books, lifestyle boxes

Prudence & the Crow book lover’s box

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I don’t think I’ve written about this before, but Prudence and the Crow is a monthly box for book lovers.

Each month you get a secondhand book in a handmade bag with a selection of little treats. This month I got Raymond Chandler’s The Long Goodbye in a little red bag and my treats included stickers, sweeties, a bookmark, tea and a gorgeous Penguin Books necklace, which I wore all day till haircut time.

The box is slim enough to go through the letterbox and is in itself rather lovely, stamped with the logo.

Check out the website to register for a box.

ramblingmads

reviews, steampunk

Review: The Time Traveller Times

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These slim volumes pictured above are the first four issues of The Time Traveller Times.

I discovered the existence of this indie periodical in the Facebook group British Steampunk Community. Steampunk is something I’ve been interested in for a while, even dressing up and attending an event at a steam museum.

For those who don’t know – Steampunk is a literary movement writ large. Most books and films that fall into this genre are Victorian in period but with steam-powered modern technology.

Examples range from Jules Verne to Cherie Priest’s Clockwork Century series. Films like Wild Wild West and The Adventures of Adele Blanc-sec feature traits too. Musically there are lots of bands but my recommendation is Steam-powered Giraffe.

Back to the TTT. Time travel is a popular SP theme – and the chap behind these fun and clever booklets has clearly done his research.

They feature the ongoing story of time travelling adventurer Captain Nik Ve and his crew aboard the ♎. As well as reports from both the past, issue one features Charles Darwin and the terrifying future epidemic Kangaroo Flu! Others will cover events ranging from the Black Death to the Space Race and beyond.

Currently they’re only available from the author via Facebook. As it’s a new venture he is currently testing the waters before exploring the best outlet. His name is Charles Samuel Watson and can be found on the British Steampunk Community page or at many Steampunk events taking place over the summer.

ramblingmads

beauty boxes, healthy, lifestyle, mindfulness, reviews, skincare, yoga

BuddhiBox – review

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BuddhiBox is a yoga lover’s beauty and lifestyle box from the US.

They don’t currently ship to the UK as a subscription but you can buy the boxes through Etsy. Which doesn’t make a huge amount of sense and costs a lot more than the equivalent on their website, before shipping.

I also had to pay a hefty customs charge, which means until there’s an easier way to order this box, I probably won’t again. Which is a shame because their Instagram is full of lovely things included in their monthly boxes.

Anyway, back to this one.

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It’s not a huge box but it is quite full. I said I didn’t mind which box I got, this is March’s. April’s is curated by a yogi called Jo and contains different items.

I received a small pot of rosewater ghee face & skin cream, which intrigues me as ghee is more commonly used in Indian cooking.

An organic sanitizer spray for use after yoga to kill any bacteria that transfers from the mat to your hands. I recommend giving your yoga mat a spritz of anti-bac every now and then and hanging it outside every now and then to air it so that feet smell doesn’t linger. This will probably end up in my bag, I like to carry hand sanitizer when commuting.

A fancy bottle of nail polish in Namaste, this has no formaldehyde and other not very pleasant chemicals and is a nude shade.

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There was also a small yoga strap, which is used to assist with poses.

A small malas or Buddhist prayer bead bracelet to aid in meditation.

A recipe card for a dish called kitchari, which seems to be a bit like dhal with mung beans and rice.

A yoga pose card – tree pose, which is one of my favourite poses as it’s a big stretch to the sky and you have to focus to maintain your balance.

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The card listing the box’s contents has a great quote on it “you are the sky. Everything else is just weather” – Pema Chodron. 

Loose leaf oolong tea, custom blended for BuddhiBox. It also has a reusable muslin tea bag, which is a clever idea. I don’t drink black tea or coffee, mostly just water and herbal teas so this will come in useful.

There are a couple of business cards from the different companies involved – some with discounts and then the randomest item. A temporary tattoo.

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I don’t really get the need for this item and would have preferred something else. This seems to be a bit of a trend because I’ve had at least one beauty box recently with temporary tattoos in them. I remember they were all the rage the summer I was 9, I think a cereal company were giving them away, but I don’t see many grown women feeling the need.

All in all it’s a bit mixed and not all of the items seem connected to yoga or meditation. As I said at the start this was pretty expensive so I’m a little disappointed at the contents. Hopefully they’ll start shipping internationally through their website soon and the prices will be comparative to the US.

ramblingmads

beauty, make up, reviews, skincare

Gaya Cosmetics Review

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Gaya is an Italian vegan (no animals were tested upon) cosmetics firm newly launched in the UK. At the moment their products are only available on Amazon. Their range includes skincare, make up and those all important brushes. 

Quick disclaimer: I was lucky enough to be invited to test two of their products in the run up to their full UK launch but my review here will be unbiased and my honest opinion of the products I tested.

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Primer  (£32.99) – this is not something I regularly use so I was interested in seeing what difference this would make to my make up routine and application.
The bottle is rather pleasing to look at, not too fussy a design – simple and elegant. A lot of my make up lots like either a kid’s colouring set (I do love an eye crayon or a chubby stick) or incredibly plain and boring, except all the glitter. This looks grown up and makes a nice addition to the dressing table (in my case, shelf).

I had to pump the nozzle a few times before anything came out, but as this was the first use I actually rather preferred that to it all oozing out.

You only need a really tiny amount so this will last ages, I applied it with my fingers, but you could use a sponge if you prefer.

It went on very easily, and left a smooth, soft finish. I applied it as per the directions, over my moisturiser, and it added another layer of moisture to my dry skin.

It did make applying my CC cream and foundation smoother, my moisturiser soaks in fast so this left a smooth, silky surface to work with.

I have really sensitive skin and this did not cause any upset, which was definitely a bonus to me. I will probably use it again and may even decide to buy it once I run out.

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The other item I was given to try was an eyeshadow powder in shade F23 (£12.99 currently discounted  – normally £18). This is a light gold/bronze shade, there is a wide range of other colours to choose from.

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As I like to layer my eyeshadow up, this was a great colour to work with.

Again the packaging is rather elegant with a wooden lid embossed in gold. This will also look grown up and rather attractive on the dressing table or shelf.

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The only problem I had was that as the pot was super packed with powder I had trouble getting it out of the tiny holes. I usually use eyeshadows in cake form, either in a palette or solo, whereas this was a very fine powder.

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Using a soft eyeshadow brush, not a sponge applicator, I swept it over my lids, building up the colour in layers. Finished with gold glitter liner and mascara, my eyes looked bright but not overdone or too heavy for daytime.

The pot is very generously filled, so you definitely get your money’s worth. Again I will most probably continue to use it, but may not purchase it as I own other eyeshadows in similar shades.

These are not cheap products but I feel you get value for money. From a quick google of their ingredients it looks like they go for quality and as they are vegan, not tested on animals and in good quality packaging, it’s understandable. I don’t know if I would willingly spend the money but you get what you pay for.

ramblingmads

beauty boxes, glossybox, make up, reviews, skincare

March Glossybox Review

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March’s Glossybox arrived today, so let’s take a look inside. The theme seems to be pink and black.

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NCLA nail polish in Like…Totally Valley Girl. This is very pink and I don’t really feel I will get much use from it.

Sleek Make Up Pout Paint in Rosette – another really pink product. Although giving it an experimental squeeze produced clear, very sticky, goop.

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara – clearly beauty box companies think we can never have enough mascara. The bottle’s pretty but due to the extreme sensitivity of my eyes I doubt this will be for me – one for the Give and Make Up box I’m putting together.

Naobay Moisturizing Peeling milk – apparently this is designed for removing dead skin from your face. Will have to give it a go.

Dove Youthful Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner for ageing hair – I am 28, as is my hair (I was born with a full head of dark curls that gradually went blonde) I am not ageing. My mum will be getting these – she’s almost 60 and was complaining about her thin hair the other day!

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All in all a mixed box. Next month is crunch time, which box will I keep and which will be cancelled?

Apparently next month’s Glossybox is inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood. As my profile pic is Rita Hayworth, that should be (hopefully) right up my street.

ramblingmads

beauty, beauty boxes, make up, my little box, reviews

My Little Super Box

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I quite like that My Little Box has a theme each month, last month it was My Little French Box and this month it’s My Little Super Box.

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The packaging is really cute and addressed to the Marvellous Madeleine, which is always welcome!

Inside is a whole bundle of goodies.

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As well as the usual mini magazine, there are superhero stickers, a t-shirt rolled up, and three full-size beauty products.

My Little Beauty branded cheek and lip tint in coral, I do like a two-in-one product.

Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream – I don’t currently use a night cream so I might give this a road test.

Kerastase Cristal – a conditioner for dry hair and split ends. Not sure about whether my slightly greasy at the roots and grumpy at the ends hair will like this, but it’s worth a go.

On the little ‘what’s in my box’ sheet it gives the prices if you were to buy the individual products and trust me when I say the £13 this box cost is an absolute bargain.

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ramblingmads

beauty, beauty boxes, love me beauty, make up, reviews, skincare

Beauty box review – Love Me Beauty

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Another beauty box in my quest for the perfect one.

I filled in a beauty questionnaire intended to make the ideal selection, but there was a definite mis-fire amongst this little lot.

A fullsize Nails Inc. polish in bruton lane, which is a pastel shade (and if you read my post about nail polish, you’ll know they’re not my favourite).
Mirabella lip gloss in Muse, which is baby pink in the bottle, so will be used sparingly.
Cailyn eyebrow gel in Cocoa. Now I told them I’m blonde, which is my natural colour so a dark brown gel would make my very pale brows look silly.
Organic Surge Perfecting Face Polish (sample size) this says it’s suitable for sensitive skin, which I have, and contains rosemary and lemon essential oils, which means it smells amazing.
Monuspa Conditioning Bodywash (sample size) for all skin types – this contains honey and essential oils, and again smells delicious.

The goodies come in a little cloth bag inside a frankly enormous box. Their USP is that if you refer a friend with a unique code on their site you get credits towards products in your next box and so will your friend.

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ramblingmads

beauty, beauty boxes, birchbox, make up, reviews, skincare

Beauty box review – Birchbox

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I rarely get called wonderful so it was rather nice coming home to find a parcel in my letterbox doing just that.

Inside was February’s Birchbox. I had opted for the slimmer letterbox size, and as you can see above, it was packed with beauty goodies (and a sample packet of oats + chia porridge, not pictured).

There were discount codes and vouchers for beauty products.

The products themselves were a mixture of sample and full sizes.

I had filled in a beauty profile on the site, which should mean that the items in my box are tailored to me.

I received: a sample of Benefit High Beam, which is a product I already use so this was a little bonus bottle.
T London Darjeeling Bath & Shower wash, perfect size for my washbag and holiday travels.
Fullsize Eyeko London Fat Eye Stick in gilt – I like an eye crayon, easy to use and no mess.
Electric Hairdressing Hydrate Shampoo, again perfect size for my washbag. Finally Caudalie Paris Radiance Serum – I don’t use serums much so this will be fun to try out.

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ramblingmads

adventures, beauty, beauty boxes, my little box, reviews

My Little Box – review

As well as the Glossybox reviewed yesterday I subscribed to My Little Box, again only on a trial basis. The first one came this morning.

My Little Frenchie Box

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Designed by model and designer Ines de La Fressange it includes a mini magazine, a cute red, white and blue selection of goodies – a phone case, inspirational bon mots in a bottle and a cloth bag of beauty products – L’oreal Brow Artist Plumper, By Terry Kohl crayon, exclusive face tint, DHC Oil Blotting Paper.

Unlike Glossybox, My Little Box asks you to complete a questionnaire about your preferences, colouring, skin type so you get a tailor made selection of items, which means everything is picked for you and then you don’t end up with things you can’t/don’t use, which was the issue I had with Latest in Beauty boxes.

So far, quite pleased, although the eyebrow tint is probably not going to get much use as mine are very pale blonde and the tint would be too dark.

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