TK Maxx for Interiors

I have already posted how much of a fan I am of TK Maxx for the amazing bargains you can pick up. It is a really cool place to browse when you are furnishing a new space on a budget. I picked up these pieces on a recent trip and I am in love with them. I have a small collection of owl related things as I find them pretty lucky so I was really pleased to find this beautiful vase and cute little ceramic box. The photo frame has so much texture to it, it really stood out for me. I like how all the pieces are neutral white and would go with anything, yet have lots of personality.

TK Maxx is also brilliant for finding discount candles that smell amazing! I love a scented candle but they can be really pricey, and cheaper supermarket versions don't have the same scents or cute labelling. TK Maxx usually has an aisle dedicated to candles and other scented pieces for rooms and you can usually sniff out a bargain! This MySenso candle retails at £15.90 and I picked it up for £4.99. The scent is musc cassis, it's very heady, feminine and floral, perfect for a pampering session.

Have any of you guys picked up a bargain recently?

Birchbox UK | June 2014

Birchbox - May 2014 Edition

I cannot seem to get away from the football madness at the moment, something that was confirmed to me when I realised that the theme for Birchbox this month was footie related. Le sigh. However, the box did not disappoint. It was more of a global theme than a sports theme, with lovely products from around the world. Here is my round-up:

Embryolisse | Lait-Crème Concentré

I found this moisturiser to be very rich, though it did melt into the skin very quickly. I'm not sure how those with sensitive skin would find it, but I found it really pleasant on my combination skin. My skin tends to get drier in the winter months, and I have a feeling this would be a brilliant moisturiser for then.

Silk + Honey| Shea Butter Hair Mask

I only have showers, so to have to stand about for 15 minutes for this to soak in was never going to be a good idea for me. I loved the scent which was fresh and feminine, but it didn't stay after my hair was dried. I wasn't very pleased with the product (I'm used to a thicker, quicker hair mask). However, I did get lots of compliments later about how shiny my hair was looking so I can't deny that it worked!

OPI | Nail Lacquer - The Brazil Collection

I received the colour 'Next Stop the Bikini Zone'. It is a shimmery lilac shade, very feminine and metallic. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the colour, though the solution went on a treat. I've decided I'm going to give this away to my Mum and sister, who both tried some on when we were opening the box and fell in love with it!

Yves Rocher | Sheer Botanical Lipstick

This shade (corail doux) is a beautiful orangey pink that goes really well with my complexion. The stick is velvety and goes on really well, leaving lips very moisturised. I definitely recommend this if you find lipsticks dry out your lips or if you aren't used to wearing lipstick, as it was a lovely subtle formula. This was probably my favourite product this month and it's already become a handbag staple!

Naobay | Body Radiance Lotion

This citrus scented body lotion left my skin feeling very silky and the scent lasted a decent amount of time. It's a light formula and felt very fresh, making it a brilliant morning pick-me-up! It's organic and also against animal testing which is always great to see.

I also got a wee yellow and green flip-flop keyring as my lifestyle product, but there isn't much to say about it apart from it's now on my window keys! It was a great box with lots of really good pampering products as well as products for use on the go. I loved all the sweet and citrus summer scents and how moisturising all the products were.

You can subscribe to Birchbox for £10 per month (plus £2.95 for P&P). You receive 5-6 beauty samples to try each month, and makes a great present for family and friends, or just a monthly treat for yourself!

But Debbie - Pastel?

Top: Zara

Blazer: New Look

Trousers: Miss Selfridge

Shoes: Office Shoes

Necklace: New Look (old)

Technically, this is what I wore a couple of days ago! My boyfriend was lovely enough to take some photos for me so I could pop them on my blog. I was feeling very grown up and chic!

The blazer is new and perfect for Summer, it's a lovely mint colour and really light. It feels very relaxed but it also makes me feel very smart.

The shoes are also new, they are such a gorgeous shade of grey! When I first saw the style I wasn't sure because I worried they looked a bit clunky. Then my friend got the black pair and I saw how neat they looked on and I was converted! They are definitely a lot prettier on the feet than on the shelf.

I've made a point of taking a photo of my nails as it is the new polish I got in my Birchbox! I haven't had a chance to use all the products yet or write up a post, but I will be doing it soon so keep a look out for that!

Birchbox UK | April 2014

Birchbox - April 2014 Edition

This month, Birchbox was inspired by all things foodie related. Many of the products had scents and influences from the kitchen! Here is a round-up of my box opening:

theBalm® cosmetics | How 'Bout Them Apples

The packaging is adorable and I loved how it felt on my lips as it is a soft, creamy balm that felt very moisturising. The colour palette is really good too. I loved trying out the shade 'pie', it was a vibrant, deep pink that really suited my skintone. Not sure I'll be trying this product on my cheeks as I think the colour might come off a bit strong on my pale skin, but really pleased with this tester.

Lord & Berry | Couture Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil

Apart from the sample pencil being absolutely tiny, this was a decent eyeliner to try out. The pencil was a thick, dramatic black which framed my eyes perfectly. I'm thinking of trying out a darker, smokier eye on my next evening out so I will definitely be returning to this sample!

Color Club | Gala's Gems Nail Polish

A mini collab between colour club and blogger Gala Gonzalez brought about these really pretty polishes. They are exclusive to birchbox and come in four pastel colours, inspired by retro lacquers of the 70s and 80s and perfect for spring. I received 'aquamarine azulino', a pearlised duck egg blue. The colour really stands out and is really beautiful once on. The formula was super easy and quick to apply, so very pleased with the quality of this product!

Propercorn | Sweet Coconut & Vanilla

Ok, firstly I will say I am not a big fan of popcorn! My sister once broke a tooth on a piece and I've been a bit reluctant to trying it since! However, I am super excited to try this flavour, I can't help it, I have a really bad sweet tooth and coconut vanilla sounds tasty! I'm going to save it for my lunch tomorrow!

Yes To Cucumbers | Facial Wipes

These towelettes are a really handy size and promise to be very moisturising as well as cleansing. The cucumber, aloe vera and green tea should be gentle on my skin, which isn't particularly sensitive but can sometimes feel dry after using wipes. Also, the wipes won a best of beauty award from allure, so I'm excited to try this product out.

Campos de Ibiza | Almond Body Milk

I have never tried body milk before so I am a bit apprehensive about this product, as I tried a wee bit on my arms and it felt a lot like runny body lotion! It smells amazing, very floral and summery. I'm hoping it surprises me and becomes a must have because I love when that happens, it's the best part of trying these boxes!

The box this month was a varied mix and I'm excited to try all the products more fully over the next few weeks. I am already in love with the nail polish and lip stain!

You can subscribe to Birchbox for £10 per month (plus £2.95 for P&P). You receive 5-6 beauty samples to try each month, and makes a great present for family and friends, or just a monthly treat for yourself!

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere

I love doing my own projects, but for a long time I have had way too much on to do any! Today I found some left over material, strips of beautiful unused cashmere from Johnstons of Elgin. It feels so amazingly soft, the company really produces the most luxurious wools. So I have been inspired to create some home furnishings! I will hopefully get two cushion covers out of it, I'll keep you posted with the results!

Birchbox UK | February 2014

Birchbox - February 2014 Edition

My February Birchbox arrived this weekend and though I've not had a chance to sample the products fully, here is a round-up of my box opening:

Beauty Protector | Protect & Oil

Newly launched, this hair oil is suitable for all hair types and protects against UV rays and heat damage. I'm hoping this will be a lovely light product to use as an alternative to my heat spray, it smells amazing and promises to be light so I should still be able to style my hair in up-dos. I'm really excited to try it!

Eyeko | Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

I have used Eyeko products before but I always felt like it was a brand I grew out of because the packaging was really focussed on tweenies. Now they've grown up and updated. The new face of the brand is Alexa Chung, a really fantastic spokeswoman as she is really expert at eyeliner flicks. I love winged eyes and it's a look I regularly do so I'll definitely get the use out of this product.

Urbanveda | Radiance Exfoliating Facial Polish

I love the facial exfoliators you get from birchbox as they are usually really high end and fun to sample. This one smells amazing, ayurvedic turmeric with an infusion of marigold, papaya and coriander, it's a deeply luxurious smell but fresh and light too. The brands focus is natural skincare, so that means no SLS, no parabens and no GM ingredients, and approval from the vegetarian society which is always brilliant to see. I have a feeling this is going to be my favourite product to sample this month!

Gilchrist & Soames | The London Collection Shower Gel

A lovely enough product boasting antioxidant-rich botanicals of red tea, soy, ginkgo biloba, grape seed and milk thistle. It smells very sweet and I'm hoping the scent lasts and the formula (another cruelty free brand containing no parabens or phthalate) leaves my skin feeling moisturised.

Leighton Denny | Nail Colour

I love a good nail varnish and this shade is just gorgeous, a pale pink that will be perfect for the spring tones coming in this season. It couldn't have come at a better time! There were a few shades available in the boxes this month, but I'm in love with this colour, it came just in time for valentines day. The name "mine's a rosé" suits me to a t!

Green & Black's | Dark 70% Chocolate

The lifestyle extra this month was a chocolate sample from Green & Black's. Fair trade and organic, it's a fab sample of a sweet treat. Pretty sure this won't last very long!

This was actually one of my favourite boxes, there were so many different samples, two were full sized and the products were thoughtful and catered to me really well. The theme, 'love style', focussed on fashion week and was also quite influenced by Valentines day which I thought was cute. I loved the cards with inspirational quotes that came with the magazine, I've saved a couple and I'm thinking I might frame them! Birchbox have partnered with Lulu Guinness for the March box, I can't wait to see what they come up with.

You can subscribe to Birchbox for £10 per month (plus £2.95 for P&P). You receive 5-6 beauty samples to try each month, and makes a great present for family and friends, or just a monthly treat for yourself!

Collage: Rabbie Burns Nicht

Since it is the day to celebrate Scotland's arguably most well known poet, I was inspired to design a collage of how to dress for a céilidh! Clashing plaids with shoes you can dance in all night and a cute bangle, engraved with some Burns poetry "And I will love thee still, my Dear, Till a the seas gang dry". I would probably wear this outfit with a black leather jacket and lots of eyeliner, with a pair of black tights in my bag for the walk home! Bold Tartan Scarf, £27, Johnstons of Elgin. All Star Hi Tartan Leopard Studs Converse, £59.99, Office Shoes. Silver Bangle 'And I will love thee still my Dear', nts.org.uk. Ceris Laundry Check Shift Dress, £22, boohoo.com.