● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD - GIFTED | Now that it's coming up to Winter and the colder months of the year, my pyjamas and loungewear collection seems to build up and takes up my entire wardrobe. I just can't resist the cosiness and warmness of new pyjamas/loungewear and I'm always finding myself buying new sets as they are all I seem to live in (when I'm not at work at least). I was kindly sent a matching loungewear set* from Hunkemöller, a new brand that I have recently discovered and I am in totally in love!

Hunkemöller; a clothing manufacturer from the Netherlands founded in 1886. With over 800 stores worldwide, as well as an online store, Hunkemöller offers a huge selection of lingerie, shapewear, nightwear, swimwear, sports clothing, hosiery and ladies accessories.

I opted for the Fleece Long Sleeved Sweater* and Lace-Up Pyjama Pants* for my loungewear set. I got them both in a size large as I wanted them to be slightly oversized and baggy for the perfect fit. Colour wise, isn't grey and pink just the most perfect and cutest colour combination you can have? I think so!

I was extremely pleased with the loungewear set I received. The Fleece Long Sleeved Sweater* is one of the comfiest and warmest tops I have ever worn. The colour combination of the light grey and baby pink is so cute and girly, I absolutely love it. The mix of textures on the sweater is really fun and cool, the main part is just normal sweater material, combined with the super soft faux fur panel details on the chest and arms adds extra warmth. Simply ideal for relaxing on cold, winter evenings.

The grey Lace-Up Pyjama Pants* are so super soft, warm and cosy, I haven't taken them off! They are fleece lined inside and feature an elasticated waist, deep pockets, with a nice lace-up detail on the front. As well as having cuffs on the bottom of the legs; these 100% my favourite kind of joggers!

Have you heard of Hunkemöller before? Where do you usually get your nightwear/loungewear sets from?

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Here's a quick look at my monthly favourites!

A new addition to my perfume collection over the last couple of months has been the Thierry Mugler Alien. It's been the only perfume I have been wearing. It has such a fresh, and deep scent, it's quite mysterious as I can't fully pinpoint what combination of smells it has combined within the fragrance. To me, it has bursting floral and woody aromas, that really work together to make a great feminine fragrance.

Carmex Lip Balm has been my lifesaver over the last month. Now that we are heading into the colder months of the year, this product is something I can't be without! I have 2 or 3 in my bag at all times. It's been one of the only lip balm products to fully moisturise and relieves my lips from the cold weather.

The Lee Stafford Nourishing Argan Oil Hair Dryer has been a recent purchase of mine, and I can't believe I didn't buy it sooner. My hair has definitely had a huge appearance and texture boost since using this and I know it will be perfect to keep my hair in good condition for the colder months ahead. Infused with Moroccan Argan oil helps to add a radiant shine, improved condition and protects against the use of heat. The hair dryer also comes with 2 speed and 3 temperature settings. I've also noticed that it takes very little time nowadays to dry my hair, which is great as I don't know anyone who actually likes do dry their hair! A definite must have!

Something new that I've tried this month has been the Lee Stafford Coco Loco Heat Protection Spray. As a huge haircare lover, I never usually use the same heat protection spray as I like to try out as many as I can, but this one from Lee Stafford has been amazing to use. Enriched with Coconut Oil, one of the best natural ingredients to help nourish and condition the hair, this lightweight spray has made detangling my hair the easiest thing in the world. With towel-dried hair, I like to spritz this spray all over my hair and gently brush through. This leaves my hair looking shiny and feeling super soft, as well as leaving a hint of coconut scent!

I recently post about my Netflix recommendations, and I featured the series Making A Murderer. Since this post went live, Making A Murdered has now launched part 2 of the documentary and I'm obsessed. This series is very gripping and I've been non-stop watching. It's definitely something you need to watch if you haven't already!

Lately, I've been obsessed with buying Primark Pyjamas, especially the £10 Disney sets. I've picked up a couple of Lilo & Stitch pyjamas, but my favourites have definitely been The Lion King. The pyjamas are so soft and super comfortable, you forget you even have anything on! I also love the fact the pyjama bottoms are usually cuffed, as these are my preferred style of trouser. Very affordable and very cute!

What are you favourites this month?

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AD - GIFTED | When it comes to sweet treats, Macarons are one of the most delicious and luxurious treats out there. There's so much creativity, time and skill that are involved in making them, it's incredible and these marvellous macarons from The English Rose Bakery are no exception!

"The bakery was founded in June 2010 but the idea came a year or so before that when Emma Brown fell in love with the French ‘Macaron’ one weekend on a visit to Laduree in Zurich. After living and working in Switzerland for 4 years Emma gave up her steady day job with the dream to open a macaron shop back in Manchester."

"The French ‘Macaron’ or English ‘Macaroon’ comes from the Italian word ‘Maccarone’ which is derived from ‘ammaccare’ meaning to crush or beat, in this case used in reference to the almonds which are the principal ingredient in our delicious English Rose Bakery macarons."

I was kindly gifted a box of fourteen delicious macarons* which included the following amazing flavours; Vanilla, Pistachio, Raspberry, Strawberries & Cream, Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Rose, Chocolate, Matcha Tea, Praline, Banana, Hazelnut & Nutella and Chestnut. As you can see below, the flavours you get are marked out, so you know exactly what each macaron is which is such a helpful little extra.

- Vanilla - This had such a super sweet vanilla taste that was simply perfect.

- Pistachio - For me, pistachios have such a distinctive flavour, such a rich, nutty taste, that you either love it or hate it.

- Raspberry - This was so super fresh and fruity. You got both the sweet and sour taste of the raspberry that really brought the flavours together to make one delicious macaron.

- Strawberries & Cream - Strawberries & Cream macaron was absolutely delicious. There was such a fresh and fruity strawberry flavour, topped off with a rich creamy taste. Would definitely get more of these!

- Peanut Butter - Until recently, I hated Peanut Butter. But this macaron wasn't too strong and overpowering with flavour which was perfect for me.

- Salted Caramel - Salted Caramel anything is one of my favourite flavours. Coffees, chocolates, you name it, I love it! So this macaron was always going to be a winner with me. Rich caramel with a hint of sea salt is just a perfect combination

- Rose - This flavour of macaron was quite heavily perfumed and overpowering for my liking. It definitely tasted how you would expect roses to taste like, but it wouldn't be something I would choose for myself again.

- Chocolate - If you're a chocolate lover, the chocolate macaron would definitely be a winner with you. It had such a rich and luxurious chocolate taste, with a thick ganache inside. Simply delicious!

- Matcha Tea - Matcha Tea was a very unusual taste and flavour for a macaron I thought. It had a slightly bitter flavour but a very fragrant smell to it.

- Praline - To me, this macaron wasn't anything too special. It has a creamy, nutty flavour, but I found it a little too sugary and sickly.

- Banana - The banana macaron was definitely one of my favourites. The banana flavouring was so strong, it tasted incredible! It really reminded me of those foamy banana sweets or the Nesquik powder milkshakes.

- Hazelnut & Nutella - This macaron was 10/10 delicious. Who doesn't love Nutella?!?!

- Chestnut - Again, another weird flavour for a sweet treat. Similarly to the rose macaron, chestnut wasn't one of my favourites simply as I didn't find the taste to be quite right.

- Espresso Mocha - A macaron with a hint of coffee is definitely a winner with me. This has such a nice coffee flavour, with a hint of chocolate. Yum!

As you can see from my mini reviews of each flavour, I was definitely impressed with the majority of the macarons I was kindly sent. My favourite flavours were definitely the Banana and Hazelnut & Nutella. I could eat them all day long!

The English Rose Bakery macarons come beautifully packaged in such a sleek box, with a simple company logo. The addition of the gold ribbon is a great little touch, especially if you are purchasing them for a gift for someone special or a friend, it just adds that luxurious, high end feel.

Have you heard of The English Rose Bakery before? What are your favourite flavours of macarons?

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When it comes to skincare, I'm pretty much 99.9% sure all my products come from the drugstore. I've tried and tested so many products, which has allowed me to see what works and what doesn't for my skin type. This has also let me see if I want to repurchase the product, or try and find something similar that would be more suitable for my skincare needs.

One product that I have been repurchasing time and time again has been the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser. A cleanser infused with plant extracts, formulated to help give your skin a natural glow, as well as gently cleansing and exfoliating. It's very similar to the ever so popular Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I've used this before, and yes it's very good, but when you can get a similar product from the drugstore, at an affordable price, I know what I'm going for!

Infused with plant extracts with some great skin benefits;

- Kiwi Fruit Extract; a source of Vitamin C, which has great ability to help brighten and even out skin tone, as well as being an antioxidant protection against free radicals.

- Mulberry Fruit Extract; has strong brightening properties which can help to reduce discolouration and even out skin tone.

- Cocoa Butter; a rich emollient that is great for skin softening and conditioning.

This cleanser has such a thick and creamy texture, which feels so soothing and luxurious upon the skin. The beautiful moisturising Cocoa Butter creates a rich and creamy formulation for the product that simply melts into the skin and cleanses away make-up and impurities. It leaves your skin looking more radiant and plump, as well as feeling silky and smooth.

The scent of the Hot Cloth Cleanser is very spa-like. It smells so fresh and clean, that I look forward to using every single night. A little bit goes a long way! You only need a 10p amount of product for your whole face. It's a dream to use.

To apply, I squeeze a small amount of product into my hands, add a small drop of water and gently massage the creamy cleanser into my face. The cleanser is so gentle, it's perfect to use of the eye area to remove any mascara, and especially good for those with sensitive skin, like myself. After a couple minutes of massaging the cleanser into my skin, I would then rinse the muslin cloth or just a face cloth in hand-hot water and wring out before wiping off the cleanser, taking care around the eye area as the skin there is very delicate. Finishing off with splash of cold water to refresh the skin.

RRP £5.99

Have you tried the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser? What are your favourite cleansers?

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When it comes to haircare, Aussie have been my go-to hair brand for as long as I can remember. To me, the brand is just so good, I have featured them multiple times on my blog over the years, including this post - 4 Aussie haircare products you need to try. I've tried so many of the Aussie haircare ranges, you only need to smell all the products to fall in love with them, and I know if my hair is in need of some TLC - Aussie is a brand that I repeatedly go back to as I know that their products work for my hair type and they can ALWAYS sort me out when I'm having a bad hair day!

“There's more to life than hair, but it's a good place to start”

- The Aussie Philosophy -

My holy grail hair treatment. The Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Deep Treatment is the only remedy you need for dry, damaged and thirsty hair. I use this deep conditioner once a week, all year round, but during the colder months, I use this twice as I like to keep my hair shiny and healthy during the colder, harsher weather. A hair treatment with Australian Macadamia Nut Oil - a lightweight oil that is quickly absorbed without feeling greasy, as well as being highly nourishing and softening. The perfect addition to your winter haircare routine.

Something new that I've tried from Aussie is the Miracle Mega Kool Kiwi Berry Dry Shampoo. I've used Batiste in the past, but Aussie have stolen my heart with their new Miracle Dry Shampoo. Designed for those with normal or greasy hair, the dry shampoo refreshes the hair instantly and without make it look dull or leave any white residue. Formulated with Australian Jojoba Seed Extract - this is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish hair, prevent hair loss and promote hair thickness. Like all Aussie products, the scent is to die for. With a beautiful, light berry aroma, it's so sweet and fresh, you'll definitely be getting ask what smells so good!

This product, the Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Lightweight Treatment was so good, I dedicated a full blog post review to it! Intensive lightweight oil treatment for damaged hair, packed with Australian Macadamia Nut Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil and Avocado Oil- the perfect haircare combination! With a non-greasy formula, I like to use the Reconstructor on damp hair to help repair the smoothness and give my hair some much needed moisture after washing, as well as on dry hair for amazing shine effect and to tame any frizz. One of my most used and repurchased hair oils, it simply helps your hair look silky, smooth and fabulously shiny. What more could you ask for?

The Aussie Mega Shampoo is the perfect product to use for hair that wants to be clean every day. This daily shampoo packed with Kangaroo Paw Flower extract, helps to cleanse the hair and scalp, and leaves you with beautiful, shiny locks. The shampoo lathers up really well, so you can work it into the hair and scalp for a good, deep clean. Maybe even a little head massage whilst you're there works wonders. After washing and drying, I'm left with super light, bouncy hair that makes you feel a solid 10/10!

What are your favourite Aussie Haircare products? Have you tried any featured in this post?

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It's been a while since I've done a wishlist styled post,(it's actually been since January!)- you can view that post here! So with Autumn in full swing, I've put together some beauty bits that I'm currently lusting over!

- Soap & Glory Archery Volu-Boost Brow Fibre Gel -

I've been a huge fan of the Soap & Glory Brow range, they have some really amazing products, at an affordable price point.. My current eyebrow pencil is the Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil & Brush- I use shade "Love is Blonde". So when I saw that a new product; the Volu-Boost Brow Fibre Gel had been added to the range, it's definitely been something I've wanted to test out. A product marketed to build, thicken & set your brows in an instant, this seems like a total game changer and something that I'm definitely lacking in my makeup bag. Probably because I use a clear mascara for my brows and not an actual brow gel! But I'm hoping to get my hands on this product soon in an attempt to help add colour and shape to my eyebrows, especially the sparse areas.

- L'Oréal Paris Smooth Sugars Glow Scrub -
With previously using both the Nourish Scrub and the Clear Scrub, I've really loved the L'Oréal Smooth Sugars range, and the Glow Scrub is the last in the trip that I need to test out. I want to keep my skin looking as fresh and as glowy as possible. With the colder Autumn/Winter weather settling in, I'm in need of a product to tackle dull skin, and I'm hoping the Glow Scrub will just do that!

- Lee Stafford Coco Loco Hair Straighteners -
I've recently purchased a new hairdryer (it's also from Lee Stafford), and I thought it's about time I need a new set of hair straighteners. I've had my current set for around 4 years now and I think they are starting to wear out now. The Lee Stafford Coco Loco Hair Straighteners look perfect! The ceramic plates in the Coco Loco irons are infused with nourishing Coconut Oil, this clever oil keeps your hair looking sleek, smooth and shiny. What more could you ask for?

- Revolution Skincare Superfruit Extract Serum -
Recently, Revolution have introduced a new, exciting and affordable skincare line to their range, and I definitely wanted to give some of their products a go. I'm currently using the Revolution Skin Plumping & Hydrating Solution - 2% Hyaluronic Acid, and my skin is definitely loving it! The Revolution Skincare Superfruit Extract Serum is a dual purpose serum and primer that helps replenishes the skins moisture, packed with a slight iridescent shimmer for unbeatable radiance. A must have product to help prolong that Summer glow for Autumn/Winter.

- L'Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Mask -
I've previously tried some of the L'Oréal Dream Lengths range and absolutely fell in love with the products. The trio of products that I've used this were the perfect combination to help protect hair against breakage and split ends. Designed for those with long, damaged hair and enriched with Keratin, Vitamins and Castor Oil, the Dream Lengths Shampoo and Conditioner work like a treat for my hair. My hairs been on the dry side lately, so I'm hoping the new Dream Lengths Heat Mask will do the same as the other products in the range!

- NARS Climax Mascara -
New from NARS, the Climax Mascara. If you're a regular to my blog, you know I couldn't live without my mascara, a few favourites of mine being from Rimmel and Benefit. I like a mascara that really helps to separate, volumize and lengthen the lashes, helping to add boldness and definition, and making my eyes pop as the main focal point of my face. I usually like plastic, bristle mascara wands, but the NARS mascara has quick a chunky, fibre brush, that I would imagine gives you extreme volume and definition - exactly what I'm after!

- Ouai Hair Oil -
When it comes to haircare, I've always loved products from the Drugstore. Some of my favourite haircare brands include Aussie, OGX and L'Oréal. My current favourite hair oil being the Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor - it's great!! But after hearing and reading some rave reviews, I've always been lusting over the luxurious Ouai Hair Oil. Described as a multitasking hair oil that smoothes out frizz and seals split ends for high-gloss, super-smooth finish, this would be the perfect addition for my haircare routine for the colder winter months.

What beauty products are on your wishlist for Autumn? Have you tested and reviewed any of the products featured?

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AD - GIFTED | Gousto is a food subscription box service that brings you quality, simplicity and variety, with 30+ recipes a week to choose from to create your very own recipe box. You get to pick something exciting from the recipe selections each week, and have all the ingredients delivered to your door. How great is that?!

No more wandering around the supermarkets for hours getting inspiration and selecting what you will eat for dinner, you can simply log onto Gousto and pick whatever you fancy or try something you wouldn't usually go for.

How does Gousto work?

- You pick from over 20 recipes a week. You also have the option to pause or skip boxes whenever you like, so it completely up to you when and how often you receive your food delivery.

- Gousto deliver to you perfectly measured ingredients, any day of the week, that allows this subscription service to fit in with your lifestyle.

- You cook get to cook new and impressive meals that you’re proud to share with the people you love, as well as your Instagram!

Below are the 4 recipes that I have chosen to receive in my box, and I can't wait to get stuck right in! With Gousto, you have such a variety of recipes to decide from; wholesome, adventurous, vegetarian, meat and fish. For me, this is a great idea. I love to be adventurous when it comes to cooking, so getting to pick new recipes and try new ingredients is perfect. That's what is simply great about Gousto, there is always something new and fresh to pick from, you'll be spoilt for choice!

When your recipe box arrives, it has everything you need to cook up to 4 delicious recipes that you have picked from the website. Your box will come with insulated packaging to keep food cool, this is perfect if you aren't at home when your box is delivered, as your food is guaranteed to stay cool and fresh until you get home.

You'll receive all the ingredients for the recipes, and they are perfectly measured from trusted suppliers, helping you to have no food waste! Also containing you easy-to-follow recipe cards to help you prepare and cook your dish with step-by-step instructions, what more could you want?

Have you used Gousto before? What recipes would you love to try from the site?

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AD|When it comes to watching television, Netflix has always been my go-to place. A brilliant way of finding new programmes and series to watch, as well as finding films to watch, wherever you are in the world. Imagine sitting down, watching your favourite Netflix series on a huge 4K LED TV, Panasonic have some great ones. Isn't that the dream?! Perfect for having that big screen cinema in the comfort of your home, without having someone behind you munching their popcorn too loudly!

I'm always being recommended things to watch by my friends, and it's great that many TV Series have all the episodes uploaded, so you don't have to wait a dreaded long week for the newest episode to come out! I wanted to share some of my favourite Netflix series that I've already watched, currently watching and would like to watch.

Previously, I've already watched a number of Netflix Series, that I would highly recommend. Firstly Suits; an American legal drama series set at a fictional law firm in New York City. The series follows college dropout Mike Ross, who works as a law associate for Harvey Spector, despite never going to law school.

Prison Break, one of the best things I have ever watched in my life. An American serial drama revolves around two brothers, Michael and Lincoln. One has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and the other who creates elaborate plan to help his brother escape prison. This series is simply mind-blowing, it has you hooked from the very first episode and one of my favourite televisions shows that I could re-watch over and over again.

A series that I have just completed is Power. An American crime drama set in New York, following the story of James St. Patrick aka Ghost. A man balancing his two lives of living as a successful nightclub owner and a ruthless drug-dealer. The show presents a glamorised view of a successful drug dealer as well as featuring themes of sex, violence, crimes, money, drugs and loyalty.

Currently I'm watching Making A Murderer. This series is very gripping and I've been non-stop watching. I'm fully obsessed. Making a Murderer is an American documentary television series, exploring the story of a man named Steven Avery. The series shares Stevens story after he served 18 years in prison for the wrongful conviction of sexual assault and attempted murder.

Secondly NARCOS; an American crime drama series depicting the rise of the drugs trade in Colombia in the 1980s, based on the story of Pablo Escobar, who became a billionaire through the production and distribution of cocaine. It shares his story of an established black marketeer in Medellín, who found riches through moving trucks worth of illegal goods into Colombia during a time when this was strictly forbidden.

Once I've finished my current series on Netflix, I want to begin watching the ever so hyped up 13 Reasons Why and Stranger Things. There has been a lot of talk about these two Netflix series and I can't wait to get started on them. All I've heard is good things!

13 Reasons Why; an American teen drama The series revolving around Clay Jensen, and his deceased friend Hannah Baker, who has committed suicide after failing to cope with the culture, gossip, and lack of support from her friends and her school. A box of tapes recorded by Hannah before her death detail thirteen reasons why she ended her life. Stranger Things; an American science fiction-horror series focuses on the investigation into the disappearance of a young boy amid supernatural events occurring around the fictional town of Hawkins in Indiana.

What have you been watching on Netflix recently? What series would you recommend?

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AD - GIFTED | Wild & Game; a company founded by Steven Frampton and Michael Cannon at the end of 2017, with the aim of turning the UK into a nation of game lovers. Wild and Games product range is growing steadily. It currently includes sausage rolls, pasties, pies and sausages, with the new additions of game pâtés which I was kindly sent to try and review.

The new products to the range include a Grouse, Brandy and Herb Pâté*, and Pheasant, Pistachio and Port Pâté*.

“Our mission is to make game popular on British dinner tables all year round. It’s low-fat and readily available, so it deserves to be used more widely. At Wild and Game we have a focus on traditional dishes that people already love, so pâté seemed a perfect addition to our range."

Pheasant, Pistachio & Port Pâté*

This pâté was probably my favourite of the two I was kindly sent. Pheasant has a mild taste, not too overpowering, working with pistachios is a great flavour combination. Pistachio nuts have such a distinctive flavour, so rich and nutty, I really liked that they gave a coarse, crunchy texture to the pâté. Finished off with a rich and gloriously sharp, fruity taste of port to round of the taste.

Grouse, Brandy & Herb Pâté*

This pâté had a distinct gamey taste. I had never tried Grouse before, so this was definitely a new thing for me. This pâté had a much smoother consistency and texture, compared to the Pheasant Pâté. The herbs; Parsley, Thyme and Marjoram really complement the dish and bring all the flavours together nicely.

These pâtés would be brilliant for all different types of culinary occasions; from packed lunch boxes to picnics to dinner parties and maybe even on your Christmas Dinner menu. I found the packaging to be very smart and practical, your pâtés will stay fresh and moist with its resealable lid, so definitely no worries about it going hard or stale. A great invention for sure!

Have you heard of Wild & Game? What Pâtés do you enjoy?

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