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

Tuesday 29 December 2020

Review: Fable England Enchanted Tree Face Mask

My favourite walking stick is my Classic Canes Forest Friends walking stick. I was browsing Fable England’s web shop for last minute Christmas presents and saw that they now sold face masks/coverings. I love the aesthetic of Fable England and their focus upon nature and British wildlife and so I was naturally drawn to the Enchanted Tree face mask (£9.95) due to the gorgeous and detailed artwork. The mask features deer, foxes and mice with a tree themed background. 

 Made from 100% cotton, the mask has a flexible nose piece, which I am finding is a must for glasses wearers! Is fully lined with a filter pocket, each mask also comes with two pockets, has adjustable ear straps and it is machine washable. The mask measures 20x14cm.

I love that the mask compliments my walking stick or vice versa. The mask is comfortable to wear, my glasses do not steam up as much due to the flexible nose bridge and the ear straps are so easy to adjust and the elastic doesn’t rub my ears. The mask also has panelling to help ensure a secure and snug fit. I know a lot of the masks don’t look as though they fit my jaw line and that is because I don’t really have one due to my neck fusion. This operation made my neck shorter and sort of squashed it down so I lost my jaw definition. This one does fit and the panelling adds extra security. 

I really like my face mask. It arrived beautifully packaged and I was pleased to get two filters included. I like that the mask is bright, colourful and the name reminds me of the Enid Blyton series! I think I may well ask myself for the woodland life face mask for my birthday!!

                   


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

Monday 28 December 2020

Awoken Jewellery: Review Bird Earrings

I did say in my previous review there were a lot of items that I coveted in the Awoken Jewellery Etsy shop and so here are the earrings my cat bought me for Christmas. They are gold plated brass twigs with tiny gold plated bird silhouettes (£25).  Fresh water pearls have been attached to add to the overall elegant  look of the earring. The stud itself is sterling silver. The earrings measure 3cm and are also available in sterling silver. As with all Awoken Jewellery these earrings are hand made and look so unique. 

The earrings arrived beautifully packaged, lucky Alfie just pushed it under the tree with his paw! I look forward to seeing what gorgeous items have been reawoken or repurposed into new designs!

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

Awoken Jewellery: Review Gold Leaf & Garnet Earrings

I follow a lot of Etsy jewellery sellers via Instagram and was lucky enough to win a pair of gold leaf and garnet bead stud earrings from Awoken Jewellery . I chose the gold plated sterling silver leaf earrings with garnet beads as garnet is the birthstone for January, my birth stone/ month. I love these earrings, they are so delicate, festive  and unusual. They arrived beautifully packaged and there are lots of other items in her shop that I love. The earrings are easy for me to grip and fasten, due to the shape of the leaf, into my ears despite my dexterity and hand/ eye coordination issues. 


I love Awoken Jewellery, owned by Tamsin as she buys and repurposes vintage buttons, jewellery and interesting items such as lace and gives them a new lease of life as a gorgeous piece of jewellery. 

These earrings or any item in Tasmin’s store would make a great gift that would not even need wrapping due to the beautiful bow and box!

 I was lucky enough to win these earrings but this did not influence my review. 

Tuesday 15 December 2020

Review: Gisela Graham New England Style Squirrel Decoration

 I purchased the Gisela Graham New England Squirrel Decoration (£7.50) as a Christmas gift. The squirrel measures 12x20x2cm and is made from wood. It has two tiny red bells hanging from a rustic brown bow around its neck. The squirrel is decorated on both sides. It is a standing decoration that I would have sat on a bookshelf all the year round as he is such an eye catching ornament. 

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

Monday 14 December 2020

Review: ANNA SUI Romantica Exotica Eau De Toilette 50ml Music Box Gift Set

 
I bought the Anna Sui Romantica Exotica Eau de Toilette Music Box set (£39) during my mother’s illness and didn’t get around to reviewing or even opening it until now. The set includes the music box, a 50ml eau de toilette, 90 ml body lotion and 90ml shower gel. 


The music box is made from metal. It winds up with the little handle on the back of the box. The graphics have a New York feel to them.

  

The eau de toilette and accompanying items have a gourmand scent to them. The scent is a floral fruity combination of lemon, black currant, jasmine, sandalwood and gardenia. It is a happy/romantic scent that reminds me of warm summer days. The eau de toilette bottle is very pretty, it is decorated with golden dragonflies and roses.  


I enjoy the scent of this set and will continue to use, I think I will only repurchase the toilette as I am not really into layering my products. 

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


Friday 4 December 2020

Review: Murad Replenishing Multi Acid Peel


I have had a pretty poor 18 months health wise, stress wise and family wise and my skin has reflected this as it has been the worst it has ever been in terms of acne, poor texture and lack of radiance. I saw a massive improvement when I started using the Murad Youth  Renewal system and I still use that (link to my blog post)  but that didn’t get rid of the craters and poor texture around my nose/chin areas. I also wanted to reduce my forehead scowl and lines above my nose. I had a sample of the Murad Replenishing Multi-acid Peel which I used on a whim and within a few days the skin around my nose looked less crater like and healthier. I purchased the 100ml (£48) to continue using it.

The Multi Acid Peel is a daily bi phase peel which both nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. Used in the evening you firstly cleanse the skin, then shake the bottle so the two colours mix in to one then apply a few drops on a pad to wherever you need on your face/chest area. Phase 1 resurfaces the skin making it smoother and brighter whilst Phase 2 nourishes the skin for a more vibrant complexion.

  My skin is now much brighter and less uneven around the nose area whilst the lines around my forehead and “eleven” lines are becoming less noticeable.

 I find the peel easy to use - just shake the bottle then unscrew the cap and gold the bottle over a cotton (in my case reusable) pad until a few drops fall out then wipe over the face. 

 I enjoy using this product, it’s relaxing to massage it in and I saw results very quickly which has spurred me on. I know that due to health stresses and the medication I take my skin will never be perfect but using these products makes it so much better and I don’t feel self conscious about having photos taken etc. 

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



Friday 20 November 2020

Review: Gisela Graham Butterfly Birdcage Decoration


This Gisela Graham Bird Cage with Butterfly and Rose Decoration  (£8.95) makes not only an elegant and timeless festive decoration but also a great blogger prop for displaying earring or used as part of a back drop. Measuring 10x5x5cm, the ornament can either be free standing or hung from the fine gold twine. There is a butterfly and rose sat on top of the bird cage. I will use mine as a display for earrings and small pieces of jewellery as the bird cage looks so elegant with the butterfly suspended from the top with the rose.

                 




 

Thursday 19 November 2020

Review: Gisela Graham Gingerbread Men Glass Tealight


The Gisela Graham Gingerbread Men Glass Tealight Holder  (£4.99) is adorable. Made of glass there are three different gingerbread men interspersed with holly decorated around the small glass tealight holder. The tea light holder itself measures 9(H)x6(W)cm. I think I will get another one so I can have one to use as a nightlight (with battery operated tealight) so I can watch the gingerbread men dance as I drift off to sleep and another to keep my festive gingerbread lipsticks on display. 

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

Tuesday 10 November 2020

Review: Couture Kingdom Pixar Toy Story White Gold Plated Charm Bracelet

 
I can’t believe that it’s the 25th anniversary of the release of the Pixar movie Toy Story! Couture Kingdom have released a 25th Anniversary collection. I have bought several pieces to review, keep or give away in various competitions. The first piece I bought is the Toy Story White Gold Plated Charm Bracelet (£39). There are several charms: Mr Potato Head; Rex; Hamm; Slinky and a Green Army Man. Most of the charms are cute but I wish they had stuck with either white gold or coloured charms. Mr Potato Head loses his features in certain lights and just looks like a silver blob whereas Rex and Hamm are instantly identifiable.  I also wish they that they could be unclipped and worn as necklaces as Slinky is my favourite and would look great on his own as a delicate necklace charm. The bracelet is easy to put on as it fastens with a lobster clasp and there is an extender chain with an Alien/25th Anniversary charm attached. The chain links are chunky and I think that it would be possible to attach other Disney charms to it. The bracelet is presented in Disney Couture packaging and would make a great Christmas present for any Pixar/ Toy Story fan. 

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

Saturday 7 November 2020

Review: Disneyland Paris The Aristocats Glass Globe Hanging Ornament



 
I purchased my Aristocats Glass Globe Hanging Ornament (£12.99) when I visited DLP, this on will be used as a prize during my Twitter Christmas hourly  competition.  This ornament features Toulouse and Berlioz sitting on and next to a gramophone player. There are tiny glitter musical notes painted onto the outside of the glass globe. The ornament measures 10x8x8cm. 

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


Review: Disneyland Paris Lady and the Tramp Glass Globe Hanging Ornament

 I love the animal themed Disney/ Sketchbook hanging ornaments and this one has certainly caught Lady and the Tramp’s expressions as the eat spaghetti gazing into each other’s eyes! The ornament measures 10x8x8cm and has a base so can be placed on a shelf or hung from the loop. It is a DLP exclusive. 

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

Review: Disneyland Paris Nala and Simba Globe Hanging Ornament

I purchased the Nala and Simba Hanging Ornament (£12.99) when I visited Disneyland Paris two years ago (I bought this one to use as a prize via ShopDisney UK). The only change is the swing tag which is now the new version. Simba is patting a blue bug whilst Nala looks on. They are encased in a semi globe which has a flat base so it can either be free standing or hung from the chiffon hanging loop. It measures 10x9cm. 

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


Review: Disneyland Paris 101 Dalmations Glass Globe Hanging Ornament

 
The Disneyland Paris 101 Dalmations Glass Globe Ornament (£12.99) is one of my favourite ornaments of all time. The ornament features Patch and Lucky sitting in front of and on a tv.  I love that the tv shows a very majestic German Shepard dog and Licky has the remote in his mouth! The tv is glittery. The ornament can be free standing or hung up. The ornament measures 10x8x8cm and the globe is fragile as it is glass. I wish the globe was made from a clear resin or plastic base as one hard knock and it is smashed. I do like that Disneyland Paris exclusive is stamped on the base of the ornament. The swing/ gift tag is the new style Studio themed card. 

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

Review: Disneyland Paris The Three Bears from Brave Hanging Ornament

 
 I saw the Triplet Bears from Brave Hanging Ornament when I visited Disneyland Paris 2 years ago for my mum’s 80th birthday.  I loved the contrast of the bears and their gorgeous and eye catching blue eyes.  The ornament measures 6x5x5cm and features Hamish, Harris and Hubert,  The tree stump is glittery and the hanging loop is jute so fits the woodland theme. The swing tag is in the old style  which I actually prefer as it looks not like a gift tag Than the new version.

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

Review: Disney Store Cinderella Hanging Ornament

 
The Disney Store Cinderella Hanging Ornament is £13. Made from resin, with the silver tone 2020 charm, the ornament measures 8.5x7x10cm.  Cinderella sits beside her iconic glass slipper. This hanging ornament can be either free standing or hung from the chiffon hanging loop. I do prefer the animal themed hanging ornaments but I do appreciate the detail that has gone on to this ornament. The Cinderella book that provides her background is amazing and overall the ornament looks as though it cost more than £13. 

Tuesday 27 October 2020

Review: Disneystore Chip’n’Dale Festive Hanging Ornament


 Chip n Dale aren’t my favourite Disney characters but they are cute and do look appealing in all their Disney merchandise. This festive hanging ornament is £13. 
 The cheeky chipmunks are peeking out of an acorn which also has their names on the back. The ornament measures 8x6x6cm, has a silver tone 2020 charm and a chiffon hanging loop. 
 
I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in my blog are my own 

Review: Disneyland Paris The Rescuers Hanging Ornament

 
Made for Disneyland Paris I saw this hanging ornament when I visited DLP with my mum for her 80th birthday, two years ago. I bought mine then, so this will be in my Christmas giveaway. The Rescuers hanging ornament (12.99) features Bernard and Bianca sitting in a sardine tin. There are lots of glittery accents and the ornament measures 5x8x8cm. It can be either free standing or hung from its chiffon loop. I love the way the two characters are looking at each other, so cute. 

                

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

Monday 26 October 2020

Review: Disney Store Maleficent Hanging Ornament


The Disney Store Maleficent (£13) is a combination of spooky Halloween and cheery Christmas. The green flames and Maleficent’s dramatic pose are very Halloween but she still seems to fit in with traditional cheery hanging ornaments. Maybe she represents the Grinch camp! The ornament measures 11x7x8cm. She can be hung with her chiffon hanging loop or left as a free standing ornament.

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

Review: Disney Store Bo Peep Light Up Hanging Ornament


The Disney Store Bo Peep Light Up Hanging Ornament (£15) inspired by Toy Story 4 also features her sheep - Billy, Goat and Gruff .  The sheep look very droll and unamused but also adorable. The light up lamp also has sheep on the shade. The ornament can be hung or free standing and would make a great night light.  I did find the switch hard to use. Whereas the other light up hanging ornaments switches went from side to side, the Bo Peep switch had to be pressed into the ornament which I found difficult to do as the switch is so tiny and hard to press down. The ornament measures 10x6x6cm and comes with batteries.

               

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


Sunday 25 October 2020

Review: Disney Store Enchanted Rose Light Up Hanging Ornament


 The enchanted rose light up ornament appears regularly as a part of the Christmas/festive hanging ornament collection and this year is no exception. The light up rose is encased in a  tiny bell jar and the switch to turn it on and off is on the bottom. It is very easy to flick the switch. The rose is a pivotal part of Beauty and the Beast and this tiny ornament is a beautiful tiny replica or tribute to the original. The ornament measures 8.5x5cm and batteries are included. 

                  

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


Review: Disney Store Buzz Lightyear Talking Hanging Ornament


 
The Disney Store Buzz Lightyear Talking Hanging Ornament (£15) features Buzz, one of the main characters in the 4 Toy Story movies. 


He stands in his spaceship box and says all his  main catch phrases including “to infinity and beyond” when you press the button on the base of the ship. The ornament measures 10x9x4cm. 

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

Review: Disney Store Cheshire Cat Light Up Hanging Ornament

The Disney Store Cheshire Cat Light Up Hanging Ornament (£15) goes from cute in the light of day to full on spooky in the dark! It is easy to turn on and off, the switch is located on the base of the ornament. 

The ornament has detailed directions on both the front and back and the cat has the Cheshire Cat grin. It has a purple glow on the dark and would make a great night light. The ornament measures 8x9x5cm and it comes with a battery.