AUTUMN/WINTER CANDLES 2019

October 02, 2019 by Mr Luke Christian

There’s nothing more I love in the Autumn/Winter seasons than to light up a gorgeous scented candle to make me feel all cosy! I have put together a Gift Guide featuring 6 candles which range from spicy to creamy and mellow to smokey - something for every mood.

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A/W CANDLES 2019

Matthew Williamson - Midnight Jungle 200g

Candle Notes: Blackcurrant Leaves, Red Fruits, Fig Leaves, Jasmine, Gardenia, Undergrowth, Cypriol, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Chocolate, Vanilla, Honey

Typically known for his bold, colourful designs, Matthew Williamson has a wide range of candles and I was lucky enough to have received one; Midnight Jungle. A soft, creamy scent that lightly fills up an area and is better suited for those who prefer an understated candle.

Inspired by the exotic and dense jungle terrain, this Midnight Jungle is decorated in a glass vessel with an ‘Ikat’ pattern, an elegant design that not only looks elegant, but smells elegant too! To purchase, click here.

Diptyque - Narguile

Candle Notes: Honey, Tobacco Leaves, Spices

Diptyque are one of my go-to brands when it comes to home scents. I am a huge fan of their candles, preferably their rich, creamy scents such as Vanille and Benjoin. I could smell the Narguile scent pouring out of its box prior to opening it up and instantly knew this was going to be a favourite of mine…

A spicy candle that has the creaminess of the honey to add a layer of warmth to the scent, I love how this candle can be smelt instantly, and long after being burnt out! Narguile by Diptyque is best for those who enjoy a spicy scent and to purchase, click here.

Bellerose - Ambre Gris

Candle Notes: Cardamom Essence, Sandalwood, Cloves, Leather

This Ambre Gris scent has a woody, outdoorsy feel to it yet has that spicy kick which adds another dimension to the candle.

I like that this scent doesn’t feel too overbearing yet doesn’t fade away into the background. Perfect for those lazy, Sunday afternoons! To purchase, click here.

Maison Margiela Replica - By The Fireplace

Candle Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Pink pepper, Ylang-Ylang, Coconut Milk, Musk, Heliotrope

If you have smelt the fragrance of By The Fireplace, then I have to say, that the candle version of this scent is much stronger than the fragrance! Bold, heavy and powerful, By The Fireplace completely envelops any space within your home and certainly packs a punch.

I would recommend that this candle is for those who like to make a statement and to feel a sense of warmth in the room! To purchase, click here.

Jonathan Ward - Afreet

Candle Notes: Blackberry Leaf, Neroli, Black Pepper, Licorice Root, Black Amber, Jasmine, Guaiac Wood

Using a certified organic wax, this Afreet candle is the only one within this Gift Guide that has two wicks! A sweet and sensual scent, I would recommend that this candle is better suited for those who enjoy a scent that is strong enough to stand out, yet not too strong that it becomes overpowering.

I also love the design of the glass itself, doubling up as the perfect interiors gift! To purchase, click here.

Acqua Di Parma - Buongiorno

Candle Notes: Italian Lemon, Mint Leaves, Rosemary, Lavandin, Jasmin, Cedarwood, Musk

Although you could say that this Buongiorno candle is geared a little more towards the Summer season, I wanted to feature this in this particular Gift Guide because it is rather powerful and has a heavy throw!

I enjoy lighting this up to reminisce about being somewhere hot despite the fact it is rather chilly outside… This candle is better suited for those who enjoy a fresh yet bold scent and can be purchased here.

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I hope you have enjoyed my Autumn/Winter Candles Gift Guide for this year and I hope that I have inspired you to try some of these out!

Have you smelt any of these before? If so, which ones? Do you have any candles you’re currently burning that you think I should try? I would love to know! Leave me a comment below and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button.

*Please note these candles apart from Bellerose had all been gifted to me for the purpose of this review.

DEAF IDENTITY

September 24, 2019 by Mr Luke Christian

For the past 5 months I have been working silently on creating a new brand/business; DEAF IDENTITY.

Growing up as a deaf person, I was always told how to be, how to behave, how deaf I actually am, I never knew where I belonged or how to fit in, and I always felt that my deafness was up for debate.

/ ‘Well you wear hearing aids so you’re deaf’. / ‘Well you don’t look deaf’. / ‘If you can’t sign then you’re not really deaf’. / ‘Turn your hearing aids up, I’m not repeating myself again’. / ‘You’re not that deaf because you can speak to me and have good speech’. / ‘Ugh, never mind it doesn’t matter’. ///

Since becoming more secure of my #DEAFIDENTITY and how strongly I feel in terms of identifying as a deaf person, I feel incredibly passionate about showing to the world that actually, there is no right or wrong way to be deaf, and that no matter how people might judge or speak to you, they can never take away how you identify as a deaf person.

Growing up, I never had a deaf role model, or a deaf group to identify with, and in today’s society and media where diversity is being spoken about strongly, I’m still yet to see any diversity when it comes to deaf issues and deaf awareness? I love fashion and mixing it whilst raising deaf awareness, is something I feel incredibly strong and passionate about!

Over the next week I will be releasing content over on @deafidentity ahead of its official release this upcoming Friday 27th September at 6pm, and I do hope that you will join me on my new journey, and to realise that it’s time that deafness got recognised, spoken about and more importantly - heard.

MAISON MARGIELA - WHISPERS IN THE LIBRARY

September 17, 2019 by Mr Luke Christian

Maison Margiela have recently released two new fragrances; Under The Lemon Trees and Whispers In The Library. Both of these fragrances are part of the ‘Replica’ line which aim to evoke memories of places, times and people, and as we begin to move into the Autumn season here in the United Kingdom, Whispers In The Library is an ideal transitional fragrance!

WHISPERS IN THE LIBRARY

Top Notes: Orange Blossom, Pepper
Middle Notes: Cypriol, Patchouli
Base Notes: Cedar, Vetiver, Vanilla Absolute, Tonka Bean

Whispers In The Library begins with a spicy kick that initially feels creamy and sharp, but then quickly softens into a warm, woody accord. Once the dry-down begins, the fragrance stays pretty linear and ultimately has an overall woody feel to it.

If you have ever smelt ‘By The Fireplace’ I would describe this as a ‘younger, softer’ version of that fragrance. They both equally have this warmth, enveloping feel to them which packs a punch for the colder, Autumn weather!

The overall longevity of Whispers In The Library stayed upon my skin for an impressive 7 hours given that this is classed as an Eau De Toilette, and its sillage is medium to heavy.

A little side note and I don’t particularly know why, but when I initially wore this for the very first time, it immediately took me back to my time in Paris 2 years ago… There’s something about the notes and the fragrance that highlights my time spent there, and that’s exactly what I love about the Maison Margiela ‘Replica’ fragrances! They always transport you to a different place or bring back forgotten memories.

Available in 100ml, and 10ml as a Travel Spray you can purchase and find out more details here.

Be sure to read my other reviews on Maison Margiela: Replica fragrances below -

Under The Lemon Trees | By The Fireplace | Filters | Gender Anonymous | Jazz Club Candle

Have you smelt Whispers In The Library before? If so, what are your thoughts? Have you smelt any Maison Margiela fragrances? Which ones? I would love to hear from you, so don’t forget to leave me a comment below and click the ‘like’ button!

AUDACIOUS

September 11, 2019 by Mr Luke Christian

(AD/Sponsored)

One of the things that I have never been able to deal with being deaf, is being able to communicate effectively via the telephone/mobile. It has always been a struggle for me, and being deaf from birth, this is something that I have just had to ‘put up with’.

The times where I have had to be on the phone, I have had to turn the volume up to full, and have the speaker mode on. Not exactly ideal for public situations! Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t all ‘woe is me’ and an X Factor sob story, as when I am able to communicate on the phone, it’s in a very quiet environment and the person calling me on the other line is usually fully aware that I am deaf so take that into consideration.

I had recently been contacted by Audacious, a new mobile network that aims to optimise sounds for people with hearing loss, to make their calls easier to understand. When this opportunity arose, at first I was sceptical but was rather intrigued to see if it would actually work and most of all, help me to hear on the phone better!

How Audacious works

To set up a profile and in order to get the correct settings for your phone in terms of volume, you can go to the Audacious website and take a ‘Sound Check’. All you need for this is a computer and your mobile phone. The test begins by taking a few basic details from you and then the Sound Check will ring your phone and the test will start.

If you have been to an audiology appointment before where you’re sat in a soundproof room or booth and you have to wear headphones with a clicker to click every time you hear a sound, it’s exactly like that! There are a few different sounds which get played at different levels of volume and frequency, so every time you hear a sound, you can either hit the space bar or click the button. The test takes roughly just under 5 minutes and once the test is complete, Audacious will then determine the best level of volume for you to be able to use your phone on based on your Sound Check.

Once your phone has been adjusted to your results from your Sound Check, you do have the option of being able to select your own volume also. If you feel that what Audacious have set your phone to is perhaps a little quieter than you’d like, or a little louder, then you can adjust this yourself by selecting the volume on the dial to the level you feel most comfortable with. To take a Sound Check for yourself, click here.

My Result

Now that my Sound Check was complete, Audacious then set my mobile phone’s volume to the volume matching the Sound Check automatically.

I trialled the Sound Check out in my bedroom with no noise or sound around me and where the signal coverage was strongest. I found it was better to trial this out this way rather than somewhere noisy and busy, so that I could really concentrate on the sounds being played to me through the Sound Check in order for me to get the best results. I then called my friend and found that it was louder than I had had prior to taking the Sound Check, which made things clearer and easier for me however, with that being said, whilst out and about in public, I still couldn’t hear as well. Perhaps this is more due to the background noise and hustle and bustle of everything else around me rather than the phone and volume itself.

I took the Sound Check 3 times in total, just to see if there was any difference in each test but my results stayed the same throughout and have since found the experience to have helped me in terms of dealing with the phone when in a quiet environment!

I found the whole experience of using Audacious quite exciting, innovative and most importantly, helpful! To find out more about Audacious, click here.

POCKET WATCH UK - MOUNT ROYAL

September 09, 2019 by Mr Luke Christian

(AD/Sponsored)

Now that Autumn is officially here which just so happens to be my favourite season of the year, and with the return of Peaky Blinders for its 5th series, Pocket Watch UK have very kindly gifted me this stunning Mount Royal - Chrome Plated Half Hunter Pocket Watch!

Throughout the Autumn/Winter seasons, my go-to outfits tend to be long, tailored overcoats with a skinny fit suit underneath, a crisp white t-shirt and some trainers to dress the outfit down to add more of a laid-back, relaxed feel. It’s only been recently that I’ve discovered jewellery and accessories, so this Pocket Watch has come at the perfect time!

A sleek, stylish and sophisticated design, this Mount Royal Pocket Watch has a crisp, white dial with a skeletal display and I have always preferred a skeletal display as I find this to be rather understated and fascinating to see the elements that make up a watch! This Pocket Watch also comes with its own chain that you can select from, perfect to slip away neatly in your suit jacket pocket.

I found that my Mount Royal Pocket Watch went perfectly when styled with my outfit, and its sleek design gained me many compliments! Pocket Watch UK also provide an engraving service on a wide range of their watches which could be used for a special birthday gift, retirement gift, a wedding gift and much more.

Each Pocket Watch is encased in a leather presentation box which also comes with an extended 1 year warranty, and to find out more about the Mount Royal Pocket Watch, click here.

Have you shopped with Pocket Watch UK before? If so, what did you buy? What do you think to my Mount Royal Pocket Watch? Is this a style you like? I’d love to hear your thoughts below so drop me a comment, and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button!

MANAHATTA - HARROGATE

September 06, 2019 by Mr Luke Christian

Last night I had the pleasure of being invited along to the grand opening of Manahatta in Harrogate!

Before Manahatta arrived, the location was previously home to ‘The Pit’, a bar where I had spent many nights in, dancing away, having far too many rum based drinks and I won’t mention the countless times of being carried out of the venue for being a little too ‘merry’ shall we say… Moving on!

Manahatta was inspired by a trip to New York, where the chic and modern decor appealed to the team at Arc Inspirations and the team wanted to bring a fresh, upmarket cocktail bar where people could enjoy delicious food, relax with their friends and have a wide range of gorgeous cocktails to choose from, all of which were inspired by New York.

As I walked into Manahatta, I was immediately drawn to the decor where a wall had been covered in gorgeous purple flowers! We were given a quick tour around Manahatta (including the ladies toilets which I must say, pure Instagram goals!) As we were being shown around, straight away the mood and vibe of Manahatta immediately felt more grown up and sophisticated, gone were the ‘rocky’ vibes where The Pit once was although structurally, nothing has changed.

With that being said, as we walked up the stairs, a fresh, brand new cocktail bar was waiting upstairs! The new upstairs bar is a new addition to the venue and solves that annoying problem of having to go up and down the stairs all the time to get a drink which you previously had to do at The Pit!

The decor with Manahatta is all stunning and completely ‘Instagrammable’. My particular favourite were the industrial looking lights and of course, the disco ball! We then got to sample some delicious food and if I could recommend trying something, then you have to try their Eton Mess… You can thank me later. I then got the chance to make my own cocktail and I chose to make the Rum based ‘Sailors Punch’ which contained the ingredients: Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Caribbean pineapple, ginger, maple syrup, lime, pineapple. I think I did a rather good job if I do say so myself!

The whole evening was a great way to get a better insight to Manahatta and is the perfect addition to the Harrogate nightlife, I’m already planning my next trip!

Manahatta officially opens this evening (Friday 6th September) so what are you waiting for!? For more details, click here.

Will you be visiting Manahatta? Have you been a Manahatta before at another location? If so, which one? I would love to hear your thoughts so leave me a comment below and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button!

4

September 04, 2019 by Mr Luke Christian

Well, 4 years have passed since I started my blog and honestly? I don’t know where those 4 years have gone! I feel that this particular year has been a rather eventful one to say the least.

At the start of my 4th year in blogging I had been invited to Lapland with Huawei to learn more about their app; StorySign which is an app that when you place your Huawei phone over a book, it then translates the words into Sign Language for children to read, particularly at bedtime so that deaf children can enjoy the magical stories and have that connection with their parents that many hearing people take for granted! The trip to Lapland was nothing short of magical and is a place I shall remember for a very long time.

With that being said, as time went on just after New Year, I felt as though I was in a rut, going through the motions, not knowing how to move forward and I felt that having had such a strong, successful 3 years of blogging, things were starting to change.

I had all of these different emotions and feelings and to be quite frank, it got a bit much, so I took a break. Looking back, I remember feeling a little apprehensive talking about my mental health on my social media platforms, however, I was completely taken aback by the support and messages that I had received!

I went to Prague on my first ever solo trip abroad and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Going somewhere alone, somewhere new, and somewhere where I could actually switch off and not worry about posting on social media or on my blog was refreshing, and did me the world of good.

When I returned however, the company I used to work for was going through a huge restructure and resulted in me taking a steep cut to my hours and I was offered a ‘one off compensation fee’ or ‘redundancy’. I remember at the time that no matter how much or little money they were going to pay me, I was to take redundancy.

I had been at this job since I was 19 years old, my first ‘proper’ job, yet it was a job that I treated as a safety net, for that security in case things didn’t work out with my blog. I think I also knew that if I hadn’t have taken the redundancy, I would never have properly moved on and perhaps my mental health might have plummeted further.

Taking the leap to go self employed as a full time blogger thus far, has been incredible.

There have been times where I have thought ‘Oh God, what if I don’t make any money, what if things don’t work out?’ which of course are all natural thoughts, but since becoming full time, I feel that it’s given me more drive and ambition to constantly keep working and to keep going.

Since becoming full time with my blog now, I feel extremely passionate about raising as much deaf awareness as I can, being a Phonak #hEARo and to break the stigmas surrounding deafness and one particular part that I have loved doing on my social media platforms is #SigningSundays!

What should’ve been a one off weekly thing for Deaf Awareness Week back in May, has turned into a weekly thing every Sunday and this has allowed my followers to learn and join in with trying to guess the ‘Sign of the week’!

I don’t want to ramble on too much, but I’d like to thank you all for your support that you have shown me over this past year and of course, the 4 years since I started my blog. I really do appreciate it, and here’s to the next 4 years!