StephLeaMead

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

She Was Just Walking Home - A Poem. Sarah Everard.

What it would be like to live in a world,
Where we protect womens bodies and lives,
Like we do cast iron statues of bygone men.

Where when a girl or woman is raped,
We don't ask why she was out, with who
What she was wearing, and when?

Imagine being belived when we tell our stories of abuse,
Instead of hearing instantly, "But where is your proof?"

We're told to cover up, always stay in twos,
But mocked if we don't look attractive, or go together to the loos

Our protests are met with "But not all men!" and feelings of disgust,
But when 150 of us are killed yearly, who are we to trust?

Sarah Everard was just walking home,
She did everything right, she was even on the phone

Her story is unfortunately just one of many more,
It happens to 97% of us by strangers, and behind that closed door

So before you don't listen to our experiences, whilst sitting on that ignorant throne,
Just remmeber one thing; She. Was. Just. Walking. Home.

****
For help, please visit the follow websites:
rapecrisis.org.uk

https://lifecentre.uk.com/

https://www.refuge.org.uk/

http://www.ashianasheffield.org/

https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy-for-sexual-abuse/

R.I.P Sarah Everard. X

Sunday, 14 February 2021

Valentines Day in Lockdown and Femme Luxe Haul!

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Hey everyone!

I hope you're all well and still coping through this lock down - and Happy Valentines day if you're reading this on the day I published!

With this Valentines Day being spent in lockdown, me and my partner are celebrating it by still getting dressed up and having a lovely dinner together with candles and fairy lights in our dining room.

I'm wearing this gorgeous top from Femme Luxe that has very extravagent puffy mesh sleeves and ties at the front - It's so flattering for my tattoos that peek through the material, and it also makes it look like I have boobs which are hardly there, trust me, haha!

You can get this top from their website by clicking here - it's also on sale at the moment, we all love a good bargain I know! They have really similar ones too so I'll give you the links to those here and here - The corsett front is my favourite style at the moment, especially with the milk maid square neck. That's one trend I will be jumping on this Summer when we can hopefully go out again if it's safe!

Before I talk about being in lockdown, my thoughts on Valentines Day normally and whatnot - I'll show you what else I got from FemmeLuxe below!

I got this jumper with the thoughts to lounge around in it at home with some joggers or leggings as fancy loungewear, but now I've seen it on I'm going to also wear this out - I'll style it a few ways and show you guys once I've worn it out! (To work anyway, or shopping... Haha) I'll link this cosy jumper here for you - Which is now also on sale!

The last thing I have in this mini haul is a dogstooth / houndstooth black and white knitted tank top - I'm a little bit obsessed with this thing. I've worn this with my dogtooth berett hat, a white vintage shirt and some black jeans and it is such an effortless but lovely outfit. I'll post more on this item soon showing you how I wear it different ways! FemmeLuxe have this in the reverse colour pattern too, I'll link them both here and here.

SO - Lockdown!

Has anyone else found this one a lot harder than the others? I've not found this harder in the sense of getting used to staying inside and finding it 'weird' but harder as in... I no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel. This virus seems to be sticking around and after now a year of my life being stuck inside, taking a friend away far too young, making my mum really ill and so on...

Logically, I know it's for the best and everyone is going through it together... But as someone who feels incredibly lonely and uses going out to distract themselves from their mental health, it's been hard!

Thats why this year me and my partner are actually celebrating Valentines Day - You see, we don't usually participate in the celebrations, because we both feel that it's just another consumerist, capitalist ploy to get people to spend their money on presents, cards, flowers, gifts and dinners to show their love and appreciation to one another. We do this anyway, so don't need a specific day to shower each other in those things. Maybe I'm a cynic, but I've always thought this way - we go extra hard on Halloween though and get each other 'spooky boxes' full of Halloween things, or just little thoughtful gifts we both know we love. That's our 'Valentines' - It's much more 'us'!

This evening, Karl is cooking me a gorgeous junk food vegan dinner - He's doing homestyle '7 bone' restaurant food, so a big greasy burger and loaded dirty fries! I'm definitely looking forward to that!

He's also done all of the house work I usually do so I could just chill out today - He did end up shrinking one of my favourite vintage items but I won't go into that haha! Oopsie. Can't blame the guy for trying I suppose!

I've just finished Cheat on Netflix after my sister reccomended it to me, and I loved it - It only has the one series at the moment, and I'm not sure they'll bring out another - But it was so interesting. There were so many unexpected twists. If you're into true crime shows, you need to watch it!

The Cecil Hotel documentary is now on Netflix too - I've just watched the first episode and I'm not too sure on it at the moment. I don't know if it's because I know a lot about the case anyway, or perhaps I was too excited for it and the anticipation build up was too much that I've ruined it... But I'll carry on with it as apparently by epsiode 3 it gets much more intersting. If you dont know what I'm talking about, I'm sure you've seen the video of the woman in the lift who seems to be freaking out over something... Well, that's what this docuseries is all about! If I've put you off by saying I'm not too keen, give it a go anyway. What else have you got to do? We're in lockdown, after all...

Lots of love to you all - Stay safe -

StephLeaMead X

Sunday, 8 November 2020

Let's Make Humans Great Again - A Poem - 2020

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Just in case you were wondering what I'm wearing, see below!

Face Mask - ASOS (As a 5 pack) - https://tidd.ly/2U7m1j6

Leopard Print Coat - Originally Primark - Similar here: https://tidd.ly/3pdenC6

Black Midi Smock Dress - ASOS - https://tidd.ly/2U4T474

Brown Auburn Shaggy Cardigan - Originally New Look, Similar here: https://tidd.ly/32pZJ0o

Western Belt with Double Buckle - PrettyLittleThing

Heeled Black Boots - ASOS

Hello, everyone!

How are we all feeling? The world is still feeling a very strange place to be living in right now, doesn't it? The facist Donald Trump has been kicked out of the White House after Joe Biden was voted in (woohoo!) the U.K and other countries have gone back into lockdown, it was Rememberance Sunday today although there were no parades as there usually is due to social distancing, Christmas feels like it might not be the same... Can we have friends and family round our house, can we not? And you know, the heaps of other things going on in the world, not to mention personal things we have going on in our lives anyway.

After the late Caroline Flack (UK TV presenter) sadly commited suicide early this year, the internet and all social media pages were emblazoned with heart felt messages of #BeKind and urging people to speak out about mental health, and through all of this, I thought "Hey, at least people will be kinder to each other. We'll all have more compassion for one another now" but I was wrong...

The empty slogan that people had seemed to have adopted fell flat pretty shortly after this, unfortnately. I've tried to pen my thoughts and feelings down on paper, on this blog, on social media... But haven't found them. My mental state suffered during the first lockdown we were put in in March this year, and with personal family issues happening alongside feeling isolated (literally, and mentally!) and knowing a lot of people feel the same, I have written a small poem with a simple message... Here goes:

Let's make humans great again,
Let's smile at eachother in the streets,
Let's ask people how they are and mean it,
Let's hold the door open for people, just because...

Let's make humans great again,
Let's buy that homeless person a hot drink,
Let's offer to let people go in front of you in the queue,
Let's buy your friend flowers or a happiness token to spread joy, just because...

Let's make humans great again,
Let's listen to everyones opinions, thoughts and feelings,
Let's take an interest in all cultures and Religions,
Let's greet our neighbours with warm waves and "Mornings!", just becuase...

Let's make humans great again,
Let's let bygones be bygones and forgive and forget,
Let's compliment eachother and celebrate our successes,
Let's show our kindness, love and support for every single being, just becuase...

Let's make humans great again,
Let's always say our 'pleases' and 'thank yous'
Let's celebrate each and every one of our quirks, differences and uniquness,
Let's look pass someones gender, race, social class, sexuality, and see them as human, just becuase...

Just because we should. Just because it's right. Just because it's nice to be kind.
Just because...
Let's Make Humans Great Again.

Lots of love - StephLeaMead X

Thursday, 13 August 2020

SUNFLOWERS, 2020 LIVING AND CHIT CHAT OOTD

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OH HEY GUYS,

It's been a hot minute, hasn't it? The world is a strange place right now... Full of ups and downs and who knows whats. This year has gone crazily slow and super fast all at once, if that is even possible. We're already in August, but at the same time... We're only in August?!

I hope you're all staying safe and well during global pandemic weirdness... I'd give you a reminder of social distancing, washing those hands, wearing a mask and the rest of it but I'm sure you've all heard it enough by now! I've been enjoying doing little things again, like visiting the pubs, going shopping and... Picking my own sunflowers at Overstone Grange Farm! (Northamptonshire)

I've picked my own strawberries and apples before, but never sunflowers... So when I saw this lovely little independant place local to me had this event on, I jumped at the chance and brought my little social bubble along with me. It was such lovely weather as well, so much so that my massive sunflowers wilted in the car on the way back haha...

The farm did a great job making sure we were mainting social distancing, and following all the other guidelines that there are at the moment. The lovely girl taking payments for the flowers was in a perspex screened hut which was super cute, but she was baking in there bless her - But still was the kindest thing and complimented my sunflower dress. (Had to dress for the occassion, obvs)

OGF will be doing PYO Pumpkins in October, and I'm so ready for those Autumnal Halloween vibes!

If you're a Northamptonian local like me, you can check them out here and give them a visit - https://www.facebook.com/overstonegrangefarm/ but if not, I'm sure you'll have a pick you own farm near you, too!

As you can tell, myself and partner Karl adore sunflowers - We're both fans and adorers of the artist Van Gogh, and Karl has sunflower tattoos and a Van Gogh art piece on his arm. I'm thinking of getting mine soon, too! They're just such happy flowers, aren't they? We've decided we'd have those as our wedding flowers if we decide to go down the traditional route when we get hitched. (I wanted to go to Las Vegas and have an Elvis impersonator marry us, but Karl isn't so keen haha!)

Without sounding too soppy (You might cringe and I'm sorry not sorry) but I don't think I would have got through the lockdown stage of 2020 without my partner Karl... Or actually, everyone close to me for that matter. I'm the type of person that is always on the go, working, socialising, house work... I do not sit still. I realised in the early part of lockdown that this is me trying to distract myself from my mental health issues, and I had a bit of a wobble through the first few months.
Without Karl, my gorgeous best friend and house mate Sharon and my little sister Jess who also lives with us all and provides the entertainment (She's the funniest thing), I think I'd have gone full on crazy. SO, little appreciation paragraph here. To my other friends and family too - Thank you for being you!

I'm going to be doing a post or two on mental health soon, along with some creative photos and potentially a video too - but at the minute, I'm feeling really happy with where I am. I have a positive outlook at the moment, and don't want to do something that will ruin that, so for now I'm doing my best. To my fellow mental health suffers, anxiety, depression and the rest - I hope you're all doing good right now. I know some people have found lockdown a blessing and it's actually helped the state of their mental health - everyone deals with things in their own way - but I know for some, it's been the worst time for them.
Know there is help out there for you - there is some tips here - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/coping-with-loneliness

and there's some brilliant organisations here - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/ - Some myself and others I know have used and they've been great.

Lots of love to you all, stay safe - take care.
StephLeaMead X

Sunday, 31 May 2020

Teeth Whitening At Home with Smileo!

white 11:23 0

Hey girl hey,

Hope you're all safe and well and surviving the lockdown... Anyone gone completely crazy yet? (a blog post will be up soon telling you how I've dealt with everything! Oh dear, that's all I'll say for now... haha)

SO, today's blog post is all about how I've been keeping my teeth nice and white whilst all of the dentists have been shut for health & safety reasons. I usually go to 44 Derngate which is a private Dentist in Northampton's Town Centre (I have major dentist anxiety but they make me feel super relaxed and I actually look forward to my next appointment?! I reccomed them to everyone!). They clean my teeth for me and whiten them, and I was meant to go for an appointment but of course couldn't... So instead, I've been using Smileo! Read on for my review, experience, a discount code for you (steph10) and before & after pictures:

The reason I chose to use Smileo rather than any other at home teeth whitening kits was because the company is fully 100% vegan and cruelty free - Even before I was vegan, cruelty free products was something I always looked out for. Animal testing is something I've never stood for, I just don't feel it's necessary. Poor little bunnies...
Not only that, all of the ingredients are natural and cause no harm like - for instance, damage to enamel on the teeth, no pain due to chemicals etc. The one I get from my dentist causes me sensitivity around a week after treatment, cold air, hot drinks and cold food really hurts! It's probably becuase it's stronger, but it's interesting to see that they both work.
Also, they have a money back guarentee on all of their products. If you don't see any visible results once you've used them, they will refund you the price you paid. I love that they do this, as I hate to feel like I've wasted my money and this is something that will put me off buying a product if I'm not 100% sure it will work, so most of the time I won't try it - but if I know I can get a refund, I'll be more confident to buy the item - girl can't be wasting any money ya'll.

I chose two products from Smileo - the Smileo Teeth Whitening Kit (The white box you see above, which includes the UV light, colour shade guide and the gel syringes) and also the Charcoal Teeth Whitening Strips (The smaller blue box, with the black product packaging below containing the 3D strips).
Both of these products are a little over £50 each - You don't have to use both together, just one or the other will do. To save a little, you can use my discount code steph10 for 10% off of everything on the website. They give you free post and packaging on all orders over £59 too - you know I love a bargain and saving money when and where I can!

I'll start off with the Teeth Whitening Kit - So it comes with 3 syringes full of the gel which is what turns your teeth whiter. They provide you with more than you need with one full session, as you only need small amounts each time you use it. You pipe it onto the bottom of the sillicone mouth piece, like a tiny dot on each part where the teeth will be, so as you only use this for 10 minutes everyday for 7 days at a time, you won't even use one syringe worth. I've still got over half of one left, and the two full ones as well. When I need a top up I can use this product again - along with my usual whitening tooth paste, and also the charcoal 3D whitening strips too.

The website promises to bring results of 8 shades whiter with a full session, and states you'll be able to notice a difference after the first use - I'm always skeptical when brands say things like this, but after one use my partner noticed a difference - I started noticing properly after the third time using the UV light by just looking in the mirror, but when using the teeth whitening shade guide and comparing my teeth along each tooth picture, I could see the difference - I won't lie I was a bit shocked at first as with the whitening my dentists provide I was positive it would work, and me being a skeptic thought this either wouldn't work or it'd take ages and only a slight difference... But it worked a dream. Considering I'm a black coffee and red wine drinker, and a smoker, it had a lot to contend with, so I'm very impressed. (Hey we all need our vices on life, I just have three ok, haha)

Here's the before and after picture - The white dot you see in the middle of the right front tooth is from my braces years ago and the slight brown stain in the middle of the two front teeth is from smoking - I'm hoping with continuous use the teeth whitening fixes these... Can you see a difference already? (Excuse the no makeup after photo, not that I'm sorry for not always wearing makeup but I feel like the comparison might have been better and easier to see?)

I've now started using the teeth whitening strips, I'm on my third one and as I've just completed the round of the teeth whitening kit I'm ust doing it to keep it up and top it up. I think teeth are so important to our appearance - I recently just finished an Invisalign braces set to fix my crooked front tooth and I'm much happier with them now. They're far from perfect, but much better than what they were...

Overall, I'm super pleased with the Smileo whitening products - I may order the charcoal powder to brush my teeth with next. Remember, if you're thinking of order anything use the discount code steph10 - I don't get anything from you using it, it's just so you guys save a little more. No affliate links, or commision earning here. Though a womans got bills to pay so there's nothing wrong with it, just stating in case you were wondering! :)

Thanks for reading everyone - I hope you enjoyed it, and if you're ordering any products have fun and look forward to your new whiter teeth! You'll have to let me know how it goes, I'd love to see your results!

See you next time, lots of love. Stay positive, safe and be kind...
StephLeaMead X

Follow me on Instagam - @StephLeaMead

Sunday, 19 January 2020

Statement Boots Outfit and 2020 Update!

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My outfit and where to buy: (click the shop name to go to the link!)
Black Knitted Jumper - Primark (Link is a similar one found on ASOS)
Flared Frilly Black Star Celestial Print Trousers - & Other Stories (Link is a similar one found on ASOS)
Black Belt with Double Circle Buckle - Primark (Link is a similar one found on ASOS)
Zebra Print Black & White Statement Heeled Boots - ASOS
Chain Choker with Pendants - ASOS
Tapestry Cat Bag - London Camden Market (I couldn't find anything similar online, but try DePop or eBay!)
Moon and Pearl Ring - ASOS
Big Fluffy Faux Fur Purple Coat - Originally MissGuided, I brought from DePop second hand (Link is similar one found from New Look)

Hello lovely people!
Welcome to my first blog post and outfit of the day of this year, 2020! That sounds so weird to say, doesn't it? Hands up, who is still writing 2019 and scribbling out the year every single time they do paperwork or anything, because me too girl. Me. Too. Haha.

I wonder what 2020 has in store for us all? I didn't really make any solid new years resolutions or anything like that. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of them but I tend to change things as and when I think I need to do better, but if a new year can motivate you then that's amazing. I have a few unhealthy habits which I should have probably kicked by now, but I know I won't stick to them so why disappoint myself, let's be realistic now haha.

Overall, I have a few things I'm slowly but surely changing in my lifestyle. I'm attempting to be more positive regarding every aspect of my life, although I am pretty positive anyway about things, little things get to me that I needn't worry about like; financial struggles that I don't have. I lived a lot of my life without money in my childhood, so even though I'm comfortable financially now, it's still a concept I can't seem to get my head around and I tend to panic about money generally. That's something I need to work on and I'm getting there with help from some amazing friends.

Secondly, I'm not letting toxic people get to me anymore. In the past I have just forced myself to let bad people in my life and keep them there because I feel like I should, even if it negatively impacts my mental health. Now, I'm not allowing that to happen. Whether they are family, friends or work colleagues, I'm distancing myself for my own good. And guess what? I've been happier for it.

Also, I'm trying to be more environmentally friendly - I'm making better decisions about things to help our poor world. There are simple solutions I'm doing and other things that take a bit of getting used to, but every little helps! Some things I'm doing to help are to buy more second hand and vintage garments, charity shopping is great because it saves it from landfill and you're helping a charity out all whilst getting some bargains. Plus, it's a great way of getting rid of clothes and bric a brac you don't use anymore. I'm also now only buying 'naked' products, like shampoo bars from Lush, bars of unwrapped soaps, bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones. I'm hardly 'zero waste' but like I said, every little helps.

Lastly - I'm going to enjoy my life more. I'm going to say yes to everything, even if my anxiety tries to hold me back. Yes to that party, yes to spontaneous trips, yes to that job I'm worried about, yes to new things, yes to talking and meeting new people, yes to different experiences. Yes yes yes.
Disclaimer: Unless I feel super uncomfortable in a situation, you've still gotta take care of yourself. Don't push too hard if it's too much for you! Little steps are still great steps.

So much for not making New Years resi's, there's a bit of a list there haha...

I've been watching a bit more TV recently due to how cold it is, I'm staying in more... I've just finished You on Netflix and I'm in love. I cannot wait for season 3 now, I won't say any spoilers in case you haven't finished it or haven't watched it yet but I'm excited to see what happens with every character left... Still alive... Haha. Penn is an incredible actor, I loved him in Gossip Girl when I watched that way back when and I love him even more now. What a guy...
I've also started watching Unbelievable and Sex Education on Netflix too... I'd recommend both of them, but if you're a sexual abuse survivor maybe make sure you're OK before watching Unbelievable. I've found it to be a hard watch because of how relatable it is and the last episode I watched left me in tears. Take this as a trigger warning if you like...

I also just watched the Storyville of Jonestown which was on BBC (Catch up on i-player) and it was one of the best documentaries I've seen. You get to listen to the accounts of survivors, two of which are HIS SONS, and hear footage of Jim Jones speaking and see real life pictures from during and the aftermath. That literally shook me. It's a two part docu and I cannot recommend enough, if you're interested in cults and murders, definitely give it a go!

What are you New Years Resolutions? Do you have any TV recommendations for me?
As always, thanks so much for reading and your support.
Love, StephLeaMead X

Thursday, 28 November 2019

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY & GIFT GUIDE - WIN A GIFT CARD!

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Happy Holiday season everyone!
OK own up, who is already sorted for Christmas and got everyone's presents, organised who is coming round, which one of you is cooking etc? None of you? Thought so!
Now while I can't help you with the cooking (Trust me, you wouldn't want me to anyway!) or sort out any family politics... I can show you some gorgeous items from independent sellers on the website Etsy to give you ideas for presents, and also offer you the chance to win a gift card so you get £25 to spend on whatever you want on Etsy. I'm good to you, I know, no need to thank me... Haha.
(Giveaway is at the bottom of this post)

So if you've been following me for a while you'll know that I think it's super important to shop small, buy from local sellers, and support independent companies as much as possible. That's why every year near Christmas I showcase some amazing sellers on Etsy to give something unique to buy for presents, rather than your usual bits and bobs from Primark, Amazon and so on...
Imagine how happy the individual creator is when they someone purchases something they've made? I don't think the CEO of Amazon does a happy dance every time he has a sale...

If you want to see what I've hand picked from there, scroll through this list, and enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post (You don't have to do a lot, just follow us on Instagram!) and you can also check out my YouTube video where I show these cute pieces off and talk about them a bit more. You also get to see Murphy, my three-legged adopted cat, being a cheeky bum in it!
Here's the link:

BRITNICSHOP - 'Stay Sexy, Don't Get Murdered' artwork print mug, with postcard and sticker.
So this amazing shop sells mugs, stickers and postcards plus lots more, and this mug is inspired from the podcast I'm obsessed with My Favourite Murder by Karen Kilgariff and Georgie Hardstark - All you fellow Murderinos will be with me on this, it is literally the best podcast I've listened to and I cannot stop listening and looking into the true crime stories. It helps that Karen & Georgia are so damn quotable haha.
So Nicola, who designs and makes these herself, has three different designs of the mugs. There is this one, a Murderino one and a You're in a Cult, Call Your Dad (Like the sticker above) one too, and I need to collect them all!
MFM fans, treat yourself to these or if you know Murderino, this is definitely the perfect gift for them.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/688814956/my-favorite-murder-mug-3-different?ref=shop_home_active_2&crt=1

PAULS JEWELS - Amethyst cluster, rose quartz point and Merkaba star
I'm a massive fan of crystals, I wear them all of the time, have one in my pocket and my house is decorated with them in every nook & cranny I can get them in. I'm into crystal healing and do believe they have powers, but even if that's not your thing you can't deny that they're super pretty!
Pauls Jewels on Etsy is the place to go for all your crystals, I get all of mine from there and the owner is super lovely and knows all about the items so if you want to get yourself some bits or buy them as gifts and want them tailored, give him a message!
Here are links to the three items shown above...
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/633729470/chakra-merkaba-star-sets?ga_search_query=star&ref=shop_items_search_8&frs=1

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/602378250/amethyst-crystal-cluster-raw-crystal?ga_search_query=amethyst&ref=shop_items_search_7&frs=1

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/602364131/rose-quartz-tower-quartz-wand-crystal?ga_search_query=quartz%2Bpoint&ref=shop_items_search_3&frs=1

DEAD MEAT DESIGN Calendar of Murder - True crime & serial killers - 2020
I am in love with this calendar! You've got Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Richard Ramirez and all of the other iconic serial killers of our time you can think of, but in cute illustration form.
I wanted to take this to work with my for my desk but I think I might scare people off so I've kept this one at home, taking pride in my living room instead, haha.
This is another one for Murderinos and true crime lovers like me. It's such a unique gift and to be honest, calendar all together. It's not often you'll see something like this. The beauty of Etsy, everyone... They also sell one on Cults which I may just have to get for 2021 - that one features Jim Jones and if you've never heard of Jonestown cult and murder you have to go look into it!
I might do a video on this soon... Crazy stuff people.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/727664307/2020-a5-desk-calendar-of-murder-for-true?ref=shop_home_feat_1&frs=1

BELLE AME DECOR - Mini Bohemian Macrame with Christmas Holly
Honestly loving all macrame pieces at the moment, and everyone knows if it comes in a mini it's instantly the cutest thing you've ever seen, right? I'm going to pop this little guy near the top of my Christmas tree, then for the rest of the year I'm going to switch it around so you can just see the macrame and a bit of the leaves so it doesn't look Christmassy, and have it hanging on my wall.
Belle Ame Decor is actually based in Northampton where I live, so a big tick in shopping small and local for me!
She creates some absolutely gorgeous massive dream catchers too, and I absolutely need one above my bed immediately! Yes, need...
(p.s I cannot pronounce macrame and I hope I pronounced it right in my YouTube video haha)
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/744043879/mini-christmas-macrame-wall-hanging-on-a?ga_search_query=mini&ref=shop_items_search_2&frs=1

DAISY SHOP UK - Dried gypsophila / babys breath flowers
What's better than a bunch of flowers? Dried ones, duh. Every time I get flowers from my partner I always dry them out to preserve them and keep them as decor around the house or props for photos, or even to add to the aesthetic of my bride & grooms wedding presentation boxes. As well as lasting longer than fresh flowers, I think they also look so much prettier!
I love using old glass alcohol bottles as vases like above, I think it looks so cute.
Daisy Shop sells loads of other dried flowers too, and I'm thinking of getting some Lavender and Roses and making a little boho looking bouquet to go on my makeup table.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/647850815/gypsophila-bunch-dried-in-sussex-dried?ref=shop_home_feat_3&frs=1

KOVEN KANDIE - Skeleton Pendant Necklace and Serpent Snake Earrings
I'm literally a sucker for anything skeletal so when I saw a fellow blogger had started creating her own jewellery I asked her to make me a skeleton necklace and she came through with this gorgeous thing! SO in love. (random but funny side story; I used to be anorexic and my mum wouldn't let me get a skeleton necklace as she said it's like me wearing myself hahah)
She also does a skeleton hand one, and a sun and moon zodiac necklace which I adore. Maybe she'll create something especially for you, too? Message her!
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/736544206/skeleton-sora-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_5&frs=1

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/736548884/mother-moon-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_4&frs=1

EMBER CANDLE CO - Skull Shape Candle - Pastel and Palma Violet Scented
Told you I can't keep away from skulls... How perfect is this candle though, seriously? ECC sell all sorts of skull candles and wax melts like this, they're amazing. With this candle, you can choose the colour and also scent like cotton candy, salted caramel and and bubblegum.
They also do larger sizes in matte black, soy wax melts that come in little coffins and skull shaped room scenters.
I'm not sure I'm going to be able to bring myself to light this little guy, he's just too cute...
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/210961660/pastel-skull-candle-100-soy-wax-your?ref=shop_home_feat_4&pro=1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for checking out this gift guide and entering the giveaway, good luck to you all!
Have a great Christmas,
love StephLeaMead X