Crochet #2 / Sunburst Scarf

Well the sun was only brief, I'm sat writing this post whilst looking at a very dull grey sky with a sprinkling of rain for good measure. Since my last crochet post I have been busy crocheting up something bright and cheerful to help brighten up these dreary days! As with beauty I am addicted to certain craft blog one of which is called Yvestown. The photos are gorgeous and very inspirational, after scouring through old blog posts I came across this post and suddenly found myself drooling over the beautiful crochet scarf.
So after researching high and low through my stash of magazines I finally found a free pattern for a sunburst in a square from a lovely blog called IDA Interior Lifestyle. After completing 19 sunburst squares I then joined them all up using the double crochet method. If you're wondering what this is, the best tutorial I have found is from the fabulous Attic24 blog. Sunbursts all joined, you're then ready for a border, this helps to neaten the edges but also join up the sides. I opted for the same style border as the Yvestown scarf but you can change this to suit your taste. That's the great thing there's no set pattern, pick your shades and decide what border you want to use.

So what wool did I use and where did I buy it from? Well after following a lot of lovely ladies on IG I decided to try Stylecraft DK wool. It's 100% Acrylic and surprisingly soft, I ordered a selection of shades. They have 55 shades in total which is amazing but also very tricky for such an indecisive person like myself! I bought them online from Wool Warehouse, their customer care was fantastic, I placed my order late in the evening and by the following day I had an email to say a shade was out of stock and how i would like to continue with the order. After deciding on a another shade the order arrived the following day. All order over £25 qualifies for free P&P which is another bonus. The balls are 100g and retail £1.69 each, great quality at a great price. I'm eager to to make a blanket and order some other shades.

Follow me on Instagram for lots of craft & beauty pics @lilburdee

Crocheting on the train

 

Sunshine!

Taa daa!!!

Do you crochet? If you're thinking about crocheting take a look at my previous post How To Crochet.

Happy hooking...

Sukin / Natural goodness for your locks...

 

Haircare has to be one of those areas which I am delving into more and more. Testing out different brands and different products. After my rave review of the Sukin Night Cream I wanted to rave about their hair care. I am a big dry shampoo fan, since having a fringe dry shampoo has become my No1 best friend. I use this several times a week, which as you can imagine in between washes can build up. I like to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to thoroughly cleanse my hair. Sukin have a natural Purifying Shampoo free from nasties such as parabens and SLS, making it perfect for daily use if need be. I don't like to wash my hair daily but if you do and you're after a very gentle shampoo this would be perfect. The scent is very natural and soothing, a delicate infusion of aloe vera, nettle, horsetail and burdock. Also great for sensitive scalps, My hair feels squeaky clean and healthy after each use. 

After using a purifying shampoo it's good to use a hydrating conditioner, the Sukin Nourishing Conditioner delivers exactly that. A gentle daily conditioner, it helps prevent tangles and static making hair more manageable. I keep this to use alongside the Purifying shampoo they're perfect combination, I like to use these on a Sunday when I have my pamper time. This usually consists of a face mask, freshly painted nails and a spot of reading or crochet. The conditioner rinses well and doesn't feel thick or heavy.

You can purchase Sukin products from www.cress.co.uk

Sukin have a great range of hair, body and skincare products. I really like the sound of their Hydrating Mist Toner and Rose Hip Facial Oil. What products do you like the sound of?

Neom / Scent with Love Bodycare Gift Set

We all want a to experience a little luxury from time to time don't we? Well this is luxury at it's best, Neom is one of my favourite brands when it comes to pampering. Whenever I'm in need of some T.L.C I like to reach for Neom. It's a trusted brand you know you can rely on, whether you want to relax, de-stress or feel energised their range of products uses the best possible ingredients to help soothe you.
Their Scent With Love body care gift set is one of the best ways of sampling their products, the gift set contains three of their fragrances. Tranquillity, Sensuous and Complete Bliss. The set comprises of the Tranquillity Bath Oil, Sensuous Body Wash & Lotion and the Complete Bliss Hand Cream.
Tranquillity is a very relaxing scent perfect for use before bedtime. Sensuous is also relaxing but great for de-stressing the mind. A blend of Ylang Ylang, Frankincense and Patchouli essential oils. This is one of my favourite scents from the Neom fragrance family. Until now I'd not smelt the fragrance Complete Bliss, as some of you will know I am a huge Rose junkie and this hits the spot. Described as a feel good scent, great for lifting the mood.

The sizes are generous, you'll soon become a Neom addict and wanting more! The gift set is great as a present, or great if you're trying for the first time and want to sample the fragrances and the products before investing in the full sized products. I am a HUGE Neom candle fan, so if you find yourself wanting more you should check out their Travel Candle gift set. You can also read my full review here.

The Fragrance Shop / Discovery Club Fragrance Box

 

Instead of a beauty box delivered to your door how about a fragrance box? If you're a fragrance junkie this would be a great way of trying out fragrances, The Fragrance Shop recently developed a new initiative called Discovery Club, and has just launched their 2nd edition box. The male Discovery Club is due to launch this month some time.

For just £5 per quarter (£20 year subscription) Discovery Club Members receive x5 samples worth £7, a great way of keeping up to date with latest new launches. Each edition comes with a booklet detailing information about each scent such as individual notes, not forgetting the exclusive vouchers helping you save pennies! 

The 2nd edition contains:

Lacoste Eau de Lacoste Pour Femme

Vera Wang Floral Rush

Juicy Couture Couture La La

Nina Ricci Nina L'Eau

Roberto Cavalli Just Cavalli

There are limited spaces, so if you're interested sign up early to avoid any disappointment. You're free to cancel your subscription any time. I think an extra sample wouldn't go a miss either, they are small and only last a few sprays/applications.

I'm strongly considering a year subscription for mum, she loves perfume and enjoys trying out lots of different ones. Plus it's her birthday soon and I think this would make a great gift. Would you or your mum like a fragrance box?

*PR sample