#AD Book Review: The Greek’s Surprise Christmas Bride by Lynne Graham

The Greek’s Surprise Christmas Bride is written by Lynne Graham and published by Mills & Boon Modern. Leo is a billionaire businessman who has. Econe the guardian to several of his cousin’s three  small children after their parents die in an accident. he wants to find a wife ASAP so he can restore order to his previously child free existence. Letty (Juliet) has had to postpone her training as a Doctor/GP to care for her family and to prevent her father’s business collapsing she marries Leo. Leo doesn’t get the subservient little wife he was expecting, she does not pander to his every whim but devotedly cares for the children. Slowly a marriage made on paper becomes more! 

I enjoyed this book. Letty wasn’t the traditional heroine. She refused to sign the prenuptial agreement, insisted that she continued her GP training and didn’t behave like the traditional Geek housewife. Leo got more than he was expecting and his character changed slowly as the storyline developed. I found this to be an enjoyable Christmas read. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#AD Book Review: Their Christmas Royal Wedding by Nina Milne

Their Christmas Royal Wedding is the third in the Crown by Christmas mini series. Written by Nina Milne, the book follows Gabriella, the unknown Canadian Book store owner who has been thrust into the limelight as the newly discovered Crown Princess of Casavalle. Prince Caesar of   Augilarez has been ordered by his parents to woo and marry her to cement relations between their two respective countries.  He does as he has been told, but regrets doing so as he realises he has fallen in love with her as she runs away from him when she realises what he has been up to! Will he find her in time so they can have their HEA?
I found this book rather formulaic and difficult to plough through. The plot seemed drawn out and it took seemingly ages for anything to happen.  It my favourite novel by this author. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

Paul & Joe Moisturising Hand Creams II & III

Paul & Joe released two moisturising hand creams - II and III as part of their 2019 Christmas collection. I couldn’t find the animal tin in the UK but Amazon US stock both and ship to the UK. Each tin contains 41ml of product and the tin is reusable. I will use mine for seeing pins and earring backs.  Formulated with Shea butter and olive oil, The hand cream feels very thick and luxurious to the touch. It sinks quickly into the skin leaving your hands feeling soft and nourished. The hand cream has a distinct floral,  herbal, woodsy scent which is quite comforting. 

 

Paul & Joe Beaute Foundation Primer Trio

I purchased the Paul & Joe Beaute Foundation Primer Trio as part of my Christmas present from my cat. The set includes illuminating, moisturising and protecting primers and at 15ml per bottle which also had a pump dispenser they are great for travel. I have used all three of these primers before both on their own on good skin days instead of BB cream as they add life to my pasty skin and under foundation as they really do make my makeup last longer. 

The Illuminating  Foundation Primer contains lavender pearls which reflect the light. It also contains natural ingredients to plump and lift the skin. I find this leaves my skin looking dewy, healthy and hydrated without looking greasy. My skin looks and feels smoother and firmer. 

The Protecting Foundation Primer provides protection against  UV rays and has a SPF30. Enriched with botanical and grape seed extracts this primer controls shine whilst keeping skin moisturised and looking both healthy and flawless. I find this Primer is especially great in the summer months when my skin can get oily and break/eat up my makeup this primer makes my skin look matte and reduces the look of my pores whilst not drying out or dehydrating my skin. 

 The Moisturising Foundation Primer acts as both serum and makeup. Containing orange water flower and three types of  hyaluronic acids to moisturise the skin this serum makes the skin look flawless. I often wear this on its own without foundation just to  add a very slight coverage to my skin so it looks healthy and hydrated. 

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

#win Cath Kidston Bambi Fawn Zipped Wallet

I purchased this Cath Kidston bambi zipped wallet earlier in the year and planned to review it and use it. Due to the cut of the fabric bambi doesn’t feature on the wallet. Life got in the way and I just don’t have the same enthusiasm so I am giving it away.



 Enter here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e41d7fff31/?

As always this competition is open internationally, you must complete the mandatory Rafflecopter options. Closing date is 21 Dec 11.59 GMT 2019. Good luck.

Classic Canes Animal Friends Derby Cane Forest Creatures

I haven’t featured any stylish walking sticks since last February as there just haven’t been any that caught my eye and I would have purchased myself. Classic Canes have just launched their Animal Friends Derby cane range featuring crazy cats, flamingos, butterflies and Forest creatures (£36.95). I selected the forest creatures walking stick.

The derby walking stick is adjustable (I still needed a bit cutting off) 73-95cm and take a weight up to 265kg. The hedgehog, fox and squirrel pattern (which is adorable) is on a light brown background is on the shaft of the stick and handle. There is a slight change in colour between the two (the handle is more purplish in tone)but this  is due to the different materials, not a design flaw. The collar around the handle is brass with classic canes embossed on it.  The stick has a comfortable Derby handle.   I love this stick, I just wish there were more similar fun designs. It isn’t childish or garish but fun and fits in with the overall  aesthetic of the Classic Cane company. 

As usual I purchased my walking stick from the Stick and Cane company. My stick arrived carefully packaged and the required amount had been cut off.

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

Nars Orgasm Mini Blush and Lipstick Duo

The Nars Orgasm mini blush and lipstick set (£16) is a Feel Unique exclusive. Debenhams have a similar set. The lipstick is 1.7g and the blush 3.5g. They are both deluxe/travel sizes. The packaging is a black, luxe, sleek matte packaging. The blush even has a useable mirror. The lipstick could have done with being slightly thicker as mine is slightly wonky after a few uses. The colour of both the lipstick and blush is a muted coral pink, great for an every day look. I like both items and they are a great way of trying out product before committing to the full size versions. 

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

Azuni Iona Entwined Ring In Peach Moonstone

The Azuni Iona Entwined Ring  set with either iolite mix or peach moonstone mix (£45) semi precious stones is a great way to get the look of a set of stacking ring without the faff of having to put several rings on, ensuring that they fit and coordinate together but most importantly of all that they are comfortable to wear! 

I chose the peach moonstone ring. The ring is available in 3 sizes - L, P, N.  The ring measures 18mm at its highest point and is set with 7 semi precious stones which are peach and white moonstone and aqua chalcedony. It has a 22k gold plate finish. The ring is quite wide at the back to accommodate all the different bands which are fused or linked together making sure they sit comfortably on your finger. The stones are all cut to get maximum sparkle. The white moonstone is the most vibrant out of all the stones,  glowing in the sunlight.  The ring comes in a protective pouch and gift box. 

As I purchased my ring during Black Friday weekend a percentage of my purchase went to support the work of Pueblo a Pueblo, a charity which works in rural Guatemala to help children  receive an education, which is a great cause to support. I love my ring and I am pleased that my purchase will, in a small way, help someone else. 

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

Paul & Joe Advent Calendar Day 4

Behind Day 4 of the Paul and Joe Makeup Calendar hides a mini lip treatment balm 001 (11g), n an adorable tin. The balm is a handy, travel sized item which can not only used to moisturise lips but also tame fly alway hairs and eyebrows, nourish cuticles, act as a lip primer  etc. Containing olive oil to nourish the lips it smells of ginger and honey - almost good enough to eat. I have already started using this and would recommend and repurchase this item. 

Paul & Joe Makeup Advent Calendar: Day 3

 

Behind day 3 of the Paul & Joe Advent Calendar is a mini cleansing gel (10g). A great size for travel, this gel smells invigorating and fresh. The cleansing gel contains lavender water and plant derived moisturisers such as olive oil, sage oil and parsley extract. The gel easily removes makeup and impurities from the skin. I haves used this in the past and find that it does clean the skin and doesn’t leave it feeling tight or in need of moisture. 

Paul & Joe Advent Calendar: Day 2

The item behind door 2 of the Paul and Joe Beaute Makeup Calendar is a mini, travel size face primer in Limited 002 (10ml).  As it is a tiny bottle there isn’t a pump to get the product out, so it needs tipping upside down for a while before it is used. I like P&J primers, they do make my skin look healthier and on good skin days I will just wear one of their primers instead of foundation. 

Tada & Toy Rectangle Bar Stud Earrings

These Tada & Toy Rectangle bar stud earrings are currently in their Black Friday sale, available in sterling silver, 18ct rose gold or 18 ct gold Vermeil on 925 sterling silver, the studs are reduced from £30 to £22 and £36 to £27. 

I purchased the gold pair a while ago and find them very comfortable to wear. The plain bar, although very simplistic and minimalistic in design, looks so elegant and understated. The studs look great on their own or when layered with cuffs and other earrings. 

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

Paul Joe Beaute Advent 2019 Calendar Day 1

Paul & Joe Beaute’s 2019 Makeup advent calendar is the only advent I purchase. At £80 it is expensive but this year’s calendar consists of 24 items. Some are full size items.There are also pouches, lipstick and blusher cases and sample size skin care items. Day 1 is a pouch to put all the items in. It’s cute and great for travel. 

The advent calendar is a piece of art in itself. Covered in pictures of chrysanthemums and featuring the founder of P&J’s two cats - Gypsy and Nounette.

Anna Sui Gift Box

This Anna Sui purple butterfly Gift box/ tin is currently only £2.50 (normally £5) in the 2019 Black Friday sale. These tins (there are other designs available)measuring 127x43mm are a great way to gift small items and are also a present in themselves as they can be used to store jewellery etc, rather than wrapping paper which just ends up in the bin!! 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog are

Tada & Toy Ocean Loop Droplet Earrings

The Tada & Toy Ocean loop droplet earrings are currently in the Black Friday sale, £65 reduced to £45. I selected the rose gold Vermeil with tanzanite stones. The other options are sterling silver paired with blue chalcedony and gold Vermeil with milky aquamarine stones. The delicate chain loops fro the front stone and loops to the back of the earring. The earring look delicate and elegant. The stones are small but eye catching as the colour is vibrant. The earrings came in a small gift box and were delivered next day.  The butterfly backings aren’t hard to fasten in place despite the small chain loop. I really like these earrings, the loop makes them stand out from the traditional semi precious stone earring/stud. 

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

Review: Rituals, The Ritual Of Hammam

Rituals have a beautifully packaged line of gift sets which focus upon a certain issue, purification, relaxation etc, I chose The Ritual of Hammam purification medium box (£29.95) as I wanted to try the hot scrub and the body mud - all the items in the gift box are available separately. 

 The five step Hammam ritual aims to cleanse the body and soul. (All the products are great for winter as they are infused with eucalyptus and rosemary to boost, invigorate and rejuvenate the senses).

The black soap is used first to cleanse the skin. Apply a thin layer then wash off . Although the colour of the soap can be a bit disconcerting, it didn’t stain my shower or towels and I did feel squeaky clean after using it!

Next apply the sea salt hot scrub either as a layer on top of the black soap or after the soap had been washed off to exfoliate. I could this enjoyable to use and have already repurchased a larger tub. The scrub feels invigorating and not too harsh on the skin. 

The purifying body mud is another of my favourites! Massage it on to the skin, leave to sink in for a few minutes then wash off. This step helps combat ageing and deep cleansed the skin. 

I found the foaming shower gel difficult to use as the part you press on is quite stiff and I have poor hand control. The product is a gel as it is squeezed out and transforms into a foam. The product itself is nice and very foamy- I have used it to create a foam on my bath water when I have been on holiday and forgotten my bubble bath.

The whipped body cream is the final step in the process and I shall review this separately as it isn’t part of this gift set. 

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

#AD #win Review: Abelini Jewellery

Earlier this year Abelini Jewellery contacted me via my Instagram account to see if I would like to be gifted a piece of their jewellery as part of their #MyAbelini campaign. I selected a sample sterling silver Swarovski pendant and chain which I will be giving away via my Instagram account so the lucky winner can sparkle like a Christmas tree at all their Christmas parties!!!!

Based in the UK Abelini diamond Jewellery  is crafted in-house at their design studio by their highly skilled craftsmen. Abelini offer a wide range of designs in different metals and precious stones  all the jewellery is customisable according to your price point, carat or clarity of stone etc. They use the newest technology in order to ensure their designs and jewellery are flawless. Abelini is an ethically conscious company that only uses conflict free and ethically sourced diamonds. They over the best value for your money thanks to their global value chain which cuts out the dreaded middle man and by keeping overhead costs to a minimum, Abelini Jewellery is 78% cheaper than the high street. You can select your jewellery online or visit their studio in Hatton Gardens  London.

 The cut of the pendant ensures it sparkles brightly and catches everyone’s eye. It is surprisingly weighty and there is a necklace extender which lets you wear the necklace at different lengths. The Sterling Silver setting is a classic design ensuring that you can wear this timeless design for years to come. 

You can win this pendant via this Post on my instagram account just like, follow and get more entries by tagging friends. 

Rules:

Must like/ follow my ig account

Competition is open worldwide 

Competition opens on 25 Nov and closes on 4 Dec 2019 to ensure I can get the pendant to the winner in time for Christmas.  

Good Luck and have a wonderful Christmas 

Review & #win Disneyland Paris Elsa Hanging Ornament & Disney Store Elsa Singing Hanging Ornament

The Disneyland Paris Elsa Hanging Ornament is £9.99. Inspired by Frozen, Elsa stands in an open glass globe holding a sparkling snowflake. Her dress is glittery and there are snowflakes painted on the globe. She is made from resin and the globe is glass so it is fragile. There is a fluffy piece on top of the globe. The globe measures 9.5x8x7cm. 

You can win this ornament here (c/d 02 Dec Competition is open worldwide) Link

The Disney Store’s Elsa singing hanging ornament is £15 and can be personalised. Inspired by Frozen2 she sings Into The Unknown. Part of the Sketchbook Ornament Collection she stands at 11.5x6cm. There is a silver toned 2019 charm hanging from the chiffon loop. She is wearing a travel outfit and there is a swirl of leaves around her and at her feet.

You can win one Here  - same rules as above. 

                                   

                               

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

Anna Sui Makeup Coffret Set III

Anna Sui Cosmetics  released two makeup coffrets as part of their holiday collection. I purchased Coffret Set III £30 as I liked the butterflies design on the vanity case. The aesthetic for this collection is selecting candies at a sweet store so the colour palette is bright, vivid and glittery. 

The pop vanity case is metal, with s metallic butterfly design.  It measures L207mm x W87 x H139mm. The lid has “Anna Sui” embossed it and the closure is a flip lock. I can fit quite a lot in the case and will keep my most recent purchases in it.

The mini makeup palette measures L85mm x W104mm. The lid of the palette has a  psychedelic butterfly on it. The colour story behind this year’s collection is picking candies from a candy store. The palette has a plastic removable overlay that resembles colourful candies.  The makeup is also candy like with brightly coloured glittery shades.  The blush is a peachy tone and the eyeshadows are glittery metallic gunmetal grey and black. The blush is lovely, adds just a hint of colour to the cheeks and isn’t patchy. The eyeshadows need a glitter eye primer or there is glitter fallout very quickly - you can see glitter on my glasses in the first picture. I prefer the eyeshadows once the glitter has fallen or been buffed out. The black can be used as part of a smokey eye look and the grey looks nice on its own or with the black. It is a shame that the pans are not removable/ magnetised  as I would have liked to put them in my other palettes. 

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