Monthly Archives: May 2017

The Liebster Award

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This month saw me get my first ever blogging award, The Liebster Award and I’m very excited to bring you this very personal post of mine.

I was nominated by fellow blogger Natalie Swan-Williams, her wonderful blog is called Island Beauty Junkie. You can visit her blog once you’ve finished reading my post (links at the end) of course!


About The Liebster Award

An Award that is purely online, given to bloggers by other bloggers! This awards name has German origins – the word “Liebster” actually has several definitions, the most popular are: dearest, sweetest, kindest, nicest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, welcome, sweetheart and (can you believe it) boyfriend.

It was created so that bloggers could discover and recognise other blogs and support them, I really like the way it has a pay it forward aspect and has allowed me to open up to the community that I write for. I hope that you’ll enjoy learning about me and then looking at the blogs that I have nominated as I pass on this award.

The Rules

  • Post 11 facts about yourself
  • Answer the 11 questions your nominator has asked you
  • Nominate 11 other bloggers
  • Ask them 11 other questions
  • Let them know that you’ve nominated them

Don’t forget to add the links for the blogger who nominated you and the bloggers you are nominating at the end of the post!

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11 (Interesting) Facts About Me

1. My first name is Sabrina (if you haven’t read my About Me section) then you might be interested to know that my parents named me after the River Severn, the Romans named it Sabrina after a Princess called Sabrina.
2. I have Hazel Eyes and Auburn Brown Naturally Curly Hair, and I had to wear braces for almost eight years during my high school days.
3. I graduated from University in 2010 in Photography, though it is not my main profession I really wish it was, I have never given up on my dream, I hope to keep going with my blog, the writing and photography combined, I just love it.
4. I love Cats, I grew up with one and she sadly passed away at aged 19, she was more like a sister than a pet, she was always there when I needed a cuddle after a bad day. I have also had 3 rescue cats since her, one who passed away not long ago and I am still heartbroken about him. My other two dear little girls who are still with me (and I hope for a very long time) are my shining lights and make going home after a long day all the more worthwhile. I couldn’t imagine life without them in it, they really are my little fur babies.
5. I have had 10 piercings and 10 tattoos in my life so far. All of my tattoos have meanings or are about remembrance. My favourite piercing is my navel and my favourite tattoo is my cherry blossom branch.
6. When I was younger (and fitter) I rode horses, swam and cycled regularly, the only exercise I manage to do since my diagnosis though is walking every day. I also hike with the very occasional swim.
7. I’m very lucky to have traveled to many countries. So far I have been to 18 different countries, and my goal is to get to 30 by the time I’m 50 years old.
8. My two wardrobes are colour coordinated. One is also in order of store alphabetically. I don’t see myself as suffering from OCD, but I do have aspects of it that I use in my daily life, it doesn’t bother me and I love being organised.
9. I love food! Italian and Indian are my favourites and I’m a keen cook, I love to experiment. My hobbies include cooking and baking on a regular basis.
10. When I was at School I studied three languages as well as English of course, these were Welsh, Spanish and French, and I can still speak all of these on a basic level, although the older I get the rustier I get, ha ha. I would love to learn more in my life.
11. I am an Endometriosis sufferer and I hope that one day soon I will be brave enough to tell my story so that others may benefit from my experiences.

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Questions I Was Asked and My Answers

1. Why did you start your blog?
2. If you could only take one beauty product to a desert island what would it be?
3. What is your perfect night out?
4. How do you like to relax in your spare time?
5. What is your favourite film of all time?
6. What is the best advice you could give to a new blogger?
7. If you could be any animal which would it be and why?
8. What is the most used app on your phone or tablet?
9. Name two bloggers you regularly follow and why?
10. What is your favourite band or musician?
11. What is the best book you have ever read and why?
1. I decided to start my blog when I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2015. It was a positive outlet for my writing and photography because I could no longer get out and about easily. Although it didn’t go live until March 2016 due to my surgeries, I wanted to put positive energy back into my days. I wrote many posts last year while I was recovering from major surgery and had to take 10 weeks off work. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did and before I knew it I was collaborating with brands.
2. My one beauty item I would take to a desert island would be lip balm, it’s the only thing I use every day without fail.
3. My perfect night out would be a meal with my husband followed by, cinema in the winter and a sunset walk in the summer.
4. I relax in my spare time by creating photographs in nature or by being creative with one of my many hobbies.
5. My favourite film of all time is probably (don’t judge me) Twilight. But I’m judging that by how many times I’ve seen the film. I also love things like Moulin Rouge, Gladiator and The Fast and Furious franchise. I just adore movies! I also adore Soundtracks!
6. The best advice I can give a new blogger would be don’t try and be like anyone else, take inspiration of course but write about your passions and likes. Discover your own style and above all, always be confident in your strengths.
7. If I could be an animals I would be a cat. I adore cats and I have had 3 rescue cats in the past 10 years, they have a wonderful life with my husband and I, and if I could have any animals life it would be a cat.
8. The most used app on my phone is probably Facebook, though I’m really enjoying Twitter of late.
9. Two bloggers that I regularly follow and read their posts often are Becca with her Blog Fashion Train and Leah with her Blog Miss Pettigrew Review.
10. My favourite band or musician is Carter Burwell, he has written many film scores and soundtracks, my favourite piece is from the Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1, it’s called Love Death Birth, if you don’t know it then pop online and take a listen, it’s so moving.
11. When I was young you had to prise books from my hands, I was always reading and I think it’s a shame the new generation won’t have the same appreciation for books like I did. If I had to pick one book in particular that perhaps changed my life when I read it, I think it would be Harry Potter. It inspired me to write and follow my imagination. Thanks JK!
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My 11 Questions For The Nominees​

1. How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
2. What are your hobbies?
3. Which Movie is your all time favourite?
4. What are your favourite foods?
5. How many Countries have you been to?
6. Do you have any Pets?
7. What is your main Goal for 2017 (can be blogging or personal)?
8. Do you have a Favourite Song for up to this stage of your life?
9. What was your Favourite Subject at School?
10. If you could have lived in any era and gone to dinner with any icon, when and who would it be?
11. What would be your perfect weekend?
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My Nominees Are;
1. Danielle Alexandria with her Lady Loves blog
2. Paige Weatherall with her Paige Margaret blog
3. Roxsanne Slatford with her Beauty Bag Secrets blog
4. Sarah Oswald with her So Beauty Stuff blog
5. Rachel Blackmore with her personal Rachel Blackmore blog
6. Tanya Leahy with Tanya Leahy Makeup blog
7. Ro N Rae with her personal blog Ms Queen Ro blog
8. Audrey Marie Knizek with her With Love blog
9. Siobhan Macdonald with her blog Forever Siobhan blog
10. Sarah Bennett with her blog Pale Princess Makeup & Beauty blog
11. Carolyn Cohen with her blog Party Polished blog

Please join me in supporting all of these unique and wonderful bloggers!

 

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Thank you to all of my nominees for taking the time to read my Liebster Award blog post, and I hope you will enjoy answering my questions! I look forward to reading the answers.

I was Nominated by Island Beauty Junkie

Thank you very much for joining me for this special post today, I hope you will enjoy the blogs that I have nominated and that you will come back to Severn Wishes for all of my new posts in the future.

✩ Sabrina ✩

NYX Slide On Eye Liner Review

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NYX Slide On Eye Liner Review

I got recommended to try these eye liners by my makeup artist friend Megan (I will leave her link at the end of the post). We went shopping as I was looking to replace my current brand which I find I have grown out of.

When I used the testers in my local Boots store there were many colours that stood out to me. I have Hazel Eyes and love to do a range of looks dependent on my mood and outfit. Usually smokey eyes or complementary browns and golds for me.

I eventually chose these three shades to purchase. SL13, SL15 and SL16.

SL13 Jewel
SL15 Brown Perfection
SL16 Golden Bronze

The NYX Eye Liners all have a quote on them, it is meant to be their name and it reads;
“Slide On, Glide On, Stay On, Definitely a turn on Waterproof”.
“This eye liner is so good the name had to be this long!”

So what NYX were telling us was that these liners stay on very well… I think this was the understatement of the year! I used one of the liners to create the look in my next photograph. After wearing it for eleven hours, I then removed my makeup with my Garnier Micellar Water on cotton wool pads, then I washed my face with warm water. However when I looked in the mirror I could still see the glitter and some of the colour from the liner. So then I used my Sephora makeup remover and washed my face again. I could still see a faint line and some more glitter. The staying power was wonderful, I know that I could create a look and with confidence it would last all day long.

For the above look I used a Maxfactor Mascara, a Maxfactor eyeshadow and of course the NYX eye liner which was Jewel (SL13).

Final Review

These liners only cost £2.50 each at most stores, and with currently eighteen colours to choose from, what are you waiting for! If you want staying power then these are the liners for you. I haven’t been this impressed by an eye liner in a long while. They definitely slide on and stay on, and that is all that most of us want in a product, right?

Quality of Items 5/5
Effectiveness 5/5
Appearance 5/5
Value for Money 5/5

Congrats NYX! It’s a unanimous 5/5 from Severn Wishes!

Thank you for reading this review, I hope you have enjoyed it. Until next time!

✩ Sabrina ✩

NYX at Boots Website
Makeup by Megan

Gift Company Wine Bottle Holder Cannon Shape Review

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Gift Company sell a range of Wine Bottle Holders, which (until very recently) included this Cannon one. I purchased this for my Father for his birthday, and this is my review of the product, including a quote from my Father about what he thought. Here is the item that I received, the wine of course was not included, this is just to show the scale.

The current range of holders that are available can be found here Gift Company

The item is considerably larger than I would have thought, but when you consider the diameter of a standard sized bottle of wine it does make sense. The wine goes into the holder at an angle, so the Cannon sits as it would do if it was real. I loved the reality of this item, more than other ones available, it had a natural historic charm to it.

My father is a historical author, he loves anything to do with history and I knew this would be the most perfect gift for him. What he said about the product was this; “The Cannon is a lovely gift for anyone who likes history, it has excellent scale and a good shape to it. My only criticism is that it is quite sharp in areas so people must be careful when moving the object around”.

My opinion on the item is that the quirkiness and complexity of such an object makes a unique gift for any history lover or admirer of historic weapons. When it is not being used as a wine holder you could use it to house any manner of decorative items, such as false flowers or stationary.

Here are some more photographs of the item so you can look at the scale and details.

Finally I must add that the service that I received from one of the Gift Company team regarding this order was nothing less than exceptional. Not only did she have to find this item for me, sourcing it from one of the stores, she even had it delivered to me on a day that suited my needs. I really wanted this item and was so pleased that this could be made a reality for me to purchase. For that reason I would like to thank Becki, for her excellent customer service.

I recommend the Gift Company website to many people personally, as well as on my blog, so thank you very much for everything that you did in order to get me this wonderful present for my Father.

My Review Scores
Appearance 5/5
Quality 4/5
Value for Money 4/5
Delivery 5/5

Thank you for reading this review today, I hope that you’ll be able to visit a Gift Company store near you or perhaps the website to find your perfect wine bottle holder, I cannot recommend them enough.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Gift Company Website

Sainsbury’s Amazing Stationary

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Recently Sainsbury’s brought out an incredible range of Stationary, not just for women but for everyone. The range included Ethereal Colours, Adventure (Travel and Nature Scenes) and Floral Designs, to name but a few.

My local store had an amazing selection of Marble related items. I particularly loved the Planner which would help me to keep my blogging posts schedule on track. The Rose Gold pieces that accompanied these items were beautiful also. (I am giving some of the items away in my latest Giveaway click this link).

I love to be organised and to make lists, but it’s not often that stationary is both affordable and so beautiful too. This whole range varies in prices from £2.00 to £5.00 per item.
Since purchasing mine in March I have seen some of the items on sale, some as low as £1 so it’s worth having a look in your Sainsbury’s to see what they may have left. Mostly the ‘Adventure’ sets are on sale I think.

Anyway, I am so excited to show off my images to you. I’m going to show you some photographs of the items that I bought, before rating them individually on their Quality, Value for Money and Purposes.

Weekly Planner 5/5
Quality – Paper is of good thickness and the item is well made.
Fit for Purpose –  Very good sized boxes for writing in and layout is well set out.
Value for Money – Cost was £3.50 which I thought was good.

Organiser Pockets 4/5
Quality – Good quality and well made with lovely variations of colours.
Fit for Purpose – You won’t fit too many papers inside them, I plan to use mine to divide and keep my important papers in.
Value for Money – Great value for money £2.00 for 3 pockets.

Rose Gold Paperclips and Marble/Rose Gold Clips in Jars 5/5
Quality – Excellent Quality and lovely Jar’s that can be reused if you want.
Fit for Purpose – Great for use and for my blogging interests.
Value for Money – Great Value because of the Glass Jar’s too.

Things To Do Clip Board 4/5
Quality – Good Quality with ample writing room.
Fit for Purpose – Good use and the board can be reused I believe.
Value for Money – Good Value but it was the most expensive of the items at £5.00. The board could be reused though.

Let’s Go On An Adventure Magnetic Note Block 3/5
Quality – Nice Paper in the Notes but the Magnet isn’t very strong.
Fit for Purpose – Great for a Fridge but you may need an extra magnetic strip.
Value for Money – Good Value for the amount of Paper.

Overall I am glad that I have invested in this set, and I love that the beautiful pockets have multiple uses. For both keeping my paperwork secure and flat and they also make wonderful background images when doing macro blog photography, win win!

Thank you for reading this post, I hope that if you want some of these items for yourself you can still find them in your local store. Mine has so many and some on offer now too actually. Maybe worth a look!

✩ Sabrina ✩

May 2017 Treatbox Reveal

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Hello and Welcome to the May 2017 Treatbox Reveal.

Happy May Day to you all! Most of us have received our boxes early due to the United Kingdom having a Bank Holiday today, so I’m very happy to be bringing you this post on the first day of the new month.

As always if you would prefer to watch my unboxing video over on my channel then I will include a link to it after my reveal.

This month was a pretty lilac tissue paper inside with a sticker that read ‘made just for you’. The Calendar print has May with beautiful feathers all around it, I see a theme appearing here. On the back is the usual description of the types of items we can find inside. I don’t tend to dwell on this too much, although an interesting read afterwards, I’m eager to see what is inside my actual box.

For the May Treatbox theme we have feathers and relaxation. Positive energy and inspiration are at the forefronts of the box with postcards and bath salts. A beautiful scarf (which I am very thankful of because it is still cold here at the moment) and a quote plaque. Stickers for being creative and a gorgeous print showcasing the talent of a UK illustrator. This is the May Treatbox.

Here is the full list of items available, and remember there are always variations in the types and the colours, so that everyone gets a slightly different combination inside their box… There are 8 main items in this Treatbox, however if you’re counting the Postcards individually we actually received 18 items this time…

Calendar Print for May with Feathers details
‘Home’ Black and White Print by Simona Matuozzo
Gold Plated Moon and Stars Necklace
10 Mini Postcards with Quotes and Inspiring Sayings
Scarf – Grey Feathers
Stickers – Set of 24
Coopers Apothecary – Vanilla Rose 100% Natural Bath Salts
Home Accessory – Glass Hanging Plaque – Black Border ‘Love the Life you Live, Live the Life you Love.’

Here are more detailed images of all of the items contained within my box this month.

This beautifully detailed print is designed and drawn by Simona Matuozzo an illustrator based in Birmingham. She creates bespoke both hand drawn with ink and also digital illustrations. Her work is often highly detailed, and as with the print we have in our boxes this month, you can see from my macro photograph just how intricate the drawings are.

Here are the details of the Feathers on the Scarf.

Made by Coopers, these bath salts are 100% natural, made with Organic ingredients and no artificial fragrances, with 100 grams of salts to help relax you.


My Favourites

My favourite items from this months box have to be the beautiful feather scarf, the home print and the stickers. I love scarves and as for the craft items, love them!
I don’t currently have somewhere I can hang the plaque but I will be holding on to it for when I can use it, I think the quote is lovely and rather true to life.

This box has been well thought out and I’m very glad that it was filled with positivity and of some items from companies that we haven’t yet seen before. I think it’s very important to support United Kingdom businesses and I love the Treatbox allows us to do that. It will be nice for me to try something made by a company I haven’t tried before, and I love that we have something to wear and keep too. Watch out for my future tweets and Instagram pictures to feature these items.

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 reveal today, if you have any of your own thoughts you would like to share with me or if you have purchased a box after reading one of my reviews then I would love to hear your from you, so why not leave me a comment below 🙂

Also if you have any questions about any of the items contained within this months treatbox then please get in touch I am more than happy to answer them if I can.

Until next time then Severn Wishes followers, thank you for reading this reveal post today.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Oh and if you want to watch the Treatbox Reveal Video for the May Treatbox then please check out my channel here on YouTube


Links

Treatbox
Coopers