My Little Box March Products

Having now tried out the My Little Box products for this month, I have to say I'm upgrading from OK box to great box. Well done to everyone in the My Little Box team. This was a total winner. 

First product I got round to testing was the Blending Sponge from their own brand. I was very impressed and it did a great good of applying my foundation. Really happy with this item and it had its own little feature spread in the My Little World magazine with suggestions for other ways to use it.

I already knew I would be but I was absolutely delighted with the Givenchy Noir Couture Volume mascara. I'm still a bit unsure of the wand shape but it was lovely to get such a high quality brand in our boxes. On top of that it is a beautifully packaged mascara with a textured geometric feel. Pictures don't do it justice.

Next up was the Bubble Blush for lips and cheeks from My Little Beauty. It turns out my initial observations were in fact completely the wrong way round. I thought this would be a lovely product for my lips.

I wasn't overjoyed with it as a lip colour. It was a little too light for my liking and after about 10 minutes my lips felt really dry.

However, with reluctance, I tried it on my cheeks. Texture was nice, colour was subtle and yeah, I was very pleased with it as a blusher. It's now about an hour after doing my lip up and my cheeks still feel fine and the colour is still good. I just wish they'd told us how much it would cost!

  I have now tried the Essie nail varnish. Belugaria nail lacquer (288) is a black nail colour textured with glitter and (I think) some sort of gritty sand like material. Help me out if you know what it is. It has a matte finish and is very thick in texture. Dries super quick. I had no idea it was so textured when I started applying it so it wasn't looking the best after my first coat and I wasn't that keen. After adding the second coat I think it looks pretty cool. Definitely a statement nail polish that's more suited to a night out than everyday usage. 

I still need to try out the hair brush too. It's too hard to say goodbye to my old faithful paddle brush but it really is on its last legs so it will need done soon.

Let me know what you thought of the products this month. Were you as happy as me? And I'm upgrading my approval of the box from an alright to awesome! Well done, MLB! 

Pink Parcel March Products

I should have known....I'd spent all day stropping about with no motivation, craving alcohol, caffeine and sympathy.  Yet I hadn't suspected a thing. When I realised I was heartbroken followed immediately by excitement. Excited about my period....wtf?! But I was so looking forward to trying out the products in my Pink Parcel that I kind of didn't mind.

Alcohol consumption well under way, my first thing to do was get the wax melt going. At the moment we're in quite a small flat, so I opted just to use a quarter of the melt. Two minutes after putting it on my boyfriend came through from the kitchen to announce how amazing it was smelling. As if I hadn't noticed! Simple Candle Company have done themselves proud. I literally want to eat the Caramel scent out of the air, yet it isn't overpowering. I am genuinely considering subscribing to their own monthly box once I'm settled in the house. I can't afford it right now sadly. Bravo, people of Simple Candle Company!

Next on my to try list was Papayagold's "Paw Paw Moisturising Balm". My friend had tried it out already and had mentioned how great it was. My skin can get a bit dry during my time of the month. I applied a teeny tiny amount and it's amazing just how far it went. It feels highly moisturising and has a texture/smell like that of Vaseline. But given that it contains Manuka Honey I really think it will be much better. Again really happy with this product! :)

OK Montagne Jeunesse over to you...I hope your Cucumber Peel-off Deep Cleansing Mask is going to make me feel better. It states on the back of the packet that after 15-25 minutes I will feel fab. Right now I am not going to  argue with that but will instead try it out.
(15-25 minutes later)

I needn't have worried about it smelling like cucumber because it really really didn't. I must say that despite the fact I hate cucumber, I think I might have liked it to have some kind of scent, even if it was cucumber. However, my skin felt pretty awesome and must say yeah, I feel a little fab. So another job well done.

Whilst waiting on my mask to set, I thought to myself what a better time to treat myself to some chocolate goodness. I wish I hadn't I'm afraid to say. The branding is gorgeous and they looked absolutely delicious. My distrust of healthy chocolate was based on a solid judgement I fear. I did not like it one bit so I offered the other truffle from Sweet Virtues to my better half. Smiling he popped it in his mouth. The smile did not last long: he spat it out almost instantly and looked at me with eyes that screamed "why?! Why for the love of god did you let me put this in my mouth". I'm not going to lie it was quite funny and if I had another, I'd do it again and in some sort of sordid way that made me happy. I can only deduce this is what they were going for.

I did try out the natural deodorant from Native Unearthed. I can't say that it was a long test or that I was under any stress/exertion that might cause lots of sweating. But I can see that it was scent free and easy to use. That's about the extent of my feeling thus far. 

Last but not least, the Vitalitea from Pink Parcel themselves. A fusion of ginger and Pineapple in a green tea. I had been so excited to try this out. After quite a bit of prosecco I thought green tea might (just might) counteract the harm I had done to my liver this evening. The teabag itself looks lovely. One mug of green tea later and....I was not disppointed. The perfect combination of flavours and as I love a good cuppa I couldn't be happier.

To sum it all up (with the exception of the chocolate) I was absolutely delighted with everything in this box. I love the products, the concept and the attention the Pink Parcel team pay to their social media interactions. I hope every moment with be to this level. Should it be I can see myself subscribing for a long time to come!

Pink Parcel March 2016

This was my first ever Pink Parcel box and after seeing some good YouTube reviews (check out www.youtube.com/raaaach92 and https://youtu.be/nFFyqbfcg9w by Anxiety Mum for a few of my favourites) I decided to sign up. I deliberated about it for a while but hey every girl needs tampons/towels so why not get a wee treat whilst stocking up.

First thoughts: nice discreet packaging. Especially as I'm having to get it delivered to my parents house whilst I wait to get into my new house (3 weeks tomorrow now). It's quite strong branding and definitely appeals to my taste.

I don't know if it was because it is my first box but I got it in a cute little canvas bag saying "Classic Period Drama"....it's as if it was made just for me! Period Dramas are some of my favourite things to watch and read. But also I'm like a demon on speed when I have my time of the month (I'm sure my boyfriend would testify to that too).

Inside you have a little pouch marked "For Now" which is essentially to keep your monthly goods in your handbag. Again nicely discreet and able to easily hold 5 panty liners and 4 tampons.

You also receive 2 boxes "For Later". Mine contained 10 tampons in each. Should definitely be enough to see me through. Extremely happy with that.

Each month you also get a "For Down There" box containing a feminine hygiene product. These are products from SASS which (given it can be purchased through the pink parcel website) I think may be an in-house brand. I received their refreshing wipes. I've used similar products before and although it isn't something I'd usually go out my way to purchase I was really happy with this as well. Something I'll definitely get use from.

The last box you receive is named "For You" and really it's the reason we all subscribe. First product that practically came flying out out me because the box was so full (good sign) was a "Montague Jeunesse Cucumber Peel-off Face Mask". Now firstly I am not a fan of cucumber  (taste or smell) and I'm not massively fond of peel off masks, but I am more than happy to try this product out when the time comes (if you get my drift). These sell for a pound a pop, so not one of the more expensive products I've seen in previous boxes.

Next out was a "Simple Candle Co Wax Melt" in "Caramel". Before I'd even opened my box I could smell this product and it does smell delicious. Might be slightly overpowering if used in a small room, but I am a huge fan of candles, oil burners and incense so really looking forward to giving this one a go. These come in at £2 each and after a bit of a snoop on their instagram I've discovered they do a subscription box, so thinking I might give that one a try out I'm settled in the house. But yeah, really happy with that.

There was also a travel size of "Native Unearthed Natural Deodorant". It looks pretty cool and is free from everything even the strictest of hipsters would hate, so it must be good. Haven't tried it out yet but definitely will. Although maybe when I've got a bit of time off work and don't need to worry so much about whether or not it's working. Really strong branding again and I must say another product I'm happy about. Full size product would be £5.39 so call this a couple of quids worth.

Still more in the box..."Papayagold Paw Paw Moisturising Balm". I suffer with quite dry lips doing the winter months so had I got this a few months back it would have been a godsend. Round about my period I can get quite dry skin so it may still be useful. A good sized product with Manuka Honey which is well known for its healing properties. Normally costing you £5.99, so I definitely can say at this point I've made my money back.

The next product would have been perfect if only I hadn't bought one the previous week. "Mylee Crystal Nail File" which would normally set you back £4.89. Sadly, as I have just bought one, chances are I'm gonna give this one away.

The last of the beauty products was a "Hello Gorgeous Makeup Bag". If you read my other posts you'll know I also subscribe to My Little Box. I get a make up bag with that every month, which I always love to pieces. Fear not, I shall have a use for this. I am going to put some tampons in this one for my boyfriends daughter. My logic is that this will be a much more pleasant way of keeping them handy when she needs them most without the embarrassment of accidentally pulling them out along with her pencil class in school. This product is normally  £3.99, so again happy with that.

Now one of the main reasons I loved this subscription box concept is for the next two items which are two of my great loves. Each month you get a different tea and sweet treat to try. I love sweet things and cups of tea sometimes more than is rational. Both this month sound delicious. The tea this month is from Pink Parcel themselves (they really seem to be branching out). "Ginger & Pineapple Green Tea"....now what is there not to love in that sentence?! Ginger: yummy

and good for nausea which I suffer from a lot (never mind when I have my period). Pineapple: also yummy and just the right fruity flavour to compliment the ginger. Green tea: I love love love tea! I am so excited to try this bad boy out but I  am holding off for when I need it. Can't wait to let you know what I make of it.

Last but not least, this month's sweet treat. "Sweet Virtues Baobab & Vanilla Balance Chocolate Truffles" claim to be a healthy chocolate. I don't trust healthy chocolate. I judge healthy chocolate. If it's healthy, it won't taste good, right? I'm hoping I'm proved wrong because let's face it, healthy chocolate would be the best thing to ever happen to mankind. The packaging is absolutely beautiful and I so so want to like this product.

All in all, I was delighted. It's a great concept, executed to a high standard,  great customer service from some correspondence I've had with them, really active on social media and all round great box. Definitely be keeping this one. Please let me know what you made of this month's box in the wee comments section.

My Little Box March 2016

This month has an adorable theme fit for a pop princess. My Little Bubble Box.

Upon opening, I was disappointed to see my usual Kanako card had been replaced with a card saying "Time to blow bubbles!" with a balloon attached that says "be wild!" across the front. Good concept (although I would have preferred the Kanako card). My thought is this would have worked better if a bottle of bubbles with the little plastic circle thing for blowing bubbles had been included (does anyone know what I'm talking about?!)

I really don't have much need for balloons in my life so once I blew it up for the blog pictures, I took the advice of the sticker for this month's box to "make it pop".

I haven't had time to look through the My Little World magazine yet but pleased to say it's still in its glossy format....here's hoping that's here to stay.

Underneath that was a My Little Corner hairbrush. As always their products have lovely branding on it. This particular product is featuring a girl on the box with a messy bun and blowing some bubble gum (of course). The brush itself is in a lovely baby blue shade (perfect for this month's theme) with the words "Be cooler" on the back. I am in need of a new hair brush so I was relatively happy with this item. Although I would question the £13 price tag they sell it for on their website.

Next in my box was a make up applicator sponge. Both the pink colour of the sponge and the box branding is again perfect for this month's box. Again this is something I was looking to purchase soon, so again happy with this item.

Onto the goody bag of make up and beauty treats. I am delighted to say there is no (I repeat: NO) body/hand/face creams. Delighted with that and applaud on the action they've taken on customer feedback. I'll start with the usual My Little Beauty product we are used to seeing each month. We have this time a Bubble Blush for lips and cheeks (see what they did there....BUBBLE blush). Looks awfully like nail varnish to me but it's a relatively good colour for my lips so happy to try it out. As far as putting it on my cheeks goes, I'm reluctant but I will try it out. No price given for this one so won't be able to tell you if I think it's value for money or not.

The next offering was a nail varnish from Essie. Decent brand so happy enough with that. I would have liked it in a bubblegum pink colour or some other pastel shade to go with this month's theme. Colour is 'Belugaria'....looks quite dark, almost black, with glitter through it. Not 100% sure but I will test ASAP.

Last but by no means least, a sample size of Givenchy's 'Noir Couture Volume' mascara. Shade is '1 Black Taffeta' which works for me. I wear black mascara on a daily basis. Yes it is a sample size but I like keeping samples in my handbag to save me carting full size products everywhere, so I was very happy with this inclusion. Plus what a high quality name to have in the box.

So in conclusion, was I blown away with this month's box? No. Was I disppointed? No, aside from no Kanako card it was an alright box. Alright. I'm hoping next month is an amazing box to justify my subscription. Let me know what you guys made of this month's box.

Mother's Day at La Vita

It's the day that daughters and sons all pay homage to the women who gave birth to us, Mothering Sunday. I opted that instead of buying my mum some perfume or something she didn't want, I'd give her something she really wanted. Time with yours truly! Now she maybe didn't really want this too much but I fancied a lunch out.

After meeting my mum and dad we had a wee wander down to George Square in Glasgow City Centre and into La Vita. This restaurant is a family favourite but I thought the food might be below par due to the occasion or the service rushed. I was pleasantly surprised. We all enjoyed a lovely meal. The food was so good I forgot to take pictures so I do apologise. For a starter I had the Mac and Cheese balls which were just the right amount of cheesy. This was followed by the Tagliatelle Calabrese. This was delicious and if I was wondered about them scrimping on portion sizes, I couldn't have been further from the truth. It was huge. In fact, I had to ask them to put the rest in a takeaway box that is still stuffed full. We each had a different ice cream sundae, each one as good as the last. Overall for a 3 course meal for 3, plus 3 soft drinks, 1 large glass of wine (for me, obvs) and a coffee I was happy with the bill being just under £80.

If you are looking for good Italian food right slap bang in Glasgow City Centre withs great service and huuuuuge portions, look no further than La Vita. Trust me you won't be disappointed AND you get the added benefit of a 'Drumstick' lolly with your bill....what's not to love!

My Little Box January Products

It's strange putting this out after I've already tested February's products. If you've read my other blog posts you'll know that my January's box got lost in the post which is why it's taken so long to get out.

Now my number 1 product in January's Wish Box was the diary. Although I'd missed 2 months I went back and filled it out so I'd have a little keep sake for the past year. I love everything about this diary so a big bravo to the My Little Box team! What I wasn't a massive fan of was the ribbon style bracelets. Given that I'm no longer a teenage girl or hang out with teenage girls, I don't know anyone who wants to tie a flimsy bit of ribbon to their wrist. However, say a great suggestion in the comments section of a clog of this month's box (check it out her reviews here - www.youtube.com/user/PinkChickClaire). The suggestion was to use the bracelets as bookmarks in your diary. I'll definitely be stealing that idea!

The other product I tried out immediately was the lip balm. If you've read any of my previous blogs you may know I'm a big fan of lip balm. This one from My Little Beauty is beautifully scented, kept my lips nicely moistured and has a nice subtle gloss to it. Beautifully presented and perfect in this month's theme. This one was another big thumbs up from me! 

After a tough Saturday shift at work I decided to try out my new cleansing water from Ren and day cream from Garnier. Now I'm not massively a fan of using scented products on my face. It's just a personal preference. However the rose scent of Ren's 'Rosa Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water' is so subtle I was more than happy to give it a go. I must say I was really impressed, using a small amount it easily removed all my make up and left my skin feeling great. So again a big thumbs up from me, My Little Box. The card said "This must be love" and I must say I agree. It's a shame my box arrived late because I won't be able to use the discount offer to by a full sized one :(

Lastly Garnier have promised me a Miracle! "Packed with smoothing, rapid - diffusion micro-peptides" that will supposedly "being radiance back to knackered complexions and revive your tired - looking skin". Well after my early morning start for work today, my skin is definitely a bit tired (like the rest of me).  A little thicker than is my usual preference for a day cream and again with a slight fragrance, it wouldn't have been a product I would have picked myself. I must say my initial thoughts were positive. It felt lovely to put on, although I'm still not 100% sure of the scent. Whether or not it will perform the miracles promised, it was another thumbs up from me! 

So to sum it up, loved the products in this box. Love love love! It was worth the wait and despite being disappointed with more face cream....it may actually be a winner. Bravo, My Little Box!

Pink Parcel Subscription

Just looking for a bit of advice from any of my blog readers. I've just signed up to Pink Parcel which is a subscription box for us ladies during "that time" of the month. It's a great concept. I am generally a miserable cow during my period, so anything that can cheer me up during will benefit not only me but everyone around me!

You order your tampons/sanitary pads/combination of both, but you also received some beauty products, something sweet, a teabag (because who doesn't love tea) and a feminine hygiene product.

Just wondering if anyone subscribes and if it's worth it? I noticed I could get my first box for £9.99 and as I'll be needing a buy tampons this month, I thought why not! Let me know your thoughts.