Glossybox x HELLO A List Edit Limited Edition Beauty Box

Glossybox has announced their latest collaborative beauty box which has come round very quickly after the Huda Box, and it’s called the Glossybox x HELLO A List Edit Limited Edition Beauty Box and as the name might suggest, it is a collaboration with HELLO! magazine.

The Glossybox x HELLO A List Edit Limited Edition Beauty Box is launching this week on the 30th of July, and the products within the box will be guaranteed to be worth over £100.  For those wanting to get their hands on this box, the price will be just £35 which is incredible value for money again.

Inside the box there is quite the collection of brands and their products, all of which have revealed over on the Glossybox Instagram account and this is what you will find:

• Elemis Marine Cream
• Prai Beauty Travel Throat & Decolletage Crème
• Skimono Beauty Hand Mask 
• Vita Liberata Self-Tanning Mist
• Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer
• Zoeva Cosmetics Powerful Lip Shine
• Lottie London Power Foil Eyeshadow Pot
• Hair burst Volume & Refresh Dry Shampoo
• Dr Sebagh Serum Repair
• Farmologie by Childs Farm Grapefruit OR Orange Moisturiser

There is still a few more products to be revealed for this box, so as soon as Glossybox shares them, I will update this post. 

In the meantime, as with all Limited Edition boxes, this one is likely to be offered to subscribers first from 9am and then the rest of the stock goes on sale from noon. You can still subscribe to Glossybox and get your first box for just £10* here using the code GOLD and then you will also be able to grab this Glossybox x Hello A List Limited Edition box and probably with a discount too!

Find the waiting list here*

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

Ways to make your garden more private

I love spending time in my little garden space. I love sunbathing while enjoying a cocktail (or two!) during those super sunny days of summer. However, one thing I don’t like is my nosy neighbours… why can’t people just mind their business? I just want to relax, unwind, have some me-time without having people poking their noses out of the window trying to see what I’m doing or not doing.

I just want some privacy in my garden, is that too much to ask? I don’t think so. Sorry for this little rant but I just had to say it. My desire for more privacy (in my own home… the garden counts as my home, right? Okay, no more ranting from now on) has lead me to search and search the internet for all kinds of solutions. So, today I thought I’d share with you some of the ways I found to make my garden more private. Who knows – maybe you’re looking for the same thing!

Consider a garden fence

Having a garden fence is one of the easiest ways to add some privacy to your garden. Plus, garden fences offer much more than privacy to a garden space, garden fences define the borders of your property, keep your pets out of trouble and more. Because of this, it’s important to give your garden fence some attention. Having a strong and stable garden fence is essential! Speedy Fixings recommend installing fence post shoes on your garden fence’s wooden posts. Post shoes will add extra support and stability whilst protecting against water and insect damage.

If you don’t have a garden fence, it’s time to install one. If you do have one, make sure it’s in good condition and, if it needs some repairs, time to tackle them! Garden fences can also be a decorative element of your garden – who said that garden fences need to be boring? Nobody. Make your garden fence stand out by giving it a colour update. As A July Dreamer comments in a recent blog post, “Grab the paintbrush and it’s time to paint your garden fence in your favourite colour. You can show off your personality and paint it with different colours and patterns.”

Plant small trees and large trees strategically.

It’s all about thinking strategically. Plant different sizes of trees around your garden to get different levels of privacy. 

For instance, larger trees can be planted near the border of your garden to completely cut off the view from the outside whilst smaller trees should be planted closer to the places in your garden where you want more privacy. “Smaller trees near the places where you want privacy the most are also a good idea to add if you have space – these will keep you sheltered and provide a space away from view.” explains Luxirare.

Create a secluded retreat.

If you want to have an area of your garden that’s completely private, creating an outdoor “room” is the way to go. As this article on Better Homes & Gardens mentions, “A simple way to do this is to carefully place a couple of trees to form a pocket.” 

This will form a little secluded area that nobody but you will be able to enjoy!

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

How to host the perfect tea party

One thing is certain when the weather is sunny and warm – I’m having breakfast, lunch and dinner outside. Alfresco eating takes me straight back to holidays in Spain, enjoying whatever meal of the day outdoors with a glass of Sangria in my hand. Now, during the few weeks of summer in England, I can finally enjoy my meals outside… minus the Sangria but I might just replace it with some bubbly, sounds good to you? Sounds good to me.

I think I got a bit side-tracked there but back to eating outside. Eating al fresco is simply fabulous. Another meal I like to have outside is afternoon tea. Normal afternoon tea and even themed afternoon tea – the only thing I need is good company and it’s set! It’s lovely to invite my friends over for some afternoon tea in the comfort of my garden. 

If you’ve never hosted a tea party, it’s time to change that! Plus, it’s a great excuse to wear a cute outfit. Today, I’ve partnered up with Springvale Foods, UK fine food wholesaler, to share some tips and tricks on how to host the perfect tea party.

Prepare the menu.

What type of afternoon tea will you want to put together? Cream tea? Full afternoon tea? Sparkling afternoon tea? First, decide the type of afternoon tea you’d like to host and then start to think about what food and drinks you are going to serve. Home Restaurant recommends considering “your friends and family’s requirements and get some goodies that everyone can enjoy.” I think that is essential for any gathering, it’s important to think about your guests’ requirements to ensure everyone enjoys their stay.

As Luxirare comments on a recent blog post, “Garden parties are not complete with a cup good of tea and a biscuit.” And I couldn’t agree more! Have a few biscuits and sweet snacks ready to serve after the savoury section of your afternoon tea. Luxirare recommends Border Biscuits saying these are “perfect to dunk or dip on tea, or simply to eat straight out of the box.”

If you need some inspiration for the savoury goodies, Janine Huldie shared a variety of delicious finger sandwiches that will go down as a treat at your garden tea party, from avocado egg salad sandwiches and turkey and cheese sandwiches to tuna cream cheese sandwiches and even strawberry shortcake sandwiches.

Theme or no theme?

To choose or not to choose a theme? That is the question. If you have time and are passionate about a certain subject, movie, place or you’re celebrating a specific occasion, do it! Go all out and create a fabulous themed afternoon tea. Go for a Mean Girls themed afternoon tea with everything pink or maybe a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea with some magical tea options.

Although there is nothing wrong with a traditional (non-themed) afternoon tea, the High Tea Society believes that when “deciding how to decorate, it’s important to select a colour palette to carry through the whole event; Pastels are a classic hallmark of High Tea, but in our modern day, your Tea Party can be as unique and colourful as you are.”

Most importantly, have fun! Choose your favourite teas, have a good spread and invite some of your great friends, that’s all you need.

Image credit - Adlab

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

Peter Thomas Roth - Water Drench Cleanser and Toner

I am yet to find a product from Peter Thomas Roth that I haven't become a huge fan of, the Cucumber Gel mask started with a travel size option and has since become a full-size pot and having tried samples of both the Water Drench Cloud Cream Cleanser and the new Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydrating Toner Mist, then became a duo of full size products which I came across in TKMaxx.

This 2-piece Hydration Kit was priced at just £19.99 so it was an absolute bargain and a saving of almost £26, so I was pretty chuffed with my find.

The first of these two products is the Water Drench Cloud Cream Cleanser and it is described as being a fragrance-free face wash that effectively lifts away dirt and impurities without stripping skin. I am a huge fan of cleansing, I always say it is my favourite skincare part of my routine and it is. 

This cleanser is quite gentle on the skin and also quite light with the formula, though I had expected to find it quite heavy going. Designed to purify the skin by wiping away impurities, makeup and excess oils without drying out the skin, it also helps your skin to keep its moisture levels too. Knowing that you won't be surprised to find Hyaluronic Acid is one of the main ingredients within this cleanser which attracts and retains up to 1000 its weight in water from moisture in the atmosphere. As well as Hyaluronic Acid you will also find a combination of Sodium PCA, Coconut Oil which help to nourish the skin before Marshmallow Root extract helps soften and soothe.

What I like about this cleanser is the texture. It is most definitely a cream, but one which isn't heavy but you definitely know it is on your skin and it does a really good job at removing makeup and skincare, though as a rule I use an eye makeup remover for removing mascara. After using, my skin isn't at all dry or taut and it definitely has that clean feeling.  You can find this cleanser on sale with Lookfantastic for £24*.

The second product within this kit is the Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydrating Toner Mist.  Described as being a moisturising hug in a bottle which is perfect for re-balancing and perking up dry and dehydrated complexions. Again, this facial mist uses Hyaluronic acid as its main ingredient to help bind moisture to skin for long-lasting hydration. There is then the inclusion of. Pentavitin® which help to provide up to 72 hours of moisture, even after cleansing and then we have the natural astringent Witch Hazel which is said to help shrink the look of enlarged pores.

Further ingredients within this mist includes a blend of Silk proteins, Elderberry and a complex of Glycerin, Vitamin B5, amino acids and sodium PCA which come together to offer an extra boost of nourishment to leave your complexion supple and hydrated. It is also free from oil, alcohol and fragrance.  You can find this toner on sale for around £22 with Lookfantastic*.

I love a good facial mist and have used a fair few since working from home. Sitting in front of the laptop all day really does irritate my skin, plus that mid-afternoon slump isn’t helpful if you’re sat on a Zoom meeting. So I’ve been using this list and it does exactly what it claims to do and all without soaking your skin through.

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