Hello everyone!

I had a different post planned for today, but this past weekend, I finally took the plunge and changed the site's logo, so I had to tell you about it. I've been thinking about updating or changing my logo for a while now. 

On one hand, I did like the old logo and was used to using it. On the other hand, I felt that it no longer represented the site's content. At the beginning of my blogging journey, Cosette's Beauty Pantry's main content was beauty and skincare-focused. As I mature and my interests change and widen, my content also changes with me. 

The old logo looked like a skincare logo; it fit my blog perfectly at the time I started using it. This new logo represents me more; literally! The curly/wavey hair brunette in the logo looks like a depiction of me. I wanted to make the logo more personal, something that characterised me. When I came across this logo image, I knew immediately that I had found the perfect logo for my website. The profile of the woman in the image is virtually identical to mine. I was instantly drawn to it!  

I also decided to include the words Est. 2010 below the website's name. Twelve years is a long time and an important anniversary for any blog or website, so I felt this was a perfect way to show how far Cosette's Beauty Pantry has come.

I'm working on plenty of skincare, lifestyle and self-care posts, so stay tuned. I'll do my best and try to stick to my schedule of posting three times a week. I post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I also post a weekly recap every Sunday.

What do you think of my new logo? Which logo do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below!

Talk to you soon!

Hello everyone!

The Sanderson sisters are back... 

Today was a rainy day, a perfect day to watch a Halloween movie. Although the holiday is still a month away, it's never too early to start getting ready for the spooky season, right?! Luckily, Hocus Pocus 2 went live on Disney+ today, and I just had to watch it before anyone spoils it for me. I love to watch movies first and then read reviews later because I want to be able to judge them myself without biases or influence by other people.

This post is not a movie review and will not contain any spoilers!

For many millennials, myself included, the 1993 Disney comedy Hocus Pocus was/is an essential part of every Halloween. It was a must-watch for so many of us growing up. It particularly appealed to my younger self, who always fancied herself a little witch growing up. While other little girls wanted to dress up as and literally be princesses, I wanted to be a witch; a good, natural witch, to be specific. 

Fans have channelled the Sanderson sisters with Halloween costumes, cited iconic lines from Hocus Pocus and even made it an annual tradition to watch the cult movie for Halloween. Now, 29 years later, the Sanderson sisters are back for the much-anticipated sequel. 

In the new movie, Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson (played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, respectively) are accidentally brought back on Halloween, when the black flame candle is lit again. This time we also learn more about the Sanderson sisters’ origin story.

The movie holds a special place in the hearts of many fans for what it represents. The sequel appeals to us who grow up watching the original every year because of the power of nostalgia. In fact, there are plenty of Hocus Pocus references in the sequel. I enjoyed watching the Sanderson sister and Book, back on screen! In my opinion, Hocus Pocus 2 is a fun movie that all the family can enjoy watching together. 

Are you a fan of the original Hocus Pocus? Did you watch, or will you be watching the sequel this Halloween? 

Talk to you soon!

Hello everyone!

A week ago, I posted some ideas for ways to bring autumn (fall) into your home. I love the colours of autumn and the idea of bringing them indoors through seasonal decor. Today I prepared a few simple ideas; I want to give you a little inspiration by sharing some beautiful autumn centrepieces. Each one is easy to recreate and will bring cosy autumn vibes to your dining table, coffee table or sideboard.

Leaves

A centrepiece that showcases autumn leaves is a perfect way to bring the season's colours indoors. Cut some leaf-filled branches to create a simple and stunning autumn centrepiece. 

Sunflowers

Sunflowers usually bloom in the summer but are often used in autumn arrangements because of their rich golden colour.

Chrysanthemums (Mums)

In some European countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Malta and Spain, mums symbolise death and grief. Mums are only given in time of mourning. But, on the other hand, in the UK and US chrysanthemums symbolise cheerfulness, joy, optimism, and longevity. 

If you live in a country that does not associate this beautiful autumn flower with death, you should use it in your centrepiece. Mixing chrysanthemums with herbs and twigs will give the arrangement a more rustic charm.

Pumpkin vase

Use a real or fake pumpkin to create a pumpkin vase centrepiece. Add the flowers and leaves of your choice. 

Dried foliage

If you're looking for a clean and trendy autumn-inspired arrangement, you will love dried leaves, flowers and wheat arrangements.

Amber vases

Amber glass is the perfect finish to use in fall centrepieces. Try arranging several amber glass vases together, then add fall foliage to each one. You could also bring out the rich orangey gold glow of the glass by adding fairy lights.

Seasonal fruits and nuts

If you don't want to use flowers or foliage, you could assemble a centrepiece of seasonal fruits and nuts. 

Nut-filled glass vases 

Glass vases filled with nuts such as acorns, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc. You could add a candle in the middle to make a low-maintenance, long-lasting centrepiece.

I tried to include a few different centrepieces that though being autumn-inspired, do not necessarily look like Halloween or Thanksgiving decor. I believe these decorations would look good in any home, even in countries that do not celebrate Thanksgiving! 

If you enjoy this type of content, let me know in the comments section below. 

Talk to you soon!

Hello everyone!

It's back to school time again! Back to school can be an exciting time for both children and parents. Starting a new school year requires plenty of preparations, such as shopping for stationery, a new bag, shoes and clothes/uniform. One thing most parents do not prepare for when sending their little ones back to school is head lice.

As any reader of this blog will know, I believe in the power of natural ingredients, particularly essential oils. When you do a simple Google search, you quickly find out what essential oils are good at repelling lice, but the question is, what to do with that information? How can you use essential oils to repel head lice?

The following essential oils have been shown to effectively repel lice:

• Lavender oil
• Tea tree oil
• Clove oil
• Rosemary oil
• Geranium oil
• Lemongrass oil

These are other essential oils that can repel head lice but are not recommended for children under six (6) years:

• Peppermint oil  
• Anise seed oil
• Eucalyptus oil 

You can use these essential oils to make a DIY lice prevention spray or shampoo. Just follow the recipe below!

For the spray, you will need: