On the fourth week of Christmas

Hi!
I'm back with the last 3 items of my advent calendar and also what I got for Christmas.
First up what was behind the last three doors

Nails inc Porchester Square 4ml. This is a lovely nude and I love nails inc.
Umberto Gianni backcomb in a bottle 30ml. I am interested in this as I love a bit of volume.
17 blow out mascara. Full size and you can't have too many mascaras!
As I said in my last post, I have loved this calendar and will certainly be having one next year.
Now for Christmas presents!

First from the Mr I got a new hairdryer as I had had my old one for 10 years and it was on its way out. He also got me a lovely Ted Baker smelly set in a beautiful box.
Off my Mom, Sister and nieces I received make up galore! I got look beauty's metallic smoulder eye and power lashes kits, a soap and glory eyes box and a huge soap and glory travel makeup kit.
My brother and his family got me and the Mr wine and biscuits. We also got tins of sweets, chocolates and biscuits from friends.
From my in laws I got a new bag for work, the naked 1 pallet (which I am so excited about!), the obligatory slippers, a cushion for my bed and the Kimberley Walsh autobiography which I asked for as I love Girls Aloud.
I was very spoilt and feel so grateful for all of the gifts I received. This is by no way means a post of bragging. I love reading what people received and so wanted to share what I got with you.
I hope you received some lovely gifts too.
Much Love
A x

The Twang

Hi!

Last night me and the Mr went to the Rainbow Lounge in Birmingham to see one of our favourite bands The Twang.

I'd never been to the venue or seen the band live before so I was really looking forward to our pre Christmas outing.

I was not disappointed at all. The venue was packed and the atmosphere was electric.
There were people on shoulders, jumping about, beer flying everywhere and generally having a good night.

 

The Twang were awesome and played a variety of their hits plus some songs off their new album due to be released in the new year.

If you haven't heard the Twang I recommend you YouTube them. If you like the indie rock genre you will love them.

I really want to go back to the venue aswell as it is a fantastic place for live music.

Much love

A x

  

  

On the third week of Christmas

Hi!

Well, it's nearly the end of my calendar. Only 3 windows left and I am going to miss opening this everyday.



Here's what was behind weeks doors



Seventeen tattoo me liquid eyeliner 6m. This is black and glides on easily.

Boots emery board. Always useful and a nice handbag size.

Soap & Glory mini flake away body scrub 50ml. Another S&G product and I couldn't be happier

Ghost fragrance 36m A nice and light smell.

Mavala diamond nail polish 5ml. I don't have many glitters so this is welcomed into my collection.

Carmex lip balm pot original 7.5g Great lip balm and a nice handy size.

Botanics hair serum 30ml. I've heard quite a lot about this so I am looking forward to trying it.

So, that's week 3 and I am pleased with every gift this week.

Not long to Christmas Day now! I hope you are ready!

Much love

A x

On the second week of Christmas

Hi!
It's time to show you my second week of beauty treats.

This week saw the first gift that was a dud for me but 1 in 14 is good as you can't please everyone.

Here's what was behind week 2's doors

Umberto Giannini Pom Pom Pony Band. This is the dud for me. The door was one of the biggest so I was a little bit disappointed to find this behind it. I am 31 and this would be more suited to someone much younger. As I said, you can't please everyone with calendars like these.
Seventeen Miami Supreme Shine nail varnish 10ml. Very hot pink. Not one for winter but I'm looking forward to using this in summer.
Olly Bonder Base Coat 5.4ml I do need a new base coat so I was pleased to find this.
Ghost Moonlight Fragrance. Sweet but not too sweet. I think this will be a really nice evening scent.
Boots Salon Shine Solution 8ml. It claims to revitalise the shine of natural nails so I will put it to the test.
Vichy Liftactiv Eyes and Lashes 3ml I suffer with dark circles and dry skin under my eyes so I am hoping this helps.
Couture La La Juicy Couture EDP Spray 1.5ml. A lovely day scent. I sprayed this once and the scent lasted for ages. I love the smell and I am considering purchasing the full size as a New Years treat to myself.
Again, apart from the hair band, I am really pleased with my treats this week. We are half way through and I am loving opening this every morning.
Much love
A x

Party Time

Hi!
It's the party season and this weekend I went to what probably was the most amazing party I have ever been to.
Our works Christmas party was in London's Battersy Park and it was themed as a Colorado ski lodge.

The food was beautiful, the drinks free flowing and the entertainment first class.

Inbetween each course we watched acrobats and a singer. When the disco started a host of other entertainment was opened too. There was a rodeo bull, a photo booth and bumper cars!

I had a fab night and I am now truly in the Christmas spirit.
I hope your parties are fantastic too!
Much love
A x

On the first week of christmas

Hi!

As promised this post is all about what I got in the first week of opening my Boots beauty advent calender.

This is my first ever advent calender like this and I must say, so far I'm very impressed! 

Here is a detailed list of what I got. I haven't had chance to properly try anything yet but I will give you my first impressions:

 
Soap & Glory clean girls body wash 75ml Smells amazing as all S&G products do. A great size!
Balmi cube lip balm in flavour cocoa butter 7g Very handy and smells great

Matava nail polish 5ml A lovely red colour. Very nice for Christmas

Nina Ricci L'Eau parfum 1.2ml Smells sweet almost citrussy
Vichy Idealia life serum 3ml I have never tried a serum before so looking forward to trying this sample

Rimmel stay matt foundation in ivory 8ml I love this foundation!

BHX L'Excess for her parfum 1.2ml Smells musky with hint of sweetness

If thats week one I cannot wait for the next weeks! 

Much love 

A x

A diary of .........

......... A Christmas Market Trip

Hi!

This weekend (well Thursday to Monday) have seen me, the Mr and our friends go on a christmassy trip.

We went to see the Christmas markets in Vienna and Prague.

Our journey started on the eurostar and then on a sleeper train. I had never been on a sleeper before and was not sure what to expect but it was ok. Not quite as comfy as a proper bed but not bad.
We reached Vienna and it was so in the Christmas spirit I couldn't help but feel excited for exploring the markets.

Vienna is a beautiful city but at Christmas it really comes alive. Huge chandeliers hang overhead and every street is lit up. The market was in a place called Rat Haus and it was really pretty. I treated myself to a door wreath while the boys got drunk on punch and jaga tea!

We were in Vienna for two days then it was on to Prague. Again a beautiful city with extraordinary buildings. The market here was a little bigger and was more food orientated then Vienna.



We were only there for the afternoon before flying home the next day so we wrapped up and spent a good few hours wondering around whilst seemingly trying to conquer some man vs food challenge!

We ate sausages galore, pastry, cheese, kebab and pig from a spit. They had a huge christmas tree right in the center of the market and there were a few buskers dotted about performing Christmas songs.




This trip has definitely got me in the festive spirit and I am now itching to get the tree up at home.
I would highly recommend you visit these markets if you have chance. The Birmingham one is good but these are something else!

Much love

A x

24 days of beauty

Hi!

Christmas is coming and I literally cannot wait to start opening this bad boy!

Every week I am going to post on here what lovely beauty goodies I have had behind that weeks doors.

My Mr bought me this calender as a pre Christmas treat from Boots but unfortunately it is now sold out.

A lot of companies now do beauty or make up advent calendars so it is worth a google!

Oh and I also have my chocolate advent calender so I dont miss my daily choc fix!

Much love

A x

Kind is kind

Hi! 

Do you ever see acts of unkindness? This could be anything from the big things like bullying or stealing to the small things like people not holding the door. 

I try to do at least 1 act of kindness a day. If we all did this imagine what nicer days we would have. 

So next time you see someone struggling to get off the bus, help. If you are been followed through a door, hold it open. Even a smile at a stranger can breed kindness.

It will give you a little lift knowing you have helped swing the balance. 

Much love

A x

Lest we forget.

Hi!

Today is remembrance Sunday where we remember the brave people who went to war to allow us to live our lives as we want with freedom.

On this day we will remember them.

Much love

A x

Football red and blue

Hi

As you will know if you have read my previous posts I am a huge sports fan. I love cricket and follow the England football team across the globe.

My main love is football and my team is Walsall FC who are in league one. My Dad was a die hard Birmingham City fan so I also always look out for their results. My other team who is more down to the Mr is Everton. We tend to go to Goodison if they are playing on a Sunday and this weekend was one of those times.

The game was Everton v Tottenham and it ended a 0-0 draw. Luckily it was not a "bore draw" and we really enjoyed ourselves.

Usually you're either red or blue as most often they are the colours of local rivals but in my case I am both. More red than blue admittingly but both colours are there!

What's your colour?

Much Love

A x

Happy Halloween!

Hi!

There was some spooky goings on at work today. In the office there was the grim reaper, Marilyn Manson, a devil, a witch, a skeleton and 2 Draculas. We decided to have some fun and get in the spirit of Halloween by dressing up. I decided to go as Dracula but with a girly twist.

I used the undress me palate from MUA to make my eyes dark and finished the look with sleek lipstick in cherry. I thought the colour made it look like I had just sucked blood!

I enjoyed dressing up and playing a different character. The only problem was that it felt more like a Friday so the disappointment set in when I realised that it wasn't as close to the weekend as I thought!

So, happy Halloween and don't watch scary films before bed!!

Much Love

A x

New Face!

Hi!

So at the age of 31 I am now an official glasses wearer. I am slowly getting used to my new look face. I really like the glasses I chose. I went down the retro route.

I may even get a pair for every mood!

Much love

A x

Nail Wraps

Hi!

I love having colour on my nails but to be honest I can't stand the faff that goes along with doing it. I own many nail varnishes but my current favorite is nail wraps.

They are quick and easy to do and leave a lovely finish. The ones I have on here are Myleene Klass ones in a beautiful deep red. I put these ones on as they are perfect for autumn. Unfortunately these are the last set of these particular ones but I will be re purchasing them.

I have some others from Essie and Avon to try so I will let you know how I get on with those. They are more for maybe 1 feature nail as they are patterned so a full hand maybe a little too much for me!

Do you have any recommendations for the perfect autumn nail colours?

Much Love

A x

Swinging 60's

Hi!

If you could choose any era to have lived in which would it be?

As you can tell from the title of this post, I definitely would have wanted to live in the 60s.


I would have loved to be an 18/19 year old in this era. The fashion, the music and the all round atmosphere that I hear so much about completely sucks me in.

I know there were a lot of serious issues in the 60s but I'm seeing this as a time to live just to be a teenager.

I know that the fashion comes back around every few years but it's just not the same. Imagine watching the Beatles live or been around when Twiggy invented the mini skirt!

Growing up in the 90s was fun but I think growing up in the 60s would have been cooler!

Peace and Much Love

A x

Holiday Haul

Hi!

Sorry for the blogging silence. I have just come back from a lovely relaxing holiday with the Mr. 

I thought I would show you a small holiday haul. 

My first purchase was at the airport. I love Marc Jacobs perfumes and have been dying to get my hands on the new fragrance Honey. I am not disappointed. It is not to sweet or overpowering and is perfect for day or night. As I used it every night it now reminds me of holidays which makes it that extra bit special!

We went for a wonder one day and stumbled across a local make up shop. Rest assured I was straight in there. I was very restrained and only bought 3 items. I have been looking for a bright pink lip liner and this one is a brilliant match for most of my lipsticks. The lipstick I bought was with autumn in mind as it is a darker pink but still has blue undertones which I feel suit me better. The eyeshadow is fantastic. It's a champagne gold colour with a hint of shimmer and the pigmentation is amazing. For the €3 it cost I wish I had got more. 

I also ended up buying a new belly bar as my old one snapped. 

I love shopping on holiday. You never know what treasures you will find. 

Much Love

A x

Freaky Friday

Hi!

So it was a scary day on Friday. It was none other than Friday 13th!!

We had freaky Friday dress up at work which I went to as a fairy rabbit. These were the only dressy up things I could find in my house!

Friday 13th doesn't really bother me but I am superstitious in other ways.

I always have to salute the first magpie I see in the day, I never cross anyone on the stairs and try not to walk under ladders.

Do you have any superstitions?

Much love

A x

What a hoot!

Hi!

Last weekend I got to meet the owl we have sponsored in memory of my Dad. My Dad loved owls so we knew this was something that he would have loved.

The owl we sponsored is a barn owl called Tythe. She is mainly white and is beautiful.

                             

She lives at a castle in the lake district called Muncaster Castle which has gorgeous grounds and is also home to lots of other owls.

They work hard to conserve different species and do a flying show in the grounds. This show features Tythe and I know my Dad would have loved to see her fly.

If you are ever in the area and have time to spare I would recommend you visit Muncaster it really is a special place.

Much Love

A x 

Sleep in Rollers

Hi!

I recently bought my first set of sleep in rollers on the recommendation from my sister. My hair is really thick and I can never be bothered to blow dry it properly. I want minimum fuss so I usually blast it with a hair dryer and then straighten it. I love the blow dried look I get after coming out the hair dressers however I cannot bring myself to pay just for someone to dry my hair. This is where sleep in rollers come in.

They give me big and bouncy hair with minimum effort which is always a plus!
To get the blow dried look I first wash and dry my hair. Before I dry it I run mousse through my hair from root to tip. I only dry it so it is about 80% dry.
Next I separate my hair into sections and add the rollers. I use the bigger rollers through the top sections of my hair to get the best volume. The rollers are really easy to put in and they come with a set of bobby pins to secure each one in place.

The rollers themselves are foam surrounded with velcro so they are best to sleep in as they are squishy. I don't get as good a night's sleep as usual when I have these in but I think that's more to do with me being conscious of having them in.

After a night's sleep the rollers don't ever seem to have dropped or fell out.
Removing them is easy and I usually start taking them out bottom to top.
And the result? See for yourself ........

Fabulous salon blow dried looking hair with minimum fuss.

A high recommendation from me and my hair. As Sleep in Rollers tag on twitter #bighairdontcare
Go to their website www.sleepinrollers.com and order yourself some. You won't regret it!

Much Love

A x

Beauty Bargains

Hi! 

The other day I ended up at Poundland and decided to have a mooch around. Much to my delight I found a few things that I liked the look of and for £1 each I thought what the heck!! 

This is what I picked up. 

First up was a hair mask. This is actually really nice. It's smells lovely and after using it my hair feels really hydrated and soft. It contains argon oil which is something I have not used before. I am going to love using this once or twice a week. 

Next up was your standard deodorant. Nothing much more to say about this really!

I then stumbled upon the travel bottle set that I am very happy to have found. This now means I don't have to cart around massive tubs and tubes as I can now decanter what I need for my travels. These even adhere to the strict hand luggage rule so that makes them even more handy for me.

I picked up 2 packs of facial wipes. These were 2 for £1 so I couldn't resist. I go through wipes like there is no tomorrow so it never hurts to have spares in my cupboard. 

I didn't realise that Poundland stock some Rimmel make up. It is a very small selection and I think it is mainly discontinued stock. The varnish I picked up is a white top coat that cracks on your nails creating a shattered effect. I will do a post on this to let you know how I get on. 

Lastly I got a shower cap. This is mainly to use when I have my sleep rollers in but it's always handy to have one in the bathroom! 

So, if your near a pound shop it may be worth popping in. You never know what you'll be able to get hold of.

Much Love

A x

Maybelline Babylips

Hi!

The babylips have finally hit our shores!

I have heard a lot about these from American YouTubers and I was excited to try them. They are on sale at Boots and are £2.99 each. When I went to purchase online there was a 3 for 2 offer so I decided to try 3 of the 6 in the the collection. I bought Hydrate, Peach Kiss and Mint Fresh. Hydrate and Mint Fresh are clear on the lips and Peach Kiss has a hint of peach colour when applied. All 3 smell really good (the mint being my favorite) and they contain a good SPF 20. They are nice balms and are a handy size to throw in your bag. I want to try the other 2 that have a more colour to them but overall the 3 I have are not bad.

Much Love

A x

Blog lovin'

Hi!

I have recently included my blog on blog lovin' Please click on the follow button to the right of this and you will be able to follow all my ramblings!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10362057/?claim=wvrtwfdvsby">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Much Love

A x

Would you rather?

Hi!

I loved doing the rainbow tag in a past post and someone mentioned the would you rather? tag. It is as the title suggests. 14 dilemmas and what I would rather.

Here goes .......

QUESTIONS:

1.) Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lipglosses or lose all of your palettes and eyeshadows?

- I would have to say palettes and eyeshadows. I don't think the world is ready to see me with no mascara!

2.) Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

- I am quite lazy with getting my hair cut. I have been known to not get round to it and leave it over a year (oops) so I would be quite content to never be able to cut it again.

3.) Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

- I love a pink cheek at the moment. Bourjois creme blush is my current fave.

4.) If you had £1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

- Ooh this is a toughie! Probably clothes as I have loads of make up and it will last me ages. I would probably buy 3 or 4 designer pieces that would last forever and be an investment rather than buy lots of things that I would probably get bored of.

5.) Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?

- If I can use a coloured eyeliner then eyeliner as lipstick.

6.) Would you rather only shop at MAC or Boots?

- Boots definitely. So much more choice! But I do love my MAC lipstick.

7.) Would you rather only use one eyeshadow color or one lip color for the rest of your life?

- One eyeshadow. I tend to stick to cream colours anyway so I would be cool with that.

8.) Would you rather wear winter clothes in summer or summer clothes in winter?

- Summer clothes in winter. Layers all the way!

9.) Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

- Bright nails. It's fun to have colour. Especially on a drab and dreary day.

10.) Would you rather give up your favorite lip product or your favorite eye product?

- Lip product

11.) Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?

- Messy Bun. I am all for this.

12.) Would your rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lipgloss?

- Never use lipgloss. Recently I have gone off lipgloss. The only one I use occasionally is Benefits Dandelion.

13.) Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or sharpie them in everyday?

- Shave them off and get them tattooed on again (is that cheating?)

14.) Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

- Nail polish. Enough said.

So another tag done and I have to say I do love doing these things.

Here's to the next one!

Much Love

A x

70 today

Hi!

Today is my Daddys 70th birthday.

 He is unable to be here in person as cancer decided to take him away from us. I lost my Dad in October last year and not a day goes by when I don't think about him. So many things trigger memories.

Hearing someone whistling in doors or crossing on the stairs. This is when I hear my superstitious Dad yell. Horse racing and greyhounds. Rhyl and Blackpool. Road rage and 1000 sneezes one after the other. Even a line for the toilet. These things remind me of the most important man in my life.

So Daddy, enjoy your birthday. I hope you got the balloon I sent up today for you.

You know you will never be forgotten and I'll always be Daddys Little Girl.
All my love forever
A xxx

Top 5 destination wish list

Hi!

I have been thinking a lot recently about traveling and decided I would compile my top 5 places I would love to visit. There is no deep hidden meaning as to why I want to go to these places apart from 2 as there are reasons for these places. 

1. Hawaii

2. Las Vegas - me and the Mr are planning a trip here to renew our wedding vows on our tenth anniversary. 

3. The Maldives. 

4. Canada. 

5. Australia. Me and the Mr are huge cricket fans and would love to see the Ashes been contested down under. It is always at Christmas time so we could get some winter sun as well. 

There are loads of places in the UK that surprisingly I haven't visited yet. These will be far easier to do!

I will visit my top 5 plus more as the traveller within me demands it. 

Much Love

A x

Latest in Beauty Ultimate Summer Nails!

Hi!

I have mentioned Latest in Beauty in a previous post and I did say I would buy more beauty boxes from them. Well, I went and managed to get the box that I had initially gone onto the site for. Unfortunately it was out of stock but after putting myself on the waiting list it is now mine! 

I give to you the Ultimate Summer Nails box!!

Again, this is so worth the money. Latest in Beauty are the best I have found. This box was £14.95 including p&p and it is worth £55.00!

Here's what's in this box:

Essie Sleek Stickers. I cannot wait to put these on. They are a red and gold pattern and have a lovely finish to them. I will be wearing these when I meet up with friends at the end of the month. They will really make a statement!

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover. I have heard fantastic things about this. You just put your finger in the tub, twist and that's that! All nail varnish is supposed to be gone and anything that eases this step in the nail routine is a winner by me. 

L'Occitane Hand Cream. Gorgeous. The smell, the feel and the packaging are just gorgeous. It is so nourishing and I could see a difference after one use.

The Vintage Cosmetic Company Nail File. I got some tweezers from this brand in the last box so I am sure this will be just as good. 

Rituals Nail Varnish Corrector Pen. This will make cleaning any mishaps so much easier. I usually use a cotton bud soaked in remover but this is the same idea but in a pen form. I can see me loving this!

Nails Inc Polishes. There are 2 mini polishes in this box. Notting Hill is a hot neon pink and Kensington Caviar is a top coat. I have never owned or used a polish by Nails Inc so I am looking forward to trying them out.

Butter London Nude Polish. This is the item I am most excited about. Since the cost of one of these is practically the cost of this whole box, I would never buy one of these usually. It is in the shade Yummy Mummy and it is not only my first Butter London polish but also my first nude colour. This will be going straight on my nails the first chance I get. A fabulous move to include this LIB!!

So that's the lowdown on another box.  You can get yours here

I do not doubt that you will be reading about another Latest in Beauty box purchase very soon. 

Much Love 

A x