Thursday 31 January 2013

Valentines Day Gift Ideas....For Him

So last time it was ideas for the girls.... this time ideas for the guys....




with
1. The Nespresso Delonghi Lattissima - http://www.debenhams.com - £230.00

This fancy coffee machine will look impressive on any kitchen counter

2. Lomography La Sardina Belle Starr Camera - http://www.urbanoutfitters.com - £180.00

If the man in your life is into his photography why not get him a camera that's a little different

3. IPad Case - http://www.allsaints.com - £45.00

A stylish and classic case to keep his IPad safe

4. Scratch Map - http://www.iwantoneofthose.com - £9.99

The perfect gift for a keen traveller

5. Treasure Hunt - http://www.marksandspencer.com - £2.50

Add a little bit of fun into Valentines Day with this personalised treasure hunt kit

6. Gordon Ramsay's Great British Pub Food - http://www.amazon.co.uk - £16.00

Traditional non fussy pub grub...hopefully you'll also get to taste what he tries to make

7. Craziest Driving experience day http://www.redletterdays.co.uk - £99.00

Forget the standard drive a Ferrari days...send him on this experience day with a difference

Monday 28 January 2013

Valentines Day Gift Ideas....For Her

With Valentines Day lurking around the corner, I thought i'd start off with a few gift ideas for the females.....



1. Pugs & Kisses card - Urban Outfitters - £3.50

Who can resist a little pug dog?! Simple but would put a smile on anyone's face.

2. Yankee Candle - Various outlets - Prices vary

I don't know of any females who wouldn't be pleased with a candle for any gift...Yankee is a favourite brand of mine and Vanilla is a fairly safe choice of fragrance.

3. Sculpt Your Own Boyfriend Kit - www.prezzybox.com - £9.95

Perfect for that girly friend with a sense of humour....because sometimes it's nice to treat your friend on valentines day too

4. Heart Photo Frame - Debenhams - £20.00

Photo frames are always a winner. Complete with some photos of the two of you and it's easy effort for a thoughtful gift.

5. Spa Experience Day - Red Letter Days - Prices vary

Every female loves to be pampered. Why not buy a her a voucher for two so that she can take you or a friend with her.

6. Valentine heart cake - Waitrose - £11.99

They say food is the way to a man's heart and cake may be the way to a ladies...

7. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch - Selfridges - £229.00

A classic watch that will put you in her good books for a while...

Sunday 27 January 2013

Who doesn't love a freebie?


I don't think anyone would say no to a freebie now and then.

Flicking through the March edition (yeah... It's still January!) of Cosmopolitan UK, I spotted they have a choice three little Elemis products with next months issue.

There's the option of Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser, Loving Lips Quenching Lip Balm or Skin Clear Mattifying Shine Control Moisturiser.

I will probably end up buying two copies to try and get both moisturisers as I already have enough lip balms and its a fab way to try out the products without splashing the cash for the full size.

Friday 25 January 2013

Bedside Essentials....



There's something so relaxing about getting into a cosy bedroom, catching up on blogs or curling up with a book before bed time. Then before I hit the hay these bedside essentials form part of my nightly routine.

1. Cath Kidston Cuticle Cream

I'm desperately trying to get my nails to grow stronger and longer and this nourishing cuticle cream applied nightly seems to be really moisturising especially in this cold spell we're having.

2. Cath Kidston Blossom Hand Cream

Following on to keep my hands soft, this hand cream is one of the best I've ever tried. Quickly absorbed and had a slight almond smell!

3. Sara Happ - The Lip Slip

I was bought this as a gift and this is by far the most expensive and luxurious lip balm I've ever owned. Not really one to be used in the day as its quite sticky but perfect as an overnight treatment this cures chapped, dry lips immediately.

4. Q & A - 5 Year Journal

I love the idea of looking back on a diary to rejig memories but writing a page or so is a bit too time consuming when you just want to get some shut eye. The idea of this journal is that you answer the same question every day for 5 years and at the end you'll have something to look back on and compare over the years. A perfect little memory book.


What are your bedside must haves?



Saturday 19 January 2013

Things to do on a snowy weekend...

The UK has been been hit with some pretty bad (for the UK!) in places leaving a lot of us having to cancel our weekend plans. Instead of being sat at home twiddling your thumbs and checking out the window every five minutes to see if the snow (yes...me!) has melted... Here's some idea's of some productive things to do...

1. Spring Clean

Technically we are nowhere near Spring yet (wishful thinking!) but there's no better time than being home bound than to start having that clear out you've been putting off for ages. Tackle one area at a time whether it be the kitchen or your bedroom and do a good deed at the same time by giving unwanted items to charity. Particularly good for making new room for your new spring/summer wardrobe.

2. Go for a winter walk

Put those wellies on and get some fresh air. Most of us are constantly cooped up in an office 9-5 and the fresh air will be beneficial to both your health and mind.

3. Catch up with old friends

With the busy lifestyles we lead now is often hard to keep in contact with everyone we know, distant friends and family included. Make the most of the time to have a catch up on the phone, by Skype or even writing letters or a note. Guaranteed to put a smile on their face as well as yours.

4. Try something new

Whether its testing out a new recipe you've been wanting to for ages or having a dabble at a DIY project. This is the perfect time to use what resources you have already and put them to good use.

5. Rest!

Guaranteed a lot of us never make enough time for ourselves. Have a pamper session, catch up on those box sets and have some wind down time on the sofa.


Monday 14 January 2013

No 7 Youthful Eye Serum





I've been aware of No 7 products for as long as I can remember mainly trying out new products when I've received one of the money off vouchers in Boots. Since the launch of their new foundation colour match service which I was really impressed with, this has encouraged me to try more items from their range.

I spotted a poster in the window of Boots advertising their new Youthful Eye Serum. Now I'm in my late 20s skin care is something I see more importance in and having noticed a few fine lines starting to appear around my eye area I'm always on the look out to try new products.

This new eye serum claims to be clinically proven to visibly reduce wrinkles and crow's feet in just four weeks as well as smooth and brighten the eye area.

The serum contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Cassava and anti-ageing Peptides (no... I'm not sure what some of those are either?!) and retails and £19.50.

I will test this product over the next for weeks, applying twice a day as recommend and provide a follow up on results seen.

Having tested it a few times so far I can comment that the product applies easily and melts into the under eye area patting I to the skin and does not irritate my sometimes sensitive eyes.

No 7 is available in Boots in the UK and they currently have a 3 for 2 offer to take advantage of.



Saturday 12 January 2013

Wish List

wish list




A quick wish list post this weekend as I'm currently recovering from having my wisdom teeth removed... Ouch!

1. I am slowly building up a collection of satchels and this Red Cambridge Satchel is a classic. I know this would last me years and would add a pop of colour to any dull outfit.

2. This Topshop petite jumper is £36 and would be a perfect addition to see me through the last few winter months and with it being a pastel colour this would see me through spring and as an evening cover up for unpredictable British summer weather we always seem to have.

3. I already have a black skater skirt similar but this grey one from the petite range in a Topshop would be another staple in my wardrobe. They are so versatile and can be dressed up or down. This is a bargain at £16.

4. I love this style of dresses and this Spring 2013 addition would ideal for work both in winter with a cardigan or on its own when the weather starts to get warmer. I always feel ultra feminine in this style dress and think they are so flattering to any silhouette.

What's on your wish list this weekend?

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Wish List Wednesday



 
1. I've been contemplating getting a full fringe for a while but there is always the worry of being bored of it after a week or two and having to wait through that awkward in between stage. Trying a fringe/bangs out with a fake fringe seems like the perfect solution.

2. I tend to switch up my mascara every time I have to repurchase and have heard great things about this particular one. I like to wear a waterproof product during the summer months especially for holidays and this isn't officially listed as waterproof so seems like the perfect time to try this out.

3. This seems to be a cult product in the beauty world at the moment and would be perfect for refreshing tired skin in the ever changing heated/air conditioned office environment I work in and to refresh my make up during the day.

4. This is one of my favourite perfumes which I have currently ran out of. I always seem to be complimented when I am wearing this fragrance.

5. Another repurchase item, this pre-shampoo treatment seemed to work wonders on my hair in a bid to strengthen to really get the length I am after. It's a protein treatment that doesn't moisturise so you still need to follow up with a regular or intensive conditioner after washing your locks.

6. Because a girl can never have enough nude and bronze eyeshadows...

7. I've been a fan of Xen-Tan since the original tan was released, then moving onto the Absolute Luxe version which really impressed me. This new Moroccan version is meant to be their darkest yet so I would save this for nights out with the girls.


 Have you created any beauty wishlists for January?

Nat x

Sunday 6 January 2013

Gifts and Gadgets...







Stylebook App

Sunday has been spent laid on the sofa feeling poorly, watching films including the 90s classic Clueless. Seeing Cher and her virtual wardrobe/closet computer reminded me of an amazing app that is available for the IPhone.

The app is called Stylebook. The idea of the app is that you can add all the items in your wardrobe and create looks just like in the film!

The app takes some time to set up, adding each item individually. It helps to take the picture of the item on a contrasting background for a clearer image.

It's very user friendly and each item can be added to a category such as dresses, then subcategories for the type of dress.

I'm slowly adding all my items and think this come in so handy for planning outfits for holidays/vacations in a hope to pack strategically rather than taking lots of random things that never seem to look right when I get to my destination.

The app is available from I Tunes and is currently priced at £2.49.

More information can be found on the Stylebook website at http://www.stylebookapp.com/









Friday 4 January 2013

Friday Five.....

Upcoming films I want to see.....

1The Impossible - This is a film about the tragedy of the Tsunami that struck in 2004 and one families story on their holiday in Thailand, starring Naomi Watts. This film is bound to be a tear jerker and I just can't help but feel a little insensitive for the release date to be so close to the anniversary of the disaster. This is showing now in the UK cinemas.

2. Playing For Keeps - Gerard Butler stares in another rom com this time trying to build up his relationship again with his son and ex wife. Gerard never fails to disappoint and who doesn't love a good chick flick? Showing in Cinemas from 1st January 2013 in the UK.

3. Gangster Squad - Set in 1949 in LA as the police try to keep the city safe of gansters. The film has a fantastic cast including Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Out in cinemas from 11th January 2013.

4. I Give It A Year - Another rom com, this is from the same writer as "Borat" and "Bruno" about a newlywed couple in the first year of marriage.Starring Anna Faris and Simon Baker. This also stars Stephen Merchant and after his performance in Hall Pass I think he will be a high credit to the film! Released in February 2013.

5. Warm Bodies - A zombie film with a twist that's part comedy part horror. I've never been a big fan of zombie films but after seeing the trailer about a zombie (played by the gorgeous Nicholas Hoult) falling in love with a human this has made it onto my must see list. Released in the UK cinemas in February 2013.

Wednesday 2 January 2013

New Years Resolutions....







So it's January 2nd and I can say i've completed number one from my new years resolutions. I never usually  make them but I feel like I've reached a point in my life where I want some new goals and challenges.

Starting a blog is something I've wanted to do for a while but have never had the confidence to do and little time to devote to one. I hope to include a bit of everything in my blog including beauty, crafts, food, travel and anything else in between.