My Summer Vibes box - June edition

So its that part of the month where "My little box" arrives. I get very excited and always wonder what french influenced goodies will be inside. Its called Summer vibe's this month, so a proper welcome for summer and the beautiful sunshine.

About : My Little Box is a hand-picked and beautifully designed box of fashion, beauty and lifestyle surprises. With accessories, products and other goodies created exclusively for you and based around a different theme every month, each box promises to delight the lucky recipient.

Content's : 

- A5 inspirational card 

- My Beauty bag {Waterproof Bikini bag}

- "Girls just wanna have Sun" T-Shirt

- My beauty box magazine 

- My little beauty beach hairspray, Too faced Glitter glue sample, Ciate mini Nail polish, Kusmi Tea

- My beauty box magazine 

As always the feature magazine from My little box. This has a summery front cover which also model's the T-shirt's included within the box. 

- A4 decorative card 

Again numerous item's illustrated in regards to summer and the beach. All these item's are classic thing's you would take to the beach, it has a handy tick box so you wont forget anything. 

- My Beauty bag {Waterproof Bikini bag}

This beauty bag is very Summery but the main difference, its waterproof instead of the monthly fabric bag. It says on it that its for Bikini's or swimwear after being used, so all your bag's content's remain protected from wet swimwear. 

- My little beauty beach hairspray, Too faced Glitter glue sample, Ciate mini Nail polish, Kusmi Tea

The My little beauty this month have given us a hair product, in the form of a beach hairspray. So i suspect its like a salt spray to give your hair that beach texture and appearance. 

The next sample is by Too faced and its one of the eye "primers", this is the glitter glue. Ive always wanted to try this as i have many pigment's that need a sticky base so this will be perfect. So happy to have this as a sample.

Ciate polish is really a great formula and these mini's are great for on the go. I have this colour already and would have loved a bright colour for summer, as this seem's like a very fall colour with muted tones. 

This tea is not what it seem's, its to make a litre of iced fruit tea. Hibiscus and berries is a fantastic flavour and a brilliant jug of refreshing beverage for this hot summer. I Suggest a big tumbler filled with this tea, cool and then add Ice with mint leaves and fresh fruit. (Allow tea to cool, or fruit will fall apart).

- "Girls just wanna have Sun" T-Shirt

This is not really a T-shirt on opening fully, its very much a tank top design and exactly as shown on the magazine. Really soft and well made T-shirt, slightly bigger size but its nice for summer then have it stick to me. Also slightly see through so I recommend either nude or a white bra for this top. 

Overall review

So this month I must say is beyond better then last month and improved upon the selection of beauty products. Im so happy with this month and I can use all the item's available within the box. Fantastic and back to its best, so im going to enjoy the hibiscus tea and give my skin some well needed sun rays. 

Dolce Vita - My little box : May edition

So its that part of the month where "My little box" arrives. I get very excited and always wonder what french influenced goodies will be inside. Its called Diva Vita this month, so an italian summer theme. 

About : My Little Box is a hand-picked and beautifully designed box of fashion, beauty and lifestyle surprises. With accessories, products and other goodies created exclusively for you and based around a different theme every month, each box promises to delight the lucky recipient.

Content's

- Beauty bag 

{Body oil, Perfume, Sun lotion}

- Green coloured Turban

- Leaf ring 

- Magazine 

- A4 decorative card 

- My little box Magazine 

As always the feature magazine from my little box. This has a pasta scene, for this italian themed box. 

- A4 decorative card 

Again numerous item's illustrated with the italian name inscribed next to it. All these item's are classic thing's you will experience in italy. 

- Gold plated "Leaf ring" 

This beautiful ring is really to my taste, I love all kind's of jewellery. I really love ring's and even though this is gold plated, it's petite and unique.I think this is my favourite item in the box this month. 

- Beauty bag {Body oil, Perfume, Sun lotion}

The beauty bag this month has a very summery feeling. Featuring a beautifully scented Jasmin body oil by Baija, its presented in a chic glass bottle stunning for any vanity unit. 

The next item is a perfume automiser with a lovely fresh scent of summery blossom's. Almost like when the flowers are just releasing there scent, the woodland is the undertone bringing it all together. Its ideal for your handbag but it is glass, so i would recommend a hard-case for travel. 

The last item from "My little beauty" is a cream sun lotion. Its a really generous size with a lovely consistancy that is light and absorbs easily. 

- Green coloured Turban

I love the colour of this turban headband and the detail's on the back of the box for more use's. It's great that I can utilise the hairband over the summer. It's well made and look's like it will last a good while. It's truly beautiful. 

Overall view

I love to try new item's and brand's, yet this month again felt like something was missing from this box. 

The beauty bag really I felt could have just had the perfume or oil and then added another more summery product. As these two item's are perfumed so why not have a little colour in there, instead of always skincare item's. I have so much skincare and its why I mainly leave a box due to lack of beauty sample imagination. Its summer and yes skincare is important, I cant help feel the oil should be in a box whilst summer is in full flow when we are all a little more sunkissed. 

The "my little beauty" own brand of products, It's again a cream. I get the sun theme but Ive seen other product's, id love to experience rather then endless cream off "My little beauty". The beauty bags are just so underwhelming as there are no new brand's, plus it would be nice to see more unique and also french brands plus some makeup. Im not sure if its me expecting too much but I seem to have hit a empass with "My little beauty", stay just for the unique lifestyle or unsubscribe as im wasting money on endless beauty item's I really wont use ?  It's so hard as Ive seen my little box at its best. Again this month was not very wow for me and I maybe on my final stretch with subscribing. 

What did you think ? 

Any other boxes I should keep my eye out for ? 

Ihearthomes - April edition

Ihearthomes website

That amazing time of the month again when ihearthome's happymail arrive's through the letterbox. This subscription box comes in 3 seperate value's of choice, My happy-mail is the second tier value box. Im so excited as ihearthomes is definitely a favourite subscription box of mine.

About : ihearthome's are passionate and a little excitable about all things home. We have always loved making that house into a home and love gorgeous items that really make the difference. From quirky wooden signs to romantic rustic hanging hearts, we love all the items we sell. We have beautiful wedding decorations and gifts, stunning children's items, heart warming hearts, gorgeous signs and plaques. Take a look around the site and see what takes your fancy.  Don't forget to come back again, as we are always looking to add new items.

Content's : 

Inspirational quote A5 print

Absolutely fabulous ring dish

Canvas sunglasses case 

Canvas zip purse 

Microfibre cleaning cloth

"Diva" Luggage tag

Glass nail file in holder

Chunky wooden freestand sign

- Canvas sunglasses case 

These canvas bags for your sunglasses (or glasses). I love the sunglasses canvas as I easily just will put them in my bag, which leaves them so open to scratches and breakage. Perfect for spring and summer approaching. 

- Canvas zip purse 

The zip purse could be used for money, makeup or smaller items you may wish protected in your bag. The quote is really something I would say and live by. Im all for the simple pleasures in life to make you happy. Decent size zip purse with adequate space for many essential item's. 

- Diva" Luggage tag

Wow vibrant and so sparkly. This luggage tag with the sunglasses is fantastic. As the box was so black,white upon opening. My eyes diverted to this straight away and the quality fantastic, being of a study material. I love the strap is a traditional one, the buckle gives it character. Vibrant and a functional item, i really love this.

- Microfibre cleaning cloth

This is something ive needed and alway's mean to purchase. My glasses i clean every morning as part of routine. So im glad i have a cloth which is a bit more attractive to bring out in public then a little blue cloth.

- Glass nail file in holder

I have a glass nail file and holder which has always been reliable, so to have a second is brilliant as I can take one in my travel bag now. 

- Chunky wooden freestand sign

The sign is a square wooden block which is very well made and a fair weight. Painted well and high quality decorative item that im proud to have on my vanity unit.

- Absolutely fabulous ring dish

Now this is beautiful addition to anyone's vanity table. It's a dish of high quality and its golden lettering with detail. It's my favourite item within the box, its given me a place to put my smaller jewellery without risk of loss. 

This month's box is full of high quality chic item's, fitting the being fabulous quote on the inspirational card. You have the canvas bags to keep any glasses you have safe within your hand/travel bag. Also the other bag to bring any keepsake or makeup you may wish to take with you. The homeware's are beautiful for your vanity, plus have uplifting message's for each morning as you awaken. I definitely love this month's edition and it just get's better as the month's pass. 

Colour portrait Studio - Essie Spring 2016 Collection

Essie are throwing the most fantastic competition alongside the famous photographer Rankin, via a Colour portrait Studio. Join in and see if your nail art can secure you a place at this amazing event on May 17th in London. 

Colour Portrait studio 

This Spring, nail salon expert Essie and photographer Rankin are partnering to celebrate beautifully painted nails. Designed to bring confidence to women every day, the incredible nail colour range  is at the heart of the Colour Portrait Studio, opening for one day only on Tuesday 17th May at a secret Central London location. Attendees will be treated like VIPs from start to finish, nails polished by essie manicurists and their hair plus make-up professionally done. 

Competition 

Essie is offering everyone the chance to secure a place and be polished and snapped like a star. This unique opportunity will be open until the 28th April. Attendees will leave with their very own colour portrait by Rankin starring their beautiful essie nails. 

To enter the competition, simply follow essie on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and upload your best nail selfie using #essiexrankin and @essieuk for your chance to win. 

Ahead of the once-in-a-lifetime photo shoot with Rankin. Rankin comments; “Colour plays an important role in my photography, as does making the subject feel confident in front of the camera. The Colour Portrait Studio with essie is the ultimate expression of both of these. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on the day; we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Essie : Spring Collection 2016

Perfectly timed as we say goodbye to  winter, Essie has released their limited edition Spring 2016 Collection. Featuring six light and bright beautiful shades, that will play a starring role at the Colour Portrait Studio, each one is a little ray of sunshine in a bottle. 

Colour's available: 

- High class affair : Described as an amorous blush nude

- Lounge lover : Pretty pink peach 

- Sunshine state of mind : Blazing coral 

- Off tropic : Lush grove Green

- Pool side service : Cerulean blue

- Shade's On : Mysterious deep Violet 

I must admit the colour "High class affair" I was not expecting much, as it is such a pale colour. However it was amazingly opaque on the first layer and by the second, was ready for the top coat. Im glad I finally have a nude colour that I can rely on, it gives me a lovely base to set against more paler colours. The colour "Off tropic" is a deep green, in paradise it would be equivalent too banana leaf's. I love green polish and all shade's available, so this is the perfect base to some spring glints of glitter. I do so love "Shade's On" with its deep purple tone's, yet almost pastel but not quite. I find this such a beautiful all round colour not only for spring but seasonally universal.  

They are beautiful not only to apply, yet opaque and stunning in person. This formula is amazing and whilst ive never had a bad experience with Essie polish, these colour's certainly are of the highest standard. These 6 limited edition shade's are described as a "Sunshine escape and a slice of colourful paradise". I can't disagree with the statement, im excited to purchase the other 3 in this collection. 

- Essie Spring 2016 Collection

RRP £7.99 *Price is set at retailer's discretion. They will be available in Superdrug, Boots, and online  from 13th April – 30th May 2016

Entry to the Colour Portrait Studio closes on the 28th April, for full terms and conditions visit essie.co.uk

Surprise box club - April edition

Surprise box club

This is my first month of using this subscription box. I'm really excited as I hate to be bored. Ive just got my passion back for writing and now im hoping this will show me new ways of crafting. 

About : Welcome to Surprise Box Club – an exciting subscription box club for crafters and wannabe crafters. Join and every month you receive a fantastic box of crafting goodies delivered straight to your door. In every box there is an exclusive jewellery kit and craft kit for you to make up and impress your friends.There are written instructions or links to video clips so that we can do the crafts together.

And there’s more you will build up a collection of jewellery pliers, in month 3 you will receive your charm bracelet kit and one charm (after this you will find a new charm in every box) and I have lots of other exciting surprises throughout the year just to make sure that this really is ‘Happy Mail’.

- Tassel necklace kit 

Have fun making this tassel and choose your necklace length to suit your style.

Video tutorial: 

http://www.surpriseboxclub.com/april-box-tassel-necklace/

Contents included are for a tassel necklace and also some paper pompom's. If this is your first box then you will also recieve 3 pliar's which builds up each month to become a full set. Then in box 3 youll start to be able to make your own charm bracelet, with charms added in every box following. 

So in making the tassel Necklace I followed the written instructions,to see if I could do this and how easy its explained. It was very well explained and I managed to make my necklace without having to refer to the video. I found this was a really therapeutic crafting exercise. I did find some parts fiddly, as I have less strength in one hand too hold the pliar's.

My finished necklace 

However I managed it and was really a great feeling when i had made it. I was so happy with the finished necklace and I have enough chain to make a matching tassel bracelet. I just need to get another clasp set for this which is a small price to pay. 

- Pompom decorations 

Bright & impressive pompoms. Great as a party decoration or simply to add a splash of colour and fun to a room.

Video tutorial:

http://www.surpriseboxclub.com/april-box-tissue-paper-pompoms/

My finished pompom

This was a easy craft to do, I made mine  a pink/white tissue paper mix. I felt the colours would pop more, also would go great with just purely pink or white if being made for a party. The main tip given which is important and noted on the sheet, is to go slow when separating the layers of tissue. Some did slightly tear and it was fine as they do add dimension if not perfectly tipped. Some looked thinner which made it more believable as a pompom. I would say that if your wanting to hang these then after your knot around the paper, then add your hanging string. As it would be such a pain when all fanned out to try and thread a string plus the tissue will rip to shreads. 

My thought's on this month's box 
I really enjoyed this box. The crafting was amazing for me, I found an amazing joy and reward in making something myself. Ive always loved making item's but never tried jewellery, as I didnt think i had the skill's. I guess Triinu is right in that she can teach anyone interested in this field of crafting. I took a few bits of felt to make something beautiful and felt accomplished in doing so. The pompom's are fun and I can see myself helping teach others to make these for event's. Just what a pleasure this box is, im loving it and cant thank Triinu enough for allowing me to review for "Surprise box club". 

More about the boxes creator : 

My name is Triinu and I’m passionate about sharing my crafting skills.I originally trained as a silversmith and jeweller and over the years have branched out into many other crafts. 

I set up Surprise Box Club because I love teaching and helping other people craft fabulous creations. Crafting is a fantastic way to de-stress, relax and to generally feel good about yourself and your achievements. It can also be a great way to bond with your new friends. Sending you happy thoughts, happy crafting and happy mail.

Triinu xxx

Prudence and Crow : April edition (Classic fiction choice)

Prudence and Crow Website UK

I really love book's and I am so happy that I found this subscription box. I love the classic literature and want to expand my collection. Im so excited for this subscription each month. 

About : We are Prudence and the Crow, otherwise known as Abigail Shaw and Peggy Seymour, both from London. We love books. We have been working together online for sixteen years and believe wholeheartedly in the power of the internet to enable the greatest geekery and most joyful post. You may well have encountered us in the past in the guise of Mymble's Minion and The Mymble's Daughter.

We wanted a subscription service that would send us an amazing vintage paperback book every month along with added fun and surprises. There wasn't one so we made one. Our aim is to share our love of the content and aesthetic of previously loved paperback books with likeminded people from all over the world. Starting on the 13th of every month we send out exciting book boxes to our wonderful subscribers containing a vintage paperback book, a handmade book bag, a library card to catalogue their growing collection and added surprises. 

April's Edition 2016

Content's : 

- Vintage book 

- Book bag

- Provisions envelope (Includes 2 Pukka tea's and 2 Moam sweet's)

- Vintage treat's (Includes Art postcard with reading list, 3 stamps, Penny and library card number) 

This amazingly decorated envelope arrived with my first subscription and contained another envelope inside.

This next envelope is decorated and has handwritten the content's were specifically picked for you. (Pictured as above). 

Vintage book & Book bag

This book is so amazingly presented and I have not got this edition either, so its fantastic to have a good book to read. Its been picked via the option's I chose when I subscribed. So you can pick what interest's you the most. I love that the book bag will protect my book, so I can take it in my bag with no fear of it becoming damaged. 

Vintage treat's : Art postcard & Penny 

This postcard is gothic art which I love and the book list on the back makes it great. I love finding new books to read and this list helps me find one's I may love. The penny included is in a collecting packaging to protect the coin. It has a saying on how pennies are used, I believe that sending a new purse as a gift you should include a coin. Its a little tradition of luck i have. So this is just amazing and truly a well picked item for me.

Vintage treat's : 3 stamps

The bag that all the items are in is a orange striped paper bag, with a star sticker to keep all the items within the bag. I love collecting items that i can use in my scrapbook or planner. The space and flower stamp's are beautiful and unique, I will be adding these to my scrapbook as collecting items. The space card is very unique and I do love sci-fi items and watch it on tv. So its great that I have a mix of classic fiction and sci-fi in my subscription. 

Vintage treat's : Art postcard with reading list & library card number

The library card shows the edition number of the month and can be used as a bookmark. Also loving the list books that is on the back of my postcard. 

Provisions envelope (Includes 2 Pukka tea's and 2 Moam sweet's)

This was the biggest surprise as its so clever and true, I love to have a calming cup of tea whilst reading. Plus having a sweet is a treat, as I do love to read during the day and the evening. This is a lovely treat that I wasn't expecting. 

So overall, I love my new subscription to Prudence and crow. It gives me a new book every month and extra's which are hand picked. It feel's so personal to me and my passion's. Im loving that im finding new a exciting, unique subscription boxes.