Ice Ice Baby

Hi,

So I've had a "chilling" week to say the least! This week I was nominated to do the ALS ice bucket challenge and I'm proud to say I didn't chicken out! ALS or MND as it is known in the UK is a small charity that is reaping the rewards of this viral fundraising and I couldn't have been happier to complete the challenge and donate.

Other things this week included purchases of homewear and dresses, pub lunches, the dreaded task of sorting my wardrobe and the discovery of what could be my new favourite nail polish colour.

Here are some snapshots:

The aftermath of the wardrobe sort

MUA nail polish in number 3

Ice Bucket Challenge

New dress! Fearne Cotton for Very

Much Love

A x

New Take

Hi!

After quite a long blogging break I am back and this time I'm doing things a little differently!

I have decided to do 1 post a week telling you the main things that I did/tried/bought in that week. A sort of week in pictures if you will! 

So, I have started to note what's occurring and hope you enjoy my weeks as I see them :)

Here are a few photos of some of the things I have been up to whilst on my blog break

 

 

Much love

A x

MIA

Hi!

Sorry I've been missing in action. I have been using the last few weeks to do some major life decluttering. 

My first start was Facebook. Now I was not one to "friend" anyone I didn't know but I had an awful lot of "friends" that were not part of my life in any shape or form. I share a lot of my life on FB like photos and updates and I realised these are the things that I only want people who are actually in my life to see. So I set about slashing the number of friends I had on there. I can tell you it feels great! I am unburdened of people's problems whom I don't really know, I am rid of the few that used it as a platform to moan about anything and everything and the best outcome is I actually care about the things that show up in my news feed now.

I would highly recommend this!

Next was decluttering my belongings. More accurately my make up. I had it crammed in 1 tiny drawer and a lot of things were not getting used as I had forgotten about them. To rectify this I treated myself to a dressing table and it may be the best thing I ever bought. 

Now my make up is nicely separated in drawers and I feel totally organised. I have also found some old faves that I am now using again.

Next on my list is the decluttering of my clothes but that may take a while and may even be a constant work in progress.

I can honestly say that even after doing these 2 things I feel better in myself and more in control.

Have you had a new year declutter?

Much Love

A x

Happy New Year!

Hi!

Happy New Year! However you saw the new 365 days in I hope you had a great and safe time.

I'm not one to make resolutions as I never stick to them but this year I have 3 I think I can do.

1. To exercise more. I'm planning on getting a bike and go riding with the Mr.

2. Stop biting my nails. I get my nails nice and when one breaks I automatically start to bite at it. Well no more!

3. Stop been lazy with skin care. I'm going to try and do my routine even if I'm tired and all I want is bed.

If you have made any resolutions good luck! Have a great 2014 and I hope all your dreams come true.

Much Love

A x

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