Spring Nails

So it may not have been Spring weather in the past fortnight but my nails have been looking very Spring like. I always get so many compliments on my nails and they've definitely brightened those dull grey days.

As soon as I got my hands on the Barry M Gelly paints in Greenberry and Dragon Fruit I immediately had to use them. They are such an amazing product, so glossy, dries quickly and such vibrant colours. They also lasted longer than usual, which could be an improved formula for Barry M.

Barry M Gelly in Dragon Fruit (pink) and Greenberry (green) £3.99 each 

 I went for something different by painting my hands opposite ways. I've become really bored of all one colour nails and like to paint my thumb and ring finger a different colour to the others. As I was trying out these colours I thought it would be nice to do them opposite ways. The pink is lovely for a more subtle look whereas the green is much more in your face. 

This week I really wanted to go for an Easter inspired theme. It took me ages to choose the order of these colours as I never want blue and green next to each other, or pink and purple because they're so close. I intended to add a glitter top coat but had a mad week at work and they've worn down so I'll change them tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to my time off!

 Models Own: Jade Stone, Lilac Dream, Lemon Meringue, Beth's Blue and Soda Pop Pink £5 each

I love this combination! Its so pretty and girlie and perfect for so many occasions. I saw one of the Saturdays pictured with neon colours on different nails. It looked so good I can't wait to re-do it. I bought some more Models Own this week which I'm excited to try. My boyfriend wanted to pick for me but I have so many it was hard! I got one from the scented collection and one of the Ice Neons but I'd like more...

Happy Easter everyone! Hope its full of family time and of course plenty of chocolate on the side

Sunday Summary #61

It's crazy that its officially Spring and it looks like Narnia out there! It snowed all day yesterday, how can there be that much snow in the sky!? I hate how cold its got again, I just want Spring weather to appear! I went on a little shopping trip this week. New Look had 25% off, I wanted to look in Paperchase and get some Easter bits. I tend to shop better alone as I can look alone and don't get distracted, but when I'm shopping for an outfit I like another pair of eyes and opinion. I was meeting my friend for a cinema trip so went into town earlier. I came back with lots of lovely new things but New Look disappointed me clothes wise. I haven't found anything in there for absolutely ages. I spotted a beautiful rainbow jumper in Topshop but resisted. I went to see Oz The Great and Powerful with my friend as she wanted to see it and I loved it the first time round. I enjoyed it just as much the second time and knew when the scary parts were coming with the witches. We saw an extended trailer for The Great Gatsby which I'm desperate to see but its not out for a while yet. It looks incredible!

Me and my boyfriend spent last night at our friend and her boyfriend's house having a Chinese takeaway and watching Lawless as they missed it at the cinema. Despite the blood I really love the film, Tom Hardy and Shia LaBeouf aren't too bad on the eye. But they also act their roles so well with perfect southern drawls. We ended up not getting home til the early hours as our taxi took ages to get us but it was understandable with road conditions. We had a duvet day and watched Breaking Dawn Part II, can't believe the Twilight Saga is all finished now. I spent this evening tidying my bedroom, so wild! Got a very hard week ahead of me at work but my Easter weekend is keeping me going. Off to Cambridge with my boyfriend on the Saturday to see his brother, sister in law and nephew. We picked a blue rabbit suit for his nephew for Easter and I'm making Easter chocolate treat bags for everyone. I'm hoping the order comes soon so I can blog about it as you can adapt the bags for any occasion.

Aussie hair treatment 99p, Carex Strawberry Laces hand soap 88p, Carex Moisture Plus hand gel 99p - Superdrug 

I had a quick dash into Superdrug one lunchtime and picked up some odd bits. I hear so many good things about Aussie so picked up this hair treatment to try. My hair can look quite dry with the amount of Batiste I use so I'm always looking for products to soften and using this type of thing before washing my hair really helps. Hand wash that smells of strawberry laces? Er yes! My boyfriend bought this Carex hand gel a few weeks ago as we both get dry hands and he said it seemed genius he could clean his hands on the go and get some moisture back into them. It was on offer and it smells lovely, plus we use alot on the go so it'll get used. I'm obsessed with TRESemmé hair products as they were half price so I couldn't say no. 

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth hair mask £2.95, TRESemmé Platinum Strength leave in conditioner £2.95 - Superdrug 

 Glass jar £5 - Wilkinsons  

I couldn't resist this pretty jar and am going to use it for cotton pads. I have so many bags in my bedroom and the bathroom, it seemed a cute idea to keep them in here. 

 Coral Mary Janes £22.99 - New Look 

Like I said New Look had 25% off so I didn't pay full price for these. I adore candy coloured heels and already have the nicest pink pair. I've a wedding in September so depending on my outfit these could be the perfect pair. They are so ridiculously pretty and Spring like I can't wait to wear them!

 Flower bulldog hair clip £2.99

I really love using these to chuck my hair up after work and it limits the damage as it doesn't snag your hair like a hair tie. New Look always do the prettiest ones and I loved this one.

Diamante bow hair clips £3.99

I can't resist bows! As for sparkly bows, they always come home with me. I'm growing my fringe out so these will be perfect for keeping it off my face as it gets longer.

 Pearl and flower gold collar necklace £6.99

I love collars and this caught my eye immediately. Its so pretty and the pearls are on hooks so move which adds a little something more to it.

 Flower heart ring £1.50, Heart diamante earrings £1.75

I'd never seen this concession before but it was all half price. Looked a little teen for me but I found these two gems. 

 Anchor necklace £4.99

Nothing to say except I love anchors!

 Butterfly necklace £5.99

I have a feeling I have this in pink or they did it in pink before and I wanted it. Either way I love these types of necklaces for summer to go with tops and dresses. 

 Easter stickers £1.50, Easter card - Paperchase 

I love Paperchase. I'm such a stationery lover and I just want everything when I go in. I always use stickers in my scrapbooks and when I make cards so these will get used somewhere along the lines. I've searching for an Easter card for my boyfriend and this was so cute! 

 Strawberry fold away shooper £4.50, Penguin pass case £4

I've been meaning to get a shopper bag for ages that can go in my bag as I hate taking plastic bags. I loved this strawberry design. This pass case was so cute, it was the last one and I have my Oyster card in a MasterCard wallet it came in so decided a girlie upgrade was needed. 

 Chicks £3

I have so many yellows chicks it seemed about time to get coloured ones! I can't wait to use them on my Easter cake!

 Panda pen £1.25

A stationery geek can't pass up a new pen. The pandas on it are so cute!

 Butterfly photo frame £4

I rather like these types of frames. I already have a heart one and I love butterflies so I can't wait to put a picture in this one. 

 Charity bracelet £2, "E" bracelet £6.50 - Topshop 

I couldn't find anything in Topshop but really liked the E bracelet. I love dainty jewellery and these would be perfect for gifts for friends. I got another charity bracelet as I love girls that layer their wrists with lots of little bracelets so if I can live with it I want to give it a go.

 Ted Baker Lilcon shopper bag £26.99 - Psyche.com

I can't resist these bags! If I could I would buy all of the colours. I really liked the black but already have one so went for this baby pink. I got 10% off as it was my first order. Lovely website to order through and came in a big gift box. I'm keeping the box to keep this one and my other in as it has the glitter bow and I want to look after them. 

The Hummingbird Bakery Home Sweet Home £8 - WHSmith

I would buy so many cookery books if I could but I need to limit myself. When I get my own home I want my cookery books on a shelf in my kitchen but I don't want a huge number that overwhelms me. After flicking through this it had enough recipes to be bought, their last was all cupcakes whereas this is all kinds of cakes, biscuits and treats. It was half price and I had a 20% off voucher so only paid £8! WHSmith always give out money off vouchers and if you time it right you can get ridiculous bargains especially on books. 

So that's my week. A rather quiet one with lots of new goodies. I'm definitely old as I enjoy nights in over drinking all night in town. So weird to go through that transition! But me and my boyfriend have been discussing moving out and how much money we'll need to save and what not. Its so exciting to be on the cusp of growing up. I don't feel like an adult but when I think how other people see me they must see an adult. I am 24 after all!
Hope you've all had good weeks

Sunday Summary #60

I love round numbers so this 60 makes me happy, I've had a rather wonderful week. Nothing overly excitable happened but just one of those weeks where work goes smoothly, life drifts along nicely and there is nothing bothering you. I am extremely lucky to work with some of the most wonderful people and it definitely impacts the way I feel about and while at work. On Tuesday my work team had a meal out as received a lump sum of money from the company and we decided to go out for a meal. We got so much food for our moneys worth and it was a lovely time to socialise without having to work at the same time! Plus my boyfriend realised its Easter soon so we'll get a long weekend together. This year is seriously whizzing past it seems impossible Easter is less than a fortnight away now. My boyfriend was a little crushed that England didn't win the rugby last night but a lovely tea soon cheered him up. We recently discovered swede and carrot mash and have become a little obsessed. I picked tea up in Marks and Spencers and went for chicken with mushrooms and ham, carrot and swede mash, cheesy brocolli and veggies. Such a simple meal but so amazing! I really wanted to get the chinese cartons but we're going to our friends next Saturday for a film and Chinese so thought we should wait. We then spent a very long Sunday lunch in a pub with my boyfriends parents and his brother, wife and nephew Alexander. At eight months Alexander is so adorable and so happy, it was wonderful to have such a nice family lunch. We then went to see Oz The Great and Powerful at the cinema which blew me away. It was so much more than I was expecting! The special efforts are incredible, I saw it in 2D but I can imagine 3D would be amazing. For a PG I thought there was a few very scary moments haha!

 Feather and skulls dusky rose scarf £3 - Primark

I only went into Primark to return some jeans and although I found no clothes I did leave with a collection of accessories. I instantly loved this scarf, I have a thing for feathers and liked the skulls with their head pieces. 

 Stripey make up bag £2, hair sectioning clips £1, fishtail combs £1.59, hair ties £1.50, double flower head band £2 - all Primark 

I can't resist blue and white stripes plus the neon pink, I had to have it! My current make up bag is getting quite worn so this might fair better as its a plastic one. Now my hair is getting longer I need more sectioning clips to style it and I have about six already but for £1 it seemed such a bargain. I've been looking for these cheap plastic fish tail combs for months, I thought they'd be so easy to find aswell. I prefer fishtail combs as they're more precise and when I'm sectioning hair they're easier to work with. The two hair pieces were impulse buys, I love to wear flower head bands in the summer for a boho hippy look. The little charms on the hair ties are what sucked me in and they may fall off or snag my hair but for the more its worth a try. I can't go too crazy with hair accessories at work so thought they'd be nice for a little extra.

 Sims 3 University £29.99 - Game

I am a die hard Sims fan. My boyfriend suggested I sell all my Sims 1 games the other week! I may not have them installed or play them but they're classic and I loved them so much as a child I can't bear to part with them. I still have my Rugrats and Spyro games for the PS1 and Simpsons games for PS2. They still work and one day I might get an hour to play. I've been doing so well with my New Years Resolution to chill more and do little things to relax. Playing Sims was one as I'd been buying all the games over the past year and they'd sat in their cellophane under their bed which was shocking considering the price they totalled to. My boyfriend helped me get to grips with Sims 3 as its such a huge change from the previous games but I'm now loving it. University was one of the best Sims 2 expansions but all the pre-orders for Sims 3 University were very high or sold out so I waited until release to buy it. I like to get the limited edition (marketers dream buyer ha!) and the very day it was released it went even higher in price. The limited edition was selling for over £50 on some websites. Luckily a trip into Game had me walking out with exactly what I wanted.

 MAC Pro Longwear paint pot in Chilled on Ice and MAC Fluidline gel liner in Blacktrack - Debenhams 

I am a sucker for 10% off beauty at Debenhams. I seem to justify purchasing more products and more regularly with that little percentage off. Both these items were necessary however as I've been having very bad reactions in my eyes when taking my make up off. I decided I had to do something as it was happening more often, making my eyes so sore and red and was horrible to experience. Luckily it seemed it was only the glitter in my eyeshadow affecting my eyes so I've been snapping up cream eyeshadows and it seems to be working. I can't wear the same colour everyday so when I saw MAC had some new paint pot colours out I had to get one. I want some other colours too but settled for this first. I love these types of colours, they fit so well with my daily make up as I go for a black cat flick, illuminated skin, rosey cheeks and a pink lip so a neutral colour looks really nice without being too plain or too heavy. I have been wondering about this gel liner for ages and after a recommendation I took the plunge and bought it. I've never been disappointed with a MAC product so far so I'm certain I'll love this as I've used a cheaper gel liner before and loved it.

 Washed denim skinny jeans £12 - Asda 

The hunt for the perfect jeans has ended! I've finally settled with this pair. I always struggle with all trousers/jeans/skirts etc to fit my right as I have narrow hips and nothing is ever skinny enough. They'll bulk in the crotch area, be baggy around my knees and ankles making my legs look weird with all this extra fabric hanging on. Its very rare I find skinny jeans that are skinny enough for me that cling properly. This pair are stretchy but tight and so comfortable but they're soft denim! My other pairs of skinnies are really tight denim and I'll only wear them out of the house but I could wear this pair all day long around the house. At £12 each they're a bargain especially as previous pairs of George jeans have worn so well with one favourite design (I have several pairs) I used to wear everyday, for like two years and they're still going strong!

 £3-£6 pjs tops - Asda 

I have developed quite a penchant for Asda pyjamas, particularly their tops. They always do such cute designs and again they wear really well. They're comfortable to sleep in and I tend to mix them up with little short bottoms from Primark when the weathers warmer mind! My boyfriend appreciated the Hulk one and I'm a Disney fan so Tigger was always going to leave with me.

 Sequin heart jumper £10 - Asda 

Another Asda bargain, the photo doesn't do justice for this jumper, its so lovely! It so me with the sequins and heart design. Its slightly dipped at the back which is nice as sometimes clothes are dipped so much they look ridiculous. Seriously can't wait to wear this!

 Coca Cola tee £6 - Asda

Not sure why I felt I had to buy this especially as they didn't have my size so I sized up. I like my t shirts with stuff like this on but I really must stop as my wardrobe is bursting now, especially the t shirt section so unless I charity some clothes I must stop buying which seemly highly unlikely...I find clothes everywhere although I've kept my shopping very limited of late, but who knew I'd find this much in Asda.

 Asda do the cutest knickers! Plus they're so comfortable! Such an old lady with my comfortable clothing!

 £1 candles - Asda

As I was perusing the home aisle and wishing I could buy some pot pourri without my cats eating it or me spilling it (happened before in another persons home, awkward wasn't the word! I was also inebriated, in a bathroom with my best friend haha, however scarred for life!) I could smell this amazing smell...there was a whole candle drop and I got excited as they're the shape for my Yankee candle votive holder. I was really surprised to see these say Yankee candle on them, but the packaging isn't right! I don't think legally Asda could sell these as the same name because of copyright so I think these are genuine Yankees. Cherry is my favourite hence the stock up and Vanilla Frosting was the only other one I liked. There was another smell I wanted but was sold out. These will usually be £2 so I recommend stocking up if you're interested!

I love TRESemmé products and can't wait to see how my hair is after this hair mask, it was only 99p too. The Kleenex items were reduced to 38p reduced to clear and although I haven't tried either (despite having some facial clothes already) I thought for the price I'd get some. The Garnier hand cream looks really intense and was only £1!

So that was my week, I'm pleased with my current shopping as I'm still getting some bits but not spending a fortune. I was really surprised how much I found clothes wise in Asda but its definitely worth a look for the small price tags. 

Hope you've all had good weeks 

Sunday Summary #59

What a wonderful week I've had off work and I truly have the Monday blues already! It was lovely to live on my own time, wake, eat and sleep whenever suited me. My boyfriend booked the same week off work so we made plans to make the most of our time together as usually we have very little time together. On Monday we visited Colchester Zoo which was incredible. We were so lucky with the weather, it was like a Spring Day, crisp and fresh, sunny but cool. We had looked at other Zoos but Colchester won the vote and I'm so pleased we went with it. Its changed alot since I went in 2006 and all for the better. They've expanded the Zoo grounds, got new animals and brought in new ways to see/meet the animals they have. I've always thought of Zoos as just looking in on the animal through glass but Colchester have several intimate meetings with the animals. We went to the Penguin Feed which was held in a room and the penguins brought in to feed inches from us! (Penguins stink by the way!) It was incredible to have them so close! There was so many experiences throughout the day we had to miss some exhibits out as we were back and forth to see talks and feeds. Plus some of the animals don't get fed every day (as they wouldn't eat everyday in the wild) so the Zoo does some sort of exercise with them to stimulate them. We ended up seeing feeds but it would have been interesting to see what else they could offer the animal in question. One of the best features Colchester Zoo has is the Lost Madagascar Express which is a sweet train that goes through a little part of the Zoo with the driver telling you about the animals you pass and then there's a stop at the Lemur Enclosure. The driver said it was optional to get off and walk around but not to take food and drink with you and I was speechless at being able to walk so incredibly close to Lemurs. I so wanted to reach out and stroke one, they are so cute! They were mostly sunbathing on the path, they look so playful and cuddly. I'll include some of the many photos I took. Colchester Zoo used to have a white tiger who was exquisite but she died. I didn't know they two Amur (orange) tigers. They are beautiful beyond words. One time one walked past the window I was stood at and you really are so close. My other favourite were the Red Pandas and Lions but they have so many animals it was overwhelming really. I'm holding out visiting Edinburgh Zoo incase the Pandas get pregnant this year and I'll wait for the baby otherwise I can't wait much longer!
On Wednesday we went to London which as always was amazing. We didn't have any concrete plans just ideas of what to do so we went to the Natural History Museum, found the Doctor Who tardis/policebox, had food in Chinatown and did some shopping. We left our shopping quite late so didn't get to as many places as I would have liked but all the same I was happy with what I did find. Topshop really disappointed me as they didn't have anything! And Primark (Tottenham Court Road one) as lovely and huge as it is also didn't bear many fruits. We got home two very tired bears indeed.
On Friday I had a girlie afternoon with a cafe stop and Side Effects at the cinema. Such a good film! I knew as soon as I saw the trailer I had to see it (Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum AND Jude Law!). Its so much more complex than I thought it would be and I was guessing right until the last scene what was going on. A very intricately woven plot. I then met my boyfriend and we got a Chinese and had a DVD night in. We were meant to go to Cambridge to see my boyfriend's brother and his family but my boyfriend had been feeling unwell all week and it turned into a cold so we've rearranged for later this month. It was such a rainy day we had a duvet day and a DVD evening again, with Saturday Night Takeaway wedged in between. Its been so lovely to just chill out and rest as we're usually so tired and stressed from work. I spent this afternoon at my Auntie's for a joint Mother's Day/Nana's 80th celebration. I do love a good buffet!
I've been a good shopper again, all I have is what I bought on my travels which I'd set money aside for so doesn't count ha! We stayed out of town as we both work there which is also a good trick not to spend. I've been so busy on adventures and playing Sims 3 with my boyfriend I've only bought a handful of things online, I find it so tempting to spend when I'm not busy.

 Cheeky Amazon order as I buy the bulk of my DVDs when they're around £5. Just had a quick browse and found these. LOVE 10 Things I Hate About You but has been expensive as its the 10 year anniversary one so I got it while it was cheap. The others I felt I needed haha.

 This Magpie diced with death, he landed on the ground and the trunk in front of the tiger but he was so busy eating his meat he didn't notice. Plus its a Magpie!

 I couldn't resist this little bear! My boyfriend spotted them as we bought our tickets on the way in and the t-shirt is so cute! Plus I couldn't leave with Yankee candles. I'm currently burning the Mango Peach Salsa and haven't found any since so got another one along with my all time favourite Black Cherry and my winter favourite Mandarin Cranberry, I posted about my Yankee candle obsession and my holder here. 

 The Disney Store - I've been wanting a cup like this for a while but only seen Starbucks ones but seeing as I've never had a Starbucks or like coffee it seemed a stupid idea to get one. Disney do loads of designs but I chose Mickey and London. I love Disney mugs and kind of collect them. I fell in love with this Ariel one as soon as I saw it. 

 Topshop - I love Orelia jewellery so couldn't resist another addition to my collection. I can't for the life of me remember the name of this precious stone but its beautiful, the camera couldn't pick it up but its the green one with a rainbow inside. 

 Build-a-Bear Workshop - I swear I try to resist this place (I have two already) but my boyfriend knew I wanted to go in and we were actually looking for a Smallfrys I saw on the website for my Mum for Mothers Day except they didn't have it. However me+panda=sold! Honestly I simply had to get her! My boyfriend named her for me and she is sooooo cute! 

 Superdrug - I've been struggling to find this Nivea primer so was so happy to find one in London. Plus I got my hands on the two new Gellys I wanted yay! They had so much stock in the one we visited I was tempted to get more but decided to be restrained. I love the Garnier lotion so much and Superdrug had all the Garnier stuff better than half price. Will look here too as obviously didn't want to lug too much around London. I recently used the Soap and Glory face wipes and they are such a lazy way of removing make-up, perfect for those super late nights I just want to get into bed.

 Cyber Candy - It could just be me but everytime I visit the Covent Garden one the girls that work in there are SO RUDE! Not to just me but every customer! Honestly how they don't get people complaining is beyond me. I may actually complain myself as its really put me off shopping there and not only were they rude customers were not allowed to go downstairs! There was a man in a suit who got really annoyed as what he wanted was downstairs and the girl wouldn't let him go down and didn't want to go down herself. Cue him waiting at the till with his arms crossed while she messed around. Also why I have so little. They only have little sweets and chocolate bars on the ground floor whereas the basement has much more. 

 Primark - I love this top as the feather print is so pretty and colourful and there's gems and sparkly bits all over the shoulders. It was part of their Limited Edition Collection and only £12. 

 I used to hate florals but I really like them nowadays and thought this would look so lovely Spring through Summer plus I think this design is so cute with the bows on the shoulders. 

 Stocked up on bras as you do! Primark bras don't last as long as others but they had some really cute designs in. I detest the way Primark assume because I have D cup boobs my bum must be a size 16-18! I usually charity the knickers as they're too big. It would be better if they sold the matching sets separately.

 101 Dalmatian pjs and Supergirl t-shirt! 

The jewellery was really disappointing but I found some dream catcher earrings and some cute socks. 

I wasn't sure about this blouse but will return it here if it looks horrible. It has house prints on it but I liked the blue and white. 

I finally got my hands on a bigger bird blouse but it was a size up so I'm hoping it will look ok anyway.
So that's it! A rather picture heavy post but I hope you enjoyed seeing what my week off was all about!
Hope you've all had good weeks