Excellent Places To Order From In The Run Up To Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Sabrina

Excellent Places To Order From In The Run Up To Christmas

With a busy schedule that is “LIFE” a lot of us turn to ordering items online for our loved ones. And so many things these days are safe bets, what you see is what you’ll get. But what about ordering things when you’re not sure of the site, this is where people’s online reviews come in extremely handy. Reading reviews on items, products and companies can really help someone to decide if the order is right for them. I always try and make time to review the things that I buy if the website or the brand has this service available.

Having ordered 75% of this years presents online, I’m now going to outline where I have purchased things from and rate them on the usual aspects too. I hope that if you’re still in need of some gifts you will consider these places to order from.

Amazon
A Massive Range Of Items Of All Sorts, Just Search On The Website…
Item/s I Bought: Books and Technology.
Was The Item As Described: Yes Exactly As Described.
Value for Money: Excellent Value for Money when Shopping Around and Comparing.
Delivery: Despite Choosing Free Delivery (Up To 7 days) It Arrived In 4 Days – Great.

BooHoo
Women’s Clothing and Shoes and Accessories Online.
Item I Bought: Pair of Boots.
Was The Item As Described: As Shown, Fitted True To Size and Nice Details.
Value for Money: Great Value for Money, I had a 20% off voucher that day too.
Delivery: Excellent Delivery Time but I paid £3.99 for the Delivery.

Jewellery Box UK
Massive Range Of Beautiful and Unique Jewellery Online.
Item/s I Bought: Sterling Silver Necklace and Necklace Chain.
Was The Item As Described: Yes Very Accurate Description and Photo on the Site.
Value for Money: Excellent Quality and Value for Money. I had a 20% voucher too.
Delivery: Delivery is Advertised as 1st Class Next Day for orders over £10 (Mine was 3 days late but I think it was due to bad weather as it stated it was dispatched).

Snapfish / Bonusprint
Photo Gifts including Calendars, Prints and Photo Books.
Item/s I Bought: Prints / Photo Book / Calendar.
Was The Item/s As Described: Yes And You Can Personalize Many Items Too
Value For Money: Excellent Value – Look Out For Website and Email Deals.
Delivery: Standard Delivery 3-5 Working Days or 5-7 Days – Both Were Good.

The Perfume Shop
Perfume and Fragrance Shop Online.
Item/s I Bought: Perfume and A Free Gift.
Was The Item As Described: Yes As Described, Excellent Gift too.
Value for Money: Great Value as it included a free gift too.
Delivery: Excellent Free Delivery, Arrived In 3 days when they stated 5 days.

Topman
Men’s Clothing and Shoes and Accessories Online.
Item/s I Bought: Various Clothing Items.
Was The Item As Described: Yes, As Pictured On The Website.
Value for Money: There was a discount of 20% off available that day and the clothing is of excellent quality too.
Delivery: Excellent Delivery Time and Free Standard Delivery with what I spent.

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Sabrina’s Top Tips For Christmas Ordering

TIP 1. If There Are Reviews On An Item You’re Browsing Then Read Them.
TIP 2. Shop Around On Different Websites For Similar Items And Compare.
TIP 3. Sign Up For Email Newsletters, They Often Send Vouchers Or Codes.
TIP 4. Consider The Website Parameters For Free Delivery And Attempt To Reach It.
TIP 5. Always Make Sure You Are Buying On An Authentic Website (Padlock In Search Bar).

Have You Seen My Post About How To Make Your Own Christmas Boxes?
Check It Out Here

Thank you for reading this post today, I hope that you have enjoyed reading about these great companies and websites. It is almost Christmas time! If you’re still doing some shopping I hope my reviews have helped! Have a great day!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Gift Company Wooden World Map Boxes Set Review – Ideal Gift

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Sabrina

Gift Company “World Map Boxes Set of Three” Review – Ideal Gift Item

Once again I am lucky enough to be working with Gift Company this Autumn to bring you a selection of items throughout November and December. All of these items would all make excellent gifts for people this Christmas. Check out my “Gifts” section of my blog for more examples of reviewed products.

Gift Company is a wonderful UK based and family run company that prides itself on providing unique and quality giftware, homeware and furniture, to the people of the United Kingdom.

They also have a huge range of Christmas related stock and a wide range of items that would make awesome gifts too. Available both in stores and on their website. But that is not all they do, and if you haven’t heard of them before today I think you should check out their information at the end of this review…

Dimensions and Product Information

Item Description: A Set of three World Map Boxes. The lids are decorated with maps of our world, the smaller details include island names, ships and oceans. They make a perfect gift for an avid traveler. Inside each box is a secured and tough black fabric. The boxes are wooden, and painted white except for the map on each lid. The lids maps appear to be printed and stuck down to the wood.

Item Dimensions:
Box 1 (Largest) 23.5cm L x 17cm W x 8.7cm D (5.9cm Inner Depth)
Box 2 (Medium) 20.5cm L x 14.1cm W x 7.5cm D (5cm Inner Depth)
Box 3 (Smallest) 18cm L x 10.5cm W x 6cm D (3.5cm Inner Depth)

Item Details: Ideal items to hold travel cards, tickets, passports old and new, plane tickets, boat tickets, holiday snaps, holiday keepsakes. Possibilities are huge for these boxes. You could keep anything inside it though, not just travel items. Someone could be a fan of the Earth but wants to use it as a jewellery box!

Item Price: £15.00 (RRP £25.00).

Item Delivery: The item was delivered within its own box and carefully wrapped.

Item Link Gift Company Website

What Makes This A Great Gift

✩ An excellent gift set with lots of detail to the pictures on the lids.
✩ It is well made and the wood is painted for a professional finish that is made to look shabby chic and old fashioned.
✩ This set is a great gift because the use of them can be personalised to the recipient.

Things To Be Aware Of

✩ This set is made of wood & should be kept far away from any flames or heat sources
✩ Keep the wood away from any moisture that could warp the wood over time.

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What Could You Use This Gift For? Who Is It Ideal To Give To?

In my opinion a gift set such as this is ideal for anyone who loves travel, geography or history. These boxes are produced to a high standard, and although you could put anything you wanted inside them, a great idea would be to keep any travel tickets or memorable holiday pieces inside. On the website it suggests as a gift “for him” but I strongly disagree, there is nothing significantly masculine about the boxes, therefore any person who shares an interest in the world should love these items.

Having received three boxes in this set, you could choose to keep them together or separate them for different people. If you have a family member who enjoys sightseeing or travel, or someone who loves the geography of the Earth and wants to go around the world one day, these pieces would be perfect for them.

✩✩✩

My Review Scores

Appearance of Product 5/5
Design of Product 4/5
Quality of Product 4/5
Value for Money 5/5
Delivery 5/5

Overall Review Scores Elaborated

Overall I am happy with the scores I have given these items. I believe that receiving three boxes for the price is excellent value for your money, and the quality of them has been good throughout.
I only have a very tiny observation, and that is when you buy, if you buy in a store, inspect that all hinges are straight and all corners are aligned. Everything is flush and fits together well and that no corners of the printed pattern are curling up.
They were delivered in their own box and there were sheets of paper in between them to help prevent any damage to the paintwork.

Thank you for reading this product review today, I hope that you have enjoyed reading about these great gifts. You can see more information about Gift Company stores and links to their online pages below. Have a great day!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Gift Company approached me again this festive season after we collaborated last year, and I was more than happy to do some more product reviews for them. Every time we work together I am sent these items to review for free, in return for my honest opinions and photography. For this service I do get to keep the products. I personally use and test the items and through my own experience is how I write my review. I do not work for Gift Company, neither do I get paid any commission that is generated from any sales that may occur from my work.

There Are Currently 36 Gift Company Stores Nationwide

Banbury: Banbury Gateway Shopping Park, Oxfordshire, OX16 3AB – 01295 272636
Bideford: Atlantic Village, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3QU – 01237 472446
Birmingham: Resort World, Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PU – 1217675933
Brighton: Octagon , Marina Square, Brighton, BN2 5UF – 01273 695109
Braintree: Freeport Braintree, Essex, CM77 8YH – 01376 348472
Bridgend: McArthurGlen Outlet Village, CF32 9SU – 0165 6661066
Carlisle: 84 English Street, Carlisle, CA3 8HP – 01228 818488
Castleford: Junction 32 Outlet Village, WF10 4FR – 01977 552 728
Chatham: Unit 9, Dockside Outlet Centre, Kent, ME4 3ED – 01634 892 483
Chester: 19 Newgate Row, Chester, CH11ER – 01244 343456
Cheshire Colliseum: Coliseum Retail Park, Ellesmere Port, PE12 6EU – 01513554 830
Dalton Park: Dalton Park Shopping Outlet, Seaham, SR7 9HU – 0191 520 9543
Derby: Unit 118, Intu Derby Shopping Centre, Derby DE1 2PQ – 0133 220 8747
Doncaster: Unit 22 Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, DN4 5PJ – 01302 730670
Durham: 24 High Street, Princes Bishops Centre, Durham, DH1 3HJ – 0191 384 7946
Fleetwood: Unit 1, Freeport Village, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6AE – 01253 779 592
Gloucester: Unit 52, Gloucester Quays, Gloucester, GL1 5SH – 01452 524222
Gretna: Unit 16, Gretna Gateway Outlet Village, DG16 5GG – 01461 338772
Hatfield: 26 The Galleria, Hatfield, AL10 OXR – 1707261330
Hornsea: 13 Hornsea Freeport, Rolston Road, Hornsea, HU18 1UT, – 01964 533541
Hull: Princess Quay.
Llandudno: 10 Victoria Centre, Llandudno, North Wales, LL30 2NG – 01492 873111
Lowry: Salford Quays – 0161 877 7233
Livingston: Livingston Designer Outlet, Livingston, EH54 6QX – 01506 462186
Mansfield: Unit 12A East Midlands Designer Outlet, DE55 2JW – 01773 545375
North Wales: North Wales Garden World at Kinmel Bay – 01745 338222
Peak Village: U11 Peak Village, Chatsworth Road, Rowlsey, DE4 2JE – 01629 735076
Royal Quays: 32 Coble Dean, North Shields, NE29 6DW – 0191 258 2819
Scarborough: Unit 17, Brunswick Shopping Centre, YO11 1UE – 01723 371845
Southport: 193 Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1PF – 01704 884522
Spalding: Unit 13, Springfields Outlet, PE12 6EU – 01775 711 736
Talke: 48 Talke Retail Park, Stoke On Trent, ST7 1XD – 01782 786662
Telford: 53 Southwater, Telford Shopping Centre, Telford, TF3 4DE – 01952 200826
Torquay: 87 Union Street, Torquay, TQ1 3DG – 01803 212129
Trentham: Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8AX – 01782642954
Worcester: 22 Chapel Walks, Crowngate Shopping Centre, WR1 3LD – 01905 619882

Gift Company Online
My Other Gift Company Reviews

Gift Company Light Blue Christmas Lantern Tealight – Christmas Item

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Sabrina

Gift Company “Christmas Lantern Tealight” Review – Christmas Item

Gift Company is a wonderful UK based and family run company that prides itself on providing unique and quality giftware, homeware and furniture, to the people of the United Kingdom.

They also have a huge range of Christmas related stock in right now, both in stores and on their website. But that is not all they do, and if you haven’t heard of them before today I think you should check out their information at the end of this review…

✩ Dimensions and Product Information ✩

Item Description: A beautiful ice blue textured glass lantern jar, with details of white glitter into a snow scene with tree and snowflakes and a deer.

Item Dimensions: 10cm Height, 8cm Width and 1cm Thickness of Glass (for the Small Lantern).

Item Details: Ice Looking Glass with Silver Metal Trim and Rope Hanger.

Item Price: £5.00 (RRP £10.00).

Item Delivery: The item was delivered bubble wrapped safely.

Item Link Gift Company Website

✩✩✩

What Makes This A Great Gift

✩ A beautifully decorated piece that can be used throughout December.
✩ It is glass so fairly heavy, but versatile enough for people to decide what to use it for.
✩ Ideal for anyone who loves Blue, Winter, Deer or Snowflakes…

Things To Be Aware Of

✩ This item is made from glass so you need to keep it away from children.
✩ If you are using the lantern for burning a candle inside, never leave it unattended or where it will be close to children where it could get knocked over.

You can buy this item in Small or Large size, my review is for the small.

Things You Can Use This Lantern For

✩ Burning A Tea Light Inside
✩ Fill With Battery Powered Fairy Lights
✩ Fill With Baubles To Decorate A Table

My Review Scores

Appearance of Product 5/5
Design of Product 5/5
Quality of Product 5/5
Value for Money 5/5
Delivery 5/5

Overall Review Scores Elaborated

I thought that this item was beautifully made, the details and the shape were immaculate. The colour is very nice, the ice light blue is ideal for Winter. The lantern is a versatile piece that doesn’t just need to be used as a tealight.

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Thank you for reading this product review today, I hope that you have enjoyed reading about this great gift. You can see more information about Gift Company stores and links to online pages below.

✩ Sabrina ✩

✩ There Are Currently 36 Gift Company Stores Nationwide ✩

December 2017 Treatbox Reveal

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Sabrina

Hello and Welcome to the December 2017 Treatbox Reveal with Sabrina of Severn Wishes.

We all know this box will be a Christmas one! So Happy December Treatbox!

As I open the box and find the Christmas Red Tissue Paper I cannot help but wonder what festivities lie beneath.

The sticker with a tiny house on it, reads “Merry Christmas”…

As I open up the calendar print page up I see several lovely items I know I will enjoy using and the theme of Christmas is throughout.

Here are all of the items available in the December Treatbox – Christmas Of Course!

Here is the full list of items available this month, and remember there will be slight variations sometimes in the types and the colours, so not every box is the same…

✩ There are 10 items in this particular Treatbox. These take the forms of 2 recipes, 1 calendar, 1 festive decoration, 2 edible and 3 wearable, as well as 1 voucher. ✩

Calendar Print for December 2017 – Merry Christmas
Cadbury Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows
A4 Prints – “Mulled Wine Recipe” and “Mince Pies Recipe”
Necklace – Rose Gold Heart “Merry Christmas”
Festive Flag “Merry Christmas”
Packet of 20 Paper Straws
Single Christmas Candy Cane
Socks with a Bow
Mittens – Knitted Hand Warmers
20% Voucher for Jewellerybox.co.uk

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

✩ My Favourites ✩

My favourite items from this month’s box are necklace, socks and the festive flag. The hot chocolate was a nice touch as were the mittens. At least the hand mittens can be reused as well. The necklace is a very nice touch because Rose Gold is in right now, and a heart is universal, I will certainly be using mine.

The reason I like these items is because I know I will be getting use out of them. I am a person who feels the cold, so comfy socks for cold nights and hand warmers for winter days out are right up my street.

✩ My Overall Opinion ✩

There are some nice items inside the Christmas box, I was of course expecting at least one decoration and one edible piece, but to have several wears and two edible is nice. Although just one candy cane was slightly disappointing, I would have liked to have seen more than one so as to hang them on the tree… Maybe I’m being picky?!

We have two recipes in the box, unfortunately I don’t drink, and I don’t like Mince Pies, so I will be keeping these two in my Recipe Box until someone one day asks if I have a recipe for either. Because sadly I won’t get any use either of them. I know my opinion will no doubt be vastly different to the majority of others who will probably love these recipes, but I’m just being my usual honest self.

We didn’t long ago get some Paper Straws, and I haven’t even used those as yet (I don’t host very often) and so now I have a great number of them ready and waiting. I would hope there will be no Straws in any near future boxes…

✩✩✩

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 thoughts you would like to share or if you have purchased a box after reading one of my reviews then I would love to hear your from you, why not leave me a little comment below.

Also if you have any questions about any of the items from this month’s Treatbox then please get in touch I am more than happy to answer them if I can.

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If you enjoyed this post why not check out my Reveal Video that I record of Treatbox every single month I get one, click the link to see this latest one on my channel here.

Thank you for joining me for this reveal today, and I hope you have all enjoyed it. I would like to wish you all Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a jolly good time to be had by all! Hoping you have all that you wish for this year, health and happiness too!

Oh and don’t forget that there are still many posts to come on the blog this month before the year is out! Some Christmas but some not!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Five Things I Want To Do Before My Thirtieth Birthday

Posted on December 3, 2017 by Sabrina

Five Things I Want To Do BEFORE My Thirtieth Birthday

This week I had a realization that my birthday is only three months away! So I thought I would write a little post about five things that I would like to do before my thirtieth!

I’m still in denial that I’m turning thirty, I mean that by in my head, I’ve been twenty five for many years now! It’s going to be a bit weird.

When you fill in a survey online and it says, “Please state your age range _____ ” and I’m now going to have to pick the “30-39” or the “25 to 34” category!

I’m going to be contacted for all these proper “adult” things like higher credit cards and loans, as if the world thinks we should all have our act together by the time we reach this milestone! Yeah… Right…

So what are these five things I would definitely like to do before I’m thirty…

1. Try Something New – An Activity or a Hobby… Just Something I’ve Never Done!

2. Eat A Brand New Food – There Isn’t A Lot I Wouldn’t Eat – But I Want To Try Something New! I May Even Cook It Too!
(UPDATED January 23rd – We made our own Ice Cream! And a fairly healthy version, kind of, so yeah I might do a Recipe post sometime in February…)

3. Go Somewhere I’ve Never Been Before – Sounds Simple But It’s Finding The Time!
(UPDATED January 23rd – My husband and I have booked a weekend away in April to a part of the UK I have never visited before, I hope it will be a memorable time for us).

4. Reconnect With An Old Friend – There Are A Few People Who I Love Who I Haven’t Spoken To In A Few Years And I Would Love To Reconnect With Them!
(UPDATED January 17th – I reached out to an old friend to give her some happy news, we are hopefully planning to meet up in the next few months).

5. Finish Writing One Of My Books – I’m A Writer And I Want 2018 To Be The Year I Finally Try And Get Something Published (Fingers Crossed I Can Get One Finished)!

What I’m going to do is update this post with a photograph/s and information as and when I complete any one of these things, and I have just a few weeks to go now before my birthday, fingers crossed I can get all of these done!

Is there anything special or amazing that you did for a big birthday? I would love to know to get some ideas for myself!

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

✩ Sabrina ✩

My Top Handbag Essentials For Getting Through Autumn/Winter

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Sabrina

My Top Handbag Essentials For Getting Through Autumn and Winter.

It’s official, it’s gone really cold here in the United Kingdom. So I thought I would do a short blog post today explaining my handbag essentials.

Most of us carry a larger bag in the Winter because we need more space for the things that we require such as gloves or socks.

Here is my list of Autumn/Winter essentials that I often bring with me, especially if it’s going to be a long day out. You never know when the weather might change so it’s always good to be prepared. Some of these things don’t even weigh much so they aren’t inconvenient.

My Autumn And Winter Handbag Essentials

Gloves
Scarf
Arm Warmers
Comfortable Socks
Tiny Bottled Water
Lip Balm
Hand Cream
Hand Sanitiser
Packet of Tissues
Compact Mirror
Mini Torch
Rolled Up Bag

Let me explain a little bit about why I carry certain items. If you feel the cold like I do, little things like Gloves and Arm Warmers can make a big difference. Say you catch a bus, and it’s late on your route home. If you have these things with you and it suddenly gets colder you are prepared.

The same thing goes for the Water and the Tissues, you just never know when you may need these items so it’s a good idea to carry them all year around not just these colder months. I always carry Hand Cream for my dry skin and the Lip Balm for keeping my lips smooth, I use these more so in the Winter but they live in my bags throughout the year.

The torch is somewhat of a personal choice, it’s difficult to put my key in my front door after dark as you cannot see the keyhole, a mini torch is a great way to stay safe if you’re walking in the Winter evenings as well as useful in circumstances such as the one I mentioned.

I hope that you have enjoyed this little insight into my lifestyle! If you have any questions about where I got any of the items shown please leave me a comment
Have a wonderful day!

✩ Sabrina ✩

Gift Company Santa and Rudolph Christmas Eve Plate

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Sabrina

Gift Company “Gift Company Santa and Rudolph Christmas Eve Plate” Review

Once again I am lucky enough to be working with Gift Company this Autumn to bring you a selection of items throughout November. All of these items would all make excellent gifts for people this Christmas. Check out my “Gifts” section of my blog for more examples of reviewed products.

Gift Company is a wonderful UK based and family run company that prides itself on providing unique and quality giftware, homeware and furniture, to the people of the United Kingdom.

The Gift Company Santa and Rudolph Plate is something that can be a wonderful gift for children on Christmas Eve, to assemble into an imaginative Santa experience. Using the outlines already drawn out onto the plates design, children will find it easy to use and understand. Begin the Christmas Eve Tradition with your family this year with this extra special plate.

Dimensions and Product Information

Item Description: A Ceramic Plate that comes boxed.

Item Dimensions: 25cm x 25cm (Circular).

Item Details: A Traditional Christmas Eve Plate that is designed for children to supply a Drink and a Mince Pie for Santa, as well as a Carrot for Rudolph. Encouraging a young child’s imagination about the visit of Santa and Rudolph. The plate is decorated beautifully with embossed sections and playful drawings that children would relate to. The plate has a design that is easy to understand so that (with adults help) the child/children of the family can easily set it up on Christmas Eve.

Item Price: £7.50 (RRP £9.50).

Item Delivery: The item was delivered in its original box, it is then easy to store for use next year.

Item Link Gift Company Website
Christmas Eve Plate

What Makes This A Great Gift

✩ An excellent gift for children on Christmas Eve.
✩ It inspires tradition and an extra special Christmas Eve with the family.
✩ Well made and beautifully decorated with bright colours.
✩ This plate is embossed and these details are unusual and unique.

One Thing To Be Aware Of

✩ This plate is ceramic and delicate, though heavy, it should only be hand washed and never placed in a dish washer, oven or microwave. I would recommend it be gently cleaned with nothing too harsh or abrasive as well.

My Review Scores

Appearance of Product 5/5
Design of Product 5/5
Quality of Product 5/5
Value for Money 5/5
Delivery 5/5

Overall Review Scores Elaborated

I give this product a unanimous five out of five, it is a wonderful item that most families would get years of joy and use out of. If you believe in the Christmas Traditions perhaps it’s time to invest in a piece as good a quality as this one, to encourage your children.

Gift Company also do a range of other Christmas and Santa related items. Of course if you are nearby to a Gift Company store you could go in and look at the items yourselves, or check them out online before you go, there are many lovely things.

Thank you for reading this product review today, I hope that you have enjoyed reading about this great gift. You can see more information about Gift Company stores and links to online pages below.

✩ Sabrina ✩

There Are Currently 36 Gift Company Stores Nationwide

My Other Gift Company Reviews
Gift Company Online
Gift Company Christmas Page

Spectrum Collections C00 Rain Glow Fan Brush Review and Photography

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Sabrina

Spectrum Collections C00 Rain Glow Fan Brush Review

Time to talk about a very special brush created by a very special British company. It is of course the Spectrum Collections C00 Rain Glow Fan Brush… and yes it has rather a long name!

Spectrum Collections began with pink brushes, and it went from there, now the collection is incredible, with complex and thoughtful designs, not to mention beautiful.

I purchased this particular brush in my local Boots store rather than from Spectrum online. It costs around £19.99.

I will include purchasing links at the end of my post.

The brush is Vegan and made to be Cruelty Free. Designed for Contouring (hence the C in its name) this beautiful brush delicately allows highlighter or bronzer to applied to the face and body (such as collar bones). The brush has this rounded shape to ensure the application is both light and precise.

The stunning rainbow effect of the brush and its bristles means it really stands out for photographs. It’s bristles themselves are soft and thin. The handle is a lovely sky blue colour and has a silver ferrule.

The brush came in its very own packet which is great for keeping it clean.

So I will be totally honest with you all, I haven’t really bought this brush so that I can put highlighter on my face… I have however bought it because it’s beautiful and I want to use it in my blogging photography… I will of course review the quality of the brush while showcasing some more of my favourite images that I have created using this stunning piece in the ensemble…

I have been using the brush as a blog prop and most images can be seen through my Instagram posts. Like from my The Body Shop Review in the image below…

Overall this brush is gorgeous and I’m happy I purchased it, although on its own I thought it was a little expensive. I guess you are paying for the quality though that is for sure!

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

You can purchase this brush at the Spectrum Collections Website or at Boots stores and online. Here are the links for you.
Spectrum Collections
Boots

The ladies at Spectrum do an incredible job with their business and they’ve had a tough year too! I follow them all over social media and they are so passionate about the environment, making great products in the best way, and this is one reason why I love to support them. Keep up the awesome work!

Thank you very much for reading this review today and I hope you liked the photographs.

✩ Sabrina ✩

The Sunshine Blogger Award

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Sabrina

I was recently Awarded the Sunshine Blogger Award by a lovely blogger named Ana.

The kind Ana over at Ana’s Lil Blog has nominated me and my blog back in August for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I am honoured to receive this award and will happily share some bloggers below once I have answered the questions set to me from Ana.

I am so excited to share this post with you all, it’s a great way for people to get to know the person behind the blog, with us answering these questions set by other bloggers. It’s taken a while for me to finish this post because I’ve been so busy with collaborations.

This is who else Ana nominated on her post, check it out over at Ana’s Lil Blog – Sunshine Blogger Award Post HERE

The Questions That Ana Gave Me Were These…

Why did you make your blog?
When I had to have some serious surgery I had to give up work for a time, my best friend and husband encouraged me to start my blog because they knew i loved to write, and i was already a photography graduate.

What makes you smile the most everyday?
The silly things that my cats get up to! They can be so funny and crazy. It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’ve had they never fail to cheer you up!

Favourite blog post you’ve read?
I once read a post, no idea what blog it was now as it was a few years ago and before I began blogging. But it was so inspiring, it was about learning to love yourself…

Favourite blog post you’ve written?
My favourite post to this day is probably the Treatbox monthly boxes that I review, exciting and fun to photograph!

Something that has made you into a stronger person?
Experiencing pain and loss, living with chronic pain, overcoming it and becoming stronger from it.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new blogger what would it be?
Be yourself. Don’t copy others but take inspiration from them. Always write about what you’re passionate about and it will come across in your work. And don’t be afraid of asking bloggers for advice on social media, most will take the time to reply if you’re being genuine.

Who is your celebrity crush?
Orlando Bloom, he has been for years and years since I was a teenager… I used to love Paul Walker too god rest his beautiful soul x

Tea, coffee or hot chocolate?
Now I’m a weirdo, as I’m British, but I don’t really like Tea all that much, I tend to drink it when I feel unwell. Hot Chocolate is nice but I’m very picky about it. And Coffee… I make a good Coffee but I don’t drink it unless it’s a McDonald’s Iced Frappe Mocha… yeah told you I am weird!

Night owl or early bird?
Ooo now see when it comes to writing I am definitely a Night Owl but I can only really do my photography during the day… sometimes I get up early and I don’t have an issue with getting up.

Favourite quote or motto?
My favourite inspirational quote is “When it Rains look for Rainbows, when it’s Dark look for Stars”.

Goals for the upcoming months and ultimate goals in life?
My Life Goals are to one day have my own house and raise my family in it, and I would love to be my own boss one day too.

Now For The Rules For The Bloggers I Am Nominating Below…

Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

2. Answer the 11 questions that they’ve given you.

3. Nominate 11 people (preferably people who don’t have the award already).

4. Give your own 11 questions for those people you have nominated to answer.

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My Questions for the 11 Nominees.

1. What made you start blogging?
2. Do you have any pets?
3. What is your current Favourite Television Show?
4. Do you live by any amazing places?
5. If you could visit any era for a day in a time machine, what era and why?
6. What is your Favourite Colour?
7. Do you like dessert – if yes what is your favourite?
8. Have you seen a film that has changed your life – what and why?
9. If you could have an hour long conversation with anyone living or dead who would it be and why?
10. Is there a Song that has ever been your anthem?
11. What piece of advice would you give to your younger self if you could?

My 11 Nominees Are; Fern Roberts, Anna Nguyen, Mocha Girl Beauty, Madison Taylor, Rachy Reviews, Emily of Living Beautiful, Aoife Caitriona, Beauty with Zainy, Kate Selina of Femenish, Phoebe Tea, Anita Grivoka of Anita’s Diaries.

Thank you so much for reading this post today, I am hoping that you found some lovely bloggers to follow or support and I wish you all a very nice day.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Ideal Christmas Gifts On A Budget

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Sabrina

Christmas Gifts On A Budget

Have you been stumped by what to get a friend or loved one this Christmas?
Have you shopped around – like, really shopped around and are still stuck?
Have you ever considered making something unique?
Ever thought of a Subscription Gift?

If the answer to any of those is yes, then please keep on reading because I might just have some Christmas tricks and tips for you! And hopefully a huge array of ideas too!

What To Get For Those Who Are A Little Picky

Subscription Boxes are a great way to give a gift that keeps on giving, and for anything between £12 and £30 you can subscribe a loved one to something amazing. Some companies that I have tried also offer up deals where you to pay for three months upfront for example, and it gets delivered to the recipients home. There are also brands that do one off Christmas Boxes too, pay for a one off box and that also gets delivered through the door.

Try and think about what someone loves, and then go from there…

Here are some places that I have tried personally, and if you want to read any of my reviews on any of these then just look for the categories off my main page. There are loads more out there too, just google subscription boxes for more ideas if none of these take your fancy.

Not all of the companies below are Subscription Boxes, but some of them provide presents within presents and gift boxed items as part of their service. This saves you time this Christmas too!

Artemis and Xena – for those who enjoy meditation, positivity and relaxing boxes.
Birchbox – for makeup and cosmetics lovers!
Cherry Diva – for Jewellery lovers they have something for everyone’s tastes.
JewelCandle – Any Candle and Jewellery Lovers in the family?
Jewellery Box UK – A company who have amazing jewellery choices and great gifts.
Secret Scent Box – for people who love to try new fragrances.
Treatbox – literally a box of treats that you can either subscribe to or you can make your own unique box!

Artemis and Xena (above) are offering a special box this Christmas, it’s a 12 days advent box for £19.99. The 12 items wrapped individually in Christmas wrapping paper numbered 1 -12 These items will vary per box so that no individual will receive the exact same items making this a unique gift.

Some things you could find include: Makeup, Stationary, Skincare, Cards, Creative Activities, Nail Varnish, Organisers, Keyrings, Soap, Bath bombs, Notebooks, Planners, Postcards, Sticky Notes, Masks, Body lotion, Lipstick, Glitter, Eyeshadow, Perfume, Hair care, Temporary Tattoos, Stickers, Organic products, Local products, Nail art, bags, purses and more!

They are also offering a special Mystery Box in December. On their website it says this… “Find 5 random items in your box. Each box will be unique so you won’t receive the same box as anyone else! There are NO spoilers so it’s perfect if you love surprises!” Because these are one-off boxes there is no subscription and they make great gifts.

Mystery Box Link Available In December

Birchbox

Birchbox is usually a monthly Subscription service for makeup, cosmetics and beauty lovers. They offer some boxes for December and arriving for Christmas so it might be worth a look if you are gifting to someone who loves this stuff!

Here is their page for anyone wanting to know more about Gifting a Box for Christmas.

Birchbox Gifting Boxes

JewelCandle is a company who specialise in jewellery hidden inside candles.

You can find out all about these gifts within gifts over on their website. They have a range of flavours of Candle and also a range of jewellery types that goes in them.

JewelCandle Website

Secret Scent Box is a company based in the UK which allows the subscriber to discover new designer fragrances each month. Every box you subscribe to you will get 3 designer perfumes or colognes delivered through your letterbox from just £13! If you know someone that adores smelling good then perhaps this is a great Christmas idea for them…

Secret Scent Box Website

Treatbox – Christmas Box or Subscriptions

I am currently subscribed to Treatbox and receive a box each month through my door. They are always themed and can be literally anything! Homeware, Beauty, Edible Treats, Creative Items, Wearable Items and so much more.

In the Treatbox shop the owner also creates special boxes and one off boxes, as well as build your own too! This is worth a look at the website if you think you could be in the mood for choosing items for your loved ones to open up in a box.

Treatbox Main
Treatbox Specials
Treatbox Build Your Own

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So You Have Started Christmas Shopping, But Have You Shopped Around?

So most people tend to go to the same old places year after year for their presents, they don’t try anything new. I know people who have never done a search on Amazon, or gone to their local town and searched for independent stores.
Have you ever tried looking for self employed people on Facebook as well?
I have bought things from British businesses for many years now, it’s a good deed and keeps money within our economy. You’re also helping a small business keep going and there are so many talented folk out there doing all sorts of things.

Here are some Facebook businesses that I have ordered from either this year or the past two years while I have been blogging. I recommend the service from each of them. But you’ve got to be quick, a lot close their order books at the start of December.

The Laser Boutique – Wooden Toys and Gifts – Personalised
The Crafty Giraffe – Personalised Engraved Gifts
Awesome Wooden Gifts – Now has her main page over on Etsy so check it out if you want gifts about Mushrooms, Unicorns and Magic…

Don’t be afraid to search for what you want using google and/or Facebook there are so many talented people out there. Check out some of my reviews on my categories too!

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Have You Considered Making Someone A Unique Gift?

Sometimes the best thing to do, when you cannot find what you’re looking for, is to make it. You need to decide your budget and then figure out what you will spend on each item.

I once designed photo frames for friends, these days you can buy frames for as little as £1 and then all you need is some paint and added details like sequins or stickers.

I have a How To Make section on the blog too go check it out after this post!

Here are a few ideas on simple things that you could make for a friend or family member this year. Check out the posts under my “Christmas” category as well for more Christmas gift ideas too! And check out my “Sabrina’s How To Make” category too!

Bracelets or Necklaces
Photo Frame Designs
Trinket Boxes
Memory Boxes
Candle Pots
Makeup Pots

If you have any questions about how you would make something then please get in touch. If you cannot find it already on my blog I will be making lots of gift related posts that will go up in the coming weeks, watch out for those “How To Make” pages!

Hopefully you’ve gotten some great ideas from this post, if not though don’t despair, there will be loads more of my Christmas Gift posts coming up throughout November.

✩ Sabrina ✩