Mål Paper Daily Goal Setter Planner Review*

[AD- This post includes a product I was sent in exchange for a review. As always, all photos, words, thoughts, and opinions are my own].

I've always been a bit of a stationery addict and I love organising my life with a good to-do-list, so when a new company called Mål Paper approached me and invited me to review their new Daily Goal Setter planner*, I immediately said 'yes!'

As someone who prefers to coordinate her life on paper instead of on screen, I was intrigued by the planner, and couldn't wait to find out if it could help me organise my life more efficiently.

Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint!

The Daily Goal Setter* from Mål Paper is a beautiful hardback planner made from soft textured faux leather. It features a stylish, Scandinavian-inspired minimalistic design with a tasteful modern font in gold on the cover and spine, and comes in a choice of three colours: black, grey, and pink. I chose the pink because we all know I can't resist some colour, and I know many of you can't, either! It's a pretty salmon-pink in colour, and it looks effortlessly stylish instead of childish or garish, as pink stationery sometimes does.

When the goal setter arrived on my doorstep, I was instantly impressed by the fantastic quality of it. It's sturdy and very well made, and looks built to last. I'm confident it will survive regular use and being carried around in your bag to use on the go with minimal wear and tear.

A gratitude journal and planner in one, the Daily Goal Setter, is the perfect planner to help you effectively organise your life, optimise your potential, and achieve your goals. Whether you want to focus on your work, blogging, school, or home life, this planner has everything you need to make your life as stress free and productive as possible, while helping you think more positively and mindfully.

It begins with a cheat sheet section with plenty of tips for using the planner, and how to effectively set and achieve your goals, which you should find helpful if you don't know where to start. It leads on to sections for planning long, medium, and short-term goals with room to include when, why, and how you hope to achieve them, and motivational quotes at the bottom of each page to inspire you.

Next you'll find month and week in-review pages where you can record important tasks, and review and rate your month or week. 

The month in review pages also have room for notes, and include an undated calendar which could be helpful for tracking blogging or business stats and expenses, noting down appointments, or using to keep track of schedules. I see myself utilising this section for planning blog content in the future.

Pages for daily tasks naturally make up the majority of the planner, with a full page provided for you to fill each day. Half of the page is allocated to a to-do-list with a column for prioritising your goals beside it, and you should have more than enough room to jot everything down even on the busiest of days. The daily task pages also give you the opportunity to switch off from the stresses of work for a moment and take a few minutes to reflect and appreciate the little things in life each day, which I love as I try to look for the good in every day. It encourages you to list three things to be grateful for, pen some daily affirmations, record some great things that happened, and also rate your day, so even if you've been having the worst day, you can try to finish it by focusing on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives. These are definitely my favourite features of the goal setter and I really enjoy taking a few minutes to reflect on them whenever I use the planner.

This 244-page planner has room for six months of planning in total, and it's filled with quality 100gsm ivory paper. The paper is a decent thickness, and should accept most pens with no or minimal bleeding.

The great thing about the goal setter is that the pages aren't dated like a traditional diary. You just fill in the next page as and when you need to, so it's ideal if, like me, you don't have a busy schedule every day of the week, and don't want to have a planner full of wasted paper. Not only is this kinder to the environment, but it's more cost-effective, too. 

At the back of the planner, you will also find lined pages for notes, a calendar for 2019 and 2020, and a document folder attached to the back cover to keep important slips of paper safe and secure. There are two grey ribbons for helping you keep your place, and influential quotes from the greats are dotted throughout the planner to inspire you. They really have thought of everything.

Overall, I think the Mål Paper Daily Goal Setter Planner is a fantastic planner. It's beautifully designed, great quality, well structured, and has everything you need to help you stay organised and turn your goals in to achievements. It's an ideal planner for organising everything from work to blogging to uni, and it even encourages us to be more mindful of our lives. What more could you ask for from a daily planner?!

The Daily Goal Setter is reasonably priced at just £20.95, and and you can buy yourself a copy from Mål Paper here.

Do you think the Daily Goal Setter could help you organise your life more efficiently?

*The Mål Paper Daily Goal Setter Planner featured in this post was gifted to me in exchange for a review. As always, all photos, words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.

Vendula London Le Bicyclette De Vendula Box Bag Review*

*AD- This post features a bag I was sent in exchange for a review. As always, all words, thoughts and opinions are my own and have been written 100% honestly.

When it comes to fashion, I've always had a weakness for handbags. Some women adore shoes, others love diamonds, but for me, it's always been about the bags. I love all kinds of different styles, but, as I'm sure most of you will know by now, I have a particular fondness for novelty designs and anything colourful. The quirkier the better.

One brand I have long admired for their quirky bags and purses is Vendula London, the British brand known for their iconic shopfront bags, so when they recently got in touch and invited me to review a bag from their new season collections, I couldn't have been more excited. Of course I said 'yes!'

Vendula London sent me the beautiful La Bicyclette de Vendula Box Bag* from my short list of favourites, and when the bag arrived on my doorstep a couple of days later, I was instantly blown away by how stunning it was. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined it would be, and it unsurprisingly attracted much jealousy from my Mum and sister who both keep trying to steal it! I can't say I blame them, but they won't be prising this bag from my hands any time soon- I love it too much to let go!

The La Bicyclette de Vendula Box Bag is a beautiful sky blue and cream vegan-leather bag featuring one of Vendula London's brand new shopfront designs for 2019- a charming bicycle service and repair shop! I thought there couldn't possibly be any shops left for Vendula London to immortalise in to handbags, but they've gone and proved me wrong with this wonderfully unique design. A bicycle service and repair shop bag?! I really have seen everything now!

Like Vendula London's other iconic shopfront bags, whose handbag establishments include everything from post offices to pubs and chocolateries to toy shops, the bag has, obviously, been designed to look just like the front of a shop. The top of the bag has been made in to the shop's awning in scalloped stripes of blue and cream, but the pièce de résistance is the shop's window display which is filled with amazing detail that has to be seen to be believed. I notice something new every time I look at it.

If you peek in the shop's window, you'll be transported to the sweetest bicycle repair shop you ever did see. On the left, there are shelves filled with storage boxes, cans of oil, and a blue bicycle helmet hanging above a red applique air machine. To the right, is a work station with tools hung on the wall above a table with a pink bike helmet sitting on top, and a couple of stools and storage boxes sitting neatly underneath it. Best of all, hanging from the shop's ceiling in the centre is a cheerful yellow bicycle and a sky-blue penny farthing, both with black trim, complimenting the pink applique vegan-leather bicycle with a wicker basket full of greenery parked on the pavement in front of the shop. The colourful bikes are easily my favourite parts of the design- they're so darn cute!

The detail doesn't stop there; look closer still, and you'll see a sign for 'service & repairs' in the window, and find the shop walls are painted cream with a sea of cogs outlined in sky blue faintly embossing the lower half of the shop. If that wasn't enough, the arch of the window is framed with a garland of colourful flowers sewn on to the leather, and beside the bicycle on the cobbled-grey pavement is an embroidered pot plant with an applique pot.

To the right of the window, the black and cream door is filled with colourful signs advertising 'REPAIRS DONE WHILE YOU WAIT!', 'SAME DAY REPAIRS', 'BICYCLES FOR RENT', and 'FREE AIR & OIL.' And hanging from the wall above the door by two little black plastic chains, is a crimped circular sign proudly advertising the shop's name, La Bicyclette De Vendula, in black, white, and pink so you know where to go for all your bicycle maintenance needs. The amount of detail that has gone in to this bag is just incredible.  

If you thought the attention to detail was reserved for the front and outside of the bag, think again; Vendula London have given the back and inside of the bag just as much care and attention.

On the back of the bag, you'll find a bright yellow and black tandem bike parked in a bike rack, just waiting to be taken out for a spin, and there's also a small zipped pocket large enough to store your phone or keys safely away from pick-pocketers against your body.

The inside of the bag, in both the main compartment and the back pocket, has been lined with a fun London print, which is made up of iconic British paraphernalia like red telephone boxes, the Queen's guards, black cabs, post boxes, double decker buses, London Underground signs, penny farthings, and more on a cream cotton background. The print compliments the outer design perfectly, and if you're anything like me, you'll find yourself admiring it each time you reach in to the bag to grab something. It's almost as pretty as the outside!

You'll also find a zipped pocket for keeping valuables secure, and a generously-sized mobile phone pocket that should fit even the largest of today's smartphones sewn in to the lining in the main section of the bag. 

The bag itself has been handcrafted from high-quality vegan-leather which looks and feels just like thick, good-quality leather, but with one simple difference- no animals were harmed to make it, which is fantastic! I admit I do buy leather products from time to time, but as a big animal lover, I prefer buying cruelty-free alternatives as much as possible because I hate the thought of animals suffering for fashion. It's so unnecessary when there are amazing cruelty-free options to shop from, like this one, and it's just one reason why Vendula London's products appeal to me. 

Aside from the design and the quality, what I love about this bag is that it is the perfect size for every day use. It's neither too big or to small, and has more than enough room for the essentials. I can fit everything I need in it for a day on the go- including my chunky bridge camera and a book- with room to spare! I judge a good day bag on whether there's room for a paperback and my camera along with my other essentials, and the box bag definitely passes the test! It's the ideal size for everything from shopping trips to work, and sight-seeing to just doing the food shop in style.

Another detail which attracted me to the box bag is that it has an adjustable shoulder strap which can be worn on the shoulder and across the body, depending on your mood, outfit, and needs. I love having the option to sling a bag over my shoulder when my arms are tired, or I just need my hands free for other things.  The best part is the vegan-leather strap can be adjusted to seven different lengths, and it's long enough to wear comfortably. I'm 5'6" and if I wear it on the shortest notch on my shoulder and the longest notch across my body, the bag sits comfortably on my hip and top of my thigh respectively. Whether you're short or tall, slim or plus size, this bag should fit almost everybody comfortably, which is fantastic. There's are few things I hate more than finding a beautiful bag and then discovering the strap isn't long enough to be comfortable or practical. Well done, Vendula!

Now, it's unlikely that I will put this bag down long enough for it to gather dust, but if I do, I won't have to worry about it getting dusty because like all Vendula London bags, it comes with its own bright pink dust bag to keep it looking its best when its not in use. They really have thought of everything.

The Le Bicyclette de Vendula box bag retails for £78, which I personally think is really reasonable for a handcrafted bag of such high quality, especially with all that applique and embroidery detail which takes time and skill to create. I couldn't be more impressed with it; it's stunning, it's quirky, and fantastic quality, and I know I'm going to be using it for many years to come. You can find it on their website here or if you're in London, why not check it out in person in their Covent Garden store?

If the box bag isn't your style, the Le Bicyclette de Vendula design comes in a wide range of different styles, with another six bags and seven wallets and purses to choose from, all featuring this beautiful blue and cream bicycle repair shop. The collection includes Vendula London's coveted grab bag, an interchangeable backpack, and the loveliest little coin purse, with prices starting at just £19. You can shop the full collection here and of course, browse the rest of their fabulous designs on their website now. I promise you won't be disappointed.

What do you think of the design? Will you be buying anything from the collection this spring?

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*AD- This post features a bag I was sent in exchange for a review. As always, all words, thoughts and opinions are my own and have been written 100% honestly.

Book Review | My Magical Oasis Adult Colouring Book

In June, I wrote about my love for adult colouring books, and six weeks down the line, my love for them hasn't faded. I've put colouring-pencil to paper almost daily over the last few months, and I've enjoyed every therapeutic moment of it. I own a few colouring books now, but when the lovely people at Plexus publishing invited me to review a new colouring book called 'My Magical Oasis'*, I just couldn't say no. 

I've been busy colouring my way through some of the pages over the last few weeks, and the experience has been blissful. In fact, it's probably the most fun I've ever had preparing for a review!

Colouring in a beautiful colouring book like My Magical Oasis isn't a chore, it's a pleasure. You see, it's filled with 101 pretty pictures of flora and fauna that are just waiting to be brought to life with colour. There are a fantastic variety of designs, from dainty flowers to striking animals, intricate feathers, and more zentangles than you can shake a stick at. (I'm not sure why you would shake a stick at a colouring book, but who am I to judge?!)

Most of the pictures are filled with intricate detail which will challenge your ability to stay within the lines. It's harder than you might think! (Tip: use sharpened pencils). Some pages have blank spaces where you can elaborate on the printed picture with your own detail, often accompanied by a few words for inspiration. I think the variety helps to keep the book fresh and interesting, and the designs will challenge your creativity no matter how artistic you are (or aren't).

The pages of the colouring book are made from reasonably thick, good-quality white paper, with the pictures printed back to back. I'd recommend using colouring pencils instead of felt tip pens or fine liners, because the ink will just bleed through the paper and ruin the picture on the other side. I use Crayola colouring pencils, which are a little pricey, but the quality of them is excellent so they are well worth the purchase. You can see for yourselves how bold the colours are in the pictures.

I find colouring-in extremely relaxing and therapeutic and my experience with My Magical Oasis has been no different. Just a few minutes of colouring away at one of its pictures takes me from feeling stressed, upset, or anxious, to calm, care-free, and relaxed! Yes, really! I find concentrating on staying within the lines and creating pretty pictures, distracts me from my thoughts, which helps to aid my mental health, and even take my mind off my chronic pain for a while. I become so relaxed and absorbed in the picture that I can easily lose a few hours to colouring- and believe me, I have! Time well spent, if you ask me. Afterwards, I come back to reality feeling as calm and chilled as a sloth in a snow storm. The difference is amazing, really.

I'm not the only adult who has realised the benefits of colouring. Millions of adults all around the world have returned to the fun childhood pastime for fun and therapy. Adult colouring books have been flying off the shelves these past few months, with some even outselling current bestselling novels and cookery books! My Magical Oasis is a new title, and in my opinion, it's one of the best around at the moment.

If you're looking for a way to relax and de-stress, or just want a fun new hobby, I'd recommend you get yourself a copy of My Magical Oasis and some colouring pencils, sharpish! It's fun, it's affordable, and with 101 pictures to colour in, it will provide you with months of enjoyment.

My Magical Oasis retails for £9.99 / $14.95 and should be available from all good book shops. Find it on Amazon here, and Waterstones here.

Have you got yourself a copy of My Magical Oasis, yet? Do you enjoy colouring in?

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*This copy of My Magical Oasis was gifted to me in exchange for a review. As always, all words, opinions, thoughts, and photos are my own.

JD Williams Knitwear Review

I'm one of those people who rarely wears a coat or a jacket; I prefer to just layer a jumper or a cardigan over most of my outfits because I get over heated really easily. (Thanks, spine). I find that knitwear is usually more than enough to keep me warm and cosy, and though I wear some form of knitwear almost every day, it had been a while since I last added some cosy new pieces to my wardrobe.

So, when online fashion brand JD Williams invited me to review some knitwear, I was more than happy to oblige! I was asked to choose some pieces from their current selection, and I chose three cosy pieces that I think you're going to like as much as I do!

First up is this wonderfully quirky fairisle poodle jumper* by Marisota, which I chose because of the cute motif. Any excuse to add a bit of whimsy and personality to my outfits! Motif jumpers are big news this season, but the poodle is so different to any other design I've seen, and definitely one of the best! If you're sad to pack your Christmas jumpers away for another year, this jumper is a great alternative and unlike your Christmas jumpers, you can keep wearing it through 'til Spring! (And beyond if you fancy it!) 

This jumper is one of the softest, cosiest jumpers I've ever worn; it as cosy as a fleecy dressing gown, but with the added bonus of being a socially acceptable garment for wearing in public. It's like wearing a giant hug! It's surprisingly warm for a light-weight knit, and it's just the right thickness for layering. As you can see, I layered mine over a heart-print skater dress, and just folded the hem under a couple of inches for a neater look; I really like how the two pieces look together. This jumper is so versatile; I think it would look great with everything from dresses to jeans, to skirts and shorts; it's the perfect cream jumper!

If ivory isn't your thing, the poodle jumper also comes in red, which I'm quite tempted to treat myself to. Both colours are currently just £10-11 in the sale, and available to sizes 12/14 to 28/30. I'm between two of the dual sizes, so I sized up to the 20/22. It's a little loose on me, so I'd say it's pretty true to size. 

I wear cardigans almost every day, so I couldn't do a knitwear post without including one! They are a wardrobe staple, after all. I was drawn to this bold heart print cardigan* the moment I first saw it; I'm not much of a pink person, but the amazing heart print won me over. It's exactly my style.

When I picked it, I was expecting a run-of-the-mill cotton cardi, so I was surprised to discover how thick and warm the fabric was! It's made from acrylic, but it feels just like a thick wool jacket. It's the perfect Winter cardigan to wear with jeans and dresses without freezing to death! When I took this photo, it was barely above freezing, but with this cardi on I was comfortably snug outside in the bitter air- and I only had a thin chiffon dress and leggings underneath! The quality of the fabric is incredible for the original RRP of £20, and it's even better now that it's on sale for a purse-friendly £15! The cardi is available in sizes 12-32, although I think it could cater to a couple of sizes larger, too. I got the cardigan in my usual cardi size, but as you can see it swamps me. I'd say it runs about two sizes big, so size down at least once, where possible. If you're looking for a statement cardigan this January, I highly recommend this one.

The third and final piece I chose was the popcorn-knit love jumper* by JD Williams, which has got me out of dresses and in to my first pair of trousers in about two and a half years! Yes, really! Do not adjust your screens; this really is me wearing something other than a dress! Hello, jeggings; it's been a while!

This jumper features a textured 'love' motif made from yarn and eye-lash knit, which I think is really eye catching. I love the design! I'm not usually a fan of clothes that have large words or logos on them, but this one is really tasteful, and I don't think you can ever go wrong with a chunky cream knit over a pair of dark blue jeans or jeggings. 

What sets this one apart from all the other cream motif jumpers is that it's a popcorn knit. I had never heard of a popcorn knit before I saw this jumper, so this one is a whole new experience for me. After doing my research, I learnt that a popcorn knit is made up of lots of clusters of stitches that give it a bumpy texture and look like little flat bobbles. The stitches have been spaced quite far apart for this jumper, so it's got quite an open weave, and isn't completely opaque- although you can't really tell in my photo. You can see my bra and skin through this jumper, so you may wish to wear a top underneath to protect your modesty and / or to keep you warm. It doesn't hold the heat in as well as most chunky knits.

I'd also recommend sizing down at least one size, if not two as it's very generously sized. I made the mistake of sizing up for an over-sized fit, but the jumper swamps me. You can't actually see just how baggy it is on me in the photo, but it's two or three sizes too big, and not in a good way. It's a shame as it's a gorgeous jumper and the right fit would turn this in to a winter staple, but it'll still be perfect for curling up in to relax with a good book on a cold winters day. This knit comes in sizes 12/14 to 32/34, and is priced at £35-41, depending on size.

So, that's just three of the lovely pieces in JD Williams current knitwear collection. If you'd like to check out what other knitwear they have to offer, you can find their full selection of women's knitwear here. The brand stocks a fantastic selection of fashionable knitwear in sizes 8-36, and with almost 400 pieces in their current selection, there's likely to be something for almost everybody.

Have you bought any new knitwear lately?

*JD Williams provided me with the featured knitwear in exchange for a review. As always, all words, and opinions are my own.

Lady Vintage Polka Dot Hepburn Dress Review

Hello, my name is Louise and I have a polka dot dress addiction. And water's wet. 

My wardrobe is packed full of dresses, and at least a dozen of them are polka dotted. You'd think that would be enough, but somehow I always manage to find room for one more when the perfect frock comes along.

That's exactly what happened when vintage reproduction brand Lady Vintage got in touch and invited me to review one of their beautiful dresses. I knew exactly which dress I wanted to review; a polka dot Hepburn swing dress! I'd been admiring the designs from afar for a long time, so I knew it had to be my first taste of Lady Vintage. I asked to review one in red or navy, and made some space in my wardrobe for one more dress.

I was sent the Hepburn polka dot dress in 'red wine'*, and ladies, let me tell you- this dress is absolute perfection! In the short time I've had this dress, it's already become a serious contender for my favourite dress of all time! At the very least, it's made the top three! Sure, I wear dresses every day, but it's not often I fall head over heels in love with one, like I have with this little number. It's beautiful! If it were a person, I'd happily walk down the aisle and marry it.

The style and fit of the dress makes me feel like a million dollars; something which doesn't happen all that often! I find the classic fifties-style swing shape really flattering on my figure; it disguises those areas I'm not particularly confident with showing, like my thighs, and hips, and nips me in at the right places. The style of the dress would suit most body shapes and sizes; it flaunts curves, flatters all sizes (yes, plus sizes, too!), and can create curves for ladies who have little, (but girls, remember, you're beautiful with or without curves!) .

Being unfamiliar with Lady Vintage's sizing, I used the size guide and size generator to determine which size I needed. I'm generally a size 20 for fitted clothes, but because of my broad waist, their generator told me I needed a size 26/28! I thought that couldn't possibly be right, so I compromised and went with the 22/24, and I'm glad I did. Apart from the usual issue of being a little loose on top, this dress fits me like a dream. It's fitted, but not skin tight (which is how I prefer it), and I have plenty of room left to breathe and move comfortably. Being comfortable is essential for me. 

Just as well that the fantastic quality fabric is super soft, then! It's made from a medium weight cotton, which has a good weight, and is neither too thin or two thick. Like baby bear's porridge, it's just right! 

I think this dress is ideal for wearing all year round. It's warm enough for Winter, and light enough for Summer; just add or subtract layers appropriately. The dark red is best suited to Autumn and Winter, though- and especially perfect for the Christmas season! I am aware that the colour clashes with my red hair, but I don't mind clashing when the dress is this beautiful.

I decided to shy away from a classic rockabilly look with this dress; mostly because it was far too cold for bare legs, and I'm crap at my hair! I gave my outfit a modern twist with some black pieces, studded slippers, and fun novelty accessories. Yes, it would look better without tights, but I didn't want to get frost-bite; it's bitterly cold here at the moment. The dress comes with a skinny black belt, which fits me with room to spare! I have it on loose in these photos intentionally to take the pressure off my bad back.

This is how the dress looks without a lovely tulle petticoat underneath. It still has a great shape, and I find dresses like this one much easier to wear for every day without one underneath. That being said, I'm dying to get myself a petticoat so I can play dress up! 

The Hepburn dress retails for £50, which is really reasonable for a high-quality vintage-reproduction dress. Quality vintage-style dresses under £50 are few and far between, and Lady V is definitely on the lower end of the scale.

You can find the dress here, but if red isn't you're thing, the dress also comes in black, navy, mocha, and purple. I have a few of them on my Christmas list! The Hepburn comes in lots of different patterns, too, and you can find them all here. The dresses come in sizes 8- 26/28 UK (some styles go up to a 30/32), which is absolutely fantastic. It's great to find another brand that isn't afraid to cater to plus sizes. I'd definitely recommend sizing up once, but check your measurements against the size guides to be sure.

I adore my Hepburn dress, and have so far been impressed with both the fit and quality of the dress. This may be my very first Lady Vintage dress, but it certainly won't be my last!

Dress and Belt*- c/o Lady Vintage // Shrug- New Look (similar) // Shoes*- c/o Fashion World // 

Bag- Accessorize // Bracelet- Cath Kidston // Brooch- Cath Kidston // Tights- Evans

Before I go, I just wanted to offer a quick apology to Lady V for the length of time it's taken me to get this post up. I'm mortified by how long it's been, and it's not okay! It wasn't my intention. I've had some physically demanding physiotherapy sessions over the last couple of months which have sent my pain levels through the roof, and repeatedly left me unable to get about unaided, As you can imagine, it's made it difficult to get outside to snap a few pictures and for that I'm so sorry! I hope you'll forgive me!

Are you a fan of Lady Vintage dresses?

Thanks for reading!

*Lady Vintage provided me with the dress in exchange for a review. As always all words, opinions, and photos are my own.

Christmas Decorations From The Christmas Boutique

With just five weeks 'til December and less than nine 'til Christmas, it's swiftly coming up to the greatest time of the year. (At least in my eyes, anyway. I'm a bit of a Christmas enthusiast!) I love everything about Christmas from the decorations to the festive cheer, and I've been busy planning and preparing since September to make it the best one ever. Don't judge, the lead up is my favourite part!

I particularly look forward to decorating the house for Christmas every year, so you can imagine my excitement when The Christmas Boutique got in touch recently, and invited me to review some of their decorations. I was a bit like a kid in a sweet shop at Disneyland. Of course I said "yes!" 

A box full of decorations soon turned up on my doorstep, and unpacking them all felt a bit like Christmas morning!

I was sent a variety of decorations- most in my favourite festive colours red, green, and white- and I instantly loved the selection.

The Nutcracker soldiers were so beautifully wrapped in cellophane and red ribbon bows that I was almost sorry to unwrap them. Or I would have been if I hadn't been so eager to get a closer look at them! At first they look just like your run-of-the-mill Nutcracker ornaments, but they're not- they're actually candles, too! How fun is that?!

After Santa and Rudolph, The Nutcracker is one of the most recognised of Christmas characters so few candles come more festive than these. They feature all of the recognisable little details that make the Nutcracker soldiers iconic from the white beards to the gold trimmed uniforms, and they also have a charming hand-painted quality to them. At £7.99 for the pair, they're fantastic value, and I think they're great quality for their price tag. You can use them as candles or ornaments, and they'd look so festive on the Christmas dinner table!

I love Scandinavian style Christmas decorations with a capital L, so I instantly fell in love with this wooden painted tea light holder. I just can't resist fairisle patterns, traditional red and white decorations, and lighting candles on dark December evenings. Candle light is the perfect way to relax and de-stress after a busy day, and let's face it- that's every day during the festive season!

The tea light holder features a pretty fairisle design and star cut out to the front, and it's also decorated with little gingham bows, beads, and jingle bells. The attention to detail makes it such a lovely little decoration, and it's very well made, too. The best part is, the tea light holder is so inexpensive at just £3.99, so it won't break the bank. It also comes in reverse red and white, which I'm planning to snap up soon.

My favourite decorations from The Christmas Boutique are probably these honeycomb pom-poms. I was absolutely thrilled to be sent some because I've been coveting honeycomb decorations for years! 

The 10cm pom-poms are sold in sets of four, and I was sent a packet each of red and green; my two favourite festive colours. At 10cm in diameter, the decorations are small, but what they lack in size they make up for in design. The colours are striking, and the retro design is lovely, tasteful and on trend for Christmas 2014, Of course they're only made from paper and card, so they are delicate, but if they're handled carefully, they should last a few Christmases. 

I like these honeycomb pom-poms so much I've since purchased another two packs, and I'm considering going back for some in white to decorate my bedroom with! They also come in several other colours and sizes, and will look perfect hanging from the tree, ceiling, or fire place. You could even pop a few in a bowl or vase for a pretty centre piece for the dinner table.

I'm a fan of traditional Christmas colours at heart, but when I opened the box to find these three metallic glass frog queens inside, I couldn't help but smile; they're so quirky and fun! I've never seen anything like them before.

These frog queens come in a set of three and are perfect if you want to add some vibrant colour to your decor this year. After all, Christmas doesn't have to be all about the traditional colours; jewel tones can look super festive, too! I think they'd look particularly eye-catching on a white tree, with plenty of fairy lights. I'm planning to keep these three on my dressing table this Christmas. I think they'll fit in perfectly amongst my perfume bottles and jewellery stands!

The last decoration I have to show you is the stag's head. Yes, it's an unusual Christmas decoration, but it's perfect if you're looking for something a little bit different. It would look fantastic hanging on the wall above a roaring fire, especially if the mantle has been dressed with natural decorations like fir branches and pine cones. You could even hang baubles from its antlers to make an even bolder statement!

The antlers are detachable, so storing it away after Christmas is a piece of cake- although you could just leave it up all year round! It won't look like a Christmas decoration once the tree and fairly lights have been packed away. It's a great-quality and sturdy trophy, made from coloured-resin, and comes in a tasteful antique-white finish.

I'm really impressed with all of these decorations from The Christmas Boutique and I can't wait to decorate the house with them this Christmas. Keep an eye out for my Christmas home tour in December to see how I incorporate them all in to my home for the festive season!

You can find all these decorations and much, much more online at The Christmas Boutique. They're a wonderful online company who specialise in Christmas decorations, candles, and festive homeware in a variety of styles. Everything is very reasonably priced, and there's sure to be something to suit your tastes and budget.

Why not pop on over to the website for a browse? It's never too early to start shopping for Christmas!

Which of these decorations do you like best?

*These Christmas decorations were gifted to me by The Christmas Boutique in exchange for review. As always, all words, opinions and photos are my own.

Design Glassware by Mont Bleu

The lovely people at Mont Bleu recently got in touch and invited me to review some pieces for them.

I'll admit I had never heard of Mont Bleu before that email arrived in my inbox, but I did my research and soon learnt that they sell beautiful luxury glassware and cosmetic accessories; such as glass nail files, tweezers, make up brushes, mirrors, and jewellery; many of which are decorated with patterns and Swarovski crystals. 

Mont Bleu are in fact one of the world's leading manufacturers of glass nail files, and one of the main companies who produce accessories made with original Swarovski crystals in Europe.

I fell in love with many of the accessories on their website immediately, so I of course happily agreed to review a few items. Still, I was surprised when the box arrived on my door step just a few days later!

I was pleased to find two glass nail files, a pair of tweezers, a compact mirror, and a pair of earrings, all featuring Swarovski crystals, cradled carefully in the box.

This is how each of the accessories were packaged. The mirror also had a cardboard sleeve over the box.

I was sent two of their Swarovski nail files; the 13.5cm Swarovski Nail File in Turquoise*, and a 9cm Travel Nail File in Comet Clear- Green Crystal.* Both nail files are made from high quality tempered Czech glass and are decorated with Swarovski crystals. I'm not a fan of too much bling, but I personally think the designs are tasteful and not too OTT. I particularly love the colour of the turquoise file!

I gave both files a whirl earlier in the week and I have to say, I was impressed with both of them. The slightly sharp edges of the new glass provided a rough texture against my nails, which meant they were each filed and shaped in a matter of seconds. I hate filing my nails because it's so tedious, but I was done in no time at all! Both sizes were easy to handle, and both gave great results. I prefer the larger file for every day use, but the smaller travel file will be perfect for using on the go, as it's been designed for. I've added mine to my handbag so I can be prepared for nail emergencies on the move.

I've used nothing but glass nail files for at least five years now, as I prefer them to all the rest. I can't stand the texture of emery boards and other nail files against my nails; they literally sends shivers down my spine. Glass nail files, on the other hand, don't pose the same problem. They seem to just glide gently against the nail, and I personally think they provide smoother results than other types I've tried. They're kinder to the nails, too, and because the designs are so strong and durable, they should last you for years- providing they're looked after. (Which is kinder on your pocket in the long run, too!) 

The Swarovski Nail File (turquoise) retails for 10 euros which is currently about £8.23. The Travel Nail File (Comet Clear- Green Crystal)  is 8 euros, about £6.59. Both designs come in a wide variety of colours, and Mont Bleu also offer other glass nail file designs, including some with semi-precious stones and silver decorative figures. I think every girl needs a glass nail file in her beauty arsenal! I couldn't be without one.

My favourite item from the bunch has to be the Swarovski Tweezers.* They are made from high quality stainless steel and have been hand decorated with Swarovski crystals of various sizes. I was sent a pair in turquoise, which is one of my favourite colours, so we were already off to a good start before I'd even used them!

They arrived presented in a black velvet sleeve, and were secured near the end with a clear plastic band.

The tweezers have slanted metal tips, which are designed to make shaping as easy as possible. I found that the slanted tips helped me to pluck those stray eyebrow hairs with precision, and I was able to quickly and effortlessly pluck each target; even those light downy hairs that can be tricky to spot. It made me realise how blunt my other tweezers are. The tapered slim-line design was comfortable to work with, and I found them to be quite light-weight, yet very sturdy- including the crystals which are strongly attached. I'm very impressed with these tweezers, and they're probably the best quality pair I've ever owned.

The Swarovski Tweezers (in Turquoise) retail for 12 euros, which is about £9.89, and they come in a variety of beautiful colours.

I was also sent a pocket mirror "Green Sun",* which is a very light-weight plastic mirror decorated in Swarovski elements. It came presented in a smart and heavy-weight leatherette box on a bed of velvet, which is a nice feature. The box is strong so there's no need to worry about the mirrors breaking in transit when you place an order.

If I'm honest, by appearance, this mirror isn't something I would normally pick for myself. While the crystals do look pretty, the amount of embellishment and style of the compact just isn't to my personal taste. However, if you love a bit of sparkle, this may be completely perfect for you!

The compact is very light-weight but fairly study, which makes it ideal for carrying around in your handbag all day. Inside are two mirrors; one which is well magnified which is helpful for re-applying make up- or if you're just blind, like me and find it difficult to see yourself properly in a standard mirror. The mirror retails for 12 euros; about £9.89, and also comes in five other colours.

And the last product I was provided with is this pretty pair of Crystal Earrings;* "Crystal Vitrail Medium." The earrings are hand made in Prague in the Czech Republic from crystallized Swarovski elements, and covered with hypo allergenic metal. They don't contain zinc or other harmful metals that commonly irritate the skin.

I've worn the earrings for a couple of days now, and I've not had a bad reaction to the metal, like I often do with costume earrings (no itchiness, redness, or swelling of the lobes), and neither have I been left with green tinges on my skin. I think the earrings are far prettier on than on the piece of plastic, but just look at all those beautiful colours shining in the sunlight! When the day light touches them, they shine in all the colours of the rainbow.

The earrings are a purse-friendly 7.20 euro or £5.93, which I think is reasonable for a pair of lovely handmade crystal earrings.

Along with glass nail files, tweezers, mirrors, and earrings, Mont Bleu also sell many other products, including make up brushes, hair brushes, bag holders, and manicure sets. I personally love the look of the make up brushes! 

Mont Bleu are based in the Czech Republic, but they deliver all over the world including to the UK, USA and Canada. Unlike some companies, their delivery charges are so inexpensive, with worldwide priority airmail set at just 3 euros! I don't know about you, but I'm often reluctant to place an order when the delivery costs are extortionate, so I'm impressed to find a company that doesn't charge the earth for orders to travel around it.

The quality of all the items I reviewed is fantastic, and I can't rate them highly enough. They'd make perfect gifts for family and friends, and even better presents to yourself! 

Why not pop on over to Mont Bleu's website for a browse and treat yourself to something lovely this pay day? You deserve it!

* I was provided with all the products in this post by Mont Bleu in exchange for a review. As always, all photographs, words, and opinions are my own.