The Midweek Treat | Haul & Monsters Ball review

Anybody who has followed my blog since the old Bo Blab days will know I absolutely love a good Lush bath bomb. And if I'm going to take any leafs from that book, it'll be a regular midweek treat. This week I picked up a couple of  Halloween and Christmas goodies from the Lush Liveprool branch and I can't wait to share my thoughts on some of the products i chose.

Monsters Ball | Snow Fairy | Worlds smallest disco | Sugar plum fairy scrub | Shoot for the stars

To start things off I decided to try the Halloween limited edition Monsters Ball. A Bright pink and blue Monsters Inc looking bath bomb which smells zesty and sweet with a slight woody aroma. 

What Lush say;

"You are invited to a specdracula event; get set to put a spell on all things that go bump in the night and boogie on down to your bathroom for a monster mash of uplifting oils. Run your bath and thriller up, then revel in the frightful fizzes of mood beasting neroli. Bathe in gory, with skin softening Himalayan salt and olibanum oil but don't forget to keep your ghoul with zesty, energising lime oil. You'll be dancing 'til dawn and the ghast one standing."

I love any bath bomb that shoots brighter colours across the water, and this one didn't disappoint. Not only was the smell delicious, but it was also a treat for the eyes. Spiked with glitter, the pinks and blue eventually merged together to leave me with a deep purple water that glistened silvery every time I moved. My skin felt super soft afterwards too, another reason why I love Lush bath bombs, they never fail to leave me smelling great and feeling silky smooth. 

I also picked up a few other treats for this month, including a couple more bath bombs which I will review later this month. But I also took advantage of the early release of the Snow Fairy shower gel - because lets face it, this is hands down one of the most iconic and best products Lush sell! If you've not yet tried this amazing product, you absolutely should. The scent is like sweets and candyfloss and sticks to your skin for hours after use.
Also from my Christmas themed mini haul I picked up some sugar plum fairy lip scrub, which is absolutely delicious and almost has a parma violet taste despite being predominately made with orange oil - I love the Lush lip scrubs, they're particularly good for using before you apply lipstick for a more even application and I think this one has taken top spot for my favourite flavour.


Okay so, winding up this review, I think Monsters Ball was a definite thumbs up from me. The colours were exciting and vibrant, the smell was delicious and it left me feeling super clean and soft skinned. So I have no choice but to give this bomb a fat 5/5! - Excellent

Monsters Ball is a limited edition bath bomb only available for Halloween, so if you would like to give this cute lil' monster a go, get online or to your local branch before they sell out!
& also stay tuned for more Midweek Treats coming up later this month where I'll be reviewing "The Worlds Smallest Disco" & "Shoot For The Stars"

What are your favourite Lush products?

A festive treat | Drinking fudge



 

 | Fudge Kitchen - Drinking Fudge |

I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas & Boxing day!

But.. I think I may have found the greatest Christmas treat, & you NEED to try it!

 

Creature came back from York last weekend with an early present. He originally planned on wrapping it up for Christmas, but we both thought it would be a much better idea to test them & get ourselves in the festive mood!

The set he bought included a lovely little mug & spoon set with two Mint flavour fudge packs, & a box of more moreish fudge flavours to try. He did also apparently get two blocks of real fudge, but they didn't make it home! - Much to my disapproval!

 

To make the drinking fudge, you need to warm a mug of milk in the microwave for 2 minutes, once hot, squeeze out the molten thick fudge into the milk and stir until melted. then return the drink back to the microwave for 30 seconds to ensure it's piping hot & scrumptious.

 

Moreish Mint:

This was the first one we tried, the mint is really strong but you still get a delicious fudgy chocolate hint too, reassuring you that it is in fact a hot chocolate.

I think this one is most definitely my favourite so far. I added a handful of mini marshmallows & a grating of chocolate for extra indulgence. Although the drink on its own is more than satisfying!

 

Gorgeous Ginger:

Creature is a big fan of ginger. I my self have a slight intolerance, it tends to give me a very sore throat when ever I eat or drink anything associated. But from the "ooo's" and "ahhh's" I gathered he was more than impressed!

 

Indulgent Irish Cream:

This was the second of the flavours I tried, although Creature soon swapped me for this one after deciding that my cup was by far superior in flavour over his own! #pushover.

I'm a massive fan of Irish cream, Irish coffees.. The Irish in general. So of course this was fabulous, although a little more subtle in flavour which is why it's second in ranking for me so far.

 

Winter Spice:

This one Creature wasn't so sure about, and the one he soon swapped over with my Irish cream. I however drank every drop & found it to be quite nice. It's definitely my least favourite from all I've tried so far, but that's not to say it isn't any good.

I liked the winter fruit hints, it reminded me very much of a black forest gateaux meets mulled wine sort of flavour in hot chocolate form!

 

We still have a few of the above flavours left as well as one sachet of coconut fudge to sample. & I can't wait to crack them open, with a pile of munchies & a festive film with Creature! 

 

Have you ever tried drinking fudge?

 

Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

Christmas gifts for him

| Scarf | Collar Bones | Mug | Whiskey Stones | Personalised Chocs | Desk Organiser |

| Pillow covers | Personalised canvas | Door Mat |

 

I'm always really excited around special occasions, I love spending money on other people and seeing their faces when they open their presents. In fact this year I was probably more excited than Creature on his own birthday!

 

So I've put together a few gift ideas from not on the high street. The majority can be personalised to make them a little more special, & I love the idea of being able to give a gift you can both enjoy around the home. The canvas and the pillow cases are right up my street, I think it's something manly enough for Creature to really appreciate even though they are a little mushy.

 

If you're living with a business man, anything office related always goes down well. Last Christmas Creature was overwhelmed by receiving a pen from his parents! So the collar bones are something I know he would love, & if you're with an office monkey too, I think these are a lovely stocking filler.

 

Another idea is a personalised scarf, we always get scarfs, gloves, socks etc. for Christmas so why not include an embroidered message? & I personally love the mug & doormat.. Although I'm not sure how Creature would react receiving a door mat as a present!

 

Do you have any cool ideas for manly gifts?

 

Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 



Party season looks | Mango

 

 | Dress | Clutch | Shoes |

Christmas is the best time to rock a glitzy frock! & the Disco open back sequined dress would be absolutely perfect for any party season occasion. I love the colour of this one, it's lovely to see a sequined dress in something other than black - However it is also available in navy blue, which I think is a great alternative if you own one too many LBD's!

 

I wanted to keep this look relatively simple, the dress should take centre stage, so paired with a great little structured bag - In this case the Boxy metal frame clutch. & some great classic strappy sandals, you will look glamorous enough for the red carpet.. Or the office party!

 



| Playsuit | Clutch | Belt | Shoes |

 

My second outfit comes with the gorgeous Monito lightweight wrap playsuit. Jumpsuits and playsuits are great for the party season, I myself own more than I can count on two hands & they're a special occasion favourite all year round. I particularly love the colour of the Monito playsuit, the blue is a gorgeous tone & a little more standout-ish to the blacks & reds we usually see around A/W party season.

 

You have that lovely thick waistband, so I thought adding one of Mango's classic suede wrap belts into the mix will add a more dressy feel - Although scrapping the belt and spicing the mix up with some gun metal jewellery & a statement clutch would work a treat too.

 

I may be a little in love with this box bag.. I'm thinking of doing a post dedicated just to the amazing box clutches. Mango have a great statement clutch collection at the moment, probably the best I've seen from the past few seasons. 

Finally, throw in a pair of your favourite black leg elongating courts & you're ready to party!

| Dress | Shoes | Necklace | Clutch |

Sequins, sequins, sequins everywhere! I think I probably could have toned this down a little, but it's Christmas and the perfect time to sparkle! The velvet dress is quite subtle, we have it in store now & it looks gorgeous on. Although it does have sequins in the fabric, I don't think the photo here does it justice, I feel the pattern is a little more understated after seeing it up close.

I wanted to create a really effortlessly sparkly look. Again I've gone with the classic strappy sandals style, I think the silver tones go really well, & Mango have a great metallic accessories range at the moment.  The clutch from Look 2 as well as this lovely sequinned envelope clutch would go great with this dress, anything metallic gun metal tones to tie in the dresses thin belt.

& finally, for statement necklaces, Mango are definitely a contender this season. I was blown away when I first started working there by the jewellery, & this season is no exception.
For this outfit I chose one of the smaller necklaces, I played around with the idea of something big & chunky but I think the 'grunge' element of this necklace works really well with the velvet dress without being too overpowering.
 

Are you looking forward to the party season?
Which is your favourite  party look?

 

Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 



Soap and Glory Small Wonders | Review

 

Hey Dears,

So in my last post I mentioned I've been trying out the Soap & Glory products I got for Christmas from Family & after a few showers and testers, I think I'm just about ready to give you an honest review.

 

Now, I've tried S&G before, & I've been pretty impressed. They always smell good, the packaging is really pretty & for the most part the gift packs come with reusable boxes or bags.

This year I've managed to get my mitts on the Small Wonders box set. The box is adorable, sort of like a mini hat box & is currently in my bathroom storing some of my toiletries away.

 But anyways, In the Small wonders box you will find a collection of miniature S&G classics;

 

CLEAN ON ME, shower gel 50ml

THE RIGHTEOUS BUTTER, body butter 50ml

THE SCRUB OF YOUR LIFE, body scrub 50ml

HAND FOOD, hand cream 50ml

& a super cute SHOWER PUFF!

 

So far the only product I haven't really played with is the hand cream. I've used it a few times but I've been swapping my bags around like a woman possessed so its been lost in the pile! - However from the few times I have used it, I've quite enjoyed it. The smell is subtle but keeps your skin well hydrated. 

 

The shower poof & shower gel have definitely been my favourites so far, I've been religiously using the scrub, gel & body butter with my shower routine this week to get maximum effect & I must admit, they are pretty good. The scrub isn't as impressive as some other I have (e.g. Amazene avocado scrub) Although the smell is a lot more attractive.

 

The Body butter has been a little disappointing for me though. My first attempt at using it was a little strange. Admittedly I should have read the label first, but after my shower I dried myself & picked up the butter to test... & what can only be described as the feeling of smearing VA glue on my skin occurred!

- I realise now that I have to use it whilst my skin is still damp & attempts since have been a lot smoother, but for those days where I just want to butter up quickly before nipping out, this butter isn't going to hack it!

 

I really do love S&G but I do think a few of their products are hit and miss. For me the butter just isn't going to top trump some of my old faithful's. But the hand cream definitely needs to be used more often & I'm still in love with the smell of all the products!

 

Did you get any S&G Products for Christmas?

What is your favourite product?

 

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

 

 

Santas Been!!

 

Hey guys!

 

Hope you've all had an amazing Christmas & New Year. I've been completely OOA over the past 2 weeks and completely without Internet at home (Its like the dark ages in that house!)

But I'm back now & ready to share a few  of my favourite moments & presents with you all.

 

So, be warned, this is a pretty picture heavy post!

 

 

If you follow me of Facebook & Twitter you may have seen some of my subtle hints to the Creature on the run up to Christmas!
Every few days I would post a photo or link to something pretty in the hope that he would get the hint.. Well it bloody worked! (I'm such a genius) After seeing the giant teddy picture I took in Clintons, Creature actually went out and bought me an even bigger one!!!

 

His name Is Taylor & he's so big we can't actually move him from Doncaster as he would take up 2 seats on the train alone!

 

Kurt Geiger Carvella shoes | Bank studded boots

 

Carvella!!! - I could have cried when I opened these bad boys, I'm such a lucky girl! - Currently still teaching myself how to walk in them though as they are like stilts! 

They're are now on sale too (which the Creature almost cried at!) So if you want a pair of these beauties yourself, you can buy them here.

 

Another subtle hint came in the form of numerous black and brown studded boots from all over the Internet, & once again the Creature pulled though & bought me those studded beauties from BANK!

- & I can actually walk in those ones! I've not had them off my feet since he gave them too me either, they literally go with everything.

 Pauls Boutique Handbag, Louis Vuitton Red handbag, Mulberry purse, Louis Vuitton handbag, Marc Jacobs Dot perfume

 

Its been handbag heaven this year too. Creature bought me a lovely cream Pauls Boutique handbag, however I took the little colourful charm off it, because I prefer it looking plain.

 

& Mama the saint, bought me two Louis Vuitton handbags & a Mulberry purse! I'm in absolute love with the red one, the colour is so bright, & they're huge too so I can fit all my uni books in it! - Learning in style, boyeah!

 

 

I can't actually believe how much I've been spoilt by the Creature & family this year, amongst all the big gifts above, I also received some beautiful pieces for my flat, including new vintage bedding, lots of kitchen bits and bobs & some stunning handmade cushions & reupholstered chair my Mama made herself!

 

Of course I have a tonne of beauty products too which will steadily see me though the new year with lots of reviews coming too! - I'm currently testing out all my Soap & Glory products from my Aunt & Uncle!

 

Here are a few other snaps from my holidays!

 

So, I hope you've all had an amazing Christmas & New Year

If you have posts up about your Christmas presents, send me the link, I'd love to have a peek!

 

River Island Party Frocks

I've been doing a lot of online window shopping this week in prep for Christmas.
This year me & the Creature have agreed to buy each other outfits rather than pointless trinkets & stocking fillers, & go for a meal/drinks somewhere fancy instead. SO, that being the case I have been dropping links like no tomorrow on Facebook hoping he'll take the hint! ('Cos I'm subtle like that..)

 

Anyway, if you're an regular reader of Bo Blab you'll know I have a slight (massive) obsession with all things River Island, and of course the majority of my subtle hints have been from there.

- With the exception of one tag, in which I'm stood with a huge cheesy smile in Clintons holding a teddy bear almost as big as me!
 

 

 

Anyway I decided to compile a post about my favourite dresses on RI online at the moment. Some of them admittedly are ones that would not strictly suit my frame, however, they're far too gorgeous not to showcase. 

 



Navy stud shoulder cap sleeve dress - £50

 

I love the detail on the shoulder of this dress. Its beautifully simple and classy.

I've took the plunge into wearing tighter fitted dresses & for all my curvy girls out there this would be a great first step into fitted dresses, the ruched fabric will help hide a multiple of sins but still leave you feeling sexy.

I know I'd definitely rock the works Christmas doo in this number! 

 

Navy embellished Little Mistress maxi - £49 (was £70) 

 Grecian style dresses just keep creeping back. I wanted one of these a few years back after seeing a white one in Quiz (but with my pale skin its a good job I didn't buy it)

I think I must have a little bit of a lure for navy blue, a lot of my recent purchases have been dark blues & navy's, but I personally think its a nice classy twist on the LBD. This one would look so graceful on any shape, the skirt is just stunning. 

Gold sequin t-shirt dress - £40

This would be perfect for someone like my Mama (Shes a stylish Mum!) , personally I don't tend to wear dresses than hang over the bust, they make me look small and frumpy, but the gold sequin detail on this dress is lovely.

I can imagine this dress would turn some heads at a Christmas party, not only does it look really festive, but team with some killer boots & you have a show-stopper look for all year round! 

Black embellished shift dress - £60

Ooooo so pretty! As you can see embellishment is a big trend this year (as was it last year) so, of course the, majority of my holiday picks are just so.

I had to throw a LBD in here, I mean I don't think I could personally wear this because again it's not a very fitted number, but its a real statement dress. & I think would look perfect with a pair of black or gold heels & a simple clutch.

Grey embellished backless shift dress - £65

This looks so festive. I love love loveeee silver dresses around this time of year, they look stunning and so classy.

I have actually seen this dress worn on a stranger last week and she had opted to wrap a black belt around her waist, the result looked amazing. If I had £65 I would definitely purchase this and do the same, but sadly I have no pennies so I may have to wait until the January sales. 

Green cap sleeve tulip dress - £30

Now this is within my budget! I'm slightly torn between this and the purple version but I don't really own many green/turquoise clothes so I think it would be wiser to go with something new.

I have a pale pink dress very similar to this (see post here) & the style looks amazing on curvy frames, if you're a fan of accentuating then this style is definitely for you. On the other hand if you're a boyish frame this is the perfect dress for creating curves too!

-I swear it makes my bust look 3 times bigger!!-

 

 So there are my favourite festive dresses from River Island, I hope you like my choices.

I was thinking of maybe continuing with this theme and compiling a few posts of festive wear for other high street retailers, but you're the audience so what do you think?

Do you want to see more top pick posts?