Category: Lifestyle

Magazine Freebies – May 2017

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Hi All

Time for the ‘May 2017’ edition of the monthly magazines  –  as usual will include details of any freebies below and when / what free gifts are available if you are considering subscribing as well – as usual I will update post when I see or if there are any further magazine freebies:

 


Marie Claire = £3.99 – Free Neal’s Yard Remedies Hand Cream   (50 ml – choice of three) worth £10.00 each and 20% off Neal’s Yard Remedies  products in store and online, offer ends 30th April 2017 – need to complete / take offer page out of magazine with you  when shopping in-store and enter code ‘MC2017 if shopping online – free fragrance slips / cards included within magazine as well.

No gifts noted with Marie Claire subscriptions in this issue however keep checking online as regular free gifts with subscriptions are available.

There will be a Free St Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Body Lotion (seems to be a 50 ml size) with next months edition (June 2017) due out 4th May.

Elle = £4.30 (however I got a multi pack for £4.50 which included the May issue of Cosmopolitan as well) – Free Nails Inc Nail Polish  (11 ml – choice of four – I chose ‘Palace Gardens’ – light green / grey colour) worth £11.00 each  – fragrance slip / card included within magazine as well.

Subscribe to Elle for £15.00  for 6 Issues and you will get a free Benefit Ready Set Brow Gel worth £20 plus Travel Size of their New Hoola Quickie Contour Stick  with subscription  – (see photos below for details) – always usually an offer on so if this particular offer has finished just check online for other offers.

There also will be an ASOS 20% OFF card free with next months edition (June 2017) due out 16th May.

As advised previously each month I will update each month’s magazine freebie post when I see additional magazine freebies  or when relevant offers become available.  (once again a reminder for any new followers, that magazines always dated a month in advance i.e. you get the May issue in April).

Hope this helps – any comments / queries please let me know.   If not already subscribed / following my blog would love you to follow – would mean a lot.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Box of Style The Zoe Report – Spring 17

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Hi All

Delighted as received my ‘Spring 2017’ Box of Style yesterday.   For the Spring 2017 box, Rachel Zoe and her team focused on highlighting female founded brands.

As advised in my earlier post here,  The  Zoe Report Box of Style is a US seasonal box (4 boxes per year) which costs $100 per box  and contains a variety of items (could be clothing, accessories, skincare, jewellery, makeup etc.).  The contents of each seasonal box  are different and contain around six items, one of which is a high value ‘hero’ item – could be item of clothing, jewellery, a bag etc.  International shipping is  available to the UK  for a flat rate of  $15 per box / shipment.  (full details on subscription(s) / shipping can be found at http://boxofstyle.thezoereport.com/)

 

I avoided the majority of the spoilers online, only had seen what one of the items, so was excited to see what was inside,  as you receive all the items individually wrapped in tissue paper within the black magnetic closure box it prolongs the excitement / surprise element.

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Included within the Spring 2017 box were the following items & information booklet (see photos below):
The ‘Hero’ Item – A Tribe Alive Custom Carryall = $238 – This was an exclusive collaboration with Tribe Alive (founded by Carly Burson) to utilize her passion for fashion as  a platform to help alleviate poverty among women around the world – states this partnership employed over 150 Indian artisans in three cities – love the black and white detailed design (two of my favourite colours so a bonus) with tan detail, straps – zipped top closure with an interior zipped pocket and two open pouch pockets, perfect size for work, shopping, holidays, beach etc – only one negative, may just be as I have a strong sense of smell, but there is a v strong smell of straps, tan detail, smells like rubber to me – hoping this will disappear once outside for a while as if not would definitely put me off personally from using it, which would be a shame;

Adornmonde Ivo Earrings in choice of either gold tone or silver tone= $62– difficult choice but I chose the gold option – for pierced ears, the bars can be worn alone and then add the hoop as you wish, as I love hoop earrings I probably will wear both together most of the time – love these earrings and know I will wear them a lot as perfect for any outfit; 

 

Red and Gold Symbology Handcrafted Scarf = $50 –this is another exclusive collaboration and this time with Symbology who was founded by Marissa Heyl.  The colour of this scarf is beautiful and although a shorter scarf can still be styled so many ways including loosely round the neck, tie on your handbag strap for a splash of colour;


Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder- $65 –never heard of this brand – states was founded by Victoria Tsai and inspired by Geisha beauty rituals and their mantra that less is more – really intrigued and looking forward to trying this.  Comes in a beautiful presentation box as well.  When I try it and if I am impressed, will post a separate review;

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BKR Glass & Silicone Water Bottle= $35 – this is a great idea, refillable, has a sleek neutral but fashionable design, perfect for work or carrying with you wherever you are to help remind you to keep hydrated .

Butter London Nail Polish in ‘Piece of Cake’= $18 – pale pink colour and although I have similar colours, I have not got this one so perfect addition to the collection;

A bonus sponsored item included this month was a Stella Artois Limited Edition Chalice (had to be 21 or over to receive this).  Today 663 million people live without access to clean water and Stella Artois and water-org have partnered to help.  By purchasing 1 Limited Edition Chalice you can help Water-org provide 5 years of clean water for 1 person in the developing world – you can find out more details at BuyALadyADrink.com.  

As I was away when my Winter 2016 box arrived, I have included a photo below (value $433.50) but if you would like more detail please let me know.
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Best Wishes Liz x

My Little ‘#NOFILTER’ Box – March 2017

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Hi Again

I had to show you the March 2017 My Little Box which I received last week.   As advised before it is one of my favourite monthly subscription boxes which costs £14.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month, however My Little Box even surpassed my high expectations this month.    This month’s theme is ‘#NOFILTER’ and I adore the way the Gorgeous Bag  (usually a box), cards, packaging is all coordinated perfectly in line with this month’s theme.

 

As always this month’s box contained  product information cards, picture card  but missing the usual glossy My Little Box booklet and drawstring pouch (think a pouch is not included as there is a Zipped Bag this month instead of the outer box) – love the addition of a bag this month as although the themed boxes are very pretty I have so many boxes now I really do not need any more.   Included in this months box are:  



Dusky Pink Toilet / Cosmetic Zipped Bag – this is a gorgeous bag and delighted we received this instead of a box this month – not sure if it is only for this month but would love the addition of a bag on a regular basis;



‘Selfie’ Foundation Brush –love, love, this brush, comes in a box and it has a beautiful dusky pink handle with rose gold tone detail and the brush is so soft but also firm as well – it is good for foundation but it really is perfect for so much more i.e. applying bronzer, blusher, loose powders as well – so cute as well;



Rose Gold tone Smartphone ring – never heard much about these before, it is for ‘sticking’ onto the back of your phone, states can also be used as a mini tri-pod for taking portrait / landscape photos- always keep my smart phone in a full protective case but will definitely get round to trying it – once again love the colour of it: 

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Laura Mercier Blemish-less Foundation Primer- 15ml (travel size)– have used Laura Mercier primers before and they do a good job but as this a new version have not tried it yet so looking forward to trying;


Makeup For Ever Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder– 1g (travel size) – states blemishes are softened fine lines blurred and a texture so fine you almost forget you’re wearing any makeup up all – tried this before and it does help to keep your skin matte/ makeup  last longer and you really do not feel it on your skin – however not sure about blurring fine lines but still a good product and this a handy size for your makeup bag; 

 


My Little Beauty ‘Vernis Toute Nude’ Nail Polish– 10ml (full size)   – Beautiful neutral colour – brush perfect size,  leaves a lovely shine to your nails,  packaging also matches this month’s theme perfectly as well.


Extra included this month is a ‘Beauty Notes’ notebook  – love this addition, perfect size for my handbag.

As always I would  definitely recommend subscribing to this box as it is still one of my favourite subscription boxes.  I adore this month’s box, love everything about it; colour theme, brush is gorgeous, love all the makeup items and the addition of a bag just finished it off – perfect box this month for me.  Even if you not able to a get box every month I would recommend getting this month’s box for yourself as a treat or as a gift, as currently My Little Box  are giving up to 25% off your first box using the code FIRSTBOX and if you are a past subscriber and want to sign up again use the code WELCOMEBACK to get a free gift.

Any queries / comments please let me know and if you would like a separate review on any of the above products just let me know.  Also if you received this months box would love to know what you thought, what were your favourite items this month?

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

AESOP Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash

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As our hands are so hard-working we wash / cleanse them frequently on a daily basis which is why I have always been on the look out for a gentle effective hand wash that does the job, protects against the elements, eliminates unwanted smells, cleanses hands properly and treats your hands with care.  So was delighted when a few months ago I found in my opinion the near perfect product – the Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash.

 

Described as a superior cleansing gel for hard-working hands and gentle enough for frequent use.  This product is enhanced with botanical extracts or Range, Rosemary and Lavender.  The anti-bacterial properties of Mandarin and Rosemary extracts help to cleanse, while Lavender assists skin in feeling soothed and hydrated.  A gel which is especially good for hands prone to dryness.

Application – Massage a small amount into wet hands and rinse thoroughly.


It comes in a 500 ml hard plastic bottle with pump applicator and costs £27 – this in my opinion is the only one slight negative, it is expensive, but as it takes so little product each time and because of the results I believe it is worth it.

It is a clear liquid with a beautiful refreshing clean natural fragrance, not over powering and the Lavender fragrance is not overly strong either, which I prefer as I am not a fan of Lavender fragranced products.  You only need one pump and once you add water to the cleanser it turns to a slightly milky consistency and it cleanses your hands thoroughly and effectively, no unwanted scents remain on your hands and it does not leave your hands dry.  As you wash your hands the fragrance of the product develops and envelopes you and the room you are in.  This is a brilliant product for cleansing and removing any strong cooking smells, for example onions and also any outdoor or pet scents.

I definitely would recommend this product especially  for frequent washing, after cooking, working outside,  working with animals,  or any occasion where you just need to cleanse remove any strong scents from your hands.   Although I do not find this product drying on the hands I still use hand cream on a regular basis, after each wash as with washing your hands so much you need hand cream to protect them.  My favourite is the L’Occitane Hand cream – I will let you know all about this product on another post shortly.

As you can see above I now love this product and as always I look out for the best offers available when purchasing (two of out of the three above are now empty).  You can purchase from a number of online stores and have included two below which I hope you find helpful.

  • SPACENK UK:, – £27 – no free gifts, discount offers on at the moment – however currently free shipping when you spend £40 or more and three free samples – however remember to sign up or go through Topcashback  first to get cashback on your purchase (please see link here for further details);
  • MANKIND: – £27 – free UK shipping and currently when you spend £50 or above you get a free gift from Mio worth £25– if this offer finished always search for a new one before purchasing.

Look forward to any comments you may have.

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Jeans for Genes Appeal – Ltd Ed T-Shirt

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What is Jeans for Genes?

Jeans for Genes is an appeal dedicated to raising funds that will help children suffering from genetic disorders.

Who does Jeans for Genes help?

The money raised on Jeans for Genes Day funds a range of initiatives that improve the quality of life of children affected by genetic disorders – please see the Jeans for Genes UK site for more detail.

How it happens in the UK

In the UK, one day every year – this year Jeans for Genes day is on Friday 23rd September – everyone is asked to throw out the usual dress rules, jump into their jeans and donate a sum to help this cause. The appeal also come up with ideas to raise extra funds, such as competitions and quizzes and  through their clothing including annual limited edition fashion t-shirts.

This year Jeans for Genes have teamed up with Glasgow School of Art to bring you their 2016 limited edition fashion t-shirt which was designed by Katherine Garbutt.

The T-shirt is £20 and comes in sizes UK 6 – UK 22 – however I have just checked and sizes 6 and 22 are now sold out.

I received my t-shirt yesterday (I have purchased one the last few years as well), it is a beautiful black v good quality oversized t-shirt with Jeans for Genes logo written in white on the front, the scoop neck shows off your collar bones, while the short sleeved design and loose oversized fit will help to keep you cool and comfy.

I would definitely recommend purchasing this t-shirt  for you to be a part of Jeans for Genes day through supporting this excellent cause  and because it also is a beautiful comfortable t-shirt to wear any time, not just 23rd September 2016.  However if you decide to purchase I would recommend going at least one size smaller as although it is meant to be loose fitting it is big fitting and although I usually take a Size 10 I purchased the t-shirt in Size 8 and I might have been better to get a Size 6 – however will still be able to wear the size 8.

Thank you for taking the time to look – much appreciated  – look forward to any comments you may have – if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Best Wishes Liz x

Margaret Dabbs-Foot Hygiene Cream

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Our feet is one of the parts of the body we sometimes forget about especially in the Wintertime.  However I feel when our feet are ‘happy’ and well looked after it helps our well-being so much.  Therefore a hero product for me that helps me maintain  and look after my feet is the Margaret Dabbs London Foot Hygiene Cream.

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I first tried the Margaret Dabbs Foot Hygiene Cream approximately two years ago and now cannot be without it – full size is £20 for 100gm / 3.38 fl.oz, although states is a cream is has more a balm consistency, it comes in a screw top jar with a plastic spatula included in the exterior box.   It has an antiseptic / hygienic  type fragrance which I personally do not mind as it is not too overpowering.

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Described as a multi tasking / functional Foot Hygiene Cream which helps relieve symptoms of sore, dry, blistered skin and discoloured nails.  A perfect hygiene measure for sports and sweat prone feet. Rich in Emu Oil to promote skin renewal and pure Tea Tree Oil, for its natural anti fungal and antibacterial qualities, it’s perfect for daily use to keep feet looking fit, protected and healthy.

States as being best for the following:

  • For those who are sporty.
  • Those who suffer from sweat prone feet and odour.
  • Sufferers of Athletes Foot.
  • Sufferers of Verrucas.
  • Those who wish to maintain good healthy, hygienic feet.
  • Is very low in irritability and is therefore suitable for all skin types.
  • Suitable for diabetics.
  • Suitable for use during pregnancy.
  • Suitable for men and women

Directions

You are advised to warm a small amount of Margaret Dabbs foot hygiene cream in the hand and apply all over the feet and nails.  Use daily for a two-week period and as necessary thereafter to help combat any further flare-ups.  I apply as advised and you only need to use a small amount for each foot, when you warm it between your hands it turns into an oil type consistency which is so easy to apply / massage into your feet, between your toes, on and around your nails. 

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I usually leave a few minutes to soak in if wearing footwear with bare feet as it is oily / leaves slight residue until it sinks in or if putting on socks I  put on my socks straight away and if at night I apply just before I get into bed and rub any residue onto my hands / nails as I find it is great for them too.  The balm / cream leaves your feet refreshed, hydrated and smooth and used on a regular basis it helps to keep your feet maintained with no dry or cracked skin.    It is also excellent for anyone with Athlete’s foot or sweaty feet – helps with odour too.  It is also perfect for using to massage a partner’s / family member / friends etc. or your own feet.

I always repurchase this product and highly recommend to everyone, no matter what your concern is.  However as always I look out for the best offers available when purchasing  and have included two offers below that are currently available but as always shop around online or in store for best offers before purchasing – hope this helps.

  • SPACENK UK: –currently £20 – however you can select three free samples at checkout and currently if this is your first order and you use my referral code here   you get £10 and free shipping with any order £40 or more, just use the code at checkout e.g. you could purchase two of the hygiene creams if you wanted and with the £10 off would only be £30 with free shipping and three free samples;
  • FEELUNIQUE: – use code nceaku for 10% of selected items and two free samples when you spend £30 – if discount code finished always search for a new one before purchasing.

Thank you for looking  and look forward to any comments you may have – if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Best Wishes Liz x

Caudalie ‘Divine’ Candle

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I love fragrant candles but my favourite is the Caudalie Divine Candle 150g – £24 which actually does smell ‘Divine’ and is from the Caudalie Divine range.  The Divine Oil candle which states contains pink peppercorn, rose, cedar, vanilla and musks is described as helping to relieve stress and relax the mind.

The brown glass container is so chic and love that it comes with a lid, which is perfect for standing the candle on too when lit.  I also use the empty containers to hold makeup brushes, eyeliner and lipliner pencils as well as holding hair grips and hair bands with the lid on – see photo below.   Once you take the lid off you find a subtle smell of the  ‘Divine’ relaxing fragrance and then  within few minutes of the candle being lit  you begin to smell a stronger warm, woody slightly musky fragrance, not overpowering but incredibly relaxing – perfect way to ‘chill’ and relax whether you are watching TV, catching up on your emails / your blog posts or with a good book.    I find by using the candle correctly , not burning for too short or long a period and trimming wick etc.,  has 20-30 hours burning time and burns v evenly.

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I find that it also does not leave any black smoke residue either on walls surroundings as although I love Yankee candles and do what is advised I personally find they leave a slight black layer on walls or tiles so I only intend to burn Yankee candles occasionally now and only where I can wash easily.  When I light a candle I do not want to have to think, just want to relax and enjoy the fragrance.

The only one negative is the price – £24 for one candle, but because I  love it so much I try to wait for offers (as always) and when good offers on, I try to purchase a few at a time.  A few months ago Caudalie  had two offers on, where candles were half price and another offer where you got a free candle when you purchased over a certain amount, which was brilliant – these particular offers not on at the moment but always check search online for best offer before you purchase as some retailers may have different offers available for example 10-20% discount, free postage, free samples, or free gifts with a specific spend etc.  The Caudalie Candle available to purchase in a number of online stores with current offers at Caudalie – free weekend bag with a £40 or over purchase(s) with code SUMMER and three free samples, LookFantastic – free shipping worldwide and always different offers on , Beauty Expert – 15% discount with code SUNSHINE, free shipping worldwide and always regular offers on.

Love to know if you have ever tried the Caudalie Candle and what you think of it – do you love it as much as me?- love to see your comments.

Thank you for looking – any queries please let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x