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Tuesday, 27 October 2015

How to save money when attending multiple weddings


Attending weddings is a delightful pleasure for most people – the ability to witness two people that you love and care about exchange vows and pledge to spend their lives together is truly an honour! An, erm, awfully expensive honour at times! Now, it is obvious that the highest cost is usually heaped upon the bride and groom (or their families!), being a wedding guest can be unexpectedly pricey.


While attending one wedding can be costly, attending two, three or more (even 11 in one year, according to this article in the Telegraph!) can be seriously crippling for the pocket book. According to a 2013 Guardian article, the average cost of attending a wedding is 377 pounds per person!


If you (and potentially your spouse) are attempting to keep your credit score high (unsure about the state of your credit score? Naughty! Do an Experian credit check here), your savings account full and your budgets on track each month, attending three weddings in one year can set a couple back 2000 pounds. Multiply that cost by two or three years in a row, and you will have put a major dent in your savings planning and potentially delayed a home purchase – or even your own wedding. Also remember to check out sites such as DealsDaddy and look out for discount codes online.






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While the costs can double, triple or quadruple depending on how many nuptial celebrations you are attending in one year, there are a few ways that you can save money when faced with multiple wedding invitations. Here is a brief list that you might find helpful when planning your social calendar over the next year.
  • Buy a great, versatile dress – A beautiful, high quality dress that works across multiple seasons will serve you very well. Choose a neutral (yet flattering) colour and a fabric that you can wear in both the summer and the winter.
  • Accessorize like mad! If you are invited to four weddings in one year, you should know that these photos will be shared across social media – you don’t want to be caught in the same dress detailed above multiple times! Buy a few lovely scarfs, a blazer, some cute shoes, a pretty cardigan and other versatile pieces that you can add to your dress and style it look wonderful and unique for every wedding you attend.
  • Buy gifts in bulk – Attending three weddings and want to give the young couple some art or a household appliance? Look for items that you can buy in bulk and get a deal on – this works best if the couples do not know eachother!
  • Book your travel in advance – Make sure that you book your flights and train travel in advance – nothing can add up more quickly that last minute travel. Booking your travel at the last minute can often amount to throwing money in the loo.
Attending weddings is a joy – a costly joy, but a joy nonetheless. Do you have any suggestions on how to save money when attending multiple weddings in one year? Leave your comments and tips in the comment section below.

*guest post

Monday, 26 October 2015

The Best Winter Breaks In Europe

With the freezing winds back again, for most of us holiday planning is at the bottom of the priority list. Most Brits are used to enjoying a trip to a European city in the heights of summer, when ice cream can be taste-tested and there are plenty of beaches to enjoy. That said, if any of your loved ones are a stickler for a good Christmas gift, a little trip could be the perfect answer. Nowhere does Christmas better than the Baltics, from gorgeous craft markets to incredible fruit wines. A few luxury winter cruise ideas, courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines, might spark that wanderlust.

Sweden
For plenty of hearty food and excellent hospitality, look no further than Sweden. Not only can you take a winter safari to see the wild elk and moose in the snow, but you can experience the Northern Lights in December. Alternatively, experience indigenous Samí culture, including learning to cook traditional recipes like dried Reindeer soup. Southwards, in Malmo and Stockholm, you can get some souvenirs or gifts from the bustling markets.
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Finland
Winter in Finland is truly a snowy wonderland, with something for any age. Visit Santa and his Deer at Lapland, where you can stay in an Igloo between skiing, dog-sledding, and ice-fishing. For a more cosmopolitan break, Helsinki is awash with great things to do, from enjoying a steam in a traditional Sauna at the grand Kotiharjun, or watch the parades marching through the city for St. Lucia’s Day. There’s plenty for the eyes and the ears, as during December many city church choirs perform recitals for passers by.


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Germany
Britain’s Christmas spirit has absolutely nothing on Germany. Hamburg’s Christmas market is incredibly diverse, from a toy street to a nightclub area; Stuttgart’s 320 year old annual market offers traditional Black Forest treats and crafts over a background of stunning lantern decorations and free choral concerts. Be sure to make the most of the delicious locally-made stollen and brandy on your way through the crowds.


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Lithuania
One of the best ports of call in Lithuania is Vilinius, which in spite of the blankets of snow refuses to slow down for a minute. Christmas markets are a rarity here compared with other cities, but the grand Christmas tree in the centre of town makes a magnificent centrepiece to the eclectic architecture of the city. A walk to Subaciaus Street provides gorgeous panoramic views of the city, while Vingus Park has some great hills for sledding in the snow.


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Where would your ideal winter break be?

Sunday, 25 October 2015

Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015 *Updated*

The words Beauty Advent Calendar have been in my inbox and timeline for weeks and we are only in September! Ive been lucky enough to see a few Calendars up close and I thought I would share with you the ones I have had some information about!


Ive put the advent calendars into the following groups - Luxury, mid-price and affordable to show them to you, plus one for Teens because some calendars are too cute to miss. Those in the luxury section cost more than £100, those mid-priced are between £50 and £99 and affordable is anything below £50 and then we have Bargains which is below £35 - although all of these prices could change!



**UPDATED**



Lancome - It is already out of stock, but this Lancome Advent Calendar is a thing of beauty. It contains 24 amazing products such as Advanced Génifique Serum 50ml, Multi-Use Face Brush and Hypnôse Classic Mascara Full Size. Priced at £85 in Debenhams.



Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015


FeelUnique - 12 days of beauty surprises from skincare, haircare to make-up. Behind each door one of your favourite brands is waiting to be discovered, from NUXE and Philip Kingsley to Grown Alchemist and this works, the beauty elves have put together a treasure trove of full-size and travel-size luxuries to be enjoyed. It costs just £30.


Dr Hauschka -  Behind the windows is a carefully selected collection of Dr. Hauschka Body and Skin Care products, which makes the perfect treat to experience well-being and calmness during the busy festive season. The Advent Calendar contains 23 trial sizes and one special full size surprise for Christmas Eve. This is an online exclusive. 



Kérastase launch first ever Christmas Advent Calendar £79. Housed within the golden gift set are 25 days' worth of Kérastase hair saviours. Behind each door you will discover a luxurious hair care treat; ranging from a selection of mini, travel size and full size products!

Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015


Starting in the luxury section we have:




Jo Malone £260
I am a huge Jo Malone fan and this advent calendar is one I am sure every fan want to have, I mean look at it!  An amazing Georgian Townhouse design which contains both mini perfumes and scented body creams for 24 days - what utter bliss!  Again I haven't found a release date but it is rumoured to be available at Harrods from October and nationwide from November.


Charlotte Tilbury £150

Now I do not own a single item from Charlotte Tilbury, though I do have a wishlist as long as my arm of items I would like.  As Beauty Advent Calendars go, this one is really quite exciting because 'The Book of Make Up Magic' as it is called includes mainly Charlotte Tilbury best-selling hero products and there is a mix of both travel size and full sized products over 12 days. There is no release date as yet, but it will be exclusively available at CharlotteTilbury.com, Selfridges, Selfridges.com and Brown Thomas

Liberty £149
There is no denying that the Liberty Advent Calendar is beautiful.  Last year I went into the store more times than I care to admit to simply look at it and admire it, knowing full well that it was right out of my price range.  However it may cost a lot of money at £149 but it does have some amazing brands included which, this year are rumoured to include Decleor, Kiehl's and the amazing Trish McEvoy!  If I have persuaded you that you need it, then it is available at Liberty from 29th October!

Mid-priced


Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015


Selfridges £95
Last year this was the calendar I wanted to buy but in the end didn't and I still regret it a little bit because the contents were fab.  This year the Selfridges Advent Calendar, called Cosmic Delights, is rumoured to include delights from brands such as Kiehl's, Lancome, YSL, and Victor and Rolf. Available exclusively at Selfridges, and Selfridges.com from Mid-October


LookFantastic £70

Now if the beauty boxes are anything to go by, then this is one to watch. Said to include many luxurious surprises throughout the month of December from some of the LookFantastic Team's favourite brands.  It is released on 1st November online with LookFantastic.


The Body shop £60/£80

Interestingly, The Body Shop has catered for two different budgets with two versions of its calendar this year. There is a standard version which is priced at £60 and is said to save you more than £30 on products and the luxury version which is priced at £80 will save you a whopping £47 compared to if you brought the products individually. Naturally, the products included are from their skincare, bath & body, fragrance and makeup ranges.  These calendars will be available at The Body Shop from late October.

Clarins £60.00

Open the door to an enchanted forest, infinitely precious, and discover 24 treasures hidden behind golden leaves. Day by day, open a window and be spoiled with a special Clarins treat. A perfect opportunity to discover Clarins best-selling and iconic products. Cleanse, moisturise, illuminate. Available right now.

You Beauty Discovery £59.95

This is a Limited Edition YOU Beauty Advent Calendar 2015. Worth a staggering £330 but costs just £59.95* and it is available right.

Affordable



Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015



Makeup Revolution £50

This is one advent calendar I have seen in all its glory and unsurprisingly it is brilliant.  It features 25 FULL SIZE Makeup Revolution essentials which includes a special gift on Christmas Day.


Ciate £49.99

The Ciaté Advent Calendar not only includes 18 different coloured nail polishes but the collection will also include treatments to keep nails in ship shape. 
Available at Selfridges, ASOS, Boots, Look Fantastic and Very from September


Lush £49.95
This year Lush has created an amazing calendar which is filled with its famously fragrant shower and bath treats to lather up in the lead to Christmas. Called the 12 days of Christmas and designed in a book format, it looks amazing and the contents are just as fab as you would expect them to be. Available at Lush shops and at Lush.co.uk nationwide from 2nd October.



CHEEKY Advent Calendar, £49

With 24 on-trend tones, the CHEEKY Christmas Advent Calendar is another nail junkie's dream. Available at Cheeky Holborn, Cheeky at Barber & Parlour, Cowshed Spas and urcheeky.com


Arran Aromatics Cherish Advent Calendar £40

This limited edition, Arran Aromatics Cherish Advent Calendar and it is filled with 24 luxurious treats from candles to shower gels and much more .


L'Occitane £39
Last year the L'Occitane Advent Calendar had '12 days of Christmas' offering which looked amazing.  This year there are 24 mini versions of their luxurious skincare, hair, and body products to be surprised with and I assure you, they will be amazing.  Available at L'Occitane boutiques and online from 21st October



Boots £38
This have-it-all advent calendar has a selection of beauties from skincare to cosmetics, bathing bits and accessories – and six products are full-sized. Worth a whopping £148, it's only £38. Bargain. On sale 28th October at Boots and boots.com


Bargain Beauty Advent Calendars


Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015

Salon Services £35.00 - Advent calendar containing 24 hair and beauty treats. Containing surprises from some of your favourite brands such as OPI, TIGI, Lord and Berry and many more. 


Benefit Party Poppers £34.50 (currently sold out)

Available from October Benefit’s advent calendar is back for 2015 but with a slight twist to last years! The Party Popper calendar contains 12 mini benefit favourites to mark the Twelve Days of Christmas


M&S Beauty, £25
Filled with 24 festive treats worth over £200, you can buy the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar for £25 *when you spend more than £25 in M&S Beauty. It includes treats from some amazing brands such as Rodial, Neal's Yard, REN, Stila and Cowshed.



W7 Cosmetics £25

W7 make up is one of the brands that I really like.  For a highstreet brand the quality is fantastic and they do some amazing dupes which are well worth looking out for.  


Essence £24.99
Essence has announced the launch of its limited edition Christmas Advent Calendar for 2015 and it will contain 24 exclusive products. Each door also offers a 'quote of the day'. All of the products are limited and not available to purchase in-stores. The essence Advent Calendar will be available from Wilko stores in November.



House of Fraser £20

The House of Fraser Calendar is said to feature its own-brand 'Colour Couture' and it is said that every item within the calendar gives you something to literally build a make-up kit from scratch. I think this is really reasonably priced from what I have seen so far and it is available at House of Fraser from September.


Bomb Cosmetics £19.99

The news of the Bomb Cosmetics dropped into my inbox a few days ago and I think it is so reasonably priced.  Inside you have 24 whole days of Bomb love with this Bomb Advent Calendar and it is filled to the brim with a mix of our favourite soaps and blasters.  If you have never tried Bomb Cosmetics products before, then this would be a great introduction.


Advent Calendars for the Teens


Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015



Tanya Burr Deck the Hauls 12 Days Calendar £25 - I saw this at a recent Superdrug Press Day and was quite impressed with how it is decorated.  Not for me personally but I know it will call out to those younger teens. 



Flutter by Superdrug £8 - Heavenly beauty for gorgeous girls. Create pretty perfection with the flutter collection of fashionable colours and must have accessories. A collection of mini cosmetics for eye, lip and nails, and a cute little mirror .



Kissmas by Wilko £5 - This is the cheapest Calendar I have yet to come across and it is quite cure for those little girls who dream of being a princess and it can also be a fab Secret Santa. The calendar contains a mixture of nail products, tools, wraps and stencils.



Of course it doesn't end there! If Beauty isn't your thing and candles are... then here are your choices:

Dipytique 



A luxury candle advent calendar of dreams! It will cost £250 and for that money you get 25 mini candles! Now I have only ever had one mini Diptyique candle which I absolutely loved and would happily love more, but is £250 for 25 mini candles worth a spluge?
Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015

Yankee Candle

Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015

Once again this year there are two different Yankee Candle Advent Calendars on offer. The first is a House which contains 23 tealights and 1 Votive Candle and the second is a Carousel type advent calendar which contains 20 tealights and 4 Votive candles. Prices range from £24-£30 depending on where you shop and they are available right now!


Busy Bee Candles £19.95
A fabulous Advent Calendar from Busy Bee Candles. Featuring 24 different very high strength wax melts in our most popular Christmas fragrances, one for every evening of Advent. 


Christmas Beauty Advent Calendars 2015

So there you have.  For now at least.  I am sure in coming weeks there will be more news, more calendar releases and more pictures available.  I have hopes for Calendars from Tesco which I had last year.  But as there is much choice already, I have no idea which one I would want!  Do you?


Saturday, 24 October 2015

BIKINI BODIES: STYLES THAT BEST SUIT PEAR SHAPES

When someone utters the word 'Bikini' to me I almost break out into a sweat. There is absolutely no way that I was ever created to wear a bikini, not with my generous share of bosoms anyway! So when Blossom Lingerie sent me their interactive guide to finding the best bikini style for pear shaped body shapes, I thought nothing to lose, lets have a look. Take a look at the Blossom Lingerie website to see the full interactive guide.

So, if you have what is described as being a 'pear shaped body', you will carry more weight below the waist, meaning that your hips and thighs are much wider than your torso and possibly your shoulders. By following the right guides, you can accentuate your good bits, hide your not-so-good bits, and will end up looking and feeling absolutely gorgeous.


Apparently, a great way to lengthen your body is to wear what is called a tasselled bikini top that is longer in the middle.  Now I am not one to keep up with fashion, but anything with tassels is going to have my cats swinging from it and in this area no thank you. However, jokes aside, the angles of the tassels on a bikini top like this are said to create vertical curves that will complement your natural body shape. It is also said that this type of design will also draw out your stomach whilst lengthening your body. This boho look is in at the moment, and you have the added bonus of being able to play around with patterns and colours t your hearts content. Choose a clean-skirted brief that rests below the largest part of your thighs to best show off your smaller waist.


What type of Bikini are you comfortable in?

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Friday, 23 October 2015

Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer

When it comes to eye make up, I am a nude and natural kind of gal, I am not brave enough to experiment with the lashing of colours and shades that others are and never have been, but show me a palette of nudes, i'm in. In recent years I have succumbed to miracle that is an eyelid primer, using them because the girls on the make up counter tell you that you should and because some bloggers swear by them and in truth, they can and do make a difference, for me anyway.

When I saw that Benefit were to launch their own eyelid primer, I wanted to try it. I can count on one hand the number of products I dislike from the entire range and this one sounded as though it would become a handbag saviour and I jumped at the chance to own a sample. One thing Benefit do exceptionally well in my view is a sample sized product and this one is right up there with my favourites!



Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer
Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer
Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer
Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer
Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer

Benefit Air Patrol is an innovative little product which actually does three different jobs in one. It is a BB Cream and therefore colour corrects, it has an SPF20 and it is of course a primer which has been designed to extend the wear time of your eye shadow, not to mention that I have also found to be quite hydrating.

This little 1.5ml tube is the perfect make up bag addition and it is incredibly easy to use. I squeeze the tube slightly onto my index finger and apply to my eyelids with a patting motion to ensure I have even coverage and then wait a few minutes before applying my eye shadow. The cream itself has a slight yellow tone to it which Benefit say is to balance out redness and any uneven colouring, so much so that this is a product that can be worn alone.

I am hugely impressed with having an SPF20 in a primer for my eyes and more so that it isn't drying. It does everything it claims to do when it comes to extending the wear time of your eyes hadow and I find that I can go out of an evening after work and not have to re-do my eye make up if I have applied this first thing in a morning. For me this is a handbag keeper and if you want to read more about it, then more information can be found right here on the Benefit website.


Have you tried Air Patrol?


Thursday, 22 October 2015

The Urban Retreat Moroccan Hammam Spa



I have a few owed days off work coming up in a few weeks time and I could either spend them at home catching up on housework or I could do something for me and by that I mean indulging in some well deserved me time. In the past that has meant going shopping, spending endless hours wandering around London, which is actually pretty stressful, more so at this time of the year when the word 'Christmas' has appeared in every shop window. So, instead of shopping, i'm thinking pampering and what could be better than a day at the spa.

Here in London there is an abundance of spas to choose from, whether you want a quick massage, a facial, a head massage or something that combines the lot. For me, going to a spa brings about that instant feeling of calmness. Walking into a quiet spa with an ambient setting, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is definitely not something to take for granted. So when someone tells you that actually you can wonder through a busy London Store whilst working your way to a Spa, all under one roof, that has to be perfection right?

The Urban Retreat Moroccan Hammam Spa isn't somewhere I have been - Yet - but having read all about it, I am quite unsure as to why not. It can be found inside Harrods, that popular store in Knightsbridge. Slightly different to any other spa I have been into, it is a female only space which encourages you to relax and unwind in a beautifully handcrafted environment that resembles regal Morocco.

The Urban Retreat Moroccan Hammam Spa
The Urban Retreat Moroccan Hammam Spa

Upon arrival, at The Moroccan Hammam your experience will involve three different rooms. It starts with a warm room which helps you to acclimatize your body to the heat. The second room is the main hot Hammam area where you are treated to a luxury cleansing and bathing ritual and finally the third room which is described as being a decadent lounge area to fully relax and enjoy some Moroccan tea which, aims to restore and balance your fluid levels. I already want my own Kessala and I want to try the black soap not to mention the Ceremonial Massage, which is a hydrating full body massage using Onguent d’Argan, a nourishing Argan oil balm. 


Alongside The Moroccan Hamman packages there are also other treatments to treat yourself too such as wraps, exfoliation wraps, facials, massages and the one which sounds absolutely divine is the half day Moroccan Hammam experience which includes a manicure, pedicure, blow dry, makeup application, massage and Indulgent Hammam plus afternoon tea or lunch! 

If you fancy a trip to the Urban Retreat Moroccan Hamman Spa at Harrods you will find everything you need to know right here on their website*  and all I ask is that when you book, you don't forget to take me with you!

What is your favourite way to pamper?

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!


Dollibox is a new online subscription service for UK based beauty lovers. With a Dollibox subscription you'll receive five personalised beauty samples, sometimes full-sized every month, tailored to your beauty profile.  Your beauty profile consists of some quite specific questions to answer such as where you get your beauty news from, what do you splurge on and how comfortable you are applying make-up.  There are also questions about hair and eye colour as well as ethnicity and it takes just a couple of minutes to complete and the content of each box you receive will be based on this profile.

Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!
I was kindly gifted a Dollibox to review and one thing that has impressed me is that nowhere on the website will you find a clue, a hint or any tips as to what is in your box, it will be a total surprise. The only thing you can learn, if you are interested, is the contents of the previous months box.  This is my box:

Eye Candy Eyelashes £4.99
These are volumise lashes which claim to give thicker and fuller lashes.  They require an adhesive to apply, which is included within the package.
Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!
Freemans Feeling Beautiful Clay Masks £1.50
There are two different masks within this box and both are free from parabens. The first clay mask contains Avocado and Oatmeal which claims to purge your pores and is described as being a mask to nourish and purify using rich clays to dive deep into the skin to purge dirt and oils from pores It uses nutrient-rich Vitamin E, Avocado and Oatmeal moisturize for lasting skin softness and it is perfect for normal to combination skin.

The second mask is a facial purifying clay mask with acai which is powered by an 8-antioxidant blend of Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry, Goji, Mango, Mangosteen, Noni, and Pomegranate to neutralize environmental damage. Super oil-absorbent clays draw impurities from skin and clean out clogged pores. Perfect for all skin types.
Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!
Little Ondine Nail Polish £8.40-£11
Little Ondine is a natural nail polish, it contains just three ingredients - water, resin and colourant. It has no chemical smell and you can peel it off if you get bored of the colour. They are also Cruelty-free, Preservative-free, Pregnancy friendly, Fragrance-free and are Vegan. I have shade Mocha Shimmer which is coffee colour with gold flecks and it applies like a dream with a wide brush and a long handle to hold, ive found all you need is just one coat. It dries super quick and leaves no streaks.
Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!
Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!
Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!
Osmo Wonder 10 £2.95 for 25ml
Wonder 10™ is a unique all-in-one spray in Keratin based treatment which is designed to leave the hair feeling softer, silkier and more manageable with a radiant shine. The 10 effects it claims to have are:
  • Helps repair dry and damaged hair
  • Nourishes and protects for radiant shine
  • Thermal protection from styling tools
  • Delivers soft, silky, more manageable results
  • Contains colour protection complex
  • Creates body and movement
  • Incredible detangler
  • Aids in the prevention of static
  • Conditions both natural and synthetic hair
  • Smoothes split ends and controls frizz
Designed to be used on damp hair, so perfect for using after washing your hair and before styling.
Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!

Tantruth Self-tan lotion £8.99 100ml
I am not the best when it comes to self-tan and do pretty much avoid it. Ive only ever had one spray tan, which I did enjoy, but products like this just don't grab me. That aside, Tantruth is quite an interesting brand, the products are alcohol and paraben free and use Shea Butter and Avocado to leave your skin moisturised and nourished to ensure you achieve that perfect tan.  I am not too sure I will use this as it just isn't me, but it smells absolutely divine!
Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!
The final product within this box is Oil Arganic by Tanorganic. £8.99 for 30ml
This is a multi-use dry oil which can be used on your face, body, hair, nails, scars, marks and you can even add it to your bath. It is made with a unique blend of Argan Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, Orange Peel Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba seed oil, Rosehip Fruit Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Hempseed Oil & Olive Oil. Used daily it can also extend the life of your tan and it leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and incredibly moisturised.


Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!
I think this is such a cute little box with a really nice mixture of products and there is definitely something for everyone and everything. With hair, eyes, body, face and nails all being taken care of. I also like that each product is of a decent size so that you get more than one use out of it, plenty enough infact to decide whether or not you like it enough to buy a bigger version.

If this sounds like something you wish to try then there are three subscription options and postage and packaging is £3.25 per delivery and it is a tracked package.
  • A monthly subscription costs £10 per month (plus P&P). This is a rolling subscription, but you can cancel anytime.
  • A 6 month subscription consists of a one-off payment of £54 (plus P&P), which is £9 per box.
  • A 12 month subscription consists of a one-off payment of £102 (plus P&P), which is £8.50 per box,

So there you have Dollibox, a cute little box which I have thoroughly enjoyed using to discover some new brands whilst giving myself some little extra pampering.  

What do you think to the box?

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

My Jewellery Wishlist

I don't really wear much jewellery on a day to day basis, whatever I do wear has to capture my mood. My staple items are always my wedding and engagement rings, which I never take off and I will sometimes wear a necklace or bracelet if the mood takes me.

Outside of work, I attend quite a lot of functions and sometimes they require a little more dressing up.  For me that is usually a little black dress and heels with a clutch bag, something quite understated and not too out of my comfort zone. 




Work night out



Christmas is also looming and people complain I can be hard to buy for, well hopefully this post will help!

When it comes to jewellery I can be quite picky, I know what I like and what I don't.  I have never been someone who wants a massive amount of bling, I'd be too scared to have it on show firstly and secondly, I just don't think it is me.  So as I have very small ears so would always opt for stud earrings as to not to draw attention to them and these Thomas Sabo Earrings are simply divine.  Around my neck, I really don't like necklaces or pendants too chose to the base of my throat, so this Fiorelli Silver multiheart pendant really caught my eye because it will work with all types of outfits. I never tend to wear watches, but this Karl Lagerfeld watch is quite petite and again, I have small wrists, so watches with a big face don't suit me.  I really love my Pandora bracelet and this Folli Follie Aegean Breeze would make a nice alternative and it matches quite nice with the necklace.  Finally rings, as I said I only tend to wear my wedding and engagement rings so these Folli Follie love and fortune rings look great stacked or on their own and I like having the either/or option.

I absolutely love all of the jewellery featured on my list and I hope you do too. To take a look at a wider selection click here.

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Monday, 19 October 2015

I Love Cosmetics Moisture Tint Lip balms

I am a big fan of the brand I Love Cosmetics and have featured them a few times here on my blog. Today I have a new product to share with you from the range, one which is cute, a little bit quirky and more pigmented than I was expecting and that is the Moisture Tint Lip Balms.

I have three from the range right now and they are quite similar in style to many Lip Crayons that you can find out there on the highstreet, but there is one difference with these and it is the cute nib covers which are in the shape of a heart with the word 'Love' written on them.

I Love Cosmetics Moisture Tint Lip balms
I Love Cosmetics Moisture Tint Lip balms

They come in three different shades and scents.  Grape is the darkest of the three and if you have ever had a Jolly Rancher Grape Soda, then it smells exactly like the drink.  Scent aside, it is lovely bright vibrant purple shade. Then we have Dark Cherry which smells like Cherry Coca Cola and is a really lovely bright red shade.  Finally there is Strawberry which reminds me of Strawberry Laces and it is a really lovely dark pink shade.




I Love Cosmetics Moisture Tint Lip balms
I Love Cosmetics Moisture Tint Lip balms


All three lip balms glide onto the lips to give a really good colour, the pigmentation, as I have mentioned is really good and they last on my lips just as long as any other high-street brand does and naturally it does depend on how much you eat and drink when it comes to re-applying, but you shold get a few hours wear from them.

They are moisturising and work well on their own or with lip gloss.  I sometimes add them over the top of my lipstick for a little extra colour and for £2.99 they are amazing value for money.

What do you think to these balms?


Sunday, 18 October 2015

Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell

Heaven skincare is a brand that has appeared on my blog a few times now and it is a brand I absolutely love and today I wanted to share a few of the products that I have absolutely loved using.


Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell


Limited Edition Cleanser (25ml £10)
This is a really light skin softening milk that works to gently open pores to remove debris and pollutants. It contains extracts of coconut oil and beetroot to increase blood flow and act as an anti-aging face cleanser that balances hormones. Using the ingredients of Organic Ylang Ylang for its healing abilities on dry skin. You use this cleanser both morning and evening.

I find this really soothing on my skin, it isn't too heavy or thick a texture and living in London, products which help to remove the days dirt and grime, like this does, will always get the thumbs up from me.


Divine Cream with Organic Mandarin and Orange (15ml £28)
When something smells so delightful of oranges, you know it is going to be a wonderful product and this cream is no exception and it is a fresh scent too. Designed to be an anti-ageing cream which is suitable for all skin types and works to increase collagen and elastin in the skin.

It also reduces skin pigmentation, reduces the appearance of scarring, aids sun damage and is packed with a natural source of vitamin C to leave your skin looking more radiant. To use, you apply to freshly cleansed skin in the morning and the evening.


Chamomile Desensitising Hydrogel (10ml £10)
This product does exactly what it says it will do - soothing the inflammation caused be a variety of skin complaints which include acne, psoriasis or rosacea. It is also said to be ideal for those with sensitive skin too because it helps to reduce sensitivity. Using a mixture of Organic Chamomile and Rose essential oils mix with organic Witch Hazel and Coconut to calm and deliver much needed nutrients and hydration to stressed out complexions. 


To use, you simply apply after cleansing using a cotton wool pad, or you can also use it as a primer before applying your make-up and not only does it help keep your make-up in place, but it also helps keep your skin hydrated.  

The Overnight Success Cream.  (15ml £37)
This product took over two years to develop was described by Deborah Mitchell as "The best" and it contains a whole host of anti-ageing ingredients such as vitamins B5, C and E, Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide, which fizzes on the skin and feeds it so skin will be able to breathe overnight. Add to that the softening oils of sandalwood to leave your skin feeling like velvet in the morning , plus a rose oil has anti-ageing properties leaving fine lines and wrinkles plumped up. After using it, your skin is left feeling dewy and it has a radiant look about it.

What I love most about it is how cooling it is on the skin, as soon as it makes contact there is an instant effect, as though your skin is breathing a sigh of relief.

You might have guess by now that I am a huge Heaven Skincare fan, I love the thought process that goes into each product and I love how my skin feels affer using each one of these products.  

Have you ever tried a product fro Heaven Skincare?

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