#Fairtrade Fortnight 25th Feb - 10th March with Visionary Soap *

Hi Belles,

Sorry for posting this so late ...forgive me but I have had uni assignments and placement applications including an placement assessment day to prepare for but I am back to reality now.

Last month  Visionary Soap Company offered me the chance to review a few of there products in association with this year's Fairtrade Fortnight . I chose the following to review: a Peppermint lip balm, Orange Geranium hand & body balm and Shea butter & Oatmeal soap.

Who are Visionary Soap?

Visionary Soap is a leading UK body care company which focuses on producing Fairtrade products since they began trading in May 2005. All products are handcrafted and manufactured in the UK using Fairtrade ingredients from countries abroad such as Ghana, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Domincan Republic & more. All 38 products have been certified in accordance with international Fairtrade standards which is impressive as currently noone else in the industry has been able to achieve that recognition. . Impressively  none of there products contain palm oil, synthetics dyes or fragrances, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, alcohol, sodium laureth sulfate or animal products. They are also gluten and GMO free, eco-friendly , suitable for vegans and cruelty free! 

To find out more check out there Official Website, Facebook or Twitter page.

                                                                                                                    

Peppermint lip Balm

Everyone knows that I am a big fan of lip products in particular lip balms, lip moisturers or lip butters as I love taking care of my lips. So when I saw they created a peppermint lip balm , I got very excited as currently I use Palmers Dark Chocolate & Peppermint lip butter.

This lip balm comes in a small 5ml sized Emerald green coloured jar with a sleek chrome top ;which is perfect to carry around any handbag. The consistency of the balm is soft and really light on the lips which is good as It can smoothly be applied under my lipstick. The peppermint scent and flavour is naturally subtle and definitely not overpowering which is perfect for winter as it means my lips will be smelling sweet plus it reminds me of candy canes! I love that it is not a balm that just coats the lips, meaning I do not have to worry about chapped lips during the Winter because it is very rich and moisturing. It is made with both sunflower and olive oil , combined with Shea butter, candelilla wax and natural vitamin E preservative flavoured with peppermint essential oil.  One thing which stands out for me with this product is that it contains 34% fairtrade ingredients which is more than the 5% minimum requirement.

The Peppermint Lip Balm retails for £3.49/5ml and you can buy this from Visionary Soap company  HERE.  

 Orange Geranium Hand & Body Balm

I suffer from slightly dry hands, elbows & knees and I think this Orange & Geranium  Balm is great for combacting this problem. 
The consistency is not like usual body lotions as it not in a liquid form but more like a semi-soft butter consistency; however it is easily absorbed into the skin without being too oily, which is always a good trait! 

My two favourite ingredients are featured in this balm which are olive oil and shea butter. The use of olive oil aids in providing the balm with the rich hydrating quality; whereas the use of shea butter provides the sealing factor to lock in the hydrating oil to ensure that moisture boost , making it very ideal especially in the winter season. 
 
The scent is perfect for all year round as it contains a combination of zingy fresh citrus orange to revitalise the skin and luxourious geranium to add warmth. Again I like the packaging as it is a sleek chrome round tub,which is perfect to take on holiday without taking up too much space due to it being under 100ml in size.

The Orange Geranium Hand & Body Balm retails for £6.85/60ml and you can buy this from Visionary Soap company  HERE. 

Shea Butter & Oatmeal Soap

The last item which I sampled was the Shea Butter & Oatmeal Soap. 

The natural organic scent and look of this product is not like your usual soap, you purchase from the high street as it is not processed in the usual white colour block, but more rustic, organic and natural.

It does not smell of fake processed chemicals due to its natural handmade authenticity, but rather a slight sweet smell of oatmeal (just like grandma used to make) and shea butter, which is not overpowering.  Due to the soap being handmade, it contains small pieces of actual oatmeal which you can see and feel when it lathers on your skin but I like that aspect because it will aid as both a cleanser and natural bodyscrub . The soap lathers up like any normal soap and leaves skin feeling moistured from both the shea butter and olive oil content.

The Shea Butter & Oatmeal Soap retails for £3.69/100ml and you can buy this from Visionary Soap company  HERE.  

What is Fairtrade Fortnight?

Fairtrade Fortnight  is an 2 week campaign both online and offline by Fairtrade which recognises and highlights the million of people in developing countries who grow things , this includes farmers and workers. Due to the current tough times, with climate change, increase food and fuel costs including the volatile market prices, it means that they require our support due to a uncertain future.

In the two weeks, they are asking that everyone plays there part in supporting this national cause to ensure that farmers and workers can continue to farm and earn enough to make a living in order to provide for families and investments into their local communities. Although nowadays the progress is steadily improving, due to the fairtrade option being prominent in major supermarkets, beauty stores coffee shops etc , they still need to continued support to reach out to more people in need of a fair deal in trade. Are you going to join the nation in supporting Fairtrade? To find out more about Fairtrade click here. 

Have you tried any products from Visionary Soap?

Peace, Love & Besos

#STYLEBLOGGER ALERT: FD Avenue Vintage Patch Work denim shorts*

I absolutely love shorts, but always feel they are an item of clothing that are deemed only suitable for warm summer weather. However, gone are the days of only wearing shorts in the summer now that they come in various different materials (leather,velvet etc) so it's not uncommon to be seen in them all year round, also thanks to the different selections of tights from 5 denier to 120 denier!

 I was excited to say the least when I received an email from  FDAvenue selecting me as 1 of the 6 #stylebloggers. They sent me these beautiful light wash denim shorts with Vintage Patch work detailing by Cosmic Jeans.  

I have to also say that the fit is perfect. I can never usually find anything to fit me or if I do find something it has to be altered and I have to wait a while to wear it. But these jeans get a massive thumbs up as they fit like a glove.

You can wear these shorts in many different ways and I've featured 4 of my favourite styles/looks below and my lovely sister/photographer done a great job capturing these different styles :)

Look 1

                     

Jumper - Primark 

Faux Leather Zip detailed jacket- New Look

Bird Necklace - Republic

Spike High Tops & tights - Primark

I love this casual outfit, which can be worn to university, shopping in town or meeting with friends in Starbucks. The light beige jumper works well with the Aztec shorts to keep you warm. Matched with the detailed leather jacket and spike high top trainers to give it that street style edge. It's a really nice casual outfit that looks very swagged out!

LOOK 2

Gilet - Boutique in Nottingham

Aztec sheer top - Primark

Boot socks - Clothes Show

Wellies - Everything5pound

My sister and I always go to Wireless Music Festival every summer. Which means I am constantly on the lookout for the perfect Festival outfit and this outfit does just the job! By matching Aztec top to the shorts makes this outfit stand out  as well as the brightness of the sheer top. I paired it with the denim gilet to give it that effortless edge. Wellies/boots are a must have for festivals,  but with this look the focal point is on the shorts, so we kept the wellies plain black and simple!

LOOK 3

Bodycon dress worn as a top - Primark

Love Necklace & tights - Primark

Multi-Glitter Platform Mary Jane shoes - ASOS

Faux leather jacket- New Look

This outfit is what I would wear for a night out with my girls. I love bodycon dresses!!! so I thought I would pair my favourite bodycon with my new favourite shorts to make a perfect combo. I'm wearing my glitter platform Mary Janes I got as a present from my brother for my 21st, which really adds to the outfit. I thought my faux leather jacket should be worn too to keep me warm in case of dreaded queues. The shorts really stand out here!

LOOK 4

White Shirt - NEXT

Colour block Blazer - Primark

Gold Rose Watch - Breda 

Gold Rose Bangle - Jeminee

Gold chain necklace - Republic

Black boots - LYDC   

This is my favourite look, so chic and simple yet effective.

I layered the shorts with a plain white crisp shirt and a blazer. This would be perfect for dinner date or cocktails with the girls. It's sophisticated with a youthful addition of the shorts.

You can buy these Vintage Patch work detailed shorts here

ALSO DONT FORGET YOU CAN GET 20% OFF AT FDAVENUE WITH CODE 'KAMARLA20' !! 

Do you love these Vintage Patch work shorts, how would you wear yours?  

What's in My Handbag

Hii Belles,

I have never done a WIMH post and thought it was about time I did, as I have read so many other bloggers posts as I admit , I am a bit nosey lol :) .

Foxy box tote bag £12.15

Therapy by House of Fraser

Anyway take a look at what i usually carry around in my handbag:

1. Samsung Galaxy S3 phone & Dre Beats Headphones- I take my mobile with me everywhere so I can keep updated with everyone whether its via texts, various email accounts, blog page, Facebook, instagram (SRP_x) , Twitter (Belle_Aventure) and of course its my trusty mp3 player all in one too! I love my colourful polka dot case too, its super cute!

2. Palmers Cocoa Butter Dark Chocolate/Peppermint Lip butter - This is the most amazing  lip butter flavour ever and reminds me of Christmas as it smells like After Eights, I could literally eat this stuff!! I get dry, chapped lips around winter time with the cold weather but with application of this throughout the day it keeps them soft and smooth. I love this lip butter because its good for every day as a base coat for days when you either want to wear lipstick or just want a subtle touch of gloss for a natural look.

3. Compact Mirror - I actually don't reapply face makeup during the day other than a quick re-touch of lip products like lipgloss or lipstick , so I can’t be without my mirror and luckily I was sent this compact one from Jones&Jones!

4.Keys - Although I have loads of keyrings stacked up at home, I actually keep my keys minimal and don't like to have it too bulky as I already have my store loyalty cards (Tescos clubcard,Nectarcard, Rymans) attached and my uni flat & postbox keys aswell as my actual home keys.

5. Sure Compressed deodorant - I always have my deodorant in my handbag;as you never know when you need to reapply,  especially as I am always on the go whether I am rushing to university lectures/seminars, rushing to catch my train to visit my sister/my home and this hangbag 75ml size Sure deodrant ; does just the job to keep me dry and smelling fresh in those rush hours!

6. Purse - My purse is an major essential as its the realm to my shopping addiction as it holds my trusty bank card , cash and loyalty cards . I recently changed from my River Island purse to my designer Valentino  one (as seen on Instagram) . I love it as it has alot of sections , its lightweight and sleek.

7. Glasses - I am unfortunately not blessed with 20/20 vision and have recently become an addict to wearing different styles of glasses; since November I have accumulated 5 new pairs. So I always carry 2 pairs,  a thick rimmed retro pair and a sleek professional pair.

8. L'occtaine Mango Passionflower Hand cream - I got this 30ml cream from a Marie Curie magazine last year and since I enjoyed using the original shea butter hand cream, I knew I had to get this variation of the cream. It is perfect for keeping my hands smooth and smelling sweet during the Winter.

9. Tissues  - Tissues are essential as you never know when you will need it whether its for spillages (I am forever spilling my hot Ribena) , runny nose or when public toilets run out of loo roll.

10. Chewing gum - Wrigleys Extra in Cool Breeze is a staple especially when I eat out, its my quickest way to clean my teeth and have fresh breath.

11. MUA lipstick in shade 2 - I love the shade of this lipstick, it is definitely my go-to lipstick for a quick touch up whenever I am out and about.

12. Rihanna Rebelle Perfume - I adore this perfume, so I always carry it around because I can't get enough of the sweet smell, I initially had a handbag 10ml sized spray but unfortunately I smashed it at university :( 

13. Matchbox Nail files - Since growing my nails, I have found it vital to ensure they are always kept even and filed on the go so they dont break so often.

What are your handbag essentials?

Peace, Love & Besos 

My 22nd Birthday Haul

Last week I turned 22 *cue the old jokes*,and unfortunately I did not celebrate it due to a mixture of the snow blocking all transportation and exams.

To make up for it I got some lovely gifts from my family and friends.

*I apologise in advance for the bad quality of some pics as my camera decided it didn't want to work*

I got this beautiful  rose gold bangle by Jeminee from my sister, Shanaz with a cute inscription saying "Life is a blessing be true to yourself"

My mum got me a really delicate and dainty rose gold bracelet from Mikey London. This picture does not do the bracelet justice, as inside the twisting detail are tiny crystals in addition to the larger crystals outside. When it catches the light the sparkles look so glamorous. It is just perfect to add that extra sparkle to an outfit.

I have been dying to get a new watch as my DKNY watch is getting old. I fell in love with rose gold watches after seeing them all over the blogging world as well as on Tumblr. I got so excited as soon as I unwrapped this amazing Breda watch, because not only is it rose gold but it has a diamanté border around the watch face. In addition this watch features the days of the week and the date. Unfortunately, I can't wear it yet as I have to get a couple of links removed.

My sister again got me a lovely phone cover case for my Samsung Galaxy S3, which is a dupe of the Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Canvas print . I have just noticed the gold theme that seems to be running throughout all my presents lol

My chic studded high top trainers from my sister, so I can still look stylish even when I'm having my casual days at uni.

Again my sister showering me with gifts and got me this Limited Edition fitted abstract print body-con dress. I love the neckline as it's similar to a sweetheart neckline which is always flattering. The back detail caught my attention as soon as I opened it, because it features a cut out back. It's not fully cut out, maintaining its sophistication but adding a hint of mystery at the same time.

I love my brother for getting me the Mango coat I wanted. You can't tell in the picture because the lighting was crazy  that day, but it is a black coat. This coat is a double breasted wool coat *it is soo warm and cosy* , it just goes over my knees but is perfect as a dress coat for those special occasions.

You must have realised that my sister and I have quite the sweet tooth. My friend decided to add to this bad habit by giving me this bag of sweets, but she also knows my love of cupcakes and got me a cupcake money box. I use it as a decoration in my flat rather than a money tin  *it's too pretty to be used lol*

I haven't actually seen these in person yet as they were delivered late, so my sister sent me pictures. The studded detail and the fact that they are heelless shoes, just screams chic to me. I can't wait to wear these, maybe after all these exams are out of the way I'll have an excuse to wear them.

Hugs and Kisses

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream *

Hi Belles,

Yesterday, as I posted on Instragram I was sent a Weleda hand cream to review for you from Lucy Rose.

At this time of the year, it is known that winter is not a favourite season for dry skin sufferers as the harsh cold wintery climate affects the body, face and hands. Luckily,  I don't suffer too much from dry skin, occasionally I do find my hands get dry alot in the winter.  It has become more of a problem since being at uni I think due to the ordeal of doing more handwashing, dishwashing and higher usage of kitchen/bathroom cleaning products on a daily basis. So I was interested to say the least to test out this  hand cream especially from a brand I was unaware of.

Who is Lucy Rose?

Lucy Rose is an online organic beauty and skincare company, founded in 2006 by Professional Beauty therapist & Aromatherapist Sarah. The company name was inspired by her two eldest daughters forenames. She realised that there was not enough natural & organic products on the market for her family but also environmentally friendly on the planet for future generations. Due to her vivid passion for selling organic products, her boutique has grown into a blogger's and beauty obsessed favourite hypermarket. To date Lucy Rose is a flourishing boutique selling an array of well known brands; such as Burts Bees, Fig & Rouge, Zoya, Dr Bronners & many more.

 Weleda Skin Care

Weleda Skincare is a brand which has been in the natural, holistic, organic cosmetics and anthroposophic pharmaceuticals industry for over 90 years, originating from France, Switzerland and Germany. Their skincare uses holistics to maintain the health and balance of the body, mind and soul. The natural ingredients assist the skins functions within your body to stimulate their natural processes allowing them to become harmonised to enhance your skins natural vitality.

The Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating hand cream* is described to combact and protect your hands from environmental influences which cause appearance of age spots to allow your skin to look beautiful and youthful.

It contains the following natural ingredients:

- Antioxident rich Organic Pomegranate seed oil which promotes the skins natural renewal process and enhance the beauty of your hands

- Organic Shea Butter and pure natural plant extracts to protect your hands from loss of moisture , improve the firmness and keep your skin supple and smooth.

Since being introduced to L'occtaine handcreams last year, I have religiously swore by their products especially the Limited Edition Mango Passionflower hand cream (Favourite fruity scent). However, I think I may have been swayed to move to the Weleda brand as the scent is not overpowering, fruity and relaxing everytime I swatch it on my skin.

I think this cream is an amazing product. I like the smooth, lightwight consistency as it quickly soaks into my hands without being too oily. It is both rich and moisturing allowing my hands to be soft for hours as long as I don't do any manual labour of washing up (of course lol).  Due to it being non greasy, it is perfect to use day or night.

I love the sleek packaging, and the big nozzle allowing me get enough in one squeeze, but also the product size is good in comparison to my L'occtaine hand cream. I pay £8 for 30ml, whereas with Weleda you get an extra 20ml for an additional £1.95.

This has impressed me by a mile and has now joined my list with L'occtaine in my top 3 hand moisturers. I recommend it to absolutely everyone whatever age you are!

The Weleda hand cream retails for £9.95/50ml and you can buy this from Lucy Rose  HERE. Another bonus is the free postage on orders in the UK (orders over £15).

Also Lucy Rose offers a loyalty point scheme called 'Lucy Rose Beauty club' similar to high street beauty stores such as Superdrug (Beautycard) & Boots(Advantagecard). For every £1 you spend online, you will recieve 1 rose reward point which you can redeem on your favourite products once you build up 50 points (worth £2.50). To find out more click here

Have you tried anything from Weleda Skincare?

Peace, Love & Besos

Winter Sales Haul - Part 2

Hiii Again :)

I was originally going to post this within my winter sales haul - part 1 but due to the amount of bargains it would have been a really long post so I thought I would do it separately.

Anyway, I had never shopped in Dunelm Mill before and on Boxing day I was searching for new pair of kitchen scales for my university flat, and came across their website which read on the front page 'BIGGEST SALE'.

As I was searching I saw so many homeware products/items reduced to £1.99 or less, so I knew I had to search the whole website. I was on there for over an hour searching every tab and found a lot of bargains which I added to my shopping cart and reserved to pick up in my local store.

This is what I brought.....

99p - reduced from £4.99

A ceramic cup is just what I need in the winter on my walks to university lectures/seminars. Essential to have a hot drink on the go!

£4.99 - Reduced from £9.99

I have an addiction to bedding, if I could purchase a new duvet cover every week I would but that would be too expensive. Anyway when I saw this I knew it would fit and stand out in my white bedroom. Again I was dishearten when they did not have this in double size for my university bed.

99p - Reduced from £4.99

I happened to find this by accident as they were sold out online but instore I saw a random trolley with it hanging out and I knew it was destined to be mine. If they had more I would have purchased another 3 but unfortunately I will have to be happy with just one!

I love candles and have a few Yankee candle tealights I have been holding onto for special occasions , so when I found these for only 99p each, I knew they had to be purchased.

 This plate is so cute, if they had the whole dinner set I would have purchased it. Anyway this was 74p each,  so I picked up four as I want to make a 4 tier cupcake stand in the future.

 This is my favourite plate that I purchased, the design is so cute and bright. I love florals, I have now dubbed it my presentation plate for baking to show off the final product. Unfortunately they only had one left but it was so cheap, only 37p.

This polka dot plate was off a cake stand set and for 37p I could not leave it, so I brought it incase I want to add it to my future tiered cake stand.

£1.25 reduced from £2.99

I love teacup sets and saucers, so when I seen this I knew it would be an asset to add to my collection as my Whittard of Chelsea Teapot did not come with a cup and saucer.

£1.29 Reduced from 4.49

I have always wanted a tea cosy but found they were a bit overpriced so when I seen this reduced to £1.29, I grabbed it quickly as I required it for my striped Whittard of Chelsea teapot.

What do you think of Dunelm Mill and have you purchased any bargains?

Peace , Love & Besos