REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Nutrimetics Sweet Pea Posy Fragrance Diffuser...

My passion for colour and fragrance is pretty much limitless, so when I find something that combines the two (especially purple!), I'm literally in heaven. So I did a little happy dance when I spotted this Nutrimetics Sweet Pea Posy Fragrance Diffuser.  It's just the most gorgeous home accessory I've seen in a while, smells divine, so practical and clever, AND it's so beautifully presented ♥...

Most fragrance diffusers use a reed delivery system, but this one has a fabric flower with a wick attached which you sit on/in the open bottle, and the fragrant oil travels up into the petals. They gradually take on the soft violet hue of the liquid, and you're left with a very compact and stunning little posy whose delicate scent permeates the surrounding area ♥ Mine hasn't coloured up yet - takes about 7 days, and I'm so looking forward to the lilac end result. The bottle is heavy and square, so there's barely any risk of it toppling over. It's just the perfect thing to have on your bedside table hey!...

The fragrance is a combination of various flowers - I can't identify anything in particular, but from the name I'm guessing that sweet pea is one of them (lol!), and possibly lilac & violets too. It's a lovely and balanced floral combination, actually one I would dab behind my ears if it was available as an EDP, not fake in any way or overly sweet, and it honestly smells like you have a bunch of spring blooms in the room ♥ RRP is $40, but it's on special at the moment for $30. According to the box, the liquid should last around 4 weeks, but I intend to hang onto the container and fill it with something else (maybe lavender oil?) because I just adore the look of it, plus I don't have to flip any sticks over to maintain the scented radiation...

MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY!

I reckon it's the perfect Mother's Day gift, and so I'm giving one away to one of you lovelies to gift to your precious Mum on her big day (or keep for yourself!) ♥...

And because Mum's are so special, I'm also including this boxed travel-size Nutrimetics Apricot Luxuries Collection containing...

• 50ml Nutrimoist Moisturising Creme
• 50ml Apricot Body Dew
• 50ml Loofah Shower Gel
• Shower Puff

Total prize value is $80, all products were purchased by me, and because of the weight and liquid content, I'll have to restrict this giveaway to...

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!)
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Tigerlily as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Tigerlily please respond to the email I've sent you by

Wednesday 25th April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Tigerlily has claimed her prize ♥

Thanks for entering lovelies - there'll be another giveaway soon!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm repeating that you MUST leave a comment on this page to be included in the draw - in previous giveaways, some lovelies have been entering via the Rafflecopter, but not commenting so PLEASE comment below so that I don't have to disqualify you ♥...

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Glasshouse Fragrances - Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade...

Being a fragrance fanatic, making sure my home smells welcoming, fresh and clean is high on my list of absolute musts. For me choosing the right scent for the household is as important as the perfume I select to adorn my bod every day, and I decided that a new house deserved a new scent. After much sniffing and sampling at David Jones and a local pharmacy, I chose this delectable cocktail from Glasshouse Fragrances - Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade...

The pink packaging doesn't go with my decor at all, but I was so enraptured with the blend of grapefruit, cherry and lemon, I had to have it ♥. Fresh, playful and invigorating, this scent is perfect for my new abode, which for once isn't surrounded or overshadowed by enormous trees, and natural light floods into just about every room. I wanted to build on this bonus of bountiful sunlight by choosing a scent that made me feel like opening up and letting in even more of the joys of life, and Pink Lemonade literally bubbles over with fun ♥...

The diffuser is a generous 250ml, and with the liquid being triple strength, I find I only have to flip the reeds once a week, fortnightly in hot weather. It's by far the most potent diffuser I've ever tried - it costs a little more (RRP $42.95) but so worth it for the wide area it permeates ♥..

I already knew how enriching the hand wash formula was as a few months ago I purchased Manhattan - Little Black Dress, which is a gorgeously sexy scent (I bought it to match the bathroom decor), but it lacked the particularly summery zing I was after. Since adding Pink Lemonade to my vanity bench, I find myself grinning like a loon every time I wash my hands lol ♥...

For those of you with skin sensitivities, it does contain SLS, but I find it super moisturising, and my hands feel and smell so fresh after washing. The bottle is huge (500ml $24.95), solid as a rock, and the sturdy pump dispenses just the right quantity in one squirt. The ingredients list includes rose hip and argan oils, there are no parabens or animal derived products, and woo hoo, this Aussie company doesn't test on animals ♥...

I've only bought the mini candle so far (RRP $18.95), but am working the 350g one (RRP $42,95) and even the GIANT 700g (RRP $79.95) size into the budget. These are stunning candles that burn cleanly, leave no residue in the glass jar, and the scent lingers forever even when it's not lit ♥... 

They are by far the most fragrant candles I've ever come across. I find some other brands have a not so pleasant background or "under-scent" which spoils the effect for me - I guess it's the type of wax that makes the difference. I also have one of these in Rio De Janeiro, which is Passionfruit and Lime - it was my favourite until I discovered Pink Lemonade ♥...

There's also a hand creme in the range which is next on my list. The website offers free shipping over $50, and I took advantage of the 10% discount that comes when you sign up for their newsletter. Gosh there is such a wide variety of equally delish fragrances, and I expect that once we get towards the end of Autumn and the beginning of Winter, I'll probably change to something earthy, or even the Violet & Patchouli. But for now it's Beverly Hills all the way baby! ♥♥♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's ever popular Monday Makeup Madness Linkup Party - come see the best of the blogs ♥...

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle "Comfort" Fragrant Reed Diffuser...

I posted an absolute rave review of Urban Rituelle Fragrant Reed Diffusers back in June, and having just tried another from the range, figured it was high time to reiterate the love ♥ My most recent purchase was Comfort, a stunning blend of Sandalwood and Tangerine. Somehow I just knew I would adore this combination, and I'm confirming that here and now. Boy oh boy, it's a beauty...

Whoever is coming up with these fragrances at UR is a clever and creative cookie, and the name they chose for this beautiful blend is spot on. This calming fragrance has such a soothing effect on my whole being - I feel so cosy and cared for whenever I enter my blogging HQ, which is where this baby has it's home. It's a replacement for the Pink Grapefruit and Lime Zest (Creativity) one that's been keeping me going for the last 4 months, and which still has a couple of weeks of life left in it. But it's time for a change, and loving Sandalwood as I do, this heartwarming mix was irresistible...

Love the colour of the liquid too - the earthy brown just adds to the richness of the whole fragrant experience. Sometimes I touch the reeds just so I can enjoy the scent on my fingers as well...

If Sandalwood is your thing, I guarantee you will adore this blend - the Tangerine is barely noticeable, but there's a faint tangy sweetness that complements the main woody note quite magically. Some might say it's a masculine scent (and I'm certain fellas would go for it big time) but I've never given a hoot about perfume gender - I just know what I love, and I'm head over heels for this comforting concoction ♥

For label lovers, here's what's on the back of the box...

No Urban Rituelle products are tested on animals, and their packaging is not only recyclable, it's elegant and classy too - my only wish is that fragrant oil REFILLS were available (hint hint UR!). I've sent Santa a letter saying I want more of these sets (please!), and I've already added a few of the other varieties to the gift list I'm compiling for family and friends this Christmas - there's no doubt they'll be popular...

How do you feel about woody fragrances - do you love them or loathe them?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Linkup Party is a fun collection of blogs where you're bound to find something you'll enjoy reading - starts 6:30am, don't miss it ♥

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Fragrance Diffusers...

I'm relatively new to "natural" fragrance diffusers - I used to have one of those plugin types in every room in the house, until I read a few articles about the potentially toxic contents of some brands. So I ditched the electric supermarket variety, and started using fragrant candles. While I adore these for creating a relaxing atmosphere and specific mood, I really wanted something that would release a continuous fragrance even when I wasn't at home, and that didn't require monitoring. So I turned to a company that makes superb quality products infused with the gifts of nature, and that's also very dear to my heart - Urban Rituelle...

They currently have around 12 unique fragrances in their diffuser range, and I found it quite torturous trying to decide which one to choose for my first experience. In the end I went for Romance, an exquisite blend of Amber & Musk, two of my favourite scents of all time ♥ I included this as part of the voucher prize I won last December, and it was the perfect choice, not only because the scent is truly magical, but also because it teams so decoratively with my charcoal, grey & white bathroom decor (see pic below). I have this jar of delight sitting on the edge of the spa, and the warming and calming notes of musk, amber and a hint of jasmine gently permeate the whole room. I actually wish they'd release this particular blend in their perfume oil range (hint hint UR!) - I'd be the first to line up to buy it, boy oh boy it's ever so sensuous...

My second choice (during their recent sale) was something for my blogging headquarters, and I went for an enlivening fruity tang - Creativity, the most refreshing and zingy blend of Pink Grapefruit & Lime Zest. When I walk into the office, it's as if someone has just cut some of these citrus gems for a fruit salad - very stimulating, and it's no wonder they gave it the name they did. Not as subtle as the Amber & Musk, but not in the least bit overdone either - just perfect in fact, crisp and tantalising, and if I get too close, my mouth waters ha ha!

The UR fragrance diffusers are all handmade in Australia, they're a very generous 190ml size, non-flammable, and the reeds are made of natural fibre. Life expectancy is from 4-6 months depending on the room air flow, and how often you turn the reeds. I'm always wanting maximum output so I flip mine over twice a week - I SO look forward to this little ritual as I end up with some of the gorgeous smelling oil on my fingers, which is always a fragrant treat ♥. 

UR does not test on animals and all their product packaging is recyclable, although I still have these boxes on my shelf because they're way too pretty to throw away. RRP is $37.50, but they're forever having sales - I don't think I've ever paid full price for anything! What fragrance will I choose next? Gaaaahhhh! What a dilemma, with names like Euphoria (Guava & Lychee), Balance (Fresh Fig & Melon) and Country Garden (Pear & Vanilla), but I can feel Comfort calling me - Sandalwood & Tangerine, mmmmm...yes please ♥

What's your favourite fragrance for your home?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Urban Rituelle Prize!

Another crazily manic week, but I'm here at last, proudly displaying a prize I won for my photography - can't believe it ♥ You must know by now that taking pictures of beautiful things is almost at the top of my list of all consuming passions, and given that Urban Rituelle products are one of my favourite camera subjects, to win their December #myrituelle comp was a thrill that still has me tingling from the tips of my ears all the way down to my toes. But here it is June and I've only just claimed my loot! The prize was a $100 voucher to spend in their store, and the combination of being frantically busy in all areas of my life since Christmas, AND finding it almost impossible to decide what goodies to choose has meant it's taken me this long to place my order, but SO well worth the wait. And I'm posting this tonight because UR are having a BIG sale at the moment, and I thought that showcasing some of their gorgeous products might help you decide what to order if you'd planned on indulging...

I'll be reviewing some of these beauties individually over the next few weeks, but for now, here's a snapshot of what I scored...

Romance Amber & Musk Fragrance Diffuser Set

This is my first diffuser from UR, and I can assure you, the first of many - apart from the fact that this particular fragrance is exquisitely sexy, it looks just so darn classy, and it's a massive 190ml ♥

Mandarin + Basil + Lime Equilibrium Hand Cream

This is my second tube - can't live without this hand saviour, my rave review of it from last December is here.

Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Eucalyptus Organic Hand Cream

This was recommended to me by one of the UR team (thank you Lauren!) and I ordered two, one for me and one for my Mum. But I've fallen so passionately in love with it, I think my Mum is going to miss out - it's the lemoniest lemon fragrance you can possibly imagine...

Passionfruit Lip Balm

UR Lip Balms are my favourite of any brand I've tried - full of natural ingredients plus a sunscreen, I've been keeping my lips in top kissing form with my Ginger Apple one every day since January, and the tin is still half full! This passionfruit delight has a very subtle, sweet fruity fragrance and yummy taste - it was already on special, and this weekend there's a further 15% off. Bargain of the year!

Cotton Candy Organic Lip Balm and Petit Parfum

This smells just like toffee fairy floss, only nicer - I'm stashing the perfume away so I have a sweet treat to look forward to when Spring rescues us all from the big freeze, but the balm will have a place next to my bed (and on my lips), to remind me that Winter isn't forever...

Freebie - Hibiscus & Cranberry Perfume Oil

There's a free gift with every UR order, and it's usually one of their magnificent soaps plus a travel-sized hand cream, so imagine what a surprise it was to find one of my loves (review is here) tucked away inside the parcel. Obviously there's an angel in the dispatch department ♥

As you can see from the pics, the packaging of all products is superb, and I'll be taking advantage of their sale to nab some more favourites, as well as sampling some more wonders from their range.

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Urban Rituelle products are 100% cruelty free and not tested on animals...