rachaelstray

[rachaelstray]

In the Family Way - review (AD)

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of In the Family Way by Laney Katz Becker in exchange for an honest review*. In the Family Way book blurb Set in the 1960s before Roe, a poignant and powerful novel in the vein of Lessons in Chemistry and Big Little Lies, about the friendship between a group of suburban housewives who help one another navigate through their personal challenges,…

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The Body Shop Avocado Body Scrub - review

I’ve been using the Avocado Body Scrub from The Body Shop for a little while now so thought it was time to share my honest thoughts. The Body Shop Avocado Body Scrub product details Gently buff that beautiful body to silky softness with this Avocado Body Scrub. Now made with 96% ingredients of natural origin, including sustainably sourced Hass avocado oil from South Africa, this rich and creamy…

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Repose & Recharge Spa Day at The Manor House Hotel and Spa, County Durham - review

I recently enjoyed a solo Repose & Recharge Spa Day at The Manor House Hotel and Spa, County Durham so thought I’d share an honest review. As part of my five intentions for 2025 I want to focus on my health and wellbeing and decided I deserved to treat myself to a day to relax and unwind after a busy start to the year and a solo spa day was just what I needed! About the Repose & Recharge Spa Day…

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Unboxing May Sunny Beginnings Glossybox 25

My May Sunny Beginnings Glossybox arrived at the start of the month and I couldn’t wait to dive in! As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, embrace the warmth and beauty of “Sunny Beginnings” with May. This season is all about new starts and fresh looks, inspired by the golden hues and vibrant energy of early summer that will enhance your natural glow. Let the sunshine in and begin…

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The Plot Twist - review (AD)

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of The Plot Twist by Eleanor Goymer in exchange for an honest review.* The Plot Twist book blurb This love story is a work in progress… When romcom author Allie Edwards crosses paths with bestselling crime novelist – aka publishing dinosaur – Martin Clark at a party, they discover they both have crippling writer’s block, overdue manuscripts and…

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Sunday lunch at the Woodmans Arms

We recently enjoyed Sunday lunch at the Woodmans Arms so thought I’d share an honest review. About the Woodmans Arms The Woodmans Arms is a family-owned gastropub with hand-crafted cocktails alongside incredible food from the heart. And the multi award-winning family-owned pub and restaurant is situated in the scenic town of Whickham, on the outskirts of Newcastle upon Tyne. Sunday lunch at the…

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Things we do For Love - review (AD)

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of Things We Do For Love by Miranda Dickinson in exchange for an honest review.* Things we do For Love book blurb Could romance be waiting in the wings? Lucie Hart is a fledgling actress, her confidence having been shattered by her manipulative ex. Making ends meet by performing Shakespearean monologues full of romance she doesn’t believe in, she…

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Unboxing April Spring Into Colour Glossybox

My April Spring Into Colour Glossybox arrived at the start of the month and I couldn’t wait to see what was inside. This month it was back to the classic pink Glossybox with five treats inside. As the first colours of Spring appear it’s time to embrace your natural beauty. What was inside the April Spring Into Colour Glossybox? Dr Paw Paw (full sizeRRP £4.95) A targeted lips and skin treatment…

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Heritage steam train ride at Tanfield Railway

We recently enjoyed a heritage steam train ride at Tanfield Railway so thought I’d share an honest review. About Tanfield Railway Take a trip back in time on the world famous Tanfield Railway, the world’s oldest railway, in North East England. Step aboard for an unforgettable journey on a vintage steam train with unique Victorian carriages and lovingly restored locomotives, for a six mile round…

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Destress with Dream Catcher range from Aery Living - review (AD)

I was kindly sent three products from the Dream Catcher range from Aery Living to help me destress and unwind*. As part of my five intentions for 2025 I am focusing on health and wellbeing this year. April is stress awareness month so having these treats from Aery Living arrive just in time to help me unwind was such a blessing! If you would like to try any of the Aery Living products for…

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The Cornish Beach Hut Café - review (AD)

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of The Cornish Beach Hut Café by Jane Linfoot in exchange for an honest review.* The Cornish Beach Hut Café book blurb Florence May never expected to trade the high life of London for the cosy comfort of a beach hut in her Cornish hometown, but the moment she steps inside she knows it was the best choice she ever made. The fact that it comes with a…

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Date night at The Feathers Inn - review

We recently enjoyed a date night dining at The Feathers Inn so thought I’d share an honest review. This was our third date night last year and we decided to head out on a Saturday night to a gastropub we have been wanting to dine at for ages! About The Feathers Inn The Feathers Inn is a small family run pub with a big heart. Inside there are three snug areas each with a wood burning…

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Apothecary Revive Skin-Softening Cleanser - review

I have been using the M&S Apothecary Revive Skin-Softening Cleanser for a while now so thought I’d share an honest review. As part of my five intentions for 2025 I wanted to make more time for self care and upping my skincare game is something I have been trying to do this year. Thanks to buying the M&S beauty calendar in 2023 and 2024 I’ve been discovering the different ranges that Marks and…

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Unboxing March Blossom With Radiance Glossybox

My March Blossom With Radiance Glossybox arrived at the start of the month and I couldn’t wait to dive in! This Glossybox didn’t come in a box though but a cord bag which was a nice change. What was inside the March Blossom With Radiance Glossybox? Rodial Beauty Salicylic Acid Cleanser Deluxe (deluxe size RRP £10) Gently cleanse and purify skin with the Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser, with its…

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The Café on Manor Lane - review

I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of The Café on Manor Lane by Amelia Kyazze in exchange for an honest review.* The Café on Manor Lane book blurb A stranger can change your life in a moment of kindness. 1952: Bella is a young French Jew in post-war London, having lost everything in WWII. When she meets Adebayo, a doctor from Nigeria, Archibald’s Café is the only place they feel like…

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Fused glass Christmas tree workshop at The Glass & Art Gallery Consett - review

I recently enjoyed a fused glass Christmas tree workshop at The Glass & Art Gallery in Consett, County Durham so thought I’d share an honest review. For my birthday Steve bought me a gift voucher for a fused glass Christmas tree workshop at The Glass & Art Gallery in Consett. About the fused glass Christmas tree workshop at The Glass & Art Gallery in Consett The fused glass Christmas tree…

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Unboxing February Winter Secrets Heartfelt Beauty Glossybox

My February Winter Secrets Heartfelt Beauty Glossybox arrived at the start of the month and I couldn’t wait to dive in! What was inside the February Winter Secrets Heartfelt Beauty Glossybox? Made By Mitchell Blursh Bronzed Liquid Bronzer (full size RRP £16) A rich, pigmented and versatile contour & bronzer formulation in 10 shades, perfected to bring shape and warmth while keeping you super…