Mother's Day Gifts ft. Ocean Loans

Mother's Day is almost here and I actually can't wait - I love buying gifts for family and friends and watching their reactions *yes, I'm that person*. If there's one person I love to treat and surprise, it's my mum even though she drives me crazy sometimes, she always puts everyone else first and Mother's Day is a day where she can relax, open presents and not worry about a thing!

So when the lovely people at Ocean Loans got in contact about treating my mum to some extra gifts this Mother's Day, I couldn't say no! I was very kindly given a budget to buy some gifts for my mum, which was harder than I thought, firstly as some gifts can be quite pricey and secondly, there is so much choice.

My mum is one of the easiest people to buy for, she loves baking, reading, Cath Kidston, penguins, bath and body products, homeware and personalised gifts so you see my problem when it comes to choosing and if I could I'd buy her everything then I would but sadly I can't. Here are my picks for Mother's Day:

- Barnes and Noble Leather Cover Jane Austen Novel Collection: The photographs above of this *mahoooosive* collection of seven Jane Austen novels really don't show how incredibly beautiful and luxurious the cover is. The cover and page edges are gold, the floral pattern is simplistic but so pretty and the feel is very fancy! My mum does love to read and I think this will be a great collection for her as not only does it contain some of the most famous novels of the regency period but it also looks stunning.

- Royal Albert Polka Dot Teacup and Saucer: Last year my mum started collecting vintage teacups as she loves afternoon tea and hosting dinner parties *she's actually used her various sets quite a lot already* so I thought I would add to her collection with this adorable mint green teacup and saucer from Royal Albert. I didn't want to unbox it as I know I wouldn't be able to put it back as it was but it looks so adorably vintage *if that is even a term*.

- Cath Kidston Hand Cream Trio: I think I have developed my love and constant need to buy more and more hand creams from my mum as she loves them too. She also loves anything from Cath Kidston so I thought a combination of the two would be perfect and they are good handbag sizes so she can use them on the go although I might end up 'borrowing' one from her!

Overall, I'm really happy with my purchases, especially the gorgeous book and I know my mum will be so surprised when she open these extra gifts on Mother's Day. A big thanks to the lovely people at Ocean Loans for helping to make this Mother's Day even more special!

What will you be getting your mum this Mother's Day? What do you think of the gifts I have chosen?

*gifted

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World Book Day: Massive Book Haul

Today is world book day, yay! So today's post is my latest book haul and I did go a little overboard but they were all really cheap from The Works which is my new favourite shop so I don't feel too guilty. I could spend all day on their website and spend a lot of money so I need to learn to restrain myself.

Also I asked on twitter a couple of times, if anyone would be interested in book reviews and out of a selection of new topics, what would anyone be most interested in and the winner was book reviews both times! So stay tuned for book related content at least once or twice a month on my blog from now on.

- The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August by Claire North: I have been obsessed with book youtubers recently and this book has been mentioned a lot so when it was only £4 for the hardcover edition on The Works website last week, I had to buy it!

- The Cleft by Doris Lessing: This book sounds really odd and unusual but it is a hardcover and it was only £2 which for a Nobel prize winning hardcover book is amazing!

- The Martian by Andy Weir: I bought this as it was a recommendation from Regan from Peruse Project (she's my new favourite youtuber) and she said it was really funny. It has been made into a film last year which actually didn't really interest me but I've heard nothing but great things about the book.

- The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson: This book has been on my radar for a couple of years and I think I did read a free sample chapter of it on my Kindle app ages ago but I wanted to get a physical copy as it was only £2 (and it was part of a 6 books for £10 offer - so I had to buy six books, obviously...and then some).

- The Haunted Season by G. M. Malliet: Mystery and crime books seem to be my go to recently (I've been reading The Cuckoos Calling and loving it) so I also bought this one which seems like a much lighter read and the cover is so cute.

- The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes: To be honest I was attracted to this book purely because of the cover, while scrolling online; however the story sounds interesting and a bit creepy and it is a really short book.

- A Cold Day For Murder by Dana Stabenow: This book was reduced from £7.99 to only £1 on The Works and then only 75P after I found a discount code online *gotta love discount codes* so I couldn't not get it. The story does intrigue me though as it is set in Alaska and I haven't read anything set in Alaska before.

- Dead Of Winter by Lee Weeks: Yet another £2 book that was part of the 6 for £10 offer which is still going online! And also another crime related book - I know, I have a problem. If you have read any of these, let me know what you thought in the comments below.

- Stranded by Val Mcdermid: I haven't read any short stories since secondary school so I'm excited to read this collection of short stories which involve crime, murder and revenge are are described as chilling. Excited.

- Savage Magic by Lloyd Shepherd: When it comes to books, tv or film, anything with magic or mystery in it and I am instantly wanting to know more (although not cheesy magic or sci-fi). The book is set in the 1800s which is another big plus for me!

- Tymes End by B.R. Collins: This is the only book in the haul that isn't from The Works, this one is from Amazon as I have a trial of Amazon prime which is doing what it was designed for - making me spend more money. The book sound a tiny bit similar to the plot of the new film Crimson Peak which I've wanted to watch since it was released last year so this will be the next book I read.

Do you own any of these books? What books do you have on your wish list? Any recommendations of crime, mystery or magic books? 

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Minty Coco Teeth Whitening

If you didn't know, coconut oil *the miracle ingredient* in the beauty and health world is also a well known teeth whitener which first started to be used in India, as far as I know. I have tried using plain cheap virgin, organic coconut oil to whiten my teeth last year and I found that it did work well and it helped reduce my headaches, although that may be a placebo effect!

The only problem I had with the plain coconut oil is the taste, it has a bitter and relatively unpleasant taste which you can get used to but it takes a while; so I was exited to try the *Minty Coco Minty Fresh Coconut Oil Teeth Whitening (£19.99, two week supply) which is a flavoured coconut oil teeth whitening system. Oil pulling is the method in which the coconut oil helps whiten the teeth, along with many other substantiated and unsubstantiated claims.

The Minty Coco box comes with a two week supply of individually packaged minty flavoured coconut oil, which is a much more convenient method of teeth whitening than gloopy peroxide gels and mouth trays. The sachets are small and well sealed so you could take them travelling or on the go, if you wanted. The sachets only contain virgin cold pressed coconut oil (10ml) and natural peppermint flavouring.

To use, you just open the sachet and swill *I hate that word* the contents around your mouth for between 5 to 15 minutes then spilt out after the time. It's a much more handy and quick way of oil pulling compared to using a tub of coconut oil and it tastes better. However as with any coconut oil, it is going to have a mushy and odd texture which melts in the mouth and can be a little unpleasant but you do get used to it. The experience of using this minty coconut oil is FAR nicer and tolerable than plain, unflavoured coconut oil so just on that basis I would prefer it and recommend it over plain coconut oil - even though it is more expensive. Don't swallow the coconut oil, it won't be harmful, I don't think but it won't be nice either! Also after rinsing, you have really fresh breath and it doesn't obviously contain peroxide which can be damaging. Annoying I don't have before and after photos as I forgot to take the before photos, doh.

As with the plain coconut oil I have used in the past, I do notice positive effects while using it. My teeth do appear to become a little whiter with time and continued use of the coconut oil and oil pulling method - you have to use it constantly though. The whitening effect isn't noticeable from the first or even second use, for me anyway but there is a definite change. I think this would be a great product to try, if you want a natural teeth whitening system - they also have vanilla and lemon flavours and I'd love to try the lemon one. I am going to continue using it and I will have a comparison post between all of the at home teeth whitening products I have tried *it will be a very long post* and it will be live later this month. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Have you tried oil pulling? Have you tried the Minty Coco teeth whitening? 

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is almost here, well next weekend so if you don't have a gift then I hope my gift ideas will help! I have already posted other ideas on my blog such as a personalised canvas from Posh Canvas, my Mother's Day gift guide for all budgets and Snapfish photo gifts. Today I have a post featured gorgeous bags, pampering face masks, an amazing watch, pretty flowers and a equally spring like fragrance.

- *Talented London Large Tote (£14): I have seen these adorably cute tote bags all over social media for a while and I have always wanted one so I'm so glad I now do! The tote bags are made from 100% cotton canvas and it is part of the Cityscapes range created by Julia Gash. The range features tote bags with gorgeous illustrations from various cities such as New York, Paris, York, Yorkshire, Glasgow and many more! I wish they had a Manchester tote! The illustrations are so cute, I love the design of the tote and the fabric feels durable - the strap is cute too. I think this would be a great gift as it is cute, practical and you can use it as an alternative to a paper gift bag. I definitely know that my mum will get so much use out of it!

- *Annie's Closet Dotty Floral Messenger Bag (£14): I LOVE this bag, I think it is so cute and spring appropriate - it is a Cath Kidston look-a-like bag which is probably one of the reasons I like it and definitely one of the reasons why my mum will love it! The bag is a fantastic size for everyday, it has numerous zipped compartments and pockets and I think it would be a perfect gift. The fabric is durable, the adjustable strap is colourful and I just adore the overall design - it makes me wish it was spring now! Also I think the price is fantastic especially for the size and quality and I can't recommend it enough for yourself or as a gift!

- *Masque Bar Sheet Masks (£9.99 per pack): Sheet masks have been everywhere recently and I don't know about you but face masks are the one pamper product that I always go to as they are so quick and easy to use and face masks instantly make me feel pampered. The Masque Bar Green Tea Sheet Masks are great for minimising the appearance of pigmentation irregularities, dark spots and it soothes, moisturises and refreshes the skin. There are three masks per pack so they work out to be just over £3 each which isn't too bad and I've heard nothing but good things about this brand and sheet masks in general.

- *The Library of Fragrance Cherry Blossom Cologne (£15, 30ml): If you have been following my blog for a while then you will have seen this brand as I've included the colognes in gift guides and favourites posts for a while. I have the gorgeous Cherry Blossom cologne which isn't my favourite *that would be the lavender cologne* but it is a very close second. It smells so fresh, light and floral as you would expect but it isn't an old fashioned floral scent, it is light, young, sweet and refreshing - perfect for spring and it won't break the bank! They have so many gorgeous and incredibly unique fragrances to choose from, I can't recommend the brand enough. You can currently get two for £25 at Boots.

- *Daniel Wellington Ladies Classy St Mawes Rose Gold Plated Brown Leather Watch (£107.10): That has to be the longest product name ever! I have wanted a Daniel Wellington watch for years, I follow them on Instagram and I get a twinge of envy when I see their gorgeous instagram photos *and all the bloggers OOTD photos featuring these beautiful watches*. I have the rose gold, brown leather and Swarovski version which has to be the most stunningly beautiful yet minimal watch I have ever seen. I adore it and I have been wearing it non-stop since I received it. It came in a beautiful box as well from Joshua James Jewellery and I think it would make the most amazing and luxurious Mother's Day gift! There are so many Daniel Wellington watches to choose from and they all look incredible and they are slightly cheaper on Joshua James Jewellery.

- *Blossoming Gifts Cinder Rose Bouquet (£24): Myself and my mum love bouquets in the house all year round so a bouquet of gorgeous flowers is an easy and safe gift for my mum and I think all mums would love to receive a beautiful bouquet this Mother's Day as flowers can have such a brightening effect on a room and the occupants. I chose the vibrant Cinder Rose bouquet which features bright pink roses, subtly scented white anastasia alstroemeria and dainty gypsophila. The bouquet is so fresh and spring appropriate, it looks gorgeous on the fireplace and brightens the whole room. I adore the bright pink roses especially as they are so vivid, pretty and a bit unusual, in my opinion - also on a blogger point of view, they look so pretty in photographs #BloggerProblems - I can't switch it off, I just can't. There are so many Mother's Day flowers to choose from and in my opinion the prices are fantastic! There are also gifts on the site including cute vases, balloons, chocolates, hampers and incredible personalised gifts. I definitely have my eye on the personalised tricolore stars necklace which looks amazing *heart eyes emoji*. Also the lovely people at Blossoming Gifts have provided a discount code - you can get 33% off bouquets *only excluding the flowers by post range* using the code: BGIFTS33 and I don't think it has an end date so you should be able to use it whenever you want but the last date for delivery in time for Mother's Day is Saturday 5th by 4pm at the latest so go, go go! Also there is free standard delivery with selected bouquets and free chocolates with selected bouquets. 

Now onto my video showing closeups of the products I've featured in this post: 

What do you think of my Mother's Day gift ideas? 

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Naturisimo Skin Radiance Discovery Box

Naturisimo come out with their discovery boxes every month and every month I am impressed, especially with the amount/quality of the brands included in each box every single month. Each box is themed and this month the theme is 'skin radiance' which I'm all about especially during the dull, skin hating winter months.

The *Naturisimo Skin Radiance Discovery Box (£12.95) - the box contains eight luxury, high end, high performance skincare samples. This month the value of the box is a whopping £60! The brands included are as follows: The Organic Pharmacy, Kae, Argentum, Tata Harper, Caudalie, Elemental Herbology and Aurelia Probiotic Skincare.

- Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser (30ml): I have reviewed a few Aurelia Probiotic Skincare samples already, including this cleanser which I really like. It is a basic, creamy cleanser that feels luxurious on the skin. I'd recommend this box just because it includes an amazing sample size of this cleanser! Also it comes with an adorably packaged cloth to use with the cleanser.

- Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Firming Serum (10ml): If there's one thing I love in the beauty world, it's french skincare - the french know their skincare and Caudalie is one of the best brands, in my opinion. I adore their SOS serum and all of their bodycare products. I think this tiny bottle is so adorable but it is actually a pretty good trial size and it comes with a pipette dispenser.

- The Organic Pharmacy Lifting Serum (2ml): I haven't tried anything from this brand before but I always hear great things. I don't personally need any lifting skincare products yet but it seems like a nice product - my mum has been trying it and she likes it but it does contain micro shimmer which won't be for everyone.

- Kae Argaroyale Day Cream (2ml): Again, another brand I haven't tried or even heard of which is why these discovery boxes are fantastic. The day cream is natural and certified organic. Myself and my mum have tried this one as it is for mature and or dehydrated skin and we both like it; it absorbs quickly, it smoothes the skin instantly and it smells really nice!

- Argentum La Potion Infinie (5ml): Another french brand and I have high hopes! I haven't tried yet but it sound promising as 99.5% of the ingredients are natural. It claims to be a super hydrating, restorative anti-aging cream.

- Elemental Herbology Vital Glow Overnight Resurfacing Cream (15ml): The Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator was one of my 2015 favourites so I am always happy to try more from the brand. I think a 15ml sample tube is a fantastic sized sample for this brand as it is a slightly pricey brand. I love the texture of this cream, Elemental Herbology products always feel so luxurious! So far so good!

- Tata Harper Moisture Mask (7.5ml): Tata Harper is a much raved about brand by American bloggers and youtubers and I love the Lip and Cheek Tint I tried last year. I've only used this mask once and I have mixed opinions on it. It didn't irritate my skin, it feels nice on the skin and I love the sample pot but it didn't moisturise my skin as much as I thought it would - I think it's worth a try though.

Overall, a fantastic value box, in my opinion with some amazing brands included. I love the Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Cleanser and the Elemental Herbology Vital Glow especially but the other brands are pretty damn good too although I have mixed opinions on The Organic Pharmacy Serum and the Tata Harper Moisture Mask but I think everything in the box is well worth a go. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried any of the Naturisimo Discovery Boxes? What do you think of the contents of this box? 

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Fentimans Botanically Brewed Lime & Jasmine Drink

Spring is almost here which I love, especially after the gloom of winter! Spring is one of my favourite seasons as it is lighter and the sun actually appears so taking big photographs becomes so much easier and I love fresh, healthy spring time food and drink.

Fentimans have a wide range of botanically brewed drinks that are perfect for spring and summer, including their famous rose lemonade as well as victorian lemonade, dandelion and burdock, cherry cola, ginger beer and wild english elderflower drink, the latter I need to try as soon as possible as I love anything containing elderflower!

They have just brought out their latest drink, the *Fentimans Sparkling Lime and Jasmine Botanical Drink (275ml) which contains lime flower and herbal extracts as well as juniper berries, ginger root, hyssop, lime juice and jasmine flowers. It is 100% natural and it will be available from the 1st March.

I personally don't drink alcohol, which comes as a shock to most people as I'm in my early twenties and for people my age there is a drinking culture but I'm not embarrassed or unusual for not wanting to be part of that. Don't get me wrong, I'm not part of a modern temperance movement, I just don't want to drink. The Fentimans drinks are marketed as a 'credible alternative to alcohol', which I'm all for.

The new addition to the already popular range is something I probably wouldn't have necessarily pickup myself but I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to try it as it's gorgeous! It is incredibly refreshing, sweet but not overly so, citrusy and complex. The ginger comes through strongly, in my opinion and the floral ingredients are very subdued; therefore it does remind me of ginger beer. I think this is the perfect drink for the spring and summer months, it will be a necessity on a warm summers day! Also I LOVE the packaging and branding. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried any of the Fentimans drinks? What do you think of this new addition to the range? 

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