Bounce

I haven't posted a NOTD in so long, I miss doing it so much but I have taken photos recently just never got round to posting them.

 Models Own Utopia with Boogie Nights 

 Models Own Lemon Meringue, Pink Pop Soda and Lilac Dream with L'Oreal Confetti topcoat

Topshop AWOL with Ice Crush 

I'm majorly obsessed with Iggy Azalea at the moment and have been replaying her mixtape over and over. Her songs are so catchy and are great in the morning when I'm sleepy on my way to work.

Sunday Summary #69

When are we going to see summer?! This week has just been windy, cold and raining! And hearing the weather report earlier this week will get colder :( I worked a lot of extra hours this week but didn't notice too much until this weekend when I was just so tired. Me and my boyfriend spent last night at our friends house with him and his fiancée and 10 month old and our mutual friend and her partner for dinner and a night in. I took Cluedo as we weren't sure if we were going to watch Eurovision, play games or just chat. Their baby is just so cute! I love children and its still so novel to hold a baby. However I am still perfectly happy to hand them back after a short while haha. I still feel so very young to have a baby and I want me and my boyfriend to be as stable as possible in all aspects. Our friend cooked us the nicest spaghetti bolognese ever! He only did it as he uses turkey mince and I agreed to try it (I only eat chicken and fish) and I really enjoyed it. He said turkey mince has hardly any fat and is so much healthier than beef mince and he used wholegrain pasta so with all the tomatoes, peppers, onions and mushrooms it was a pretty clean meal. My boyfriend made garlic dough balls which were heavenly but I only had a couple. Our mutual friend brought cookie crumble cheesecake which was a naughty finish to the meal topped off by plenty of alcohol we got down to some competitive rounds of Cluedo. I was too tipsy to even think straight and attempt to guess. We then had a hilarious hour talking about the upcoming wedding and hen/stag do's and then his fiancée tested us all for diabetes as she had it during pregnancy. I REALLY didn't want to as I am terrified of needles and blood (despite having tattoos!) my boyfriend held my hand haha while she did it. It wasn't as bad as I feared and my result was 6.2. Considering the cheesecake and cocktails I was happy as it should be below 10.

My week was the same old routine. I spent Friday on a naughty retail therapy trip but I did have to go to Matalan to return some items from my online delivery. I then found more to buy as always seems to happen! I made use of The Body Shops 40% off deal in store and I have traded my Nintendo DS in as I think I was a 3DS XL for my birthday. I never want anything for Christmas or birthdays anymore as I can afford most things myself. I have wanted an iPad for a while but my boyfriend has talked me out of it as I would probably only use it at home or on the odd travel trip and I don't have enough free time. I have my laptop for YouTube, iTunes, blogging, online shopping and the occassional Sims game and my iPhone for the occasion where I might play an app. If I commuted further to work it would be a better investment for me. Plus I always see the 3DS games for sale and know my DS Lite wasn't compatible. It seems a 3DS would be appropriate for my life and I used to love playing Mario Kart and whatnot.

My eat clean diet is still going so well and although I don't look like I've lost weight this week I know in the few weeks I have been doing it I have so I'm not too concerned. I started the 30 Day Shred today and although I will struggle to find time everyday to do it I will attempt it as often as possible. When I did it last year I really lost weight and toned up and I was eating normally. With the added eating clean it might help that I can't manage it everyday. It really burned today, I know after a few runs it will be easy and its crazy how quickly your body adjusts to it and your endurance goes up.
It really is so easy to change your diet and I am gathering photos of my meals and snacks so I can blog about it but there's not much to it.

 X Mini II 2nd generation capsule speaker £15.22 - Amazon here

I bought these for my holiday as now I have a new iPod its not compatible with any speakers or docks in my house. I'd seen these around but to be honest because of the low price tag thought they were rubbish! I started browsing for something to take away with the hope of something small and compact - enter the X Mini. It only took the endless rave reviews to realise I had seriously underestimated how powerful these would be. I was astounded when I connected it to my iPod and the quality was just ridiculous. I am so happy with these and I know I'll use them for so much more than being away from home. The price has slightly gone up since I bought them but I would pay full price for these.

 Stripey top - Primark 

I have several of these now and they'll be lovely for warm weather as I cannot stand those cotton vests, I feel so manly in them. The bows on the shoulder are cute and being loose will be cool.

 Dragonfly top - Primark

This top is so pretty when on but has a flare from the arm pit down but I can forgive that as you'll never know if I have a cardigan or jacket on and if I do take it off the top is sheer so you'd see I'm not actually that wide!

 Dragonfly cardigan - F&F at Tesco 

Mum got me this when she went shopping and its so pretty. I always need a little cardigan during the summer as I get cold so easily especially in the evenings and they're so handy and light to take around with you.

 Black top with monochrome bow - Primark 

Nothing can beat black with a touch of class. It looks so sweet on.

 Shorts - Primark

I've never been too much of a shorts girl but these are almost like a skirt as they are quite flowy and soft material. They're really flattering and are quite long on my short thighs.

 Shorts and lace shoulder top - Primark 

Another pair of those shorts because I love this blue colour! The top was so nice on but so tight on my chest I've had to return it.

 Blouses - Primark 

I bought this mostly for an occasion I may need something smart but plain. I have endless blouses with animals and floral patterns but nothing plain but smart. The yellow is so nice and I wish my store had more colours in this design. The blue has a pussy bow but is cut quite low.

 Batiste £1.49, Nivea Express Hydration Primer £3.99 - Superdrug

I get through Batiste so fast and always stock up when its on offer. They only had a few cans so I left some at work and brought the rest home. I got another primer while they're on offer as I'm using mine everyday and really like it.

 I know this is kind of breaking my new years resolutions not to buy magazines but I am a huge fan of Disclosure and I'm so pleased they're getting noticed now and becoming popular. Plus it had a CD on it!

 Pj bottoms £3 and £8 - George at Asda 

I love the Disney pyjamas at Asda and got the top to go with the Aristocats bottoms a few weeks ago but left the bottoms as I wear shorts more. With the colder weather I've discovered I've only got one pair of bottoms and asked my Mum to get this pair on her next visit. She also found the star pair for half price.

 T-shirt - George at Asda 

Mum also found me this in the sale. I love having a few t-shirts that are loose and this is glittery - win win. 

 Summer dress £8 - Matalan 

I bought a different colour of this dress online and really liked it so when I saw these two colours in store I snapped them up. I've been so disappointed by Primark this year as they used to do lovely summer dresses and I found two in Norwich and that's been it.

 Neon bat wing tops £6 - Matalan 

These were both half price and it might be the fit. They are snug to the waist with bat wing sleeves - I really like them and the flash of neon is subtle. I wish I had more statement necklaces in my collection as they'd look great with these but I didn't get on well with them as I feel uncomfortable with them on blouses.

 Gem collar top £12 - Matalan 

This caught my eye from afar and the magpie in me just had to have it. It's an odd fit as its tight to my chest and then goes out at the waist but not too much because its a jersey material. The collar is gorgeous and some of the beads have a Swarovski look to them.

 Satsuma body butter, Indian Night Jasmine body mist £7.50 (for both) - The Body Shop 

I used the code in store to get these so cheap. I hate the way most items were on offer but the voucher can only used once on items not in a multi save. I would have bought so much otherwise!

 Maybelline Color Show in Rain Forest Canopy and Shooting Stars £2.99 (BOGOHP), Models Own Tropical in Aqua Splash, Mermaid Tears and Pink Paradise £5 (3 for 2) - Boots

I am unable to walk away from new polish. This was a very restricted pick as I had so many in my hand originally that I had to force myself to leave some behind. I can't wait to try the Tropical ones as they'll look amazing in the summer. I got the Maybelline purely for a quicker manicure then painting my nails and then using the L'Oreal Confetti topcoat.

The Great Gatsby deluxe soundtrack £10.99, Perks of being a wallflower £7, Les Miserables two disc Sainsburys exclusive £12.99 - Sainsburys
My friend told me ages ago she had pre-ordered a two disc Les Mis DVD from Sainsburys and I assumed it was going to be everywhere but I soon realised I couldn't find it anywhere and a work colleague told me Sainsburys had it. I happened to look online and if you spent £30 you got £5.99 off the DVD so I pre-ordered a game and then added the other two and I got my discount. The soundtrack is amazing and I can't wait to see the film!

So that's my week. I am getting so excited for my holiday I just want to pack and go now!
Hope you've all had good weeks

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 #68

Its crazy we are nearly halfway through May, my summer holiday is in six weeks! I've embarked on a diet - my first ever! I am hoping to tone up for the beach just so I feel proud of my body. I wouldn't say I dislike it but I would like to be more defined, I'm quite straight except the curve of my boobs and bum, I'd love a waist like Lucy Meck! I am thinking of posting about how I've changed my diet as its made such a difference in just two weeks and I am still treating myself to the odd chocolate bar or Subway. My boyfriend has been away to Brighton this week and on his return last night he said how I'd lost weight which was so uplifting as I felt fatter - where's the logic! Whenever I eat better or exercise more I feel fatter when my boyfriend always says the opposite. I hadn't even mentioned anything to him he hugged me hello and said it and again when he was cuddling me later. So I'm continuing and hoping I'll have enough energy/not be so tired from work to start the 30 Day Shred as I dropped so much weight when I did it before and during that time I ate normally (McDonalds and Dominoes included).

I've had another clearout in my room this week and reorganised my dressing table. I did attempt to find some jewellery for charity but failed. I actually can't remember too much about the past week, I don't think I did anything exciting as I've been working longer hours and watching Hollyoaks on my return home and then the next days episode on E4 and then because I was so shocked at the Texas wedding death I watched all episodes twice haha. I think Hollyoaks really excel at their big storyline events and I had said to my boyfriend who I thought it was, I won't say on here but I was right! I never usually guess things ahead! I was really missing my boyfriend as we aren't apart longer than a weekend and I was so pleased to be back with him. I remember reading years back as a teenager how to keep things fresh in a relationship but after 18 months we are still very much in the "honeymoon" period which I really enjoy. He was feeling slightly tender so we just had cuddles in bed watching The Voice. Its only this year I've really got into it and watched further than the blind auditions. I think its pretty harsh the way they sing together to then be put against each other and then if the loser isn't saved, so cruel. We missed Britains Got Talent completely which is usually good entertainment. The Apprentice started this week too and is so good to watch. The only thing that annoys me is how they really snipe at each other and will do everything in their power to get someone else fired. I definitely have too much of a conscience to be such a bitch to someone.

Today was my boyfriends Grandads 80th birthday party and we went off to the seaside which was amazing as I adore the seaside. We arrived early enough to have a little wander along the seafront before arriving at the venue. We had a three course sit down meal that was simply amazing. The food was exquisite and I love my boyfriends family so much. He has two nieces and two nephews and they are all delightful. It was a lot of fun encouraging the children to eat and then playing games with them while they waited patiently for their ice cream sundaes. My starter was a salad with chicken and bacon and it had avocado in which I've never tried before but I couldn't pick it out and leave it as I felt rude so I ate it and really liked it. I guess its like another texture to a salad. My main was especially requested for me which was salmon and they asked me when I arrived if I'd like a sauce but I find salmon so flavourful anyway I was fine to have it plain. My dessert was tarte tatin which I managed to sneak a photo of - one of the best meals I've ever had. 

I haven't shopped much this week as I've been having such an expensive month due to little things happening when I wanted to be frugal that I held myself back. I guess you never know whats round the corner and unexpected expenses popped up but thats life. 

 Scalloped ribbons £2.99, Bunting triangles £1.99 - WHSmith

I just can't help myself. I think its so easy to wonder in here and find items because they sell so many different things. I wanted these last month but was good and resisted even though I knew I would be back!

 Chapter II Benga - Amazon

I have had this album on pre-order for close to a year. I don't know why it kept being pushed back but the original release date was the start of October last year and I'd completely forgotten about it until I received the email it had been dispatched this week. I'm yet to load it onto my iPod as I have a current obsession with Iggy Azalea and The Great Gatsby soundtrack.

 2 for £10 - WHSmith

I never watched the Richard and Judy book club on TV as it was always during my work hours but for some reason everyone raves about their book choices to this day. I haven't bought one for a while as nothing had caught my eye enough but these two both look amazing. The Tigers in Red Leather is about two cousins that spend their summers at the Tiger House as they grow up and then take their families there but perfection doesn't last. It starts in 1945 which was an even bigger appeal to me. The Light Between Oceans is about a dead man and a crying baby washing up in a boat onto a remote lighthouse keepers island and the decision the couple that live there make. I think I only got this because of the lighthouse but I'm hoping its good. I will probably save the Tigers one for a holiday read as it looks perfect for the beach! Plus the 2 for £10 deal is pretty incredible compared to the supermarkets, maybe they are having to be more competitive to survive.

 Now I may be on a diet  but I still allow myself the odd treat. I don't know anyone else that likes the popcorn in dairy milk but I love it. I'm yet to try the marvellous creations but I've heard good things and they look Wonka inspired.

 Rings £1.50 each - Primark 

I can't resist a sparkly ring and these two were glinting away yesterday so I just had to indulge my inner magpie. I have become more of a dainty ring girl than a big cocktail ring but I loved the almost Swarvoski look to the big one.

 Moustache black ballets £8 - Primark 

I don't own a single pair of black shoes so I decided it was time I got some. I really like the little moustaches on these and they look so cute with skinny jeans which is how I wore them last night.

 I have decided to make a bigger effort to include life photos from my week as I always used to because I'd upload them to Facebook but as a rare Facebooker I stopped. This is my boyfriends cat Flash who was being a baby now his owner was home!

 An example of my lunch at work. This was quite naughty for me as I had some pasta spirals, a yoghurt and some Sunbites in there too. Usually it is just a salad and tuna on the odd day.

 Flash was so happy when we got back from the party and changed into something a little more comfortable for a chat and chill out.

 We were early for our connection to the party so obviously it meant a Costa! My boyfriend got the Tropical cooler which is really nice if you like virgin Pina Coladas! I went for a Peach Lemonade which is DIVINE! His parents went for coffee but I don't drink coffee and hot drinks make me feel like I need a wee so I avoid them as much as a hot chocolate would have been nice.

Beach views and of course the beach huts I covet

 Dessert! 

So that's my week its been quiet but such a lovely weekend has made my week. I also forgot to mention last night I was putting a nail polish away and dropped it. Now whats the problem here you might think except the bottle decided to bounce off a glass bowl, break the neck of the bottle and proceed to spray nail polish EVERYWHERE! It got loads of my hair items, my wardrobe door runner and my carpet. Its not very much fun scrubbing nail polish out of a thick carpet. Acting fast seems to have eliminated most of the damage. 

Hope you've all had good weeks