MooksGoo Blog

My Favourite Things From October

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:26:27 GMT

This month has been full of love! Love for family and friends, love for my work and the wonderful clients who choose to work with me, and love for everything all I have built around me. I reached a milestone this month - the big 4-0! And I am totally embracing every second.

Thanks for being here! If there's anything you'd like to have a chat about, email me howdy@mooksgoo.co.uk .

IN OCTOBER I HAVE BEEN...

CELEBRATING!

It was my 40th this month, which I find rather peculiar. I’m still 24 at heart, just with a little more wisdom… ish! I’m utterly embracing this milestone. We celebrated with a small gathering at my house, where the fancy-dress theme was 'eccentric' (pic 1). It was an absolute sight to behold and exactly my kind of chaos!

My husband and some brilliant buddies also organised a secret weekend away to Bournemouth. Not having to plan a thing felt like pure luxury - I felt like a queen! Very loved, very grateful. We went to a comedy show, dined out, explored the town, and finished with a full-blown pyjama party at the incredible house we’d hired. One restaurant even surprised me with a birthday cake (pic 2) - not your typical sponge either - pure genius.

Mum then whisked me off to Brighton for a girly shopping weekend. The wind was doing its wild coastal thing (pic 3), but armed with our old-lady shopping trollies (both named Nelly, naturally), we embraced the blustery adventure! I’m sorry to report that the only things I bought were a new set of pants and a toe ring - utter fail! Still, Brighton never disappoints. It’s a wondrous place, bursting with colour, character and quirk, and it charmed me completely.

I had the most incredible birthday celebrations with very special people. Cheers to another year filled with awesomeness!

WEARING

As the days start to get chillier and I attempt to delay the dreaded heating bill, I can highly recommend a big, fat, cosy oversized hoodie. I quite literally wear mine to death.

This one just so happens to be uniquely designed by yours truly (perks of the job). It’s warm, ridiculously comfortable, and perfect for studio days, sofa evenings, and everything in between.

WATCHING

The Witcher season 4. There’s a new main character this season, Liam Hemsworth - and to be fair, he did a brilliant job stepping into the very big boots of Henry Cavill. However, while the performances were strong (not just the muscular type), I found the actual storyline a little… meh. It didn’t quite grip me in the way previous seasons have. I give it a 6/10, but eagerly awaiting season 5!

FOLLOWING

Most people have heard of the wonderful Liz Earle Skincare, but I recently found Liz Earle Wellbeing on Instagram here , where the fabulous Liz talks about all things heath and wellness.

The account is aimed at all ages, but has lots of helpful tips and tricks for the women who are around the 'fabulous and forty+' age! The older I become... no, the wiser I become, the more I realise that exercise and movement is paramount for a better mental flow, and when I stuff my face (I love food, so much!) I am more considerate with what I consume, and how it will effect my health.

Don't get me wrong, I do love to indulge and am rather partial to a cocktail or two on the weekends, but this body needs to be nourished and looked after. But not so much on the weekends...

MAKING

JOYS OF BANANA SKINS!

This may sound random, but banana skins are fantastic for two things (many things actually, but two for now):

Get the inside of the banana skin and rub it on your face in the morning. Leave it for 10-odd minutes, then wash off with water. Tiktok introduced me to this magic. It's good for moisturising the skin, and the enzymes act as a 'nature's botox', which helps reduce fine lines. Who knew! To be really savvy, add a couple of thiny sliced cucumber halves under your eyes to help with puffiness. You're welcome.
Once you've finished with your banana skins, pop them in a large pot and fill it with boiling water (top up with cold if you need to). Leave it a day or two to infuse. The water will turn brown-ish and look gross, but trust the process. Take your banana liquid and water your plants with it. I have always struggled to keep plants thriving, however this is a game changer!

If you have any tips or tricks you'd like to share, I'm all ears! See you next month. Lovelove x

My Favourite Things From September

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:03:15 GMT

Greetings! Welcome to the monthly 'My Favourite Things'. September is back to more of a normal routine after the summer, which I miss so much already. I'm writing this looking out of the window - it's pouring with rain and I have a hot water bottle under my jumper. I refuse to put the heating on just yet though! Here's to cosy nights in and beautiful autumnal scenes.

Thanks for being here! If there's anything you'd like to have a chat about, email me howdy@mooksgoo.co.uk .

IN SEPTEMBER I HAVE BEEN...

VISITING

Sometimes we tend not to visit places that are 'on our doorstep', but I saw a course on how to make your own Kimchi at the Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight and had to take part. Kimchi is basically fermented shredded/cut up veg and is packed with probiotics and heathy organisms that your gut loves - it's soooo good for you!

Whilst I was there, I indulged in black garlic chocolate ice cream made by Minghella (also made on the Isle of Wight!). It was fantastic. The Garlic Farm have a fabulous array of delicious dips and sauces, which you can try before you buy. I tried them all! The garlic mayo with black garlic and lemon was my favourite (my breath was precious). They have an online shop here if you don't want to miss out.

There is a charity that started in 2015 on the Island called The Wight Brainy Bunch. It was set up by Mark Grimes and his wife, Kathryn, when Mark was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Realising that very little funding and support was available on the Island, they set up the charity to support families going through a similar journey.

Their big yearly fundraiser is Warrior Festival, and this year it was held at the recently closed venue, Robin Hill (the Bestival used to be here a few years ago too!). Robin Hill now has new owners, so this was the first event held here in some time.

Warrior Festival is a music event with tribute bands featuring Queen, Muse, Tom Jones, Nirvana, Artic Monkeys and the Foo Fighters - it was absolutely brilliant!! Mark and Kat worked so hard to make this festival happen, and I will definitely be back next year! Here is their website if you'd like to read more about the charity.

WEARING

I have two (new) favourites this month, one is lion themed, and the other is spooky mushroom themed! My youngest daughter helped me to create a video for it below; a very 'off the cuff' production, but that's the beauty of it. Designed by me, made on the Isle of Wight from sustainable organic cotton!

WATCHING

Stranger Things - I know season 5 isn't out yet, but I wanted to introduce my eldest to one of the best series' I've ever seen. We're literally at the end of season 4, and I can not WAIT to see the next chapter (2025 I think). There's literally not one bad/boring episode in the whole thing. I give ST 9/10! Watch it on Netflix.

DESIGNING

This month is a 'work in progress' month. As I was fortunate enough to take some time out in August for the holidays, I am attending to my wonderful clients who were in contact with me during that time and working through their briefs.

I'm currently building a website for a lovely lady who is quite well-known in the 'natural skincare and well-being' industry, and working on a re-brand for an Island-based company who are well known for being 'fun guys'... more will be revealed when the projects are signed off!

In the meantime, here are a couple of brand visual identities I have worked on recently.

FOLLOWING

Most people have heard of the wonderful Liz Earle Skincare, but I recently found Liz Earle Wellbeing on Instagram here , where the fabulous Liz talks about all things heath and wellness.

The account is aimed at all ages, but has lots of helpful tips and tricks for the women who are around the 'fabulous and forty+' age, which is me next year! The older I become... no, the wiser I become, the more I realise that exercise and movement is paramount for a better mental flow, and when I stuff my face (I love food, so much!) I am more considerate with what I consume, and how it will effect my health.

Don't get me wrong, I do love to indulge and am rather partial to a cocktail or two on the weekends, but this body needs to be nourished and looked after. But not so much on the weekends...

MAKING

JOYS OF BANANA SKINS!

This may sound random, but banana skins are fantastic for two things (many things actually, but two for now):

Get the inside of the banana skin and rub it on your face in the morning. Leave it for 10-odd minutes, then wash off with water. @mymategingerkate (Tiktok or Insta) introduced me to this magic. It's good for moisturising the skin, and the enzymes act as a 'nature's botox', which helps reduce fine lines. Who knew! To be really savvy, add a couple of thiny sliced cucumber halves under your eyes to help with puffiness. You're welcome.
Once you've finished with your banana skins, pop them in a large pot and fill it with boiling water (top up with cold if you need to). Leave it a day or two to infuse. The water will turn brown-ish and look gross, but trust the process. Take your banana liquid and water your plants with it. I have always struggled to keep plants thriving, however this is a game changer!

Can't believe it's nearly October... my birthday month yippee! Presents are welcome, I like cheese, red wine and adventures. See you when I'm older. Lovelove x

My Favourite Things From August

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 11:53:19 GMT

Helloo! Welcome to the monthly 'My Favourite Things'. August is one of the most exciting months for me... and the most financially draining! I have birthdays coming out of my ears; my mum's, my dad's, my daughter, (and my other daughter's is at the beginning of September!) and Matt (the husband).

And of course it's the summer holidays so there's been parties, bbqs, picnics, family meals, friend outings, and everything in-between. I'm so very fortunate that I am able to take some time off in August to be with the children as much as possible, as I know these days are so precious. Demanding, but precious! I hear the phrase 'can I have a snack?', and 'I'm hungry' more times that I want to, but nevertheless, I absolutely loved my girls being home. Matt took some time off too, which was wonderful.

Thanks for being here! If there's anything you'd like to have a chat about, email me howdy@mooksgoo.co.uk . Toodle pip!

IN AUGUST I HAVE BEEN...

VISITING

The Isle of Wight is a rather magical place, especially in the summer. For Matt's birthday we went Coasteering, which is a 2 hour guided session climbing around the rocks, exploring the caves, and jumping off rather high cliffs around the stunning Freshwater Bay. It was an adventurous adrenaline rush and highly recommended!

We went when it was high tide, but they do a foraging session at low tide too, which is really good in late spring/early. I tried some seaweed growing on rocks within the caves which tasted like garlic mushrooms, madness (our guide told us it was safe first!). It was £45pp (12+ years), and the low tide session is £30pp (8+ years).

Book with Freshwater Bay Coasteering here , it was epic.

WEARING

Staying with the theme of wetsuits and sun, I absolutely love the beach, especially when the waves are dancing. It's an amazing way to burn the calories whilst being in nature and having a total blast! Rad.

I had a couple of surfing lessons (with isurf on the Isle of Wight); I'm terrible but totally loved it, so I designed a funky rainbow wave pattern to put onto my very own rash vest. It's buttery soft, keeps me warm (under the wetsuit or not), and is also UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 50+! It's not just for the beach either, I team it up with a pair of dungarees or a jean skirt, which adds a bit of pizzaz. There's also a matching towel and cushion, because why not!

WATCHING

Emily in Paris - of course I binged the first part of season 4 that was released this month! The show is about Emily Cooper (played by Lily Collins), who moved to Paris from America, landing a job for a chic marketing agency. There's plenty of romance, exquisite food, stunning fashion, creative advertising ideas, whilst exploring the ups and downs of relationships. My favourite character is Mindy (played by Ashley Park) - her outfits are stunning! 8/10.

House of the Dragon - as mentioned last month, Matt and I re-watched Game of Thrones recently; the second time round is even better. I don't get excited by prequels (apart from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, that was awesome), and HOTD is no exception.

I'm not a fan of House of the Dragon. The characters are pretty boring if I'm honest, and the story lines are a bit pants. I appreciate the costume design and special effects, but overall, it's a no from me. 3/10.

DESIGNING

I took a little time away from the Wonder Room (office) this month to have some adventure time with the kiddos, so let's take a look back at some brand visual identities for businesses I have worked with recently...

FOLLOWING

This is a fun one for the movie fans (mainly Disney)! I have come across an account on TikTok called @its_ivanmars (also on YouTube here ) and he detects hidden easter eggs or connections in films.

He gives me the 'huh!' moment in all of his videos. Here's an example: Cinderella is the sequel to Wish, Beauty and the Beast is connected to the Hunch Back of Notre Dame, and the Evil Queen from Snow White is one of the main characters in Tangled.

I won't spoil it any more, go and watch (I'm sorry for all the time you'll waste).

MAKING

HOMEMADE, NON-TOXIC WASHING POWDER!

I initially started using this laundry detergent due to a few members of my family having irritated and sensitive skin. I've been using it for months now and it's really helped.

I team it with White Vinegar ( Amazon link here 4x 5litre bottles for £15, and also great for cleaning around the home) in the fabric conditioner drawer, and add to that a few drops of Fresh Linen Fragrance Oil from Nikura ( buy here )

I buy the ingredients in bulk so you get more bang for your buck. I also double the amount shown below, as I feel like there are 40 people living in my home from the amount of washing we get through.

INGREDIENTS :

1.5 Cups of Sodium Bicarbonate ( Amazon link here )

1.5 Cups Soda Crystals ( Amazon link here )

0.5 Cups Borax Substitute ( Amazon link here )

0.5 Cups Epsom Salts ( Amazon link here )

0.25 Cups Sea Salt ( Amazon link here )

I put all the ingredients in a big tupperware box and mix really well. I use a normal-sized scoop for each wash, either in the powder drawer of the washing machine, or in the drum (before the clothes). Stubborn stains may need the help from a good stain remover.

I hope your August was smashing too. See you at the end of September for the next news update! X

My Favourite Things From July

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:54:02 GMT

Helloo! Welcome to 'My Favourite Things from' monthly goss!

(Thanks for being here! If there's anything you'd like to have a chat about, email me howdy@mooksgoo.co.uk . Cheerio!)

IN JULY I HAVE BEEN...

VISITING

The Royal Isle of Wight County Show in Northwood was brilliant! I'd never been before, but having an animal-obsessed little person in my life, we decided to have a mooch.

We got up-close to pigs, sheep, goats, calves, chicken, ducks, dogs and horses. We also saw a cow being milked, alpacas being walked, and a hilarious show with dancing sheep!

I was pleased to see a Makers Market, adorned with local creators showing their wares... and of course I couldn't resist a purchase of some funky earrings! They were from the very fabulous @be_fab_u_lous (Instagram), loveeee!

WEARING

During lockdown (I miss the freedom of time!), I decided to get fit with the help of Joe Wicks @thebodycoach (instagram). I used to follow his free workouts on YouTube, then did his 90 day plan, then I signed up to the app. I did really well and even had little abs! However, as time has passed I fell off the wagon a little, and life got in the way... well, let's be honest, I got lazy.

Towards the end of July however, I had an urge to get back on it. I couldn't sit down the next two days, but it was worth the fantastic feeling that exercise gives you. I'm proud to be wearing my workout gear again (after a big dusting off!).

WATCHING

Supacell is a refreshing take on people with relatable struggles in an every-day world, who develop super powers - some use it for good, some not so much. They need to unite and stand together against other baddies! One of their powers is jumping back and forward in time; this would be my chosen power. I would see who built the pyramids for one. I give it a 7.5/10. Watch it on Netflix.

And nearly there with the end of GOT - season 8 is well under way! Is House of the Dragon any good... I'm not a fan of prequels, but we shall see!

DESIGNING

Back to School

Being able to personalise stuff is very handy when it comes to school. On many occasions there have been lost PE bags because they are the same as 15 other kiddos in their class. The robust straps can handle the swinging around, and it's machine washable too, woo!

Wedding Season

Who doesn't love a wedding? I had my first wedding this July (which was utterly stunning in a gorgeous barn on the Island), and created the Mr and Mrs print below. The couple loved it so much that I popped it in my shop for others to give as a cherished gift. Personalised with names and the date, it's a keepsake for many years to come (and won't fade!).

FOLLOWING

This month I re-started the fitness journey, and I highly recommend two people... Joe Wicks (Instagram @thebodycoach ) and Courtney Black (Instagram @courtneydblack ).

Joe (yeh, we're mates!) has many variations of exercise, from beginner, Hiit (high-intensity interval training), maternity, bad knees, and hard core! Courtney pushes you to your limits and really makes you sweattttt! She is a formidable woman, but super lovely and fun to work-out with.

MAKING

DELICIOUS COCONUTTY GRANOLA

I have this every morning, and it's absolutely divine! It can be stored in an air-tight container for a couple of weeks.

INGREDIENTS :

155g rolled oats

100g mixed seeds (Lidls sell these in a pack)

100g mixed nuts (such as pecans, almonds, walnuts, cashews etc), crushed (use a rolling pin)

95g coconut chips (or desiccated)

1 (90g) apple fruit pouch (in the baby aisle!)

35g coconut oil, melted

35g honey (organic if possible)

1 pinch salt

(Method below)

METHOD :

Pre-heat the oven to 160°C fan. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the coconut oil, then stir in the honey and apple pouch. Mix everything together.

Put everything onto a large baking tray with baking paper, forming an even layer as shown above. Stir every 7 minutes until it goes slightly brown and crispy - I do this two-three times and it's perfect.

You only need a small amount per portion, around 55g.

Eat with milk of your choice (I like to pop it in the microwave for 1 minute), or if you're feeling extra good, have it with a couple of dollops of Greek yoghurt. It's also yummers with dried apricot, or fresh berries. Enjoy!

And that's it for July! Lots of love x

My Favourite Things From June

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 08:55:55 GMT

Helloo! Welcome to 'My Favourite Things from' monthly goss!

(Thanks for being here! If there's anything you'd like to have a chat about, email me howdy@mooksgoo.co.uk . Cheerio!)

IN JUNE I HAVE BEEN...

VISITING

The Isle of Wight Festival is a yearly event on my home turf, and it's something I really look forward to! I'm a huge fan of music - growing up my dad was a music super-fan, blasting tunes from the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, MC Hammer etc (in fact, he took me to my first ever concert to see Muse, so when I won tickets to Live 8 in 2005 on the radio, I took him... more about that another time maybe!).

There's always an eclectic mix of music on in my house, but you can't beat a live beat, especially when it involves an ice-cold beer, some mates and the sunshine! 2024's IW Festival was epic; it was one of the best festivals I've ever been to, from the weather, food and music, to the people, organisation and portaloos... they were porcelain, oooooh posh!

The highlight for me this year was Green Day. I entered a punky/rocky/skatery stage at some point growing up, and I remember having my CD walkman with all their albums carefully placed in alphabetical order in a CD holder! The Prodigy were also fantastic, Jessie J had an incredible presence on stage, The Darkness were brilliant, and I loved the Electro Love tent - always something to sing your heart out to in there! I'm too sensible/boring to camp as my lovely bed is down the road!

If you get a chance to experience the IW Festival, give it a go.

WEARING

I strongly believe there is connection between what we choose to wear and our mental health, and it's called Dopamine Dressing . It's dressing ourselves in outfits that bring us joy, boosts our mood, and makes us want to do a happy dance - even whilst doing the most mundane tasks. Put on that colourful 'out out' dress to do the school run, or wear your brightest, boldest t-shirt with those posh jeans. Colour can do wonders for the soul.

I designed these dresses so they do just that. Bold, bright and fun, but also flattering and comfy (and when you do a jazzy little spin, the skirt has that fabulous, floaty swing-dance flare!). These are not sold anywhere else and never made in bulk. Escape the humdrum and put on something that makes you feel fabulous!

WATCHING

Bridgeton Season 3! The fashion - absolutely incredible costume department -, the romance, the non-existent use of phones/tech, the raunchiness, the scandals! I love everything about it! I give it 9.5/10. Watch it on Netflix.

Re-watching Game of Thrones! It's even better the second time around!

DESIGNING

New illustrated lion wall art in three colourways. Comes with or without a frame and/or mount. Stay wild!

FOLLOWING

Lagom Chef on TikTok (@lagomchef) . I have been a fan of his for years! He is a quirky chef, very down-to-earth, and just creates easy-to-cook food that tastes amazing. Plus, he's funny and doesn't like to waste grub!

MAKING

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE NUTTY BALLS OF JOY!

This recipe is ready in 5 minutes and doesn't need to be baked or cooked, but the ingredients do need to be blended in a food processor or something like a Nutribullet (Amazon link https://amzn.to/45Wxo16 ).

I bought the following ingredients from either Lidl or my local health shop. You can use mixed nuts, or just one type; I have used cashews, pecans, roasted hazelnuts and walnuts. You could even add dried fruits if you're feeling fancy. I like to do 2 batches at once because they get scoffed very quickly!

I have added Amazon links if you'd rather not nip to the shops and let the joy of online shopping do its thang. What you'll need:

Raw nuts

https://amzn.to/4cwyCmn

Large, soft dates (Deglet Nour or Medjool dates)

https://amzn.to/4cV1zYV

Raw, organic Cacao Powder

https://amzn.to/3xThgRA

INGREDIENTS :

1 cup of mixed nuts

1 cup of dates

2 tablespoons of Cacao

Food processor

(Method below)

METHOD :

Blend the nuts in the food processor first. Add the cacao and dates, then blend again until it reaches a crumbly consistency. Push and mould into balls. Leave them on the side in an air tight box, or in the fridge. The end!

And that's it for June! Lots of love x

My Favourite Things From May

howdy@mooksgoo.co.uk (Michelle Lott) — Fri, 31 May 2024 10:21:15 GMT

Helloo! Welcome to the new monthly blog of 'My Favourite Things', and we're starting at the beginning of summer when the sun is finally sunning! Here, you'll get to know a bit about what floats my boat, from interiors, movies or series', fashion, inspiring people, places I've visited, current design projects and more.

Thanks for being here! If there's anything you'd like to have a chat about, email me howdy@mooksgoo.co.uk . Cheerio!

IN MAY I HAVE BEEN...

VISITING

Although living on an Island is somewhat close to an abroad holiday, we have never actually been away as a family of 4. After the dreary period from Christmas to spring, we couldn’t wait for some escapism - toodle-pip grey skies, hello sunny Turkey!

We booked with Jet2Holidays and stayed at Aska Lara Resort and Spa . It was just utterly fantastic and would totally recommend it, especially if you have kiddos. Matt and I are big kids at heart so loved the water slides too... well, I went on a few times and then quickly opted for cocktails instead - got to love an all inclusive! We ate like pigs too. I don't regret a thing.

WEARING

We had a swarm of honey bees settle in our tree - what an incredible sight! I did ask a few questions to myself though: why do they huddle, to keep warm? What about the bees in the middle, don't they get too hot? What about the ones on the outside, don't they get cold? I later learnt from a lovely local bee keeper that it's called 'bearding', and they do this to regulate the temperature of their hive! Every day is a school day, eh!

After a few days however, they decided to try a different branch of hotels (see what I did there) and just upped and left. Maybe the service wasn't up to scratch! Hopefully one day I'll be able to have my own bees to look after.

Taking inspiration from bees, I illustrated a ‘honey bee and flowers’ pattern and sent it away to get printed on a dress (and a beach towel) - it's my favourite thing to wear at the moment! They get compliments everywhere. They're in the shop now if you are a bee fan, too (and love supporting small businesses promoting slow fashion). www.mooksgoo.shop

WATCHING

Ted Lasso (I’m a bit behind!, I know!) is an American football coach who comes to England to manage a failing football team. It’s all about compassion and kindness, even when faced with insults and abuse. Ted turns negatives into positives and cares about the players rather than the results. I loved it. Hannah Waddingham, who plays Rebecca Welton in the series, is my new girl crush - she’s a formidable queen! Watch on Apple TV. I give it 8.5/10.

Red Eye is about a doctor who finds himself mixed up in a crime he didn’t commit with some great twists. It stars Richard Armitage, who has been in some other fab shows such as Fool Me Once, Obsession, The Stranger, and Stay Close. These are all created by the author Harlan Coben, whose writing is full of twists and turns. To be fair though, being an ex-detective’s daughter, I am pretty good at calling the twist before it happens! Watch it on ITVX. I give it a 7.5/10.

DESIGNING

The Suffolk Punch Trust

The Suffolk Punch Trust is a charity dedicated to help protect the critically endangered Suffolk Punch horse breed. They commissioned me to refresh their existing logo and create a new website from scratch. I devised a plan for a new streamlined adoption and donation system, which has now transformed the charity. The Suffolk Punch Trust team were super pleased with the new website, especially as it has also reduced their paper work ten-fold! https://www.suffolkpunchtrust.org/

The Isle of Wight Biosphere

The Isle of Wight was awarded Biosphere Reserve status by Unesco in 2019 - one of only seven places in the UK to achieve this! A Steering Group promotes the awareness of the IW Biosphere, and this year they are organising the first Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival for 29th and 30th June. It will be a weekend for local businesses, organisations and communities to celebrate the biosphere, and will be full of creative activities, wellness events, wildlife workshops and so much more! See more here: https://iwbiosphere.org/biospherefestival

I was commissioned to create some new graphics for their website, as well as printed materials and digital adverts.

The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras

The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is a big yearly event by New Carnival, allowing children and young people to experience carnival through learning, creating and exploring. Each year the Mardi Gras has a theme, which is developed to fit in with either the national curriculum, national celebrations of anniversaries - everything about the Mardi Gras is just fab for the community and families, so I am delighted to work with them this year for the first time! They commissioned me to create a new logo, digital programme, posters, banners and digital adverts.

https://newcarnival.co.uk/annual-events/mardi-gras/

FOLLOWING

At the beginning of the year I made a decision to make better choices with what I put in and on my body (and the family's, especially the children's!). Good riddance toxic sh*t!

There’s an incredible health app that’s backed by scientists called Yuka , and oh my goodness, it’s life-changing. By scanning the barcode of food products and cosmetics, it analyses the health impact on a scale of 0 (bad!) to 100 (awesome), but also gives a recommendation for a similar, healthier product. Take it with you the next time you go shopping and you’ll be utterly shocked by how many terrible things are in our foods/beauty products/most things with a barcode! I’m a little thankful that they don’t currently rate my favourite red wine (everyone has a vice, no?)!

Since discovering this app, I have started to make my own cleaning products, washing powder, moisturiser, face serums (Caster Oil, Jojoba Oil and Frankincense Essential Oil are the holy grails), after sun, and even SPF sun cream. Give @yourmategingerkate and @melaniesandford18 a follow on TikTok for some super fabulous inspo.

MAKING

HOMEMADE, NON-TOXIC SUN CREAM!

Going back to the Yuka app as mentioned above, suncream is sooo bad! It’s full of terrible ingredients which are totally toxic, especially for little ones. This made me want to make an alternative that is toxic-free, smells great, and good for your skin and the environment. Plus, it’s waterproof with an SPF of around 30-40, woo!

Here is why I have used the following ingredients:

Organic, unrefined SHEA BUTTER : Natural SPF of around 3-8, great moisturiser, good source of vitamins for skin, anti-inflammatory. Amazon link to the one I use here: https://amzn.to/3Vtb3Vr

Cold pressed, pure CARROT SEED OIL : Natural SPF of around 30-40, anti-inflammatory. Amazon link to the one I use here: https://amzn.to/4c3PmAG

Organic COCONUT OIL : Natural SPF around 2-8, natural moisturiser, full of antioxidants and nutrients. I use Lidl's own, but here is an Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4edG9HS

Cold pressed JOJOBA OIL : Natural SPF around 4, natural moisturiser, anti-bacterial, full of antioxidants. Amazon link to the one I use: https://amzn.to/4e8K5tw

VITAMIN E OIL : Natural moisturiser, antioxidant, helps preserve suncream's shelf-life. Amazon link to the one I use: https://amzn.to/3Vk4T90

Natural BEESWAX PELLETS : Water resistant, protects skin against damaging elements, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Amazon link to the one I use: https://amzn.to/45abNCb

Non-nano, natural ZINC OXIDE POWDER : Natural SPF around 30, blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, photostable and water resitent. Amazon link to the one I use: https://amzn.to/3Rff8de

Glass jar (or container of your choice that can be heated up in water safely) - I used a 500ml mason jar with a clip lid from the Range, but here is a link to some on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4em2W4y

INGREDIENTS :

2 tablespoons Shea Butter

2 tablespoons Carrot Seed Oil

8 tablespoons Coconut Oil

4 tablespoons Jojoba Oil

½ tablespoon Vitamin E Oil

2 tablespoons Beeswax Pellets

2 tablespoons Zinc Oxide

Glass Jar (500ml)

(Method below)

METHOD :

Get a pan, put a couple inches of water in it, place the empty jar (lid open) in it. Make sure the water doesn’t come above the jar! Heat the water up so it’s nice and warm but not boiling.

Apart from the Zinc Oxide, place all ingredients in the jar to melt together. It'll take around 5-10 minutes to melt the beeswax down fully. It’ll be a lovely amber coloured liquid. Take the jar out of the pan and leave to cool down, around an hour or so. No need to put it in the fridge to set (unless you're really impatient!).

Slowly add the Zinc Oxide, being careful not to breathe in the powder! Stir it really really well (the oil may stick to whatever you use so wash it well afterwards), so there’s no lumpy bits. I used a mini electric whisk on slow speed at the end to doubly make sure everything was combined super fabulously.

FAQS:

Where can I store the sun cream? In a cupboard or leave it out, but make sure it has an airtight lid. It doesn't need to go in the fridge. It may melt if in direct sunlight, but leave it to set again and it should be fine.

Is it safe for children? Absolutely! No toxic chemicals in sight!

Can I apply the sun cream to my face? I use it on my face and it's fine, but everyone is different. Due to the coconut oil it may clog pores, especially acne-prone skin.

Does it absorb well? It's a silky cream that glides on beautifully. It may appear slightly white on your skin but it will absorb fully after a while.

What SPF is it? Although it's not been tested by scientists, I estimate it's around 30-40 SPF from my research.

Is it waterproof? It lasts well in the water, but reapply as necessary.

Do I have to reapply it? It lasts really well, but apply as you see fit.

Can I make it thicker? The beeswax and shea butter makes it thicker, so add or remove as necessary.

What does it smell like? Like a summer's dream! It's coconutty but subtle.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional scientist so use at your own risk. Please do your own research or speak to a professional if you're not sure.

And that's it for May! Lots of love x