Review: Luxury Legs Oroblu Tights

Thursday, January 30, 2014
I have another review for you today, I was very kindly sent these tights to review from Luxury Legs - I chose them myself but this does not change my opinion of the brand/product, for more information on PR and my disclaimer, click here. I am going to publish a winter lookbook blog post soon so you can see the tights with different outfits.
I picked the *Oroblue Warm & Soft Micro Fleeced 110 Denier Tights (Black, Small - £16.50). I picked these tights as black tights go with just about everything and it is winter and I do get cold so easily. The only other fleeced tights I have tried are the Primark super cosy tights which are nice but I find they loose their shape very easily. The delivery time was quick, the tights were well packaged and nicely presented - apart from a slightly broken box due to the postman trying to shove it through the letter box! The size guide for these tights is based on weight and height which I found really useful and unique.

The first time I tried these tights on, it was a cold day and I was ill so it was a good test to see how warm, soft and comfy they were. Firstly, I find tights quite annoying to put on - it takes ages and I usually end up getting inpatient and frustrated. But these tights slid on so damn easily and quickly - no effort needed at all. They have a super soft, warm and smooth fleece lining which makes them a dream to put on and wear. They are also thick and at 110 denier you cannot see through them so they would be good as a substitute for fleecy winter leggings. 

The tights were so cosy and comfy I didn't want to take them off. I wore them with a long line khaki green knitted jumper/dress from Next which I love and my uggs. I love these tights with knitted dresses and boots! The tights have been keeping me toasty, warm and comfortable all day with no complaints at all from me!

Overall, I am extremely happy with these tights - they make all of the other tights I own look very thin and practically useless! Yes they are a bit expensive at £16.50 but I think they will last a long time and they are so comfy, warm and soft - a staple for winter! For more information on these tights and others from Luxury Legs, click here. ★★★★★ 5/5.

Have you bought anything from Luxury Legs before? What do you think of these tights? x

Review: Becca Pressed Powder and Brow Shaping Gel

Saturday, January 25, 2014
I bought a couple of Becca items from Fragrance Direct a couple of weeks ago and I have been loving them ever since. I had no idea that Fragrance Direct had started to stock Becca, until a lucky browse on their site - I bought the Becca Fine Pressed Powder and the Brow Shaping Gel, both of which were heavily discounted! This is not a sponsored post, both products were bought with my own money. 
Becca Fine Pressed Powder (Bisque, £5.99): Becca is quite a high end brand with this pressed powder retailing at about £30 so I was very shocked (and very happy) to see this powder on sale on Fragrance Direct for only £5.99. When I saw the price I thought all of the shades would be very dark but no, there was a very light shade called 'Bisque' in stock. The shade is perfect for my very pale snow white skin tone. As the name suggests the powder is very fine, it feels weightless on the skin and it does not look caky or heavy. I have been using this product as a setting powder and I am very happy with the result. I have dry skin and this powder doesn't emphasise dryness on me and it gives very light coverage while setting the makeup and slightly mattifying the t-zone. Also I LOVE the packaging and mirror. ★★★★☆ 4/5.

Becca Brow Shaping Gel (£3.99): I think I paid just under £4 for this product, it is sadly not on the website anymore. I also love the packaging of this product, it is so sleek and travel friendly. Now brows, my brows are fairly thick and the can be quite unruly. I have to use brow gel in them everyday otherwise they looks horrendous! I have tried quite a few brow gels and my favourite one so far is the Tweezerman Brow Mousse which I love. This brow gel is a good second, it holds the brows fairly well, it is clear and it is very quick and easy to use. ★★★★☆ 4/5.

Have you bought anything from Fragrance Direct before? x

Sale Buys #2

Friday, January 24, 2014
Here is the second installment of my sale buys, the first post was a mixture of items that I had purchased over the month of december but this post is just boxing day/end of december sale items. I haven't gone crazy like last year - I have bought quite a few things though (they were on sale and super cheap). The items from this haul are from: Superdrug, Asos, SpaceNK, Feelunique, Missguided, Newlook and a few bits of primark.
 Superdrug: Last year superdrug had an amazing sale with a lot of things for around 10p, 99p or £1.99 and it sold out so quickly obviously. This year I managed to grab a few bargains! I bought a vanilla and honey hand cream and a bath salt set - both of which were 49p each! I bought a colour works lip crayon set which should have been around £15 but I paid £1.99. A rose manicure set which I think was 99p. A leafy and lovely big set for £1.99. Another large gift set, the vanilla and honey set for £1.99. A flutter bath duo for £1.49 I think and finally some chocolates for 49p and 99p. INCREDIBLE BARGAINS, the most expensive item was £1.99!!

Feelunique: A couple of cheeky buys from feelunique, the first is a cute brush set from Ectools. I love Ecotools brushes and this set is amazing value for money. I paid just less than £10 for five super soft,smooth,high quality brushes. I would definitely recommend Ecotools brushes. I also repurchased the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for £9, I had been meaning to buy it for months. I bought the new limited edition version. 

Asos: You maybe have seen these boots already in my OOTD post a about a week ago, click here to see the post. They are amazing heeled ankle boots, they were £25 reduced from £50. I adore them!

Newlook: I love Newlook, especially their coats. I bought this smart grey coat for £17, with delivery it was only around £18. Bargain. 

Missguided: This item isn't from the sales but I needed it, I love anything with breton/nautical stripes! It is a cute breton stripe top which was £9.99.

Spacenk: I always buy something in the amazing SpaceNK sale, this year I only purchased one item (so far) and it is the cute Laura Mercier Mini Caviar Stick Set. I wanted this before it was in the sale, it was in my dream christmas wish list. I couldn't resist it at £14 for the set. 

Primark: Finally some items from Primark, Primark in Manchester did have so many sale items! I bought a adorable London themed makeup bag which I adore for £3. I bought two sale items, the 50p christmas cards and a cute piggy bank (which a moustache on it) for only £1!

That is the second part of my sale buys series, there will probably be a part three - I made an amazon and a boots order (oops) x

Review: The Blogger Programme

Thursday, January 23, 2014
The Blogger Programme is a new blogger networking/outreach tool in which bloggers can contact brands and ask to work with them. I have been using The Blogger Programme since December 2013 and I have to say, I think it is a fantastic website for bloggers. This  is not sponsored but it is an entry into The Blogger Programme Facebook competition - entries need to be sent by the 3rd February on The Blogger Programme's Facebook Competition tab, here.  
Firstly, signing up to the blogger programme is easy then you can customise your profile and add in your blog and social media links. You can add a profile photograph and other images of yourself or blog posts you have created. Once set up you can search through the brands from beauty brands to clothing, accessories, home ware and jewellery brands. 

The first brand I worked with through The Blogger Programme is After Noah, click here to see my review. I reviewed an amazing moustache glass holder, Freud sticky notes and more! The communication process with brands is simple and easy to use. Although I find it can take a long time for brands to reply, however this is not under the control of The Blogger Programme.

Other brands I have worked with through the blogger programme are as follows: The Mercantile London (review here), Coloured Contacts Hut (review here) and Powder (review here). With the previous brands I was kindly sent some amazing products to review, although this does not affect my opinion(s) of the product(s), for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. I have also worked with Very.co.uk through the blogger programme and I created a outfit ideas post with Very products (post here)- I was asked if I wanted to guest post on Very's blog! How amazing is that, my post was published on Very's blog back in December. 

I have been able to work with some amazing brands, review fantastic products that I love and guest post on a nationwide brands blog, all thanks to The Blogger Programme. I think it is a fantastic tool for all bloggers, particularly for fashion, lifestyle and beauty bloggers. I would highly recommend The Blogger Programme, click here to go to their website

Are you signed up to The Blogger Programme? x

- January Wish List -

Wednesday, January 22, 2014
My first wish list of 2014, I love the sales this year (although some were disappointing) and there are some items I am drooling over. This wish list is a mix of beauty, clothing and hair products. A couple of products are in the sale but the others are full price sadly. 
1. TheBalm Mary Lou-manizer Highlighter (£15, Feelunique): I have wanted this highlighter ever since Estee from Essie Button (youtube and blog) mentioned it. It looks freakin' gorgeous and I love powder highlighters. As I am typing this it is currently out of stock but I have signed up to get a notification when it is back in stock - I need it! 

2. Babyliss Curl Secret (£120, Asda): I first wanted the Babyliss Pro curl but this one is the cheaper version, although it is still really expensive, in my opinion. I have watched so many demos and reviews of this product, everyone seems to be raving about it. I really want it, although it appears to be out of stock pretty much everywhere and Babyliss have been warning people (on their facebook page) about fakes of this product. 

3. Bershka BSK Hooded Wool Coat (£39.99, sale): If you didn't already know, I have quite a few obsessions such as candles, makeup, skater dresses, mugs, lattes and coats...it is a problem. I keep telling myself that I can't have enough coats. This one from Bershka is just divine, it is everything I love in a coat. Currently it is out of stock in what I think is my size. Has anyone bought from Bershka before, if so what are the sizes like? Sadly I don't think this is available online now, it may be in stores. 

4. Smashbox Full Exposure Palette (£36): Do I need another neutral palette, no. Do I really really want this one, yes! It looks like the Lorac pro palette that I can't get my hands on. The top row consists of shimmery shades and the bottom row are all matte - amazing! I may have to treat myself (yet again) before it goes out of stock...

5. Rodial Glam Balm Lip Balm (£10.50, sale, Asos): I have mentioned this product in a few posts such as monthly favourites and my lip balm post. I have a mini tube that I received in a set and I love it. It is more like a treatment balm than just a regular lip balm. 

There is my January wish list *drools on keyboard*. What is on your wish list for January? x

2013 Favourites: Blogs

Tuesday, January 21, 2014
When I started this post I had so many screen shots of blogs that I wanted to include in this post, it was a bit ridiculous! I had to really narrow it down to my favourites - see if you have made the cut! There are a lot of blogs that I have found in the past two months but I didn't want to include them really as this is my yearly favourites. I am going to have some 'share the love' posts coming soon though. I known I am really late with this post but here are my 2013 favourite blogs!

My top blog has to be Elevator Musik - Gillian created my blog design and I love it (she made my sisters blog design too, click here to see). I love Gillian's blog it is so crisp, fresh and just so well put together. Her posts are always really interesting! 

In second place is A Beautiful Mess, if you haven't heard of this blog the you need to check it out. It is composed by two sisters in America, they publish DIY, Recipe and style posts which I LOVE. They also have an app which I have been obsessed with for months. 

Third place goes to The Sunday Girl, I am sure every beauty blogger knows about this blog. If you want to know about the latest releases and what is yet to be released then this blog is the one to follow. She also posts great concise reviews. 

Fourth place is awarded to Etc Lily Melrose, I have been subscribed to her Youtube channel for a year or more and I also love her blog. Her blog is a mixture of makeup looks, reviews and hauls - love it! I also love her style and her new short hair.

Finally fifth place goes to We Were Raised By Wolves, Evelyn's blog is a go to place for natural beauty and skincare product reviews - her reviews are amazing as are her photographs. I love her recently blog design change. 

Other blogs that are in my top ten for 2013 are - Love Cloth: insanely amazing outfits and style, Hannah Louise Fashion: Gorgeous outfits and I love her hair, Little Winter: Love the Elevator Musik blog design and her outfits and photographs are always beautiful, Briar Rose: Incredible flame red hair and super cute outfits and finally Black + Grey which is a fairly new blog favourite of mine - her makeup is always gorgeous (as are her blog photos) and her blog design is simple but attractive. 

There are my 2013 blog favourites, I am sure there are some missing and I definitely could have included more but I wanted to limit it to 10! What are your favourite blogs of 2013? x

- Review: Powder Tessa Lavender Snood -

Sunday, January 19, 2014
I was very kindly sent this snood for review and I was able to choose the item - however this does not affect my opinion of the brand/product, for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click herePowder was co-founded by Lisa Beaumont and Lucas Nicholls in 2009. With 45 years experience of design and branding knowledge between them they set out to create a new brand of fashion accessories! The powder philosophy is to create unique designs that brighten your day! To create scarves and designs that are loveable, offer the highest quality design and value, create the perfect gift and to give the customer the best possible service - what more could you ask for!
I have the *Powder Tessa Scarf/Snood in Lavender (£20) which is from the 'warm and wintery' collection. Matching mittens are also available, click here. I picked this particular snood (infinity scarf/circle scarf) as I do not have anything like it - it looks so unique. I love the lavender grey and orange/coral combination! I would wear this scarf with jeans and a jumper or a plain black dress and leather jacket for example. You will see this snood in an upcoming ootd or winter lookbook post.

I find the quality of the snood to be exceptional, it is very well made and it is the softest snood I have ever tried! The knit is not overly chunky too but it is definitely not thin. It is super cosy, thick and a great size/length. As it is a snood there are not excess lengths of scarf, it just bundles around the neck and it keeps me very warm and cosy in the horrible British winter. I wore this snood yesterday while shopping in the cold and wind - it kept me warm and snugly all day, I didn't want to take it off! I wore it with a white top, dark wash high waisted jeans and a black duffle coat. I am going to be buying my mum a scarf or pair of gloves from Powder, I just can't decide what yet - there is a lot of choice. 

The snood was delivered very quickly and the item came with its own large Powder gift bag which I think it such a nice and useful addition. So if you bought one of the scarves, mittens or gloves as a gift then you also have a gorgeous, super pretty gift bag for it! The attention to detail makes the product/brand stand out for me (as well as their unique, English heritage feel products) such as the gift bag, small labels on the scarf and the cute tag on the scarf. Overall, a gorgeous snood that will see me through many autumn and winters - I would definitely recommend this snood and the brand generally. The scarves, mittens and gloves would make gorgeous presents for birthdays or valentines day *cough, cough*

What do you think of the Tessa Scarf? Have you bought anything from Powder UK before?

Review: Jasper Jewellery Platinum Swarovski Crystal Necklace

Monday, January 13, 2014
I was able to chose this gorgeous necklace from Jasper Jewellery to review, however this does not affect my opinions of this product - for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. Jasper Jewellery is an Irish jewellery online shop, they have free worldwide delivery and I have a €5 off code which Jasper Jewellery kindly provided for my followers and readers - the code is multi use and it is valid until 31st March 2014!

I picked the *Jasper Jewellery Platinum Swarovski Crystal Necklace (€22). The necklace contains Swarovski crystal elements, the chain length is 39cm (+ 3cm extension chain) and the necklace was gift wrapped and boxed already! I picked this necklace because it looked so classic and elegant, it would be a great necklace all year round. The necklace looks and feels very well made and it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. 

I have paired the necklace with a classic breton stripe top for a casual look but I could definitely wear this necklace with my pastel lilac jumper or a plain skater dress. The dress would work with so many outfits, it is very versatile. The necklace itself is very feminine and so sparkly, it reflects the light beautifully. I do not wear jewellery too often but I can see myself wearing this necklace so often, it is quite dainty and simple. 

Overall, I am so happy with this necklace and the service! The delivery time was very quick, the box is sturdy and can be used to store the item. Also the item you choose comes gift wrapped which is fantastic if you are awful at wrapping presents like me (I think I am the only woman who cannot wrap gifts!). The necklace is so beautiful, it is comfortable to wear and a perfect addition to so many outfits! I am definitely going to be buying either this same necklace or another for my mum, for mothers day (UK - 30th march 2014). 

Jasper Jewellery have kindly provided me with a €5 off code for my readers and followers (and anyone really) to use on their website. It is a multi use code, it is valid until the 31st March. The code is: ofbeautyandnothingness5. If you have any birthdays coming up then I would definitely recommend having a look at Jasper Jewellery. Also valentines day is just around the corner *cough, cough*. 

Review: Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads

Saturday, January 11, 2014
I was kindly sent these exfoliating pads by Radical Skincare which I am grateful for - although this does not affect my opinions of the product, for more information on PR and my disclaimer, click here. I have never tried any kind of exfoliating skincare pads before so I was excited to try these out and I have never tried anything from the brand Radical Skincare until now. 
I have the *Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads (60 pads, £45). The exfoliating pads are moist and they contain 'Trylacel technology' which is a AHA and BHA multi fruit acid formula. I have never tried anything containing fruit acids before and I was a little bit wary. Although many exfoliating skin care products contain fruit acids - if you are looking into fruit acid skincare product, this may be a good place to start. The product claims to remove dead skin cells, tighten and firm the skin, reduce pore size and lines while keeping the skin hydrated and nourished. The packaging for the product is big and heavy, it feels very luxe and expensive!

I have been trying these skincare pads out for just over two weeks now and I have been using them at night after I cleanse my skin. I have been using them all over my chin, jaw, neck, nose and forehead - the places that have the most pores and can be less smooth. I am only 21 so I do not have wrinkles so I can't really comment on the lines/wrinkles aspect of this product. The pads are very quick, easy and fuss free to use which is great. I sweep the pad over the skin after cleansing and then let the liquid residue dry on the skin, which only takes about 30 seconds - then follow with my normal moisturiser. 

The biggest difference I have found while using this product is the reduction in pore size. I have really large pores on my nose and small but still noticeable pores on my chin and forehead. I find that since using these pads the pores on my nose (and my chin/forehead) have definitely reduced in size which is fantastic. The pores on my nose have been a bit embarrassing for me even with makeup on as they are so big but they have definitely reduced in size now. Also my skin where I have been using these pads is smoother, softer and slightly firmer too. 

I was a bit concerned about using these pads as I do have sensitive skin (although I didn't use these pads on the most sensitive areas, such as around my eyes and cheeks). I had nothing to be concerned about as I did not experience any negative effects with this product. 

Overall, I am really happy with the pads, after two weeks my skin is smoother, the pore size has been noticeably reduced and my skin feels slightly firmer. I am very happy with the results, also my skin doesn't feel stripped after using these pads. This product is a bit expensive but in my opinion they are worth it as a treat for the skin, they may be something to ask for as a present *cough, cough valentines day, cough*. For more information about Radical skincare (they have free shipping and free samples too), click here

- OOTD: MOSI -

Thursday, January 09, 2014
Last weekend myself, my sister and my parents went to MOSI - the museum of science and industry in Manchester. I have been going since I was a small child but I haven't been a few years until now. It is so different but I would definitely recommend visiting this amazing museum. This is not a sponsored post. Here is my outfit of the day.

My jacket is my Forever21 (sale, a while ago), jeans are my trusty Dorothy Perkins Petite Skinny Jeans, my stripe breton top is a new buy from Missguided (£9.99), boots are from La Redoute and my bag is from the previous Asos sale. 

The main reason we went to the museum is because they had a exhibition called 'Brains' on - it ended on the 4th. Sadly you couldn't take any photographs in the Brains exhibit. As I have just graduated with a psychology degree I was really interested in going to see this exhibit. I wasn't disappointed! There was a large section on phrenology which I wasn't that interested in but then there was a model of Einstein's brain, a piece of William Burkes actual brain! (if you don't know who William Burke is, you need to look it up, he was a grave robber and murderer and along with William hare killed 16 people). There is a great movie about Burke and Hare with Simon Pegg in it, I love it! 

The 'brains' exhibit also had a piece from Gunter Von Hagens work (body works) which was a cross section of a human - an actual human, although as with all of his work the tissue etc is now plastic but it is still amazing to see in real life. I wanted to see the Body Works collection/exhibition when it came to Manchester a few years ago. Overall, it was a great exhibit!

We also went to the see the new 'ice labs' exhibition although for me personally it was a bit boring. Then we visited a section of the museum that I have visited so many times as a child - the 'underground manchester' area which is full of information about Manchester from viking opposition, roman occupation, engineering, sewers and so much more - there is a creepy dark tunnel with rats sounds that you have to walk through - I was terrified of this as a child! Finally we went to the air and space building which contains so many aeroplanes and working stream trains/engines.

There is my outfit and a bit about the museum of science and industry - if you are ever in Manchester, I would definitely recommend it. There is something for everyone with lots of new and different exhibits for children, teens and adults.

Debenhams Winter Style Challenge

Tuesday, January 07, 2014
I was recently contacted about this amazing Debenhams competition in which you could win £500 to spend at Debenhams and there are also two runners up prizes of £50. To enter all you have to do is create two outfits using items from the Debenhams website, one is a 'winter warmer' outfit and the second is a 'party look'. The items for each outfit cannot exceed £250. The closing date is 13th January.   Create your blog post and share it on your social media platforms - twitter, facebook, pinterest etc or on Debenhams blog. For more information, click here. Here are my outfits!

1. Oasis Faux Leather and Melton Biker Coat (£95): I love this coat, it looks so effortless and chic. Black, structured coats are a staple in my winter wardrobe.

2. Yumi Aztec Print Fluffy Jumper (£29.40, sale): Fluffy knits are so popular right now and this one is gorgeous! It looks so warm and cosy.

3. Rocha John Rocha Black Leather Fleece Lined Gloves (£24, sale): My grandma had a pair of fleece lined gloves and they were so warm, a essential item in the winter months. 

4. Oasis Jacquard Skinny Supersoft Jeans (£45): I practically live in jeans (or pyjamas) during the winter. They are quick and easy to throw on and they go with everything! 

5. Betty Jackson.Black Designer Chelsea High Ankle Boots (£52.50, sale): I adore boots generally but ankle boots especially. Ankle boots and skinny black jeans are the essence of cool and laid back style in my opinion. 





















1. Wallis Black Petite Military Coat (£65): If you haven't already guessed, I love structured clothing and accessories and I also love subtle military style items too. This coat embodies all of that - love it!

2. Phase Eight Gold Rhonda Sequin Skirt (£35, sale): Oh mama! That is what I call a skirt! Now an 'in your face' sequin gold skirt is definitely not my normal style but I instantly fell in love with this one.

3. Butterfly By Matthew Williamson Designer Gold Weave Clutch Bag (£19.50): I thought this clutch would tie in the bronzy gold/black theme of this opulent outfit. 

4. Red Herring Black Swing Vest (£4.20, sale): A basic swing vest to complement the skinny pencil skirt and it will go with so many other outfits.

5. Martine Wester Gold Crystal Stud Earrings (£17.60, sale): Well you might as well add more sparkle, that is what party wear is for! I love the golden/black colour theme. 

6. Miss KG Garber Black High Heel Slingbacks (£39, sale): Every girl has to have a pair of gorgeous black heels, these are divine and such an amazing sale price.

There are my two outfits for the Debenhams style challenge/competition - have you entered? x

- Sale Buys #1 -

Monday, January 06, 2014
December is a time for giving....and buying! The december sales are the main time of the year when I buy - treats for myself and presents for others birthdays and even christmas next year! I did go crazy last year but I haven't this year (proud of myself) - I have been fairly restrained. Most of these buys are sale items and I have bought these items over the past month. The next post will be just boxing day/sale items.

Dorothy Perkins: I bought two dresses (complete impulse buys) from Dorothy Perkins maybe at the beginning of December. I wasn't planning of buying anything but they were only...£5 each! Also the only size left was my size, fate. I bought a cute lace/pearl one and a lace/bow/printed one too. 

Zara: I have been eyeing up this bowling bag from Zara since the beginning of October and a couple of weeks ago I saw it in the 'special prices' section on the Zara website. It was reduced from £30 to £17, I do love it but it is a bit big. 

Superdrug: A couple of little bits from superdrug, I bought the keratin shampoo from Tresemme and I bought the Brilliant teeth whitening kit as I have heard good things about it and it was less than £4 (shockingly cheap - I had to get it). 

Marks and Spencer: This year quite a few shops had their christmas/January sale really early - about five days before christmas, madness! I bought three gifts in the M&S sale. Firstly I bought a set for my dad the 'Dapper cologne and shave set' which was reduced to around £7.99. I bought two cooking books - a chocolate one for a friend which was £5 and The Cooks Encyopedia for me which was also £5. 

Asos: Two nail items from Asos which you might have already seen if you follow me on instagram. I finally bought a nail art pen/marker - the Barry M Nail Pen in white. I also bought the amazingly gorgeous Rimmel Space Dust polish in the shade 'moon walking'. Both were around £3.99. 

Amazon: For new year this year we had a fancy dress theme (although everyone apart from me and my dad went in onesies, cheats!). I bought some fake stick on moustaches for my dad to wear with his Poirot outfit. Everyone ended up wearing them, even the dog! I also bought a tub of the Organic Surge Super Intensive Daily Moisturiser but it came in a different tub than my previous two tubs and it seemed different - I contacted organic surge and they asked for the batch code and it didn't have one. I still don't know what it going on. 

Organic Surge: I didn't know what to do with the amazon one I bought so I bought another from Organic Surge themselves and it too didn't have a batch code and it definitely seems like a different product - maybe around £17 down the drain - still waiting for a response. 

Boots: Finally just one purchase from Boots, the Una Brennan Rose Face Scrub. It was 1/3 off at the time and I had heard so much about this brand so I had to try it. I love this scrub it is amazing and it doesn't irritate my skin. 

Phew, that is the first part of the sale buys series - there will probably be two more posts, we will see....

- Sick day saviours -

Sunday, January 05, 2014
While I am typing this post I am currently wrapped up in my gorgeous faux sheepskin fluffy blanket (love it!) with a gingerbread latte while watching films and TV - it is raining outside, chilly and generally a grey day but all is not lost! Here are my current TV and film picks for a rainy/sick/ill day at home!
All images from Google
Netflix: I had a months trial for netflix and I loved it, so I have been fully subscribed to it for about four months now and it is only £5.99 a month which I think is great! My favourite sick/ill day tv shows to watch on netflix have to be: modern family (it is really funny, I have watched the first two seasons fully on netflix)and Dexter is also really great too! Netflix has   other tv shows including: vampire diaries, breaking bad, orange is the new black, lie to me and many more - gotta love netflix!

The Simpsons: who doesn't love The Simpsons (well except my mum)! I have been watching the treehouse of horror ones recently. The Simpsons is just one of those great sick day, easy to watch programmes. 

2 Broke Girls: This is by far my favourite new tv show. I have the first season on dvd and I haven't stopped watching it for about two months. It is an american tv show and I haven't seen it on uk tv so I have to buy the dvds or watch clips on youtube. It has kat dennings in it and I love her so I had to watch it, now I am obsessed. It is so funny, it is definitely an 18+ tv show.

Pride and Prejudice: I love the pride and prejudice film with Colin Firth in it (drools over the pond scene, oh Mr Darcy...). I like period dramas on the whole and this 1995 film is a great one to watch. 

ELF: I love the christmas film ELF, not only does it get me in the christmas mood but it has will ferrell in it and everyone loves him, including me. It is a great funny, pick me up film and even though christmas has passed it is still a must watch. 

Food channels: food tv shows are heaven, whether it is cake boss, choccywoccydoodah or a tv show with heston blumenthal or raymond blanc in it! Oh and I also love nigella! Food channels are great for inspiration and also if you are ill you probably don't have much of an appetite, which is the best time to watch food channels otherwise you will be half way into the fridge before you know it!

There are my sick day tv and movie picks, oh and recently I have been loving Elementary, Sherlock and Whitechapel - what are your tv picks? x

- What I Wore: New Year's Eve -

Saturday, January 04, 2014
New Year's Eve and New Year's day went by so quickly, it's already January 4th! Madness! Anyway, I posted a pic or two on instagram and on here of the flapper makeup I was going to wear for new year - here is the full outfit, makeup, wig, headpiece and contact lenses. Let me know what you think in the comments below. For new year I did my big quiz, we had fireworks and sparklers and lots of other games with family and friends.
Firstly, my contact lenses are blue and they are from Contact Lens Hut, I have already reviewed them - click here to see the full review and close up photographs. Everyone thought the contact lenses were amazing! 

For my hair and headpiece/headband I bought both from amazon - the black bob wig was about £4 and the headpiece was around £3. Super cheap and effective, I would definitely recommend them. I love the wig, I am seriously thinking of getting a fringe or getting my hair cut shorter again.

As for my dress it is from Topshop, I bought it in the sale a few months ago for £15. I love it, it is a skater dress so it is great for hiding lumps, bumps and food babies. I also wore my F21 faux fur military style jacket. 

As for my makeup I wore a couple of new buys, the Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation which I love (lots of haul posts coming soon!). I wore a purple smoky eye using a Laura Mercier palette that I bought last year in the SpaceNK sale. For liner I used the Loreal contour resist liner which I have used for years! I also used the Bobbi brown Rockstar palette on the eyes along with the Bareminerals Flawless definition waterproof mascara. Finally on the lips I used the Revlon just bitten balm stain in the shade Crush. I loved the wig and makeup, I adore 1920's fashion and makeup (apart from the super thin, weird brows!). 

I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve/day! x

- Review: Joules Terrific Treats Bath Wash Trio -

Thursday, January 02, 2014
Another product review, I was sent this gift set to review from Joules - even though it was sent to me, my opinions expressed in this review are my own and honest - for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. To check out more products from Joules, including clothing, click here. There is an outlet section and festive savings/offers on currently.
The set is the *Terrific Treats Bath Wash Trio (£18). It contains a body wash souffle which I was really interested to try out, a body scrub and a body butter. Each tub is 300ml which is massive - it is a very substantial gift! The packaging for the set is just gorgeous, I love the bright colours, cute floral box and the ribbon - it feels very unique and it has a slight British heritage feel about it. I have noticed these Joules sets at Christmas time in Boots for the past year or so and they always look great!

Body wash souffle: I love the packaging of these tubs, so cute with the colours, tin lids with a rabbit embossed on the top. The body souffle was the product I wanted to try the most as it sounded really unusual - I don't think I have tried a body wash souffle before. I have tried it as a body wash and it is pretty amazing, I love the consistency, it lathers well and it feels really nice on the skin. It doesn't strip the skin, it is fairly moisturising. I have also used it as a shave gel and it works amazingly well, it makes the skin smooth and moisturised. 

Body scrub: The body scrub has a strange consistency, it feels like a gel! Very unusual but it actually works really well as an exfoliant. It does scrub the skin but it is not too abrasive. It does have a fairly strong scent, very clean and fresh smelling (as all of the products do). 

Body butter: The body butter is similar to the Body Shop body butters, it is very thick and smooth. This body butter applies really well, it smells nice (it is subtle which I like) and it leaves my skin feeling super smooth, soft and hydrated. Unlike some body butters I have tried this one absorbs really quickly. It is a fantastic product for the winter months and it will last me a while!

Overall, I love the packaging and presentation - I think it would make a lovely (and heavy) gift! As well as the three tubs of body products you also get a £10 off voucher to use on the Joules website. I think all three products are great, I love the body butter and body wash souffle! I would definitely recommend checking Boots (online or instore) for this set as it will be half price now in the sales.

Just a note: I am introducing a new feature on my blog, on the left hand side underneath my own blog button I will add one blog button of the blog I am loving currently - I will change it every week or two. This first blog is, Ahem it's Emme!

2013 Roundup & 2014 Goals

Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Well I can't believe that 2013 has passed, I am writing this on the new years eve and I can't wait to make cheeseburger cupcakes and dress up as a 1920s flapper actress later on today/tomorrow! But before then here is my 2013 roundup, photographs, blog resolutions and my goals for 2014.
My highlights of 2013:

- Graduating with a First Class BSc Honours Degree in Psychology

- Turning the big 21

- Holidaying in Scandinavia and Russia

- My first blogging event (T.G.I Fridays)

- Features on Very and London Beauty Hub 

- Blog design changes, winning lots of competitions, seeing my first musical in years (Wicked)

- Having 9 inches of my hair cut off for the charity The Little Princess Trust (they make real hair wigs for children with cancer)

- Working with amazing brands, people and getting fantastic new followers

- Blog/social media milestones = over 900 GFC followers, over 700 Bloglovin followers and over 200 followers on Instagram and Twitter!

Well, it has been a mixed year with a lot of highlights but some disappointing and sad times. While looking for the photographs for this post I am so grateful for having a blog that I can look back through to see what I did and how I have grown. I love sharing important (and crazy, unimportant) moments of my life with my amazing followers and readers - thank you so much!! When I started this blog I never thought I would have 100 followers, never mind over 900! Thank you!

I have quite a lot of ideas for new exciting posts for 2014 including: skincare ingredients 101, 2013 favourites, blog tools/basics, freebies, reviews, share the love posts and of course giveaways. I want to get in the habit of a blog schedule, over the festive period it has been really useful - write a comment below to tell me what blog posts you would like to see in 2014.

My goals for 2014 are: be more confident and get out of my comfort zone, spend more time with friends, drink more water, apply for a Masters degree (late 2014) and get a job!

I hope everyone had an amazing christmas, new year and 2013 - happy new year!! x