Wednesday, 6 December 2017
My Festive Makeup Party Picks
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
The Magic of Christmas - Lots of Festive Lights
First of all massive apology! I can't believe I dedicated 18 days to Blogmas and have failed right at the very last hurdle. The last three days have just been awful and I feel so disappointed in myself that I never managed to post on these three days. But I promise to finish off Blogmas just as strong as I started, even though there are just 3 days left now. I can't believe it's almost Christmas, its crazy.
I thought I'd make things up to you guys with something really fun and festive. If you've been reading my Blogmas posts you will know that one of the things that makes me feel really festive is going on winter walks and looking at all the Christmas lights in peoples gardens and homes. I love how much effort some people put into their decorations, especially when it comes to lighting. I just think how nice is it that you're creating something so special, not just for you but for every passer by, its lovely.
One of my favourite places to go and watch the lights is actually at caravan park near my town. The park is built around a huge lake and right by the lakeside are wooden cabins which people live in. These people really go all out and their cabins beautifully lit with decorations make me feel as though I'm right in the middle of a winter wonder land; It's just beautiful.
I just love how pretty everything looks all lit up, my favourite have to be the penguins and baby reindeer, they're just lovely. It's amazing how lights can make you feel so festive. I hope these have help you feel a little more festive.
Lots of Love
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Blogmas Day 12 - The Christmas Tag
Oh what would Blogmas be without a good old Christmas Tag! It’s honestly been forever since I did a good old tag post and I’m pretty sure that back in my early days of blogging I did these all the time and had a lot of fun doing them. I’ve not really seen any go up that have taken my fancy, so I took to Google and had a good browse and found this one.
1. Whats your favourite Christmas film?
I love Christmas films, I actually started watching them this year way before December even started so its really hard to narrow my favourites down. I would have to say Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone and Author Christmas are my faves.
I know its not technically part of the question but my favourite Christmas film quote has to be ‘Merry Christmas ya filthy animal’ from Home Alone 2…. I love it and say it way too much this time of year!
2. Have you ever had a white Christmas?
Yes! And it really has to be the most magical thing ever. You know when you watch the films and they all have snow on Christmas day, I actually felt like I was in my very own Christmas movie when I woke up to snow on Christmas morning, it was just so special. If Santa could bring us all a little bit of snow on Christmas morning that would be amazing.
3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?
As it’s just myself and James living in our flat, we actually never spend our Christmas Day here. Every year we take it in turns to spend our Christmas day with different family members. Last year we went to my dads and the year before his mums. This year however, my my and her partner are coming to spend Christmas Day with me and we’re actually cooking Christmas dinner in my flat which has never been done before, so I’m super excited.
4. What is your favourite Christmas song?
I have two! For the majority of the time its Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas. But when the drinks are flowing it has to be the Pogues Fairy Tale of New York…. Love it!!!
No and I don't think I ever have. My family and I have always been very strict in only opening our Christmas presents on Christmas Day - I mean common Santa has not been yet! Right?
6. Can you name all of Santa’s Reindeer?
Ummm I don't think I can you know! So shocking…. I’ll try now…
Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Commit, Cupid, Blitzen, Donner… and that;s it. I had to Google the what the others were and I missed out Prancer and Vixen…. Sorry guys.
7. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to Christmas morning, its my favourite. I love waking up with the family in our Christmasy PJ’s, opening presents and then having the most amazing Christmas breakfast, smoked salmon and scrambled egg - It’s my favourite. I then just love lounging around for a few hours, playing board games before Christmas dinner.
8. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
We go for a fake one as its just a lot easier and I actually prefer them as they have a lot more greenery on them which means more room for decorations!
9. What is your all time favourite holiday food/sweet or teat?
Hands down it has to be those little piggies in blankets! Oh my gosh my mouth is watering just thinking about them. They always have to be the first thing that gets eaten on my Christmas plate and there are never any leftovers. I think they're everyones favourites. I also love cold turkey sandwiches on thick crusty bread for Boxing Day lunch.
10. Do you like giving or receiving gifts better?
This is such an easy question for me as I much prefer to give a gift than receive one. There is just something so satisfying about buying something really special for someone you love and watching them open it.
11. What is the best Christmas present you’ve ever received?
This is a really difficult one as I’ve had a lot of amazing gifts over the years. Probably one of the best was flying out to Disney World on Christmas night and spending the rest of Christmas and New Year in Orlando, that’s a present I’ll never forget.
12. What would be your dream place to visit for holiday?
I’m actually really happy with staying at home on Christmas. I love my home comforts and I love the way my home feels festive with all its decorations so I love being in a place which is homly to me. My dream Christmas would be to have a place big enough where I could have all mine and James family over to stay, that would be perfect.
13. Are you a pro present wrapper or fail miserably?
I’m actually somewhere in between. I don’t think I do a bad job, but if I have any presents that are oddly shaped I can get a bit flustered with the wrapping paper. I do really enjoy wrapping up presents though, its great.
14. Most memorable holiday moment?
Without a doubt it has to be my first, only and ever motorbike experience. It was Christmas afternoon before James and I lived together and I had planned on spending Christmas afternoon with his family. His grandad had offered to pick me up, but he thought it would be a great day to get out his motorbike and showed up at mine with all the spare gear for me to pop on. Bear in mind that I had done my hair and makeup all nice etc… My mum found the whole thing so hilarous, especially helping me to dress up in all my motorbike gear! At the time I wanted to die, but now its one of those moments I look back on and think that was such a funny memorable Christmas moment. It always brings the family in floods of tears and laughter whenever its brought up.
For me the truth it that it’s so important to keep the magic alive and still going. I will and always be a believer.
16. Do you make New Years resolutions and do you stick to them?
Yes and no. I have every good intention of making new years promises to myself but by the time March is here they’ve been forgotten about.
17. What makes the holiday special for you?
It has to be spending time with my family and making special memories for future Christmases. I just love everything about Christmas day. I’m even more excited for Christmas this year because I’m pregnant and it just means that from now on Christmas will just become even more special and magical for me and I can’t wait for that!
Let me know in the comments if you do it…
Lots of Love
Friday, 11 December 2015
Blogmas Day 11 - Making The Effort With Bloggers || Sharing Love, Sunshine and Sparkle!
When I started brainstorming ideas for Blogmas a few weeks ago, I knew that I had my work cut out and if I'm honest I've really had to use some brain power to think of blog ideas that will take me up everyday up until Christmas. However I've always seen myself as a creative person and love thinking outside the box a little. I knew that somewhere along the lines of my Blogmas posts that I wanted to give something back to my blogging community. I thought about doing the cliche giveaway post, but it just didn't sit right me with. Don't get me wrong giveaways are great, but with only one winner I feel that it's a bit unfair, especially with it being the season of good will. So I really had to pick my brain as to what it is I wanted to do.
After thinking for sometime, I thought of something that really excited me and to be honest I can't believe it's taken me this long to think of it as the actual idea is really simple - Always the way isn't it? One of my biggest blogging flaws is that I don't have the time, or make the time to keep up to date with the blogs I love; I also struggle to find the time to look for new blogs to follow. This makes me so sad as I actually love this side of blogging, but with so much going on in my life I've just not made the time or effort. Whilst some of you are on the ball with this (I really commend you) I feel that I'm not alone in saying that I don't make as much effort as I should with other bloggers. You'll be pleased to know though that I've already started to change my ways with this and Blogmas has really helped me in doing so. I plan to make it my mission to spread as much love, sunshine and sparkle as I possibly can.
To help start me off on my mission I would love for you to leave up to any THREE of your links below, whether that be your blog link, Twitter, Instagram etc you name it. Leave it below in this comments section and I will make it my mission to go and follow you and leave you a lovely Christmas comment. Not only will I do this, but I want to be able to share the love. So next week I shall do another blog post where I'll leave all your links (with clickable links) so others can easily find you and your blog and other social media sites.
I really want ti give back a little something to everybody and thought this would be the best way to do it. I really want next year to be a great blogging year and really want to get to know more about you, your blogs and make new friends too. So please, please, please leave your links in the comments below!
Lot's of Love
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Blogmas Day 6 - Some Winter Essentials from Primark
Opps I did it again! I popped into my local Primark! If you've been keeping up to date with my pregnancy posts you will know that I've gone through another stage of things not fitting me very well. It's such a horrible feeling putting on clothes to find that they don't fit! As Primark is cheap, cheerful and a case of money well spent, I decided to pick up a few bits, which can only mean one thing.... A Primark Haul! Now I didn't go too crazy as Christmas is coming up and I'm a bit selective about what I buy right now due to my ever changing size, but they have so many nice bits in that would be perfect for Christmas. It did make me a little sad as all the things I liked, I couldn't fit into but I know its just a part of pregnancy. Anyway I know I'm rambling so I'll just get on with the haul.....
I saw this sparkly jumper and just knew that I had to try and squeeze into it. I did buy it a few sizes bigger so it fits over my bump nicely, and even with it being a little bigger, its lovely on. I love being able to wear all things that sparkle this time of year. I have a few meals out coming out and want to wear something that makes me feel a little more glam and thought this jumper would be perfect.
I also picked up some thick patterned black leggings which I thought would be perfect for day or night time. I'm not really wearing jeans at the moment as I find leggings way more comfier and thought these textured ones would be perfect.
I also spotted this little floral choker which will no doubt dress up any outfit, including my sparkly jumper; It was only £2.00 which is such a bargain! I also noticed this sparkly silver bangle which immediately caught my attention. When it comes to bracelets usually I only wear my Pandora, however as I'm not feeling very glam with my outfit choices, I thought this bit of bling would jazz up any outfit.
Although its still quite mild for this time of year, I thought it was about time that I picked up some essentials. By this I mean a bobbly hat, gloves and furry headband. I decided to go for cream/white accessories this year as it just goes with everything. I adore the bobble hat, it just makes me feel all wintery and cosy. I also thought I'd be a bit brave with the headband as I thought it would look really nice with my hair down and curly.
So as you can see I really didn't go all out, I was very good but thought it was worth showing off what I did get. Have you been to Primark recently? Let me know what you picked up?
Lots of Love
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Blogmas Day 5 - My New Favourite Christmas Candle
I have to say I'm not your typical blogging girl and don't have a huge obsession with candles. I'm not someone who has a candle that matches the scent for every season. If I do light candles they're usually tea lights and I only really light them on those pamper nights or evenings where I want to get super cosy.
Having said that, I do like a candle at Christmas time. If you read my Blogmas Day 2 post (here), I mentioned that different scents can really help lift up my mood and make me feel more festive. Therefore I like to go out on the hunt for the perfect Christmas candle. I'm someone who's not too fused if a candle is sweet or spicy, I like them both. The hard part for me is finding a good candle. As much as I love Yankee candle, I really begrudge paying out a lot of money for them. I just think they're a bit overpriced and a lot of the time I can never smell the scent once its lit, which is so frustrating. Does anyone else find this?
One place that is really good to find a good scented candle I've found though is TKMaxx or Home Sense, they have such a huge selection, you can literally find all sorts of scented candles if your willing to put your nose through some serious smelling that is!
I was in there the other day and I found my perfect Christmas candle. I have it lit right now and honestly my flat smells like I'm in a cosy chalet in the middle of the Alps or something, its amazing. The candle is named 'Fireside' and has been made by a brand by Thompson Ferrier, a New York compnay. I've never heard of the brand before, but I've never smelt a more festive candle in my life, it just has one of those smells that when I breath in I feel cosy.
This candle has a mixture of scents including fresh citrus, raspberry, Lilly, Jasmine combined with sandalwood and the combination is just so amazing. It's actually one of these candles that not only smell good in the jar, but smell just as good lit. I keep it in the living room and can actually smell it burning throughout my whole flat which I just don't get with other candles that I buy.
The name 'Fireside' is perfectly fitting for this candle. I don't have a fireplace, but I can certainly imagine I have one when I light this candle. It just fills me with so much warmth and fuzziness. I actually can't believe I'm this excited about a candle!
I know TK Maxx and Home Sense are a bit hit and miss in terms of what stock they have in each store, but if your in one I would definitely check this one out, especially if your looking for something warm and cosy scented.
Do you like festive candles? Let me know what's your favourite?
Lots of Love
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Blogmas Day 3 - Creating The Perfect Smokey Eye With Makeup Revolution
Not only is it the season that is filled with joy and celebration, but its also the season of the smokey eye. One thing that I've always loved about December is that it is officially party season. Not only is it my birthday this month, but we also have Christmas (duh of course!) and New Years Eve, so there is plenty to celebrate. One thing that always compliments a sparkly dress or a not so flattering Christmas jumper is a smokey eye. I feel you can really go dramatic with your eyes this time of year, which I love.
The smokey eye palette which has been on everyones radar this year has to be the Urban Decay Smokey Palette. Now whilst I've wanted to get my hands on this since its release, I've not been able to go out and splurge, especailly with a baby on the way. However I really don't need to as Makeup Revolution have brought out a dupe that you all need to get your hands on! It's the Makeup Revolution Smokey Palette.
Now if you've been eyeing up the UD palette you will notice that both of these palettes look pretty identical, so I was pretty excited that I didn't have to go out and splurge anything extra and the Makeup Revolution Smokey only costs £6.00 - WOW!
The palette comes with 12 different eyeshadows and a double ended eyeshadow brush - And of course huge mirror to smoke your eyes out perfectly. I really love how the palette has a good mixture of warm and cool toned shadows as its really nice to be able to mix things up a little bit. So often I find that palettes are either one or the other, never both. I personally prefer warmed toned eyeshadows, but having said that I think cool tones work perfectly for the party season, especially if you're wearing something silver or sparkly.
I've been testing this palette out non stop since I got it and I have to say I'm really impressed; Each of the shadows are really pigmented and blend out really well, which is just what I look for when I create a smokey eye. I love how theres also a good range of matte, satin and shimmery shades in the palette as it gives me the option to go for a natural smokey eye or something much more full on. Whenever I think of a smokey eye, I always think really dark dramatic eye, but actually this palette does have a lot of lighter shades to play around with so I can create a look for anytime of day which I love.
This is such a perfect palette to have in your makeup collection, especially for this time of year. I've been using mine daily and I've already fallen in love. I just love creating different types of smokey eye looks and I feel that I can go a bit more out than what I usually do just because its Christmas! The only downside to this palette is that it does have a little bit of fallout, which is to be expected these super pigmented eyeshadows. However I've found that if I create my smokey eye first and then go back to do the rest of my makeup, I have no problems or issues with any smudging.
You can pick up the Makeup Revolution Iconic Smokey Palette straight from the Makeup Revolution site here. Like I said it's only £6.00 which is such a bargain!
If you've picked up this palette let me know, I would love to know what looks you love creating with it?
Lots of Love
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
Blogmas Day 1 - Get Ready For A Super Sparkly Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone! I can't' quite believe two things. One being that its this time of year again; Like seriously where has the time gone? And secondly I've decided to commit to Christmas and take part in blogmas! I've wanted to do it on my blog for such a long time, but it is a serious commitment and I've always feared that I would fail and only be able to do it here and there. The pressure to get a post up every single day is massive, but it just looks so fun and I'm feeling so festive already that I just think I need to give it ago!
So I thought I'd kick start todays post as a little introduction as to what I have planned on my blog for the next month. I've been working really hard on content, so I'm hoping I'll be able to get a post up everyday. As I blog mainly beauty I really want to still get my regular beauty posts up, but with more of a Christmas twist.
I also thought it would be great do add in some real good Christmas themed posts too as it's just the season where everything feels that extra bit special and magical. Also I've got some baby and pregnancy posts to add in too and that all exciting gender reveal post! I honestly think that because I'm pregnant that this year I'm feeling that extra bit festive. I've always been excited about Christmas, but this year feels that extra bit special as it technically is baby first Christmas - eep.
So I have a lot of selection and variety coming up in terms of posts, so please make sure you keep checking back daily to keep up with everything fun, festive and sparkly. I'm thinking of getting all my posts up in the evening round about 7ish as that gives me plenty of time to get the post published when I get home from work.
Please let me know in the comments what you have planned for this year on your blog. Are you taking part in blogmas too? Let me know as I would love to read your festive posts too.
Lots of Love
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