Things That Make Me Go Mmmm! #1

Bonjour!

In other words ... just a few bits that have been 'floating my boat' or 'rocking my world' - some are quite recent buys and some have been on my horizon for a while now! We all have 'those things' that give us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside and we want to hug, stroke, sniff or kiss them ... or is that just me?! 

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid - had to go out and get one of these recently as I've heard it's a great  lip product  for moisture  and  exfoliation.   Suffice to say I'm loving it  -  a full review to follow shortly!

Nuxe  Prodigieux le Parfum - still can't believe this came as a freebie (here). It's one of those scents that wafts around as you move - reminds me of that heady, happy Mediterranean evening fragrance that lingers in the air after a hot summers day when the flowers have had a good long hot bake in the sun - gorgeous!

Alpha H Liquid Gold - the first time I tried this I think my skin was going through an extra sensitive patch, I was rather heavy handed and it burned - so I gave up.  Fast forward a couple of years and I had to have another try when it was on a 'too good to miss' offer on QVC.  I broke myself in gently this time by diluting with water on my cotton pad and gradually increasing the amount of Liquid Gold so that I'm now just feeling the  'tingle'!  I use twice a week and leave it on neat overnight, it's amazing how smooth and bright it leaves my old hide the following morning. Like many before me, I'm now hooked!

No7 Superlight Foundation - this is still a firm favourite - it just glides on whatever the weather! It's one that's perfect for those 'in-between' days when you don't want a full on face but need a bit more than a BB or CC. You can see my full review here.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - yep I had 'a feeling' about this one from the first moment I spotted it! I bit the bullet a few weeks ago and haven't regretted it! Working on a full review very soon!

And a couple of non beauty 'mmmms' ....

My H&M parka was such a bargain at the beginning of the year when it was half price in their sale and it's hardly been off my back since -  I know it looks a bit lived in but that's because it has been!  I don't know what I did without it! It's kept me so warm (and I am so very nesh!) over the last few months.  It's got a removable furry collar and padded lining so it can be adapted for warmer weather, it that ever arrives! One of my best buys ever!

And last but by no means least, my Next furry slouch top aka my fluffy thing! I also bought this at the start of the year when it was freezing - it's so soft and cuddly and keeps me warm and contented!   There's nothing better than slipping into one's fluffy thing at the end of a long day - I'd recommend fluffy therapy to everyone! (You think I'm weird don't you!).

What are your 'Mmmms' of the moment?

Jen x

Birthday Stash!

Bonjour!

I realised I'd not posted about my recent birthday pressies so thought I'd just 'do a quick one'  ...  as you do!

'Something for the Weekend' and 'Greatest Ever 80s Groove' CDs, earrings, Mac Blushbaby and Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue fom the hubby and kids. H&M Gift voucher, Cath Kidson mug and chocolate eggs from a couple of lovely friends (they know me so well!). Bronzo Italia Rose Gold Bracelet from mum and dad. 

And last but not least if a girl can't treat herself to a Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm (whilst on offer with a third off from Escentual) and a Kenwood Mini Chopper (also on offer from Sainsburys - I know how to live don't I?) then when can she?

Oh and nearly forgot ... managed to get hold of the bright green shirt from New Look in the sale ...  see my wishlist here) just need a night out to wear it now ...!

And do you know what, that chopper - it's marvellous ... don't know what I did without it! Every girl needs a mini chopper!

Jen x

A Pathetic Sales Haul and a Treat ...!

Bonjour!

I love a bargain (who doesn't?) and usually manage to bag a few in (what used to be) the January sales!  Didn't really happen this year -  my intention was to go the day after Boxing Day but the large dump of snow put paid to that. We set off but had to turn back.  I was disgruntled to say the least!  Not to be beaten I decided to have a look online and ordered a couple of bits from New Look ...

Brave Soul Chunky Knit - £10 - a change from my usual grey/black and is so warm on ... my resistance to the cold is going from bad to worse so this is a keeper!  My mum likes it apart from the huge 'B' logo - ah well you can't win 'em all!

Lace collar dress - £10 ... couldn't make my mind up - I mean I don't really 'do' dresses that often so would this turn out to be one of those items that ends up living out it's life in the wardrobe and no place else? Anyway - right or wrong I decided to keep it at the last minute ... suppose if push comes to shove I could always wear for work with opaques and boots ...

Leopard fur coat - £25 ... I really liked the idea of this baby but unfortunately it didn't fit properly on the shoulders and the collar stuck up in a funny fashion so it had to go back - gutted  I was!

The only thing I managed to pick up in-store was this V-neck knit from H&M at £10 - it's slightly over sized, warm and not black . Need to find something to layer underneath though as that V is a tad deep on!

How pathetic is this? The single beauty item I managed to bag in the half price sales at Boots this year was a Soap & Glory Righteous Butter ... I don't know whether to feel ashamed or proud ...!





And now for the treat ... I couldn't resist this recent TSV (Today's Special Value of course!) from QVC.  Supersizes of the Liquid Gold and Absolute Eye Complex and full size Balancing Cleanser.   This kit is now priced at £70 on their website but the crazy TSV price was £30ish - it was a no brainer!  The Balancing Cleanser and Absolute Eye Complex I've used before and although I have tried Liquid Gold a couple of years ago, I didn't really get on with it ... but the beauty blogger in me wants/needs to give it another go to help with dull winter skin - I have to say the signs are promising this time round!  I shall report back once I've given it a good going over!

So what do you think? Was I pathetic, sensible or just in the wrong place at the wrong time?!  Did you manage to bag many bargains in the sales?

Jen  x

The Smallest Haul ...!

Bonjour!

Did anyone witness any actual daylight today because it seems like twilight has descended upon us - hate this grey, murky, damp weather - my hair hates it too!  Unfortunately, according to the long term weather forecast things don't look much better over the next few days, not one 'sunshine' symbol to be seen (in these parts anyway!), only pesky black cloud - pants!

Anyway - just a few bits and pieces I've picked up over the last few weeks here ... been trying to restrain myself but you know when an 'offer' hits you in the face - sometimes one has to do that thang ...!

OGX Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo/Conditioner & Biotin & Collagen Thick and Full Oil Treatment - I've been wanting to try more from OGX after using their Hydrating Macadamia Oil range in the Summer - review here. When Boots had one of their 3 for 2 offers on I dithered around over which to choose (there are so many!) but finally went for anti-breakage and thick and full!  I've already dipped into the oil - call me a bad blogger for doing so before taking the photograph but I couldn't wait!

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - a firm favourite,  as you will know if you read my blog!  I spotted this kit on offer at £18 from John Lewis this weekend and jumped straight to it - no P+P either as I had it delivered to my local Waitrose to collect! A 400ml bottle plus 50ml travel size plus a make-up bag was a complete no-brainer - as the 400 ml usually comes in at around £22-24.  I was so tempted to order two sets but held back - this supersize will last for months so I can relax for a while!
 

Tell me ... if you were to pop into Boots for just the one item of make-up ie the Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Permanent Taupe and realise the 3 for 2 is across all make-up brands - would you a) just stick to the original item and walk away ... or b) grab another two products of similar value ie Sleek Make-Up Eau La La Liners in Cocoa and Molasses and come home with the three?  No prizes for guessing which path I followed ...!

Last but not least I finally got to H&M last week to take advantage of my 20% discount card with Glamour magazine.  Red mohair mix sweater - may end up being my Christmas Day jumper - just love the colour!  Fitted denim shirt - need to get my thinking cap on and style this with something other than my usual/perpetual jeans - is double denim acceptable these days?  I don't want to resemble a member of Status Quo!  Suggestions from you lovely fashion bloggers welcome! Orange woolly hat - to brighten my barnet up on a dull day! Thanks again Glamour!

What have you picked up recently? Did you get hold of the 20% H&M Discount card? Double denim - yes or no?

Jen x

Bargain/Budget Buys, Bourjois and Freebies ...!

Bonjour!

If you read my last post re 'Shopping my Stash' then you are probably thinking 'there is no hope!' However, you can't pass up on a bargain (or three) can you - even if it means adding to your bulging stash?  Anyway ... apologies for a slightly picture heavy post here ... I should also point out that these items were not purchased all at once but over a reasonable period of time ...!

First up Primark bargain footwear - a quid for the flip flops ... crazy!

I had a H&M gift card so bagged myself a much needed sun-hat for holiday ...

Superdrug hand creams are supercheap anyway but were on offer buy one get one half price. L'Oreal Expertise Heat Protection Spray half price at Tesco and I've been wanting to try their own brand of dry shampoo for a while ...

Also had a TKMaxx voucher which I put towards this baby. Ok so it's not leather but you know when you just like the way something feels in your hand (!) - I love the colour, the style and the way it hangs ...!

Limited myself to two magazine freebies - not bad considering there are tonnes out there this month! Red mag has the Rodial Stemcell Super-Food Glam Balm (how long?) for lips and could not for the life of me find any Clinique Chubby Stick freebies with Glamour so plumped for the High Impact mascara ...

And last but not least ... Bourjois goodies on 3 for 2 plus free sunglasses at Boots.  I'm blaming my daughter for this one (sort of)! We have the school summer show this week and the Y6 class will be playing all the lead roles in the performance - singing, dancing etc.  Mums will be crying ... I know this because I cry (a little) every year at the show when other people's kids are singing their farewells to the school ... this one is going to be agony! Cue the Bourjois 1 Second Volume Waterproof Mascara - let's see how it fares ... if all else fails guess I could stick the sunglasses on!

Have you picked up any bargain/budget buys recently? Any tips for composure during sentimental school concerts would be greatly appreciated!

Jen x

Christmas Bargain Jumper and a Fuzzy OOTN...!

Bonjour!

The first part of this post was meant to be published mid-week but it's been so manic I didn't have time to sort it out in time! So instead of two small ones you have one big one instead (said the mistress to bishop and all that jazz!).

Let's get the fuzzy photo over and done with shall we ... just a quick pic of last Friday night's outfit and I must apologise  - my husband took a few pics as the taxi was rolling up outside, they were all either too blurred, at a stupid angle, I was doing a weird catalogue pose or I had the Christmas wreath growing out of my head, so I'm afraid this is as good as it gets folks ...

I went for all black in the end (as you can 'just about' see through the fuzziness!) - black silky keyhole top, black shorts and tights. Wore my black gladiator style high heels but you can't see them - yep hubby's fault again - maybe I'll have to teach one of the kids to take photos in future!

Make-up wise it was smokey eyes and nude lips (shorts and red lips seemed a bit OTT at my age!). Used my Laura Geller Balance n Brighten foundation, a combination of my new Elf palette and  MUA Undressed palette, Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara over Revitalash Volumising Primer, Mally Evercolor Eyeliners, HD Brow Palette, Laura Geller Baby Cakes Blush Palette and nude lips with Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker 'How Nude' and Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Mink. I should point out that the hair had not been finished at this point either ...!

Anyway - back to bargains ... whilst my Dad was doing a bit of food shopping in M& S last week I popped into H&M, the sales have started but I only had time to grab this bargain jumper at £7 ...

A deep green with slightly metallic/sparkly thread running through it - thought I might stick in on with my skinnies on Christmas Day - should keep me warm enough but hopefully I won't get too hot and bothered in the kitchen! May well dress it up with one of Mum's vintage pendants and my new Rose Gold M&S watch ... (just cos it's Christmas Day!) ...

And whilst we're still on the subject of Christmas ...

Oh dear...well it's not Christmas without Pringles is it...?

Which flavour of Pringles would you go for? Have you bagged any festive bargains recently? Who takes your outfit pics?

Jen x

Bob Marley and that old H&M frock again...!

Bonjour!

I had the opportunity of going out tonight for our 'Team Christmas Do' but decided against it as I was out last Friday and am out again next Friday! I did wonder whether I should have pushed the boat out and done 3 weeks on the trot but not happening so tonight I'm hoping for wine, chilli and chillin' indoors in my slobs!

Speaking of chilly - hubby has had the day off and has been performing various paint and floor staining tasks that are long overdue. The windows are still open to get rid of paint fumes and it's bloomin' freezing in here!

Moving on ... this is one of my absolute favourite tracks from old Bob and seems particularly appropriate today ...

Bob Marley & The Wailers - Is This Love ... 

Released in 1978 - such a long time ago yet it remains fresh to this day and has such a warm and serene feeling - and trust me I don't feel warm or serene at this time of year often!

Don't you just want to do that old laid back reggae hip-swing ... !

Quick pic of last weeks H&M dress ...  I swear I will never get the hand of this outfit post lark! I mean - do you look at the camera, away from the camera, up, down, up again, to the side ... ?? And ... spot the sexy slippers - see I could have cropped them out but we're keeping it real here folks...!

Speaking of keeping it real - look who's made his usual appearance in the background trying to blend into the floor - yep it's my usual faithful sidekick - he just can't help himself ...!

What's your top tune for warmth and serenity?

Jen x

*I should point out that I removed my slippers and donned my ankle boots before leaving the house!

H&M Lace Frock and Alexander O'Neal ...!

Happy Friday!

I think this is my 300th post! Good grief, doesn't seem like I've done this 300 times...! Anyway...last night on the treadmill, our Alexander popped up on my IPod and I got myself all hyped up - as you do - you know when you don't want to turn the music off cos you're proper feelin' it so you practically dance yourself into the changing room?  Yep - one of those moments...!

Alexander O'Neal -  Criticize ...

Released in 1987 from the album Hearsay (what an album), Criticize always reminds me of the run up to Christmas when myself and the girls from Top Shop (where I worked at the time) went out clubbing with our huge (and I mean huge) hair and lycra mini dresses - mine was black velvet - loved that dress!

The hubby and myself are off out tonight - just meeting old friends for drinks and then a curry.  I'm really trying to use what I have in my wardrobe and not buy any new items for the couple of nights out planned - so am wearing last years's black (yep black again) lacy H&M dress and black wedge ankle boots! That is the plan anyway!

Right must crack on - have various domestic chores still to complete,  need to wash my hair, paint my nails and decide whether I'm going heavy on the eyes or lips tonight - decisions!

Do you remember Criticize first time round? (I guess the  majority of answers will be no!)


Jen x