Stuff I love

Generally, I find people (and I include myself in this) are quick to moan - about bad customer service, about poor quality consumer goods - but not quite so quick to recognise when things go right.  Recently I have been really impressed with a few random things and I thought I'd share them with you.

1. I discovered Burt's Bees products in the States last summer (where they are a budget line, costing less in dollars than they do in pounds, which makes me ragey).  Their Orange Blossom facial cleanser is an absolute wonder, leaving my skin feeling squeaky clean and moisturised, but not greasy. 

2. I was always a bit scared about trying red lipstick, and previous attempts had left me resembling a drag queen, but then I read a recommendation for Mac Ruby Woo and decided to try it.  I love it!  Matte, extremely hard to shift (even after eating and drinking it only needs a little top-up) and flattering; when I wore it on Friday, Kirsty asked me if I'd had my teeth whitened: result!  It's relatively pricey (£14) but totally worth it.

3. Bravissimo's customer service is one of the main reasons I don't begrudge paying a millionty pounds for my bras.  They really came into their own, though, when one of my beloved Alana bras developed a fault recently.  Despite the bra being a few months old, they immediately sprung into action, replacing the bra with effusive apologies. 

4. I never thought I would love a pair of jeans like I love these Dorothy Perkins skinnies.  And the best news?  They cost just £15 (or two pairs for £25!).  Super-flattering, super-comfortable, and the perfect combination of skinny but not too tight, I own them in black and indigo and sing their praises at every opportunity.

5. When I read on Ladybird Likes' blog that business was slow I decided to wander over to take a look at her Etsy shop, where I spied these gorgeous map brooches.  Well, you know how I love a good map.  When I contacted Zoe to ask if she could make some custom brooches, she couldn't have been more helpful, and they are such a bargain at just £3 each.