Review & Win: Xtava Pro-Satin Infrared Straightener - Professional Flat Iron with Tourmaline Ceramic Plates

The Xtava Pro-Satin Infrared Straightener costs £29.99 when purchased through Amazon using Prime.  The plates use infrared technology which is less damaging to your hair , the plates are extra wide and they use dual heat technology to ensure the plates both have the same amount of heat. There are 11 settings from 130c - 230c.  There is a safety swivel cord and a 90 second and auto shut off function.  It comes in a heat proof case. 

When I use this with my regular heat protectant spray my hair looks shiny that when I use my other, more expensive straighteners.  The wide plates are great for long hair, so it doesn't take whoever is doing my hair as long to straighten it all. It heats up very quickly.  The plates are ceramic tourmaline ionic technology which protects the hair and leaves it frizz free. The saftey features - swivel cord and automaic shut off when the item is left unattended are great.

I got this item for free via Review Library but this does not affect my final review.

Available from: Amazon UK


To win these straighteners enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Only open to the UK due to shipping restrictions. Open 1/11 2017 to 12/11/2017

Book Review: A Diamond For The Sheikh's Mistress (M&B) by Abby Green

Sheikh Zafir Al-Noury cannot forgive his ex-fiance, Kat Winters, for breaking off their engagement, nor can he forget her.  He found out about Kat's past - she modelled for some risque photos, so he rejected her.  Although she is an ex-super-model, he finds her working as a waitress.  Zafir hires her to show off the Heart of  Jandor diamond on a global tour.  She does not tell him about the injuries she sustained on the night they split up.  Making her an offer she cannot refuse she agrees to do the tour.  This book is about redemption, understanding the past before they can move forward and acceptance that despite physical changes they are still the same person.

A Diamond For The Sheikh's Mistress by Abbey Green is published on 1 November 2017 and is part of the Mills & Boon Modern series.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review.

Little Print Jewellery: Paw Print Bracelet

  

I was lucky enough to win a Twitter retweet competition run by Little Print Jewellery & Accessories, an Etsy store, which makes sterling silver handmade, bespoke print jewellery and Liberty print gifts, The prize, much to my cat's annoyance, was a sterling silver paw print bracelet (£60).  

LPJ make their paw print jewellery with inkless wipe kits.  The paw is wiped with a wet wipe, to clean it, any stray hairs are trimmed off, the inkless wipe is then swiped over the paw and the paw placed firmly on the paper provided.  The wipe is colourless but the paw print that is pressed onto the paper comes up black.  It looks so easy when consulting Youtube videos (which use a dog) and reading the instructions. Not so easy when you are trying to persuade a very large cat to cooperate!  LPJ does offer to come to your home if you live close to her (sadly I don't) but I do think that is a great selling point.  I managed to get one half way decent paw print which I sent off.  

The paw print is made into jewellery using Precious Metal Clay.  PMC contains small silver particles, a non-toxic organic binder and water.  It looks like potters clay.   The paw print image is converted into photo polymer plates and placed in the clay.  Once the print has been embedded into it and the hand engraving completed, the clay is fired in a kiln.  The organic binder is burned off and the silver is left.  Once the item has been fired it is polished and finished off by hand.  The whole process takes about 2 weeks. 

The bespoke paw print jewellery by LPJ starts at £60 for a small sterling silver charm which can be made in a variety of shapes: round, oval, tear drop, heart shaped, rectangle and square.  Other items include a larger charm (£70), cuff links (£120), necklace with an 18" fine linked chain(£110) and key ring (£120).  They can all be made in the variety of shapes I already listed and they are made from sterling silver.

The paw print charm comes on a Liberty print bracelet which fastens with a little heart shaped pearl button which is then knotted.  The item arrived in an embossed blue gift box.  I love it and as my bracelet is a bespoke piece I will always treasure it.  Communication and LPJ customer service was excellent and I would recommend them if you wanted print jewellery.  They not only make pet jewellery but also make baby/children's bespoke print jewellery as well.   They also make Liberty print accessories - butterfly barrettes, liberty print charm bracelets etc which are very reasonable priced. 

I won the item but that does not affect my review.  

Links:

Website

Etsy Shop 

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Z for Accessorize 3 x Stone Stacking Ring Set

I recently purchased these 3 x stone stacking ring set from Accessorize (£17.00 plus £2 p&p). They are gold plated and set with semi precious stones. I bought the small which measures 16.5 mm diameter in the inner ring. They are gold plated. They came within 2 days, securely wrapped in a box plus Accessorize branded packaging. They were fastened to a Z for Accessorize swing tag. The tags used to say which stones had been used in the jewellery but this information hasn't been printed on the tags on my last few purchases which I find a bit disappointing as I like to know what the stones are. I know I can guess, but I would probably be wrong! My tag did say the stones were cubic zirconia - which I know they aren't, so maybe Accessorize is using up old tags.

The rings themselves are very delicate and colourful. The combination of stone colour and gold makes the gold almost glow. They are comfortable to wear, the stones do not stick out to much and risk snagging autumn jumpers or scratching glasses. I have worn them stacked and separately on different fingers. I really like my rings, just wish they had matching items as well.

Available in store or online here

Review: Off The Eaten Path Rice and Pea Chips with Sea Salt

Made with real vegetables, these rice and pea chips with sea salt have no artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings and they provide a source of fibre.  They are suitable for vegetarians. Nutritional values can be found here.  I hated these.  Looking on the Sainsbury's website the chips get great reviews but I thought they tasted like over salted rice cakes (and I love the sticks).  They were crispy and not at all greasy but overall they left a salty taste in my mouth.  I will stick with the sea salt  pea and pinto bean sticks.

They cost £2.25 for a 100g bag.  I purchased mine at Sainsburys Local and they are also available online.

Tommy Hilfinger Launches Adaptive Clothing Range

Tommy Hilfinger have launched an inclusive clothing range for people with disabilities.  1 in 5 people in the US and UK have some form of life limiting disability yet they largely neglected by the fashion industry.  TH has already launched 2 collections for children with disabilities in partnership with Runway of Dream, a foundation which aims to promote inclusivity within the fashion industry.  

This range of adaptive clothing is designed to make it easier for wearers or their carers to easily get dressed  and for the clothing to fit around orthotics etc.   The range consists of 34 women's and 37 men's pieces.  They feature wrist loops, velcro closures, magnetic flies  which can be fastened with one hand and magnetic zippers on top of specialised leg hems to take into account leg braces and orthotics.  The jacket, pictured above, for example, fastens with velcro. The range is designed to be wearable and fashionable for wheelchair users, people with prosthetics, limitations or restrictions in movement etc.  I find getting dressed to be exhausting and have trawled online shops for clothing that looks fashionable but is easy to get on and actually fits comfortably over my shoulder and neck braces whilst not getting tangled up in my walking stick! I only hope that other fashion retailers follow TH lead.

The range is already available in the US and Hilfiger hopes to eventually launch the range worldwide.

Chamilia x Disney

Chamilia have a new Mickey and Minnie Disney collection out now.   The black and red accent enamel  beads are £55, the little figures are sterling silver with enamel detailing are £45 and the sparkly Swarovski crystal Mickey charm is £45.

Available here and all authorised Chamilia retailers. 

Book Review:: Undercover Princess by Connie Glynn

Connie Glynn the YouTuber, noodlerella, has branched out and signed a three book book deal with Penguin Books. The series is called the Rosewood Chronicles and  is about parties, politics and princesses and documents the life of 14 year old Lottie  as she starts at boarding school - Rosewood Hall.  

In the first of the series, Undercover Princess, Lottie finds herself sharing a room with a Maradovian Princess,  Ellie Wolf.  Lottie finds herself playing "Princess" so that Ellie can experience real life as a normal teenager.  Drawn into the world of royalty, Lottie faces a world full of intrigue, secrets and betrayal.  The forthcoming school ball and the mysterious new boy called Jamie show the reader that the happy ending is not always the one you anticipate or expect.

This is a Young Adult book that treads a fine line between the  classic fairy tale princess storylinr and badass 21 Century princess scenario.  As the story progresses, it is clear that the authors has managed to combine the two, making a great read, updating the traditional princess story line for the 21 Century. 

ARC provided by NetGalley and Penguin in exchange for a honest review.

Pandora Disney Collection

 The Disney Pandora Collection has made it to the UK!!  Made from sterling silver, enamel and sparkling crystals, the collection comprises of the traditional Pandora bracelet and beads, locket and charms.  The prices are listed n the above photo and seem quite reasonable considering the amount of detail that has gone in to each piece.  Pandora have a special intoductory offer on at the moment - if you spend £99 on this collection you get a free gold disney clutch bag. 

Available here and all Pandora stockists.

The Wet Brush Wet Detangling Comb

The Wet BrushPro Wet Detangling Comb is £5.99 from Amazon UK using Prime.  Great for detangling both wet and dry hair, it doesn't snag or pull as the Wave Tooth ensures the comb goes through hair evenly which prevents clumping, snagging or breakage.  The handle is ergonomic and comfortable to hold.  It is great for detangling big knots after swimming etc or for use brushing air masques or conditioner through hair.  The wavy shape of the teeth allows th masque/conditioner to get to the scalp and the teeth also give the scalp a really good massage.   It is a nice sized comb, not to heavy or light It is sturdy and does not bend or give (up) but glides through my hair. 

I purchased this item myself.

Available from:

Amazon UK and Wet Brush stockists.  

Book Review: Christmastime Cowboy by Maisey Yates

Available  in the UK from the 1st November and in paperback form in the US from October 24 2017, Christmastime Cowboy is part of the Copper Ridge series (book 10) and is published by Harlequin.  Thirteen years ago Liam Donnelley had been bribed to stay away from Sabrina Leighton, the boss's daughter. Liam has now returned to Copper Ridge, very rich, The pair have to work together to set up her family's winery new tasting by Christmas (naturally) so what could go wrong?  

Christmastime Cowboy is full of characters that need fixing. What better than time than Christmas for this to happen.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

Chamilia Halloween Charms - spookily cute!!

As it is October and the shops are full of Halloween merchandise, I thought I would have a look for some wearable, spooky but not frightening jewellery!  Chamilia have brought out some Halloween charms.  They are spookily cute but not full on frightening and definitely wearable all the year round, not just on Halloween.  Made from sterling silver, there are, for example,  moss green Swaovski crystal embellishment for eyes, orange enamel for the pumpkin charm and the cat's hat.

Prices range from £25-70 per charm.  The 3 charm gift set in the witch hat box is £79 which is great value and would make a great gift (for me!).

Available here: Chamilia and all Chamilia authorised Stockists.

Review: Mills & Boon Subscription Book Club

As I am a #millsandbooninsider I was offered a 3 month free trial of Mills and Boon subscription book club service. The book club allows you to with subscribe to either a paperback or book subscription, where you are sent either paperback or ebook releases every month before they are released on Amazon, Kobo etc. I chose the Modern series, so I got 4 books per month. They came in a cardboard envelope and fitted through my letter box. The other books are Cherish, Historical, Medical, Nocturne, Desire and Intrigue. They vary in the amount of books you receive, but it starts at £3.99 for one book. There is no p&p if you choose the paperback option.

The book club offers convenience and rewards. As a suscriber you can earn Bonus Points that can be echachsnged for free books or gifts. There are also exclusive subscriber offers, subscriber competitions and latest news information in the Mills and Boon Romance magazine which comes with your books.

I enjoyed receiving my book package every month. It also contained a little newsletter and fliers advertising up and comming collections and offers.  If I were to use this service in the future, however, I would use the ebook version as I prefer the ease of kindle - being able to access all my books on one device and I like the instantaneity of hitting download and the book being there to read on my kindle whenever I want rather than having to carry books around with me.

I received this service free of charge but this did not affect my opinion or review.
All the information relation to the Mills &a Boon subscription service can be found here

Book Review: Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben

Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben was published Random House on 26 September 2017.  Two murders which took place 15 years ago are brought back into the spot light thanks to a drive by shooting.  15 years ago Leo Dumas and Diana Styles were found dead on train tracks (no one could explain why they were there) and Maura Wells, Napoleon Dumas' (Leo's twin) girlfriend disappeared. 

Fast forward a decade and a half, Nap is now a cop, a detective,  investigating the drive by shooting of Sgt Rex  Canton, an off duty Pennsylvanian cop and Nap's high school classmate,  who was specifically targeting the guy who shot him. Maura's finger prints are found in the car driven by Rex. Nap has never forgotten about his twin and regularly talks about him.  He is also aware that he cannot investigate a crime that happened outside his jurisdiction. 

Leo, Diana, Maura and Rex were/are all linked through the Westbrook High's Conspiracy Club, a traditional teen anti-establishment group.  When Hank Stroud, one of the last 2 living members is found dead, murdered on a street corner, Nap decides to question Beth Lashley, the only surviving member of the club.   He discovers that she too has disappeared. Nap investigates and tries to discover what secrets the club had uncovered which would result in their deaths.

This s where the book fell down for me. The reasons are mundane, not that mind bloing or intersting.  The book is beautifully planned out and well written, just like all his novels, but the climax, in my view, is anti-climatic.


I received my copy from NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK in exchange for an honest review but this does not influence my opinions as all opinions are my own.

Review & #Win: Xtava Twist Curling Wand

The Xtava Twist Curling Wand costs £20 from Amazon UK with Prime.  It comes with a storage pouch and glove.  It has a LCD display, cool tip, double voltage and auto shut off.  There are three different wands available, each costing £20.  I got the largest which is 1.1.5".  The others are 0.5-1" and 0.75-1.25".  It has 22 different heat settings ranging from 90-220C.  It uses ionic technology to  prevent the dreaded frizz and the tapered wand is coated in ceramic and tourmaline to protect and maintain the health of your hair.  It has a 2.7m swivel cord.

  This size of wand gives beachy, wavy curls.  The wand comes in a gift box and the travel pouch looks very stylish. The wand is a good weight but not too heavy, comfortable to hold and heats up quite quickly.   The size of my wand is more suited to longer hair.  As I cannot lift my arms above my shoulders I just curl my pony tail (or get someone to do it for me).  The long cable gives the user freedom to move around easily whilst using it.   There is no clip to distort the look of the curl.  There are three recommended setting for different types of hair ranging from delicate thin to wavy and thick.  The screen clearly displays which setting is being used.      

This wand is everything I was hoping the Xtava Satin Wave would be.  Easy to use, clip less, and there is a cool tip on the end of the wand! This would make a great gift as it comes in a nice box, looks a lot more expensive than it actually is and would be a great wand for beginners.

Don't forget to use heat spray!

I recieved the Xtava Curling Wand for free from review.directory in exchange for a honest review.

Competition: to win this curling wand enter my rafflecopter competition. Open to the UK. Runs 7-15 October.

To win this wand enter my rafflecopter completion here>>>>

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Available: here

Jessica Russell Flint: Tiger Tales Mini Sac

The Jessica Russell Flint Tiger Tales mini sac is currently only £15 from £95. It is made from gold vegan leather, waxed material and the graphic is the Tiger Tales design. The inside is made from silk twill and there is a zipped compartment to store all your valuables. It has a draw string closure and adjustable strap. Despite being "mini" it is quite roomy and can fit a lot in! The dust bag is equally gorgeous and quirky in design. There are a few different designs in the sale. 

I purchased this myself and the views expressed in the blog are my own. 

Available

here

Jessica Russell Flint: Regal Tiger Handkerchief

The regal tiger handkerchief by Jessica Russell Flint is very majestic and, well, regal! It measures 30x30cm and has the tiger print on one side. I purchased mine from withmuchlove.studio and it cost £13 plus £3.50 postage. It came in a little pillow box. 

I don't intend to use this as a hanky but instead I will use it as a instagram/blog prop as it is eye catching and unusual. The service from the company itself was great. My order got lost, so they sent me a Jessica Russell Flint cotton bag to make up for the delay, which was very generous of them.  I would not hesitate to use them again as their products are unusual and the customer service is grrreat. 

I purchased this item myself and it is available here

Review: ASOS Anna Sui Gel Foundation Primer, Illuminating BB Cream & Makeup Tin Gift Set

                                

This makeup tin gift set tin by Anna Sui is just £5 and would make a great stocking filler.  The tin is still available to purchase by itself for £5 so you are getting the mini gel foundation(6g)  and mini illuminating beauty balm in 002 medium beige (5ml) for free.  Both these items give a glow to the complexion.

The mini gel foundation primer leaves a very pearlized, glowy finish to the skin.  It is infused with the rose tea fragrance associated with Anna Sui. I could smell the fragrance as I applied the primer but it soon faded away. I found that a little went a long way! This is marketed as a hydrating primer inspired by the texture of blancmange (it is a very spongy consistency).  It should conceal  pores  - looking at the middle picture of my forehead they are reduced but not concealed.  The primer should intensively moisturise leaving a dewy, and supple complexion.  As my skin is oily did leave my skin glowing but it slid off my face slowly throughout the day, taking my foundation with it.  I can see this primer being great for people with dry skin as it would provide a boost of moisture and leave their skin glowy.

The illuminating beauty balm is infused with tea rose - Anna Sui's signature scent.  This BB  cream acts as sun block, it has an SPF of  30/ PA+++, and also claims to act as a primer, foundation and skin care.  I wore this by itself and as used it as a primer.

Using it as a primer I found that it did not increase the longevity of my makeup.  My skin is very oily and the BB cream is very dewy, glowy and hydrating as it contains shea butter - the foundation, cream and my skin did not react well together at all. I do think, however, that it would be great for someone with dry skin due to the hydrating properties

Foundation wise  there are 4 shades - 00 clear, 01 light beige, 02 beige and 03 dark beige. I used it by itself instead of foundation, As you can see in the pictures of my forehead  I found that it is very sheer in coverage. It is supposed to leave a smooth velvety porcelain finish - my skin did not look as red, the pores and fine lines had diminished but it did not look particularly velvety.  

The BB cream is also supposed to have skin care properties.  The shea butter adds hydration and moisturisation (it did), lychee honey extract to smooth skin, it did, my fine lines were not as noticeable and sweet fig extract is included to help fight bacteria that causes acne.

The tin itself is very pretty and could be used to store makeup samples, jewellery or any bits and bobs.

This set is marketed as a duo to provide a healthy, dewy flawless complexion.  As my skin is very oily I did not find it worked that well with my skin type.

I purchased this item myself.
It is available here: ASOS