Sunday 24 November 2013

Collective Haul

Just casually one day thinking to myself about some stuff, I realised last time I went shopping for some new clothes was, near enough what felt like, 4 months ago! With this in mind my bag was stocked with cards, change and a list of what I hoped to get and as Usual my car boot ended up looking like a bomb had hit it


These are all that I managed to find on my list as well as a few Christmas presents that will be in a 'Christmas Haul' blog post next month.


Lush













Primark



Men's PJ Trousers - £9


Hair Scrunchie's - £1


Sequin Jumper - £14

Oversized Grey Jumper - £8

Roll Neck Top - £3


New Look 






Zara 




Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Wednesday 20 November 2013

We Come To The End

So it turns out that I really did not have enough unused and untested products to fill up the whole month! But fingers crossed that you found all 17 reviews helpful, anymore questions you want answering or are just damn right curious please me a comment and I will reply! 

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Monday 18 November 2013

Day 17: Soft To Perfection!

During the winter and colder months my skin tends to get very dry. When ordering from 'The Body Shop' online a few months ago, I was sent a free gift with purchase. 'Vitamin E Moisture Cream' was the one I chose as it appealed to me most of all. 

I have been using it for the past few weeks and can say that I absolutely love it! Made for all skin types and locking in that extra moisture you need, for those colder months and dry skin needs this is the only thing I shall be turning to.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Sunday 17 November 2013

Day 16: 12hr treatment

There is no denying that my hair has been threw hell these past few years, in my time trying to get it back to health I have tried countless of treatments, oils, you name it I have tried it. Months back I picked up the 'Pantene Pro V 12hr Night Therapy Oil Replacement' for 99p. This is a basic hair treatment that is oil free, I have been using it for about a week now, and I find that even though it is rather heavy on my hair, the overall performance is amazing. I use it when I am about to go to sleep when I feel my hair is, for lack of a better phrase, at its worst in damage. 


It works on my split ends making them appear almost invisible, and keeping my hair from getting frizzy and unmanageable.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Saturday 16 November 2013

Day 15: O-o-o-orange!

Having long hair has some some downsides, one being knotted hair! Tangles, matted hair you name it, long hair has it! The only thing good for these is detangling spray. 



The benefit of living in a small town is that you have a variety of different shops that all stocks different things, randomly having a post office combined with a pharmacy is the most strange combination I have seen since a banana and jam sandwich (don't judge you have tired!). This is great as a detangling spray goes, but i felt that it left my hair feeling really dry and with no moisture, as well as having a really over powering odour of orange that I found rather sickly!

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Friday 15 November 2013

Day 14: Soft and Gentle

Like most people we are always on the search for the best eye liner, mascara, and all manor of things! For me I have been on the hunt for the perfect deodorant, and at long last I found it! 'Soft and Gentle Passion Flower and Black Orchid Deodorant



With a feminine and sultry scent that can be reminded of perfume or body spray this deodorant was the scent that after applying, I could smell most frequently throughout the day, which I would think must be down to to the body responsive technology reactivating it. The best thing I found with this deodorant is that it left me feeling totally dry with no irritation or stinging and, importantly, absolutely no white residue on my skin or clothes and did not leave a nasty feeling of wetness that some deodorants give straight after application.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Thursday 14 November 2013

Day 13: Never Again

Like many mousse's you buy, you shake well then push and get the product out and within seconds the mousse is holding perfect shape in your hands. Well 'Superdugs Essential Styling Mousse' was nothing like I had imagined. It held no shape, went to liquid as soon as it was realised from the bottle and was incredibly runny. The good points though I will add, is that as it did go very runny it still help the shape of my curls but only for an hour or so then, being a very heavy liquid as such, it weighed my hair down. 

I would definably not recommend this product, even though it was super cheap, sometimes cheap is just never a good idea! 


Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Day 12: Messy!

You know that feeling when you out too much hairspray or moose in your hair and it goes crispy and you feel as it it might just span off? Well this next product does just that with the tiniest amount. 'Mess It Up Liquid Gel' was bought at the bargain price of 99p at, you guessed it, the 99p store. As for when I use this product is very rare as its a nightmare if I need to brush my hair the day after and it lingers in your hair. This would be a great product if your not a fan of gel and wax as it does pretty much the same job! I have used this product to make my fringe spike up for a rough and edgy attitude. I would personally only buy this product again for the bargain price and the strength it possesses, but apart from that I would not give it a second chance. 



Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Day 11: Limited

"This wonder spray gives a tousled effect to layers and waves. Its formula with sea salt adds grippy-ness to make your style last longer. And when your 'do needs a bit of a refresh you can use this spray as a style re-activator."


£3.85 at Superdrug

The one brand I consistently buy time and time again after every empty bottle and tube is Vo5, there product have simply no flaws in my books and are of a great price. Upon hearing of their new Give Me Texture range I just wanted to buy absolutely everything! But being on a budget and having owed far too many beauty products I would care to admit I just limited myself to one. 'Dry Texturing Spray'. With seal salt added to voluminous your hair, this product is great for an instant refresh and messy-sexy-bed-hair, as well as banishing the look of greasy roots and dull lifeless hair.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Monday 11 November 2013

Day 10: Years Later...

I have been using 'Aussie's Leave in Conditioner' for years and i am by far very satisfied with the results. Having hair that is naturally curly and a little dry, leave-in conditioner is practically a must for keeping it in good shape. Aussie Leave-In was the first leave-in conditioner I ever bought and tried,and personally   i wont be turning back in a hurry, I can wave hello to non-greasy shine, plus moderate frizz control. being very light so you can use a little or a lot depending on your hair it does not leave it feeling "waxy" feeling like some brand apparently do. 


Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Sunday 10 November 2013

Day 9: mmm... Tastes so good!

If your lucky enough to live near Primark or have access to one then you may have noticed in the past year lip-balms of all flavours and designs and been taking over. I can't tell you how many times I have bought them, but I have enough to last me for what seems like years to come. Ranging from £1-£2 it's just a little spend that keeps growing and growing till you have spent near enough £20 on the same thing but different



Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Saturday 9 November 2013

Day 8: Smoothly Does It

When buying new body lotions I like to stick with what I like so I bought this product as I usually really like Dove products, ad seeing as it was on special offer it felt like it was meant to be. 
From reading reviews online after I had purchased it was clear that almost 90% were negative, but after using it for the last 7 days I can't see how they are. Personally the smell is just with a touch of perfume, although after you have applied it to your skin it does leave it slightly sticky but let's be honest, if your skin absorbs it strait away there was probably not enough moisture locked in.



For the bargain price of £3:89 at Superdrug and for visible and tighter looking skin in just a few days, you can't go wrong. 

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Friday 8 November 2013

Day 7: Never Have I Smelt So Good!

For me personally shower gel is something I spend about £2 on, that's two big bottles from the Poundland or one that happens to be on special offer at the supermarket. When looking around TK Maxx on a very dead Saturday, and finding too many bargains that I much wanted to take home to call my own, I noticed a clearance section amongst all the rows and beauty products. And well, being a girl and incredibly nosey I just had to take a wander over. Rows and rows of cheap as chips make-up and hair products, but what caught my attention most was 'Alice Tinker London Vanilla Shower Gel' 

From £24.99 to £3 and smelling like Cream Soda, not vanilla at all! I could not leave it behind. For the sweetest smells and feeling squeaky clean after a long hot bath/shower there is nothing better! 


Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Thursday 7 November 2013

Day 6: 'Lets Go To The Beach!'

Having received a tub of miniature Toni and Guy hair samples last Christmas, like all other things they have been put in one of my many draws and been forgotten about.. that is until now! 

Toni&Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray was just one of the many samples and may i just say how amazing this product is! I have previously tried many other alternatives but this by far stands out the most. To achieve effortless and laid-back style Toni and Guy's casual sea salt texturing spray creates texture and body for a well worked beach look, with a light hold as to not make it look so styled.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Day 5: Protection

If you read my previous blog post on Chlorine And Your Hair then you can probably guess how much I value conditioner. 3 years ago I made the decision to bleach the hell out of my hair to the point where it felt like straw and would break off when brushed, and for the next 2 years following my hair would change colour every week! So my hair was in the most worst condition imaginable. After what seemed like 100s of trips to the hairdressers and too much money to count spent on at home hair treatment and top of the range conditioners, the condition of my hair got considerable better. 
After receiving 'Organic Surge: Colour Protect Conditioner' in one of my Glossyboxes I immediately stated to use it. I have gone threw two of these bottles and can not rave about it enough! It leaves your hair feeling silky smooth with a salon finish. Even though I have not died my hair in roughly a year its still a habit of using colour protector as to not.. well.. get my hair any worse of a colour.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Day 4: Be Gone Splits..

Any chance I get I'm always eager to try out new hair serums and oils, after buying the 'Pantene Split End Serum' over a month ago, i totally forgot about it as it was in the back of one of my many beauty draws, it was about time I gave it a test run. 


The serum i chose was specially formulated for normal to thick hair, but there are ranges for thin hair etc. Looking back I think I would have stuck with this formula but it is very thick of on the hair and ever so slightly weighs it down. If they are all this consistency I do not know but for me personally this is my opinion. I mainly use this before I go to bed at night so that when I wake up my hair is looking a lot healthier and feels stronger. I would recommend this product to all of you but do be aware of what i previously mentioned about the consistency.


Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Monday 4 November 2013

Day 3: Stay!

Whilst trying to put my hair into a fancy low-knot bun I got a tad bit creative and carried away. In the process of trying to perfect my hair I braided two three strand plait's either side of my head working there way down to the middle of the bun and and back combing a small beehive, for a bit of height and definition going threw the centre. In order for all of this to stay in place, hairspray was defiantly needed! 

The only downside to living of a budget is that someone you are forced to buy the cheep versions that aren't that good, and in this case it was terrible! My hair flew all over the place in the next hour. Not a look many people can pull of and defiantly not me! If you are seriously strapped for cash I would not recommended 'Superdugs Own Hairspray' 


Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Sunday 3 November 2013

Day 2: Greece Be Gone

Everyone who is anyone would know of Batiste Dry Shampoo, and if you haven't where have you been the past years? 


Dry Shampoo is great for day when you are in a rush and don't have time do complete your normal morning routine, it banishes oily roots, giving dull and lifeless hair the makeover it needs without any water. A quick spray from this magical bottle revitalises hair and adds body and texture while leaving it feeling clean and fresh. There is no need to worry about getting grey hair as long as you make sure you brush after you have sprayed!

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Saturday 2 November 2013

Day 1: Smoothly Does It

Day 1's new found product is low and behold VO5 Straight & Smooth Smoothing Cream.



"VO5® So Smooth Smoothing Creme. Take control of your frizz, go So Smooth! Helps to straighten and smooth the hair. Heat activated formula, developed for use with straighteners and heat stylers. Helps protect against moisture loss. Helps protect from heat styling. Leaves hair sleek and frizz free."

When you suffer from hair that just can't be tamed from frizz, this product is a god send! All you need to do is squeeze out a pea size amount rub it in your hands then into your hair, for long lasting frizz control. With a heat activated formula has been developed for use with straighteners and heat stylers helping protect against moisture loss that comes from straightening your hair and leaves hair sleek and frizz free.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Friday 1 November 2013

A New Direction

When looking threw my many draws of beauty products, I realised that I have some I haven't used and some that I have just plain forgotten about. My goal for the next few weeks/ days/ months is to try and use all of them up and not be buying anymore!

How far I will get without buying anything new is unknown! 

Every day for the rest of this month (and maybe next's) I will be using a new product and posting it on here and giving it a full review.



Just one of the unused products draws!

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Saturday 26 October 2013

Collective Haul

What could be more therapeutic than shopping? The only trouble after is having the guts to look at your bank statement, these are just a few of the things I picked up over the last 3 weeks! It's a lot less than usual but it's still something. 


Having hear such great review about the Loreal Matte Magique it was about time I put trying it out to the test. Trying to find the lightest colour possible proved to be an up most nightmare beyond belief! from swatching it on the side of my face I feel that this is the closest possible match. 



I'm a huge sucker for Lush and always have been. From just passing by in the street I just have to go in and see what takes my fancy and his time 'Big Blue' and 'Lord of Misrule' stood out!


Tartan is all over the catwalk, in the shops, and in all the magazines, its the latest crave right now. But I have been a lover of this trend for years and to finally to have found a snood that i actually like I was over joyed! 


I have shopped in New Look for as long as I can remember, but lately I haven't been inclined to buy anything as nothing stood out for me. But what's that phrase? 'If you succeed at first, try and try again!'


Anything shabby chic I see and I'm sold strait away! Plus what better, this owl is not just an owl. Its a Owl Candle.. what could be more adorable?!


Peacocks is not a shop I usually venture into as there isn't one local to me but whenever I pop in there are always little jems that work there way into my possession.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Friday 18 October 2013

What I Got For My Birthday!

So earlier this month a very crazy thing happened.. I got one year older! Yes October is my birthday month, and as such I thought it would be nice to show you all what I got. I love these posts on other blogs mostly because I am rather nosey but don't tell anyone!



I'm a huge lover of Cath Kidston its no lie, and to have a look-a-like satchel I am just over the moon!



Every year my mother always gets my some sort of joke present and this year it happens to be pegs in the shape of birds! Although I'm just thinking it was a a hint to start hanging stuff up in my room and not leave them on the floor *big cheeky smile*.


Since I first heard 'I Kissed A Girl' in 2008, I have been in love with Katy Perry! And to receive her perfume I just over the moon.


Me? Your bought me a scarf!? With owls on? I LOVE YOU! 

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Sally Hansen Nail Polish Review

If your the kind of person that's want to dress like your worth a million pounds but don't want to spend a fortune. Then making your nails a statement with Sally Hansens new Gem Crush line of nail polishes is the best way to start. 

Providing instant glam and a full coverage glitter formula turns your nails into jewellery that stays on no matter what.

Full-coverage formula ... Multi-color reflectivity ... Seal with top coat for extra shine

The low down?:

Shake gently. Apply 2-3 coats. For easier removal, use any acetone-based nail enamel remover and hold a saturated cotton ball on the nail for 10 seconds before wiping. This should help the polish and make removal easier.



Sally Hansens Gem Crush nail polish in 01 Showgirl Chic.

For the full range of products Click Here.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Sunday 13 October 2013

A Bit of Baking

For most people recipes are a strict set of rules to be followed carefully and accurately. But for me I see them more as guide lines and notes on how to take something already made and make it your own by a few little ulcerations. For the past week or so I have been temptations to bake something apple related, and after scouring the recipe book and Internet for inspiration there was nothing that took my fancy.. Until, I looked at our copy of 'Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook', finding a cherry cake that looked delicious and easy enough to tamper with. So off to the local markets to pick up some well needed ingredients! 









What your seeing here is an 'Apple and Honey Cake' of my own creation, any chance I get I will be baking away and creating explosions of flavour that will send your taste buds flying! 

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics! 

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Chlorine and Your Hair

For the past couple of months now I have been to my local swimming pool at least 3 times a week. Mainly to get back into an exercise routine and lets face it, splashing around in the pool and trying to touch the very bottom! 

The biggest things about swimming that puts me off is how it effects my hair. The chemicals used in public swimming pools are used to kill bacteria that can breed in the water and cause illness but these same chemicals can also cause your hair to become dry give you a crowning head of a frazzled frizz. If your is coloured or bleached the chemicals can discolour the hair, turning it green. 

Taking just a few easy steps you are able to protect your hair from all the chemicals when going to a the swimming pool.

Tip 1: 
Wet your hair with tap water before entering the swimming pool. 
As your hair is now wet with clean water is less likely to absorb the swimming pool chemicals.

Tip 2:
Tie your hair up out of the way. 
This will help to keep the majority of your hair dry and by also tying it up it can prevents the loose hair from floating into the pool and clogging the pool filter.

Tip 3:
Wear a swimming cap. 
Swimming caps can protect the pool and your hair, for the best results I would recommend a silicone cap as it protect the hair and allows your head to breathe.

Tip 4:
Apply hair conditioner before getting into the swimming pool. 
Applying a hair conditioner before you enter the pool is an added bonus for your hair to absorb more 'good stuff' for your hair rather than off of the chemicals.

Tip 5:
Shampoo hair strait after leaving the swimming pool. 
Showering and shampooing your hair immediately after leaving the pool, makes sure that chemicals are not allowing themselves to cling onto you making it dry on the skin and hair.

Tip 6:
Condition your hair. Hair conditioner helps to keep your crowning glory in peak shape at all times. A deep conditioning treatment adds moisture and shine to hair.

Tip 7:
Buy a clarifying shampoo.
Shampoos, such as Aloe Rid by Nexxus and Shampoo Three by Paul Mitchell, as by far the best for removing chemicals and impurities from the hair. Although do keep in mind that clarifying shampoos are designed only for occasional use and not everyday use.

Tip 8:
A deep conditioning treatment weekly. 
For best results ask your hair stylist for recommendations. I personally swear by Serie Expert by L'Oreal Professional Intense Repair Masque Pot it is perfect for you if you suffer from dry, damaged & chemically treated hair, heat damaged hair and split ends. It's only £13.99 on Amazon but I am sure there are cheaper sites to find it on.

I hope you all found these little tips helpful on keeping your hair is good condition and not letting it get damaged by chemicals! If you have any more hand-know-alls please leave them down below.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics"

Saturday 5 October 2013

Love, Lies and Lizzie

When thrifting in my local charity shops I am always looking in the book selves for a late night read. Books can range from as little as 50p to £2, in some charity shops however they do deal's on you '3 books for £1' and so on and so forth.. So it's always worth looking! You can find books that retail for £9.99 for the cut down price of £1, BARGAIN!

Love, Lies and Lizzie is a 21st Century adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. 

The Plot:
Lizzie Bennet, who has just dumped her boyfriend Toby. Lizzie's sister, Jane is surprised by it, because Toby is crazy about Lizzie. After that, Mrs Bennet tells her daughters that the family is moving to the new house at Priory Park. The five sisters do not feel good there at first, but soon they get involved in parties and James Darcy's life.


Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Friday 4 October 2013

Exiting Any Car Like A Lady

Getting out of the car may seem like the easiest thing you can do, but when wearing a mini skirt paired with skyscraper heels it can be one of the most difficult things. Just knowing the basics can help you get over the hurdle.

Step 1: Prepare your clothing... 
Before you even open the door, get your skirt or dress ready for your exit.
If your wearing a short skirt make sure you are covered by pulling down the material as far as you can.
If your wearing a long skirt, dress or have a train make sure it is covering your knees and push any extra material to the middle of the car, so you don't fall over it whilst getting out.

Step 2: Opening the door...
Open the door as far as you can stretch your arm.
Try not to lean out the vehicle whilst opening the door, but make sure it's open far enough that you can exit gracefully.
(If your date/chauffeur opens the door for you, all the better)

Step 3: Getting out (part 1)
Keeping your kness together put your feet on the ground whilst swivelling your hips and upper body towards the door.
Use your hands to help you out by placing one on the seat beside you pushing you up and the other holding down either your skirt or steadying yourself whilst getting up.

Step 4: Getting out (part 2) 
Dipping your head as you get out, so you don't hit your head on the car door with embarrassment. 
Making sure your feet are firmly on the ground with a steady grip, before stepping away from the car. 

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Sunday 29 September 2013

All About My Gas Permeable (Hard) Contact Lenses...

When looking online for information about Gas Permeable contact lenses it was very hard to find the answers to all my questions. So I thought I would a blog post answering the questions I couldn't find and the ones I hard to find out the hard way!

Having worn glasses since I was three years old (1996) and I'm about to turn 20, I thought it was about that time that I plucked up the courage to get contacts. On the 23rd August 2013 I had my first appoint with my optician and exactly a month later I took the contacts home.

What are Gas Permeable (hard) contact lenses? 
GP contacts are made from a firm, durable plastic that transmits oxygen. They offer excellent eye health as they don't contain water like soft lenses do and resist deposits and are less likely than soft contacts to store bacteria. Another advantage to GP contact lenses is that cleaning and disinfecting them is very easy as they don't dehydrate, are easier to handle, and last longer than soft lenses.

What's the dirt fe between GP contacts and soft lenses?
Soft lenses are much larger in diameter than GP lenses and "tuck under" the eyelids so yo speak. As a result of this, you don't feel the lens edges when you blink. But as GP lenses are smaller and much thicker, during blinking your eyelids will experience initial "lens awareness."

Overtime your eye lids will gradually adapt and you will not feel the lens with every blink. Once over that small hurdle, the comfort of soft and GP contacts can be comparable. Its exactly the same as buying a new pair of shoes. You may notice and feel the shoes while you break them in, but when thats all over they're the proper fit.
First Experiences With Hard Contacts
Where to begin! It took me so long to get to grips with my lenses, the first time the optician put them in for me i was sitting in the chair, head back feeling very nervous. Once the lens had been put in my eye I got a sudden outburst of tears, and the feeling as if I had grit in my eye. It took me at least 10 minutes to let him put the other one in. The next few times consisted of me trying to put them in and out on my own, it took me a long time to pluck up the courage but now I am able to do that completely fine. The difference I have noticed with my lenses compared to those who wear soft lenses is that they have to go strait onto the cornea, meaning if you put it into your eye and it goes onto the white part you can't just blink and it will go into place, you have to hold the lens still so it cannot move and look towards it and slowly move the contact onto your eye! No lie this is the hardest thing to do when you are first starting out, but in time you will get the hang of it.

How I Feel Now About Hard Lenses now
I have only been officially wearing my lenses for officially a few days now and I'm still getting to grips with them. They do feel like my eyes are itchy and I'm squinting and blinking a hell of a lot! But I would not go back to glasses!

Benefits of Hard Lenses
They last longer
They are easier to look after and there is less chance of allergy to solutions
With some medical cases, hard lenses are the only way to achieve good vision.
They actually let more oxygen to your eye and allow it to breathe better

Disadvantage to Hard Lenses
Require consistent wear to maintain adaptation
Can slip off the centre of eye more easily than other types
Requires office visits for follow-up care
You can not sleep in them under any circumstances

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!

Friday 30 August 2013

Natural Beauty Fixes: Tiredness and Relaxing

There is an endless amount of natural beauty fixes that we can do from our very own home. Google its self offers 1000s of answers to our question 'DIY at home natural beauty fixes'

Here is just a few points that I found to be most helpful, easy and quick!




1. Make oat soap bags for a refreshing bath.

2. Make coconut rose body whip to heal and soothe skin in need of a moisturizing lift.

3. Refresh and revitalize tired feet with a rosemary and mint foot scrub.

4. Make an oatmeal scrub for soothing or refreshing your skin.

5. Make green tea bath bombs to spritz up your bath.

6. Relax in a bath of mango and limehoneystrawberries or rose milk.

7. Have a bubble bath made from chocolate or vanilla.

Happy Shopping Fellow Shopaholics!