Mish | JOY TO THE WORLD #9

One Part of Broughty Ferry Beach - Thought we would give you a sneak peak of what's coming soon!




Photo Copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

Mish | To Birkenstock or not to Birkenstock?

Let me introduce you to these lovely Papillio by Birkenstock Bali Sandals.  Aren’t they cute? OK so the tan foot bed looks butch but the blue floral design more than makes up for that. My trusty Marks and Spencer sandals died last year so I needed new summer sandals. Honestly, I have no idea why I choose Birkenstock. I received a “we miss you” card from QVC with £10 off in the post. Internet shopping happened.

Photo copy right Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy,1014

I had seen Birkenstock before but always been put off by the hard ridging in the foot bed. It looked painful. I  struggle keeping slip-on sandals on my feet; the main draw for me here is the ankle strap. I may look awkward fixing my straps but that’s the price I’m willing to pay so I don’t have to walk on grubby pavements after my shoe has gone AWOL again. 

Photo copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

Photo copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. The shoes are a gorgeous sea blue base decorated with creamy/pink, flowers and green stems. There is also the odd flash of corn blue to break it up. The buckles at the strap and toes are gold tying in with the writing in the foot bed. On the inside of the straps we have a soft almost fuzzy padding making it comfortable for the foot. The foot bed contains Birkenstocks signature look a deep heel cup, arch support, a gripper for your tootsies concluding with a foot-bed edging to protect the toes. Nothing worse than stubbing your toes!

Photo copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

Photo copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

I was sceptical when I put them on but mother of mercy they're comfy! The  sandals provide amazing support to the foot and my feet are not sore and tired after a hard day's work. The style has also won me over as  I was worried about joining the Birkenstock crew (let’s be honest most are ugly as sin, the shoes not the people) but Papillio have done themselves proud here. 

Photo copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

I shall be taking them with me on my adventures safe in the knowledge that not only will my feet be stylish but also comfortable. Never again will I experience the agony of having a rat run over my bare foot again after my slip-on sandal decided to go on holiday by itself. Shudder…

Mish| Piz Buin Allergy Sun Sensitive Skin Lotion Review

You may have noticed the sun has decided to join us lately, calling for new sun protection. I have a love/hate relationship with sun lotion, exasperated by the fact I’m pale skinned (i.e. a ghost). Past sun lotions left my skin in an awful state. Greasier than a fish supper due to not absorbing, finally absorbed - horrid pus spots developed. Lovely. I have tried many - all have failed to give me everything I wish for in sun protection.

A)     Protection against UVA & UVB  rays

B)     Absorbs quickly into skin-leaving skin smooth not greasy

C)     Helps stop prickly heat developing.

To give it its full title Piz Buin Allergy Sun Sensitive Skin Lotion ticks all these boxes. Its main promotional point being it's suitable for sensitive skin. This is now the only sun lotion I use. It absorbs fast and does not leave me greasy. Your skin does gain a nice sheen but nothing a normal body cream wouldn't produce. Most importantly, you are not sticky.

Photo copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

Other lotions left me feeling the full force of the sun instantly on my skin. As though I haven’t applied protection. Piz Buin is different; yes, you still feel heat on your skin but not as intense. The special ingredient is Calmanelle (sounds like a Pokémon) which is I quote from the bottle “a unique anti-irritant shield complex proven to help strengthen the skin’s resilience to the sun,” so probably explains why I don’t feel the heat as much. 

I have never had prickly heat whilst wearing this lotion which used to be the bane of my life, even a mild Scottish summer reduced me to a raw rash before this landed in my lap. The product also doesn't rub off onto clothing, always a bonus.

Photo copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

 I would say if you or someone you know has sensitive skin then Piz Buin Allergy is a good place to start.  The sun is for everyone’s enjoyment but please be sensible use sun protection. I apply this every 2 hours when I’m out. Yes people stare as I lotion myself up in ASDA car park but when I see their crispy, burnt skin, I know I will be sleeping soundly in my bed that night whilst someone applies camomile lotion to their cindered back.

Wish I could sit out in the garden all day... some people have all the luck!
Photo copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014

So what is your favourite sun lotion to use? Do you use any at all? Had any sun burn disasters?  Leave your comments down below, we love reading them all!

 I have no association with Piz Buin or Boots; this is my own view on the product. I’m just a ghost trying not to get burnt :)