Poor Spartacus. That growth spurt he’s had since the last series has come at the expense of some of that gladiator-like bulk; likewise, he’s de-aged 10 years at the cost of his compelling natural force of character. Alas, tragic circumstances in the real world means it can’t be helped, but it’s hard not to compare Liam Gallagher to the late Andy Whitfield, and find poor Spartacus a bit less… something.

It doesn’t help that he’s not the only face to change, and added to the new circumstances and locations I found it a bit difficult to place some of the characters at first, and more importantly to warm to any of them. I really miss the dark humour of John Hannah’s character, too.

So, not not worth watching, but sadly not as much so as the first series and/or prequel.

I’m not a huge fan of Tom Holt, and this book sort of displays all the reasons why not. It’s an interesting premise, tied in with a myth/legend I know nothing about, and as the story progresses there are just scrappy ends gathered up and shoved together for some sort of conclusion that leaves me feeling I’ve missed chunks.

Still, readable, and I press on with the hope of everything just coming together less disappointingly in one of the books.

Hmm. When this was first announced, my first reaction was “Seven quid for a ballistic!?” to which the reply was “Ah, but this is three ballistics in one”. Which is something of an over statement, I’m afraid, Lush.

While I do like the (subtle) scent of this – in particular the inner, mini-ballistic keeps it very well – all spring-fresh and lovely, it’s more gimmick over substance. The inner element is a very small ballistic, and the shell isn’t large/thick enough to be separated into two baths. Definitely not my bath, anyway, which isn’t that huge!!

So… £3.50 for a slightly-too-small bath bomb seems a bit much, even by Lush standards; either that or the scent could do with being a bit stronger so I don’t end up suspecting you’re meant to throw the whole thing in o_O

Bleugh. Made it with half hot milk and half boiling water, which maybe didn’t help. But the flavour wasn’t that great, particularly in comparison to Whittard’s lovely hot white choc. Calories be damned.

Feeling really disappointed with all these reusable bubble wand things. Maybe I just don’t ‘get’ how to use them properly: I’ve tried both swishing them through the water, and – slightly better – holding them under the tap. I’m beginning to suspect it’s the common Lush malaise: there just isn’t enough scent. Which is a real shame, as in the bag I really like the fresh smell of The Carrot. Unfortunately, after holding it under the running tap for several minutes the bath water still didn’t smell of much and the experience was more like sitting it just water. Do I need to break off and chuck in half a bar, or what?!

It’s a bit slow to start, and oddly light on the two stars. Just, not what I was expecting. However it soon picks up and manages to be both action-packed and emotionally engaging – and short enough not to overplay either into cloyingness!

Better than expected, but as entertainment not anything award-winning.

Study blend:

Knowing rosemary is supposed to aid concentration and memory, I looked for a blend suggestion to further help studying. From www.auroma.com/catalog/AromatherapyBlends/Study/ I found this mix:

Rosemary

Peppermint

Clary Sage

Lemon

Bergamot

Went for 1 drop (or as close as I could manage!) of each.

Didn’t smell of much ‘fresh’, smelled of even less in the bath. Meh.

Ooh – I can has nostalgia tingles! :)

The weekly ritual of watching Twin Peaks was part of my late childhood; waiting week after week through goggle-eyed wonderings of just how damn (fine cherry pie) weird this show was, to discover who killed Laura Palmer (this was a joyous time, before the internet and press would have told you months before the show even hit UK screens). Oh, the crushing disappointment when the second series ended on a second, unresolved cliffhanger.

This soundtrack brought all that back in the first few bars. After a couple of familiar tracks it does get into slightly weirder territory – how appropriate!

It’s more than easy to see how the cynical could tear this to shreds, but it was also very easy to just sit back and enjoy this ripping yarn! It’s fun, it’s family-friendly, and it looks gorgeous. Remember, those plot/character bits are only familiar ’cos this story predated them all!