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Styling your kitchen worktops

Hi there!

Hope you are all enjoying the frosty cold weather?…it puts me into full on faffing mode and the latest place in Rose Cottage to get hit is the kitchen worktops! When I share my kitchen over on Instagram I always get lots of compliments on the styling of it so thought I would share a few tips over here on how I put it all together. The tips are nothing too complicated but they sure are effective…

1. Separate your kitchen into sections

Think about your worktops in smaller more manageable areas, rather than as a whole. Concentrate on one area at a time, make sure your really happy with how you’ve dressed it before moving onto the next.

Think about whether the area will be for practical use or simply decorative; or it could be a mix of both! It’s useful to have certain appliances close to particular cupboards eg mugs near the kettle (especially handy on busy mornings!!). Keep this in mind when choosing what appliances you will need in each worktop section. Also most appliances will need plug sockets so give this consideration too!

2. Start with a blank canvas

I always clear the space I am working on before deciding where anything will go. It helps see the full size of the space and will make it easier to experiment with different accessories.

3. Give the area a good clean

Use the opportunity to give the area a good scrub; clean the worktop itself, the wall/ tiles behind and any appliances or accessories you will be using.

4. Think about things you might want to hide

I am not a fan of seeing plug sockets in my kitchen so often use chopping boards, platter plates and framed prints to hide them where i can. I also hide the plugs and leads of appliances using the same techniques.

5. Add height, colour and texture

Setting appliances and accessories on top of chopping boards can help create a feature and add height.

Adding hooks from the cupboards above is a great way to incorporate accessories without taking up counter space.

6. Accessorise, accessorise and accessorise!

The majority of the accessories in my kitchen are Emma Bridgewater, I am a massive fan and enjoy the country kitchen feel they give. Think about mixing colours, textures and sizes when using accessories, adding plants and flowers too.

Have you any great tips on how you style your own kitchen? I’ll love to hear them!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

blog

Everything you need to know about appearing in an Interior Magazine

Hello there!

If you follow me over on Instagram you will know I’ve had a photographer in today taking some photos of Rose Cottage for a local magazine.  We have featured in one before just over a year ago, so it was a pleasure to do it again!  My inbox has been flooding with messages asking about the experience so I thought it would be easier to put all the info into a blog post.

Here’s everything you need to know about appearing in an Interior Magazine (in my own experience!!!)

  1. You don’t always need to be asked

From the messages I’ve received, everyone assumes you always get asked to feature; but, this is not always the case! If you think you have a beautiful home you can contact the magazine yourself, send over some images and ask to be considered.

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2. You will most definitely feel like a dirty bruit

Because you become this mad cleaning person, who wants to clean everything in sight, you will find masses of dirt in places you didn’t even know existed!…Queue thinking you could grow spuds behind your sofa!

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3. You will spend alot of time faffing

Painting over toothpaste splatters, delicately positioning potatoes in a crate and karate chopping cushions will only be a few crazy activities you will undertake in preparation.

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4. Hiding anything that is even remotely ugly

This may include bins, tv buttons, multi-coloured plastic toys and even family members; which leads me on to….

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5. Bailing your family out

You most definitely will not want any small people hanging about on the day of the shoot (Kids and expensive camera equipment will not mix) so I recommend getting rid of them as soon as you can – a week before the shoot is just about perfect!!

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6. You will become the most awkward and out of place thing in your own home

Trying to keep out of the way of the photographer is hard, especially if you don’t live in a big house.

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7. You will be out of money

You will convince yourself your home needs to be able to feed the 5000 and have more fresh flowers than chelsea flower show.

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8. The experience will be as enjoyable as you make it

Take your time, enjoy your home and soak it all up!

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As always if you have any questions, please get in touch!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

INTERIORS

Garden Transformation

Hello there!

Well…..hasn’t this post has been a loooooong time coming?! We have been in Rose Cottage over 3 years now and the outside has been left completely untouched. (Apart from my Dad taking the head staggers with the weed killer when they outgrow him!!!)  We have quite a lot of outdoor space and it has been overwhelming for us to know where to start.  A few weeks ago I decided I needed to start somewhere; I didn’t want to let another year go by without doing anything.  Neither the Hubby or I have any skills in the gardening department, but with some guidance from my Dad I got to work!

When my Grandparents lived in Rose Cottage, my Granda would be out pottering about outside everyday rain or shine.  For his 70th Birthday my parents bought him a greenhouse, which Dad constructed outside the backdoor on top of some old reclaimed brick.  This greenhouse stood proudly there until around 2 years ago, when we sent it off to another home to be loved.  From then, like the rest of the outdoors, it was let go wild!

Before:

I started by weeding and clearing the whole area.  This was a hard graft both physically and emotionally; I was finding little pots and gardening tools I remembered my Granda having in the greenhouse, so it was bringing lots of memories back.  This made me annoyed at myself for letting it get so out of hand, but it also made me more determined to make it a space which he would be proud of.

After it was cleared, I put down some heavy plastic both inside and outside the bricked area to keep the weeds at bay; then white stones inside and large bark on the outside.  I added some slim wooden posts to the fencing and attached solar powered festoon lights on top from B&M.

I wanted to put all the plants in pots as my track record at keeping them alive is not good! (Means I can replace them when needed!) I am also a massive fan of faffing, so can easily move them about as often as I like!!

All the pots and plants were picked up from Home Bargains, B&M, TKMaxx and B&Q.

The table and chairs are from Argos and linked here (its currently on offer too!)

Solar powered lanterns are from B&M.

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I cannot believe I have such a nice outdoor space now to enjoy!  It was such hard work, but boy was it worth it!  Now to sort out the rest!!!

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If you have any questions as always please get in touch.

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

Jill

 

 

INTERIORS

Harry’s Bedroom Makeover

Hi there!

I can hardly believe we are at this stage with Harry….moving him into a big boy bed! I knew time would fly when we had him (because everyone and their Granny warns you!!) but I really cannot take it in!

For any one who missed out on what his wee room was like before, I’ve linked 2 blog posts below…who doesn’t love a good before and after eh?!

Harry’s Little Room

Harry’s Room gets a little make over in Collaboration with Søstrene Grene 

In preparation for the change, I did hours of scrolling on Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration.  I kept saving and pinning images all with a similar bed frame, so knew this was the one! I built the jungle theme around the bed and after numerous Ikea visits and online basket checkouts his room was finished!

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Bed Frame (We added the storage drawer, side rail and matress) – Buy here

Tiger Mat – Local Selling Site

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Trunk – Bedeck (Was black leather which I white washed with Annie Sloan paint)

Plant – Ikea

Basket – Primark

Building Blocks – The Works

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Animal Heads – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home/shop-by-room/kids-room.html

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Cushions – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home/shop-by-room/kids-room.html and Sostrene Grene

Bedding – Scion from Bedeck

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Plush toys – Ikea

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Prints – https://desenio.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzbLF38iO4AIVBrDtCh010QV0EAAYASAAEgIkgvD_BwE

Frames and snake – Ikea

Green Leaves – Ikea, attached to the bed frame with cable ties

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Born to be Wild Print from Desenio – Link above

Giraffe print, frames, zebra vase – Poundland

Plush toys – Ikea

Wooden Crate – Sostrene Grene and I added hanging luggage tag from Next

Curtains – Ikea

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Bags – H&M Home (Linked above) and Sostrene Grene (Gifted from previous collaboration)

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Prints – Desenio and Poundland

Wire basket, giraffe and frames – Poundland

Mice and plant- Ikea

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As you can see this little lion is loving his new room and bed! Lets hope that means lots and lots of sleep in it!!!!

I’d really love to hear your thoughts on the makeover! I’ve tried my best to tell you where everything is from and given links where I can; but as always, if you have any questions please get in touch!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

Jill

INTERIORS

Bathroom Update

Hi there!

I have been a bit of a rubbish blogger recently, I’ve even been too busy to do much on Instagram as the makeover of the bathroom and spare room has completely taken over my life and the house!!!  I don’t know about you, but when I attempt to re-decorate anything the whole house ends up a total tip!

If you’ve been following me over on Instagram for a while you will remember I re-decorated this bathroom around a year ago.  Although I felt it was an improvement from what it had been before, I still didn’t love it.  It just seemed too plain and lacking the ‘wow’ factor. At this point you can feel very sorry for Ash (my Hubby), as he had to listen to my moaning. (Which he felt was ridiculous as I had chosen everything in the room – so why wouldn’t I like it?!!)

Ignoring Ash (!!!) I ploughed on scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest to get some new ideas, determined to fall in love with this room.  When I seen the gorgeous Sam from Dove Cottage (Find her bathroom update blog here ) I seen stars and knew panelling was the way to go…

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I was determined to keep my costs down and do as much of the makeover myself as possible, so bought the pieces of wood cut to size from here – I chose Standard MDF, 3mm thickness.  The total cost of the wood was under £30.  I stuck the pieces of wood to the walls with ‘no more nails’ which was so easy for me to do myself! (Even my Dad the DIY king of Rose Cottage was impressed!!)

The paint used was Dulux – Polished Pebble on top (which was the colour already on the walls); and Crown – City Break on Panelling.

I added some lighting to the wall, but didn’t want the hassle or cost of bothering with electrician, wires, cutting into walls etc.  I bought these lights here, which are meant to be electric but stuck a battery push button light into them instead!

The mirror is from Dunelm, you can find it here.

I picked up the frames and prints from Ikea.

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This is one of the Ikea Shoe Cabinets which I have popped into our bathroom, as the storage in it is amazing and I love that everything is hidden and stored in one place.  I’ve dressed with with a few accessories on top.

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The flooring is vinyl and was bought and fitted by Stephen Moore Carpets in Lisburn.

So this was a long time coming, but I can confirm it is now my absolute favourite room in Rose Cottage and I cannot stop popping into it for a stare! I am so looking forward to lots of hot, bubbly baths in it!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

Jill

INTERIORS

Collecting Emma Bridgewater on a Budget

Hello there!

When we starting planning our move into Rose Cottage, my mind immediately went into overdrive picking things to furnish it.  When I thought about pottery, I knew I wanted to collect Emma Bridgewater.  I admired the unique and colourful patterns, and appreciated the time and patience which went into each piece.

Having built up quite a collection, I thought I would share with you some tips on how I buy Emma Bridgewater without it ending in divorce or featuring on the next series of ‘Cant pay, we’ll take it away’!

So here goes:

  1. Look out for Emma Bridgewater items popping up on local selling sites.  You can be lucky with websites such as Gumtree, Buy and Sell pages, Shpock and EBay.  If the seller has little/no knowledge of the true value, you can pick up a real bargain.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

2. Watch out for Sale time on the Emma Bridgewater website.  Sales happen on the website a few times throughout the year and further reductions follow the main sale.  You can pick up mugs from as little as £4.99 at the sales final reductions!

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3. Reduction codes – There are always codes floating about which can entitle you to things like free personalisation, free postage and packaging, 15% off, 10% off etc.  These are discount codes which you can enter on the Emma Bridgewater website at checking out.  Before completing a transaction, please get in touch with me if you’d like a code (best to get me over on Instagram @homeatrosecottage).

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4. Buy from the seconds and discontinued section on the Emma Bridgewater website.  This is where I normally pick up my dinner plates and mugs as I don’t worry about using them daily and throwing them in and out of the dishwasher.  If something gets broken or chipped I won’t worry as much as I haven’t spent too much money on it.

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5. Buy from small businesses selling decoupaged items/ items using Emma Bridgewater fabric/ items inspired by Emma Bridgewater to compliment your collection.  A few of my favourite pages to buy from are @thekookyfox @natyshasvintagehome @bettys_shabby_chic_boutique @loveheartlane @katrina.lyall_dippyduck.  You will find them over on Instagram.

6. Buy from the melamine range.  This is more like picnic wear in the same pattern as the pottery but at a fraction of the price.  These pieces are also great to use when children are about – they can use what they think is the same crockery as the adults without the worry!

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7. Don’t keep any item you don’t love – sell it to buy something which you do!  If you keep looking at a piece of Emma Bridgewater which you have bought and just can’t fall in love with it, don’t hold onto it.  Sell it on to someone who will love it and treat yourself to something on your wish list!

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Let me know if you have any other tips and happy shopping!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

blog, LIFESTYLE

12 Sites to see over the Christmas Period in Northern Ireland

Hi there!

This is the first entry in my 12 days of Christmas Countdown for Christmas at Rose Cottage!  I have pulled together a list of events we hope to attend this month and thought I would share them.   Please note, a lot of the events require tickets so check first on the links I have provided:

  1. Rock around the Christmas Tree

https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/events/rock-around-the-christmas-tree

Thursday 13th December 4-7pm, Market Square Lisburn.  The Market Square will be transformed into a massive family friendly dance party with amazing outdoor lighting, disco balls, Christmas characters and lively tunes from DJ Andy Baird.

2. St Georges Twilight Market

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/markets/twilight-market.aspx

Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th Dec 4-11pm, St Georges Market Belfast.  Sample local food, drink and craft stalls.  There will also be live entertainment and cookery demonstrations.

3. Santa’s Magical Kingdom at the Argory

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/7ec71f8b-3054-4a1e-8914-d51899b72157/pages/details

6th-16th Dec at The Argory Dungannon, there will be festive tales from Mrs Claus, lots of elves and Santa himself.

4. Santa and the Gruffalo’s Grotto

https://whatsonni.com/event/42872-santa-gruffalos-grotto/colin-glen-forest-park

2nd-21st Dec in Colin Glen, Belfast.  There will be story telling and a visit to Santa’s Grotto.

5. Belfast Christmas Markets

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/Event-95491.aspx

17th-22nd Dec in front of the City Hall in Belfast.  This is my favourite Christmas event, with an outdoor food court, live music and lots of craft stalls.

6.Belfast Community Gospel Choir Concert

https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/all-events/belfast-community-gospel-choir/

16th Dec 7.30-10.30pm in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast.  Tickets range from £22-25.

7. Enchanted Winter Gardens

http://enchantedwintergarden.com/

7th-17th Dec 4-9pm, Antrim Castle Gardens.

8. Christmas Market and Fun Day

https://www.belfastcastle.co.uk/belfast-castle/whats-on/event-715.aspx

2nd Dec 12-5pm at Belfast Castle.  There will be a Christmas Choir, santa and face painting.

9. Yuletide Market

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/73f27f18-7f0c-4cab-995f-027f2ab7c27d/pages/details

Saturday 8th – Sunday 9th Dec in Rowallene Garden, Saintfield.  Craft fair, food and drinks, a local choir and vintage carousel.

10. Christmas at the Museum

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/456435

The Polar Express comes to the Ulster Museum Belfast on Saturday 15th Dec .

11. Christmas Rooftop Cinema

https://www.theperchbelfast.com/

Monday 10th Dec 7-10pm, The Perch Belfast are showing The Grinch.

Monday 17th Dec 7-10pm, The Perch Belfast are showing Elf on their outdoor roof top.

12. Santa Paws

http://www.thedirtyonion.com/

On Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th Dec 12-4pm, the Dirty Onion Belfast are holding a festive afternoon of live music, doggy fair and a photo of your dog with Santa!

I’ve tried to include something for everyone in here! Please let me know if there are any others I can add to my list!

Happy Christmas!

Jill

INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE

Baby’s Kitchen Cupboard Organisation

Hello there!

Hope you are all well? Thought I would write a blog post about how I have got myself organised to best cater for little Harry’s eating.  If you’re a parent, you will know how stressful it can become when your wee one is crying looking fed and you’re flapping about trying to get bottles made/ food prepared!  I think the key to avoiding this is preparation and organisation.

Firstly, I cleared a cupboard in the kitchen and dedicated it solely to Harry.  I then bought some storage baskets to put his bits and pieces in.  You can find the baskets here: http://www.lakeland.co.uk/23881/Small-Faux-Rattan-Storage-Basket

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The bottom shelf has sterilised bottles on the left, baby rice and porridge in the middle and formula on the right.  This formula is the opened one which I am currently using.

The middle shelf has a basket full of spoons, bowls and bibs.  And another basket with food pouches for handiness when out and about.  (Just a quick side note – become a friend to Ella’s Kitchen here for a cute little weaning starter pack: https://www.ellaskitchen.co.uk/become-a-friend/ )

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The top shelf has spare formula; I would recommend keeping a spare tin or two to avoid panic if it runs out!  And a basket with medical supplies, and cups.

I hope these simple organisation tips have been helpful! If you have any more I would love to hear them!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill 

blog

Master Bedroom

Hello again!

I have finished another room! – Yipeee!

When tackling the master bedroom, I had a few things in mind.  I wanted it to be a tranquil space where hubby and I could go to switch off from the hustle and bustle of the day.  I didn’t want the walls to be cluttered with fussy wallpaper and floral canvases but everything to have a plain and clean look.  As new parents I felt it was important our bedroom was a place of sanctuary away from the brightly coloured toys which play nursery tunes on repeat all day everyday!   I wanted this to be the room in the house where I could completely relax and enjoy some well deserved ‘me’ time.

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The paint colour in our bedroom is the same colour as the rest of the house.  When thinking about moving into Rose Cottage I didn’t want the hassle or to spend the time deliberating over paint colour for each room individually so I just painted the whole house in magnolia!  I done the same with the carpet and carpeted the whole house the same.  I know to some of you this sounds incredibly uncreative and boring, but to me it creates a flow throughout the house which I love.  I find these neutral colours to be warm and inviting as well as being able to easily match accessories to.

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Bed – http://creations-interiors.com/?page_id=77&cat_id=34&product_id=845

Bedding –http://www.bedeckhome.com/sanderson-fabienne-bedding-silver.html#

Bedside Table – http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/tables/coffee-side-tables/maryd-tray-table-grey-art-90292725/

Lamp – http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/lighting/table-lamps/årstid-table-lamp-nickel-plated-white-art-00280637/

Stars – http://www.thewhitelighthousefurniture.co.uk/accessories/stars-set-grey.htm

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Light Up Heart – B&M

Prints – http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/themotivatedtype/product/nap-queen-typography-print

Frames – TKMaxx

These 2 pieces of furniture were both up cycling projects – they were both dark wood and I painted with Annie Sloan Old White.

Cushions – H&M Sale

Hello Beautiful Banner – https://www.frenchgreylifestyle.co.uk/collections/all

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Curtains – http://www.bedeckhome.com/sanderson-fabienne-bedding-silver.html

Heart – http://www.dunelm.com/product/chalk-rustic-hanging-heart-1000043859?searchTerm=hanging%20heart

Chandelier – http://www.argos.co.uk/product/4324005

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These photos are from our wedding – I got them printed in black and white from Photobox and put them into Ikea frames.  Simple but effective I think!

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Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

Pure Bliss

Hello there!

Having recently read lots of blogs, from people I closely follow, on their skincare routines I thought I would share my skin journey…

I always had great skin through my childhood and teenage years so it was never really anything I gave a second thought. This all changed when my skin badly broke out, especially across my forehead and chin. My lifestyle was exactly the same, I was using the same products, eating/drinking the same so I couldn’t understand what was happening! My skin would ache constantly and I would go to any extreme to hide it – from wearing heavy duty makeup, to pulling scarves up over my chin and mouth, I even got a fringe!!!

I had just got engaged and started to panic about my skin for the wedding day. After doing some research, I came across a little salon based close to where I live. This just happened to be the lovely Michelle from Bliss Skin and Beauty Dromore; I immediately made contact. At this point I’d like to say this blog post is in no way, shape or form sponsored. I truly believe in Michelle and how she transformed my skin then and continues to do so today!

I explained to Michelle what my skin concerns were and that my wedding day was fast approaching; she invited me into the salon to have a further in depth conversation and some face mapping. From the moment I walked into the salon I was put at ease and made feel right at home. The salon is a beautiful space and with Michelle greeting you at the door, it couldn’t be more inviting!

On my, and anyone’s first visit to the salon, Michelle will carry out a full consultation and face mapping.   This allows for a truly prescriptive treatment enabling her to target different skin concerns in different zones on your face.  It also includes a conversation on your lifestyle, health and any skin goals you may have.  She will then recommend the best course of action and treatment on what she has discovered.

You spend your treatment under the covers, on her heated couch and listening to relaxing music.  Michelle has magic hands and I’m always asleep before the end of the session!  Her knowledge, experience and professionalism is evident throughout the treatment and the aftercare; I could see results from my very first visit.

Michelle will recommend some products to continue your skin journey at home and has a vast range of products to buy in the salon, but is in no way forceful in selling these. She is more than happy to provide you with samples to take home and try out before investing in any.

When going to a salon, I feel you choose it as much on the staff, as you do on the premises and quality/range of treatments.  Michelle is a beautiful person inside and out.  She has been through many life stages with me from engagement, hen parties, wedding, miscarriage, pregnancy, grief and the list goes on. She has been my go to; regardless of what life has thrown at me. I don’t think I’ve ever really thanked her for that, but I hope that by me returning and supporting her it shows.

So girls, what are you waiting for?! You can book in with Michelle via social media or on the phone at 07912784382.

I have spoke in this post about skincare and facials but Michelle also provides other treatments including massage, pedicures, waxing, reflexology.   Find out more about what she offers on Instagram here and Facebook here.

 

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill