December Birchbox Review

Hello!

As promised, here is my review of the December Birchbox, although I will admit to you straight away that I have only used one product so far!

I will start with the product that I have used,
Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Chai. This is a very sheer shimmer eyeshadow in a lovely peachy golden tone. Great on its own, as a base or even as a over-layer to add a bit of shimmer to ordinary matte eyeshadow. It is also perfect for use as a highlighter just under the eyebrows or along the top of the cheekbones. Will definitely have a lot of fun using this!

The other products are:

Nail Rock Velvet Manicure -  Cannot wait to try this out I have been waiting to buy this for ages so it was perfect that it came in this box!

Beekind Body Lotion - I haven't tried this one but it smells so delicious, that I am looking forward to using this, maybe after next time I have a bath.

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Cheek & Lip Stain -  This also smells delicious and is a really lovely pale pink shade, I haven't yet tried it on my cheeks but it is really lovely and moisturising on the lips.

Number 4 Jour d'Automne Non Aerosol Hair Spray - Haven't tried this one yet either, but I am hoping to do so over the christmas break after I have my haircut.

Twistband -  This is a brilliant invention! I haven't included it in the photo (I forgot, sorry) mainly because it is living on my wrist. This snazzy little band is elastic and doubles as a hairband and a bracelet, which means it is great for keeping on all the time for emergency hair moments.

Lipsy London Glam Perfume - I do really like the smell of this but it is very strong and sweet, perfect for a night out, definitely more of an evening perfume!

I would like to apologise that the picture isn't that great and that a couple of the products are missed out! Here is the link to the birch box breakdown of potential box fillers, so pop over their for more details and the chance to purchase some of the products mentioned: http://birchbox.co.uk/box

Merry Christmas

Lots of Love 

Hannah

♥

xxx

hannah0jane@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

 Hello Everyone!

With only 9 days left until Christmas I thought I would should some things that I have put on my christmas list (and some things that I haven't dared ask for!)

1. Top of my wish list is this GORGEOUS Kate Spade handbag, for those of you that know me you will know that I already have a Kate bag. However, black handbags are essential and I don't have a really nice cute one so this would be my ideal bag! At £198 (discounted from £348) I haven't actually put it on my christmas list but I have been doing a lot of overtime at work recently and so maybe this will join me in the new year!




BUT


For now I would be very happy to settle for this much cheaper but equally cute £30 clutch bag from ASOS. Fleur de Force recently featured this bag in her Closet Confidential video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v0uSqGcCL4&feature=c4-overview&list=UU1-szPBG7Oh4icM1FcQakQg) skip to 1min 50secs to see her talk about the bag if you don't fancy watching the whole video. Although I might give making my own a go, If I succeed then I will let you guys know!








2. Now these brushes are actually on my christmas list and I already know that I am getting at least a couple of them and I cannot wait! *excited squeak* I have been wanting these since the summer but couldn't justify the cost myself, but that's what christmas is for! These real Techniques brushes (for those of you who don't already know) are designed by Sam and Nic Chapman, owners of Pixiwoo and avid beauty bloggers/youtubers. I would highly recommend going and checking their videos and blog out because they give some very useful make-up hints and tips as well as guides to using their brushes! (http://www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo)





3. Incase you hadn't noticed there is a bit of a theme developing, next is the beloved MAC Eyeshadow Pro Palette (hopefully not empty like the picture I chose!) Again, this is actually on my christmas list, along with some very specific instructions on which colours to buy! This palette will be quite an investment for whoever buys it for me but I haven't asked for a full palette, just a couple of colours to get me started. I am super excited to get my hands on my first proper MAC items (excluding my earlier bought gift set, check that out here: http://hannah--jane.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/recent-shopping-haul.html) and can't wait to build on my collection in time!

4. For those of you who read my latest Birchbox review you will see that I fell in love with this ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick. So as you can see they have made it onto my wish list! Not pn my actual list but definitely one for the christmas money to be spent on! Birchbox sell two different sets; Classics which have more red and orangey tones and Natural which are obviously muted tones of pink and nude.  The one I have 'Kitty' is included in the Naturals set but I will be very happy to double up on that one as it is a perfect match to the natural colour of my lips!

5. Finally, another that is not on my actual Christmas list but will definitely be bought afterwards! This blush was also reviewed in my Birchbox post (linked above) and I think it is fantastic! It says long wearing and it definitely is, stays on all day without the need for a touchup. The colour that I have at home (Swiss Dot) is quite intense and dark so here I have chosen a brighter tone. Don't look so worried guys, the colour is really build-able so hopefully this colour won't be as scary when it is on my face!

Oh yes I almost forgot! I went into Boots today and saw this amazing The Yule Monty Soap and Glory Gift Set, they are now reduced from £60 to £27 which is an incredible saving! I have heard very good things about a lot of the products in this set aswell, if you want to check it out then head over to the Boots website and have a browse. This would be an amazing gift for a girlfriend, Aunty, Mum or Sister or anyone, it comes in a gorgeous case that is super duper pretty! I really do want to buy it while they still have some in my local shop but I don't know who I would give it too and it seems too close to christmas to treat myself!

I have a Birchbox December review coming for you so keep your eyes peeled it will either be midweek or Friday!

Hope you guys have enjoyed knowing want I want for Christmas, let me know what you want as I love to know what people have put on their Christmas lists too!

Merry Christmas

Lots of Love

Hannah

♥

xxx

Ways to Wear a Jumper

Hello! 

This is a post that I have been very excited about, as it is a winter cookbook/outfit ideas post! I have had this grey jumper for around a year, but have been wearing it almost everyday recently! I have discovered how versatile it is and wanted to share my ideas with you.

Here I have paired it with two different shirts that give very different effects. The shirt on the left is from Dorothy Perkins and the one on the right is Ralph Lauren, I really like the lefthand look and will definately be wearing this soon.

Next I decided to simply wear the jumper and accessorise with a scarf. I have chosen two different scarves, the super cute fox scarf that I bought from French Grey and the other scarf from a charity shop (you might recognise this one from a previous post.

When I was last in London I popped into Topshop on Oxford Street (its like a maze in there!) And ended up buying three pairs of sparkly socks! I had seen a girl on the underground wearing these socks with a pair of cut out shoes and I thought it looked so good that I had to buy some myself. The colour of these socks is a perfect match to the scarf and brings the whole outfit together. This is probably my favourite look in this whole post! (other than the fur coat you will see later!)

 The jumper also looks great with a blazer over the top, this is probably the easiest way to change the look of the jumper. The black and white blazer is from a vintage shop called 71 Queens (http://www.71queens.com) it was a present from my boyfriends family for my birthday and I think it's gorgeous! The red blazer is from Primark (shock horror) I bought this last year to wear to work, I don't normally go into Primark but this cost £12 and I couldn't resist!






Although this jumper is very casual it can be dressed up by adding heels and a skirt. Untucked with a simple black pencil skirt (this is actually my old school skirt) or tucked into a patterned skater skirt. I have chosen my PUG skirt from ASOS, this is my all-time favourite skirt because I adore pugs so much!! The heels I am wearing are from Faith in Debenhams as they are one of the only brands that goes up to a size 9. I bought these back in the summer and I think they cost me around £50 or £60. They have a crazy wooden heel which I think looks really great as it adds an interesting twist.

THIS IS THE BEST COAT EVER. I cannot explain to you how much I love this coat! I bought it last week at work, when I went out to get my lunch, from a charity shop for £20! It caught my eye through the window so I thought I would pop in and try it on and then I fell in love and had to have it. Anyway (sorry about that ramble) this coat manages to make anything look classy and formal and so paired with my wooly tights, it looks great! 

Just thought that I would show you a close up of the necklace and the skirt so that you could see the print more clearly.

So that's it! Thats how I have chosen to wear this jumper, which by the way was from Topman a few years ago. But don't worry any plain baggy jumper would look great with any of these looks! If you guys have re-created any of these looks or have made an amazing charity shop purchase feel free to let me know because I would love to hear about it!

Oh and by the way I unexpectedly received my second Birchbox today, so look out for my review of that because it will be coming soon!

Merry Christmas

Lots of Love

Hannah

♥

xxx

hannah0jane@gmail.com

November Birchbox Review

Hello!

This post is a super-duper exciting one as it was my first ever Birchbox! Now this came with a special November deal that got me three extra products as well so that is why this box is so full. The products that I got in the Birchbox were:

1. Weleda Replenishing Oat Shampoo

2. Laura Mercier Body Butter (Fresh Fig) - I have only tried this body butter out on my hands because I want to save it for a special occasion or something but it smells delicious. The scent is really fresh and light and the texture is almost half way between a butter and a cream. It absorbs into the skin really easily and I didn't feel it all coming off when I next washed my hands so I'm looking forward to using this!

3. ModelCo. Party Proof Lipstick - This lipstick. I cannot even describe to you how perfect it is! I have worn this almost every day since I got my box and I think this is definitely a product that I will purchase. The consistency is more like a lip balm than a lipstick, but the pigmentation is great and the smell is amazing! This lipstick smells like strawberry sweets and makes me happy every time I go to use it. On the Birchbox website they sell a collection of three lipsticks for £15.50, they also have two different colour choices; The Classics or Naturals. I might even splash out and buy both!

4. Chella Highlighter Pencil - This highlighter pencil is swatched on my hand below and as you can see is a very light flesh colour. I have used this along the top of my lips on my cupids bow and under my eyebrows as well. The texture is quite waxy so it does take a while to blend this pencil out but it gives a really natural highlight effect.

5. English Laundry Signature For Her Eau de Parfum - I am not usually a fan of particularly floral scents, especially rose so when I saw this in the box I didn't get too excited. However this is not what I was expecting at all, the scent is lovely and warm and sweet with light floral undertones. Even though I wasn't sure at first once it had sat on my skin for a couple of hours it had really softened. Would definitely take this into consideration next time I decide to change my perfume. 

6. Pukka Herbs Selection of Teas - I have literally just finished drinking the Elderberry and Echinacea  as I am typing this and I am happy to say that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The tea had a really lovely Liquorice aftertaste that wasn't too strong but just warmed the tongue, yum! I haven't tried either of the others yet, I am saving the earl grey for a day when I am feeling sophisticated and the Cinnamon one for when I need a Christmas pick-me-up (it smells solo christmas-y!)

7. Birchbox Pencil Sharpener - This isn't particularly exciting but very useful, it has two different sized sharpeners to accommodate for fat and thin pencils, this has gone straight in with my brushes 

ready to be used. 

 and the three extras were:

1. Laqa&Co Lil' Lip in Wolfman - Lovely nude pink tinted lip balm (thats a guess, it doesn't say what it is!) very easy to apply and very easy to wear! Perfect size for in a handbag or schoolbag and a must for those who aren't allowed to wear make-up to school as you can barely tell you have it on. 

2. The Balm Cosmetics Instain Blush in Swiss Dot - almost as good as the ModelcCo lipstick! This is another must-have purchase once I have used the tester up! This blush is super pigmented so it is brilliant to start light and build until you are happy. Also it is long wearing and this has definitely been proven right as I have worn it for a full day at work and at school and it has lasted perfectly.

3. Dead Sea Spa Magik Silky Smooth Body Lotion -  sorry to end this amazing box on a bad note, but I guess there had to be one product I didn't like! This lotion doesn't smell particularly appetising and is not easy to work into the skin, it just sits on the surface and goes a bit oily! I will keep using this until the tester has gone, but not something I would consider buying!

I just thought I would pop a little swatch on the end of all my favourites:

Top - Laqa&Co Wolfman
Second - Chella Highlighter Pencil
Third - The Balm Blush Swiss Dot
Last - ModelCo Kitty Lipstick

And that's it! That was my Birchbox for November, I hope you guys enjoyed reading this and please feel free to let me know what you thought of the box if you got it or have tried any of these products before! I love the idea of beauty boxes and will definitely being signing up for (at least) one monthly subscription in the new year. 

Merry Christmas

Lots of Love 

Hannah

♥

xxx

hannah0jane@gmail.co.uk

Christmas Bedroom!

Hello!

I thought that seeing as I have done loads of Christmas decoration shopping this weekend I would show you what I had bought and how I have decorated my bedroom. I'm sorry that I didn't post on Friday, but hopefully this week will make up for it as I have some special posts coming soon

1. Hanging Snowflakes (Two Sizes): These snowflakes were bought at a local garden centre, I noticed that Zoella also visited for some of her Christmas decorations. Here is a link to her video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scKg3Mdg5wE and the garden centre have an AMAZING Christmas department video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPoMf616laA I highly recommend visiting if you can!

2. Polar Bears: These two polar bears are from Sainsbury's and they were £2.50 each, Sainsbury's have a huge half price Christmas sale at the moment so these would have been £5 each, so a good bargain!

3. Single Hanging Snowflake: This snowflake is also from Sainsbury's and cost £1, it is made of porcelain/china and is very pretty hanging on the end of my curtain pole!

4. Set of 6 Robins: This robin came in a pack of 6, also from Sainsbury's and they were reduced from £3 to £1.50. I thought that this was a really good find because I know that quite a few shops sell bird individually for £2 or £3 each.

5. Artificial Christmas Tree: My gorgeous little Christmas Treeeee! Again, Sainsbury's (they did well out of me), this was reduced to £5 and it 4ft tall. Even though the tree is a little sparse I think with some tinsel and more lights then it would really come to life.

6. Hanging Fox Decoration: This purple fox is the cute test decoration ever, this is from the Garden Centre and cost 99p. I adore foxes at the moment, so I know that mum snuck one of these to go into my stocking. 

7. Set of Felt Hanging Decs: This little grey felt heart came in a pack of 18 from Sainsbury's, the whole set cost me £2.50 and they all look really lovely on my cute little tree!

8. Gingerbread Man Advent Calendar: This little guy caught my attention and I had to have him! I already have an advent calendar but I couldn't resist his cute face! He was half price at £9.99 from the Garden Centre. I also thought that I could take this calendar with me when I go off to Uni or live in my own house!

9. Frosted Twig Hanging Heart: This heart was £4.95 from French Grey and adds a wintery touch to my bed head, it looks really pretty with the fairy lights behind it too!

10. Beaded Hanging Heart: This is a small beaded heart, all in silver/grey. This one is hung in the middle of the end of my bed and matches my tinsel! This cost me £3.95, also from French Grey.

11. Felt Beaded Hanging Heart: This heart has a cream felt background with a pattern embroidered on with lots of beads. This is made by Bollywood Christmas and I would highly recommend going and checking out their website as all of their decorations are super sparkly and intricate. This was bought in French Grey for £4.95.

12. Yankee Candle Sampler: This is a Christmas Memories Yankee Candle Sampler that cost me £1.99 from the Garden Centre, it smells like sweet Christmas biscuits and cinnamon and spices. This is my first ever Christmas Yankee candle and would definitely consider buying the bigger sized one.

13. Small Wooden Robin: This little robin is just a small wooden decoration, he is super tiny but did cost £2.49 from the Garden Centre (which I think is a lot) but so cute that I couldn't leave him behind.  

14. Christmas Glitter Sign: This sign says "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" and cost me £5.95 from French Grey. I love the red glitter lettering on this and it looks really nice amongst my candles as they make it look super sparkly!

15. Christmas Glitter Sign 2: This sign is the same red glitter as the previous one, however it can be hung up and says "Don't get your tinsel in a tangle". This one was also a little less expensive at £4.95 and is hung on the dresser/cabinet beside my bed.

16. Pug Glass Bauble: Finally my adorable pug bauble! This was £9.95 from French Grey but is totally worth every penny, especially if you are a pug maniac like me! Mum refuses to let this go on the tree so he is currently in my bedroom but I am yet to find somewhere to hang him!

That is all my decorations done! Hope you have enjoyed seeing what I have done in my bedroom to make it christmas-y. If anyone else has decorated their room then I would love to see what you have done, email me photos or leave links and comments below! 

Coming up on Tuesday I have my first ever Birchbox Review which is very exciting so come and have a look once that is up!

Merry Christmas!

Lots of Love

Hannah

♥

xxx

hannah0jane@gmail.co.uk

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Please excuse my horrible grainy photos, I was using my sisters camera! But as you can see I went to a CHRISTMAS MARKET, yaaaay! Again, this is a sign that Christmas is really coming! Although my attempts at finding presents for other people were fruitless, I spotted so many things that I liked myself. I would highly recommend taking a trip to your local Christmas market as they always leave you feeling festive. My Mum, my sister and I go every year if we can and we always enjoy looking at all the lovely things, drinking mulled wine and eating mice pies! Our market in Bath is on until the 15th December so if you can get to Bath to visit then do it! :)

 As you can see the market was made up of loads of little wooden shed-like stalls which also look super cute and christmas-y. They all had fairy lights and some of the food stalls smelled delicious.






I also had some caramelised cashew nuts for the first time and they were delicious! (even though I don't normally like nuts) So chewy and sweet, definitely go and give these a try if you can!

Just in case you couldn't already tell, Christmas makes me super excited! Im even writing this whilst burning my super christmas-y candle :D

Lots of Love and Christmas Wishes!

Hannah

♥

xxx

hannah0jane@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS CANDLE

Hello!

As it is officially December, I decided that it is appropriate to post about CHRISTMAS. I love Christmas and everything about it, the build up, the gift giving, the excitement and snuggling up by the warm cosy fire! To get me in the mood, I bought myself a Christmas candle from True Grace (http://www.truegrace.co.uk). I chose Christmas No.39, however they also do other Christmas scents which are equally lovely.

This candle smells so good, as it says on the tin it smells like pine and cedar so, christmas trees! These candles really release their scent so they spread across the whole room. I think this is a good thing because, I often find that candles that are scented don't smell at all! As you can see I have put it with all my other candles, including some christmas ones from ASDA, which don't smell very strong alone but smell lovely when mixed with the True Grace one!

I would highly recommend buying a True Grace candle if you are looking for a heavily scented christmas candle. At £14 they are a bit expensive but 100% worth it, as they burn for a long time too! Go and check out their website as all their candles are made in Wiltshire and they do a huge variety of candles, including gift sets etc. They would make a lovely gift, perhaps for someone who is a little more difficult to shop for, or someone who just loves candles!

 

Just to let you know, I will be attempting to post every Monday and Friday with the odd extra post in-between. I am going to a Christmas market tonight and so you might get a post about that (keep your eyes peeled) but on Friday you can expect to see my Christmas do-at-home gel polish nails.

Also if you have any Christmas blog post ideas, don't hesitate to let me know!

Lots of Love 

Hannah

♥

xxx

hannah0jane@gmail.com