I wanted to take a moment to talk about one of my favourite companies: LUSH.

Although you may find their products to be a bit pricier than some drugstore beauty products, there’s good reason for it, and no doubt – you’re worth it!

To begin with, LUSH products are made from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, fine essential oils and safe synthetics. They also make them all fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and with indication of when the products were made. Testing on animals is also a big no-no for them.

So I picked out a few of my faves for you:

1. Ocean Salt. Why I like it: Like? No, LOVE. Because it’s the best scrub I’ve ever encountered, with vodka infused lime, grapefruit and sea salt, balanced with moisturizing fresh avocado butter and coconut fat. Leaves me smelling like a delicious summer drink and an afternoon on the beach.
2. Mange Too Massage Bar. Why I like it: Mouth-watering white chocolate, honey, banana, and subtle peppermint. What more can I say? I’ve been slightly tempted at times to take a bite from this bar, but better to start with a massage first. Then who knows? You might end up tasting a bit for yourself later… if you get what I’m saying. ;) So if you’re looking to spruce things up a bit – this is the ticket.
3. Think Pink Bath Bomb. Why I like it: This what I like to call “girls night in”… but for one. A hot, fizzing, pink bath makes me feel relaxed and feminine. And the money for these pretties goes towards fighting Breast Cancer. So you can feel really good about taking a bath with this bomb… except don’t eat the little flower candies. They’re just for fun.

{images from MAZE blog, LUSH and TheBeauty2U}

These vintage-inspired stoneware lace dishes by Kim Wallace are beautifully romantic, yet indie. They have the potential to make a great personal set for the home, as each piece is unique and you do not have to stick with just one colour – why not get a mix? They also vary in pattern, from elodie, to nyala, to lune. Finally – an elegant, modern approach to the lace dolly. Much better than the ones lying around your grandma’s place.

According to the online Australian gallery shop Udessi, each dish is made by pressing a vintage lace doily into the clay whilst wet, leaving the detailed pattern of the lace behind, and then finished with a coloured underglaze and clear gloss glaze.

Check them out here! I am SO in love.

{photos from Udessi}

Julene Harrison makes amazing custom hand-cut paper designs. The artwork is delicate and detailed. A framed custom design will make a unique and memorable gift for a special couple :)

{photos from Made By Julene}

I LOVE channa masala. Well, I just flat-out love chickpeas. I never considered that they would be of any use outside of consumption, but these handmade seed, bean, and pea balls have proven me wrong. They’re so simple and unique, with varying knobby textures that just beg to be touched. I can’t wait to make a few of my own for my x-mas tree.

{images from makalewklan on Etsy}

These Lapland bracelets originate from the Sami culture of Northern Europe, but have been catching on in North America with many celebrities and fashion icons. Perhaps they will make their way into your wedding as bridesmaids gifts or an accessory?

Here are some handmade ones from Etsy seller, SwedArt. They carry a wide selection of patterns in various coloured leathers too, including special metallic leathers that are simply gorgeous. The bracelets are made out of genuine reindeer leather and pewter to create these intricate designs.

{images from Vogue and SwedArt on Etsy}

I love stumble-upons! Today I somehow found myself at the website for Twigs and Heather, a pair of twin sisters named Heather and Kerry Alice Collins who produce handcrafted sterling silver jewelery inspired by nature. Their work is self-described as “part rock star, part silly romantic”. Each piece uses the lost wax casting method with ‘a few tricks of their own’. You can visit their page to admire all the beauty and perhaps even purchase an item or two to complete your forest-inspired look.

{photos from Twigs and Heather}