My main focus recently has been job hunting as I was made redundant on 13 February 2017. I didn't want to lose touch with my writing so I set myself a challenge for Valentine day.
The Challenge
Starting from 14 February 2017, for fourteen days, I would post a love poem. It involved reading some of my old work and editing to publish one each day. I posted the poems to Wattpad.
I discovered poems I had forgotten about. Some of these, I am really proud of and others just needed a little editing (and some were so cringe worthy that we shall not speak of).
Next year, I plan to set myself the challenge again and I plan on creating more poetry books in future.
Click here if you'd like to read the 2017 Valentine edition.
Organising Writing
The unexpected reward was how amazing it felt to organise my work. I've written so much, in various stages of edits, it is hard to keep track of it all. Sorting them into a novel and posting online not only enables me to get the feedback I need but also is an easy way of organising my work.
I have written so much that my MS Office OneDrive has exceeded the space limit! I remember my IT Department thinking I was nuts when I said I need to buy a 128gb USB to free up space on my computer by moving my writing.
If anyone has any tips on how to organise writing (with multiple versions), please let me know.
I've always loved the idea of subscription beauty boxes. They enable you to try a variety of products at an unbeatable discount. However, many of the companies have products that don't meet my ethics or the shipping costs are too high.
I was incredibly excited when I heard of The Pip Box. They are a cruelty free, UK based company and many of the brands are organic. In addition, 50p from the sale of every box is donated to an animal friendly charity.
It is named after the founders dog, Pippa. Their goal is to end cosmetic testing on animals.
The Pip Box
At the start of February, I ordered my first Pip Box. They don't dispatch the orders until 20th of the month. The wait felt incredibly long. It wasn't until the 27th February 2017 that it finally arrived.
Each box, you are guaranteed at least 5 products with an average value of £35. The box contains information about the 5 products. The products will often be full size (no sample or sachets). The type of products are organic and natural make-up, skincare and haircare products.
I am so pleased with every single item. The eyeliner is perfect. It doesn't smudge and lasts all day.
PHB Ethical Beauty - Natural and organic water resistant mascara (black): £15.95 RRP
When I first saw the mascara brush, I thought it looked so basic and had no faith in its ability. But, I gave it a go and it is the best I have ever used. My lashes have never looked better. However, water resistant is very different to waterproof as I discovered with panda eyes at the swimming pool.
The Lip Vinyl is a vibrant pop of glossy colour. It is not sticky and lasts all day. It you blot it, it becomes a lip stain. The colour is very bright and vivid - I wouldn't class it as a day lipstick.
Akamuti Green Clay Face Mask: £4.95 RRP
The green clay mask is a powder and you mix it with water to produce a paste. You can apply it to trouble areas or all over as a full mask. I used it as a full mask and was really pleased with how soft my skin felt afterwards. I was also surprised at how it wasn't messy - I've used other powder masks and been put off by the mess.
Bloomtown Botanicals The Rose Garden soap: £1.40 RRP
I have used the soap to wash my face for the past week and I think my skin is looking better as a result. The soap has a gentle pleasant floral scent that is uplifting in a subtle way.
Verdict
If I hadn't been made redundant on 13 Feb, I would subscribe to this box without hesitation. It is exceptional value.
All the products were top quality and items I may never have ventured if it had not been for this box. I'm a fan and will rebuy all the items when they run out.
The first things I will do when I find a new job, is subscribe to The Pip Box!
My main focus recently has been job hunting as I was made redundant on 13 February 2017. I didn't want to lose touch with my writing so I set myself a challenge for Valentine day. 