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

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 #58

Finally my week off work is here yay! My boyfriend is away seeing his friends so I'm googling last minute details of our plans as I like to be organised. Tomorrow we're off to Colchester Zoo which I've been desperate to visit a zoo for ages now. We were going to visit London Zoo but Colchester seems to be better. I'm still recovering from last weeks "thing" I'm still congested and my raspy voice will not leave! Its meant my lunch breaks at work have been spent playing Hay Day instead of going out and spending as I just feel so tired and drained. I had a quick whizz round town on Friday but couldn't find much of what I was looking for. My boyfriend has got me back into Sims 3 so I was looking to buy the games I'm missing. They've all shot up in price, maybe because people have just been paid, but I'd resisted buying them as I was trying to be good until I was paid! I feel so uninspired clothes wise as nowhere seems to have anything I really like. I'm hoping London will bear some fruits on Wednesday :)
I decided a month of buying no make up (except my MAC last week) wasn't good for me and I treated myself with a trip to Boots. As usual my one is appalling at stocking their shelves and I found hardly anything I was looking for. In recent weeks when I take my eye make up off my eyes are becoming really irritated and sore resulting in a big allergic reaction. I usually wear an eyeshadow with glitter in so I tried using MAC paint pots and it made such a difference when I took my make up off. So I thought of all the products similar that I could buy to wear. MAC only has a handful of colours in their paint pots and I already have Bare Study which is the only colour I like. Benefit have discontinued their Creaseless eyeshadows as I was going to buy some of them, but the girl in Debenhams (Boots were as ever, very unhelpful) said they are re-launching. I have a few of the Maybelline 24 hour Color Tattoos so went to look and found a few new colours. They have a pretty violet blue but I always think blue is an old lady colour! I opted for a pinky golden colour and can't wait to see how it looks on. If you have any ideas let me know. I don't wear powder eyeshadow as it creases really fast and I don't have time in the morning so I like something I can just wash over the lid or blend with another colour in seconds.
I'll be putting my domestic goddess hat on later as I'm cooking a meal for the family and my boyfriend and then making a picnic for the zoo. I love cooking and making yummy food  but I hardly ever have time with work. I'm hoping to be in a food coma all week!
I'm so looking forward to some quality time with my boyfriend as we only have a few evenings a week we see each other for a few hours. We always have so much fun together. I can't wait not to be dragging myself out of bed at half six and doing my own thing. Not long until Easter either so that'll be more time off. And could someone have a word with the weather man its still so cold and I hate it!

I placed another order in an attempt to find the perfect jeans at George at Asda. I LOVE this pair, they look and feel amazing but not tried them on yet. They look like they'll be really skinny on which I love. 

 I thought I was ordering the same pair of black jeans but these turned up with an elasticated waist...not the nicest look but if they fit like I want them to I'm willing to overlook the elastic.

Everyone and their dog has been talking/tweeting/blogging/raving about Rimmel Apocalips but even though I bought one I didn't like it. Firstly I was in a rush to get home and grabbed this when the rack thinking I was taking Celestial but when I opened it the next day I was gutted to see I had Nova. Add this to the fact I applied it before work and hated it. It was too bright and I couldn't take it off. Plus I couldn't keep an eye on what it was doing while I was busy. However I used it the other day (not at work) and fell in love with it. Such a pretty pink that really suits me. It lasted a good few hours and wasn't as drying as I thought it might be. I'm now thinking of getting some other colours and continuing my new braveness with red lips I'd like a red one. 

Garnier Moisture Match £3.99 Superdrug (£2 off RRP)

Garnier have released five new products to suit every skin type. I don't tend to have a set type as it varies with the season, my diet and my life in general. I couldn't decide between this one and the yellow one Protect and Glow. I went for this one as I like the idea of a gel. I adore Garnier products they always work for me and smell amazing.  

 This is the Maybelline 24 hour Color Tattoo in Rose Gold I got. I wish they did more colours as I really like the range and already have Eternal Gold and On and On Bronze. They're only £4.99 so a real bargain. I also coudn't resist the L'Oreal top coat Confetti. It was the last one and I just couldn't leave it! I've seen Instagrams of it and it looks so pretty and an alternative to glitter.

I also bought Corn Silk as I spotted it the other day shopping with my friend. I've been after a transparent powder for ages but they can be expensive so I was intrigued by this. I can't wait to try it and see how my make up looks afterwards. I got my Mum a Hand Food to add to her Mothers Day presents and an eyeliner. I love liquid eyeliner and the Barry M is so easy to use. It gives the perfect flick with minimal effort and is great value for money at £4.79. I really want to get a gel liner but after my previous one dried up after a few weeks it put me off.
So that's my week! Such a good spender again!
Hope you've all had good weeks