On a Roll

  

In the words of Adele, Hello it's me.

It appears that I'm on a roll again with the old diet. I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty pleased with myself. I finally reached my half a stone, target weight at fat club, Yippee!

If there's one good thing about me, is I'm not a quitter. Some of you maybe thinking, hmm.. "Half a stone not much to brag about." Let me pleasure in telling you, your wrong. It is. It's taken me loads of hard work, ups & downs, to loose those bloody 7lbs. So I'm gonna sing about it.

Over this time, all I can say that I've truly learned is, bread hates me, no matter how much I love it.  And I've finally relented, to letting "speed food" become my new BFF, instead of lovely tasty crisps.  (Well most of the time, anyways..)

Till next time ✌️

Good vibes

I recently went away for the weekend, and it was the best.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't often go away from home much. It's not because I don't want too, but for loads of boring reasons like; I don't like packing, (inserts a what I packed in my carry on here. Jokes!✌️) And I hate flying, and I can't afford it, and because I like my own bed a lot and I really miss my cats. And other stuff along those lines.

But I finally bit the bullet and agreed to a little trip away. Nothing fancy, just a lot of Rosè, a lot of sunshine, a substantial amount of food, along with a little bit of nature and some great friends. 

Can really work wonders. I realised how getting away is so good for me. It makes you appreciate your home comforts so much more. And to be honest it's nice to have a break from daily life. All the sunshine really helped too. 🌞

Life update

I haven't blogged in ages, because I'm rubbish, when I have changes in my life. At keeping on top of the other things, that I like doing. Apart from sleeping really. 😴

I just seem to be able to focus better, on one thing at a time. (I know I'm a women but I swear I can't multi-task)

What are these changes you ask? 

Well I guess I should tell you, the two main ones are; 

I stated a new job, and joined  slimming world, but I wanted to focus on the latter. 

Firstly, why I joined slimming world:

 I guess like many people out there, I can hardly remember a time I was happy with my size. The last time, was probably, in my late teens and that's ages ago now!

And even though, I don't think I have the most unhealthiest of life styles, I just wanted to make better choices. Without having to go to the gym, like, everyday.

But, I have been at slimming world a while now, and have finally started to make some head way.

I'm not gonna lie, it's been hard AF, to shift some of these pounds. We're taking sweat & tears hard.

I am defiantly not on of these lucky, idiots that join and within a week they've got there first half a stone. ( I wish I was one of those.)

Admittedly my weight has always fluctuated and I have always found it easier to put on weight than to loose it. But before I joined, my sister was already a member, and for the most part I just joined in with her. 

So I already felt like I had made some changes to my diet, trying to cut out all the naughty stuff. 

But the hardest thing, has been cutting out my 2 cardinal Syns, (no pun intended) crisps & chocolate. We all know how nice these things are, so I won't explain. 

But before I joined slimming world, I probably had about 3 packets of crisps, a week, now it's like one. 

And for a while I really resented it. 

Giving up what I saw, as one of my little luxuries. When your in group and someone pipes up, they've lost 3lbs and still had fish and chips this week! It's really hard not to punch them! 👊

Anyway, I'm making some progress & I'm proud of it. 🙃

#AW15

Well, it's been a while since I've posted a blog on here. 

There's no real excuse, other than life has gotten on top of me and I just simply lost momentum.

But here's a quick little post about a few Autumn Wear basics, that I picked up from Primark. 

Primark is truly my mothership, I love being able to buy fashion on a budget and there is very rarely a time where I leave without seeing something I like.

And if I'm honest autumn wear is what I feel the most comfortable & confident in.

 I just love oversized knitwear and boots with a chunky scarf, coupled with the rich autumn burgundies, greens, grays and creams.

Price list;

Classic  Chelsea Boots - £13.00 - 

(I also have these in brown because I love them that much!)

Cable knit jump - £8.00.  

Chevron pattern Heather Gray & White knit scarf with tassels - £7.00 -

Which is a bargain because it could double up as a blanket.

(This blog is not sponcered) 

New Years Resolutions Update

                                         

Hello,

If your a regular-ish reader, you may remember that I wrote a blog post not so long back about some goals I've set myself for 2015, and as the title suggests here's a little update for your lovely selves. If you would like to check out that blog post I'll link it here: http://oxhannah-g23ox.blogspot.co.uk

I've decided to make use of my Instagram account as I so often do, and update you guys on my progress through the medium of pictures. Any of the items mentioned in this blog will be linked below, if you wanna check them out further.

1. Exercise - I think I was a bit later than most getting back on the ole' fitness wagon, but I dragged myself back to the gym, and can honestly say I always feel better after I've been. Here's a pic of my bargain trainers. (Primark)

 I can never face taking a selfie either pre of post gym session. I just look like a 'hot mess' in the literal sense and it's just not a good look for anyone. I wouldn't want you to have to be subjected to it.

2. Healthy Eating - After all the fun of christmas I got out of the habit of eating breakfast, which was something I'd worked hard on doing in 2014. So here's a pic of one of my post gym breakfasts.

3. Read More - I have finished Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey, I'm about the third of the way through and enjoying it so far. I don't want to give to much away just incase you fancy picking the book up for yourselves. 'Maude is 82 yrs.old and no longer lives solely in the present day. Her memories of the past and the disappearance of her sister Sukey have become confused with the disappearance of her friend in the present day, Elizabeth. Suffering from dementia, her days have become a jumble of things, images and thoughts that don't seem to fit. ' absolutely loved this book, it gets a 10/10 from me

4. New Hobby - This is something I completely stumbled across and something that I had given as a gift. It is Wreck this Journal by Keri Smith. I had herd about it before along with some of her other books and decided to give it a go! 

For those of you who haven't herd of the 'Wreck this journal' it's a journal with descriptions on how to wreck it.  

I'm going to keep my journal as an ongoing project for the whole of 2015. Kind of like a scrap book really.

5. Blog More & Take More Photo's - Well here you go, this is a blog post containing many pictures. Two birds one stone my friends! Hehe, I would like to say I honestly didn't plan this as such. It just occurred to me that I had taken and posted a lot of my goings on for the month of January.

If you guys, have made any goals / resolutions for 2015, I Hope your still keeping them up.  

Hello January

Hello January...

Well, another year has passed, I always find this time of year a time for reflecting.

The older I get, the harder I find January, I  guess it's the post Christmas come down, no more sparkly decorations or twinkling lights, no more naughty food. I just want to stay under the duvet, that little bit longer, when January rolls around. 

This is why I've decided to make a few resolutions, to get me started. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going for the 'new year, new me' approach. Just a couple of things I'd like to keep up, throughout the year. So here they are;

⭐️New Years Resolutions 2015⭐️ 

1. Keep up the regular exercise. 

2. Healthy eating.

3. Read more books.

4. Take up a new hobby.

5. Blog more & take more photos.

As a disclaimer, all bar one the items listed above, are all ongoing goals from 2014, that I'd like to keep working on, & to kick start me out of my January blues. 

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and a happy New Year! 

Hannah x x 

Winter face Essentials

Hi guys,

It's that time of year again, to spreed festive cheer. Or in my case, it's also the time of year to catch a festive cold.

 So I thought I'd share some of the products I like to use when I'm feeling down.

Superdrug cleansing make-up be gone wipes for dry / sensitive skin. For when your not feeling tip-top and all you want to do, after a long day at the office is come home, throw on some comfy pj's and clean your face. These are really good, if like me, you get dry patches in the winter. I'd also say that these wipes are virtually identical to the Johnson make-up face care wipes & for 99p!

The Second face item for when you need a boost, is the maybeline instant fatiege blur, in cool rose. Best used under foundation, to give you a brighter complexion. 

On to lips - I swear by the EOS lipbalm, as I find them super hydrating and long lasting & they smell amazing!

Another bargin buy from Superdrug, is their dry skin relief cream. It can be used on your face, for dry patches or under a sore nose, I often use this on my hands if they're feeling a tad dry, but it can also be used on other dry areas, like elbows & knees.

EOS Lipbalm - http://www.amazon.co.uk/EOS-Strawberry-Sorbet-Smooth-Sphere/dp/B006WQF3B2

Maybeline instant fatigue - http://m.boots.com/mt/www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Baby-Skin-Instant-Fatigue-Blur-Primer_1505237/

Cleansing facial wipes - http://www.superdrug.com/Superdrug/Superdrug-Essential-Facial-Cleansing-Wipes---Dry-Skin/p/850158

Dry skin relief cream - http://www.superdrug.com/Superdrug/Superdrug-Dry-Skin-Relief-Cream-50ml/p/201015

Thanks for reading.

Hannah x x

Spring Favourites

                               

Hi Guy's

If you didn't already notice, spring has arrived!

And instead of doing a monthly favourites, I figured I'd do a spring favourites, because why not?

In no particular order, just some  little bit's and bob's that I've been loving of late. 

Firstly, Peach body butter, from the body shop. I don't often purchase thing's for myself from the body shop, don't ask me why, I always go in, & look & smell all the lovely thing's but I don't often end up  taking anything home.  But I couldn't resist this. It is so creamy, & feels so luxurious. But the smell is de-vine. I can only describe the smell, as the smell of fizzy peaches, which are my all time fav sweets by the way.. =]

Second on my list, is the Rimmel London, salon pro nail polis,  in the colour 'cocktail passion' it's a beautiful corral pink, brilliant for this time of year. I love the Rimmel salon pro formula. It reminds me of shellac, it applies really super nicely, I can't recommend these enough. They claim to be chip resistant for 10 days, I will say I feel that they are long lasting, however I wouldn't say 10 whole days. Especially if you have housework to be doing. 

Thirdly onto the lips, and oh my day's, these are just beautiful! I can whole heartedly assure you, that I will be adding to my  minute collection very shortly. But in the meantime, the product I am head over heels about, is the L'oreal L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick by Colour Riche, in the shade 201 Rose Symphony. The idea behind these liquid lipsticks are that they colour like a lipstick, with a shine like a lipgloss but leaving you're lips feeling soft like a balm. The colour range, of these liquid lipsticks, range from pinky nudes, to brighter bold reds. & are just brilliantly long lasting, great for any occasions. 

The last beauty product, for my spring favourites. Is the Charles Worthington Volume & bounce texturising spray, from the salon at home range. I cannot give Charles Worthington enough love, I love their hair care range, and it's always on a 3 for 2, at Boot's. Like a dry shampoo, you shake the can well, before use. Spray the texturising spray onto dry roots, ruffle with you're fingers and you're ready to go. It gives you're hair great lift & volume.

 I've been hearing a lot on the grapevine, that the Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce texturising spray, is a great drugstore dupe for the Oribe dry texturing spray. So if you fancy saving some pennies with you're haircare, here's a good place to start. 

Lastly on my Spring favourites, is quickly becoming an addiction. & it's probably caffeine related. It is the Beanies flavoured instant coffee, So far I have made my way through, cinder toffee, Caramel & double chocolate flavours, of these jars of loveliness. They have a really wide verities of flavours, on offer. With no syrup or chemicals. Sugar free and suitable for vegetarians & vegans. Means that most of them are calorie free, but still taste amazing.

That's it for my spring favourites, hope you liked it.   

The Best of the Beauty Balms

                               

Well hello there, ladies & the odd gent.

I've been AWOL, from the blogaspeare for a while now, & I've really missed it. Mainly, because it gives me the excuse, to try extra lovely stuff, and share how much I love it, with you guys.

So let's begin, as the title of this post suggests, today's post is about cleansing  balms. I don't know about you, but I loves me some good skin care. I always think the key to good make-up, is to take good care of your skin first. I've tried a few & picked a top 3, of what I consider affordable balms available in the UK.

I prefer to use cleansing balms for a couple of reasons, if your new to skin care routines, these are great for beginners. They're really good if you don't want to use lots of products.

 I love them most of all, because they get rid of all you're make-up all in one go.

 I also like them, because I feel they suit my skin type best. If I were to discribe my skin type, I would say it's not overly combination. I get a tad oily on my forehead, but that's about it, & my skin can get occasionally dry, during the winter months. However my  main skin concern, is that my skin can get quite sensitive at times.

 So in short, I like cleansing balms, because they feel right for me.
They don't strip my skin, or leave my skin feeling dry & tight, like some foam washes, have left my face feeling in the past.

 Out of the 3 I've chosen I like them  all equally. I'll start with the most pricey, but defiantly still worth the spend.
It is the Ren cleansing gel, I am in LOVE with Ren Skin care, right now. They have a brilliant range aimed at sensitive skin. Along with some fab face masks. They are defiantly worth checking out if you fancy trying something new & maybe you're skin feels in need of some TLC. Anyway... Back to the cleaning gel. It's £15.00 for 150 m bottle. All you have to do; using a warm damp cloth, wet you're face with said cloth, then using 1 pump of gel, onto you're hands, & proceed to rub the gel onto you're face. Before rinsing it of with you're warm damp cloth. If I'm wearing make-up, I usually repeate the process for a second time, just to make sure I get everything off.

 The second cleansing balm on my list, was in fact a happy accident. I was looking for the senctuary cleansing balm, but my local stores, don't seem to stock it. So I was handed a No 7 voucher, (which I get tons of all the time!) & saw that they had their own, cleansing balm & with the money off voucher, only came to a grand total of £4.00! An absolute bargin! Like Ren, No 7, do a great range for skin all every type's, under the sun. Apply as you would with the Ren cleanser. & again if I'm wearing make-up I always do it twice. The only downside is it does sting you're eyes slightly, when removing eye make-up.
So I would recommend that you remove you're eye make-up separately. That aside it leaves you're skin feeling lovely.

 The final product is from a range called NSpa, which was a gift, but avalible at Asda stores. This is technically a hot cloth polish, but has a very balmy texture to it. It also applies slightly differently to the other two. Apply 1-2 pumps onto dry skin, working it into you're skin in circular using motions. Again avoiding you're eyes.
 To remove, do the same as with the previous two cleansing balms, using a warm damp cloth.  This one is £7.00 for 150 m bottle, plus cloth.

 Hope I've given you a couple of products to check out. 

My January Face Favourites. #GLAMUARY

Well Hello, & a happy new year to you.

I must apologise about my lack of posts for December, But the festive season was just full on. Not leaving much time, or pennies to try out new beauty bit's & bob's. But fear not, I'm back on the blogging bandwagon for 2014!

 We're a week into the New Year already, how are the new year's resolution's coming? I've decided to be a trend setter & to not make any this year, it really does take some of the pressure off, (I'm already reeling from my poor bank balance). Why force myself to give up chocolate? It's too dark & too cold for any of that business. 

 But fear not, I am back, with a whole host of new goodies to try out! I was very lucky to be on the receiving end of so many lovely products for christmas. That being said, I have been inspired to steal Talk Becky Talk's hashtag for this months blog post's, which is #GLAMUARY. Before you start, I  don't care, I know it's cheesy, but it's my blog post, & I love it so there!

  I don't want to miss out any products so I have decided to try & categorise my beauty post's for this month. 

 This week's post are my January face favourites & 1 nail polish! I felt, I must include at least one. 

 Starting with the base, courtesy of Soap & Glory, 'Show Good Face Foundation' & Primer, in the shade the fairest of them all. Even though, this foundation has a primer, I always make sure to use one before applying. I have nothing but good things to say, about this product, it feels light when it comes to application but is pretty long lasting & you really don't need to use a lot of it either, all good things in my book.

 Second on my list was a little christmas gift from MAC. 'The studio finish concealer' in the shade NC20. I mainly use this concealer for my under eyes but with a lot of things MAC produce, it's worth the money a applies nicely, as it is a cream base, you don't need to use a ton of it to get the required result.

 Number 3, is the 'Glow all Out highlighting powder', this is also by Soap & Glory. This stuff is a beaut! I just apply a little to my cheek bones & around my jawline. The packaging & the pressed powder itself, is really pretty, it just gives you the little glow you need.

 Now onto the eyelashes it isn't a new product, in fact it's an old product, but it's a goody. It's the MUA (Makeup Academy) 'Extreme Volume mascara', I alway end up coming back to this mascara. I just like the general application of this mascara its doesn't leave my eyelashes stuck together or clumpy, it has lasted me ages, and it costs all of £2.00! 

 Last on the face list, is a trusty Rimmel product. It is the 'Colour Rush lip balm', in the shade 'Rumour Has It'. I love lip Balms I find them super hydrating & not leaving my lips feeling dry after use. To be honest, I choose this because I just love this particular shade, (of what I would call Cherry Red) & it lasts basically all day. I don't know why but I just prefer lip balms & glosses to lipsticks.

 The final product on my list for this blog post, is a nail polish I've been loving so far in 2014, it is the 'Nail Paint' by Barry M, in the shade Cappucino, it is a really nice taupe colour and it has a nice shine after application, I feel that this shade goes well with basically anything. Even though if you asked me that two years ago, I hated natural "boring" colours, oh how times change!

Winter Beauty Basics

                  

Well Hello there, internet individuals.
I hope this week's post finds you warm & cozy from the gail force winds, that happen to be attacking the UK currently. If I were in charge, I guess I'd say, we should all stay inside, & make a fort out of our duvets & consume our weight in hot chocolate & marshmallows. But sadly I'm not in charge. But I'll say it anyway.
This weeks post, is a little follow up from last weeks. It is my winter beauty basics. A few of these are products are new for me, but some are staple everyday favourites. I love them none the less. Like last week, I will link all the products featured in, this weeks blog, below. I've not been sponsored, to review any products. I own these products, & think their worth the monies. Boring bit over, let's begin. . . .
Starting with the base. I recently purchased Rimmel's fix perfect primer. This stuff is a beaut. Leaves my face feeling protected & dear I say, skin feeling hydrated. & leaves my foundation & powder looking pretty flawless, too. I have defiantly noticed a difference by using the prima. And would most definatly say, that by using it, it has increased my foundation's, staying power. This is all good in my books! 

 Item number two, is also a face one. It is the Kelly Brook blusher. In a peach / coral shade. It's looks & applies beautifully. It has little flecks of glitter, in it. Great for all year round use. It has a pretty bow indentation in the powder itself. My picture really doesn't do it justice. & is only £2.99 great for a little extra stocking filler, perhaps? I happened to stumble apron this range, while doing some, christmas shopping. The Kelly Brook range also includes blushes, a bronzer lipsticks, lip glosses, mascara's, brow & I believe 2 eyeshadow pallets. Which from what I've seen, all look really nice quality. From packaging to product. As well as a range of nail polishes. I was rather pleasantly surprised. All affordable, & available in New Look. 

 Now on to the lips, lushes sweet sugar lip scrub to be presis. This was a gift given too me. I have also, tried the popcorn & bubblegum flavours. But they weren't really for me. Like a lot of people my lips get dry during the winter months. But these scrubs are ace all year round. They are 100% organic & are completely edible. So if you ever need a quick sugar fix while shopping, next time, try some sugar scrub. Less calories I guess! This is defiantly, a number 1 in my winter make up bag. 

 Next on my list for my lips, is my Burt's Bees lip balm. My first encounter with Burt's bee's was from a glossy box. & since then, it's been a staple feature in my handbag. I hate having dry lips. & these are defiantly worth the buck. I have the mint & honey versions. They Leave my lips feeling smooth, yet protected from the cold weather. Along with the 2 plain lip balms. Burt's bee's also have a range of tinted lip balms. As well as a whole entirer range of bath & body stuff. When I run out of the two plain one's I currently own, the tinted one's, are on my "to try list."

 And lastly, a little glitter. If you know me, you know that I love a bit of sparkle. Whatever, time of year it is. But glitter is especially expectable during the festive session. This product is Rimmel's space dust, nail polish range. In the shade, Luna Love. I choose  this shade as I felt it was safely festive. However, all the swatches, I've seen of this collection, all look  particularly lovely. I wouldn't mind adding Total Eclipse, & Aurora to my collection too. The lasting power seems pretty good. The only draw back, I've found with this product. Is that polish feels very gritty. Something, I'm not a fan of. If applied, without a top coat. That aside, I love this polish. Perfect for the festive session.

Until next time, my friends. Unless of course I've eaten my weight in the wonderful kallo Choclate rice covered cakes, that is. xoxoxo 

Links:

http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Match-Perfection-Fix-Perfect-Primer_1230447/

http://thebeautydepartment.com/hair/

https://www.lush.co.uk/product/388/Sweet-Lips-Lip-Scrub

http://www.boots.com/en/Burts-Bees/Burts-Bees-lip-balms/

http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-London-Space-Dust-Nail-Polish_1388173/

Budget Winter Body Favourites

                                          

Well it's that time of year again... There's defiantly a nip, in the air.  It's time to layer up, every time you need to venture out, into the wilderness, from underneath the comfy-ness of your duvet.  A lot like our exteriors, needing to be wrapped up under some funky knit wear. I feel pretty much the same, about my hair & skin. As the whether, gets colder I feel they need just a little bit more TLC, than usual.

So I thought I would include my current winter beauty & body favs. Starting with some of my winter body fav's. As it's the run up to xmas, all the products I've included are all just about, under a £10!  No need to Thank me. ;)

 Starting from top to bottom! First on my list, is a new hair care discovery of mine. Curiosity of Lush. It is the American Cream conditioner. Firstly, I love Lush, & many of their wonderfully fun products, but I must confess, I usually visit them most during the gifting period. I herd many good things about the American Cream conditioner, & as I'm a blonde, I usually find my hair ends up feeling a tad rough & dry during this time of year. & this stuff is a god send! It left my hair feeling super duper, soft & smelling great! This might sound a bit OTT, but after the first use, my hair felt like I'd had a trip to the salon. Not bad, for £4.50. As it was a "new" purchase for me I only committed to the small bottle. But I can assure you, when this baby run's out I shall be re-purchasing in the larger size.

The next product, on my list, is pretty much a staple favourite of mine all year round. But especially lovely at this time of year. It is the Soap & Glory Smoothie Star - deepest moisturiser body milk. It smells of oats & honey. It just smells  so comforting & yummy. & leaves your skin silky smooth. It's currently on a 3 for 2 offer at Boots right now. If you love Soap & Glory as much as I do, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up of you're favourites! 

Next, is a winter body wash. From Beauticology called chocolate cupcake. Beauticology is an extension of the Baylis & Harding company. This particular body wash,  actually comes, from a little gift set.  Available in Boots or Tesco. I'm not usually a fan, of chocolate smelling scents, but this one breaks the rule, for me. It smells good, if I was going to liken it to a scent, I'd say an indulgent chocolate truffle, perhaps. I've found a little goes a long way, & it sparkles. What else need I say?

The next product on my list, is a winter essential for me. It's hand cream! Like my hair, my hands tend to get dry during the winter months. This hand cream is from Avon. This particular hand cream, is non scented. For normal / dry skin. It leaves your hands feeling soft, for a fair amount of time. But not slippery. Meaning you that your left unable to use them, until the cream has dried.You don't need to use a ton of it, too feel the benefit & it's good for your nails too! & to top it off it's a bargain.

Last but not least, on my winter body fav's is also a new Lush discovery, for me. It is the catastrophe cosmetic fresh face mask. My god, this is a treat for the face. I mean that in every literal way possible. This is a fresh face mask which means, it needs to be stored in the fridge! As I have sensitive skin, after a lengthy discussion with my local sales assistant, & after some trying, testing & prodding we decided this was the one for me. This face mask, is full of blueberries, chamomile & Irish moss. Whatever that maybe. But it all works. So you don't hear me, complaining. How to use the mask, is pretty self explanatory. You apply the product, generously to you're face, avoiding you're mouth & eyes. You can leave it on for 5 -10 minutes. I tend to leave it on for 10. & rinse off with warm water. You maybe worrying like I did, about the products shelf life, it being fresh & all. But if stored correctly, the product should last over a month.

 Hope you enjoyed this weeks post, I will link all the products below. For you to all browse! xox 

https://www.lush.co.uk/product/26/100g-SMALL-American-Cream-Conditioner

http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory-Smoothie-Star-8482-Body-Lotion-500ml_1273146/

http://www.boots.com/en/Baylis-and-Harding-Beauticology-Stacking-Gifts_1363318/

http://avonshop.co.uk/product/bath-and-body/hand-cream/avon-care-xmas-hand-cream.html

https://www.lush.co.uk/product/79/Catastrophe-Cosmetic-Fresh-Face-Mask

  

Christmas Gift Guide, For Her. Under £20!

Well Hello there,

I believe it's gotten just a little bit festive, since the last time we spoke!

 I know, that Christmas is a bit like marmite to some. But I love it! 

The lights, the decorations, not so much the music. 

 But in general, I am pro Christmas! 

However something I've always found difficult, over the Christmas period, is gifting within a budget! I genuinely love gifting, so I almost always end up buying extra. So I thought I'd share a couple of my gifting / stocking filler, idea's with you. Whether its for your wife, girlfriend, mother, aunt, sister, or niece. 

Now I know that everybody is different. So I have tried my hardest to include a verity of gifts. & some little stocking filler if you fancy being just that little bit generous. 

Number 1. On my list is the Remington Pearl CI95 Curling Wand. In light, of Babyliss realising, the new pro perfect curl. Retailing in at £120. With some not so great reviews. This is a great alliterative, for practically next to nothing. Great for curling your hair. For all those, christmas parties you maybe attending this year. Currently retailing on amazon for, £12.46.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Remington-Pearl-CI95-Curling-Wand/dp/B003SWZOKI/ref=sr_1_4?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1384679189&sr=1-4&keywords=Remington

Number 2. On my list of goodies, are these ever so cute, Neom Three Nights of Peace. Bath oils. There is nothing like a nice hot bath after a freezing journey home. & even though they look tiny, you can get 2-3 baths out of every bottle. A perfect way for a bath lover to sample a new product. Retailing at £10. Neomorganics.com

Number 3. On my list, are these little beauties from Soup & Glory. Which are, the loved & glossed gift set. This gift set includes a trio of Soap & Glory's best selling Mother Pucker Gloss sticks. In shades: Nudist, Fuschia-Ristic & Plum Jam. I swear by these babies. Thhey are like a gloss but without any of the awful stickiness. Really hydrating for your lips & beautifully pigmented. £16. http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory-Loved-Glossed-Gift-Set_1375477/

Number 4. This is another gem, I happened to come across in Boots. It's The No 7 Fongers & Toes gift set. This gift set is a real treat, for those who like to keep their nail's in tip-top condition. For the perfect manicure & pedicure, everytime. This set includes:  

No7 Revitalising Hand Saviour (75ml)

No7 Softening Foot Balm (75ml)

No7 Nail Polish Salsa

No7 Nail Polish Temptress

No7 Nail Polish Betty Blues

No7 Nail Polish Hot To Trot

No7 Nail Polish Gold Glitter Top Coat

No7 Nail Polish Silver Glitter Top Coat.

A Bargin, for £20! 

http://www.boots.com/en/No7-Fingers-and-Toes_1375463/

Number 5. Everybody likes to be, just a little bit naughty at Christmas time. & Tesco Finest, have brought out a lovely range of Truffles including a scrummie set of salted caramel flavoured ones. Retailing at £6. Perfect for a little stoking filler.http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=278557727

Number 6. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas, in my house anyway! If you didn't get any cosy slipper & socks. The cuter & fluffier the better! Accessorize have some crackers, right now. In both the sock & slipper department! 

Socks: http://uk.accessorize.com/uk/winter-shop/tights-and-socks 

Slippers: http://uk.accessorize.com/uk/winter-shop/slippers?pageSize=12&page=3&showAll=

Number 7. I love a good christmas candle, to get me into the festive Spirt. And right now, Yankee Candle are being very generous, with their online store. With unto 50% off. With some great gift sets available. http://www.yankee.co.uk/up-to-50-off?gclid=CNilydbL67oCFeoJwwodL3wAVg

Number 8. Now I like a good book, & so do a lot of my friends! & I think Books & Gift vouchers, can be a great gift especially, if you're not 100 percent sure on what, you could gift to a friend. 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=

Healthy Oven Baked Meatball Recipe

 Oven Baked Meatballs

                

   

Since posting my autumn bucketlist, I have been inspired to post a few of my favourite recipes, to make when the weather turns a little bit colder outside. And since I've woken up to the news, of snow, in some parts of the UK. I figured, there's no time like the present.

If like me, you enjoy filling food, but like too keep an eye on the calorie count this is one for you. & if you have kids that like to help out in the kitchen, this is a good one. This recipe serves 4 and can be frozen.

For this recipe you will need, for the meatballs:

2 large onions.

500g lean minced beef or if you prefer you can substitute the beef mince, with lean turkey mince instead!

1 small egg.

2 tsp of oregano or Italian herb mix.

2 garlic cloves crushed.

salt and ground pepper.

The Sauce:

400g can of chopped tomatoes.

1 tsp of sweetener.

400g of passata, I like the one with herbs or basil.
150ml hot vegetable / beef stock.

2 medium courgettes. Trimmed and cut into chunks.

200g of mushrooms. Cut into chunks.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees C /Gas mark 6.

Put half the chopped onions in a large bowel, with the minced beef mixed herbs, garlic and seasoning, and small egg. Mix well, and divide into 20 portions. Roll each portion into a ball and chill in the fridge for an 30 mins or until ready to use.

In a large roasting dish, mix together the remaining onion, chopped tomatoes, passata, vegetable / beef stock, courgettes and mushrooms. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Stir in meatballs and bake for a further 40 minutes.

Serve with pasta of your choice and enjoy!

Affordable Autumn Lookbook

  

                          

Well Hello their ladies & gentleman, 

  This weeks Blog post is a little autumn lookbook, that I decided to compose. 

Mainly because I love autumn, it's my fav time of year. The changing of the seasons, autumn leaves & damp grass. Nothing beats it.

So  the clothes I've chosen are, baggy comfy kind of, clothes that you can get in the UK, around this time of year. With some good old knitwear thrown in for good autumnal measure. This time of year, defiantly suits my style. 

 As I'm new to this, I have only created 3 outfits. But all of which, I wear on a daily basis. As you may have noticed from the title, of this blog. I'm doing an affordable lookbook as some of the items are not brand new, but are well loved, by me & perfect for this time of year. 

 As you can see, I've stuck with neutral colours, with added animal print, (It's in this autumn, I swear.) To give the outfits a little kick.

Outfit Number 1:

Baggy cream jumper, with hole detail, by the shoulders & down the back. - Asda. £8.00.

Plain Black vest top underneath. - Primark -£3.00.

Leopard print scarf. - Gift So I'm not sure.

Rose gold, bangles. - Lisa Angel. £12.00 (I think, my mum got them for me as a birthday gift.)

Burgundy jeans. - Dorothy Perkins £15.00.

Leopard print pumps. - Asda £12.00.

Outfit Number 2:

Grey bobble hat. - New Look (Last winter) £4.99.

Pink Jumper with rose gold studs. - Dorothy Perkins. £15.99.

Grey Duffle coat. - Select. (Last Winter) £20.00.

Black Leggins. - Primark. £4.00.

Brown Studded boots. - New Look. (Last winter) £22.99.

Outfit Number 3:

Dress with leopard print peter  pan collar. - New Look. (Summer sale) £7.99.

Black tights Pack of 2.  - Primark. £3.00.

Satchel. - Boros. (Birthday gift. Price unknown.)

Brogue's - Schuch. (Last summer) £20.99. 

Campfire Casserole

                         

Hi there guy's,

I quite enjoy adding my little foodie post's into this blog, & I think you guy's enjoyed it too?

 I'm enjoying eating, healthy home cooked grub, at the moment. As I'm trying to eat healthier & keep an eye on the calories. & this recipe is a household fave, in our house, right now. 

It is The campfire casserole. 

The recipe severs 4. is Freezable & veggie friendly!

Ingredients:

300g of quorn sausages.

or if you prefer 6 low fat sausages.

Some Frylight or Vegetable oil.

1 Medium onion. 

Half a butternut squash or 3 medium carrots.

2 Perepers (Red or yellow as they are sweetest.) 

2 Garlic cloves. Crushed.

1tsp of smoked paprika.

300ml of vegetable or chicken stock.

1 tin of baked beans.

150g Green beans.

A small handful of flat leaf parsley for decoration.

1) Pre-heat a large frying pan & spray with frylight. Cook sausages according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked transfer sausages to a plate & slice into chucks.

Return the frying pan to a medium heat. Spray pan with Frylight & add onion & soften for 4-5 minutes. Until softened.

Add the squash / carrot, peppers, & garlic. Stir in a tsp of paprika & cook for 2-3 minutes.

2) Add the baked beans & 300ml of stock & Seasoning. Bring the pan to the boil. Stir & reduct the heat to medium - low, cover & simmer for 15 minutes. Stirring occasionally.  

3) Uncover pan & Add the sausages, green beans & any extra stock, if needed. ooh for a further 5 minutes Until veg is tender. 

Serve with New potatoes, mash Or goes great with a jacket potato.

Yankee Candle Love

                                   

Hi Guys,

This weeks blog post, is continuing along the autumn theme. But on a newer discovery of mine. And as you can probably tell, it happens to be a well known candle brand. 

Now don't get me wrong, I haven't been living under a rock or anything. . . . 

 I am well aware of the Yankee brand & there wide selection of senses, that they have to offer. 

 However, I recently went on a hunt, to get the house feeling a little bit more autumnal. With they grey days, & the nights drawing in, & not to mention, being inspired by all the bath & bodywork, hauls that seems to be circling youtube. 

I decided, to take the time, to actually smell some candles. There I said it, any men that may read this blog, I understand if this post, isn't to your taste!

I don't usually, treat myself to candles, & often the candles that I am gifted happen to be fragrances-less. Which I totally understand, as I find smell extremely personal, to each individual. Which I think, makes it had to choose, as a gift. 

I learnt from my little experience, that I enjoy sweeter lighter sense, to stronger spicy smells. If like me, you'd like to acquire a few more candles, to make your abode feel more seasonal. I would totally recommend, the Yankee Candle: Fireside Treats Marshmallow grilles candle. It smells exactly like a toasted marshmallow, but without being overpoweringly sickly.

 I purchased the small perfect pillar. As it was on offer for £9.00. But I have found it online, for £6.00. That teaches me to shop around!

 It even burns to look like a flipping marshmallow, which made me smile. 

 When I enquired about the average burning time, it says about 35-40 minutes. Which, I think is a pretty long time.

 I think these candles, would make a great gift, if your stuck for idea's. If like me your on a bit of a budget, be a bit cheeky & if theres any sense you like, make a note, & shop around, online for some bargains. 

Maybeline Baby lips

Hey there guy's,

Firstly, I must apologise for not posting last week. The time, just ran away from me. & secondly how is it October already?

Now I don't know about you guys, but I'm a big fan of lip balm. As you may, or may not be, able to tell from some of my previous post's.

I think this is mainly because I do, suffer from dry lips. Especially in the winter, & I hate it. Because, I do tend to suffer from slight dryness. Unless I'm going out, out. . . I tend to steer clear of lip glosses. & when I do tend to choose lip shades, I  always seem to sway towards subtle shades, on offer.  

 So when I saw that Maybeline, had brought out a lip balm range. With a tint in it, none the less. It seemed to me, to be the best of both worlds.

In this range, there are 6 lip balms in total.  All of which, claim to give your lip's 8 hours of hydration. For "baby soft lips" 

The Hydrate, Intense Care, & Mint Fresh, lip balms, all contain SPF 20, which is good, if you live in a sunny climate. Or happen to be going on your travels, sometime soon. Burnt lips are defiantly a no, no, in the holiday photo album! However these 3 balms do not contain a tint to them. 

The other 3 lip balms in this range, are: Cherry Me, Pink Punch, & Peach Kisses. Which all have, a nicely pigmented tint to them. 

 The 2 balms, which I have chosen to purchase, were Pink Punch & Peach Kisses. 

They have great pigmentation for a lip balm. With a wonderful shine to them. They stay put, not making you feel like you need to keep re-applying every five minutes. My lips feel hydrated after use, & if like me, you hate the sticky quality, that most lip glosses leave behind, these babies are for you. 

 And lastly, they all smell amazing too. The current retail price, for these balms are: £2.99 each. I know Boots & Superdrug have them all, in store on a 3 for 2 offer right now, who could say no!