Artemis and Xena – A Review of the First Love Yourself Box

Posted on March 26, 2017 by Sabrina

Artemis and Xena is a Well-Being Enhancing Monthly Subscription Box.

Its contents are designed and collected to improve and uplift your mood, to spread positivity and help you to de-stress.

The items can be creative, pampering, fun, treat related, comforting, positive and most of all uplifting. But the main goal of this unique subscription box is to improve and raise awareness of mental health issues and self esteem problems.

These boxes are designed for teenagers and women who need a boost to their well being. Artemis and Xena compile a variety of different items in their boxes so there will be something for everyone inside.

Not only all of this, but 20p of every box that is sold goes towards a charitable project that is chosen by Artemis and Xena. These projects are always ones that will benefit women, such as enhancing well-being or empowering women.

This months box was titled ‘Soar In Life’ with the positive quote of ‘First Love Yourself’. Abbreviated to F.L.Y, First Learn To FLY, First Love Yourself.

I’m very happy that I’m able to bring you this review and unboxing. Artemis and Xena have sent me this box to review and as a belated birthday present as well!

Having suffered with mental health problems, I am all too aware of how much objects and ways to improve mindfulness can help on bad days. The one thing that I really liked about this subscription box was the variety inside. Of course not everything will be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think the team genuinely come up with items that will suit the majority of subscribers, because they choose to include things that will help calm, inspire creativity and ensure feelings of positivity.

Here is the first shot of the contents of my box, and as you can see there are so many wonderful things inside it. I will outline what each of the items was once I have given my overall opinion.

Having arrived covered in brown paper to ensure the contents are secure, the Artemis and Xena F.L.Y box has the brand sticker on the top and a cute little heart too. Sealed with a glittery purple strip of sticky tape, the box feels full up as I opened the cardboard sides. The boxed items were well dressed in a pretty pink and floral paper, that could be reused to wrap someone a gift.

It isn’t the most professional looking box that I have reviewed, but what I love is how unique the box and its contents are. The subscription is very new on the market (as of January 2017) and of course I have no doubt it will grow in time. Some items are separately bagged, the bits in organza bags are particularly nice, as are the individual pieces. The attention to detail is what is so great about this box.

The only issue with having all the bits in a large box like this is that when there are spaces they move around when in transit, this can cause some items to be creased, or bent or damaged. As people will see when they watch my video, my bath melts had gotten loose in my box, and during my unboxing I have to smooth out several of the flatter things, such as the corner of one butterfly. I know this cannot always be helped, but perhaps different sized boxes to suit the variety of items per month could be considered.

There were some of this boxes contents that really stood out to me. The items built for creativity and mindfulness are excellent, as are the relaxing ones. So much can be done with the pieces in this box, and if you’re not particularly creative then you can re-gift some of them to people who are.

A subscription starts from £12 a month plus delivery. Artemis and Xena will tailor your box around you when you order, by getting you to answer a few questions about yourself. The founder of the company is Ani, she is passionate about helping women with mental health issues after suffering with them herself. She came up with the well-being box concept after struggling mentally in her late teens.

I wanted to ask Ani some questions so that we can all get to know her better. She has only recently began her company, but she is already helping women and young girls all across the United Kingdom feel better about their mental health, all because of a box.

How did you come up with the awesome name of Artemis and Xena for your Subscription box?

Artemis & Xena are two very powerful women in mythology. Artemis was not just a goddess who could use a bow and arrow, she was also the protector of young girls (this links well to our box idea). Xena was a warrior princess, she was strong and brave. Personally, these two are inspirational women I look up to and that is why I chose their names for the box.

How long have you been providing subscription boxes?

I have been providing sub boxes since January! That was the first box! Artemis & Xena is a very new subscription service.

Do you have a team behind the scenes and creative minds that work together on each box?

Currently no team. I work on my and create and curate the boxes myself and contact small businesses myself too. Sometimes my mum does help out though, but it means I have to work long hours and work everyday including the weekend without a wage!

But it is worth it! I love that I have created Artemis & Xena and I love that it has put a smile on many girls and women’s faces so far!

What are your plans for the next year in regards your business?

Hopefully we will get bigger so we can afford to provide even more items in our boxes! I also want to provide a box with more high end items, a mini box, and possibly a tween box in the future too!

You state that your boxes are meant to empower teens and women with a focus on well being, but what do you consider the most important element of making a box?

I want to make sure it would be something that I would appreciate it if I received it. I usually imagine if I received the box and how it would make me feel. I think its important about how the contents of a box makes you feel. I also try and tie items together too rather than adding them randomly. I also think its important that I add something that I created into the box, not just other businesses as I want my subscribers to feel connected to me. Also, I would only use products free from animal cruelty!

Is there an item that you particularly find is great for your well being, if so what is it and have we seen it in a box already or will it be one day?

For me, I found inspirational quotes a great pick me up or very motivational! So I do include those. I also found mindfulness helpful although at first I was very skeptical. When I first starting doing mindfulness, I didn’t believe it would work therefore it didn’t do much. But once I starting getting into it and believed it could help me focus, it did start to help me. I still use it to calm down as I suffer from Anxiety. I hope to find more techniques for well-being and also talk to specialists in the future so I can improve the well-being aspects of the boxes.

Inside My Box

I am now going to outline the contents of the box in their relative groups so you can see the individual items available. I will complete my review with the pieces that I found the most useful and inspiring to me.

Mindfulness Colouring Pages – To Stimulate Calm and Focus
4 Heart Shaped Soy Wax Melts by DollysCandles (Etsy) Scent of ‘Love Spell’
Love Cupcake Iron On / Sew On Patch
Heart Shaped Aromatherapy Bath Bombs by Dreambath (Etsy) Scent of ‘Rose’

Bag of Mixed Beads and Elastic Thread
Mindfulness Yoga Poses Practice Cards
Envelope of 31 Positive and Self-Love Affirmations – One A Day Pick Me Ups

Sweet Treats
2 Butterflies – 3D Wall Stickers
Buttons in 3D Wooden Hearts
‘Be Happy, Be Bright, Be You’ Quote Card
Crafty Bag of Heart Sequins and Shapes
Pukka Tea and Organza Bag – ‘Love’ Tea is Organic and Caffeine Free

Cosmetic Beauty Blender Heart Shaped Makeup Sponge
Nail Art Stickers
Nail Art Strips
Collection 2000 Mardi Gras Lip Balm
Metallic Temporary Tattoo Stickers

Blue Plait with Golden Coloured Charms
Necklace with Charm
Tribal Earrings on pretty card with quote

Extra Items

First Love Yourself A6 Card
Pink Floral Tissue Paper (Can Be Re-Used)

My Favourite Items

I really love the heart tribal earrings, I also think the crafting items are an excellent choice for helping people to unwind and de-stress. The items that can be re-used are wonderful choices for a box designed for helping with mental health issues. The calming techniques can be applied and then the items put away and reused again. Such as the bag of beads and elastic, the affirmations and the yoga.

Overall Review

Thank you for visiting Severn Wishes today for my reveal and review. I have really enjoyed this unboxing and reviewing this lovely subscription box.

I would personally like to thank Ani, for sending me the box and allowing me to do this review on her company. I am sure you will agree with me that she is doing a fantastic job in choosing the items for the subscription box.

If you would like to take a look at the Artemis and Xena website then please click here.

And for anyone who wants to watch my unboxing video then please head over to my YouTube channel here.

Thanks for joining me for this review, I hope to see you back here soon.

✩ Sabrina ✩

How To Make The Most Of A Few Days In Paris

Posted on March 19, 2017 by Sabrina

How To Make The Most Of A Few Days In Paris

When I think about the beautiful city of Paris I have nothing but good memories and fond images in my mind. Not only did I become enchanted by this incredible place when I was a child, but as an adult I have since returned many times, admiring more and more of its architecture, history and splendor. I have taken family, friends and loved ones to Paris, taken them to see the best it has to offer, and I’m always ready for going again when the occasion arises.

Here is a photograph of me standing in front of the Arc de Triomphe on my most recent visit there, in October 2016. The great thing about Paris is that you can visit all year around, you may have to choose more weather appropriate footwear and dress warmly in the Winter, but the city looses none of its charm and magnificence.

In this blog post I’m going to be celebrating my love of Paris, showcasing my photography over the past ten years of visits (because I had a digital camera by this point) and sharing with you, my readers, my top attractions.
This is, How To Make The Most Of A Few Days In Paris.

Let me start with a short overview about this wonderful city and its culture, before I go on to the districts and buildings that I love the most. I will also be posting a map at the end, with suggestions on areas in which to stay close to attractions, and outlining ways you can see the most attractions in the shortest time.

(One of the stunning views from the Arc de Triomphe during my visit in 2012).

Paris is such an amazing city, filled with people from all walks of life, varying careers and nationalities culminate in making this particular capital great. If you have yet to visit this incredible city I hope that my blog post might inspire you to book a visit. And as I will prove, you don’t need much time there to make the most of your sight seeing.

I was just as shocked as the rest of the world when the city was a recent target for terror. I have visited since the attacks and honestly, I feel just as safe as I have always been there. Of course there are the usual pickpockets that you’ll find in any large city across the globe, but I have always felt at home here, and so long as you’re vigilant and careful, you and your belongings will be safe.

The majority of older architecture in Paris dates back to the 12th century such as the Notre Dame cathedral whose construction was began in 1163, but it was not fully completed until 1250. The beautiful Basilica of Sacre-Coeur was built between 1873 and completed in 1914. Paris’ other marvels such as the Eiffel Tower were finished in 1889 and are somewhat more iconic to the Paris skyline.

Where do I begin on explaining my top things to see in Paris. Of course it will entirely depend on how long you’re staying for, but with the incredibly versatile and affordable metro system, nothing is ever really that far in this city. I often walk routes, occasionally jumping on the metro line to gain distance between sites, but overall most things within central Paris are worth walking between. The gardens between the Egyptian Luxor Obelisk and the Louvre Museum are just one example of when walking becomes sightseeing and not a chore. Be it Spring or Autumn or anywhere in between, there’s always something to see along here.
Another must see of course is the Eiffel Tower, at both daytime and nighttime, but I will get to that in a moment, here are my suggestions and photographs of the best places to see in Paris on what days.

(Tuileries Gardens, October 2016)

Day One – Green

My first suggestion for making the most of Paris will be to walk the section between the Arc de Triomphe at the top end of the Champs ‘Elysees and The Louvre Museum. You can start at either end, and both start and finish near a metro station so you can easily return to your hotel.
My recommendation would be to visit the museum in the morning, take in the fantastic pyramids after lunch, and then walk from The Louvre and through the Tuileries Gardens. You will see gardens and the Luxor Obelisk, culminating with a shopping trip up the Champs ‘Elysees, and then a walk up the Arc de Triomphe with stunning views to end your day.
It will require a great deal of walking, but the sights are definitely worth it. There are places to stop and sit down, and places to stop and pause for something to eat or drink. The section is more or less a long straight road with gardens in between.I will now provide some of my images so you can see some of the things that are available on this particular trip. And I will mark this walk on the map in green.

The Louvre – Inside and Out Luxor Obelisk

The Arc de Triomphe – Base and Views

Facts

The Louvre is a mixture of buildings that were built between 12th and 17th Century. It was established in 1793 after it had been used as both residency for French Kings and in later years as a monument and museum. Its museum first opened on August 10th 1793 and it has grown considerably since that day. It has millions of visitors every year, and with eight different cultural departments it houses more than 35,000 works of art and more than 380,000 objects.

The Luxor Obelisk arrived in France on a specially designed boat in 1833, it came from Egypt and weighs an impressive two hundred and fifty tons. It stands at 23 metres tall and is more than 3000 years old. It once stood outside of the Luxor Temple with its twin obelisk, that one is still in Egypt. In 1836 the obelisk was erected in the center of Place de la Concorde.

The Arc de Triomphe was built from 1806 – 1863 and has some stunning views of Paris from its summit. It stands central to the Champs ‘Elysees and has 12 roadways that extend off from the roundabout it is on. It is a monument that was built in honour of the people who fought and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It was built in such a design that was inspired by the Roman ‘Arch of Titus’ in Rome. It stands at 50 metres high (164ft) and 45 metres (148ft) wide, with a depth of 22 metres (72ft).

Day Two – Purple

The Eiffel Tower is a spectacle that has to be witnessed both during the day and the evening. On my most recent trip I took my best friend to it so she could watch the sun setting around the metal lattices and then behold the towers lights getting turned on. I recommend that you go up the tower (unless heights is an issue) to see the amazing and detailed views of the city, but you will need a clear weather day, one with little cloud and no wind, in order to fully appreciate it. You could stick around or revisit the tower later on in the evening to see the lights show, whichever way you decide to see the Eiffel Tower, you must not go all the way to Paris to not see it. It’s not only an incredible fear of engineering for its time, but it’s also pretty beautiful too I think.

If you don’t spend the entire day at Tour Eiffel then you can hop on the Metro, and just a couple of stops away you can have the splendor of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the magnificence of the Pantheon and the beauty of the Luxembourg Gardens to walk around. There are also lots of restaurants and coffee shops in this area of the city, ideal for a pit stop.

This is all highlighted in Purple on your map at the end of the post, including Metro stations in the area too. Here are some of my images to wet your appetite.

Eiffel Tower – Base and Views

Notre Dame Cathedral – Outside and Inside

(2012 and 2016)

Facts

The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 after only two years of construction. It is one of the most popular monuments in the world, more than 6 million people ascended it during the year 2015. It is 324 metres tall (1063ft) and its top floor stands at 276 metres (906ft) where people can take in some awe inspiring views of the city.
Many other Paris landmarks can be seen from the Eiffel Tower, such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. The Tower is made from wrought iron lattices, and is a well known icon not just in France but around the World.

Another part of Paris, and perhaps a far more famous one is of course is the district that is home to Notre Dame Cathedral. Known as ‘Ile de la Cite’ and one of the oldest parts of Paris dating back to 52 BC, this is one of the only remaining natural islands in the river Seine. In the 10th century a cathedral was built on the island, this was the predecessor of the now situated French Gothic cathedral that is Notre Dame. This Roman Catholic church is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. It has had several restorations over its time including 1845 and more recently 1991.
It has 10 bells and boasts many gargoyle statues, the cathedral is still used to date.

Day Three – Red

Sacre Coeur is in an underrated area of Paris, due to it being situated on a hill away from the main central area in the city. On a clear day you can see right across Paris from here and the cathedral itself has some of the most beautiful architecture the city has to offer. Opened in 1914 this white building is a Roman Catholic church. It stands at 83 metres tall (272ft) and 85 metres long (279ft), and is made of Travertine stone (a form of limestone that can be pure white due to high levels of calcium carbonate).

There are several ways to climb up the steps to it, most streets boasting classic Parisian style houses with quaint street lamps and stone staircases. The hundreds of steps are definitely worth it when you eventually reach the summit. This is not somewhere for small children unless you’re willing to carry them, neither is it very accessible to all on foot, but if you want amazing views and architecture it is worth the hike. The nearest Metro station is around a twenty minute walk away situated at either end of the hill at ground level.

Sacre Coeur can be seen from the top of the Arc de Triomphe and from the Eiffel Tower higher levels if you have a good zoom lens camera or some binoculars.

If you have time after your visit I can recommend you see the Eiffel Tower again (as suggested on my map), either to view it during daylight, to ascend it, to see the lights come on at sunset, or to view it during the evening light. It is spectacular at all of these times.

Day Four – Brown

On your fourth day, if you manage to stay this long, you should do whatever you please. I have highlighted on the map some ideas, such as the Gardens, Museums, Theatres, A Boat Trip down the Seine perhaps?
Whatever you decide to do, so long as you have managed to see Paris’ main attractions, it is entirely up to you. Maybe you want to visit an area again you liked it so much.

Paris Tips

I do recommend picking up a map of both attractions and metro when you arrive in the city, this will be helpful if you get tired and need a train to take you anywhere.

If you go to places sometimes you can get a pass to return within a period of time, this is very useful if you plan on going into a place a couple of times during your stay, like the Louvre.

Try and pick a Hotel that is fairly close to a Metro line, for convenience and luggage ease.

When booking your hotel, make sure you are aware of how close you are to central areas of Paris. You want things on your doorstep but you don’t want to be overwhelmed by any noise (such as being right next to a main train station).

Invest in a travel wallet, they are extremely handy, I bought a ‘GO’ one for my last trip. I managed to fit my Passport, Euros and my phone inside. Amazon do them at a reasonable price, and I rate mine 4/5.

Here is my map of my usual routes and walks around the main sights of Paris.

Thank you for reading this travel post today, I hope you’ve liked reading an insight into my travelling and my photography. I also hope that I have inspired you to take a closer look at Paris if you’ve never been, and if you have visited before, well, maybe it’s time to go again?

✩ Sabrina ✩

Original Map – Google Maps
Map Editing – Sabrina
Photography – Sabrina

March 2017 Treatbox Reveal

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Sabrina

Hello and Happy March to each and every one of you!

The time has come around so quickly and here we are revealing the contents of yet another Treatbox! I have now had 12 treatbox reveals! Isn’t that crazy! I first got the April 2016 box, and I’ve not missed a month since. It’s a year this month since I made my blog live, now that has gone so fast!

I’m not sure how long I will continue with the treatbox reveals, although I love receiving them, I don’t get a lot of feedback. So if you are reading this right now and you enjoy the unboxing either by video or be reading my blog, then perhaps you could leave me a comment today telling me this, because I am not sure how many people are actually interested in this part of my blogging… if you are then make my day and tell me 🙂

So it’s March 2017 already! And it’s my Birthday on the 7th too! *Here have a slice of virtual cake!* The weeks have flown by and Spring is finally on the horizon! (Thank goodness!)

This months box has arrived contained in a plastic wrapper, a wonderful idea to keep rain and dirt off our boxes while in transit and to ensure the contents are a little more secure. A fabulous idea whomever thought of it! An excellent decision and great because it’s recyclable too! (I will mention more about this later in the blog post).

The Treatbox for March promises that ‘Today is Good!’ and that we should ‘Bee Happy’…

A box for all of us busy bees out there who need to take more ‘5’s’ in the week and chill out a bit, this box is apparently one for us! And also one for helping and supporting the bees of our beautiful planet Earth!

Without any further ado! Let’s take a look at the boxes full contents…

Inside this months Treatbox you will find your Calendar Print with a little extra attached! Zoe has included not only her usual hello and what’s inside, but actually the list of companies whose products are inside! And a little information on each one. This is very handy for me because usually I would go off and find them on social media or other websites and read about them. However this is excellent, saving me time and also giving everyone a background into why and how she chooses the treats for our boxes…

Firstly we have the item of an Emery Board and Nail Clippers in a neat little box shape. Very pretty and also very handy, and it comes in 4 colours, I received the blue one, with Queen Bee written on the back.

‘Our Tiny Bees‘ who create products using 100% natural ingredients, they specialise in making Candles and Skincare ranges that are made with 100% British beeswax and honey. This month we have some of their chocolate shaped Bath Melt bars. Skincare while you soak in the bath and support the farmers and the bees of the United Kingdom.

The Royal Horticultural Society pride themselves on helping insects of the United Kingdom flourish. By planting Wildflower Seeds each year we are contributing pollen and food sources, as well as homes for a variety of insects. The Wildflower Seeds Bag that Treatbox have supplied this month will go on to ensure a healthy and attractive garden patch for Bees and Butterflies to visit this year. Make sure you look up what time to sow your seeds for your area of the country and support your local wildlife for 2017. Insects provide us with so much wonder and so much of our produce would be lost without them, flowers and fruits, so please plant your seeds when you can and do your bit. If you don’t have a garden big enough then you could buy a large pot to plant them in, I do some seed sowing every year.

In 2014 ‘Love From Angie’ was created, from a passion for creativity and a range of crafts including Greeting Cards and Paper Cuts, Angie makes heartfelt art that can be loved and admired. She can be found on Etsy and Social Media, but we have her 2 Bee Greeting Cards and the ‘Sweet Honey Bee’ Print to enjoy in our Treatbox this month.
www.lovefromangie.co.uk

Our next item is a wonderful bag made from 90% recycled bottles, a good size for use as a lunchbox, a picnic bag for one or even to store things in when you’re in the car on a journey such as toiletries or cans of drinks.
It has a lovely pattern and I am impressed with the durability of the item, having been created almost entirely of old recycled bottles, impressive!
The Pretty Ditsy Print Bag is a good size and can be folded flat when not in use. It has a zip to keep the contents safe as well, very handy.
I am hugely into recycling, and on average I take two bin liner bags of recycling down to my local plant every single week! If you’re struggling with what to recycle check out your local places online, and see what they can take. Set up an extra small bin in the corner of your kitchen with a label on it, ‘Recycling Only’ and encourage your family members to use it. You’ll be surprised how much you can recycle. In a few months, something you may recycle today could become something wonderful like a bag such as this, for someone else to enjoy! Recycling is a great habit to take up, help us save the planet, one bit at a time.

The final item of this months Treatbox is the Honeycomb Bar. Mine is a Salted Caramel flavour, with Belgian Chocolate, it reads to be 43g of deliciousness! Not only are the bars creators friends of the Bees who give them the honey (says so on the label), but they handcraft these items and they are Gluten Free!
All courtesy of Mighty Fine Honeycomb, Mighty Fine Kitchens who started in London with handmade chocolates in a small shop in Camden Market, who now produce bars on a larger scale, while still providing some of the best honeycomb in the United Kingdom, all the while supporting local farmers and their bees.

Here is the full list of 9 items available, and remember there are always variations in type and colours, not everyone gets an identical box…

Calendar Print for March
Emery Board and Nail Clippers
Bath Melt Bar
Wildflower Seeds
‘Bee’ Greeting Cards x 2
Print ‘If I Was A Flower…’
Pretty Ditsy Recycled Bag
Honeycomb Bar

My favourite items in this March Treatbox are the Greeting Cards, The Bag and The Wildflower Seeds… I love what all of these things represent. For me the handmade cards are Creativity, the bag is Recycling, and the Seeds are New Life and its Preservation. I believe in all aspects of what a box of products like these stands for, and I am happy to have bought it and in doing so I have helped the planet just a little bit more.

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 my reveal today, I hope you’ve liked reading an insight into my daily lifestyle as I talked about the products in relation to this post.
I wish each one of you a great March! I’m off to make my birthday plans now!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Oh and if you want to watch the Treatbox Reveal Video for this month then check out my YouTube

Cat and Snowflake Necklace featured in the My Purrrfect Gift Box Shop

Posted on March 4, 2017 by Sabrina

Last week I won this adorable necklace on Twitter courtesy of My Purrfect Gift Box!

This beautiful 925 Sterling Silver necklace has a Cat as the main feature and then a pretty Snowflake charm added to it. It has a lovely chain shape as well.

The item was originally sent out in their December ‘Winter Wonderland Box’. My Purrrfect Gift Box is a monthly Subscription Box filled with Cat goodies for both the human and the pet… or should that be the owner and the master 😉

I love the intricate details on the cat pendant, it’s a lovely addition to my jewellery collection, and the quality is truly excellent. Both a sturdy chain and pendant.
Don’t you agree that this is a fabulous accessory for anyone who loves cats! Like me!