Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Swarovski 100 Years of Disney; Mickey and Donald Pendants

Thursday, 17 July 2025

#Win Chamilia Beauty and The Beast Sterling Silver Pendant & an E-book Beauty and the Reclusive Millionaire by Rachael Stewart


 As my last blog post showcased Rachael Stewart, this linked post will contain the promised competition prize - the Beauty and the Beast, A Tale as Old as Time, Sterling Silver Pendant. Rachael Stewart is donating an ebook of her True Love romantic novel Beauty And The Reclusive Millionaire as it was inspired by this timeless classic. 

Chamilia’s Beauty and the Beast collection launched in 2017. The Disney x Chamilia collaboration included bracelet charms, rings, earrings and pendants. Belle’s rose was the main feature but characters such as Cogsworth, Lumiere, Chip and Mrs Potts also made an appearance. 

This sterling silver pendant is shaped like a book - Belle loved reading.  It has Belle’s rose on one side and “A Tale as Old as Time” inscribed on  the other. The bale has Disney Chamilia stamped on it. The necklace is sterling silver and has a tiny Chamilia tag attached to the fastener. It is packaged in a Chamilia drawer style gift box. 

Beauty And The Reclusive Billionaire (True Love Mills & Boon) is inspired by the timeless classic, Beauty and the Beast.  Catherine and Alaric were childhood friends who drifted apart and haven’t seen each other in 10 years. Catherine now goes by Kitty and is a famous LA actress. Alaric, however, has had a terrible accident and has hidden himself away on a private Greek island. Kitty is going through some emotional and physical trauma and Alaric’s sister suggests she goes to the island to recover.  The chemistry between them is still there and whilst Alaric acts like the angst ridden hero and Kitty is still struggling with the aftermath of her recent ordeals they start to heal together. This is very much a modern day Beauty and the Beast romance set in a beautiful island and of course there is a library!


To enter the competition all you need to do is fill in the compulsory Rafflecopter questions - you will get more entries if you fill them all in. 

Rafflecopter Link: a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rules:

Must fulfil the compulsory Rafflecopter requirements;

Competition is open worldwide;

Competition opens on July 17 2025

Competition closed on August 17 2025

Good Luck 




Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Why do Disney villains love and wear powerful jewelry/ jewellery?

I have recently been deindexed by Google (please search for sparkling magpie Disney on Google to show them I exist if you see this post). I signed up with a free SEO sit to see how I could fix it (as yet I haven’t and can only be found on Bing). There is an AI post function that I looked at and one suggested post caught my eye - Why do Disney villains love and wear powerful jewelry/ jewellery? 

I haven’t copied and pasted the ai article as it was rubbish but the question got me thinking/ why do Disney villains wear/ hold Jewellery that defines them? 

Ursula’s nautilus gold shell necklace was used to capture Ariel’s voice when she agreed to swap her voice for leg and the pendant was assumed to have magical properties as it glowed when Ursula started certain spells. 

Although Maleficent is portrayed as a heroine, her headpiece with protruding horns adds a devilish  aspect to her personality. 

Jafar’s ruby eyed cobra staff was used to  hypnotise those he wanted to control. An ostentatious piece it made Jafar seem in control, larger than life and EVIL

Certainly the jewellery helps makes the villains  spear more evil. The enchanting world of Snow White is destroyed by the iconic evil Apple, Ursula’s necklace has magical properties etc. On a more consumerist level the villanesque aspect to the jewellery adds to the possibility that they will be licensed and made into wearable pieces, charms, earrings etc. items can be found anywhere from Alliexpress (for a few pence) to more high end websites. I don’t think the original Disney artists envisaged that the villain jewellery would become such a money maker but as the characters’ popularity has increased and viewers want something to remember a movie by, villain jewellery will remain popular.  




Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Review: Disney x BaubleBar Minnie Mouse Rainbow Bow Earrings

Last year I purchased a Disney x BaubleBar jewellery collaboration mystery box from the now defunct DoubleboxToys. I finally got around to unboxing the items to use as prizes so here’s my take on the Minnie Mouse Head Silver Tone Stud earrings. 

These Minnie Mouse Head Silver Tone stud earrings are for pierced ears and measure 1/2x1/2”. They are based on the iconic Minnie Mouse head and bow. They are small elegant studs which stay true to the instantly recognisable silhouette of Minnie’s ears, head and iconic bow. It’s a shame that they are only silver tone as they would be great to wear as everyday studs that don’t need to be taken out as they lie flat against the way and there is nothing that can snag and rip the earring out. I haven’t worn them as they are a prize. 

I like these earrings. They are different to the existing Disney/ Minnie Mouse designs. Sadly it doesn’t look as though BaubleBar have any stockists in the UK and can only be found in TKMaxx which is a shame. I like both the Disney collab and BaubleBar’s standard lines. I am put off, however, by the original £€£ RRP and the fact that the majority of their designs are gold or silver tone not at least gold or silver plate. There are a few sterling silver designs on their website but they do not shop to the UK and they have no plans to start doing so. I would expect some type of plating for the prices that are charged. 

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





Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Review: Disney x BaubleBar Minnie Mouse Rainbow Bow Earrings


Baublebar Minnie earrings
Last year I purchased a Disney x BaubleBar jewellery collaboration mystery box from the now defunct DoubleboxToys. I finally got around to unboxing the items to use as prizes so here’s my take on the Minnie Mouse Rainbow Bow gold tone earrings for pierced ears.

These earrings are for pierced ears and measure 1x1.5”. They are based on the iconic Minnie Mouse posing in her red dress and bow but they have elevated her look. Her red dress sparkles with red gems and her iconic bow is covered in sprinkles making the whole look seem very tactile and eye catching. The earrings feel very light despite looking like they should be heavy (I haven’t worn them as they are a prize). They are gold toned. 

I like these earrings. They are different to the existing Disney/ Minnie Mouse designs. Sadly it doesn’t look as though BaubleBar have any stockists in the UK and can only be found in TKMaxx which is a shame. I like both the Disney collab and BaubleBar’s standard lines. I am put off, however, by the original £€£ RRP and the fact that the majority of their designs are gold or silver tone not at least gold or silver plate. There are a few sterling silver designs on their website but they do not shop to the UK and they have no plans to start doing so. I would expect some type of plating for the prices that are charged. 

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



Monday, 2 December 2024

#win Chamilia Sterling Silver Bowtique Minnie Mouse Necklace & Earrings

 

Anyone remember Chamilia which was a Swarovski owned company? They closed in 2020. They did several collaborations with Disney and Harry Potter. They weren’t cheap but were well made and aimed more for the adult market than children. The pieces weren’t screaming Disney but if you were a fan you knew. 

I purchased a few pieces when stores were selling the jewellery items off, put them in a box in my prize cupboard and forgot about them. I found it when I was emptying out the cupboard of doom last week, so for the next few months I will be giving items away. 

The first prize I shall be giving away is the Minnie Mouse Bowtique Sterling Silver necklace and studs (for pierced ears). I have 2 sets so shall give away one here and one on Instagram- you can enter both. The Bowtique set is very understated- the earrings are tiny sterling silver Minnie bows set with sparkling crystals. The sterling silver necklace has a small built in extender and a larger bow which matches the studs. 

Links to the competitions:

Rafflecopter competition >> a Rafflecopter giveaway

Instagram competition >> IG post


RULES:

BLOG COMPETITION: 

To enter my Rafflecopter competition you must:

Complete the compulsory rafflecopter option;

Complete other Rafflecopter options for extra entries;

Competition is open internationally;

Closing date is 02 January 2025 11.59pm GMT

This competition is not affiliated with Swarovski, Blogger or Rafflecopter I purchased the item myself. Any questions please contact me. 

INSTAGRAM: 

To enter the Instagram competition you must:

Follow my account;

Like and comment on the competition post;

Like and comment on other posts for extra entries;

Competition is open worldwide;

Closing date is 02 January 11.59pm GMT

This competition is not affiliated with Swarovski, META, Facebook or Instagram. I purchased the item myself. Any questions please contact me.  










Monday, 11 November 2024

Win Chamilia Disney Sterling Silver Mickey Crystal Pearl Pendant

Anyone remember the Chamilia range by Swarovski. They made grown up style Disney charms and jewellery. I purchased some when Swarovski shut the brand down to use as prizes but then forgot about them! So the first prize will be a Disney Mickey Mouse Sterling Solver and crystal black pearl pendant and chain.   

The Mickey head is sterling silver with a black crystal pearl for his face. It measures 1x1cm. A crystal pearl is a simulated pearl with a crystal in its centre covered in a pearl coating. They are stronger than natural pearls and they are less likely to be damaged by hairspray, perfume etc. They are the highest quality man made pearl. The chain is Sterling Silver, has the Chamilia tag, is 46cm in length with a 5cm extender attached. It comes boxed in a little Chamilia drawer and suedette bag. 

It is very elegant and understated. I have one and regularly wear it: Tgg he ey can still be found on eBay and Vinted for around 2/2 their original retail price. 

Competition Rules:

Must be following my Instagram acount - @sparkling_magpie;

Like and comment on the competition post;

Like and comment on other IG posts for extra entries (especially the glasses post);

C/d 01 Dec 23.59pm GMT ;

Open worldwide.










Wednesday, 7 September 2022

Disney Store The Lion King Hanging Ornament



The Disneystore/ ShopDisney have started to release the 2022 hanging ornament collection. There are some lovely items but not many animal themed ones. The one that caught my eye is the Lion King hanging ornament (£16) which features Simba, Pumbaa and Timon marching across a log, looking as though they are going to burst into song. This ornament is similar to ethe 2019 Hallmark  version which does burst in to song and light up. This version is more detailed, cheaper and I love the artwork on the back of the ornament.  

The ornament can either hang from a ribbon or be free standing. It measures 12x5 cm and is hand painted and made from resin. 



The packaging has been changed. No longer the stupid polystyrene inserts which crumble as you pack/ unpack the ornament which is great for the environment and pets. The name of the item is also printed on the box which is great if you have a lot to post or pack away.  


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




Friday, 17 December 2021

Review: Disneyland Paris Mickey Mouse & Train Hanging Ornament and Anacompany.co.uk


Last year I was looking for a Sketchbook Disney hanging ornament which I had missed out on and I came across anacompany.co.uk (Ana & Co.), a reseller company that specialises in Disney ShopDisney and Disney Parks’ merchandise. In this blog I am going to review a hanging ornament which I purchased from them and review the company themselves. 

 The Disneyland Paris Mickey Mouse and train hanging ornament is a sparkly red and pastel coloured train with Mickey driving it. The ornament is part of the Fantasyland Once Upon a Time series which is exclusive to DLP. The train is inspired by the Casey Jr Le Petit Train du Cirque Ride. As it isn’t particularly Christmassy/ festive it would look great displayed throughout the year. The ornament measures 6.5x7x3cm and can be either free standing or hung from its chiffon ribbon. It is a cute ornament with lots of detailing. 

I have used Ana & Co. on several occasions and have been pleased with my items. Their website doesn’t look particularly inspiring. It is clunky and hard to navigate but there are lots of items to see/buy. The first time I used them I purchased several items and was concerned I wouldn’t receive my parcel. I did, each item wrapped in copious amounts of bubble wrap and none broken (unlike shopDisney). The online payment system doesn’t look great but there is a phone number you can ring if you feel iffy about using it. The My Accounts section is also temperamental. They are a reseller so you will pay more than if you had bought the product direct, but in some cases it is still cheaper than eBay and shipping is free over £100. 

I enjoy looking at the Disney Parks items - it is fun to seee what is new now that it is so much harder to visit Mickey. Despite the draw backs to the website I will continue to use it and would recommend it. 

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








Wednesday, 13 October 2021

Review: Couture Kingdom ECC The Child Baby Yoda Enamel Stud Earrings & Necklace

CoutureKingdom.com stock a range of Star Wars themed jewellery not yet available on their U.K. site. As the international shipping is both reasonable and fairly quick I bought several pieces to use as Instagram competition prizes and to review here. 

 The ECC The Child Baby Yoda Enamel Stud Earrings (£11) and matching necklace (£14) are reasonablely priced and would be great for any Star Wars/ The Mandalorian fan (cuff links are available (£27) in their white gold range. Both items come in jewellery envelopes. They are made from stainless steel and have enamel detailing. The earrings are for pierced ears and have a butterfly fastening. The Baby Yodas each measure 12mm. The necklace length is 40cm with a 7cm extension. Baby Yoda measures 16mm. 

These pieces would make great gifts for Disney/Star Wars fans of any age. They are reasonably priced and well made. 


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




Saturday, 25 September 2021

Review: Disneystore Chip n Dale Halloween Soft Toy Play Set

 
The Chip n Dale Halloween Soft Toy Set consists of a soft pumpkin, Chip and of course Dale. The set is available at ShopDisney and ShopDisney U.K. (£16). 

 

The pumpkin measures 16x18x17cm and Chip n Dale peer out of it. They are all soft toys but the chipmunks are stitched into the pumpkin which is a shame as lots now play could be had if they were attached with Velcro. It, however, should be easy to remove them abs they are only secured with a few stitches in their heads and feet. The pumpkin is personalisable (£2.95). The set feels and looks very soft and luxurious as well as cute and brings an autumnal, Halloweenish yet fun Disney vibe into a miserable wet Autumn 2021.


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






Sunday, 16 May 2021

Review & #Win Couture Kingdom White Gold Plate Winnie the Pooh Balloon Necklace



After a disastrous April - I fell a foot backwards suffered concussion, broke several ribs and had to have my head glued back together then to top it off my precious cat died suddenly. This month’s Instagram competition prize almost makes me smile. Never a fan of Winnie I do, however, find this 14k silver plated Couture Kingdom lariat necklace quite cute, with Winnie floating off holding a red balloon.

  This 3D sculpted necklace (£45) is made from 14k white gold plate with a high shine finish which contrasts beautifully with the red crystal encrusted balloon. The necklace measures 45 with a 7cm extender. Winnie and balloon measure 57mm. The tiny disc on the end of the extender has a cute honey pot on one side and an acknowledgement to A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard.


To enter the Instagram competition to Win this necklace follow the link Instagram Competition 

Rules 

Follow the IG account @sparkling_magpie

Like the post

Comment on post

Tag friends and/or like other posts on this account for extra entries.

Competition open internationally 

Closing date 1 June 2021 11.59 GMT

Competition not affiliated with Couture Kingdom - I purchased it myself 











Tuesday, 27 April 2021

Review: Couture Kingdom Disney Essential Pixar Toy Story Rex Dinosaur Necklace


The Couture Kingdom Disney Essential Pixar Toy Story Rex Dinosaur Necklace (£17.99) is available from the Couture Kingdom website. There are matching earrings but they were out of stock when I purchased the necklace. 

As with all the Disney Essential jewellery, the necklace is made from stainless steel, has a trigger clasp and is presented in a gift envelope. Rex measures 16mm and the chain 40cm with an extra 7cm via the extender. There is also enamelled detailing which adds character to the piece. 


The enamelling completely captures Rex’s facial expression that he has in the Toy Story movies! The same goofy smile which makes him so adorable. 

As with all Disney Essential pieces it is well made, has lots of detail and is a reasonable price.


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








Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Review: Couture Kingdom Lady and the Tramp Kissing Dogs Necklace & Earrings


My favourite items of all time from Couture Kingdom are the 101 Dalmations necklace and earrings. I also like the Disney artistry of  Lady and the Tramp so was pleased to see that they have brought out Lady and the Tramp Kissing Dogs earrings (£29) and necklace (£45) in both 14k white gold and gold plate. 

 

The necklaces have a high shine finish and the lady and the tramp pendant measures 24mm wide so it is quite an eye catching and statement piece. The chain measures 45cm with 7 cm extender so it will fit a wide variety of neck sizes. The enamel accents on Lady’s ear are cute and make her instantly recognisable. The detailing on the kissing dogs is delicate and very detailed.

The earrings are for pierced ears and have a butterfly closure. They are tiny versions of each of the dogs in the pendant. They are small and comfortable to wear. Even though they are tiny compared to the pendant none of the detail is lost or distorted and they also have the same high shine finish. They have titanium posts and measure 13mm. 

Both items are beautifully packaged in Couture Kingdom tissue paper and gift box. I think I still prefer my Dalmations pendant but the Lady and the Tramp items come a close second. 

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.