Sunday Summary #50

Wowee week number 50! Its been odd but amazing each week watching this number increase and can't believe I'm almost at a whole year. I'm really glad I've come this far though as I don't like giving up on things.
I'm really surprised New Year was Tuesday, only a few days ago but already it feels like ages ago. I had a chilled night in with my boyfriend, a buffet to nibble on and rubbish tv! I wouldn't change it though as it was special to see the New Year in with him and let all the turbulence of last year go. There aren't words to say how supportive he was to me but I truly believe we met so he could help me get through it all.
I finally saw Up on New Years Day, I've got the DVD but never got round to watching it which saddened me being a huge Disney fan. I cried like a baby after the first ten minutes, I won't say why incase it spoils it for anybody else, but it really pulled on my heart strings. I can't say I was overjoyed to go back to work but back into it now and making lots of plans to give me things to look forward to.
On Friday I did a little dash around town taking refunds back and then popped to Matalan. I got sale items so I'll put it into my sales post which will be up soon. Went with my boyfriend and our friend Joe to see The Hobbit last night. I wasn't too sure what I would make of it having never seen any of the Lord Of The Rings films but as soon as The Hobbit credits started rolling they wanted to know if I wanted to watch them. It has definitely intrigued me because Gollum is in there and you see The Ring/A Ring? I tried my best to follow the story and feel I did ok. At almost three hours long it was a very long time especially when I needed a wee after forty minutes, I'd bought a large cherry Ice Blast which I couldn't stop sipping and that can't have helped. I'd already had a drink in the pub before and a drink in the chinese before. I'd nipped to the loo before the film but you know you'll still need the wee pretty bad because you don't want to go for one! I kept feeling hot and cold too which didn't help the impending bladder situation. Anyway The Hobbit is very good, some breath taking beautiful scenes and quite easy to follow whats going on. I didn't understand the Gollum/ring scenes but my boyfriend explained a little and I guess if I watch the films I'll understand completely. I bought him The Hobbit book as he's misplaced his and as soon as we got home his nose was in it! Astounded that The Hobbit has been split into a trilogy but I can't think of anything that could have been left out of the film. And its left on a scene that makes you want to see what happens next!
I am far far far too excited for Les Miserables! I saw the musical last year and it was INCREDIBLE. I'm hoping for great things from the film. I'm not sure it will be able to capture the magic and atmosphere of seeing it performed live in a theatre but I'm prepared for a different feel to it on the big screen.
Me and the boyfriend should be seeing it as we've planned a date like our first date (same restaurant, then cinema) and it will have just come out when we've set the date night. We've been such social butterflies recently that we haven't gone out just the two of us, just shopping, so it'll be lovely to just be a couple for an evening.

Barry M Gelly in Prickly Pear £3.99, magnetic polish in 344 Gold Sparkle £4.99 and free LE glitter polish!

 I nipped into Superdrug on New Year's Eve to stock up on cherry Batiste (£1.45 instead of £2.99, I LOVE the scent, and I haven't pictured the sickening number of cans I bought...) and I always have to do a quick reccy past the make-up and spotted the glitter polish, sparkling away, calling my name. And it was free when you spent £6...no justification needed! Its a clear polish full of red, green and blue pieces, very festive looking. I couldn't resist the Prickly Pear and I've wanted to try the Barry M magnetic polish for ages. I always wanted the one in the ad campaign (gold with black stripes and could never find it. I took a gamble that 344 was "the one" and hurrah it is! I've got a NOTD to post for it separately.

Matalan Ditsy Floral Canvas Stool £20 here

I don't know why this is called a stool, as I'd say its more a bin or storage box. Its quite sturdy and big inside. It's currently holding my Christmas presents in our hall until I get round to putting them out/away in my room. I've wanted this since the summer and always resisted as I have so much in my room already but its an investment and I'm sure it will look fine in any future room/home of mine.

Just posting a few random iPhone photos as I haven't anything else to show you!

Forgot to post this on last weeks summary, I bought Mum a cake from M&S as I didn't have time to bake one...amazing! Chocolate dream!

New Year Eve's buffet 

Ronnie was hoping to nab some buffet food! 

Keeping to my new years aims - a lush bath! The Think Pink bath bomb has loads of tiny heart confetti! 

My Ronnie

 Boyfriends cat casually in a bag!

Getting in the way of tidying!

So that's my week. Quiet but nice all the same. I feel more tired but that could be the extra time off. I've rested and slept much more and it seems to have made me realise how busy I've been lately and not taking moments to stop. I really want to continue this year at a slower pace. Today may just be too slow as I was in bed til three, and then back in bed at five. But I have been dressed since three so that's something! 

Hope you've all had good weeks

Happy New Year 2013

image from weheartit.com

 2012 has to be the quickest year of my life. My boyfriend wrote in my anniversary card "times flies when you're having fun" and there couldn't be truer words. Despite some tough times in the year it's still been the best year of my life. I am so lucky to be with my boyfriend, I truly believe we were meant to be and our paths crossed to bring us together. I am all kinds of crazy about him and we brought the New Year in together with a kiss, one of the most magical moments ever. I'm so proud of my achievements during the past year, from learning I'm stronger than I thought, looking after my family and becoming even closer to them in the process and all the little bits in between. My boyfriend has really helped me believe in myself and see the potential I have for future career movement. I'm so pleased with the direction of my blog and the satisfaction I get from doing it. I don't believe in New Years Resolutions as I think you set yourself up to fail and then feel down about it. I seriously did not want to return to work today, definitely enjoyed my time off far too much. I usually put a list on my pin board of goals to aim for. I don't see it everyday but when I do it reminds me of what I want.

1. Money - I have drastically cut down my spending in recent years. I remember the elation of my first full time pay slip and I went a little crazy with the hundreds I had in my account. I've slowly become better and more careful with money and really want to continue this.

2. House Deposit - I have numerous savings accounts, ISAs and sharesave schemes to my name but I still need to save much more as the bigger house deposit I have the better mortgage I'll be able to get, and I would rather like an average sized house. I've been saving slowly but steadily since I was 17 (the one and only thing I've always wanted over everything else is my own house) I'm still a way off.

3. Blog - I enjoy blogging so much and having my own little corner of the internet. My boyfriend has really become involved with helping me and giving me tips and advise and is so supportive. I've certainly been lacking the time and energy to post as often as I like to so hopefully now everything has calmed down and life resumes to some sort of normality (?) I'll be posting more regularly.

4. Purchases - This ties somewhat into the money goal. I want to buy myself more expensive items, but less all round, if that makes any sense. So rather than buying four cheap bags I'd rather save up for a more expensive bag. I'm definitely a way off affording a Chanel but it would be nice to own something I saved for and really appreciate. I find I don't appreciate or care so much for items that cost me a few pounds from Primark over something that cost me £100.  I have so much stuff in my room and I'm dreading moving out purely because it'll take so long to pack up and me and my boyfriend want a minimal, clean look.

5. Me Time - I rarely just take a few hours to read or watch a DVD. I loved reading and I haven't done any in so long. I've been toying with the idea of an e-reader to encourage me more but I love the look of a bookcase so much. I also hope I may have a library one day like the one in Beauty & The Beast, haha so I need a few books for that! I have a large cupcake stand overflowing with Lush and a bag in my Mum's room because I don't have anywhere for my new purchases. I really should make the time for a bath to enjoy all these bath bombs I've accumulated! And it could link to the blog one if I could share with you my favourite ones. I have bought almost all of the Sims 3 games in the last six months yet I haven't really played it and two of the expansions are sitting in their cellophane in the corner (very naughty!) I loved Sims 1 and 2 and I'd love to enjoy 3 too.

And so that's roughly it. All of them are important to me and I'll work on trying to get more of them into my life this year. I hope you all had an amazing New Year. Me and my boyfriend meant to let sky lanterns go at just after midnight but the howling, forceful wind and rain stopped us. We'll wait for a calmer night to let our wishes go for this year :)

I'll just leave you with my Facebook post as it really sums up my feelings of 2012 and what I learnt...

Can't believe 2012 will be over in a few hours. Couldn't have got through this year without my wonderful family and my amazing boyfriend and friends. Thank you all for your love and support through times I hoped I'd never have to go through. Just goes to show love does make the world go round, you're always stronger than you believe and you can always find the positives in a negative situation if you look hard enough. Nothing will defeat you if you have no fear and you know you'll find the light at the end of the tunnel. Wishing everyone a very happy new year xxx

New Year Nails

I've put two NOTD's together for this post as they are both perfect for New Year. It's one of the nights of the year you can really go all out and wear whatever you like. I've had some crazy New Year Eve's in the past but it seems to have calmed down now I'm older. I wouldn't say no to a night out but for this year I'm chilling with my boyfriend and Mum at home. However that's no reason not to have sparkly, eye catching nails!

First up we have Models Own True Blue with Freak Out! from the Mirrorball Collection. 

 When I wore this it made me think of Fireworks, because there is glitter particles, flakes, little uneven triangles and tiny rectangles in purple, light blue and a darker blue. This is quite a difficult one to describe because it isn't obvious like glitter but it still sparkles and catches the light. The bigger particles can be hard to get to lay flat on your nail, and a top coat is advisable because the nail can be quite uneven. I have one other Mirrorball polish but I'm not sure they're quite me, as I really love my glitters!

This is my second inspiration from Barry M in 354 Amethyst Glitter.

I had so many compliments the first time I wore this. It catches the light and is a very attention demanding glitter as its so solid. It contains black, purple, gold, hot pink and turquoise glitter pieces with tiny turquoise glitter. I've got two coats on and it sparkles at every angle. I've previously worn this over a purple and only one coat which was nice, but it makes much more of an impact worn alone. There is nothing else like this which is why I bought it, even if I was unsure how it would transfer onto my nails. However this is a favourite of the year which is saying something as I've had many, many favourites to pick from the incredible number of polishes I've bought. 

What will you wear on your nails for New Year's Eve?

An Accessorize Girl

I didn't go into the sales after Christmas can you believe. I love nothing more than shopping and nothing more than reduced items but I wanted my time off work spent at home with my family. I knew if my Mum went in though I would do so I kept reasoning with her we'd only spend money, on items we didn't want or need simply because they were reduced. Plus I bought so much in the weeks before it was unlikely I would find much. I did a quick run around in town on Thursday as I did a half day at work and then was getting flowers and balloons for my Mum's birthday but didn't really find anything clothes wise. I tried! 


On Christmas Eve however I did put an order through for Accessorize. I finally have Facebook, a big moment, as I have resisted for so many years. My friend Mike set it up much to my friends and brothers delight haha, so while I was adding people I was seeing where had their sales on. 


Before I knew it I had a £45 basket on the Accessorize website. My order arrived Friday while I was out so it was something nice to arrive home to. 

 Heart print tights £5, wish upon a star charm £2, butterfly purse £7.50

Monumental moment getting a new purse! I am super fussy about them, I see so many nice ones but I need lots of card slots, a zipped coin section, and insides for notes, receipts, vouchers and a mini notebook which has lists of make up and nail polishes. I knew if I didn't like this purse I could return it to store but I have fallen in love with it, the inside is just what I need/like and its got butterflies on it. 

 925 love ring £10, shooting star ring £2.50, union jack heart enamel ring £6, pink delilah ring £2, freddie frog ring £4, poison arrow double finger ring £8

I love my rings so its never a surprise when I buy a lot in one go.  Not all of them were in the sale but I thought I might as well order as I see because I only have two tiny Accessorize stores in my town and they never seem to get what I see on the website in store. 

 owl ring £6.49, london bag £5.40, panda gloves £3.60

These items were bought in one of my local stores. I love shopper bags as they come in so handy and I loved this London themed one. I've been after the owl ring for absolutely ages but at £12.99 I've never been able to do it. I'd queued to pay for ages and just as there was only one person in front of me I realised I hadn't looked in the ring tray, so risked it and it was worth it! It was the last one and my size, happy days. The panda gloves weren't in the sale but were reduced as faulty because their buttons are missing. Usually £12 it seems a crazy markdown when I can buy two buttons for less than 50p and sew them on in a few minutes! 

 love!

 These are all George at Asda. The first and third top were full price items but at £10 and £8 not a problem. Should have got smaller sizes as all of these are too big so will need to exchange but was so excited to find a monochrome scalloped top! Can't resist polka dots or butterflies. 

 no7 62 night silver and models own juicy jules

These are my nails for over New Year. Love them :) still as obsessed as ever with juicy jules! 

out of focus, but see the sparkle!

Hope you have found bargains in the sales! 

Em x 

Happy New Year!

So 2012 is here. Time has whizzed past and can't believe Christmas and New Year has been and gone. Didn't do much, usually go to a party but wanted to stay in this year with my Mum. Plus had to collect my youngest brother from his party, but he got a lift back in the end. Was the first time I saw the fireworks in London though, they looked amazing! May look into being there next year :) 


I treated myself in recent weeks :)

Of course I couldn't resist getting one! A huge Soap & Glory gift set for £25 instead of £60 with approximately £68 worth of goodies?! Yes please. Made even better by using my Boots points. However I soon begrudged this purchase being my first as I was in town on my own, doing my last bit of Christmas shopping. Trying to carry this, a cage umbrella, a roll wrap in no bag (I said no to one, thinking it was easier to carry it) and three shopper bags of stuff. Trying to pay for stuff while holding everything was a nightmare, I even dropped something I was getting money out to buy and a little lady picked it up for me saying "dear you look like you can barely carry what you have let alone pick this up" haha. 

back: abombinaball bath bomb, cinders bath bomb, snow fairy shower gel, celebrate lip tint, miranda soap, snowcake soap, phoenix rising bath bomb

middle: candy cane soap, lil lush pud bath bomb, candy mountain bubble bar, gingerbread house bubble bar, satsumo santa bath bomb

front: the melting snowman bath melt

I ordered Lush online and added some goodies to the basket for me, obviously. I was very restrained as you can see. However in my attempt not to spend much I only ordered a Celebrate lip tint. My Snow Fairy lip tint from when they last released them is still going and much loved but I forgot to get another. Luckily my friend Amy saved the day as she'd got me one for Christmas, which actually made me scream on Christmas morning.

I've wanted a pristine set of Harry Potter books for a while but it wasn't high on my list. I soon discovered there was several boxsets available and decided on this one with the new design covers as all my copies are the original ones, slightly well loved and my deathly hallows is in hardback. I'm now hoping to pick up the page to screen book //link// 

 Mum got me these lights for my room. I love bird stuff and last Christmas Eve she put diamond lights on my bed, on my twitter pictures if you look back. 

 Just the dove lights on

 dove and diamond lights on

so pretty!

Hope you all had a great New Year and started 2012 on a good note

Em x