Day Thirteen

Products used AM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive - Lip Love - Body Love
Products used PM	Planning to use the fabulous Face Smooth Polish this evening (that Friday feeling is upon me).
My Skin: How comfortable does it feel?	Looking less like Mr Blobby every day...which can only be a good thing.
Product Observations	The Smoothing Cleanser is excellent value for money as it lasts such a long time. Ok, so I am only on day 13, but take it from me, people with a destructive, albeit well meaning, tendency to overwash can work their way through products at an alarming rate! Had this been an inferior product, by now I would have switched to something else*, or used gallons instead of pumps. * The thought of switching to something else is not a pleasant one.
Activities/Mood	Poor grass snakes, they get rather a hard deal. Calling someone a "snake in the grass" is never viewed as a positive thing; but that is exactly what a grass snack is (did I just type "snack"?  I mean snake. My mind is distracted, partly by thoughts of a little something - as Pooh would say- partly due to the next part of this narrative)...minding their own business, getting on with their lives, meaning no harm. The last thing they need is a cat to come and play a new game entitled "smack the snack" (here I do mean snack as I'm sure this was with a view to a kill). My cat is in disgrace (snake smacked but not stirred, he will live to see another day).
Ingredient for the Day	Rose Water (used in Toner) - reminds me of Turkish delight, sunny days, softness of petals and all that is good with the world.
Picture for the Day	Photographing roses is my favourite thing of all....
Quote for the Day	"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today" Dale Carnegie

Day Twelve

Products used AM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive - Lip Love - Body Love
Products used PM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive
My Skin: How comfortable does it feel?	5.25 out of 10 (slow, but steady improvement). I am going to introduce the Facial Elixir into my routine next week. Karren Brady is a fan "For those of you that have asked, for the Baftas I used @tropicskincare Organic Elixir Oil I can't tell you how amazing it made my skin look"
Product Observations	At the risk of sounding like Veruca Salt, I want a bamboo pillow case! The cloth is so incredibly soft, I am sure sweet dreams are made of this.  Whilst I am quoting lyrics... You know you're gonna have to face it, you're addicted to Love (Butter)  Maybe it is the uplifting aroma, or maybe the gloriously smooth texture, or maybe the way it makes me feel moisturised without a greasy residue or maybe because it is so soothing to the senses...a lot of beautiful maybes within one little jar.
Activities/Mood	Another Tropic makeover photo posted online today. My initial thought was that the girl already looked stunningly pretty in the before picture, my second thought was to wonder how exactly the makeup had changed the colour and curliness of her hair: I was looking at two "after" pictures (of different people). I am the definition of "doofus" at times!  I'm wondering if quitting work to become a wildlife photographer and glob* writer is a viable career path. Alas not, *I can't even type without "naking tols of nistakes" But I'm hoping that somehow, just maybe...(keeps quote of the day in mind).
Ingredient for the Day	Lemon Myrtle (delicious scent in Body Love Cream) "A refreshingly bright, citrus scent, with antibacterial properties to deeply cleanse & purify the skin for instant skin radiance"
Picture for the Day
Quote for the Day	“Don't give up before the miracle happens.” Fannie Flag

Day Ten

Products used AM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive - Lip Love - Body Love
Products used PM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive
My Skin: How comfortable does it feel?	After my Body Smooth extravaganza last night, my body feels silky soft.
Product Observations	Scrubs normally leave me itchy, and ironically rather dry; but this product, again like Goldilock's Porridge, is just right. In fact it is knocking on the door of divine. Effective, yet extremely gentle, and despite the need for a wooden spatula*, very easy to use.   * Many moons ago I tried a simlar style of scrub. Well I say similar, it wasn't at all nice, so not really similar at all. Unlike the Body Smooth, it was like mixing cement. Eventually, I got so annoyed I gave it a bit too much welly. The oil and grains parted company - oil all over the bathroom tiles, grains resolutely remaining at the bottom of the jar (pulling nasty that is your fault, can't use me now, just wasted your money, ha ha ha faces). Thankfully, this wasn't a problem with the Body Smooth.  However, I do have one criticism. I had a bittle** to get it open; eventually resorting to scissors in Psycho stabbing fashion.  A lip on the film covering would make it much easier to peel off. **Bittle is a new word I have just created (nothing to do with hand/keyboard malfunction). Definition: "A bit of a battle." Note: re-reading this I sound a bit violent with my body scrub - Zen photo of the day is required.
Activities/Mood	Here comes the rain again...I feel responsible for this change in weather...prattling on about spritzing Toner to refresh in the hot weather (pah!) Paradoxically, whenever the week at work is shorter due to a bank holiday, it seems longer - a never ending expanse of that Monday feeling.  Please someone tell me it is Friday tomorrow!
Ingredient for the Day	Vitamin E (Used in Lip Love, amongst many other Tropic Products) "A powerful antioxidant that helps to protect skin cell membrane from free radicals & oxidation. Essential in maintaining youthful, nourished & healthy skin." Yet another ingredient that is vital for beauty inside and out, almonds are an excellent source of Vitamin E
Picture for the Day
Quote for the Day	“Nobody can keep on being angry if she looks into the heart of a pansy for a little while.”  L M Montgomery

Day Nine

Products used AM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive - Lip Love - Body Love
Products used PM	Looking forward to some "Me time" this evening, with Body Smooth and a Luxury Body Oil bath.
My Skin: How comfortable does it feel?	Love grows stronger every day...I can understand why the products have such passionate followers.
Product Observations	The only breakout I get with the Soothing Cleanser is a broad smile (the mere smell of the product makes me happy)
Activities/Mood	The sun still has his hat on...how lucky are we for a bank Holiday? New series of Pointless starts today...happy days!
Ingredient for the Day	Coconut Oil (used in ...take a deep breath, it is an important ingredient in terms of Tropic Skin Care....Luxury Oils, Body Love Butter, Skin Revive, Facial Elixir, Body Smooth, Face Smooth, Lip Love). "Anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, so it is perfect for protecting and enhancing the skin’s natural flora. Rich in moisturizing fatty acids, this oil can be used on the skin, cuticles and hair." Like Avocado, Coconut Oil is one beauty wonder that can be used inside and out - it was an ingredient in the raw chocolate cake (see photo of the day), I can't get enough of it!
Picture for the Day	My first attempt at Raw chocolate crunch cake, a variation on a delicious recipe from Caramelia cakery
Quote for the Day	"All you need is love.  But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt" Charles M Schulz

Day Eight

Products used AM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive - Lip Love - Body Love
Products used PM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive
My Skin: How comfortable does it feel?	My skin now feels a 4.5 out of 10 (big improvement from my 2 starting point...and only 8 days in).
Product Observations	Toner doubles up as a very calming, refreshing and cooling hot weather mist. Mental note to reorder in volume so that I can carry one with me at all times - cue the return of 50 shades of grey as I fear my enthusiasm may put a jinx on the sunshine.
Activities/Mood	Sunshine I'm only dreaming...no, hang on it was actually a gloriously golden day.  Talked to my 3 year old nephew on the phone, his laughter is sunshine for the soul - double blessed with warmth today.
Ingredient for the Day	Avocado (key ingredient in Soothing Cleanser) "The avocado fruit yields a rich and deeply penetrating oil that is rich in sterolins and potassium which help to reduce skin pigmentation and accelerate skin regeneration." Also a key ingredient in this CLEAR SKIN SMOOTHIE (recipe from the Funky Fresh Juice Book) You will need... Method... * Apples: 2 GOLDEN DELICIOUS * Pineapple: 3CM SLICE *Fresh Ginger Root: 2CM CHUNK *Lemon: ONE-THIRD *Cucumber:ONE QUARTER (MEDIUM) *Avocado:ONE HALF (RIPE) *Mixed seeds: ONE TABLESPOON *Lecithin granules:ONE HEAPED TEASPOON (check they are suitable for Vegans) *Udo's Oil: TWO TEASPOONS Juice the apples, pineapple, ginger, lemon and cucumber Put the avocado, seeds, lecithin granules and oil into a blender. Add the juice, and a little ice, and blend until smooth.
Picture for the Day	My beautiful rescue cat, enjoying the sunshine on a broomstick bed..
Quote for the Day	"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within" Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Day Seven

Products used AM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive - Lip Love - Body Love
Products used PM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive
My Skin: How comfortable does it feel?	It is a good sign when I stop obsessing about my face to encompass my whole body within my skin care routine. My legs need some serious care and attention (although the Body Love has worked wonders on the souls of my feet); the perfect excuse to crack open a jar of Body Smooth over the next few days.
Product Observations	At the Hatfield product launch, Lord Sugar was questioned as to his favourite product.  Whilst playing the "I am a man" card, "what interest could these possibly have to me beyond financial gain?" (*coughs Refresh Roll On* the product whose addition to the range was instigated by Lord Sugar himself), he did express intrigue over the new Body Oils, which are solid at room temperature.  I have a brand new bottle of Fraginpani Luxury oil to try alongside the Body Smooth. I have to admit the word "Fragipani" immediately conjures visions of the sugary, creamy almond paste that is often layered under fruit in tarts...oh no, that is Fragipane! This  made me think to ask Ruby Tuesdays (do check out the link!) if they could create a vegan Fraginpani cake. I was lucky enough to go to their stall recently with a dear friend; they are lip smackingly delicious cakes...mmmmm. I digress.
Activities/Mood	Pottering* about the garden, accompanied by my mischievous cat. Ok, slightly greedy, with not one, but two quotes today. Monty Don expresses my feelings on gardening with such eloquent simplicity: "'Earth heals me better than any medicine". * Clue to the source of inspiration for the quote of the day
Ingredient for the Day	White Fragipani "The intoxicating aroma of frangipani, known as the 'Flower of the Gods', will relax and soothe the mind whilst restoring equilibrium and serenity."
Picture for the Day	Exactly two years since my beloved Dad died. I planted this yesterday with love and gratitude that his light never fades in my heart.  Much like Fragipani, Lilac has the most gorgeous, heady, uplifting aroma.
Quote for the Day	"But know this; the ones that love us never really leave us. And you can always find them in here. [puts his hand to Harry's heart]" J K Rowling

Day Six

Products used AM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive - Lip Love - Body Love
Products used PM	- Smoothing Cleanser - Toner - Skin Revive
My Skin: How comfortable does it feel?	Since the great Phillips explosion of Monday 20th, I have been left juiceless. My skin is reacting badly without its daily quota of enzyme rich green goodness.  I am impressed at just how well the products are holding their own, or more correctly working in partnership with my skin. Ok, it is still a Tipperary distance from perfect, but it feels comfortable; a blessing that is literally preventing me from picking at scabs!
Product Observations	I have found a flaw in the range, the Face Smooth might be a bit too addictive!  That perfectly polished, soft afterglow, made me think I would use it not one, by two days running! I am happy to report that sanity prevailed; my skin is so easily damaged. For me, this is my "Sacred" product; like the superfoods of the Incas, a little to be used with great respect and in moderation.  Fortunately, using the Soothing Cleanser is just as pleasant an experience and it is so gentle, it can be used every day.  The Toner is also absolutely amazing at calming and caring for what I generously term "reactionary" skin.
Activities/Mood	I have just caught up on the "Farm Shop" episode of this year's Apprentice.  Oh dear, poor Tropic Bunny is concerned that one of the candidates would mistake her for a horse, no a dog - basic animal recognition didn't seem her forte. Whilst another held up a bunch of carrots and asked "What are these?"  I also watched "The Apprentice You're Fired" and was delighted to see some extra footage of Jason's Sale technique http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFlN0H1y-3o ("Honestly, Jason can't be out here"..has me rolling around in laughter). Note: I would love to be a Tropic Ambassador but selling is not my strength. I fear I would want to give everything away for free, the idea of a Tropic Bag "Make you and the Cleanser happy, take it away today" makes me smile.
Ingredient for the Day	Carrot Oil - used in Lip Love "A naturally rich source of Vitamin A which stimulates skin renewal and boosts skin vitality. Its natural pigments gives our Lip Love balm a lovely golden colour"
Picture for the Day	Not one of my own pictures this time, posted by @TropicSkinCare
Quote for the Day	"A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition" William Arthur Ward