Unboxing Papergang - Box No. 44 - October 2019 Edition - Papergang x blurt *

Right after a couple of rubbish weeks,  I've actually had a busy but productive week - on Tuesday we celebrated my Godmothers birthday,  I managed my first trip to the Metro Centre in months and had a meal with Mummy Lou, and I've also managed to do quite a bit of blog prep. I've got a haul post, a super rare outfit post, a kitchen review, and a high end beauty review to come but first I'm going to play catch up and get on with my October unboxing's, minus the furry photo bomber ;)

As well as their usual involvement with Tree Add, Octobers Papergang box was produced in association with The Blurt Foundation. Although charity is a really personal thing, The Blurt Foundation is a charity that's quite close to my heart. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for many years now, and The Blurt Foundation is a charity that's dedicated to spreading awareness and understanding about depression and mental health, and £1 from every October box sold was donated to The Blurt Foundation, you can find out more about the charity and their work here.

The theme of October's box is happiness, and that's reflected in the very Max friendly, colour palette, and the cheerful, brightly coloured, almost doodle style design of the outer box sleeve.

Underneath the jazzy, sleeve you find the usual brown cardboard box, and the contents inside the box is wrapped in a sheet of bright orange tissue paper.

The first item in the box as per usual, is the information booklet. October's booklet focused on the work of The Blurt Foundation, and the work they do in drawing attention to mental health issues, and as per usual it also included a designer profile, of the creator of October's box Melanie Johnsson.

Competition Colouring Poster

Now, normally the outer sleeve of the Papergang box contains either something to cut out and make or something to cut out and use, October's box though, didn't. In this crazy world, that we live, it's really important that we all take some time out, to chill out, to relax and to regroup, and one of the biggest trends in the last few years has been colour or colouring therapy. Adult colouring books are huge at the moment, and a lot of people find it a good way to regain focus.  So instead of the cut outs, October's box contained a poster, that you can colour in and decorate in any way that you wish. 

Not only that but if you share your finished creation with Papergang, either via email, or via social media before 28th November 2019, then one lucky winner, will receive a 6 month subscription to Papergang.

I haven't started mine yet but I've got a few ideas what I'm going to do, i just need to make some time to do it.

Happiness Planner 

Next a gorgeous, fabric backed book featuring the same eye catching doodle style, squiggles, crowns and stars, as the outer box sleeve, only on a off white coloured background, and with the words "HAPPINESS PLANNER" embossed on the front in a metallic, copper orange.

Featuring a ribbon page marker, and a sheet of coordinating stickers, it's a sort of organiser / planner but instead of being a conventional diary it contains space to write down happy things, and to highlight the positives in each day. It also contains pages with motivational / positive statements and phrases.

I know things like this aren't for everybody, but I'm a firm believer in trying to find the positives in life. Last year I did the 365 days of happiness tag on Instagram (I'm @LouLou699 if you fancy a follow), where every day for a whole year I posted a picture of something that made me happy, or of something good that had happened that day. I know it doesn't always seem that way but I do think that there is something good in each, no matter how small, it's just that sometimes it takes a bit of finding, and hopefully writing things down in a planner like this might help us put things into perspective, and help us find the positives. As per usual with Papergang the quality is excellent, it's a well made nice thick book and it contains STICKERS!! Unfortunately I can't find anything similar on Ohh Deer so I can't give a price comparison.

Scratch & Reveal Postcards

The next item is actually 6 items in one, it's a set of 6 scratch and reveal postcards. Using the same colour palette, and doodle style design, they aren't just plain postcards, every one has a scratch off section, like a lottery scratch card, that features a motivational quote or a phrase. The postcards include quotes and phrases on Live, Trust, Dream, Do, Nurture and Listen.

I've only scratched off one, all be it a little too vigorously, but I love the whole concept, either to reinforce self belief, or to let someone else know that you are there for them.

These particular postcards are exclusive to this kit, but plain, non scratch postcards, retail at around 75p each on Ohh Deer.

Dual Tip Art Pens 

Next up a set of pens. Now although you only get 4 pens, they are actually double ended so you actually get 8. You can a yellow, and an almost neon orange, blue, and pink. As I say each pen is double ended, one end is a fine liner pen that's ideal for handwriting, the other end is almost a brush marker style, felt tip.

The colours are lovely, and so cheerful. The pens have a nice angular feel, which makes them easy to hold, and they almost seem to taper slightly towards the fine liner end, which it makes the pen easier to control, and to write with. Again the pens are exclusive to this box, and there is nothing similar on the Ohh Deer website. 

Universal Calendar Card

Finally the ever present Universal Calendar Card, which coordinates perfectly with the rest of the box, and features the same crown, triangle, swirl, and splat type design, only with a slightly blurry finish and in much brighter almost neon tones. 

Although I've had Papergang boxes with more items in them, I still really liked this box, and the whole self care theme, and I can't wait to start filling in my happiness planner, and colouring in my poster. If you fancy trying Papergang for yourself, you've still get time to get your hands on November's winter, Hygge, themed box, so please click my link to find out more x 

*This Post Contains Affiliate And Non Affiliate Links

Unboxing Papergang Box - No 41 - July 2019 Edition - In Bloom*

If I was ever to let you have a look inside my wardrobe and even just in my bedroom, then you'd probably learn a few things about me. The first thing that you'd probably notice is that I'm not the tidiest or most organised of people, but then you'd probably notice that I have a bit of a thing for florals. I love subtle, cute girly florals, and I love gaudy, bright, retro floral prints. Whether they're real ones in a vase, in a print on a dress or even on a cushion, flowers just make me happy, and that's why July's Papergang box with its "In Bloom" theme is right up my garden path.

July's box is designed and curated by illustrator Chloe Hall, who is famous for her calming print and patterns that are inspired by nature. She is the perfect fit for the July box which is about flowers, botanicals and floral prints.

The usual brown cardboard box, is surrounded as per usual by a themed, cut out, Papergang sleeve, which sets the tone for the entire box. This time it features a floral design in shades of pink, peach, greens and neutral tones. In the past we've had book marks and even a cut out whale but this time the back of the box features some cut out and use pretty floral gift tags.

The contents of the box like last month, is wrapped in bright blue tissue paper, a sheet of tissue is always useful for gift wrapping and so on, but I can't help feeling that the bright blue isn't exactly in keeping with the colour tones, and theme of the box.

The first thing that you always get in the Papergang box is the usual information booklet that tells you a little bit about the contents and it also features a Q&A with illustrator and designer, Chloe Hall who talks about her work and her inspirations, it's a nice addition but as per usual the rest of the contents is way more exciting.

A5 Letter Set

The first item in the box is a letter set which includes 10 sheets of writing paper, and 10 matching envelopes, both featuring the same floral bright and pastel floral design as the outer box sleeve. Both the sheets of writing paper and the envelopes are printed in the UK onto FSC certified paper stock.

The paper is a nice quality and I love the floral design. Like most people I've got out of the habit of writing letters which is a real shame. Letters can have way more of an impact and meaning that just a text message or a phone call, you can keep a letter and keep a memory. There is always someone that we need to say thank you to or even to just say hello, so why not write them a letter instead of sending a Whatsapp or writing on their Facebook wall, it's definitely something that I want to try and do more of. There is no value put against any of the items in this box, and I can't find anything similar on the Ohh Deer website.

A6 Notebook 

Next up a small A6, lined,  paperback notebook, which again features the floral box pattern, it has the word "notes" embossed on the front in gold foil. Again it's printed in the UK, this time using eco friendly toners and vegetable based inks.

Although I find A6 and small notebooks a little bit too small for blog planning, they are really useful for notes and reminders. So many people (me included) use their phones for making notes and setting reminders now, but I love the whole idea of using a pen and paper. This notebook is perfect for when you're on the go and you could probably fit it in a large pocket or even a tiny handbag. 

Again no price is given on this, but similar sized notebooks retail on Ohh Deer at around £5.95 for a pack of three.

Document Holder

The next item is a canvas feel, fabric, zip up pouch, that features the same floral design as the rest of the items in the box only in slightly brighter, more vibrant colours. Officially called a document holder, it would be great as an extra large pencil case, or as a cheery way to store receipts and paperwork. Since beauty is my thing though I'll probably use it as a make up or a toiletry bag. It's not the biggest of bags when it comes to documents but the entire contents of the box easily fits inside. As with everything else in the July edition there is no value given.

Sticker Sheet 

As I mentioned in my previous Papergang post (read it here if you haven't already) I love stickers, not quite as much as I love florals, but I do love stickers, so I was really pleased to receive a lovely sheet of coordinating floral stickers in this months box. It's the same size sheet as the ocean themed stickers in last months box, so it isn't the biggest sheet, but it contains 13 lovely stickers that will work perfectly alongside the writing set. There isn't any value placed on this sticker sheet but Ohh Deer sell similar packs of 3 sticker sheets for around £4.95.

Bullet Pen

Notebooks and writing sets are all well and good but paper isn't much use without a pen. Officially described as a bullet pen, this is a long skinny curved pen that almost resembles a chopstick. It's navy blue, and gold in colour and the Ohh Deer logo is embossed on the side. It has a twist mechanism and it writes in blue ink. 

Universal Calendar Card 

The final item in the box as per usual in the universal calendar card. Like all of the items it features the same floral design, but this tome in washed out, almost pixelated shades of pink, dark leaves and green numbers. 

I love florals and I loved this box. Again I love the way that the theme carries through the whole box, and that every item is coordinated and works so well together. As I said earlier there were no values given for any item in this months box so it's really hard to say whether or not the box was worth the money. Being a stationery addict I love the whole concept of Papergang but I've got to be honest and say that I'm not 100% sure that it represents real value for money, and whether I could get similar or equally nice things elsewhere. As I say I do love the box, and I like the ones that I've had so far, so I'm going to stick with it for now but I don't think that I'm going to end up being a long term subscriber, and I think that I'll probably be cancelling sooner rather than later. If you're interested in finding out more about Papergang please check out their website here, and don't forget to let me know what you think about this box in the comments x

*Post Contains Affiliate Links 

Unboxing Papergang Box - No. 40 - June 2019 Edition - Under The Sea*

Happy Friday Everyone x I hope you've all had a fab end to the week and I hope that the sun is shining where ever you are? It's been a gorgeous in my little part of County Durham today and with tomorrow set to be even hotter, there is nothing better than a trip to the beach. Unfortunately I think the farthest I'll be going this weekend is Tesco so I'll try and console myself with June's sea shore themed Papergang box.

I received my first special priced Papergang box last month (read my post here) and I was impressed enough to continue on with my subscription. Alas this box was full price, but I'm really happy with it so I'm not complaining. In keeping with the summer weather and a lot of news stories recently this box has a sea and sea creature them, and as well as the regular donations to Tree Aid, £1 from every Under The Sea themed box sold will be donated to the Marine Conservation Society, who's aim is to protect our seas, coasts and marine wildlife.

The plain brown cardboard box comes with a beautifully designed outer sleeve, featuring the Papergang cut out logo, and a green toned sea creature design on one side, and a blue whale cut out on the reverse.

Open the letterbox friendly brown cardboard box, and you're greeted by a lovely little parcel, all neatly wrapped in a single sheet of bright blue tissue paper, which you can of course reuse.

The first thing that you get in the box is a little information booklet in the same green toned sea creature print. It contains a lot of useful information on how to cut down on single use plastics, and it gives you a little bit more information on the work of the Marine Conservation Society.

The booklet also tells you a little bit about the designer of the box, one of Ohh Deer's in house designers, Jack Carter, and his inspirations, and motivations.

From the first moment that you peel back the tissue paper it's obvious that every single item shares the same theme and the same sea creature design - every item has been designed to work together and I think that's exactly what makes this box so unusual - everything is thought out and nothing seems to be just thrown in to make up the value.

A5 Perfect Bound Notebook - RRP £8.95

The first item in the box is a gorgeous soft backed, A5 notebook. Printed in the UK is features a dark blue / teal cover with a fun brightly coloured sea creature design, with circular foil accents and lettering.

Despite being a soft back it's really sturdy and really good quality. it features white alternate lined and plain pages making it ideal for journalling, or just writing, drawing and doodling. 

Like all of the items in the box this notebook is exclusive to the box so it isn't available separately but similar perfect bound notebooks retail at around £8.95 from Ohh Deer.

Enamel Pin - RRP £5.95

I mentioned in my previous Papergang post that I preferred pins and badges, to iron on patches, so I was really happy to receive a pin in this months box.

It seems as though Narwhals are the new unicorns, they're everywhere at the moment, and as yet I haven't embraced the trend, but with this gorgeous gold tone, black, blue and white enamel raised pin, I can embrace the unicorn of the sea, without looking childish.

Again this pin is exclusive to the box but similar sized pins retail between £4.95 and £5.95 on Ohh Deer.

Sticker Sheet - £1

Something else that I mentioned in my previous Papergang post was my love of stickers, I've loved stickers since I was tiny, and I still get way too excited when I see some nice ones, and these are particularly cute.

With a dark blue, teal green background and bright colours, these stickers are the perfect companion to the notebook. You get plants, starfish, whales, dolphins, narwhals, an octopus, and how amazing is that hammerhead shark? It isn't the biggest sheet of stickers I've ever seen but STICKERS! There are no prices on individual sticker sheets like this on Ohh Deer but packs of four seem to retail at around £4.95.

A5 Art Print - £9

Next up a small art print featuring the same sea creature design as the outer box, holographic foil dots, and the almost familiar phrase now "THERE IS NO PLANET B" in a faded pink typeface. This isn't the thickest of card stock in fact it's actually more of a thick paper but it's a nice print and I think it would like nice either framed or just stuck to a noticeboard, in a lot of settings. I can't really find anything comparable on the Ohh Deer website so I can't really give you any idea of a price other than the £9 price tag that Papergang have quoted.

2 x Metal Straws - RRP £5.50

Okay, look at the item description, and look at my photos - spot the mistake? Yup instead of two metal straws I got three, all lovingly protected in a lovely silhouetted sea creature designed fabric pouch.

I've got to say that I am not the biggest fan of paper straws, they might look nice and be kinder to the environment but in my experience they always go soggy and start falling apart, so I was actually debating on whether or not to buy myself a set of metal straws, but now I don't have too!

Unfortunately they didn't come with a cleaning brush, but I managed to get one on ebay for 99p so I'm a happy bunny and I will be putting these in my handbag to use with my frappuccinos.

I can't find anything like these on Ohh Deer but you can get them pretty much anywhere now and they are a worthwhile investment.

Universal Calendar Card - No Value Given

Like in last months box, June's selection also contains a universal calendar card, so I think these cards must be a regular item. In keeping with the marine theme but this time in a slightly different shade of turquoise, blue it features the same sea life design, and again spaces for you to customise the card to what ever month you chose. There is no value placed on the card.

As much as I liked my first box, I have to say that I actually prefer this one, it contains stickers, some nice stationery pieces, and a pin that I'll definitely wear. The standout for me though has to be the straws, I drink an awful lot of iced coffees and frappuccinos in the summer months so they will definitely help me cut down on my own personal use of single use plastic. If you fancy trying Papergang for yourself July's box is now on sale and the theme is In Bloom, I love florals so I can't wait for this particular box to arrive - check out Papergang to find out more x 

*Post Contains Affiliate Links

A Budget Home, Lifestyle And Stationery Haul

I know that you guys all love a haul so as a special treat I'm sharing a bit of exclusive content with you. I don't know if you aware of it but I have a You Tube channel, where I mainly post unboxings, and haul videos. A lot of the time I make videos to accompany blog posts and vice versa, but every now and then I shoot a haul video exclusively for my You Tube followers. When I do that I sometimes feel a little bit guilty that some of my blog followers may be missing out so today I thought I'd one of my You Tube channel exclusive hauls with you.

Today it's a bargaintastic home, lifestyle and stationery haul from a variety of stores including Poundland, Tiger and Aldi, and the good news is that the most expensive item was just £5

If you're on a mobile device and you can't see this video please check it out via this link x If you have questions on any of the items that I bought then leave me a comment either below or on my You Tube channel and I'll get back to you x 

Viva La Nails Black and White Sticker Strips

If you have been reading my blog for a little while now, you'll have noticed I've been doing a few reviews of Viva La Nails products, one of the products I tested was some individual nail stickers - little flowers in my case. One of the other products I was sent was some black and white crystal detail sticker strips shaped like little hearts.
These work on the same principle s the previous stickers I reviewed - all you do is peel them from the backing sheet and stick them to your nails, and then apply a coat of top coat.

I decided to used these strips to emphasise the tips of my nails over Models Own Lilac Dream. First of I cut the strips into sections just a tiny bit bigger than my nails, I then stuck them down and trimmed the edges - this was a bit fiddly especially on my right hand but Mummy LouLou stepped in to help. I then put a coat of Jessica Brilliance top coat over the finished design. I did find that I need to use more than one coat of top coat which I also had to reapply more often with this design especially on the edges of the strips where I had trimmed them, I don't know why this was maybe I has tampered with the sticky whilst trimming them, or whether it's because they are on the ends of my fingers and experienced more wear, I don't know but I don't think it detracts from the overall look which is think is quirky but sophisticated - what do you think?





I was sent these stickers for review purposes but this hasn't altered my opinion in any way. The product featured here is Black Stickers NSB23 which is available from Viva La Nails for £1.95 - many other designs and colours are available. I've actually purchased some more stickers and water decals from Viva La Nails - I won't be doing a post on it but I will be doing a You Tube video so don't forget to check out my channel, and expect to see some more design in future NOTD posts :) My last Viva La Nails post will be a review of crystals, beads,sequins and cotton pieces so don't forget to keep checking back xx Any questions please let me know xx