Bradbury’s The Jewellers

When it comes to buying Jewellery for someone, be it a loved one, a friend, a work colleague or even for yourself, for me, there are elements of that experience which matter and that is whether you are buying someone online or in person in a shop.  Bradbury's The Jewellers can be found in the West Yorkshire town of Halifax, it is an independent family run business who take pride in everything they do and that includes bringing traditional values in customer service, honesty and value.  The store is home to some of the most premier brands that you will have come across - Links of London, Michael Kors, Thomas Sabo, Folie Folie and many more.  

I was kindly gifted a beautiful Coeur De Lion Peach Crystal Bangle and the wow factor began as soon as I had opened the outer packaging.  As I said, there are elements of that shopping experience which matter and Bradbury's have all of that -  the eye for detail, the thought process and the love and care that goes into ensuring a gift looks as good on the outside as it does on the inside.  Beautifully wrapped in rose gold paper with an accompanying ribbon, neatly bowed, there was no giveaway as to what was inside, there was no view of any cellotape or other fastenings and someone had clearly taken the time and effort to ensure everything was just right.

Coeur De Lion jewellery is handmade in Germany and it is a brand I know a little about through a relative of mine who adores the Geocube design on some of the jewellery pieces. Behind the brand, which has just celebrated 30 years in the business, we have Carola Eckrodt and it is her love of materials that must be versatile, hard wearing and enduring which brings to life a whole host of beautiful statement pieces of jewellery, all of which is made by hand.

Putting together both Coeur de Lion and Bradbury's the Jewellers, you have two brands that complement and match each with the love for what they do, the love that goes into the process of ensuring the end result is perfect and one to whom the little details matter.

The Coeur de Lion Peach Crystal Pave Stone Set Bangle is made of stainless steel with crystals in a pavé setting and an integrated click closure.  opening the box, you find the bangle sitting on a pure white silk cushion. This modern bangle has a highly polished finish and is enhanced by two glistening rows of peach coloured crystals which add a glamorous sparkle.

I am a big fan of shopping online, the ease of everything being in front of me, the lack of queuing and no tripping over baskets winning me over. That said, a website has to be easy to navigate around and thankfully the website for Bradbury's Jewellery is incredibly crisp and clean. There aren't a billion pop-ups to interfere with browsing, there is also the ability to look closely at individual pieces of jewellery is amazing, the detail is there to see, the images are clean and of high resolution, this is down below with the photograph of the bracelet I have.

Every page loads quickly, the important points are visible - price, what the item is, when it will be dispatched and whether or not you would like gift wrapping.  I have spent quite some time looking around the website whilst writing this review and might have already put one or two things in my shopping basket!  If you are looking for jewellery gifts, then I would recommend having at a look at what Bradbury's have to offer, there are so many beautiful items.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare - Skincare Treasures

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare is made in Britain, with the purest of BioOrganic ingredients sourced sustainably from around the world. since launching in 2013, Aurelia has won over 100 awards for their products and if you don't fall in love with the Miracle Cleanser then there is something wrong because it was the first product I ever tried from the brand and I have loved it ever since.

When a brand you really like does Christmas gifts as well as Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, it is hard not to go and buy them all for yourself rather than a loved one. I have purchased a few items for friends this Christmas from Aurelia to make up a pamper hamper, only I cant share which because those friends read this blog!

Give the gift of glowing skin with the Skincare Treasures; a perfect introduction to multi award-winning probiotic skincare for all skin types. The perfect gift for mums, sisters, teachers or yourself!

What I absolutely love about the Skincare Treasures Giftset is that you are given six products and a skincare pouch to keep them in.

These six products come together to make up a complete routine of probiotic skincare which works to protect, restore and balance the skin from within. The Aurelia Beauty Bag is also quite special because it has been handmade by a women’s initiative in India which supports fair trade, artisan techniques and independent craft communities. Woven from soft cotton canvas and delicately wadded, this spacious cosmetics bag holds all of your favourite travel-size Aurelia products in style.

Inside the set, you will find:

• Miracle Cleanser (30ml) - Infused with a whole host of amazing essential oils which includes an uplifting blend of eucalyptus oil to decongest the skin, chamomile which works to soothe, rosemary which not only invigorates but also fortifies and finally there is bergamot which helps to relieve stress. I love just how gentle this cream cleanser is and it does an incredible job at eliminating dirt, oils and dead skin cells as well as melting away every trace of make up, including those hard to remove waterproof mascaras to leave skin feeling beautifully clean and soft to the touch.
• Bamboo Muslin Cloth - These cloths are amongst the best I have ever used. The are made using natural bamboo fibres and work incredibly well with the Miracle Cleanser to exfoliate the skin gently without being overly harsh or abrasive. 
• Revitalise & Glow Serum (4ml) - Using a delicate blend of jasmine, plumeria, tuberose and mandarin, this serum smells absolutely incredible. Lightweight on the skin, this serum absorbs almost immediately on contact with the skin and it works to replenish, soothe and strengthen all complexions.
• Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser (20ml) - Enriched with omegas 3,6 and 9 this moisturiser also used Baobab, Kigelia Africana, Hibiscus, Borage, Mongongo and Argan oil which are incredibly nourishing on the skin. There is also a delicate blend of essential oils which includes Jasmine, Plumeria, Tuberose and Mandarin and they work to revitalise the senses. It leaves the skin feeling smooth to the touch and what I love is that despite being a fairly rich texture, it is lightweight and doesn't make the skin feel clogged or tacky.
• Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser (20ml) - A night moisturiser is a must for me, especially right now with this cold weather.  From Aurelia, we have a product which is emollient without being greasy. It uses Shea Butter to help melt the oil as well as baobab extract and borage oil which is described as being brimming with the essential fatty acid GLA which works to lock in moisture. Next, we have Kigelia Africana which smooths and firms before Hibiscus helps to repair and re-energise sluggish looking skin.
• Cell Repair Night Oil (4ml) - This is one of the most amazing scented night oils I have used in such a long time and it is described as being an overnight boosting treatment for the skin. Using neroli which works to quell worries, lavender which calms and comforts), rose which works to protect and condition and mandarin for its uplifting properties. Also included is Omega rich Baobab, Kalahari oil which offers a source of skin-essential fatty acids and finally both Mongongo oil and Kigelia which together work to restructure, regenerate, firm and tone. On the skin it is neither oily or greasy, it absorbs really quickly and doesn't leave a stain on my pillow!

I love that this set is a skincare routine in its entirety and it is great for anyone who doesnt have their own routine figured out, for anyone wanting a change or because you want to get to know a new brand.  If there was one product I would recommend that everyone has to try it would be the Miracle Cleanser because it is just incredible.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare is completely free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, sulphates, propylene glycol, phthalates, GMO, PEGs, TEA and DEA – and is certified ‘ Cruelty-Free’.

Have you tried anything from Aurelia?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ouai Haircare Kits

Without question, Ouai haircare has really made its mark in 2018.  If you have never come across the brand before it is the brainchild of Jen Atkin the lady who is very much responsible for maintaining the manes of the Kardashian clan, Gigi Hadid and Gwen Stefani to name just a few, a range of products has been developed and if it is good enough for them, well it is good enough for me. With shampoos, conditioners which are sulphate-free, they use a smart keratin to repair and improve hair strength. Even the styling products are designed to nourish hair and bring out its natural beauty.  This year I have really got to know the brand and the three products I am obsessed with are the Ouai Scrub (featured here)  the Rose Oil (featured here) and Memory Mist (featured here).

Pronounced 'Way' which is French for 'Yes' there is a lot to treat yourself, your friends and absolutely anything with this Christmas.

The first Christmas Gift Set is called Three Ouai Kit (£25) and it is described as follows: 

No one product can satisfy your every need that's why there's the Three OUAI. Get texture, volume and waves with this perfect travel trio, containing all your favourites.  This is a great little travel kit and because the products are travel sized, if you have never tried anything from Ouai, then this is a great way to give them a try.

The first product within the kit is the Wave Spray - This is a weightless mist, which again, once spritzed feels as though there is nothing on your hair. Its designed for that effortlessly chic, undone hair look and it is packed full of amazing ingredients. Infused with rice protein to add hold and memory for that "just got out of the ocean and my hair dried perfectly" look. I love how easy it is to use this spray and if like me you have naturally wavy hair that never really seems to hold its curl, this spray makes a lot of difference in how long the curls hold, especially the following morning.

The second product within this trio is the Dry Texture Foam - Gone are the days of using a foam in your hair and it going crunchy, this one from Ouai has an amazing texture. Using wheat proteins, it is lightweight and invisible and is perfect for creating and holding that undone, lived in look.  I have used this foam when I have allowed my hairs natural curls to remain unstraightened and it holds the look incredibly well.

The third product is called Volume Spray - If like me you want volume to your hair but don't want to spend ages back-combing it to then curse when you have to de-tangle, this is the answer.  Again, it is weightless when sprayed but it really does lift the hair to create long-lasting volume and it is the perfect addition to your 'do for this coming party season.

For a little extra, Ouai have included some wave clips and they are perfect for creating lazy curls and they are incredibly easy to use.

The second of the two sets is called Swing Both Ouais (£40) and it is described as being 'Our limited edition XL Hair Oil and best selling Texturizing Hair Spray let you decide which direction you’re taking your hair today.' Inside there is

A Limited Edition XL Hair Oil - This is an award-winning, multitasking oil which not only smoothes frizz and seals split ends, it also gives the hair that high-gloss, super-smooth finish. What I love about this oil is that once it is on my hair, it doesn't feel like an oil. I have combination hair which means I have dry ends and greasy roots, so I am always careful as to which products I use on my hair as my scalp can turn into a nightmare within a matter of hours. This oil is packed full of amazing ingredients which include African Galanga, Ama and Asian Borage oils and they work to keep colour from fading as well as protecting hair from heat damage.

The second product is the Texturising Hair Spray - When I use a hairspray, which admittedly is not something I use a lot of. I don't want to be taken back to my school day of having crispy hair from too much spray. This spray is so lightweight it hardly feels as though there is anything on your hair, but it does manage to keep everything in place, especially those pesky flyaways plus it also helps to create volume.  As mentioned, I have an oily scalp and the bonus about using this product for me is that it contains Volcanic minerals which work to absorb oil and refresh hair.

So from Ouai we have two handy hair kits which contain some amazing products and they are perfect for anyone who is already a fan of the brand, for someone wanting to get to know the brand or for anyone who just loves styling their hair.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Feather & Down Sweet Dreams Collection

It is a stressful time of year right now and I think we could all do with a little help in relaxing, winding down and de-stressing about Christmas, gifting, social events, what to wear and plans for New Year's Eve.  For me, stress affects my sleep and I can spend hours either looking at the ceiling willing sleep to come or I end up tossing and turning and from there on in everything in life starts to become a struggle.

Feather & Down are a brand who I absolutely love and they are a brand which encourages relaxation and a state of wellbeing in an effort to help aid sleep. To do this they use a specially blended sleep fragrance containing lavender & chamomile essential oils which are known to promote a better night’s sleep. Anything that offers to relax me to the state of unconsciousness is always going to get the thumbs up from me.  With that in mind, there are some amazing products on offer right now, many of which are on a 3 for 2 at Boots and they make the most amazing gift.

The first gift set is The Sweet Dreams Travel Set and it includes the Sleep Balm, the Pillow Spray, Shower Cream and Sleep Butter.  

As well as being a travel set, this also works as a great introduction to the brand as it contains some of the core products.  

• The Sweet Dreams Sleep Balm contains Lavender and Chamomile essential oils blended with nourishing Vitamin E. All you need is to dab a little of the balm on to your pulse points (wrist, temples and neck) to help ease your mind and encourage a restful nights sleep.
• The Sweet Dreams Pillow Spray the infusion of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils and to use, I spray some across the pillows on my bed around half an hour before I am thinking of getting into it and the fragrance does help with relaxation.
• The Sweet Dreams Shower Cream melts into a calming oil when gently massaged into your skin and as the essential oils come into contact with the steam of the shower, it is an incredible scent and one which lingers on your skin.
• The Sweet Dreams Sleep Butter is enriched with a beautiful blend of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils. Perfect for applying to the skin after showering with the Sweet Dreams Shower Cream. Such a beautifully soft texture which melts onto the skin.

A lovely kit which is priced at just £12 and it makes a wonderful gift or stocking filler.

The second gift set is the Perfect Partners set and of all the products to partner from the range available, these two are pretty good pals.  

The combination of both the Pillow Spray and Relaxing Roll On are perfect for being on the go especially if you travel frequently and find it hard to relax in strange places.  The Pillow Spray is described above but the Relaxing Roll on is great not just for applying to your pulse points

If you want to create your own little gift set for yourself or for a loved one, then there is a whole host of products that can choose from and some of my favourites include:

One of the things I do every single week without fail is have at least an hour to myself to lock out the real world and relax in a bath. Just lately, I have found having a warm bath before bed an absolute must when I know I am not going to fall asleep too easily. From Feather & Down come some Sweet Dream Sleep Salts. 

For me, bath salts are incredibly underrated, I absolutely love them and these are just divine. Using Sea Salt which has incredible benefits for the skin and hair as it tones, exfoliates, cleanses they are also packed full of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium but ultimately the one property that I love is how soothing they are. Alongside sea salt, we have both Chamomile and Lavender oils, both of which are known for their relaxation properties.  Once in the water, the aroma of the essential oils mixes with the steam and creates an immediate relaxing scent and it is such a nice way to wind down.

I am a huge fan of candles and have something burning all year round. In the warmer months, I opt for something fresh scented and in the winter months much warmer fragrances. From feather & Down we have the Sweet Dreams Calming Candle and it is just delightful. 

Taking the scent which comes from the bath salts and turning into a candle is genius. I always light mine as I get into bed, often an hour before I intend to switch off to drift off and allow the aroma from the candle to fill the bedroom. I have also had it alight in the bathroom whilst I enjoy my relaxing bath too.

Finally, we have the Sweet Dreams Pillow Spray. I am a big fan of Pillow Sprays and with this spray comes the infusion of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils which come together to help reduce an anxious mind and encourage calm to aid a restful night’s sleep.

Ideal to spray across your pillows half an hour before you want to go to bed, the aroma is not overly potent but you do notice it and it does help you to nod off.

I love that there is so much choice with Feather & Down and every single one of the products within the Sweet Dreams Collection will make such a nice gift, whether you buy a ready-made gift or decide to make your own.  Don't forget, they are on offer at Boots on a 3 for 2 offer, so well worth stocking up!

Have you tried Feather & Down before?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.