NOTD - MUA Frozen Yoghurt

Evening all ...(and a Happy Halloween!)

Hope you're all having a good half-term break - those of you who are actually having a break that is!

Following my recent (actually it was the start of the month - so not that recent) haul type thing here we have MUA Nail Varnish in 'Frozen Yoghurt' ...

Love this colour - a pretty, darkish (not in a sinister way) lavender/cornflower blue which is actually quite a bit deeper in tone than on these photos (couldn't seem to capture the depth - will have to adjust camera settings - another on my 'to do' list!). It went on easily and was opaque after two coats - it's also lovely and glossy although you also don't get that from these pics.  It did chip on the ends after a day and half - with my usual base/topcoat (only Boots own brand) but it was the weekend with all the usual cooking involved. At £1 a pot I'm not complaining but maybe need to invest in a bulletproof topcoat to help out.

I'll definitely be trying out other colours in the range from MUA - at this price it would be silly not to! My little girl wants to buy me something out of her own money for Christmas (she's so exited already!) so think we'll be going down this route sooner rather than later!

You can buy MUA Nail Varnish instore at Superdrug or directly from the MUA website here.

What do you think of  MUA Frozen Yoghurt? Which base/topcoat have you found to be the most effective?

Jen x

Review - Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex

Bonjour!

You may well be familiar with Alpha-H Skincare due to it's revolutionary product - 'Liquid Gold' which many 'swear by'.   I've been using Absolute Eye Complex for a few months now and thought it was about time I sorted my review out.

I bought this product in the 'supersize' when it was on offer on at QVC, think it was back in April - a huge 30ml of eye product for the price of the 15ml  - which is around £31 (ish).

Alpha-H are known for their specific treatments and this is exactly how I've come to think of this product, not just an eye-gel but a 'treatment' as such.  The product is pretty unique in that it can be applied all over the top and bottom lids and taken right up to the lash line, as opposed to applying around the orbital bone - therefore feels like you're getting straight to the root of the problem if you like.  It includes a 'skin-lifting peptide' to provide a temporary tightening effect, beech tree extract which apparently detoxifies and hibiscus flower extract which gently re-surfaces the eye area - therefore brightening and also helping to rid the area of milia (those tiny blocked white pores).

I've been using this every morning as it's refreshing and re-vitalising and a real wake-me-up for my tired eyes. There is no sticky or glupey residue, it sinks in instantly and you can almost feel the slight firming effect which is much desired.  Whilst it doesn't provide a permanent lift it certainly feels like it's perking the eye area up on a temporary basis.  I'm pleased to say that the milia appear to be on their way out - it takes time but this is the only product I've used which seems to be tackling the problem (I once had a go at squeezing one many many moons ago - never again). My whole eye area is less puffy and somewhat brighter and my dark circles are not as deep and dense - I'm using less under-eye concealer. I also understand that the product is suitable as an eye-lid primer, which is even better as I've not had to use any additional primers on the lids and my eye make-up has stayed in place.

Don't get me wrong - my eye area isn't perfect, it would be a miracle if it was at my age - but it does seem to have improved since I've been using this product. I'm actually thinking of trying this out on my upper-lip to see if I can brighten that area (that's another story!).

My only complaint is that the pump on the bottle is a bad one - you have to mess around to get the right amount of product - just a few tiny squeezes, otherwise far too much comes out, which is a complete waste. It would be really helpful if Alpha-H modified the pump action.

However (even with a dodgy pump) - and although it is pricey I feel that it has so many benefits that it's  turned into one of my 'holy-grail' items. I think this product is brilliant, I love it and will definitely be re-purchasing, although there's still loads left in the bottle so it should be into the New Year before I have to re-order (unless QVC have any mega-deals on!).

You can pick up Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex from the usual online beauty retailers such as Salon Skincare or from QVC.

Have you tried out any Alpha-H products? What's on your 'holy-grail' list?

Jen x

Favourite Friday Track - The Clash - Rock The Casbah

Bonjour!

Thank goodness half-term is finally here. Don't know about you lot but I'm ready for a (mini) break! Dragged the hubby to Ikea this morning as he had the day off, so I let him choose today's tune...

The Clash - Rock The Casbah

Released in 1982 from the album Combat Rock - my hubby bought the album from Woolworths when he was on holiday in North Wales as a teenager.  Incidentally this also happens to be my favourite from The Clash and both our kids are also partial so it's a complete family affair!

Apparently he used to do his usual 'slamming' thing to this back then - can't say that I ever did much 'slamming' - in fact don't think many girls did - was more of a boy's move!

Have you ever had a 'slam'? Can you even remember Woolworths?

Jen x

The Multi-Tasking Syndrome ...

Morning!

Sorry this is just a bit of waffle I'm afraid....and nothing much to do with beauty reviews!

Saturday -  I was stripping beds (thought I'd make use of the good drying weather!) whilst putting washing in, after having hung out the previous load, whilst uploading blog photos for a post, whilst taking more blog photos for further posts, whilst taking down my mum and dads shopping list (they're getting on a bit and can't get around like they used to so I often pick up bits for them), whilst trying to clean the bathroom, whilst planning what to feed the family on for the weekend...

Shortly after I rammed down a quick slice of toast and cheese (as I was heading off to pilates/gym and then Sainsburys shop), choked whilst gulping down water with my vitamin tablets because I was trying to talk to my husband about something I needed doing whilst I was gone, got told off by him for dashing around - said I was going to get indigestion and to slow down ... in the back of my mind I knew I'd be unable to dash about for the next hour during my pilates class!

Sometimes I have the ability to do this thing - to whirl around (like in an old fashioned musical!) - spinning from one job to the next whilst always preparing the next move...my mind seems to plan the next couple of jobs as I do the current one - in order to squeeze every ounce of productivity out of me, ....and my body goes with it and I fly around (not literally of course) between jobs and woe betide anyone that gets in my way (usually my poor hubby lumbering around in the kitchen).

Every so often though my mind and body pack in - totally give up the goat if you like - I can't think straight, I can't plan anything, menus, shopping lists, blog posts/photos, my energy disappears, I feel all muddled up and I move around really slowly (for me).  I lose the will and ability to single-task in a hurry never mind multi-task! It's almost as if I tear around so much most of the time that my being just says 'HALT' -  'right - that's enough - I'm well and truly knackered so I'm shutting up shop now and there ain't nothing (goin' on but the rent! sorry meant to type there ain't nothing) you can do about it - but the other phrase just slipped out - the majority of you won't know what the hell I'm going on about - just you-tube Gwen Guthrie!

So - it's almost like a Jekyll and Hyde existence or should I say Hare and Tortoise syndrome - one fast and furious and one slow and plodding!

Is it just me? Does everyone do this to themselves and then suffer the 'burn out' or are you a steady pacer, accomplishing things in a sensible manner and not reaching for the impossible?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining - I love that life is full and brimming but maybe I just need to take my mum's advice and sit down now and again - (in between the mayhem) with a tea/coffee and read a magazine/blog. Pretty sure she didn't when we were young though!

Just one more thing - on occasion I've been asked by (male) colleagues at work  'will I be increasing my hours now both kids are growing up a bit?' - my reply is usually - 'I'm actually really busy when I'm at home and don't know how I'd fit everything in' - to which they say 'well what else is there to do once you've got the kids off to school? Push the hoover round and shove a load of washing in?' - I reply 'You ain't got a clue mate...!'

What would your response have been?

Jen x

Beauty UK - Paint For Life

Morning!

As I was wandering round Superdrug last week I noticed this little set from Beauty UK -  Paint for Life.  It's priced £5.99 and as you can see £1.00 from every sale is donated directly to Breast Cancer research.  October is Breast Cancer awareness month - we've all been affected by this horrible disease in some way or another.  We can only hope that one day a cure will be available.

You can never have too many pink polishes - right? These three would be a lovely addition to any collection in my opinion.  As you can see the polishes are named (very aptly) 'Hope', 'Strength' and 'Love'.  My little girl and I decided to paint our nails pink on Saturday - I wore 'Love' and my girl wore 'Hope' and 'Strength'.

You can check out the Beauty UK - Paint for Life trio at most Superdrug stores (I imagine) or on Beauty Uk's website here.

Don't forget to keep a check on yourselves regularly girls - it's so important.

Will you be painting your nails pink this October?


Jen x

Glossybox - October

Bonjour!

I received my October Glossybox a couple of days ago - can't believe we're more than half way through the month already. This month's box is based on DIY Beauty and apparently contain products for 'an indulgent and cosy night in.'  As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month - something most of us are aware of and a subject which has probably touched us all in one way or another - Glossybox are also 'supporting this worthy cause by donating to Breast Cancer Care.'

Anatomicals Don't Just Clean It Woman, Scrub It Body Scrub
75ml - Orig Product £3.49/200ml 

I like the sound of the Anatomicals range - this smells of pink grapefruit - lovely and refreshing.  A good sample size at 75ml, you can't beat a good scrub can you?

Skinetica Anti-Blemish sample size - Original Product £6.99/100ml

Apparently this helps to clear skin blemishes in 2-3 days - will be a useful little sample for most of the family to try I imagine especially as it's meant to be 'kind to skin' with 'no side effects'.

Dr.Jart  Premium Beauty Balm 15ml Original Product £24/40ml

This is described as 'Asia's wonder beauty product' - the BB fever continues. This is a good size sample and a great opportunity to try out one of the premium BBs originating in Asia (the home of BBs) - so it should be a good one. I have a friend at work who has received this in her Glossybox and has a typical 'English Rose' complexion, she loves it and it looked great on her when she wore it to work. The lovely Claire over at Another New Day blog has also raved about this BB in her recent Top 5 post which you can check out here. She has a full review coming out next week so looking forward to checking it out.

Olay Regenerist 3-Point Treatment Cream 7ml - Original product £29.99/50ml

This is a sample of Olay's 'award winning, best selling moisturiser' - I've not really thought about trying this range from Olay so good to have a sample to try out.

I've recently re-discovered the wonderful world of lippie so really pleased to have another to add to my growing collection.  This is a lovely moisturising formula - a deep berry autumnal shade - it's a bit dark for daytime use for me (maybe because I've just got out of the habit of wearing loads of colour on my lips) but I may mix it with another colour for day, or apply for a bit of night-time drama!

So that's October's box - quite a good one in my opinion.  The stand-out products are the Dr Jart BB - looking forward to using this to see how it compares to others I've tried - and the Yves Rocher lipstick. Glossybox subscription details can be found here for anyone wanting to share the experience!

What did you think of this month's Glossybox?


Jen x

Review - L'Oreal Revitalift 10 Repair BB Cream

Bonjour!

These sample sachets of L'Oreal Revitalift 10 Repair BB Cream in Medium Tint were given to me by my lovely friend  because she felt they would be too dark for her. Long story short - I tried them out, liked the BB and so went out and bought the full size (it was on offer at Sainsburys at the time which was a bonus!).

So -  L'Oreal claim the above 10 benefits...

Having used this for a few weeks, yes I would agree with 1 - 6 more or less.  It covers minor imperfections (I still have to use concealer in the usual places). I do feel that it enhances, evens and refines the look of my skin and does give a bit of a 'glow' whilst keeping it hydrated for the day. Luckily I haven't any large age spots on my face or deeper wrinkles (yet) - so not sure that it would completely conceal them or that it has significantly firmed up my skin.  The SPF 20 can only be a bonus in my book.

The pump is hygenic and fairly easy to use, you don't need to push it all the way down or you just end up with too much BB. The cream has a pleasant smell, nothing mind-blowing or overpowering.  This is the time of year when I begin to reach for products that counteract the yellow hues which my skin seems to take on once any summer colour has faded. This BB fits that bill perfectly it's what I would call a sort of deeper beige with pink undertones and seems to be an ideal shade for my skin. I would liken it to a very light foundation as opposed to tinted moisturiser.  The consistency is fairly thick (like a rich cream) and does require some blending but nothing too tasking. It provides adequate light coverage, on it's own, at weekends for example but I've also used it for work, applying it early in the morning and layered it for slightly heavier coverage,  together with my ever-present Bare Minerals Mineral Veil.  It's lasted all day and kept my skin looking fresh even after I've been to the gym on an evening (I'm sorry but I don't remove my make-up before exercising)! It doesn't prevent my t-zone from doing it's usual 'oily thing' but then also doesn't make it any oilier or break me out. I've used it in place of a normal day cream and also over the top of it and both ways have worked fine for me.

Obviously this won't be everyone's cup of tea, I've read some negative reviews about this BB in the Light option - mostly relating to the colour of the product - so maybe this is why I've fallen lucky with the darker shade. All in all this BB is an ideal Autumn/Winter option for me - from the first application I was impressed by the product, it just fits the bill, is reasonably priced at £14.99/50ml and suits my skintone and type.

You can check out the L'Oreal Revitalift 10 Repair BB Cream on Boots website here.  What's your favourite BB of the moment and why?


Jen x

Favourite Friday Track - The Teardrop Explodes - Reward

Evening!

It's a late one today (been manic) - another Friday - another 'school disco track'...

The Teardrop Explodes - Reward

Released in 1981, I remember watching this on many a TOTP show...(and secretly dancing in the front room when no one was around!)...

'Bless my cotton socks I'm in the news...'

Anyone remember The Teardrop Explodes? Anyone a bit 'long in the tooth' - like me  remember 'secretly dancing' to  TOTP (Top of the Pops to all you youngies!)?


Jen x

She Said Beauty Box - October

Bonjour!

I received my She Said Beauty Box for October last week.  Apologies for the darkish pics, it was one of those gloomy days.  Just a quick rundown of what was in the box...

Biao Beauty Rejuvenating Night Creme - 2 x 2ml sachets (full size $24.50/118ml) - this is supposed to 'soothe, moisturise and protect against premature ageing' - sounds like a lovely product but unfortunately only 2 sachets to test.

Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Masque - (full size $51.00/50g) - this is apparently an 'unparalleled scrub masque' - sounds ideal for my skin at this time of year but this is a 3g pot which isn't even full, barely enough product to cover my kite so maybe one usage - if that?

B.liv Off With Those Heads - 3ml (full size $49.00/30ml) Another teeny tiny sample. Want to try this as I do have combination skin and occasional blackheads. Will give it a go.

Amy Childs Fragrance by Jigsaw ESL - Quite a sweet and sugary fragrance - will put this in my little girl's Christmas Stocking.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Travel Size Lotion - full size £1.19/50ml - I do like Palmer's - this is a handy little size but nothing mind-blowing.

MyVitamins - good idea in theory, however I already take a cocktail of vitamins (vitamin D is included in my multivit) so don't want to take anything else at this point. Will give this to a friend at work.


I don't know, is it just me - am I being too picky? I'm just not feeling any excitement at all this month!  The contents are ok in theory  (although shame there wasn't a make-up sample included) but the some of the samples are so small ... I've had better boxes - never mind, not the end of the world.

Hopefully next month will be better?


Jen x

Review - MUA 3 in 1 Contour Pen

Bonjour!

I bought the 3 in 1 Contour Pen as part of the MUA haul the other week. I went for Gunmetal as I have a few black liners already and like the smokiness grey can add.

So here's the nib, a sort of chiseled affair as you can see.  The description on the back of the box states that you can use the three different sides of the nib to achieve different looks.  For me, with this particular shade, it only works one way, ie by using the fattest part of the nib.

A word of warning - don't press too hard on the nib as I did or it just breaks off!

Maybe it's because the colour is quite transparent once applied, on my skin tone it's no good as a liner for definition because you just can't see it.  However, used with the fattest/widest part of the nib (only applied to my top lid) it creates quite a nice wash of colour which (I hope) doesn't make me look as if I've just bruised my eyelid!  It's quick and easy (always good) to use, glides on smoothly and doesn't drag on the old (already creased) eyelid area.

I do like it, but can you even see it in the pic?  I thought I'd applied loads but maybe I just need to pile it on a bit more or try a darker colour?

For a mere £1.50 one can't complain, will maybe try the brown next and see what happens?  You can check out MUA's 3 in 1 Contour Pen here.

Have you tried this Contour Pen and which colour worked best for you?

Jen x

Ragu Sauce with Salami

Morning!

Just thought I'd do a quickie food post, nothing mind-blowing, just a bit of Ragu style sauce with salami that I made the other weekend.

The ingredients...

As usual all ingredient quantities are 'loose' and should be adjusted/omitted for individual taste.

Lean Steak Mince - 750g

Salami, chopped - as much as you like - I used the whole pack on this occasion
Olive Oil - approx 2 tbsp (optional as the meats do chuck out oil anyway)
2 Medium onions - chopped
A few cloves garlic - chopped
1 stick of celery - chopped finely
1 carrot - chopped finely
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 tins chopped tomatoes
1 - 2 tsp Dried Italian Herbs
1 - 2 tsp Dried Basil
Garlic Pepper - to taste

I tend to brown the mince first for approx. 10 minutes and then add the salami, onions, garlic, oil  and herbs, fry for another 5 - 10 minutes to so, add the carrot and celery and fry for another 5 and then add everything else ...

...almost forgot the mushrooms - add as much as you like... usually half of this 750g bag for me....

and also the wine...I add a glass or so as my husband is usually waiting in the wings to drink the rest of it!

Bring it all to the boil (usually add a bit of hot water from the kettle at this stage if I want a thinner sauce) and simmer for about 40 minutes but of course you can just leave it on for longer whilst you sit and have a few drinks!

And you're left with the above concoction - doesn't look like much but taste's good!

Serve with pasta, use in lasagne or pasta bake or over jacket potatoes etc etc. A portion of this size lasted us for approx. 3 meals this time (for all 4 of us) so it's quite economical to cook up in a large batch - plus if I'm going to cook the thing I'd rather it be a 'big one' so I can freeze some!

Any other 'large batch' cooks out there?

Jen x

Fave Friday Track - S'Express - Theme From S'Express

Morning!

Well, what can I say - I heard this on my IPod the other night at the gym (for the millionth time!) and decided I had to share.

S'Express - Theme From S'Express 

For some reason 'Back to the Old Skool' have it under Theme To (not From) S'Express - never noticed that until today (sorry just waffling there).

Released in April 1988 - it topped the charts at No 1 for 2 weeks and I think was one of the most influential tracks of the acid house scene.

'Enjoy this trip! Enjoy this trip! And it is a trip! Countdown is progressing!'

You may or may not have noticed that this is the 'slogan' I have near my blog profile.  This is one of my favourite all time dance tracks, so uplifting and just reminds me of good clubbing times.  Just got us all up and bouncing around (sometimes in hotpants!) - memories eh?

What's your good memory dance track to bounce around to (with or without the hotpants!)?


Jen x

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil - Review

Bonjour!

I've been using the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil for the last few weeks.  Actually bought it before I went on holiday when I noticed it was on offer in Boots - think it was £6.99 rather than £9.99 (for a large 100ml bottle) - so couldn't resist. It comes in two options, one for 'all hair types' and one for 'coloured hair'. I went for the coloured hair option as I'd had my hair highlighted.

Some information directly from the L'Oreal Paris Website -

"Inspired by the extraordinary power of 6 precious flower oils, the laboratories at L’Oréal have created a perfectly balanced oil with a texture so absorbing that it instantly penetrates and adjusts to the specific needs of each hair type to provide perfect care."

A good couple of drops (or just one pump to be exact) is the amount needed for my hair, being super-fine and all that. Apparently the trick to applying hair oil is to rub well into your hands until it resembles a sheen and then apply. I just distribute it mainly through the usual mid-lengths and ends and blow (or rough) dry - then use the tiniest amount afterwards to smooth down.  I've also used it a few times as a pre-treatment for colour, as suggested on the bottle, it washed out fine and didn't leave any residue. It doesn't have a much of a smell - just very slightly sweet if anything.

I have to say this stuff is bloomin' marvellous - considering it's an oil it doesn't weigh my hair down and leaves it smooth and de-frizzed.  It just seems to make my hair easier to manage and I don't have to straighten as much - just my fringe and the ends (yesterday I didn't use them at all - result!).  The old barnet was desperately in need of a cut (thanks goodness I've had that done now!) and this helped it from looking too straggly and frazzled on the ends.  I've always struggled with the balance between volume and condition, I still need to apply my plumping powder (which I also love)  if I want bigger hair but as far as the conditioning side of things is concerned this is a real winner and my highlights don't seem to have faded or gone brassy.  Have also used a small amount when drying my little girl's huge amount of fine hair and it's worked a treat helping to keep it frizz free!   You know that something works for you when you find yourself constantly reaching for it.  I will definitely re-purchase. Overall opinion - great product, great value for money.

You can check out the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil on Boots website - for all hair types - here and for coloured hair here.

Have you tried any hair oils - which is your favourite?

Jen x

Make- Up Audit..?

Morning!

To chuck or not to chuck..that is the question!

I was recently reminded by the lovely 'Beauty Bird' (one of the friendliest bloggers on the block!) in her blog post - Make-Up Health Check, to go through my make-up stash and take some action.  You can check out her blog here.  I honestly can't remember the last time I went through my out of date products.  It's something we really should do on a regular basis but how many of us get round to it?

Guidelines as to expiry periods etc are obviously printed on each product as well as being widely available on the net but do we adhere to them?  I'm rather a guilty party on this front and tend to hang onto things unnecessarily.  Found this interesting article which details your average chuck timetable - When to Toss Out Your Make-Up.

I've therefore rounded up a few products which are way past their best and really need to go to that old make-up party in the sky...

I'm embarrassed to say that I've owned (but not used I hasten to add) the Lancome Highlighter for years! I would use this when going out - especially to nightclubs and haven't done that for quite a while now! Don't ask me why I've hung onto it - ridiculous isn't it? I'm obviously a hoarder.  The rest of the products haven't been used for ages and have either dried up, gone cakey etc or simply just didn't work that well for me so didn't get used up.

I'm clearly a marketer's dream when it comes to make-up, skincare, haircare and tend to try several products at once, mainly with the make-up.  Friends at work that I've discussed this with have either one or two of each on the go, use it up and move onto another.  This has really made me realise I probably buy far too much make-up for the sort of lifestyle I now lead, there's obviously only so much slap a  face can take at any one time! (See I told you - if I get my gigs sorted then I'll use so much more make-up - it's a marriage made in heaven!)

Having said all that whether one is a hoarder or not we should all be trying to follow the usual rules of not sharing make-up (especially eye and lip products), cleaning our make-up brushes regularly to help prevent the spread of bacteria, discarding products that smell funny or that have changed in appearance etc and store with lids on, out of direct sunlight preferably not in a warm humid environment (ie bathroom) etc etc.

So are you a hoarder or a use-up girl?  Do you have regular make-up audits or are there a few skeletons in your make-up closet?

Jen x

Favourite Friday Track - Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin

Bonjour!

If you're feeling a bit lethargic this Friday morning PUT THIS ON and TURN IT UP!

Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin

Written and performed by the Queen of Soul, released in 1971 from the album Young, Gifted and Black.  This is one of my all time favourites from Aretha (what a voice) - this video is from the brilliant Soul Train - just look at all the funky moves going on - honestly it's so contagious - it just don't get much better than this!

"It's a funky and low down feelin' "

In my hips from left to right"

One of the grooviest - and I mean grooviest - tracks on the entire planet, I just want to get on up and get on down right now!!

Anyone moving their hips from left to right?

Jen x  

The Laine Blogger Award

Evening All!

I was tagged at the beginning of September by Fandango Bizarro (what a brilliant blog name!) for the Laine Blogger Award - thank you so much!  Her blog can be found here. Sorry I've only just managed to follow up but better late than never I guess!

Here are the rules:

• Tag the blogger who awarded you
• Answer the five questions below
• Award 5 more bloggers the Laine blogger award.

What is your current beauty obsession?
Just lately I'm very into the whole eyebrow thing and now can't seem to leave the house without my 'eyebrows on' - makes such a difference and frames the face etc - should have paid more attention to this years ago!

Which is one beauty item you wished you owned?

At the moment I've got my eye on Clarins 3 dot liner which is meant to make the lash line look thicker and fuller. Can't wait to try it out - if it works on me then it works!

What is your Favourite post to read or write about?
I don't really have a favourite type to read , just whatever my favourite bloggers are blogging about - beauty, fashion, lifestyle - just throw those posts at me! Writing wise, again don't have a favourite - I try to mix it up a bit anyway - I do like my music posts though because it's a chance to reminisce and tell everyone about my favourite tracks - not that anyone's interested I'm sure!

What inspired you to become a blogger?

I need to bang on about beauty (and other) stuff - my husband just isn't interested in the beauty (I'd be concerned if he was to be honest!) - so here I am! 

Which nail polish are you wearing now?

None actually - I'm giving my nails some TLC with OPI's original Nail Envy!  


The 5 blogs I'm passing the award onto are:-

Ramblings of a Beauty Bird

Girls Addiction

A Day In The Life of a Scottish Lass

Miss Jayne Becca

All Made Up

Lovely blogging beauties they are and well worth a gander!

So there it is - thanks again to Fandango Bizarro and don't worry if you don't have time to follow up girls - I know some of you may have already been tagged with this award!

Jen x

What the Haul.....? #1

Morning!

So where does this 'haul' thing come from I wonder - I mean - who was the first blogger to use the term and why - was it because they purchased so many items that they had to 'haul' them all home...?

Anyway ... just thought I'd share a few goodies recently purchased...

Took advantage of the recent MUA offer - bought my £8.00 worth of product (actually all came to £8.50 but who's complaining?)

MUA Nail Varnish in Frozen Yogurt - £1.00
MUA Extreme Volume Mascara in Black - £2.00
MUA 3 in 1 Contour Pen in Gunmetal - £1.50
MUA 12 Shade 'Undressed' Eye Shadow Palette - £4.00

I've been wanting to get hold of the 'Undressed' palette for a while but it's always sold out in my local Superdrug, looking forward to using this, it's a firm favourite with many bloggers - some lovely soft colours in there.  Swatches and reviews to follow (I won't be opening the mascara for a while yet - I don't think I need explain further...!).

And with the above products received a free 24 shade Immaculate Collection palette. Not that I need any more eye shadows but it was just too good an offer to resist! Some really lovely colours in this palette too - I imagine something for almost every occasion.  I really need to get back into my singing again and organise a few gigs - then I could really go to town ...smokey eyes, shimmery eyes, the world could be my eye make-up oyster.....!

Anyway - back to life/back to reality and a couple of offers on in my local Sainsburys  -

Dirty Works Bye Bye Dark Circles under-eye concealer - this was on offer in my local store - reduced from £4.99 to £3.32 so I grabbed it.  Not used it yet - but I always need a bit of help with dark-circles so let's see how I go on - will report back in due course.

Dirty Works You Soft Touch Hand Cream - selected Dirty Works products appear to be on offer at half price both instore and online so this was reduced from £2.99 to £1.49. I've not tried this hand cream before - the ingredients include Cocoa Butter and Jojoba Oil - it rubs in really easily and leaves hands feeling soft and conditioned but not greasy and with a very subtle cocoa butter scent. Now that the colder weather is here I'll be going through hand cream like cold water, so think I'll try and get another of these whilst it's on offer.

And how could I resist?  On offer at '3 for £12.00' - it would have been rude to ignore this lot...!

What would be your preference - red, white or rose?  Think I prefer white or rose but I do like a glass of red with selected meals!  Of course my hubby isn't nearly as fussy - good job seen as he ends up drinking most of  everything we get in!

So...any thoughts on the origins of the 'haul' type thing?  Who drinks the most in your house?


Jen x