Joik Lavender Fields Candle

If you have been following my blog for a while then you may know that I have a slight obsession with lavender - it's such an incredibly relaxing and calming scent me so whenever I receive lavender scented products I have to photograph them instantly so I can use them as soon as possible #BloggerProblems. 

I was very kindly sent the *Joik Lavender Fields Scented Soyawax Candle (£17.50, 145g) and I couldn't wait to try it, especially as I've tried a couple of products from this Estonia based brand and I have been really happy with them. The soyawax is obtained from a renewable source, it is hand poured and soyawax burns cleaner than paraffin wax candles and lasts up to 50% longer than paraffin wax candles. 

Firstly, I love the packaging, the design is minimalist but luxe so I think even just from an aesthetic point of view, it would make a gorgeous gift especially as valentines day and mothers day are just around the corner. I've been burning the candle every couple of days since I received and I can say that it does seem to last longer than the other non soyawax candles I've been burning. 

The scent is a more earthy and subtle lavender scent which makes it fairly unique as most lavender scents tend to be overpowering or very sweet but this candle is neither. If I'm honest I do wish that the scent throw and strength was a bit better as I adore lavender but I think this is still a gorgeous candle with a deeply relaxing scent and it would be perfect for those who don't like strong or overpowering scents. 

Even though the candle wax melts slowly so you can use the candle more (it has an approximate burn time of 30 hours), it still manages to melt to the edges of the glass tumbler so there is no tunnelling or wasted wax which is fantastic. 

Overall, I love the packaging and design, it is minimal so it fits with my minimal decor/style and it smells gorgeous. There is no wasted wax, it isn't too strong and it is composed of a more environmentally friendly wax compared to most other candles. I do wish the scent was quite a bit stronger but that is just my preference. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

Have you tried anything from Joik? What are your favourite candle scents or brands? 

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Spicers Of Hythe Valentines Hamper

When it comes to gift giving, I think hampers are a fantastic and well received gift for anyone, whether it's your partner, friends or family - they are quick and easy gifts that look luxurious and that are delicious too, what more could you ask for!

The lovely people at Spicers of Hythe have kindly sent me one of their valentines day hampers (there are lots to choose from) and I love it! I have the *Sparkling Romance Hamper (£48.63 inc. vat and delivery) which is amazing! The hamper contains ten items from snacks and preserves to chocolate and prosecco so there is something for everyone. The hamper includes the following:

- Nua Prosecco (750ml)

- Original Cake Co Mini Cherry and Almond Cake 

- Cafe de Lucca Chocolate Wafers (200g)

- Buiteman Baked With Love Gouda & Chilli Cheese Biscuits (75g)

- Hamlet Belgian Chocolates (125g)

- Cocoabean Love Heart Plaque (40g)

- Taste Chocolate Dipped Shortbread (150g)

- Cocoabean Toffee Bon Bons (100g)

- Dormen Dry Roasted Peanuts (100g)

- Mrs Bridges Blackcurrant & Blueberry Preserve (113g)

As you can see, you get a lot in this hamper, it is definitely a large and substantial gift that I'm sure all foodies with love! Also you get the white wicker basket which is quite large and you could definitely re-use it for kitchen products, candle storage or you could even adapt it into a planter. I think the price is really reasonable considering not only the amount of products in the hamper but the products are all branded rather than mostly unbranded products in the hampers I've previously reviewed from other companies. 

We have been snacking on the products in this hamper since I received it, we couldn't help ourselves - everyone has loved the products in this hamper so that just shows how universally liked this selection/gift is. I personally LOVE the chocolate wafers which I have had before but a different variation - they are so yummy and so moreish, so long new year diet *waves*. I also think it would make a great gift for couples, for anniversaries or birthdays and obviously valentines day as a luxury foodie hamper that I'm sure any recipient will love. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5! 

Spices of Hythe have so many hampers to choose from in their valentines day range and from the other ranges available. Here are my picks for valentines day and mothers day *it's also just around the corner*:

What do you think of the hamper I chose? What do you think of the Spicers of Hythe hampers?

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Skin Sincere Samples

When it comes to skincare and bodycare I do prefer more natural products so when this package arrived with samples from the natural and organic brand Skin Sincere, I was excited to give the samples a go. Skin Sincere products are made in the UK and are 100% cruelty free which is fantastic! All of the products are free from parabens and sulphates.

- *Skin Sincere Whipped Coconut Shea Butter: This body cream contains lovely ingredients such as Vitamins A & E, organic shea butter, organic avocado oil and many more fantastic natural and organic ingredients. I love the smell of coconut, it is so summery and this cream smells heavenly. It says that it is non-greasy but I personally wouldn't fully agree with that although maybe I'm just using too much. It does leave my skin moisturised and it doesn't irritate my skin. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.

- *Skin Sincere Aloe Vera Body Lotion (currently on sale/offer): Aloe vera is a well known ingredient to help soothe the skin so I first tried this lotion on my hands were I have eczema and it's fantastic. It doesn't leave a shiny or greasy residue, it smells so nice and it absorbs quickly leaving my hands smooth and soft. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

- *Skin Sincere Gentle Body Lotion (currently on sale/offer): This is another winner for me, it doesn't irritate my eczema and it doesn't have a scent to it. It feels light but moisturising and it leaves my skin smooth, moisturised and fairly soft. I do prefer the aloe vera body lotion but this one is a close second. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

- *Skin Sincere Coconut Sugar Scrub Souffle: I didn't know what this was at first *the souffle part threw me a bit* but it is a sugar scrub - I love the sugar scrubs from Lush so I was interested to see how this one would be. The consistency is like a thick, grainy body lotion which is a bit unusual but it is actually really effective without being harsh. Also as with the coconut body butter, the scent does linger on the skin which I love. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5!

Overall, I love the ethos and use of natural ingredients, which is important to me personally when looking for products. The aloe vera lotion, gentle lotion and the sugar scrub souffle are all fantastic products! I especially love the aloe vera lotion and the fantastic sugar scrub souffle - highly recommend.

Have you tried anything from Skin Sincere? 

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January Beauty Favourites 2016

Firstly, sorry about the awful quality of these photos - I know they are overexposed *even though I love that look* but it is winter in England and that means the weather is worse than normal. Anyway here are the beauty products I have been loving throughout January and some I was loving throughout November and December too.

- Mio Body Brush: I have tried a few products from Mio and I've loved them so when my Sanctuary Spa body brush broke for the millionth time, Mio was the brand I turned to. I love this body brush, it is more gentle than my previous one but it is still effective and leave my skin smoother. If you are looking for a gentle-ish body brush that is going to last then look on further.

- Antipodes Hosanna Serum: I have raved and raved about Antipodes skincare so I will keep this short and sweet. If you have dry skin then you need this serum in your life. It is hydrating but it absorbs super quickly and it doesn't irritate my eczema at all.

- Mio Liquid Yoga: Another product from Mio, the liquid yoga bath soak which has to be the most effective bath/body products I've ever tried. It is amazing at relieving muscle tension and stress, to an extent so I would highly recommend. I now need to try the liquid yoga spray!

- Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream: Marc Jacobs make some of my favourite perfumes, I've loved the daisy range since before I started my blog back in 2012. The daisy dream version is amazing, it is so feminine, floral and perfect for everyday wear. I am nearly out of this bottle so I need to pick up another.

- Ciate Status Grow: I have wanted a nourishing polish or treatment for ages so when this arrived in a lovely surprise christmas package from the lovely people at HQHair, I was excited to give it a go. I was a little sceptical but my nails definitely grow quicker when I use this polish - it's well worth a try, I'm so impressed!

- Too Faced Hangover Primer: There are two products that I forgot to photograph for my January favourites, one of which is the new primer from Too Faced. When I have been wearing makeup this month, I have been reaching for this primer. It keeps my makeup looking good pretty much all day and it doesn't contain silicones which is a big plus for me.

- Pai Camellia and Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser: My final favourite is one of my current hero products (one that I reach for all the time and never lets me down). The cleanser is gentle on my sensitive skin but it is such an effective makeup remover - it is amazing and you need to try it! I definitely want to try ore from Pai now.

Have you tried any of these products? What beauty products have you been loving in January? 

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January Playlist

Image originally from Google

Have wanted to write a post like this for SO long but I always have other posts to publish before and usually it gets deleted. This will be a series of posts, I'll try and publish once a month and it will be a collection of my favourite books, tv shows, films and music of each month. For January I have been loving three TV shows in particular, two albums and one, slightly unusual book.

- Wavves: I came across the band Wavves via Helen Anderson aka. melon lady baby, aka. Anderz on Youtube as her band Box Of Light toured with Wavves. I instantly became addicted to the new album V. If you follow me on Instagram then you may have seen the new addition to my life, an adorable rose gold vinyl record player *it's exclusive to Urban Outfitters* so I've been listening to music much more and this record has been pretty much on repeat - it's so addictive and uplifting.

- Shetland: Myself and my parents have been watching the new TV show Shetland which I think is the third season *I definitely need to watch the first two seasons now* but it is on BBC currently. It's a crime drama, my favourite kind of TV show and you can watch it now on BBC iPlayer. I am definitely going to buy the dvds of the first and second season! Also Shetland is just stunning - I need to visit one day.

- Fortitude: Another TV show I've been addicted to, I have watched up to the eighth episode and I'm putting off watching the rest as I don't want it to end. It's a bit of an unusual and dark TV show but I love it and apparently there is a season 2 coming out this year.

- 2 Broke Girls: My last TV show favourite is a long term fave of mine - 2 Broke Girls. It is so funny, relatable, interesting and I love Kat Dennings. I have the first season on dvd and I've watched the second. I really need to watch the other three seasons as I know I will love them!

- My Dinosaur Life - Motion City Soundtrack: This is my last music favourite and sadly I cannot find the vinyl version so I've downloaded the album onto my iPhone. I always listen to music in the car, I can't not listen to music in the car and this album has been on repeat for at least a week non stop *I think I might have a problem*.

- Not That Kind Of Girl - Lena Dunham: One of my 2016 goals was to read more books and I'm aiming for 30 this year but I've only finished one fully and I'm half way through two others, oops. I hadn't watched or read anything about her before but I knew she was in a TV show called Girls. The book is a collection of stories about her life, her relationships, sex, working in the TV industry, her parents and sister and her friends. It was slightly uncomfortable reading it at times but on the whole it was such an enjoyable book and I read it in about four days! Just buy it and if you have read it and have any recommendations of similar books then please let me know.

Have you watched any of the TV shows I've mentioned? What books have you been loving lately? 

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Valentines Day Gift Ideas

How is it the first of February already, it was 2015 like five minutes ago! Anyway, now that it is February, valentines day is just around the corner and I have some exciting and freakin' adorable gift ideas for you:

- *Biscuiteers Personalised You're My Lobster Valentines Biscuit Card (£22.50): If you have an instagram account the you will at some point have seen the adorable and pretty adorable biscuits from the Biscuiteers. Cards are so 2015, say how you feel with...biscuits. I love the idea and the box the biscuits came in is so cute too. The design is unique, it's a memorable gift and best of all, it's delicious!

- *Chatty Feet Pillow Cases (£12 each or £22 for the pair): Now this is one of my more unusual gifts I have to show you, the people at Chatty Feet *they make cute character socks* now have a Taylor Swift..I mean Taylor Sleep and Johnny Slept...pillow cases. I think they would make such a funny and interesting gift. I know quite a few people who would love the Johnny Depp one!

- *Jolly Awesome Coffee Bear Bone China Mug (£12.50): How adorable is this mug! Perfect for coffee drinkers and animal lovers! I have a mug of an obsession with mugs, I can never have too many and this one is a very welcome addition to my collection. It is hand decorated and fired in England. I think it would make a lovely gift. You can add extra gifts inside or add the mug to a personalised hamper of goodies.

- *Jolly Awesome Bumble Bee Gold Edition Enamel Pin (£9): Another freakin' adorable gift idea from Jolly Awesome *I'm loving pretty much everything on their site*. This would make a cute and inexpensive gift which again could be added to a hamper. They have so many other designs too, I may need the coffee cup pin and the doughnut pin...and the pizza pin.

Gold ring holder handmade by me!

- *Nikki Stark Sally 9ct Rose Gold Ring (£35): As a blogger I am naturally drawn to anything rose gold, it's a condition. I have a few rose gold pieces in my collection but none as beautiful and delicate as this ring. I love the almost sound wave curves, the slightly hammered metal effect and the delicacy of it. The ring is so comfortable to wear, it fits so well and it compliments any outfit perfectly in it's understated elegance.

- *Nikki Stark Sterling Silver Ring (£25): I personally think these rings are incredibly inexpensive for the quality and the gorgeous design - I love everything minimal, especially jewellery. The silver ring has the same gorgeous hammered metal effect and it is just as dainty and delicate as the rose gold variation. I love both and I think they would make lovely valentines gifts that won't decimate your bank balance!

Overall, I think all of the items in my gift guide would make lovely valentines or birthday presents. I especially love the Nikki Stark rings and the adorable Jolly Awesome bear mug and obviously the cute biscuits! I have a short video showing all of the products in more detail:

What do you think of my valentines day gift picks? 

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