April Non Beauty Favourites

Denim Jacket
In the middle of April, around the Bank Holiday's, we actually had some semi decent weather, so, of course, out comes my summer wardrobe! I think a denim jacket is a staple item for a summer wardrobe, you can literally wear it with everything (maybe not jeans though if you're not a fan of the double denim look #dodge). I've been loving teaming my Primark denim jacket with dresses, leggings and skirts, it makes any outfit ready for summer.

#supergorgeousapril
I have never done a photo challenge on Instagram but I really liked the look of this one so I thought I would give it a go. I did all the photos up to day 18, the only reason I stopped was because life got in the way a bit. I loved trying to think of photos to take to fit the title, I might look out for more photo challenges to do, its nice seeing what others have posted for it aswell. See my A Month In Instagram post or follow me on Instagram to have a look at my photos.
 
Greek Yoghurt
As part of my Healthy Living Diaries, I have been trying to make sure I eat breakfast every day. I like cereal but sometimes I don't feel like eating a bowl as it makes me feel quite full, so I have been opting most days for Greek yoghurt teamed with some clear honey. Its very light and doesn't taste too sweet but you can change that depending on the amount of honey you use. Its also a low-calorie option and full of protein which is great if you're looking to watch what you et or lose weight.

I Heart New York
I haven't read a book in yonks, I find I literally don't have the time to sit down with a book however I decided I would try to make the effort to get through a book this month and picked this one. I have heard great reviews about it from other bloggers aswell as a couple of friends. I have really liked this book, I have found it easy to follow and is a nice light read. It follows a 20-something girl's new start in New York after a horrendous breakup, where she meets lots of new people and gets a dream job. If you like light chick-flick reads then I would definitely give this a go.

Made In Chelsea
The return of one of my favourite programmes graced my television screen this month! I love Made In Chelsea for a few reasons. I'm a right nosy parker so being able to nose into others lives is a pretty cool idea for me, plus their lives are completely different to mine or anyone that I know. I get so caught up in the programme that when I catch up with a few friends who are also fans, I find we talk about the programme like we know all the characters personally. Its a highly addictive show but one I would fully recommend!

Music-
She's So Perfect-5 Seconds of Summer
Calling All Hearts-DJ Cassidy feat. Jessie J and Robin Thicke
Transylvania-Mcfly

So that is all of my favourites this month! Have any of you got a non-beauty favourites post? I would love to see!

March Non-Beauty Favourites

So starting with this month I'm planning on doing a 'non-beauty favourites' alongside my regular 'monthly favourites' posts. The reason behind this is because I really enjoy reading these type of lifestyle posts, it gives a glimpse into the blogger behind all the beauty.

Camis
So if you haven't noticed, the backdrop to my photos are 3 camis. These aren't the only ones I have been wearing, I actually have quite a few in my wardrobe. I have really been loving wearing camis recently, they go with everything! I've been wearing them with skirts, shorts and jeans. They are such a versatile piece of clothing as they are easy to 'dress up' or to keep casual. Plus they are great for layering with cardigans, scarfs and jackets. The ones I have featured in my photos are from Primark and Tesco.

Golden Wonder Tangy Toms Crisps
Ok so I'm not eating these anymore due to the fact I am back on my diet, but at the beginning of this month I was introduced to these by a local pub landlord who 'insisted' I try them. After that I have been well and truly addicted. They are small, tomato-flavoured corn balls that are incredibly moreish, and they are just 30p a bag!

Match the Dots App
I really am not one for apps or playing games but one day I was pretty bored at home so decided to download a few apps to give a go. I started playing Match the Dots and didn't think much of it but now I am well and truly addicted. The concept of the game is very simple, just match the different coloured dots to form lines that will then pop and make room for more dots and so on. I am now on level 300 and something and find myself trying to complete a level in any of my spare time! Oh good lord, it will be Candy Crush next!

New Girl
I've loved this programme ever since its release a couple of years ago. In a quick brief it is about single girl Jess (Zooey Deschanel) who moves in with 3 single guys and is about their day to day lives and mishaps. It is absolutely hilarious and every time I watch an episode it has me in fits of hysteric. All the characters have brilliant comedic traits, and with each episode it just gets better and better. My brother and sister bought me the DVD of the first two series for Christmas so I have been really enjoying rewatching those this past month.
 
Music
I used to be really up to date with music, however in the last few months I've been a lot slower with hearing the latest tracks. This has meant though that I have been really enjoying listening to a wide range of music from old to new. Here are a few tracks I have been loving this last month:
One Replubic Vs. Alesso-If I Lose Myself
Avril Lavigne-Rock N Roll
Sugababes-Push The Button
Willow Smith-Whip My Hair

So there we have it, just a little round up of the other interests I have in my life besides my beauty passion!

Has anyone else done this kind of posts? Send your links as I would love to have a nose!

Huge Primark Haul

A few weeks ago I made the decision that, as of January 2014, I will try to live on a weekly budget for a few months without making any unnecessary buys. So I pencilled in a big shopping trip to make sure I have everything I might 'need' to prevent me from being lured into the January sales. Or any shop that sells beauty products/clothes/shoes in fact.

 

My local Primark is the second biggest in the country (I think) so I knew I would be spending a small fortune in there. I was after lots of items that I could pair easily with other items.

The first thing I knew I needed was tights, and I knew that Primark have a great selection of tights to choose from. I picked up the famous Super Cosy tights, some grey woollen tights and a pair of navy tights too. I thought all of these would be pefect teamed with shorts, skirts or dresses to keep me warm on those cold nights-perfect for the party season!

 

I got four tops from Primark. I absoloutely love the two shirts, I think they are so classy and simple and I'll be able to wear them with so many things. I wanted a new white shirt for ages, and I think the teal is a beautiful colour for this time of year and it complements my hair and skin tone too. I bought the pink jumper to wear over shirts, and I love the bright colour. At this time of year its so easy to stick to very similar, dark colours so this jumper will add a bright splash of colour to my winter wardrobe. I had to have the Peter-Pan collar top as soon as I saw it! Firstly, I love this colour at this time of year, even though I have way too many items in this shade. I also love the detailing on the collar bone of the top, I think that makes it a little different.

 

I know that shorts are a bit of an odd item of clothing to purchase at this time of year, but as soon as I saw these two I knew that had to be mine. The half price tag also helped me make my decision! I think they are such excellent quality material, and the prints are very unique yet totally wearable. These shorts are also perfect trans-seasonal pieces too, so I'll be able to get lots of wear out of them!

 

I'm sure many other beauty and fashion bloggers watched Zoella's Primark Haul a few weeks ago so you might have noticed I have picked up the same pyjama bottoms that she did. I love the fleecy material for the cold nights at this time of year and, in my bid to be festive this year, I couldn't resist the cute robin pattern. I have also been desperate for a tartan scarf, and although this isn't exactly what I was looking for, I like that its different from what many others have. The colours are very toned down compared to a traditional Tartan pattern, so are probably more wearable. Although I am still keeping everything crossed that I get a tartan scarf for Christmas.

 

My final Primark purchases were two new pairs of shoes, because what girl doesn't need new shoes?! I thought the burgundy flats would go perfect with some of the items I already have as, like I previously mentioned, I go crazy for this shade at this time of year so a lot of my clothes either are this shade, are similar or go perfectly with it. The heels were a bit of a necessity purchases as I desperately needed a new pair of black heels to wear to the upcoming Christmas parties, and I like that these are a bit different.

 

So that's it! My last Primark trip for the foreseeable future. I am actually really happy with my wardrobe now, I feel like it is complete and can see me through the next few months.

 

Has anyone else visited primark recently? Or is anyone else planning on sorting out their finances in the new year? I would love to know!

October Non-Beauty Favourites

So hopefully you caught my beauty favourites, if not have a little look here. But I thought I would do a little lifestyle post about all the other things I'm loving at the moment. Possibly a bit random but hey ho.

TV shows-Made In Chelsea, Magaluf Weekender and Downton Abbey
I love love love this time of year because some of my favourite programs make their return to my tv! If you haven't seen them I'll give you a quick rundown. Made In Chelsea is a reality-drama show (think TOWIE). All the cast lead such amazing lives, which involves numerous parties and events, and plenty of gossip. I get so caught up in it. Magaluf Weekender is about a hotel in Magaluf and two groups of guests that stay there for a long weekend. The groups are different every week and one group is male while the other is female. Add that with lots and lots of drinking and you can guess al the drama that happens! The reps are consistent throughout the series and they bring just as much entertainment. Downton Abbey is a period drama that is currently set in the 1920s. Its centres around the Crawley family who live and run Downton Abbey, and their staff. Its such a beautiful programme and has amazingly gripping stories. I love it!

Red Daisy Primark Dress
I got this dress a couple of months ago but I love it so much. Its fitted on the upper body, has a zip on the side to loosen it, and then flows past the waist and ends just above your knee. At first I thought this dress was a summer dress but I've recently worn it with some black tights, boots and my coat and scarf and I think it works. So its wearable throughout all seasons really. Win Win!

A Song Of Ice And Fire
If you've watched Game of Thrones then you will know this book, but for those who haven't think Lord of the Rings but much more gory and a lot of incest and sex scenes. Its such a good story but I have found reading the book is much better as it explains everything so much better than the TV show, but the show is brilliant at bringing things to life!

Ribena
My favourite favourite favourite drink in the whole world has to be Ribena. However as I'm tight and don't justify spending £5 on squash I always wait for it to be on offer at my local supermarket. Its so refreshing and every time I drink it again I remember how good it is.

Songs-Disco Love by The Saturdays, Azonto by Fuse ODG and Changes by Tupac
Is it just me or has there been quite a few new amazing songs released recently? I love The Saturdays anyway but Disco Love has literally been on repeat so much on my IPhone. Its quite an upbeat song and the lyrics are nice and easy to sing along with (something I ALWAYS do). Fuse ODG's Antenna was my favourite summer song, and Azonto is almost as good. Not quite as 'clubby' as Antenna but still such an uplifting song, it makes me want to get up and dance whenever I hear it. Changes by Tupac is one of my all time favourites and I've been listening to it loads recently, I don't think I could get bored of that song. The lyrics have so much meaning and the tune is easy listening too.

So I hope you like this post, I've seen a few other bloggers do it so thought I would jump on the bandwagon. Has anyone else got any posts like this? I would love to read them.

Huge Haul

Every time it comes to the end of the month and pay day draws sooner with each day, I develop a mental list (and then usually write it down in one of my 1735289 notepads) of all the things I want need. So with this list in my head, I decided it would be a brilliant idea to go to the biggest Tesco store ever to pick up a 'couple' of things.

I'm not going to talk about every single thing I bought because I plan on reviewing most of the products but I will just mention a few things. Also, the stretch mark lotion and the Winnie The Pooh toy is for one of my best friend's whose baby is due any day. Just in case anyone got the wrong end of the stick (mother if you are reading this you have a long time to wait I'm afraid).

Pink Slippers-£4.00
Underwear Set-£8.00
Red Printed Snood-£5.00
Kimono style Jacket-£7.00-This isn't something I would normally go for but I think it looks so elegant and beautiful yet doesn't stand out too much and will be easy to wear with lots of different items. I can't wait to wear this.
Winnie The Pooh-£6.50
Cotton Wool Pads-£1.00
Nivea Tinted Moisturiser-£3.49-I have been after a new tinted moisturiser/BB cream for a while now as I'm bored with my current Rimmel one, so I thought I would give this a little go!
Maybelliene The Falsies Mascara-£6.00
Vivo Colour Wash lipgloss-£1.00
Herbal Essences Bee Strong Hair Mask-£2.19-I love Herbal Essences hair masks anyway, but I personally think this is the best. It does an amazing job at keeping your hair stronger, and teamed with the shampoo and conditioner from the range it is a winning combination.
L'Oreal Ever Sleek No Sulphates Shampoo and Conditioner-£3.99 each
Glow in the Dark Nail Polish-£1.00-This buy was purely for Halloween, I thought it would spruce up my somewhat boring outfit.
L'Oreal Ever Strong No Sulphates Shampoo and Conditioner-£3.99 each
Radox Revive Shower Gel-£0.95
Pantene Volume and Body Hairspray-£2.78 (Buy one get one free)
Pantenna Extra Strong Hairspray-Free
Palmers Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks-£2.94
Herbal Essences Fresh Balance Shampoo and Conditioner-£1.89 each

Recent Primark Buys

I have such a love/hate relationship with Primark. Sometimes I can go in and find loads of things that I love and 'need' in my life whereas other times I'll go in and find things which could be nice but have been ruined by something Primark have added to the design. However recently when I've been, I've found a few lovely things!

Parka Coat-£20
I have been after a parka for absolutely ages. I thought I would be looking at the over £40 price range but this beauty was a steal at just £20! Its so warm and cosy, and seems to be, surprisingly might I add, rather good quality. I really love this coat, I think it will look lovely with a chunky knitted scarf in the colder months.

Black Stud Bag-£9
I can be quite fussy when it comes to bags, and I seem to go through phases of what type of bag I like. Earlier in the year I really loved the over-sized bags that you could fit anything and everything in, but nowadays I much prefer smaller bags with the longer straps that you can hang on your shoulder. This one caught my eye straight away. I don't normally go for black bags but I thought the stud detail is lovely, and then when I opened the bag I thought the pattern inside was gorgeous. Another bonus with this bag is that the buckle is on the base of the bag, so its a bit safer and securely closed. The bag inside has two compartments separated with a zipped pocket. Although its not overly roomy, I really like it.

Black Vest-£4
This vest may look very simple from the front, a lovely, black jersey material with a white trim around the collar and sleeves, but the back is a little different. It has quite a large opening which exposes part of your back. I like detail like this because although you've quite a lot of flesh on display, it does it in such a subtle way that its very classy. I bought this mainly for my holiday but I think even on a night out in England it would look lovely paired with some skinny jeans and heels.

I do love a good Primark haul, although I think I definitely keep myself restricted on this trip.
Has anyone else bought anything from Primark yet?

Tesco Haul

I know that people can be a bit snobby when it comes to supermarket clothing but I love them, and I love buying a good beauty bargain from the supermarket aswell.

Berry Peplum Top
I fell in love with this top as soon as I saw it! The colour alone drew me in as its a lovely colour for autumn, but I really like a Peplum and I know they look very flattering. I also think the black sheer panel under the collar of the top is a bit different and an attractive detail to the top. The texture is quite different aswell and something I haven't seen before. This top is something I would wear on an evening either going out for food, to the pub or into town to hit a few bars. I think I will probably pair this top with a pair of black or denim jeans and then some heels and a blazer.
Navy Cardigan
I have been after a new navy cardigan for ages as my old one is now used for work. Although this one is a bit thicker than I would like, its fits lovely and I think it will be really cosy when the months get a colder. Its quite a versatile cardigan, I could wear it during the day with a dress or a pair of jeans and a top, or on a casual evening to the pub.

Green Vest
Another item that I had to have as soon as I saw it. This isn't a colour I would normally go for but it actually quite suits my skin tone. The reason I love this top is the texture of the front of the top. Its almost got a mock croc-type finish to it but the back is just cotton. Its very loose fitting so would be perfect to wear out for food. Another item that I could wear during the day or out on an evening.
Green Studded Shoes
Once again this isn't a colour I would normally go for but it was another item that as soon as I saw it I had to get it. They're really comfortable and I love the shape of these shoes, I just think they're quite classy in their fit. The studs also add a bit of grunge to the pair without being too obvious. The best part was they were reduced to 50% off! I think they would look really nice with my acid wash jeans, a plain vest and my leather jacket.

Pantene Repair and Protect Shampoo
I am a massive shampoo and conditioner hoarder. If one of my favourite brands are on offer I will most definitely purchase a couple of bottles so I've got them ready. Pantene isn't a brand I always go for but I now they are good quality products. This bottle was half price so I can't go wrong really.

E45 Cream
I suffer with dry skin on the top of my arms and during the summer, as it hasn't been so bad, I've just been using a light E45 lotion but as the weather is going to change soon, I need something a bit thicker and more moisturising for the skin. This E45 cream was on offer in Tesco and I would have been a fool not to have purchased it. Although its only a small tub, because its so thick and I only use it on one area of my body, it should definitely see me through the cooler months.

Shower Gels-Imperial Leather Soft Touch Shower Cream and Palmolive Pampering Touch Shower Cream
Something else I like to keep in stores are shower gels. In Tesco or Asda they have always got shower gels on offer so I just have a whiff and pick the smell I like the most and Bob's your uncle. What's the point in spending loads of money on a product when you can get one at a fraction of the price?!

So, that was my little spree in Tesco. I do love supermarket shopping, I could get lost in there for hours! Has anyone else picked up some real bargains from a supermarket recently??

A Love Affair with the High Street

When I first discovered the wonderful world of blogging, not only did I discover a love for hearing what others had to say and their opinions, but I also discovered that a big part of the beauty blogging world revolves around the high end products and brands. I am a lover of all things High Street, from shoes to clothes to makeup, I love a good bargain. Although I love my job, unfortunately it comes with a lower rate of pay. On pay day, when I take away rent, car insurance, food and any other outstanding bills/payments, I'm not left with that generous an amount. So this means that my beauty needs must also be budgeted, hence my love for the high street! I love nothing more than taking my advantage card, heading into a Boots store and stocking up on all my favourite beauty goodies. Even more so when Boots has one of their '3 for 2' or 'Buy One Get One Free' offers. My make up bag is full of high street brands, in fact i own hardly any high brand products. Yes I've tried and lusted after it, but when it comes down to making that purchase, most of the time i just cant justify parting with that amount of money when I know i can get something cheaper and very similar in Boots or Superdrug. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be able to afford the Mac Pigments and Eye Shadow Palettes, or the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, or even the They're Real mascara by Benefit, but so far to date I have not been able to find a good enough reason for making these purchases (although they are all on my wishlist!).

When it comes to clothes, the High Street is where its at for me. I am not a lover of buying clothes online as I like to be able to feel the material, see what sort of fit it is and sometimes the colours don't quite match up online. I have only ever made one order online and that was on New Look and I ended up sending most of the order back. So that sort of put me off for life. I'm not overly adventurous when it comes to shopping, I tend to stick to the shops I know and love. I walk through the shopping centre in Bristol and I will always go to the same stores (H&M, New Look, Primark), every now and then I venture into Hollister purely because I cannot resist the scent that is in the store, its heavenly. I would like to start shopping in new places, maybe open my eyes a bit as I think I've become a bit regimented in my shopping ways. Can anyone recommend any reasonable stores?


P.S. Sorry about the pretty poor photos, I've just got a new camera and I'm still figuring it all out :)