April Favourites

I'm finally getting round to this post well into the middle of May, I always think every month I'll get it up in the last few days of the month or the first week at least but then life happens and it gets left til tomorrow. I haven't got too many favourites this month, I've been so busy running the house and being nurse its left very little opportunity to indulge. I hardly need any new products as I'm bursting with stuff to use!

Ultrabland £6.75 - Lush 

I was having a nightmare with my skin recently being incredibly sensitive particularly my eyes when removing make-up. I was bordering desperation to find something to soothe my skin and eyes. I'd already changed all make-up products incase it was any of them and it was still happening. I was in Cambridge with my boyfriend and although I have a Lush in town now I hadn't been done recently. We dashed in just as they were closing and a girl asked if I needed help so I explained the situation and she suggested Ultrabland or the 9-5 Cleanser. I was torn between the two and she said Ultrabland had cleared up her acne over the course of a year and her skin had never been better. A friend uses this religiously so I thought I'd try this first. Its a beeswax and oil formula so smells like honey to me (if you have read my hayfever story you will know I virtually cannot stand honey anymore) but I was brave and took the plunge. It felt super weird to be smoothing this into my made up face and rubbing it in (effectively melting the make-up off with the oily product and the warmth) but I persevered and then wiped it off with a wet cotton pad. Its hard to put into words how amazing this product makes your skin feel and look. My skin was brighter, softer, subtler everything you want your skin to be. Its made putting make up the next morning easier as your skin is so much more easier to work with. I love this so much it has seriously made me consider dropping all my usual Garnier/Body Shop/Clean and Clear/Simple products in favour of fresh, good products from the likes of Lush.  

 Ted Baker Origami body spray £5 - Boots

I got this at Christmas and thought I'd end up leaving it in the work locker room as I didn't like the smell. I used it for the first time before I was going out and my gosh I couldn't stop smelling myself! Its the most intoxicating scent I've discovered in a long time. Its described as "a blend of juicy raspberry, a touch of vanilla and delicate rose and sandalwood" I'm not sure which addition it is but it has a spicy, almost cinnamon type smell to it and as a massive fan of musky scents this is right up my street. I can't believe I haven't discovered this sooner as I really love wearing it! I wish they did a perfume as I would buy it in a second.

Nivea deodorant £3.29 (on offer in Boots for £1.64)

Its taken me a good few years to find a deodorant that I get on with. I remember being a teenager and certain deodorants stinging my underarms literally for the whole day but I couldn't not use it for the fear of smelling. I switched to roll ons as they helped reduce irritation and sting - it became a nightmare to shave as my arms always had red irritated spots. My skin calmed down with roll ons whether it was a sensitive one or they improved formulas. I began working in Debenhams as a Visual Merchandiser and decided to try spray deodorants again as they're stronger and I wanted to have protection. For a few years I only wore spray deodorant during the summer and then roll ons in winter. I bought Nivea on offer when I need an anti white on black one for a party and I had a black dress and this is back when deodorants never dried and smeared every clothing item no matter how much powder you put on or how carefully you pulled the item on. I was amazed at how good it was from no white marks to the protection it gave me and the smell - not the awful alcohol/chemical smell I was used. I also think certain deodorants smell like sweat! To me anyway. The Nivea ones are all nicely scented and I've never had any problems using them. Its become one of my most trusted everyday toiletry and I wouldn't dream of changing it. I always get them in bulk on offer in Boots as I never pay full price for everyday items because they are always on offer, somewhere, at some time. My favourite is probably the pearl and beauty one (pink) or the double effect one (purple) the smell stays all day.

Lynx shower gel £2.99 (also always on offer for 99p/£1 somewhere! Currently Superdrug)

Yes I am a girl and yes I love shower gel targeted at men but hear me out. The Fever one pictured here is "Brazilian Hot Mud and Red Dragonfruit" it is the most incredible feeling in the shower, its feel warms like cinnamon and has tiny exfoliating beads in and the smell is just insane! I was hoping to get some today in Superdrug as they are 99p but they were completely sold out of all of them! The new Apollo one is nice and I love Excite. I can't find it but I just used up with the Lynx Thai Massage with Tigergrass Oil and Bali Sea Salt, its like a cooler version of Fever and also has exfoliating beads in it. They don't have an overly man scent which makes it much better when its the first one to hand in the shower with three brothers and a boyfriend!

So that's my favourites, not too many but as you can see some items that I really do love and would highly recommend.

Sunday Summary #62

I've had such a lovely Easter with my boyfriend. The long weekend has been just what I needed, a good break from work and sunshine! Although it snowed Saturday morning and has been so windy today. We spent Saturday in Cambridge with my boyfriend's brother, sister in law and nephew. My family were all working over Easter at some point or away  and we don't usually do anything exciting for Easter. It just happened to fall perfectly this weekend to be with my boyfriend's side.

Cambridge has pretty much found a place in my heart after just one trip. When I met my boyfriend he'd always say he wanted to live in Cambridge but I'd never been before and didn't know why he liked it so much. I loved the buildings and the town and the quaint little cobbled streets. Although I'd like to stay in my hometown close to my family I'd be very much swayed if it become a reality to live in Cambridge. It was also my first venture into a John Lewis...amazing! I want everything for my house from there! I bought a couple of things including an OPI nail polish and a new Cath Kidston bag. We didn't do much shopping as we spent most of our time chatting and walking about, my boyfriend loved pushing the buggy with his nephew in. They have an iCandy which is so nice. Plus they were looking for baby proof house items. Honestly how many baby products are out there! We're hoping to go back up in a few weeks time for a shopping day, eeee! Its so nice to shop somewhere that has virtually every shop I want and those shops to stock an extensive range. I love viewing products in person but I'm often left having no choice but to buy online as I can't get it in town. I've ended up with a lot of make-up and items that looked nice online and not so great in person. We found an amazing little sweet shop called Hardy's and spent a crazy amount of money, but when in Rome and all that. They had every other cereal except Lucky Charms which was sad but I know I'd eat them constantly if I could. I accidentally found them on Amazon, with the bigger value packs on offer so it seemed crazy to let that pass. I also found some popping candy which I'm going to use in baking when I get a chance.

Sunday was spent half at my house and then half at my boyfriend's for an Easter roast with his parents, sister, brother in law and 2 nieces and nephew. Its so weird having little kids running around as my cousins were the same ages as my brothers, so now we've all grown up and not had our children yet its quite weird being around children again. And it feels super weird to discuss adult things such as moving out, mortgages and babies. I feel like I'm on the cusp of entering proper adulthood - finding a house and a mortgage, setting up home, getting married and having my own family. Children need so much attention from keeping them occupied between courses at the dining table to giving them attention and playing after lunch. Family time makes me so lucky and squishy with love, its always been important to me and after events in my life in the past 18 months it means more than ever.

I went into the Ted Baker store in Cambridge which was amazing. So many beautiful dresses and I adore their bags. I currently have two Lilcons and was so tempted to get a third. It wasn't helped by John Lewis stocking them aswell. I settled for a Cath Kidston bag as I'll use it for work and its more practical. I resisted make up as I'm trying really hard not to just splurge on things I have that are similar, I have lots of or simply don't need. It leaves me so much more money each month. I have some time off work near the end of April and I'm going to spring clean my room for old and unworn clothes, jewellery and make-up to donate to charity. Its so nice to think of my unloved items being treasures found by someone else. I always hope a little Grandma will find something girlie for her grandaughter. I should look in charity shops myself but I have so little spare time it always gets forgotten.

Today was spent with a little lay in, followed by a trip to Morrisons for their salad bar. They're the only supermarket that still have one and its always so good. I was craving it so much and we found vanilla Coca Cola too. My boyfriend was so pleased as the big bottles are £1 and we always pay £1.50 for a can so I guess its making a comeback?! One of the best films ever was released on DVD today too, Silver Linings Playbook! I loved it from start to finish, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence are a dream team and I adored the way they played their characters.

Easter presents from my Mum. My treat bag split hence the food bag haha. 

Presents from my boyfriend. So odd they got me the same egg but I only like Cadburys eggs. 

I never remember to add in my Avon orders so here's this weeks. I love the summer fragrances they launch every year so got my hands on Riviera Goddess as soon as I spotted it. I haven't smelt it yet but they're usually summery. I'm not sure why I got the Clearskin peel off mask, I think I felt I needed it. I haven't used a peel off mask for years, they're quite satisfying if I remember rightly. I also want to get some sort of mud face mask as I haven't used one of those for years either. I had to get the polish everyone is raving about. I originally looked over it because I've had Colortrend polishes before and they've not been that great. It looks so pretty in photos. It's different size pieces of gold glitter suspended in clear polish. I've tested it over a nail and it looked lovely. I only paid £1.40 too so it was bargain.

 I've had this eye on my bag since the January Cath Kidston brochure popped through my door but I had resisted. Seeing it in person I knew I had to get it. Its the new shape box bag, more curved and softer edges. Its only £24 and it may be small but honestly these bags are like Mary Poppins bags. You can fit SO much in! Its perfect for me for work as I'm on public transport and it sits on my arm nicely, and doesn't get in the way.

 OPI in Lights of Emerald City £11.50

My first ever OPI! And what a polish to start the collection. I was torn between this and Which Is Witch? but my boyfriend voted for this and it really is so different to anything else I own. Its irridescent and matte white squares suspended in clear polish. I can't wait to wear it. I've seen Oz The Great and Powerful twice now and its so good! My boyfriend thinks Disney might re-do The Wizard of Oz which would be so cool as the effects they could do now would be amazing.

This soap smells divine! I love tangerine and satsuma scents so this was a must for me. The candle and reed diffuser section in John Lewis smelt incredible. I honestly couldn't pick. I have quite a stash of Yankee Candles too so I hardly need anymore. 

Ultrabland £6.25 - Lush 

I made a quick stop in Lush as they were about to close to get a cleanser as my eyes are still sometimes having a reaction when I remove my make-up. If this doesn't help I'm going to change my liquid eyeliner. I bought the MAC Fluidline but haven't used it yet so I'll see if that helps. Otherwise I have no idea what is upsetting them. I use Simple Eye which is virtually just water so it can't be that. My only other thought is the cotton pad fibres are the cause. 

Ice Neon in Pink Punch, Mirrorball in Boogie Nights, Fruit Pastel in Strawberry Tart - Models Own £5

These were on 3 for 2 which obviously meant I couldn't just get one! My boyfriend helped me pick but it was so hard as I virtually have all of them now. I can't decide whether to get the mint green in the Models Own Fruit Pastel collection or the Barry M textured mint green. The Pink Punch is seriously bright. My boyfriend's favourite colour is green so he wanted me to get Toxic Apple but I already have it in normal polish. I won't be keeping my Ice Neon in the fridge because I'm not sure I really need to?

Neutrogena Visibly Clear daily scrub £2.65, Cherry Chap Stick £1.05, Nail Art Tattoos £5.99, Colgate Max White One £1.99 - Boots 

A few bits and bobs on offer plus I found some nail tattoos! I was going to buy these online so was pleased to find them in store. My boyfriend bought the whole range of the Colgate Max White One, he drinks tea and coffee and this really worked on whitening my teeth so I'm sure it'll help him if not remove the surface stains from coffee. I was resisting an EOS mint lip balm and spotted this cherry Chap Stick. I really like them and they don't irritate my lips. 

Happy Easter to us! As if I don't have enough chocolate to last me all year me and my boyfriend can't resist a sweet shop. We both love Millions especially Bubblegum flavour and I'd been after some Extra fruit gum for ages. The tin of sweets remind me of being a child and always having a tin in the car for travelling. I loved them so much and the supermarkets don't stock them anymore. They had all the flavours and it took me so long to decide but I went for fruit, some of the others were just citrus fruits. My boyfriend had only said to me the day before about there being a shop you can pick your flavour jelly beans and this shop had it! I stocked up on my favourites: bubblegum, tutti frutti and cherry cola. 

So that's my week. My Easter made my week and I'm sad its all over now. I'm looking forward to booking our summer holiday and now the clocks have gone back hopefully we may get some warmer temperatures and sunshine. 

Hope you've all had good weeks! 

Sunday Summary #47

The panic is beginning to set in that I only have a week and a bit until Christmas! Luckily I won't be giving my boyfriend his presents until after Christmas but my friends and family needs sorting! I must get on with making bracelets to complete all the presents and I still have one brother to buy a main present for, I was so close as I found a shirt but got the wrong size. I knew he was a medium but thought it looked too big so got a small only for my Mum to say no he'll want a medium for arm length. Gah! Getting stressed about my boyfriend's main present because its such a massive project that I should have started sooner but some set backs aren't my fault but a company I've used to source the bulk of it.
I feel like I can't remember this past week it's passed in such a quick blur. I finally took a chance and ordered some high top wedges on Monday night as I had a money off coupon for Matalan but you couldn't use it in conjuction with their online offer of free delivery which was irritating. I continued with the order anyway. I had a tough few days at work, Christmas makes people exceptionally rude and stressed. I woke to the email that the Soap & Glory gift set would be £27 on Friday so I was very excited for that. They are incredible value for money and I love getting them. A Lush has just opened in town (HALLELUJAH! long time blog followers will know I've been waiting for this practically all my life) and in its first days it was relatively empty and now suddenly people have discovered it. It's permanently packed and I haven't been able to shop simply. I went late night shopping with my boyfriend and had hoped to make it in then but it was crammed again. I was up early on Friday for my Soap and Glory and had to brave Lush despite it still being too busy to look properly and they were out of some items I wanted. I got some presents too and had to head home just as the heavens decided to open and pour with rain. I got drenched and I could barely walk to the bus stop with all my bags but I just about managed it. My Matalan order arrived on Friday and I got a MAC lipstick on the Debenhams sale. I met my boy from work and found some pretty bits in Claire's Accessories. So basically it has been Merry Christmas to me this week!
I've been incredibly frugal these past few weeks though and making presents for friends rather than spending my usual amount has saved me a packet. Plus this week I sold some shares I bought back in 2009 for £6.53 when I originally bought them for £2.87! Talk about returning the money. I was always skeptical about shares and only entered the scheme in a bid to control my money and save money indefinitely. Its so simple to do because they take an amount from you, £20 per month for example, and after a set time, three or five years, the account opens for you. It seemed a great and effortless way to save money that I could never touch until its maturity and then transfer the amount to my house deposit fund. I'm still to understand more but the alternative for shares is to keep them with the company and you get a return from the companys profits (I think). Certainly worth a look if you are rubbish with money or take from your savings so end up with no savings at all. I'm terrible at moving money from my current account to savings accounts so seemed the answer for me. I also have an ISA that deducts from my current account each month.
Last night me and my boyfriend went to our friend's house for a curry. She's just moved in with her partner and we hadn't been over yet. The house is breath takingly beautiful. Its my dream home with georgian windows and very modern. Fortunately my boyfriend loved it too so its nice to know if we move out together we're on the same page. The curry was so nice too although I couldn't finish it all. I've only just tried them and have only had a korma and a tikka masala (last night) I'm not a spicy girl so its good to discover they're mild.
It's been quite exciting to shop with my boyfriend for our families as I've never done it with a boyfriend before. We've clubbed together for my Mum's birthday present which is the 29th December and I might burst with excitement. Its a limited edition Disney print which I'm sure she'll treasure.

I really love the X Factor single and I can't say no to buying items that contribute to charity. Plus you get three other songs on here. James deserved to win and I hope he does well. 

Meant to get this DVD for so long so when I was online Christmas shopping I found this for £3.49 so ordered it right away. I haven't actually seen the entire film just parts but I love Leo and Mark and I've heard great things about this. 

Paperchase tags & treat bags 

Thought the treat bags would be cute for my bracelets rather than tissue paper. Can't find tags for don't open til 25th december anywhere, think they sold out instantly most places. 

New Look £5.50 pumps

I love the Union Jack pair I got earlier in the year, so comfy and perfect to throw on for shopping, cinema and running errands. I had a 25% off code on my iPhone so nipped down to New Look and was thrilled to find these half price, I wanted the purple pair but they didn't have my size. 

 New Look £16.99 Swallow Peter Pan top

I've been lusting after this online for weeks and with my code I looked for it in store and found it. I love it even more because the swallows have wing detail just like my tattoo, haha such a geek. 

Matalan high top wedges £18 

I LOVE THESE! My boyfriend is somewhat taller than me which is great when I wear heels as I'm not taller than him (it makes me cringe for some reason) and often I wish heels could be appropriate for when we go out but its not an occasion for heels. I think these may bridge that gap as they give me height, look casual and are insanely comfortable. I have now ordered the black pair too....

Superdrug Batiste £1.45, Pantene Instant Damage Defence spray £2.29 (both better than half price offers)

If I ever got stranded on a desert island, Batiste would be one of my items I couldn't be without.  I'd got through the can at work so needed another and Superdrug always seem to have it on offer. I bought several cans and will probably go back for more. 

MAC Pink Pearl Pop £12.60

I've been after this for a while but stores I visited didn't have it in stock. I avoided looking online as I'd buy more than this. I happened to go on Debenhams website and they had 10% off beauty so I ordered it. I only got this as others I want were out of stock which was just as well.

Claire's Accessories £4.50

I couldn't resist these Christmas rings and seemed a bargain for 7! The camera hasn't picked up how glittery they are but they're so cute anyway. 

Claire's Accessories Owl ring £4

I love owls and I love rings. I'm not sure if this is a "speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil" type thing or whether its just three owls on a branch.

Claire's Accessories Bow & Bell earrings £3

I usually wear Christmas earrings at work but haven't even dug them out of the loft for this year with my lack of time so picked these to tide me over a few days closer to Christmas. 

Claire's Accessories "Think Of A Wonderful Thought" band ring £4

So hard to get a good picture of this. I've been thinking of having a Disney quote and this is one that I have been seriously considering. I love the positive feel to it and I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted this. Disney Couture does stuff like this but at a much much higher cost so I had to take advantage. 

THAT Soap & Glory gift set £60 £27

The best of the week by far. Absolute bargain and I really like the bag this year as I wasn't crazy about last years...even though this is £2 more this year and has less products its still great value for money as the items alone are worth £70 altogether. These go quick and online is sold out so try your local Boots if you're still after one. 

TRESemme Texture Style products 3 for £9 

These are my most used from the texture range so I got some more on offer as they retail for £5.50 each. I reviewed these on my October Favourites so look back if you want to read more here.  

Lee Stafford, 3 for 2 

I'm toying with the idea of ombre hair but because its been dyed red and the red is still lingering I think it'll look odd. So I may have to get the red out, then stick to my natural dark brown hair although all the red dye seems to have altered my natural colour or dye my hair dark brown and then bleach the ends. I'm not too sure what to do and I'm terrified of getting it wrong but found this Lee Stafford Sunkissed spray which can ombre your hair if sprayed at the ends. I then thought I could do with another hair growth treatment and it seemed silly not to get a third item because of the 3 for 2 so picked the shine spray. 

H&M Lady & The Tramp tee £9.99

I can't resist anything Disney :)

Lush Dirty shower gel £4.45 & Rehab shampoo £5.10

Dirty smells of spearmint Polos, sold. I adore spearmints Polos, so to smell like one, yes please! Plus I've bought a sickening number of Snow Fairy bottles...

Rehab I'm hoping will be a miracle product for my hair as it sounds, looks and reads like it will encourage healthy hair that grows. 

I chose to go for this as its a bright, neon colour and I have previously got Angel Delight and fancied a change. The paper is insanely pretty too I couldn't unwrap it yet!

Various bath bombs, yummy. 

So that's my week of shopping. A naughty amount when Christmas is just around the corner and I haven't finished my shopping yet, whoops. However the shops shouldn't be full of so many lovely gifts that I want for myself. So really its not my fault :)

Hope you've all had good weeks.

Sunday Summary #28

Can't believe its another week gone and we're now into August. This year is hurtling past and before long it'll be Christmas! Had a topsy turvy few days, with uncertainty surrounding possible redundancies at work. Luckily its all ok and everyone is staying, for now at least. I can't imagine ever not working but I also don't think I could cope with the anxiety of my job being at risk. Then to be made redundant must be the worst feeling in the world. I'm so lucky. Had a brilliant week with my boyfriend as he's been off work so more free time. He went to the Olympics on Tuesday to see the Boxing which I was most jealous of. He had an amazing time. We've been watching it all week when we can and its incredible. Its definitely more exciting on home turf and with Team GB doing outstanding. So many medals too, its been so exciting to check my phone and hear from others when I haven't been near a tv. Me and my boyfriend went down to Colchester on Friday for shopping. Had such an amazing day, exploring and shopping. I am so lucky to have found someone like him. He isn't much of a shopper but he didn't complain once. We went to see Ted today and laughed our heads off. It is has such naughty lines in it, and Ted is one very bad bear indeed. I don't think I've ever seen Mark Wahlberg in a film before but he really impressed me in Ted, I was more into seeing how Mila Kunis did. They work so well together and some of the scenes between them are hilarious. Its mad how someone thought up the films idea. We also saw the trailer for The Sweeney which I have to see. Ben Drew and Ray Winstone?! Yes please. Planning to see The Dark Knight Rises a second time. It was so epic the first time and even though it was only a few weeks ago I need to see it all again.  Mum went to London on Wednesday and brought me loads of goodies back. Some are pictured below. She also got me a Union Jack cool bag and a Union Jack travel suitcase on wheels, its been great having so much Union Jack stuff popping up.

Making the most of Claire's Accessories 5 for £5 sale

 I did the deal with my Mum so all of the above cost £1 each!

 Primark Spending: Floral blouse £10, Leopard print sweetheart cut blouse £12, USA flag and Eagle top £6

I upsized on all of them as I like my blouses slightly flowy/loose and the flag top I want to be slouchy.

 Free photobook from Photobox, through Facebook

Mum's finds in London. The photo doesn't do the jacket justice, but its navy with gold thread that only shows up in the light, tops and duck mitt, London themed pjs and top. More Claire's Accessories 5 for £5.

 She also got me these bits from Accessorize and Forever 21. 

 I have Olympic Fever big time, so the headbands and jewellery are obvious. Couldn't resist the pin badge.I went into Build-a-Bear in Colchester and just had to have this one! So British I loved her. 

 I finally got my hands on an MUA Undressed palette and even better it had £1 off so was £3, crazy bargain. 

 MAC purchases :) 

 Mineralize Eye Shadow in Smutty Green, Girl About Town and Impassioned

 Light swatch of Smutty Green, Girl About Town and Impassioned

Yankee Candle haul

 Accessorize purchases

 Tokyo, Paris, New York, London spinner necklace, Lindy bunny necklace, Owl necklace

 Vitrail pendant, so amazing!

 Lush purchases. My boy picked for me :) Blackberry, Sex Bomb, Dorothy and Rocketeer

This case Mum got in London in the Claire's offer. I forgot it as its in use. I love it so much!! 

I am so happy with the new little bits I've got this week. Its been so nice to treat myself after hardly spending in recent weeks. Definitely appreciate stuff much more when I haven't shopped for a little while. I only went into MAC for one lipstick but I always see more in store than online, you see the true colour of a product in person. I've been after Impassioned for a while and then I saw Girl About Town. I'd seen it pop up on blogs before but I wasn't sure I could wear it. Out of all the brights I swatched me and my boy agreed the two I got were our favourites. Can't believe they've gone up again but I have all the colours I want now except a couple so I'm not too bothered. I don't always like every collection MAC release so unlikely they've bring out ten colours and I'd want all of them. 

Completely enjoying the London 2012 Olympics, so proud to be British and loving the medals racking up. I'll be sad when its all over but I have amazing memories from it. 

Hope you've all had good weeks