Wrap.me

Are you like me and spend many hours during the day on Instagram liking photos, uploading photos and generally re-arranging things on your desk, in a shop or at home to take a picture of for instagram? Well what else could you do with those photos other than leave them in cyberspace for people to click on?  Turn them into things that is what...

I came home a few days ago to a package I hadn't been expecting.  My first thought was my mister was playing a practical joke or had bought me something, but as soon as I opened the package, the look of surprise on my face and then his firmly put those thoughts to bed and this is why:

A package had arrived wrapped in photos of my cats, but how or why?  Well the cute little note card explained all and honestly it made my day.  Let me introduce you to Wrap.Me  who are a newly launched website that allows you to create personalised, bespoke wrapping paper, from handpicked images, tailored to the time of year or your intended recipient.  You can upload photos from your desktop, Instagram or Facebook and use up to a maximum of 30 photographs, re-arrange them as many times as you want, decide whether you want a black or white border and submit your order.  

From the package I received, the quality is simply superb, the images, taken from my Instagram are printed to such an amazing quality and the wrapping paper itself is really good quality paper.

Since this little gift arrived for me, I have spent some time look at Wrap.Me and inventing my own wrapping paper... some of the ideas brimming in my head amuse me no end because the list is really endless - embarrassing photos of my nephew for his 18th Birthday (9 years to go), something for my mum of all her grandchildren (though she would probably frame it) or maybe even something for your better half covered in photos of you - how romantic!

Anyway, inside my little package was the following really thoughtful gift:

So there was a little book that is described as follows "Delight your furry friends with dog and cat treats made from your own kitchen! With pet owners becoming increasingly concerned about the ingredients in commercially prepared pet treats, making them at home is a great way to ensure that you know exactly what’s in the treats your dogs and cats are eating. 

Making pet treats is surprisingly easy. It’s a great activity to share with children, too! With 25 recipes to try and choose from, this book is sure to provide some new favorites that your pet will love. They also make great gifts to give your friends’ dogs and cats, especially at holiday time".

So now I can have a go at making my boys some treats and that's not all, Wrap.me also sent me an extra sheet of wrapping paper, which was just so lovely and thoughtful, though it is so cute, I don't think I could ever use it.

I urge you all to go and look at the Wrap.Me website to explore this idea in more detail and even have a play yourself! Prices start from £4.99, with a large 3 metre roll costing £14.99.

Busy B Stationery

As a member of Bloggers Love, there is a section of the website which allows Bloggers and Brands to collaborate and that is how Busy B Stationery came into my being.  I was so blown away by the pretty designs that I hoped, having sent off my request, I would be selected and that in turn would allow me to feature them on my blog.

Now I am a huge stationary fan, I have penpalled since a very very young age and whilst I don't send and write letters as much as I used to, I still have a huge passion for pretty stationery, more so if I can use it at work or for blogging. 

Behind the brand, which was originally called K Two and having been re-branded as Busy B, the story, which you can read HERE, is really one worth reading because it is amazing what you can achieve if you put your mind to it.  

As I have mentioned many times, I have an extremely busy working life and right now I am busier than I have been in a long long time, so much so that these two items have come in brilliantly handed to keep me organised, on track and smiling!

This weekly desktop planner is just so pretty, it features 60 tear off sheets and has enough room for me to plan what I have to work on for the following week, include my to-do list and make notes on things which might just pop into my head as a reminder.  Once my sheet is filled out, there is also the inclusion of two handy little magnets which are perfect if you need to stick something to the fridge, or like me, to the side of my computer on my desk.

The pastel blue dotted design with little flowers really does make your desk look extra pretty and all for just £8.99 which for an item that lasts one whole year, is fantastic value for money.

The second item is this fantastic tin of labels, which keeps to the pattern of the desk planner and is just as cute. There are over 80 labels in this tin and there is no right or wrong way to use them, you can stick them on your planner, onto any letters you might write and so on.  Then once all the labels have been used, you have the tin which can be re-used as you see fit.  This item costs just £6.99 but Busy B have a great offer where you can purchase both items for just £12.49 right HERE.

You can also find Busy B stationary on the high street in stores such as John Lewis, Lakeland and Hobbycraft.

If you hadn't guessed, I absolutely love both items and they have brought some colour and delight to what was a boring working desk.

Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Spring 2015

Fragrance Club are celebrating their 2nd Birthday with this amazing bumper box of classic male and female fragrance samples! As you can see the packaging for this box has changed completely, rather than being a small square box, I have a rather long and thin oblong shaped box, much to my personal preference as it fit through the letterbox rather nicely.

The reason why I am such a fan of this subscription box, which costs £5 per quarter is great value for money and allows you try a huge array of fragrance samples at home, away from stores to give you a chance to decide whether or not you like them.

So what do we have in this bumper box?

Hugo Boss - Hugo Woman is a fruity, floral fragrance with an unconventional, boyish twist, combining unexpected naturals and pioneering molecules. The scent creates a contrast of tones and sensations, fusing traditionally feminine and unexpected masculine notes.

I really like this fragrance and have already reviewed it on my blog HERE.  It is one of those great fragrances which mixes both the floral and fruity so well that most people will like it and it will wear well on their skin.

Givenchy - Very Irrésistible Eau de Toilette dresses up with a delicate floral print ribbon and packaging inspired by a famous Givenchy Couture pattern. The bow is removable and can be re-used as an accessory.

I absolutely adore this fragrance, I was first introduced to it from this box and have loved it ever since.  It has floral top notes of rose and the exotic daring combination of peony and rose fantasia. A very appealing feminine scent which is simply wonderful.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Couture Eau FraicheFrom Guerlain's popular collection La Petite Robe Noire Collection. Guerlain has added this irresistible Eau Fraiche edition. Showing a completely different side to the fragrance. La Petite Robe Noire Eau Fraiche is light and radiant.

This has been a recent edition to my perfume collection and is again a perfume I love and have reviewed right HERE. The first thing you get a sense of is fresh flowers and that is due to the roses, jasmine and orange blossom which give it a really delicate fragrance. Add to that cherry, apple and blackcurrant which make up the middle notes leaving white amber and musks to finish off the scent with its base notes. All of this together makes for an amazing scent and it lasts such a long time that when I spray it in a morning on my way to work, I can still smell it on my way home from work 8-9 hours later.

Versace Eros Pour Femme - Attraction, desire, passion. Eros in a perfume. An alchemy of tempting, bright and feminine notes. A refined accord of lemon and jasmine, exalted by sensual and smooth. It oozes power,seduction and elegance.

This is one of the fragrances I have been itching to try because apart from the bottle looking absolutely stunning, I am a huge fan of the male fragrance.  It did not disappoint either, as soon as I spritzed it on my wrist, I knew I would love it, the mixture of Jasmine and Lemon together makes for one stunning fragrance, the kind that could be worn day or night!  Now I just have to get my hands on a full sized version!

Dolce & Gabbana - Dolce Floral DropsDolce Floral Drops has the rare beauty of a fresh, floral scent. The Eau de Toilette is inspired by the notes of Dolce Eau de Parfum, preserving its harmonious signature of white flowers, with a heart of White Amaryllis.

Another fragrance I had been wanting to try and again it hasn't disappointed and is definitely one for those of you who love floral scents.  Quite a light but refreshing scent, it is perfect for Spring and Summer.

Stella McCartney - Stella The new STELLA Eau de Toilette is inspired by the idea of a fresh, dewy rose captured in the morning sun. Underscored by sparkling green notes, this bright and bold composition creates a young, fresh fragrance.

This is one scent I hadn't expected to like,  but actually really did.  The scent of roses mixed with Mandarin and Lemon makes for an incredibly fresh scent and again one which is perfect for both Spring and Summer.

Versace Eros - This fragrance captures the Greek mythology of Eros, God of Love, this fragrance is a powerful, masculine scent.

I absolutely love the scent of this and my hubby Beautykinguk reviewed this aftershave right HERE and he describes it as being "Perfect for daywear, special occasions and those romantic nights out I promise you that this would make an excellent addition to any collection either for yourself or as a gift for a loved one"

I first brought this box to my blog back in April 2013 as new subscription box from The Fragrance Shop Discovery Club. If you are still not sure whether or not this is for you, you can see HERE and again in June which is HERE and then September which is HERE, then the final box of 2013 HERE if you didn’t see it. Already in 2014 I have had the spring edition which you can find HERE, the summer edition which is HERE and the Autumn Edition which I showed not too long ago on my blog is HERE

So there you have my Spring Box for 2015 and I have to say it has been one of my favourite boxes to date.  There is a good mixture of new and old scents all of which are perfect for coming seasons.

What do you think?

Rose Script Cosmetic Clutch

If there is a hotel in London where I really want to go and spend the night, it is Sanctum Soho, which is famous for being London's first Rock 'n' Roll Hotel.  Found in the heart of Soho, the Sanctum Soho Hotel celebrates "edgy glamour, individuality and pays homage to its Soho roots and locale as the centre of artistic and bohemian life" so the blurb goes.  I recently visited the hotel for a launch event of their new limited edition male and female fragrances (which I need in my life) and the launch of The Biker Skull and Rose Script bag collection, all of which have Dan Gold, a renowned prolific tattoo artist who is famous for having inked celebrities such as Kate Moss and Britney Spears.  Dan has also been described as a rock star in the tattoo world and has a unique style of fusing tattoo art with graffiti and his artwork features throughout the hotel, something else which makes it stand out amongst the crowd - he is one talented man!

To my excitement, I was given one of Dan's bags to take home with me and I absolutely love it.  If you follow me on Pinterest you might have spotted that I have a thing for skulls, anyway, so this launch was right up my street.

Image Source - KMI Brands

A choice of three bags for use girls shows a Rose Script Cosmetic Clutch, A Rose Skull Cosmetics Purse and a Rose Slouch Travel bag, all of which are absolutely stunning.  I was kindly given the Rose Script Cosmetic Clutch which has been inspired by the latest fashion trend for bags with straps over the wrist.

As you can see, this wash bag is just stunning, I love it and you can double it up as a clutch for a night out because it has a strap on the back which you can grip onto.  It is quite a spacious bag and I can use it more than comfortably for a long weekend away to fit in all my wash items and make-up. Priced at just £19, you can purchase it right HERE and it is available now.

If you are looking for something for the man in your life which is a bit edgy and everything cool, there is a Biker Collection too.  Again, Dan Gold has collaborated to bring about two bags for the men - a wash bag and a travel bag.

Biker Skull Essential Travel Bag Ideal for short travel breaks, this slim line wash bag also doubles as a stylish tablet case. RRP £14

Biker Skull Large Travel Wash Bag This functional leather wash bag is the perfect size for all your everyday grooming essentials and showcases Sanctum’s unique, edgy and distinctive style. RRP £24

The Mister was given his very own Travel bag which he is well and truly chuffed with and wrote about the launch event HERE and this is the Travel Bag he was kindly given - it is very very cool!

I now have the coolest bag for my iPad to live in, wouldn't you agree?

Makeup Revolution Oil Control Fixing Spray

Like most people, I am enjoying the journey that Makeup Revolution are on right now.  To see all these amazing products being released one after another is nothing short of amazing and I am sure for the people behind these amazing products it is very much like having their very own Chocolate Factory like Willy Wonka.

I was very kindly sent the Oil Control Fixing Spray to try and as I have had quite a lot of social events both work related, blogging related and family related, it has been really good to have something to put to the test and in all kinds of weather too!

I have combination skin which can be an absolute nightmare, make-up can either cling to my dry bits or slip off the oily bits, even with a primer.  Before this Makeup Revolution spray, I was using my trusty faithful setting powder from GOSH, which has been mentioned many times on my blog because it does help alleviate my problem slightly when it comes to keeping things in place on my face much longer, but that is a powder and not a spray, so switching from one to the other was no mean feat, especially when you have become quite used to and quite comfortable with it.       

Stop the shine & matte finish all day! New Oil Control Fixing Spray! Screams the product description with this Pro Fix Oil "New sister product for our PRO FIX, fixing spray.. Our Oil Control Fixing Spray is a lightweight setting spray that helps deflect surface shine for a natural matte finish. High Tech ingredients keep foundation and eye makeup in place, with NO smudging and NO fading. That ‘Just-Applied’ look for up to 12 hours". 

Amazing claims for a product that costs just £5 when it will not only prevent smudging but also reduce the oily shine, prolong your make up and maintain a natural matte finish - wow!  The packaging isn't too over the top or fancy, what you see if what you get and I like that.  A white plastic bottle with some gold finishing to add a really nice finishing touch.  But what you really want to know is, does it work?

Having used this now for a few weeks, I have to say I am impressed. Once sprayed, the spray itself is really light weight, in so much as it doesn't feel like you have just spritzed some hairspray. Once you have sprayed Pro Fix, it literally dries in a matter of seconds, so you can spray and go essentially, no having to wait around for it to dry and it is also unscented which I am really pleased about because I am not a fan of chemically scented sprays for anything.

What has really impressed me though is that it does help to reduce my oiliness, especially on and around my nose and my forehead, which are my oiliest areas and is always the first place I use blotting paper when I feel the need. Does it keep my make-up matte? Yes I think it does and I also find that my make-up doesn't disappear mid-morning or even mid-afternoon, it stays all day I am at work, though naturally I touch up my lipstick because it is just something I do, but everything else remains in place and if I have an evening function, I actually don't need to re-apply a single thing, I am comfortable enough knowing that my make-up looks absolutely fine.  Add to that, it somehow manages to keep my skin feeling hydrated, soft and smooth.

So Pro Fix gets the big thumbs up from me, it does as it says it will do, lasts an average of 8-9 hours and keeps my shine at bay with one quick spritz as I am running out of the door and all for just £5 here it is an absolute bargain.

This post may contain PR Samples and/or Affiliate Links

Davaj Face and Eye Serum

Every so often a product comes into your being which sounds amazing, you use it before taking photos like a naughty blogger and that is true of two serums I have been lucky enough to try by Davaj. Like many people, I love natural skincare and I especially love anything which contains essentials oils, I am a tad geeky when it comes to them because I like to read up and see what benefits they will or should have for me. The oils in these Davaj serums are not diluted with cheaper base oils and the ingredients in both formulas are picked carefully to work in synergy to bring skin nourishment with anti-wrinkle benefits!

Davaj Natural Serums blend together high quality ingredients to deliver dramatic visible anti-ageing benefits. Withing their range are three products - Eyes, Face and Body Serum. I was kindly sent the eye and face serums and they ooze luxury from start to finish.

As you can see the dark violet glass bottles, which are designed to store the natural products, not only work prolong the shelf life of each serum, but also boost vital properties of each ingredients. Each bottle also comes with a pipette, which makes using each serum an absolute breeze.

The Davaj Eye Lifting Serum was made with two main goals in mind, the is the ability to deliver dramatic skin improvement and to offer a one of a kind concentrated formula using quality organic oils and actives.  What I like about this serum is the ingredients.  We start with what are referred to as the base and for this Argan and Rosehip oils are used, both have powerful wrinkle reducing properties with Rosehip also being rich in Vitamin C and both help increase hydration in the skin.

Further ingredients in the eye serum include Broccoli, Pomegranate and Moringa Seed Oils, as soon as I saw Broccoli, my interest was pricked because I have never used a product with it as an ingredient! It turns out that it is packed full of anti-oxidents and it also contains vitamin A, is highly moisturising and absorbs into the skin really quickly. All those seed oils come together to create a formula which is highly protective and restorative on the skin. The final ingredient I feel needs a mention is Carrot Seed Oil, which is described as having nearly magical rejuvenating effect on the skin, to not only soften and smooth the skin, but to assist with cell growth and skin rejuvenation and effectively repairs damage caused by free radicals.

What I love about this serum is that it isn't over oily and it isn't super runny.  When applied to the skin, it instantly disappears beneath the surface and leaves no trace behind that it was ever there.  I am lucky enough to not yet have notable wrinkles around my eyes, but the skin under my eyes, always looks much brighter.  This Serum has an RRP £55.

The Davaj - Intense Remodelling Face Serum, like the eye serum also has two main goals - to dramatically improve the overall condition of your skin and create a one of a kin concentrated formula to do just that.  The active ingredients in this formula starts with Omega 3,6, 9 Fatty Acids from Organic Argan Oil, they penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin. The use of Spillanthes Acmella Flower Extract which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and Pomegranate Seed Oil which leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.  

After using, the first thing your skin feels is soft and smooth not to mention supple.  I was also surprised to find that there was no oily residue left anywhere on my face, though the oil does absorb itself super quick.  This Serum has an RRP £65 for 50ml.

Again within this serum there is one stand out ingredient and for it is Hazelnut Oil which contains Vitamin E, making it essential for the skin.  It is also described as being an effective skin tonic and moisturiser. Its astringent effect helps to tighten skin tone, regenerate cells and strengthen surface capillaries. It works really well for a good facial massage and is said to be particularly good for oily/acne prone skin types.

With all of these essential oils being included in each serum, I was surprised to find that there was no oily residue left on my skin after application and they both absorb themselves incredibly quickly into the skin.  With the eye serum, I have found that I only need to use two small drops from the pipette and I drop them onto the top of my hand, then using my index finger, transfer the serum to my under-eye.  With the facial serum, I have found that again, less is more and no more than 4 drops are required to complete the application to my face. 

Scent wise, you don't have to worry about walking around smelling of broccoli because neither smell of vegetables, infact to me, the scent of fruit is the first thing to capture my senses and as you massage the serums into your skin, the smell disappears.

Overall, these for me have been a fantastic discovery.  I use them both morning and evening when I feel my skin really does need some TLC, rather than using them everyday and you love discovering new products with natural ingredients, then Davaj must be your next stop.

Home Pampering for the Mums

My Mum has quite a busy job, if she isn't running around after my dad and the dog, she has 6 grandchildren, with another on the way (no not me) to entertain her, she is a knitter and is always knitting something for someone because she enjoys it so much and she never charges for it, she is on the committee of the local social club, or she can be found buying prizes for the bingo she and my sister run to raise money for local charities - so yes, she is one busy lady.

So for Mothers Day, the one thing she does need is something to encourage her to take time out, relax and have a bit of me time, something I am an expert at doing because it is important. With that in mind this incredible Moroccan Rose Bath & Body Collection has really caught my attention along with the Weleda Wild Rose body care collection.

 The Moroccan Rose range has been specially formulated to not only leave you smelling wonderfully of fresh roses but to also ensure your skin feels the benefit of long-lasting hydration. The Moroccan Rose Collection contains the exclusive Argan + synergy complex, an all-natural 100% blend of precious Moroccan Argan oil combined with four other amazing oils, each specially chosen for its ability to restore, regenerate and nourish the skin. 

Moroccan Rose Nourish & Renew Body Wash is described as being a beautiful Rose Otto scented body wash counteracting the drying effects of water on the skin due to its luxurious combination of the exclusive Argan + synergy complex. (£4.95, 200ml)

Moroccan Rose Calm & Sooth Bath Soak is rich in both nutrients and vitamins, and uses a combination of precious Moroccan Argan Oil with Avocado and delicately fragranced Rose Otto Oil to leave the skin, soft, smooth and sweetly scented. The luxurious fragrance will bring a sense of relaxation and serenity for total wellbeing. (£5.95, 300ml)

Moroccan Rose Super Repair Hand & Nail Cream is formulated to soothe dry, cracked hands and strengthen weak nails, is a softly-scented, non-greasy cream packed full of antioxidants to heal, repair and protect the hands. (£7.99, 75ml)

Moroccan Rose Nourish & Soften Body Butter uses a subtle, rose fragrance and has a luxurious soft texture which increases cellular turnover to leave skin deeply hydrated. Rose Otto Oil, moisturising coconut and soothing hibiscus increase the skin’s elasticity for a soft and youthful appearance. (£8.99, 300ml)

The collection has four products and they available from Waitrose.

 

Weleda also have an amazing Wild Rose body care collection, which is made from handpicked and pressed organic musk rose seed oil, with each product providing the ultimate multi-sensory pampering experience right at home.

Weleda Wild Rose Cream Bath is described as being a beautifully scented pampering cream that nourishes skin, awakens the senses and transforms your bath experience. Providing intense moisture using gentle jojoba and olive oil, skin is left feeling velvety soft and smooth. Fine seed oil of precious organic musk rose, which is naturally rich in unsaturated fatty acids, deeply nurtures skin. (£9.95)

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash is formulated with nourishing Rosehip Seed Oil which contains vitamins A, B and E as well as essential fatty acids blended with organic essential oil of Damask Rose to provide the delicate, mild fragrance. If you have dry or stressed skin, this is a perfect product because it combines intensive care for dry skin whilst maintaining the moisture balance in normal skin. (£8.95)

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil uses precious Wild Musk Rose Oil which is gentle on the skin, leaving it supple and elastic. The further ingredients of Gentle Almond Oil, finer and lighter oil, along with moisturising Jojoba Oil, compliments the Rose oil’s revitalising properties. The high content of unsaturated fatty acids support the natural functions of the skin so that it becomes smooth and silky.

All of these products are available from www.weleda.co.uk