Cruel Justice by M. A Comley Review

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The headless body of a wealthy widow is discovered decomposing in Chelling Forest. Then a second victim is found. Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins and her partner, DS Pete Childs are assigned the case.
Before they can discover the identity of the killer they must make a connection between the two victims.After a third murder, Lorne receives a grisly surprise. Clearly, a vicious serial killer is on a rampage...and Lorne has become the killer's fixation.Lorne can't allow her failing marriage or her new boss--a man with whom she shares a sensuous secret--keep her from focusing on her job. She must catch the macabre murderer, or risk becoming the next victim.

Okay time for my second book review. You can see my first here

So I'm slowly getting back into reading and loving it. The only problem is, if I find a good book I literally can't put it down and don't actually get anything done. I read this in under 3 days and only managed to get a bit of painting done between reads. I loved everything about this book.

The main detective in this book is a women which I love, she has an amazing personality and is so feisty. She's having relationship troubles as she loves her job & always ends up putting that first. Her partner is also an amazing character and their personalities and banter on the job work well together . There is also a pathologist who is one of the main characters and he is a young, good looking French bloke who you end up falling in love with. 

A headless body is found and throughout the book the body count adds up. The only problem is they can't find a connection between the victims and they have no possible suspects. Then the killers fixates on the Detective. I had no idea who the murderer was until near the end and there was not a single part of this book that I didn't enjoy reading.

I would say though that if you don't like reading graphic detail of gory scenes then this is probably not the book for you as some parts were a bit gory but I love that kind of thing.  

This book has everything from grizzly murder, friendship, love, flirting and sex scenes and it ends on a massive cliff hanger that means I now have to go and buy the next book in the series as I NEED to know who, what and why.

This is one of the best crime books I have read in a very long time and I have read a lot of  them.

This is the first book in the Justice series of which I think there are 7 books.

This book is currently free for your kindle on Amazon an I highly recommend you go get it. What have you got to lose.

Beth...x

Chester Zoo & South West Live

I had an absolutely amazing weekend. On Saturday we went to Chester Zoo to meet up with some of my chronically awesome friends that I met on Twitter. The weather forecast looked horrible and we had to get up at 5am for the journey but we were all determined to meet so off we went. We had a bit of drizzle but that couldn't stop us from having a laugh. They are the most amazing, funniest group of people that I am proud to call my friends. We had wheelchair conga lines, jealousy over wheelies, so many innuendos and lots of laughs.

I saw baby elephants that were adorable, baby ducks that I was most excited about seeing and I really wanted to steal one. I desperately want a pet duck or monkey. You know either one would do.

I would highly recommend Chester Zoo for a day out in a wheelchair. There a plenty of disabled spaces and accessible toilets are dotted around the place. There is no where in the zoo you cant get to and it is definitely one of the best zoos Ive been to.

On Sunday we had another early start, jumped in the car and headed off to Western Super-Mare for South West Live. This has to be the best day of my Summer so far. The weather was gorgeous and the music was amazing. Me and my  brother went in our wheelchairs and had tickets for the wheelchair platform which was great. Only downside was the top people seemed to think they could get a lot more wheelchairs on it than in reality. Plus side was the staff that were in charge of the platform on the day were amazing and so helpful. We had our own disabled toilets next to the platform & one of the officials me & my brother nicknamed Toilet Ninja was stopping healthy people from using, filling & trashing the disabled toilet when they had their own.

We saw Alexa Goddard who I'm officially in love with, she is gorgeous, super lovely and so talented. She was incredible live. You should check out her new single 'Marilyn' here its so catchy. Then there was Rixton, Neon Jungle, Union J, Katy B, The Vamps, Rizzle Kicks, Jason Derulo and Jessie J. Rizzle Kicks were definitely my favourite and much wheelchair dancing was done, they had so much energy it was such an amazing atmosphere. Jessie J is so amazing live. I don't understand how she is so perfect at singing & dancing all at the same time. Jason Derulo and his backing dancers were top entertainment plus he got his abs out which is always a winner. My brother and I enjoyed taking the mick out of the Saturdays dance moves which were highly amusing and the same ones over and over with lots of hair flicking. A teenage boy imitating this is hilarious. The sun set over the sea was absolutely gorgeous and I was so pissed that I forgot to take my camera and my phone went flat but it was an incredible view.

Hands down one of the best experiences of my life and I would like to thank all the amazing officials who made mine and my brothers day so much easier.

Beth...x

The Manor Hotel

Warning this is a picture heavy post. If you follow me on twitter you will know that last week I booked a few days away in The Manor Hotel in Crickhowell as a surprise for my mums birthday.

The Manor is in a gorgeous valley and has the most amazing views. Sitting in the garden with a cold pint or glass of wine (we did both) you can look out across the mountains. The view from our room was just as spectacular as we had 2 big windows so could see across the mountains and look over the pretty garden. 

The Manor Hotel has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym. I found the facilities did let them down a bit as they seemed to be a bit of an after thought and they were a bit small due to limited space. They looked tired which made them look dirty but I don't think they were. 

The hotel itself is gorgeous and has tons of character. The only downside is it is not accessible at all. As it is a listed building they can't put a lift in and there are steps everywhere you look which is a shame.

Their website also has a late availability section where you can get rooms a bit cheaper, however if you want to stay on a weekend you will have to book in advance as they are very popular for weddings

Our room was the first 3 windows from the left. The only downside to this room was that it got really hot so we kinda roasted in the night. 

We had the Good Twin room and it was nice and spacious. The beds were a tad soft for my fussy spine but the rooms were nice and quiet.

As you can see the views from our window were pretty impressive and the garden was lovely to sit and relax in.

Onto the food. I was quite disappointed in the breakfast. I had a cooked breakfast the first morning and didn't really enjoy. The sausage was mushy and the scrambled egg tasted odd and was also a tad mushy. I had porridge the next morning and it was really gloopy so I had a danish instead which was pretty delicious but overall I think their breakfast needs improvement.

On the first day we had separate sandwiches and scones and these were delicious. The coleslaw was amazing and the scones were still warm and so so good.

On the second day we had a full afternoon tea and it was so good. There was beef and horseradish sandwiches carrot cake, scones, brownie and a chocolate cake I think. All of it was delicious and I was so full after.

We only had one evening meal in The Manor but it was very good. I had a tomato and mozerella salad for starter and it was okay it just needed something with a bit of crunch to go with it.

My mum had asparagus and poached egg and I tried some and oh my god this was delicious although the chef needs a little lesson on poaching eggs as the yolk was solid.

I had steak as I really can't say no to steak. It was cooked so well and tasted amazing. The onion rings were crispy and delicious and I refused to share them. I forgot to take a picture of the chips before I scoffed them but they were chunky, fluffy and heavenly.

My mum went for the pie of the day which was steak which I also tried (had to for the blog obviously) and this was also really good. We were so full after finishing we could barely move.

If you are looking for a relaxing spa break like we were then I'm not sure if this is the hotel for you as the facilities are a bit of a let down.

However if you are looking for a relaxing stay in a gorgeous hotel with picturesque surroundings, good food and a pretty town nearby then this is definitely the hotel for you.

Beth...x

Sunday Summary

Instead of just doing a post on the things that made me happy I thought I'd do a summary of everything from the week, what Ive been listening to, reading, watching etc.

So 7 things that made me happy.

1. Went on a a little get away with my mum to a gorgeous hotel & spent the day in the jacuzzi or drinking ice cold cider/wine in the sun Working on a post for this which will be up some time next week.

2. I finally have the starts to a pretty decent tan

3. I painted my fence pale pink and white and it looks so pretty

4. I've started a new book and can't put it down. As soon as I've finished it I will write a review.

5. My Lilys finally opened.

6. Cocktails. All the cocktails

7. Spent all day today in the paddling pool with my brother being children again.

Reading: 
Cruel Justice

Films:
Desperately seeking Susan
The Holiday
Nims Island

Listening to:
Disappointed - Chloe Howl
Home - Naughty Boy
Human - Cher Lloyd
We Cant stop 1950's DooWop Cover
Chasing Shadows - Shakira


Blogs:
In Katie's Corner - Food Lifestyle and beauty, what more could you want from a blog. I really want to try the Apple & cinnamon muffins. Another food added to my to bake list

Mapped Out - Love her DIY Jewellery Hanger as well as her OOTDs and a really cool watermelon nail art

The Lovecats Inc - Gorgeous outfit posts that make me jealous of her body and her wardrobe as well as some delicious recipes that I still need to try out.

What have you bee up to this week?

Beth...x

Umberto Giannini Salt Spray

Effortless hair is definitely my thing. I have been known to forget the last time I washed or brushed my hair (I do still shower I just dont bother washing my hair, Im not a complete minger). In fact I desperately need to wash & brush it today as I'm pretty sure there may be wildlife living up there, maybe a couple of birds or a squirrel. 

I have tried a few salt sprays but they never seemed to give me the effortless beachy waves I dreamed of, just a dry, knotty mess that I normally had to spend more time sorting out then if I'd have just blow dried and straightened it. 

Umberto Giannini Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray gave me the lazy effortless beachy waves of my dreams. I tend to give it a quick blast with a hair dryer first because my hair is so thick it never dries then I just spray  it on my damp hair and wack it in a bun or just go to bed with it still down. Then when my hair finally dries ta-da wavy hair.

I've been using this a lot recently because its just too hot to faff about with hair dryers and straighteners. I have noticed it makes my hair a tad dry but I just run a small blob (technical term obviously) of Tigi Bed Head After Party through it and it looks healthy, silky & shiny again and feels really soft. 

Umberto Giannini Salt spray is £6 but boots currently has a 2 for £8 on selected UG haircare. The backcomb in a bottle is also amazing if you wanted to get something else.

I look so weird without lipstick but this is the morning after bunning my hair with my salt spray for an hour & sleeping with loose slightly damp hair

This is a few days later, can you tell I haven't brushed it? 

What is your favourite Salt Spray?

Beth...x

Sunday Smiles

I have been loving the gorgeous weather this week and have been helping (supervising & drinking tea) my dad with some DIY at home. Hope everyone has had a good week and here's what made me smile:

1. Got a new blog design done by the awesome Aly from Aleelily. What do you think?

2. Finally have a fence around my deck and a nice table & chairs set so I can sit out there and blog

3. Got the beginnings of a sun tan and got to do a bit of sunbathing on an old travel bed mattress  (plus a very burnt back which still stings)

4. Got 2 free Nail polishes from Models Own because my friend won the facebook competition & had tagged me to win a gift card.

5. Had fish & chips in the sun by the river in Betws y coed

6. Hit 30 followers on Bloglovin which to some of you may not be a lot but to me it means the world

7. Orange is the New Black - enough said

8. I ordered Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip balm from feel unique for £6.33 plus elegant touch nails were 3 for 2 plus a free gift and 15% off site wide

9.Toasted marshmallows over a broken washing machine drum that my dad turned into a fire pit

10. Had the most delicious Roast dinner today

What made you smile this week?

Beth...x

My Eyeliner Collection

It's only this past year that I really got into eyeliner and now I'm rarely seen without my eyeliner winged out.I don't always mean to do it, it just happens. It took me a while to master it and I still tend to rock the wonky eyeliner look but you cant tell if you don't look too closely. 

Gel Eyeliner

I'm really bad at using this for my top lid, I just cant get a smooth line, so I tend to just use this on my waterline as I find it lasts longer than pencil and doesn't smudge down my face, it also looks darker with a more intense colour than the pencils I have tried. This pot has lasted me ages and is still no where near run out which definitely makes it worth the £7.99 for the eyeliner in a nice glass pot and the brush. 

Liquid Eyeliner

I've only recently in the past few months fallen in love with liquid eyeliner and now it is always on my lids. I love the intense colour you get and the nice smooth lines. However, they take a bit of getting used to and are a bit daunting for eyeliner beginners. 

As I've only recently mastered liquid liner I haven't spent a lot of money on them with my first being from Miss Sporty for less than £3. I've just replaced this as it was running out with the Rimmel exaggerate for just over a fiver and I love it. The Rimmel one has a more solid nib which did take me a while to get used to but I love it now and it makes it easier to make thicker lines. 

They both stay put all day and I even took a nap in them and they didn't budge. There's also no transfer or fading.

Felt tip Eyeliner

The Felt tip liners are how I started to venture into the winged eyeliner look. It all started when I got an eyeko skinny liner free in a magazine. They are easy to control and give you more room for error. The Barry M one is better for thicker lines but I didn't really get on with this one. I used it more on my water line but then I tended to get stringy bits or liner in my eye which is never a good look. I loved the maybelline one and I used it most of last year. Only downside is you do get a bit of transfer to the upper lid. Felt pens also aren't as intense in colour. 

If you're looking to get into the cat eye, winged liner look but are nervous I highly suggest giving a felt tip a go and then you can progress by going over the felt tip line with liquid liner and then before you'll be an expert.

So here's some swatches. Some of my felt tip liners are a bit old so the colours not great.

1. Maybelline Eye Studio 24hr Gel Eyeliner £7.99 

(buy 1 get 2 1/2 price on maybelline in boots & superdrug at the mo)

2. Rimmel London Exaggerate Eyeliner £5.29 

(Free bronzer when you spend £9 on Rimmel in boots)

3. Miss Sporty Studio Lash Black Liquid Liner £2.79

4. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner £12

(Free with this months Glamour Magazine £2)

5. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liner £5.99

(buy 1 get 2 1/2 price on maybelline in boots & superdrug at the mo)

6. Essence Eyeliner pen

Im not sure how much this was as I got it in Germany but I think some Wilkinsons stores have started selling essence make up.

7. Barry M Wink Marker Liquid Eyeliner £4.59

What is your favourite eye liner?

Beth...x