Sugar & Spice Sundays 049

It feels like literally 10 minutes ago & I was writing my last Sugar & Spice Sunday, Its nearly the end of January, how fast has that gone!!

I’ve been pricing holidays up this week and working LOTS of overtime to pay for it, me and the boy have finally decided on Malaysia … we’ll be doing 5 nights in Borneo, 5 nights in Kulala Lumpar and then 7 nights relaxing at the Hard Rock Café hotel in Penang, I’m super excited cant wait to book it, we wont be going till September but it’ll be an AMAZING holiday!

Ive got a few post schedulded for next week, there will be the Takeover Tuesday happening too, If you want to take part in either Takeover Tuesday or a Talkative Tuesday just let me know, i need some more volunteers :)

Pretty short post tonight as its the first night ive actually got time to sit down & play with my HTML, the lovely Maria over at Miss Drifted Snow white has been an angel and hopefully sorted my HTML so my blog lets me reply to comments ... super excited cant wait to play around!!!

Take over Tuesday 003

Today the lovely Ray has taken over my blog!

Nom Nom Hand Food!!

As soon as my beloved Stacey decided she was resurrecting Takeover Tuesdays I jumped straight at the chance to share with you all, my all time favourite hand cream.

Soap and Glory Hand Food.

Its pink, its massive, and it smells lush- what more is there to love?? Let me tell you.

Those lovely people at Soap and Glory have this this to say about that you should use it as "often as you want to soften, smooth and soothe dry, chapped or otherwise hampered hands and relish in the delightful aromas of fresh bergamot, strawberries and mandarin, with floral and fruity midnotes, and musk, amber and warm vanilla".

As you can see the cream itself looks white in the tub, however once on the skin it literally absorbs straight in. A teeny amount goes a very long way, making this product very good value for money. The amount which I have on the back of my hand is more than enough for both (yes both) hands. Personally due to the little amount I use I would say that my hands don't feel greasy or clammy after applying it, just moisturised.

For Christmas and my Birthday, I recieved 4 (you read that right) tubes of hand cream, and then a massive pump bottle too- I always have a bottle on my desk at work, in my bag and a couple in my make up tower. I actually think I may have an obsession with it. It currently retails for £4.85 in Boots for the large tube which is in the pictures about, however they do a travel size for around the £2.25 mark. Normally the travelled sized tubes are on 3 for 2 throughtout the year in Boots, however I would definately stock up when the full sized products are on offer. Actually here's a cheeky little tip for you- currently in Boots they have the sale dregs left- you can get a tube of hand food, a tub of the breakfast scrub (both full size) and a snazzy Soap and Glory apron for £8 (the scrub retails for £10 alone). I got one in the Boots sale, however I am debating whether to go back and get another one after work one night this week.

Hope this review was useful to you, and if you want to read more random rambles on this that and everything else check out my blog.

Ray x

So thats my third takeover tuesday featuring the gorgeous Ray, here's the first Takeover tuesday featuring Ray  HERE! If you would like to take part in a take over tuesday just comment below!!! 

Sugar & Spice Sundays 048 %

3rd Sunday of 2012 and my first Sugar and Spice Sunday .. Whoopsie!! I try and make these a permanent feature but it just doesnt happen! Ive had such a lovely week off work, it was the boy's 30th birthday on Monday so it was nice to spoil him rotten for a few days and then we just spent a few days chilling out and relaxing, this week off work has kinda been like my christmas as i worked alot of christmas so its been nice having lie ins, staying in my PJ's all day, you know the boring lazy stuff everyone loves doing once in a while!

On Friday night I got all dolled up for a black tie awards night, I was in a rush getting ready so didnt have chance to take proper pictures of my outfit, i did twitpic it so check it out HERE! I had an amazing evening, meeting the directors of the company,having one to many glasses of wine and probably making a fool of myself, but hey thats what work parties are all about aren't they? Whilst i was there my manager sneakily told me ive been invited to another Black tie event at the end of the month, but instead of is just being a department event its a company thing, and i work for a MASSIVE company so its huge honour to be invited as only 5 invites have been given out in my department and there's about 1000 people in it so im super excited, will find out tomorrow exact dates / themes etc!!

Ive been trying to keep up with posting regular, i hope you've all noticed :) Today ive spent the day cleaning & sorting out the whole house, it was pretty quick to do most of it, most of my time was spent in my dressing room, I seriously dont understand how messy it gets & so fast too! So with me not leaving the house ive spent it with my trusty top knotted hair, no make-up (hence the photo)comfty hoody and slobbing pants!!!

Liplicious Lips =

I was lucky enough to pick up a few bargains in the Boxing day sales. I picked up these 5 No7 Liplicious Lip glosses for £8, thats like £1.60 per lip gloss ... BARGAIN!!

This little Liplicious Library has 5 different shades which are suitable for every possible occasion, they are enriched with rose hip and argan oil to moisturise your lips There soft and glide onto your lips on the plus side there non sticky. The five colours range from a caramel brown to a bright peach and a glittery pink.

No7 Liplicious Caramel
When looking at the whole collection of these glosses this is the one I feel would be left in the box, hardly used, it doesn't really look like a 'me' colour. Its a neutral brown shade with a very slight pearly shimmer. Its non sticky and has a good colour pay off.

No7 Liplicious Angel Cake
This is a very sheer light / opaque pink gloss which a pearly shimmer, this would look lovely over a nude lipstick to give it a bit of shimmer and shine. You have to be careful when putting this gloss on as a little goes along way, you dont want it turning gloopy.

No7 Liplicious Marshmallow
When looking at the box of all 5 glosses its easily noticeable this one has the least amount of shimmer to it. Its a very pale baby pink, would be nice to wear over something like Mac's Creme Cup or Speed dial.

 No7 Liplicious Sweet Peaches

Defiantly one of my favourites in the little gloss library, its a bright shimmery peach colour, with it having such a good colour pay off you dont need to wear a lipstick underneath, its perfect on its own.

No7 Liplicious Sherbet Twist
This and Sweet Peaches are my two favourites out of the 5 in the set, I literally cant decide which is my favourite. Its a barbie pink shimmery gloss which again like sweet peaches has a really good colour pay off.

I really like the quality / longevity / colour pay off of these glosses, im going to have to have a nosy in Boots to see what other colours they have in their collection, after having a quick glance on the Boots website there's only one other colour they have in the collection of these Liplicious glosses and thats called Purple Liquorice, I seriously doubt i'll be picking that one up!

My all time favourite Lush product ...

My all time favourite lush product, there wasn't any competition, hands down it has to be the Butterball bath bomb. Now it isn't the prettiest Lush product and it doesn't make your bath all girlie coloured and sparkly, it doesn't even give you lots of fluffy bubbles but it leaves your skin unbelievably soft and smooth.

The Lush Butterball bath bomb is vanilla fragrance (which isn't over powering) and has small chunks of coca butter which melt in your warm bath water and makes your skin silky smooth. It helps soften and add moisture to those dry areas like your knees and elbows. It turns the water slightly oily but thats the coca butter melting into your bath. It leaves small brown leave like things in the bath, im not 100% sure what they are exactly, and after looking on the Lush website it doesnt say much about them?

Butterball is probably one of the cheapest items in Lush a and only £2.30 per ball, I usually split each ball into two so I get two baths of out one ball and it works out at only £1.15 per bath ... BARGAIN!

So thats my favourite Lush product of all time ... what's yours?

Studded shoes ... YES PLEASE ! ! ! $

Topshop : £28

I first spotted these little beauties in my local Topshop, I was instantly drawn to them whether its the studs or loafer style Im unsure but what I do know is there utterly delicious!! Im not sure why I didn't pick them up, but after walking out of the shop & getting home I realised I made the total wrong decision and couldn't wait to get into Topshop and get them!

Last week on my lunch hour I asked the boy if he wanted to grab some lunch, but I actually had alternative motives and dragged him into Topshop, I NEEDED those shoes! When I got into Topshop I was faced with the dilemma Black or Nude coloured? I literally couldn't decide, the boy was getting frustrated and luckily they only had my size in in black so that was my decision made up for me!

There the perfect black flat pump, there really soft so I can see them being really comfty. I cant wait to wear them with a little T-dress, I think they'll add just enough edge to a typical girlie outfit. Im thinking I really NEED the nude one's too, thinking they'll look really cute and edgy with a summer dress!!

Whats your opinions on the very popular Topshop Vectra3 Studded Slippers?

Takeover Tuesday 002 %

Today the lovely Jenna has taken over my blog!

What got you into blogging?

 I started by reading a lot of fashion and beauty blogs for inspiration and Pret A Style was launched this September. I was so inspired by all the blogs out there and wanted to share my fashion musings with a wider audience than my cat and my husband!

- What would you say is your favourite thing about the blogging community is?

How passionate we are all about fashion and beauty. I've heard that some people do it for the freebies, but  the bloggers I've come across are all really genuine people.

- What is your blog all about?

My blog is a fashion and style blog. It's topics are really broad- I blog about style posts, upcoming brands and beauty reviews.

- Whats your favourite type of post to write about?

I really enjoy interviewing the faces behind new brands- It's fab to introduce my readers to new things.

-  Would you ever make the jump over to making you tube videos?

I don't think so. I don't claim to be an 'expert' in anything other than regurgitating fashion magazines (and I'm not sure who'd watch me do this?)

-  Whats your favourite peice of make-up? (lipstick, mascara, foundation, etc)

Dior Skin Forever foundation. Discovering it was a total revolution for me. It's the only foundation that lasts all day and doesn't make a pale girl like me orange!

-  Who would you say are your style icons?

I love Fearne Cotton- she wears a lot of quirky tea dresses which I love.

- Are you a highstreet girl or a designer girl or do you like to mix it up?

I mix vintage and highstreet. Designer's pretty much out of my price range right now!

- Whats the most expensive item of clothing/shoes/bags you've purchased?

I brought a Karen Miller leather jacket with all of my savings when I was 15. I only gave it away to a charity shop this xmas- it was in 

beautiful condition but just didn't fit. However, I also bought a beautiful pair of Kurt Geiger shoes last year and wore them twice 

before realising they didn't fit; so I've since learnt to think carefully before I make a big purchase.

- Whats your WORST fashion disaster ... everyone has them ... :)

I wore some neon pink legwarmers when I started dating my husband! He hated them but I thought I looked fab.

- If you could have afternoon tea and cakes with ANYONE in the world alive or dead who would it be and why?

A none fashion one I'm afraid- It would have to be Ricky Gervais- I love him!

- Who's your celebrity crush ....the person you secretly fancy but to embarassed to tell anyone?

Cory Monteith (Finn from Glee) I've Checked and he's thirty in real life so it's perfectly fine!

-  Who's your x factor favourite?

 Little Mix! I want to be their friends!

Totally random :)

MAKE-UP:

blush or bronzer: blush 

lip gloss or lipstick: lipstick

eye liner or mascara: mascara (can't do eyeliner to save my life!)

foundation or concealer: both!

neutral or color eye shadow: neutral

pressed or loose eye shadows: pressed

brushes or sponges: brushes

NAILS:

OPI or china glaze: OPI

Long or short: long

Acrylic or natural: natural

Brights or darks : brights

Flower or no flower: flower

BODY:

perfume or body spray: perfume

lotion or body butter : body butter

body wash or soap: body wash

lush or other bath company : lush

FASHION:

jeans or sweat pants: jeans

long sleeve of short: short

dresses or skirts: dresses

stripes or spots: spots

flip flops or sandals : sandals

scarves or hats: scarves

studs or dangly earrings : dangly earings

necklaces or bracelets : necklaces

heels or flats : heels

cowboy boots or riding boots: riding boots

jacket or hoodie : jacket

Newlook or H&M: new look

HAIR : 

curly or straight: curly

bun or ponytail:bun

bobby pins or butterfly clips: bobby pins

hair spray or gel : spray

long or short : long

light or dark : dark

side sweep fringe or full fringe: side sweep

up or down : up

RANDOM:

Rain or shine:shine

Summer or winter: summer

Chocolate or vanilla : choc

Beach or snow: beach

Pepsi or coke? neither

Jenna xx

So that was the lovely Jenna from Pret-a-stlye, make sure you go over & check her out!! If you want to take part in Takeover Tuesdays just comment below and i'll get in touch with you!! A HUGE thank you to Jenna for taking time out to take part!!! 

New Year New Diary

New year means a new diary, I love diary shopping, strolling up and down the isles in Paperchase looking at all the cutesy diary's and journals and all the stationary. I have a secret love for notepads, I dont even write in them all, I just love having a few of them all lined up looking super cute!

So after umming and arring over a few different options I decided on this little beauty, its a purple soft cover with a dark purple flower embossed pattern. Its in the same format as my diary I got last year, a page per day and then the weekends split into half a page each. I made sure this years diary wasn't as big as last years, it was way to heavy to carry around on  a daily basis. I write alot in my diary, the hours I've worked, any overtime I've completed, the blog post's I've written and now im doing the Takeover Tuesday feature im going to be making sure that im keeping up to date with emailing other bloggers!

Are you a diary person? What do you write in your day to day diary?

Takeover Tuesday 001 %

Today the lovely Rosie has taken over my blog.

Hello lovely people! I’m rosie from ‘the budget beauty book’ and I’m super excited to be the first blogger taking part in takeover tuesday! My blog focuses on how to look and feel beautiful which saving a few pennies along the way. so I thought what better way to show you what I’m all about than by sharing my latest homemade beauty trick…. an asprin facemask!

Asprin isn't just for headaches you know. infact it's been used in beauty for years and years. you see asprin is made out of salicylic acid, this works as both an anti-inflammatory and exfoliant. It is these properties that make it effective in the treatment of acne, scarring and discolouration, amongst other things.

You will need :

3x regular strength uncoated asprin

1tsp honey

2tsp natural yogurt

a pinch of brown sugar

tea tree or lavender oil (optional)

water

small dish

teaspoon

 1. Take your asprin and place it in a small dish. add a few teaspoons of water and leave for a few minutes. then mash up the asprin with your fingers.

2. Add tsp of honey and tsp of natural yogurt to the asprin and mix everything in the dish together using your fingers.

3. Add a few drops of the oil if you wish and the brown sugar. then continue to mix.

4. Make sure your face is clean of make-up and then apply the mask all over your face using your fingers.

5. Leave the mask on for around 15 minutes and them wash off using warm water.

NB salicylic acid makes your skin super sensitive to the sun so make sure you wear sun-cream even if it does look like winter outside! the skin can also become used to the mask if you use it too often, lessening the effect, so limit usage to once a week.

so there you have it! a super easy and cheap way to help you on your way to beautiful skin!

if you do try it out be sure to pop on over to my blog and tell me how it worked out for you :)

Rosie xoxo

So that was my first Takeover Tuesday ... if you want to volunteer to complete a post then just comment below with your email address and i'll email you all the details! Thanks for reading lovies and if you try this Asprin facemask make sure you let Rosie know how it turned out!! 

Resolutions . . .

My resolutions for 2011 were :

- To be Happy & smile all the time

- Get my body in a shape im happy with, so if that means losing a trillion stone or just 1/2 a stone then thats what i want to do, make sure my body is healthy and that im feeling happy about myself.

- I want to learn a new language

I actually accomplished 1 and a half of these ... so half way there ... Im HAPPY all the time & seem to have smiled all year :) Im getting my body into shape, I've lost like 20/21lbs in the last 3/4 months since I've started seriously wanting to lose weight and im aiming to lose another 20lbs I think, I might stop before I reach that goal but see how I feel and if im happy with how I look. I didnt even attempt to learn a new language, I think i forgot i even set that resolution for myself.

So this year I've had a really good year, I've been on a holiday of a life time to Kenya including an Kenyan Safari which was totally amazing ... see more pictures HERE & HERE!!!! I've had a really successful year at work and its really paying off and im happy my career is developing.

So next year im not going to set any resolutions as I've realised I dont actually stick to them, the only thing I really want to do is blog more, its something I really enjoy doing and cant wait to get back into being a good blogger!!!

Time to get all mushy ... thanks so much for reading & commenting even after such a bad blogging year, I really appreciate it all your comments & support on both here and twitter! Ive met some amazing people through my blog and I hope to continue into 2012 meeting more amazing people.