A Very Merry NOTD Christmas ...!

Bonjour!

I honestly don't know where these last few weeks have gone and can hardly believe that Christmas Eve is here again ... !  I've had this week off work and have spent the last few days in what seems like a whirlwind of food shopping, cleaning and wrapping presents ... following by the custom of falling asleep on the settee every evening ... who's with me?  Distant memories of the Christmas Eve office parties of my youth with free booze provided from 10.30am - resulting in drunken antics involving various pieces of office equipment and riding up and down in the lifts (don't ask!) ... before we all headed off to a nightclub for the afternoon hired out exclusively for ourselves to dance the day away ... some of us would then make our way home nursing a hangover before the evening had even started ... and some would stay out and just carry on (as you do!) ... those were the days!

It's nice to be able to finally sit down though (for however brief a time!) and write up a quick post to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!  And ... couldn't let this opportunity go by without a quick festive NOTD ...

Barry M Glitterati Nail Paint - Rockstar ...

I actually had no intention of buying any new nail polishes but when I was in Boots last week (buying my Christmas present from the hubby - best way to do it sometimes!) Rockstar just called to me and that was that ...!  This is my favourite of the Glitterati collection ... the other polishes are lovely but this one has something about it which grabbed me - must be the grey theme!

It's positively jam packed with different shades of  'reasonably' sized glitter  - I'm not so bothered about the 'great big chunks' variety for myself so this is perfect for me.  I think my camera was rather dazzled so had difficulty picking up on all the individual specks but you get the idea - maybe a proper macro lens is in order!  I'm not going all out bling with my Christmas Day outfit (do I ever!) - so it'll be good to wear something a bit sparkly on my nails.  Only problem is ... with the mountain of potatoes and vege I have to peel for tomorrow's dinner I'll have to get the hubby heavily involved to avoid Rockstar glitter in the sprouts ... ahh Christmas dinner problems!

This was only meant to be a quick post and I've waffled on for England so apologies if you're still with me!  I've only managed a handful of posts during December and am actually 'champing at the bit' to get back to a regular blogging routine. Plus ... I have a tonne of products to review and am running out of storage space ... my friend at work pointed out that I have a problem! (Thanks Amy!)

What will you be wearing on your nails this Christmas? Will there be any glitter in your sprouts? And once again Merry Christmas to all!


Jen x

The Dr Marten Dilemma ...!

Bonjour!


Yep ... it has to be said ... I've not been able to get my backside into blogging mode over the last couple of weeks!  I've either had no time or no energy (sound familiar anyone?) ... falling asleep at one's laptop obviously doesn't help!  I decided to just go with the flow (or lack of it) and not stress about it  ... there's enough of that about at this time of year.  Anyway ... in an attempt to get my bandwagon back on the road thought I'd share my current dilemma ...

It's no secret I've been after a pair of Dr Martens for a while ... I've tried to resist and I just can't ... it's time ...!  The hubby says he'll add them to my Christmas list ... see he does listen to me on the odd occasion!  They go all the way back to the late 40s and first appeared in the UK in 1960 ... adopted by skinheads in the 70s and punks in the 80s (the hubby had a pair during his punk era) as well as the odd new waver!  Nowadays ... well anybody can use a pair should they so wish ... I intend to be that somebody! I've deliberated over various versions/how many holes but think I've more or less settled on the 8 holer ...  question is which colour ... black, cherry red or green?

Love this look ... these jeans look like they're in the 'skinny boyfriend camp' ... right up my street!

Cherry Reds with skinnies ... just bought a parka similar to this one ...

Love Gwen's outfit ... absolutely love it ...

And last but not least how about with a little skirt ... á la Jessica ... this would be a good way for me to make use of all the skirts/dresses I never wear for lack of footwear ... I'd have no excuse ...!

All Images  via Pinterest

Yes ... I think this itch must be scratched and the sooner the better!  What are your thoughts on Dr Martens - which ones would you go for and how would you wear them?

Jen x

Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk - Review

Bonjour!

The  Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk from his Secrets Collection is something I picked up out of sheer curiosity a few months ago and have been using after most 'hair-washing' sessions  ...

The Pro-Heat Repair milk is lotion-like in texture and has ... I'd say quite a light sweet smell? I'm rubbish at describing scents so maybe just have a sniff for yourself!  It's a leave-in treatment which works with the heat of your styling tools to help repair and protect hair.   I apply one and a half pumps to my hair before blow-drying (I ain't got a lot of hair so this is enough for me) - not right up to the roots - but from about 2 inches from my parting, taking it down through the mid-lengths and ends.(I do apply an additional root lift product mid-way through styling - but that's another review in the making!)  I then blow dry and straighten.  I like that I can apply it directly with my hands to the places most in need so nothing gets wasted and I can just crack on and use my straighteners without having to apply another product.

After the first use the Pro-Heat Milk left my hair looking healthy and swishy and I was thoroughly impressed.  Since then I've used it almost non-stop for the last 3ish months ... dare I say ... I think this has the edge over my much loved previous hair protector of Kerastase Ciment Thermique - never thought I'd say such a thing but yes I think this works better on my particular barnet.  It was recently confirmed by good old Phil the hairdresser that the state of my usual split ends wasn't at all bad when I went in for a cut a couple of weeks ago,  so for me it definitely does what it says on the tin!  I like the way it leaves my hair shiny and smooth yet with decent body/bounce through to the ends, it feels stronger and less prone to breakage.  There is no lank, greasy or sticky feeling and I only need to use my straightener to get rid of natural unwanted kinks.

My bottle is starting to empty now but I intend to repurchase without a doubt - it may seem pricey at £9.99/100ml but to me it's money well spent!  For myself, I think the longer I've used it the better the results - so long may they continue!

Have you used the Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk? What's your favourite heat protector?

Jen x

Driving To Work With Pete Tong ...!

Bonjour!

Driving into work on these dark, grey mornings is so depressing and at times I need something to get my ass and mind in gear! The Pete Tong Collection seems to be a near permanent fixture in my car and our Pete's kept me going this week with his selection of 'banging tunes' ...

Eric Prydz - Pjanoo ... 

This has got to be one of my favourites on the album (the video is a tad weird but I'm concentrating on the track!) ... it has that trance/euphoric/uplifting vibe to it which make me want to turn it right up and play on repeat - played three times in a row the other morning - how sad is that - obviously I need to download a lengthy club mix!

Don't you just want to stand on stage in a club and 'give it some' to those crescendos?!  Rather difficult to achieve whilst driving into work! Still ... I arrived at my destination on a 'dance music high'  ... doesn't last long once in the office and presented with your work for the day but anyway!

What do you like to listen to on your way to work? Do you like to arrive on a 'dance music high'?


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