Blogger Spring Gift Swap | LIFE

Hello!

"there was some nail polish, which we can never get enough of,"

Being part of the blogging community is amazing! Not only being a blogger, but being a reader has so many benefits too. You get a sneak peak into someone else's life (let's face it: we're all a little nosy) and it's good to check reviews of stuff before you go ahead and purchase.

This post, however, is the evidence of the benefits of meeting people from the community. Adele from adelesmith.co.uk organised this little Spring Gift Swap. I received my end of the swap and sent it off too. I thought I'd show you what my wonderful Swap-pee sent me.

My 'swap-pee' as we have now called it, was Emily from recipesandreviews.co.uk. I've got to hand it to her, the packaging was absolutely gorgeous! I love a bit of pink and you can only guess my excitement when I opened the package.

"maybe made you feel a little more Spring-festive.. "

Inside, Emily has individually packaged each item with a few easter chocolates! It was so cute!

If you follow my instagram, you'd know about the scrapbook. Emily also knew about it and kindly sent over some washi tape! Along with that, there was some nail polish, which we can never get enough of, and stationary! It was so thoughtful of her.

"awesome community we are lucky to have"

Overall, it was a super fun thing to do, and a nice way to connect in the community!
Hopefully this has somewhat reminded you of the awesome community we are lucky to have, and maybe made you feel a little more Spring-festive.. like these posts haven't done enough of that!

Nonetheless, I hope you have a lovely day, and tell me:
What is one thing you'd put in a gift swap inspired by Spring?

Clinique Chubby Stick: Woppin' Watermelon | BEAUTY

Hello!

" Just as I expected - I was not sold."

There was definitely a phase of tinted lip balms. You know the time, when Maybelline BabyLips was sold out pretty much everywhere? Well, Clinique had jumped on that bandwagon and released these beauties - the Chubby Stick. Although the packaging is a real beauty, the product itself? Not so sure...

I'm not going to lie, I never had much of an interest in the Maybelline BabyLips phase, and still to this day would rather just use my trusty Burt's Bee's Pomegranate Oil Lip Balm - good for the real moisture and adds a little bit of a tint. Perfect.

Being a subscriber of Glamour Magazine, this popped through my letterbox one morning, and I was reluctant to try it. Having had a history of allergies to many lip balms (yep, Carmex is not my friend), I didn't know if this could be trusted. Anyhow, I went for plunge and tried it out. Just as I expected - I was not sold.
(For the record: No Allergic Reaction in sight!)

"Although the packaging is a real beauty, the product itself? Not so sure..."

Maybe it was the shade they send, or maybe it was the actual sheerness of the balm that put me off. It was super sheer, and although I was pleased with the lack of sticky-gloss feeling, it still wasn't a winner in my eyes.

If you're a fan of the glossy look (I'm more of a matte girl myself), and need something you would like to apply regularly throughout the day, giving a slight tint but not much - this is the one.

For me, it just left a greyish colour on my lips, and although it was slightly moisturising, something about it didn't feel right. Plus, as I'm not a biggie on that shiny lip-gloss look, this product was probably never going to work in my favour.

"although I was pleased with the lack of sticky-gloss feeling, it still wasn't a winner in my eyes."

If this product was more pigmented, I think I would have liked it. As shown above, this is a swatch of many layers of the balm - and if that came out in one swipe, I might have been sold.

In terms of packaging, it's a seller - no need for any sharpening and it's a cute little pencil.
I think it's one of those 'love it or hate it' kind of things, and at £17 a stick - I'm not quite loving it. Oh well, you can't win every time!

Tell me, are you a Matte or Glossy kind of person? 

The Ideal Bracelet | FASHION

Hello!

"Is there such thing as a perfect piece of jewellery? Yes, I think there is."

While rummaging in my bedside cabinet I found this beauty. Hold on. Let's take a step back. I never really open my bedside cabinet, as everything I need is usually on the top (i.e. a good book, a magazine and a candle!). However, when opening the cabinet, I found the lovely bracelet pictured above, and I realised how much I missed it.

I used to wear this bracelet every day about a year and a half ago. Back in school, we weren't allowed to wear jewellery other than a pair of stud earrings, but I always used to wear this bracelet and was rarely ever caught. When it came to college, where you're allowed to wear whatever you want, I never wore it. Oh, the irony! 

"it has meaning to you, and nobody else needs to know why it means so much."

The bracelet was actually from my mother. She used to wear it all the time when I was a child, and I distinctively remember thinking it was beautiful. A while back, she gave it to me - not in any sentimental way or anything, just because she never really wore it anymore! Either way, I still think it's lovely and since these pictures were taken, it hasn't come off. 

I think everyone has that one piece of jewellery that goes with everything, and that you could definitely wear everyday. You know the one I mean, where you've kind of forgotten that you got it on in the first place? Where it has pretty much become a part of you. 

"it has pretty much become a part of you." 

Is there such thing as a perfect piece of jewellery? Yes, I think there is. Sometimes, I believe that simplicity is the key. Kind of like a tattoo, where it has meaning to you, and nobody else needs to know why it means so much. In the end, it almost makes you feel... content.

Just like how a tattoo can be made just the way you want it, you can with jewellery too! The picture above is another bracelet that I 'designed' that would be ideal to me. It's got sapphire, which is my birth stone, and has diamonds on a base of gold - what luxury! Although I designed a bracelet, you can also design your ideal diamond necklaces, rings or earrings on Anjolee.com. The quality of the diamonds and stones are adjustable, and they come with a certificate to prove their authenticity. 

Do you have a piece of jewellery you wear all the time, or that you always reach for? What's the story behind it?

Chanel No 5 : POTW

Hello!

Perfumes are the total go-to gift, and no wonder this is one we receive the most. I knew it was coming but what I didn't expect was Chanel. The beautiful packaging, the significance of the iconic brand and the scent that is everlasting, as it works with all age groups, is what got me so excited about it! 

The thing with Chanel fragrances is that many people think it's for the older generation. I disagree, and I do acknowledge that people say I'm 'mature' for my age, but Chanel fragrance is just eternal.

Let's just take a moment to see the beauty of it. It's just so gorgeous (and photogenic, may I add ;) ). The fragrance is quite musky. Seeing as florals are seen to be for the younger generation, and this is not that, it may be the reason for why it's classed as for the elder generation. Either way, I love a bit of vanilla muskiness.

Though I don't see it as an everyday fragrance, unlike this one, it is one for special occasions, and one full of memories.

Tell me, what is your favourite 'high end' fragrance, saved for the special occasions? 

Beyoncé Heat Rush : FRAGRANCE

Hello!

"it's understandable that I've only got about 1/2-1/3 of it left, right?"

Just as I leave the house, I spitz on some perfume. Recently it has been the same perfume I go for when I don't really have much time and it's all 'go-go-go!' chaos. The perfume I received as a gift last Christmas (2013) and now realise how much of it I've actually used. A 100ml bottle of Beyoncé Heat Rush is that perfume.

"The scent is very warm and reminds me of being by a toasty fire"

Nevertheless, the perfume is an Eau de Toilette, so being it not as strong as an Eau de Parfum, I guess it's okay to spritz twice more as you usually would, meaning it's understandable that I've only got about 1/2-1/3 of it left, right? Right???!

"They say Queen Beyoncé can do no wrong"

Fine, I guess that doesn't really justify anything, but the real reason is: the fragrance. It's such a forgiving scent. Something that reminds me of the autumn/winter season, whereas Marc Jacobs Daisy Delight is probably my summer go-to. The scent is very warm and reminds me of being by a toasty fire - definitely agree with the 'Heat' name it has been given. 

"it has been the same perfume I go for when I don't really have much time and it's all 'go-go-go!' "

They say Queen Beyoncé can do no wrong - a great line of fragrances, a nice bottle and a scent like this, I guess this is yet another area she has excelled in! Would I say it's my favourite scent of all time? No. However, it is still a go-to fragrance.

A final touch of the whole package - the bottle is pretty affordable too. Retailing at £35 for a 100ml EDT, yet you can get it for good £12.61 on Amazon (LINK) so it won't break the bank!

Tell me, what's your go-to fragrance? 

The Body Shop HAUL: POTW

Hello!

"What a bargain."

With Christmas time comes good sales and with good sales comes LOTS of shopping! It's that time of year where you usually spend your time wandering around the stores in hope for finding something for your loved ones, however, I was a bit cheeky and spent time at my computer frantically searching the body shop website to treat myself! Well, with the prices I got the items for, you'll understand why! 

"I've up-ped my shower cream game for the winter"

First off, it's this scary looking thing. The bristles look like the ones that come at the end of a gardening broom, but trust me, they're not that hard! Dry brushing is amazing for your skin, see post here, and I had done a bit of running around from Boots to Superdrug to The Body Shop and settled on this one. All places had the same type of brush, but this one was my fav.

" high hopes for this one, and don't want it to disappoint."

RRP is £8, but I got it for £4.80. What a bargain. 

The next thing is the Brazil Nut Shower Cream. As you know from this post, I've up-ped my shower cream game for the winter, and this was the next on my 'to try' list. We turned that 'to try' into 'to buy' and here we are! The product smells amazing and I think the latter will be better than the Nivea. I have high hopes for this one, and don't want it to disappoint.

"shall use it more and see how well it serves its purpose."

Thirdly, I bought this. How adorable is the packaging? The heart is just so cute! Actually, this is a gift for a friend, she loves the original white musk scent so this slight variation will hopefully be a winner too! These would be great as stocking fillers.

"bristles look like the ones that come at the end of a gardening broom, but trust me, they're not that hard!"

Finally, I picked up a muslin cloth. RRP £2.50 and I picked it up for £1.50. Having used it yesterday, it is lovely to exfoliate the skin. I didn't expect it to be the material to be as it is. I had thought it'd be much more smooth. However, I shall use it more and see how well it serves its purpose.

"I was a bit cheeky and spent time at my computer frantically searching the body shop website"

Overall, I'm super happy with the purchase - the delivery was great from The Body Shop, and at 40% off, you can't go wrong!

What are your favourite things from The Body Shop?

Gift Idea: Personalised Magnets

Hello!

"Just pop in some photos, import them from Facebook if you want to, and just click order"

It's that time of year where we search to the deepest corner of our minds, trying to think about the slightest clue given as to what to buy someone for Christmas. Although I may not know the person you're thinking about the slightest bit, I can tell you I've found the perfect gift.

"a lovely present that stands there and looks pretty."

 PicStick. There's the answer to your problems. Simple yet effective, their service can be exactly the thing you're looking for. You can choose up to 9 pictures which are printed as magnets. You can then tear off each magnet and give one each to 9 separate people, or just give the whole thing to one person (or keep it for yourself!).

"great if you have that one photo that just describes your relation with a person perfectly"

I must say, the magnet is not extremely strong, but it stays strong on a fridge door. Each picture has a white boarder which make's it look like it's a polaroid (or just come off of instagram!).

"it's silly, fun and cute at the same time!"

 The personalisation factor is lovely, and the website is pretty simple to use. Just pop in some photos, import them from Facebook if you want to, and just click order.

"search the deepest corner of our minds, trying to think about the slightest clue given as to what to buy someone"

 Delivery wise, it's super quick and comes in a card envelope. No bending here!

"white boarder which make's it look like it's a polaroid"

This is so great if you have that one (or 9) photo that just describes your relation with a person perfectly. I.e. I have a photo with 3 of my friends with these funky hats on and caught mid-switching them around to each other's head - it's silly, fun and cute at the same time!

"Simple yet effective"

Overall, a lovely present that stands there and looks pretty. See what I did there? :)

Is there a specific photo that describes your relationship with a person? 

Personalised Henna Candles & Gifts: Henna by Ashi

Hello!

"pretty inexpensive yet beautiful and unique gift ideas"

Recently you have had more of an insight to my culture, including the festivals and the events to do with it. Then I came across this beauty and thought it'd be horrible to not share it with you guys! Being candle obsessed, loving nice patterns and a bargain, these were right up my street! 

"a flower floating on the melted wax!"

Henna by Ashi is a brand which hand-decorates candles with henna designs. These can be made unique to you, with various henna colours and rhinestones to choose from. 

Due to the water based henna and the wax of the candles, the henna will almost float on top of the candle when you're burning it - so it can be like a flower floating on the melted wax! 

"candle obsessed, loving nice patterns and a bargain, these were right up my street"

"made unique to you, with various henna colours and rhinestones to choose from"

These would be lovely stocking gift ideas, or even Secret Santa presents! 

"personalise your 2015 diary"

You could even ask HennaByAshi to try and personalise your 2015 diary, it'll be perfect and in case you do lose it in your office/school/college, you're more likely for it to be returned! 

I hope this has given you some (pretty inexpensive yet beautiful and unique) gift ideas, and inspired you to be creative! 

TO ORDER:

EMAIL: hennabyashi@hotmail.com

FOLLOW ON INTAGRAM: hennabyashi

BBM: 7F00A421

Tell me, have you ever done henna on your hands? 

5 Fall (Autumn) 2014 Fragrance Picks

Hello! 

"the question on everyone's lips: what do I want to smell like?!"

Fall is just around the corner and the question on everyone's lips: what do I want to smell like?!
Well, smells tend to depend on the season, with the summer having more floral scents and winter more vanilla, earthy scents... here are the picks for fall.

"known for the minimal packaging and their amazing candles and colognes."

Jo Malone, known for the minimal packaging and their amazing candles and colognes. This one is the one for the fall season due to the woody notes. It seems very warm and earthy. Available here.

"one with the incredible packaging... known for their signature Daisy Scent"

 Marc Jacobs. The one with the incredible packaging, different to Jo Malone, yet have been known for their signature Daisy Scent. Mentioned previously on BBXO, they had released their limited edition Daisy Delight which smells amazing, with more of a lighter, summery floral feel. Daisy Dream has top notes of blackberry, grapefruit and pear - perfect for the fall scents! Available here.

"not something you're likely to reach for in the summer but perfect for fall"

 Beyoncé, Queen B, the one who dances amazingly, and sings just as good - she's released this fragrance and I was fortunate enough to receive it for a christmas gift last year. The fragrance is definitely warm, meaning it's better for the colder months. It's not something you're likely to reach for in the summer but perfect for fall. Available Here.

"deeper fragrance is just right for Autumn/Fall"

 Viva La Juicy is iconic for Juicy Couture. The bow being it's signature touch has been changed colour into Viva La Juicy Noir. The deeper fragrance is just right for Autumn/Fall and the sandalwood and honeysuckle making the scent seem just as sweet as the original. Available Here.

" super girly, yet elegant, which is exactly what Vera Wang goes for. "

Finally, Forever Vera by Vera Wang. How can I begin to type about this without mentioning the bottle. It literally looks priceless and would look amazing with your perfume collection. The baby pink coloured fragrance is super girly, yet elegant, which is exactly what Vera Wang goes for. Another fragrance to try, even if it's just for the bottle! Available Here.

Well, there you have it - 5 picks for the season! What do you look for in a fall fragrance?! 

POTW: Marc Jacobs Daisy Delight - Limited Edition Fragrance

Hello! 

"Marc Jacobs is known for their packaging, and this one did not disappoint!"

Out of all the POTW series so far, there's been lipgloss, shoes and even deodorant, but there hasn't really been an appearance of perfumes... Well, today's the day! 

"'A luminous bouquet of fresh picked florals', the scent did not disappoint either"

Lucky me received this beauty as a present and I couldn't be happier! Not only is it limited edition, so won't be forever available to buy, but it's also incredibly pretty. Marc Jacobs is known for their packaging, and this one did not disappoint! 

"can see it becoming a favourite scent"

Described as 'A luminous bouquet of fresh picked florals', the scent did not disappoint either. If you know me, you'd know that DKNY Be Delicious is my go-to fragrance, and knowing that a top not of Daisy Delight is Apple makes me really happy - it's literally right up my alley and can see it becoming a favourite scent of mine.

"bottle can never fail to make one feel happy!"

Oh, and the bottle can never fail to make one feel happy!

Have you heard of the limited edition Marc Jacobs fragrances - possibly have a favourite?? Share!