LookFantastic Rose Collection Box

I've been blogging for almost six years but I still get blown away by some of the gorgeous gifted items I'm lucky enough to be sent and this gorgeous set is no different. LookFantastic is a site I've loved for years, well before I started blogging, so I'm thrilled that I am able to review their boxes. They have a beauty subscription box which I review over on All Subscription Boxes but they also release limited edition boxes such as this heart shaped box of goodies for valentines day (or galentines day as we should probably treat our lovely friends too).

*LookFantastic Rose Collection - Limited Edition (£60, worth £153)

I was very kindly sent the new and limited edition rose collection box which is priced at a reasonable £60 but the contents in total are worth over £150 so it's great value for money, as all of the LookFantastic boxes are, in my opinion. The box contains seven items, most of which are full sizes from a range of brands including: Korres, Pixi, Caudalie, Omorovicza, Elemis, Christophe Robin and Aurelia.

The box is themed around rose scented products or products that contain rose as an ingredient which I think is a great idea for the month of February. The box everything comes in is just beautiful as it's a pretty heart shaped pink box, what more could you ask for, for valentines day! It's such a beautiful and unique set so it would make a gorgeous gift this valentines, galentines or palentines day.

Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist (30ml)

Let's start with one of the most beautifully packaged and designed items from the box, although they're all divine, the Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist which is pretty much a cult classic product now. This famous facial mist contains a heavenly blend of rose, sage and orange blossom waters to create a refreshing and hydrating facial mist which is perfect to add some spring freshness and moisturise to your skin during the cold winter months.

I've wanted to try this mist for a while as I aways see it on slightly more higher end beauty blogs. I love the packaging, especially the pink bottle and it looks minimally luxe on my dressing table (aka. my Ikea desk...). This is the first time I've tried this mist but I love it already! I love so many facial mists as they help my skin to feel a little more comfortable and hydrated which are two states my skin is never in!

Pixi Rose Tonic (100ml)

Another product I've heard nothing but amazing things about is the collection of tonics from Pixi Beauty. Their infamous glow tonic is a blogger favourite but I haven't tried any of them so far. The rose tonic is a nutrient rich toner which soothes and hydrates. I think the reason I haven't tried any of them so far is because I have sensitive skin, however the rose tonic claims to be suitable for even the most sensitive skin types so we'll see...

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser (50ml)

Now onto a product that I already know and love, the Aurelia Miracle Cleanser which is not only one of the most beautifully and luxuriously packaged skincare brands ever but their products have been amazing on my sensitive, eczema prone skin in the past. The gentle cleanser contains a concentrated blend of nourishing botanicals including baobab, mongongo oil, hibiscus, chamomile and many others such as rosemary, bergamot and eucalyptus.

The cleanser comes with a one of their mini cleansing cloths which I already have a couple of but it's lovely to have more for travelling. It has such a rich, creamy formula that leaves my skin feeling plump, nourished and moisturised even during the chilly, snowy weather we've been having recently.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturising Sorbet (40ml)

Another brand that I've loved for years is Caudalie! From their fresh fragrances to their scrubs, shower gels and skincare, I love everything and this moisturiser is no exception. Designed for sensitive and irritated skin (which sadly describes mine perfectly), this gel-cream moisturiser soothes, moisturises and calms the skin with organic grape water and chamomile. If you have sensitive skin as I do then there are a few brands I'd recommending including: Bioderma, Avene, La Roche Posay, Antipodes and of course, Caudalie.

Korres Japanese Rose Shower Gel (250ml)

Lastly, for one of my longtime favourite brands, Korres. I have purchased numerous Korres body products over the years as well as a few pieces of their makeup range but my favourite products by far are their shower gels which seem to be the most long lasting products on the market! My personal favourite is the guava scent as it reminds me of summer holidays in Italy but it's closely followed by the fig and now the Japanese rose scents too.

Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator (50ml)

Lastly for the skincare items is the Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator. I've tried a couple of masks from Elemis but I haven't tried much else; however I always read great things about not only their skincare but the body care ranges too. The exfoliator contains rose, cucumber and jojoba beads to refine, brighten and polish the skin leaving it smooth, soft and radiant. I cannot wait to try this product as I haven't used a physical face scrub for a while and my skin is looking more than a little dry and congested as a result.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste (250ml)

Last but not least is a haircare item from Christophe Robin which is to be used as a shampoo-like hair treatment. The treatment is quite unusual in that it transform from a thick paste to a foam which removes impurities and dirt, leaving the hair voluminous, smooth and deeply cleansed. I love the packaging and it sounds amazing but I've tried a product from this brand previously and I wasn't a fan but I'm going to put that aside and give it a fair shot.

Overall, I utterly adore how this box is packaged and presented, it would make a wonderful valentines or galentines day gift! I love all one of the items included with a few of my all time favourite brands in the box which is a bonus. My favourite items have to include the Korres shower gel, Caudalie moisturiser and the Aurelia cleanser.

What do you think of this limited edition box? Would you buy it as a gift or as a treat for yourself (because treat yo self!)? 

#gifted 

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*In Need of a Holiday and it’s only January!

Image from The Every Girl

We have barely scratched the surface of 2019 and, already, I would be willing to bet good money that there are many of you who already feel as though you need a week away. Christmas feels like a distant memory and the long-awaited bank holiday weekends are still a little way off. *Sigh*

Well, at least we can start to look at where we plan to go this year. Perhaps looking through endless pictures of sunny beaches, holidaymakers kicking back and suitably chosen reviews will make us feel as though we are already there. Out of the office, away from emails and sat around the pool with friends and family with a glass of our favourite tipple. Sounds delightful.

Holiday as and When 

Wouldn’t it be marvellous to wake up early on a Saturday morning and decide to go out for the weekend on a whim, regardless of whether it’s a cold and dreary January weekend or a sunny and inviting summer’s day? That would be the life. So, yeah, shock horror – we can’t just jet off to Dubai like our favourite celebs (curse you, Tom Cruise) – but we can staycation, baby! For those of us operating on more moderate budgets, we are more than happy with a caravan. This humble abode has been the reason for many a good family holiday tale and will continue to do so. Parks always seem to have holiday caravans on sale, proving to be popular for those that like to have the option of getting away from reality at a moment’s notice. If you are in that group of people that feels in need of a break despite only just returning to work, this could prove to be a viable option for you.

Sabbatical 

Who actually has the means to go on sabbatical from work? To just wake up one day and say to your boss: “Look, I’m tired and in need of a break. I’ll be back in six months.” That. Just. Doesn’t. Happen. Well, you might be surprised to learn that, actually, it does – and more than you think. Around 20% of companies have a sabbatical policy that employees can ask to take. Only thing is, it’s not quite as simple as booking annual leave. You will likely be asked to pitch why you are deserving of a sabbatical from work (because, if everyone took up the option, firms wouldn’t have any employees left to work). Before pitching, familiarise yourself with your company’s sabbatical policy (if they have one) as this will likely be partially paid or completely unpaid. You will have to work out if this is something that you can realistically afford.

Chill Out 

While we have just come off a week off, Christmas is a stressful time, especially if you found yourself hosting family. It is only natural to feel as though you need some time to yourself and there is nothing wrong with that. This is where you need to make time for you. After all, it’s important to rest and recuperate. Block out evenings and/or days where you focus on nothing other than yourself. That means no work, no emails, no events that you don’t actually want to attend. If anyone asks you to do something, you’re busy – no exceptions.

Take this time to binge watch that series on Netflix you have been meaning to get around to, try a new make of coffee or, better yet, sleep in until midday. If you are feeling as though you need some time out, it could simply be because you are feeling rushed off your feet – which is a major sign that you need to slow down and take it easy.

Do you feel like you need a holiday already? Where would you travel to?

*This is a sponsored post #AD

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*Top Tips To Help You Avoid Missing A Flight

Image from Haus of Lov

Missing a flight is everyone’s worst nightmare - you could lose the cost of the flight, your hotel booking and even any excursions that you have paid for in advance. This is why you need to make sure that you are on time for your flight and that you have prepared as much as possible. To help you avoid missing an upcoming flight, we have put together some tips. Keep reading to find out what these tips are.

Double Check The Details 

Our first tip is for those who haven’t got around to double checking their details since booking the flight. It can be easily to book the flight and then leave the details to the last minute when you are checking in online however this can cause problems. What if you leave it to the night before only to find out that you were a day off with what you thought you had booked? It is vital that you double check your details a few times before your upcoming trip to make sure that you know exactly when your flight takes off. This will help you to ensure that you are at the airport with enough time to get through security before it takes off.

Find Out The Terminal Number 

Depending on the airport that you are going to be travelling to, it might have a huge number of terminals that flights leave from. You might arrive at the airport with enough time to make your flight only to find out that you are at the wrong terminal. This can be very problematic when terminals are on opposite sides of the airport and require a bus to get to each. It is a good idea to find out which terminal number your airline uses in the airport and you will be able to make sure that you arrive in the right place and make your flight on time.

Stay At An Airport Hotel 

Although staying at an airport hotel might seem like an unnecessary cost it can actually save you a lot of money if it helps you to avoid missing a flight. Airports like Luton airport have airport parking which comes in the form of hotel park and fly. Parking at Luton airport and staying in one of the nearby hotels will mean that you wake up right beside the airport and you don’t risk having to travel through rush hour traffic to make your flight on time. This is a perfect solution for families who struggle to get everyone out of the house on time. Lutonparking.com have more information on this so consider it if you want to avoid missing a flight.

Bring All Documents 

If you forget your passport then it is very unlikely that you are going to be allowed to travel from the airport that day. This is why you need to make sure that you have brought all of the necessary travel documents with you on the day and that the rest of your group has theirs. Travel documents include passports, visas and booking references that will prove that you have made the booking in advance. It is really important that you do your research and find out if the country that you are travelling to requires a travel visa. Countries like Canada require you to have a visa for simply having a connecting flight in their country and if you don’t have this booked in advance of your travel then you might end up missing out on taking your flight. If you can double check that all travel documents are in your bag before leaving, then you will avoid missing your flight.

Pack In Advance 

If you want to avoid missing a flight, then you need to make sure that you pack as much as possible in advance. Leaving packing to the last minute can only cause problems and might be the reason why you miss your flight in the end. On top of this, packing in advance gives you a chance to double check your bag and make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything. Even if your last minute packing leaves you with enough time to get to the airport – you might forget something and need to turn back making you late in the process. Try to pack as far in advance as possible if you want to make your flight and enjoy your holiday.

Check Luggage Guidelines 

Not every airline has the same guidelines when it comes to travelling. This is why you need to check any luggage guidelines before setting off to the airport to ensure that you have luggage added to your booking and that it is below the weight limit. You also need to check the allowance for hand luggage and the items that are allowed to be inside it. Neglecting to do this might cause problems at the airport and mean that you end up missing your flight.

Try Priority Security 

If you are often late for things, then you might benefit from paying for priority security in advance of your travel. Even if you get there on time, you might find that a long security queue can mean that you end up being late for boarding your flight even though it is not your fault. Priority boarding will mean that you can skip most of the queue and get through to your boarding gate with enough time to spare. Priority boarding is available at most airports and doesn’t cost too much extra on top of your ticket price. Consider this if you would like to get through the airport a lot faster.

Check In Online 

Our final tip for those who want to avoid missing a flight is to check in online before getting to het airport. This can save you a lot of time queuing in the airport to pass over your details and get checked in. many different airlines allow you to do this and as long as you don’t have any hold luggage with you, you can easily go straight to security when you arrive at the airport. Some airlines even have a bag drop area for those who have checked in online and all that is required is to place your bag on the scales and you can move on through the airport. Checking in online has become a lot more common so consider this if you want to avoid missing your flight in the future.

Be Prepared 

The key to avoiding missing a flight is to be as prepared as possible. You need to give yourself enough time to get to the airport and account for any traffic that might be on the roads at that particular time of the day. Consider staying in an airport hotel and parking your car there to make sure that you are there in time and you will be much more relaxed on the day. You should also check in online in advance and pay for priority security if you want to avoid missing your flight. Take on board all of our advice and you should be able to make your next big trip!

Do you have any travelling tips?

*This is a sponsored post #AD

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Veganuary 2019: Experience + Favourites

It is finally February, I didn't think we'd get there but we have managed to in the end, and that also means the end of Veganuary. I think that this is my fourth year taking part and while I definitely did have a rocky start, I have now decided that I'm going to be fully vegan from now on. Although everyone slips up at times so I'm not going to be too hard on myself if I make a mistake every now and then.

Veganuary this year, especially the second half of the month, has been incredibly quick and easy and apart from the few items I already had in my fridge that weren't vegan (and had to use up as I don't like wasting food), it's been extremely successful. One of my goals for the year was to potentially become fully vegan but I didn't know if I wanted to be completely vegan; however, after this month I'm going to be sticking to it as I personally feel as though it's the most environmentally friendly, compassionate, ethical and healthiest way to live.

*Benefit Chocolate (from £2 - £3.50)

Vegan chocolate, even cheap vegan chocolate, is pretty good and I'm been lucky enough to find quite a few that I like with one of my favourites being from Benefit Chocolate. Benefit Chocolate is unique in that it is a vegan chocolate range with lots of added benefits, hence the name, such as extra plant protein, extra vitamins and added caffeine, depending on the bar you choose. I was very kindly sent all three of their flavours in the larger size and the smaller size.

Firstly, I LOVE the packaging! The protein bar contains 19% plant protein which is a good source of fibre as well as protein. I wasn't sure how the additions would change the flavour or texture of the chocolate but the plant protein bar tastes like advent calendar chocolate to me which I actually love! I think it's fantastic that there are added benefits within the chocolate as I'm always trying to find new and healthier snacks.

*Herbalife Shake - Cafe Latte

I was very kindly sent a few products for veganuary as well as a huge box filled with activewear, fitness products and Herbalife items from the wonderful people at Herbalife but sadly as I was taking part in veganuary, I couldn't try a lot of the items I was sent. I did try the 'cafe latte' flavour of the shake which is one of the few vegan items available and I think it's probably my favourite flavour of the three I've tried so far.

I've also been loving the fitnesswear they sent recently as I bought a treadmill in January...If my PE teacher could see me now! I did everything I could to get out of PE lessons in school so to have bought, of my own free will, a treadmill is very out of character but I've put on a couple of pounds over Christmas and it needs to go. I'm loving my treadmill, even though I'm a little (read: very), terrified of it.

*Nature's Charm Banana Blossom in Brine (£1.25)

Wing Yip is an Asian grocery store which has stores over the country including one in Manchester - they also have an online store. I was sent a range of their items which are vegan and my favourite of the three has to be the banana blossom. Banana blossom is an item I haven't ever tried before but I've read that it can be used to make a vegan alternative to battered fish.

If you follow me on instagram (@ofbeautyand) then you'll have seen my experiments with banana blossom and batter...with mixed results but it turned out great in the end. The banana blossom itself does look very odd but don't be put off by it as it has a very neutral flavour so I soaked it in hot water with nori sheets and then I dipped it in batter and shallow fried it. If I made it again, I should have battered it more throughly with a thicker batter to help it stick and I would have deep fried it. Thankfully it isn't an expensive ingredient so it would be great to experiment with it you wanted to give it a go.

*Seed and Bean Vegan Chocolate (£2.69 each)

I've been lucky enough to try out a couple of new brands of vegan chocolate duding veganuary and I would recommend both but in terms of chocolate that you can use for baking, the Seed and Bean chocolate varieties are the options to go for. I used the gorgeous extra dark chocolate with Cornish sea salt in my first attempt at vegan cookies which tasted great but they had more of a soft cake texture rather than a hard, crumbly biscuit texture so I think it is back to the drawing board but the chocolate was the highlight!

Until I was sent a couple of bars, I hadn't tried this brand before but I've heard good things. I love the packaging and the extra dark Cornish sea salt flavour is so good! I've never been a huge fan of dark chocolate but this one is ideal for snacking on or baking with. When it melts in the cookies, it not only looks delicious but it tastes delicious too. I definitely want to try more from Seed and Bean, especially the espresso, lavender or Sicilian hazelnut flavour, all of which sound very unique.

*Weed and Wonderful Scottish Seaweed Oil (£9.99)

One of the most unusual items I was kindly sent in January is the Weed and Wonderful oil which contains seaweed within the bottle. I have the organic smoked Scottish seaweed infused rapeseed oil which comes in the nicest bottle. I haven't tried a seaweed infused oil before and it's surprisingly delicious especially because it is smoked which gives it a gorgeous flavour. I've been using it mainly within my BBQ vegan macaroni cheese sauce (the smoked flavours adds to it) and minimally as part of my salad dressings. My dad isn't a fan but I personally love it and I think if you like smoked flavours such as liquid smoke, then I think you'd love this oil. Don't worry, it isn't too seaweed flavoured, it is definitely more smoked in flavour which makes it much more adaptable.

*Leighton Denny Polishes (£12)

Now onto a few beauty products that I've been loving which are vegan and cruelty free including, Leighton Denny. I've tried this brand numerous times and I've always been impressed with their products and this new polish is no different. I have the Modern Bohemia collection shade in 'Bohemian Spirit' which is a beautiful cool dark grey. The shade is ideal for winter, it applies fairly smoothly and evenly and it dries pretty quickly too. I've been pairing it with the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Topcoat and the longevity has been great so I cannot recommend it enough.

*Dr Botanicals Limited Edition Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil (£19.90)

Lastly is a product I've tried previously but the facial oil has recently been released in a cute new and limited edition bottle which I adore! Facial oils are an essential for me at this time of the year and this one has been working wonders on my perpetually dry skin, especially as the weather has turned even colder with snow and freezing temperatures.

The facial oil contains almond oil and vitamin C and A which combined deeply hydrate the skin, reduce signs of ageing and protects the skin. It comes with a pipette dispenser, it smells lovely and it doesn't leave a thick or greasy residue. It would be ideal for those with a skin type similar to mine such as dry, sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Have you tried any of these items? Did you take part in veganuary? 

*All of the items included in todays post were gifted #AD

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*Quick + Easy Cooking Tips For A Healthy New Year

With the start of a new year, there are usually a plethora of healthy eating and exercising goals that by the end of January have already been broken but there are lots of easy ways to stay healthy or to incorporate healthier options into your diet, whether it's switching to healthier alternatives, choosing healthy snacks, using pre-prepared ingredients or by meal prepping, all of which can help you stay on top of your 2019 goals.

Today's post is all about the healthy eating goals, easy cooking tips and advice for a healthier new year in collaboration with Hello Fresh. Firstly, a little about me, I've been a vegetarian since I was eleven and for the past five or so years, I've been on/off vegan which along with my exercise routine has made me feel healthier and fitter than I've felt for a very long time. My advice is geared towards a vegetarian and vegan diet but you can take from it what you want and incorporate it into your own dietary choices.

Meal Prepping

First up, meal prepping...don't think that it's as arduous as it sounds! My version of meal prepping is very simple, easy and great for those like me who tracks calories. Meal prepping has a connotation of being time consuming and possibly something only done by gym going, fitness obsessed individuals but I am none of those things and I've found meal prepping to be a great way of making sure I have healthy food easily available and ready to eat when I don't have time to cook a full meal from scratch.

I always start by roasting a variety of vegetables, especially broccoli and butternut squash or pumpkin as I know that I can add them to so many meals (either roasted in a salad, blended into a soup/sauce or added to a curry) throughout the week but I also roast mushrooms, peppers, green beans and more. Once cooked I either add them to a sealed container for use throughout the week or I add them to a bowl along with cooked rice/tofu/pasta so they are ready to heat up meal for later that day or the next day. I am very lazy with my meal prepping as I don't make up meals to store in the freezer (I hate frozen meals, they always taste like the freezer!) so I think my minimal approach to meal prepping is great for those who don't want to spend too much time prepping or who don't want a tonne of filled containers in the fridge or freezer.

Healthy Snacks & Alternatives

One of my downfalls is pasta and noodles as I can eat them constantly but another has to be choosing less healthy snacks throughout the day. Crisps, sandwiches, vegan chocolate and cereal are my go-to snacks and they aren't very healthy in my opinion so I've been trying to stop eating snacks that aren't very filling and contain little nutrition. Healthy vegan snack bars, peanut butter toast and protein rich salads have become better options for me as they keep me fuller for much longer.

Also, as I've switched to a fully vegan diet, alternatives have become essentials for me. For example, switching from sugar to sweetener, dairy cream to soya cream or milk to almond milk have been easy switches for me as they are vegan, healthier and contain less calories. My latest switch has been from peanut butter to peanut butter powder which contains less calories and fat than 'normal' peanut butter.

Pre-Prepared Ingredients 

My next point ties into meal prepping is pre-prepared ingredients. If the reason why you don't have the healthiest diet is because of a lack of time then pre-cut vegetables or fruit, pre-cooked ingredients (such as rice or grain pouches) and pre-made healthy sauces or dips might be a way forward. However, if you don't want to buy pre-prepared veggies or sauces then you could meal prep your own and keep them in a sealed container for the rest of the week. A little prep and forethought now makes for a much easier and healthier week!

Hello Fresh Recipe Matchmaker

Lastly, I wanted to mention the new recipe matchmaker from Hello Fresh which is great for those with very little time or for those who simply don't have much experience in the kitchen as it is a new feature which suggests recipes based on your choices. For example, you can choose from a range of options to begin with such as 'pasta or rice, tofu, seafood or vegetables' then you choose from a secondary list which specifies the type of meal you want such as 'adventurous, light, hearty etc'.

From just a three choices you can select one of the meals suggested and it will provide you with a recipe and ingredients list. If you have the ingredients you can get going straight away but you can also purchase a Hello Fresh box so you don't have to go out and purchase the ingredients as they arrive directly at your door. You can choose the number of people and the number of recipes per week you receive. Additionally, you can select from the classic, family or rapid box, all of which equate to £5 per meal. I think it's a great option for those who don't have time to cook, those who don't feel confident coming up with a recipe or those who want to try something different. Check out the link above to explore the new recipe matchmaker feature for yourself.

Do you have any healthy eating goals for the year? Do you have any healthy eating tips? 

*This is a collaborative post #AD

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Valentine's Day Gifts For Her 2019

Valentines day and Galentines day is almost here so if you are buying a gift for your partner, friends or family members then hopefully today's post, along with my already published Galentines day gift guide, will help you to find a gift. Thanks so much to the wonderful brands within todays post including Ingle & Rhode, Prezzy Box and Bakerdays.

*Ingle & Rhode Silver Love Knot Necklace (£295)

Let's start todays gift guide with the most luxurious gifts which would be ideal for an extra special person this Valentines day. There are a few gifts that are typical of Valentines day such as chocolates, flowers and also jewellery, all of which are quite special, thoughtful and 'safe' gifts to give. However, when it comes to jewellery, there aren't many other gifts that are as gasp inducing and luxe as a gorgeous piece of jewellery, especially when diamonds are involved.

I was very kindly sent the beautiful 'love knot' necklace which is composed of stirling silver and a Canadian diamond, so I think it would fit very easily into the category of very special Valentines day gifts. Diamonds truly are a girls best friend and I don't think that any woman would be unhappy to receive a stunningly beautiful stirling silver and diamond necklace. However, it doesn't end there as the necklace is also nicely presented and packaged (you can see the packaging in the short video below) and the necklace contains 100% ethically sourced materials.

One of my goals for 2019 is to live in a more ethical and environmentally focused way, which is why I've switched to a fully vegan diet and I'm trying to purchase items that are more ethical and green. The history of expensive natural resources such as diamond is tainted by a long and fairly bloody reputation so I'm very glad that the diamonds within this minimal but utterly beautiful necklace are ethically sourced.

The necklace is just one within the range available on Ingle & Rhode to choose from and I definitely have my eye on the snowflake pendant. All of their items are gorgeously packaged and designed, high quality and various items are made of recycled gold, conflict free diamonds, fair-trade gold and ethically sourced gemstones which is absolutely amazing! Lastly, Ingle & Rhode have a wonderful selection of engagement rings as well as their bespoke service in which you can create your own - check out Ingle & Rhode to find out more.

*Personalised Prosecco Flute (£18.99)

Jewellery is a very special gift and in my opinion, personalised gifts are equally as special! Growing up, I always wanted to find items with my name but Heather isn't the most popular name so personalised gifts became very coveted. I know that my friends and family love to receive personalised gifts as well so I think this simple but beautiful Prosecco flute would be an ideal Valentines day or Galentines day gift this year!

The flute can be personalised with the name of yourself or your gift recipient as well as a short message on the front on the glass. I have the name 'Susan' and 'Love You' on the glass which I'm so happy with, particularly as I love the front and it is so clear to read as well. I think that a personalised glass would make a great hamper addition or on it's own with some chocolates as you can't have Valentines or Galentines day without chocolate. There are so many amazing gifts and personalised gift options on the Prezzy Box website so go, go, go.

*BakerDays Valentines Day Letterbox Cake (£15.99)

I've been lucky enough to work with Bakerdays previously but I'm still blown away by how cute their cakes are! I chose the adorable 'nuts about you' cake in the letterbox format but it is also available in 7, 9 and 12 inch cake sizes. I opted for the chocolate chip flavour as I'm going to be having a Galentines day with friends soon and I know that they'll love the chocolate chip option - I have tried the lemon drizzle cake too and it's delicious....I'm not drooling.

You can not only select the size, flavour and design of the cake but you can also personalise it, if you want to with a name, message or a photograph (it depends on the cake design you choose); you can also leave it blank as I did. I absolutely love this Nutella style design as I do love Nutella and it's just adorable. Each cake also comes with a cake tin so it is protected on it's journey and it makes for a great storage tin afterwards too - I adore the design of the cake tin I received. I cannot recommend Bakerdays letterbox cakes enough!

*Pretty Useful Powerbank and Mirror (£29.99)

The final item in my gift guide is a practical but gorgeous gift and if you've read any of my previous gift guides then you'll know how much I love to give and receive gifts that are practical but aesthetically pleasing! This gift has to be one of my favourite gifts in todays gift guide (although I love all of them) as the box is uniquely designed, I love the style of the powerbank and it's a very handy 2 in 1 product.

Not only is the powerbank a great tool for topping up your phone or tablet batteries but it is also a substantial, gorgeously designed and made compact mirror too. If you need to buy for a friend who commutes often or who is going to be travelling in 2019 then I think this powerbank and mirror combo would make for a thoughtful and practical gift to give. The brand 'Pretty Useful Tools' have a range of items on Prezzy Box and I love the style of all of them!

Overall, I think all of these gift ideas would be perfect for your partner or friends this Valentines/Galentines/Palentines day, whichever one you want to celebrate this year. If you want to spoil a special someone with ethical but luxurious jewellery then check out Ingle & Rhode, if you know a cake lover then look no further than Bakerdays and their adorable creations or if you want a selection of unique or personalised gifts then you will find everything you could possibly want on Prezzy Box.

What do you think of these gift ideas? 

*All items have been gifted 

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