To my surprise, when I returned back from my birthday weekend away - I had my favourite present waiting for me. My Vegan Kind subscription box. It really is like receiving a present each month (ignoring the fact that you pay for them!). Now I want to apologise now for the lack of a fancy banner, but at the time when I realised that I hadn't taken a photo of all of my goodies in the box together - my new 6 week old kitten decided to curl up on my lap. I just don't have the heart to refuse fluffy cuddles. So let's go through what we got this month! PURELY WILD GARLIC PLANTAIN CHIPS 75G RRP £1.99 I have a passion for all things strange, and these crisps really are that. Of course they are in the best flavour that was created - Garlic - but it's the thought that you're not eating potato that really threw me off. The bag is filled to the brim with crisps, unlike the 90% air walkers style that you get these days. Definitely a healthy alternative to throw into your bag for school or work. CLEARSPRING ORGANIC WHOLEGRAIN RICE CAKES RRP £2.29 |
So it happened. I have found the most adorable subscription box full of all things that will make your eyes sparkle like a child at Christmas, and remind you of that wonderful notion you had when younger. "The more glitter the better right?" Well the answer of course is - Hell yes! The best part of it all, is that Liana Marcel hand crafts all of the items herself, so not only is everything made with love, but also unique! I first stumbled across the talent of this wonderful woman over her Facebook page where I fell in love with her passion for sparkle and adorableness. After some great natters over social media my subscription box arrived, and I was so excited. So much so that my boyfriend had restrain me from ripping the box apart so that there would be something left for me to photograph! So here it is! My magical package from Liana Marcel. |
So, this is what you will first receive if you get your hands on one of these subscription boxes, and the first thing I thought? Thank god I didn't have to sign for it! Liana packages all of her items neatly into perfectly sealed packages that actually FIT THROUGH THE LETTERBOX! Which was very lucky for me, seeing as I was in the shower singing my heart out to Disney tunes at the time.
This months subscription box is call Runicorn Starbows, which is the cutest name for a box that I could think of! Before you all start running off and naming your children the same, remember! Liana came up with it first!
So let's get inside!
This months subscription box is call Runicorn Starbows, which is the cutest name for a box that I could think of! Before you all start running off and naming your children the same, remember! Liana came up with it first!
So let's get inside!
Well, if you are anything like me, wonderful packaging and tissue paper and bags make you giddy. If so, you will adore this box. All of the bags and tissue paper are reusable, and the only thing that you have to remove is this cute little sticker which removes VERY easily. Need some tissue paper for that birthday present you wrapped? Turn to your subscription box and thank the Marcel club for that!
Side note before we look through the other photos - As my usual set up has decided to become cluttered (No of course I didn't make it that way... It must have been those darn magic elves again) I will be using an adorable prop to help me to show you these items!
Side note before we look through the other photos - As my usual set up has decided to become cluttered (No of course I didn't make it that way... It must have been those darn magic elves again) I will be using an adorable prop to help me to show you these items!
The first item I pulled out of the box was handmade rainbow badge (With the addition of matching packaging which makes my heart flutter). I will be completely honest with you. When I pulled this out of the box, I was convinced that this was bought instead of made. I was trying with all of my might to find a manufacturing mark, but I couldn't. This is so meticulously made that it melts my brain, and I cannot wait to wear this!
The second item is this crocheted coaster, and of course it is completely unique which I take complete pleasure in. I am of course the most clumsy girl in the entire world and I would destroy this by spilling coffee in a matter of seconds of using it, however it has found a lovely new purpose. It now has my fancy candles (The ones that are too pretty to light - I can't be the only one) sat on top, and the colours match perfectly. It gives my sides a more homely look and I love it.
Well, I believe my first reaction was as follows -
"OH my god its so god damn cute! Awww look at it! Wait...oh my god it's a ring"
And you can quote me on that. Now yet again, I fell completely in love with this little devil, who I of course put straight on, and continuously shoved it into anyone's face that would listen. They didn't have to even listen, just being in the general area was enough for me. This is an adjustable ring, so no worries for anyone with it not fitting - and let's be honest. You would make it if it didn't. Trust me, it's worth it.
Like, despite my freaky looking thumb, how adorable is this? It's the best conversation starter with my boyfriends mother noticing in 0.2 seconds flat and making a happy squealing noise with clapping hands...she takes after me all too well.
Now, if you know me at all, you know that stationary is another strange weakness of mine. It's like an addiction. Back to school time is my favourite, as even though i'm not in school, I find myself buying a new pencil case and filling it up with thousands of pens from a Biro, to smelly gel pens to felt tips. So when I opened this cute little bag to find stationary I almost cried.
The little pad has Liana's trademark rainbow unicorn on it, with "I need to -" written at the top. As a girl with a memory like a fish, this is like a god send to me. It also came with a rainbow rubber and tape, because what's better than cute stationary? Cute MATCHING stationary... I told you it was an addiction.
Each month Liana pairs up with Jessica Meek Design to create a wonderful little creation to add to your ever growing stationary, to add a little colour and cuteness it most definantly needs.
The little pad has Liana's trademark rainbow unicorn on it, with "I need to -" written at the top. As a girl with a memory like a fish, this is like a god send to me. It also came with a rainbow rubber and tape, because what's better than cute stationary? Cute MATCHING stationary... I told you it was an addiction.
Each month Liana pairs up with Jessica Meek Design to create a wonderful little creation to add to your ever growing stationary, to add a little colour and cuteness it most definantly needs.
The next item is a little keyring with lots of beads and stars. Now, as an avid collector of key rings - so much so that I cant fit my keys in my bag, this is a wonderful addition. I love Pandora beads, and this one had a gorgeous purple one attached which gave me an image of matching my bracelet with my keyring. However, as much as this image impressed me, my mother noticed this wonderful item and claimed it as her own within minutes.
I must add, that this photo does not do the colours justice, but my silly camera decided that it was indeed night time, and decided to dull the colours. Modern day problems.
I must add, that this photo does not do the colours justice, but my silly camera decided that it was indeed night time, and decided to dull the colours. Modern day problems.
Not to mention, that once again it came in the most wonderful packaging again. Everything should be packaged this cutely, then again. If it did, I would freak out with every purchase.
The next few items were -
An adorable postcard with her famous unicorn with the saying - Always be yourself, unless you can be a unicorn. Then always be a unicorn. I love this postcard, it's so simple but super fun. Although I have a feeling that I will never send it as it's so cute. No one deserves this cuteness!
A colouring page, which you could do yourself or even give to a younger sibling to complete. If you colour it in, and send a photo to Liana's Facebook page, then you could win yourself a wonderful discount on her store! I won't lie, that at 21 years old, I broke out the crayola as soon as I had taken the photos.
Some cute stickers, that I can see myself attaching to everything and annoying my boyfriend relentlessly with.
Some seeds! Not just any seeds! But rainbow rose seeds! Which is so adorable, and match the theme of the box completely! I of course can only keep a cactus alive, but I plan to give these to my mother who is the more nurturing and can give these roses an actual chance at survival!
An adorable postcard with her famous unicorn with the saying - Always be yourself, unless you can be a unicorn. Then always be a unicorn. I love this postcard, it's so simple but super fun. Although I have a feeling that I will never send it as it's so cute. No one deserves this cuteness!
A colouring page, which you could do yourself or even give to a younger sibling to complete. If you colour it in, and send a photo to Liana's Facebook page, then you could win yourself a wonderful discount on her store! I won't lie, that at 21 years old, I broke out the crayola as soon as I had taken the photos.
Some cute stickers, that I can see myself attaching to everything and annoying my boyfriend relentlessly with.
Some seeds! Not just any seeds! But rainbow rose seeds! Which is so adorable, and match the theme of the box completely! I of course can only keep a cactus alive, but I plan to give these to my mother who is the more nurturing and can give these roses an actual chance at survival!
The next item is a Lenny the unicorn phone plug, where you plug it into the earphone jack and it looks adorable! It comes in an wonderfully bright rainbow bag and I love it. It reminds me of the days where I had a crappy phone so I would buy phone charms out of vending machines to jazz it up. But imagine that in an adult, but still so fun version. Bingo, meet Lenny the unicorn. |
This is it - My new jewellery piece that I refuse to take off from the second I get it. Welcome - the unicorn heart necklace. As modelled by stitch here, it looks rather large, but in fact it is the perfect size. This is small, vintage looking with a pop of glitter, and it makes my knees shake. Once again this photo does it no justice as when the light hits it, it sparkles and makes you throw your head back, stand a little taller, and scream to the world "I'M GONNA TAKE A BAJILLION SELFIES WITH THIS BAD BOY!"
As proven by this "I'm trying to look all moody and seductive" selfie that I took, literally minutes after I had unwrapped this; and yes. I know that my head looks freakishly big in this picture. I didn't say it was a good selfie, but ... that bling though!
The last two things are a colourful friendship bracelet - modelled by my lifeless, limp hand above, and a knitting patter for a unicorn (not pictured, as it's super difficult to photograph paper "Artsy"). This bracelet is going straight on my best friends wrist when she is down, to show my freakish attachment to her, and I will be purchasing another myself.
My experience with friendship bracelets has not been kind to me in the past, as they usually disintegrate within minutes of me wearing them, as I tend not to take off bracelets for anything, but these are super durable! I ran my hand under water, and the colour didn't run or fade, and I rolled my wrist around like a frantic chicken to see if there would be any wear and tear and nothing! This is totally "Clumsy Jacqui Approved".
My experience with friendship bracelets has not been kind to me in the past, as they usually disintegrate within minutes of me wearing them, as I tend not to take off bracelets for anything, but these are super durable! I ran my hand under water, and the colour didn't run or fade, and I rolled my wrist around like a frantic chicken to see if there would be any wear and tear and nothing! This is totally "Clumsy Jacqui Approved".
And finally, the obligatory #selfie with my wonderful prop for my final words. Working with Liana has been an absolute pleasure, and as a person she is so kind and lovely. Not only have the products been outstanding, but the company has been a delight.
Liana Marcel subscription boxes are fun for all ages, and worth much more than they are due to the detail, effort and love that has gone into every single item. If you are after a surprise every month, with something that is unique, fun and lovable, then look no further!
To top it all off, if you would like to order anything from Liana, then just visit her site - lianamarcel.co.uk and type in the discount code THEBROUGHBLOG for 20% her entire shop! That's not just subscriptions boxes but all of her resin crafts and more! So take a look, and support a well deserved crafty business that will add a little sparkle to your life.
Jacqui xx
Liana Marcel subscription boxes are fun for all ages, and worth much more than they are due to the detail, effort and love that has gone into every single item. If you are after a surprise every month, with something that is unique, fun and lovable, then look no further!
To top it all off, if you would like to order anything from Liana, then just visit her site - lianamarcel.co.uk and type in the discount code THEBROUGHBLOG for 20% her entire shop! That's not just subscriptions boxes but all of her resin crafts and more! So take a look, and support a well deserved crafty business that will add a little sparkle to your life.
Jacqui xx
Have you ever let your crafty mind run free and create something you're proud of? Have you ever then showed your family who Ooh'd and Aah'd and said "You should totally sell that! You could make millions?" Well when Martina Plaschka started to make her marvellous creations, she did just that. She headed over to Etsy (A wonderful online site that you can sell your creations on) and created The Urban Squirrel.
Martina crochets and felts wonderful items such as headbands, hats and bowls and after an eager chat through her Facebook page (Links will be at the bottom) I awaited my parcel.
After around a week's wait, it finally arrived and I was over the moon.
Martina crochets and felts wonderful items such as headbands, hats and bowls and after an eager chat through her Facebook page (Links will be at the bottom) I awaited my parcel.
After around a week's wait, it finally arrived and I was over the moon.
The first thing I noticed was the envelope itself which was covered in gorgeous vintage looking stamps of The Urban Squirrel, which gave it such a personal touch. Then looking into the envelope (More like tearing it open in excitement) I found a paper gift bag covered in my favourite thing in the world - bunting with yet another adorable touch of an Urban Squirrel sticker.
Upon further inspection I noticed that there was a wonderfully vintage postage card of the New Yorker cover on the front addressed by The Urban Squirrel once more. This little touch did not fail to impress me, as I am a sucker for all things carefully thought out and vintage.
The headband itself is meticulously crafted which I would happily find in places such as Accessorize. You truly cannot tell that it has been made by the fingers of a lovely lady from Austria. The colour is gorgeous, and the brightest purple that she thoughtfully chose for me (Ask me to choose a colour and I suddenly forget everything) and it matches my hair wonderfully.
It is perfect for the colder weather (And I know that some of you may be into the hotter climate but if you are anything like me, and are in Britain then...it's pretty much winter). It is definantly going to be one of my wardrobe staples in the future.
They make wonderful presents for your friends of family, and what is nicer? Something that you can pick up in a mainstream shop? Or something that has been created with love? I know what I would choose.
The Urban Squirrel also create mother and child creations, and much more so do not hesitate to take a look at her wonderful store!
Click here for --->The Urban Squirrel Etsy Store
Please note that this is not a sponsored post and I only review items honestly.
Let me know what your favourite Etsy store is!
Much love x
Upon further inspection I noticed that there was a wonderfully vintage postage card of the New Yorker cover on the front addressed by The Urban Squirrel once more. This little touch did not fail to impress me, as I am a sucker for all things carefully thought out and vintage.
The headband itself is meticulously crafted which I would happily find in places such as Accessorize. You truly cannot tell that it has been made by the fingers of a lovely lady from Austria. The colour is gorgeous, and the brightest purple that she thoughtfully chose for me (Ask me to choose a colour and I suddenly forget everything) and it matches my hair wonderfully.
It is perfect for the colder weather (And I know that some of you may be into the hotter climate but if you are anything like me, and are in Britain then...it's pretty much winter). It is definantly going to be one of my wardrobe staples in the future.
They make wonderful presents for your friends of family, and what is nicer? Something that you can pick up in a mainstream shop? Or something that has been created with love? I know what I would choose.
The Urban Squirrel also create mother and child creations, and much more so do not hesitate to take a look at her wonderful store!
Click here for --->The Urban Squirrel Etsy Store
Please note that this is not a sponsored post and I only review items honestly.
Let me know what your favourite Etsy store is!
Much love x
Well it's time again for me to be judgmental about another place to dine. This time, it is time for The Beaten Track in Shrewsbury which is part of a large chain of Fayre and Square restaurants.
I thought that this would be a nice place to visit next, as it is advertised as a cheaper establishment, that does not reflect on the food so it is an option for everyone, no matter what your budget.
The first time visiting The Beaten Track, I was happily surprised. Upon entering the main eatery, it was not too busy and I was served within minutes. The woman who served us was polite, and was happy to joke around (me and my friends were in one of those, I shouldn't be out in public because my jokes are so bad moods). We were informed of a half an hour wait, but undeterred from this we took our place in the outside area.
When the food arrived I was very impressed. I had the Italian Chicken, and the breaded chicken was bigger than my head. All of the food was gorgeous, and my had my friend slavering over his Breakfast Burger. I will note that upon request that no bacon was to be added to another meal, it was over looked.
All of our meals were from the 2 for 10 range, and there was no scrimping on quality or taste.
The next night, I visited the local cinema, and as The Beaten Track was right next to it, my friends and I decided that we should visit again.
Once again we were served by the same woman, however this time there seemed to be some panic or rush. There was still a half an hour wait, even though there was alot more customers to be served. Once again we were undeterred, as the film started in an hour.
After 45 minutes of waiting, our food was finally served however it seemed rather different. The sauce that was previously served in a small gravy boat, was dumped onto the plate. Our meals all came out at different times, and I had to wait until my friends were half way through their food to receive mine. The presentation, and timing were completely off and the waiters/waitresses seemed to be flustered. I will note that we arrived at around half 7 at this time, rather than 5pm as we did last time.
By the time that we had fully received our meals, and finished eating we were 10 minutes late for the movie but due to the beginning trailers it didn't matter.
The food was still tasty, and great portion sizes, the staff were still lovely but I think that due to it being rush hour, the care behind the meals had changed to just getting it out to the customers.
I would definantly recommend The Beaten Track, as the food was great for a wonderful price, but I would adhere to an early dinner or lunch to save the flustering service.
Quick note: You get a free starter when you review their service, and who wouldn't want free food?
For more information please visit - www.all-inns.co.uk/pub/the-beaten-track
Much love xx
The Waterfront is a recent appearance to the dining world in Shrewsbury. Directly across from the River Severn, The Waterfront boasts a gorgeous exterior with beautiful views from the smoking/outside area.
The inside boasts an impressive interior, with columns, bookcases and a rather vintage chic look which I personally adore. A miss match of chairs, tables, pictures of the country, and an impressive roof mural complete the unique eatery.
Enough of the looks right? Down to the important part. How was the food? Well I can say... it is gorgeous! The wonderful, and polite staff handed me and my partner an impressive menu, with a range of choices from vegetarian food to carveries.
We decided upon the BBQ pulled pork wrap and expected the usual pre-cooked nonsense, however what arrived was beautiful. The meat was freshly cooked, and had just been "pulled", and came with home made chips and a fresh salad.
I have to admit that I was wowed by this place, and loved the freshly cooked food mixed with the friendly atmosphere.
I have since called back several times for coffee, and for lunch, and have yet to be disappointed. The simple touches they create such as a homemade cookie/cinder toffee with your coffee, to the friendly conversation.
Disabled access is good, as my mothers wheel chair happily fit in the toilets, and one of the staff members helped with direction, and kept a close eye on us to make sure we were okay. Although I will note that the ramp to get up to restaurant, although short, is very steep and needs a pair of strong arms.
I would definantly recommend The Waterfront to anyone in Shrewsbury, who fancies anything from a coffee to a meal, and I look forward to my next visit.
The restaurant - bondswaterfront.co.uk
For anyone wandering, I was not paid or sponsored to write this. All of the above is purely my own personal opinion. And I am a woman, so that makes me right!
The inside boasts an impressive interior, with columns, bookcases and a rather vintage chic look which I personally adore. A miss match of chairs, tables, pictures of the country, and an impressive roof mural complete the unique eatery.
Enough of the looks right? Down to the important part. How was the food? Well I can say... it is gorgeous! The wonderful, and polite staff handed me and my partner an impressive menu, with a range of choices from vegetarian food to carveries.
We decided upon the BBQ pulled pork wrap and expected the usual pre-cooked nonsense, however what arrived was beautiful. The meat was freshly cooked, and had just been "pulled", and came with home made chips and a fresh salad.
I have to admit that I was wowed by this place, and loved the freshly cooked food mixed with the friendly atmosphere.
I have since called back several times for coffee, and for lunch, and have yet to be disappointed. The simple touches they create such as a homemade cookie/cinder toffee with your coffee, to the friendly conversation.
Disabled access is good, as my mothers wheel chair happily fit in the toilets, and one of the staff members helped with direction, and kept a close eye on us to make sure we were okay. Although I will note that the ramp to get up to restaurant, although short, is very steep and needs a pair of strong arms.
I would definantly recommend The Waterfront to anyone in Shrewsbury, who fancies anything from a coffee to a meal, and I look forward to my next visit.
The restaurant - bondswaterfront.co.uk
For anyone wandering, I was not paid or sponsored to write this. All of the above is purely my own personal opinion. And I am a woman, so that makes me right!
Author
Because apparently I can be just as judgmental as my mother
Archives
June 2018
May 2018
October 2015
August 2015
May 2015
April 2015
February 2015