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Before Chocolate is a Hot Chocolate like no other

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When I was approached by Before Chocolate to product review for them I was very excited. It is rare to find a chocolate product that is dairy free and made to a standard that is so exceptional. Today on my blog I am going to talk about my experience and taste testing of this delicious brand.

Before Chocolate Original Hot Chocolate

About Before Chocolate

Established in 2019 by Harry and Mandi. A UK based company with high standards for producing a chocolate that is not only good for you, containing natural ingredients, as well as no allergens. But their mission was a simple one, to create a product that was chemical and additive free, that tasted like real chocolate should.
They work closely with the Cacao growers they use to find the finest beans for their products. Harry is an EU Organic Superfood importer, and Mandi is a mother of two who has always had a passion for real chocolate.
Before Chocolate is made from South American Fino de Aroma Cacao beans. And are Winner’s of 17 Great Taste Awards. They have also been featured on ITV.

Some Words from Before Chocolate and how they create their Artisan Hot Chocolate

Our chocolate products are a result of our collaboration with some of the world’s best cacao growers and chocolatier’s. Our range is inspired by the finest traditional superfood ingredients, multi-generational chocolate-making expertise and a desire to go back to the roots of chocolate making.

Chocolate as we know today is industrially processed, contains refined sugar, E numbers and many other nasty ingredients making it nutritionally poor. We’ve simply taken chocolate back to its origins; simpler, healthier and more natural than modern day chocolate as we all know it today.  Our cacao-rich super smooth chocolate is made up of high quality organic wholefoods, ethically sourced directly from the very best farmers around the world.

We’ve kept our ingredients list as short as possible with just single origin Peruvian and Ecuadorian Organic Cacao, Organic Coconut Sugar (15%) and with added superfoods such as Camu Camu, Turmeric, Maca, Lucuma and Chia seeds.

Before Chocolate products are allergen-free, vegan, organic, free from refined sugar and most importantly taste delicious. Great for all of the family, convenient healthy treats on the go or to simply have as a healthy snack at work.  Now you can enjoy your chocolate, guilt free knowing its actually a better alternative. Before Chocolate represents simple, clean and natural ingredients. Exactly how Chocolate should be enjoyed. 

Original Hot Chocolate

What’s In Before Chocolate Hot Chocolate?

Organic Cacao Paste
Unrefined Muscovado Sugar
Organic Light Agave Nectar

Cacao solids are 51% of the packet. I was given 135g bags which turn into 5 portions (regular mug size).

Chocolate Orange

The Products I Have Reviewed

When I was sent the hot chocolate pouches I could tell from the packaging that it was made to a high standard. Everything was clearly labelled with all the information that you could wish for. From the ingredients list to everything you needed to know about the product that was inside, including how to prepare it. The pouches are also resealable with a wonderful enclosed lip, this allows you to use just what you wanted and save the rest for another day.

I found that the bags contained 5 portions per bag, but liking my hot chocolate quite strong and also using a large mug I decided to add a little more into my saucepan than the recommended 3 spoonful’s, I used four. We had 4 portions of drink from the Original pouch, and 5 portions for the Orange and Spiced flavours.

I invited some family members over for the afternoon where I made everyone a hot chocolate of their choice using Almond Milk (we are a dairy free household) and I found it was simple to prepare. Using my favourite milk saucepan I poured in enough almond milk for the mug chosen and waited for it to simmer. Then I began stirring in the wonderful rich Cacao from the Before Chocolate packet. I used a silicone whisk to ensure a smooth finish. I made each drink one at a time for the different flavours, and then we sat around drinking them.

The overall view was that each one was certainly smooth and rich in flavour, I had personally never had a hot chocolate with such defined flavour. I actually think my choice of almond milk really complimented it. The before chocolate drinks were like velvet across your tongue, strong chocolate flavour and a nice after taste.

Original

This has to be the smoothest hot chocolate I have ever tasted, rich and delicious. A few minutes after I had finished it I did find myself in need of a glass of water, I think due to the richness. It was an indulgent and decadent treat for my taste buds. Knowing it was good for me, even though it tasted divinely naughty with its strong chocolate taste made it even better. Halfway down my mug I decided to squirt a little dairy free cream on the rest, and that complimented it very well too. The overall view was that it was a hot chocolate ideal for any time of the day or night, and it was ready in only a few minutes.

Orange

Well if you like orange flavours this would be the choice for you. As my mother said as she tasted hers “it’s like drinking a liquid chocolate orange”. Again a deliciously smooth feeling as you drink it, and full of flavour throughout every mouthful. It was even mentioned between us that you could make this and pour a little over ice cream or other desserts. Something we might have to try with the little bit left in our packet!

Spiced

A delicious chocolate flavour with a lightly spiced taste. It’s smooth and that hint of spices is so warming alongside the hot chocolate and its created warmth from the saucepan. This one is particularly good for this time of the year, ideal for the festive season, definitely one for adults to enjoy more so.
Although you could add portions of half original and half spiced and your children would likely love the smooth lightly spiced flavour of this hot chocolate with the rich smoothness the finished product provides.

I used my milk saucepan and almond milk to make our delicious hot chocolate drinks
Sabrina’s Serving Suggestion – Dairy Free Whipped Cream and Vegan Dark Chocolate Curls

Where Can I Buy Before Chocolate

Buy direct from Before Chocolate online. The website link below this sentence will help you to find out more and you can view the current range of products that are available to purchase as well.

The Website for Before Chocolate

Would I recommend it?

Yes I would recommend it. Not only is the hot chocolate incredible taste wise, but it is better for you than a high street or supermarket variety of hot chocolate. I would rather be putting this Cacao made version into my body than anything that has added sugars, E numbers and chemical additives in it.

Before Chocolate ingredients are actually good for you, they are delicious, it’s vegan friendly and it’s made with it’s growers in mind too – good karma! Overall it is an inviting and indulgent chocolate delight, a warming and comforting drink in the colder weather. The fact that it’s made in a way that is not harmful to your body just makes me want to drink it more, it tastes naughty and rich and yet it’s so good! It’s a win win for everyone.

Product Packaging Quality 5✩
Product Quality (Taste and Flavour) 5✩
As Advertised Online 5✩
Product Variety 5✩
Ease of Preparation 5✩

5✩ Overall I rate it 5 Stars 5✩

Thank you for reading my blog post today, I hope you have enjoyed learning about this brand and perhaps I have inspired you to try it. I also have a little video on my social media below if you’d like to watch that.

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Thank you for visiting my blog, I hope you have a wonderful day.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Indulgent, Inviting and Deliciously Rich

✩✩✩

Collaboration: I have been provided with these hot chocolate pouches from Before Chocolate in order to complete this honest product review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to showcase their fabulous brand across my platforms. I have loved taste testing them over the last few weeks and it was also nice to get my family involved as well. Thank you Before Chocolate, I have thoroughly enjoyed trying your delightful drinks and will be telling everyone I know how good they are.

All words, photography and opinions in my blog are my own, unless otherwise stated.

Please do not copy any information without my written permission but feel free to share the link to my blog with people you know if you believe this product would benefit them knowing about it.

If you have any questions or would like me to review a product for your business, please get in touch via my contact tab across the header of my blog homepage. Thank you, Sabrina.

Argos Testers August 2024 – Eufy G50 Hybrid Robot Vacuum and Mop

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Hello! I’m Sabrina! I am an Argos Tester, this means that I often get items sent to me for the purpose of an online review. I thoroughly test the products and take photographs of them before submitting my findings and honest thoughts over to Argos. Sometimes I even do a video, and these are shown on my social media channels. This latest campaign I was asked to test out a Eufy Robotic Vacuum.

#ArgosTester #ArgosTesters #ArgosTestersCommunity

I have written this review about a product that I have been supplied for free, in order to test and then review it. This is my experience with said product and it is my honest review about the product listed below. I have already submitted my review to the Argos Website, and it has been accepted on to live public view when this blog post has been published. Please see my review on this screengrab below from the Argos website. All words and photography within this article are my own.

Product Information

Name: Eugy G50 Hybrid Robot Vacuum and Mop
Measurements: Height 8.1cm Width 32.5cm Depth 32.5cm
Noise: 53 dB
Colour: Black and Blue
Connection: AC Docking Port for Charging and Bluetooth Wireless for the Vacuum Device
Charging Time: 5 Hours (to full charge)
Weight: 3.52kg
Running Time: 50 minutes to 120 minutes (depending on mode)
How To Use: Eufy App connects via your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the Vacuum, App activates modes
RRP: £200 (correct as of August 12th 2024)
Details: Featuring a 4000Pa strong suction, 600ml dust bin with an easy to remove button and slide action, along with dynamic navigation to methodically move around your home, this hoover can even go under tables and cabinets so long as they are taller than 8.1cm. Mop feature is an attachable cloth pad and a 200ml water tank to be used on wooden floors and sealed tiles. There is a detangling roller brush with a comb that removes hair, simply use the app to start the cleaning process and use the comb to remove what is left.

Product Link Argos Website

Please see my photographs below which show the product in use over several of the floors that I detailed within my product review. The eight floors and mats that I tested the Eufy G50 on are as follows;
Wooden Floor, Stone Tiled Floor, Linoleum Floor, Low Pile Rugs, Medium Pile Carpet, Medium Pile Rug, Fluffy Rug and Play Mats (Foam), as well as Runners and Door Mats.

Dust, Crumbs, Cat Fur, Human Hair, Cat Litter, Pollen, its all captured and compacted in the dust bin beneath the robot vacuum. I was very impressed.
Remove the hair by sending the device into brush cleaning mode and any remaining can be removed using the tool provided in the box, good as new ready to go again (below).

Overall I would recommend this product to anyone who is able to use the appropriate app so that it can function effectively, and especially for those who cannot do a lot of housework, whether that be a physical or a mental reason. All you need to do is make sure it is flat on the floor after being charged up and linked to your Wi-Fi and phone. Then use the app to control the vacuum, it’s simple to use with an easy diagram and large touch screen button. The cleaning function is great, and simply turn the hoover off to open the dust bin with an easy push button. I loved how easy it was to set up and use.
The product is excellent, not too noisy and I also thought the functions were fab (via the app). The only thing that was a little annoying is the 5 hours of charging time for between 50 and 120 minutes of cleaning time. This is fine if you don’t have a large house to clean, but with a maximum of 120 minutes of run time that may not be enough for larger properties. Despite that I have loved testing this Eufy G50 and he is now my friend and I shall have to name him going forward I think…

Thank you for reading this product review today, if you have any questions about this product then please let me know, I’m happy to answer them if I can, comment below. For anything else please refer to the Argos website the link to which is just above at the end of the product information.

Please check out my Instagram page for more photography and video too!

Thank you for visiting my blog today, have a great day.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Galen Leather, a Unique Collaboration with a One of a Kind Company

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I’ve been so lucky this month to be approached by Galen Leather to do a product review for them. I was excited to receive my new journal cover and notebook, and they even added in a few treats as well. Customer service is very important in any situation where an order is being placed online, however the presentation of items also needs to be taken into account. When products are being posted from another country they need to be packaged in a way that minimises damage and ensures that the items arrive in tip top condition. These needs were definitely met with my order, and I was astounded by the level of detail and the lengths to which Galen Leather made my order personal and gracious.

When I opened up the package I did not just find the journal cover beautifully boxed and bound, but I had the notebook which was sealed and brand new. As well as a fabric pencil case filled with postcards, journal stickers, a tea bag and a refreshing lemon towel, and finally a stunning leather pen holder too. I was not expecting these little extras and the gesture of that is huge. Attention to detail is important but going the extra mile, knowing your customer would be using this notebook as a journal and taking the time to choose out and send her some stickers, is high up on my appreciation scale. I would give 5✩ for the delivery, customer service and the packaging.

Opening the items up properly for the first time and inspecting them thoroughly, I found their uniqueness and quality was excellent. I would go so far as to say it’s some of the best leather goods I have ever had the pleasure of owning. You can tell they are handmade and homemade, but the intricacy of the stitching and the beauty of the craftsmanship are wonderful. I was astounded by the quality of the packaging as well, due to the presentation of the box with its ink stamped exterior and every item being leather stamped as well. I would give 5✩ for the presentation and the quality of everything I received.

When I am reviewing a product I always take several days to use the item, to test it out, to photograph it and use it as I would do if I had purchased it for myself. I was lucky that Galen Leather asked me what sort of a product I wanted to test, and I told them I would love a journal cover.

Journaling has been a creative outlet that I have only dabbled in for the last few years, but I find I am calmer in my mind when expressing myself in an artistic way, I much prefer to use words and stickers rather than painting or drawing. I use my journal for positive thoughts, memories of good things that happen, and expressing my love and joy for things and people around me. When using the Galen Leather cover and journal notebook I found the items were helping to enhance my joy. I would give the quality and the functionality of the pieces from Galen Leather 5✩. I also think it’s nice to be able to personalise your piece with ease, I have used clips and a paper flower on mine.

Finally I would like to mention the choice and the design features. There was an immense amount of choice online, and I would urge anyone who is looking to start a journaling journey to look into the Galen Leather product range. Some items are of a natural leather look and others are dyed using natural materials to give them a different colour. Either way whatever you’re looking for they have something for everyone, notebook covers, journal covers, pen holders, pencil cases, tablet holders, bags, planner covers, pouches and even phone cases. Personalisation with stamped leather attachments and even brass ones can further increase the uniqueness of your chosen piece. Handmade with care by a family run business who strive for sending out quality leather goods across the world. I would give their choices and design features 5✩.

For the purpose of this product review I was gifted the Everyday Blank A5 Notebook with Tomoe River paper, it has 400 pages. And the Leather Slim A5 Notebook/Planner Cover – Crazy Horse Ochre Honey.

Did you know that Galen Leather uses traditional leather techniques and hand stitching on their items, as well as vegetable tanning to alter the colour of the leather? Fascinating!

The Galen Leather Co Story

Galen Leather Company was established in 2012, it is a family run business, based in Istanbul in Turkey. Founded by Fikret Zeynep and named after her favourite precious stone. Their motto reads “Established to supply all nations”.

Galen Leather was established after Zeynep was diagnosed with a rare form of neck and head cancer which meant she couldn’t speak for a year following her treatment. Unable to do her previous line of work she needed something she could do at home where the correspondence would all be done via email and the internet. This is when she began looking at local sources for leather items. As a small business on the rise she soon realised the demand for such unique handmade products and wondered about making them all with her own two hands to create a unique brand.

When her brother Yusuf graduated he decided to come along on the business venture and after several months business was flourishing for the two of them. During 2013 they both learnt how to do different kinds of leather crafting and have handmade all of their goods ever since. The company has been shipping out globally since 2015 and providing high quality leather and wooden products to customers all over the world.

Sadly Zeynep passed away in July 2019, leaving the business and the legacy of Galen Leather behind for her brother Yusuf, husband Yunus and son Cagan to keep running. The family have continued in her absence and the business has grown from strength to strength in recent years.

With thousands of followers across social media and their handmade products selling out very quickly, Galen Leather is a family business who should be very pleased with the beautiful products they create for people across all nations of Earth. They are a family devoted to one another and the memory of Zeynep who I’m sure would be proud of everything they have achieved since her passing. When a business is founded on love it shows, and Galen Leather put their heart and soul into every single item that they craft and sell. Their passion for wood, stationery and leather goods has created a thriving business which is run on their love for their craft. The team have joy in what they do and I think that’s obvious when looking at the beautiful craftsmanship of each piece.

Overall I would give the products I have received and the service 5✩.

Customer Service 5✩
Delivery 5✩
Packaging 5✩
Presentation 5✩
Functionality 5✩
Design 5✩
Quality 5✩
Choice 5✩

If you would like to visit the Galen Leather website I will leave the links below. Please note that stock is always being replenished and items have a turn around time of 1-2 weeks due to them being made by hand. The quality and uniqueness is worth the wait I promise you. Get inspired below.

Slim Notebook Leather Cover in Ochre Honey LINK
All Galen Leather Slim Covers LINK
Galen Leather Website Main Page LINK
Galen Leather Notebooks LINK

Thank you for reading this product review today, hopefully you’ve enjoyed hearing about these wonderful products. Don’t forget to check out the Galen Leather website now that you’ve finished reading.

I would like to thank Galen Leather once again for choosing me to collaborate with. I have loved every minute using and testing the products. They will be used for the foreseeable future too, so watch out for them on my social media pages as I share some journal entries.

You can follow me on Social Media by searching for #SevernWishesBlog or #SevernSabrina
Alternatively click here to follow me on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube

Wishing you a day filled with positivity and joy, I hope I see you again soon!

✩ Sabrina ✩

July 2023 Treatbox UK Reveal and Review

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July has come around with its sunshine and floral blooms, the days are longer and warmer and everything seems brighter. I had eagerly waited for my delivery of a fabulous Treatbox filled with Beach themed goodies so I guessed from the Treatbox socials! As I open the box and remove the calendar print it tells me it’s time to relax with coastal bliss and carefree beach vibes. A mixture of treats and beach day items are inside including some Treatbox originals and items we have never seen before in the monthly boxes.

Thank you for joining me for this unboxing review today. If you would prefer to watch my unboxing video or would like to see it after this article then please head to any of my social media (links at the end).

What is inside the box for July 2023

July Calendar Print with a Shells Design
Treatbox Originals Packing List Card
Treatbox Originals Notepad Shell Design
Cotton Mini Bag “She Sells Sea Shells By The Sea Shore”
Gold Plated Starfish and Shell Anklet
White Leather-Look Sunglasses Case
Shell A6 Card / Print “Shell We Dance”
Shell A6 Postcard Print “Soul Full of Sunshine”
Shells on Cord Anklet / Bracelet
Craftmix Passionfruit Paloma Cocktail Mix 7g

My Opinion on this Box

What a beautiful box this month, the overall theme has been well executed throughout and every product is to a high standard, be it branded or a Treatbox original. There are also several items not yet seen before in the monthly Treatbox and this got me all excited, especially to receive items I had not yet reviewed.

My favourite items are definitely the Treatbox Original Shell design items such as the Notepad, A6 Cards and the Packing List. The shells are beautiful and really stand out across the range. Continuing on with the beach theme are the items associated with such, the anklets are both stunning in entirely different ways, a delicate gold plated chain with a starfish versus the natural shells on a cord. Very pretty and unusual too, ideal to wear during these summer months, and both to different tastes.

A glasses case is always useful to have, whether you plan to use it for regular glasses or sunglasses. Ideal for keeping in a day out bag for the summer or in your hand bag for general use.

There isn’t an item I don’t like, and I feel like we definitely got value for money in this July box. Hopefully the majority of people would have been excited by this months items like I was. With new products and a great theme it made for a well rounded box with positive beach vibes.

I look forward to making up my cocktail one evening so you’ll have to watch on my social media for that. Also keep your eyes peeled for social media updates featuring all the products from this July box.

I am now going to show you some more of my product photography that I did of each item.

Thank you for joining me for this unboxing and review today!
And don’t forget to follow me across my social media for more updates on the products as I use them.

Search #SevernWishesBlog on Google or #SevernSabrina on Instagram,
Alternatively click here to follow me on Facebook / Instagram / YouTube

If you’re thinking of subscribing to Treatbox or just to see what boxes the team have been creating lately then click the link I’ve attached here for their website TreatboxUK

Have a great July and I hope that I see you here again soon! Best wishes!

✩ Sabrina ✩

#SevernWishesBlog #TreatboxUK #ProductPhotographer #ProductReviewer
#TreatboxOriginals #Shells #SelfCare #BeachTheme #Beach #Unboxing #TreatboxPics

May 2023 Treatbox UK Reveal and Review

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Hello! I hope the sun is shining where you are! It’s me Sabrina, I’m here with the latest TreatboxUK unboxing and to bring you all my Reveal and Review for May 2023! How are we May already? April went past in a blur and I really hope the entire summer doesn’t go this fast!

Let’s get stuck in with what was inside this month! And don’t forget if you want to see my video of me unboxing this for the first time then head over to my social media (link is at the end!)

What was Inside the May 2023 Box

May Calendar Print
Sodalite Stone Star in Organza Bag
Treatbox Original Print “Important Reminders, you are loved, you are…”
Treatbox Original Print “I hope you are okay and being gentle with yourself…”
100% Cotton Zip lock Bag featuring the quote “Finding the Calm in the Chaos”
Made by Coopers Bath Salts bag Eucalyptus, Rosemary & Lavender – Vegan
Timeless Aromas Soy Wax Melts “breathe”
Blue Bow Spa Headband

1 Calendar Print, 5 items and 2 A5 Prints

My Honest Opinion of the May 2023 Box

I really liked the Calming theme of this box, overall it was executed well and I thought the products matched up nicely. I would have liked an edible or drinkable treat in here, but that’s me being picky. My personal self care involves an edible treat as well as doing things like a face mask or taking a long bath.

I really loved the Sodalite Star it’s beautiful and the properties of it are excellent. The bag is 100% cotton and from a source which is ethically produced so that’s great! I do like the positive quote cards and look forward to displaying them at home and putting them on my socials to keep spreading that positivity around for all who see them. Love the spa band as it’s soft and pretty with the bow.

I haven’t had the time to have a bath with the salts yet so watch this space and I will review that when I get round to it, and I will wear the spa band, I will put it on my social media when I do! I can’t use the wax melts sadly due to my son being very allergic to soya products, so they will go into my “gifts to friends” box to be passed on at some point in the coming months.

Overall it’s a lovely theme and a nice box of mixed calming treats for us to enjoy. Here is a photograph of my favourite items this month.

Thanks so much for joining me for this unboxing and review today! And don’t forget to follow me across social media for more updates.

Search #SevernWishesBlog on Google or #SevernSabrina on Instagram,
Alternatively click here to follow me on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube

If you’re thinking of subscribing to Treatbox or just to see what boxes the team have been creating lately then click the link I’ve attached here for their website TreatboxUK

Have a great May and enjoy those Bank Holidays! See you here again soon!

✩ Sabrina ✩

#SevernWishesBlog #TreatboxUK #ProductPhotographer #ProductReviewer
#TreatboxOriginals #Sodalite #SelfCare #CalmBox #Calming #CalmTheme

April 2023 Treatbox UK Reveal and Review

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Well here we are, halfway through April and I apologise that my product review is later than usual. Having done my video unboxing when I initially received my Treatbox in the post I was then busy with the Easter holidays and spending some much needed family time. But having this extra time before writing my review also gave me a chance however, to look at this months products in more detail.

April was a lovely Bee themed and happiness inspiring box for me. Loved it!

Let’s take a look now and remind ourselves what was inside it, I am sharing my honest opinions as always and all the photography is my own.

What was inside the April box?

Bee Themed!

April Calendar Print
Treatbox Original Bee Pin
Treatbox Original Printed Notepad Busy Bee A6
Treatbox Original Socks Bees and Hearts in honey beige
Treatbox Original A6 Print “she turned her can’t into cans & her dreams into plans”
Lapcos Honey Nourishing and Hydrating Face Mask 27ml
Tasty Mates Salted Caramel Sweets GF Vegan 54g
Bee Gold Plated Earrings with Crystal Wings

My Honest Opinion

I loved the theme this month, when you think of April you imagine rain showers or April flowers, but a Bee is a cute idea and I think of nature in abundance when I consider Bees, plus, who doesn’t love a cute little Bee?! The Bee and Honey theme was well executed throughout and I love how the Treatbox original products coordinated with each other as well.

Overall the quality of the products was excellent, we know our notepads and other Treatbox original stationery is printed to the highest quality, as are the TB original socks. I have yet to try the sweets or the face mask but that’s because I’ve had a really busy few weeks on Easter break. I have put the Bee pin on my jacket and the notepad is out on my table ready for my next list. I did find the font a little hard to read on the Print this month but perhaps I’m being picky. Did you read it okay? I will be sharing more pictures on Instagram of the products in use very soon.

My favourite items for April 2023 have been the notepad, socks, pin and earrings. I don’t usually wear jewellery in gold due to my skin complexion, however these earrings are stunning and far too nice to give away, so I hope to pair them with an outfit matching their calibre soon. Watch out for updates on my social media on all of the items you have seen revealed today.

What is your favourite item in this April box?
Here are some more of my photographs.

Thanks so much for reading this unboxing reveal and review today!

Don’t forget to follow me across social media for more updates.

Search #SevernWishesBlog on Google or #SevernSabrina on Instagram,
Alternatively click here to follow me on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Have a great April (what’s left of it) and I hope I see you here again soon!

✩ Sabrina ✩

#SevernWishesBlog #TreatboxUK #ProductPhotographer #ProductReviewer
#TreatboxOriginals #TreatboxSocks #April2023

Fantastic Quality Magnetic Weekly Whiteboard from Tesco allows you to Plan for the Week ahead with ease

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Hello and Welcome to my blog!
Today I am writing up another product review for you from a recent purchase that I really felt the need to shout about.

The Tesco Magnetic Planner Board was only £3.00 in my local Tesco Extra store. Not only is that great value for money, but it is high quality throughout. As a whiteboard it’s both easy to write on and easy to see with the contrast in white board and black pen.

Inside the cellophane you get the white board planner with the seven days of the week and space to write on the other side. You find two magnetic strips with sticky tape attached so that you can align them and stick them down to suit your needs. Having this board on the fridge in the kitchen is a great idea for keeping track of meals. But you may want to use it for appointments or children’s activities, it’s so versatile.

I bought this to be a meal planner, and was pleasantly surprised when I opened up the pen to find that not only does it write well and smooth, but it has a sponge attached on the lid part so that you can use it to rub writing out once you’re done! That means no more wasting kitchen roll towels cleaning off the board! Another big tick for me! You can also recycle the cellophane the board comes wrapped in at your local Tesco too.


Something else very useful is that the pen does have a designated stand and loop to go into at the top of the board, however there is also a magnet attached to the pen lid squared off part too! Meaning you can even have the pen anywhere on your fridge. Handy!

My final thought about this planner is how well it’s design has been thought out, it doesn’t take up too much space because it’s only 16cm wide by 23cm high. Even if you have a small kitchen like I do, it’s still ideal. The only way I would see you needing more of these would be if you had many children and you wanted to keep track of each one with multiple activities and appointments, which isn’t a bad thing at £3 a board you could get several.

As a mother who has a son with multiple food allergies I always write down the meals that we have had either together or separately because if any reactions were to occur I can refer back to the board that way. I have chosen to buy this so that I am not using as much paper, as I had previously written out my meal planners for the week on a Sunday and then clipped them to the fridge. This board is far more practical and if plans change it is easy to alter it too.

My Final Product Review Scores

Quality 5✩
Product Design 5✩
Product Cost 5✩
Features 5✩
Versatility 5✩

That’s a score of 5/5 and it means I highly recommend this product.

My TOP TIP would be to use this as a meal planner, you can also do one
board per child as an activities board, you can have one board as a family
board which looks at appointments and schedules. The list is endless but
you can decide what you would use yours for, and now thanks to me you
know where to find one!


Thank you for reading this product review today, I hope
I have inspired you to get a planner of your own.

Let me know what you would use yours for!

This product is my Monday Mum Hack for Monday 20th of February
too, why not check out my video on my Instagram.

✩ Sabrina ✩

February 2023 Treatbox Reveal and Review

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That’s it! The longest month of the year is over! Ha! Ha!

January is forgotten as we move into the new month, and February has lots of things in store for us including the arrival of Winter Flowers and the start of Spring Blooms. There is nothing I like more in Winter than a crisp sunny day, taking a walk among the snowdrops…

Well there is something I like just as much as that, and that’s opening my Treatbox! My little treat to myself, a box once a month filled with a host of items just for me!

February TreatboxUK promises to be a good one as I open up the Calendar Print so as to discover what’s inside the tissue paper. If you would prefer to watch my unboxing video than to read this post you can find it just HERE

Let’s see what was revealed for February 2023…

What’s Inside the February 2023 TreatboxUK

February Calendar Print
Treatbox Original Self Care Cards Set x 9
Treatbox Original Heart Print Lilac Socks
Treatbox Original Keyring Lilac & Pink “what a good day to be proud of how far you have come”
Caramel, Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Popcorn from Popcorn Shed “Berry-Licious” 24g GF
Cocoba “Eat Drink Love” Chocolate Spoon with Marshmallow Hearts 50g
Miss Patisserie Bath Slab in Watermelon Scent 200g Vegan

My Honest Opinion on the Box

February 2023 from TreatboxUK is an uplifting and positivity filled box of treats. We once again received a mixture, so we have an item to eat, an item to make into a drink, something we can keep, something to wear, something to use and something that gives us a positive boost.

I really love the smell of the Watermelon Bath Slab, I haven’t had the time to open it and run myself a bath as yet! But the smell is so lovely it’s on my dining table making the room smell so nice for now! I also look forward to enjoying the hot chocolate spoon, but this is something I can only have when my son is away at his Dad’s due to all of his allergies, I shall be able to enjoy it later this month! And I will post it on my Instagram when I finally do!

We also have the Popcorn which sounds like the TASTIEST flavours ever! I am saving this for Valentine’s Day because (as a single mum) I need something tasty to devour once my little boy is in bed! I’m excited! Raspberry and Dark Chocolate are a winning combination but to also pair it with Caramel… You’re looking at the woman who always keeps Toffee Popcorn in her cupboard so yes, cannot wait! Great choice!

The keyring and it’s quote are uplifting and we also see the theme repeated between this and the socks, the lilac and pink colour scheme. Speaking of sock… so soft and the usual TreatboxUK quality that we have come to know and love! Most days I am wearing a pair of TreatboxUK socks now, as I own more than a weeks worth. They wash and wear brilliantly! Highly recommend them if you ever build a box on the website for anyone definitely add in socks!

Finally we have the TreatboxUK Original items, the Calendar Print and the Self Care Cards. I’m going to be sharing more photo’s of these cards on my social media during the month, some are very poignant like “Stop being so hard on yourself” and “If today was heavy put it down and let it go”. Both are just some of the excellent meaningful quotes and phrases in this pile of 9 cards. You could choose one at random every day to read, or you could pop them around your home so you see them while doing things. Either way they are important acknowledgments about how busy our lives can get, and how stressful things can be, that we all should love ourselves a little bit more and take some time for self care.

Overall I have enjoyed unboxing this February 2023 box and I look forward to consuming and using all of the products that were inside. Hopefully you’ll be able to see more of them on my social media as the weeks of the month progress. I think my favourite item is going to be the popcorn, I hope it’s as tasty as it sounds, and of course I adore the socks.

Thank you for reading this unboxing blog post today, I hope you have enjoyed it.

Don’t forget to follow me across social media for more updates and individual
product reviews as well as witnessing these items I just told you all about in use too. I like to do mini reviews when I can on my socials.

Search #SevernWishesBlog on Google or #SevernSabrina on Instagram
Alternatively click here to follow me on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Have a great February! See you again soon!

✩ Sabrina ✩

January 2023 Treatbox Reveal and Review

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The brand new year has begun and the first Treatbox UK box of 2023 landed on my doorstep. I had a few days off over New Year spent with my family, and then I began blogging again at the end of the first week of January. This is why this post is a little later than I would usually do them, however I needed a much deserved rest, and less hours looking at my screens.
I hope your year has started off well! Thank you for joining me today!

So let’s get on to this unboxing! I was hoping for some of the usual “start of the year” items in this box, such as a Journal or Calendar or a Planner, and I also hoped for the possibility of new things that we had not yet seen as well!

And guess what? I wasn’t disappointed! If you would prefer to watch my unboxing video, then you can find that by clicking here… otherwise please continue as I unbox the January 2023 Treatbox!

What was inside the January box?

January 2023 Monthly Calendar Print
2023 Treatbox Original Bound Calendar
Sheet of Stickers for Organising and Reminding
Treatbox Original A5 Print “The new year stands before us…”
Treatbox Original Notebook “Notes” – Blank White Pages
Stationery Pen – Colour Picked at Random – I received a White Pen
Pink Iced Shortbread Biscuit “You Got This”
Pink Velvet Hair Scrunchie

Let us now take a closer look at the products that were inside for January 2023.

What is my Honest Opinion

A lovely box with a well thought out design this month, the dusky pink throughout and a theme of moving forward with the start of the new year. A mix of organisation items and Treatbox original stationery, combined with some treats with the biscuit to eat and the scrunchie to wear.

The Calendar is of excellent quality and I have created a cardboard stand for mine to stand up on my desk, so that I’m able to keep track of everything with ease as the weeks go on. (See image below).
My favourite items are the Calendar, Stickers and the Scrunchie, but all of the items this month are useful and of good product quality. I also like the positive quote on the print this month too, because I personally (as a writer) do see every new year as new chapters ready to be written.

To see the Treatbox UK products in use please follow me on social media as they will feature regularly all month in my photographs and videos. This January box has been a lovely start to the year, and I look forward to the next box in February.

Thank you for reading this unboxing blog post, I hope you have a lovely January.

Don’t forget to follow me on my social media for more updates and individual
product reviews as well as witnessing these items I just told you all about in use too.

Search #SevernWishesBlog on Google or #SevernSabrina on Instagram
Alternatively click here to follow on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Have a great weekend!

✩ Sabrina ✩

The Best of Treatbox UK for 2022

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A Look Back at the Treatbox Monthly Subscription Boxes for 2022…

Treatbox UK is a subscription box and gift service in the United Kingdom that have some incredible products including in house originals. I have been subscribed to the Treatbox monthly box service since April 2016, and both the boxes and my Review skills have improved vastly since those initial days! I have also introduced a monthly video unboxing to my social media too.

Over the years I have been subscribed there have been some excellently executed themes and some stand alone boxes that made my heart sing with joy when opening them. After so many years of reviewing, I realised that I had never looked back on a year and blogged about it, so I thought why not start with December 2022 and look back at this year.

There have been several stand out boxes this past year, of course my opinion may differ to others, so I thought I would write a blog post and revisit all of the boxes of 2022 and tell you which my top four are and why. I will also mention my favourite item in each box of the year too. So without further ado lets take a quick look, in a photographic sense, of the twelve boxes from this year.

December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

My Top 4 Boxes

The boxes that I think have been the best overall for both product quality and theme have been the November, October, May and March boxes.
The items were a good mix in these four boxes and I have either worn or used the products multiple times since receiving them.
I love receiving products that we have not seen before, and during 2021 we saw too many of similar items duplicated. However 2022 introduced new things, and new Treatbox originals such as Prints, Keyrings, Pins and Stationery. There were also several brand collaborations this year, such as the Craft Kits with Make Arcade and Socks too!
I would say that overall the boxes of 2022 have been excellent quality, well rounded and a good mixture of products throughout the year with very few duplications.

My Top Products of the Year

December Box – Reindeer Socks / Hanging Decoration
November Box – Coaster / Bookmark / Pin / Cards
October Box – Autumn Socks / Pumpkin Craft Kit
September Box – Shell Trinket Dish / Pen / Notepads
August Box – Recipe Journal / Adult Colouring Sheets
July Box – Smile Socks / Handcream
June Box – Monthly Planner / Bracelet
May Box – Mindfulness Cards / Journal / Quartz Moon
April Box – Craft Kit Umbrella / Socks / Shopping List Pad
March Box – Silver Daisy Earrings / Pin
February Box – Heart Pink Socks / Bag
January Box – Amazonite Bracelet / Bookmark

There is a theme here, I love the socks that come in Treatbox, and I am a huge fan of the Stationery, Planners and Notebooks and the like too. Anything that allows me to be Creative is also a winner for me.

What Do I Hope To See in Treatbox UK in 2023

There are a few items that I would love to see stay inside Treatbox for 2023, these include more Craft Kits, different Self Care items and an edible item in every box (preferably Vegan). We don’t always get something to eat, but even if it were a single wrapped piece of chocolate, or a sweet, it would still be edible. As I have said in my unboxing videos a few times this year, I like to have the following;

Something to Keep, Something to Use, Something to Do, Something for Self Care, Something to Wear, Something to Eat, Something to Drink, Something to Gift and Something to Appreciate.

Do you like my motto? I believe that this is what I personally would like to see every month. I realise there are 9 thing in my motto, Treatbox contains anything from 6 to 10 items depending upon their value. Most of this year we have seen 8 items in a box.

What I love most from Treatbox are the Positive aspects, Socks, Scarves, Stationery and Craft Kits, so I would be more than happy to receive these items inside future boxes. Other items I would like to see in the coming boxes would be things like Emery Boards, Nail Art or Skin Art such as Tattoo’s or Stickers.
A yearly planner inside a box is also a great thing, I am not so much into diary writing these days but I journal and keep a weekly planner, as well as a monthly house calendar (so we know what is what). Useful items are the key to making boxes great, because they last far longer than the edible or drinkable item, we need a good mixture of items of singular use and enjoyment versus an item used all month long and beyond.

So in summary, more of the same like this year, a great variety and high quality items, interesting themes and of course the usual Treatbox original staples like the socks and stationery!

June box Planner

Thank you for reading this blog post today, sorry it’s a long one! And I do hope that you have enjoyed looking back at a whole year worth of Treatbox UK with me.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year, I cannot believe this is my final blog post of 2022 (or it would have been as I couldn’t submit it live as the website had issues) and I cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store! Hopefully more boxes and more product reviews! I also have some lifestyle things in the pipeline as well.

Have a great New Year!

✩✩✩

Don’t forget to follow me on my social media for more updates and individual
product reviews as well as witnessing the items in use too.
Search #SevernSabrina or #SevernWishesBlog

✩ Sabrina ✩