MEETING THE MEERKATS!

Myself and my boyfriend recently enjoyed a wonderful experience of meeting meerkats!  

The experience took place with Will's Wild Animal Encounters at the Hoo Farm in Telford where we had a full hour to interact with both the wild and hand-reared meerkats. The first half an hour was spent with the 5 wild meerkats where we got to feed them. As these weren't as human-friendly, we were advised not to pet them but they were still interactive jumping up onto our laps and running around our feet (maybe just because of the fact we had food).

One of the wild meerkats only had three legs but he was the cutest and kept up with the others. I admit, I did give him a little more food than the others as I felt sorry for him.

Throughout the whole experience, the meerkat handler was amazing; she gave us so many facts about them and made the experience really interesting. We learnt about how they behave in the wild, how the female meerkats are more dominant and that they are very territorial animals (and so much more).

The next half an hour was spent with the two hand-reared meerkats. We got to hold them, pet them and they loved the warmth of my coat. One of them ended up inside the jumper of another woman on the experience - I think they liked the warmer places. The one in the picture to the left especially liked a tickle under his chin.

It was such a lovely experience and I enjoyed it 10x times more than I had expected beforehand! I wouldn't hesitate to do it again and I really recommend it to anyone interested in animals (I also think it would make a really lovely present!).

The farm itself was also such a lovely, intimate place with so many lovely animals! From donkeys to cockatoos to otters (and I saw my first real-life warthog!). It didn't feel at all like a zoo where the animals were just there for display; there was a much more warm and comfortable atmosphere where the animals were obviously very well cared-for and loved.

 

If you are at all interested in visiting the farm, the meerkat experience or any of the other experiences they do (animal keeper experience / lemur experience / reptile experience and so many more!) please click on the links provided in this blog post, I can't praise the farm, the staff and the whole experience enough.

Thank you for reading, as always!

Holly Amber x

GLOSSYBOX - NARS EDITION REVIEW!

I was so excited to receive my long-awaited NARS GLOSSYBOX!

When I heard the postman come to the door, I was so very eager to get my parcel from him. I was so happy to have been one of the lucky few to have purchased the special box within the 27 minutes it had taken to sell out. Although I had some difficulty accessing the webpage at first, I soon sorted this out (although I'm not sure many other people had been able to get one for this reason, which was a little disappointing I'm sure).

Upon opening the box, it was beautifully packaged (as with all of the GLOSSYBOXes) and the products were also in the very high-quality NARS packaging which felt weighty and expensive. I absolutely love the sleek but simple design NARS uses - it makes their products look very appealing and sophisticated.

An information card was included in the box; this explained what each product was, how to use them and their full-sized prices. Each product in the box was 'travel-sized' - I usually really dislike sample-like versions of products but these did not feel like "samples" as they each had a fairly good amount of product within them and their size only makes them more convenient to carry around with you! 

Larger Than life, long-wear eyeliner in "Via
Veneto".

The first product I came to look at was the "Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner" in the colour "Via Vineto" which, in full-size, is £19.00. On the information card it states that this eyeliner "stays put" for 12 hours and that it has a rich and creamy texture. I definitely agree that the texture of this is extremely creamy and, although I haven't tried to wear it for the 12-hour claim yet, testing it on the back of my hand left it very hard to smudge and remove so I'm pretty sure what they claim is possible. 

Directions for use are:

"Rather than applying it in one motion, try sketching on your desired shape for more control and a sleeker finish."

I particularly like the jet-black colour of this eyeliner and the fact it twists to reveal more product (if you understand what I mean). I am very excited to test this out!

Audacious Mascara in "Black Moon".

The second product I looked at was the "Audacious Mascara" in the colour "Black Moon" which is, in the full-sized version, £21.00. It claims to give extreme volume and length with a brush that has "over 200 hooks to coat a silky formula from roots to tips with full precision". After trying this out for the day, I'm very impressed I must say. It does give you extreme volume and length if you wiggle the wand up from root to tip. My only (very small) criticism of the wand is that it may be slightly big for some people as, if my eyes were any smaller, I think I may have found it hard to use.

The next three products I am so very pleased with.

The Multiple in "Orgasm".

The first of these is "The Multiple" in the shade "Orgasm" (cheeky, cheeky) which is, in the full-sized version, £29.00. First of all, the colour of this is absolutely gorgeous, I would describe it as a dusty rose shade with a beautiful shimmer.

The information card quotes:

" The trick with this multi-use cult classic is to use it like a crayon. Rub a little on the back of your hand to warm it up, then dab along the cheekbones, lips, eyes and even body for a shimmery, warming contour. Its totally build able - One stroke will highlight, two will provide a pinkish glow and three a healthy blush".

Top : NARS Blush (in the shade Orgasm)
Bottom: The Multiple (in the shade Orgasm)

I was really surprised at the texture of this (in a good way). When applying it, it first feels very creamy but as you touch it to blend it out a little, it becomes so light and dry as it sets into the skin so quickly! Such an impressive, multi-use product which I'd really consider buying in the full-sized version!.

The next product was the NARS blush in the shade "Orgasm" again (cheeky, cheeky) which, in the full-sized version, is £23.00.
Again, the colour is the beautiful "dusty-rose-with-a-shimmer" shade which I love and the pigmentation is amazing. I would expect nothing less for the price you pay for the full-sized version which, if you were wondering, I would definitely consider purchasing.

NARS Blush in "Orgasm".

I very rarely use the whole of a blush product and the size of this one is no smaller than many I use daily so I'm sure it will last me quite a while!
I think that using these two products together would be a gorgeous combination - although they can be built up to a very defined colour, they can also both be used very lightly in combination.
As a wonderful little bonus, the blush also has a mirror - brownie points for that!

As if it couldn't get any better, the last product in this special box works beautifully in combination with these two products and is my favourite of the five.

Satin lip pencil in "Rikugien".

It was the "Satin Lip Pencil" in the shade "Rikugien" which, in the full-sized version, is £19.00. This shade is gorgeous and matches so perfectly to the previous two products as it is that "dusty-rose-with-a-shimmer" colour again. The information card reads:
"Its silken texture drenches your pout in a slick of moisture-rich, creamy lipstick. Tap the pencil onto the centre of your lips and use your finger to smudge outwards for a kissed-off look that works day or night."

The texture of this product is so creamy! It feels so moisturising on the lips which is a must for this time of year. My first time wearing this out was a very pleasant experience, obviously it didn't stay on all day as I was out for 5+ hours and I only expect that sort of "staying-power" with a matte product. However, for the majority of that time, the lipstick stayed on in full colour and even when faded, the shade looked gorgeous still. 
Most definitely my favourite product in the box and I will be soon to purchase the full-sized version when I use it all up. 

I cannot give enough praise to this NARS edition from GLOSSYBOX. I'm always so impressed with their regular boxes but this has stepped it up a notch! I look forward to seeing where GLOSSYBOX go in the future with any of their upcoming special editions.
As always, I urge you to take a look into their subscription service which is amazing value for money! Their rose-gold December box, where they have collaborated with beauty blogger Really Ree, will be amazing I'm sure (and I have recently read on the website that there will be 6 products in every box!)
If you are interested, I'd really appreciate if you subscribed through my personal link as I gain reward points :)

As always, thank you for reading!

Holly Amber x

NOVEMBER GLOSSYBOX REVIEW!

As always, the box came un-damaged and in its beautiful pink and black design. Upon opening the box I was extremely excited. I had received 3 full sized items and 2 travel sized items (which were still a surprisingly decent size).

The first product I came to in my box was a REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS LIPSTICK which can be purchased on the BOOTS WEBSITE FOR £7.49.

REVLON Super Lustrous
Lipstick.

"Pink in the Afternoon"

Each GLOSSYBOX subscriber this month got to choose between 4 shades of the lipstick. I can't remember the other three shades they had offered but the shade I decided on was "Pink in the Afternoon" - a beautiful, classic pink colour. 
The creamy consistency of these lipsticks is amazing; it makes my lips feel so plump and hydrated whilst being long-lasting at the same time. The lipstick itself contains vitamin E and avacado oil which gives it its moisturising properties.
The only thing I dislike about the lipstick is the scent, but it is barely noticeable after applying and it wouldn't put me off purchasing another of these in a different shade.

MUA Undressed Palette.

The next product I came to was an MUA eyeshadow palette (the UNDRESSED palette.)
I have previously bought many of these palettes and loved the eyeshadow formulation so I was happy to receive another which I hadn't previously owned.
Although these palettes are only £4.00 at most high-street makeup stores, you get 12 beautiful shades which are surprisingly good quality for what you pay.
In the picture to the left, the shades are (from the bottom, upwards) Cool Grey, Fuel, Henna, Tawny, Bronze ore, Lion, Hazel, Gild, Fawn, Rose Ash and Puff. 
I personally think these shades are beautiful, metallic shades which could be used for everyday wear or creating a smokey-eyed look for any occasion.

EYLURE Eyelashes.

The next item in the box was some EYLURE NATURALITES fake eyelashes which also came with the adhesive glue. I was very happy that they included some fake eyelashes which were natural-looking as I really dislike dramatic eyelashes for myself.
These lashes are "sweet and subtle" and add natural volume to your existing lashes without it being too obvious that they aren't your own.

They are suitable for all eye shapes, can be cut down to fit smaller eye shapes and can also be re-used.
There are so many different eyelashes you can choose from on the EYLURE WEBSITE for around £5.00 each and they are wonderful quality.

ROYAL APOTHIC Cream Creme Body
Lotion.

The next item I looked at was one of the two "travel-sized" products.
I had never previously heard of the brand ROYAL APOTHIC so I was intrigued to test out one of their products - a body lotion. 
First of all, the packaging of this product is gorgeous! I love the colours and design used - very appealing.
The instructions for use are to "massage into slightly damp skin after bathing to seal in the moisture". 
I'm not sure what the scent of this product is exactly as I can't find it on the packing or information sheet included in the box but it's very fresh and pleasant with some floral properties - nothing too overwhelming. 
The consistency of this product is very moisturising, creamy and absorbs into the skin quickly. 
"Formulated with milk proteins and lactic acid, this rich cream soothes, softens and hydrates dry skin without ever feeling greasy. Nourish your skin as you indulge your senses with subtle fragrance."

Due to the product being travel-sized, I will probably use this mainly as a hand-cream over the winter months as to not run out too quickly. It can be purchased (full size) on the ROYAL APOTHIC WEBSITE FOR £14.50. 

EMITE MAKE UP Diamond Heart (Illuminating)
Primer.

The last product in the box was also the other "travel-sized" product - EMITE MAKE UP's Diamond Heart (illuminating) Base Primer.
I was slightly concerned about the size of the product but when I tested it, I found that you need barely any product at one time anyway as it spreads quite far.
It feels very light on the skin and the scent is very pleasant but again, not overpowering which I like very much. It gives a very subtle, illuminating sheen to the skin which would look beautiful under foundation to give you a glowing complexion. 
"This peach fluid balances skin tone, boosts radiance and creates a smooth finish, perfectly prepping skin for the day (or night) ahead."
I am extremely excited to try this out under my foundation - I have very high hopes!
The full-sized version of this product can be purchased on the EMITE MAKE UP WEBSITE FOR £25.90.



The overall total of the products in the box this month is just over £57!
Although this isn't as high a total as the previous boxes, it is still 5x the amount you actually pay for the box each month which is pretty good value to me! 
Im so pleased with all 5 products I have received this month - wonderful choice from GLOSSYBOX.

I am very excited for the upcoming partnership of GLOSSYBOX with NARS and I will definitely be purchasing the box! Information about this can be found here, i really do urge you to have a look!

I am also excited for next month's GLOSSYBOX after reading the small message at the bottom of the information leaflet:
"Next month, we have a very exciting collaboration on the cards - a beautiful box to match. Beauty blogger Really Ree will be guest editing the Rose Gold collector's edition GLOSSYBOX - December has never looked so festive"

If you are at all interested in subscribing to GLOSSYBOX and receiving the December box, I'd really appreciate it if you did so through this link as I receive reward points :)

Thank you very much for reading!

Holly Amber x

THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING A BREAK.

6 weeks into my first year of university and I'm already feeling the pressure. I take my hat off to anyone graduated from university already, that is impressive stuff.

I'm definitely a person who puts too much pressure on myself to get things done which is not necessarily a bad thing, but after a continuous few weeks of hard work it was starting to take its toll on me a little.

So when the chance for a weekend away with my boyfriend and his family came about, I was more than thrilled.

We spent the weekend in Ladram Bay (Devon) which was such a refreshing environment. Beach walks, visiting the Donkey Sanctuary and going to Exmouth relaxed me wonderfully. 
Sometimes, removing yourself from the environment causing you to feel stressed is the best possible thing you can do. 
This doesn't mean everyone needs to spend the money on going away for a whole weekend though!

The main and most simple thing which I believe can lift your mood is surrounding yourself with people you love and those who make you smile. 
Taking a whole day, or even just a few hours, away from working can do you a world of good and will leave you feeling much more refreshed and motivated to complete that assignment, or write that essay, or make notes on those 40 chapters of a book you're meant to read.

Whilst it is important to do well in life and gain the qualifications or experience needed for a good career, remember to never put this in front of your health or happiness.
At the end of the day, what is a massive annual salary without personal happiness and fulfilment? 

Never lose sight of the most important things in life :) 

Thank you for reading!

Holly Amber x

Small side note: I definitely suggest visiting the Donkey Sanctuary in Devon if any of you are ever near. Such a lovely experience, such a wonderful facility which care for the beautiful animals amazingly. It was so lovely to be able to pet the animals and be in such close proximity of so many as well as seeing how well they are cared for at the same time.
Here is a link to their twitter page, their Facebook page and their website.