Weekend: Layers, Poppies and Oils of Life

As I write this I’m watching the Remembrance Sunday Commemorations on the BBC so I feel very silly to be chatting about winter layers and my new silver Gola trainers that fill my heart with GLEE. But then I thought that being grateful and thankful for my ordinary life and all its silly details is a great way to remember those who sacrificed theirs for ours. It’s not all about the extraordinary things we do in life, but about the everyday things that we sometimes take for granted.

Outfit details: coatigan and scarf c/o New Look, top from Boden, jeans from New Look, Gola trainers, Poppy Brooch c/o Buckley London, Brit Stitch satchel.

On this ordinary day, we took Polly for further adventures off-lead and wandered to our local woods to look for kindling.

Polly’s nose is fixed permanently to the ground when we go walking, always scavenging for food, and always looking for new paths to explore. She’s grown so much lately, so I’m taking every opportunity to take photographs of her and enjoy the funny puppy antics that weeks ago where causing me lots of stress!

All the layers! I love this time of year. It’s all about mixing textures, patterns and colours but above all else, staying warm. So this coatigan and scarf from New Look ticked all the boxes. Coatigans are ideal for layering whether you’re wearing them indoors or outside. Paired with long-sleeved tops and chunky knit scarves, it’s now an autumn wardrobe staple.

Have you been wearing your poppies this week? I’ve been wearing a crystal poppy brooch from Buckley London  who became the official designer of the British Legion poppy collection, working with and donating profits to the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland.

I don’t just think about the people who lost their lives during wars but those who experienced it and survived too. This time of year always reminds me of my nanna; her stories of London during The Blitz have always stayed with me. I can’t even imagine what she must have gone through during that time but in her memory, I picked up a box of cherry liqueurs (her favourite) and scoffed the lot. She would be proud.

Comfort food after a good walk is revitalising and restorative and it’s all I think about when out walking. Give me soups, hearty casseroles, hot mulled wine and I am in my element, Autumn!

Speaking of restorative goodness, I’ve been sampling the new Oils Of Life skin care range courtesy of The Body Shop.

I was sent the Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil, Revitalising Bi-Phase Essence Lotion and the Intensely  Revitalising Gel Cream all including Black Cumin seed oil from Egypt, Camellia seed oil from China and Rosehip seed oil from Chile.

I never expect dramatic results when trying new skin care products. To be honest I think there’s far too much choice out there and the emphasis on plumping up aged skin is just strange. I couldn’t give a hoot if you see lines on my forehead or if my 35-year-old skin looks a tad tired, it really isn’t a priority. So I wasn’t expecting anything new with the Oils of Life range but perhaps give my skin a treat as we head into the winter months.

Yes, the products were quickly absorbed, smelled AMAZING and had a lovely soft luxurious finish, but after only a couple of days of use, I noticed a visible difference too. Say what? My skin looks dewy, hydrated, and dare I say, a tad radiant (eugh, I hate admitting this). Plus in the morning, my makeup was easier to apply too. Brucie bonus.

Of course I’ve only tried the range for a couple of weeks (a little goes a long way with these products) so I’ll keep you posted to see if long-term use is just as good. But so far I’m impressed and perhaps I won’t be as sceptical next time.

♥