We are finishing our 7th week of lockdown, about to enter our 8th. I feel like we've all accepted this weird new 'normal' and are just trying to fill time with productive and not so productive things to do and with at least another two weeks to go, I think some people are starting to scratch around for things to do...

... So on the not so productive side of things, this is where, I, the queen of all things Netflix/ Amazon Prime/ Disney +, can lend a hand. Below, find my top picks (without spoilers of course!) for lockdown...


Disney +

Disney really hit the big time with this release, and to be quite honest, I've done so much binge watching nostalgic programmes since it was released. Definitely worth the £5.99 a month.

Never Been Kissed
One of my favourite films of all time, a classic which sees a once-geeky reporter go undercover at a high school, with a little help from her brother. Throughout the film Josie really comes into her own and builds her confidence for the final scene. An absolute corker.

The Parent Trap
Let's be honest. The Parent Trap was an absolute staple film as a kid. Two girls, from completely different backgrounds, go to summer camp, unbeknownst to them that they have a twin. Cue, hijinks and mischief galore.

10 Things I Hate About You
Another one of my favourite films, and it also has the late, great Heath Ledger in it (RIP). The opening title song is actually, my jam.

That's So Raven
.... I'm having a vision! And it's of you choosing That's So Raven to binge watch. It never fails to make me LOL. I also ship Raven and Devon 5ever.


Netflix

Tiger King
There will be no synopsis for this title. Except for the following words:

Carole Baskin.
Killed her husband, whacked him.
Can't convince me that it didn't happen.
Fed him to tigers, they snackin.
What's happenin.

Hotter Than Hell
This is the ultimate trash programme, but it's one that you can't ignore. Once you watch one episode, you're hooked. So bad, it's good.

Any Bring It On Movie
Another childhood staple. I loved all the Bring It On movies when I was younger. I recently realised the majority are on Netflix so I've spent a good few hours watching and wishing I was flexible enough to do half the cheerleading moves they do.

Audrie & Daisy

Amazon Prime

One Tree Hill
Is it even lockdown if you haven't binged One Tree Hill? I don't think so!  My favourite seasons are 1 through 4 definitely. I prefer the high school phases (and with those which had my one true love, Chad Michael Murray in), post season 6, I do think it loses the plot a little, but I still enjoy watching it.

2 Broke Girls
I always watch 2 Broke Girls if I just fancy a bit of light hearted comedy. I just love how they handle situations, the innuendo and the humour!

Dirty Dancing 
I only recently watched this for the first time, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I need to watch it again, even though I only watched last week!

Secret Diary of a Call Girl
This is a proper throwback to my school days, I loved this programme. I love Billie Piper to be fair, so I always enjoy watching this SDOACG (for short).

Once again, I’ve teamed up with Mermaid Gin to bring you a full review of their finest original Mermaid gin!
As mentioned in my review of their beautiful Mermaid Pink Gin, I am by no means, a gin connoisseur but I do have a strong appreciation for a good gin! Without further ado, let the review commence!

The Mermaid Gin is the Isle of Wight Distillery's signature gin. The name is inspired by one of the botanicals within the gin, rock samphire. Rock samphire is locally known as 'Mermaid's Kiss'. Rock Samphire is often found clung to cliffs surrounding the Isle of Wight and marks the high tide line on it's beaches.

Notes which are also found in Mermaid Gin are Boadicea hops, juniper, coriander seeds, fresh lemon zest, grains of paradise, angelica, liquorice, orris and elderflower. With no added sugar, and the fact the gin is both gluten free and fully vegan means that it is very inclusive!

Much like the Mermaid Pink Gin, the bottle is also plastic-free and 100% recyclable. The distillery has worked hard to eliminate plastic and bubble wrap, plus plastic sealing tape from its production processes. I'm a big supporter of the fact that lots of care has been put into creating a fabulous gin whilst also ensuring the packaging is less harmful to our oceans and environment. Every factor has been thought of!

I really enjoyed the taste of this gin, it wasn't synthetic tasting which is what I find a lot of gin's taste like. I'd definitely recommend it, for the taste and for the beautiful recyclable packaging! Based on the amount of care which has gone into the product and packaging alike, I do think it is worth a slightly larger price tag of £37.75! You can buy your own bottle at Master of Malt, John Lewis and Partners, or one of their other stockists!

With Mother's Day just round the corner (it's on 22nd March this year!), I thought I'd put together a Mother's Day Gift Guide. My 2020 top picks on presents for your Madre! And what better day to publish this post on, than on International Women's Day? My own Mum is my personal inspiration. She's been through a lot, and she's always been there for me and my two sisters. Love you Mum!

So without further ado, I've rounded up five of my favourite gift ideas:

Joe & Seph's Popcorn


Joe & Seph's popcorn are one of my all time favourite popcorn brands. Every single piece of popcorn is pure heaven. In my opinion, for any popcorn loving Mum, Joe & Seph's popcorn makes a fabulous present. My current favourite is the Prosecco Popcorn, there's just something so decadent and luxurious about it! They sell both sweet and savoury popcorn.

All of their products are handmade using only the finest natural ingredients, with an unerring attention to quality. What I love about Joe & Seph's as a brand, are that they're UK Based, a family run company and they're always innovating, and coming up with brand new ideas!

You can order online, or pop into your local Holland & Barrett to pick up these bites of heaven. Ranging from £4 - £8, pricing is super reasonable and will suit most budgets. I also just realised they do Marmite popcorn- I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE. I know what my next order will consist of...

Havaianas



As we begin our descent into the summer months, why not treat your mum to a new pair of summer shoes? My mum lives and dies in her sandals throughout the entire year, so every Christmas, Mother's Day and Birthday, one of us always gets her a pair!

Havaianas are the perfect choice (I live in mine in the summer!). Much more than the traditional flip flop company, they have designs and styles to suit almost everyone. From sliders (my personal fave style of shoe) to the more luxurious Swarovski encrusted sandals (how gorgeous are these???), Havaianas have you covered.

A slightly larger budget is needed but from £20 + upwards, these still make an affordable gift for your loved one! They're also available from their website, or other retailers such as ASOS.

PAYOT Gift Set & Roselift Collagene Range



From the French skincare company PAYOT, there are multiple products which make for ideal gifts for Mums. PAYOT specialises in luxury skincare and have recently celebrated 100 years in business!

A pamper gift set suited to older skin? A brilliant present for your Mum! This luxury kit is hydrating and smoothing and incorporates three of their best selling lines- Blue Techni Liss Jour (50ml), Hydra 24+ Baume-en-Masque (15ml) and Hydra 24+ Essence (125ml). Retailing for £50, it's suited to a larger budget, but definitely worth the pennies!

If gift sets aren't your thing, you could always opt for a product from the new Roselift Collagene range. This range promises to naturally 'lift' the complexion, leaving it with a firmer feel, plumper appearance and that much desired glow! PAYOT also note that it noticeably slows the skin's ageing process. I have to say, this range smells FANTASTIC. These products range from £38- £66.

PAYOT products are available from the PAYOT website, or Beauty Things.


Guylian Chocolates



You can't really go wrong with chocolates, can you? Why not show your mum how much you care with a box of luxury Guylian chocolates. Their classic marbled sea shell design is iconic. I remember when I was little, my mum always getting boxes of Guylian on her birthday.

The best part about Guylian chocolates are that they're available in all major supermarkets, there are lots of different options in terms of sizing, and suit almost every budget!

Smith England Guardian Haircare Range



I think the Guardian range from Smith England is so very apt for Mother's Day, as Mother's are guardians of their children, and make sure they are safe! Smith England are a salon professional, cruelty free haircare brand which is inspired by nature. All of their ranges contain no sulphates, silicones or colourants, and to make it even better, the packaging is made from recycled plastic and can be recycled. Perfect for any eco-friendly Mum!

The Guardian range is suited to those with coloured hair, as it acts like a shield to lock in the colour. The smell reminds me of going to the hairdressers and I feel like I've been to the hairdressers every time I use it!

I'm also a big fan of Smith England, as they're a local Salisbury brand! These are available to buy online and are £10 each, or you can buy the Shampoo & Conditioner as a gift set for £16. I think this is super reasonable for the quality of the product, and again, will suit most budgets.

If you've ever read any of my hair posts, you will know, I am loyal to one hairdresser, and one hairdresser only. Paige Bloss (check out her Instagram).

I was delighted when Paige said she'd like to collaborate with me and a couple of other bloggers (Chynna and Emma!) on a blow dry pamper night. So one rainy January evening, we all piled into my car, and I drove us to Legally Blonde in Salisbury, which is where Paige is based.

We arrived absolutely drenched. As ever, Paige was welcoming, took our rain sodden scarves and coats and handed us a glass of prosecco. Annnnd, time to relax and chill. Emma and I sat down for a good chat, whilst Chynna got her hair washed and blow dried. We also devoured some mini cupcakes which were delicious!


Next up, it was Emma's turn in the chair, so Chynna and I had a good chinwag too (common theme: I love to talk). Everyone's hair was turning out gorgeous, so I decided to take my before shot (don't laugh at my Trunch look)...


Then, it was my turn! We headed over to the basins where Paige washed my hair, massaged my scalp and used products which would maintain my grey toned blonde hair (hellooo purple shampoo!). Paige then dried my hair and styled it straight (I prefer having straight hair!). She left my hair silky, smooth and beautiful. Is it just me, or is it near impossible to recreate a hairdressers finish?!


One thing that always strikes me about Paige, is that she always knows what products are best for your hair type, and whether certain hair colours/ styles will suit you. She's also always professional, but so easy to just chat away to. It's not like going to a hair salon, it's like going to see a friend!

I've been going to Paige for my hair since I was 19 (nearly 8 years...!), and honestly, I do think she works wonders to my hair. She's been there through the extensions phase, through the me not wanting to cut my hair phase, the me wanting to sack off blonde and go brunette phase, the fringe phase, the wanting a fringe again but swiftly talking me out of it phase (I owe you for that one Paige!).


If you're ever in Salisbury and or based in Salisbury, I cannot recommend Paige enough. If you'd like to visit Paige at the Legally Blonde salon, used code HAIRGOALS10 to get £10 off any service with Paige. Go on, treat yourself! You know you want to!

Thanks so much for having us Paige!