Skincare products I have used up 2025

- Vicki Leave a comment

*Samaya Ayurvedic Pitta Hydrating Cleanser

This creamy cleanser is great if you have sensitive or redness prone skin. Designed to hydrate while cleansing and dissolving makeup, oil, dirt, and SPF, without stripping the skin of moisture (I hate how tight some cleansers leave the skin). This gentle cleanser nourishes and calms with its luxurious botanical blend of skin loving ingredients. It also not only purifies, but enhances radiance and supports skin’s natural comfort. There are such a wide range of wonderful, natural and effective ingredients in this cleanser, this is well worth the price tag, think spa quality at home.

  • Jasmine flower extract – to soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and tone gently.
  • Gotu kola oil – boosts collagen, supports healing, and strengthens sensitive skin
  • Neem oil – purifies, calms irritation, and helps prevent breakouts.
  • Saffron extract – brightens skin tone, improves radiance, and supports even pigmentation.
  • Lotus seed extract – calms inflammation, hydrates, and promotes clarity.
  • Aloe vera leaf juice – soothes, cools, and replenishes moisture.
  • Vitamin E – softens skin, offers antioxidant protection, and supports repair.

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

This is the cool looking pink serum, if you haven’t seen it before it looks so fun and unusual (it gets its pink colour from vitamin B12). As with a lot of my skincare, I’m always looking for products that help calm redness and protect my skin, and I think this serum is one of the best I have found. It has so many ingredients which are all focused around being gentle, protecting, soothing, strengthening for your skins’ barrier whilst reducing irritation and redness. I really loved this serum and will be getting another bottle ASAP. I always forget how affordable The Ordinary products are.

  • Vitamin B12 – reduces visible redness and dryness.
  • Gallic acid derivatives – calms and soothes irritated skin.
  • Bisabolol – alleviates redness and discomfort.
  • Soothing complex – eases tightness and irritation.
  • Centella asiatica phytotechnologies – protects against external irritants and supports calms skin.

Super Facialist Vitamin C Brightening Polish Wash

This took me a while to use up, because you need so little product, a little bit is very effective. I would say this is a gentle exfoliator, with a lightweight gel texture, packed with biodegradable microbeads that exfoliate away dead skin and daily grime. I used it at least 2 times a week, it’s been perfect for keeping my skin smooth. It is enriched with ferulic acid plus vitamins C and E, it helps brighten dull skin and smooth rough patches, especially around the nose and chin. My complexion has looked fresher and more radiant, and my makeup goes on like a dream after using it – my skin feels soft, clean, and glowy. A great, affordable exfoliator, it doesn’t irritate or strip the skin. I highly recommend it.

Aveeno Nourishing Oat Cleanser

I thought this product was just OK, didn’t blow me away, and I really didn’t look forward to using it up. I wear SPF every day, and I felt like this cleanser left behind a residue and made my skin feel like it wasn’t properly cleansed. I know this is a gentle formula, but I think it is lacking in being able to clean your skin if you are wearing makeup or SPF. I am sure it would be better if you used it as a morning cleanser, but I like a deeper clean and this didn’t cut it.

Garnier Rose Toner

You can’t go wrong with Garnier toners. They’re affordable, effective, and there’s a version for every skin type. I’ve used loads over the years and liked them all. I get redness on my cheeks, especially in colder months, and this rose toner is always gentle and calming. It’s one I keep repurchasing – a forever favourite

We can see that I like gentle products that soothe and calm my skin, as well as brighten. If you have any recommendations of products you have been enjoying.

*this post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All products mentioned were purchased by me and not gifted or received as PR.

Mollies Motel and Diner Bristol

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Mollies Motel is just off the M5 outside of Bristol, it is perfectly located for us to stay there to break up a long journey to & from Scotland (to see my family), or we like to stay there if we have an early flight from Bristol airport. Mollies have 3 locations, Bristol, Oxfordshire and the newest addition will be Manchester (still being finished ETA Autumn 2025). They have been designed by the man behind the iconic and stylish SoHo House, as a nod to the American roadside Motel / Diner concept, and they have done a fantastic job.

The big red neon sign greets you as you leave the motorway and is very Americana, the Motel is in a sleek black wood with big windows and looks very minimal. You instantly know from the lobby that SOHO house has had a hand in the design, the reception area is bright and welcoming, they have lots of snacks, toiletries and essentials you might have forgotten to pack or need for your stay. They have free clipper tea (a variety of flavours) and free filter coffee in the lobby for you to enjoy 24 hours a day.

There is also a very nice (well stocked) bar in the lobby too, where you can enjoy a beer, cocktail or get a barista coffee. I love all the seating around the reception, lots of nice sofas, armchairs and even a long tressel table that’s perfect for sitting with your laptop to do some work. There are even wireless phone chargers at every table (including the diner), so you don’t ever need to be on 1% battery and in a panic.

In the warmer months they open the bifold doors, and you have access to the courtyard, which is a lovely space to enjoy the evening sun and have a drink. I am a big fan of the orange patio furniture, I just need to be there when it is sunny enough to sit outside.

We always pay the extra £10 for early check in, which is 1pm, or their normal check in time is 3pm. We tend to get there at 1-ish so we can head to Cribbs which is a fab retail park and shopping centre. We have NOTHING like it in Cornwall, and it is nice to do some retail therapy and grab some dinner there. I tend to get my eyebrows done at Benefit and pick up the last bits and bobs for travelling. The shopping centre has some great shops like, Harrods Beauty, Mango, John Lewis, Oliver Bonas and the usual shops like Boots, Superdrug & all that jazz.  There is more than just the shopping centre, they have a huge retail park with lots of shops, and it is a 2-min drive from Mollies, so handy.

Because Mollies is so close to the M5 and has free parking (and EV charging), we often stay here when we have gigs in Bristol city, as the access to the city centre is so easy. We get the bus from Mollies in to the city which takes about 30 mins  (buses are every 15 mins) and the last bus back is really late, like after midnight, and it is much more affordable than staying in the centre and paying car parking. It works well for us.

We have stayed here about 8 times now and always ask for the same room, we are creatures of habit and a good nights sleep is a must. We have found a quiet room, that has always worked for us, we like to look over the Diner, on the 2nd floor, and we ask for their non feather bedding (as my husband has allergies). The rooms are well laid out, lots of space and very bright, the mix of yellow, green and the wooden touches make it feel calm and stylish. You get coffee and tea in your room (as well as in the lobby) and there is a hot tap and filtered water tap on every floor.

One thing that I appreciate are the Cowshed products, there is a handwash and hand cream by the sink area as well as shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower. These products are luxurious and smell like a cowshed spa, such a nice touch. In every room there are also Dyson hairdryers and GHD straighteners, which is also fantastic. These small touches make such a difference when you are travelling, they make your stay more comfortable, I also like that their bath towels are huge! No one wants to get out of the shower & have to use a teeny tiny towel.

The king-size bed is very comfortable, the bedding feels like nice quality, the rooms have black out curtains and the windows let in zero noise, you would never know that the M5 was right there because it is silent. The bathroom has a rainfall shower and like I said Cowshed products, there are two chairs, a table and plenty of space for your clothes / suitcase so you’re not tripping over your belongings.

We have had dinner in Mollies Diner which is right next door, I know that they’re quite famous for their breakfasts, American style pancakes, but sadly they’re not vegan so we have not been over for breakfast. I can tell you that their plant based burgers are pretty damn good, it is as you would expect for a Diner, very American style in both decor and the menu. Cool booths, and an open style kitchen which creates a cool atmosphere. The food is always 10/10 very tasty, well presented and priced.

They sell their own beer which my husband really enjoys, and we were also given free prosecco once as it was my birthday, again another very nice touch. The staff in both the Diner and the Motel are so friendly and accommodating even when very busy.

Like most hotels, the price fluctuates, we have found that the weekends are cheaper, as due to the handy location for the motorway & Bristol a lot of business people stay during the week. Also as you would expect Summer holidays are more expensive, we have booked for as little as £60 and also paid £150 so quite a range of prices.

From what I have experienced, their customer service is impeccable, I always ask for the same room, hypoallergenic bedding and early check in, and they have always delivered without a problem. I find so many establishments have let standards slip, especially as they grow in popularity and get busy, but Mollies keeps to a standard, and it is nice to see.

Are you a creature of habit and when you find a hotel you like tend to return? Let me know if you have been to Mollies and what you think, or if you have heard of them and always wondered if they were any good.

A Few Days in London

- Vicki 1 Comment

We popped to London last October to see one of my favourite humans, Fran Lebowitz. She was doing a speaking tour and I managed to get tickets for the Barbican, amazing venue and what a hilarious night. If you haven’t heard of Fran Lebowitz, you have to check her out, if you have a dry sense of humour you will love her.

Whilst we were up seeing Fran Lebowitz, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to have a city break and stayed 4 nights at the Hoxton Shepherds Bush, which you can read all about here, if you’re interested. We used it as a base to explore London, we haven’t been in the capital for almost 10 years, which is wild considering how often we used to visit. It had been so long that everything felt new and exciting, so much had changed whilst so much was also the same (if you know what I mean). We didn’t have the best weather, but we managed to dodge the rain and for me unpredictable weather means you can visit more cafés, pubs and shops. Am I right?

As we were based in Shepherds Bush we spent most mornings in the Notting Hill area, always love it around here, the properties are stunning and there are so many streets off the beaten track that are quieter and fun to explore. I always like to veer off the main drag and see what hidden gems I can find, and there are fewer crowds so you get some time to meander and take it all in. The pastel coloured houses in this area are just so cute, and I challenge anyone not to daydream about what it would be like to afford to live that kind of life, it would be wonderful.


We did stop by Spitalfields, which is always hectic but well worth a visit. There are so many wonderful food stalls and spots to get coffee. We had pad tai and a cheeky coffee from the pretty pink Grind van. We were there during half-term, so would like to go again on a quieter weekday to be able to try more of the vendors and really see what was on offer, it was quite crowded, but still a vibe.

We walked around this area for a while, going in some of the shops (my husband bought a lovely puffer jacket from the new Rains store) and we soaked up the atmosphere and rich history. There are so many historical buildings, alongside some very, very modern ones. I recognised so many places from my favourite, Pretty City London book.

Taking photos of classic and unusual cars is one of my favourite things to do, I love cars and wherever I am I seem to spot them. London had so many, lots of colourful and expensive cars, as well as lots of old classics too, I might have to do a whole post dedicated to them, but I have included a few of my faves in this post, the pink McLaren at St Pancras Station, the blue, grey and green Porsche Taycans and the cute mint green fiat 500. They can make a photo look so much more interesting.


One thing London has in abundance are pretty shop windows and facades with so much history and detail. I think the old style ones are beautiful and so interesting. Around every corner, there is so much to notice and take in, you could simply wander up and down the streets all day and never get bored or run out of places to see.

St Pancreas is such a beautiful landmark, the train station and the hotel and both stunning, also just over the road is Origins Coffee Shop (underneath the British Library) it’s small but if you manage to get a seat in the window it is ideally positioned for some serious people watching. The coffee is 10/10, so too is the matcha, and they offer a small but delicious section of cakes, cookies and treats.

 

Alongside all the car photos I took, I just couldn’t resist taking lots of pictures of all the cute Notting Hill houses, they are colourful and charming. Every single street in this neighbourhood is stunning and so well looked after, it is easy to see why it is such a popular destination not only for tourists but also to live. It has a village feel even though it is in a major city.


What part of London do you tend to stay in, explore? Let me know if you have any recommendations of places to see and your top places to eat / drink?

Hoxton Hotel Shepherds Bush

- Vicki Leave a comment

On our recent visit to London, we opted to stay a little out of the centre at the relatively new Hoxton in Shepherds Bush, West London. The hotel has a little over 200 rooms and the decor was quite typical of what you’d expect from the Hoxton, lovely rich colours and textures throughout and with a slight retro vibe. The entrance is great, very welcoming and comfortable, with a bar at the centre and the restaurant, café seating and lobby all around. There is plenty of space and seating, which I must admit has been an issue at some of the other Hoxton Hotels I have stayed at.

We are members of the Hoxton Disloyalty Club which gives you discounts off stays, flexible check-in and checkout, discount off food and drink, oh & my favourite perk is a free hot drink 365 days a year! We arrived at 11am and our room was just getting finished, so we had a drink in the lobby. The lobby is so calm, the seats are well spread out & very comfy and there are lots of options depending on whether you need somewhere to relax, work or accommodate a bigger group.

We opted for a ‘Cosy Park View‘ room, which had a huge window that spans the length of the entire room and let in so much light. It had a really nice view over the park and I could even see Westfield shopping centre, so if you love to shop or need somewhere to grab some food, it is literally across the street. The room was spacious, and the bathroom was too with a rainfall shower, nice products and good lighting. The bed was huge, very, very comfy and the curtains were completely blackout. We slept so well, every night. The room was silent, and we didn’t even hear anyone in the corridor or in their rooms, so peaceful. Once inside the hotel, you would not think it was on quite a busy park corner, there was no noise.

I just love the individual mugs for each hotel (which you can buy), they’re all different colours and have the hotel address embossed in the ceramic and a positive word / phrase inside. They remind me of the monopoly board, and the collector / geek in me wants to get them all, which might prove expensive. The Hoxton always have great quality coffee & tea in the room, as well as water in the fridge. They always put something in your room if you’re celebrating a special occasion, such a nice touch.

Although this hotel is not in central London it is a really cool part of West London, Shepherds Bush is vibrant and full of places to eat and drink, day & night. It has a busy market and access to two tube stations, Shepherds Bush Market tube is a 2-minute walk from the hotel and on the Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines and a 5-minute walk along the park gives you access to another Shepherds Bush station on the Central Line. So it is very well-connected.

The bar and lounge area are very nice with lots of different seating and plenty of room. We sat at the bar one evening for a drink, the prices are quite high (as you come to expect from a hotel bar) but the drinks were great, nice atmosphere and the staff were friendly.

So all in all, the Hoxton Shepherds Bush was 10/10. We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 nights here, loved the neighbourhood & the transport links right into central London. The hotel even without Disloyalty discount was very reasonable in price. The staff were so accommodating and friendly, the room was quiet and we loved the Park view. Just a reminder that if you do use your Disloyalty discount you can get a free coffee at any Hoxton every day, even a takeaway! Let me know which is your favourite Hox to stay in and if you have stayed here.