ASOS spring haul

I don't actually shop for myself that often (say whaaat), but I recently snapped up some of these ASOS goodies (the bag, blazer and palette) in a flash 50% off sale so I find it extremely easy to justify a little splurge with such a good offer! There's nothing better than treating yourself when you don't do it too often, though that is on the verge of changing the more I blog - my wishlist is mahoosive right now! Anyone else find this?

I actually had my eye on this blazer weeks ago but resisted the urge to buy, that is until I saw it on Laura at BuyNowBlogLater. I love the fluro binding and thought it was too nice not to have in my life. And at a bargain half price, why the hell not treat myself eh? It's still on ASOS here if you're also feeling the urge, though at the time of writing, you'd have to be a measly size 4 if you want it :-/ I often check back for items I like though in case one's returned in my size

If you have read my blog before, you'll probably know I'm big into travelling when I can, so I have a few holiday plans this year, including a cheeky road trip around the west coast of USA for a month in May and Ibiza in August with all my girly friends, so bikinis are in order. I have an hourglass figure so I try to find ones that complement that (those stringy tiny ones just make me look whale-like), so I thought I'd try the crop top and bottoms look. I'm still not sure if I'll keep this yet as I'm not overly feeling the top on me, but including it here anyway because it's priddy...

I have to say these bag pictures don't really show the true colour of this beauty...it's a little lighter than this, so very much suited for spring time. I love the pretty scallop detail, and it's perfect for work. I'd been carrying one of those bags you can't sling over your shoulder, so this makes a nice change from carrying a heavy bag on my arm!

These shoes are another purchase I can blame on Laura from BuyNowBlogLater for encouraging me to buy...they just looked great and I had to give them a try, as I was looking for something a bit different but not crippling on my feet! These are a good compromise for day/work wear. I love that they're silver too. Not really tried the metallic look before, but it's refreshing!

Cute Stila lip palette - and only £8 at the time I bought it! I plan to write a post with swatches of these colours sometime this week so check back if you like the look of this...or you can follow me on Bloglovin' here (shameless plug!).

I thought this cute maxi dress would be good for my holidays, and I like the pattern and how it comes down like a V around the front. This 'V' detail actually complements my figure quite well and helps to accentuate my waist, regardless of my wider hips! 

Let's take a moment to appreciate how cute these Sugarhill Boutique shorts are. I love the colour, the print, the flamingo, the pleats...everything. The only thing I didn't enjoy was that the wrong size was sent to me. No biggie though; hope to exchange them, even though they don't really do my figure any big favours...just too cute!

So what do you think of these bits and bobs? Do you have any ASOS bits on your wishlist at the mo?

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Mr Nutcase personalised iPhone case

When the lovely people over at Mr Nutcase announced they were looking for bloggers to review their service, I jumped at the chance since my precious iPhone 5s was in need of a new home. Plus, I think personalising products is such a nice way to capture memories or things that make you smile - that and the fact they make a super thoughtful gift.

So, Mr Nutcase offer personalisation for phone cases and tablet cases, not only for Apple products but for products from other manufacturers (Samsung to HTC to Blackberry etc.). I chose the executive leather flip phone case* (£19.95) since I like to keep my screen protected too, and I tasked myself with a case design that allows for six pictures. (There are multiple layout options available, from a single image to multiple images - perfect if you're a tad indecisive like me!)

I found the site clear, usable with a fun design and generally a very speedy ordering process - that is if you know what pictures you want to use. I admittedly spent a good hour trying to pick out the ones I wanted - told you I was indecisive! (Disclaimer for my dad here if he's reading: I wanted to put a picture of us on there but I couldn't find one I was happy with...thought was there though, honest!)

The big bonus for me is that they offer free worldwide shipping, a rarity in my experience. Living in France, this is fab. I ordered Saturday evening and it arrived Friday morning, which I thought was very reasonable for an international order. I have seen other reviews where it arrived within 2 days in the UK, so perfect if you're in a hurry! They were also communicative, sending me a confirmation email and dispatch email, which was reassuring.

Overall, I am very happy with my new iPhone case and I'd definitely consider giving one as a gift (especially since the plastic slimline cases are cheaper at only £14.95).

In retrospect, the only thing I might have changed is the amount of pics I selected since a single one or just a couple might have stood out more, but this is obvious from the outset, and I'd probably still be trying to decide which ones to pick if I had to!

I would have also liked the option to personalise both sides of the flip case, but there is a pop-up that advises you they only print on one side, so they are transparent and you do know exactly what you're ordering.

What do you think of my case? Do you like personalised products?

If you like the look of it and are thinking of treating yourself or giving one as a gift, you can order here. Oh, and you can bag yourself a free screen protector with your order if you like their Facebook page!

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*sent to me free of charge for review purposes

It all makes perfect scents!

I like to smell pretty...pritttty sure we all do, so it makes sense (or scents if we're being clever!) to blog about my favourite smells. I have to admit, I don't really buy perfumes according to the time of year; I just buy what I like (or, more precisely, add the ones I like to my Christmas wishlist!). You're still going to smell nice, regardless of the weather right? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are scents that are nice for different times of the year, just like there are day and night scents, but let's be real - perfumes cost a pretty penny! 

So, without further ado, my current favourite perfumes are:

Miss Dior - Dior (EDP)

This is obviously a high-end perfume so definitely one to save pennies for but definitely worth it if you want to smell stunning...and for a decent amount of time. I love how this scent clings to my skin all night long. 

Jasmine, rose and fruity mandarin orange scents make up this liquid gorgeousness; Boots sum it up nicely when they say it's characterised by an instant and captivating charm that develops in the most intense and astonishing way. I think it's an elegant perfume but a bold one too, and it makes me feel just bootiful. What  more could you want in a perfume?

Just Pink - Next (EDP)

If you don't know already (unlikely), this bad boy is a big, big dupe for Ralph Lauren's Romance perfume (you might say it even looks like Ralph's version!), and it smells absolutely gorgeous - sweet, fresh, floral and ermm pink, epitomising femininity!

I like to wear this to work. I don't feel it lasts as long as higher-end perfumes, but since it's so cheap (£12 for 75ml), I'm less bothered about using it up and spritzing whenever I feel the need to.

Si Lolita - Lolita Lempicka (EDP)

I happened to smell this in the airport when travelling back to the UK, and I fell in love with it! I'd never even heard of the Lolita brand before, so I think it spoke even more to me the fact it wasn't as commercial as other 'big names' if that makes sense.

It's fresh but gentle, and a sweet scent still lingers on my skin after a whole day's wear. I just love it, and I've never smelt anything like it, so it's a great scent if you're looking for something different.

Announced as feminine, subtle and ethereal, this really is a perfect description! If only technology was magic enough that you could smell it through my blog as you read this haha.

Lola - Marc Jacobs (EDP)

This was my go-to date-night perfume, until it ran out. I'm including it because it deserves a cheeky mention and it's just too nice not to. 

I love the packaging of all of Marc Jacobs's perfumes; they just look so unreserved - if they were people, they'd be the life and soul of the party and you'd want to know more about them! The same goes for the smell; it's rich, sexy and confident but definitely one for the evening (too overpowering for daywear). If one of the SATC girls were to wear it, it'd be Samantha! 

I'm no expert in all the 'notes' jargon, so I'll just say it's a sultry floral. It might best be summed up by Fragrance Direct who say it's seductive and alluring and blooms with luxuriant Fuschia Peony.

What are your favourite perfumes at the minute? Do any of these make your list?

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LUSH. . .you're SO lush!

I'll admit it, I was a Lush virgin until I popped in recently and was overwhelmed by the delicious smells surrounding me everywhere I turned! How had I not paid more attention to this place before?

I initially went in for a browse after seeing Tanya Burr rave about a moisturising massage bar (link) that looked lovely. Since I shop in Basel, Switzerland, I wasn't entirely sure of the translation, but soon enough the lady in the shop was helping me out, speaking perfect English, and recommending all sorts. I'm not usually one to get sucked in to a hard sell, but she was genuine, frank and just so friendly! 

The sales assistant explained a bit of history behind Lush and even told me they have their own sailor that they source seaweed from (am I too gullible?). She handed me a booklet (see below) and he's even pretty dishy (let's just pretend he's the actual sailor they use). I didn't realise they started out sourcing Body Shop with some of their products either! 

I really admire the fact they don't use animal fats and are against animal testing; they are also working on removing all traces of palm oil from their products, so it's great to buy from a company that's environmentally friendly while managing to produce gorgeous, good-enough-to-eat products! It just goes to show that so many more companies could go this way and still produce quality products.

So, the Dragon's Egg bath bomb was the first thing I picked up purely because of its gorgeous scent. For me, it stood out a mile above the rest. Think fresh, zingy lemon sherbet! It smells just like you imagine cleanliness would smell! I very, very rarely have baths (I shower instead...pretty sure I didn't need to clarify that but just in case!), so this purchase was purely lust-fuelled. I haven't yet had THE bath but when I do, I'll be sure to report back.

I found the massage bars and tried a few out before being drawn to Tender is the Night. My boyfriend was with me at the time, so the sales assistant was keen to point out it's a romantic scent with a wink and smirk...maybe a tad cringe, but it was sold to me as soon as she tested it on my arm. It softens and melts slightly with the heat of skin, so it glides on perfectly and is so beautifully moisturising. The bar consists of shea butter, jasmine, vanilla and ylang ylang oil so you can just imagine how divine it is. And I don't use that word often!

I also liked the smell of the Hottie, Shimmy Shimmy and Soft Coeur bars so they're next on my wishlist! 

Since the assistant gleaned I was into my moisturising, she managed to squeeze in testing Ro's Argan Body Conditioner on me. I love the fact that this can be used in the shower and saves you having to moisturise separately afterwards. I often like to jump straight into my PJs to keep warm after showering, so this was a big selling point for me! That and the fact it did genuinely feel super soft and smooth, very similar to the way your skin feels after using baby oil in the bath or shower. 

This body conditioner is full of gorgeous nourishing oils, including rose, argan and almond oils so it's super good for your skin. I have to admit I am not drawn to the smell as much as I am with the other bits I bought, but the effect is just as good if not better; the moisture does last and my skin feels genuinely spoilt since I started using it.

I love the fact these products have personalised stickers on them, with details of who made them and when. It really adds some exclusivity to them and makes you feel like it's been made with care and not in some factory by a robot! 

The only thing I would strongly recommend is that you literally take your pick of these date-stickered products yourself; the assistant handed this one to me, and I'm sure I could have got a fresher one with a longer shelf life if I'd have checked out the dates and picked it myself! As it stands, it looks as though each one of these has a two-month shelf life, so not too bad (and I'm sure it doesn't hurt to make it last a little longer if needs be).

  

Do you use Lush products? I'm keen to try more products so would love to hear your recommendations!

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Roll up, roll up. . .read all about big, bouncy curls!

Welcome to my how-to for luscious, bouncy, wavy, curly hair! I'll be honest; I'm no pro at hair, but this is just too easy to do so I thought it would be a good hair post to start with (hair-post virgin here).

So, I achieved this look using my Babyliss thermo-ceramic heated rollers. I heart using these as they're so easy and quick to put in my hair, and they're also a lovely, errr, head warmer...definitely a pro right there. 

I have to say, with longer hair, I find using rollers often quicker and easier than using my straighteners to curl; I also find it more difficult to achieve the big volume and full curl with straighteners.

The set comes with 20 rollers in three sizes (small, medium, large) along with 20 metal pins and also 10 clips for extra hold. It's super fast at heating up, and there's a light-ready indicator confirming when you're good to go! The rollers feature black velvety-type material, which helps to grip your hair and keep it in place on the roller, but the ends stay heat-free making it a burn-free experience...big bonus. The other nice thing about these rollers is that you can alter the temperature depending on your hair type, so it's a thoughtful little set with you in mind.

While I've used these a fair few times now, I do still need a bit more practice as I think I need to use them higher up on my head to achieve more of a root boost. As you can see below, I haven't quite managed it this time, but the result is still pretty voluminous.

Apologies for this horrendous description (who knew describing the process was this tricky?), but I started by taking sections from the front top part of my head (working along and around the head, before starting on the next section underneath). Holding the roller at the end of my hair, I then rolled (surprise!) my hair around the roller until it met my head, securing it in place with a pin!

Ideally, you need to leave them in your hair for a good 20 minutes to ensure maximum effect. I think it helps to put them in at the very start of your get-ready process so they can do their thing while you're doing yours; by the time you've finished applying make-up, had a cuppa tea and a crumpet (with marmite of course), you're ready to take them out!

This picture below shows my hair fresh out of the rollers, before I did anything with it...no spray, no finger-running in hair, no lip gloss, no pretty top...

Then, of course, stick a pretty top on, gloss your lips, run your fingers through your hair, and add a bit of hairspray (I like to start with my head upside-down and spray the under-side to add a bit of oomph, before a light spray all over once set). And, as if by magic (à la "tonight Matthew I'm going to be..."), voilà - a head of curls the TOWIE cast would be proud of...

You can pick heated rollers up almost anywhere, but this set can be found on Amazon here; I can't seem to find the velvet-type ones that I have on Babyliss's site anymore but a similar set on their site is here.

Do you use rollers? What do you think of them?

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If Carlsberg did beauty tips...

Let's talk about 'the snip' (not the awks kind). I may be the one of the last people to pick up on this cracker of a tip, but if I'm not then I'd be honoured to share it! I figured I should write something useful...

Anyway, this golden nugget of a tip actually came from my mum who saw it mentioned on Channel 4's Super Scrimpers a while back. I'm a bit thrifty and absolutely love a bargain or a way to make the most out of things, so my mum delivered the goods when she told me about this...

Now, I love my creams just as much as the next girl, so when I'm running low it's about as ideal as a closed shop on payday, especially if your cream isn't the cheapest on the market. I can spend day after day rolling the end of the tube up, determined to squeeze every last bit of product out of it (it's gotta be done!).

But, wait! This is where the *magic* can happen if you're feeling daring. In the dead of night, when no one is looking, sneak some scissors to your secret hiding place, double-check you aren't being watched by the packaging police, and then - in one, fell swoop - snip the top half off, about two thirds up the tube. And breathe...

Simple as that.

I guarantee you'll get more use out of that miracle cream. I've tried to demonstrate below just how much can be hiding...I was genuinely struggling to squeeze more out of this but I just knew there had to be some left...and there is still a fair bit left!

You might feel a tad stingy for resorting to such measures, but that smugness you feel when you give your tube the snip and find another little dollop of cream left is 100% worth it!

After, treat the part you've snipped off as a lid and gently secure the tube in place to keep your cream covered and protected from drying out. Simples!

So. Errrr. That's it.  My top tip! The simplest thing I never would have thought of because it's just not natural to cut make-up/skincare packaging up (it's so priddy); plus, I just always used to assume there was nothing left, until now, muhahahahaaa. So next time, go on...go wild...be a rebel...your skin (and bank balance) will be chuffed you did!

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Mini March haul

My boyfriend and I visited Freiburg over the border in Germany at the weekend (more on that another time), and I couldn't resist popping in to a couple of shops we wandered past, so I thought I'd share a couple of the bits and bobs I bought...

This cute powder-blue top from H&M is basically a vest top with a gorgeous, feminine lace detail across the top half. It was available in a dusky pink and black colour but I loved this as it's perfect for spring, and I'm making a conscious effort to wear a bit more colour now the sun is starting to show its beautiful face. You can see more pictures of it on the H&M site here, but it only seems to be available in black or white so you might have better luck in the store if you like the look of it!

The little sleeveless spotty number was my favourite purchase (also H&M), simply because it's flirty, feminine and who doesn't love a pretty little polka dot? Don't get me started on the pearly buttons <3

It's chiffon in style on the front half, and a cotton material on the back half. I can't seem to find it on the site, but there's a similar-ish one here, minus the pearly buttons, with sleeves and a little more cropped (so, errr, not quite as similar).

Onto the accessories, and it was actually my boyfriend who pointed out this shop 'Six' to me as he thought it looked like an Accessorize (only it's much cheaper...eeep!); yup, he's a keeper...though I think he regretted it when I dragged him in for a lengthy browse. 

I picked up this gorgeous costume ring for only €4.95; I love the lilac stone and it's reminiscent of those 90s mood rings that used to change colour (yup, I had one...too damn cool!). I picked up the two headbands (also €4.95) mainly because I am having a bit of a love affair with pastels at the moment and less because I can pull off a headband... 

Lastly, I threw these candles into the mix because I wanted to share them but wasn't sure they were deserving of their own post (especially since I've not had a chance to try them out yet), and they helped to prettify my 'haul' picture - so there we go. I'm trying to make a bit more of an effort with our apartment, and that includes filling it with candles that evoke that 'running in a field full of daisies' type feeling, so I asked my boyfriend to pick these up from Asda while in the UK. These spring samplers are a really nice way to test out different flavours so I'm chuffed with this little set for only £5.

What do you think of my new buys? Can you recommend any particular Yankee candle scent I can try next?

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