Irish Bloggers Secret Santa reveal 2013

Hello Adoreabuddies,

This year I took part in the #IrishbbloggersSS which was organised by the wonderful Aisling from Total Make Up Addict. Aisling thought it would be a fun idea for any bloggers interested to get together to do a Secret Santa. And she was oh so right! My family have been doing Secret Santa for the last four years now and it's great fun and relives a lot of stress because you're only shopping for one person. Now the only problem I've had since we started is every year I've had my mam or my dad and I would love to have one of my brothers at some stage because there's only so many handbags and power tools you can buy a person!

When I found out who I had I was over the moon, I was excited to find out I had one of my favourite bloggers so it was going to be even more fun deciding what to get them compared to not knowing the person at all and being lost for idea. As part of the Secret Santa all who took part are to post a blog on this day (22/12/13) about who we had and what we got. I had Kat from Dollyrouge so you can check out their blog to see what I got her.

The person who had me was Alex from Pinkelephantbloggin.com. When the parcel came through the door I was so excited to rip it open to find out who had me! I took to twitter to make sure it was okay and also thought maybe I should wait until Christmas day to open it because my family do SS it might be nicer to wait and open it. Then I remembered about having to do this post so I opened it straight away! The lovely ribbon was tossed to the floor. The luxurious wrapping paper was sent flying into the air and I was left at my kitchen table making all sorts of oohing and aah sounds!

The lovely Alex sent me a candy cane, a pair of smartphone gloves from H&M, a gorgeous necklace from H&M, a lip cream from Sleek in Rioja Red and a delightful note book that I will save for the new year for to-do lists. Alex also wrote a lovely card saying how she looked up my blog to find out what I would like which is a nice touch because I really love everything she sent me. 

I must say a big thank you to Aisling for organising the Secret Santa, she put in a lot of time and effort and she has brought a smile to my face and a lot of other bloggers too. Thank you to Alex for sending me such lovely treats make sure you check out her blog.

I'm off to Dublin now to finish off the last of the Christmas shopping so enjoy the rest of your weekend everybody and if you took part in the Secret Santa be sure to leave a link to your post in the comments below.

Love,

Sarah

Have a Pixy Christmas - Gift Guide and Giveaway *International*

Pixy Natural Skincare is a brand I have mentioned many times here in Adoreabubbles blog land. You can check out previous reviews by checking out my Product Review Directory. Born and reared in Co. Cork you really are supporting Irish by purchasing Pixy this Christmas. Pixy was developed to be a fun and fragrant skincare range using pure natural ingredients, I think they have succeeded in their mission. I also like that they are continuously coming up with new fun products for the Irish market.

They have made shopping for Christmas a little easier by making gift sets for all price ranges. Above I have the Red teddy Tutti Fruity bath bomb which costs €9.95 and the newest member to the Shower Mousse family, Coconut Ice Shower Mousse which costs €12.95. You can also pick up a Teddy bath bomb with a strawberry, citrus, lavender, honey and limelight bath bomb. These guys are so cute and make perfect stocking fillers. If like me and you're more of a shower person than a bath person you can pick up the Pixy Mousse in Pineapple, Cocoa, strawberry, spa fresh and lemon sorbet. 

Brown Cow Beauty Boutique in Carrickmines retail Park are just one of the stockists in Co, Dublin where you can purchase Pixy. They are currently selling these beautifully packaged gift sets. You can check out the Pixy Stockist list on their website HERE. Pixy also do free shipping on orders over €10 within Ireland. You can also save 10% off your next order by signing up to the Pixy newsletter on their website.  

To win yourself some Irish natural made Pixy products follow the steps below. Best of Luck and have yourself a Pixy Christmas. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buy Irish this Christmas - Addiebeads Jewellery

It's that time of year again, some find it a joy and some dread it. Finding that perfect gift for your loved ones gets harder each year. Over the next few days I'm going to make it a little bit easier for you to find something special by sharing some of my favourite Irish businesses with you. Why not get your loved ones something unique and support Irish businesses at the same time. Today I'm introducing you to Addiebeads, a handmade beaded jewellery on-line shop owned by Mary Drea in Co Dublin.

Marys Mission
To supply top quality glass beads and findings in vintage bohemian and classic styles at affordable prices. With this in mind Addiesbeads ships free within Ireland and only charges a flat rate of €2 to the UK. You can check out her website for other postal information.

Mary makes wonderful pieces that you will only find in her on-line store. She's also great at updating her Facebook page with new pieces and information on craft fairs where you can find her Addiebeads creations. I bought a lovely pair of Christmas earrings from her last year and have received lots of compliments on them. I'm really happy with the quality and she uses really gorgeous glass beads in her pieces to boot.

Mary started out focusing on selling beads but her pieces have become so popular now she has decided to focus on that just as much coming into the new year. Mary has told me that in the new year she will be "developing a full range of addibeads 'staples'.  Long chain necklaces made to order using crystals and semi precious stones.  Bracelets that will co ordinate, mix and can be layered with either the customers own pieces or mine. It will be an ecclectic mix made with top quality components, all nickel free and tarnish free. Chains will feature and lots of rosary style hand looped and hand wired beads will be the main focus." 

She describes her jewellery style as "very relaxed" with an "earthy twist on bling" and I would have to agree. I think her pieces would suit ladies of all ages and would make the perfect gift for someone special this Christmas. You can peruse her on-line shop and choose a piece with your loved ones favourite colour in mind. She really has something for everyone. I personally love her use of colours and beading designs. 

Addiebeads Links

Like her Facebook page

Visit her Website

Follow her Blog

Follow her on Twitter

Check out her work and let me know what you think in the comments below. Do you know anyone who would be thrilled with an Addiebeads creation this Christmas?

Love,

Sarah

Buy Irish Day 4: Planet Purple Kids

I don't know about you but I personally love doing arts and crafts with children. I think introducing kids to the joys of being creative is one of the best gift you can give them, so when I came across Planet Purple I was delighted to discover that they make handmade Eco friendly kits for children aged 6-12 years to create their very own pencil cases, felt bags, note books and much much more. 

Planet Purple Funky Flower Bag Kit for ages 8 years+ €18

The Planet Purple kits come beautifully presented and the box can also be re-used for storage which I love. Everything needed comes in the kit, even scissors which is great because I know every time I go looking for ours they are nowhere to be found. Does that ever happen to you?! The Planet Purple kits will also provide a basic introduction to pattern cutting, stitching, sewing, gluing and beading.

The Funky Flower bag kits includes: Felt, scissors, sharp needles, pins, thread, buttons, non-toxic glue, glue spreader, sequins, satin ribbon and the instructions. All very good quality, they really have made an effort sourcing their materials.

Your child might need help with the instructions, which is an added bones I think because getting involved in activities your child will only increase their love for arts and crafts. I also think this would be a great activity for grandparents to do with their grandchildren.

Say goodbye to loud battery operated toys, expensive computer games and say hello to happy, fun memories.

I nearly forgot to tell you Planet Purple is a family run business based in Terenure, Co Dublin. Make sure you  check out their website www.planetpurplekids.com and Facebook  page. They will also be taking part in the Caribbean Christmas  pop up shop in Dublin from Thursday 15th to 18th of November. 

Love,

Sarah

This months Ultimate Advertiser is Carter Beauty. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog click HERE

Buy Irish Day 3: Amhain Creations

So far I have brought you gift ideas from Cork and Offaly and today I want to take you to Amhain Creations in Co Carlow. 

The Owner of Amhain Creations is Valarie Coleman.Valarie makes one off knitted and fabric items. Amhain (pronounced A-wah-in) is Irish for one. No two items in her shop will ever be the same, they are each unique in their own way. 

Valarie's mission is "To put colour into the world". I love her mission statement, the world needs more colour. Valerie comes up with her own designs and is also happy to take special requests on orders.

Amhain Creations Neck warmer €10

After taking part in this years Age Action Big Knit campaign I really have developed a new found respect for the art of knitting and cannot begin to comprehend how people create the things they do with wool and knitting needles. I think it's a fantastic skill and only wish I could knit more than mini hats and scarves! 

I was delighted to review this neck warmer from Valarie. It's beautiful, she certainly put colour into my world with the purple wool she chose to use. It's comfortable to wear and sits on my shoulders just perfectly. I am impressed with the quality of this product and have no doubt that it will keep my neck warm for many winters to come.

If you head over to her website you can also see her handmade 

Wraps and shrugs

Baby and toddler clothes  

Mitts

Bags

Handmade one of a kind gifts are wonderful. Amhain creation items are just that and very practical too....baby it's cold outside!

You can also find Amhain creations on Facebook and Twitter

Do you know anyone in your family who would enjoy one of Valarie's creations this Christmas?

Love,

Sarah

This months Ultimate Advertiser is Carter Beauty. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog click HERE