Shoplet review - Lever Arch File and Medium Storage Box

Excuse the slightly blurry photo, please see the links for a decent one :)
So Shoplet send me a box of goodies which included this, it looks like a normal folder and it certainly does what it says on the packet but this folder is super strong, super sturdy and holds pretty much anything to can make 2 holes on, I've used folders like this in the past but found the folder moves and causes the paper to get crumpled up at the bottom but this one doesn't, it's so strong.

 

The inside is the strong metal kind instead of the usual cheap plastic you see for sale in superstores, it's easy to use with a simple lever system and a strong clip to hold pages in place but it's also not too strong that it snaps together and you risk a finger in the process.

 

Find yours here:

 Blue Lever Arch File

 

 

 

 

  The good folks at Shoplet also sent over this little beauty, don't let it's flat pack style mislead you to thinking it can't be sturdy because I've been in and out of this box so many times over the last 2 weeks and it hasn't once shown any signs of coming undone.

 

 

It's a simple click together process and once it's up it isn't coming down again without some force :)

It's a lovely vibrant colour and a handle size to store almost anything from crafts and cards to important papers or even trinkets.

 

 

We have so much family that I opted to use mine for our Christmas cards, I find often over the coming weeks they get moved, lost and sometimes crumpled so this is perfect, once the cards are gone i'll keep all our paper craft stuff in to keep it need and safe, the lid is really strong so I have no qualms about storing things on top of it or under it.

 

Find them here: Pink Storage box

Find more great items here: www.shoplet.co.uk

 

 

TJ x

 

 

Well.....

The last 2 months have been hectic, so many birthdays, a wedding, Christmas shopping, wrapping, card writing, new home improvements, basically we've only just managed to get a new computer and get online between all of the above but I'm back :)
Finally things have calmed down and we're all back in a normal routine and since I pre-plan most things Christmas is pretty much sorted for us so expect lots of updates and more regular posting.

I hope your all ready for the holidays and new year celebrations :)

TJ xx

Loom bands by rainbow braid

You may think the looming time has come to an end, actually it's just begining, more and more mums are getting together for coffee and looming, kids are having loom parties and loom sleepovers and some of us just like the bit of us time away from the hussle and bussle of day to day life to make something that matches tomorrows outfit.

Rainbow braid were kind enough to send me a 5400 refill pack during the school holidays and me, my daughter, my friend and her daughter all got together for a girl afternoon of looming, it was fun that we could all be involved and it wasn't important what level of looming we could manage.

This is what we managed to create from the pack i was sent and as you can see i still have some left that i just haven't got around to using up yet.
Of all the bands sent, 2 snapped, now normally from a £1 pack from anywhere i get at least 3-4 that snap but these are super stretchy and don't go weak even when reused, they worked on 3 types of loom and weren't too stiff to shape into any style.

We started off with basic fishtails which most people start with and are so easy to mix and match

43 bracelets later and we moved onto some different styles, 

The rose fishtails are really easy once you've done it once so they are a great mix for girls to play around with

Starbursts are time consuming but really easy and if you drop a loom it's so easy to pick back up again 

These are hex and flat hex bracelets, they took us around 45 minutes each and are definitely not the easiest to get the hang of but they are so pretty and really sturdy especially for the school playground when they get swapped and changed

And last we made bow rings which are much easier than they look and a lovely change from a normal band, the girls love them and i do too :)

If you want to know how to make any of the styles above drop me a message and i'll give you the video links.

I won't be going back to the £1 packs from markets and small shops after using these, the quality was far better and longevity just proves that bulk buying can really work out better in the long run.

Now we've nearly used all the bands up the girls want to start working on Frozen characters and other little charms they can attached to bags, coats and put around the bedrooms so i'm really excited to help out where they'll let me. 

Beauty Box reviews

This month i received both GlossyBox and BirchBox, my BB was again left on the doorstep but thankfully no one decided to steal it this time.

I have stuck with BB simply because it seems a fairly good way of finding out which products not to buy, Of the selection this month there are only 2 i'd use however, I've found they are great for reusing the boxes and putting all the larger samples together for girly Christmas boxes....or in my case, hen girl boxes. If you can spare the cash and want to get something new and unheard of every month then BB is great for that but for high end, larger samples i'd look at wantable or similar.

 Skin and co aren't a company i've come across before, i've not heard of truffles being used in face products but this has good reviews and goes on quite nice, it's not a life changer but a pleasant surprise, the sample isn't very big and it's expensive to buy full size but it's a nice luxury treat.

Korres is a company i know about through beauty boxes, it's also the same product just a different scent that i've had before and i don't like it much, the bottle is ideal for swimming but i don't find the gel lathers much, the scent is a little too much and it's very sticky, again great for christmas boxes because someone will like it i'm sure.

Benefit is a company most ladies have heard of, sadly it's not a favorite of mine, i want to love it but after trying a few products they are just a little too rich and too ingredient heavy which my skin doesn't agree with, the cream smells nice and did leave my eye area nice and soft but i found after 2 days use face got a little red and blotchy, don't let me put you off, give it a go yourself, i just have very sensitive skin. 

A lip gloss is pretty much just a lip gloss regardless of brand, model co make some lovely product that aren't too expensive and offer a good colour range but i'm just not much of a lip gloss girl, especially now the wind is taking over and my hair plasters itself to my face.

Another company i've not yet come across so well done BB for keeping my mind open, however i just do not get on with oils, many ladies swear by them so this product may be the bee's knees, i'm just not willing to try and find out, my hair is huge, damaged and gets greasy really quick and it hates oils :(

I love little food items in the boxes it's a great way to try something you would never normally try, dried fruit is very good for you and you've not had to waste any money trying it if you don't like it but i don't eat dried fruit, or mango's so these went into the bin, it's a shame as i'd love to be given an option so i can choose something i might like to try.

And lastly, the birchbox item, i love these little gifts, my daughter puts them all to good use :)

All in all, not my best box or my worst, it sounds pretty negative but there will always be months where it just wasn't for you and those that are right up your street.

News flash, Glossy box restores faith with free box and keep custom :)

This month was my first free box and i wasn't looking forward to it.

First i loved the box design.

Then this little tub came into view, it smells great, it's silky soft and although my hair doesn't like oils  this is more of a creamy mask and left me with smooth hair, it's a great product and affordable which makes a nice change.

Nails inc use to be big in my nail collection but sadly i don't find it lasts all that long on my nails unlike other brands so i've put it in a girly box for a friend who likes to experiment, i tried it on one nail and it seems to do the job but it scratches off easily, it's a good choice since i now know that it isn't for me without having to buy it.

Another Model co product, thankfully different to my other box, it's too greyish for my brows and i didn't find it easy to apply, the biggest downside for me was it's a little like mascara and left my brows hard and tough to wipe out but again not something i'd of though of buying so they are keeping us trying new things with this.

Ultrasun is a brand my parents swear by, they've used it for a long time and my mum gave me a tube this year, its goes on easy, it's thick and i can apply my make up over it without streaks, it's more expensive than i'd normally go for but it's nice to see a high end brand in a beauty box.

Lastly was these sample packets, i really don't like packets, there's always too much for one use but by the second use they've dried out or run all over my make up draws, 'acid peel' doesn't sound face friendly and i was concerned about trying it on sensative skin so i've not got around to trying these out yet but if anyone else has please let me know how you got on.

TJ x

August in's

Savvy Circle gave out Pantene Expert samples of the new age defy shampoo and conditioner that's been released and those how entered got an email explaining they would rather send full sized bottles out and so i now have one of each to try, if you aren't a member i suggest joining up, they have some great freebies on offer most weeks.

My Glossy box this month wasn't anything exciting, a perfume sample by Lalique, a mascara by Essence, a glossybox own highlighter, a tiny bottle of nail polish from yves rocher and a mango and mandarin hand cream by figs and rouge. As you can see from my write up none of these were anything special and i suspect before christmas i'll be unsubscribing.

I'd love to share by BirchBox with you guys however it was carelessly left by my door and it looks like someone decided to help themselves and throw the empty box back into my garden, I've contacted BB but have yet to receive a new box.

TJ x

August outs

This month has run away with me and with an impending house move, wedding and school start i can't seem to find the time to post often but i'll get there if you all bare with me :)

This month i managed a few use ups so i'm pleased my stash is going down

Original source - cranberry and honey daily scrub, i love a deep scrub and this didn't skimp on the seeds so i'd definitly buy more if i didn't have so many to use, it has a lovely but not over powering scent and i enjoyed using it.

Wilkos sweet vanilla and honey bath, this was too sickly sweet for me, i love vanilla but the honey was too rich and i was glad to be done with it, i'd use other wilkos foam bath products without hesitation i just know not to repurchase this one.

Avon Advance Techniques salon therapy for dry and damaged hair, i've found using this like a hair mask is the way forward when i run out however i don't tend to buy it because i have family that work for avon so i know christmas will bring more soon enough.

Laura Mercier body souffle - vanilla, this is an amazing cream, the texture, smell and longtevity it fantastic, sadly it was a Beauty box gift and i don't have the kind of budget that stretches to this product but i'd relish it in another box.

Monuspa - ginger bath and body oil, i'm not a fan of ginger and this was quite strong but my partner noticed it and really liked it so i'd consider repurchasing for that reason alone. It left my skin smooth and soft without the greasy after feel oils tend to give.

La Roche Posay - redermic anti aging cream, i didn't see any effects from using this, it was a lovely texture and a great freebie however i wouldn't purchase it again because i have other favourites from LRP that i'd sooner spend my money on.

I also used up a soap bar and my first every empty nail varnish remover bottle was thrown away today so it's been an alright month for use ups.

Next month i'll be back on form and posting posts through out the month instead of several in a day :)

TJ x

Have a great bank holiday! x

July Ins

This month is as much lifestyle as it is beauty and quite a few samples are in the post on the way.

Its a great month for samples and reviews so i'm going to try and fit as many items into each post as possible.

Let's kick things off with.....Lenor Unstoppables, these beauties were sent to me courtesy of Super Savvy and they are lush! you pop them in the washer before you turn it on and they give your clothes a long lasting scent, i only used it this morning but they smell great and i'm hoping it lasts.

In my In's box this month i have:

Dove invisible dry, i love a good streak free deodorant so i'm happy i got this

2 palmers samples a gentle exfoliator and a calming face lotion which i'm planning on trying as soon as i use up my current ones.

Bvlgari Omnia Indian Garnet 5ml sample bottle this smells lovely for summer and is a great size to really try out a new scent.

I received 2x pots of nail decor from Stargazer and gave them a quick try out, i've never used either before and the black beads were certainly different, my nails need filling so sorry they aren't great shots but for a fun night out or a statement nail they are a great little purchase.

Lastly i am still part of the Tesco orchard group and i was sent a £5 Tesco home voucher free so i had a look around my local store and found this lovely lantern for a £3.50 steal and the pomegranate candle which took me to £1.50 over budget but for the 2 items i was happy to pay it.

Hopefully you've had some great samples and if you haven't get in touch and i'll send you a list of sites to find some :)

TJ x

July Outs

Normally i cover my in's and out's in one post but i have so many out's this month i'll post them separate

I've finally used up some perfume samples which were just waiting for the summer sun to come out, sadly i was disappointed, i used 2x Calvin Klein down town bottles and they were a lovely fresh scent for both day and night, then i tried the Nicki Minaj Minajesty and it was so sickly sweet that i used it all in one go just to use it up, i used a Calvin Klein Beauty bottle up and it was a nice enough scent but nothing special enough to warrant buying a full bottle, I had a Cacharel Amor Amor sample lying around and was surprised by it's lovely scent, it was refreshing and elegant but a little out of my price range, lastly was the Blvgari Omnia crystalline and i'm in love, this has to be my top scent this year and I've put it on my Christmas list.

Other than the Blvgari i won't be purchasing any of the scent, i had quite a few and they just didn't tick all the boxes for me.

Pantene pro-v aqua light coniditoner, this stuff is great for after swimming and for people like me with thick, heavy hair, it didn't leave any residue and i'd be happy to purchase it again

Herbal Essences intensive mask, this is my holy grail hair product, i have over dyed, under conditioned hair and mixed with the chlorine from swimming i really needed help, this conditioned, strengthen and really softened my hair, i love it.

Rituals Zensations shower foam, this had a lovely scent to it and it was fun to use but there wasn't enough in the bottle and it's quite pricey.

Nivea creme care shower cream, i found this quite drying on the skin and it wasn't a great scent so i won't be purchasing it again but i imagine it's great for sensitive skin.

Whish body butter, this was lovely and soothing, it's smell was lush and it covered my skin really well, i'd certainly buy it if on offer.

Schwarzkopf color mask conditioner, these came with the dyed that i used, they did the job but aren't available without the dye and i have so many other conditioners to use up already.

Garnier pure active facial scrub, i would not buy this again ever, i'd been using it for about 2 weeks when i noticed it went from being a tingly wash to burning, it dried my skin out and left me sore, i could just have sensitive skin and not taken well to it but it's not for me at all.

Spa bath salts, i'd love to fill you in on these but i don't remember where they came from and they simply did the job intended.

No7 protect and perfect night cream, i swear by all No7 products, i love them, my skin loves them, they are nourishing and work even after i've applied them, i'll be repurchasing this later.

Anew renewal cream, another one that's not for me, this was really thick and laid heavy on my face, i found it made my skin greasy and i seemed to struggle with spots more when using it.

Anew clinical laser, i'm rubbish at remembering to use eye roll ons but after a few months in the draw this has dried up to a brown gooey mess so i won't be using it or repurchasing.

Maybelline dream matte mousse, i've gone off Maybelline foundations of late, every shade i thought i was in winter i'm now not in summer so i've used this up and won't be repurchasing.

Danni waterproof eyeline, rubbish! i don't like slating products but this was useless, it was hard to apply, lumpy and after 2 weeks it had become a solid block them just fell out of the pot in one lump.

My winner for this month has to be Vichys Liftactiv, my mum taught me never forget your neck, it wrinkles just like your face and this filled, lifted, firmed, i really love it, my face is soft and more elasticated,i'll be purchasing this the next time i see it.

Don't forget your products come with a time limit, most are around 12 months but be sure to use things up in order of opening them to ensure you don't waste them.

TJ x

Caudalie Divine Legs

I recently got sent a bottle of Caudalies diving legs tinned body lotion, I've tried so many fake tans and tinted moisturisers all leave me sticky, streaky and feeling pasty up top because my legs are so dark from them but this was different, the difference in my legs was great but not too much, I found it went on really dark but with some gentle rubbing it blended in really well, i'm not great at applying fake tan so i worried about streaks but as this is a lotion it was just like applying a body cream.

As you can see my legs are really pasty and i often hide them in summer because i simply burn if i try sunning them, the change wasn't too drastic and i liked that, and it's 93% natural ingredients is a winner for me.

I found a down side, but it's minor, if you rub too much your get this

I find the same with many night creams so the trick is if you have an itch, pat don't rub!

But as i said it's a minor thing and patting up the rubbed off bits and adding a dab more lotion soon fixes the problem.

It's also so easy to get off, unlike fake tans where you have to exfoliate and scrub away to get rid of it i thought i'd show you how i got it off last night

With 2 wipes of a baby wipe i'd got rid of all of it in that section, it was so easy and didn't leave patches or stains which is ideal because i love my ivory skin some days and wouldn't like to be stuck with a tan i didn't want.

My verdict, if your going on holiday and want to hide you pale bits, you have really pale skin or just want a tan top up then get this, it's quick, easy and uncomplicated to use and perfect for all occasions.

TJ x

Bubble lush bath goodies

This week i took a drive to a store in Carlton, Nottingham called BubbleLush divine gifts, it's like a tardis in this shop, it looks tiny from the outside but they have walls packed with gorgeous candles, melts, bath bombs, reed diffuses and tons of other things!

I picked up this lot :

I got 3x bath bombs for £5.99 and 3 bath creamers for £1.29 each, i couldn't leave without picking up some bits for the little one and at 20p each these little bath oil beads were perfect.

The size and price made it worth the trip and since they stock every scent and type of Yankee candle among many others i'll be taking another trip very soon.

The bath bombs are big enough to get 2/3 uses from them if your not keen on heavy scents and everything is dissolveable so not need to rinse the bath to rid if of bits afterwards which can be a pain.

The details are so cute and great for gifts but more so they are sealed so they last forever and i don't have to worry about storing them and bits being all over the cupboard .

They are on Facebook here: Bubblelush divine gifts

Of course if you aren't local and can't get to the shop they sell online and have some really great offers on especially at Christmas: http://www.bubblelush.co.uk/

Let me know if you spot anything i should look out for on my next trip or if you plan on making a purchase yourself

TJ x

Todays Haul

I've not had a lot of time to enter competitions this month with so many wedding plans and with schools due to break up but i have had some great items to review.

 I was sent a gorgeous lotion from Birchbox by Caudalie, it's so gold and dark in the bottle i had serious doubts it would go on well but after running it in a little (the right side of my hand) it really worked as a light tanner, i'll be doing a full review later this week.

 Next was a NYX lipstick and lip line, they were so vibrant and really down my street, i wore them all day today with no bleeding and little need for a topup, the lipstick says matte but it had a sheen to it and didn't dry on my lips so i'll be using some lipcote on top to keep it in place.

 Then i popped into boots and find these lovely glitter polishes so me and the little one to share over the holidays, they look like a top coat and glitter but give a lovely coat after two applications and at 50p were a steal

Whilst shopping in Morrisons i noticed they have a 'flower of the week' section in the flower part and they had some lovely mini roses for just £1 each so my other half treated me to a lovely red and a white one, they will go perfect in my new pots and a really bargain so i'll be checking in on this section of the store more often.

 All in all i'm really pleased that in total i spent £3.50 and got all this, the Nyx products came from a weekly competition Lipcote run called Post your Pout and it's worth a look.

TJ x