May 2017 Treatbox Reveal

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Sabrina

Hello and Welcome to the May 2017 Treatbox Reveal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the details of the Feathers on the Scarf.

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

My Favourites

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

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

Are you thinking of ordering a TreatBox for yourself or for a gift for someone?
Then you can find Treatbox subscriptions and build your own box at their website https://treatboxuk.com/

If you aren’t sure on whether to try a TreatBox for yourself or not I would say order a one off box, and then if you’re happy with it you can always subscribe afterwards. Check out my previous posts on the Treat Boxes I have received so far, in this unique category of my website called ‘Treatbox’ especially for these box reviews and reveals – Severn Wishes – TREATBOX

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

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

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

✩ Sabrina ✩

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

Links

Treatbox
Coopers

Primark Clothing, Footwear, Accessories and Stationary Haul

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Sabrina

Primark Clothing, Footwear, Accessories and Stationary Haul in April 2017

On my most recent trip to my local Primark I found so many lovely items I just felt the need to share them all with you. As most of you will know Primark always go all out with their clothes, there’s always a huge supply of sizes and colours of tops, jeans and footwear, to name but a few.

I was after some new t-shirts for the summer (hopefully we’ll get a decent one this year) and when I came across a couple of other things I knew I just had to have them. I learnt a long time ago that if you see something you want or like, and it’s available to you, both in your budget and your situation of course, then you should purchase it. No point in going back a fortnight later hoping it will be there, because in my experience it very rarely is!

So what can I talk about first, I think I should show you my new tops, and when I say they have a range, I mean there were around one hundred different slogans and pictures and designs, so much that it took you a while to go through them all. They also have varying styles and necklines which I will go into more detail about below.

Summer T-Shirts

Here is my list of t-shirts from the images above, the prices ranged from £2.00 – £3.50.

Navy Blue Feathers – Stretchy Vest

Green Daisy Tee – Slouchy Top

Green French Quotes Butterfly / Moth Design – Crew Tee

Grey Paris and Eiffel Tower ‘J’adore Paris’ Design – Crew Tee

White with Red Stripes and Black Sketch Hearts – Crew Tee

Navy Blue and white heart symbol and ‘Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit’ – Crew Tee

The details on several of these t-shirts were the reasons behind getting them. Especially the ones that have a design covering the entire piece of material. I also love anything with either French wording or something Paris related on it.

The Crew Tee style is a rounded neck which has short sleeves, they are usually true to size especially on the shoulders and arms, although there isn’t much difference in waist between a 6 and an 8. I purchased both sizes this time around.
The Slouchy Tops often have a more casual feel to them, slightly less fitted and have three quarter length sleeves, I can often wear two sizes in these as well.
And the Stretchy Vests have no sleeves but often have the higher levels of detail on them, often thicker material and they are definitely true to size.

My Overall Average Review Scores for All Tops Mentioned

Value for Money 4/5
Fit To Size 5/5
Comfort 5/5
Detailing 5/5
Durability 4/5
Appearance 5/5

Overall I am very happy with my purchases. I think if you’re between sizes it can be difficult to choose something that will suit you, but I think the range that Primark supplies is one that can usually be accessible to everyone. They don’t discriminate whatsoever and ensure they stock their exact same tops available from sizes 4 to 20 (that I have seen in my local store).

These tops always wash and wear well, and when they do eventually fade they are easily replaced with a new design, Primark never fail to have enough choices.

I look forward to using these tops in a variety of outfits this year, and they are perfect still to layer up as it gets colder in the Autumn. Keep a look out for me wearing them in my social media.

Such Pretty Shoes

Next I want to show you these incredibly great looking ballet or ballerina shoes (or as I like to call them dolly shoes). They came in a range of metallic colours but I preferred these three, aren’t they fabulous?!

As you can see the colours are vibrant, they have had improved comfort inside this year (thanks Primark!) and they have such cute details with the bows and beads on the front. The bases all have a little grip and they have small heels as well.

If that wasn’t enough to draw you in then perhaps the price will. At just £3.50 a pair! I think they are some of the best Dolly Shoes on the high street right now! (I always get mine in Primark or New Look).

Available in Silver, Gold, Space Grey (I sound like I’m giving out the iPhone colours right?) as well as Metallic Purple, Pink and Blue. They also had a Nude and a Black shiny shoe too.

So a part from looking amazing what did I like about these enough to buy them. Well, I live in this type of shoe during the summer months. They go perfectly with dresses, skirts, shorts and jeans, and these colour choices are so versatile too. Also if you’re heading away this summer, they are lightweight and almost flat, easy to slide into your suitcase.

My Review Scores

Value for Money 5/5 !!!
Fit To Size 4/5
Comfort 5/5
Detailing 4/5
Durability 5/5
Appearance 5/5

These shoes are all (in my opinion) fitted to size and are great value for money. So far they have been durable with very little wear and tear on the base, I have walked almost 10km in one pair since I got them, and a part from the usual bits that stick to the bottom of your shoes, no visible wear of the soles. They are comfortable to wear too, although easy to scuff so be aware of that and where you’ll be wearing them out to. The general appearance is very nice, the details on the Gold and Space Grey with the little beads are very sweet and grab your eye. Shame that the Silver didn’t have any too, so they loose a point for that. I really have enjoyed purchasing and testing these for review, now I just have to hope for some sunshine!

Overall I think these are great shoes, the range is excellent and I would consider getting more when these wear out or if more colours become available.
My final score for them averages at 5/5 and I can recommend you taking a look when you’re next at your local store.

Accessories

Finally on to the accessories, I bought this cute headband in the hope of doing some creative hairstyles with my curly locks on a summer afternoon, weaving the floral hair band in them. Here’s hoping, isn’t it sweet! I’m not going to any festivals this year, but this would also be perfect for that if you like that sort of thing.

Mermaid Flower Headband £2.00

Here are my scores…

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

A very nice item that I would wear again, and I hope to make use of it over the summer.

Primark Stationary

I was impressed with the range of items in my local Primark this month. The range was massive but I just chose a few items, some are for me to keep and some are for upcoming giveaways I am holding. There were these gorgeously soft ‘pencil cases’ in marble, but I am using my one as a eyeliner holder. I have many pencils and to stop them getting battered by larger items in my two makeup bags I thought why not have a small case just for them. Because they are long like pencils this works brilliantly.
The marble notebook is stunning, I could use it as a background for macro photography of small review-able items as well.

The other set is a Union Jack one, I haven’t used them yet, but I love that it represents Great Britain, I am proud to be British, that is basically why I got them. They will be used as blog backgrounds in images I think.

Before I show you my detailed images, here are the prices for anyone wondering.

Marble Pencil Case / Makeup Bag – £3.00
Marble ‘A5’ Notebook – £2.50

Union Jack Flag Pencil Case (flat) – £2.00
Union Jack Flag ‘A5’ Notebook – £2.50

✩ (Look out for my next Giveaway for a chance to win something featured in this blog post). ✩

Until the next time I decide to do some shopping (which let us be honest is usually once a month at somewhere or other), then thanks for reading this review post. If you have any comments or questions feel free to post them in the section below 🙂 Have a wonderful day!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Click Here for Primark Site

April 2017 Treatbox Reveal

Posted on April 8, 2017 by Sabrina

It’s time to Reveal the contents of the April 2017 Treatbox.

This month is the start of Spring and I associate a lot with this time of year. Blossom trees are opening and birds and singing as they raise their young. Lambs are running about in the fields and what seems like a billion chocolate eggs line the shelves in supermarkets.

Arriving in the new plastic packaging once again I could see star sequins escaping from my box as I began to do my video reveal and unboxing. (See Video Here).

I was met with the usual pretty tissue paper, this time a delightful midnight blue shade. Stars were everywhere and the April Print calendar was sat upon the paper with a sticker that read ‘All it takes is faith, trust and a little Pixie Dust‘. I recall in my memory that this was a Disney quote from Peter Pan.

Inside the box I found a variety of items and most of which celebrated a ‘Fairy’ related theme. Now I saw what the Peter Pan sticker meant, Fairy this and Fairy that! The cookie biscuit inside also quotes Peter Pan too! There was also an overall theme of blue in the box as well.

What stood out most for me was the sign and the pin. The cookie looks delicious and I will enjoy that for elevenses over the weekend.

The admission ticket (view my reveal video) that was supplied with the Scent Circus wax melt, I believe is a ticket you can use towards purchasing a box of melts from them. Check out their website for more products (link at the end).

Here is the full list of 9 items available, and remember there are always variations in the type and the colours, so that everyone gets a slightly different combination inside their box…

Calendar Print for April with Rose detail
‘Live Like There’s No Midnight’ Blue Font Print
‘You’re the Fairest of them All’ Compact Mirror
Fairy Shaped Wax Melt by Scent Circus ‘Pixie Dust’ Smell
Rainbow Pin with Quote ‘If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It’
Blank Pages Book – Cover reads ‘Once Upon A Time’ and the back reads ‘The End’ In Quotes
Wooden ‘Fairy Garden’ Sign in Teal
Trinket Dish – Blue – Quote ‘I Love You Fairy Much!’
Cookie Biscuit (Vanilla) which has the Disney Peter Pan Quote ‘Second Star on the Right, & Straight on till Morning’

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

My favourite items in this April Treatbox are the Pin and the Book. Both of these items are unusual and both are my kind of things. They are pieces I could see myself wearing and using.

The Fairy Sign is sweet too and I love the colour. It will no doubt be used one day, perhaps if I can make a nice pot in the garden with a house to pretend there were actually fairies dwelling there. It’s more of a piece for creative and imaginative customers, or perhaps those with small children who are full of imagination.

I have to be honest about this box now though, because I was slightly disappointed to see some very similar items inside. By similar I just mean variations on ones in recent previous ones. I already have several compact mirrors from Treatbox, and although this one is just as lovely, I really didn’t need another one. Also the trinket dish, I have already received two in recent Treat boxes, and I have no use for a third. Finally we have yet another wax melt, and sadly with an asthmatic husband and two cats, they are not something that I can use in my home. I have a box of them from previous boxes that just go to making my wardrobe smell nice. I would hope we would have one month where we don’t get a candle or a wax related product and receive something completely different.

A great deal of this box will unfortunately for me, be re-gifted or given away, which I have found to be a real shame. So far in over a year of boxes I have wanted to have kept the majority of things for myself.

The box itself is really well thought out, the running theme of the fairies and the Disney quotes aspects are both wonderful, and any fan of these two elements will no doubt praise its contents. However I cannot help but see the duplication in pieces, just with different colours and quotes on, and I was really hoping for something a little different.

Because it became Spring this month in the UK I would have loved to have seen a Spring scarf, or a false flower that we could put in our hair or in a vase. Don’t get me wrong, this has been a nice box, but for me it just isn’t up to the usual standard of items inside.

I understand that not everyone will agree with me, and that’s fine, because at the end of the day I am here writing my honest and open review on this box. After having some boxes that I have truly adored, this one for me, just didn’t live up to that expectation. It hasn’t put me off from receiving next months box, however I think I will be reevaluating in the summer just how much longer I will be purchasing.

I do love receiving and reviewing these boxes because so much thought is given to them, and I respect how much effort goes into producing them too. They are always well presented and well distributed as well.

But if the contents become very similar I don’t want to be purchasing a box that gives me the same thing every month or two months in rolling duplication’s. I really hope I will be more impressed by the May Treatbox, and you will have to come back to my blog that first week in May to find out my thoughts.

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/

Thanks for reading my reveal today, if you have any of your own thoughts you would like to share or you may have purchased a box I would love to hear your thoughts, why not leave me a comment below 🙂
Also if you have any questions about any of the items please get in touch I am more than happy to answer them if I can do.
Until next time Severn Wishes followers, thank you for reading this reveal today.

✩ Sabrina ✩

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

Scent Circus
Treatbox
Sass and Belle

Navy Blue Boots and Accessories from Dorothy Perkins this Spring

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Sabrina

Navy Blue Boots and Navy Blue Block Hand Bag

On a recent trip to Dorothy Perkins I came across a gorgeous large hand bag, and some beautifully coloured suede boots in the Spring sale. I liked both so much to buy them so I thought I would review them for you.

The boots have a slight heel and decent grip on the bottom. The stitching details are simple but I really like the shape around the front and the ruched ankles to them. The colour is a strong navy blue shade, with a black base. They would compliment skinny jeans well, or a pretty summer dress if you can match the blue.

I got them with 30% off in the sale, they were usually £29.00.
Some sizes of these exact boots are still available in stores and online, the link to which is here

The hand bag is a lovely design, it has a main zipped pocket which has two additional slip sections inside it. Plenty of room to be a large bag for long days out or even an over night bag in the summer.
It has decent sized shoulder straps and also contains metal loops sowed into the top, an additional long strap that can be used as a shoulder one. This handbag has a variety of navy blue shades in both the straps and the panels, the block colours compliment one another and gives the bag an illusion of being even larger than you’d think. It even has a cute little luggage tag detail.
I do wish there was an extra zip pocket instead of one large area inside, but it’s an excellent bag and I’ve already used it several times.
I got this in the sale at £20.00, but it would usually be priced at £35.00.
This hand bag is still available in the sale in some stores and also online, if you would like the link to it you can find it here

Handbag

Storage 4/5
Durability 4/5
Detailing 4/5
Value for Money 4/5
Appearance 4/5

Boots

Fit To Size 4/5
Comfort 5/5
Detailing 5/5
Durability 4/5
Appearance 5/5

Over all I am very happy with both of these items. I loved the choice that was available at Dorothy Perkins as well, all the shapes and colours of boots, lots of good sized bags to choose from too.

If you love the DP Boots you can see the current range by clicking here

You can see the full range of accessories by visiting a store near you or by clicking online here

Until the next time I decide to go shopping, thanks for reading this review post.

✩ Sabrina ✩

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

Posted on March 26, 2017 by Sabrina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long have you been providing subscription boxes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside My Box

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extra Items

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

My Favourite Items

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

Overall Review

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

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

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

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

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

✩ Sabrina ✩

March 2017 Treatbox Reveal

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Sabrina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you thinking of ordering a TreatBox for yourself or for a gift for someone? Then you can find Treatbox subscriptions and build your own box at their website https://treatboxuk.com/

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

✩ Sabrina ✩

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

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

Posted on March 4, 2017 by Sabrina

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

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

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

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

Thank you for joining me for this short review today, I am now off to enjoy the rest of my Saturday. Pizza is on the way too!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Check Out The Links Below, the Necklace and the Website

Cat and Snowflake Necklace

My Purrfect Gift Box Website

Made on the Isle of Wight – My Time Away and these Wonderful Products

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Sabrina

My Time Away on the Isle of Wight and Reviewing A Range of Isle of Wight Products

(Shanklin Coast)

I recently took a short holiday to the Isle of Wight in Southern England. I have family who live permanently on the island so it’s a place filled with many fond memories for me. For such a small place, roughly 150 sq miles the island has such a lot to offer. If you haven’t been I will go into a little background for you before I continue with my review.

(Sandown Pier)

The Coloured Sands are probably what the island is most famous for, as well as the Yacht races and the incredible looking Needles of course. But the Isle of Wight is also home to Carisbrooke Castle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and of course the Roman Villa at Brading. If you’re planning on taking a trip to the island there are more than enough things to see and do, more so in the warmer months of the year. If you like animals I can recommend both the Isle of Wight Zoo and Amazon World Zoo, as well as the Monkey Haven which has primates and owls.

Now I’m going to discuss with you my thoughts on two of the islands products, both made and distributed from the Isle of Wight itself. These are, The Isle of Wight Biscuit Company and Wight Crystal.

Based on the island in the heart of the countryside, using dairy from it’s own herd, The Isle of Wight Biscuit Company pride themselves on making delicious handmade treats using local ingredients wherever possible.

Some of their range includes the original and rustic Farmhouse Cookie which is their oldest recipe, as well as a variety of melt in the mouth Shortbread’s, a Butter Crunch which comes in three varieties. And they have recently branched out into various flavours of Cookies, Shortbread Biscuits, Farmhouse Ryes and other savoury items such as Crackers, as well as novelty shaped biscuits.

And their latest creation is the Lemon Crumbles which you’ll find the review for later on in the post. Believe me it’s worth the wait! (I am salivating just recalling the experience)!

I also had the joy of sampling the water from Wight Crystal. This wonderful company was founded in 1988 when a new charity for the Island was created called Osel Enterprises. In the late 80’s there was little opportunity for anyone with a disability to find work on the island. Wight Crystal built a workforce of those who had been previously excluded from a job due to their physical or mental conditions, and set about harvesting a natural Isle of Wight resource to produce their first bottled water.

The water source is at Knighton and lies at the foot of chalk downland which is at the very heart of the Island. The Spring Water was first exploited in the 1800’s. Since Wight Crystal began it has grown to adding carbonated, flavoured and water coolers to its range.

At present Osel, via its Wayforward Programme, provides support services to more than 300 Island people living with a disability. Income from Wight Crystal sales supports The Wayforward Programme which provides 24/7 care support services for people with a learning disability across the Island. Money from every bottle of water sold helps to support and expand the care services to those in the Isle of Wight community who need help.

Isle of Wight Crystal can be found all over the island to purchase, including on the Ferries to and from the island.

So how did I come about reviewing these items, well I met all the ladies responsible for both businesses on my ferry crossing. The Wightlink Ferry St Clare was embarking on a special products testing and introduction because of their new shop opening on board. It would be stocking Isle of Wight products including a variety of companies who are established on the island. As I mingled around the deck trying a array of drink and cake and snacks, I was drawn to two tables in particular.
We got talking and I told them I was a blogger who loved to review UK based companies more than anything. Both of them were more than happy for me to review their products for them. My family were also keen to help review the biscuits (as you can probably imagine). So loaded up with a bag of ‘Made on the Isle of Wight’ items, we then set off to enjoy our holiday.

Upon returning to my part of England the following week I quickly began taking photographs of the remaining items I had left. I couldn’t possibly do a review with no pictures! I had to stop myself from eating the lot until I arrived home. My family members had began giving me and sending me their opinions on whichever Biscuit or Cookie or Rye they had tried, and so begins the review part of this experience and images of some of the tasty items too.

The Isle of Wight Crystal water is refreshing and delicious, I believe in everything that they are achieving in order to support people on the Isle of Wight living with a disability. The work they do is wonderful, and I can recommend you purchasing their products, knowing that your money will go to help someone.

The Isle of Wight Biscuit Company gave me a variety of items to try and taste to review. I did get the help of my Mother and her partner, and also my Husband, to devour and provide their opinions. I have then compiled our views to give each style of biscuit that we had an overall score.

Farmhouse Cookies Ingredients 30g
Chocolate Chip with Dairy Cream contains Wheat Flour, Rolled Oats, Vegetable Oils (Palm and Rapeseed Oil), Brown Sugar, Golden Syrup, Chocolate Chips 5.4% (cocoa mass, soya-lecithin, sugar), Dairy Cream 3.9% (Milk), Salt, Sodium Bicarbonate

Farmhouse Cookies

Taste 4/5

Texture 5/5

A Crumbly and Crunchy texture, but this Cookie melts in the mouth, the Chocolate Chips are sweet and it has a creamy aftertaste, it’s delicious.

Original Shortbread Ingredients 30g
Wheat Flour, Salted Butter (milk) 29.5%, Rice Flour and Caster Sugar.

Original Shortbread

Taste 5/5

Texture 4/5

Great texture, buttery and sweet with a lovely crumble to it. The delicious aftertaste of butter compliments the sweet sugar sprinkled on top. Some of the nicest shortbread I have had in a long time.

Lemon Crumbles Ingredients 30g
Vegetable Oils (Palm and Rapeseed), Sugar, Wheat Flour, Rice Flour, Lemon Juice 3.3%, Lemon Extract (Ethanol, Natural Oil of Lemon) 0.8%, Bicarbonate of Soda, Salt.

Lemon Crumbles
Taste 5/5

Texture 5/5

A delicious biscuit that not only crumbles but melts in the mouth, with a sweet and lemony initial kick, that has an aftertaste of biscuit perfection. You get salty crumble, sweet sugar and then sour lemon all in one mouthful sending your tongue into a taste frenzy. A unique biscuit that I thoroughly enjoyed eating, I did share it with my husband who agreed they would go beautifully with an Earl Grey Tea in an afternoon.

Farmhouse Rye’s

Poppy Seed; Delicious and Crunchy, perfect with soft cheese

Taste 3/5

Texture 5/5

Celery; An Unusual but Excellent tasting Rye,

eaten with soft cheese, there is a nice aftertaste of celery after the initial crunch.

Taste 4/5

Texture 5/5

Here are links to both the wonderful companies websites, and do search for them on social media such as Twitter to stay up to date on the latest products too! And if you visit the Isle of Wight this year don’t forget to buy your own to try!

Wight Crystal http://wightcrystal.org.uk/

Isle of Wight Biscuit Company http://www.islandbiscuits.co.uk/

Thank you for reading my review and lifestyle post today, I have thoroughly enjoyed writing and of course the tasting! I hope I will see you again soon for the next one.

Thank you for the samples from Isle of Wight Biscuit Company and from Wight Crystal.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Review of ‘Megan’ Slouch Boots from Dorothy Perkins

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Sabrina

‘Megan’ Slouch Boots

On my blog today is a short review about some Ankle Boots I bought from Dorothy Perkins in the January sale.

I picked up my DP order a few weeks ago, I had these two pairs of gorgeous boots in the sale! I chose 1 grey and 1 brown because I so often go for black and wanted a change this year.

I have a great many pair of boots already, yet each and every Winter new styles and colours come out and I’m tempted to get more. My reason for deciding on these two depended on their colour and height. I usually go for flat or slight heeled footwear, and I donated many of my old pairs of shoes and boots to charity over Christmas. So I treated myself to these ‘Megan’ boots as called by Dorothy Perkins online.

Appearance

I really like the shape of the front of the boot itself, and the ruched details around the top half draw the eye to your ankles. This style can make you appear a little taller when paired with skinny jeans, elongating the look of the leg due to the short height of the boot. If they had a slight heel then this would enhance the effect.

There’s also a nice stitching detail sectioning off the ruched third of the boot with the foot section, with a tab on the outer side which I think looks a lot like an arrow. The boot has sections where the stitching meets, these lines draw your eye around the footwear.

Styling

I chose to wear both of these boots with various coloured skinny jeans, and even black leggings with a causal looking cotton dress. I found the shades of both the boots I bought to be quite versatile.

Pro – Ankle Height is Great For A Range Of Looks
Con – No Substantial Grips Underneath So Not Ideal In Icy Weather

Final Opinion – A great looking boot which will be ideal for the Winter to Spring transition. Stylish and soft they are a staple ankle boot for most wardrobes. This style can be paired with both jeans and dresses for a smart but casual appearance.

My final Review for these pair of boots is;

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

Quality; Excellent stitching and good soles.
Value for Money; January Sale, great prices.
Appearance; Variety of colours available for a range of looks.
Comfort; Soft exterior and smooth sole interior, comfortable and I believe true to size fit.

Overview

I am yet again extremely happy with my purchases from Dorothy Perkins. I don’t think I will need anymore footwear for a while now, as we are soon entering Spring, and I would hope for better weather here in the United Kingdom.
These pairs of boots are versatile in outfit use and will be ideal throughout the year, even pairing with dresses in the warmer months. I am looking forward to wearing them with a variety of my clothes.

I hope you have enjoyed this post. If you have any questions about the item then please feel free to leave me a comment. I shall leave you the link to it at the bottom of this page as well.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Links to the Boots Available on the Dorothy Perkins Website

‘Megan’ Slouch Boots
Grey http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/grey-megan-slouch-boots-5546041?bi=0&ps=20
Tan http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/tan-megan-slouch-boots-5546033?bi=0&ps=20

‘Megan’ Pull On Ankle Boots
Black http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/black-megan-pull-on-ankle-boots-5794278?bi=0&ps=20&Ntt=megan

Product Review of Wooden Farm House Shape Sorter from The Laser Boutique

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Sabrina

When searching for an educational toy for my Godson for Christmas 2016, I stumbled across a page on Facebook that I had been following for quite some time.The Laser Boutique specialises in a variety of wooden toys and gifts, a lot of which can be personalised too.

I read some review comments of their products before I ordered and decided that they were the UK business I wanted to support this year. I believe that when you find a decent product and great service, it’s good to tell others about it. I will put all their links at the end of my review for their Facebook, Website and toy I bought.

So let me explain what item I ordered. The gift I was after needed to be an educational toy and wooden, I believe in the joy that comes with these sorts of things, and wooden is far better than any sorts of plastics. When I spotted the Farm House Shape Sorter I knew that this was the one. It was colourful and highly detailed, perfect for learning children.

The building comes with two roof sections that can be personalised, and there are holes in the sides for the eight animals to be posted through, this will help a child with their dexterity skills. The building also has a handle so it can be easily transported and lifted. The whole toy is painted beautifully with nice details, and the animals are all smooth and anatomically correct. The nature of learning with shapes allows a child to distinguish the differences, and eventually they will learn the language skills with their parents aid, to know the names of the animals they are playing with. Wooden toys such as this encourage imagination and learning.

Overall this toy makes a wonderful gift, and hopefully one that will supply the child with years of fun and learning. Even my Godson’s older brother has been playing with it! This item has been a hit with the family right from the start, and we all agree that you cannot beat great quality wooden toys. Especially educational ones and from companies that put such a lot of effort into the personal touch too.

Final Review

Appearance
5/5
A bright and colourful appearance with this toy can be excellent for a child with their mental development of shapes and colours. it encourages imagination and is ideal for educational play from 12 months of age. Because it is has the many colours and shapes, it is appealing to young children when all the while stimulating learning.

Quality
5/5
The entire toy and its contents are well built, beautifully painted and the pieces fit together perfectly. It’s also got the safety tested sticker on the box to ensure you know the quality has been thoroughly tested before sale.

Value for Money
5/5
Personally I think it’s an excellent price for what you get, you cannot put a price on a child’s education, and when a toy is this well made, it should last a long time. Toys such as these can be used for years after the preferred age required, and are strong enough to be played with and passed down to other children. I was happy with the amount I paid and the postage for it to arrive safely.

Thank you very much for reading this review, I hope you have enjoyed it, and you will take a moment to check out The Laser Boutique website too.