Autumn/Winter Essentials

Following on from my winter coats post, I thought that I’d let you all in on a few of my autumn/winter essentials. I’m one of those people who loves winter, but hates all the extra effort I have to make just to struggle through looking halfway decent.

 

First on my list of essentials is Helping Hands hand cream from Lush.

 

 

My hands are generally quite dry, but in winter they often get sore and chapped too. My nan bought me this hand cream after hearing me moaning one too many times about the state of my mitts! She's a bit of an avid gardener, and though she has the good sense to wear gardening gloves, she too struggles with sandpaper-esque hands. She swears by Helping Hands, and now I do too! Its packed with skin-softening oils like linseed oil and almond oil and is enriched with shea butter and cocoa butter. It also containes chamomile extract which is fab for soothing sore, chapped hands. It smells divine, and the best thing is that a little tub easily lasts me all winter as you only need a tiny little bit.

 

Next up is Boots Expert Soothing Lip Protector.

This is an absolute bargain at under 2 quid, and another product I couldn’t be without. It’s a really intensive lip treatment, it doesn’t taste good (it tastes more that a little bit like moisturiser) but its super-duper effective. To be honest, this isn't just a Winter essential - I use it all year round, but its something that definitely comes into its own when it gets a bit chillier. Again I have a bit of a problem with chapped lips, which is exacerbated by wearing drying lipsticks (I can't help it, if I like the colour I tough out the drying effect). This is especially a problem with the nude lipsticks I love so much (yes Darling, I MEAN YOU!! ) as the flaky look is most definitely NOT hot! Since I discovered this baby, I apply a slick of lip protector, let it soak in for a minute then apply lippy over the top - hey presto - baby soft lips!!

 

Nails Inc Victoria

 

Winter equals dark nails. Fact. Out go tropical hues, and in comes dark reds, blacks and inky blues. My current favourite (and the one I'm currently sporting) is Victoria by Nails Inc which is a dark cherry-ish colour.

 

The Sactuary Rich Rejuvenating Moisturiser

During the summer months, I use a pretty light moisturiser (current favourite being Soap and Glory Catch a Wrinkle in Time), but by winter I need something a bit heavier and more substantial. As you'll know by now, my skin is prone to dryness in winter, and this is the only moisturiser I've found so far that gets rid of the dryness and doesn't leave a greasy film on the rest of my face. It leaves my skin feeling moisturised and fresh, and smells good too! Oh and it has the added bonus of being spf 15!!

 

What are your winter essentials??

 

xxx

Baby its cold outside........

….and I've realised that its time I started shopping for a winter coat. I love shopping for winter coats, and I'm happy to spend quite a bit as I hate being cold, but I often struggle to find a coat that can take me from office to town to the match. I'd love to be in a position to buy three different coats to cover all eventualities but unfortunately on my legal aid salary its nto going to happen!!

Ive had a bit of a browse online and in Meadowhall and I've singled out a few candidates which I quite fancy but nothing is screaming 'buy me' just yet! I'm considering going for something bright this year as I always seem to fall into the same old grey/black rut, but 90% of the coats I actually like are the same old dull colours. I'm starting to think a trip to the Trafford Centre may be in order as Meadowhall has left me uninspired.

Currently out in front is this one from Republic. I know, I know, its grey, and I'm not entirely sold on the patent buckles but I do like the cut!

I've also seen a rather cute hot pink one in Dotty P's with ruffles, but I'm not entirely sure that its office appropriate.

Hopefully I'll find something I like before it starts snowing!!

xxx

Using it up (and chucking it out).......

I'm not sure about the rest of you, but for some reason I get a strange kick out of using up the last of a product - maybe its the compulsive shopper in me getting excited about buying a replacement!! Anyway in recent times, I've been a bit (a lot) prone to buying a) products I don't need, and b) buying in bulk. So much so that I've amassed quite a collection of unopened / opened once, sniffed, and forgotten about goodies. As you can see I have 3 drawers full of everything you can imagine, from hair serum to moisturiser to shower gel. After my little splurge yesterday, I decided that its high time that I put my advantage card away and start getting to work on the goodies I've stockpiled (as inspired by a number of other bloggers). Rather than bore anyone with weekly updates, I'll probably keep a little log of the products I've finished in the sidebar.


The first two products bit the dust tonight: Toni and Guy Platinum Blonde Shampoo and Superdrug Colour Effects Cool Blonde. Hopefully many more will follow suit before September is out!!

xxx

If Carlsberg made haul posts.......

Then this wouldn’t make the top 1,000,000!!

Thought I’d give you all a little insight into a few of my staple products. I had a nice little mooch round Boots this lunchtime, and picked up a few bits and bats that I needed.

First of all, I took advantage of the 3 for 2 on skincare offer, and picked up a Witch Exfoliating facewash, Johnsons 3 in 1 face wash and Simple eye makeup remover. I’m not one for spending an absolute fortune on skincare, I’m pretty lucky in that I’m not prone to breakouts and don’t really have any problems with my skin, My main concern is making sure that my skin feels squeaky clean both before putting my slap on and after taking it off.

Next up is a couple of Radox Shower Smoothies (again, these were on offer at about £1.40 each). These are one of my favourite shower gels – I’m a big fan of fruity shower gels as I need something to wake me up in the morning and I love the natural exfoliants in them.

My last Boots purchases were Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Liner and James Brown Scandalous Flaunt It Hairspray. I’ve been looking for a firm (but non crispy) hairspray since I ran out of Paul Mitchell Hold Me Tight. Due to operation clear debt I couldn’t repurchase the Paul Mitchell as apparently £11 is too much for hairspray :(

Finally, I bought something that is exciting for me (but probably not so much for everyone else!) I spotted a couple of lonely looking bottles of St Moriz in TJ Hughes while I was having a nosy at the CK make up they currently have in which I took to be a sign. I felt like I missed the boat a bit when everyone was buzzing about this a couple of months ago as every time I went to Home Bargains or TJ’s it was out of stock. Anyways, I finally got my mitts on some, and after the partial disappointment of my Make Believe products I’m raring to give it a go.

xxx

REVIEW - Make Believe Facial Self Tan with Bronzer

Now its September and there desnt seem to be any sign of an Indian Summer (contrary to what the experts say), I've realised that it may be time to crack open the fake tan. I was always a St Tropez kinda girl, but my mum and dad bought me some Make Believe goodies for my birthday so I thought that I'd give them a whirl.

Unfortunately I still can't find the body self tan, so I can only review the facial self tan and exfoliator, but as soon as I find it/invest in replacement I'll get reviewing that too. I've heard really good things about the tan prolonger so I was looking forward to trying some other Make Believe products.



Facial Self Tan with Bronzer

This smells absolutely gorgeous, and comes in a handy little pump dispenser. The packaging is really pretty, and it looks prettier in my dressing room than St Tropez, but thats pretty much where the positives end! It looks very dark and a bit scary, but I assumed that this was the reason gloves were provided (stained palms/fingers - not a good look!). When I applied the lotion I was a bit disappointed, for something that looked so dark coming out of the bottle it was almost undetectable on my skin. I figured that maybe the colour just took a while to develop so I went off to do a few household chores.

Just before bed time I realised that I hadn't checked the progression of the tan. Imagine my disappointment when I had exactly the same pasty skintone I started out with. I expected so much more from a supposed 'premium' brand and was really really disappointed. This is definitely one product I won't be repurchasing in the future. I'll stick to my faithful old Dove moisturiser methinks!

Spa & Polish Exfoliator

At the other end of the scale I absolutely love this!! It has a cocoa buttery scent and a lovely creamy texture. The packaging is also pretty and its easy to open in the shower - not so easy to close though so be warned. Its very gentle as far as exfoliators go, which is great because I hate overly scratchy exfoliators. It leaves my skin feeling silky and smelling delicious, even my BF commented on how good it smells! I've been using it for the past 3 weeks and have barely made a dent in it so even though its £15 a pop it's definitely good value.

Needless to say, I'll be going back to the St Tropez pronto!

xxx

REVIEW - Maybelline Pulse Perfection

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Maybelline event last week due to work commitments, but the lovely Natalie sent me some goodies which arrived on Saturday morning. I was rather excited about the goodies, especially the new Pulse Perfection vibrating mascara, which I couldn’t wait to try out.

 

When the first high-end vibrating mascaras came out last year, I was intrigued but at the same time a bit bemused. When I heard that Maybelline were launching one I decided that maybe there was something in the whole vibration thing and that perhaps I should give one a whirl.

 

Aside from the massive let down that was Great Lash (and the more recent disappointment of Lash Stiletto) I have always been a huge fan of Maybelline mascaras and was hoping that this would be a return to form. I was a bit unsure where to start – technology is not a strong point - but thanks to Miss Dolly Gal’s advice on Twitter I was soon rocking and rolling!

 

I’m well known for my clumsiness and when I showed my boyfriend the treats I’d been sent his first reaction was “You’ll have your eye out.” To be honest that was one of my main concerns too. I was a bit worried about having something vibrating that close to my eyeball (you’d think after years of wearing contacts I wouldn’t be squeamish) but I took a deep breath and went for it.

 

Once I got down to the application, I was really impressed. According to the Maybelline website the wand vibrates 7,000 times per minute in 7 synchronised actions (whatever that means). In real terms, it means that the mascara coats your lashes perfectly in one stroke. It does feel slightly strange, especially when you place the wand close to the roots to start with (the first time I used it I got a bit teary eyed) but I think it’s probably something that you get used to. I haven’t yet tried the mascara sans vibration, but having read some blogs from across the pond it gets very positive reviews. Though the wand is apparently all new, it looks very similar to the good old define-a-lash wand, which used to be my go-to day mascara.

 

The only complaint I have is that by the 3^rd coat it gets a little bit clumpy. To be honest though, I probably didn’t need the third coat (force of habit!).

 

All in all I’m impressed by the mascara, and it may well become my day-time go to mascara (Colossal still reigns supreme for night-time). It gives good length, though the volume could be better.

 

 

xxx

Dress Dilemma - the outcome!

Thanks for all your comments ladies, in the end I went with dress number 3 - will put some pics up as soon as I get them emailed across! True to form, and having a memory like a sieve I forgot the bf's camera - oops!!



xxx

Dress Dilemma (pic heavy!)

Morning Lovelies!

Some of you might know that I'm going to a wedding this afternoon, and in true me style I still haven't decided what I'm wearing!

I've narrowed it down to 3 options so I thought I'd ask you lovely ladies for some advice as tho which way to go. I really need to learn to be decisive!!

Again apologies for the quality of the pics and the fact that I look like I've just got up - I have!!

Option one:


First up is this little beauty. I got this last December from M&S of all places. It was part of the Patricia Field collection and I instantly fell in love with it - possibly due to the subtle leopard print in the fabric.


And here it is on:



Option 2:


This one is from Next and was an absolute bargain at £50. Its super flattering but I have a feeling the bridesmaid dresses might be similar (especially due to the little sashy thing)!

Here it is on:



Option 3:



This is the dress I actually bought for the wedding. Is from Star by Julein Macdonald at Debenhams. I like the fact that its a bit different with the cream panels, but think it makes me look hippier than I already am!!

Here it is on:


I can't make a decision between the three so any help would be much appreciated!!

(Obviously I'll be cracking out the Spanx to suck in the podge!)

xxx

20 Questions [TAG]

This was pinched from Katie. Got a loooong post to do this morning but as I'm still waking up I thought I'd start with something easy :)

20 Questions


1. Thing you cannot leave the house without?
My Blackberry

2. Favourite brand of makeup
Its a close call between Urban Decay and MAC

3. Favourite flower
Orchid

4. Favourite clothing store
Oasis/River Island

5. Favourite perfume
At the Moment JPG MaDAME

6. Heels or Flats
I love heels but generally only wear them when out as I'm running around all day, so I'll say flats (more specifically Uggs!)

7. Do you make good grades
Er I used to do, Uni seems forever ago now!

8. Favourite colours
Fuschia pink

9. Do you drink energy drinks
Only Redbull in a Jagerbomb!

10. Do you drink juice
Usually at breakfast time

11. Do you like swimming
Yup

12. Do you eat fries with a fork
Depends - chippy chips yes

14. Do you want to get married later on in life
I'm not really that bothered!

15. Do you get mad easily
Not really, unless I'm particularly stressed!

16. Are you into ghost hunting
Nope but I did go on a ghost walk once which was the funniest thing ever.

17. Any phobias
Snakes and fish

18. Do you bite your nails
Nope

20. Do you drink coffee
Yup, especially Starbucks!!


I Tag anyone that hasn't done this yet


xxx

Getting to know me.........

1. What is your favorite item of clothing?
Either my Uggs or my long grey boyfriend cardi - I'm all about the comfort.

2. What are your biggest obsessions?
Handbags, and make-up obviously!

3. Who inspires you?
My dad.

4. Who is your favorite designer and why?
Vivienne Westwood - she's quirky, eccentric and most of all fun!

5. What is your favourite song ever?
Everlong by the Foo Fighters

6. What is your favourite song right now?
Ready for the Weekend - Calvin Harris

7. If you were a sweet what would it be?
A fizzy cola bottle

8. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet- what words would describe your rainbow?
Mark, Millie, Wednesday, Cocktails, Tiffany, Friends, Fun

9. Whats your favorite film?
Breakfast at Tiffanys / Almost Famous

10. Who's your favorite actor?
Danny Dyer - he makes me all wibbly

11. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Halfway up a mountian in Canada (preferably Lake Louise)

12. What are your three favorite smells?
New carpet smell, Vera Wang for men and freshly baked chocolate brownies

13. What are your three favorite tastes?
Dark chocolate, curry (any curry), Jack Daniels

14. What is your most treasured possession?
My grandma's engagement ring

15. What did you always want to do/be when you grew up?
A barrister, I wasn't far out!

16. If you were an ice cream what flavor would you be?
Ben and Jerry's Half Baked

17. If someone made a short film of your life, who would play you?
Holly Willoughby - if she decided to branch out!

18. What would your perfect afternoon consist of?
An afternoon at the match, followed by cocktails with the girls and dinner with the Mr

19. If you were a flower, what would you be?
An orchid

20. Tell me a random thing.
I'm a qualified snowboard instructor

I tag anyone else who wants to do this :)

xxx

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Birthday Treats

I thought I’d give you all a sneaky peek at some of the lovely pressies I got for my birthday (I thought I’d posted this last week, but evidently not as it was lurking in my drafts!).



First up is this beautiful little ring that I’ve been lusting after from Tiffany – In the words of Holly Golightly “I’m just crazy about Tiffany’s!”



This was from the Mr, along with a rather pretty orchid which looks gorgeous in my dressing room.





Next I got a cute little Swarovski Tinkerbell necklace from the in-laws. I was eyeing this up in Meadowhall about 3 months ago but wasn’t sure when I’d wear it of if I’d wear it enough to justify the price tag. I absolutely adore it though, it’s a teensy bit tacky but then that’s me all over!!



From my mum and dad, I got my number plate for my car, money and some rather lovely Make Believe goodies – my mum has obviously noticed how much I love fake tan! I got the Self Tan Bronzing Lotion, Facial Tan with Bronzer and the Spa and Polish Exfoliator.(The Self Tan Bronzing Lotion isn’t in the picture because I’m not 100% sure what I’ve done with it – there’s a strong possibility that I’ve left this at my Mum’s!!)

I haven’t had a chance to road test these yet but as soon as I do there will be a review post!

xxx

NOTD 8/9

Here's the second road test of my Collection 2000 Hot Looks purchases, and this time its Button Moon. The colour is a really fresh aqua colour (in fact it's the exact colour I wanted my bathroom). It certainly cheered me up on an otherwise miserable Tuesday morning, and even my office's resident grump commented on how 'perky' (?!?!) my nails were looking. I'm presuming that was meant as a compliment!! It's not hugely shiny, but I soon remedied that with a healthy dose of topcoat. I wish I could get on with matte nails but somehow I just can't. Just like BMX Bandit, the polish goes on really well and dries like lightening – again I needed two coats, but that is partly my own fault due to a massive smudge! If anything, I'd say that the coverage of Button Moon is slightly better than BMX Bandit, but that might just be me. All in all, I'm so impressed with these polishes I might just have to invest in a few more!!



xxx

Gym-spiration

Some of you may be aware that I've been putting in some extra gym hours recently.

I've finally realised that though I may not ever look like Heidi Klum, I need to put a bit more effort into getting in shape. Before I moved in with the boy I was really good at going to gym 4 times a week, but my gym attendance took a nosedive in favour of nights in front of the sofa and cinema nights. In fact, before April the most strenuous thing I'd done in months was an alcohol-fuelled night of Guitar Hero action!

I lost quite a bit of wieght in the first couple of months of going, but have been feeling like I've hit a bit of a wall for a while now. Today I stumbled across the pics of Kimberly Walsh in her upcoming New Look collection and she looks absolutely STUNNING!! I'm so glad that Kimberly is getting a bit more attention, as for me she is the most natural member of GA. Don't get me wrong, Cheryl is beautiful but I'm team Kimberly all the way (plus she's a Yorkshire lass!!).


This may well be the kick up the arse I need!!





xxx

Outfit of the night….numero uno!!

I know, I know, I’ve been neglecting blogging again, but I’m back for good this time (provided my Blackberry doesn’t melt again, and Sky Broadband stays fully functional!

I’ve never done an outfit post before (mainly because I‘m well aware that I need to lose some timber) but here goes………



Last night was intended to be a little reunion for my LPC buddies, but due to various (may I say VERY lame) excuses, it ended up just being me and Ellie.

As it was Friday night, and it’s bloody Baltic up north I didn’t want to go overly dressy. So I went with the fail safe of skinnys and a top. As I’m getting old I also took a leather jacket with me – I don’t know how these girls run up and down West Street in next to nothing while I’m queuing for the cash point with teeth a-chattering!




The jeans are bog basic River Island black skinnys, the top is a bargain I picked up in Oasis last week – started out at £35, was reduced to £10 and I snaffled it for a bargainous £8 in the extra 20% off sale items promotion. The shoes were a pressie from my mum last year and are from Carvela. Every time I walk past the Kurt Geiger shop in Meadowhall I salivate – once I sort my finances out I must buy more KG/Carvela shoes!

Hope you’re all having a fab weekend



xxx

Pretty Blue Nails - NOTD

Having 'borrowed' my mum's Sally card while I was back home for my birthday, I decided to put it to some use and start doing my own silk extensions. I've been having my nails done religiously for about 5 years until recently when as part of project clear-debt I went au naturel.

Anyway I decided that having watched vairous nail technicians do my nails on countless occasions It couldn't be THAT difficult so I thought I'd give it a crack. After a quick trip to Sally's I came home armed with fiberglass resin and enough china silk to keep a WAG happy for a good 10 years (I wasn't holding out much hope for my first attempt so thought it best to be prepared!)

An hour later, here is the finished result:




Admittedly, they aren't perfect but they're much better than I was expecting!!! I decided that they aren't quite good enough to go naked, though so I decided to give the much-lauded BMX Bandit by Collection 2000 an outing.



The paint job was a bit of a rush, but I'm really impressed by this polish - I've now tried Wham and BMX Bandit and both apply really well. I'm not convinced about them being one coat polishes, and I felt that I needed two coats to get decent coverage but given the drying time, the need for a second coat isn't a problem.

All in all I feel I've had a very productive day!!

xxx