Chin Up Mask - The Non Surgical Face Lift!

If there was one thing I could change about my skin it would be the chin.  Mine is horrible, small, fat with the beginning of a double chin.  So eager to get rid of it, I jumped when the opportunity arose to check out a brand new Indiegogo campaign called Chin-Up, a product which launches later this month over on their website chinupmask.com.

Chin-Up claims to be the equivalent of a non-surgical facelift and utilises the latest scientific developments in pressure technology whilst the specially formulated fruit-extract filled face masks are absorbed; lifting up and firming the shape of your face, promoting facial blood circulation, burning up extra fat on the face to remodel a more refined face with effects which last for a few days. The mask uses 4 main ingredients to achieve its results:

• Vitamin E - Protects skin cells from free radicals and protects product formulation or carrier oil from lipid peroxidation. Acts as an antioxidant. Possesses moisturising and protective properties. Offers improved elasticity and smoothness.
• Corum 9235 - Gives a warming sensation when applied to the skin. Stimulates the absorption of serum and promotes the losing of chin-fat
• Q10 Coenzyme - Stimulates cell strengthening and promotes the regeneration of skin. Q10 has strong anti-oxidant effects, giving immediate relief to dry and dehydrated skin. It also has anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle properties.
• Skintronics - Facilitates the fat release and aids in the contouring process. The Skintronics serum converts fat into stabilized fibrous tissue and eases the edema under the cheeks, jaw and chin. It helps boost the density of collagen and cell tension, instantly lifting and firming up to 20%.

The Kit has everything in that you will need to use.  Two Chin Masks, a Slimming Band and a Tape Measure to record your results.  

To use it is quite simply.  Apply the Chin Up mask to your face and neck, it is like a sheet mask but just for your chin and under-chin area and then apply the slimming band and leave for around 30-40 minutes, after which time you should see effects of up to 2cm of fat loss.  Now the slimming band isn't going to be the next fashion accessory and it does nothing for your vanity at all, but it is easy to wear with velcro fastening so you can adjust it for comfort.  Once the sheet mask is applied and the slimming band is on, you feel as though your chin is up by your nose and it is quite hard to talk, eat or drink.  So you really need to use it when you have nothing much else to do and especially not when you have friends coming round.  During those 30 minutes, I felt a slight warmness to my chin, nothing that was too uncomfortable, but it did get warm, so there is something to think about should you use one of these, the feeling was similar to that of a Clay Mask when you use those.

Once those alloted 30 minutes are up, I removed the band and this is my result.

So, yes, it did work. Thankfully! I lost just under 2cm off of my double chin in just half an hour.  The loss for me was right under my chin and at the side, not so much so it is massively noticeable and I wasn't expecting to remove the mask and find a brand new chin, but I am pleased with what I have seen as a difference.

Was it worth it? For a one off, yes and I would do it again, it would be great to use before a night out as an extra treatment, especially as it gave me a little more confidence and something less to worry about and I am definitely going to use the other mask in a few weeks times.  There has been no price set for when it is released, so it is a case of watching this space.

You can find more about Chin Up by visiting their website, mentioned at the beginning of this review, or via their social media channels such as facebook, twitter, instagram

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Do you think this is something you would want to try?

A dress fit for a Queen

This month has been quite a busy social one for me with weddings and birthdays to be celebrated.  I am one of those people who can't wear the same dress twice, more so when it is an event to be celebrated with a similar group of friends.  Thankfully House of Fraser were on hand to help me out with my little predicament and with these two fabulous dresses from the plus size dresses range.

The Dorothy Perkins Leaf Print Sateen Fit And Flare Dress is shown on the left is currently on sale here for just £20 and it is an absolute bargain.  When wearing it, there is a zip which runs the length of the back, it has a rounded collar, short sleeves and is Fit and Flare designed meaning that it pulls the waist with a ribbon is and is really flattering.  I really love the leaf design which also uses the colours blue and yellow and can, therefore, be accessorised really easily.

The Black and white floral Samya Pleated Botanical Print Dress is again a dress I absolutely adore.  As with the first dress, it is again a fit-and-flare style dress featuring a belted waist and box pleated skirt making it really flattering. It uses a back zip fastener, has a rounded collar and is also sleeveless.  

As a black and white dress, it can be as dressed up as casually worn as you find comfortable.

With both dresses what I found is the sizing was almost spot on.  Having the belted waist meant I could pull them in at the sides where they were both slightly too big and it then lifted the dresses so they didn't just hang.  When I am buying a dress, for me it is all about fitting around the chest area because if it doesn't fit there, then it can really make an outfit look horrendous.

I am not usually a fan of zips on the back of dresses because of the coldness against the skin, but with these two, I didn't notice them throughout either day of wearing them, nor did I feel overly hot and bothered.

My favourite of the two dresses is the first one.  It fits much more snugly, it is fairly bright and cheerful and I loved the detail on the hem, which I feel complimented the dress.

Have you seen any dresses you have really liked of late?

The Amazing New L'Occitane Aromachologie Re-Balancing Range

Surprise packages are always amazing, especially when they smell as good as the new L'Occitane Aromachologie Re-Balancing Range**. As soon as I opened the black jiffy envelope I was blown away by this amazing scent and I dived straight in.

A 100% natural re-balancing scent in a new line of products to awaken the senses, help restore balance and bring well-being to body and mind. The range itself has a total of five products and today I have four of them to share with you.

Rebalancing Exfoliating Shower Gel (£14) contains five purifying essential oils (Cypress, Juniper, Lemon, Thyme, Eucalyptus which as you can imagine is just amazing first thing in a morning when you need a dig in the ribs to wake up, or to invigorate & rebalance as L'Occitane describe it so eloquently. Using olive and lemon particles within the shower gel to delicately eliminates impurities not only leaves the skin soft and smooth but smelling absolutely delightful.

Most people know how much I enjoy a long hot soak in the bath, so when Rebalancing Infusions For Bath (£15), the water was running before I had finished reading the packaging.  Inside the box are five infused sachets which you place in your bath water, or as I do over the tap so the running water soaks the sachet through and then 5 minutes before I get into the water, I leave the sachet to float about in the bath.  Made with citrus fruit peel and revitalizing salts, each sachet provides a rebalancing effect, beneficial for the senses and body and again, the scent is just amazing, it really helps you to relax, de-stress and leaves you feeling so much better.

One item which did intrigue me was the Rebalancing Black Soap (£16) which comes packaged inside this tub and was not at all what I was expecting to find.  It is designed to be used once or twice a week as treatment all over the body and it is described as being an 'olive oil based soappaste' which is enriched with eucalyptus essential oil to clean the skin and removes impurities. The formula refines skin texture and leaves it soft, nourished and silky. Again it smells absolutely incredible and on the skin it literally melts away and is not at all sticky or goey as you might expect it to be.

When I used this for the first time, I had quite a heavy cold and my nose was a nightmare, being packed with Eucalyptus Oil this soap is perfect for helping your breathing and relieving those cold symptoms. 

The final item in this quartet is the Face Mask (£20) and again it is enriched with absorbing vegetal and mineral powders to remove impurities and tighten pores. With the inclusion of Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Thyme Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Juniper Fruit Oil, not only does this mask leave your skin feeling as though you have just spent the whole day cleansing your face, it has such a light fragrance that you forget it is on your face, until it is time to wash off after just five minutes. So this mask is perfect for one of those quick, on the go, masks which is easy to apply, it washes off with no effort and it leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and smooth.

This is another fantastic range from L'Occitane and if the smell isn't enough to tempt you in, the black soap and curiosity should do!

Are you a L'Occitane fan?

My Super affordable AW15 Shoe and Boot Wishlist

It's that time of year when Summer has come to an end and all the Autumn/Winter clothes are being put out in store and the sales have started. You only have to look out of your window today to see how utterly horrid the weather is right now.

Now I love Autumn, it is one of my favourite seasons, leaving work to go home just as dusk begins, earlier closing of the curtains and more of an excuse to light candles and be snug.  One thing I do love is looking for chunky knits, leggings and boots with the latter being one of my favourite items to buy. Autumn footwear is so much better than Summer, no manky toes on show for one, and I have so many pairs of shoes and boots that I want to buy.

I like two things about shoes or boots - they need to be wide fit and they must be fairly flat.  I am not a fan of heels and having flat feet find heels a nightmare to spend the day in.  So if my boots or shoes have any sort of heel at all, I keep a pair of flats with me at work or in my bag just in case.

There are quite a few places I like to buy shoes from online - ASOS, Shoetique, New Look and sometimes TK Maxx who are great when it comes to brands and decent sizing.  So Biker Boots, Knee High Boots, Cowboy Boots and Emu Boots usually all in black are what I need and here are the ones I currently have my eye on!

AW15 ShoeBoot Wishlist by beautyqueenuk 

Naturally, I am a tad obsessed with my Emu Boots which I never thought I would like as I hated Ugg Boots, but I do love mine and ideally need to replace them.   When it comes to Knee High Boots, I like rider style boots and one which are of a more military style, so for this Rieker Boots are perfect and they go with all outfits I am likely to wear.

When it comes to shorter boots, I really like laced boots or ankle boots which are a little bit different and both ASOS and New Look have some amazing boots in right now.

I am also a fan of Ballerina style pumps, especially when I am at work as they are much more comfortable and I have some similar to the Adesso shoes which are Leopard print and the Lotus Black ones which are from TK Maxx, both exceptionally comfy and both work well with trousers, jeans, skirts of dresses.

Do you have a Autumn/Winter Shoe Boot wishlist?

*PR Collaboration

Benefit The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine

I am a huge fan of POREfessional License to Blot, so when I was given the chance to try The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine I couldn't wait to try it out. Benefit describe this as being a shine vanishing pro powder, with an invisible finish which helps to shrink the look of pores and minimise shine both which I need on a daily basis, especially the latter.

Now you can't help but love Benefit packaging, no matter what the product is, it is always the box it comes in that draws my attention and yes I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but when it is this pretty how can you not?  The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine is packaged within what I can best describe as a cone shaped tube which houses the powder at one end and a really handy retractable brush at the other end, basically everything you need to use this product is right here, no need to pack extra brushes or tools when putting it in your makeup bag making it perfect for on the go.

The powder can be found held securely so that it doesn't leak and spill everywhere which I really like and to release some all you need to do is simply twist the top to open the vents and you can then tip some of the powder of into the lid. Then you need the brush which is found with another twist. Then simply dip the brush into the powder and apply straight to your face. You can use this product on moisturised skin or over makeup to instantly mattify your complexion as well as being able to touch up over makeup during the day as and when you feel the need. 

I love that the powder is invisible so you don't really need a mirror to apply because it doesn't look streaky or caked on.  One sweep of the powder onto the skin and it does a great job at mattifying that pesky shine. I do find I have to re-apply during the day, especially if I am going somewhere after work, but in doing so, again it is so lightweight no one would ever know, it simply mattifies the shine as it is meant to. I don't have large pores, so I can't really comment on whether or not it does anything for those with this issue. What I am happy with is its mattifying properties.

Have you tried The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine?

Erborian Pink Perfect Creme

Erborian is a brand which is new to me, one I haven't read too much about but one I know I am going to love. A fusion of traditional South Korean beauty remedies and French luxury, Erborian uses natural science and proven ingredients to create unique formulas that rejuvenate and restore skin's luminosity so the description goes and having had their PP Cream in my possession for some time, I think it is just amazing.

So yes, a cream that is a PP Cream, the Erborian Pink Perfect Creme to give it the full title is enriched with Korean ingredients.  The cream has a soft pink colour to it and it is designed to be applied to the face every morning to give that radiant finish and it has a 4-in-1 set of benefits which include - providing an instant “blur” by giving a soft-focus looking effect to the skin, visibly minimise the appearance of pores, helping to enhance the appearance of your skin tone with a pearly glow and finally prepare your skin for make-up, acting as a primer, thus leaving your skin feeling smoothed, and more radiant.

As well as being pink and leaving your skin feeling really smooth, this PP Creme does contain some fabulous ingredients to help keep your skin feeling both toned and supple. Pumpkin seed oil helps to regulate sebum production, Horsetail extract helps to improve the skin's quality, leaves of Diospyros Kaki which helps to keep skin supple and toned with a pore tightening effect and finally Camellia oil helps to regenerate the skin and enhance cellular protection.

What I love about this PP creme is its ability to act like a primer, it really does help keep my makeup in place as well as leaving my skin feeling soft, smooth and toned and in all honesty it works just as well as any other primer I own, it is just this one happens to feel less silicone based and be packed full of skin loving ingredients.  It also does brighten the skin and bring about a youthful glow, though not too much so it looks as though you need to get the blotting papers out, it is a refreshed just walked out the beauty salon look and it isn't heavy on the skin and nor does it feel as though your pores are blocked and they can't breathe.

I honesty love this PP creme and it is something I am using everyday right now, I love how it makes my skin feel and I love how effortlessly my makeup glides on and stays put all day.

The Erborian pink perfect creme is available now, priced at £36 for 45ml.

Antonia Burrell Forest Dew Skin Conditioner

I have had my eye on Antonia Burrell products for some time now, each sounding more divine than the next. Forest Dew Skin Conditioner** is quite simply amazing and I have loved it since the very first try.

At Antonia Burrell they have a strong passion for clean, chemical-free, quality, luxurious 100% natural products and treatments, that simply work and help to improve the quality of your skin, your life and your personal well-being and Forest Dew has three main properties, to clarify, plump and balance the skin.

There are three main ingredients which stand out within this product and they are Swiss Alpine Extracts which work to balance sebum production, reduce redness and refine pores, Lavender Flower Water which calms and soothes the skin whilst reducing redness and Cucumber Extract which helps to refresh and hydrate & soothe.

I really like the packaging too.  The outer box contains all of the information you need about the product which I always find really handy and then inside is this deep black glass bottle, which again contains all of the information you need to use the product, plus it is a pump action spritzer to make using it a breeze.

The product itself is a luxurious silky serum which smells absolutely delightful. To use, you need to ensure your face is freshly cleansed and then, with 6 sprays onto a cotton wool pad or the palm of a clean hand and then apply to the face, either massaging it into the skin or simply wiping on the face, whichever you prefer. My preference is to use a cotton wool pad to massage onto my face, I keep this in the fridge so that it is extra cooling on my skin, especially during this warmer weather that we have had. After using my skin is left feeling really hydrated and soothed. What it also does is help with the redness on my cheeks, whilst it doesn't disappear completely, it does become less prominent over time. What I do love about Forest Dew is how it leaves my skin feeling, that fresh just had a facial clean and it is simply divine, not to mention alcohol-free!

Have you tried any Antonia Burrell products?

PartyLite Candles

If you read this blog regularly you will know that I am a massive fan of candles and now Summer has been and gone and Autumn is drawing ever closer, I will burn a lot of candles.  I usually get home from work, close the curtains to close out the outside world, park myself on the sofa after lighting some candles to relax.  For me this is what candles are all about.  So when I was given the chance to try some from PartyLite, a brand I knew nothing about, I jumped at the chance.

PartyLite are an online store which specialises in home fragrance and decor and they have a really large selection of home fragrance options for you to choose from such as candles, diffusers and wax melts. So I have spent the last few weeks burning these candles to see if they can compare to those well known brands when it comes to burn time and fragrance.

The first candle I tried was the Vanilla Citron Escential Jar by PartyLite which I expected to hate because I am not a Vanilla scent enthusiast, infact it usually gives me a headache.  To look at the candle isn't overly decorative and as soon as the box is open, there is an immediate scent of both vanilla and citrus, neither overpowering the other but both very much present and as soon as it is alight, that scent intensifies quite quickly and fills every room.

Then came the Discovery Trio, which again as soon as the box is opened, not only are you greeted with three lovely bright coloured candles, but the scent is really noticeable.

• Japanese Yuzu is bright orange and has blue fans nicely decorating the glass jar.  The scent is really citrusy, a cross between being an orange and a mandarin and it is an absolute delight on its own or as part of the trio.
• Costa Rican Fruta Dorada which is bright yellow and decorated with sunshine shapes.  As a scent it is much more fruity than the Japanese Yuzu and more like a fresh peach.
• The final candle is Hawaiian Hibiscus which is probably my favourite of the trio. A bright pink candle with a glass decorated with green leaves and flowers. I had expected the scent to be quite floral there is something quite tropical about the scent.  

Together as a trio they smell absolutely divine as you might expect, there is a lovely fresh floral and fruity fragrance which quickly fills whichever room you happen to have them in and even after you have distinguished them, the scent lingers for a good few hours afterwards.  

Overall, I really like these candles and they're definitely comparable to some of the higher end brands I've tried.

Michael Kors White Eau de Parfum

The only item I have ever owned by Michael Kors is some sunglasses which I got from TK Maxx for an absolute bargain.  It used to be all the rage to own rose gold watch and handbag but now, having seen more of the beauty range, there are quite a few products I fancy trying.

At Debenhams, my favourite store on Oxford Street, the Michael Kors beauty range consists of quite a few different Michael Kors fragrances, body products and there are some amazing sunglasses. I was kindly sent the Michael Kors White Eau de Parfum, which is available in three different sizes 30ml, 50ml and 100ml and naturally, the price differs for each size and costs between £39 and £79. Michael Kors White is one of the newer fragrances from the collection and it is my very first fragrance from the brand and I absolutely love it.  For me, this scent is one of those timeless classics and something to be worn on special occasions.

Firstly the bottle, as you would expect with something called White, it most certainly is.  It is huge, chunky and every bit luxurious.  The white bottle featuring the brand and name stands out among its peers with the silver mirrored top and button for spritzing.  It is like no other bottle I own and I like this a lot because it is plain, not too over dramatic and does what it needs too.

As the name suggests, this perfume is based on white flowers.  It has

• Top Notes – Violet Leaves, Freesia, Ylang Ylang and Aldehyde
• Heart Notes – Gardenia, Egyptian Jasmine, Tuberose and White Peony
• Base Notes – White Musk, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Amber and Cedarwood

With notes such as these, you have to expect a strong fragrance and that is exactly what you get.  One spritz is all you need because once it is on your skin it isn't going anywhere.  White is one of the most long lasting perfumes I have ever owned and it is one I absolutely love, think works well and smells amazing on my skin.  You can literally smell the scent all day long and even if you are out in the evening after work there is no need to re-apply and living in London and getting public transport that is no mean feat.  The scent is so fresh when first spritzed with the Freesia being quite dominant but as it settles and you can detect Gardenia, which is a really lovely scent, this perfume becomes for me all about the tuberose (which is a flower) which is a lovely floral, sweet buttery scent. 

If you like white floral scents, you’ll love this offering from Michael Kors because White is just stunning.

Have you ever tried a Michael Kors perfume?

Look Fantastic Beauty Box - August

The LookFantastic Beauty Box has vastly become one of my favourites since its launch last year. Inside you get a myriad of products for your £15 that it is not only exceptionally good value for money, but you get a great range of products to try. Granted not every box is brilliant, some have been more miss than a hit, but my overall experience has been pretty good. So now my August box has arrived, this is what it had to offer!

The first item to grab my attention is the Rimmel Wonder’full Wake Me Up Mascara (RRP £7.99). I have a love hate relationship with Rimmel Mascaras, I either love them or hate them, there is never an inbetween. This mascara is brand new to Rimmel and boasts vitamins and cucumber extract as two of its main ingredients. With a precision hourglass shaped wand it promises to wrap each and every lash with defined, clump-free volume, lifting & stretching them all the way up for an eye awakening effect!

A full size Bellapierre Cosmetics Shimmer in Snowflake (RRP £12.99). The ultimate all-in-one mineral make up product. Shimmer powder can be combined with moisturiser, lip balm, or even a drop of water to produce a cream eyeshadow, eyeliner to name just a few uses. I like Bellapierre as a brand an this is a lovely shade, perfect for Christmas when everyone needs a bit of sparkle.

Next up is a 1.8ml sample of Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist (value 90p). I am quite saddened that I only got a small sample because as a product it sounds amazing - Refresh and revitalise your skin with the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Spring Edition. Blended with orange blossom, rose and sage waters to purify and tone and apple pectin to restore hydration, this refreshing spray promises to give instant rejuvenation. The delicate aroma of neroli and rose will give your skin the boost it needs to ensure that it is glowing throughout the day for all the right reasons. This toner has taken inspiration from the Queen of Hungary Water, the first perfume created in the fourteenth century for the Queen at the time. So given the size of my sample, ive used it once and it has all gone and I don't really feel I can give a view on it either way.

In this August box there are two hair care products. The first is by Alterna and it is the Caviar CC Cream (value £8). This is described as being A miracle leave-in product that delivers 10 benefits in 1 easy step, leaving hair perfectly polished. Provides complete: moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, UV protection, manageability, strength, anti-breakage, heat protection and light hold. Can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products. Impressively, it is also free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic Color, Paraffin, Gluten, DEA/TEA, Mineral Oil & Petrolatum.

The second hair product is a 50ml travel sized Beauty Works Ten-In-One Miracle Spray (value £2.50). Described as being a multi-tasking hair treatment that works to nourish, repair and protect your locks during heat styling. It is fortified with argan and macadamia, the innovative formula replenishes lost oils in the hair and helps to eliminate frizz, restore mirror-like shine and prevent split ends. It is also free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic colour and contains no paraffin, gluten, mineral oil or petrolatum.

The final product in this box is the well known Eve Lom Cleanser and there is also a muslin cloth. This cleansing balm is worth around £16.50 and was featured in the November box but I really like this cleansing balm, so am pleased to see it again. This acclaimed cleanser, suitable for all skin types, is a remarkable, multi-purpose product and the basis of the Eve Lom skincare routine. Used with a specially woven muslin cloth, the Cleanser removes daily dirt and impurities while decongesting, exfoliating and toning the skin. Clove Oil's antiseptic properties encourage clear skin, and Eucalyptus Oil helps drain away toxins. Hops Oil tones, and Egyptian Camomile Oil and Cocoa Butter soften and condition the skin. It is an absolute delight to use.

For me, this is a fantastic box which is more than value for money and it includes some fantastic brands and some brilliant products, all of which I have not come across except Eve Lom and that isn't something I would have expected to be saying. My only wish would have been for a bigger sample of the Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist. Maybe next time.

Have you bought a Lookfantastic Beauty Box before? What do you think to this months selection?

My BBQ Essentials

Whilst Steve and I don't have a garden as such, we refer to it as the concrete jungle which is essentially a pathway which leads to our door with some plants in pots, two cat kennels (yes really) and a door mat.  However, we do both love to a BBQ or to be pedantic, I usually wanted Halloumi and I prefer it to be done on the barbeque.  Outside our flat we have a space to do use a BBQ and store it on our terrace, though ours really needs chucking out and replacing.


Having a BBQ makes a nice change to kitchen cooked food for me, I can prep whatever needs to be done and the rest I can leave to him to do. So whilst the weather is still nice, by nice I mean not yet raining, it is something we are still doing.

If you type BBQ Essentials into Google, it throws back around 2.3 million pages for you to peruse at your leisure and having looked through a few of them, I have cobbled together a basic list here of items, a sort of him and her type list that we would both be happy with.

So for the mister there is a huge BBQ which is big enough to cook food on and store extra plates and utensils which are also included and not forgetting the BBQ companion which features over 180 recipes from around the world. For me there is a new pan, a funky apron and some funky looking salt and pepper shakers, which I do need to replace.

Do you BBQ? What do you consider essentials?

This is a sponsored post for House of Fraser; but all opinions and product purchasing are my own

Fragrance Shop Summer Sale

Everyone loves a good sale, I know I do.  Right now the Fragrance Shop have a massive up to 70% off sale and the offer last until 21st August and some of the prices are amazing.

I first became a fan of the Fragrance Shop when I subscribed to the Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Box which I have featured on my blog numerous times now and from having these boxes, the Mister and I have bought a few fair fragrances that we have really liked, some of which are now in that sale.

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of DKNY fragrances and two of my favourites are in that sale:

Be Delicious Skin Hydrating 100ml is now £28 instead of £54 and DKNY MYNY is now £18 instead of £37 which is amazing value for money

If DKNY aren't for you then other savings include these two gift sets which have caught my eye:

I am quite a fan of Hugo Boss Orange after discovering it one of the Discovery Shop Perfume boxes. The set is on offer for £38 and is described as "a captivating scent with a strong personality. The apple notes blend with the delicate florals of White flowers and orange blossom, giving an optimistic impression".

Ermenegildo Zegna Uomo Eau De Toilette 50ml Gift Set for him is priced at £22 which is more than the full price offering and it sounds divine "Magnetic, charismatic. The Uomo man projects an unmistakable aura. He exudes confidence and power. He is the master of all he undertakes. The refreshing scent consists of citruses and bergamot from Zegna's visit to Calabria, Italia. With harmonious notes of violet leaf essence. This is a woody perfume with accents cedar and vetiver which adds to its masculine elegance".

As I have said before The Discovery Club box costs just £5 per quarter and you can read some of my reviews about it HERE, HERE and HERE to give you a taste as to what you might find. It might also be worth me adding that five pence from every transaction is donated to “Rays of Sunshine” children’s charity. To date, over £400,000 has been donated, helping to enrich the lives of many seriously ill children in the UK.

Do you subscribe to The Discovery Box Club or have you bought anything in the sale?

This is not a sponsored post.

Beat the Tube Strike

Living in London, or even if you don't, the London Tube Strike is probably something you are aware of or have read about.  I have my own views on it which I have tweeted about and this post is not about those views.

Getting around London during those strikes is an absolute nightmare, chaos in fact but there has been the invention of the walking map which I have found quite handy outside of the strike.  Maps aside, there have been some fabulous photos of alternative transport that people have come up with and some are just genius:

Image Credit - BT.Com

One Londoner decided he would use a 19th Century Penny Farthing to beat the strike whilst another took to a canoe.  Friends of mine joked about using their childs space hopper.  One mode of transport that I would love to see more people use is something even cooler than a Segway and that is it's family member the Swegway, the closest thing I feel I am ever going to get to a Hover Board and it even has celebrity fans like Lily Allen on board (no pun intended).

Transport aside, there is a list of items I do feel you need to have with you if you must travel (ergo the boss insists you come to the office) and they are:

1.  A bottle of water.  I never travel anywhere in London without a bottle of water, thankfully I have my rather funk bkr to keep me thirst free.  
2. If you have an iPhone like me and the battery is a tad rubbish then a spare power pack is also a must and I bought my Anker Portable Charger from Amazon for £9.99 and it has been one of the best accessories I have ever bought and it is easy to use.  
3. Antiperspirant.  If you are walking a fair old distance to work, yay for burning off those calories but you don't want or need to be sharing the odour!
4. A good book/Kindle.  Again living in London and travelling around on public transport gives you the perfect opportunity to beat your Goodreads challenge and help you forget about the strike in the first place.
5. Hairbrush. Another item I never leave the house without. Rocking the dragged through a hedge backwards look doesn't give me that professional look I need for the office, so brushing my hair is a must.
6. Your favourite lipstick.  I don't even think this needs an explanation.
7. Perfume.  Now I never carry a full bottle of perfume around with me, I subscribe to a perfume sample subscription box for a reason and there are usually two or three of them in my handbag and it works just the same as No.3
8. Earphones. Get those dance tunes on and bounce your way to work.  I find music is great to listen to when I am walking around London, apologies to anyone who has heard my singing.
9. Sunglasses.  Ever since I got my Michael Kors i've used any and every opportunity I can to wear them because I love them so much. 
10. Notepad.  I am a list maker, doodler, jotter downer or whatever you want to call it.  Another item that is always in my handbag is a notepad.  You can never have too many and you need them in all shapes and sizes.  Whilst waiting for the bus, sitting on the bus or even just having a rest, you never know what blog post ideas might come to you, it might be the chance to write down that to do list, your reminders or if you are lucky you phone number for that handsome stranger you have admired from afar!

And obviously not forgetting some comfy shoes!  Walking long distances is not the time or place for those stiletto heels you might wear on a daily basis, by all means take them with you but grab your Converse or your Toms, you'll thank me later!

What items would you carry to beat the tube strike?

Jord 94A Series Wooden Watch

Every so often a product comes into your being that captivates you, whether it is the scent, the style, how it is made, the colour or even it's packaging, sitting and looking at something thinking 'wow'. Well most of those apply to this absolutely beautiful wooden watch from JORD. I have in the past owned a few watches, but I always forget to wear them and spend more time relying on my phone to tell me the time, that said I love watches and need a new one.

If you haven't heard of Jord or their watches, JORD watches are made out of sustainably sourced wood from across the globe. Each watch is then lovingly crafted and are simply unique. I have the 94A Series in Chocolate, which is Jord's first mixed material watch, presented with a squared dial and metallic face, it truly is a thing of beauty.

The watch arrives in a wooden box which features the Jord Logo on top, inside the watch is neatly nested on a plaid cushion which is really lovely for demonstration purposes. Inside the box are some extra links which I had removed so it would fit and a cleaning cloth. 

The watch itself is even more stunning than it looks online. It is so much lighter in weight than I had expected it to be but it is the craftsmanship of the watch which is truly amazing. Being made of wood, there are no rough edges and whilst it is chunky, it looks amazing whilst being worn, it is so unique to have a wooden watch. Each link was individually carved out of wood and linked securely together with metal pins and it uses a Double Locking Fold-Over Clasp, so once it is fastened it is really secure in place on the wrist and it uses a Citizen Miyota Quartz Movement.

I personally think the 94A Series is more suited to a man than a woman and I think it looks amazing on my husband, that said, we both absolutely love it, so it will be a race in the morning to see who can wear it first.

If you want to take a look at JORD watches, you can see the range here. They are amazingly priced, this one is $159 which is around £100 and then delivery is $20 (so just under £10) which is couriered.

What do you think of these wooden watches? 

JORD Wooden Watches