Ideal Christmas Gifts On A Budget

Christmas Gifts On A Budget

Have you been stumped by what to get a friend or loved one this Christmas?
Have you shopped around – like, really shopped around and are still stuck?
Have you ever considered making something unique?
Ever thought of a Subscription Gift?

If the answer to any of those is yes, then please keep on reading because I might just have some Christmas tricks and tips for you! And hopefully a huge array of ideas too!

What To Get For Those Who Are A Little Picky

Subscription Boxes are a great way to give a gift that keeps on giving, and for anything between £12 and £30 you can subscribe a loved one to something amazing. Some companies that I have tried also offer up deals where you to pay for three months upfront for example, and it gets delivered to the recipients home. There are also brands that do one off Christmas Boxes too, pay for a one off box and that also gets delivered through the door.

Try and think about what someone loves, and then go from there…

Here are some places that I have tried personally, and if you want to read any of my reviews on any of these then just look for the categories off my main page. There are loads more out there too, just google subscription boxes for more ideas if none of these take your fancy.

Not all of the companies below are Subscription Boxes, but some of them provide presents within presents and gift boxed items as part of their service. This saves you time this Christmas too!

Artemis and Xena – for those who enjoy meditation, positivity and relaxing boxes.
Birchbox – for makeup and cosmetics lovers!
Cherry Diva – for Jewellery lovers they have something for everyone’s tastes.
JewelCandle – Any Candle and Jewellery Lovers in the family?
Jewellery Box UK – A company who have amazing jewellery choices and great gifts.
Secret Scent Box – for people who love to try new fragrances.
Treatbox – literally a box of treats that you can either subscribe to or you can make your own unique box!

Artemis and Xena (above) are offering a special box this Christmas, it’s a 12 days advent box for £19.99. The 12 items wrapped individually in Christmas wrapping paper numbered 1 -12  These items will vary per box so that no individual will receive the exact same items making this a unique gift.

Some things you could find include: Makeup, Stationary, Skincare, Cards, Creative Activities, Nail Varnish, Organisers, Keyrings, Soap, Bath bombs, Notebooks, Planners, Postcards, Sticky Notes, Masks, Body lotion, Lipstick, Glitter, Eyeshadow, Perfume, Hair care, Temporary Tattoos, Stickers, Organic products, Local products, Nail art, bags, purses and more!

They are also offering a special Mystery Box in December. On their website it says this… “Find 5 random items in your box. Each box will be unique so you won’t receive the same box as anyone else! There are NO spoilers so it’s perfect if you love surprises!” Because these are one-off boxes there is no subscription and they make great gifts.

Mystery Box Link Available In December

Birchbox

Birchbox is usually a monthly Subscription service for makeup, cosmetics and beauty lovers. They offer some boxes for December and arriving for Christmas so it might be worth a look if you are gifting to someone who loves this stuff!

Here is their page for anyone wanting to know more about Gifting a Box for Christmas.

Birchbox Gifting Boxes

JewelCandle is a company who specialise in jewellery hidden inside candles.

You can find out all about these gifts within gifts over on their website. They have a range of flavours of Candle and also a range of jewellery types that goes in them.

JewelCandle Website

Secret Scent Box is a company based in the UK which allows the subscriber to discover new designer fragrances each month. Every box you subscribe to you will get 3 designer perfumes or colognes delivered through your letterbox from just £13! If you know someone that adores smelling good then perhaps this is a great Christmas idea for them…

Secret Scent Box Website

Treatbox – Christmas Box or Subscriptions

I am currently subscribed to Treatbox and receive a box each month through my door. They are always themed and can be literally anything! Homeware, Beauty, Edible Treats, Creative Items, Wearable Items and so much more.

In the Treatbox shop the owner also creates special boxes and one off boxes, as well as build your own too! This is worth a look at the website if you think you could be in the mood for choosing items for your loved ones to open up in a box.

Treatbox Main
Treatbox Specials
Treatbox Build Your Own

So You Have Started Christmas Shopping, But Have You Shopped Around?

So most people tend to go to the same old places year after year for their presents, they don’t try anything new. I know people who have never done a search on Amazon, or gone to their local town and searched for independent stores.
Have you ever tried looking for self employed people on Facebook as well?
I have bought things from British businesses for many years now, it’s a good deed and keeps money within our economy. You’re also helping a small business keep going and there are so many talented folk out there doing all sorts of things.

Here are some Facebook businesses that I have ordered from either this year or the past two years while I have been blogging. I recommend the service from each of them. But you’ve got to be quick, a lot close their order books at the start of December.

The Laser Boutique – Wooden Toys and Gifts – Personalised
The Crafty Giraffe – Personalised Engraved Gifts
Awesome Wooden Gifts – Now has her main page over on Etsy so check it out if you want gifts about Mushrooms, Unicorns and Magic…

Don’t be afraid to search for what you want using google and/or Facebook there are so many talented people out there. Check out some of my reviews on my categories too!

Have You Considered Making Someone A Unique Gift?

Sometimes the best thing to do, when you cannot find what you’re looking for, is to make it. You need to decide your budget and then figure out what you will spend on each item.

I once designed photo frames for friends, these days you can buy frames for as little as £1 and then all you need is some paint and added details like sequins or stickers.

I have a How To Make section on the blog too go check it out after this post!

Here are a few ideas on simple things that you could make for a friend or family member this year.  Check out the posts under my “Christmas” category as well for more Christmas gift ideas too! And check out my “Sabrina’s How To Make” category too!

Bracelets or Necklaces
Photo Frame Designs
Trinket Boxes
Memory Boxes
Candle Pots
Makeup Pots

If you have any questions about how you would make something then please get in touch. If you cannot find it already on my blog I will be making lots of gift related posts that will go up in the coming weeks, watch out for those “How To Make” pages!

Hopefully you’ve gotten some great ideas from this post, if not though don’t despair, there will be loads more of my Christmas Gift posts coming up throughout November.

 Sabrina 

The Rose Gold Trends That Everyone Can Wear and My Jewellery Wishlist

Rose Gold Jewellery Trends That Everyone Can Wear

Everyone knows that Rose Gold is on trend again this AW17 season. In this short blog post today I’m going to be telling you about two ways that you can wear this gorgeous shade of metal.

You have the freedom to choose your jewellery and wear it whichever way you want to, so that you can have your own fashion. I cannot stand it when brands tell people “you must wear it like this to be on trend”, well no you don’t, style your own fashion people, wear things just how you want to… take inspiration of course, but do as you like and what suits you. I know I do!

Now Rose Gold is available in so many statement pieces this year, so it’s always good to invest in something well made. That is if you can afford it and if you like this colour of metal of course.

There is one particular Trend that I love because of its endless versatility, and that is the “Mixed Metals Jewellery Trend“. The other one is what I would call the “Delicate’s Jewellery Trend” which surrounds one individual type of jewellery and keeps that as the focus point.

The “Delicate’s Jewellery Trend” simply means you focus on one part of your body to wear the jewellery. So if you’ve got a big chunky knit on this winter nobody is going to see your neck or your wrists, so you cover your hands with pretty Rose Gold rings and jewels. If you’re wearing a long sleeve dress for example you would focus on statement earrings to catch peoples eye. By choosing one part of your body it’s all about complimenting the outfit that you’re wearing and showing off your best bits.

The Mixed Metals Trend is pretty simple, you take two or more metals and mix them on a part of your body. The easiest way to achieve this look would be rings on your fingers. You could wear Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Platinum, anything! So long as you mix them between the hands.

Another cool way to use this trend would be earrings, especially if you have a graduated lobe like I do. Using different coloured studs to create this look.

(Here are my own studs, they are from Jewellery Box UK).

I actually saw the character of “Betty” played by the beautiful actress Lili Reinhart, wearing this trend on one of the new episodes of Riverdale. Keep a look out if you watch it, she wore two silver studs and one gold in either ear and it looks amazing! (As is the show by the way if you have Netflix check out Season 1).

Another way to wear the Mixed Metals would be several metal bracelets, these would be harder to match up though so they look like they go together.

The final way you could wear this trend is with necklaces. My TOP TIP would be to wear necklaces of varied lengths, that way the whole of your neckline is covered and peoples eyes are drawn all the way around and down. Try mixing the metals from light to dark or dark to light…

My Jewellery Wishlist

Now it’s time for me to share my wishlist, just a couple of items that I have loved the look of while browsing the web and through emails that I have gotten. A lady has got to have a wishlist hasn’t she 😉

✩ Cherry Diva ✩

These two rings have really caught my eye from the company Cherry Diva. You can see reviews of other Cherry Diva items that I have bought by clicking the category on my front page. Check these items out further by clicking my links.

Opal Tides Ring

Opal Wishbone Ring

Rose Gold Princess Heart Ring

✩ Jewellery Box UK ✩

The following items are from Jewellery Box UK, while browsing on a recent order I saw all of these beautiful things and hoped one day they might be additions in my collection. I don’t have very much Rose Gold. Check out my Reviews on my main page by clicking the Jewellery category. Click the pictures to go to the Jewellery Box UK site.

9CT ROSE GOLD WISHBONE & ETERNITY CZ SPARKLE STACKING RINGS SET

9CT ROSE GOLD HONEYCOMB STUD EARRINGS

9CT ROSE GOLD WINTER SNOWFLAKE NECKLACE ON CHAIN 16 – 20 INCHES

9CT ROSE GOLD FLAT TRIANGLE STUD EARRINGS

9CT ROSE GOLD BAR STUD EARRINGS

✩ Pandora ✩

It is probably a little sad, but I don’t own anything from Pandora. I do get their newsletter and follow on social media though, and I saw these advertised and thought they were so stunning. You’ve got to dream haven’t you! Click the images of them to go to the website.

Rose Gold Droplets Ring
Rose Gold Puzzle Heart Ring
So there we have it everyone, my current Rose Gold Jewellery wishlist, you never know I might be able to treat myself in the new year!

Thank you for reading this blog post today, I hope you’ve enjoyed it, and perhaps got some gift inspiration for someone too!

 Sabrina 

Cherry Diva Black Friday Purchases and Review

On Black Friday I decided to treat myself on the Cherry Diva website when they offered a special 50% off discount. I had already browsed before hand and knew roughly what I wanted to go for. For me, sterling silver is a must, because I have sensitive skin. So I searched the Cherry Diva website for all items under this heading and then made my final choices…

Something that always catches my eye are unique designs that don’t look anything like your regular high street jewellery brands. I always try and be an individual, I like to think my style evolves from my loves in life and not what I see the majority of people buy.

I absolutely love an unusual necklace, and this one stood out to me as I scrolled on the website. The details and the purple stone, were what won me over this order.

When my order arrived I was very happy with it. The products were delivered in purple organza bags which were the perfect touch to my choices. The delivery time was also excellent considering it was the black Friday weekend.

I’m a sucker for going for anything purple or blue because they are my favourite colours. Both of my choices this time around were to do with the stone of Amethyst. I decided on the ring and a necklace, because the ring was finally back in my size after I eyed it up in the Summer months.

My final Review for this Necklace and the order as a whole is;
Quality 5/5
Value for Money 5/5
Appearance 5/5
Comfort 5/5

Quality; This necklace is sterling silver, good quality and well made.
Value for Money; I had a discount code of 50% off, which made this necklace excellent value for money.
Appearance; Both unusual and unique looking, this necklace is now a firm favourite of mine. It’s design is eye catching and pretty.
Comfort; The necklace is an excellent length for my neck size, and I am very happy with how comfortable it is against the skin.

Overview
Thank you very much for reading this review, I have loved sharing it with you, when you find a good item it’s always good to shout about it, right?

I hope you have enjoyed this post, and I will put the website link at the end of the page for any of you who would like now to browse the Cherry Diva products.

Sabrina

Cherry Diva Website www.cherrydiva.co.uk
Necklace https://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/products/mystic-skies-necklace?variant=27037836233

Sabrina’s Christmas Wishlist

Sabrina’s Christmas Wishlist

I’m sure many of you have wishlists, and with Christmas coming up I thought that I could indulge in the products that I would love to get this year. These links and images form the accumulation of items that I would like to be reviewing at Christmas and in the new year.

My first items on my wishlist are to have some more of these incredible makeup brushes from Spectrum Collections! I have the pink and would love some of the others, they are fabulous for me to add to reviewing photographs too, so so photograph-able! And they also put my makeup on so well too and are extremely soft! In fact I could do with a brush cleaner and I hear the Spectrum one is also excellent!

clamspectrum-cleaner spectrum-pouch

The Glam Clam

white Marbleous 12 Piece Set

spectrumblack spectrumwhiteI love these brushes, and I love to photograph them as well. You can see my previous review on Spectrum by searching in my categories for Spectrum Collections.

The second items on my list are from Dorothy Perkins. There are these boots and this dress gorgeous that I absolutely adore! There are so many nice items, and on trend looks available on the DP website at the moment, definitely worth a look in my opinion.

dp-blue-dress dp-red-boots

http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/shoes-boots-4849364/boots-203591/wide-fit-burgundy-web-boots-5956478?bi=140&ps=20

http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-5699972/going-out-party-dresses-5965766/navy-sequin-lace-dress-6000972?bi=20&ps=20

I really like these boots as well over at BooHoo! How nice is the detail! (Yes I have more Boots than shoes and love them all year around!)

boohoo-black

http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new-in-shoes/nichole-lace-side-over-the-knee-boot/invt/dzz64071

Another item I really like the look of right now is the Makeup Revolution Advent Calendar, how great does this look? I still hope to get some chocolate, but I like these products, and would like to own more, perhaps I will be lucky enough to open this sort of calendar this year… (Purchased By Me – Review Coming Soon)
makeup-rev-adventhttps://www.tambeauty.com/en/Makeup-Revolution-Advent-Calendar-2016/m-2043.aspx

Something else I discovered after someone shared it on Twitter was this amazing lamp from Very.

I would love this in my home http://www.very.co.uk/eiffel-tower-table-lamp/1600079375.prd

(I purchased this lamp at the end of November, and I love it! Full review coming soon…)

New Look also have some great looking Boots out this season, here are two of the ones that I have got my eye on… both ankle boots…

grey-suedettehttp://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-boots/grey-suedette-cylindrical-heel-ankle-boots-_382019504

ruched-ankle-boots-nlhttp://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/wide-fit-shoes-and-boots/wide-fit-brown-suedette-ruched-ankle-boots_390237621?productFind=search

On my wishlist for reviewing is also this fabulous shelf from over on the Treatbox UK website in the ‘shop’ section, it is so unique looking I just love it! I had to dream what I might place upon it, a pot filled with Spectrum Brushes, a frame and so much more! Do you like it? I love it!

hexagon-shelfhttps://treatboxuk.com/collections/shop/products/stunning-hexagon-shelf-with-mirror

The final items I would love to own and review this Christmas are these pieces from Cherry Diva! I adore anything turquoise or anything with feathers or arrows, that sort of thing…
sterling_silver_turquoise_feather_necklace_1024x1024https://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/products/sterling-silver-turquoise-feather-necklace?variant=17345622149
feather_wrap_silver_ring_1024x1024https://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/products/eva-feather-silver-ring?variant=16859874181

Another fab idea for people for gifts this Christmas would be anything with a subscription box, I have already reviewed Secret Scent Box, and I currently review Treatbox UK on a monthly basis. I would love to try other boxes in the future, such as Birchbox or Glossybox or perhaps anything else relating to beauty/fashion/perfume/food, some of my favourite things!

Thank you for reading this post today, I wonder if I have inspired any of you for your Christmas lists and gifts for friends or loved ones. Check out the links for the items and brands featured in my post today. I am hoping my wishlist will turn into a reality for some of these items and then I can happily review them for you all to see. Until then keep coming back to the blog for more reveals, reviews and honest opinions on products.

Sabrina

Graduated Lobe Piercings – Styles and Jewellery

lobe-jewellery-main-pic

Graduated Lobe Piercings

I made the decision many years ago to have more than one piercing in my ear lobes. And nowadays I’m rather glad because it’s on trend, and also grateful of the choice of jewellery that is available for me to wear.

Examples of the styles that I have come across more recently include a variety of shapes and also varying metals. I always prefer to purchase 925 sterling silver jewellery due to my sensitive skin, and that is what kind of jewellery will feature in my post today.

I will make a list of all the items shown within my blog post, so that if you wish to purchase any yourself you will find the links at the end of the page.

Graduated lobe piercings have been becoming more and more popular within the last five years or so. With both celebrities and regular people alike making the choice to adorn a variety of jewellery on their ears. Graduated piercings are now common on other parts of the ears now as well, such as cartilage.

So how do I wear mine? Well I normally take one particular symbol or style and wear it in all three of my piercings. I have more recently branched out into wearing various symbols all together, and I think this look can make you seem more individual, even pretty unique depending upon the jewellery, the possibilities for earring combinations are endless.

Styles and Jewellery

Any earrings can be included to make your lobes a graduated style, but usually they are earrings of the same type but in different sizes or metals. It can also be symbols that are similar and can be worn specifically in that combination, such as a space theme with a sun, moon and star, for example.

I don’t think you can go wrong with stars, and I wear them regularly. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like stars and I often get compliments about mine.

These cute ones in the image below range in size from 3mm, 4mm and 5mm. They are available on Amazon UK from Heather Needham Silver.

dsc00438procswThis seller also sells a set of a sun, moon and star, as well as just a star and moon. I like the pieces in my next picture because it means you can add a further earring of your choice if you have a third piercing, or that you can just wear the two stud types if you only have two piercings in your ears.

stars-and-moons-swMore earring stud styles available from this amazon uk seller include Hearts, Stars, Moons, Circles, Triangles, Round with Silver or Cubic Zirconia and other symbols and shapes (such as the feathers/leaves in my image below). You can see the full range by visiting the sellers amazon page (links at the end of the post).

lobe-jewellery-pic-swHere are some images of the earrings in my own ears to show sample sizes, I do have quite small ears, you can normally find specific sizes on the sites that you purchase jewellery from.

earrings-four-sw earrings-one-sw earrings-two-swAnother site that I have previously purchased earrings from is Cherry Diva. They have a variety of sterling silver items for sale. These arrow earrings are fabulous, unique and highly detailed, I like that these kind of earrings can make your ears seem unusual because of the shape and orientation. You can wear them at whatever angle you please to suit your lobe shape.

earrings-one-three-sw

When it comes to body jewellery and piercings I usually get my labret studs online from sites such as Body Jewellery Shop and Piercing Mania. You can see my recent review from the latter site by searching in my category for Jewellery or Piercings.

The final place I regularly buy my earrings from is Argos. They have a wide range of sterling silver products including ones that are coloured cubic zirconia and also plain shapes.

My Review of the items that I have purchased from Heather Needham jewellery via Amazon are;
Quality 4/5
Value for Money 4/5
Delivery 5/5
Appearance 4/5

I found the quality of the earrings to be very good and the prices I paid for the sterling silver was also very reasonable. I gave the delivery a score of 5 because the earrings all came in individual sets and boxed, with professional postage and packaging so as nothing could be damaged.

Overview

Thank you very much for reading this review, I hope I have given you some purchasing inspiration, and with a certain festive holiday creeping up on us, you may have seen something you could get as a gift for someone who has multiple ear piercings.

Until next time, I hope you have enjoyed this post. If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment. I shall leave you the links at the bottom of this page.

Sabrina

Links to Jewellery featured in this post

Stars Set of Earrings https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gift-Boxed-Sterling-Silver-Earrings/dp/B0089XHLLQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475354132&sr=8-2&keywords=heather+needham+silver+stud+earrings
Ball Earrings Set https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gift-Boxed-Silver-Stud-Earrings/dp/B00ODVJNPK/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1475354397&sr=8-21&keywords=heather+needham+silver+stud+earrings
Cherry Diva Sterling Silver Earrings https://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/collections/bohemian-earrings/925-sterling-silver

Cherry Diva Jewellery Review

cherry-diva-2-swI recently purchased jewellery from Cherry Diva for the first time. I was drawn in partly because of a sale they had on, and also because I had wanted a pair of their earrings for almost a year and decided now was the time to get them. Just in case stocks changed and they no longer sold them, I didn’t want to wait too much longer in case I missed out.

These stunning earrings are made from sterling silver and are detailed crossed arrows. Being a fan of historical fiction and ancient history, as well as having participated in archery many times, I loved the unique look of this style.

arrow-earrings-2-swI always purchase sterling silver because I have sensitive skin. At Cherry Diva they have a range of sterling silver products and a great number of choices for all kinds of styles.

When delivered I was pleased to see that my earrings were sent to me in a pretty little silver box. I plan to keep my earrings in this case unless I am wearing them to try and keep the silver shiny and clean.

arrow-earrings-swSo that you can see the size of the earrings I have photographed one in front of a five pence piece.

arrow-earring-swThe other items I bought were two delicate nature inspired sterling silver rings. One has a large flower like a daisy and has hearts on the band. The other has three different kinds of small flowers on one thin band.

flower-ring-1-sw flowers-ring-2-sw

Being a photographer of nature primarily, I love anything to do with natural scenes and floral patterns. When I saw these rings, originally on a Cherry Diva photograph on Instagram, I fell in love with them.

flower-ring-2-swflowers-ring-1-swrings-1-sw rings-3-swI’m impressed with the quality of the silver and I just hope that the items remain in good condition over the time in which I use them. I was happy with the prices that I paid in the sale, I’m not sure if I would pay the prices individually, but collectively with a free delivery is tempting.

rings-2-sw

My final review for Cherry Diva Jewellery and delivery services is;

Quality of the Items 4/5
Appearance of Jewellery 5/5
Delivery Time Frame, Cost and Packaging 4/5

Thank you for reading this review, I hope you enjoyed reading about my recent jewellery purchases, and if you are interested in any other posts of this kind please look at the jewellery category situated on the right of my blog homepage.

If you wish to take a look at the other jewellery available please visit the Cherry Diva website here https://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/

 Sabrina

cherry-diva-1-sw