Can't live without..

I thought I'd share my current must have beauty products with you. I'm not massively into spending loads on beauty products but there are a few fundamentals that I need in order to make me look half decent.

Firstly is obviously fake tan, my skin tone is pale.. And that's being kind. If my legs go too white they end up resembling corned beef.. Hot! So whilst Boots were doing a 3 for 2 offer the other week I invested in some St Tropez gradual tan. I've always been a gradual kind of girl, I'm not one for being pale as death one minute and bronzed goddess the next. It just looks odd on me!! This tan is lovely. It smells good, rubs in nicely and makes your skin feel super soft. The next day you can visibly see a change in skin colour which is a nice tone and doesn't make you look orange.



I got given some Jimmy Choo perfume for Christmas and its fast become my favourite scent. I just love it. I tend to only use it when I'm going out or on crappy days when I just want to feel glam as I can't bear to use it all just yet! I also got a Dolce perfume gift set and it came with a lovely bronzer compact.. The bronzer has a bit of glitter in it which I'm not fond of, but it's such a lovely colour I tend to wear it on a daily basis at the moment. Also loving my Revlon lip gloss.. Love this Pink Pop colour. It's really summery and has a lovely gloss to it without being too sticky! A girl can never have too many glosses!

My hair is a total frizz fest most days so I've decided to actually stick to a frizz management routine. I'm thinking of going down the Moroccan oil route but just not sure what one is going to be good for me. Any recommendations appreciated.. For the mean time I'm using the VO5 Hot Oils that have been around for yonks.. Stick it in some hot water and Bob's your uncle. Lovely glossy shiny hair for about a £1 a pop.

What products can't you live without?

Till next time... M x

Scrubbly!

A few days ago I was contacted by a company called Betty Buff via Twitter and asked if I wanted a free sample to try out, obviously I said yes. This big tub of tropical body scrub turned up yesterday and I took it straight in the shower with me this morning. It's amazing! It's a handmade, chemical and preservative free scrub.

It's a really thick subsantial scrub and smells of pineapples - it's divine. I've always had dry, flaky skin all year round so exfoilating has to be part of my daily routine. This scrub is lovely and I will definitely be stocking up on more once it's gone, I really want to try the Lime and Ginger scrub and the Shea Butter moisturiser.. You have to check this site out - www.bettybuff.co.uk - it's brilliant! Thanks Betty Buff x

What is up with this weather? I keep hearing that there'll be rain next week, always the way when the kids are off school! The sun seems to be playing hide and peek today so the legs have been covered up with my pu leggings or 'bin liners' as the other half calls them. I also dug out this lovely blue ASOS dip hem dress that I purchased a few years ago, I wore it with a thin black waist belt from Primark and my new glasses necklace that arrived from Lola Loves the other day.

I love my black and white graffiti jacket from Next - also purchased a few years ago! The statement shoulders are awesome and the monochrome tone is very on trend. I wore my hair in plaits last night so it has a lovely kink to it today that reminds me of my junior school hair.. in fact I'm loving my hair so much today that I've put off my hair cut this weekend. I'm so impulsive!

 

Blue dress from ASOS

Black and white jacket from Next

Black Flatforms from H&M

Necklace from Lola Loves

Thin Black Waist Belt from Primark

Leggings from Peacocks

Not much is happening this weekend, will be spending time with the family and hopefully soaking up the rest of this sun before the rain kicks in. The hair appointment has been put on hold and a manicure has been booked on Saturday instead.

What is everyone else up to?

Till next time... M x

Slow Day..

So after some constructive criticism from my lovely readers I've decided to take more of a diary style approach to my blog! I'm fairly new at all this so any advice will be taken on board.. Feel free to let me know your thoughts!!

Anyway today has been a slow day, home-making duties have been put on hold until later and I've been mainly just chilling out with my beautiful boy! I'm starting to get a bit cross with the lack of suitable warmer weather clothing in my wardrobe! Everything I own seems to be far too warm or far too small.. Damn the post pregnancy body!

I dug this H&M maxi dress out yesterday. Last time I wore this was when I was about 7 months pregnant (picture of big mama attached!) I teamed it with a thin brown belt, I always find that this makes you look and feel a bit slimmer. I also wore my lovely blue striped blazer from Primark that I've had for years!

Desperately trying to get a hair appointment this weekend as I want a significant few inches off my mane. Seriously fed up of finding hair everywhere, I moult like a retriever.. Hopefully it won't be so bad if there isn't so much of it!! Here's hoping anyway..

Till next time.. M x

Statement Trousers..

Until my lovely tropical print trousers turn up from H&M I decided to root through my wardrobe and dig out my old pattern trousers. Always loved pattern trousers as they go perfect with a pair of black stilettos (one of my favourite pairs of shoes!) and a simple blouse!

The H&M trousers are cropped so they are a bit different to the trousers I already have. Bargain price of £12.99 too so you can guarantee they'll be selling fast! Got to love Hennes.



The trousers I'm wearing in these rather moody looking pictures are from Next, recently reduced in their sale to £16 and the others are a few years old from Henry Holland! I do love the HOH range at Debenhams.



Fingers crossed my trousers turn up before this heat wave ends.

Are you loving patterned trousers?

Till next time... M x

Mint..

I'm loving the pastel trend at the moment, these soft delicate hues are all over the high street and you can mix and match them like nobody's business. Corals, pinks, pale yellows, baby blues and mints all work together.. Beautiful! However I've always been a lover of green and since seeing this dress on ASOS.com I've decided that mint green might just be the pastel shade for me. It's so gorgeous..

Topshop.com are showcasing some lovely bits in pastel too, these jeans made me smile - totally love them! They'd look great with a vest or tee in another pastel shade.. so cute!

And look what I just purchased for £3! A lovely mint green t-shirt from New Look, hoping it looks a bit greener than the pic but for £3 I won't quibble.. it's perfect for slumming it down the beach  with some denim cut offs!

Obviously onto shoes.. I've discovered an amazing site called www.daisystreetshoes.co.uk, bargain prices for a wide selection of lovely shoes. I definitely recommend you checking them out.

Now I'm not really into pinks but I thought these wedges on daisystreetshoes site are really cute and would go with the Topshop jeans for that bubblegum princess look! Think I'll resist on the shoe front this time though (for once). In my 'Spring Nudes' post I photographed my nude peeptoe wedges that I'd found hiding in my wardrobe and I feel that they will be a staple enough wedge to get me through this warm spell!

What's your favourite pastel colour? How will you wear it?

Till next time... M x

Hey Stud!

Studs are everywhere at the moment. Whether it be Rihanna rocking these gorgeous denim studded shorts by Ragged Priest (www.raggedpriest.com) or Keisha, who posted a pic on Twitter of studs glued to her head.. Everyone is getting  involved in the stud fest. It's extreme, edgy and oh so cool!

 

I've been lusting after some black studded Vectra slippers from Topshop, they sold out quite quickly and are now available on EBay (of course..!). Whilst browsing on EBay I actually ordered myself some studs. They are super cheap, we are talking a few pounds, and you can customise almost anything with studs. The problem is deciding what to customise first..

There are some lovely customised bras that I've seen online - Bralets are all the rage this Spring so why not combine the two trends.. this white one is from Miss Selfridge.

I'll keep you posted on the creative stud design..

Till next time.. M x

Collar me..

I decided to get creative with my daughter this morning before we went out for the day! I made a little collar with some felt, a button and some ribbon. I've wanted a collar for a while but couldn't justify spending money on one as I know I won't wear it more than a few times. This collar cost me pennies to make.. Super Scrimpers eat your heart out!

I printed a collar template off the web, there are loads on there. Cut the pattern out of white felt or any other similar material, make two small cuts with scissors in the bottom sections and join with a button. Sew through the back of the button. Again make two cuts at the top sections and thread through ribbon. Glue ribbon in place. Cutesy collar done!

Till next time... M x

Make Up Academy..

A few spring cosmetics have been purchased.. (whoops!) and at the prices MUA offer then why the hell not! You can find MUA in most Superdrug stores and prices start from £1!

So I'm not a massive fan of false lashes.. I've tried and failed many a time to apply them! As a result I've usually given them a miss.. But these lashes from MUA are only £2 each so thought I'd purchase and give them a go next time I'm out with the girlies. I bought Flair and Glam, there are 3 other styles available from MUA.

I also bought a Mosaic Bronzer in Shade 2 Sunkissed Glow. It's got a bit of pink in it which I thought was really nice. MUA do some lovely lipsticks and glosses and I bought a lovely red shaded gloss - Shade 2. This is really nice to wear but isn't as bright as what I thought it would be - still ok for wearing over a brighter lipstick to give a slick of shine. Obviously nail polishes are a must and when they are £1 a pot I bought myself 3 lovely colours. From left to right.. Shade 5, Shade 9 and Shade 4.

Treat yourself!

Till next time... M x

Specs Appeal...

I had to share this with you.. I was on ASOS's site a few weeks back and noticed this lovely Geek Glasses Necklace by a designer called Me & Zena. Seeing as I work with sunglasses, and as a result am rather obsessed with sunglasses, I thought the necklace was really quirky, but for £18 (now on sale at £12) I was kind of put off buying it!

Well I've found a replica for a fraction of the price whilst I was on Twitter yesterday on a site called Lola Loves. It's £3.50 and if you enter the discount code LOLA50 then you get 50% off. Amazing! She's also got some really cool bits on her site so be sure to check it out.

Here are the pictures for you to see how similar they really are.. I can't wait for it to arrive!

Top pic by Lola Loves - http://lolalovesxo.bigcartel.com/product/geek-glasses-necklace

Bottom pic by Me & Zena @ ASOS - www.asos.com

Till next time... M x

Feathers and Shoes.. Shoes and Feathers!

Anyone who followed Fashion Week will be aware that feathers are all the rage this Spring. Many featured items by major designers such as Ralph Lauren, Dior and Chanel were adorned with beautiful feathers. They give off a light, airy and delicate feel which is perfect for the sunny Spring season. The key thing with feathers is to keep it simple, either wear an item of clothing or an accesory. Don't over do it, otherwise you end up looking like Big Bird from Sesame Street - which is never a good look!

This is a picture from Ralph Laurens Spring 2012 Collection - the nude colours are simply gorgeous and ooze classiness. Just perfect!

So keeping the feathered theme in mind, I was looking online for some new sandals and I fell completely in love with these beauties from River Island. The price tag is reasonable (£40) and these turquoise feathers are totally up my street. They also come in black for those not digging the bright colours! These sandals would look lovely whether you wear them with a maxi dress or denim cut offs.



I also cast my eyes over these gorgeous shoes too but being designer and totally out of my price range, I simply ogled at them and then looked away. A girl can dream.

Brown and Orange Ostrich Feathered Sandals by D-Squared - £784 - www.luisaviaroma.com

Purple and Blue Marlene feather and suede sandals by Jimmy Choo - £1,295 - www.net-a-porter.com

My top tip for feathers is that they are quite delicate as well as nearly impossible to clean, so it's probably not a wise idea to spend a lot of money on pieces that feature feathers, no matter how divine they may be!

Till next time... M x





Spring Nudes

Spring is here.. Yay! It's officially the first day of Spring today and what a glorious day it is!! I think that this has to be my favourite season - the days are getting longer, lovely Spring flowers have popped out and at last the weather is warming up. It's simply gorgeous!

So after traipsing round town at the weekend I've become aware that I'm drawn to clothing and shoes in a nude shade at the moment. It's a colour that goes with everything, from plain to patterned and everyone can pull it off!

I bagged this gorgeous nude shirt with black love hearts from Primark, it's light, sheer and the sleeves can be rolled up and worn with denim cut offs when Summer finally arrives! I think I'll wear it with skinny jeans or leggings until then though..

These nude wedges were found abandoned in the back of my wardrobe. I bought them from ASOS for £15 when a sale was on last year. I'm glad I found them as I was moments away from sticking a pair of wedges on my warm weather wish-list! Serious bonus.. Almost like finding a tenner in your coat pocket!

What colour will you be wearing this Spring?

Till next time... M x

Viva Glam MAC

Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj have been snapped up as the faces of MAC's new Viva Glam collection which boasts a gorgeous lipstick for the ladies and a more subtle conditioner for the boys. Both are sold entirely for charity, with 100% of the sale price for each product donated to help fight AIDS and HIV.

Viva Glam Ricky is a subtle lip conditioner, it is untinted and keeps lips soft and supple.

Viva Glam Nicki is, as you would expect, a bubblegum pink lippy! It's a gorgeous summery colour and well worth the £12 price tag. After all it is for charity!!

Snap up these limited edition lippy's as soon as..

Till next time.. M x

Bootiful Brown Booties..

After having a quick browse through my rather large collection of footwear, I've discovered that an obsession seems to have developed with boots. Brown autumnal looking boots! I have way too many pairs and seeing as the weather is warming up I may have to get rid of a few. Here are the ones I will definitely be keeping..

Brown Chelsea Boot from Choice £18

Brown Ankle Buckle Boots from H&M £34.99

Leopard Ankle Boots from Peacocks £15

Spring has officially sprung and I'm really hoping the sun comes out later like it did yesterday. It was a beautiful day and it got me thinking about my Spring/Summer wardrobe and what bits I need. New sandals are in order and a maxi skirt in turquoise me thinks..
What is on your warm weather wish list ??

Till next time... M x

Good enough to eat..

So whilst I was on Twitter I stumbled across a lovely site called Sweet Lily Sparkles which sells the loveliest jewellery, cosmetics, bag charms and other bits and pieces. Everything on the site is handmade, unless stated otherwise, so everything you recieve is unique.

Being obsessed with rings the first thing I did was browse the site and find this lovely Flump ring which for £4 really wasn't bad at all.

Then an Allsorts bracelet was next into my shopping basket - this bracelet is one of their best sellers after being seen on Desperate Scousewives gobby one.. Jaiden Michael!

My order turned up within a couple of days and was beautifully tissue wrapped. I also got a free gift - some red love heart earrings.. What a bonus!

You can also hold Sweet Lily Sparkles Jewellery Parties.. Basically you get all your friends together and browse their website and brochure and earn an amazing 10% commission on everything you and your friends purchase!!

I seriously recommend checking this site out if you want something that is funky and bright in time for Spring - and with a free gift with every purchase then why not get involved..

http://www.sweetlilysparkles.co.uk/

Till next time...

M x

Conscious Collection H&M April 2012

So I thought I'd blog on the go with my iPhone app. Apologies if it doesn't work... Somehow I never get time to get the laptop out and do it on there.

Had to share this new collection from H&M which is hitting stores and the website on the 12th April! Here are some of my favourite pieces...

The green dress is perfect for Spring/Summer nights out and the print on the shift dress is just gorge! The beauty with these collections is that you have a relatively good chance of getting your hands on items, unlike designer collections such as Versace and Marni which sell out über quick!

Roll on April...

Enjoy!

Till next time... M x