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 #53

Eeee January is nearly over. I have quite a few birthdays in February and after Christmas I can't think of any great presents. The easiest one seems to be for a three year old! I'm sure it will all come together in time. The shops just seem so full of sale rubbish, same old stock or nothing special enough. I've been stressing also as I placed an order with HMV (a rather big one I might add) that they emailed me saying it had been dispatched the day before they went into administration. They can debit your account once they've sent it out, except none of the items have turned up. Now I'm panicking incase they have taken my money but I don't have any items. If it was £10 I wouldn't mind so much but its much more than that. The website is shut down, their email no longer works and I can't ask in-store as it isn't anything to do with the staff there and besides I'm sure they're having a bad enough time as it is. I would go into my bank to ask for an early statement but when I did that in November they weren't overly helpful. So I'm waiting for my statement to be posted and going from there. My Mum had an order with HMV also that they emailed a dispatch email but she hasn't received anything either. I'm hoping its an auto thing and we haven't paid. If this has happened to you too let me know!
Me and my boyfriend went with our friends to see Gangster Squad on Tuesday. My boyfriend treated me beforehand to my favourite Chinese restaurant and then to popcorn and an ice blast at the cinema. Gangster Squad is an epic film, I was so excited to see it and it certainly didn't disappoint. Ryan Gosling is an absolute babe, what a beautiful man. He is so good in it and Emma Stone is really impressive too. She really suits the 1950's era. It is quite gruesome in places but they are gangsters after all but the comedy one liners lighten it. I bought Lawless on DVD this week as HMV haven't had any stock. I also tracked down a Les Misérables soundtrack as it had sold out online! I've felt so tired this week and falling asleep at every opportunity. I'm hoping its just a phase or I'm run down as its not fun having no motivation to do anything. My boyfriend was away this weekend and I ended up sleeping for 14 hours last night! My boyfriend is a very early riser for work during the week so doesn't sleep in too late plus why waste your day together sleeping. Although we have the occasional bed day :) I'm so happy it rained as its washed away all the horrible ice on the pavements. It was weird looking out the window to a green garden again as its been white for over a week now.
I really got into watching Celebrity Big Brother this year as Heidi and Spencer of The Hills fame were on it. It doesn't seem they've changed as I had wondered if they played up to create drama. However they still isolated themselves and did horrible things on CBB. My heart was in my mouth when it came down to those two and Rylan. So pleased Rylan won, he was genuine and really likeable.
I'm desperate to get my hands on the Rimmel Apocalips after swatching them on Friday but the two Boots in my town didn't have the stock to make the most of the 3 for 2, sigh. Honestly the main Boots is terrible at stocking their make-up counters. I often end up waiting weeks for items. I know if I overlook the offer they'll stock back up and I'll wish I waited and got more products for my money.

Aussie Frizz Miracle conditioner £2 Boots clearance, Nivea Smooth Nourishing hand cream £2.25 (on promotion) 

I've decided to try Aussie as I have seen people raving about it for years yet somehow never thought to actually buy it! It seemed too good a chance to miss grabbing a reduced bottle to see how I like it. I bought this Nivea cream in a travel size and love it. I was so happy to buy the full size bottle on offer, I love saving money haha. 

 Bird house with detachable roof £1.25 (sale) Evolution 

I'm not sure what I will use this for, maybe even fill it with gifts for a birthday present, but I love the florals and for the ridiculous price tag I couldn't walk away.

Daisy felt box £1 Evolution

Another steal! I love daisies and couldn't resist this little box. I'm not sure what I might keep in it but I'm certain I'll find something, I originally thought lipsticks as my lipstick drawer is getting a little full....

Anchor oversized scarf £4 Primark 

Now I haven't spent in Primark this week but my Mum did. I LOVE anchors which you probably know so I'm so excited when the spring comes to wear this :)

Free with O2 Priority Moments 

I cannot believe this was free! What a bargain, quite the penny saver this week hey. Its from 2012 so very recent. I haven't used Davina workout DVDs because the 3DS is the holy grail in my opinion. I'll give this a whirl as Davina has a cracking body. 

Claire's Accessories Bird hairband £5

I went in with intention of birthday present finding/buying and ended up with some goodies for me. I did buy A birthday present might I add. I've been wearing bows in my hair this week and my boyfriend really liked it. I always used to have bows in my hair of some variety but last year felt I should stop. Plus washing my hair much less meant most days my hair was up, and I struggle to keep hairbands right if my hair is up as they just fall back. 

Claire's Accessories navy polka dot hairband £3 

 I couldn't say no to this one. I love nautical themes and navy is one of my favourite colours. Claire's are typically the best for hairbands because they always have such a huge variety but New Look can be good on occasion too.

Claire's Accessories Sideways silver cross £3

I bought the gold one ages ago and when I saw the silver I thought, well for the days I'm wearing silver...I don't wear my gold one too often as I work with some very religious people and I don't want to offend as one is a Catholic. £3 is a steal though remembering the prices when they first became popular and the reason I could never part with such expense. 

 Claire's Accessories multi-chain ombre pink beaded necklace £7
I don't know what it is about long necklaces, I love them. This is quite different to anything long I have, most are pendants or a single chain. They are great in the summer when you have a plain blouse on. I rarely wear these in the winter because I'm bundled up and they get trapped under the layers and pull on my neck, plus I don't want to break one.

Les Misérables soundtrack £9.99 WHSmith and Lawless DVD £10 Asda

Disney Marie iphone case ebay 

My Mum got me this so I don't the seller or price, but leave a comment if you want the link 

Pamela Mann love seam tights £7.99 Amazon

I saw these on a girl on Saturday night and NEEDED them. A few days later they arrived. I haven't worn them yet but I can't wait for some warmer weather to. I'm certain Primark sold these types of tights last year and like a fool I didn't purchase them, and now wish I had!  

Avon Daily Shine Shine Supreme range 

I had a thought today that despite being an Avon Trendsetter and getting my hands on new products before anyone else I never post about them! This is the latest Advance Techniques launch and I'm really excited to see if they make my hair shiny. AT products have the same amazing smell and are really nice to use so I'm sure these won't disappoint. 

Avon SuperShock gel eyeliners in Frost and Aqua Pop 

These gel eyeliners are incredible. Since they launched I have used nothing else and swear by them. They're so creamy, smooth and long lasting. I was so excited for these new colours as previously they've done grey and a deep purple. 

Frost is a very champagne "highlight" colour while Aqua Pop is a kingfisher blue. They dried instantly on my hand and have stuck fast despite me scrubbing at them in the shower. Frost is ideal for me as I think white would be too harsh on my waterline although I've wanted to try it so this softer pearly will be a nice alternative. I know the blue will be amazing as I used to wear the No7s teal and blue eyeliners on my waterline but they didn't last through my work day so I stopped even though they looked amazing. 

I haven't really got any plans for this week, just work. Feeling so tired I don't much fancy going out after work. We'll see how it goes, hoping me and the boyfriend can do something near the end of the week maybe if I'm not still feeling so drained. If the weather wasn't so cold I'd be off to the beach for some fresh air. Such an old lady :)
Hope you've all had good weeks

2011 Favourites

Some favourites of the past year...

 Body Shop shower gel & VO5 shampoo/conditioner

Body Shop Shower Gel - I'd never really noticed how nice these were until recently. I've always had the mini ones for travelling and bought lots of full sizes ones because I had a money off voucher. I've always thought the Body Shop products smell amazing but the shower gels are insane. The smell lingers and its so good! Almost intoxicating. I'm now fully stocked up with an entire shelf of them in my bathroom. 
VO5 Shampoos & Conditioners - I've always loved the smell of VO5 products, especially the styling products. When I dyed my hair red in January 2011 I really needed a good shampoo and conditioner to hold the colour and nourish my hair. It was VO5 that was the best for my hair, the colour stayed so so long and your hair smells amazing for the whole day. 

 back: MAC Fix+, Batiste Dry Shampoo, L'oreal Chelnett, Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector "BB" Cream, Avon Color Trend Chill Out Face Illuminator

front: Models Own Juicy Jules polish, Vaseline Rosy Lips, VO5 Miracle Concentrate, Avon Magix Face Perfector, Natural Collection Blush in Pink Cloud, Max Factor Smooth Effect foundation, MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study

MAC Fix+ - I absolutely love this product. Very annoyed they've made the bottle much much smaller for not much less money, but I only use this when I want my make-up to look flawless or stay perfect for an event. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Attempting to grow my hair means I can't wash it as much as I would like to, so this is a god send. I usually wear my hair up when I haven't washed it so I like this on the roots and it makes it a little thicker and more textured as I don't like my ponytail or bun to be sleek. I have such a supply of this as much as I want to try alternative dry shampoos I should use all the batiste I have. 

L'Oreal Chelnett - Can't believe this can is still going, talk about value for money! I use it everyday and quite a  bit too so for that alone it's a favourite of 2011. 

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector - I wear this as a base to my foundation and loved it as soon as I first used it. I love the fruity smell Garnier products have and this really works for my skin. It gives a healthy dewy look and is light. 

Avon Color Trend Illuminator - although this is a product from a few years back if you can get a tube I recommend it. It gives the most amazing glow and is slightly shimmery but not too much. Its my favourite highlighter for a night out. 

Models Own - I only bought from Models Own this year after a stand arrived in my Boots. I love how fast the polish dries and the amount of colours they have really does rival Barry M. Juicy Jules is my favourite and I love wearing it, I get so many compliments and love how much it catches the light and sparkles. 

Vaseline Rosy Lips - I got this in a big Vaseline tin for Christmas last year but only first used it a few weeks ago. It's love. It smells amazing (must be the almond oil in it) and leaves a pretty pink tint.

VO5 Miracle Concentrate - This had been raved about so much by bloggers and youtubers I had to give it a go. It leaves hair like silk and I love the smell. This is a must if you have dyed or used heat on your hair. 

Avon Magix - I bought this when it first launched and I don't think I will ever even contemplate a different primer. This smells amazing, like chocolate and although its a gel as it goes on your skin it becomes more of a powder. Makes your skin feels so so soft and gets rid of pores. 

Natural Collection blush - I've raved about this before because its a dupe of the Rimmel one I've used for years except this is half the price. I'd say this actually even wears and stays better than the Rimmel too. 

Max Factor foundation - I love Max Factor foundation for some reason. Could be that I worked on a counter once so I'm a little biased, but this is one of the nicest ones they've ever released. Creamy and perfect for my skin colour I love wearing this and although I'd say its light it gives a good coverage too. 

MAC Paint Pot - When I first bought a paint pot back in 2010 I used it once and then it sat unloved and unused for months until the summer when I was experimenting. I then realised why everyone loves them so much. I have always struggled to stop creasing on my eyelids but this stays, all day. Que Emily sold.

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, Collection 2000 Glam Crystals, Avon Glazewear lipgloss, Avon Satin Satisfaction, Soap & Glory Supercat liner, Avon Super Shock eyeliner

Maybelline Gel Liner - Gel liners had never really appealed to me and I noticed this one and curiosity got the better of me. This gives a really dramatic, black look which I love. It stays put and is really nice and easy to apply. 
Collection 2000 Glam Crystals - I own this in every colour available and love it. Gives the most amazing look to eyes and I always get complimented on them. Very quick and easy if you've not got much time too. 
Avon Glazewear - I've loved these lipglosses for years now and they release so many different colours. They smell amazing, the tube lasts for ages and doesn't leak/go sticky. They always have a good amount of glitter in which I love, these are my staple for work. 
Avon Satin Satisfaction - Newly released but I've stocked up already. This might not be everyones cup of tea because its very thick. Its a lipgloss which is more like a lipstick. It lasts for ages, even through food, drink and talking. Pleased Pink is my favourite colour, a hot pink. 
Soap & Glory Supercat - I love this for mornings when I don't have much time especially work mornings. I used to spend ages with liquid liner as it can be messy, going on lashes and needing tidying up with a cotton bud, but with this I can draw the line and it needs no work plus means my mascara goes on much better. Much easier to do my flick with too, probably because there isn't much product on the pen tip. 
Avon Super Shock gel eyeliner - Ever since I first used this I have been in awe of how good it is. This is the best ever product to stay on my waterline all day, kohl always came off after an hour or so and fell down. I've bought no end of these so have a good supply for some time.

Collection 2000 Lasting Colour 6 Bubblegum, Barry M 129 Palest Lavender, 17 Mirror Shine Peace, Avon Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction lipstick in Lilac Shimmer, MAC Milan Mode 

2011 was definitely the year I got into lipstick. These are my favourite brands and I picked a favourite shade from each (for MAC and Avon it was very hard!). 


What were your favourites of 2011? I'm really excited to see what I find in 2012 and add to my collection :)
Em x