The Body Shop – My Latest Winnings And Some Reviews

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Sabrina

The Body Shop – My Latest Winnings And Some Reviews of Products.

I have been pretty lucky lately and won a Instagram competition with the @thebodyshop where I won a hamper of items, two of each thing to share with my best friend. The comp was called #1inaMillion and I was very pleased to have won.

To say I was excited was an understatement, but there was one thing holding me back. And that was that some of the products contained nuts within them, and my husband is deathly allergic! And before any of you think, but you don’t eat the products, I know that, it’s actually the smell of the nuts in them that can also make the person unwell. So I had to sadly pass on these gorgeous smelling (yes I still smelt them) items on to my mother! As you can imagine she was then ecstatic with this!

First off I wanted to share her thoughts, so here is what she has said about the items that I could not try…

1. Almond Milk & Honey for Sensitive & Dry Skin – Soothing & Restoring Body Butter
200ml Tub
“This body butter made my skin feel very soft and nourished, the best thing was that it lasted all day until I showered and then I put it on all over again. The scent was also gorgeous and I could smell it on my skin even at the end of a long working day”.

2. Moringa – Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub
250ml Tub
“This body scrub is easy to use and after I had tried it a few times my skin felt really soft. I noticed the softness and scent didn’t last as long as the body butter one had done. Over all my skin felt good the times after I had used it”.

Overall

When I asked my mother if she would go out and purchase either of these products after having used them now, she said this, “I loved how my skin felt after using the Almond Milk & Honey Body Butter and would consider buying a pot, but it goes a long way, so this sized pot will last a while”.

Now on to some of the other products that I won, that I myself have tested in these past few weeks since I won them. I will be scoring the products I have used.

3. Strawberry Shower Gel with Cold Pressed Strawberry Seed Oil
250ml Bottle
“A beautifully smelling shower gel that made my skin smell lovely all day long, I put the scent down to the natural ingredients used within it”.
Score 4/5

4. Vitamin E Moisture Cream – All Skin Types – 48 hour Moisturising
50ml Tub
“This cream smells delicate and is exceptionally light as it melts into the skin. I used it to moisturise my face after cleansing in a morning, it wasn’t greasy at all and my skin felt soft after it had sunk in”.
Score 5/5

5. Mascara – Lash Hero Fibre Extension Mascara
“This mascara was surprising, the brush was nothing special a very straight cut with fairly short bristles, however the combination did make my lashes look longer. It was also easy to remove with Micellar Water at the end of the day”.
Score 4/5

6. Himalayan Charcoal – Purifying Glow Mask
75ml Pot
“Wow, were my first thoughts after using this mask. The Himalayan Charcoal was interesting, I have never put anything like this on to my skin before. The mask took only seconds to dry and was easy to wash off with warm water after the time frame. I have to say it made the areas of my skin that I had applied it to very soft, and I also noticed that my pores looked less noticeable. The thing I liked the most was its ease of application and removal. I will definitely be using this product again, I want to get into a habit of treating my skin better, and this could be just the product to help me to do that”.
Score 5/5

(Mask on My Skin).

(Charcoal Mask Ingredients and Information).

My Favourites Overall

Overall my favourite two products from the win are the Vitamin E Cream and the Himalayan Charcoal Mask.

I loved both of these equally and for different reasons. I loved the natural ingredients used in the Mask and the Vitamin quality in the Cream. I would keep using them both and consider purchasing after they are all used up too (providing nothing better came along in the mean time). I think both items would go a long way, the Mask especially because you need very little to spread on to the skin.

I hope you have liked reading about these prizes. If you have any questions feel free to leave me a comment and I will answer it if I can! Thank you again to The Body Shop for picking me to win all of these lovely products. I have really enjoyed testing them, and I still have some to try! I also cannot wait to pass the other half of them on to my BFF.

Check out The Body Shop on their social media to make sure that you’ll be in for a chance of winning the next time they have an awesome competition!

I hope that all of you have a Happy and Safe Halloween. Have a good one!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Review of Black Military Coat from Wallis.

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Sabrina

My Review of the Black Military Coat from Wallis Fashion.

I’m ecstatic with my coat from @wallisfashion that I won in their “Wallis In Paris” competition last week on Instagram. It was a wonderful surprise to win! And I immediately offered to review the coat for them.

Finding myself really loving the Autumn Military trends this year, and this coat is just perfect. With it’s fancy golden buttons for some contrast against the thick black fabric, this coat isn’t just beautiful it’s also very well made.

There are two fairly deep pockets on either side and eight buttons on the front. It has a lining on the inside to keep you warm on cooler days. There are two buckles – one on either sleeve that add a nice three dimensional and shiny aspect to that part of the coat. The military style also has two button studs a top of shoulders, and it features two button studs at the back too.

For this review I have paired the coat with my Eden Skinny Jeans as you’ll see in this photograph, and a brand new jumper from Dorothy Perkins too. However this coat is so versatile you could pair it with a variety of Denim or a Skirt, long boots would look great. It would also like nice with a beautiful dress for an evening.

An Excellent Autumn to Winter Transition Coat.

This coat is made from a heavy black material, it is made from 64% Polyester with 33% Viscose and 1% Elastane. The inner lining is 100% Polyester and is rather shiny.

It has many nice features such as the gold Buttons and Buckles. A coat that is rather flattering when worn, because it’s fitted it works well with whatever curves you might have. I’m the top end of Petite but this coat still came to my knees, which is just how I like long coats to be. I loved that it was long enough to keep me warm and the arms were also long too, mind ended at the base of my thumbs.

The 8 front buttons add glamour and there are several nice features such as the double breasted style and the way the fabric has been cut. The shape of the front of the coat is really unusual and I liked how it falls when being worn.

It’s a great transition coat from Autumn to Winter because it’s easy to layer beneath it. I’m an 8 with jumpers, so I chose a 10 so I could wear a chunky jumper under it. The coat fits perfectly around my shoulders but is quite heavy over all.

The Wallis Military Coat seems to be a staple for any wardrobe, and I’m very glad that I now have one. Hopefully I will get many wears and many years of joy from wearing it.

In my opinion the one and only downside to the military coat is that it’s Dry Clean Only.

Overall Scores

Appearance 5/5
Quality 4/5
Value for Money 4/5
Fit True To Size 5/5

Black Military Coat
A military-inspired coat by Wallis Fashion.
Price £75.00.
Here is the link to the coat on the Wallis website if you would like to take a look at it, they have currently got a sale on too! (Correct as of today’s date with 10% off!) HERE

I really hope you have enjoyed this review. Thank you again Wallis for picking me to win this incredible item as a prize. Have a wonderful end of October everyone!

✩ Sabrina ✩

16 Really Easy Ways To Walk More

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Sabrina

✩ Ways to Walk More ✩

Walking is something that I am hugely passionate about, and I’m always encouraging others to walk more. So I thought why not take some of my own skills and ideas and let you all know why I choose to walk so much, and ways that you can too!

I come from a family who loved the outdoors. I grew up in the middle of nowhere, walking, cycling, hiking and horse riding. Following the family dog off down the field for an adventure… We were always outside unless the weather was atrocious!

Even though I walked a lot as a child and grew up in the countryside, I have lived in a city for the past ten years, and it is a world away from my childhood. I wanted to maintain my fitness and my strength in my legs too. So I made the decisions such as walking to work, walking to the groceries shop for midweek essentials, and to still do a walk on a weekend when I had the option to stay at home.

I try to walk in nature on a weekend when I can find the time, do some of my hobbies like my nature photography, and take in the fresh air I miss in the week.

So here is my list of 16 ways that I use to walk more often now I live where I do, and some ways that you can take inspiration from and do the same. You can tailor this list to suit your needs and limitations.

✩ Walk to and or from Work.

✩ Walk to the groceries store and taxi back / or walk back but make sure you only buy what you can comfortably carry back.

✩ Choose a local destination that you’ve not visited before and walk to it – pop some tunes on if it’s a long walk but be safe!

✩ Volunteer at your local park/beach for a litter clean up.

✩ If you already take a bus then why not get off one stop before your usual one and walk that short distance. Over time you can increase it to two or even three stops – weather dependent of course.

✩ Join a local walking or hiking club, or if that’s not your thing then why not try Golf or Photography, there are other great ways to get out doing something you think is fun – make a list of your hobbies and expand walking into them.

✩ To get the kids involved – Eye Spy on a Walk, Orienteering or even a Treasure Hunt?

✩ Do you meet your friends often for a Coffee? If it’s a nice day why not get them as take out and you can go for a walk while you catch up.

✩ If you’re a Home bug – try plugging in your phone in another room, so you have to walk to it check any messages… all those steps count!

✩ Probably an obvious one, but if your commute has any lifts or escalators – some days why not take the stairs!

✩ If you already walk a fair bit then why not mix it up a bit by finding alternative routes to work or school. Google Maps is brilliant!

✩ Sign up for one of those local 5K or 10K walks – you can even get people to sponsor you for a good cause too.

✩ Plan to plant something in the Spring time, perhaps a fruit or a vegetable you all like and if you have kids then get them involved too. Learning and gardening win win!

✩ Volunteer to walk a friends dog when they next go away – great exercise and you could make it a fun game by seeing what other dog breeds you see on the way.

✩ Family Fun! Check out google maps for any local places that you and the family could visit like free parks / beaches / gardens… Take a picnic and make a day of it!

✩ And Finally – Go Out As A Family! Cycling! Bowling! Whatever floats your boat!

My Top Tips if you’re also a Competitive Adult.

I have a Fitbit that my husband bought me in 2016, and on the App you can set challenges between you and your friends. They are called things like Weekend Warrior or Daily Showdown, where you’re tasked with beating your Daily Steps Goal (set when you begin with Fitbit) and beating everyone else in the set time (if you can). It makes me walk further, it makes me go around the block again before entering my house – all for those extra few steps! Fitbit is a wonderful way to track your exercise and I love my Fitbit clip.

They soon add up into KM’s and you’ll be surprised. The healthy average is supposed to be 10K steps in 24 hours, so that is your starting point…Gather your friends together and start a walking, cycling, hiking club! You don’t need to be doing it every week, just make time once in a while to group up. Sign up for Charity Walks and Runs, and make your way up to more difficult events.

Other Things To Consider.

Don’t do anything that you’re not comfortable with doing.

Consider your health – Diabetes or Asthma might hold you back so make any relevant changes to ensure you can increase your walking safely.

Never wear headphones so loud that you cannot hear dangers, take care at junctions and ensure you are always aware of your surroundings when listening to things too.

✩✩✩

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this blog post, a bit of a lifestyle one tonight, but it’s important that I put my own opinions across sometimes about my own life, and not just write reviews. I am a human being at the end of the day! If you liked this post please leave me a comment and let me know. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

✩ Sabrina ✩

My Trip to Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour, Experience and Review

Posted on October 24, 2017 by Sabrina

My Day Trip to Warner Brothers Studios for the Harry Potter Tour at Leavesden Studios, at Watford Near London.

Welcome to my Travel and Lifestyle post outlining my experiences at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, with some of my photography. As well as an insight into my childhood growing up with this amazing literature adventure.

I went with my husband on the August 2017 Bank Holiday Weekend, and I paid £101.85 for the privilege of two “The Complete Adult Tour” Packages including the Paperback Souvenir Guide and Digital Guide to go around the studio with. That includes the £3.95 I paid to have all of my tickets posted to me. I spent £49.80 on souvenirs afterwards, but we will get to those at the end…

My Visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour and My Personal Reasons for Going

It was an experience that I had been waiting for for a considerable time. The chance to go to Leavesden Studios near London, was on my bucket list. And not just for the one reason that’s obvious. Everyone who grew up reading the Potter franchise, either for themselves or with their own children, knows that these books hold a part of your soul that you gave away while becoming completely engrossed in the world of Hogwarts and Harry. J.K Rowling managed to do what very few authors can, and this was to create a world that so many people (both young and old) fell in love with. Although it was a frightening place to reside at times during the books, people longed to go there, and we all had our own visions of what it would be like…

For me though, it’s way more than that. The reason is that I had hoped to one day work at the studio. I remember applying to audition for the original Harry Potter film, but on my returned letter it stated that I was 6 months too old to audition, and that other older roles had already been filled. My dream was shattered. I had applied to audition for any part and was offering to be an extra as well, I was happy to travel as my parents knew how much it meant to me, and had supported me if I was chosen.

Sadly I was never lucky enough to be an extra, though I tried countless times and for the majority of the films whenever they opened up a casting. So I gave up on that dream for a time, and I stuck to my reading and writing with occasional stage work too as a teen. Still, I longed to be a part of that world…

Those days of being on stage are also sadly behind me now because of health reasons. And when I went to University aged 19 I had the choice of going down the drama route or to follow my other creative passion, which is photography. And I chose the latter. I still write though and I hope to one day have something published.

I think if anyone ever made my books into films I would love to be like Peter Jackson, who appeared in numerous scenes as an extra throughout his time directing The Lord of the Rings franchise. That would be completing two of my dreams in one go, I still live in hope of all of it…

So for the past two years I’ve tried my utmost to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, between work commitments and poor health, every time I’ve had to postpone or rearrange… but this August Bank Holiday I was determined to go. I had to book it two months in advance due to the summer holidays but it was something to look forward to.

What made it more real was the tickets arriving in the post, they were unique and creative and I felt like I was holding a part of the experience already. I thought it felt like an age away, but it was soon here and upon us. My husband offering to drive us down so I agreed and became my usual organised freak self, I did my maps and my travel times and planned out our day.

When you pull up to the studio’s you’ll notice that only advanced bookings are allowed and that security check your tickets on arrival. From there you park up in front of what looks like a mixture between an air craft hanger and a business distribution headquarters. The only give away are statues out front and several rather large Harry Potter film related posters…

The whole studio is neatly laid out and the main atrium is large and welcoming. The actors and characters portraits are all looking down on you from the high walls above. The Weasley Car (one of the many used) is suspended in the air above one corner, and you have a feeling of awe before you’ve even gone past the foyer.

I couldn’t help but wonder how people with no knowledge of the books would ever feel at home here. But as I said to my husband, (who has seen the films but read zero words on any of the books pages), to take the studio as it is, for its magnificence and marvel at the creativity, the hard work and the talent that has gone into making every single aspect of it.

Having purchased tickets that included a paperback guide and a digital guide, we decided to headphone it up and get into the queue. We would pick up our book guides at the gift shop at the end of our tour (as suggested by a staff member) so we didn’t have to carry them around.

So as we queued up initially to start the tour I was amazed by just how many people there were. There had to easily be 200 people going in to each tour slot. Plus there were always things to read, see or listen to, even while you waited. Quotes from J.K.Rowling and the famous “Cupboard Under the Stairs” can be admired as you queue for the beginning of you tour.

Once inside the introduction area you are met with many television screens on the walls placed vertically and acting as cinema posters, showcasing the Harry Potter film franchise in every language they were released in. It was fascinating to see how the posters looked, advertising the various movies in their country, some were rather different than ours.

Next our tour guide gave us a brief introduction into the do and don’t of the studio. Of course it contained the usual rules of, “Please don’t pass any barriers” and “Don’t reach over and touch the costumes” things like that. Common sense but essential reminders for those who might get a little carried away with the magic. There was also a no food and drink policy and only one main rule encouraging you to take as many photographs as possible and to share them. No problem for me, I thought, and by the end of my tour I was suitably satisfied with the 1,200 images I had taken.

So the next part I don’t want to spoil for those of you who have yet to visit, all I will tell you is that it begins with a door…

As you enter the start of your Harry Potter studios tour you are welcomed with a familiar sight, and one that I had imagined in my mind since I was eleven years old, when I first read The Philosophers Stone, that room is of course The Great Hall. Obviously missing the incredible magic sky in the ceiling, but this room is so iconic to the movies and an essential part of the Hogwarts Castle. If you think back to how many incredible things happen in this Great Hall, then you will understand why I got goosebumps as I walked through it.

Set around the room are two of the amazing long tables and benches, that had once been filled with the actors as they were being filmed. Now they stand in testament to all those hours of rolling film, still set out as though students would soon be filing in for dinner. Fake flames flicker up the walls from the metal burners along the sides, and the original flagstone floor remains underfoot. Some of the actors costumes are situated further down in the hall, and I was in awe of their details. Even the alter with the Owl that Sir Richard Harris (the original and wonderful Dumbledore) stood at in the first two films, along with his costume, and that of several of the other teachers too, remain in excellent condition for all to see. The details were incredible!

As you finish The Great Hall you notice some doors off to the left, these lead you on to the rest of your tour. I took one last look back at The Great Hall as I went through the doors into the rest of the studio… I hope this image shows you the scale of this incredible room.

I won’t go into every little detail of this next enormous section, but I will however give you a list of some of the rooms and the things you will encounter here.

Hair and Makeup and Especially Wigs
Wands and their Wizards

The Gryffindor Common Room

The Gryffindor Tower and Beds

More Costumes – Mostly Gryffindor and/or Teachers

Dumbledore’s Office

The Pendulum Clock

Potions Class

Paintings and Stairs
The Leaky Cauldron

Hagrid’s Hut
Musical Instruments
Various Significant Furniture
Quidditch Brooms and Trophies

Broomstick Lessons and Photo Experience

The Burrow – Weasley Household
Ministry of Magic Chimneys
Various Props
Cars and Vehicles
Significant Tables and Doors
Statues
Animatronics

Here are a few images but I won’t spoil it all for you…Here I am doing my first Broom Lesson… “UP!”

I remembered these costumes so vividly…

Potions Lesson anyone? I was a huge fan of Alan Rickman, I don’t think anyone could have played Severus Snape as well as he did. I was very sad when he passed away recently, so to be so close to one of the costumes that he actually wore, I felt like he was there in spirit…

Once safely through these wondrous parts which took us over an hour because there is so much to see (and with crowds too), you find yourself at the Ministry of Magic section and the entrance to The Forbidden Forest.

Having deliberately waited for the Forest to be included in the tour I was rather glad I had. I absolutely loved The Prisoner of Azkaban, it is my favourite of the books and although I felt the film missed a few vital back story parts, it was extremely well done by the directors. Buckbeak the Hypogriff was also a vital part of the storylines so to stand so close to his animatronic version was a great experience. I even took a selfie!

The other side of the forest leads us into the territory of rather large spiders including the one and only Aragog and her Spider minions. You can see a Patronus and other forest related things too. After this you will pass through into a break area with a small shop and some toilets…

After the small pit stop area you walk out into the long room and are greeted by the smell of smoke and the bright colours of the Hogwarts Express. The real life and full sized train, it was amazing to see, and all the more amazing to get on it and stand where actors had once stood.

Obviously so much of the inside of it is partitioned off so as to preserve the original carriage seating and other features, but they allow you to walk on and look inside the various sections. Most are still laid out with luggage and examples off the confectionery trolley such as the illusive chocolate frogs.

There are a few photographic opportunities here as well as a small shop too. And for those who have never visited King’s Cross Station in Central London, the chance to be one of those lucky wizards pushing their trolley through the wall at 9 & 3/4s…

Once you’re through and finished with the Hogwarts Express the Cafe Area awaits. Butterbeer and food can be found here, along with a vast seating area for you to rest before the next part of the tour.

Into the Backlot now and you will see some rather familiar sites! The Hogwarts Bridge, famous in the film The Prisoner of Azkaban, where Remus Lupin and Harry share a beautiful moment as he reflects on the past… This is one of my favourite parts of the films and the books, and I loved walking along here…

The Knight Bus! And the houses… 4 Privet Drive and The Potter’s Cottage at Godric’s Hollow are all here in this outside space… To walk and to stand where these incredibly talented people had stood, was inspiring. Here are some of my images…

The attention to detail in every area of the tour is astounding.

The Chess Pieces from the Chamber of Secrets lead you inside and on to the next parts of the tour…

Following on from this you go into the Creature Effects Department. This was an area that fascinated me, not just because of the animatronics and the puppets, but the almost life sized body doubles of some of the cast who perish at times in the movies. Here is a fun fact, they were designed this way so that when actor Robbie Coltrane was carrying them, they looked the correct size.

Fawkes the Phoenix was my favourite in this section, as well as a Hedwig model Owl and a few other pieces like another Buckbeak and a Dragon head.

As you walk through you notice all the small things that would have taken days for someone to painstakingly create. Three dimensional models, a hundred or more hats, wands and costume pieces.

One of the final parts of the tour is the one and only Diagon Alley. And although I was excited to see this part, I somehow expected it to be larger! I’m not sure why! I will include a photograph of me with my husband below, see what you think, did you expect the area with the shop fronts to be bigger? I know I did!

One of the most incredible rooms on the tour is the final one… The Model Room! I was in awe of the details of the castle as we walked in. The lighting is quite dim however so it was difficult to get a good photograph, I hope you can see the details.

This was an amazing way to end the tour, and I could have spent hours looking at all the tiny details of this model. But I also wanted to get myself into the gift shop!

Finally you enter the gift shop at the end of your tour. It was packed with all sorts of Harry Potter wonders! Clothing, Books, Keyrings and Cuddly Toys! But I must say, the majority of the prices are very steep. It’s disheartening when you pay so much for the tour itself, to find a mere key ring is £7! I will outline the items I bought and the prices that I paid for them. There were many items I would have liked to buy but I couldn’t justify the amount they were asking for them.

Hogwarts Crest Keyring £6.95
Hogwarts Crest Pin £6.95
Time Turner Keyring £8.95
Buckbeak Keyring £4.95
Hedwig Pin £6.00
5 Pins Set £9.95

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon at the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour, and I can understand now what all the hype was about. Being there, where actors that I am greatly fond of, have worked for many years, is such an experience. There was only one part of the tour that I was expecting to see and did not… The Sorting Hat? I had wondered if I had missed it but then I was sure I didn’t. So if there isn’t one, perhaps it could be suspended in glass and you stand beneath it, it could sort you into a house… just an idea for the future WB!

Now for some questions that I have been asked and my honest answers to them.

Would I go again?
Probably not this year, or next year, but if there was something newly added or they extended it and included things in an easier to see way (I thought some parts were over filled and cramped). I’m sure they have plenty of things they could build or rebuild or dig out of storage to make the place larger.

What was my favourite part/s?
I loved seeing the train, the animatronics (Buckbeak) and the costumes. But my favourite part was walking along the bridge from the third film. The details in so many aspects of the tour were amazing.

Was it good value for money?
When you consider how many people worked on the film, and I’m talking artists, sculptors, carpenters and the like. Those are the people the tour celebrates, and I think that is so important, as these professions don’t always get the credit that is deserved. Overall I think you pay your money to see all the amazing things that made the franchise of films what they were, and without all of these elements it would not have been such a success. For this, I don’t mind paying what I have paid. Though I wouldn’t go again in a hurry.

Have I ever done a Harry Potter Sorting Hat Quiz?
Yes I have done, one as a teenager and two as an adult. Each time I have been either a full Gryffindor or part Gryffindor and part Hufflepuff.

What souvenir did I buy for myself at the WB HP Tour?
I purchased three things for myself, one was a pin, and the other two were key rings. I bought a few little bits for my family members. See the images below for a more detailed look at them.

How cute is the tiny Hedwig Pin?! 😀

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my Harry Potter lifestyle, my experience on the tour and looking at my photographs too.
If you have any questions and you think I can answer them please leave me them in the comments section below.
I will include a link to the website below too, for anyone who wants to look at maybe booking a tour slot, they have unique visits this time of year too.
Until next time Wizards and Muggles, I’m Sabrina, and you’ve been reading this on Severn Wishes Blog.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Harry Potter Studio Tour Website

October 2017 Jewellery Box UK Purchases and Review

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Sabrina

Jewellery Box UK – My October Purchases

I love to buy jewellery for friends and family as gifts, there is something about finding the exact thing that you know they would like. When you order it and it arrives all boxed up and beautiful… This blog post is about an order for myself, but I am not ruling out a Christmas Gifts based order before the year is out. Jewellery Box UK have an excellent range and their website is easy to navigate and search.

Upon previous orders from this company I have been impressed with the quality and the choice. So when I wanted some new “every day” earrings (as I like to call them) I knew which website to search.

This time my order arrived inside the Jewellery Box UK personalised envelopes. A professional way to keep the stock separate in transit and you know that all the products are brand new and sealed within their plastic.

Another feature that wasn’t apparent last time I ordered was the addition of the Jewellery Box packaging, bits of cardboard attached to the items.

Having graduated lobe piercings on both of my ears I often purchase earrings that go together, in order for them to look symmetrical. I particularly like sterling silver jewellery and usually choose this metal for my sensitive skin too.

Upon browsing for my usual 2mm, 3mm and 4mm silver ball studs though, I noticed they were now selling a sterling silver and rose gold plated ball stud at a 3mm size. Intrigued, and because I had a discount code, I added them to my basket.

And as you will notice on the image above there is one other earring set, I chose some very tiny arrow earrings. For a very personal reason to me, mainly to cut a long story short, the arrow represents moving forward, and I am currently going through a difficult time in my life, one that requires courage and by wearing my earrings they remind me of how strong I can be if I only believe in myself.

Final Review of Each Item and Links

I only have one small criticism about the order. I don’t like to keep my earrings, after use but between wears inside any plastic, once worn they need to breathe. There wasn’t an option to perhaps purchase a small earrings box to place them in, or add one for free to an order over a certain amount. The order does come in those amazing envelopes and that’s wonderful to send out and also to gift to people, but when it comes to storage, I am now running low on things to put my many earring styles in to. You wouldn’t want to bend any of them.

Also, an option to purchase a small silver cleaning cloth with a large order, for a small discount might be a good idea too? I like to clean my silver jewellery every couple of months with a professional silver cleaning cloth, it helps to maintain them and also keeps them looking shiny. Just a few thoughts for you Jewellery Box, I hope you don’t mind my honesty. The products you sell are amazing quality and I love the amount of choice, but the products need caring for once you’re home using them…

I will now outline each item, the price advertised on the website (correct on the date I published this post) and also give a link to that specific item. As well as my final review scores I will be writing out some relevant information about each item that I know some of you would be wondering about.

Sterling Silver Ball Stud Earrings Set – 2mm, 3mm and 4mm.

Appearance 5/5 (Shiny and Look Great Set Together)
Quality 5/5 (925 Stamps Ensures Metal Quality)
Pin Length 10mm
Backs – Butterfly
Weights 0.42 Gram (2mm) 0.46 Gram (3mm) 0.56 Gram (4mm)
Price £5.95
NB. You can also purchase these sizes individually and in varying metals.
Link

Small Sterling Silver Arrow Stud Earrings

Appearance 5/5 (Beautifully detailed for such small earrings).
Quality 5/5 (Straight and Well Made, Proportional and Straight with 925 stamp).
Shape – Arrow – 9mm by 3mm by 2mm
Length 11mm (Front to Back)
Backs – Butterfly
Weight 0.6 Gram
Price £3.55
NB. The earring pin attaches at the arrow point end of the earring.
Link

Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver 3mm Ball Stud Earrings

Appearance 5/5 (Shiny and A Good Size for most lobe piercings)
Quality 5/5 (Straight and Well Presented with the 925 Stamp Clearly Visible)
Length 14mm (Front to Back)
Backs – Butterfly
Weight 0.5 Gram
Price £3.95
Link

Thank you very much for reading this review post today. If you enjoyed this then please leave me a comment letting me know, I would really appreciate the feedback. Jewellery Box UK is an excellent online shop to find gifts, they also do regular discounts and a 10% off your first order when you sign up to their newsletter.

I hope you will find something nice for you or a loved one if you take a look. Remember this is not my first review from this great company, click Jewellery Box on my main page categories to see more.

✩ Sabrina ✩

How To Make Your Own Autumnal Looking Bracelet

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Sabrina

✩✩✩ Welcome to Sabrina’s How To Make! ✩✩✩

Today The Post Is “How To Make Your Own Autumnal Looking Bracelet”.

✩ Before We Begin… What You Will Need;

Elastic + Scissors to Cut
Seed Beads in Red/Orange/Yellow/Brown/Green
Leaf Shaped Beads – Any Colour That Matches The Seed Ones
Other Autumn Coloured Beads In Various Sizes – You Need A Few Large Ones
Crimp Beads – Large Enough To Thread (3mm approx)
Creative Inspiration from Nature or the Internet or Me!
Bead Board – Not Essential – A Pot or Bowl so Beads don’t roll away though…

✩ Time Frame ✩

A bracelet like this would usually take me around 2 hours to make from start to finish. That includes doing a basic design for it and placing the beads on to my board for a general idea of what the finished piece may look like.

✩ Video ✩

If you would prefer to watch my video first and come back to this blog post later on then by all means do. It might be easier to see how I make mine before you attempt your own, if you’re a first time maker.
The link to my channel is here.

How To Make Your Own Triple Thread Autumnal Bracelet

✩ Step 1. ✩

Once you have designed your bracelet, be it in your head, on a bead board or on paper, assemble the components you will need in order to make it. Gather them all together in one place and make sure it’s well lit and a flat surface.

✩ Step 2. ✩

Begin by cutting your elastic to size. You will need three identical lengths if you wish to do a triple thread. If this is your first time beading then I would recommend you either try a single thread or a double if you’re feeling creative and adventurous. To start measure around your wrist, then leave at least an inch or 4cm of elastic over, in order to manipulate the beads and tie at the end.

If you’re not confident with using the elastic to pull on and off you can buy a bracelet clasp and attach that on to either end, it’s very simple and if anyone needs help leave me a comment.

Once you have the one, two or three pieces of elastic, you then need a 1mm/2mm/3mm crimp bead to hold them in place. Let’s say you’re doing a triple, you need to thread all three pieces of elastic into the crimp bead, make sure they are level and leave a 1cm over hang (at least), then using flat edged pliers, squash the crimp bead flat into place.

You’re now ready to start your bead design.

✩ Step 3. ✩

There is NO Wrong way to have designed it, it’s your bracelet!!! Go for it! Start by using a small bead, remember that symmetry often looks good at times but you can literally do whatever you want!

TIP: Remember if you’re doing a triple thread to work out matching lengths between the sections. If you want one that looks like mine then figure out what beads go together, larger and smaller, before you thread them. That way you can make the bracelet look more 3D and it will stand out as the sections don’t lie flat against the skin.

✩ Step 4. ✩

Keep working your bracelet until you are 100% happy with it. Remember by doing a crimp at one end nothing will fall off while you’re working (providing you’re the one holding the other end!!!). And that way if you don’t like a section you can just slide them all off and start again.

TIP: Once you’ve finished your bracelet pop it down and look at it carefully. Make sure there are no sharp beads that may hurt you when you wear it. Also make sure that you have enough room to tie at the end but it also will fit comfortably over your wrist.

✩ Step 5. ✩

Once you’re finished with the design, happy with it, and you know that you have plenty of room to finish the bracelet, then you need to choose a large bead in order to cover up the ends. I ended up having to change my plans during the end of my video, I had a large red and black bead picked out, but it wouldn’t fit. I ended up having to use a dark green, which was fine, it still fitted in with my Autumn theme.

Push the large bead on to the end of the bracelet that you just completed, and ensure it’s large enough to contain all the threads. (If you’re not sure see my video or one of the photographs).

To complete your bracelet you will need a large crimp bead, and some pliers and a steady pair of hands. What you need to do is gently remove the first original crimp bead from the end that we began with using the pliers, you should now have two sets of loose ends, each have between one and three elastic strands.

You need to thread all (up to six) pieces through the new crimp bead. Once through you clamp it down hard using the pliers, and then you pass the ends through that large final bead you placed on. The ends should fit through the larger bead so they cannot be seen now. You’re finished!

✩ If you don’t know much about beads…

There will be some of you out there reading this and thinking, what are all these?! Well here is a little guide from me about the basic types of beads and then I will do a list of my top places to get beads from too!

✩ Types of Bead ✩

Seed Beads
Small beads in every colour you can possibly imagine! Also known as just “Round Beads” they can be very tiny or they can be up to 3 or 4mm wide. I used a variety of colours and sizes in my bracelet, take a look at the images. Nowadays you can get a range of Seed Beads, some in Triangular Shapes and even Square! These are hard to find but so fun! Usually made from glass that is heated and cut and molded until it is smooth.

Glass Beads
Completely made from Glass they are often more expensive and quite heavy compared to plastic. They can often be incredible colours and patterns though, depending on what you’re making worth the price for a couple. Usually quite large in size and oval or round is easy to find.

Bugle Beads
Small but long cut beads, Bugle beads are found in many colours and lengths. Usually round ended tubular shapes, they can be as small as a couple of millimeters (0.5) but also very long up to 2cm.

Crimp Beads
Usually only a couple of millimeters in diameter, they are used to hold jewellery sections in place. They are used by being squashed using pliers. Delicate and often in silver colour, they range in sizes and are usually sold as a small packet.

Gem Stone Beads
Gem Stone Beads are just that, made from actual rock, stone or precious gems. Usually more expensive than your standard plastic ones but you cannot believe the quality and the beauty of some available.

Faceted Beads
Beads that are cut so they that have many sides to them. They are often shiny because of their multiple faces and are usually made from fire polished glass.

Delica Beads
Delica is the modern term for a Japanese bead that is perfectly cylindrical and often small in size. They are thinly produced so they have large holes through them.

Rondelles Beads
Very compressed originally round beads, often have many sides and make great finishing beads. Also ideal as spacers, thin ones can often be made of wood or glass.

Shaped Beads
Such as Flowers and Leaves. Usually made from Plastic or Glass in varying sizes and colours. Pick them up at good bead shops or online.

✩ Other Cool Beads To Look Out For ✩

Pearl Beads
Crystal Beads
Drop Beads
Wooden Beads

✩ Where I Get My Stock From ✩

Amazon Sellers
Bead Shops
Hobby Craft
The Works
Dunelm

After Something Specific? Search Online.

I’m happy to answer any questions about how I do things or if you get stuck pop and message me on social media, I would be happy to give you advice.

Thank you for reading this blog post today, I hope you have all enjoyed an insight into my lifestyle as a hobby jewellery maker! I love making things and experimenting, why not give it a try if you have the time 🙂 If you enjoyed this a lot and would like to see more posts like this then please leave me a comment letting me know, I would really appreciate the feedback.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Snacks That I Am Loving Right Now

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Sabrina

Snacks That I Am Loving Right Now

So I am a huge snack lover! I might not look it as I’m naturally slim, but I love my chocolate, crisps, yogurts and fruity snacks! Among other things! I do eat a banana and a bowl of strawberries or raspberries most days, but what else do I snack on. Well today I am telling you honestly, that for the past several months, these are the products that I have been buying and munching on…

On the blog today I wanted to share with you all some of my favourite latest buys and eats! Some of which I have been eating a lot of to maintain my current weight due to health reasons. For someone like myself getting the necessary five fruit and veg a day plus ensuring my calories, just isn’t enough. So I also choose healthy snacks such as these as my in between treats.

I just wanted to state that I am by no means encouraging people to eat poorly, because we all need to eat healthily, but you can make room in your lifestyle for tasty treats and indulgent items such as the products I’m going to be talking about today. Everything in moderation alongside a diet rich in vitamins and drinking plenty of water. Light exercise if you cannot get to a facility to do so. And remember, we are all built differently, so don’t compare yourself.

Now, where were we? Ah yes, my current favourite snacks!

1. Nomadic Oat and Yogurt Pots – These Cereal and Yogurt Pots are Divine!

Tasty, Great Textures and Great as a Snack or for Breakfast! You can get them in Tesco! There are currently 4 varieties, Chocolate, Strawberry and Blackcurrant and Blueberry. They are all delicious, I have tried them all. Not only are they convenient for a quick breakfast but they are also a wonderful snack between meals. They contain bio-live Irish Yogurt and come in several flavours.

I prefer the chocolate one out of them all, but really enjoy the strawberry too. I tend to mix the two pots together and then throw some sliced banana on top or some raspberries. Both work extremely well with both flavours.

They even come with a folded spoon inside for those of us who have to eat on the go!

If you want to know more about Nomadic and their other great products check out their website here.

2. Pop Chips! Wow have you tried these?

Delicious, Light and Melt on the Tongue with Amazing Flavour! I have found them in most large supermarkets and they come in a few flavours now too, but the sour cream and onion is my fave. They are Gluten Free and contain nothing artificial whatsoever! With only 95 calories a bag you can afford to be naughty with these.

3. Perkier Bars! Tasty and Gluten Free as well as a variety of other cool and healthy things!

Not only do these taste great and there are many varieties, but they are Gluten Free, Dairy Free and don’t have any artificial colours or preservatives in either. I got a sample to try through work, but you can purchase these delicious bars in health food shops and big supermarkets stock them in the ‘Free From Ingredients’ isles. The one I had was this (see images below) a Quinoa Bar with Goji and Cranberry. It was naturally sweetened by adding pineapple juice and contains a natural source of vitamins and antioxidants.

4. Pringles – New Sweet Chilli Flavour

I adore the majority of Pringles flavours, but this new one is absolutely delicious! With a great flavour and crunch and then the aftertaste of chilli, phew! So Yummy! You will have to of course try for yourself and make up your own mind, but if you like tasty with a kick, these are for you!

5. Cadbury Chocolate Yoghurt Pots – Various Side Treats

Have you tried one of these yet? Most supermarkets sell at least one variety. There’s Buttons, Flake, Chunks, at certain times of the year they do special pots like Oreo, Mini Eggs or Freddo Faces! (There have been others too!) A delicious treat for any time of the day, and nice if you want to increase your calcium intake but don’t want to eat anymore chocolate. A tasty Dessert with extra Cadbury pieces on the side!

And that concludes my current snacks!

Thank you for reading this short blog post today, I hope you have all enjoyed an insight into my current snacking habits. Do let me know on social media or via a comment if you decide to try any of these items after reading my review. Thanks! And remember folks, everything in moderation with your fruit and veg to be munched on as well!

✩ Sabrina ✩

October 2017 Treatbox Reveal

Posted on October 1, 2017 by Sabrina

Hello and Welcome to the October Treatbox Reveal with Sabrina of Severn Wishes.

Happy Treat Box Day Everyone, Today is the First of October, Autumn is Here! Let us begin with the Reveal…

This month the tissue paper is a lovely burgundy red colour, definitely one shade that you see on some types of trees as this time of year unfolds…

The little sticker holding it all inside this month reads “Bear Hug”.

As I open the October Calendar print and read about the contents of this box I am noticing a strong fruity smell emanating from underneath the tissue paper. It is a much heavier box than the last couple that were delivered too. Without saying too much we have a Home product, something we can use, something we can eat, something we could send or keep and something to look at and enjoy…

So without further ado here is my photo reveal of all of the items contained in this month’s Treatbox. Happy Autumn!

The full list of items available this month is;

Calendar Print for October
Copper Wire Fairy Lights (3m and 30 lights)
Two Greeting Cards with Autumn Feels “Hello You” and “Sending Lots of Hedge-Hugs”
Tea Light Candles Set – 3 Hour Burn Time – 15 Pack – Mine were “Wild Berries”
Milk Chocolate Caramel Crunch from Butlers “Purveyors of Happiness” a milk chocolate bar with caramel and crunchy hazelnut pieces
Sticker Sheet – 20 Autumn Animal Drawing Stickers
Home Item is a Grey Hoop it reads “You Are Loved”
Print for October Reads “Pumpkin Spice Everything Nice that’s what Autumn is made of”

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 leave me a comment 😉

My Favourites

My favourite items from this month’s box are definitely the Greeting Cards and the Stickers. Both are unique and unusual items that I will enjoy using and sending. I plan to eat the chocolate bar within the next few days and when I do I will pop my thoughts about it on one of my social media probably on Instagram. The print is extra special this month because it’s been designed with more colour and is very relate-able to the chosen theme.

My Overall Opinion

The October box contains several well-made and thoughtfully considered products for the Autumnal theme. I liked that so many of the items were Treatbox originals too! When you get things delivered that you cannot get anywhere else it’s excellent! There are some things you could gift if you didn’t like them. I honestly don’t mind that we have received another set of fairy lights. I use them in every room of my house in jars and vases and also for my blogging. It’s also been nice to try a new company product, the Butlers chocolate, I am looking forward to it 😉

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 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 in this month’s Treatbox then please get in touch I am more than happy to answer them for you, if I can.

If you enjoy the Reveal Video that I record of this Treatbox every month then please click the link to see this latest one here.

Until the next time Severn Wishes followers, thank you for joining me for this reveal today, and I hope you have all enjoyed it.

✩ Sabrina ✩