If you find my muse, send him home please

Alas, my poor blog. I’ve neglected it of late. Blame that wretched NaNoWriMo. I thought that it might kickstart me into writing another novel (I know, I know, I'm a sucker for punishment). But so far it’s just making me miserable. I’m not entirely sure I’m a ‘crank it out in a month’ type of writer – no, not even a first rough draft.  But, hey, I've got a cover, I've got a title and there are some seriously bizarre images and scenes ratcheting round my head. 


I’m still trying to track down my muse. He’s a cranky sod – gorgeous, beguiling and totally inspiring – but he doesn’t half play hard to get. I’ve got his favourite music playing; I’m burning the right kind of candles but he’s still acting coy. I caught a glimpse of him the other day and played it very cool; didn’t want to startle him into racing off in the opposite direction. And, like a beautiful wild horse, he’s starting to edge closer, every sinew quivering. But I’m not going to hurry it. If I write my word count, that’s great. If not, well, so be it.

In other news.

• I have a stinking cold and am feeling mightily sorry for myself.

• In hopes he doesn’t get it, I’m dosing up James with Fitvits Gummy Bears (multi-vit supplement that he would eat like sweets, given the chance).  I think these are great actually - particularly good if you have a picky eater, to ensure they get all the micronutrients they need. 

• I’m laughing my socks off at Beer Cans of Birmingham – the perfect present for that ‘difficult to please’ man in your life. Though, actually, the photographs are seriously lovely so I'd have it on my kitchen wall anyday. 

• I’ve been reading a lot of deeply indifferent books (aside from Room, which blew my mind).  I was hyperventilating as the little boy tried the escape plan.

• I’m pampering myself with Connock’s delicious bath oil. Massage it into the skin and then pop in the bath – even my rough old hide turned silky smooth. Hey, muse, d’you hear that?? Ah, what the heck.

• I’m wearing the deeply decadent Elle’s Spell on my fingernails.  And, when I'm not feeling in a red and frisky mood, I switch to Coalest Day of the Year, which is deliciously disturbingly dark and gothic.

• I’m loving Danger Mouse’s Dark Night of the Soul.  Look, what's not to like about an album that includes guest slots by David Lynch, Suzanne Vega and Iggy Pop? Favourite track so far is Angel's Harp (a right old growler).

• I’m looking forward to reading The Dead Beat by Cody James (my favourite deep dark indie author).

• I’m bemused (but can’t deny I’m chuffed) that Samael has suddenly shot up the charts on Authonomy.

A few of my favourite things

Since I’ve been moaning about my total lack of grooming and beauty nous, a fair few PRs have taken pity on me. I think it offends their sensibilities to think of someone who has just given up quite so completely. They see me as a challenge.  Or maybe they just feel really really sorry for me.  The good/bad thing about being freelance and working from home in a small rural place is that really there is no-one to notice if I just let it all hang out; if I grow a moustache and my jowls start slapping my shoulders.


But of late I have noticed myself avoiding mirrors and using my forearms to sand down wood. So I did think it was time (maybe) to make just a little effort.

You’ve already read of my adventures in tan-land. Okay, so now I’m back to vampire-white but at least I know that, should I ever find the energy again, I CAN look sunkissed and healthy.

Meanwhile, I’ve been playing with lots of beauty products. I wouldn’t normally blog about this kind of thing but, as so many of you seen to like my recommendations on Twitter, I figured I should really do some naming, cheering, blaming and shaming.

So, without further ado – these are the things I really really LOVE.

• iS Clinical Hydra-Cool serum. This stuff is pure magic. I had nasty broken capillaries under my eyes (yes, yes, I know it’s too much alcohol and too little sunscreen). Don’t ask me how but this stuff removed them. Honest, guv. Don’t blame me if it doesn’t work for you but....well, I’m a convert. 

• Origins – Never a Dull Moment skin-brightening face polisher. I mainly love this for the smell. All exotic fruits.  Yum. Basically it’s gritty and exfoliates the face, scrubs off the dead cells etc. Does a good job too. Can’t say that others don’t do it equally well but...hey, you scrub your face AND smell like a fruit daquiri (works for me).

• Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask. You probably get it by now – I LOVE their stuff. To bits. Have been a fan of their bath and body oils for years upon years. But their skincare range is a bit of a revelation. It’s all good but this stuff is The Business. I confess I use it like night cream. Smells fab too.

• Airbase foundation. Makeup artists use this with a spray gun and I bet the results are stunning (I splash it on with my fingers - be warned, shake it first and be careful - it's very runny). It smells a bit like greasepaint but really does give mega smooth coverage. Would be too heavy for young skins I reckon but for those of us of a certain age....

• Mineralogie radiance bronzer. I really like all their mineral makeup range but this is so summery – I know I’m kidding myself but I almost feel like a 20-something festival goer with a sprinkle on my shoulders and over the nose. Yeah, I know, totally utterly deluded.

• love + art orange flower body milk. A new company using organic essential oils in their products. Orange flower is just THE feelgood scent for me and this is light and so uplifting. I keep it on my desk and pop some on my arms every so often for a boost.

• Barielle Shades nail varnish. My recession-busting beauty tip. If you’re feeling fed up (I am an expert, trust me) this is the treat for you. Cheap as chips but brings an instant smile to the face. I’m into uber-sophisticated Belly Dance (beige with a subtle shimmer) on my fingernails and Night Moves (shiny shiny silver) on my toes. Happy, happy.

The jury’s out....

At the moment I am testing Jan Marini Eyelash conditioner. My eyelashes have packed their bags and gone to the Maldives so am trying to lure them back. Apparently it takes about three months, so bear with me...


So totally didn’t do it for me

* L’Occitane’s Brightening Moisture Cream. You wipe it on and two minutes later it rubs off – in big lumps. Maybe that’s the idea but somehow I don’t think so. Perhaps they should relabel it ‘face peeling mask’...

* Daniel Sandler Retexturising Face Primer.  Maybe I'm asking too much but this promises it will neutralise my imperfections while giving foundation a fault-free base.  Hmm, I didn't notice any difference, truth to tell.

What are your absolute must-haves?  The stuff you will still shell out for when times are tough?  And what have you tried which really didn't live up to its hype?  I think my major 'what a waste of money' has to be Creme de la Mer.  Felt like cold cream to me and didn't make one iota of difference.  :(