Isle of Light Candles

It isn't everyday you come across an 18 year old girl who has set up her own business, but I have and i have to tell you, Keeleigh is one very inspirational young woman, whom I am slightly Jealous of because she has managed to set up her own candle making company called Isle of Light Candle Company and I sense big things for this young lady!

Every Isle of Light candle is handmade from start to finish, and using the candles are made using Soya wax which isn't only great for the environment but unlike paraffin wax, can be good for you too! Paraffin wax is known to produce different toxic chemicals when burnt whereas Soy wax is 100% renewable and natural.  Soya Wax candles also burn at a slightly lower temperature which means the fragrances don't burn off as quickly.

When I was asked if I would like to try one of the candles, I said yes, hello my name is Rachel and I am a candle addict!  The problem I had was choosing just one because there are so many amazing scents too choose from, whether you like oriental, woody, citrus, floral, fresh or seasonal fragrances, I can guarantee there is something for everyone.  In the end I opted for Lily Spring, which Keeleigh toldme had been created in memory of her Grandmother - what a tribute!.

"A great burst of floral scent with top notes of Bergamot, coriander and Peonies. Heart Notes of Lily, Jasmine, Rose and a full bodied base of Musk, patchouli, vanilla"

Is the description given and as soon as the box it arrived in was opened, the amazing floral scent was immediately noticeable and I couldn't wait to remove the wrapping and get it alight.  As you can see it comes inside this 3.5oz glass jar and it gives approximately 25 hours of burn time, which is really impressive.

Once alight, I cannot begin to tell you how fantastic the scent is, nothing about it is manufactured or fake, it smells as though I have a room full of fresh flowers and as the scent lingers throughout the house, it is every bit as wonderful within each room.

Priced at just £8 a candle, it gives exceptional value for money and i've currently got my eye on two more candles that I am itching to try.  To find out more about Isle of Light Candles, you can do so by going to the website.  

To Keeleigh, I have to say thank you for sending me one of your candles, it was a delight and an honour and I am wishing you all the very best with your business.

Betty & Walter Geranium Brandy Meringue Double Wash Bag

As soon as I saw the Betty & Walter range I was in love, anything that is styled and described as being 'Vintage themed' gets my attention everytime.  The Christmas Gift Guide is packed full of vintage inspired products from splendiferously scented soap or marvellously meticulous manicure set stocking fillers to purses and tote bags, each item being covered in a 60's inspired print but with a contemporary twist.

The Betty & Walter designs by the lovely Lisa Levis nee Stickley, a British textile designer, came up with the Betty & Walter brand back in the autumn of 2011, launching the first collection in Spring 2013.  Taking inspiration from my wonderful Aunty Betty and Uncle Walter, Lisa wanted to design and create practical product of good value and quality with a fresh take on modern print.

The item I fell in love with is the Geranium Brandy Meringue Double Wash Bag** which comes from the Betty & Walter AW14 range.  Each bag within the range is made with PU Coated cotton outer and nylon lined which gives it that practical wipe clean finish. Featuring this fantastic print geranium print, which has been hand drawn by Lisa, happens to be one of Aunty Betty's flowers of choice and I just love how the petals look as though they have been scattered across the cloth and for something so well made, the £30 price tag is more than justified.

The bag has two very roomy pouches which is perfect for me when I travel with work or go off to visit friends and family or am lucky enough to grab a weekend away with my Hubs.  As you can see below, I can fit quite a lot of products in it with no problem and it is carries all of my bathroom essentials and a few more items.  The zips are really well made and are very sturdy which makes such a big difference from the cheap shop bought ones I kept buying, the zip would snag, split or fall off and would end up throwing it in the bin, now with this, it will last for years to come and is a design I am never going to get bored of.

As you can see I have managed to fit quite a lot of shower and skincare products in the bag with room for more to be added.  As I am going to visit my parents for a long weekend, I began the packing process a little early so I could showcase how roomy this bag is.

For me this is the perfect weekend washbag, it fits everything in that I need and more and is just a beautifully designed bag.

Have you visited the Betty & Walter website yet? Do you have a favourite design?