Look Fantastic September Birthday Box

It’s Look Fantastics birthday and they are again doing 2 versions. And honestly looking at unboxing videos I am happy with either (for once)

As you can see it was packed with lots of goodies and they snook in a pop socket too.

This was a variable, so I got the #illamasqua Mini Omg Highlighter rrp £10

Simmering champagne highlighter, perfect for brow bone, high points of the face and cheeks.

Other boxes got #TheBalm Mini Mary-Lou Manizer rrp £8.00

#DieoDallaParma Mini Lip Pencil Shade 80 Antique Pink rrp £9.32

Precise tip on this gorgeous lip pencil, a shade to compliment all skin colours. Strong colour payoff, lasting hours.

#Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream 15ml rep £30

A concentrate of Padina Pavonica which is a powerful marine extract, which is used for its anti-aging antioxidant properties. Improves fine lines and wrinkles.

The other varied item, I got #Espa Pink Hair And Scalp Mud 30ml rrp for 180ml £34.00

A deep rich conditioner for your hair, they must know I’ve recent dyed my hair as this is perfect.

The other item for other boxes was #Espa Micellar Cleanser 50ml rrp £5.10

#Luxie 209 Large Shader Brush rrp £15.00

A shader brush suitable for creams and powders, soft synthetic brush helps blends and softens.

#Beushworks Jade Roller rrp £9.99

I LOVE these, I have one already but pretty pleased with another one, I fridge them or extra soothing calming massager. I use with serum and moisturizer.

Look Fantastic added a Pop Socket for our phones which is helpful.

Sneak Peek #ByTerry Baume De Rose Flaconnette rrp £14.00

A travel sized lip balm with she’s butter, vitamin e, and rise flower wax.

1 Week Post #CortisoneInjection CMC joint.

It’s been a week, and here’s my experience of the week. I always journal my experiences for myself to mull over and compare from year to year. And also to help others in the same position as me. As I always read other people’s experiences and watch various YouTube videos too.

Day 1

Slept in blocks of an hour at a time, had ice wrapped in cloth around thumb, also wearing spica splint. Felt quite sick and woozy at bedtime too.Sleep was broken as every time I moved, the thumb would twinge or touch something, and the ache pain would jolt me awake.Once up and about I took paracetamol and tramadol,and promptly fell asleep again for a better more solid hour.Using the fingers of this right hand, does ache the thumb. Can only touch first 2 fingers so far.

Quite swollen, so had to adjust splint to accommodate that, and iced frequently.

Day 2

Slept so so much better, though during day one I had 2 tramadol and 8 paracetamol to control the pain. Managed to hold cup reasonably well this morning. Can make a fist now. Splint off for a few hours, to adjust to not needing it. After a couple of hours I soon needed a splint back.A bit of redness and bruising coming out, stiff still but less pressure.

Day 3

Think I over did it yesterday, now it’s not hurting by simply existing, I have started to grab for the kettle or my mug, and only then am I starkly reminded not too.

So back to gel and splints and resting. It’s not all bad news though. Swelling is settling down and I can move more freely. Just dull aches.

Day 4

Continuing with 1 tramadol, 1 etoricoxib and up to 8 paracetamol, hand is doing well. My left hand is horrendous, so I may always need this baseline of medication as is my left hip. But the right hand is feeling pretty normal. Just the occasional twinge, and weakness. Mainly if I have my hand flat against the floor or extend thumb too much. Time without splints, but once it aches it’s soon back on.

Day 5

I’m off camping, so that’s going to challenge it.Slept first night without splint, though was throbbing achy as I woke up. The colder weather is coming, and already my shoulders and hips are moaning. (Is there no joint that doesn’t hurt?)As I’m camping today, I’m wearing splints all day to nurse them.

Day 6

The freeze gel has been my saving grace, I forgot how handsy tents are, and fliddly. Been wearing splints day and night, upped my painkillers to 2- 3 tramadol, 8 paracetamol and 1 etoricoxib, diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel and freeze gel. Weather damp and cold so isn’t helping knees, hips and shoulders too.

Day 7

Last day camping, so loads to do and what do I do? I only go and try and lift myself up from lying down, felt a twange in the wrist and I was down and instant sobbing. That HURT.

So any progress I’d been making feels all undone. Splint back on as I had it off when I had my incident. Bit of swelling at wrist near the thumb, so maybe pulled a ligament. That will teach me for being a bit too confident.

Had a wonderful camping trip, but it is hardwprk, and painful at times. So now to relax and rest these joints, especially now this wrist and thumb.

Three Books by Tania Crosses #BlogBookTour

#AD GIFTED these three books are gifted in exchange for a review. These are Historical genre so not my referred taste and usual book I read, all opinions and thoughts my own.

TTHE GUNPOWDER GIRL – blurb

An evocative tale of love and sacrifice set on the wild terrain of Dartmoor in Victorian times, and based on the history of the Cherrybrook Gunpowder Mills and Dartmoor’s infamous prison.

Beautiful, vivacious and compassionate, Rose Maddiford could have any husband she chooses, but she is devoted to only one man, her father, manager of the Cherrybrook Gunpowder Mills high up on the moor.
When an accident tears their world apart, it seems that, despite Rose’s efforts, there is only one way to hold the family together. But it is a solution that requires the greatest sacrifice from Rose. Like a lamb to slaughter, she finds herself trapped in a desperate situation.
Solace comes from the most unlikely source, but what future can there be for two lost souls whose lives have been shattered by the cruel hand of fate?

Author Bio

Tania Crosse author bio
Historical novelist Tania Crosse was born in London and lived in Banbury Street, Battersea, where her two most recent titles are set. However, at a very young age the family moved to Surrey where Tania’s love of the countryside took root. She always enjoyed reading and has composed stories ever since she could hold a pen. After studying French Literature at university, she devoted twenty years to bringing up her family. But her passion for writing never left her, and side by side with her in-depth research into Victorian social history, she began to pen her novels in earnest as her family grew up.

When Tania discovered Morwellham Quay, the restored Victorian copper port and now living history museum in Devon, she fell in love with this magical place and felt a spiritual compulsion to create a story that would illustrate life there in times gone by. This led to the publication of her debut novel, ‘Morwellham’s Child’, and now Tania has fourteen published titles with which to thrill her readers.

Tania has now completed her series of novels illustrating the rich history of Tavistock and the surrounding area of Dartmoor from Victorian times to the 1950’s. She is now working on a series of Twentieth Century stories set in London and the south east. She draws very much on her own experiences of life to create her books. She hates being catagorised as a writer of historical romance. The history comes first, she insists, and the human tales develop from her research. The characters lead harsh, demanding lives and their stories are often cruel and harrowing.

Tania has been happily married for forty five years and claims she would never have achieved her success without her husband’s support. They have three grown up children, two grandchildren and three grand-dogs!

The other books are

And this one too

I will read these as soon as I can.

My Review

A story of a quite feisty young woman.

An unspoilt young lady, but with a caring loving side. Loyal to friends and family.

Tragic events befall her, and she tries to make the best of a bad situation, though it’s not the magic solution she thought it would be.

She falls for someone else. But I won’t ruin the story.

It’s definitely NOT a book I would usually read, though I enjoyed the description if Dartmoor, and the girl’s willfulness. It does make me grateful I live in this era and women have far more power now.

Not converted to this genre, but it’s pleasant enough to read, and enjoy.

Celebrating Mabon, Water Witch

There is something so pure, so cleansing, and so energizing in a simple stream, the babbling brook has the most amazing calming affect on me.

And with recent house stresses, life stresses and anxieties, getting out and being wild was exactly what I needed.

Mabon is quickly approaching, the Autumnal Equinox the balance of light and dark. The globe is of two hemispheres but on this one day they both celebrate the complete balance of equal day and night, before slipping into the opposites. For us the nights are longer and dark is creeping in.

We celebrated earlier in the week, as a rare Sunny warm day was available so we jumped at the chance to get out and feel free. The world has all consuming and overwhelming issues, that it’s nice to escape from time to time. To recentre myself, and ground myself.

Mushrooms are always a good find, I like to think of the Fae Folk living in them. The little signs of Autumn arriving is everywhere if you look around.

Paddling in the white bubbles, feeling that energy, is not only refreshing, but immensely cleansing. I felt restored.

Finally!! Cortisone steroid injection #cmcjoint

At long long last I got an email saying it was ok to have an injection in the thumb.

Alas only in the right hand, but that’s my dominant hand, so one good hand is better than none.

They did offer the left hand, but prior experience of it not working, causing far more pain, and then the joint has no space to receive the steroid. Sadly this needs surgery at some point.

So back at last, new ultrasound machine, gave a nice clear view. A change from Kenalog to Dexamethasone this time, it went in nicely and didn’t give me any feelings like my dreaded left hand.

Splinted the hand to give rest for 48hrs.

Once home and after a couple of hours, the joint started to feel stiff and full (like a pressure) but it’s expected, so freeze gel, paracetamol and etoricoxib and ice for the day and night.

Let’s hope this will start working and I will get some longer relief from it.

Ruthless Crimes by Michael Gambling #BlogBookTour

#AD GIFTED you know the drill, given a copy of the book to read and asked for a review in return. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Ruthless Crimes (Sophie Allen book 9) by Michael Hambling

Looking for a gripping mystery by a best-selling author? Full of twists and turns, this crime thriller will keep you turning the pages until the satisfying conclusion.

TWO VICTIMS WITH NO PASTS

A man is found stabbed to death on the Southampton morning commuter train.

But why can’t Detective Sophie Allen’s team find out anything about his history? And why was he staying in a house that seems to be owned by a government security unit?

Then there is another stabbing, this time in a refuge for abused women. And again, Sophie can find very little about the victim’s life.

HOW DOES ALL THIS CONNECT TO DESPERATE MIGRANTS ARRIVING ON THE BEACHES?

The Dorset-based detective team discovers duplicity that reaches to the top echelons of government in this twisting tale of treachery, tragedy and hope.

Discover a captivating crime mystery which will have you gripped from start to finish.

If you like Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Colin Dexter, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham you will be gripped by this exciting new crime fiction writer.

What readers are saying about MICHAEL HAMBLING

“Very well written and highly recommended.” Viv

“An utterly compelling book from Michael Hambling.” Ron

“The characters were a diverse, mixed bag of well-developed, realistic personalities.” Nicki

“This book is a must read.” Barbara

“This was a good book, I love Sophie as a character.” Hannelore

THE DETECTIVES
DCI Sophie Allen is Dorset’s acknowledged expert on murder and violent crime. She is 42 as the series starts, and lives with her husband and younger daughter in Wareham. Her elder daughter is studying in London. Sophie has a law degree and a master’s in criminal psychology. Her brilliant mind conceals some dark secrets from her past.

DS Barry Marsh is based at Swanage police station. He’s quiet, methodical and dedicated, the perfect foil for Sophie’s hidden fragility.

THE SETTING
Dorset. A beautiful English county which includes a stunning section of the coastline, but whose beauty belies darkness beneath the surface.

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY SERIES NOW

THE DCI SOPHIE ALLEN BOOKS
Book 1: DARK CRIMES
Book 2: DEADLY CRIMES
Book 3: SECRET CRIMES
Book 4: BURIED CRIMES
Book 5: TWISTED CRIMES
Book 6: EVIL CRIMES
Book 7: SHADOW CRIMES
Book 8: SILENT CRIMES
Book 9: RUTHLESS CRIMES

Michael Hambling – author bio
Like many writers, I have been a keen reader all of my life. I remember one day as a nine year old in the summer holidays, when I visited the local library four times in one day because a child’s ticket only allowed one book out at a time! I can even remember the plot of one book, a story about a boy taking up fly-fishing, read while sitting outside in a sunny back garden in Bristol.
I live in the west-country, in the beautiful cathedral city of Salisbury, although I set my novels in the neighbouring county of Dorset. We own a lovely flat in the small Dorset coastal town of Swanage, and spend a lot of time there, walking the famous Jurassic Coast world heritage site.. The early novels in the series are based on the Isle of Purbeck, one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal regions. But the rest of the county of Dorset does get a look in, and there are scenes set in other locations in the central south of England.
I write because I constantly create scenes, people, imaginary conversations and unusual situations in my head. I have always done so, ever since I was a child. Using the richness of the English language to set down these creations in words is a great joy. Maybe by the time I’ve edited a passage for the umpteenth time it’s beginning to lose some of its sparkle for me, but I do believe in reshaping and polishing until it’s as good as I can make it. It then becomes something about which I can feel some justifiable pride.
Who are my own favourite writers? Hilary Mantel, of course. Not just the the recent Thomas Cromwell novels, but the brilliant and sly characterisation of Beyond Black.
Doris Lessing has written some startlingly original stories over many years. I’m also a great fan of David Mitchell. He shows great creativity in all of his novels.
Philip Pullman has written many books of startling originality, full of imaginative ideas. Not just the Lara series, but the earlier Sally Lockhart novels. One of my sons bought me La Belle Sauvage (volume one of the Book of Dust trilogy) for Christmas. I loved it, so much so that I’ve already re-read it a month later, something very rare for me. Wonderful stuff.
Another author I’ve come to admire greatly is Charity Norman. She writes about families in crisis situations and how the problem is partly resolved. I came to her books with “The New Woman”, a novel that probes the problems created by gender variance. Her other novels are equally good. Her writing style is outstanding.
I’ve recently read “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold and was bowled over by it. So much emotional punch and so well written. I’ll be packing her other novels to read on my forthcoming holiday.
In crime fiction I like Val McDiarmid’s work, Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie novels and the books of Mo Hayder. I also enjoy Colin Dexter’s Morse and Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels.
I think it important that readers are aware of my own gender variant pressures. I don’t include a small number of LGBT issues in my novels just to be politically correct. I do so because I am a proud member of that select community.
Please feel free to contact me by e-mail if you have questions about any of my novels..
You can read more about me on my Amazon Author Page.
LINKS
Website: http://www.michaelhambling.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelhambling.author

My Review

A topic that is always important and very relevant in this current climate. Touching and gripping story.

Hindsight for myself diving in at book 9 wasn’t my smartest idea, but it gives me future ones to look for. Absolutely real and genuine with no fluff and whimsy.

A serious and complex detective book. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

Child Behind The Wall by Steve Parker #BlogBookTour

It seems eons since I last read a book and shared it.

#ADGIFTED received a copy to read in exchange for a review, and post. But all opinions and thoughts are my own.

First off, that TITLE what a head turner, it conjures up some horrific images, and plots into my mind. So I had to dive in

Now it’s all rainy, chilly and darker nights are drawing in, it makes me want to pull up a chair and snuggle down.

CHILD BEHIND THE WALL (Detective Ray Paterson #7) by Steve Parker

Discover a crime thriller full of shocking twists by one of the most exciting new authors you’ll read this year.

YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT THIS DOWN, PAGE AFTER PAGE OF ACTION AND CLIFFHANGERS. . .

4 a.m. on the outskirts of London

A police squad descend swiftly on a house, eager to exploit the rare opportunity of catching a burglar in the act.

Nothing could have prepared them for what they find.

From inside a room on the ground floor, comes the eerie sound of a woman singing, ‘the childmaker . . . the childmaker . . . beware the childmaker’.

Four officers break down the door to enter a darkened room. Their flashlights illuminate the body of a man with a knife in his chest and a bloody mess where his face should be.

Nearby, stands a small, thin woman. In her hand is a kitchen knife . . .

By the time, Detectives Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks arrive at the scene, there is carnage.

But what is bricked up behind the wall is far, far worse.

A RACE-AGAINST-TIME THRILLER WHICH WILL HAVE YOU TOTALLY ADDICTED.

This is the sixth in a series of action-packed, edge-of-your-seat crime thrillers, with an ending that will have your heart in your mouth.

Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Damien Boyd, Rachel Abbott, Patricia Gibney or Martina Cole.

What readers are saying about STEVE PARKER’S BOOKS

“A must read for all crime thriller fans.” Viv

“A fast-moving action-packed thriller which will keep you enthralled from page one.”

“Another gripping, fast-paced and twisted caper for the most unorthodox police duo in UK fiction.” Donna

“Loved the book, Clocks makes me laugh out loud.” Aileen

Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson is a young and (thanks to family money) wealthy womaniser, separated from his model wife and tipped to be the youngest ever commissioner of police. He knows he’s weak when it comes to practical policing and struggles to find a place among his peers, desperate to be a good policeman and not just a ‘climber’.

Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks is a foul-mouthed, working-class officer. He grew up surrounded by rogues and villains to become a first-class thief taker with the Met police. However, his childish attitude has short-circuited his career and he spends his days antagonising as many people as he can.

STEVE PARKER

Steve Parker was born and raised in South East London (Camberwell and Peckham). At age twenty-one he joined the Metropolitan Police where he served for twenty years in numerous high profile squads before being pensioned out with a serious back injury.
Thankfully, he was blessed with a complete lack of DIY skills so was legitimately able to get away with swanning around the house doing bugger all, all day long. Finding himself with plenty of spare time and a deep desire to never work for anyone again, he dug out an old screenplay he’d written when he was still a policeman and set himself a challenge to turn it into a book which eventually became his debut novel ‘Their Last Words’.

My Review

Whoa!! I did not expect that ending, won’t be spoiling anything but I never saw that coming in a million years!!

Not came upon this author before so it was all new to me, I do feel like I could of read some previous books to help me with character back stories, as I got a little lost in places. Which is unusual for me.

And it’s DARK, quite grim and definitely not for the faint hearted. It didn’t bother me, as I’m used to pretty dark gruesome podcasts, books and series. But for others seeking a light hearted murder mystery this is not the book for you.

Now I’ve found this author they are definitely going into my favourite pile, and I have the luxury of discovering all the previous books all winter, which quite frankly sounds like heaven to me.

87 Weeks Post #HipReplacement

Do you notice that dreaded flare once a month?

Well there’s a good reason for that, namely it’s all in the HORMONES

Many young women that have inflammatory arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, They will discuss flares in their symptoms when they have their period.

The Hormone such as estrogen has an influence on the immune system. The relationship of flares in arthritis symptoms at the time of menstruation is also due to the effects of pain perception which is related to estrogen.

When estrogen levels are low, women report more pain. In clinical trials, those given a placebo without estrogen have more joint pain than those given estrogen. Thus, the lower levels of estrogen during menstruation may be a cause of the increase in joint pain that many women with arthritis report.

Of course not only am I affected by #Arthritis I also have #EhlersDanlosSyndrome which not only increases the pain levels, but makes the joints highly unstable. So I frequently dislocate, and sublux various joints, such as Shoulders, Elbows, Thumbs, Middle Finger and of course HIPS!!

When a flare up happens for me, I’m all braces for thumbs, compression sleeves for fingers and elbows.

Hot water bottles and foam roller for shoulders,

and hot water bottle for hips. And a reminder to be gentle with myself and know it will pass.

Let’s hope it passes soon. I’m feeling rather broken and useless.

Cmc Joint Pain

How this year has dragged, no decent treatment as zero face to face appointments, took me 4 months of begging and pleading to finally get a steady supply of paracetamol and diclofenac gel.

The hand (my left non dominant hand) looks unremarkable but inside it feels like Lightening bolts when I try to turn a tap, or plug in my phone.

Or lately I’ve been getting a dull gnawing pain that stops you sleeping, and makes you want to axe off your own limbs to escape the pain.

I’ve been getting a lot of pain also in the MCP areas but alas I have no one to tell, well yet. Sort of playing this one by ear, strapping and compressing this area whenever I can.

I’ve also felt it start to creep into elbows and shoulders, is it arthritis or is it ehlers danlos syndrome?? Who knows and without any guidance or advice I have no idea how to deal with it. I’m literally compressing, icing, gel every body part, and taking meds to cope!!

I’m falling apart… wonder if it’s the changing season and moisture levels? Uhhmmm

Beach Day

How is it, the Beach and Sea feeds your soul? Does it for you too? It really does for us, so I’m surprised we don’t live nearer to one.

No matter, a day trip is always a good idea, so off we go, plans are afoot for a quick day out at Barmouth.

Strangely the journey is immensely tiring on the body though, so once we’ve gathered out things, and set up. It’s time for lunch, well prepared as we are seasoned campers, it’s pot noodles with a view!!

Never have pot noodles tasted so good. Warm bellies thank goodness as the weather took a turn, and a chill arrived. But no matter it’s still a delight to be here.

The waves gently crashing, the sounds of children playing, kites flying high. This is what we came for. The last throes of summer. It’s feeling a touch autumnal but I’m trying to eek out the last summer’s day.

Warmed ourselves up with a nice hot coffee after the beers made us feel cold.

Then off for fish and chips which is a seaside tradition.

Spotted a wee tiny sun dog, as well as thunderous black clouds lol

One side sunny, one side black heavy clouds, thankfully never got any rain though.

After tea, with a weak sun shinning we had to paddle and watch the sun go down

And it was time to say goodbye. We had a totally relaxing, lazy Sunday. Gazed longingly at the mountains that surround Barmouth, Smiled wistfully at the Sun, and told the Sea our secrets. We are lucky we can connect to nature in such a simple way. Makes you feel whole again.

All elements are balanced at the Seaside, Earth = Sand, Water = Sea, Fire = Sunshine, Air = The Sea Breeze.