Wilkinson Sword Quattro Review and Free Limited Edition Lipstick

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Sabrina

When I recently purchased a new Wilkinson Sword Quattro for Women Bikini, I received a code for a Free Limited Edition Lipstick.

As most of you will know the film Wonder Woman has been in Cinema’s over this Summer, and although I didn’t get a chance to go and see it, I jumped at the opportunity to own a Lipstick with the Wonder Woman branding. Wilkinson Sword claims they were designed for Strong, Independent women, and I like to think I’m one of those people.

When I logged into their website I entered my details and I got to choose one of four lipsticks. I chose ‘Wonder’ because I thought it would better suit my complexion.

Unfortunately as the disclosure states, if they run out you get the next available colour. I have ended up with the lipstick shade of ‘Power’ instead, which was my third choice and not one I would have chosen because of my complexion.

This Red really isn’t my colour sadly, so I won’t be posting a ‘selfie’ picture, instead I will share a swatch of the shade. It might be used for ‘fancy dress’ but it’s certainly not an every day lipstick for me. I envy women who can pull off this incredible shade though.

The Wilkinson Sword brand is an excellent one that I have used for many years. Twice a year I make sure that I change my shaving units, and I was just lucky enough to be changing them while this promotion was on to take advantage of this freebie.

Overall Review of the Shaver and its Promotion

Value for Money 4/5
Effectiveness of Use 4/5
Promotion Item 3/5
Variety Available 3/5

Overall I believe this shaver to be a good one. It has good manufacturing quality to it, the unit comes with a battery to start you off with, and when the brand runs promotions they tend to be very good. It’s a shame that the shade of lipstick isn’t for me, because the quality of it seems good. The unit is nicely presented in a black case with the Wonder Woman logo and name of the lipstick shade on the side.

Thank you to Wilkinson Sword for running this promotion and for supplying me with this lipstick. I think, for anyone who wanted to know, the shaver was around £12 in Sainsburys but was on offer when I bought it.

Thank you for reading this post today, I really hope you have enjoyed it. Did you manage to pick up a promo pack for yourself? I would love for you to comment what shade you chose, and what you actually received, if you did.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

✩ Sabrina ✩

If you would like to see what Wilkinson Sword products are currently on offer, then you can visit their website HERE

X115 New Generation Cream Woman “SOS Total Youth” Review

Posted on August 12, 2017 by Sabrina

An in depth Review of the X115 New Generation “SOS Total Youth” Cream for Women from Jarmy SRL in Italy.

When I was recently contacted by Jarmy I jumped at the chance to review a product that is created outside of the United Kingdom. The company is a leading name in Italy and has the appropriate slogan “Beauty For Life”.

The product I have been sent to test is a 15ml bottle of their Women Anti-Aging Cream. Said to bring back the skins youthful appearance by increasing hydration and collagen in the skin. The small bottle is designed to last anything from four to six weeks, so I wanted to test the product accordingly before reporting my findings.

The first thing that I noticed when I began testing this product was that it had no smell, only a light plastic sort of smell and a slight oily scent, I take it that was from being encased in its packaging. However once applied there was no lingering smell. The cream was very light to apply and with a few strokes it soaked into my skin with ease. Even though I have sensitive skin I have had no issues with using this product whatsoever.

The X115 Anti-Aging Cream contains lots of naturally occurring ingredients including Argan Oil, Acai Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado, Cholesterol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin E Acetate, Lipoic Acid and Vitamin A.

There are some specific reasons why the following ingredients are used in this cream. I will now briefly outline why some of them are so relevant to its effectiveness.

Vitamin E – provides an anti-oxident action by blocking radical reactions.
Vitamin A – improves skins thickness and promotes collagen production.
Lipoic Acid – helps protect cell membranes and protects skin from early aging.

Not only that but it is both Hypoallergenic and is Dermatologically tested. Due to it also being Paraben, Gluten and Fragrance Free, all of these things help prevent any skin irritations. I could tell after a week of using the cream that my skin liked it.

There are a couple of other ingredients that people should be aware of before making a decision to purchase. This cream does contain a muscle relaxant and a type of acid that can cause a tingling sensation in some people.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) – this ingredient has an inhibiting action upon nerve pulse transmissions, it promotes the reduction in expression lines.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 – this ingredient is a micro muscle relaxant that provides a smoothing action to the areas of the skin it is applied, it has been known to contribute to the reduction of facial wrinkles.

I honestly had no problems with the cream, and read all through the accompanying leaflet before first applying it. As I stated earlier with my somewhat sensitive skin I was expecting something, but no, and I have to say I have noticed a slight difference in the quality of my skin.

The X115 is designed to be applied at either the morning routine or the evening one, whichever suits the customer better. I have always preferred to do my more complex routine just before going to bed, that is because I usually struggle to remember to apply everything in a morning when I’m still half asleep!

So how and where can you apply this X115 cream. Well the first thing you must do is make sure your skin is washed thoroughly and then cleansed. I love using my Garnier Micellar Water to clean my face and neck before bed, it is refreshing as well in the warmer months of the year. Make sure you pat your skin dry, before applying the cream.

Jarmy recommend the cream be directly placed on to skin where there are already lines and wrinkles, such as the forehead, around the eyes etc. You only need apply it in small quantities, then with a gentle circular motion rub it in gently until it is fully absorbed. It is recommended that you keep your face relaxed until the cream has fully sunk in.

This cream is not an SPF, so if you are applying it with a morning routine, you must wait several minutes after it has been absorbed, before applying your regular SPF face creams and then any makeup after that. Ensuring that your skin is thoroughly protected from UV Rays will allow the product to work more effectively.

Over all I have found the cream easy to use, and because the bottle is so small it’s easily portable too. I went away for a weekend and just tossed it in my bag with my makeup. The small bottle went a very long way, with an evening routine I have used it consistently for almost six weeks now, with a very small amount remaining.

The bottle has a pump action top, and one squeeze of product onto a finger was enough to do the problem areas on my entire face. This is roughly a large pea sized amount, and honestly this will be all you need. Use the cream sparingly, it isn’t oily at all and is quite thick, but it will absorb quickly if you massage it into your skin gently.

The X115 states that it will act on several levels to ensure that your skin becomes more youthful. It does this by targeting several main areas and skin aging problems. They are; Protect, Nourish, Regenerate, Smooth and Correct issues.

The main problems that women around my age have with their skin are that it is Tired, Stressed, Dry, Sagging, Dehydrated and Wrinkled, but X115 is going to help with all of them in one tiny bottle.

I must admit that I am lucky enough not to look my age, yet! But all the same, using X115 for these past few weeks I have noticed some changes in my skin. The lines that appear on my forehead with certain facial expressions are less noticeable and my skin is definitely better hydrated. (As someone who regularly has dry skin I do drink between 1.5 and 3 litres of water a day though as well and this helps your skin stay hydrated). My face is softer to touch since using this cream and my crows feet are not as prominent as they were three months ago.

I don’t really believe in a ‘before’ and ‘after’ image, because your skin is made up of so many factors, like diet, exercise and hormones. But I have definitely noticed a difference in my facial areas, so much so that I stopped using two other creams a month ago, just so that I was focusing all my attention on the X115. I wanted to see what it could do and see if it could do, in a shorter time period, what my usual products had been attempting to do for months.

I would like to finish my review on a positive note. I am rather glad that Jarmy got in touch with me to review their Anti-Aging Cream. I am currently twenty nine years old, I work full time and blog part time, and I have stress in my life like everyone else does. But looking at my skin now, compared to three months ago, I can see it doesn’t look as stressed and looks healthier. I hope that it was this cream, I definitely haven’t given up my food luxuries like chocolate, so I know it can’t be that!

If you’re interested in knowing more about the incredible products available from Italy, you have two choices. Visit the website and click on the United Kingdom flag to read all about it in English, or you can pop over on to Amazon, where the products can also be purchased from, direct from Jarmy still though. I will leave the links to both of these at the end of my post if you want to take a look.

Thank you for reading this beauty and skin blog post today, I hope that you have enjoyed reading about this interesting X115 Anti-Aging Cream, I know it has been a pleasure testing it for you all to read about. This is an affordable, but high quality product, and I would like to thank Jarmy for choosing me to represent their brand this summer by means of this testing and review.

Thank you very much.

✩ Sabrina ✩

X115 Website

X115 on Amazon

Label M Curl Cream Review

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Sabrina

On my most recent visit to my favourite Hair Dressers, Toni and Guy, my stylist used their latest curl cream on my hair after my cut. To style this cream she scrunched it through my wet and freshly cut hair and then placed me under a hooded drier for thirty minutes.

I was so impressed with the results afterwards that I asked to see the bottle and know more about the brand. Used at London Fashion Week Label.M is a professional hair care brand developed for use by professional stylists. I decided to purchase some to take home, my hair really seemed to like it and the curls bounced up as it dried fully.

(Above; My Hair straight after having it cut and styled with the curl cream).

Here is the product, it comes in a 150ml bottle but every pump goes a long way. It contains natural ingredients including Jojoba, Bran and Extract of Sunflower. The smell is just apparent as you rub the cream through your hands, and its easy to apply in your hair. Comb it in with your fingers, and then scrunch small sections at a time to create curls. Then either let dry naturally or slow hair dry with a diffuser.

My hair loves this product. I use it twice a week on my hair after shampooing and conditioning, squeezing out the excess water and applying it on my damp hair. After scrunching I let it sit for five minutes in a head towel before blow drying on a medium heat with a diffuser.

Comparing images of my hair from three months ago versus my hair now, you can see how less frizzy it is, overall it looks shinier and healthier since using this product.

Not only does the curl cream suit my type of curly hair but it also contains a complex that protects against both heat styling and UV Rays so it’s good for the whole of your hair.

Honestly, these bottles aren’t cheap, they are around £15.00 each, though the product can be used sparingly and your use would obviously depend upon the length of your hair too. Like I said earlier in the post I only use two pumps on my long hair, twice a week, so it’s taken me almost three months to get through my first bottle.

Right now I don’t use any other hair sprays or frizz control products on my hair because of the way my hair has responded to this treatment cream, I should save money in the long run hopefully.

(Above; My hair after using the product at home).

Final Review and Thoughts

Value for Money 4/5
Product Quality 5/5
Ease of Use 5/5

Overall I adore this Label.M Curl Cream and I will continue to use it while my hair prefers it to my other brands. I have also researched and you can buy this brand online at certain retailers as well.

Thank you for reading this blog post today.

✩ Sabrina ✩

A Spa Day At The Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Sabrina

I had a warm feeling in my soul while revisiting Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa again.
6 years ago in June I had my Hen Weekend here, where we stayed in the hotel and also used the restaurant, spa and leisure facilities. It was a truly wonderful weekend that we all indulged upon, and so when my mum suggested that I needed some ‘me time’ and time out, due to both some stress at work and difficulties with my health, the first place I thought of going was here.

I will set the scene for you all. In the picturesque Shropshire countryside lies a beautiful old building, it’s an eighteenth century manor house set in gorgeous gardens and grounds, with trees and a lake. The main house is where reception and the main dining area are situated, along with function rooms and a variety of conference suites. Alongside it is the hotel part of the grounds, currently Albrighton Hall has eighty seven contemporary en-suite rooms.

And finally there is the Spa and Leisure section situated off to the left hand side of the grounds. With its own parking area, this has newly been renovated as of 2016, and I looked forward to my visit to take in the changes.

My mum and I decided on a Spa Day, where, for a package price, we received lunch and a hot drink included, with full use of the facilities, plus two spa treatments of our choice from a set list. We were also given complimentary bath robes and slippers to wear during our stay, and towels for the pool area too, so there was very little you required to bring with you.

For lunch we were given a menu to choose from, there was a nice variety, some were cold and some were hot. I decided to be semi healthy and go for a Chicken Caesar with egg (not fish) salad, and an orange juice. As you can see it was well presented, and actually I thought the dish was very tasty for a salad.

The Spa was busy on the day we visited, which meant our lunch was delayed slightly, however staff did apologise, and mum and I were happy to just relax and wait, we were in no rush.

The newly refurbished Spa houses a main room with a salon bar so that Nails and other beauty treatments can be done. In the back there is a selection of rooms where the treatments that require one to lie down are performed. The lighting was very calming, as was the music, and I found the rooms to be clean and well maintained. The Spa was busy, yet all the staff were calm and friendly.

A lovely young lady called Frankie, did my Manicure today. I chose a pearly pink colour, because my Wedding Anniversary was fast approaching.

The nail lacquer that the Spa use is called Orly Beauty, and the colour was called Toast The Couple. The colour was very beautiful, and I liked how smooth it felt once they were fully dry.

I also opted for a Back Massage, to try and relieve some of my stress. Frankie was an excellent masseuse, and did wonders with my shoulders that had previously felt rather knotted. She used an Almond Oil on my skin while massaging, then a Eucalyptus based Oil, followed by a hot towel. The whole treatment made my skin and muscles feel great, and I felt relaxed afterward listening to the calming music in the room also.

Now I hate to criticise, after a lovely experience in the Spa itself, but I feel that the facilities aspect let my visit down. Not due to the choice, but the running of it, let me explain why I was so disappointed.

One thing that didn’t make our day perfect, was that some of the facilities were out of order. However we were not once told this by the staff, we were left to notice the several A4 sheets of paper that were stuck to doors around the building. We were unable to use the steam room or ice room, though we did manage to have a few minutes in the Sauna, but it was rather busy because of the lack of the other rooms available. I only wished this was made aware to us when we booked, which was only a couple of weeks prior. My mum and I would have bought clothing for the gym if we has known that the wet rooms would be unavailable.

Another thing that I hadn’t been aware of before, was that the leisure facilities were open all day for anyone who was a member to use them, but that included children. I have no problem what so ever with children using health and fitness areas, and in fact I was glad in one way to see them here. But what bothered me was that nowhere in booking by phone or online, does it tell you about this.

My mother and I had hoped for a relaxed day, using the facilities at our own pace, and enjoying the package we had paid for, which was all advertised as such online. Except we couldn’t use the pool at all, because when we first changed there were two families in there splashing about with pool floats and pool noodles. Forgive my harshness, but wouldn’t you take your children to a proper sized swimming pool with varying levels of depth in order to teach them how to swim?

We were not the only disgruntled people at the pool side that day wondering if we would get a turn in the water. Mum and I went away and returned later, we had our one turn in the Jacuzzi (groups of people were also waiting to use it as it goes on and off on a timer on the wall). By that time more people had turned up for the pool, this time some teenagers were in the pool, so we sat once again on the loungers. But a while later our time was up and our spa day had ended, I was disappointed not to get a swim in.

I believe that the hotel needs to state online that there are members who use the facilities, and when booking a Spa Day, you can use these facilities, however you may have to wait your turn to do so. This would cover the Spa if it has any future complaints and inquiries from groups about how many other people might be attending.

The Hotel had been catering for a wedding the day and night prior to our visit, which meant generally the hotel and spa were busy. I don’t think I will be booking again if I am made aware of the amount of people staying on the grounds.

Hopefully the next time I visit I can book a quieter day and make sure that mum and I are able to make full use of our spa package and all of the facilities will be available to us.

Overall the Spa Treatments were the best part of our day, and lunch was rather delicious too. However I am still disappointed about the leisure facilities, hopefully when I come again they will be all up and running.

Here are my final review scores for my day the
Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa.

Spa Treatment – Massage 5/5
Spa Treatment – Manicure 4/5
Lunch on the Premises – 4/5
Facilities Available 2/5
Facilities Used 4/5
General Facilities 4/5

Thank you for reading this blog post today, I hope you have enjoyed reading about my experiences.

✩ Sabrina ✩

August 2017 Treatbox Reveal

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Sabrina

Hello and Welcome to the August 2017 Treatbox Reveal with me, Sabrina.

Happy Treat Box Day and a very Happy August to you all too! August is a happy month for me, I got married in August and it’s also my mothers birthday, so plenty to look forward to after Treatbox day!

The August Treatbox is a Theme of Tea and Cake, with Peach coloured wrapping paper this month and a sticker that says ‘it’s the little things’. We have a delightful Calendar Print which is covered in Biscuits, with a Pot of Tea at the bottom and out of the steam it reads ‘take a break’.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy the very British past time of taking a break with a biscuit in hand! Although we may all love different kinds of them, we all take our breaks the same!

I’m excited to see what we have inside the box, as I eagerly open the Calendar print pages to find out!

If you would prefer to watch my Treatbox Reveal Video for this month then you can of course find it here on my channel SevernSabrina

Here is the full list of items available this month, and remember there are always slightly different variations in the types and the colours, everyone may get a different combination inside their box…

There are 9 main items in this Treatbox but of course we have been given 4 magnets, plus 2 tea’s so that means we actually have 13 items to enjoy this month…

Calendar Print for August 2017 – Take A Break – Tea and Biscuits
Recipe Card – Carrot Cake
Vanilla Shortbread Cookie – Tea Cup Shape (Pink)
2 Bags of Clipper Tea – Big and Bright Blend
4 Animal Magnets – 4 Colours – Cat, Rabbit, Bird and Elephant
Weekly Planner – Coffee and Tea and Refreshments Design
Print – ‘You Can’t Start An Adventure Without A Cup Of Tea First’
Biscuit Shape and Designed Coaster
100% Cotton Tea Towel (70cm x 50cm) Turquoise and White ‘Everything Stops For Tea and Cake’

My Treatbox Photographs

Here is a selection of my photographs showcasing the contents of this month’s box, I hope you enjoy seeing the items up close and if you have any questions about any of them then please leave me a comment.

My Favourites

My favourite items from this month’s box are the Magnets, The Planner and The Tea Towel. I thought the theme ran well throughout the items, so they were all good as an ensemble, however these more unusual items have won me over this month. The quality of the pieces in this box is excellent.

My Overall Opinion

This August box is a very good box, in fact I would go so far as to say that it is one of the best so far this year! I thought the theme was very well thought out, and I’m also very glad that we have some brand new items this time around. I’m really happy that Zoe has branched out into other types of items. In my time of receiving Treat Boxes I haven’t been given a Tea Towel, so this was one item I was very happy about. Another was the Recipe Card, a great idea and something that we can continue to use in times to come. Finally the Magnets were a wonderful addition, I hope that the next Treatbox is as well thought out as this one.

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 months treatbox then please get in touch I am more than happy to answer them for you, if I can.

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

✩ Sabrina ✩

Why I Have Started Wearing More Yellow Clothing And My Latest New Look Purchases

Posted on July 30, 2017 by Sabrina

My History With Yellow

When I was younger I wasn’t the greatest fan of the colour yellow within fashion. My wardrobe consisted of only five varieties of colours when I was a teenager, these were a range of blues, purples, browns, reds and of course a large amount of black.

But when I went to University and had regular access to shops like Primark and New Look, I began to branch out and try new things. That included picking colours that I wouldn’t usually do, and styles I wasn’t familiar with to try.

In my twenties my wardrobe doubled in size, and I found that I suddenly had a real enjoyment for fashion. I wanted to create my own styles, I wanted to be on trend but combine areas of fashion together to make my own looks.

Yellow, was a colour that up until recently I only had maybe two vest tops in. For the past five years or so I have tried to make conscious decisions to choose items that are out of my comfort zone to try on. And more often than not, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the results.

My Latest Yellow Purchases

Here are some of my summer 2017 fashion purchases, in the colour yellow predominately, of course. All of the items are from New Look and can be found in store or online. Some items are now in the sale as well so you could grab yourself a bargain if you’re quick!

Yellow Floral Print Mesh T-Shirt

There are some lovely details on the ‘Floral Mesh T-Shirt’ from New Look. It is a little thin but ideal for the warmer summer months. I would recommend you wear a thin tee beneath it, a white or nude would be best so as not to lose the details on the top. The sleeves are a great length, as is the length of the whole T-shirt.
I absolutely love the floral details of this tee, it makes me feel feminine and summery when I wear it. As well as the fact that flowers are on trend, making it a rather ideal piece.
I have worn this with black skinny jeans or pink skinny jeans, with a short sleeved white vest underneath.

Comfort 4/5
Appearance 5/5
Value 5/5

Link On Site

Yellow Floral Print Short Sleeve Top

This beautifully detailed top is ideal for summer time. The top is almost like a thin mesh, with a delicate floral pattern spanning all over it. You need to wear this top with a crop top, vest or t-shirt underneath it, because it is so see-through. Ideal for SS17 due to floral and bright colours being so on trend.
I have been wearing this top with skinny jeans and a short sleeves vest or tee under it, it looks great with a black, khaki green or white beneath it to make the yellow stand out.

Comfort 4/5
Appearance 4/5
Value 4/5

Link On Site

Yellow Boyfriend Cardigan

I have so many of the New Look Boyfriend Cardigan’s, and I decided to get the Yellow version when I saw it online. I must have double figures of these now, but I like to get new versions, especially ones that are unusual. This one is a bright yellow, and it reminds me of summer sunshine. These cardigans are very comfortable, and they wash and wear very well. They are plain with no pattern, and flat except for the two large pockets which are very handy and useful. The long sleeves make them ideal for summer evenings or as a good layer in the cooler months.

Comfort 5/5
Appearance 4/5
Value 4/5

Link On Site

Mela Yellow Lace Tie Waste Dress

The beautiful ‘Mela Yellow Lace Tie Waste Dress’ is currently available at New Look. It has a gorgeous pattern and is comfortable to wear. The tie at the waste is a very good design idea, because it brings the eye across to the ladies waist. Up close the lace details are stunning, and I believe the shape is rather flattering.
This dress needs a delicate wash but is a good piece if you need to go to a late summer wedding or wedding reception. I would pair it with a contrasting clutch bag and heels such as a navy blue shade or a black.

Comfort 4/5
Appearance 5/5
Value 4/5

Link On Site

Thank you very much for reading this fashion post today, I hope you have liked my style advice for these pieces. And I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts on why yellow has become a staple colour in my wardrobe this year.

✩ Sabrina ✩

My Visit to the Island of Skomer in 2017

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Sabrina

Skomer Island

The beautiful and unforgiving island that is Skomer is situated 2 miles off the Pembrokeshire coast of South Wales in Great Britain. It is first and foremost a nature reserve, and has been for more than thirty years. It is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

During the summer months it can be home to thousands of sea birds. Some of the amazing varieties include Gannets, Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Owls and Gulls. There are also opportunities (at certain times of the year) to see Dolphins, Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and the unique Skomer Vole, among others.

There is only one way to get on and off Skomer Island, and that is by means of the Dale Sailing boats. The landings only occur from April until September, and only on specific days. Not only that, but weather plays a huge part in whether or not the boat will even run.

(The Boat is Returning to Collect Passengers from Skomer).

Skomer is most famous for its Puffin colonies who are the largest numbers in Southern Britain. This year was a particularly good year for their numbers, and I jumped at the opportunity to explore this island. Because I’m a keen nature and wildlife photographer it was a place that I had always hoped I would get to visit. Unfortunately for me, both the weather (that prevents the boat trips) and my health had previously stopped me from going. That was until June of this year, (hurrah!) when I finally stepped on to this amazing place for the first time!

In this blog post I am going to talk about my experience in detail, I will include some of my photographs, of both the island, the boat, the wildlife and I may even throw in a shot of me ‘in action’… all will become clear! But for those of you, who are intrigued to know more about Skomer then please continue reading. Hopefully by the end of this travel post you will be looking to perhaps visit the island yourself.

(An Oyster Catcher on a Stone Wall on Skomer).

So before we even get anywhere near the island, you have to be prepared for a very early start to your day. There are No Advanced Bookings what so ever, which means if you want a ticket you have to queue up for one. Nature enthusiasts, photographers, walkers, bird watchers, these are all the sorts of people you find who visit Skomer regularly, plus they all know the score. So in order for you to guarantee your place on one of those boat landings, you will need to be parked at the cliff car park (which is National Trust Land) and queue up at seven in the morning.

(View of the Car Park).

The Landing Tickets are issued by the Lockley Lodge which is situated on the hill leading down from the car park towards the sea. They are issued on a first come and first served basis only, so in the height of summer you must be willing to sacrifice a few hours stood and sat about waiting. The ticket office opens around eight to eight thirty in the morning, but the car park and the queue begins building from seven. The boats themselves run at intervals, with only fifty tickets per trip and a maximum person count for the island too, 250 people per day.

The first boat runs at 10am and the first return departs at 3pm. I will put this year’s Sailing information at the bottom of the post. There is a Boat Fee (I will pop the prices for this year at the end of the post). Lockley Lodge is also a Gift Shop and sells some supplies useful for your day. You can book your trip online these days too.

(Some of the items we got at the Gift Shop).

What can you do before you go? You can prepare yourself (and any family members) for a long day, ensure they all carry water and snacks, because there are no places to buy anything on the island. You must wear appropriate clothing, footwear and make sure that all persons are clued up on what they day will be like. There is a rather steep climb when you arrive for example, and only one set of toilets on the entire island. These are things to consider if you will have small children or anyone that is classed as elderly in your party. The island has a few rules, and if you cannot stick to them then I suggest you look for another day out. These include, no smoking, taking all rubbish with you, sticking to paths at ALL times and not interacting with the wildlife in a manner that is deemed inappropriate.

(National Trust Car Park at Martin’s Haven).

So as I mentioned earlier, the only way to reach Skomer is by boat, and this is not for the faint hearted. In fact the entire journey there and back can be a little daunting. The fisherman’s boat turned people carrier transports its passengers from the end of the cliffs at Martin’s Haven, just down the road from the village of Marloes. Once again this could be an issue for anyone with height issues, because you must walk along a cliff edge, and step into the boat from a railing and steps carved into the rock face. Once you have travelled on the boat, which is roughly twenty minutes but can depend entirely on the sea and the weather, you arrive to the island, and you will be required to disembark and climb approximately seventy stone and rock steps up to the safety of the flattened island surface.

(Return Boat Docking at Martin’s Haven).

Skomer Island is approximately 2 miles in length and 1.5 miles wide, so it takes a fair time to move around it. Obviously some of the paths do not go close to the cliff edges and this is also due to a safety aspect, for the birds and the visitors.

The best times to visit Skomer Island are when the birds and nesting and breeding. This can be anytime between May and August depending on the type of bird. My family and I were more interested in seeing the Puffin colony than anything else. I had never before seen a Puffin and I was astounded by how sweet and small they were. Would you believe me if I told you that the birds are everywhere? They are walking around, in and out of Burrows. They are flying around you, below on the cliffs edges and over the top of your head. Some are swimming in the sea or even floating upon the surface. But birds are everywhere!

(Farm Houses, Toilet Block and Accommodation on Skomer Island).

I think what I loved most about this island was its unique look, its unusual inhabitants, and also its ability to combine conservation and protection for its wildlife, while still allowing people like myself to visit and take all of it in. Skomer is much underrated in my personal opinion. Of course we don’t want hundreds of people trying to get over there and we certainly don’t want ignorant people who wish to disturb this incredible habitat. What we do need however are nature enthusiasts who don’t mind paying a little money, for an amazing experience, because I assure you that is what you’ll get.

(The Puffins Are Showing Affection).

My Top 5 Tips for a Skomer Trip

1. Ensure you are well prepared with some good footwear. The paths, although neatly laid out, are rather rocky and there are many climbs, wear shoes that have grips, walking shoes are best. You can pick them up reasonably cheap these days at outdoor shops and well stocked shoe shops.

2. Only bring the essentials you will need for half a day, because you will be carrying them with you, but don’t forget all of these very important items or something similar. Waters, Bite Cream, Sun Cream, Thin Waterproof Clothing, Refreshments, Hand Sanitiser, Sweets for Energy, Hydration Tablets if you suffer from Cramps, and finally Tissues. You will also need a carrier bag to take all of your rubbish home with you.

3. Bring a Camera! There will be some awesome opportunities to take photographs of a variety of wildlife and this should not be something that you should pass up on.

4. Think Ahead! If the weather forecast is going to be bad, such as strong winds, high tides and/or torrential rain, then you can almost guarantee that the boats will not be running. Try and decide and make arrangements so that you are prepared for a last minute change of plan. If the boats do run then that’s great, but be prepared for a long and probably wet day on the island. There’s very little shelter on Skomer, when I say that I promise I’m not exaggerating, there’s hardly a tree, and there are only a couple of buildings most of which are reserved mainly for islands staff.

5. Be Realistic On Time. You may underestimate the size of Skomer if you haven’t visited before. It takes time to weave through the paths and enjoy the many views, but you will be given a specific boat time that you must return to the mainland on. Make sure that you take note of what sections of the island you will need. The toilets are situated at the farm buildings in the centre of the island, but the best place to see the Puffin Colony is usually at The Wick.

(A Puffin has Caught Sand Eels).

Finally I’m going to show you some of the photographs that I managed to achieve while on Skomer this June. I wasn’t lucky enough to see the incredible and unique looking Albino Puffin, though someone I know of did manage to photograph this beauty, and they sent me an image so that I could see it, I was so pleased. I will also include an image of myself that my husband took of me while I was photographing.

(A Puffin Stands Proud).

(A Puffin Protects its Burrow).

(Sabrina in Action, Photographing Birds).

Sailing Times and Current Prices for 2017 (As Correct in 2017)

You can check if boats are running by checking out the Skomer Boat Info on Twitter. Boats only run from Tuesday to Sunday, except Bank Holidays Mondays. The boats also only except cash so make sure you bring sufficient amounts with you by working out the prices for you and your trip mates.
The boats first run at 10am, with that boat returning at 3pm, and so on, until five lots of people have been landed.

Thank you for reading this travel post today, if you visit Skomer after reading my review then please let me know, I would love to hear your thoughts, and I would like to know of anything you may have seen that I did not. All information was correct as of 2017 and prices and boat times are subject to change.

✩ Sabrina ✩

BooHoo Gingham Floral Shorts Review

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Sabrina

BooHoo Gingham Floral Shorts Review and Try On

Check out how awesome these floral shorts look on! They look even better in person too, the camera doesn’t do them justice in my honest opinion.

I wanted something current and new for the summer, beach days being one thing I regularly undertake. Here I am at a beach, wearing said shorts, with my accompanying choice of white tee with Dragonflies on, staying within a nature theme (tee from Primark). Sadly it wasn’t quite warm enough to wear them with bare legs, and I feel the black leggings make them stand out anyway against the sand.

My Overall Review Scores for these Shorts are;

Value for Money 5/5
Fit To Size 5/5
Comfort 5/5
Detailing 5/5
Durability 5/5
Appearance 5/5

Details
Materials; 95% Polyester and 5% Elastane
Wash at 30 degrees

At just £10.00 these shorts are a real bargain this summer. Whether you are going on holiday or you just want some new beach wear for SS17. I recommend these beautiful shorts for several reasons. The first is that the price is excellent for the quality of the fabric, they are in no way see through, and are thick and soft to touch. They sit at the waist and are great for small girls like me, because they make your legs look longer!

I’m so pleased that I purchased these gorgeous summer shorts. They fitted to size and the material is great, comfortable and washes and wears well. The details are also excellent, the gingham is so on trend right now which I love, and to combine that style with summer florals is just a winner in my eyes. Both for my wardrobe and for my style.

Here is the link to the shorts on the BooHoo website for those who want to take a closer look.

Thank you for reading this review today, I hope you will visit Severn Wishes blog again soon for another Fashion post. Until then, happy shopping!

✩ Sabrina ✩

A special thank you to my partner in crime, my best friend, Megan, for taking the photographs of me at the beach.

My Destiny 2 Beta Experience and Review

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Sabrina

Destiny 2 Beta

I was lucky enough to be able to play this Early Access Beta on Tuesday 18th July, in preparation for the new game coming out on the 6th of September. I have to say my first impressions of Destiny 2 are all positive ones. Here is how my night of gaming went, with a bit of opinion thrown in for good measure.

For a gamer like myself who has spent more than 1500 hours on Destiny (the first game) and it’s several incredible expansions, this new chapter posed both excitement and uncertainty.

Having adored the original game to the point where I’ve collected every PlayStation Trophy, completed the main storyline on the game more than once, tried to collect every weapon and armor set available, AND still managed to run the weekly nightfall on reset along with raid missions with my clan members, it’s all been money well spent. I have most certainly got the most out of this amazing PlayStation game.

The arrival of Destiny 2 has been a long time coming, and by that I mean that we knew about this sequel well over a year ago. Yet every single week I’ve still been drawn back to Destiny 1. And yes, before anyone asks I do actually play other games and have gained Platinum on several of them while awaiting this new Destiny adventure. (See my Games section for more of my reviews).

All in all I was adamant about getting this next game, and it has been preordered (which is how I got Beta access). After all the time and effort I have spent playing the original I knew that if it were going to be anything like it, I would want to play it, again and again…

The Beta

So here we are on the Beta week, I received my early access and I’ve been into it alone and with my clan members. (I will pop links to my videos below so that you can see some of my actual game play).

The main similarities with the original Destiny are compromised of the characters layout of armor and weapons slots. Of course there are slight variations, but overall it looks the same. The controls are also identical to the first game, I do love it when sequels don’t change much. I know that Destiny is essentially going straight from our present day playing into this newest adventure and quest line, but there had to be a few minor alterations…

The movement of characters is definitely more fluid, trust me when I say this is a good thing. Easy maneuverability for your gaming is something all players want. Our experience in this reality is also heightened by the incredible graphics that at times, are truly mind blowing. Weapons feel a little heavier to me, compared to Destiny, and their accuracy and impact upon enemies is more realistic.

I cannot yet speak for the storyline because I’ve only had access to small snippets of it. However I will say this, from what I have seen, the originality and the complexity to which the Bungie team have created these new planets and missions, is outstanding.

The small amount of time I’ve played jumping into the Crucible has been… interesting, to say the least. The maps for now are limited, but the graphics are exceptional and the real time damage is also good. There are changes that have been put into place regarding the ammo and the players. Most matches are now 4 vs 4 instead of 6 vs 6. But this just slows down the complexity of the match, and doesn’t take anything away from the experience that the Crucible gives its players.

During the Beta you got to experience a pre-selected character, Bungie has made a Warlock, Titan and Hunter, given them weapons and upgraded parts of their subclasses, so that we might trial them out in the new Destiny world and test their skills. My original character was a Warlock, so in honour to her I chose this as my starting character. She carried me through over one thousand hours of Destiny worlds and fighting aliens as big as buildings, I owed her for my incredible experiences. (Check out my YouTube Channel (link below) to see what I mean about my gaming).

I am hugely passionate about Destiny and all that it stands for. Community is the main thing for me, other than the actual gaming. I have met some amazing people through the game and we have built real friendships from those encounters. I have the most incredible friends that now make up my clan (Acheronian Omada) and we play on the PlayStation with one another regularly. I really hope that Destiny 2 allows us to maintain the levels of friendship and helpfulness that I have seen and been a huge part of, for the past (almost) three years of my life. And when I think of how long I have been playing, it doesn’t seem like that long, it really doesn’t… (then you add up your character game times and convert it into hours and begin to cry).

What do I want from Destiny 2?

I want to astounded and amazed, I want to keep the friend and dedicated spirit of my clan mates alive, but most of all I want to be entertained. I believe, after playing this Beta, that Destiny 2 will do this for me. I am already overwhelmed by the graphics, the attention to detail with the sound effects and all the added extras.

So far the game has me hooked, and it isn’t even out yet! I am so glad that Bungie agreed to do a Beta, and I think they have done a fantastic job in getting it so perfect, I encountered very little issues while in game play, which for a new release is an excellent start. I trust that they will put just as much attention into getting it right on its release day, to ensure all guardians begin their Destiny 2 journey in the best way.

Final Thoughts

Overall I would like to conclude that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these couple of hours exploring the Beta parts of Destiny 2. Including a few of my gasps and awestruck moments thrown in for good measure! I hope that the game will be all I am wanting from a sequel and more. Going to keep playing Destiny 1 until release date of course! And I am now eagerly awaiting the release date on September 6th!

Let me know your thoughts in my comments section if you also played the Beta or are now planning to order the full Destiny 2 game after seeing what it’s like.

My Channel

If you want to view my game play for Destiny 2 or look at any Destiny 1 related videos then please click on the link below.

My YouTube Channel
Destiny 2 First Mission – Homecoming

Thank you for reading this review today guardians, I will leave you now with a few screenshots from my game play, until next time, happy gaming to you all.

Sabrina a.k.a Hitomii-w4l3s

Dorothy Perkins Summer Hauls

Posted on July 16, 2017 by Sabrina

Dorothy Perkins Summer Hauls

As most of you will know I adore Dorothy Perkins clothing and fashion ranges. I have been to several DP stores recently, including when I went to London I visited Oxford St.

So what did I get I can hear you ask! Well a huge haul is about to be exposed right her on my blog including Skinny Jeans and Tee’s!

I’m going to show you all a ‘try on’ image and any important or relevant details I wish to share. I will review the items individually, unless otherwise stated. And the link to the items (if still available to buy online) will be situated in the title of each of the pieces.

Item 1. Blue Floral Print Curve Hem T-Shirt

T-Shirt Details
Materials: Viscose 96% and Elastane 4%

My final Review for this Blue Striped Top is;

Quality 4/5
Value for Money 4/5
Appearance 5/5
Comfort 5/5

Quality; The quality is very good, the print is particularly nice on this top, although it’s a little bit thin, you would need to coordinate your choice of underwear. It would definitely need to be ironed as well after washing.
Value for Money; I purchased some of my items during a 30% off certain items in store week. However this t-shirts was still a very good price to begin with, for the quality.
Appearance; Both stylish and on trend, stripes are back in this summer and I adore the combination of the floral and striped design.
Comfort; This T-Shirt is soft and comfortable to wear. It fits very well around my shoulders, and I think the curve hem is very flattering even on someone slim like myself.

Item 2. Lilac And Pink Curve Hem T-Shirt

T-Shirt Details
Materials: Viscose 96% and Elastane 4%

My final Review for this Striped Top is;

Quality 4/5
Value for Money 4/5
Appearance 4/5
Comfort 5/5

Item 3. Yellow Crochet Circle Trim T-Shirt

T-Shirt Details
Materials: Cotton 100%

My final Review for this Crochet Trim Top is;

Quality 5/5
Value for Money 4/5
Appearance 5/5
Comfort 5/5

Quality; This top is a good thickness, you would be able to wear it throughout the year. It washed well and after a cool iron (not on the trim) it was looking fabulous again.
Value for Money; I purchased some of my items during a 30% off certain items in store week. However this t-shirts was still a very good price to begin with, for the quality. This particular top was bought when it was on sale, and now most places only have the Navy or White variations left in stock – both fabulous tee’s though.
Appearance; I love wearing this top, it’s circle hem is a wonderful addition, and it’s details are flattering and fashionable. It’s not scratchy on the skin, it’s very well made.
Comfort; This T-Shirt is excellently soft and comfortable. It fits perfectly to my size, and I found the shape of it flattering to my figure.

Item 4. Navy Daisy Print T-Shirt

T-Shirt Details
Materials: Cotton 100%

My final Review for this Daisy Top is;

Quality 5/5
Value for Money 5/5
Appearance 5/5
Comfort 5/5

Quality; The quality is excellent and the print is really beautiful. Would you believe me if I told you this T-Shirt was only £7.00?! The thickness of the material is good and because the print is all over it’s unnecessary to wear lots of accessory with it.
Value for Money; This T-Shirt was definitely my best buy for the price. The Price versus the Quality makes it fabulous!
Appearance; Floral patterns are on trend right now for the summer, which seems obvious but DP have made this tee affordable and fashionable which is awesome for everyone. It’s appearance is excellent because the design pattern goes the entire way through the material. The neckline is nice and high up and the navy blue base colour allows the tee to be paired with a variety of jeans.
Comfort; This T-Shirt is soft and comfortable. It fits very well around my shoulders. I also liked the length of the sleeves, long enough but not at all tight. The T-Shirt length is also very good, the size was true to fit.

Items 5 through to 8. Eden Skinny Jeans (As Seen In All Of This Posts Images)

Eden Jeans Purchased in Denim Blue, Stone, Dark Blue, Green and Grey.

Eden Jeans Details
Materials: 76% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 2% Elastane.

My final Review for all my latest Eden Jeans purchases is;

Quality 5/5
Value for Money 5/5
Appearance 5/5
Comfort 5/5

Quality; I have always loved the quality of DP Eden Jeans. They are designed as pull on and off so are very convenient, but not only that they fit well around the buttocks and waist. I find them flattering to wear and the soft material means they are comfortable.
Value for Money; I purchased some of my items during a 30% off in store during that week I visited. These Eden jeans are usually priced between £16.00 and £22.00, but the colours are often on sale at the end of each season. I picked up several items this past month, varying colours, in fact below I will include an image of all my current Eden trousers. I also got 3 pairs in the sale, 2 were £12 and one was £10. Bargains!!!
Appearance; I adore the look of these jeans, they are comfortable which gives me confidence when I wear them, and with the range of colours, there is one for every mood and occasion. The fit is excellent and because they do a range of sizes. Short Leg, Regular Leg and Long Leg, as well as Petite and Standard and Tall versions.
Comfort; Pull On and Off, what more is there to say. The jeans are flattering and most of them are medium waisted. The skinny aspect of the jeans is comfortable because the material is so soft.

Here is also an image of all the Eden Jeans that I have bought over the past eighteen months. Dorothy Perkins have an incredible range and with every season new colours come out. I should just set up a standing order to receive the latest one in my size!

Overview

Thank you very much for reading this review, I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my thoughts about my new fashion purchases with you all. I hope you liked the reviews and photographs of my try on’s. If you have any questions please leave me a comment.