it seems a few others got the memo!) It uses the same blend of 4 x grapes as Whispering Angel, from the same area as Provence - but at £8.99, as opposed to £23 ! The wine is called Chassaux et Fils Sainte Victoire Provence Rosé - and I can confirm it is very similar and very, very drinkable on a summer’s evening. Cheers to that! Details here.

Buying. I had to treat my boys this LEGO Editions Football 3D Display Model Kit with its Interactive Miniature Stadium inside as a reward for how hard they worked on their exams - and isn’t it just the coolest kit? Such a fun momento of the World Cup (which they are both currently obsessed with!) - and it’s down 20% at Amazon at the moment too! Click to shop

Planning. I’m planning a trip with my kids to The Ice Cream Project this summer - surely London’s coolest ice-cream shop! Pick a range of fun flavours including McVities Ginger Nuts, Aunt Bessie’s Yorkshire Puddings, Mini Cheddars, Capri Sun Orange, Walkers Shortbread Fingers, and Tunnocks Caramel (and lots more!) I hear queues grow throughout the day, so make it an early stop when they open at 10am - or avoid the queue by booking their Afternoon Tea to test a little of each! The shop is located at 11 Pont St, SW1X 9EH and will be open until 16th August. Click here for more details.

Buying. I’ve finally invested in an Oura ring, as the smaller, thinner Oura 5 recently launched - and the chunkiness was the only thing previously putting me off. The reason I wanted an Oura for a while is because my watch needs to be charged every single night, so it misses all the sleep and overnight data. The charge of this ring will apparently last for a whole week - meaning I can wear it 24/7. If you are interested, make sure you get the sizing kit first - and when you order the ring later, the price of the sizing kit will be taken off your order. It’s a good way to work out if the ring will feel right too (if you scroll back up to the top of this email, you’ll see me wearing the white test ring last weekend to get a feel for it!) Click here to order.

Reading. Back to fiction this week - and after reading some fantastic recommendations, I decided on Sarah Damoff’s new novel The Burning Side. And it’s such a joy! Only currently available for Kindle or as audiobook, but it will be out in print on 2nd July (and would make a great beach read, so worth pre-ordering). I was gripped from the very first page when our main characters run from the shell of their burning home. Click here for Kindle / Audio.

Loving. Remember I told you about this wooden picture I ordered of Stan’s drawing when he was little? It’s arrived and I love it so much - I still can’t believe how affordable it was for the quality?! Now I need one for each of my kids, so will be sorting through their old artwork! This would make such a gorgeous gift for parents or grandparents! From just £36.50 - and available to order here.

Bargain of the Week

A pop of colour from adidas! Lots of you have been snapping up these adidas VL Court 3.0 Shoes as a bargain at Amazon - down to HALF PRICE from £60 to just £30 ! Click here to shop

This Week’s Wishlist

Everything in this week’s wishlist makes me smile - from the floral sunglasses, to the Anya Hindmarch bag, to the stunning earrings. Perfect pops of colour for summer!

1. SPACE NK Blue 1L Water Bottle - click to shop

2. JIMMY FAIRLY PARIS The Lily Sunglasses - click to shop

3. Anthropologie Floral Drop Earrings - click to shop

4. Anya Hindmarch Raffia Eyes Cross-body - click to shop

5. M&S Pure Cotton Strappy Square Neck Beach Dress - click to shop

6. Essie Original Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple - click to shop

7. Estella Bartlett Half Sunburst Necklace - click to shop

8. SourHeartsStudio Rainbow Stripes Phone Case - click to shop

9. Matalan Leather Lobster Beaded Mule Sandals - click to shop

10. BEAUTY PIE Orange Absolute Scented Hand Cream - click to shop

11. Oliver Bonas Bloody Love Ya Speckle Ceramic Mug - click to shop

12. Sui Ava Kaya Woven Big Tote Bag - click to shop

13. M&S Pina Colada Tinny Scented Candle - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week! Apologies that I won’t get an email out next week due to craziness of Amazon Prime Days - but I will be back the following week with lots of new recommendations for you!

If you’d like to win a £25 Amazon Voucher, just add a little comment below and I’ll select someone at the end of the weekend to win!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

Firstly, let’s discuss Lisbon. Oh Lisbon, what a beautiful city you are! If you follow me over on social media, you will have seen pictures of my week in this fabulous place - and know that my trip was extended by airport strikes (stressful at the time, but what I wouldn’t give to transport myself back to the sunshine now!) I really can’t recommend it enough for a city break - so I thought I’d start my newsletter this week by sharing my top three recommendations if you visit:

1. Food and Wine Walking Tour. This was a big highlight for me, because it combines the most incredible insight into the history of this city from a local (José was our tour guide and he was excellent), alongside 6 x delicious food and drink stops. We went on the tour on a baking hot day, but it was nearly entirely in the shade - so don’t let a warm day put you off. Booked through Inside Lisbon, with all the details here

   

2. Beach Visit. The beauty of Lisbon as a city break is that you can combine days exploring the city with days on the beach, which is roughly 30-minutes drive over the bridge. We booked a lunch table at Praia Princess for 12pm and had the very best few hours of our trip - beautiful food, stunning wine, and the most incredible beach views. I can’t recommend it enough - and you can book sun-beds for after lunch if you’d like to extend your day in the sunshine. Details are here.

   

3. Rooftop Drinks. I went to 2 x different rooftops bars while I was in Lisbon - and it’s such a good way to get your bearings of the city, while enjoying a few drinks or bit of food. For the best views, I recommend the rooftop at Hotel Chiado (details here) - we were a bit chilly when the sun set, so one to book for an afternoon. For the best dinner, I recommend Mona Verde (details here) - this one has a cover, which keeps you a bit warmer. They all have blankets, so don’t worry too much about getting cold.

The second half of my trip was attending the annual Amazon European Creator Summit, which very coincidently was located in Lisbon - and started the very day I was due to fly home (I believe it was me that suggested Lisbon to our friends, so my witchy intuition definitely came into play I feel). The Summit gave me lots more tips and tricks to find you the very best deals every day - but also helped us prep for Amazon Prime Day, which will be taking place Tuesday 23rd to Friday 26th June. Please scribble that date in your diary - some incredible deals coming our way!

In other news this week, I drew the winner of our May subscriber competition - and got to deliver the happy news! I’m still waiting to hear back from that person so please do check your emails and reply if you can see a congrats message ! I’ll be doing the same again next month, so please do stay subscribed for the chance to win another £100 voucher! Comments and likes very much welcomed too :-)

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Without further ado, here’s what I’ve been up to since I got home…

Reading. I like to alternate fiction and non-fiction reads, but have got stuck into a run of brilliant fiction recently - so it was time to break the run. As a non-fiction option, London Falling was a cracking choice too - all about a crime underbelly of London I wasn’t even aware existed. I was gripped from beginning to end - and it seems I’m not alone, as it’s now a Sunday Times Number One Bestseller. If you love London and have a thirst for true crime, this one is for you - currently half-price at Amazon too, available here.

Buying. I love these Loewe Petal Anagram Sliders (top picture) - but at £650, they’re not heading into my closet any time soon. So when I spotted these Leather Sandals with Intertwined Strap while browsing in Mango, they flung themselves into my basket in two seconds flat. I wore them on Day 2 of the Amazon Summit and they were comfortable all day long - and a total bargain compared to their designer sister ! Click here to shop.

Ordering. I’ve been meaning to make a piece of artwork out of a picture Stan drew to announce Mabel was a girl when I was pregnant (see below). When I spotted this Personalised Wooden Child’s Drawing Art at Etsy, I knew it was the one. I’ve seen these wooden pictures before, but they were always hundreds of pounds - so I thought £36.50 was an absolute bargain. I will share the results when it arrives! These pictures would make gorgeous Father’s Day gifts if you want to be organised! Click here to order.

Watching. A few different things we’ve been watching to recommend this week! Firstly, I am loving every second of Clarkson’s Farm Series 5 - such a joy and I only wish it could all last longer (Prime TV). Secondly, the Kylie documentary is just fantastic viewing (Netflix). I thought I knew Kylie and her career quite well, but it turns out I didn’t at all - totally gripped! And finally, I stole the TV remote and made the husband watch rom-com The Office Romance (starring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein) the other night - and I have to say that we both quite enjoyed it! Not bad for a weekend evening, if you fancy something lighthearted and funny! (Netflix)

Joining. I was a founding members of BEAUTY PIE when they launched many moons ago, but stopped when we moved to Dubai. I recently read about a deal to rejoin where you get this fantastic Bestsellers Starter Kit (including 6 x fab products), plus annual membership - all for £59 (when membership usually costs that alone). You’ll then get access to their incredible member prices for a full year - and I’m sold on that. I’m enjoying every second of getting reacquainted with their products (especially the Superdrops, which are just incredible!) Click here to snap up the deal.

Bargain of the Week

This Elbow Grease Air Fryer Cleaner Spray is genius - just spray it into your air-fryer, leave for a full minutes, and wipe away the grease. Quick swill with water and you are done! It’s such a bargain this week, down 63% from £3.99 to just £1.49 ! Click to shop

This Week’s Wishlist

Summer wishlists are my favourite - and I want every item on this list for sunny days at home and abroad!

1. Mango Cat-eye Sunglasses - click to shop

2. STANLEY Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler 0.89L - click to shop

3. TheWackyGallery Beach Print - click to shop

4. H&M Oversized Printed T-shirt - click to shop

5. THE JACKSONS Jute Gelato Tote Bag - click to shop

6. MONARCH Starfish & Shell Open Ring - click to shop

7. Hunza G Embroidered Striped Shorts - click to shop

8. PHLUR Beach Skin Body Mist - click to shop

9. Victoria Beckham Posh Clear Lip Balm - click to shop

10. M&S Ceramic Beaded Stretch Bracelet - click to shop

11. New Look Floral Embellished Strap Sandals - click to shop

12. Swim England The Beach Club Striped Swim Ring - click to shop

13. Nailberry L’Oxygéné Oxygenated Nail Lacquer - click to shop

14. BEAUTY PIE Superdrops - click to shop

15. The Beach by Whispering Angel - click to shop

If you’d made it this far - well done! I’ll enter all comments into a draw to win a £25 Amazon Voucher as a little treat ahead of Prime Day - so please do comment below and let me know what you liked best in my email this week?

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See you again next week - and maybe we’ll make the competition a regular thing if you enjoy it!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

We had a gorgeous weekend at Cabu by the Sea in St Mary’s Bay in Kent - a place I wrote about last year in this newsletter and was very keen to visit. We totally lucked out with the weather and made the most of the onsite pool, beach right outside, and evenings with BBQ’s sizzlings and cocktails sipped. I can highly recommend this place - and if you are interested in going, it’s worth signing up to their newsletter as they often post offers (we snapped up our weekend when they ran an offer in January). You can visit their website here.

My husband and I are escaping again - and as you read this, we will be in Lisbon with friends. Our first time in Lisbon (and, in fact, Portugal) - so any tips you have would be gratefully received! My trip coincidentally rolls into a work trip - so I will be staying in sunny Portugal for nearly week, while my husband flies back to collect the kids from their grandparents (thank you Nanna and Grandad!) and hold the fort at home.

For this reason, there will be no newsletter next week - but I will be picking the winner of our May competition for one of my lucky subscribers to win a £100 Amazon voucher in the meantime, so do make sure you subscribe if you haven’t already. All you have to do is subscribe and stay subscribed to be entered - although comments and likes each week are very gratefully received!

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Here’s what else I’ve been up to this week…

Booking. Is it me - or are theatre tickets getting more and more expensive?! I tried to book something recently and couldn’t believe the price, which makes me love the theatre Kids Week initiative even more than I did already! When you book tickets for Kids Week performances for specific dates in July and August, a child aged 17 and under goes free when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Plus, an additional two children can attend for half price! Shows haven’t yet been confirmed, but it usually includes the big players like The Lion King and Wicked. Set your alarms for 10am on Tuesday 9th June to book your tickets! More details here.

Buying. OK this isn’t a cheap buy - but one I’ve been so grateful I invested in before the hot weather hit! I treated myself to the Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 High-Speed Fan - mainly for steamy swimming galas - but it has come in seriously handy the last week or so with the soaring UK temperatures! The fan has 3 x functions - firstly the most powerful mini fan I’ve ever used (which can be propped up and aimed at you too), secondly a misting pod for seriously toasty days, and thirdly a cooling plate with 2 x cooling levels. They come in lots of fun colours - and there are accessories like crossbody straps and carry bags to snap up too! Browse the different colours on Amazon here.

Watching. Anyone else enjoying Rivals Season 2 as much as we are? It’s such a joy to catch up with these fabulous characters - and the dose of 1980’s nostalgia makes me smile every single episode. If you haven’t watched the first season yet, lucky you! It’s available via Disney+ - and you can then start on Season 2, which is being released one episode at a time, weekly. TV gold!

Trying. Regular followers will know how much I enjoy an iced coffee, so I had to try Starbuck’s new Brown Sugar Cloud Frappuccino last week. I don’t usually order frapps as they are essentially desserts in a cup, aren’t they?! But oh my goodness, this one is so good! Worth a little treat every now and again over the summer months! You can see the full Starbucks menu for summer here (also, how cute is the Barista Buddy bear I picked up for my car keys - the barista told me they are going to make them for every season - and they are priced at just £4.99 !)

Loving. I’m a little bit in love with these New Look Gold Tone Flower Detail Flat Mules in the new arrivals at New Look! So pretty for summer parties or days out if you prefer a flat sandal - and an absolute steal too! You can shop them here.

Reading. My latest read - The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff - is stunningly beautiful. Such gorgeous, flowing writing and characters that you feel like you know as well as members of your own family by the end of the book. But it is a emotional rollercoaster, so take that as a warning before you dip in! I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I sighed - but honestly I couldn’t stop turning the pages. It would make a great beach read - and is available in paperback at Amazon here.

Bargain of the Week. So many of you have snapped up these Nike Star Run 5 Jn99 Trainers in sizes adult 3 through to 6 - so perfect for older kids, teens, and adults with smaller foot sizes! And such a bargain at House of Fraser - down from £42.99 to just £22 !! Click here to shop

Whilst over at Amazon, these Childs Farm Kids Hair & Body Washes are an absolute steal this week in several fragrances - I still use these for Mabel’s baths as I know they are so gentle and I love the scents! Down 43% from £5 to just £2.83! Click here to shop

This Week’s Wishlist

It’s been a toasty week - so let’s embrace the heat with hues of orange, pink and blue, plus a few mediterranean influences!

1. Oliver Bonas Rust Broderie Frill V-Neck Cotton Midi Dress - click to shop

2. BOUTIQUE BONITA Palm Lobster Raffia Tote Bag - click to shop

3. H&M Striped Cotton Beach Towel - click to shop

4. MEDesque: Everyday Recipes with Mediterranean Roots - click to shop

5. H&M Printed Cotton T-Shirt - click to shop

6. JESSICA Custom Colour Nail Polish in Champagne Bubbles - click to shop

7. Space NK Medium Travel Bag - click to shop

8. TRACES Rose - click to shop

9. Boden Twist Strap Swimsuit - click to shop

10. River Island Blue Striped Denim Shorts - click to shop

11. harperandblake Lobster Phone Case - click to shop

12. H&M Small Palm Tree Candlestick - click to shop

13. M&S Leather Flat Mule Sandals - click to shop

14. Oliver Bonas Pomelo Eau de Parfum - click to shop

15. Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week! See you again in a couple of weeks time!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

Happy Saturday everyone - and I hope you’ve had a good week. It’s been a busy one for us - mainly running around after the kids, of course - but we did enjoy dinner at a friends (alongside their pet pigs Jeremy and Caleb) last Friday night and a lovely day in the garden in the sunshine on Saturday. The sun seems to have disappeared since, but I’m hoping it’s a temporary blip.

How is it nearly half-term already? This is the term at school that always takes me by surprise. It feels like we only got the kids back to school after Easter a few weeks ago - but yet suddenly we only have a week left until they’re back at home again. Time is flying!

If you are heading away this half-term (or want to get organised for the summer), the second instalment of our Travel Series 2026 went live this week - and it’s filled with Seriously Clever Travel Accessories! Some of the items included are genius, so it’s well worth a browse here if you missed it!

Also a quick note to say thank you for all the comments and feedback over recent weeks. I do love writing this newsletter, as it takes me back to my blogging days - and it’s lovely to hear that so many of you enjoy it on a Saturday morning too. Please do keep the comments coming - and if you haven’t get subscribed, it means you’ll be eligible to win my £100 Amazon Voucher subscriber prize each month, so it’s well worth clicking below and joining us.

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In other news this week…

Loving. We’re big fans of Dash Sparkling Water in our house - so a new flavour launch is big news indeed. Especially when it’s Pink Lady Apple, as we’ve been hoping for an apple flavour for a while. I can confirm it’s very good too - quickly accelerating itself to my join favourite flavour (alongside lime). The kids really like it too and we’re fighting over the cans! Shop online here.

Reading. After finishing Yesteryear, I didn’t think much could live up to it - but I loved every page of Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid this week. This is a love story set in the 1980’s, against the backdrop of astronaut training at the Houston's Johnson Space Centre. An emotional rollercoaster, but an utterly brilliant one - and it would make a great holiday beach read. The paperback is currently half-price at Amazon here.

Buying. I fell in love with The Goldie Cotton Crew Neck Jumper at Anthropologie while having a browse in store last week and snapped it up. It’s the perfect layer for summer and comes in several colours - available online here.

PS - I’m wearing it with my favourite new Missoma T-Bar Necklace in the photo above, which I mentioned in last week’s newsletter - linked again here if you missed it.

Watching. I haven’t been at home many evenings in the past week - but whenever I get a few moments on the sofa, I’ve been enjoying dipping into the new series of Amandaland. I think this is one of the best things on TV and the second series does not disappoint at all - available to watch at BBC iPlayer. (PS - a third series has been confirmed this week too - hurrah!)

Booking. If you love cheese in its various forms as much as I do, I think I’ve found the perfect treat! The Covent Garden Hotel has launched The Afternoon Cheese as a new take on the classic afternoon teas available in every other hotel in the city - and it sounds like heaven! Expect rich cheddar scones and Welsh rarebit-stuffed doughnuts, alongside an array of fromage-infused pastries - served alongside English wines from Gusbourne in Kent (one of my favourite vineyards). Served daily, with booking details here

Bargains of the Week. A few of my favourite deals to share with you…

Firstly, this Garnier Ambre Solaire Sun Cream Spray SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Dry Mist 150ml has been our biggest seller of the week if you have missed it - well worth stocking up when it’s down an incredible 75% to just £4 ! Click here to shop.

Over at Not on the Highstreet, I want to give this 18ct Yellow Gold Plated Star Chain Necklace a shout-out too, as I think it’s stunning for summer! Currently marked down 40% to just £27.60 - and free delivery too! Click here to shop.

And finally, I’ve been waiting for FIFA World Cup 2026: The Official Guide to drop in price as I know my football-mad son will love it - and today is the day! Currently down 47% from £16.99 to just £8.98 ! Shop here.

This Week’s Wishlist.

Starting something new this week! My Wishlist will now be one list of all the beautiful, lovely, or interesting things I have spotted this week - with no real theme or format! I hope you enjoy seeing what I have spotted and am loving - and please do send me feedback!

1. M&S Spot Print Tie Front Frill Detail Top - £36 - click to shop

2. H&M Aviator-style Sunglasses - £19.99 - click to shop

3. adidas x Liberty London Samba - £100 - click to shop

4. Anthropologie Gold-Plated Flower Hoop Earrings - £38 - click to shop

5. CANDY ABSTRACT Phone Case - from £16 - click to shop

6. Dunelm Welcome to The Mad House Cushion - £25 - click to shop

7. Nailberry L’Oxygéné Oxygenated Nail Lacquer - £17 - click to shop

8. H&M Crossbody Bucket Bag - £27.99 - click to shop

9. Pack of 12 x The Uncommon English White Wine Spritzers - £46 - click to shop

10. Whistles Gold Wave Ring - £35 - click to shop

11. Accessorize Polka Dot Grab Bag - £45 - click to shop

12. Ole Henriksen Summer Skin Treats - £25 - click to shop

And that’s all for this week - and I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

This time of year always makes me think back to those first few weeks of Covid - and last weekend, we returned to the woods that we walked every day during the first lockdown for a dog walk. My kids were 7, 5 and 3 back then - but now I have a 14yr old towering over me, alongside his 12 and 9yr old siblings. Time really does fly. We’ve been back a few times since we’ve moved, but it always makes me feel nostalgic when I see the bluebells - those flowers uplifted my spirits once a day for weeks on end.

As you enter the woods, you pass a gate - and I was always so worried that the kids would touch it back in 2020 and catch Covid. I took hand sanitiser with me on each walk - and watched them like hawks. It seems like utter madness now (as does washing the grocery shopping with Dettol wipes before putting it away) but became our normal for a while.

One thing I do remember fondly is the weather that spring - just amazing, wasn’t it?! - and if there’s one thing I’d like to borrow from that bonkers time, it would be the never-ending sunshine right until the end of summer. Gosh I hope we’re in for a dose of that this year!

In other news this week, we kicked off our 2026 Travel Series of shopping guides - to make packing for upcoming holidays smarter, faster and more affordable this summer. The first guide is filled filled with Seriously Handy Kids Hand-Luggage Buys - and is definitely worth a quick browse if you haven’t already here.

Finally, it was winner announcement time this week - and I emailed the winner of our April competition to let them know the happy news that they’d won a £100 Amazon Voucher (congrats to Stephanie!) I will be picking another winner at the end of May - and all you need to do is subscribe and stay subscribed. All comments, likes, and shares extremely welcome too - thank you so much if you have the time!

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Here’s what else I’ve been up to this week…

Watching. We took Stan to see Romeo & Juliet at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London last week, as part of his birthday presents - and it was just incredible. Starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Noah Jupe (Hamnett). It’s a modern adaptation and seriously clever in its production - and the acting is just exquisite. It can sometimes be hard to become totally absorbed in Shakespeare, but that definitely isn’t the case with this - the first half passed in a flash and I couldn’t believe it was already the interval. Stan, aged 14yrs, has been talking about it non-stop since. It runs until mid June, with tickets still available to buy here.

Buying. I’ve been desperately seeking a T-Bar Necklace - and I finally treated myself this week. I went for this beauty from Missoma, as it had such brilliant reviews - and it’s now arrived and is my favourite new piece of jewellery. I will be wearing it with floaty dresses to toughen them up a bit - but also over T-shirts and with deeper neckline shirts. Perfection - and available here.

Watching. If you’re looking for something to get stuck into on Netflix, can I recommend the true crime documentary Should I Marry a Murderer? I watched it earlier this week and was hooked from the first few minutes - the storyline is just mind-blowing and you’ll still be thinking about it days afterwards.

Wearing. I’ve had so many compliments on my new H&M Straw Ballet Flats since I started wearing them a few weeks ago - and I’ve just spotted that H&M has restocked after they sold out nearly instantly. So incredibly comfortable and they go with literally everything. Click here to shop (and if they go out of stock again before you have the chance to buy, it’s worth checking back regularly as they seem to be regularly restocking).

Buying. Regular readers will know that I’m a big fan of Curél Deep Moisture Spray, but it’s a pricey product and I use a lot of it, so I wanted to try something a bit more affordable. Step forward E45 Hydrating Lotion Spray 200ml, which I added to basket this week - and seriously I’m impressed! The key difference is that the E45 needs a quick smooth over skin to help it absorb after spraying, but the formula is very, very good and leaves my skin feeling amazing - and for the budget price tag, that’s a winner in my eyes ! Click here to shop.

Bargain of the Week. This Pack of 5 x Wardrobe Storage Organisers has been flying off shelves this week - and it’s an amazing bargain, if you want to get organised! Down 40% from £49.99 to just £29.98 ! Click here to shop.

Style Wishlist

I love the idea of teaming soft pastel colours with shades of tan and bronze for summer - and this outfit fits the bill. Pretty, but seriously stylish.

1. Katie Loxton Oversized Square Sunglasses - £29.99 - click to shop

2. H&M Beaded Necklace - £6.99 - click to shop

3. PHLUR Beach Skin Shimmering Body Oil - £45 - click to shop

4. Nailberry L’Oxygéné Nail Lacquer in Pink Sand - £17 - click to shop

5. ME + EM Midi Shirt Dress - £195 - click to shop

6. DAISY Polly Shell Ring - £59 - click to shop

7. Rimmel Natural Bronzer - £6.66 - click to shop

8. H&M Straw Shopper - £37.99 - click to shop

9. harperandblake Line Study Stripes Phone Case - from £18 - click to shop

10. Victoria Beckham Posh Balm Nourishing Lip Shine - £31 - click to shop

11. Tanologist Insta Glow Instant Body Bronzer - £12.99 - click to shop

12. M&S Steve Madden Rerun Embellished Flat Pumps - £130 - click to shop

13. Solar Fleur Eau de Toilette 100ml - £12 - click to shop

Home Wishlist

I love the idea of mixing bright stripes with block colours and splashes of greenery - a fun way to bring colour into your home!

1. M&S Striped Textured Ceramic Planter - £12.50 - click to shop

2. M&S Pleated Wave Large Easy Fit Shade - £59 - click to shop

3. Matalan Blue Bobble Planter - £12 - click to shop

4. H&M Ciao Porcelain Medium Plate - £3.99 - click to shop

5. Blooming Artificial 4ft Oriental Bamboo Plant in Pot - £65 - click to shop

6. Oliver Bonas Blue & White Striped Pizza Club Apron - £29.50 - click to shop

7. Dunelm Stripe Ruffle Outdoor Square Cushion - £17 - click to shop

8. Dunelm Remi Side Table - £41.30 - click to shop

9. LE CREUSET Stoneware Coffee Mug, 350 ml - £12.99 - click to shop

10. H&M Coco Colada Scented Candle in Glass Holder - £14.99 - click to shop

11. Oliver Bonas Loha Rose Velvet & Rattan Armchair - £595 - click to shop

12. Floweroyal Fake Plant in Ceramic Pot - £13.99 - click to shop

And that’s all for this week - have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

I’ve been making the most of the sunshine this past week. We are surrounded by vineyards in this part of Kent and they start to open up for summer at this time of year. I enjoyed a lovely few hours sat in the spring sunshine last weekend at one of the opening parties - and I’m hoping for lots more sunny afternoons there over the coming months!

We have some fun planned this weekend too, as we gave Stan (a budding thespian) tickets to see Romeo and Juliet at the theatre in London for his birthday - and that is happening today, with dinner beforehand too. It’s been a while since we’ve been to the theatre in London and I’m excited to introduce him to my favourite Shakespeare play. If you missed my note about it in a previous newsletter, you can get tickets here.

I will be picking the winner of last month’s subscriber competition this weekend and will announce it on Facebook in the coming days - the lucky winner will get a £100 Amazon Voucher. I do this every single month and all you have to do to have a chance to win is subscribe and stay subscribed (but comments and likes always go down very well too - thank you so much in advance if you have time!) I really hope you will enjoy receiving this newsletter too every week - I have to say that writing it is my favourite part of the working week :-)

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Without further ado, here’s what I’ve been up to this week…

Buying. I fell in love with these Linen-blend Shirts (XXS-XXL) in the new arrivals at H&M with their draped sleeves and deep necklines - so perfect for summer! I snapped up both the pale blue and pink - and will be wearing them all summer with midi skirts and wide-legged trousers. So affordable too at just £22.99 - shop here.

Reading. I’ve heard so much about new novel Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke that I had to start reading this week. A bestseller both in the US and the UK, it’s already been picked up by Hollywood and will soon be adapted into a film starring Anne Hathaway. It tells the story of a US-based influencer who seemingly had the perfect life - until one day she woke up in a very different version of her reality. It’s beautifully written, clever, but very easy to read - and it had me gripped from the very first page. Available at Amazon here.

Buying. This is the time of year where I like to add a bit of warmth to my very pale skin - but I am not a sunbather (I hate it!) and will always resort to a bottle to get my glow. Step forward GATINEAU Golden Glow Gradual Tan - my absolute favourite and simply the best that is out there. I seem to get streaks with anything else I try, but this gives a lovely natural-looking colour. I use it with a mitt (like this one from Amazon) - and apply it instead of moisturiser 2-3 times a week to keep up the colour all summer. Click here to shop.

Watching. Friends have highly recommended the film Michael, so I’m planning a trip to the cinema this week. Following his childhood in the Jackson 5 through to his explosive solo superstardom, I hear the film is packed with iconic songs and a heavy dose of nostalgia - and I love that Michael is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, how cool is that? Showing in all cinemas now.

Loving. This Neutral Paradise Cheetah print is my favourite at Scamp & Dude (you may remember I wore a dress in the same print in Paris, here if you missed it) - and so I was excited to discover they had made a new Charity Super Scarf in the print for summer. I always use these scarves as sarongs on summer holidays - but also for keeping warm on flights / air-conditioning (and on winter days of course). And for every sale of a Super Scarf, they give another to a cancer patient - making them an extra brilliant purchase! Available online here.

Bargain of the Week. This (very excellent) LAURA GELLER Baked Balance-n-Brighten Colour Correcting Powder Foundation is such a brilliant buy this week - with every colour marked down, plus an extra 10% auto-save at checkout! So it drops from £29 to as low as £10.84 ! Click here to shop.

I also think this Pack of 7 x Dettol Antibacterial Multi Surface Cleaning Wipes in Crisp Pear is a brilliant deal this week - down from £17.50 to just £9 (working out at 75p a pack!) Click here to shop.

Style Wishlist

I imagine this outfit thrown over a swimsuit on holiday - but it would work equally well on a warm day at home. I am just loving all the shirt / shorts co-ords popping up for summer - and this one is perfection!

1. Oliver Bonas Brown Tort Oversized Sunglasses - £27.99 - click to shop

2. MURU London T-Bar Necklace Silver With Bead Chain - £74 - click to shop

3. Oliver Bonas Star Outline Silver Plated Hoop Earrings - £42 - click to shop

4. Oliver Bonas Cream Large Packable Sun Visor Hat - £30 - click to shop

5. H&M Linen-blend Shirt - £27.99 - click to shop

6. H&M Linen-blend Drawstring Shorts - £19.99 - click to shop

7. Milk Makeup Lip & Cheek Cooling Water Jelly Tint - £16.50 - click to shop

8. Estée Lalonde Sunburst Shield Ring - £71.20 - click to shop

9. Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sunscreen Powder SPF30 - £9.07 - click to shop

10. Baikeen Waterproof Phone Pouch - £4.99 - click to shop

11. Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Mist SPF50 - £25.60 - click to shop

12. BIRKENSTOCK Arizona Double Strap Mules - £85 - click to shop

13. PHLUR Beach Skin Body Mist - £26 - click to shop

14. The Jacksons Barry Stripe Bag - £99 - click to shop

Home Wishlist

I intend to be in the garden as much as possible over the coming months - and I adore this mix of neon brights and pretty pastels to add some colour to our outside spaces!

1. Boston International Vintage-Inspired Glass Pitcher - £24.02 - click to shop

2. Set of 4 x La Redoute Romix Woven Placemats - £32.99 - click to shop

3. Dunelm Sophie Robinson Beldi Floral Parasol - £89 - click to shop

4. Set of 4 x M&S Floral Picnic Dinner Plates - £18 - click to shop

5. NEOM Complete Bliss Citronella Outdoor Candle - £36.50 - click to shop

6. Dunelm Millie Ruffle Outdoor Square Cushion - £17 - click to shop

7. Set of 6 x TarHong Hobnail Plastic Stemless Tumbler - £16.99 - click to shop

8. M&S Royalcraft Porto 4 Seater Round Dining Set - £399 - click to shop

9. CrazyGadget® Watering Can 9L - £19.99 - click to shop

10. Oliver Bonas Striped Fringed Seat Pad - £19.50 - click to shop

11. Ruggable Della Soft Blue & Coral Outdoor Rug - £299 - click to shop

12. Argos Habitat Checkered Pink & Green Coffee Table Tray - £18 - click to shop

13. La Redoute Rosemary Folding Deck Chair - £89.99 - click to shop

14. Dunelm Sophie Robinson Harp Plant Pot - £12 - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week!

Have a lovely Bank Holiday Weekend - and I will see you again next week!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

We had a gorgeous holiday over to LA and Hawaii; the latter being a bucket list destination for me. It was worth every second of the many hours we spent sitting in aeroplane seats (and lying awake with jetlag) to get to spend some time in that stunning place. You can catch up on what we got up to over on my Instagram account here - and I’ve popped a few of my favourite photos below. Hawaii really is everything I dreamt and more.

We came home to our garden in full bloom, which was such a joy after a long night flight home. The wisteria at the front of the house is fully out and so beautiful - and the back of the house looks ready to bloom soon too. Our two blossom trees are adding colour to the garden - and the rabbits seem to love it, so are jumping around our lawn whenever I look outside (thankfully they are faster than a bulldog, but she’s been in hot pursuit a few times!) I wish it could stay this pretty all year!

In other news, I will be picking the winner of our £100 Amazon Voucher for April next week - so please do subscribe if you haven’t already (and stay subscribed if you have!). Everyone will be put in the draw next week and I will announce it shortly afterwards. No need to do anything else - but comments, likes, and shares are always hugely appreciated if you have the time!

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Without further ado, here’s what I’ve been up to since I last emailed…

Reading. I’ve been so excited to get stuck into Eleanor Tucker’s first novel since I found out it was on its way! Eleanor and I worked together as beauty journalists back in the day, so I know first-hand what a fantastic writer she is - and Turn Back Time really doesn’t disappoint! It’s a witty, fun read about a 40-year-old beauty journalist who is asked to try a revolutionary new beauty treatment that promises to make her look 20yrs younger. I enjoyed every second reading it on holiday - and I think you will too. Available at Amazon here.

Loving. These Katie Loxton Waterproof Birthstone Bracelets have caught my eye at M&S, as not only do I want the October version pronto (so lovely for summer holidays against sun-kissed skin!), but I think they’d make seriously lovely gifts for anyone with a spring or summer birthday. So well priced too! Available to shop all 12 x months by clicking here.

Watching. It’s been a while since I started watching a series on Netflix and was gripped almost instantly - but Unchosen had me hooked in the first few minutes. Starring Molly Windor and Asa Butterfield, the psychological thriller is set in a conservative Christian cult based here in the UK - and follows the story of dutiful wife Rosie, who meets an escaped prisoner by chance. Well worth a watch if you are looking for something new this weekend - available here.

Buying. After a browse in Space NK on holiday, I picked up a new Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer - I’ve used it in the past, but had forgotten how much I loved it. I went for the colour Dazed, which works best for paler skin. The trick is to swipe it directly onto the high points of your face where the sun naturally hits: top of the forehead, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose. It gives such a natural look - highly recommended and available at Amazon here.

Loving. I’m always on the hunt for pretty cushions to throw on the garden furniture - and these water-resistant Blue Striped Outdoor Cushions with Frill are just perfection at Argos! Available with home delivery, they are so well priced too at just £12 each - available to shop here.

Booking. Anyone else as excited as I am about watching The Devil Wears Prada 2, which arrives at cinemas on Friday? The highly-anticipated sequel sees Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt return - such a treat! I am planning a solo cinema visit so I can enjoy every second! Booking at cinemas across the UK now.

Loving. These Premium Selection Leather Sandals have caught my eye in the new arrivals at H&M - so lovely worn with a black or white dress this summer! And I think they look far more expensive than their price-tag too - available here.

Bargain of the Week. Such an excellent price for stocking up on this Pack of 62 x Finish Powerball Ultimate Plus Tablets - down a whopping 68% to just £8.55 ! You can shop here.

Style Wishlist

I’m so excited about the approach of summer - and think this classic, cool, but seriously stylish outfit fits the bill for days both at home or when away!

1. Scamp & Dude Amelie Black Cats Eye Sunglasses - £30 - click to shop

2. Oliver Bonas Elio Gold Plated Sun Small Stud Earrings - £28 - click to shop

3. Jo Malone Beach Blossom Cologne - £90 - click to shop

4. Oliver Bonas Maya Etched Sunray Waterproof Necklace - £34 - click to shop

5. H&M Linen-blend Peplum Top - £14.99 - click to shop

6. & Other Stories Platinum Veil Platinum Veil Nail Colour - £11 - click to shop

7. Space NK Caribbean Shores Shimmer Body Oil - £18 - click to shop

8. ASOS Seol + Gold Shell Open Ring - £30 - click to shop

9. M&S Pure Cotton Poplin Tie Side Midi Skirt - £30 - click to shop

10. Sezane Justine Basket Bag - £240 - click to shop

11. SuperCaselyHub Polka Dot Phone Case - from £10.46 - click to shop

12. Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Lotion - £13.99 - click to shop

13. TYPO On the Move 1L Insulated Bottle - £25 - click to shop

14. MAX FACTOR Masterpiece Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil - £4.99 - click to shop

15. Topshop Emma Strappy Flat Sandal - £32 - click to shop

Home Wishlist

Everything is blooming around us - and there are so many fabulous floral buys on the high-street too! Here are a few of my favourites…

1. Dunelm Green Leaf & Flower 20 LED String Lights - £5 - click to shop

2. Vintage Peony Print: Rustic Floral Stripe Wall Art - from £7 - click to shop

3. H&M Scented Candle in Glass Holder - £6.99 - click to shop

4. H&M Cotton Double/king Duvet Cover Set - £49.99 - click to shop

5. M&S Petal Ceramic Vase - £24.50 - click to shop

6. Dunelm Embroidered Ditsy Floral Cushion - £16 - click to shop

7. Dunelm Flower Fabric Plug In Wall Light - £28 - click to shop

8. H&M Tufted Flower-shaped Bath Mat - £19.99 - click to shop

9. Set of 4 x The Cottage Garden Multi Flower Plates - £32 - click to shop

10. Set of 4 x Cereal Bowls Set - £13.50 - click to shop

11. Dunelm Floral Reactive Glaze Stoneware Serving Bowl - £5.60 - click to shop

12. Set of 3 x Ceramic Flower Bud Vase Set - £22.50 - click to shop

13. JD Williams Wisteria Floral Armchair - £249 - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week! I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead - and please do drop me a comment if you have time. See you again next Saturday!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

Happy Easter weekend, everyone! I hope you are all having a lovely time, whatever you are up to.

My eldest was supposed to be on an overseas swimming camp right now, but it was cancelled a few weeks ago as the location was too risky with current world politics. As disappointing as that was for the kids, I have to say that it’s a lovely bonus to have him with us over the Easter weekend - and I’m pretty sure he’ll still enjoy an Easter Egg hunt tomorrow as a teenager too (not that he’ll ever admit it!)

We’re spending the weekend with both sides of our family and will be hosting a couple of meals, before heading to spend Easter Day at my parents tomorrow. At the time of typing this, I still don’t have any Easter Eggs for my kids - so I’m adding that to the ‘to-do list’ pronto or I’m going to be in trouble (despite creating endless gift guides, I am always the last to shop myself!)

Our March winner was selected to win a £100 Amazon Voucher earlier this week - congrats to Claire R! All subscribers will get another chance next month (and every month ongoing), so please do subscribe if you haven’t already and stay subscribed for a chance to win. I really appreciate any comments, feedback, likes or shares if you have time - just click the pink box below to let me know what you think!

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In other news this week:

Loving. If you prefer not to drink - or are the designated driver over the Easter Weekend - can I recommend this Kylie Minogue Wines 0% Sparkling Rose? I’ve tried so many non-alcoholic sparkling wines in the quest to find the best - and this 100% wins the crown! It’s also an absolute steal at Amazon, available here.

Reading. I finished Saoirse (oh what a gorgeous novel, linked again here if you missed it) - and have moved onto The Barbecue at No.9 by Jennie Godfrey. The reviews of this book are phenomenal - and I am enjoying every page so far! Set in 1985 (a fabulous dose of nostalgia for 80’s kids like me), the story follows a family hosting a party for their street on the day of Live Aid. Brilliant characters - and an excellent read - available here.

Buying. I included these H&M Braided Sandals in my Style Wishlist a few weeks ago - and loved them so much that I treated myself to a pair this week. Perfect for teaming with dresses when summer rolls around - imagine a sunny destination, a floaty dress, sun-kissed skin, and lots of gold jewellery! I think they look far more expensive than their price-tag. Available here.

Watching. I need to find some time to head to the cinema to watch new Ryan Gosling film Project Hail Mary over the coming weeks, as I’m hearing some amazing things about it. My favourite films have always had a science spin (Apollo 13, Armageddon, to name a few of the best) and I was hoping this was going to be another epic - and it seems we’re in for a treat. It’s showing at all UK cinemas now.

Loving. I adore the bold prints of fashion brand Damson Madder - and so when I heard about the collaboration with Papier on a range of Journals and Planners, I knew it was going to be a winner. And it really is - with gorgeous designs and a fab collection including Recipe Journals, Productivity Planners, Wellness Journals, Notebooks and Diaries - all starting at just £17.50. They’d make gorgeous gifts or treats for yourself - and are available to shop here.

Bargain of the Week. One to stash away for summer! This Pack of 108 x Nerf Better Than Balloons Water Pods will be fun for water fights - and I’ve never seen the price this low. Originally priced at £14.99 - but currently down at just £2.11 - shop here!

Also this week, these Nike Court Borough Low Recraft Little Kids Shoes (kids 10.5 to adult 2.5) are such a good buy in the Nike sale - especially if you are a Nike member, as you get free delivery too! Priced at just £26.99 - shop here !

Style Wishlist

It’s denim jacket season - and I love this H&M version, with its cool embroidered hem. Here’s how I’d style it - spring perfection!

1. Scamp & Dude Amelie Black Cats Eye Sunglasses - £30 - click to shop

2. Oliver Bonas Yara Ball Silver Huggie Hoop Earrings - £34 - click to shop

3. Rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush - £25 - click to shop

4. Posh Totty Designs Sterling Clam Shell Necklace - £69 - click to shop

5. H&M Embroidery-detail Denim Jacket - £39.99 - click to shop

6. H&M Oversized Cotton T-shirt - £12.99 - click to shop

7. essie Original Coral Nail Polish - £8.20 - click to shop

8. Tan Faux Leather Mini Bucket Bag - £21.99 - click to shop

9. M&S Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers - £28 - click to shop

10. Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne - £122 - click to shop

11. Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil - £21 - click to shop

12. Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan - £36 - click to shop

13. adidas Originals Gazelle Lo Pro - £72.50 - click to shop

Home Wishlist

Mix soft, muted tones of green with warm shades of wood for a stylish take on spring home styling. I want everything on this list !

1. Dunelm Isabelle Striped Ruffle Cotton Cushion Cover - £14 - click to shop

2. Dunelm Juniper Stacked Wooden Table Lamp - £40 - click to shop

3. How Lucky Are We? Print - from £12.99 - click to shop

4. M&S Hampton Milk Jug - £6 - click to shop

5. H&M Footed stoneware serving bowl - £34.99 - click to shop

6. Dunelm Giselle 7 Drawer Chest in Mango Wood - £599 - click to shop

7. Matalan Mango Wood Scalloped Rectangle Tray - £14.40 - click to shop

8. Set of 4 x Walton & Co Wide Stripe Olive Green Napkins - £18 - click to shop

9. John Lewis Leckford Stoneware Mug - £7 - click to shop

10. M&S Wooden Serving Board - £20 - click to shop

11. Mango Wood Salad Servers - £10.49 - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week!

I am now going to take a couple of weeks break from my newsletter to spend some time with my family over the school holidays, but will be back towards the end of the month as usual. Apologies for the gap - I will be jotting down notes of things I need to tell you about on my return!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

I missed seeing the seasons change so much when we lived in Dubai - and this past month has absolutely reminded me why spring has always been my favourite in the UK. To go from the never-ending rainy days of January and February to the sunny days recently has been such a joy (honestly at times we didn’t think it was ever going to end, did we?)

We had family over for lunch last weekend - and had our first drinks in the garden on the sunshine before we ate. For the table setting, I used the napkins I shared a few weeks ago on this newsletter (linked here if you missed them), alongside a wavy table runner (linked here) and new set of Daisy-shaped plates (linked here). I gave each of the children an iced chick biscuit on their place setting from our local farm shop, which you can also buy in a set online here. Finally, I added a couple of flower arrangements in jam jars and a lit a lemon-scented candle. I was happy with how it turned out, but I did wish I’d ordered some ribbon to tie the napkins - so I will do that before we host an Easter lunch next weekend.

Easter is just a week away - and if you are looking for a few little gifts for the kids, why not have a browse of our Alternative Easter Gift Guide? So many lovely little gifts, with not a chunk of chocolate in sight! Click here to browse!

Don’t forget that the clocks go back tomorrow - so if you are off to watch your child play sport (or swim, in my case), you will have an hour less in bed… All worth it for the lighter evenings ahead - that’s what I’ll be telling myself as I run out the door at the crack of dawn anyway !

We are mere days away from another £100 Amazon Voucher giveaway - so please do subscribe if you haven’t already (or stay subscribed if you are already)!

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I will announce our winner at the beginning of April! If you have time to bash out a little comment below or like this post, I’d be very grateful!

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Here’s what else I’ve been up to this week…

Buying. I like wearing colour on my lips, but don’t suit a bold look - so Max Factor’s new Mellow Blur Lipsticks caught my attention. The creamy, lightweight formula is designed to give an instant soft-focus blurred effect, with a very wearable matte finish - and I think they are the perfect hybrid between a gloss and a lipstick. I went for the Raspberry Rush, which is the perfect pop of colour for spring and summer, but there are 4 other colours to pick from - and they are so well priced at Amazon here.

Trying. I popped into Blank Street when I was in London last week, hoping to pick up another Banana Bread Matcha (mentioned in a previous newsletter) - but alas, it was only a limited edition and is now off the menu. I went for an Iced Blondie Latte instead, which contains Salted Brown Sugar Caramel, Cookie Butter, and Espresso. And let me tell you - it was quite simply the best iced coffee I have ever tasted. If you are near to a branch, give it a go (you can also choose to have the Blondie in Matcha). Search for your nearest location here.

Watching. I thought Series 1 of Last One Laughing was quite possibly the best thing that’s ever been on TV - so I had high hopes for Series 2, which hit screens last week. The premise is simple - throw a handful of the UK’s funniest comedians into a room together, but they aren’t allowed to laugh. It’s comedy genius - and this series does not disappoint (I think it could possibly be better than the first!) Available now on Prime Video.

Trying. My boys have enjoyed The Week Junior for years, but have sadly now outgrown it. Their little sister will keep reading, but we’ve decided to give How It Works a go for the boys. It’s aimed at GCSE ages and upwards, with a nice mix of science, history, and geography - and you can currently snap up an offer of 3 x issues for just £5, before committing to subscribing. Click here for the offer.

Buying. I love a T-Shirt Dress - and a few have popped up in my feed recently with lace hems. This Black Lace Hem T-Shirt Midi Dress from New Look jumped into my basket - it would work very well with heels on a night out, but equally good for daywear with sandals. So comfy and bang on trend too. Seriously affordable too - you can shop here.

Bargain of the Week. This LEGO Botanicals Daisies caught my eye this week as a gorgeous Easter activity for the kids - but also a very sweet table decoration for a lunch table. It’s a brilliant deal too and has been flying off shelves. Click to redeem the voucher and it drops from £12.99 to just £8.67 - you can shop it here!

Style Wishlist

Polka dots seems to be going nowhere, with nearly every high-street collection currently featuring them in some form. I love this Puff-Sleeved Top from Oliver Bonas as a nod to the trend - kept casual with a denim skirt, trench, and colourful Converse!

1. Le Specs Liar Liar Sunglasses - £65 - click to shop

2. M&S The Trench - £95 - click to shop

3. Oliver Bonas Polka Dot Jacquard Puff Sleeve Top - £60 - click to shop

4. Mango Earrings with Round Relief - £15.99 - click to shop

5. MCoBeauty Multiuse Cream Stick for Lips and Cheeks - £4.80 - click to shop

6. The Pleasure Strawberry Pink Stripe Phone Case - from £16.40 - click to shop

7. Accessorize Stud Suede Sling Crossbody Bag - £40 - click to shop

8. VERO MODA Women’s Calf-Length Denim Maxi Skirt - £35.87 - click to shop

9. PHLUR Afterglow Eau de Parfum - £79.20 - click to shop

10. STANLEY 1913 Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler 1.2L - £45 - click to shop

11. Max Factor Mellow Blur Lipstick, Raspberry Rush - £10 - click to shop

12. Converse Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas in Cherry Balm Pink - £80 - click to shop

Home Wishlist

Easter and sunny spring days are the perfect inspiration to add some pastel pretty home buys to our homes!

1. Happy Easter Banner - £5.99 - click to shop

2. ‘Chef Was Cute’ Kitchen Quote - £5.99 - click to shop

3. H&M Sunflower-shaped Mid Plate - £9.99 - click to shop

4. H&M Stoneware Easter Bunny - £12.99 - click to shop

5. H&M Cotton-blend Tablecloth - £24.99 - click to shop

6. Mini Eggs 1/2 Pint Mug - £18.20 - click to shop

7. YVONNE ELLEN Slogan Footed Cake Stand - £54 - click to shop

8. Anna Michelle Cotton Double Oven Gloves - £18 - click to shop

9. Easter Wreath for Front Door - £19.99 - click to shop

10. M&S Pure Cotton Embroidered Scallop Cushion - £19.50 - click to shop

11. Easter Egg Cookie Kit - £9.98 - click to shop

12. H&M Scented Candle in a Glass Holder - £9.99 - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week!

Enjoy your weekend!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

You’ll find lots more pictures on my Instagram feed if you want to have a nose - but I’ve added a couple of shots below too. How lucky were we with the weather? Counting our lucky stars!

We had a quiet Mother’s Day in the end due to family illness, but I’m looking forward to two big family lunches this weekend and catching up with both sides of my family.

I hope you found a few nice bargains in the Amazon Spring Sale last week. The next big sale will be Prime Day in July if you have something in mind - but I will of course keep reporting on my Amazon Daily Deals every morning until then. Make sure you are following me over on my Facebook page if you aren’t already.

Here’s what I’ve been up to this week…

Buying. There are some gorgeous throw-on dresses for summer in the new season collection at Hush - and I couldn’t resist treating myself to a couple in the hope of a warm summer ahead. The Liddie Dress comes with sleeves (shop here) or without sleeves (shop here) - and would look so good with sun-kissed skin, layered gold jewellery and simple leather sandals. Roll on summer!

Reading. Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise is an apt book to start reading during the week of St Patrick’s Day - and one I have seen countlessly recommended. And oh what a beauty of a book it is! Set in 1999 in Dublin, I am enjoying every second of reading about strong, but vulnerable main character Saoirse’s life - and how a moment of success threatens to unveil a decade of lies. So so beautifully written - add it to your reading list immediately. Available at Amazon here.

Buying. I’m being using Loop’s Quiet 2 Earplugs every night for the last year to block out snoring and they are fantastic - but I recently spotted the brand had made a new earplug specifically for sleep called Loop Dream. Slightly pricier, but made with the softest silicon yet (so they are equally comfy for side sleepers) and a memory foam interior that moulds into your ears. They come with different sized tips, so you can fit your ear perfectly. For me, it’s total noise cancellation - and I highly, highly recommend them. Click here to shop.

Watching. The Magic Faraway Tree was the first book I remember reading as a child on my own - and it ignited a lifelong love of reading. So I nearly burst with excitement when I heard a film was being made - and it finally hits screens on the 27th March, perfectly in time for the Easter holidays. Adding to my list to take the kids immediately as it looks utterly magical! The trailer is below, if you’d like a taster!

Loving. I’m a big fan of Sundae Whipped Shower Foams, as they double-up as both shower gel and shaving foam - plus have amazing scents and make my skin feel beautifully soft. I love the sound of their new Brunch Collection, with scents in the collection including Buttery Croissant, Fluffy Pancake and French Toast! I’m not sure I’ll feel like I’m back in Paris, but perhaps it will be close? Shop them online here.

Planning. I was excited to hear this week that the musical Billy Elliot is heading back to the West End for the first time in 10 years for a limited run in 2027. It will play at the Adelphi Theatre between 12 February – 31 July 2027 - so lots of opportunities to take the kids during the school holidays. If you are super organised, you can book your tickets here.

Bargain of the Week. This Shark StainForce Cordless Spot Cleaner has been one of my best buys recently - we use it so frequently for spills and stains, as the mark is genuinely gone in seconds. It’s currently down 42% from £169.99 to just £99 ! Click to shop.

There are also some lovely Hotel Chocolat deals at Amazon at the moment! This Hotel Chocolat Easter Sleekster is down 28% and would make a gorgeous gift (hint hint, Easter bunny) - and you can shop it here!

Style Wishlist.

Just one wishlist again this week, as I’ve been running around Paris and ignored my desk for most of it (normal service to resume next week, I promise) - but I hope you enjoy this selection as much as I do. Spring perfection - and that gold ring flew into my basket!

1. H&M Aviator-Style Sunglasses - £12.99 - click to shop

2. Limerencia G23 Pure Titanium Huggie Hoop Earrings - £14.99 - click to shop

3. Orelia Polished Molten Coin 3-Row Necklace - £35 - click to shop

4. & Other Stories Oversized Denim Jacket - £139 - click to shop

5. New Look Gold Tone Flower Slide Hair Clips - £3.74 - click to shop

6. Glaze MirrorGlaze Super Sleek Hair Shine Spray - £13.66 - click to shop

7. Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick - £22 - click to shop

8. M&S Pure Cotton Graphic T-Shirt - £10 - click to shop

9. Retro Chic Blossom Ring - £79 - click to shop

10. Pink Cosmos & Polka Dots Phone Case - from £13.40 - click to shop

11. H&M Smocked-waist Skirt - £27.99 - click to shop

12. M&S Straw Drawstring Bucket Bag - £50 - click to shop

13. Rimmel Radiance Shimmer Brick Pressed Bronzer - £5.25 - click to shop

14. H&M Braided Sandals - £27.99 - click to shop

15. Maison Margiela Beach Walk Eau de Toilette - £62 - click to shop

16. Tanologist Insta Glow Illuminating Body Bronzer - £9.99 - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week!

Don’t forget that I give away a £100 voucher every month to one lucky newsletter reader - and all you need to do is subscribe and stay subscribe! Comments, likes, and shares always very much appreciated too!

Have a great weekend ahead!

Louise

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

For this reason, I’ve been pretty much glued to my laptop this week - although the dog wasn’t always happy about it!

I thought I’d also mention here that I continue to think about all my friends and family members over in the Middle East. Dubai was our home for 8 years and the place all three of my babies were born. A piece of my heart will always be in that city - and I can’t begin to imagine how stressful the last few weeks has been. Very much hoping for a resolution soon, so life in the sunshine can continue as it always have.

Thank you so much for clicking to read today. Thank you also for all the lovely comments recently - and please do drop a quick comment if you have time today. It always makes me smile on a Saturday morning.

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Without further ado, here’s what I’ve been up to (amongst the Amazon deal hunting) this week:

Watching. If you haven’t watched the Channel 4 drama Dirty Business yet, can I urge you to do it? The series is based on the true story of two amateur detectives discovering that water companies are dumping sewerage in our rivers - with truly horrifying consequences. It’s still happening in this country, which is something I am still struggling to get my head around. This excellent drama is said to be the next Mr Bates vs The Post Office - and will hopefully start a tidal wave of public pressure to clean up their act. Watch it at Channel 4 now.

Wearing. Polka dots are big right now on the high-street for spring. I love wearing them, but the rule is to pick one piece and keep everything else simple. I’ve been wearing this black H&M Draped Midi Skirt teamed with a plain-coloured jumper and coat - and love it so much that I’ve just bought myself the cream version too. They are such an incredible bargain, it had to be done! You can shop here.

Making. We had a lovely dinner party with friends - and I made Lemon Posset for dessert. I’m not usually a pudding person (ironically, as it’s the only course I tend to make for a dinner party - my husband definitely the better cook for starter and main!) but I really enjoyed this recipe. Fresh, light, and delicious - and actually very easy to make too. My recipe is below if you’d like to try it.

Buying. Talking of hosting, I couldn’t resist these Cotton Napkins from H&M Home when I spotted them online this week. They come in a set of 4 in lots of different patterns and colours - and I went for the pink striped below. I’m going to tie them with ribbon as a place setting for a couple of Easter lunches we are hosting. So pretty - and affordable too. You can shop here.

Watching. I watched I Swear this week - and wow, it’s just incredible. Telling the story of the life of John Davidson MBE, a campaigner with severe Tourettes Syndrome, actor Robert Aramayo is sensational in the main role - so much so, he just won the Bafta for Best Actor. Entertaining, educational, funny, emotional, and just perfect. It’s available to watch at Netflix now.

Buying. Just when I was wondering what was going to fill the gap in Mabel’s reading journey when she finishes the Lottie Brooks series (and she is very close), I spotted K-Pop Academy: The Stage of Shadows - a new K-Pop inspired reading series, with the first now on sale. And it’s a bit of a bargain currently too, if you need an incentive to get your child reading - available here at Amazon.

Bargain of the Week. This Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids & Baby Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, 150ml has been our biggest seller of the Amazon Spring Sale so far - and that’s little surprise given the price drop! Such a good buy for stocking up for summer / holidays - down from £16 to just £5.99 ! Click to shop.

Style Wishlist

Just one wishlist this week, due to time constraints during the Amazon Spring Sale - but it’s a cracker. The sandals are very similar to a pair by Loewe I just adore (but cost over £500 and Icould never justify the price tag) - and I wanted a way to make them work for early spring outfits, as well as high summer (when they will look incredible with summer dresses). I think this jeans and causal shirt combo is perfection until the weather warms up.

1. & Other Stories Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses - £27 - click to shop

2. Large Gold Claw Clip - £6.62 - click to shop

3. Pilgrim Air Coin Necklace - £29.99 - click to shop

4. Stanley 1913 Flip Straw Sports Water Bottle - £32.76 - click to shop

5. Cos Wool-Blend Blazer - £169 - click to shop

6. H&M Loose-fit Shirt - £19.99 - click to shop

7. Maison Margiela Afternoon Delight Eau de Toilette - £62 - click to shop

8. Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Lotion - £6.98 - click to shop

9. John Lewis Polished Bangle Set - £24 - click to shop

10. H&M Barrel High Waist Ankle Jeans - £34.99 - click to shop

11. Mango Small Crossbody Bag - £35.99 - click to shop

12. Mango Leather Sandals with Intertwined Strap - £45.99 - click to shop

13. Nails Inc It’s Topless Gel-Like Nail Polish - £7.19 - click to shop

And that’s a wrap for this week - I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Louise x

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

Sadly little chance to escape my laptop for a while, as we’re just days away from the Amazon Spring Sale, with a whole week of deals arriving at Amazon from this coming Tuesday 10th to Monday 16th March. Now would be a great time to follow me over at Facebook if you don’t already as the very best deals every day will be up there first every morning (I’m promising 6am on the dot on Day 1 - RIP sleep). It’s also worth joining my Louise’s Amazon Deals group on Instagram as I’ll pop the highlights there too.

Please do show this email some love if you have time with a comment or a like - it always makes me smile on a Saturday morning. Feedback always welcome - and as a thank you, I will pick one of you every month to win a £100 Amazon Voucher. Just subscribe and stay subscribed to be entered at the end of the month!

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Let’s get stuck into what I’ve been up to this week…

Loving. I saw so many recommendations for these Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Masks that I had to give them a go myself this week. They are an opaque milky pink when you apply them to your face - but after a few hours, they turn translucent to signal that the ingredients have absorbed. You can then peel them off - and skin has immediate wow factor with an incredible glowy glass-skin glow and the softest texture. Seriously impressed! I’ll be doing one every week as part of my skincare routine - and will be stocking up while they are reduced at Amazon here.

Watching. If you enjoy Formula 1 as much as we do, you have to get stuck into the new series of Drive to Survive - there are some serious fireworks this season. And if you aren’t into Formula 1, can I suggest you make this your sign to give it a go anyway? This series is why I started enjoying it and I think you will too. Go Lando! You can watch on Netflix now.

Wearing. I bought myself this GANNI Canvas Cap in an attempt to hide my bruised eye when I was travelling - but what I have realised since is that I really enjoy wearing it. I’ve always worn caps in the summer, but never in cooler climes - but I think the leopard print works very well in all seasons. It is a bit of an investment (available here if you like it) - and this alternative at Oliver Bonas works very well too, with a cheaper price tag.

Reading. The Wedding People by Alison Espach was probably my favourite read last year (here if you are lucky enough to have not read it yet) - so when I spotted the same author had a new novel on shelves, I snapped it up in seconds. Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance is another excellent read. The author has a way of making you feel uncomfortable as a reader, challenging subjects we don't always want to think about - but I was hooked from the first page. Highly recommended - and available at Amazon here.

Loving. I’m obsessed with the MERIT Perfecting Complexion Stick that my friend (and top beauty journalist) Simone gave to me a few weeks ago. So handy to keep in my bag for quick top-ups - it literally erases under-eye circles, blemishes, and redness. I’m loving this stylish, minimalist LA-based beauty brand - and this product is a total winner. Not the cheapest, but honestly it will last for months and months - and is available online here.

Buying. How gorgeous are these Sezane Flora Hoops in the new spring arrivals at Sezane? I’ve fallen in love - and want them in every colour. In the meantime, I’m snapping them up in the Blush Pink. The perfect way to add a pop of spring to an outfit, even on cooler days. You can shop here.

Bargain of the Week. This Pack of 10 x STAEDTLER Stick Rainbow Ballpoint Pens has been flying off shelves this week - and it’s a lovely buy to restock the stationary drawer at home or add to pencil cases! Down from £4 to just £2 - and you can shop here.

If you missed it, I also compiled a list of 50 x Amazon Deals at 50% off or more yesterday - and there are some serious steals to snap up! You can browse the list here.

Style Wishlist.

The weather is finally giving us the confidence to get our ankles out - and a denim dress is the perfect transition piece. Add big sunglasses, lots of gold jewellery, and a lightweight trench for cooler mornings and evenings!

1. H&M Square Sunglasses - £12.99 - click to shop

2. H&M Hoop Earrings - £6.99 - click to shop

3. Arms of Eve Queen Of Hearts Gold Necklace - £80 - click to shop

4. GUCCI Rouge à Lèvres Voile Lipstick - £38 - click to shop

5. BARBOUR Reagan Belted Twill Trench Coat - £280 - click to shop

6. Scamp & Dude Indigo Zip Detail Midi Denim Dress - £135 - click to shop

7. GATINEAU Golden Glow Gradual Tan - £18.99 - click to shop

8. H&M Pleated Shoulder Bag - £32.99 - click to shop

9. Oliver Bonas Yara Gold Plated Bobble Ring - £36 - click to shop

10. & Other Stories Riviera Touch Nail Colour - £11 - click to shop

11. adidas Samba OG Trainers - £80 - click to shop

12. OUAI Travel Size Wave Spray - £12 - click to shop

13. Rimmel Multi Tasker Blush’N’Brush - £10.95 - click to shop

14. Chilly’s Series 2 Coffee Cup - £40 - click to shop

Home Wishlist

When I win the lottery, I’m going to buy a Tuscan holiday home to spend longer chunks of time in our favourite place. Until then, I will make do with Italian-themed home buys - and luckily for me, currently there’s a lot to pick from on the high-street.

1. Set of 2 x Espresso and Prosecco Posters - from £19.99 - click to shop

2. Oliver Bonas Lemon Ceramic Spaghetti Jar - £39.50 - click to shop

3. John Lewis Hand Painted Fish Stoneware Serving Dish - £12 - click to shop

4. Dunelm Artificial Olive Stems in Rustic Pot - £20 - click to shop

5. Limoncello Di Capri - £14 - click to shop

6. VonShef Stovetop Coffee Maker, 12 Cup - £17.99 - click to shop

7. H&M Patterned Cushion Cover - £9.99 - click to shop

8. H&M Patterned Cushion Cover - £9.99 - click to shop

9. Baci Milk Bijou Chocolates - £9 - click to shop

10. KitchenCraft Italian Stainless Steel Oil Can - £8 - click to shop

11. Gennaro’s Hidden Italy - £12.97 - click to shop

12. H&M Lemon-shaped Candle Holder - £9.99 - click to shop

13. M&S Set of 4 x Coastal Icon Picnic Side Plates - £14 - click to shop

14. M&S Rattan Scallop Footed Bowl - £15 - click to shop

And that’s all for this week - thank you so much for reading!

If you have any feedback, thoughts, or suggestions, why not drop me a comment?

Leave a comment

Have a wonderful weekend!

Louise xx

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*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

This week has been pretty busy too. On Monday, we went up to London to watch Mabel and her school friends sing at The O2 - our third and final time watching this very magical event! Hearing so many children singing in unison in such an epic venue give me goosebumps. We arrived home extremely late after getting stuck in the carpark for hours - but so worth it. She often tells us she wants to be a popstar when she’s older (amongst the other shouts of footballer, dog walker, or YouTuber) and is utterly delighted that she has already played the O2 at the age of 9yrs old. Kudos for that.

The next morning, I headed back up to London to attend an Amazon Spring dinner (via the Selfridges Hershesons Blow-Dry counter) and staying up in town afterwards. It was such a joy to spend the two very sunny days this week up in London - it’s incredible how happy the sunshine makes everyone feel after such a long, wet winter!

As it’s the end of the month, I will be picking our February winner of a £100 Amazon Voucher in the coming days. To make sure you are included in the draw, just subscribe and stay subscribed - a bit of love when I send my newsletter always very much appreciated too :-)

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I’ve got lots to tell you about, having missed a week - so let’s go with this week’s suggestions…

Watching. Now that the Winter Olympics has finished (sob), I needed something else to put on the TV - and I have two gems this week to pass on. Firstly, I am absolutely loving the new drama by Mackenzie Crook called Small Prophets. And if you loved his series Detectorists, you will love this just as much (I think it’s even better actually). Very easy viewing, but all kinds of magical. Just watch it - and thank me later. It’s available to watch on iPlayer now.

Watching. Or for something a little different, I am also enjoying every second of Being Gordon Ramsay on Netflix - for a glimpse into his restaurant empire (a reservation at one of his new 22 Bishopsgate restaurants is firmly on my 2026 bingo card) but also for a nosy old glimpse into family life, complete with a few dramas of course. Available at Netflix here.

Buying. I’ve been looking for a pair of slightly pointed leopard-print pumps for a while - but they had to be both affordable and very, very comfortable. Like so comfortable I can walk around in them for days… Step forward these Amazon Essentials Women’s Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats - so soft and squishy, but so affordable too. I’ll be living in them throughout spring! You can shop them here.

Loving. If you were on the slopes this half-term or just love life on the mountains, you may like to hang one of these beautiful Hand Drawn Ski Piste Maps by company Bluebell & Moss on your walls at home as a reminder of your favourite slopes. Take your pick from designs of all the main pistes in the world - or, if it doesn’t exist already, they will also take custom orders. Very affordable too, from just £27.95 - and would make excellent, excellent gifts for skiiers. Click here to shop.

Planning. Tickets to the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley have just been released - and I really recommend it for a family day out. We took the kids a few years ago and found the crowd and atmosphere far more family-friendly and enjoyable than the men’s matches we’ve watched up there - making it a great way to introduce football-mad kids to Wembley. The final falls this year on Sunday 31st May - and we won’t know the teams in the final for a while, but there’s bound to be a few famous Lioness faces. It’s very affordable compared to men’s football too - with Kids Early Bird Tickets at just £5! Click here to book.

Bargains of the Week. We always stock up on Coke Zero when it drops so low in price - and lots of you obviously do the same, as this has been a bestseller this week! This Pack of 24 x Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 330 ml is down 45% at Amazon at the moment from £13.75 to just £7.50 ! Click here to shop.

The other item that has been flying off shelves this week is this Snake Attack Handheld Electronic Light up Game. Bizarrely some of you aren’t seeing the discount and some aren’t - so let me know if you see it or not? If you are lucky, it’s down from £19.99 to just £6 - and you can shop it here.

Style Wishlist

It’s been such a busy week that I’ve only managed to pull together one wishlist this week - but I think I love everything included. All we need now is the sun to shine and spring is completed!

1. & Other Stories Double-Breasted Wool Blazer - £229 - click to shop

2. Oliver Bonas Louisa Waterproof Hoop Earrings - £29.50 - click to shop

3. Rachel Jackson 18ct Gold-Plated Love T-Bar Rose Quartz Pendant Necklace - £150 - click to shop

4. NYX Professional Makeup Bronzer - £7.70 - click to shop

5. M&S Pure Cotton Striped Shirt - £28 - click to shop

6. Lisa Eldridge Betty Eyeshadow Palette - £49 - click to shop

7. DAISY Beaded Band Ring - £59 - click to shop

8. Max Factor Miracle Pure Lip Enhancer - £5.63 - click to shop

9. H&M Belt - £14.99 - click to shop

10. M&S High Waisted Pleated Palazzo Jeans - £48 - click to shop

11. M&S Faux Suede Woven Large Shoulder Bag - £46 - click to shop

12. Pink Polka Dot Phone Case - from £12.23 - click to shop

13. Mini Travel Folding Umbrella - £14.99 - click to shop

14. River Island Brown Faux Suede Studded Loafers - £59 - click to shop

15. essie Original Nail Polish - £7.99 - click to shop

Thanks so much for reading this week! And if you have time to like this post or leave me a comment, that will be much appreciated. Have a wonderful weekend!

Louise x

*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.

I would say Happy Valentines Day, but the truth is that we don’t really celebrate it in our house. I don’t need a card and overpriced bunch of roses on February 14th - I actually think a bunch of flowers any other day of the year is more thoughtful. My love language is my husband stopping on his way home to order my favourite coffee - or offering to do more than his fair share of child pick-ups or swimming runs as he knows I’m tired.

In other news, I got my nails done this week - and I fancied a simple pop of pastel - so lilac it was! There have been a couple of sunny days between the rain showers this week and it’s made me so excited about warmer, drier days ahead.

Thank you so much for all the likes and comments on my Weekend Wishlist recently. Writing this newsletter is definitely my favourite thing about my job - and it’s so rewarding to see the subscriptions grow and the love thrown back from you all. It’s always appreciated - so thank you if you have the time to comment, like, or share today!

And if you are reading this and haven’t yet subscribed, it’s well worth it at the button below - as not only will this newsletter reach you first each week, but you’ll also be entered into a competition every month to win a £100 Amazon Voucher, hurrah!

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Before we move onto what I’ve been up to this week, a quick note to let you know that I won’t be sending out my Weekend Wishlist next week, as I’ll be taking a bit of time off with the kids on half-term. Back as usual the following week!

Loving. I’m really enjoying all the spring and summer collections hitting virtual shelves over recent weeks - and this U-Notch Spot Print Swimsuit caught my eye at M&S. This style comes in several different colours (I also loved the sky blue and black), in both regular and longer length - and can be worn with or without the straps. Good swimwear always sells out fast, so I snapped up this gem as soon as I saw it - priced at an amazing £30 ! You can shop here.

Loving. With Pancake Day this coming Tuesday (17th), I can’t recommend this Batter Dispenser enough. It makes it so easy and mess-free to make pancakes - whether it’s smaller American-style or bigger crêpes. I’m so happy to discover it - and it’s available at Amazon for less than £10! Click here to shop.

Watching. The film Wuthering Heights arrived in cinemas nationwide on Friday - and it’s very much on my list to go and watch this week. I studied the Emily Bronte novel at university and fell in love with the story - and I can’t wait to see Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi bring Cathy and Heathcliff to life on screen. I know it’s got mixed reviews, but sometimes twists on classics do - and I will make up my own mind on that. I think I’m going to ditch the family and go and watch delightfully on my own.

Booking. Talking of the cinema, Odeon are running a promotion on tickets until the end of February - making it seriously affordable as a family day out this February half-term! The price of 2 x tickets is down 54% to just £11.99, whilst 5 x tickets is down 63% to just £23.99 ! You can use the tickets for any 2D cinema screening until 26th February at 93 participating Odeon locations across the UK. Click here to snap up the deal.

Buying. I stocked up on my favourite Olaplex No. 4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo this week. You can buy dry shampoo that is much cheaper, but the quality usually matches the price - and I hate spraying my hair and ending up with white residue and a pretty lacklustre performance. This is on another level and totally worth the money. One quick spray of my roots and it looks like I’ve washed my hair. You can buy it here.

Loving. Oh how I love the brand new M&S Only… Ingredients range! Designed with families in mind, each product has been simplified with the bare minimum of ingredients, all clearly listed on packaging. So much easier to make healthier choices - and all budget friendly too! Big tick to M&S for this! You can browse the range here.

Using. In a similar vein, I have been so keen to simplify my skincare recently - and the brand You’re Looking Well caught my eye after hearing Claudia Winkleman swears by it (and don’t we all wish we had her skin?) And oh how I love this brand! I’ve simplified my skincare routine to a Day Cream, Night Cream, along with a Day Pill and Night Pill supplement (packed with everything we need for health and glowing skin on the inside too). If you’d like to try the brand, I recommend their Discovery Kit, which is currently a bit of a steal! And I also have an exclusive 20% discount with the code LEC20 that works on everything - you can shop here.

Bargain of the Week. Packs of Elysium Spa Bubblegum Scented Unicorn Bath Dust have been flying off shelves this week - perfect for making bathtime a bit more fun at home, but also great as party bag fillers or stashed away as stocking fillers! Down from £3.40 to just £1 - and you can shop here.

On the other end of the scale, my favourite Ninja SLUSHi Frozen Drinks Maker is the lowest price I’ve seen it go this week - a fantastic investment ahead of summer (my kids LOVE this machine!) Current down an amazing 36% - and you can shop it here.

Style Wishlist.

I had a request last week for spring fashion - and I am definitely on board. Let’s not go crazy though, because it’s February and still pretty arctic out there. I think this outfit fits the bill - wearable on milder days now, but still perfect for when spring rolls in. I love it - and want everything on the list!

1. M&S Metal Shell Claw Hair Clip - £8.50 - click to shop

2. JIMMY FAIRLY PARIS The Lulah - £150 - click to shop

3. Whistles Gold Link Detail Ring - £35 - click to shop

4. ALIGNE Ed Ashton Cape Short Trench - £54.59 - click to shop

5. SALTY CALI Puka Statement Necklace - £54 - click to shop

6. Too Faced Cloud Crush Blush - £29 - click to shop

7. M&S Denim Shirt - £36 - click to shop

8. TiritaCase Personalised AirPods Case - £14.85 - click to shop

9. FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Stix - £24 - click to shop

10. ALL SAINTS Luna Slouchy Leather Crossbody Bag - £159 - click to shop

11. Accessorize Tulip Bag Charm - £12 - click to shop

12. H&M Braided Ballet Flats - £22.99 - click to shop

13. H&M Draped Midi Skirt - £12.99 - click to shop

14. YETI Rambler Mug - £30 - click to shop

15. BEAUTY PIE Flower Drench Eau De Parfum - £29.50 - click to shop

Home Wishlist

For our homes, however, no need to hold back on spring prettiness - and I love the floral trend we are seeing in high-street collections! Here are a few of my favourites, which all come with affordable price tags too!

1. Floristry Warehouse Artificial Sweetpea Garland - £15.99 - click to shop

2. La Redoute Mérédith Washed Cotton Pillowcases - £14.99 - click to shop

3. Dunelm Embossed Floral Stoneware Serving Bowl - £8 - click to shop

4. Oliver Bonas Set of 4 x Flower Beaded Coasters - £19.50 - click to shop

5. NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini+ Essential Oil Diffuser - £58.65 - click to shop

6. Primark Ceramic Floral Dinner Plate - £6 - click to shop

7. George Pink Mixed Artificial Floral In Ceramic Pot - £16 - click to shop

8. Dunelm Colette Mid Century Table Lamp - £70 - click to shop

9. Emma Bridgewater Mountain Sheep 1/2 Pint Mug - £26 - click to shop

10. Dunelm Sophie Robinson Joylene Wide Sideboard - £499 - click to shop

11. M&S Twisted Dinner Candles - £2.75 - click to shop

12. Dunelm Novelty Poppy Shaped Vase - £10 - click to shop

13. Set of 4 x Scalloped Embroidery Cloth Napkins - £26.99 - click to shop

14. H&M Flower-shaped Cushion - £12.99 - click to shop

No email next week - so see you again the other side of half-term!

Louise x

*Please note that some of the links contained in this newsletter are affiliate, meaning I receive a (very small) percentage if you decide to shop. Thank you so much for supporting my business by reading, clicking, or shopping.