Mother's Day Gift Guide: Sweet Treats

I know that Valentine's Day is almost here but we're also not far from Mother's Day which in the UK is on the 11th March so if you haven't started looking for gifts for your mum, guardian or grandma then you still have time to find the perfect gift. Today's post is my first Mother's Day gift guide and I'm focussing on sweet, feminine and spring-like gifts from Treats Direct, Bomb Cosmetics and Sudio Sweden.

*Treats Direct Box (£3.99)

You might not know this about me but while I'm not a massive chocolate, cake or biscuit fan, I do love sweets and candy! Before coming a vegetarian almost thirteen years ago, I used to love gummy sweets, Haribo and any kind of sour candy and if you're gift recipient has a sweet tooth too, Treats Direct has an amazing and unique gift idea!

Treats Direct create pre-set sweet boxes that will be filled with four compartments of sweets (the boxes are all individually sealed) from traditional sweets such as toffee, barley sugar, blackjacks, butter mints, chocolate eclairs, fruit salad and liquorice to sweets that are so nostalgic to me including candy sticks, gummy bears, milk bottles, cola bottles, laces, millions, refreshers and more!

I was very kindly sent two boxes filled with vegetarian sweets (you cannot currently pick your own sweets - they are pre-set boxes) including jazzies (which I love), love hearts, milk chocolate mini eggs, skittles and more. I think my favourites from the sweets I received have to be the flying saucers, millions and jazzies. These boxes would make amazing gifts for Mother's Day, birthdays or Valentine's Day. You can get your first box for only £2.49!

*Bomb Cosmetics Polkadot Pot Mallow (£2.99)

I'm a Bomb Cosmetics ambassador so I'm very lucky to be sent boxes of wonderful goodies and this one has to be one of my favourites. Firstly, it looks so cute and almost edible and secondly, it smells amazing!

Time for Tea! Pour a mug of sweet strawberry brew blended with rosemary & bergamot essential oils. An aromatic fruit infusion beneficial to both body and mind. Place your Bath Mallow in warm water and watch as it fizzes softly, melting and releasing its Cocoa Butter.

It's one of their bath mallows which are surprisingly long lasting in the water considering how small they are but they are impressive! There are so many bath mallows to choose from as well as bath blasters, candles, diffusers, handmade soaps, scrubs, shower butters, gift sets and their new bath bomb cards - they have Mother's Day cards!

I think this next gift isn't your typical Mother's Day gift idea but stay with me! I love gifting practical but cute, aesthetically pleasing gifts and these earphones fit the bill perfectly. Also a very good, durable pair of earphones isn't easy to find but Sudio Sweden have some of the very best, most comfortable and gorgeously designed earphones out there!

*Sudio Sweden Vasa Bla Earphones (£59 - Pink)

Now, I know these earphones are a little more expensive than most you'd probably buy but considering how many pairs of awful earphones you have to purchase, it is very reasonable and the quality is amazing. As well as the earphones, you also receive an owners manual, leather case, quick start guide, guarantee card, earphone bud replacements and a cable clip. Everything is so beautifully but simply packaged and there are various styles to choose from.

The Vasa Bla earphones I have are wireless so there's no excess wires that can tangle and become unusable! They last for around eight hours on one charge, you can give them a quick ten minute charge or the full 120 minute charge. The sound quality is amazing, they are so comfortable and they NEVER tangle - it's amazing! I love the pink shade as well as the gold plating on the earphones. Additionally, there's a bluetooth remote and microphone on the earphones. They're easy to pair with your phone, easy to charge and perfect for on the go or travelling.

To get 15% off at Sudio Sweden, use the code: OFBEAUTYAND15

What do you think of these gifts? Do you own any of these products? 

Read More

Race Day Outfits with Pretty Little Thing

It's coming up to that time of the year again when not only are race days (the most famous being the grand national) starting but garden parties, spring weddings and more are coming. They aren't here quite yet in Manchester as I did have to dodge snow showers while shooting these outfits. I'm working with the lovely people at Pretty Little Thing for this outfit post featuring ideas for various spring events that you might have coming up over the next few months.

*Pretty Little Thing Pink Velvet Cape Blazer (£13 - SALE)

Now, if you've been following my blog or social media for a while, you'll know that both of these outfits are a little out of my comfort zone but I love them both. The most un-Heather item is this crushed velvet cape blazer...You put it on just like a blazer but it has deep slits down both arms so it is almost like a structured cape. I have a UK size 8 and it fits well on the whole but it is a little too large on me. I love the design, it's something very different to what I'd usually go for and the shade is gorgeous. I love blush pink all year round but especially during the spring months. I know that florals for spring isn't groundbreaking but they are pretty and great for a spring event!

*Pretty Little Thing Cream Floral Kimono Culottes  (£8 - SALE)

Next up is probably my favourite item and again something that's well out of my comfort zone in terms of the shades, fabric and design. Usually the most colourful I'll get is navy blue, burgundy or mustard but I do love all of these creamy, botanical and spring like shades! Now, I am ridiculously tiny at only 4ft 11 so these culottes are more of full length trousers (stop laughing!) but I still love how they look.

I've never been a typical 'girly girl' who loves dresses and any kind of event, wedding or party struck fear in me as it would mean that I have to wear a dress but these are a great alternative as they're pretty, spring-like and formal. I do have one issue and it is that the fabric is so sheer therefore you do need a slightly longer jacket! However, I love the fit, the high waist looks so flattering and they're great for the upcoming spring/summer months.

Note to self: Don't eat a huge plate full of pasta before you are going to shoot outfit photos!

*Pretty Little Thing Carley Black Frill Bodycon Dress (£15)

Sorry for the light in these photos, it was snowing on and off all day! Also please ignore the fact that I'm paler than Voldemort...Since losing a total of 24lbs (about 1.7 stone), I'm so much more confident wearing dresses, even bodycon dresses which was unthinkable at the beginning of last year! A little black dress is a wardrobe staple but I've never kept any over the years for various reasons but I think this one will be staying around for a while as it's little more unique, I love the length and frill neck line. I do have to be careful about what I eat in this dress as it isn't forgiving at all and food babies will be very obvious but I love the style, I love how simple it is and I think I'll get so much use out of it in 2018!

*Pretty Little Thing Ephy Gold Plunge Necklace (£5)

Lastly is an item that I completely forgot to photograph and it's a gorgeous, minimal necklace. I don't usually go for gold jewellery but I think it's pretty during the spring months. Minimal jewellery is my go-to and this necklace is perfect - it isn't too long, it's lightweight and comfortable.

What do you think of my race day outfits? Have you bought anything from Pretty Little Thing? 

Read More

Self Care Saturday: Natural Teeth Whitening

Today's post is another 'self care Saturday' post which has quickly become a series now so I think I'll continue and today's post is all about natural teeth whitening. It's a more frivolous and potentially vain aspect of beauty and self care but I personally feel better with a brighter, whiter smile especially when I have events to go to which I do this year, much more than last year. 

I haven't had my teeth professionally whitened but I have tried a few whitening toothpastes, oil pulling and various at home teeth whitening kits (I've tried about ten so far). Most of the kits and products I've tried haven't been natural at all but that's one of the things that makes the Carbon Coco kit unique!

*Carbon Coco Ultimate Carbon Kit ($59.90 - SALE)

Carbon Coco is an Australian based brand that provides all natural alternatives to traditional teeth whitening products and oral care. I was very kindly sent the ultimate carbon kit which contains the activated charcoal toothpaste, the tooth polish and a toothbrush with bamboo bristles. The delivery did take a little longer than normal but that's expected as it came from Australia. 

I have tried a charcoal based toothpaste before and had amazing results (which were very gradual) and it was black in colour - this one is as well. Using a black toothpaste does take a while to get used to but it is just like a 'normal' toothpaste. The Carbon Coco Activated Charcoal Toothpaste lathers and works just like any other toothpaste, apart from the colour and thankfully it isn't mouth burningly minty as some whitening toothpastes can be. I've been using it on and off for almost two week along with the bamboo bristled toothbrush and I have noticed a few differences. 

The first difference is the shade of my teeth, they are whiter after using this toothpaste but it isn't a dramatic difference and I think that more results will come with time as I experienced the same thing with a different charcoal based toothpaste last year. I always use an electric toothbrush so I didn't really like the one included in the kit. 

When it comes to the tooth powder, I think it does help to some extent and it is very easy to use but it looks a little gruesome (it would be great for halloween!) and I find that I did experience a little sensitivity since using these products; however it is only very minor and I experience sensitivity with pretty much every teeth whitening product I've tried!

Overall, there are so many positives, I love the packaging, it contains all natural ingredients (that's one of my main positives along with the results so far), the products for me are effective and quick/easy to use but I did experience a little sensitivity and the results are gradual so you have to stick to using the products consistently - the results won't appear overnight but that applies to any product like this. I would definitely recommend these products if you're looking for an all natural teeth whitening kit. 

Have you tried anything from Carbon Coco? Have you tried any teeth whitening products? 

Read More

Blog Tour: The Belles - A Sweet But Deadly YA Read

I received this book mid-january and I was so excited to receive it in the post from the lovely and wonderful people over at Gollancz! The concept of this book was so intriguing! I thought it would end up in my February wrap-up as it is almost 450 pages which is a little longer than the books I typically read but I read it in two days so you've already had a sneak peek of my review in my January wrap-up!

*The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton (448 pages) ★★★★

Firstly, the cover is just gorgeous! It's categorised as YA fantasy and YA contemporary but I would add in that it's a futuristic or dystopian world, depending on how you view it. I believe that this book is the authors first solo novel (I might be wrong) which is incredibly impressive. Just read my description of the book and try not to be instantly intrigued:

We enter of world filled with the dammned, their skin has turned to grey with eyes that have morphed to red but there's hope in the world in the form of The Belles. While everyone is seeking to change their ageing, condemned forms, The Belles are goddess like beauties that have the ability to make you beautiful again...for a period of time. The sugar coated, beautiful world of the court of the royal family of Orleans is what they have been trained since childhood to belong in but nothing is what it seems. Twisted figures, greed and power fill the gilded halls and Camilla, along with her fellow Belles must navigate this world obsessed with beauty without displeasing the royal family and maybe they will survive. 

I absolutely adored this book, firstly, the writing is so quick and easy to follow which made for a lightening fast read for me. Also the world is just so intriguing, you want to read on and on and on to find out what will happen to The Belles, the future of the royal family and a certain two people who create a lot of cute, angsty tension (if it is a little cliche).

The concept of beauty, body, skin colour and appearance in general as a fluid thing is so unique! I loved the sweet, sugary and beautiful facade of the world which masks the ugly, twisted world beneath. I think this book would make an absolutely incredible film or maybe even a tv show (pick it up Netflix).

While at moments it did feel very YA with a touch of cliche, overall it was so throughly entertaining, whimsical but dark and I found it captivating. I liked the ending which left the story very open and I cannot wait for the next book. If I could liken it to anything it would be a combination of Ru Paul's Drag Race with the regal splendour of numerous YA novels and a touch of classic fairytales but those descriptions don't do it justice at all as it stands out on it's own for it's uniqueness and ability to charm. You enter this world of beauty, glamour and regal splendour but realise quite quickly that beauty has a painful, if not deadly, cost but are you willing you pay?

Will you be picking up this book? What are you currently reading? 

Read More

Blog Tour: The Waking Land by Callie Bates

This year so far has been full of blog tours which I'm loving as I adore reading and working with publishers is a bonus! I've already published blog tour review posts for A Mighty Dawn, The Intruder, Culture Smart Travel Guides and Beautiful Star with a few more on the way, including this one which is in collaboration with the wonderful people at Hodder and Stoughton. 

*The Waking Land by Callie Bates (400 pages - available now) ★★★

I'm a huge fantasy fan, it's one of my favourite book genres along with magical realism, mystery/thrillers, quirky non-fiction and YA so I was very excited to be part of this blog tour for a new YA fantasy by Callie Bates which includes romance, paranormal and almost folklore elements. It's a little longer than most YA books I've finished recently but it is a very quick, easy and fun read! 

We follow Elanna who as a child was taken at knife point to live in another kingdom away from her family and magical culture but everything changes when she grows up and has to quell her magic, flee from the kingdom she was forced to live in and reunite with her family to save her kingdom and to ensure that magic is bought back to their lands. 

I liked the settings, most of the characters, the politics and the world in general but the best part has to be the magic! I loved the almost folklore attached to the magic, the magical abilities of the main character and the battle at the end of the book. The writing was also very quick and easy, not overly descriptive and definitely kept me turning the pages. However, I did find it a little predictable at times, the ending wasn't quite what I thought it would be (although I am happy with the ending) and it was quite slow in places. 

Overall, even though I had to rush through it a little to have my review published on time, it was a thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining and fun fantasy read filled with magic, self discovery and a predictable but sweet romance - it's impressive for a debut YA fantasy read. I'd definitely recommend it if you like YA fantasy and I'm interested enough to want to read the second book which comes out in December 2018. 

Are you a fantasy fan? Are you going to pick up this YA fantasy read? What are you currently reading? 

Read More

Veganuary 2018 + Cruelty Free Favourites

Last month was the third veganuary I have taken part in and to be honest, it was my worst attempt...in my defence, I couldn't prepare fully beforehand and my diet is 90% vegan already but enough of making excuses! Today's post is going to be a review of some of my favourite products from last month that are crueltry free or suitable for vegans.

*Antipodes Immortal Face & Body SPF 15 Moisturiser (£28.99, 60ml)

For the past three or so years Antipodes have been my favourite skincare brand! I've been using their products almost consistently for a while, through amazing skin days to horrendous fortnight long eczema flare-ups and I cannot recommend their products enough, especially if you have dry and sensitive skin as I do - they are heaven sent products!

For the majority of December and January I've been using their vanilla day cream which I adore but recently I've been trying their Immortal SPF 15 moisturiser which is perfect for this time of the year when my skin still needs nourishment and moisture (it's still snowing here as I'm typing this) but we are having lighter, sunny days so the SPF 15 is definitely needed. Unlike other Antipodes moisturisers, this one barely has a scent and it's very lightweight but it's still great for my dry, sensitive skin. I know I'll get so much use out of this moisturiser in the upcoming spring months.

*Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator (£21.99, 75ml)

I've tried so many of their serums, moisturisers and a couple of cleansers but this is the first exfoliator from Antipodes that I've tried and I love it! It contains wonderful ingredients as every Antipodes product does and both of these mentioned are suitable for vegans. The exfoliator is so gentle but very effective, it's one of the best exfoliators I've ever used as it leaves my skin so incredibly smooth, soft and clean without it feeling uncomfortable or harsh. I cannot recommend Antipodes as a brand enough, especially these two products which I've been loving recently.

*Beauty Blender Original - Powder (£16)

Last week I received an amazing package from no other than Beauty Blender UK as they are celebrating 15 years of perfectly blended foundation! I have had so many Beauty Blender dupes as well as the original pink Beauty Blender and none of the dupes compare to the original, in my opinion. The original is fluffy cloud compared to the other dupes as it's so incredibly soft, squishy and when damp, it's the most ideal tool to apply foundation over my dry, sometimes flaky skin.

Brushes tend to emphasise the dryness of my skin when applying foundation or concealer so the best option is a damp, soft Beauty Blender as it applies and blends my foundation and concealer perfectly providing a seamless finish, blended to perfection foundation and it's amazing for my dry skin. If you also have dry skin and find that brushes just emphasise the dryness then check out the original Beauty Blender. I have searched online and I think that they are cruelty free and suitable for vegans to use, let me know if this isn't correct!

*Perricone MD No Makeup Foundation (£45)

Last year I was very kindly sent the Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation and I adored it but it was a little too dark for my ghostly pale skin but thankfully they've just released a lighter shade. I have the lightest shade available (Fair, F) which is the most ideal match for my skin! I love the packaging, it contains SPF 30 which is amazing and for me it provides a radiant, skin-like finish, light coverage and it helps to even out my skin tone.

On New Years eve I finished up the last of my all time favourite foundation and I've been using all of my disappointing foundations since then which obviously results in awful looking skin but since I received this foundation, it's been the only foundation I've used and now I've had nothing but amazing foundation days! It makes my skin look radiant, even and provides the coverage I want on a daily basis, it doesn't irritate my skin and it claims to visibly improve the skin's appearance over time.

*Perricone MD No Makeup Concealer (£29, 9g)

As well as the foundation which I absolutely adore, I also received their new concealer (thank you!) which doesn't seem to be on the website yet but you can sign up to receive a notification when it is in the link above. I love the packaging for the concealer, the shade is another perfect match and it claims to provide instant coverage for imperfections, dark circles and discolouration. As well as the foundation, the concealer has amazing SPF which is ideal for the upcoming sunny spring days.

The coverage is fantastic (it's medium to buildable coverage) and as I have the lightest shade it adds so much brightness under the eyes which is definitely needed as my dark circles are stubbornly intense. I apply the foundation and concealer with my Beauty Blender and it's the most effective trio for my dry skin during the still chilly winter days.

My vegan meaty pizza!

Baconlicious Seasonings 

Last but not least is a food favourite! Baconlicious very kindly sent me a tonne of samples of their products all the way from sunny Australia. Their products are suitable for vegetarians and some are suitable for vegans, either way, they are all delicious.

The main product I've been using is the Maple Glazed Bacon Seasoning which is suitable for vegans! To me it tastes like bacon flavoured crisps and it's gorgeous within creamy smoky vegan sauces and dips or just sprinkled onto vegan pizza and salads. A little goes a long way so it will last a while and there are so many uses for the seasonings. They also make BBQ glazes and spray on seasonings, I have a few of them and I also love the garlic spray on seasoning. All of the products I've tried so far have been incredible, it's hard to believe that they are vegan as they taste amazing, smoky and moreish. Even though they are based in Australia, they offer world-wide shipping so definitely check them out. I will have a couple of recipes using these products on my blog over the next couple of weeks.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of the Baconlicious Bacon-Free Seasonings? 

Read More