Friday 26 April 2013

Beautiful Bespoke Stationery - Paper Themes Cupcake Wrappers

I love cupcakes in any way, shape or form and this week I have been trying out cupcake wrappers. I didn't need a great deal convincing to test these out as it gave me an excuse to bake! I was kindly sent a few samples to try from 'Paper Themes'.  This company predominantly deals with bespoke wedding stationery and personalised items but looking at their website it appears that they could tailor the cupcake wrappers to other occasions. 



On first impressions I was really impressed with the quality, they are made of a thick paper and they look top quality, the printing and the designs are clear, professional and there are some lovely themes and designs to choose from. 




The idea of using a cupcake wrapper is they sit around the cupcake hiding the cupcake wrapper and can be used to tie in a wedding, birthday, anniversary theme etc. My particular favourites from the wrappers I was sent are the 'keep calm and eat cake', the rose petal design and the 'eat me'.  You can see the full range of cupcake wrappers available by clicking the link here: Paper Themes .


^^ The before shot!

I discovered a couple of things when using the cupcake wrappers. 1. you need to make big cupcakes, I used a standard sized baking case and the cakes were a bit too small to look like they should, I think using a muffin baking case would be the best option. 2. You need to fiddle about when slotting the wrappers together, once you've got that mastered they look fab!




I really like the idea of using cupcake wrappers to add a special touch and to combine a theme and also that they can be personalised to any occasion. 

Paper Themes retail packs of cupcake wrappers at £12.99 for 24 wrappers and this includes personalisation, that's such good value! They have a great choice of designs to choose from and a lot of choices in themes. I LOVE the 'Bronte', 'love nest' and 'cream tea' so pretty!!

Click on Paper Themes to take you directly to their website to peruse at your leisure.

They also have a great wedding blog  which is well worth a read if you're planning that special occasion, access that here: Paper Themes Blog


Anyone ever used cupcake wrappers before? I think I would definitely consider them, they really finish a cupcake off. 



Helen X

* Please note that this is a sponsored post but the views and opinions are that of my own. 

Saturday 20 April 2013

GlossyBox Review April 2013 - Spring Fever

I was really looking forward to receiving  the April GlossyBox as I'd seen a preview of the packaging which had been designed by Pearl Lowe. She gave the whole GlossyBox a vintage floral theme and it's lovely. 


My first impressions of the box were really positive, I got some fantastic products this month and a couple were full size which is great! 


What a lovely selection of items!


GlossyBox contents (L-R): 

1. Nip & Fab Dry Skin Fix Body Butter (£9.95 for full size 200ml, received in box 50ml) There were 3 flavours that could have been received, mango, pistachio or coconut latte, I received the pistachio and it smells delicious. It's a lovely bright green colour and it's really whipped and smooth to apply, it felt lovely on application. Very pleased to have this included in this months box!




2. Yves Rocher France 'So Elixir Purple' Perfume Sample (£44.00 for full size 50ml, received 5ml) This is a much nicer perfume sample to receive than a poxy vial. It's a miniature 5ml version of the full size bottle which is lovely. It smells nice, quite a strong scent and it's something I'd wear on an evening out. 





3. ModelCo Cheek & Lip Tint in Rosy Red (£15.00 for full size received) This is one of the full size items received, it's a dual purpose tint that can be lightly dabbed onto the cheeks for a rosy glow or applied to the lips for a bee sting look.  I like it, it gives quite a subtle glow and a light stain on the lips. It does however stain your finger so just be aware of that! Great item and nice to receive it as a full size item. 




4. Sunsense Daily Face SPF (£18.50 for full size 75G received 10g sample size) Not sure what to make of this item, it seems to be a bit of a filler, I don't dislike it mind you as it will be useful. I don't like how on the back of the product it says 'free sample' it makes me think it would be given away over a beauty counter, Never the less I've tried it, it's lightweight and sheer to apply with a SPF 50 so very handy to have come the summer. 



5. Essie Nail Lacquer (£7.99 for full size 13.5ml received in box) Eeeeeee!! I was ridiculously pleased to receive a full size Essie polish as I LOVE them!! I received the shade 'Nice is Nice' Essie is, by far, the best item in the box this month. The only annoying thing is I recently purchased the shade 'Lilacism' which is really, really similar. GlossyBox weren't to know this though so I'm still very pleased with this item. It's a perfect spring colour.




The  box came with the usual leaflet which includes information about the items and an exclusive interview with Pearl Lowe  which is a nice touch. I think this is the best box I've received to date, I really hope next months is as good and isn't a let down! 

Did anyone get anything different this month? Opinions on this box? 

Hels X

Please note: GlossyBox is available to purchase for £10.00 plus p&p, you can also collect GlossyDots and redeem them for a free box. Find out more by visiting the website by clicking here: GlossyBox

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Batiste vs. Cussons - The Dry Shampoo Showdown!

I've never really been a fan of dry shampoos until I became a Mummy. In the last few months I have been looking for some quick beauty fixes, especially now I am back on placement and need to be out of the house quickly on a morning.


I compared the classic Batiste against the recently launched Cussons 'Mum & Me' range. 



I always used to think dry shampoo was for little old ladies but since they've repackaged and added new scents it's clear they are marketing Bastiste more towards the younger buyer. I have to say the Batiste range has really become market leaders in the last few years and they have a great variety to choose from. 



The Cussons range was recently launched and obviously appealed to me but when I've looked at the range in the past I've thought some of the items were pretty overpriced, otherwise the range looks very professional and modern.


I'll start with Batiste:


1. First Impressions: Great packaging and lots of different scents and bright packaging to choose from.

2. Scent: I chose the exotic scent, it smells like coconut and limes, it's delicious. 

3. Application: A few sprays into the roots, a quick massage in and then brush. I hate the feeling when you massage it in but ultimately I think it gives a great refreshed feeling.

4. Overall: A great quick fix to see my hair through an extra day and it smells lush. Click on Batiste for more information!

Batiste is widely available and the RRP for £2.99 for 200ml.



Next is the Mum & Me range: 


1. First Impressions: Looks sleek and modern and is very appealing to Mum's who need a quick hair fix, the packaging states that it contains rice starch which is what absorbs the grease, I like the fact the packaging is telling you how it works, where as Batiste doesn't.

2. Scent:  I like the scent, I can't quite put my finger on it what it smells like but it's really fresh and quite zingy.

3. Application: I used the same application as with Batiste but I thought the Cussons spray felt lighter on application, but both offered comparable results. 

4. Overall:  A great product with good results, I like how light it feels on application and the fresh smell is nice. Click on Cussons for more information!

The Mum & Me range is also widely available and the RRP for Skip a Wash is £1.60 for 150ml.

In conclusion, I think both of the products are comparable, I felt they both offered similar results but personally I felt the Batiste scent lasted longer and my hair still felt fresh at the end of the day. Dry shampoo is perfect for anybody who needs a quick hair fix and freshen up,

A Mummy must have, be gone greasy locks!!

Helen X

Saturday 13 April 2013

Jam Gourmet Doughnuts

I first discovered this amazing local company last year at the Greene King Real Ale & Food Festival , Bury St Edmunds (tickets for this year can be bought by clicking the link supplied or at the Greene Kind Brewery gardens on the day. 

As a Krispy Kreme fan I admit I was a bit suspicious of these new 'Jam Gou Dou's'........that was until I tried them!!! They are so delicious! I cannot even describe just how good they are. What I love even more about them is 1. They're a local company, 2. They now deliver where I live (massive plus!), 3. They are fresh and 4. They  are quite unique and taste delicious!!. 

Jam Gourmet Doughnuts philosophy is the shorter the doughnuts have to travel the fresher they are when they arrive which is why currently they are offering delivery mainly around Suffolk (details of their delivery catchment area can be found here: http://www.jamgoudou.com/collections/our-boxes




They have just launched their online order service which is fantastic, I ordered at about 8:00pm last night and they were delivered before 10:00am this morning, absolutely brilliant!

So what do you get?




A box of 12 delicious doughnuts consist of the following:

Classic Glaze, Chocolate Dip, Oh, Caramel, Double Cinnamon, Donny Coconut, Sweet Berry Berry, Raspberry Whim, Blueberry Thrill, Double Chocolate, Lemon Curd, Apple Cinnamon (my personal favourites are the raspberry whim, chocolate dip, blueberry thrill and sweet berry berry)

You can order a box of 12 or 24 mini doughnuts from their website which is here: Jam Gou Dou (they cost £11.95 + delivery)



I shall leave you with some mouthwatering pictures which I managed to take before they all get demolished!!

Helen X


Please note: These views and opinions are my own and I was not endorsed in any way to write this. Thank you!

Thursday 4 April 2013

NOTD Essie Eternal Optimist







I am loving this Essie polish, in fact I am loving Essie nail polishes a lot at the moment. They have a fantastic choice of colours, the finish is glossy and salon gel like and best of all dries incredibly quickly!

 I don't think I've found a polish that dries this quickly, the only downside I find with Essie is that they smell quite strong and chemically  so apply in a well ventilated room!





This shade is 'Eternal Optimist 23' , I would describe it as a dusky pinky/peach colour, almost natural but yet with really nice warm undertones, I think it would look amazing with any skin tone, it is such a wearable shade for both day and evening. 

It's an absolutely essential shade for any nail polish collection and should we ever see a hint of sunshine it's a perfect spring colour.

Gorgeous!


Helen X

Wednesday 3 April 2013

Divine Double Choc Chip Muffins

These muffins are so delicious and super easy to make, I was a bit dubious using vegetable oil over butter but I promise you they give the muffins a moist, springy texture. They are such a quick treat how could you not give this recipe a go!

Recipe

Makes 12 (depending on how much mixture you put in the cases)



Dry ingredients: 
250g self-raising flour 
2 tsp baking powder 
2 tbsp cocoa powder 
175g caster sugar 
150g chocolate chips (plus more for sprinkling later) 


Wet ingredients: 
250ml milk 
90ml vegetable oil 
1 large egg 
1 tsp real vanilla extract


Method


1. Preheat oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6 and fill a 12 bun muffin tray with paper cases. 


2. Weigh out the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Pour all the liquid ingredients into a large jug or bowl. 

3. Mix both together – DO NOT OVERMIX. It will be a lumpy but runny batter. Spoon into the muffin cases. 

4. Sprinkle more chocolate chips on top and then cook for 20 minutes or until risen and springy. 

5. Dust with icing sugar for a perfect finish.



Helly's Top Tips:  Use paper muffin cases and not silicone, paper cases give a nicer result, I use a mix of milk & white choc chips for variety. If you want something a little bit different once removed from the oven make a small cut in the top and put 3 or 4 mini marshmallows inside, they will melt and make the muffins even more yummy!

What are you waiting for??? Go and bake them!

Helen X