CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish | Wild Earth Collection Review

CND Vinylux long wear polish | Wild Earth collection* 

I'm so excited it's autumn now, all my jumpers have come out I've put away my sandals and I'm counting the days till it's Halloween. Autumn is just a bit magical time, I think the colours are always what gets me, the leaves turn golden you can cozy up and drink all chai latte to your hearts content. So I'm always in a mood to change it up a bit,I think giving my nails some TLC is a must. CND Vinylux asked if I wanted to try out their new  Wild Earth collection, it  looked beautiful and I couldn't resist.  I tend to play it safe and go for red a lot, but seeing the collection I was actual looking forward to trying out something different as well as a red shade. 

Firstly I had never used this brand of nail polish, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The Wild collection is based on the power of nature. The collection has six polishes all together. The ones I picked are-

Brimstone- A beige neutral 

Arrowhead - a creamy earth

Element- a warm, soft red

Blue Moon- a deep, cobalt blue

The packaging it comes in is very simple, which I like  I really can't stand over packed products. The bottles are a good size as they are 15ml, so these will last you a while. I noticed that the brush is a fair bit bigger then my other polishes, so application of product was so much easier. These feel to me like polishes you would see in a salon, and the coverage is fabulous. 

Honestly I was waiting for one of them to disappoint, but all of them applied smoothly and with only two coats. They have a really high shine,  and they dried pretty quick. I don't really every get much time to sort my nails, so these get a thumbs up from me. the finish looks professional and they are long wearing. The brush is also infused with certain, jojoba oil and vitamin E so if your nails damage easy this will keep them hydrated and more flexible so you will have less nail breaks. They also have a dreamy top coat, to seal in the colours nicely and stop chipping. 

I adore these polishes, and I think Arrowhead is my favourite (shocking I know for someone so obsessed with rainbows). I think the best thing about these polishes is there is no need for a base coat, yes you read that correctly. I always get told off for not using one, but now I don't have to. Have you tried these polishes, what do you think of this collection? 

This collection is available at nail polishes direct. 

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Ice Watch | Can This Watch Change My Mind About Watches

I'm not really a watch person, don't get me wrong I've had watches and I have watches. There was a time - excuse the pun, when I wouldn't leave the house without one. I guess also I was in a job I loathed, and would check it nonstop as I couldn't wait for my shift to finish. After a while my watches went from being practical, to reminding me how much time I had to spend there. So after I left that job, I stopped wearing them. But really it wasn't the watches fault, watches are very practical still. Because lets face it,  who whats to dig through their bag however many times to find out what time it is. 

My other half is a watch addict, he has a full box and whenever a birthday or Christmas rolls around he will ask if I want a watch. If you have seen confessions of a shopaholic, his basically the guy in the therapy group who says 'you should buy a watch to go with that'. But I've always been on the fence about it, I've had a fair few but they have lost time - Which makes them just a chunky bracelet. Or the design was okay, but not something I really loved. 

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Five Things | I'm Doing This April

The countdown is finally over, and the boys are filling the house with laughter, moaning, dirty socks and wrappers. We have some things planned, but I think we are all looking forward to being still and in one place. They are happy not to have to do work every day, I'm happy not to have to wrench them and myself out of bed for the school run. We have put up some bunny decorations, and the boys are looking forward to their egg hunt on Monday. So I thought about things I really need to happen this Easter, and thought I would share them. 

Making Time To pamper Myself 

One thing, that tends to go out the window when I’m stressed is my pampering. My hair just hangs from my head, and I tend to stick a hat on living that glamours life right. So this Easter I’m making sure that instead of a quick shower, or wash I’m making time for a creamy bubble bath at least. I’m going to do the same for the boys, I think they need time to relax too plus play time in the bath is a great way to wear them out before bed if you have been stuck in. 

So I’m making sure the bathroom is full of fun bath products, we have some Lush goodies which I'm so excited to try. As usually I stick to my favourites. I'm most excited for Bunch of carrots, they are such pretty colours and smell absolutely epic! They are a bubble bar, so you run them under the tap and they fill your bath with creamy bubbles. They have Sicilian lemon oil, which is uplifting and as I'm going to be running around after the kids I'm gonna that. We also have the Golden egg, as the boys said they wanted something sparkly and it's possible thee most glittery thing I've ever seen in my life. And how adorable are the free rangers, I love that this spilts in two. Of course this smells divine, it has blackcurrant absolute and it got the boys approval. I think making bath time more the main event, then just doing it to get clean will hopeful leave me more refreshed and clam. I also have some skincare, so that I go to bed or wake up feeling fresh and ready. 

Bunch of carrots bubble bars, golden egg bath ballistic , Here comes the sun shower cream, cream egg bath ballistic and free rangers ballistic *

Have A Spring Clean (but like actual do it)

I think everyone is probably getting their clean on, the clocks changed and we gained more light and all of a sudden you notice all the crap everywhere. I've been slowly trying to declutter, but I think over the next few days even for an hour I'm going to be tougher on getting rid of things. Sell, donate or bin all the stuff just needs to go. I feel like I want different things be some new clothing, homeware but how can I do that when there are all these things piling up everywhere. 

So I'm going to go room by room, and sort through it all. Even the kids have clothing that doesn't fit, toys that they have long grow out of and I feel like if I can tackle it now before the six weeks holidays we will all be able to breathe again. I've watched a bunch of You Tube videos, which has helped me with ways to sort and motive yourself. At the same time I need to remember to actual do it. 

Making Easter cakes

Logan asked if we could make some cupcakes. I do like a bit of baking, I prefer the decorating part. If your not big on baking, why not buy plain fairy cakes so you can decorate them how you want. I think it's a great way to past some time, and fingers crossed get something tasty to eat at the end of it. I picked up some box cake, to make it easy for them to follow. We have some white fondant, so I'm going to show them how to make a little bunny topper. The last bunch of cakes we made were at Christmas time, we also made biscuits so we are long overdue on doing some baking. 

Crochetterie by Molla Mills is a great crochet book for if your looking for something more alternative.

Getting back into crafting 

I've had such low energy lately, that all my craft projects aren't really going anywhere. Progress has been slow, and I've been losing focus to the point i question why I've started at all. It's felt like a chore, because I'm not giving myself enough time. It's easy to get into having a deadline for wanting to finish, while some projects need that enough time. I think regards my projects, I just need to organise them. From what will take the least amount of time, and what ones I can chip away at.

I feel like the boys are crafting less and less too. I think it's been an odd couple of weeks, the weather has been all over the shop. And while we have been out here and there, I will say I have been guilty of handing them their gadgets and grasping at any free moment. But I do miss making things, and seeing them create as they both have a big imagination. 

Thankfully you don't even have to brainstorm much any more,  there are a million craft ideas on Pinterest. But one of my favourite things to craft with are paper plates, you can cut out bunnies or make them into eggs. They don't cost much, you can also recycle them once you have made new things if you like. Kids can colour them, stamp them or stick stripes of coloured card or even colourful chocolate wrapping. But any crafts are just a good way of doing something together, especially on a rainy day. They are perfect to stop them becoming glued to their gadgets, and also mean I'm giving the kids my time while we do something fun . Also if you loath mess, colouring paper plates with colour pens are a great alternative to paints. 

Gadget free time 

This also include Baz and I, as well as our little darlings. Some times it’s easy to think your spending time together, when in reality your all casual checking a phone or iPad and not really focusing on what’s being said. I know this drives me nuts, when I think the kids aren’t listening. So I’m sure they feel the same when I have a phone in my face. While certain things need to be checked and done, I really want to make sure I'm getting a break from internet surfing. Before you know it half the day is gone. I've decided I'll crochet, maybe paint, go for a walk or just enjoy the moment. 

I hope you all have a great Easter if you celebrate, and i'd love to hear what your up too and if you have any plans. 

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Latest In Beauty | March Mother & Daughters Box

March has been pretty stressful so far, a month filled with headache upon headache. It has finally settled well ish, as ironically this is the third time I've written this post as both my previous attempts failed to save. So if this goes live I'm going to take that as a win. 

As we all know stress doesn't leave much time for pampering, let alone self care. So I was so happy to see and try out this months Latest in beauty box- Mothers day box. As you may know I'm a mum of two boys, as a mum it's easy to forget your an actual human being. You are more then wrapper collector, laundry doer and decoder of 'I want something'. I was not disappointed at all, I actual didn't know where to begin. For £25 quid I had a box full of great self care products, bath oil, nail polish etc.. so I had a two day pamper session, where I would have relaxing baths and try them all out. They have a bunch of different boxes, and you can even make up your own which is great for if your giving it to someone. Building a box that's suited to you, or to the person your giving it to. 

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Makeup Revolution Bleeding Heart Baked Highlighter Review

As you may know, I'm a massive fan of Makeup Revolutions baked highlighters. Sadly my Goddess of love highlighter is dying, but she's given my face life on days I've looked like an extra for the walking dead. It's great on my dry skin, it's buildable and more importantly it's affordable. Also the packaging is just everything, I never get tried of picking up my heart shaped box. They have a wide selection of tones, to make anyones cheekbones pop. So tell your friends to grab their shades because there is a nice heart in town.

While I love Godless of love, that doesn't automatically mean Bleeding heart would be a fave. This highlighter has a pink tone, which for my pale skin I wasn't sure would work. I love the gold running through but again was unsure if on the skin it would pick up and look as good. I've been using a cool toned highlighter for so long, I think it's easy to get use to the same product and so after a while you don't even notice it. I'm not massive of having highlight that reflects the sun, but it's nice to have that option.

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Building A Budget Friendly Palette | Makeup Obsession London Palette Review

New Year, new you right *goes to check bank balance. Okay maybe not. January seems to be forever and it's left us all a little light in the pocket. But sadly if you love makeup it's a fact we all face that around this time is the dreaded day. Yes the one where is expires, and you start to question how long you can keep it before you end up with a krusty eye. You purchased it in 2017 before everything went to hell, and you know what it got you through some tough times. Now it's time to say goodbye, I know it hurts trust me we have all been there but that not so winged liner and chalky won't even leave the pan shadow is not worth a visit to the doctors. Thank it for the great times, and get rid.

I seem to have run out of everything just after Christmas, so knew I was going to have to invest in some new products. I'd seen Makeup obsession London over on Instagram, and after seeing their customers wearing some gorgeous looks I thought I would check it out. I was really shocked to find you could purchase a pan for £2. But is the range worth buying, or are you better saving your money. 

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Back To School- Unicorn Style

So I left it as long as I could, but we all know that it's back to school next week. I have mix feelings as Logan (my youngest) starts year one, and Corben goes into year three. I know they can't stay babies, and that they need to progress and grow but do they have to do it so quickly. They are all set with back to school stuff, Logan has his cheeky monkey bag, both and drawing pads and Corben has his banana backpack, bottle and pencil case filled to the brim.

So what about me, as a mum I think while I love my quirky bags, sometimes they just aren't practical. Sadly my rainbow backpack has seen better days. What this mama needed was some unicorn goodness. Perfect for doing the school run, picking up some shopping and being able to take out what I need - My crochet, books, makeup etc.. that jazzed up any outfit. If your unicorn  mad then Paperchase got you. 

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How To Shop For 90s/00s Brands On EBay

Some of the 90s vintage pieces I've picked up on eBay

I've had a ton of you asking how I manage to bag such cool pieces off EBay. So I thought I would put together a cool kind of how to on hunting down 90s/00s brands and things you should actively do. In order to fill your wardrobe with awesomeness that didn't cost you an arm and a leg. This is exactly what I do, and how I've managed to build a cool collect of pieces when shopping on EBay. As I was a teen in the 90s and a hoarder I kept a lot of my things, but there were pieces that back then I couldn't afford so I love hunting down things. I should probably be over the 90s, and I'm sure there are people who would say I'm 'too old' to be wearing this stuff. I'm 34, and I'll wear what I bloody well like thank you.

So here's the 411

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Cross Stitch | The Make Arcade ' There's no place like home' Kit Review

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you would probably know that I haven't been in the best of health lately. I was feeling so low, and really wanted to treat myself to try and give myself something nice to look forward too. I decided that rather then clothing or makeup, I wanted something that would challenge me. Something crafty, that would also cheer up my home and remind me when I have better days how important they are. 

I had seen someone post on Instagram ( sorry I can't remember who ) a cross stitch kit that said ' Make Today Amazing ' in rainbow colours. I headed straight over to Ruth's page. Ruth is the brains behind The Make Arcade, and runs it by herself. I felt like it was perfect, supporting an indie brand hell yes! Bright and colourful you bet! The only issue I had was deciding which of these fab kits I wanted.  

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The Ordinary Skincare | Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Review

After a late night of not being able to sleep again, I thought I would settle down with a magazine and a cup of tea - not the best thing to have for getting to sleep I know, but I was past the point of caring. As I flicked through, I come across a review by their beauty editor. I don't tend to buy into skincare trends, especially in magazines as I don't always feel that it's completely honest. While I know writers will want to be, a magazine is there more to sell these 'must haves' too you. Some times this can be a winner, and sometimes, well sometimes it's utter crap. 

But after reading about the brand The Ordinary, it was refreshing to see a brand everyone was going mad for that didn't cost a vital organ. That avoided ingredients like, parabens and sulphates that tend to leave skin dry and tight which is the last thing you want from a moisturiser and other skincare. 

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My Cruelty-Free Skincare | Superdrug Vitamin E range

As someone who likes her beauty products, finding a good skincare range is hard finding a great skincare range is almost impossible. As a 34 year old women with dry and sensitive skin, and a hatred of 'oily' feeling products it's been an on going search. I wanted a face wash, cream and scrub that would leave my skin feeling fresh without upsetting it. I also was looking for something budget friendly. People seem to assume that all us bloggers, spend our days rolling in cash. So to smash the dream, but would rolling around in my bills count. While I would love to spend all my money on myself, as a mum of two this doesn't happen. So is it possible to get a fab skincare range, that's won't cost the earth and still be great. 

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Get The Glow | Look Fantastic May Box

Look Fantastic May Box*

After months of on off weather and May already being filled with rain, I was more than happy to see this months Look Fantastic box is all about glow. Who doesn't like feeling clean, polished and glowing all over. So do this months choice of products really 'get the glow' after really loving last months box I was excited to find out. You can subscribe to their boxes from only £13.00 a month and you also get Elle magazine with it, so you can pamper and get a fashion fix. The box of products are worth around £50 and over. So if you're looking to treat yourself or someone else, this one is worth every penny. 

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What Does Wellness Mean In 2017 | The Start Of My Journey

After a very long day of school runs, picking up smelly socks and just running around like a loon spending time with my boys and my other half. I decided that I was going to settle the boys into bed, then make a tea and find something to watch on You Tube - A nice break from bingeing another box set to switch my brain off.  Off from liking everything on Instagram, worrying about bills, planing trips out for half term and the world in general. Feeling tried from another week of lack of sleep, and feeling 'meh' I wasn't in the mood to watch any DIY or fashion videos. I wanted something I could take from, something I could do to improve my lack of energy and generally to just feel less shit. 

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Current Beauty Go To| Highlighter Goddess Of Love

My skin is usually dry anyway, but in winter it feels as if someone has tried to mummify me in my sleep. Heating, cold wind blowing like a unglamourous fan leaves my skin looking dull, spotty and red. So I've been testing out loads of products, to get back a summer glow without the cake face. I'm 33 and have dry, acne prone skin fun times right. As I have started a massive clear out of old favourites, I wanted to share my new favourites and compare them to see which are best. 

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Three| Favorite Lip Smackers For Summer

No matter the weather, dry lips are never cute. I've got a bag full of lip balms, but my inner child always reaches for a Lip Smacker. Of course I was excited to hear they launched the Finding Dory collection, and of course I was dying to see what her flavour would be and I was disappointed. The collection also features other characters, but Dory has always been my favourite. You can pick them up from £1.50 from Primark.

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Skinade - 30 Day Trail

Skinade*

When we think of skincare, usually a first thought maybe a pot of 'magical' cream that will make us look like we just stepped off the red carpet. In reality a lot of what we put in our body can have an effect on the skin, add into that everyday stress and lack of real sleep and  it's no shocker that your face is breaking out and looking like a week old sponge. So do you keep slapping on the cream or is it time to try something a bit different. 

There is plenty of information on what goes into their product on the website, it's easily breakdown so you can see exactly how it will benefit you.

I decided not to do 'before' and 'after' photos, as to be frank I think sometimes people photoshop stuff and not all use of products will have the same effect. To me these only set the bar too high, and you end up being disappointed with a product that actual may have helped. So your just going to have to take my word, as I really don't have the time or energy to hype rubbish. There a plenty of photos if you do want to see but honestly I think  it's better to try something for yourself. I had looked at their site before starting the course as I wanted to know what I was going to be drinking. I've worked in   beauty retail, so felt comfortable with ingredients used. I think it is important to defiantly do some research, as it's going into your body.

So let's get to it, firstly I really like the packaging of these it's clean and simple and fits nicely into my bags. It also comes in travel size but these ones have to be mixed. Anyway the formula inside- It tastes pretty gross I'm not going to lie, but it's not so bad that you can't drink it. It helps to try and get it down you, than drink a little water after. While the results were not instant, within a few days I did feel some effect, I had a little more energy and massive spots I had started to decrease and not look so raw.

After two weeks, I defiantly felt the different in my skin it looked less dry and my breakouts had downsized. My skin didn't look airbrushed, but I think I felt a little more confident to leave my makeup off. As at the time I had a mass of breakouts, and my skin felt dry as a bone. So I did notice the small different. By the end of the 30 days, the skin area my eyes and on my forehand - I was burnt as a child pretty badly on my forehand  so have also had deep, deep lines. The lines looked smoother, I had a little glow and I seemed to be more switched on. Having vitamin B and C, not only helps with your health but also helps keeping skin looking fresh and smoother.

Even my friends and my other half said I looked well. My skin hair and nails, all seemed to improve a little, like I said it wasn't a case of you drink it and suddenly your a supermodel strutting down the street. But it defiantly made some different, I use to have so much energy in my twenties and slowly it just seemed to go. I love being in my thirties but I do feel like I'm always ill. I think this is a really simply way to get that extra boost, as I think mental if you look tired and drained that makes you feel more drained. For me if my skin looks less spotty and not so grey I feel like doing more, as  I feel a little more confident. I'm not really into spray tans etc.. Plus I like the fact this helps from within. Sometimes I look back at how much I've spent on creams etc, while all the time not really taking care of myself and feeling like I'm playing catch up. Would I use it again? Yes, while it is pricey, when I think about products - Most fails I've used it actually is not that far off. If you don't have the money to do it all the time, maybe buy it when your skin is really suffering. I would tend to use it during winter,  as personal that's when my skin tends to look awful and this is the perfect boost. 

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In The Mix- Perfect Cocktails At Home

Funkin Cocktail Mixers*

The birthday countdown is on, and I'm actual really looking forward to it this week. I think my thirties are teaching me to enjoy what I like, rather than pretending to enjoy things because others do. I'd be lying if I said I never enjoy having a night out, but only if I really have to and I know it's going to be a big night. To be honest I much prefer chilling out with friends and family, playing music and enjoying a drink in the knowledge that I won't - Need to think about how I'm getting home, where my bag ticket has gone and waking up still fully dressed in party gear looking like I'm Kung Fu Panda because I left my eyeliner on. 

The down side to staying in is what to drink. Cocktails and even some mixers, still seem to require a massive amount of preparation. When Funkin cocktail contacted me to see if I'd like some mixes for Christmas and New Years, of course I said yes! I'd actual tried the Hollywood one before at a friends house party a while back. It was pretty much what you would have in a club, but without having to struggle to the bar and spill some on your new bag because people are trying to wrestle in the gap you just made. Okay granted cocktails out and about are made by people with skills. I'm usually that idiot who thinks they're in a movie trying to do the fancy drink moves *shake shake, twist it about in the air and usually end up with half of it going down my arm - Super classy. But it's actual great fun, I love that everyone takes their turn being ' the barman' and ends up drinking most of it themselves before you even get a look in. 

I'm not a massive drinker, but I thought I could make also use them to make mocktails too - Perfect for anyone who has to get up at silly o'clock the next day, as they contain no alcohol so also great for younger folk who want to feel like a grown up. Of course to make the real cocktails you will need alcohol, but they have a handy guide to what you will need and how to make them go further. To be honest one carton goes far, and on New Years there were a few runs just from one. They have a massive range of ones to try, so plenty to float your boat. You can pick mixers up from £2.99, and they came in a great size range. So if your throwing a party, or just fancy a drink with a friend they have you covered. Which would you try?

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Films to Watch This Halloween

grab some limeade and popcorn

As it's Halloween tomorrow I wanted to share my some Halloween films, with some of my favourites thrown in. As a massive fan of horror, thriller and anything creepy it was really hard to narrow it down, I've seen pretty much everyone going even the really bad ones as you never know. So instead I have grouped them into films that are best to watch either with family, friends or by yourself. 

Ones to watch with friends who hate horror

This film made me want to live in black clothing, and up my eyeliner game as a teenager. The Craft is not only a cult classic, but also shows the worst horror being a teenage girl - boy trouble, struggling with looks, bullying and trying to get by see the girls abuse the powers they have been given. Can their friendship survivor. 

Scream another 90s fave is a little cringe, but it's a safe bet for those that just can't take the real horror. Plus there are a bunch so your sorted for the night. 

Interview With a Vampire, Brad and Tom put other vampire films to shame. This will always be the way I want to think about Vampires, and it's creepy more than scary. 

Ones to watch with the kids

One of my all time favourite films has to be The Nightmare Before Christmas, it also works for Christmas. It has great songs that won't jar your brain, and is a beautifully told story about being bored with the everyday and the struggle we have of trying to be ourselves. 

Monster House is a film that maybe a little scary for younger kids, but is a great film that sees kids trying to work out what's wrong with the man that lives across the street from them. great family film that keeps all on their toes. 

Hocus Pocus sees the return of three witches, it's silly, fun and kids will love it. They will also do their legs a damage by trying to learn how to do the witches walk with their friends (we all gave it ago don't lie).

Harry Potter, I'm not the biggest fan (please don't hurt me), but there is nothing more magical than theses movies filled with spells, magic, growing up and blah blah they make kids believe again and I'm all for that. 

Or why not try a spooky cocktail with popcorn instead

Ones for Zombie Lovers

If you like a little tongue in cheek than ZombieLand is the movie for you. I laughed and even cried a little at this movie, but if you think the zombies aren't that vile guess again. It's a great film, one that that has a few twists and turns and will keep you hooked. 

Dawn of the Dead, now people have mixed views as their is the 1978 original and than the remake in 2004. Personally I liked them both, as 70s films tend not to that them. 

Return of the living dead is just brilliant it's so bad it's good and you will be quoting it and annoying everyone for days. It's a classic. 

World War Z, not the best zombie film (more virus film than zombies) but still a great watch for anything who likes the 'oh no you have been bite see ya'. 

(or you could just watch The Walking Dead back to back, because it's just amazeballs)

Ones for the 'nothing scares me'

I don't think I've ever been scared at a film, uneasy maybe and possible jumped a few times I'll admit. But the more grim the better. A game I that did use to scare me was Silent Hill -Don't lie it's creepy as. So when it was made into a film I thought it was going to be a massive let down. However it's actual a pretty good film, I love the costume design and it does have that WTF element about it. Don't watch the second one as that really is pants. 

REC not the American version the original is just a great watch, from the way it's shot to  being thrown in the middle of it. I also enjoyed REC Genesis, which is the third in the REC films, who doesn't like a bride having to pick up a chainsaw on her wedding day. 

Switchblade Romance is still a film I always want to watch every Halloween, the film is about a young women who goes to stay with her friend and her family. The girls end up on the run when a truck driver, murders the family. They must out smart him to get to help. This film has so many levels and even when you have finished watching it, it will linger with you. 

Here are some others that are a must watch as I have too many faves sorry and this post could be days long: 
The Shinning, Silence of the Lambs, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Manic (2013 version), Inside, The eye (2002 not the crap remake) Misery, The Omen, Carrie (the new or old version). The Saw films, Midnight meat train, As above so below, The descent (the first one was pretty good), Alien all of them they are just amazing! Hell raiser, IT - Don't watch if you hate clowns. Donnie Darko, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissor hands and any Burton film because his the king of Halloween. Bram stokers Dracula one of my all time favourite films ever!

So I'd love to hear what your favourites are to watch, maybe you can recommend some for me. Hope you have a lovely Halloween, here is a fab recipe for a Spooky cocktail using Midori Melon liqueur* and don't forget to take your plastic spiders and green cobwebs out of your popcorn. 

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The Marcel Club - July box

I really like box subscriptions, and it's nice to see they are becoming more popular and that it's not all about beauty. The Marcel Club is the perfect little box for anyone who likes cute quirky things. In the first box -July's Summer fun* you get a bunch of cute jewellery, recipe smoothie, bendy pencil which my boys nabbed, along with the colour in postcard and stickers. I really liked the lollipop magnet, and the pack of sunflower seeds along with some other cool bits. My favourite thing from the July's box was the little keyring, I love the sunglasses on it and have added on to my keys already. Also the vanilla lip balm, as I love the glitter packaging but also blame is always handy to have. 

I think this box would be perfect for a younger girl, I remember getting a magazine subscription as a kid and it was exciting to get something in the post just for me. Or if your a big kid yourself, it's a cute treat filled with treats. I think it would be great to give as a gift, and Leanne who creates the Marcel boxes really puts thought into them. The boxes are going to be themed each month, so as it was July's it was 'Summer Fun'. Plus if you submit any pictures onto the Facebook page you can get a discount code for her online store (which is filled with mermaids, glitter and even a unicorn colouring pack *swoon). The box like with others, is monthly and costs £20.00 each and has at least five items in. You get a great mix of things and the designs are super sweet. 

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Nailbox: The Only Nail Subscription Box In The U.K - May

If you are a nail polish addict, and you have never heard of Nailbox I honestly don't know where you have been - Probably waiting for your nail polish to dry while watching  back to back episodes of *insert your favourite show here* over on Netflicks. Don't feel bad as they only launched in April, but are fast becoming a must for those of us who love treating our nails. 

Unlike beauty subscription boxes, Nailbox is just for nails. You can pick how long you would like to subscribe, and at the end of every month you'll receive your box of products to your door. I like that these come in one box (no frills), so you can easily recycle it and don't feel bad about having to use it- I'm sure a lot of you got fed up after a while of having to find use for all those extra boxes, and evenly throw them out. Nailbox  is focused on product, so you get full sized products and a good mix of brands. May's box has sold out, but if you hurry you can get Junes -Which states that there will be three full sized nail polishes and the best top coat you have every used and a nail tool. Sadly at the moment, they don't ship outside the U.K but I'm sure the more they grow this will change. 

Nailbox for May *

In The Box

Elegant Touch - Professional cuticle pusher & Nail Cleaner: This is such a great tool to have, I did have another one by a different brand ages ago that was not as great. the best time to use the cuticle pusher is after a bath when your going to clean your nails and change polish. As they will be soft and easier to managed. The nail cleaner is great for me, as I have long natural nails and I use it for under my nails and on the sides. It also cleans easy, I'm happy to have one that works. 

Nicole By O.P.I ' Alex By The Books': I adore Modern Family and Alex has some great one liners (my favourite character is actual Phil, but Alex comes a close second). I really like this shade as not only is it in keeping with Alex's character- Smart and sensible, but it's a beautiful pastel mint and I think great for wedding season as it goes with just about everything. I managed to get a nice coverage with one coat, but for a perfect coverage I used 2 coats.

Essie 'Status Symbol': I think this is the third Essie polish I have ever owned, as I tend to have my favourite brands. This is actual a really soft more grown up pink, the formula is  pretty smooth and with 2 coats you can get full coverage. 

Rimmel London 60 Seconds ' Lucky Lilac': This was by far my favourite polish I'm a massive fan of these and actual have never tried this colour before. It has a great formula and only took 2 coats for full coverage and it really does dry quickly. It has a warm pink tone, which is unlike most of the other lilacs I have which are all blue. I think this is great for if you want some girly colour, but are bored with pink.

Orly Color Blast 'Fiery Orange chunky glitter': Sadly this was my least favourite, I'm not a massive fan of this rustic orange. Maybe for Halloween as it's a pumpkin shade, however the glitter is very pretty. It's holographic and the more you layer, the better it looks. I will be saving this for winter, as I think it may look pretty over a black polish. It applied well, as it's a jelly polish and again looked good after 2 coats.

I used 'Lucky Lilac' as my base colour, and than used a toothpick to dot on 'Alex By The Books' just around the edge of my nail and than added 'Status Symbol' and added a top coat of clear polish just to seal it. This is a super easy nail art fix, if you just want to add a little colour.

What Does it Cost?

There are four options to pick from. There is month to month at £15.00 per month, but if you pick a longer subscription you get a discount. If you want to try it out for a little while you could get a 3 months subscription for £14.50 per month, or I think it would be lovely to give a years subscription for a birthday present * hint hint at £13.50 per month. I've had boxes before, but I love that this is just for nails as I'm more like to use everything. I was impressed by the full sized bottles, and like the fact that the boxes will sometimes have tools and accessorises in. Money goes into product not endless packaging, which is really important to me as someone who hates waste. What do you think, would you try out a box like this? 

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