Sunday Summary #67

I do love a bank holiday, we should have more in my opinion. I have thoroughly enjoyed the longer break and its got pretty hot this week. I've had a stressful time as my oldest youngest brother had an accident at work and luckily didn't break his foot but has been signed off work for two weeks to rest his foot. He can't do much for himself so we've been looking after him and then my Mum had an accident at work last Thursday. It wasn't a nice text to receive on my lunch break that she was in A&E. I took my littlest brother to vote on Thursday too which was nice as it was his first time. I then took on Mummy role - its tiring! I haven't stopped all weekend so the extra day off has helped me get some more sleep than if I'd worked.

Me and my boyfriend watched Avengers Assemble on Saturday night and Captain America last night so I've now watched all the Marvel films, I really liked Captain America as it was the only one remaining I hadn't seen yet. We went to see Iron Man 3 on Tuesday which we both loved and had planned to go again today but ended up shopping and visiting pet shops.

I think I've got my summer wardrobe sorted which feels very grown up and final. I usually continually buy items right through til September but there's nothing in particular I feel I'm short of. There's a pair of shorts in Primark right now that I'd die to have - they're green with pink flamingos on but have been sold out in every one I've visited :( I will have to dream of them.

My Matalan order arrived and I love the way every item is in its own protective plastic, I bought some sequinned items last year and didn't think much of the plastic, just thought it was because the items were delicate but must be how they send every item. I'm definitely becoming less of a Primark girl and swaying more towards affordable clothing from the likes of Matalan and George at Asda.

I got the MAC email this week about Rihanna's lipstick, I was so very tempted but resisted. I don't wear red too often and as much as I'd love to own it I'd rather get something more wearable for me, I'm a changed girl I swear.

 Dress £22 - Matalan

I ordered this dress from my boyfriend's Grandad's birthday party but I don't think I'm wearing this as I feel like a Mum in it! Its lovely but think its just a bit too safe for me.

 Tallulah blazer £10 - Matalan

This was a special offer and it sold out pretty quickly as these were £25 and they had several colours. I love this one and it looks super cute with the green butterfly dress from Primark (last week) so think this is the outfit for the party. Its lovely material and has little shoulder pads in, it fits snug and I love love love it.

 Beach dress £5 - Matalan

You have really paid for something very basic here. This looks super pretty on but is see through and very very short indeed so really is just a beach cover up.

 Summer dress £7 - Matalan

I really like this print now its here as I wasn't sure when I ordered it. I like the way its a bit hazy but still stands out, it fits really nicely and makes a sweet addition to my dress collection.

 Shift dress £16 - Matalan 

I really love this dress but I ordered too big a size so it doesn't fit. I am really drawn to blue and white things and I wish this would fit me properly!

 Maxi dress £10 - Matalan 

I ordered this as it was such a bargain and I really like it on. I almost wish they had more as they're all the same designs but different colours.

 Floral ombre shorts £12, Skull bracelet £3 - Matalan

I am head over heels crazy for these shorts, as soon as they scrolled into view on the website they were in my basket in a flash. They are so beautiful and look so lovely on, they have a few different designs which I might look at when I go into store. I ordered the bracelet as I like those skulls and its hard to find ones made nicely.

 Knickers £2.50 each, 3 for £5, George at Asda 

I just can't resist these characters knickers Asda do. Add to that they are super comfy!

 3 for £3 travel toiletries - Asda

Just a few more holiday bits, I got the Nivea pots for work and my bag as they're pretty handy and small to keep around.

Bikini top £8, bottoms £4 - George at Asda

Asda have done some really sweet bikinis this year and I wanted this as soon as I saw it. I love the way you can mix and match sizes as I'm not the same all over and the ruching on the top is pretty.

 Cath Kidston book £8, scrapbook bows £1.99, stickers £2.99 - WHSmith

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the Cath Kidston book for half price! I snapped up a copy instantly and as I was headed to the tills my eyes fell upon some scrapbook bits. I'm not sure when and where I'll use the teapots and cakes but who cares, they're pretty and glittery.

 Nivea deodorant £1.74, Bite & Sting cream, Olbus oil inhaler stick - Boots

I nipped into Boots for the items below but walked out with a huge bag full. I haven't pictured everything as some of it was boring shower gel and deodorant for my boy. I adore the Nivea deodorants, they work for me and smell lovely all day long. I find other make such as Sure have a strong smell that I hate but Nivea is a delicate floral one, almost like a body spray smell. I only tend to get them when they're half price at Boots (the big cans). I always get bitten to death in the summer and my bite and sting cream is almost all gone from last year and I have so much else on my mind I tend to grab things when I see them. I bought the inhaler as my hayfever is bad at the moment and it blocks my nose, the nights are the worst as no matter how much I blow my nose I can't breathe. One night I was desperate to sleep as I had work and HATE being tired. I used a Vicks stick that night but Olbus is slightly softer and the Vicks made my eyes water so I kept it in while I tried to fall asleep, delightful eh.

 Witch Hazel gel £1.99, Witch Hazel £2.99, Banana Boat Aloe Vera gel £3.99 - Boots

I have re-started epilating and my gosh it can hurt sometimes. Because I shaved during the winter my skin was pretty traumatised the first time and although its calmed down now I did some research into the effects of epilating and discovered that these items can help. I got the Aloe Vera gel as straight after epilating my skin is very sensitive, red and uncomfortable. I didn't put moisturiser on and I'm so glad I didn't as it can cause infections as the pores are open from the hair root being ripped out. Plus I think I may have done this before and it stung. I got the witch hazel as it can help soothe and prevent ingrown hairs and soothe pimpled skin. Epilating may be painful but it is so worth it! The results are long lasting and even after the first time the hairs grow back incredibly slow, patchy and fine. The negative results are the same as waxing and to be honest I'd rather epilate than wax as like a tattoo your skin stops feeling the pain of epilating after a while whereas waxing is not constant and does large areas at once. 

Photo albums BOGO£1 - WHSmith 

Another crazy WHSmith bargain, I can't resist! I have been using their albums for a few years as they are the same design and size and stack nicely together. I used to get photo albums from all sorts of places but it makes them hard to store.

So that's my week. I am working on my April Favourites but its taken a back seat with all the ongoings of my home life recently but I might get it up later this week as I don't have many this month.

Hope you've all had good weeks

March Favourites

Its crazy to think we are now a quarter of a way through 2013! There's not been many new products I've loved this month. I have felt really uninspired to part with my money after February being so frugal and using products I already owned.

 Nivea Express Hydration Primer (for sensitive and dry skin) £3.99 (on offer at Superdrug)

I just had to get my hands on this after reading rave reviews. I had run out of my Maybelline primer and the L'oreal is so expensive for such a small pot in my opinion. I'd been flitting between using a Vivo primer (jelly consistency) and Avon Magix (liquid to powder) but didn't like them very much. I was horrified to open this to discover it was like a very watery moisturiser. I even checked the label that I hadn't got the wrong product. It has been true love since first use. I don't use very much as a little goes a long way and it sinks in so fast. This was a change of primer for me as my previous have filled pores and and created a layer before my foundation whereas this one leaves your skin soft and ready for make-up. The primer sinks in so fast but doesn't leave a slippery surface like other primers, but my skin is perfect for foundation. It applies so much nicer and stays on for longer. My skin seems to have really benefited from using this everyday. I have no make-up on today but my skin looks so soft, creamy and smooth, almost like I have my foundation on. This definitely does what it says on the tin and the price is brilliant as I can imagine this lasting absolutely ages!

 Corn Silk Translucent powder £8.15, Boots 

I've been lusting after this sort of powder for ages but had only seen high end brand ones costing around £20. It was on my wish list but near the bottom and if you knew how long the list is you'd see I'd probably never get there. I spotted this in Boots one evening with my friend but I decided to look up reviews before I bought it. A lot were positive besides the smell. I love this powder so much, it sets my make-up and keeps it there. I first used this on a trip to Colchester Zoo. I was outside all day, walking about, in the sunshine and wind, going into a steamy jungle room and everything else. My make-up lasted and I was really impressed. Until I use a higher end I don't know how they compare but for now this will do. As for the smell, it doesn't bother me in the slightest I quite like it in fact. Its subtle and non-offensive.

 The only thing that might bother people is the design of the powder. I'm not crazy about applying powder this way, but it goes on really well. Its just difficult to get around my eyes, as I don't want it to irritate them. You could probably shake this out into a pot to apply with a brush.

 clockwise from top: Maybelline Color 24 Hour Tattoos in On & On Bronze, Rose Gold, Eternal Gold,  Mac Paint Pots in Let's Skate, Bare Study and Chilled On Ice, middle: Mac Prep + Prime Eye

Oh what a shame I don't have another pot to make a full circle. Two of the MAC Paint Pots are from a Limited Edition collection Glitter + Ice but have reappeared on Debenhams so I got Chilled On Ice as I really liked Let's Skate. I love using all these eye products and mix it up everyday to get different looks. They're quite neutral but some have shimmer in and when partnered with another can create a smokey eye. I've been using On & On Bronze on my outer corner and one of the others (not Let's Skate or Rose Gold) on my inner corner. The Maybelline tattoos dry quickly so you can have move them quick or they set and don't budge. Paint Pots are a bit creamier and softer so you have longer to work with them.

 l-r Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoos in On & On Bronze, Rose Gold and Eternal Gold. Then MAC Paint Pots in Let's Skate, Bare Study and Chilled On Ice

As you can see the Maybelline are really pigmented and apply smoothly and consistently. The MAC are more sheer especially the Glitter + Ice collection with Let's Skate a pale pink with golden shimmer and Chilled On Ice a more golden bronze.

 TRESemmé Shampoo 

I discovered TRESemmé hair products a while ago now but had never invested in their shampoo. My Mum returned from Asda one night with some of the massive bottles as they were on offer for £2. They last for ages and you only need a little to lather up in your hair. They leave my hair lovely and shiny, and it has the signature TRESemmé scent which I love. I also think they've helped with the condition of my hair especially in this winter weather. I've been trying to track down some Platinum Strength but its been snapped up so quick.

 Neal's Yard Bee Lovely hand cream and Garnier Hand Repair 

The Neal's Yard was free with a magazine and smells insane. I didn't want to use it for ages as I'm not a fan of honey after eating it every day for six months one year to cope with my hayfever (read my hayfever post here) but my boyfriend used it and it smelt divine. It must be the orange essential oil in this that I love. I would definitely get a full size of this as I really like it. The Garnier hand cream is so good for people with really dry hands. If I put it on before bed I won't need to re-moisturise my hands until midday or beyond the next day. I found this in Asda and its been sold out ever since so I hope I can find another bottle somewhere.

Soap and Glory Thick and Fast mascara 

I got this free in a big box one year and I've enjoyed using it. When I first opened it it really coated my eyelashes, thickly but not clumpy which was perfect. Its only lasted me a month but I think its full size so I'm not sure if you don't get much product or its dried out. Usually mascaras last me much longer. Its also really black too so a great mascara just not long lasting usage wise.

That's all my March favourites. I'm still trawling through all my Soap and Glory bath products so they're lasting me ages!

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