Patricia Booth

So, I have been going to the same dentist for 7 years and he is just really kind - like I am of an age where stuff is kind of deteriorating? So he shows me all the details, x-rays etc. and we agree to what is the best solution, together.

And you know, when it’s kind of bad news, it is really important to have a dentist where you have built up a good history

I bought quite an expensive collection, mainly because of the claims made about the bake and bright foundation…and it was pants. Didn’t cover,sat on my skin. Didn’t feel good.

The blusher was just great. The mascara was beyond great. I have sensitive eyes. This mascara was a saturated black. Totally hyposensitive with no reaction to my sensitive skin. Ticked every box.

The lipstick was not my colour…but can’t deny it was soft, saturated colour. Matte. Went on beautifully and lasted. It was a kind of brick pink - so like an inbetween colour. My skin is porcelain (with freckles). O.K. Irish. So this tone was just wrong. I bet it would be beautiful with a warmer skin tone.

The Kabuki brush was nice.

The primer? I don’t know. I have never used a primer in the past. Did it do anything? To me, it did not seem to? But at least it didn’t feel heavy or claggy.

But because I bought the (rather expensive) pack mainly on the claims of the foundation

I was disappointed

A lot of hype and sooo disappointing.

The foundation did not, in fact, colour correct. It did not work well with mature skin…in fact it worked poorly with mature skin. I am 67…could be that it works well with a 40-60 age range?

The primer - hey. I don’t like how it feels but it worked well. The blush worked well.

The kabuki brush was a thumbs up. The mascara was phenomenal.

In fact, I probably need to emphasise just how good the mascara was. I have sensitive skin and this did not irritate; went on great, really lengthened and looked fabulous darling, lol!

The lipstick glided, covered and didn’t smudge - but a weird colour…kind of a pink brick colour. Not nice.

I bought mainly for the baked colour correction brightening foundation - which was pants….the rest was hey ho. Some good. Some bad.

My advice is don’t believe the hype…go to a make-up counter at your local department store - and try before you buy.

Especially at this price point

Update

Sadly after 8 months - there is an issue.

The waxy texture is caky and has blocked my pores.

So that means blocked pores = pimples under my arms

Eeewww!

I just cannot use it at all ever again.

And yes I have a shower every single day so it’s not a lack of hygiene.


Previous review positive - now not at all

I mean Ew!

PREVIOUS REVIEW
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I love the lavender. The fragrance is extremely natural - no hint of fixative or chemicals. It’s cruelty free and I have the refillable case plus refills which I think are sufficient for a year .

I love that this is at least one item that won’t contribute to the landfill nightmare.

The case is also made from recycled plastic.

There is a slight amount of dragging against the skin, so sadly my husband cannot use it.

Delivery and communication are great

I bought a Norfolk pine indoor plant. It arrived undamaged, very quickly, in packaging that was minimalised as well as sustainable.

Oh and the soil was nice and damp.

Happy with the experience - but I have used this firm before and it’s always been pretty solid

Sorry, I know I have reviewed before, so apologies if it’s OTT!

BUT - definitely my best online shopping experience. Of course the anchovies and artichokes, which I have mentioned before.

This time I want to talk about the difference proper 0.0 Italian flour makes.

Who knew?

Well the Italians obvs! Anyway if you have been trying to make Italian recipes with English plain flour…well just give it a go - you won’t be disappointed.

Plus I really really like their tomato purée. It’s good.

P.s. because I was talking about the 0.0 flour I did a little internet wander (just nosy I guess 🤣)…

Anyhoo - turns out this stuff can be really expensive, so kudos to Contino foods for keeping it affordable

And just another P.s.

So stone in marinated black olives. If you watch Jamie Oliver he always insists on stone in. Tastes better.

So these were great. BUT I need to talk about the marinade. It’s phenomenal. Just two tablespoons on pasta mixed with broad beans. A sprinkle of black pepper and sea salt. Maybe a grating of Parmesan or a vegan alternative - like maybe a garlicky herb pan grattatata?

Always great product - but also great communication as well

Sorry, it feels like I have left too many reviews! But I get stuff all the time so it starts to feel rude not to leave a review.

So - stand out. The chilli olive oil. The anchovies. The ricotta. The Gorgonzola. The saffron. The clam sauce.

And the little tiny capers! So cute and tiny and full of flavour.

Also…the delivery driver saw I had mobility issues and could not have been kinder - thank you!

I like the ethical choices. It’s British, supports British farmers.

It’s really ecological.

A lot of animal welfare in there. I eat a lot of veg. My husband is suffering from dementia. He goes along with my veg recipes, but prefers to eat meat.

So I go to the Dorset Meat Co. I can cook for my husband and still feel that everything is as ethical as possible.
Also - great service. On time. Well wrapped. Never a problem

As time has gone on I have tried more and more

My top picks are the anchovies

They melt away when cooked just adding this wonderful umami flavour

The saffron has been on offer. So I have bought 3 jars - huge value!!!

Then the olives

Also the cannolis stuffed with lemon

Anchovies

Um I know this divides the crowd. My BFF cannot stand them! But then again she eats Hawaiian (pineapple and something) pizza. Like NOOOooo!

Anyway these anchovies are sweet. Sorry you don’t believe me? I understand.

If all you have ever had are tinned anchovies, well I guess this is a stretch.

But think, sweet, creamy. They melt when you cook them.

Very savoury. Umami. But still with that anchovy fishiness.

I have seen other anchovies celebrated, but I don’t think those reviewers tasted these.

I use in cooking - but just equally on ciabatta or flatbread - tastes just great

So I got a selection once again.

The Gorgonzola was spectacular.

I transformed instantly into Gollum, clutching it, looking shiftily about

And eating the lot over the course of two evenings.

There may have been an occasional hiss of “My Precious”

Phenomenal!

Fresh, fresh and really tasty.

Can’t even say how great the various pestos and charcuterie is!

So good! I hope to be buying from Contina for years to come because they provide stuff I love

On time, professional, no hanging around

This was a 4 mile journey, so I didn’t think the cost was too much. In fact slightly less than I expected

I have seen some complaints about cost, but

1. As a women I don’t want some random driver…I want a properly licensed black cab
2. I have always used black cabs. This app just makes it a lot easier
3. Satnav is great. The Knowledge is better
4. I got updates in real time, every step of the way. Ended up taking less than 5 minutes to get a black, licensed cab, driven by someone who has been driving in London for decades. Knew the shortcuts, the traffic, calm, capable and maintaining a cheerful conversation throughout.

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What’s not to like?

Well, Tony, the driver was great. Clearly a nice guy with great conversation.

It was so easy. I will say now I don’t use Uber. I need the reassurance of a proper licensed black cab.

So black cabs now have a platform where you can ask for a cab. You get full details all the way. It was particularly useful to know the reg number of your cab.

I was told 5 minutes and I think it was a little bit less.

Honestly. In London, forget Uber, go Gett

Trainline as an app just makes train travel super easy and you get the best price available

Can be used with railcards in order to get full savings

Tile Mountain has a massive choice and a great website

So I was able to choose a vinyl plank sample and it got sent out really quickly

All good

Good choice.

Quick delivery

Good quality

Very fast delivery and the tile looked great