Punky Scraps August Challenge

It seems like forever since I last got my scrap stuff out. I missed last month's DT challenge because I was meeting myself coming backwards and time just caught up so I was determined not to do the same this month or Nat would be cracking the whip. 

The August challenge is up and here is what I created

I was inspired by the shoes on the challenge photo to create a layout of my battered old converse - yeah no cutesy babies and puppies here!

Glossybox August 2013 - The Contents

Fresh from the delivery driver. 

Feeling a bit blah about this box. Quick run down - Eyelash Curler, Jelly Pong Pong 2in1 shadow/liner, makeup remover pen, Tresemme treatment and flipping Olay (why after so many last year????)

Reserving judgement (well not with the Olay because I tried it several times last year) until I've tried it. I'm not sure that I want to put the makeup remover thing anywhere near my eyes after seeing what that sort of thing does to nail polish but there is only one way to try it I suppose. 

I'll be back in a few days with my verdict. 

Edited to add - The Verdict:

Ok so lets start with the Olay issue. I received Olay three times at the back end of last year. This particular product - 3 point treatment I received two months in a row and now I've received it again so I'm not too pleased as the whole concept of beauty boxes as far as I'm concerned is trying different products. I took it up with Glossybox and, although they seem to think after 8 months people want to try it again, they did say they would send something else. I feel like I'm moaning for moanings sake and I have nothing against Olay. I just don't think it very fair to have it so many times when other people have different items. 

Anyway rant over on that one and I'll update with what they send as a replacement once it arrives. 

Next up - eyelash curlers by Emite Make Up. I've tried eyelash curlers before and because my lashes are really long I didn't like the effect so these are still in their packaging. 

Make up remover pen by Oceane - I am a bit hesitant with this product. My eyes are quite sensitive and I don't like the idea of sticking a pen I've used before onto them without causing infection. Probably a touch over cautious on my part I guess as eyeliners are used over and over. I'll probably stick to a cotton bud dipped in eye makeup remover used once. 

Jelly Pong Pong 2 in 1 shadow/liner. I got what I can only describe as a forest green shade.  Jury is out on this. It's a bit draggy on the lids to use as a liner and for the same reason as a shadow. I'm going to try it wet and see how that goes. 

Lastly and my absolute favourite out of the box is the cheapest. Tresemme Platinum Strength Instant Rescue Shot. A little one dose conditioning treatment that was an absolute pleasure to use. Usually when I've washed my hair it goes fluffy regardless of what shampoo/conditioner I've used but with this it dried flat with no fluff or frizz in sight. Definitely something I'll buy again. 

To sum up it was a disappointing box for me. I know others loved theirs from looking at the reviews. Just not for me this month I'm afraid. 

I've invested in the August Birchbox so will review that soon. 

Proud Mummy

This summer my daughter graduated from university with a 2:1 in Geography. We were two very proud parents at her graduation ceremony. 

I took a ton of different photos and this one is a favourite of hers. It was a spur of the moment one as we were walking back to the robe hirers. Heavily cropped as there were teenagers, beer cans and McDonald's wrappers on a lot of the grass lol. I do like it though. 

Her next step is teaching degree. 

Glossybox July 2013

Just received my box for July. 

It's a seaside theme this month. 

The box itself is cheerful and fits the theme

A quick pic of the contents and I'll do a more in depth review once I've tried them out. 

Edited to add review:

This box contained - 

Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist - not my cup of tea at all as I prefer my hair sleek and straight, don't always achieve that but that's always the aim so I've given this to my daughter. 

Pukka Ayurveda Radiance Serum - smells gorgeous and is lovely on the skin but its rather pricey at £32 for 50ml. 

Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 20 - I've only used this once but I love the effect it gives. It is tinted in a perfect shade for me, easy to soak in and most of all doesn't make my make up run down my face like most other products do in this crazy heat. 

Anatomicals Spray Misty For me - I've used this product probably more than recommended in this heat. It really cools down the skin. The scent isn't the best and more like furniture polish but its acceptable. 

Ciate paint pot in pocket money shade - I've heard so much about Ciate and I would have loved to get my hands on their advent calendar so I was delighted to get this in my box. I love the shade. It's much more wearable than some of the reds. 

There was also a chocolate in there but a certain little man had his eye on it so I didn't try that. 

All in all its an ok box. I'm not happy with the tousled hair stuff but I love the nail polish and the face spritz came at the perfect time. 

Spalding Plants Update

Last year I received some spring bulbs to try from Spalding Bulbs. I set my son to work planting them at the allotment and I am really pleased with them. 

I've planted anemone de Caen in pots so many times over the years and nothing ever happened so I was chuffed to bits when they sprang up amongst the gorgeous grape hyacinths. 

Loving the tulip selection in the pack too

I also received a red apple tree to review.  It was (on the outside at least) just a stick in the ground for a few months with a bud or two of promise. Those buds unfurled and have produced lots of leaves. I don't expect any blossom for another couple of years but it is so nice to see so much growth in the meantime.