books, lifestyle boxes, reviews

The Bookish Box – Game of Thrones Edition

This Bookish Box is all about George R.R. Martin’s mega hit series A Song of Ice and Fire. 

Some of the imagery is drawn from the smashing series, but that’s to be expected considering that it has saturated everything – hello a million Jon Snow gifs. 

The box was absolutely packed with stuff so let’s crack it open. 

Firstly there’s a Jon Snow art card from Evieseo, with the now notorious line printed on it. 

Next I dug out this fancy cup complete with straw and snarling Stark direwolf from Knot Knirvana – it might say ‘Winter is Coming’ but it’s perfect for summery drinks. 

This month’s t-shirt from box parent company Appraising Pages says ‘A Reader Lives a Thousand Lives’ which is pretty true if you read enough. 

There’s a tote bag celebrating the women of Westeros, a pretty fiesty, determined bunch, from the brilliantly named Drop and Give Me Nerdy. 

This next item intrigues me but I probably won’t get to use it – a Quote Bomb from Da Bomb Fizzers. I don’t have a bath in my flat but I like the idea of a surprise inside – in this case a famous quote. 

Last but not least is an antler ring so you can represent the beleagured House Baratheon or just jazz up your finger. 

books, lifestyle boxes, reviews

#NationalBookLoversDay & Illumicrate Unboxing

As a massive book loving geek, today feels like a day all about me! 

I own a silly number of books, between them and the rats, there’s barely enough room for me! But since the answer to the question ‘haven’t you got enough books?’ is always “NO!!’ it’s a bit like living in a library but no one’s saying “shhh!” 

Personally I think a love of books is a vital lifeline – some books have really helped me through tough times, have encouraged me to keep going and pushed me to be a better version of myself. And most of those were fiction. 

It seems apt that today my new Illumicrate arrived- the book lover’s box. It is jam packed with two new books and lots of other literary goodies. Very excited. 

Let’s start with the books. 

The Graces by Laure Eve – the author has written a letter included in each box, which is a really sweet touch. The book isn’t out in paperback yet so this is very exclusive. Growing up I wanted to have magical powers (who doesn’t) and was convinced there was a witch in the woods. In this book, River decides she will make The Graces hers, she will control their magic. Laure says it’s partly inspired by 90s classic movie The Craft, a firm favourite of mine too, so I think I’m going to enjoy this. As well as the book and letter, there’s a signed bookplate and some witchy temporary tattoos. 

One of my favourite TV shows about a book lover is The Gilmore Girls (now, thankfully on Netflix) and this cute tote bag features a quote from the show. 

I don’t drink tea – at least not the standard black kind, but I do love an iced tea that’s sweet and fruity so this summety strawberry tea from Post Tea, will definitely be brewed up then chilled. 

To relax, apart from reading, I like colouring books, and one of my top books so far this year was Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, so these exclusive art cards are perfect for me. 

Sadly this next item isn’t really for me – I’m not a fan of Harry Potter, but I know plenty of people are, so I will rehome these coasters. 

Finally there are some bonus artcards to promote a new book, and some discount vouchers for book related goodies. 

This whole box has been put together with care and I’m really impressed with it. Enjoy the post, I’m off to read my new books! 

Happy Book Lovers’ Day! 

#paperhaul, art, fun stuff, giveaway, lifestyle boxes, reviews, stationery

#paperhaul from Crafty Creatives & Giveaway 

As a stationery nerd this is one of my fave letterbox subscription boxes.

Each month’s is decorated by a different illustrator, allowing you to support artists and charity as 20p from each box goes to Post Pals,  which sends letters to children in hospital. 

This month’s box contains quirky illustrations from Louise at Gaze of Dolls Designs based on Alice in Wonderland, and this month I have a box to giveaway too (see the bottom of the post).

There’s some fab stickers 

This card is brilliant 

Postcards I can’t wait to send

These little cards and notepad are my favourite and there’s washi tape for wrapping presents too. 

If you like the designs and want a box for yourself you can subscribe here

And you can win your own box of Louise’s fabulous designs right here.

books, lifestyle boxes, reviews

The Bookish Box – Fantasy Edition

I do love a box of book related goodies so I treated myself to a Bookish Box. They come from the States so take a while to get here, but they’re worth it. 

This month’s is Fantasy themed, one of my favourite genres, and every item has a link to a fantasy book or series. 

I don’t drink coffee but I live with a caffeine addict, so while I won’t get any use out of this Passive Juice Motel Saphira Eragon Blend Coffee someone else certainly will. 

I read the info card before I saw this so at first I was expecting a different kind of antler headband. However this is really cute and as I’m trying new hair styles in the heat, the Night and Day Baby Fantasy Antler Headband will be making an appearance on my head. 

This cute bangle from The Geeky Cauldron, inspired by Game of Thrones almost set me off again. *spoiler * the death of Hodor really upset me, he was probably the noblest soul in the series and in the books. 

Why is the coffee fuzzy?

The Mortal Instruments series isn’t one I’ve read so I may not be fully appreciating this tote bag from Fiction Tea, but since shops charge for plastic and canvas is washable, this will definitely be added to my hoard of shopping bags. 

Antlers!

Finally there’s the exclusive Appraising Pages t-shirt from the Bookish Box’s creators. This month’s is printed with a quote from one of the fathers of fantasy – J.R.R Tolkien. 

Hold the Door *sob*

I really like this box, even the packaging is lovely, and I’m pretty sure everything will get used and loved. 

Bag story

Are you a fantasy reader? Or a Bookish Box subscriber? Let me know what you think in the comments below. 

A single dream…
fun stuff, happy mail, jewellery, lifestyle boxes, reviews, stationery

Happy Flair

Happy Flair is a new subscription box from the team behind Punky Pins – a box full of accessories and stationery curated around a theme. Last month’s was Alice in Wonderland and this month’s is cult favourite Clueless, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. 

I had to explain what Clueless is to the Mr, who has never seen it. Hopefully I don’t have to do that here. If you haven’t seen it – it’s on Netflix. 

Each box is designed to fit through the letterbox and packed full of brightly coloured flair. Brooches, badges, a necklace, postcards and more. Here’s some snaps. 

Cher’s unique style of plaid suits features too – the clothes in the film were pretty fantastic. 

These boxes are great fun and would make fab gifts for someone else or yourself. 

beauty, fun stuff, lifestyle boxes, reviews

Moi-Meme – 

Moi-Meme is a new quarterly subscription box that costs a little bit more than some others (£45) but is filled with beautiful, hand selected, personalised items for you and your home. It’s perfect if you like a bit of luxury and feels like a gift to yourself. 

My first box arrived on Saturday morning and was a lot bigger than I expected. As it’s an entirely new box, there weren’t any spoilers or previous boxes reviewed online so I had no real idea what to expect. 

More luxurious boxes seem to be becoming quite popular, from Look Incredible’s Deluxe box to the pretty much permanently sold out Cohorted box or the rather too expensive for me Cult Beauty Box, the make up world has plenty but I don’t think there are that many luxury boxes with more of a lifestyle bent, which is where Moi-Meme seems to have spotted a gap in the market. 

You can give the boxes as gift subscriptions and you’ll need to fill out their questionnaire when you subscribe so they can get things personalised. But interestingly, for some of the items, you can exchange them for a different size or colour.

This is a new idea and one I think is quite useful. Sometimes the box companies get it wrong, and a lot of the complaints about other subscription boxes seem to revolve around the fact that often the items seem to be completely off the wall when it comes to the profile you filled out. 

So, what did I get in my first Moi-Meme box you ask? Well, let’s dive in. 

Firstly the box itself is personalised, with a sticker, so I know this box is mine. I like this little touch. 

The box is themed too, this is The Adventure Box and just rather lovely. 

From designer Lisa Angel there is a gorgeous scarf (3 designs available) I have the very pretty peacock feather design. I love scarves as accessories and add them to outfits and bags all the time so this will certainly be making its debut soon. 

There is also a really pretty bracelet of silver beads on a delicate blue cord. It looks rather chic on my wrist and will go nicely with most summer (and other seasonal) outfits. 

I don’t know how they knew at Moi-Meme but I love notebooks, I have hundreds and I’m always picking them up. Most get used, some get lost, but this one is mine. 

My passport is not as well used as I’d like, mostly because it’s pretty new and you don’t get stamps for travelling in Europe (yet). But this Laurige France passport holder is very smart and soft. I think my burgundy British passport will look rather swish tucked into this. Now to plan a holiday! 

Now, frequent fliers will know I love beauty treats, and these Evolve Organic Beauty tubs of body polish and butter are right up my street. 

The polish is a sugar based scrub with no soap but lots of skin friendly natural oils to remove dead skin and leave you all fresh. Then you apply its friend, the shea butter based moisturiser. Again full of skin loving natural ingredients, it smells delicious and goes on like a dream. 

All in all, I love this box. It’s gorgeous. 

I am also impressed with their customer service offers – if you want to exchange certain items (scarf, bracelet, passport holder) for different designs/sizes you can. Or you can pop onto their online shop and buy more goodies for you or as gifts. The booklet has all the details. 

Did you subscribe to Moi-Meme or are you tempted? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. 

adventures in post, fun stuff, lifestyle boxes, reviews, stationery

Boxcitement 

Another fun subscription box on the market at the moment is Boxcitement, a themed monthly box full of goodies. 

Inside July’s Wanderlust box there are travel goodies and pretty little treats. 

Tin of travel mints, a mirror keyring, scented soap bar, wooden luggage tag, cloud brooch, earrings, Aloha card. 

World map wrapping paper, travel liquids bag. 

Travel journal, Paris card. 

Everything is beautifully put together and decorated, the earrings are very pretty too. It really makes me wish I was whizzing off on holiday, but a girl can dream, and plan for next summer! 

fun stuff, happy mail, lifestyle boxes, mental health, mindfulness, reviews

Buddy Box – Summer Sun

The Buddy Box from The Blurt Foundation is designed to help people dealing with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It’s basically a hug in a box. And this month’s comes with a little summer sun. 🌞

Fruit seems to be the theme too, with pineapples and watermelon popping up on the box itself and inside. 

Inside are some bright, sunny treats to help you get through July even when inside your brain it’s more like November (that may just be me). 

There is a very cute notebook with a fox on it, I love notebooks and own about a gazillion of them, so this is welcome. 

A pineapple scented air freshener. I don’t have a car but my wardrobe/beauty cupboard will look very snazzy (and smell sweet) with this. 
Fruit Fix Pomegranate & Blueberry face mask. I love a good face mask, deep cleaning all the crap out of my skin so I will  be slapping this on for a Netflix session. 

#365 Days of Selfcare challenge card and post-its. Which you can join in with. #365daysofselfcare on Twitter and Instagram.  
Personal note from the Blurt team on a fun card, which I will be adding to my inspiration wall. 

Finally, I saved the most fun till last. As you may already know, I am a stationery nerd. And I love quirky pens and pencils. This pencil is a superhero. This pencil has a cape. 

While the crappy winter weather definitely batters on my hatches, summer can be just as hard. When the sun’s shining and fun is being planned, we need to still be looking after our mental health. It’s hard to be “on” all the time and it can feel impossible to tell people you’re feeling bad when the sun’s out and you’re supposed to be jolly. 

The Blurt team know that and I am telling you, self-care, whatever form it takes, isn’t selfish. If you need to stay in, wearing your pjs, eating Nutella croissants or a pile of toast or a bowl of mashed potatoes, or whatever your go-to is, watching crappy tv, an old film, reading a good book or even just taking a nap. That’s A-OK. 

happy mail, lifestyle boxes, mental health, mindfulness, reviews

The Blurt Foundation Buddy Box

After a week in which depression kicked my butt (again) I really need this hug in a box from The Blurt Foundation.

image

Designed specifically for depression sufferers, each box is filled with things to help you manage your condition and give you something to smile about.

As well as the goodies, there’s also a postcard written by the Blurt team.

image

As well as one for you to fill in and leave for someone else to find and pass on that love.

In my box this month are some really sweet things that made me smile while unboxing.

image

Clippers Mint Green Tea – I love mint tea, and green tea’s good for you too!

Toucan badge – my favourite Spike Milligan cartoon is the Strawberry Moose one but my second favourite is the One Can Toucan one (google them and grin) so this colourful badge is going on my bag to cheer me up.

Letters To My Future Self – a paper time capsule. This little book has themed envelopes and papers for you to write letters to your future self, so you can look back and see how things have changed.

Six Colour Pen – for writing those letters! I had one of these as a kid and loved changing the colours.

Cooling Panda Eye Pads – sometimes you need to cry it out and these soothing eye pads will reduce puffiness and made you look like a panda too! Pop them in the fridge and then on your face, for instant refreshment.

image

This is such a wonderful box of joy, and something I really needed this week.

fun stuff, happy mail, lifestyle boxes, reviews

#happymail Spring box

This month’s #happymail box popped through my letterbox this weekend, bringing a dose of Spring magic with it.

It’s packed full of sweet things to make your home bright.

As well as a cute art print, there’s a gorgeous scarf printed with swallows, which I will be wearing with my Spring outfits. There’s also a flower print coaster, which will be jollying up my desk at my new job, a ceramic butterfly, cute necklace with dinky silver hearts and a little gift for my mum.

image

It’s a really gorgeous selection of goodies Katie at ihearthomes has curated. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next month.