Review and Unboxing of the July Box from The Lifestyle Box Co

Hello and Welcome to a brand new Unboxing and Review with me, Sabrina.

Today I have the pleasure of bringing you the Reveal of the July box from The Lifestyle Box Co. I’m excited to be bringing you this brand new collaboration on Severn Wishes.

I have been approached by the lovely ladies at the company to unbox this Lifestyle orientated subscription box on my blog, and explain what the box and the company are all about.

The Lifestyle Box Co is fast becoming a number one subscription box for women in the United Kingdom. If you love all things Lifestyle, you want high quality items and all while supporting an independent British company, then this is definitely the box for you!

Inside this monthly subscription box you can find 4 treat items, these tend to be from the following category types. There’s Stationary, Homeware, Fragrance, Confectionery, Beauty and Jewellery.

Whether you’re into treats for you or for your home, The Lifestyle Box Co has a little of everything to brighten up your month, all delivered direct to your door.

The overall look of the subscription box is excellent, a professional logo sits centrally and the first thing I notice after that is its strong box to transport the items that are inside. The box is also reusable due to its fold over lid, because I have seen how durable it is I will certainly be reusing it for something.

I’ve been sent the July box which has a theme of “Secret Garden”. I’m intrigued as to what items may fall under this theme and category, there are plenty of flowers available at this time of year to make products out of… so without further ado! This is what I found inside the box…

The Secret Garden Box – July 2018

The Treat Kitchen – Mojito Gummies
A jar of delicious sweets in Mojito flavour designed to sit inside their very own cardboard beach hut.
Family Run Business Based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom
The Treat Kitchen Website

Kabloom – Seedbom – Pollinator BeeBom – Throw it Grow it!
A Starch Based Biodegradable Shell that is Filled with Organic Compost and Wild Seeds to help the “Bom Thrower” Save The Bees! This mix is ideal for Honey Bees and Bumblebees!
Kabloom Website


Potters Crouch (since 1986) Passionate about Fragrance
This Candle which smells of Daffodil and Narcissus (No11) is beautifully presented in a silver and black tin. Handmade in St Albans in Hertfordshire using Fine Fragrances and Superior Ingredients.
Candle can be burned inside or outside and has a unique floral smell.
Potters Crouch Website


The Salt Parlour – Lime and Avocado Energise Scrub 60g
A Vegan and Naturally Cruelty Free product that is ideal for the summer with people wanting to make sure their skin is in top condition for the sunshine.
Treating your skin to a Natural and Earth Friendly product that smells divine! This salt and sulphur scrub comes as the mini tin with its own wooden spoon to help you get exactly the right amount of product out for each use. A zesty lime scent infused with the oil of avocado to leave your skin feeling amazingly nourished and glowing. Made in the United Kingdom.
The Salt Parlour Website

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My Overall Opinion

My overall thoughts about this subscription box are that the quality of its items out weighs many that are available on the market. I was impressed with how the box is put together. Not only was the theme well considered but the products inside are made to a high standard, those that state they are made in the UK is a bonus in my eyes. We are supporting business within our country and I would rather be doing that these days. I’m also impressed with how the theme goes throughout the products but nothing is duplicated. So one if for enjoying in a scented capacity, one is to consume, one is to use on the body and the other is for us to distribute and see what grows from it. The box has an overall great mixture of items, and I’m sure many people would appreciate a little bit of everything, including things we can do ourselves.

My Favourite Item

There were two treats that I liked the most and I couldn’t choose between them. I am a huge fan of nature and grew up in rural countryside, so the “Seed Bom” resonated deeply for me with memories of fields of wild flowers, and I’m up for anything that helps with our Bees too! The other item has to be the Candle, what a gorgeously presented product, that not only is created to a high standard but it’s also handmade in the United Kingdom, I believe that effort can be seen and smelt in its quality.

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More About The Lifestyle Box Co

 

The Lifestyle Box Co are based in Cheshire and is an independent company ran by two inspiring women Marie & Melanie. The aim of the Lifestyle box is to be a treat for women who enjoy the more luxurious of lifestyle items. Melanie and Marie believe people should be able to treat themselves and feel guilt free when it comes to self care and self love. Hard working women should be able to enjoy a treat without any worry, and all the better if the products are supporting small businesses and strong UK brands.

Every month there is a different theme, and the ladies work hard to research high quality brands and products for their boxes. This month for July was of course “Secret Garden” but there have been many other themes in recent months, all of which have been received by customers with great success! The boxes also have a colour to coincide with the theme…

I asked Marie to tell me a few more things about The Lifestyle Box Co. and this is what she said…

“Melanie & I started the Lifestyle Box co for a number of reasons…..we are VERY alike, we love to shop and we have keen eye for hunting out beautiful items. Melanie is the ex head buyer at boohoo so brings a wealth of experience there too.

We are big lovers of mindset, positivity, spirituality and ultimately self care. With the Lifestyle Box we saw that busy women were often putting themselves last on their long list of priorities so we love to embrace this as their guilt free moment in the month where they treat themselves for a job well done!

We wanted to be more than just a beauty box….we adore beauty and pamper products, but then we equally adore gorgeous chocolate truffles, or a trinket for the Home, or a beautiful bit of stationary….
Our boxes have a monthly theme. Each theme has a colour and we build each box around that theme, carefully selecting four items that compliment each other beautifully.

Our July box is our Secret Garden Box. It’s been a huge success and another sell out box 💚 We’ve also been featured in Cheshire Life Magazine this month and you can read our full story there too! It’s been a fab month.”

The subscription to The Lifestyle Box starts from £20 and you can subscribe from one month up to 6 on a prepay plan. It is a rolling monthly bill that has a renewal date of the 20th of each month, with the boxes themselves being dispatched on the 10th of each month. You can cancel your subscription at any time, and the boxes will always contain four items.So have you been convinced to look more into this incredible company owned by two passionate and independent women? If so then I will now leave some links below to their website and social media so that you may follow the brand at your own leisure.

The Lifestyle Box Co. Website
The Lifestyle Box Co. Instagram
The Lifestyle Box Co. Facebook

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Thank you for visiting Severn Wishes today, I really hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this post as much as I have enjoyed reviewing the items. I would like to thank Marie and Melanie for approaching me to review this box, it has been a privilege to unbox such a gorgeous array of treats.

Come back soon for more Reviews and Lifestyle!

✩ Sabrina 

What I Put Into My Hospital Bag for Labour, My Experience with Tips and Tips From Friends


What I Put In My Hospital Bag, My Experience In Hospital and Tips from Me and from Friends

As the due date of my little one was fast approaching I had begun to compile my items for my hospital bag. I had done a lot of research because I didn’t want to be bringing anything unnecessary, and I also didn’t want to forget something either that I could have otherwise over looked being a first time mum.

One thing I knew that I wanted was a nice blanket to wrap our baby in. My husband and I wanted to personally choose a nice outfit to bring baby home in too. And other than the usual necessities of a hospital stay, I was clueless as to what other items I may need for baby.

When you sign up to various baby things you will undoubtedly get a list or two about what you do and don’t need for hospital. Of course every couple is different and you also have to consider the time of year too. The best ones we found were the Bounty one and also one that we had at a Mothercare baby event.

I also talked to friends who had had babies recently to get their take on what they used the most and what they may have wished that they had had with them. Here is what a few of them told me…

Pip Said; “My son was born with lots of hair and I didn’t consider I would need a baby brush or comb! I sent my partner out to buy one so that we could comb all the baby gunk out of his hair!”

Louise Said; “We used two separate bags for convenience. Consider that you might be in labour or in hospital for a while, so headphones, a book or magazine might be a good idea. Don’t forget to have a car seat ready for when you go home as the hospital need to see you with it when you leave with your baby”.

The image above shows all of the items that I got inside the bag that I ordered from “Goodies 4 Mummies Pre Packed Maternity Hospital Bags”. I wanted a new bag specifically for going into hospital, but one large enough to put everything inside. I did not want to carrying multiple things because they wouldn’t fit. I contacted this page via their Facebook messenger section and discussed what I needed. In the end I chose this gorgeous bird design bag. The contents you see were all included, and most of it is excellent quality. You can choose whether you need a specific gender of items or neutral. We already knew we were having a little boy so I chose the blue. This included a Muslin Cloth and a Hat that were blue in colour.

I would rate the bag and the contents a 5/5 for range and quality.
I would rate the service of this business a 5/5 as well, fast delivery too!

The one thing I had read online that my mind hadn’t even considered was a pair of disposable slippers for the ward and (because I was having a summer baby) a portable fan. The slippers were luckily included in the Maternity Bag that I had ordered.

Our son decided to make an entrance into the world on one of the warmest days of the summer so far. It was 30 degrees Celsius in the delivery suite room. It was at that moment I was so happy that I had purchased a portable fan!

This fan was only £11 on Amazon at the time I ordered it. The device can be charged up via a USB cable and then runs on a full charge for approximately 10 hours. With 3 speed settings as well it was rather handy. The fan has a fold-able handle that is situated at the back when not in use. Ideal size for holding and for transporting, and in my opinion not that heavy either. I would review this item as a 5/5 considering the price and convenience of it, it was used throughout my labour during the day and night, my lovely mum was in charge of holding it over me, and a great job she did too. Here is the link below if anyone is interested in purchasing one.

EasyAcc Handheld Electric Fans Mini Portable Outdoor Fan with Rechargeable 2600 mAh Battery Foldable Handle Desktop for Home and Travel – Black

Knowing that we also got an opportunity to have a photograph taken of our baby by the hospital Bounty Photographer, meant that I wanted it to be memorable. They suggest a tiny soft toy, blanket or comforter to be in this photo. My husband and I have decided a comforter with a soft toy attached, and a spare blanket are the right things to take with us. Although you can bring almost anything you can think of.

Here is a final list of exactly what I have put into my hospital bags. I eventually did one for our baby and one for me. Just so that it was easier to find items for either person on the day or days that followed in hospital. It turned out to be a very good idea too!

Here is the final list of exactly what I have put into the bag for our newborn baby.

2 Packets of Baby Wipes – newborn and sensitive skin friendly
Cotton Wool Balls
Nappies – Newborn and Smaller Baby
Baby Grow and Sleepsuits for while in Hospital – Mixed Sizes
Outfit for Coming Home In
Small Cuddly Toy / Comfort Blanket
Baby Blanket
1 Set of Hat / Mittens / Booties / Socks
Baby Changing Mat
Barrier Ointment and Nappy Rash Cream
Baby Hair Brush and Comb
Muslin Cloth
1 Bib

We ended up being in hospital for 4 days first of all after my sons birth. I was very lucky that my husband was able to go home and collect items for me including spare muslin cloths, spare outfits for baby and he also had to go out and buy some tiny baby clothes too after our little one lost some weight.

You are always better to have more than you need than not enough. I would say it’s a good idea to bring several outfits with you because you don’t actually know the size of your baby until they arrive. And the majority of babies lose weight in the first couple of days as well. Be prepared!

Here is the final list of everything that went into my Hospital Bag. This key will identify to you whether or not I used the item or I didn’t.
★ Used
✩ Didn’t Use / Need
After this list I will be briefly outlining what my most used items were and what I definitely couldn’t have been without.

Hospital Notes and Birth Plan ★
Maternity Pads ★
Breast Pads ★
Old Pants/Underwear (Several) ★
A Top To Wear In Labour or just Afterwards ★
Old Vests / T-Shirts ★
Nursing Top / Nursing Bra ★
Nightie (Staying Overnight in Hospital) ★
Hair Bands and Hair Brush ★
Deodorant ★
Toothbrush and Toothpaste ★
Toiletries – Face Cream / Shampoo / Eyedrops etc ★
Lip Balm ★
Glasses Case and Cleaning Cloth ✩
Towel (Old One) ✩
Face Cloth ★
Cloth for Other Areas ★
Bag for Dirty Cloths to go into ★
Money – Spare Change for Drinks / Snacks ★
Mobile Phone Charger ★
Disposable Slippers ★
Hand Sanitiser ★
Spray Bottle for Water ✩
Face Wipes ✩
My Expert Midwife – Spritz for Bits and Nipple Balm ★
Handheld Fan ★
Bottle of Water and Bottle of Isotonic Drink ★
High Energy Snacks ★

Overall there was very little that I didn’t use out of my bag. And what I didn’t was usually down to the hospital providing the items for me, such as towels for showering etc. Sometimes you would of course prefer to use your own which is understandable. Some things such as the Spray Bottle for Water I was recommended by so many lists to take with me, to spray water on to my body while hot in labour, and to spray on sensitive and swollen areas after to cool myself down. However it was forgotten all about during my labour which progressed quite quickly.

There were a few items I couldn’t have done without. The disposable slippers for one, a godsend on a busy ward recovering from birth. Another thing was the lip balm, you won’t believe how dry your lips get in that environment. And also the isotonic drinks I had brought with me were an excellent choice, and I have my midwife to thank for their recommendation.

I will be reviewing the My Expert Midwife items in a separate blog post.

Thank you very much for reading this blog post today. I hope you have found it interesting and I have to say I cannot believe I’ve brought this post to you after baby is born. He was definitely in a hurry to meet everyone. However it’s exciting! Thanks to my friends who contributed their ideas to this post and thanks to everyone for their patience while I adjusted to life as a new mum!

Come back soon to Severn Wishes for Reviews and Lifestyle!

✩ Sabrina 

July 2018 Treatbox Reveal

Hello and Welcome to the July 2018 Treatbox Reveal
with Sabrina of Severn Wishes Blog.

Happy Treat Box Day Everyone! I have been looking forward to this box, it’s arrival comes just before my baby is due! So I was hopeful I would still be bringing you this unboxing as a full reveal. And you’re in luck!

This month the theme is an “Ooo La La” – French Themed!

Bonne Treatbox journée!

As I open pale yellow coloured tissue paper with a sticker that reads “Bonjour” I am already excited, because Paris is one of my favourite places on Earth!

Here are all of the items in the July 2018 Treatbox. (Remember they can vary slightly!).

This month there are 7 items in the Treatbox plus a Calendar Print and an A4 Print.

Calendar Print for July 2018 – Bonjour with Hearts
2 Treatbox Badges – French Inspired Badges
Navy with White Polka Dots Coin Purse
Biscuit – “La Vie Est Belle”
Pair of Pink and Navy Blue Eiffel Tower Socks
Decoration – Sass and Belle White and Gold Polka Dot Frame
Bubble T Lemongrass and Green Tea Flavoured Macaroon Shaped Lip Balm
A4 Print white with navy writing “à la belle étoile”

Here is a selection of my photographs of this month’s box, I hope you enjoy seeing the items up close and if you have any questions about any of them please leave me a comment at the end of the post, I will do my best to find you an answer.

My Favourites

My favourite pieces in this box have to be the Coin Purse, the Socks, the Photo Frame and the Badges. I love anything that has a French theme, so this entire box is right up my street.

I really liked that we had new items this month because I don’t recall having a coin purse in my time of receiving Treatbox. Something to wear like socks are always a lovely bonus. I would personally rather have a nice item like the photo frame than two more perishable items for example.


My Overall Opinion

What I loved this month, was both the theme and the items. In fact there isn’t an item that I don’t like! The overall quality is good and I had already planned to use two of the products before I had even finished photographing them individually.


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Are you thinking of ordering a TreatBox for yourself or for a gift for someone?
Then you can find Treatbox subscriptions and build your own box at their website https://treatboxuk.com/

If you aren’t sure on whether to try a TreatBox for yourself or not I would say order a one off box, and then if you’re happy with it you can always subscribe afterwards. Check out my previous posts on the Treat Boxes I have received so far, in this unique category of my website called ‘Treatbox’ especially for these box reviews and reveals – Severn Wishes – TREATBOX

Thanks for reading this months box reveal today, if you have any thoughts you would like to share or if you have purchased a box after reading one of my reviews then I would love to hear your from you, why not leave me a little comment in the section below.

Also if you have any questions about any of the items from this month’s Treatbox then please get in touch I am more than happy to answer them if I can.

If you enjoyed this post then why not check out my Reveal Video, click the link to see this latest one on my channel right HERE


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Thanks for reading this post everyone! If you manage to watch my video you will notice it’s a little different and a lot shorter due to my impending arrival.

Although I have really enjoyed the Reveals of the months and years that I have been subscribed, my baby is coming very soon and I won’t be able to put in the time and effort I would usually do with the boxes. I don’t want to miss out, and I also enjoy the treats for myself once a month that I receive. I’m currently deciding whether or not I will stay subscribed, if I do then it won’t be to do a full reveal by video, it will only be a photographic one.

So finally don’t forget that Severn Wishes website isn’t just about Treatbox! I write about every aspect of my life and review many a variety of things. So if you enjoy this reveal why not check out my other categories.

Thank you for your ongoing support for me and my blog, I hope you have a wonderful July! I know that mine will no doubt be a very busy one filled with new experiences as I become a mum! Exciting!

✩ Sabrina 

Types of Baby Kicks, Learning About Your Baby and Things to do in the Third Trimester


Types of Baby Kicks, Learning About Your Baby (Facts) and Things You Should Do In The Third Trimester

I have been writing this blog post for some time now, I keep adding to it whenever I come across a great fact! Hopefully you will find this post interesting ans also beneficial if you or someone you know is pregnant. Feel free to send them to link to my website!


✩ 12 Different Types of Baby Kicks ✩

By the time you reach the middle of trimester two your baby should be making a routine for itself. This is important to take note of because these movements should remain similar right up until the day you give birth.
The Kicks Count Charity is really useful for anyone who wants to know more about how their baby should be moving during their pregnancy.
Remember that taking a five minute time out every couple of hours to sit or lie down and just focus on feeling your baby is a good idea.
Doctors recommend that healthy movements are around 10 an hour for a baby between trimester two and birth. This varies with all mothers and babies and some move more at different times of the day. But monitoring what is normal for you and your baby is extremely important. If you don’t feel any movements for a few hours contact your midwife – don’t leave it until the next day!

Here are some cool facts about the different kinds of baby kicks you should feel.

✩ Flutters – The First Feelings – Similar to Trapped Gas

✩ Tapping or Butterfly Wings – It feels very light but if you focus you can feel it

✩ Kicks – You know when you’ve been kicked & the force only gets stronger


✩ Punches – Punches feel different to Kicks – you will learn the difference trust me


✩ Rolling – Looks like a Ripple across your skin – usually caused by Babies Bum during a turn


✩ Squirming – Baby is running out of Room and Wriggles a lot instead of Kicks


✩ Bubbles – this tickling feeling and popping can be Baby blowing Bubbles of Amniotic Fluid – cheeky!

✩ Hiccups – A rhythmic tapping or popping that goes on for a minute or so…

✩ Spasm like Feelings – Baby makes a Rapid Movement and you will know about it from the force!


✩ Nudges – Usually in Third Trimester – You’re getting Elbowed! Not much room to kick out!

✩ Pressure – The final new feeling will be the pressure of babies head as they descend down ready for birth…


✩ Third Trimester Feelings ✩

So as the due date for our baby is fast approaching I thought I would share some knowledge with you all that I came across this past month or so, and I found these facts really interesting and wanted to pass them on.
I have been relatively well in my second trimester, and really enjoyed being pregnant at this stage but it’s gone by all too fast. Now that I am well into the third however I am feeling a lot more tired, lack of sleep has a lot to do with that because I’m suffering with my hips (SPD) and it can be very painful at times. Always aim to lay on your left side!
My advice to any of you at this stage is to keep active. I have only finished work (full time on my feet) as of three weeks from my due date week but I have had a lot to do at home. Do a bit and Rest a bit, is my new motto!
Here are some great facts!

✩ Interesting Third Trimester Facts ✩

✩ Doctors class 28 weeks gestation and onwards as the third trimester. At this stage your baby will be as big as a Canteloupe Melon and weigh around 2 pounds!

✩ Make sure (if you don’t already do so) that you always sleep on your left hand side of your body from now, it’s so important for your blood flow and reducing the risks to the baby!

✩ Your partner might be able to hear the babies heartbeat from now on, in a quiet space get them to gently press an ear to your bump (where you think babies body is) and listen closely…

✩ At around 28/29 weeks gestation your baby will be able to smell the same things that you smell!

✩ During this stage of Pregnancy your baby will receive all the essential nutrients that it needs from the food you have eaten, it gets this first at your Digestion, and you just end up with the leftovers baby doesn’t require. Therefore it’s always important to make sure you’re getting the right minerals and vitamins from your food and (if you need it) a Pregnancy supplement.

✩ Some women suffer with Constipation at this point of Pregnancy. Eat High Fibre Cereals as well as wholegrain or wholewheat products. Broccoli and Cauliflower are also very good for you too!

✩ Don’t forget to drink plenty of Water! Pregnant women should aim for between 2 and 3 litres a day, closer to 3 if they can on warmer days.

✩ Did you know that what you eat now can determine what baby may eat at the stage of weaning? By consuming a varied diet which includes a variety of spices, herbs and strong tastes, this can help your baby when they begin eating solid foods later in their life. Baby should recognise Garlic for example, if you ate a lot of it while you were pregnant. Fascinating stuff!

✩ You are now using an extra 900-1000 kilo-joules of energy each and every day just to fuel that baby growing you’re doing! That is why women in the third trimester need around 250 extra calories a day added to their diet. I recommend full fat yoghurt as a snack with some fruit, and an extra bowl of cereal for how I get mine most days.

✩ Did you know that during the third trimester you should be able to feel when your baby has the hiccups? It will feel like a rhythmic tapping or popping feeling and often lasts a couple of minutes at a time.

✩ After around week 34 of pregnancy your baby can put on around half a pound of weight per week.

✩ At around week 35 your “Nesting” instincts might kick in. (For me it was even earlier!) So don’t worry if you feel the need to clean and tidy up a lot!

✩ Only 5% of Babies are born on their actual due date! Bare this in mind when booking time off work!

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✩ Things To Do In The Third Trimester ✩


✩ Make Some Time For Yourself and Partner

✩ Do Something You Won’t Be Able To Do When Baby Arrives – Like Watch That Movie

✩ Read To Your Baby (See my other Pregnancy blog posts about this)

✩ In the final weeks of pregnancy you might want to consider some batch or bulk cooking, or at least filling up your cupboards.

✩ Stay Active! Short steady walks or Swims are really beneficial.

✩ Drink more Water! And eat more Vegetables!

✩ Consider looking into your Birth Plan, Pain Relief Options, Nursery Ideas and Baby Names! (if you haven’t already!)

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I hope you have enjoyed reading this lifestyle and pregnancy post today. There will be many more coming up and different ones once my baby arrives too! Thanks for reading Severn Wishes today.

✩ Sabrina ✩