Christmas Wishlist 2014

SONY Cyber Shot DSC-WX220B Compact Digital Camera - Black - link | JOBY Gpod Mini Magnetic Gorillapod - link | Lee Evans Monsters DVD - link | DKNY Be Delicious EDP - link | MORPHY RICHARDS 47095 Accents Coffee Maker - Black - link

It isn't often I write wishlist posts. I don't really ask for anything from Santa (or anyone else) at Christmas. I don't usually have anything in mind for gifts but this year I have a few things I would quite like. Here is my list to Mr Claus himself. Of-course I would never expect all of this! That would be quite greedy of me. I will probably pick a few of these bits up after Christmas in the sales. 

The one item I would really love this Year is Lee Evans Live DVD of his stand up show 'Monsters'. I have quite a collection of his DVD's as he is favourite comedian, I will be sad to see him retire from the comedy world.

The gorrliapod would be really useful for when I am taking photographs for my blog and just for fun. It stretches and is really flexible so you can attach it to almost anything. 

I would love a new camera as I am hoping to improve my photography in the New Year, the one I like the look of is the Sony Cyber Shot DSC WX220B. 

A very cheeky wish would be a coffee maker like this one from Morphy Richards. I love coffee and I am quite a lazy person so a coffee machine I am sure would be my best friend!

The last item on my list is the DKNY Be Delicious perfume. I am obsessed with zesty and fruity scents and I love this. 

I am sharing my wishlist as part of a competition which is being held by the lovely people at Festive Lights.  Check them out if you are looking to deck your home out for Christmas!

Recipe: Double Dark Chocolate Fairy Cakes

Double Dark Chocolate Fairy Cakes

I really like baking, but I tend to stick to super easy recipes as I am just not that adventurous. Today I thought I would share with you a little creation I made this week, which was Double Dark Chocolate Fairy Cakes. I simply made fairy cakes the traditional way and added some dark chocolate products in to make them a little more interesting. I used two products that I received in my Degustabox last Month, which were the Dr. Oetker Premium 90% Extra Dark Chocolate and the Dr. Oetker Fine Dark Cocoa Powder. 

What you need:

Eggs,  Self Raising Flour, Butter/margarine, Sugar, Water, Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder, Cake Cases, Bowl (which is suitable to put over a saucepan on the hob), Saucepan, Whisk, Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Baking Tray

How To Make Double Dark Chocolate Fairy Cakes:

Pre - heat the oven to gas mark 5.

Mix together 125 grams of butter/margarine and 125 grams of sugar in a bowl. 

Add into the bowl 125 grams of self - raising flour and mix.

Add 1 or 2 eggs and whisk all together.

Add a sachet of dark chocolate cocoa powder and mix until all blended.

Equally distribute the mixture into cake cases, and put them onto a baking tray in the pre - heated oven.

Wait 15 - 25 minutes for the fairy cakes to cook, while checking them frequently.

Add warm water into a small saucepan, then put dark chocolate into a bowl and put that on top of the saucepan.

Put the saucepan onto the hob and use a spoon to help melt the chocolate.

Once the cakes are cooked and the chocolate is melted, remove them carefully and turn off the oven and hob.

Add a thick layer of chocolate onto each cake and put them into the fridge to set.

Finally, once the cakes are set, enjoy one with a nice cup of tea!

*This post contains two products which were sent to me to review. All opinions are 100 % honest and my own. You can view my full disclaimer policy on the tab above*

Winter Degustabox

I cannot believe this Year is near the end! Winter is fast approaching and I am seriously excited for Christmas now. I have thoroughly enjoyed having a Degustabox the last few Months and the Winter box was probably the box I have been most excited about and anticipating... we all know how crazy I am over festivities (and of-course the food that goes with it!) so I was really eager to see what was included in the Winter box.

If you don't know what Degustabox* is, it is basically a Monthly surprise subscription service, where you pay £12.99 per box and receive 9-14 food and drink products which are usually new on the market or things you might not normally pick up on your food shop! I really like the concept of Degustabox, as it has certainly got me and my family creating new and different meals we would never normally cook, by using things we have received in the box. The price of a Monthly box works out much cheaper than if you bought the individual items seperately, too. 

You can use my code 0U7A0 to receive a generous £3 off your bill when you purchase a Degustabox! That makes the box only £9.99!

Lets take a peak in the Winter Degustabox!

Salsa & Mesquite Kettle Chips

I love Kettle Chips, they are so addictive. I have never tried this flavour before but they sound delicious. I think we will probably be saving these for a buffet around Christmas time as they are always a hit! Kettle Chips are available from most supermarkets, costing around £2.19 per pack.

Cool Dawn Recovery Drinks

I think that these Cool Dawn Discovery Drinks sound really cool! They are a herbal detox drink which aim to prevent bad hangovers. With Winter and Christmas parties just around the corner, I am sure that these would be useful! I haven't tried these yet but I am looking forward to seeing how they work. Watch this space!

Lindt Lindor My Melting Moment

Lindt Lindor are in my opinion the very best kind of chocolate, so I was thrilled to see a handful of the 'My Melting Moment' chocolates in my box. These taste amazing and I can not wait to start munching on these at Christmas! They cost just 65 pence per chocolate.

Kent's Kitchen Flavour Shots in Garlic and Coriander

Flavour Shots are a great way to add flavour to meals. I really love the sound of this flavour, and may possibly use this with chicken in a wrap or with pasta. Costing just £1.85, I think these are a great way to spruce some spice into regular every day meals.

Branston Caramalised Chutney

This is definitely my least favourite product in the box, I just simply don't like the taste of chutney! I know this will be appreciated by someone else in the family, just not by me. 

Pip Organic Drinks in Cloudy Apple

These taste really delcious! Pip Organic Drinks are well - known for their award winning range of pure and organic smoothies and juices. Cloudy Apple tastes sweet but also very fresh! I am intrigued to try more of the range. 

Montano Italian Cider

Cider is a great drink for the colder Months, it really puts me in a festive mood! (of-course drinking responsibly). Montano Cider is an elegantly crafted Italian cider so I am really eager to trying this and seeing how it tastes. Montano recommend drinking this with an Italian meal, which I may have to do the next time I have spaghetti bolognaise.

Holy Cow Curry Sauces in Madras Chettinad and Mughlai Korma

I have never heard of this brand before but I am so looking forward to cooking a curry with these very soon. The flavours are very up my street and I can't wait to try them! We love korma and madras in our house, so these are perfect for us! I may share some photographs on my blog if you'd like to see? 

Holy Cow are authentic Indian curries which are made from natural ingredients and contain no srtificial colours or persvatives. They are also gluten free and suitable for vegeterians and coeliacs.

Sample Present: Drink Me Chai Spiced Chai Latte

I have actually tried this before and I really, really love it! I like chai tea and have tried a few different products from the brand so I can't wait to drink this. It tastes just that little bit more spicy which adds great taste to the chai latte. I would definitely recommend this to pretty much anyone!

Once again I really am impressed with the variety and the selection of products. All apart from the chutney I either absolutely love or I am really excited to try! A few of the products will probably by kept aside for Christmas and celebrations over Winter (the Cider, Chocs and Kettle Chips!) but I know everything else will be consumed pretty quickly. I feel the majoirty of the products are real Winter Warmer foods and drinks - as well as some of the products being really good for you, too.

Degustabox Links and Social Media: Website | Facebook | Twitter 


*This post contains PR samples/items which were sent to me for consideration to review. All opinions are 100 %  honest and my own. You can view my full disclaimer policy on the contact tab above*

Alva Caffeine Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Alva Caffeine Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Caffeine is known to be an ingredient which can help to penetrate the roots of hair.
I am all for thicker hair. I realise I am not in dire need to use shampoo designed purely for thinning hair, as the condition of my hair isn't thinning out too much, but I definitely need a helping hand. My hair has always tended to fall out quite a lot - through no medical condition, it has just always been that way, so I really wanted to see if this would stop when using a caffeine based shampoo.

To use, you simply wet your hair and apply the shampoo all over the scalp, like any other shampoo. The difference with this one though, is that Alva advise to leave the shampoo in the hair for two minutes before rinsing off. I have made sure to leave it in my hair at least two minutes every time I have used it before washing it off. I was expecting my hair to feel irritated or extremely dry/greasy, which is how I tend to feel when I leave shampoo on my hair for too long, but I was actually really impressed with the product as it doesn't cause any dry irritation to the scalp or feel greasy.
A little goes a long way with the Alva Caffeine Shampoo, it lathers really well and has a subtle, but pleasant scent.

 I have used the shampoo around a dozen times now, and I haven't yet seen any dramatic changes to my hair, though I have noticed my hair doesn't seem to fall out quite as much!  Overall, I am impressed that the shampoo washes my hair really well without leaving it irritated or feeling greasy. I wouldn't be able to recommend this shampoo for thinning hair as I feel I haven't used the product enough to give a fair recommendation, but I do feel it is washes my hair really well.
I would be interested to try the conditioner and use it with the shampoo to see the effectiveness of using both products together.

The Alva Caffeine Shampoo for Thinning Hair is available from My Pure here for only £15*.


*This post contains PR samples/items which were sent to me for consideration to review. All opinions are 100 % honest and my own. You can view my full disclaimer policy on the contact tab above*

Putting Together a Hamper for a Baby Shower

This is the first time I have ever put together a basket or a hamper to gift for a soon-to-be-mum on her baby shower. I have never even been to a baby shower before, and this is my first pregnant friend so I am super excited for when the little one is born.

I really wanted to put together a hamper type gift with an array of small-but-useful items, but I didn't really know what to include. I knew that I wanted to buy things which would last the little one longer than the first 3 Months: so I bought a few items which are suited for 6 Months plus. 

I had trawled the internet before-hand looking for ideas of what to buy. I asked my family for some advice too, and they all said to buy things like nappies, creams and wipes - the things that the parents will definitely need and are a complete essential. I also asked on social media for some ideas, which were really helpful. 

I tried to put this together on a budget, and I think I did quite well considering the amount of items inside the basket.

Here's a list of what I included in the basket:

- Medium Sized Basket

- Little Angels Baby Soap

- Little Angels Baby Lotion

- Little Angels Head To Toe Wash

- Baby Blanket

- Tommee Tippee Essentials Beaker

Tommee Tippee 6 Feeding Spoons
-Set of Two Mam Dummies

- Boots Baby Fragrance Free Soft Cloth Wipes

- Boots Baby New Born Supersoft and Gentle Nappies

- Pack of Two Applique Bibs

- 3 Piece Set; including Bodysuit, Hat and Mittens

- Pack of Three Long Sleeve Sleep-suits

- 3 Pack of Baby-grows 

- Personalised Plaque

A few other great ideas I found but didn't include in this hamper were teething powder, bath toys, nappy bags, nappy cream, cotton wool, talc, baby sponges, muslin towels, thermometer, changing mat. 

If I ever put together another hamper like this again, I will be sure to include some of those.

The best places I found toiletries and accessories were supermarkets and bargain shops. Most of them had baby sections so items were really easy to find.
To complete the hamper, I used an array of ribbon and wrapped around film to make it look more presentable.
Have you ever put together a hamper for someone before?

Christmas Gift Ideas for Her: £20 and Over

Smiggle Advent Calendar | Trisori Bracelet | The Rose Box | Amethyst 9k Yellow Gold Earrings 

You may have noticed it has gone a little Christmas crazy on my blog as of late. Not to worry, normal beauty and lifestyle blogging will resume soon! I am absolutely crazy about Christmas and love to get inspiration early, so today I am sharing with you a handful of gifts over £20 which I feel would be lovely for any lady in your life.

I love the idea of a Advent Calendar with a twist. I don't have a chocolate Advent Calander in December anymore, but I love the idea of different types of them, such as this one from Smiggle. I love stationary and am a bit of a geek so this is definitely something I would love as an early gift! I would love to open each door to a new little stationary must - have every day, so anyone that is a fan of cute and quirky stationary I am sure will love this. 

This Trisori Bracelet is really pretty and I think it would make a nice gift for any huge jewellery fanatic if they love something quite chunky on their wrist. 

The Rose Box is something a little different for a gift, which is what drew me to it in the first place. The box holds a shrub rose ready to plant in the garden, as well as a bottle of rose water and a jar of rose petal jam. I think this would be an ideal gift for a couple, a parent or grandparent.Giving a gift of a beautiful plant of flower will be something that person can enjoy and watch grow, and will always remember you by. 

An absolutely beautiful pair of earrings that i feel would make a great gift this Christmas are these Amethyst Yellow Gold beauties. I absolutely love Amethyst and think a gift like this would be something to cherish, and that stays classic forever.

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Lady in Your Life

Living Nature Skin Minis | Christmas Wishes Necklace
| Penguin T-shirt | Lets Make Up Make Up Roll | Half Pint Glass

Hi everyone. Here is a little gift idea post for anyone looking for inspiration.
Do you know anyone that loves their natural beauty? Living Nature sell a great mini skin care gift set 'Skin Minis' which is available for each skin type. I think this is such a useful gift for any woman in your life.
A Christmas or festive jumper or t-shirt is always a good idea for a gift if you are finding it difficult to buy someone a gift. This penguin t-shirt from Brat & Suzie is perfect as it adds just that Winter feel to an outfit without being garish.
A half pint glass? What ever next! I love this glass, I know I enjoy just half a pint rather than a full drink. What a great gift idea.A great idea for any make - up junkie is this make up roll from Joe Browns. I love the illustrations of the beauty tools on the roll, which is super handy to keep all your cosmetics together!I absolutely love Jacy and Jools jewellery, and love this Christmas Wishes Necklace. You can choose their own charms which are all super pretty. I have a 10% discount code for you if you purchase from Jacy and Jools, just enter ZLRC at the checkout.

Lime Time: Zesty Beauty Favourites

My favourite scent of all time is lime. I absolutely adore the scent. Other than coconut, lime is definitely my first choice when looking for scented beauty products. I love the refreshing fruity kick of the scent, it is so addictive! 

Cien Lime Kick Shower Gel

One of my favourite lime scented beauty products is a shower gel by Cien, which is available in Lidl of all places. I'm not usually a fan of shower gels and tend to stick to shower creams as they usually lather a lot more, but this one lathers really well. It smells delicious and is a great way to wake me up in the Morning. The best of all, this shower gel costs less than 50 pence, that is right, less than 50 British pennies!

Locitanne Zesty Lime Hand Cream

I am quite a typical girly girl and I love hand cream. My hands are constantly dry so I always need a pick me up with a good old hand cream. I got this Loccitane Hand Cream free with Marie Clare magazine last Month, and of-course opted for the free limited edition lime version. It smells gorgeous and keeps my hands very hydrated, I definitely recommend this if you can get your hands on it.

Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream

I mention Soap and Glory quite a lot on my blog, and one of my favourite scents is their 'Sugar Crush' line. If you haven't tried any of the Sugar Crush products, they smell very zesty and fresh. I love this as it is an in-between of a body lotion to a body butter, so not too thick. The scent lasts hours after applying, and makes my skin feel very soft indeed.

Have you got a particular favourite scent for your body products?

Do you prefer fruity scents or floral scents?

Frame Again

Do you find the task of finding a nice photo frame and then having to print off your photographs a hassle? I know I do. I love having photo frames and pictures dotted around my bedroom. I am a big fan of decorating my room with photo's, I love being able to reminisce on great memories. I really like  frames that are that little bit different and not your average 6x4 wooden frame, so anything cute or modern is always a winner in my eyes. I also find it irritating that I have so many Instagram pictures which are quite difficult to frame - it can be expensive to get them printed off and I have had trouble finding frames to completely fit the pictures due to Instagram's square fixed size.

 It is so time - consuming printing off pictures and then having to cut them to size to display in your frames - this is why I love Frame Again. They take away the hassle of printing the photographs as you simply upload your picture directly from Instagram or from your computer, and they arrive already fitted into your frame - which is also designed by you! You can choose the colours of the frame base and the frame ring - as you can see from my pictures I opted for a very classic black and white, simply because I think the colours are really versatile and will match the decor in every room of the house. The quality of the photo paper is really good, I wasn't sure how my image would look as it was taken from an iPhone but the printing is really good quality and I am impressed with the results.

Another fun fact is that the frames are actually free standing; as you can see from the images above; Frame Again frames are really attractive, modern and cute cube shapes with a thick base meaning they can stand alone without anything holding them up. Of - course, you can also hang the frames against a wall if you want to.
After browsing their website I also discovered that the frames have magnetic sides, so if you have a few frames this will make a great display altogether. This is how the frames work - with magnets. The frame itself is actually kept together by magnetic force, which makes it much more safer than having to bend the metal at the edge of a frame when changing pictures. I don't know about you but that is one of my pet peeves when changing photographs in frames.
You can even change the photo in the frame if you wish to, it is actually really easy and simple to do. Instructions are provided on the sleeve that the frame arrives with. Delivery is really quick and my frame arrived really well packaged.
Frame Again is such a straight-forward website to use, I really recommend Frame Again if you like to display your special pictures in a modern way.


*I was given a voucher code to trial out Frame Again. All opinions are 100%  honest and my own*

Imperial Leather Day at the Spa Nourishing Body Wash

Body washes are one of those 'boring but essential' products which I use daily, but never usally feature them on my blog. I thought I would start sharing more posts about essential products on my blog.

I am a body wash junkie. I  am always trying different shower creams and body washes. There is nothing better for me than a refreshing shower with a fruity shower gel or a calming bath with a relaxing body wash.  I am not very loyal to any brand, but one I do really enjoy is Cusson's Imperial Leather. Their 'Day at the Spa' range is quickly becoming one of my favourite selections. 

The nourishing body wash with shea butter & honeysuckle has a sensually floral, exotic scent which lingers on the skin hours after use. The body wash is very relaxing, and makes the skin feel soft and pampered. This body wash is a complete bargain as it costs around £1 and is available at Boots and Ocado.

The Autumn Tag

Image Source

 I haven't posted a tag post in a while, so I thought Today would be a great opportunity as I have no other posts planned. The lovely Sarah from Ohh So Glam tagged me to do the Autumn Tag, so here it is.

What's Your Favourite Thing About Autumn?
I love the brown and orange leaves that litter the ground. It reminds me of being young and running through all the leaves!

Favourite Autumn Drink?

I love coffee, especially spiced lattes or a mint hot chocolate with cream!

Favourite Autumn Food?
I haven't really got a favourite Autumn food, but in the colder Months I really love home - made shephards pie. It is a real hearty meal, and it really warms me up on a cold evening.

Favourite Autumn Activity? 
I love cuddling up on the sofa, sticking on a cheesy film snuggled up with blankets and a hot water bottle.

Favourite Autumn Candle Scent?

I think my favourite would be cinnamon and apple. I also really like orange and pumpkin scents.

Favourite Item of Clothing/Accessory for A/W 2014?

Soft, thick jumpers and boots are perfect for Autumn Winter, and are always in style. I love a chunky scarf too!
Favourite Lip Product?
I like deep berry reds but I am not always brave enough to pull them off!

Favourite Nail Polish?
I only tend to wear nudes, pinks and pastels, so I would probably say a nude shade.

Go-To Autumn Makeup Look?
A nude eye, dark eye liner and mascara, subtle highlight and blush and a dark lip.

What's Top on Your Autumn Wishlist?
I am looking for a Autumn/Winter coat, preferably in navy blue.

Tag 5 Bloggers to join in the fun...

Clare http://www.theloveofallthingsbeauty.co.uk/

Tasha http://wandincluded.blogspot.co.uk/

Ashlynn http://abeautymoment.blogspot.co.uk/

Laura http://www.laurasallmadeup.com/

Rachel http://www.twentysomethingbeauty.com/

Let me know if you have taken part in the tag!

Shoe Lovers Wall Print from Chatter Box Walls

If you haven't already heard of Chatterbox Walls, they are an online personalised print and poster specialist which stock a variety of different prints which are available in different sizes.
I have browsed their website a few times now and I really love a lot of their prints; they range from sports, quotes and fashion themes, there is really something for everyone. They also stock 'likes' prints, a print where you can list a persons hobbies and favourite things, which are growing really popular lately.

I decided on the Shoe Lovers print for my Sisters bedroom. It seemed very fitting as she loves shoes and her bedroom is full to the brim of heels! We picked this brown colour for the print as her bedroom decor theme is going to be leopard print, so it fits in really well with the theme of the room. I love that you can add your own personal statement, too. My Sister actually finds it quite deflating that she can never buy anything with her name on because nowhere stocks her name, so it is great to be able add her name to this and make it that little bit more personal and special to her.

I absolutely love the outcome of this print. The quality of the paper is just fantastic, it is so glossy. It looks perfect in the frame I already had, and looks great on the wall. It is so professional looking and I am honestly very impressed with the quality.

ChatterBox Walls have a huge range of different designs of prints to choose from. Their prints would make a great gift to a friend or family member, or even a little treat to yourself to add some more personality to your own home. You can check out their huge variety of prints on their website here. 

*I was kindly offered to review a Wall Print from Chatterbox Walls, though all of my opions are 100% honest and my own*

Lippy Girl Lipstick in P-bomb

Hands up who loves lipstick! I know I do. May I introduce you to the gorgeous Lippy Girl lipstick in P - bomb.

Lippy Girl is a 100% vegan, eco-friendly, natural and organic beauty brand. Lippy Girl lipsticks are made with organic natural oils and waxes, and contain only natural mineral pigments. The brand was created by ex-model and Chemistry Teacher Darcey Diehl, who wanted to prove that animal testing and unnatural ingredients were unnecessary in high quality cosmetics. 

Now, onto the lipstick in question. The colour pay off is great. The colour is a pop of pink. P-bomb is a very wearable shade for every day, but can be built up to wear a little more bolder.  The lipstick feels really creamy and soft on the lips. I have found that my lips feel quite moisturised when wearing this, and it doesn't dry or chap my lips at all. I found the lipstick quite long-wearing, having to be reapplied every 3 to 4 hours. 

 I would love to try more of the range, as there are some absolutely gorgeous shades and some really daring ones, too! The packaging is super cute also. The bullet it a sleek black with a cute pink girls side portrait.

Costing only £12.50* from Botanical Brands, I feel that the lipstick is very good value for money. If you are a natural beauty lover or just a lipstick fan in general, you will love Lippy Girl. 

*This post contains PR samples/items which were sent to me for consideration to review. All opinions are 100 %  honest and my own. You can view my full disclaimer policy on the contact tab above*

Monochrome Fashion Wishlist: Its a Modern World

High Neck Long Sleeve Top | Longline Coat | Pencil Skirt | Bucket Bag

I haven't written a style inspired post in a while. Today I am sharing a few items I think would look great together for a 1960's inspired modern woman's smart outfit. I find the music and fashion subcultures of the 1960's and 1980's so interesting, I thought I would put my own spin on this kind of style, while still keeping it contemporary. 

As you can see, I have kept the outfit very monochrome (well, mainly black). I think monochrome outfits look super stylish and sophisticated. I love this pencil skirt from H & M, you can pair this with any vest or jumper to really pull it all together. I feel the high neck top would work great with the skirt. Longline coats are very 'in' this Season, and I love the 'old-fashioned' feel this one has. The bucket bag is a cute addition to the outfit, although now looking at the images I wish I had thought about adding in some statement jewellery too.

Are there any decades you wish you could return to for the fashion and music?

Christmas Gift Ideas for Tech Lovers

Fifi Lapin Bunny Teacup Case | Ihip Zip Tangle Free Zippered Headphones  | ASOS Touch Screen Gloves | Lithium Ion Portable Power Bank

Hi everyone. Today is another Christmas Gift Guide series installment... sorry if I am bombarding you with all things Christmas but it is one of my favourite things all year round, I tend to mention it in all aspects of my life! Gift buying is something I enjoy doing, I especially like thinking of ideas and preparing gifts. Today I have gathered a few ideas for technology lovers.

Firstly, we have a really useful gift for not just a techno - type, but for anyone who uses their phone/social media on the go. This portable power bank from Maplin is great to charge mobile phones, iPods, iPads, and tablets. It can provide up to 84 hours charge on a mobile phone so is perfect if you are out all day, travel a lot or your battery dies quickly. We then have some touch screen gloves, which are great for the colder days so you can still use your technology on the go without having freezing cold hands. A really useful gift is a pair of headphones, but what is great about these headphones from IWOOT is that the cable is tangle free as the zip moves up and down. This is the answer to annoying tangled earphone cables! Lastly is this super cute phone case from Iconemesis. I love the cute design, it is adorable and will keep your phone safe.

Silver Daisy Earrings from Martha Jackson

Hi all! Today's post is super exciting for me, as it features one of my favourite things to talk about: jewellery! 

I absolutely love wearing jewellery, I really like to add both bold, statement pieces and delicate, dainty pieces to an outfit. I love anything ditsy, cute and girly, so what I am talking about today is very 'me' and definitely my kind of style.

This beautiful pair of silver contemporary daisy earrings are from Martha Jackson; a family run business which specialize in high quality designed jewellery. They have some absolutely gorgeous pieces,  I really recommend you have a browse of their website as they are very reasonably priced and really unique. I am planning on writing a wish list post featuring some of their pieces soon, so look out for that!

These silver contemporary daisy earrings are so sweet. I love the classic look of the daisy flower on the earrings. They catch the light as the finish is very polished. Something I love about the earrings is that they are made from only sterling silver. This is a plus for me as I can't wear certain jewellery as I have sensitive skin. 

I really like the hook of the earrings, as it makes them really secure and stops them from falling out of the ears. Martha Jackson also stock the matching silver contemporary daisy necklace which I also have my eye on, I think the necklace and earrings would look so adorable worn together. 

When delivered, the earrings were really well packaged, and arrived in a really sweet gift box. Delivery was super quick too, which is a must if you are thinking of buying for Christmas. 

The silver daisy earrings would make a fantastic gift for any woman in your life. They cost just £12 which I feel is quite a bargain to say the earrings are made from sterling silver. 

The classic flower is never outdated so I feel it would suit a woman of any age. 

If you are looking for gifts for the woman in your life, check out Martha Jackson's website. They have a great selection of affordable gifts, even gifts under £25 which you can check out here.

*I was sent the earrings to review, all opinions are my own*

Free Nails Inc Nail Polish and £3, £15, or £100 voucher for the Body Shop with Glamour Magazine!

This Months Glamour Magazine (December 2014) comes with a free Nails Inc Nail Polish, as well as a voucher card for The Body Shop. Every card is loaded with either £3, £15, or £100 to spend at The Body Shop in store (full priced products only). The magazine also comes with a 20% off H&M voucher on a minimum of £20 spend, and a Pantene Conditioner sample. 

I think this magazine is definitely worth picking up as it costs just £2. Two Pound! All of The Body Shop cards are worth atleast £3 so that is such a bargain in itself! 

The Nails Inc Nail Polish is worth £11 and is full size. There are four shades available. I chose the shade Marylebone Mews.

To find out how much is on your card, simply ask a sales assistant in store who will tell you how much it is worth. My voucher card was worth £3, so I picked up a shower cream which then cost me just a pound! 

Have you picked up your copy yet?

Botanicals Nourishing Face Balm

The Botanicals Nourishing Face Balm claims to soften and enhance your skin. It is made with active plant revived ingredients, which aid the skin to regenerate new skin cells. The product is infused with wild rose and rose geranium, which are ingredients which are known for their revitalizing properties. The face balm is made with 89% natural ingredients.
Having swapped a lot of my skin care products recently to products that hold more natural ingredients, I have really noticed the difference. For me, natural ingredients seem to work better for my skin as they do not tend to cause any extra irritation.
I must say, I feel that the Botanical Nourishing Face Balm* meets all of its aims and more. I use the balm at night and apply only a really small amount of product onto my face. Less is definitely more with this face balm; you only need a little amount of product for it to work well. When I wake up having used the face balm the night before, my skin feels super soft, smooth and moisturised.
 It is a great product, and I would recommend it if you are looking for a face balm or skin care product which really does enhance your skin. My skin is quite dull, but this product really freshens up my face making it feel and look more 'awake', clear and soft. As well the product working wonders, it smells beautiful too.
The Botanical's Nourishing Face Balm won the Green Parent Natural Beauty Award in 2013, which shows just what a fantastic product it is.

Botanicals are currently offering £5 off when you purchase the Nourishing Face Balm from their website up until the end of November! This is a fantastic deal as the product is usually £27.95, which makes the product only £22.95 when using the code. Simply enter the code NOVOFFER at the checkout to receive £5 off. 

*I was sent this product for consideration to review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own*

Acorelle White Orchid Set | Christmas Gift Guide

Are you looking for a gift for someone that loves their natural beauty products? Perhaps the person you are buying for has sensitive skin or just enjoys using products which only contain 100% natural ingredients? Maybe they deserve a good pamper and to relax? The Acorelle White Orchid Set would make the perfect present for any beauty lover.

Included in the set contains the white orchid anti-stress eau fraiche and body lotion. Acorelle state that the essential oils of sandalwood and orange used in both of the products help to increase 'the feelings of emotional well-being through-out the day' and will also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
I feel that this gift is really lovely for anyone who needs a destress.

The white orchid body lotion is quite light. After use, the skin feels moisturised and soft. The scent is beautiful, with notes of pear leaf, cardamum, irisflorentin, hawthorn, patchouli, vanilla and raspberry. The scent lasts well throughout the day, and works great combined with the use of the eau fraiche. 

The eau fraiche is a nice alternative to a perfume or an EDT. It is slightly lighter than a perfume, but the scent still lasts a long time on the skin. The scent is beautiful, with the same notes as the body lotion. With regards to the claims to reduce stress and anxiety, I do feel that the eau fraiche has a lasting, yet calming scent. Having used it daily for around two weeks, I do feel that the scent does 'perk up my mood' if you like as it is really relaxing. I like to apply this throughout the day, and also on an evening when I like to relax. I love the size of the product, as it is easy to tuck into your handbag and is great for travelling.

Both products are made with completely 100% natural ingredients.
The White Orchid set is currently available at MyPure here for just £10*. You can also find more Acorelle products which are great for natural beauty lovers, on their website here.

*This post contains PR samples/items which were sent to me for consideration to review. All opinions are 100 %  honest and my own. You can view my full disclaimer policy on the contact tab above*

Favourite Blogs To Read #2

Hi everyone. I wrote a post a few Months ago sharing with you a few of my favourite blogs to read and I loved the response I got from writing it - it is great to share the love! Today I am back with some more of my favourite reads, be sure to check out their blogs if you haven't already. 

Midnight Violets - link

I have mentioned before I really love Hannah's blog. I love her product reviews as she always gives a lot of detail and summarises the product in full, as well as always including a lot of pictures of the products being worn. 

Raspberry Kiss - link

Shannons blog is one I have followed for quite some time now. I love her layout, her writing style, her photography - it is probably one of my most visited blogs. She blogs really frequently so there is always something new to read! Her posts consist of all things beauty and lifestyle. Definitely one to check out!

Lola and Behold - link

I really like Laura's blog as its so down-to-earth and honest. Her photography is brilliant and I love her writing style.

A Thrifty Mrs - link
I have also been following the lovely Thirifty's blog for such a long time now. I think hers was one of the first I began to read. I love her money saving tips and DIY's. I would love to be more hands on at home and I really do love a bargain so her blog is always a great read.

October Degustabox

Another Month has gone by, which means only one thing... another amazing Degustabox to share with you. Once again, I am thoroughly impressed with the variety of products in this Months box. 

If you are unfamiliar with Degustabox, it is a surprise subscription service where you are sent a mixture of different food and drink products once a Month, that you would perhaps not normally buy, and are often new products. 

Degustabox Fridge is back this Month with a coupon for a free pack of 4 Benecol Greek Style Yoghurts. I love yoghurt so I will definitely be heading to the supermarket this week to pick those up.

I have another code for you this Month which entitles you to £3 your next order! Simply enter the code TWAPL at the checkout to receive £3 off.

Now I will get to the exciting part now where I share what is included in this Months box.

Kent's Kitchen Bengal Meal Kit
Costing just £2.50 per kit, Kent's Kitchen Meal Kits are ideal for when you have all of the fresh ingredients for an authentic meal - but nothing else. Included in the Bengal kit is curry spices, garlic oil and the bengal curry paste. I think these are a great concept to keep in your cupboard for when you need some cooking inspiration. I already have my eye on a few of the other kits, particularly the Chilli Con Carne Kit.

Special K Cracker Crisps
Special K's Barbecue Cracker Crisps are really tasty, and are relatively low in fat as they have 60% less fat than any ordinary crisps. They can get quite addictive and are perfect for a get together or a night in. These cost just £1.89 and are available from most supermarkets.

Blue Dragon Sweet Chilli Sauce
This Months box includes two bottles of Sweet Chilli Sauce by Blue Dragon. Sweet Chilli Sauce is great to add to every day meals. I haven't tried this yet but I am really excited to try it, as I love adding a kick to my food! Blue Dragon Sweet Chilli Sauce is available from Asda, Sainsburys, Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons for £1.39 for two bottles.

Get Buzzing Original Nutty Flapjack
Flapjacks are super healthy, and Get Buzzing Flapjacks are 100% natural. The original nutty flavour was the flapjack that was in our box, and it tasted really nice. I loved the addition of the nuts, it made the flapjack taste completely different. They are available to purchase from their website here. Get Buzzing are currently offering 10% off any order with the discount code 'newbuzz10'.

Enhance For Water in Orange & Passion Fruit

I had never heard of this brand before but my Sister has been desperate to try these out for quite a while, so she was impressed when we found this in the box. Enhance is basically used to add small drops into your water (at home or on the go) to make it taste delicious and fruity. There is no added sugar in Enhance drinks, and they only have one calorie per drink. I haven't yet tried this but my Sister tells me its a very fruity and interesting taste, and that you can really taste the passion-fruit. These cost £2.49 and are available from Ocado and Asda.

Solo Marshmallow Creme
This is probably the most random yet intriguing product I found in the box this Month. It is a Toasted Marshmallow Creme by Solo, which is a spreadable treat. It tastes a little like nougat and I can imagine it would be great when making smores or baking treats ready for Bonfire Night! Solo Marshmallow Creme is available from American Soda online here for £1.99.

Dr. Oetker Premium 90% Extra Dark Chocolate
Who doesn't love dark chocolate? I have used this before and it tastes amazing! I cant wait to use this again. Dr. Oetker is a brand I am fairly familiar with and one I do purchase again and again. I cant wait to get baking using this! This costs £2.49 and is available from most large supermarkets, and their website here.

Bear Paws Fruit Snack
Bears is a brand I absolutely love. These fruit snacks contain no added sugar or any concentrates. These are really cute, very addictive to eat, and a great alternative to sweets. Bears Paws Fruit Snacks are available for 55 pence per pack in most supermarkets, usually found in the baby aisle.

Dr. Oetker Fine Dark Cocoa Powder
Perfect for baking, I cant wait to try this cocoa powder out. Dr. Oetker is a fantastic brand for baking so I know this will be good. I have plans to use this in a recipe soon so I may share that on my blog. The cocoa powder come in packs of three sachets with a free recipe card. They are available to buy for £1.89 from their website here.

Brioche Pasquier Sliced Brioche Loaf
The Brioche Pasquier Sliced Loaf tastes just like the rolls I tried out a few Months ago. I love that it is already sliced so ready to use straight away. It tastes really great toasted, which is how I have been eating it. Brioche Pasquier products are available from Tesco. A loaf costs just £1.69, which is quite reasonable.

Jelly Belly Jelly Beans in Sours
I am sure you have all heard of the most famous Jelly Bean brand - Jelly Belly, right? Lets be honest, if you like jelly beans you must love Jelly Belly. This £2.50 packet contains 100 grams of their tasty sour flavoured jelly beans! Totally addictive. I love sour sweets more than anything so I cant wait to eat these!

Brioche Pasquier Pain Au Lait With Chocolate Chips

This is probably the most exciting product in the box for me this Month, and I will be honest in saying these lasted about 2 days after we received the box! Pain au Lait is delicious but with the addition of the dark chocolate chips, it makes it a real treat, particularly for a perfect start to the day as breakfast. Costing just £1.60 a pack, they are great value for money.

Sample Present: Bear Alphabites Cereal Letters

This is a nice little addition to this Months box, which comes in the form of crunchy cereal letters. I am a big fan of Bear products, and was thrilled to be able to try these out. They are really tasty and made with five grains and coconut blossom nectar. I imagine that these would be ideal for a healthy breakfast for both children and adults alike, as they contain no refined sugar, salt, are naturally high in calcium, and are low GI. I think I will have to pick up a box of these soon because they taste great!

If you are interested in purchasing a Degustabox* subscription for yourself or someone else, simply head over to their website here for more information on how it works. I recommend if you like trying new and different foods you may not have picked up on your grocery shop! You can also check out their social media links below to keep upto date with all things Degustabox!

Degustabox Links: Website, Twitter, Facebook

*This post contains PR samples/items which were sent to me for consideration to review. All opinions are 100 %  honest and my own. You can view my full disclaimer policy on the contact tab above*

Itsawot USB Travel Shaver | Christmas Gift Guide

Itsawot is quickly becoming one of my most visited websites for gifts. I love buying gifts for people that are unique and useful. I find Christmas shopping for the men in my life quite a stressful task though - they aren't into sports so I find it difficult to find them something that they will actually like and that will get some use. This is where the USB Travel Shaver comes in - whatever next!?

A perfect gift for a boyfriend, father, brother, uncle, friend - even for granddad - the USB Travel Shaver is great for travelling as it is light and takes up little to no room at all; it takes away the weight of travelling with a big, bulky razor and the accessories. How convenient that it can be charged via USB, too! 

The Travel Shaver* comes complete with a storage pouch, a spare head and brush. It is very compact and will save a lot of space. The shaver works really well (so I am told by my male tester!) and is a definite must-have for any guy that likes to keep neat and trimmed on the go! Once charged, the shaver lasts for a good while, which is super impressive.

You can purchase this handy little USB Travel Shaver from Itsawot for £9.99. Itsawot also stock lots of other creative and original gifts, be sure to have a browse! I have quite the wishlist - I may share this on my blog soon.


*This post contains PR samples/items which were sent to me for consideration to review. All opinions are 100 %  honest and my own. You can view my full disclaimer policy on the contact tab above*