What's In My Handbag - Spring 2015!

Of course, a new handbag means I have to show it off!

I bought this today from Primark in Hanley and absolutely love it! It cost £10 and honestly rivals those in other high street stores at the moment. My best friend and I actually thought that the Primark version felt a much better quality to others, and the colours are all so in right now. Being black, white and tan (*with rose gold detail may I add) means it can be paired with almost anything this season. Also, that white pocket you see at the front? It's actually a removable pouch!

Now on to the good stuff.. what's inside...

 

• 2015 Diary - my boyfriend and I have a tradition each new year that he buys me a diary and I get him a calendar, with a little nudge I was thrilled to get this one from Paperchase! It's a day per page diary with gold edged paper, LOVE! The sticky notes are important dates for me to remember, and honestly they really help me to keep organised, I can't be without my diary.
• Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush - this is a brand new brush (does anyone else fear the first use, knowing it will never be as perfect again?) bought as a replacement for my retractable bronzer brush. In all honesty, I didn't much like the bronzer brush but love the idea, I'm hoping this one will be better for touching up my face throughout the day.
• Nu:elite Notebook - I got this from uni a few weeks ago, because I'm hopefully graduating soon and new beginnings obviously mean a new notebook don't they? Anyway, I think the extra money I spent on this is paying off because of how durable it is and very high quality. I just hate cheap feeling paper! 
• Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in 120 Desirable - Another Christmas gift! This came as part of a gift set and it couldn't be a better colour for me to be honest. Its the perfect pinky nude for my lips (like a pinker version of Mac Patisserie) and I may have to buy the full size when this runs out.
• Mac Syrup - I picked this up not realising it was a fairly hyped product, but can completely see why it is. Its a wearable, day-time colour with a brown/pink/purple tone. Very hard to describe but I'd recommend going to try this for yourself!
• The 'Just-In-Case' Bundle - inspired by Vivianna Does Makeup  I decided to bundle up those items everyone has (or should have) in their handbags in case of an 'emergency'. In my bundle there's wet wipes, tissues, plasters, allergy tablets, paracetamol, a bobble, hair pins and wax (for my brace). Depending on where I'm off to, sometimes things will be added/taken out, but you get the picture.
• E45 Intense Recovery Hand Cream - I've already talked about this here but if you haven't already tried this, you should!
• Travel Size Tangle Teezer - the investment in a Tangle Teezer is one you will never regret I promise you, I have 2 full size brushes and this one for my handbag which has a handy cover to protect the bristles. Although its small, it still works just as well as the original.
• Polos - ahh instant fresh breath! Usually I keep Extra White chewing gum in my bag, but while I've got my fixed brace on, Polo's have taken its space. I'm rather enjoying it, so may make the change permanent.
• Emergency Chocolate Bar - you may laugh now, but you wouldn't be when you're out somewhere and desperately need something to eat. Only carrying one is actually unusual for me, but I'm in a transition to Summer weather when chocolate just melts. I'm trying out packs of raisins and dried mango to replace the chocolate for now.
• Purse - I got this purse last year from River Island (I bet you probably guessed that just from looking, there's something about River Island purses...) and it's really lasted well. I didn't expect the stones to stay this well fixed at all! It can be heavy though so I'm on the hunt for a cute little coin purse for days when I use a smaller bag.
• iPhone 4S - this is actually my old phone, but I still love using it to play music in the car. That way, it doesn't matter if the battery is rubbish on it, and I don't need to worry about the memory on my new phone...
• Sony Xperia Z3 Compact - LOVE this phone! I think I'm fully converted to android now, the memory, camera and battery are just so much more superior to the iPhones in my opinion and really don't get the credit they deserve.
• Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipgloss in Praline Paradise - this is a beautiful shimmery pink/nude gloss, in similarly beautiful packaging. This was another gift at Christmas and its not been out of my bag since. It is fairly sticky for a gloss, but I think that's part of the reason why it lasts so well on the lips.
• Max Factor Colour Elixir Lip Liner in Pink Petal - this is pretty much Mac Syrup in pencil form. So creamy and long lasting, and really suits any nude or pinky lip colour.
• Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Balm - this has been my lip saviour, and although it comes at a fairly high price (much to my boyfriend's dismay) it's totally worth it and I'm never looking back!
• Concealer - I'm ashamed about how old this is, and the fact I can't even tell where it's from! I'm going to assume its the collection lasting perfection concealer but I may be wrong. My handbag concealer is usually whichever needs using up and this is probably due a trip to the bin.
• Chanel Levres Scintillantes in Glossimer - a gorgeous pink gloss with shimmer flecks running all through it. They don't show up too much on the lips so no need to worry, and the pink isn't too bright either (the packaging is deceiving). I love the formula and it's really long lasting - what you expect from Chanel really!

 

 

And that's it! I hoped you enjoyed having a nosey through my handbag essentials, I love to read about everyone else's myself!

 

 

A

 

xx

Lets Talk E45

As you probably all know by now, my skin is almost as dry and sensitive as it can get. As long as I can remember I've been having oil and Dettol (my Dad's obsession, best not to ask) baths and layering on the cream. To be honest, for us sensitive skin sufferers, there's not much out there to help!

Back in the day, when my parents would buy anything to try and sort out my skin, I tried E45 body lotion. To be honest I didn't really give it a long enough time to test, and quickly passed over it. For years I used purely Eumovate all over, a prescribed, steroid cream for my eczema, because it was literally the only thing that worked. Not the best idea.

In 2013 BzzAgent sent me some samples of the new range of E45 cream to try out, and I wrote a blog post all about it, which you can find here. I used it all, and enjoyed it, but it didn't leave a lasting impression. More recently, I discovered that the Garnier Ambre Solaire Aftersun Skin Soother Hydrating Milk is brilliant for hydrating my skin, after piling it on twice a day throughout a whole Summer! My favourite moisturiser though has got to be the Body Shop's Body Butters (my favourites are coconut, hemp, Satsuma and honeymania) which are some of the few scented lotions I can use. This habit can be quite expensive though, so I try to purchase these only when they're on offer!

However, for Christmas last year I got a tub of E45 in my stocking (again, don't ask) and decided to give it another go. While it isn't quite as fast working as my prescribed cream, or exciting as the body butters, it does just work. I've been using the cream all over, but mostly my hands which are really suffering since I got a new job. I feel like the cream works so much better if I use it often to maintain hydration rather than just to try and fix a problem.

So now I've invested in a bottle of the stuff and the other day, the Intense Recovery Hand Cream (all currently 3 for 2 in Boots if you get a move on!). I can already see a difference from using the hand cream nightly, and think it's actually enough to not need to use throughout the day. I don't think I'll ever be one of those people who re-applies every hour.

Give it a go if you haven't already! It may surprise you!


A

xx

Review: Batiste Dry Shampoo (Floral)

For me, Batiste is the original dry shampoo (whether it technically is I'm not certain) and definitely the best. It was the first one I tried, admittedly there seemed to be a hype and I jumped on that bandwagon. At the moment I'm using the Batiste Dry Shampoo Floral Essences version, and I think it's my favourite yet. The scent is light and not overpowering, while still working wonders on my hair. Although this is part of the revitalising range, I do find that it adds a touch of volume as well.

 

 

In the past year or so I've dabbled with other branded dry shampoos on the market including;

• Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo Uplifting Volume - I hated this from first use, it made my hair feel sticky and it looked even worse than it had before!
• Herbal Essences Clearly Naked (0%) Dry Shampoo - this is okay and I'm still using up the tin but I wouldn't repurchase it while I can buy the Batiste at the same price. Also, my first tin came with a dodgy nozzle, but it could have just been a fluke.
• Batiste XXL - same brand I know, but didn't think the XXL version was much different to their simple dry shampoos.

 

So, maybe I've not dabbled too much, but why try to find an alternative to a product I like, trust and can afford (though I do wait until I see it on offer)? From now on, I'm sticking the Batiste original formula and may just switch up the scents instead!

 

 

A

 

xx

Brace Face: 3 Months down..

So it feels like I've had these on for ages now, not just 3 months! I seriously can't wait to get them off and smile properly. Yesterday I looked back on some pictures and wish I felt confident enough to smile with my teeth while the braces are on. But who wants reminders of a metal mouth?!

As you can probably tell, I'm hating the braces at the moment. It's nothing to do with pain or issues, just my own vanity, and I don't think there's much I can do about it for now!

On a brighter note, my teeth are definitely still moving well and I'm looking forward to each monthly appointment, because I know that they are going to change again. They always seem to have an drastic change in that first painful week after an adjustment (obviously) but I do find they still alter through the weeks in between too.



Before: November 2014

During: February 2015

You can see by the pictures above, the changes from November and February are small but make a huge difference. My tooth that was moving behind my front teeth is now back where it should be. The two middle teeth which were slightly turned in, are also beginning to straighten back up again. The orthodontist also filed down the front two teeth slightly so they are now more square and 'normal' looking (sounds scary but a little bit goes a long way!). At the moment I'm now concerned with the bottom line level of the teeth, the front two are still lower than the others and I would ideally like a nice uniform line. We shall see! I am very happy with the results so far though!


A

xx



February 2015 River Island Favourites!

Yet again I'm sat catching up on CBB and fantasy shopping online! I'm loving some of the new pieces coming into River Island at the moment, so instead of spending waaaaaaay too much money, I'm posting my wish list here, hopefully it gives you some inspiration! Enjoy!

Necklace £20

Skirt £45

Purse £10

Watch £25

Blazer £60

Shirt £30

 

Sunglasses £10

 

I think I've accidentally created an outfit, so want these even more now! Although at a total of £200 I think it's going to stay in my imagination for now!

 

 

A

 

 

xx

 

 

 

Valentine's Day 2015: Gifts for Her

Hello!!

This year it seems like I've not seen as much hype about Valentine's Day (except for the 50 shades adverts which seem to be everywhere!), maybe it's because I work in an office full of men or have banned myself from reading magazines for a bit! We're having a quiet one this year so I thought it would be nice to share my Valentines wish list with the internet instead.

This gorgeous Nails Inc Alexa Hearts collection is brilliant for women who love to switch up their nail colour often. It's got a brilliant range of colours and a cute bag to keep them all in. Currently on offer for £31.50 on Feel Unique.

Who doesn't love a good handbag and this one from River Island does the job perfectly! It's a neutral colour so easy to wear, but really interesting to look at compared to other bags around at the moment. A bargain at £40.

 

My favourite perfume at the moment would certainly be the Narciso Nodriguez Narciso Eau de Parfum. It's a really sexy, intense, grown up scent which (on me) lasts all day and sometimes through to the next day as well. It's one that not everyone has heard of but I've received many a compliment on it. Get it here from Boots, 50ml for £57.50!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The candle I'm burning at the moment is this Cinnamon Chai one from WoodWick, which gives off the most amazing scent, ever when it's not burning. Currently on offer for £15.99 (usually £22.99) it may seem expensive but mine's been burning almost constantly since Christmas and is still 3/4 full. When lit, these candles crackle as the wick burns, creating an atmosphere like sitting in from of a burning log fire on a cosy night in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These personalised Penguin Love linen cushions are so cute to put on the bed or sofa and are currently on offer for £24 on notonthehighstreet.

On the website there's also several matching items you could buy to build up to make a larger gift. Definitely worth checking out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 If she owns a Pandora bracelet and loves a bit of bling, this charm will do wonders. The design is show stopping for the £60 it costs. If she doesn't own a Pandora bracelet, or you aren't sure, then go for a ring! They're really gorgeous and well made, without being too expensive. From the new collection the one below is my favourite, simple but it can be stacked with other rings (and only £35).














I hope this has provided some useful ideas, but I really do think women are the easiest people to buy for! Also, never forget the flowers and chocolates!


A

xx





Review: L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Micellar Water

I've been using this stuff pretty much since the day it came out in the shops, and honestly think it's brilliant. Now I've never tried Bioderma (it seems such a hassle to get hold of, and expensive for posh water) but I have tested out the B. Pure Micellar Water from Superdrug. In comparison, the L'Oreal one just seems to do a lot more, for a cheaper price! Vogue and Woman and Home named it in their top 10 Micellar Waters and yes it does work on most mascaras too!

I tend to use a face wash/wipe to remove the bulk of my makeup, then use a cotton pad to swipe the L'Oreal Micellar Water over my face to make sure it's thoroughly cleansed. I don't always feel the need to use a toner after using this product but always use a moisturiser.

This article is a good one if you want to find out a bit more information about Micellar Waters in general.

Price:
Usually £4.99 but there's always offers on it and I've never paid full price!

How long does a bottle last?
I use mine twice a day every day, and would say the 200ml bottle lasts me around a month.

Skin Type:
I'm no expert but I'd say most skin types should be okay using this. The bottle states that the water is suitable for sensitive skin and hypoallergenic. Mine is dry and sensitive, with a few oily patches and this doesn't irritate my skin at all. Overuse can be drying but if you use a good moisturiser, it will counteract the dryness. My eyes don't sting if I use this on them either, but I can't guarantee it won't on everybody.

I'd recommend this product if you're looking into trying out a micellar water, it's cheap enough that if you don't like it then you've not wasted your money. Be prepared to love it though!!


A

xx

Brace Face: Braces are On! 1 Month In!

So my braces have been on for a month now, I can't believe how fast it has gone!

Getting them on wasn't too bad, the worst thing I find is the mouth piece that stretches your mouth open. It really starts to pull while they're fitting the brace, so if you're getting one make sure you take plenty of lip balm for before and after. The brace itself didn't hurt at all while they fitted it, but did for a few days after which is to be expected.

My teeth have changed so much already, I'll put pictures below of before (see last blog post), when I first got the braces on, and what they look like now! I went back to the Orthodontist today to get the brackets and wires altered again, my mouth is aching a bit but it will be all worth it in the end.

Before

The day my braces got put on.

One month in!

 

 

A

 

xx

Holiday Planning & Organisation: Booking

Yesterday my boyfriend and I walked into a travel agents to get a feel for prices, and walked out almost 3 hours later with a holiday! Usually I'd say this was crazy, but it's a holiday we've been talking about for at least 2 years now, and sometimes in life you just have to go for it. When else am I going to be able to?

We're off to America for 2 weeks, Orlando, Miami & New York!

When booking a holiday it's best to go in with a basic idea of what you want. I've been shopping around to do Orlando & Miami for a while now, so had a rough idea of prices. Unfortunately, not many online travel agents can give you a straight price and all the details. I'd recommend just going into a store, they do all the hard work for you and the holiday is customised however you like! New York was an extra bonus for us, we would have had to get an indirect flight via there anyway so said we may as well stay over for a few nights too.

We used Thomson to build the holiday, then they use Jetsave who are multi-centre Florida specialists. We could choose any day, any hotel which we liked and the holiday is created step by step. I'm not going to let you guys know how much we paid, but I will say it was surprisingly cheap considering the parks we want to do over there and all the travelling!

As soon as we got home I wrote everything straight into next years diary, with all the payment dates etc. so I know exactly where I'm up to and to remind myself of the paperwork which needs doing. This to me, makes the whole things finally seem real.

A

xx

Brace Face: Getting Adult Braces in the UK

So the time has come when I've decided enough is enough, I need to sort out my teeth before it's too late. Since losing my retainer about 8 years ago, I've known this was coming. Thinking back, it would have been so much easier to go back and face my scary orthodontist and the £50 replacement fee, but I just couldn't do it. Now I'm stuck with teeth that I know need to be put back (again) to where they should be, and a long year ahead!

I've been researching about getting braces as an adult for a while now, and truth be told there's really not much out there. There's a few articles and blogs from Americans, but really nothing in the UK. Even the dentists themselves aren't forthcoming with information unless you enquire and fork out for the consultation fees.

It was quite handy to discover that my usual dentist was broadening its services to include orthodontic treatment (as well as plastic surgery, random?!). I enquired and managed to get a consultation deal. It was £80 for two consultations; one to take measurements and moulds, then the second to explain the treatments available and the costs.

When I was younger I went through this all pretty much the same, the strange minty flavoured mould brought it all flooding back. Apart from this time its different, I don't have to have extra teeth removed and no removable wire retainer first. They're going straight in with the fixed, silver 'train track' brace. I did get given options to have the white version which blends in better, or invisalign but they were significantly more expensive. As a student, I couldn't even consider the other options. I only need a brace on my top row of teeth, as back in the day I had a fixed bar put on to hold my bottom ones in place. God knows why they couldn't do that for both rows!

The cost for the train tracks is £500 up front, then £100 per monthly consultation after that until the balance of £2,000 is reached. I think it's pretty reasonable as the package includes everything I could need, and constant assessment. The orthodontist has estimated roughly 12-18 months for the treatment, meaning I'm going to be stuck with a brace for my 21st and graduation! It's not ideal but I'd rather have a brace now and perfect teeth later, than imperfect teeth that are just going to get worse.

Fixed white/clear braces.

 Invisalign

 'Train Track' Braces

I wouldn't say my teeth are terrible, I know people with a lot worse (my boyfriend being one) but I'm definitely not as confident with myself while they look like this. Teeth are one of the first things I notice on another person, I even have nightmares about them falling out! Below is a 'before' picture so that I can document the change, for myself and for this blog. I want to create this Brace Face series so it can help other people in a similar position, and maybe we can help each other out?

 

 

Link to the NHS website, about braces - http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/braces.aspx

 

 

 

A

 

 

xx