About Me

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hi, I am a 40+ year old who loves jewellery and all things sparkly. I also enjoy trying out and reviewing new makeup products, finding stylish walking sticks, reading and writing book reviews. I will review anything from bird tables/ hedgehog houses to the latest fashion! My Instagram account is @sparkling_magpie

Thursday 26 August 2021

Couture Kingdom 14k gold plate Woody Toy Story Sheriff Star Earrings

I got these 25 Anniversary  Toy Story Woody Sheriff Star 14k gold plate earrings as a free gift ages ago with a purchase from CoutureKingdom.com. They are very delicate, measure 12mm and have sheriff stamped across each one. The earrings are part of the Pixar/ Toy Story 25th Anniversary Collection. They have a butterfly fastening and come in a Disney gift/presentation box. They are currently 1/2 price in the Couture Kingdom sale (£12.50). 




Tuesday 17 August 2021

Review: The Just Slate Company Rectangular Placemats

 

 I wanted a black texturized backdrop and flat lay base to add dimension without adding clutter and maintaining a minimalistic element to my photographs without taking away the visual impact of the item I have photographed. I have always liked the look and feel of slate, no two pieces are the same and the look of the slate can change depending upon the lighting.

I found The Just Slate Company on Amara.com. Two placemats measuring 22x30cm cost £25. I specifically chose this set as the backs of the mats are padded and have little legs so they are less likely to scratch or damage each other when packed in their box. 

 I have found that I have to be careful when picking the slate up etc as the slightest sticky finger or mark really shows up! There are specialist cleaning solutions to use which are made specifically for slate, but I have found warm water and washing up liquid works well. I also massage a small amount of olive oil onto the slate every few weeks to keep them looking fresh and remove any slight scratches or finger marks. 



I really like the slate as a backdrop. The mats add dimension and can make my photos look dramatic without taking attention away from the main item in the photo. I especially like the pink marble board on top of the slate as the colours and textures of the two items compliment each other really well. 


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







Review: Amara Round Marble Serving Board



 I purchased the pink round marble serving board made by Stoned and purchased from Amara.com(£29 down to £23 in their sale), as I wanted some new blogger props. I thought it would be easy to keep clean and would not take up much room in my blogger box. It is and it forest take up much space, I stand it on its side The board is also available in white but I preferred the contrast between the soft matte pink and the gold veining. The board has a natural matte finish so less chance of flash back from the ring light.  The diameter of the board measures 14cm. It has to be washed in soapy warm water as it isn’t dishwasher friendly. 

I really like using the board for blog post pictures.  It provides a clear uncluttered background for jewellery as silver and gold contrast well with the pink marble. 

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





Review: Paul & Joe’s Accessories Face Mask



I love the graphics and artistry which provide the basis for the success and cohesion of the brand. All the different strands of her brand are linked by use of the same seasonal colour ways, pictures etc. I wore a P&J cat shirt for my PhD graduation on 2002  and have admired and purchased the more financially accessible (cheaper) items every since then! I purchased the P&J face mask from Amazon Japan.  In sterling it cost £7.43 plus shipping which was £7.86 but I purchased some other items as well which brought the price of shipping down per item

The face mask is a light pink and has Sophie Mechaly’s beloved cat Nounette embroidered on the side. The face mask looks very nappy like and bulky but it isn’t in real life. It is very light weight and comfortable to wear.  It measures 10x20cm and is one size fits all. The material is a very soft terry cloth which is has a mesh interior so a disposable mask or tissue can be slipped in place. The ear bands are comfortable and don’t rub my ears or get tangled up with my glasses or hearing aid. 

I like it and will continue to wear it despite the fact masks are no longer compulsory in the U.K. I would also recommend Amazon Japan. I had my items within a few days via DHL and the service was excellent.

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







Tuesday 3 August 2021

#win Couture Kingdom 14k White Gold Plated Lady & The Tramp Kissing Dogs Earrings and Pendant

This month’s blog prize is a set of Couture Kingdom White Gold Plated Lady and the Tramp Kissing Dogs earrings (£29) and matching pendant (£45).

Rules:
Must complete the compulsory Rafflecopter option;
Not affiliated with Couture Kingdom;
Open internationally;
Closing date 01 September 2021, 11.59pm GMT.