Sunday Summary #73

It is less than a week now til me and my boy head off on our holiday! So excited! I've just been up to the loft to bring the suitcase down ready to pack. I currently have piles/bags/boxes through the house with items I've been buying the holiday as its self catering so the box downstairs has food bits like foil, squash, cereal and toilet roll. We're literally taking everything but the kitchen sink! I can't wait to get away.

My week has been relatively quiet with holiday preparations being my priority. I popped to Superdrug for some essentials and found myself eyeing up the Barry M stand as they released some LE Neon Nail Paints but I had to call my Mum as I couldn't remember what I had in my collection whether to get the pink or the green! I went for the green in the end and have since seen the yellow in Boots which I will go back for this week. I had planned to go on Saturday but when a huge storm hit and it was pelting down with rain I just wanted to get home.

There is finally some films at the cinema I want to see including Man Of Steel which we're seeing before holiday. Then Monsters Inc, Despicable Me 2 and The Lone Ranger are coming soon so I'm hoping to go more regularly as I have an Unlimited card I like to make the most of it.
I've spent today with my Mum out and about. We stopped by the library as I reserved some books to take on holiday. I often borrow books as my book shelf is full and I don't want to own every single book I read anyway. I also think its great you don't have to worry about taking your own book on holiday as library ones are in plastic covers so sea and pool splashes won't hurt.

 These are my holiday picks - I probably won't take all of them, perhaps three or four. I love reading autobiographies and I reckon Tulisa has a lot to talk about in hers! My boyfriend will probably enjoy the Danny Wallace one so it kind of saves on suitcase space ha.

 We then stopped at Matalan as my boyfriend bought a suit a few weeks ago and they left the tag on! We didn't beep when we left it was only when he happened to try it on at home I noticed it. I absolutely cannot stand the way they corner you as you walk in and start asking you questions about your Matalan card. I was being quite short with the woman and then she was questionning me why I had beeped and when I said why she soon shut up. Honestly 20 questions or what! Anyway we then went to garden and pet centre a few miles away that also has the sweetest little collection of shops. I got the little pink heart pegs for my new Union Jack memoboard rather than putting pins into it.

 I found lots of card making and scrapbook bits and yes it is the same nautical collection I got at the Range a few weeks back but it was so cheap I couldn't help but get more.

 I spotted this gorgeous little cross stitch kit and just had to get it. I love owls and any kind of lucky charm and this will look so sweet in a frame. I'm going to keep it til I move out.

 Barry M Gelly in Blue Grape, LE Pink neon and Gelly in Guava 

I can't resist new nail paints and these were so me colours. I'm been after a bright blue for years and this looks like just the one. The pink looks quite ordinary here but in real life its brighter and a cross between some of the Barry M pinks. I decided I didn't have a pink like this and its so versatile. I want some of the Confetti sprinkles collection but not sure which colours to get - I like Dolly Mixture and Sour Apple I just need to track them down.

 USA Pro Sports Bra £9.99 - Sports Direct 

With all my recent working out I was worrying about the impact on my boobs and after some research it seemed obvious a sports bra was necessary. I love this one - it fits really snug and will most definitely hold my boobs firmly in place.

 Cat tee £16 - Topshop

I spotted this from afar and liked it even more close up. I saw a handful of other clothes I liked too but feel Topshop can be overpriced sometimes. I stuck with this and the ring below.

 Midi ring £4 - Topshop

 Batman baseball top £6 - Primark 

I've been lusting after this for ages and my Primark finally got them in! My boyfriend spotted them first and as he calls me his Batgirl and I call him my Superman it was an apt purchase.

Coral and gold sandals £8 - Primark 

How cute are these!? They look lovely on too and I can't wait for the weather to stop randomly raining so I can wear them out.

So that's it for my week, I have been distracted through this post as I just received some terrible news about two my dearest friends have been in a car accident. I'm so worried and as they are in Southampton hospital they feel so far away. I won't be posting my Sunday Summarys for the next two weeks because of holiday so it'll be a bumper one :)
Hope you've all had good weeks

Review: Barry M Textured Nails

The textured nail polishes have been out for a while and as I really like them I thought I would do a review. I haven't been able to capture them on my nails (you'll see why later) but welcome the wheel! 

I first got the blue and yellow one from Barry M as the mint was sold out and the pink looked a bit plain for me. I quickly fell in love with these as they are super quick if you're in a hurry to do your nails. It takes two coats but they dry very quick for Barry M. I then found a mint to add to my collection which always gets me tons of compliments when I wear it. Its my favourite by a clear mile. 

 l-r Barry M in Sequin Nail Effects White, Textured Nail Effects in Atlantic Road, Station Road and Ridley Road all £3.99 each  

 There is one negative about these polishes that can't be helped - they attract dirt like a magnet! After a few days mine have collected dirt in the crevices and being pastels it really shows. I could correct this with a top coat but it would most likely remove the textured effect. This for me is the ultimate quick fix as I never have my nails bare so if I am short for time I will wear this for a few days until I have the time to do something more time consuming.

 Although this isn't part of the textured effect range the polish itself is the same textured sandy effect. I loved how pretty this polish was to wear but it is so rough! I was worried I'd scratch myself or my boyfriend pretty bad so I would not recommend this if you are a Mummy! Again this doesn't last very long before it wears down the nail and gets dirty although it wasn't so noticeable amongst the glitter. I think the textured effect acts almost like sand paper and starts to wear down from the tip of the nail as days pass.

Sequin Effects are great for a party or special event but not cut out for everyday or at least a working lifestyle. It was also a nightmare to remove but I had anticipated that!
What do you think of the new Barry M effects? Do I need Kingsland Road to complete my collection?

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 #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