100 Day Challenge: Week 4 Update.

[image from Google]

I don't know what to say ladies except that I've failed. I could write an essay and go into a million and one reasons why I cracked but at the end of the day, they're all just excuses. It feels really weird writing this because it feels like I've failed you all or like I've been cheating on you and I genuinely feel bad but I just couldn't do it. I got to the end of the week last week and I was tired, fed up and needed cheering up. And I bought stuff. I did, and I'm not going to deny it. I went into Boots and set myself a tame £30 budget and spent £25 on myself. There, I've said it. 

One thing I've struggled most with on this challenge is not having any products to review for my blog. Unlike some of the more established bloggers taking part in the challenge, I don't receive products from PR companies so all my reviews are of products that I've spent my own money on. Now during this challenge, I wasn't able to do this so I really was struggling. 

So, I'm going to make a proposal: I'm going to continue with the challenge but to help me along with my blogging, I'm going to set a £30 a month budget for products to review. Personally, I think this is really reasonable and it's wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy less than I'd spend in an average month before the challenge. I don't know if this is cheating in any of your eyes (please let me know what you think, in a nice way!) but I really want to continue with the challenge as is it saving me a fortune and I was, on the whole, finding it nice to be part of the challenge. Once again, I'll link the other bloggers involved below. This list is from Marvelle's Blog of Shadows (I hope you don't mind me copying this love) and if you're taking part and want to be added to the list, leave her a comment and I'm sure she'll add you on. Please let me know what you think of my new rule and if you've been struggling with reviewing products for your blog.

Sandra from TheBlackPearlBlog - update 1

Grace from allthatslap - update 1

Anne from Fashiony Nails -update 1

Shona from freshbeautyxox - update 1 + 2 + 3 + 4

Jenny from Beauty and the Biryani

Alice from Bright Town Girl - update 1 + 2 + 3

Natalie from natalieroseanne - update 1 +2 + 3 + 4

Katie from Fashion & Beauty - update 1

Jo from Beauty and the Books

Claudia from Beauty and the Chic - update 1 + 2

Linsay from Pandora's Beauty Basket - update 1 + 2

Christina from Tales from the Kingdom - update 1 + 2 + 3

Sandra from Beauty Balm  - update 1 +2

Danielle from Floral Danielle 

Rina from Rina's Beauty

Kate from The Cats Meow - update 1

Lydia from Lydia Sparkles

L&M from CSI Beauty Blog - update 1 + 2 + 3

Sarah from Yummy Mummy in Training

Samantha from Tiny Paint Pot - update 1

Bean from Sparkles and Rock

Gemma from Gemma E R - update 1 + 2 + 3 + 4

Kelly from Kel Loves

Atia from Makeup Monologue - update 1 + 2

Melissa from Son & Star - update 1

Ayshe from Discovering Beauty

Safira Ali from Miss Stylicious 

Hannah from Hannah Marie Beauty - update 1 + 2

Ellie from Mantra Pixie

Evenlyn from We Were Raised By Wolves - update 1 + 2 + 3

Suzye from Love in my heart oceans apart

Sam from Honey Go Lightly - update 1 + 2

Roisin from Brutal Fashion and Beauty - update 1 + 2 + 3

Georgina from Make Up Pixi 3 - update 1 + 2 + 3 + 4

Amy from Paintpotted - update 1

Ana Cristina from We All Think Differently - update 1 + 2

Gaelle from The Make Up Fairy - update 1

Sarah from Some Sparkle and Shine - update 1 + 2

Kerry from Girls Addiction - update 1 + 2

Laura from Laura's Haven - update 1

Hannah from Midnight Violets

Ronnie from Looking at the Stars Tonight - update 1 + 2

Sandra from Just need my coffee (she is doing it for a whole year!!)

Vanessa from The Other VW - update 1

Dee from Confessions of A Makeupaholic

Georgina from Through these brown eyes

Talbs from Talbs - update 1

Sian from Quite Frankly She Said - update 1 + 2

Vanessa from The Other VW - update 1

Louise from Nekomentsu - update 1 + 2

Le Beaute Obsession 

Grace Louise from Grace Louise Beauty - update 1

Sharon from Stagazy eyes - update 1 + 2

K from Life, thoughts, fun and Lush! - update 1

Fuchsia Forest from Fuchsia Forest - Update 1

Beth from Tinkerbell and the Lost Girls - Update 1 + 2

Lippy from Been there, done that, got the lipstick - update 1

Emily Rose from Beauty, Fashion, Life - update 1 + 2

J from What J Loves - Update 1 + 2

Juyey from Juyey Bats - update 1 + 2

Amanda from Amanda's Blog - Update 1/2

Jasmine from Sweetaholic Beauty - Update 1 + 2

Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub.

Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub (£9.50 from Boots).

So the world and his wife are Soap & Glory fans, and I am no exception. I mentioned before Christmas that I got some S&G products which my Boots Advantage Card points but I was saving them for when I moved out. Well, I'm all moved out now so crack open the Breakfast Scrub! Firstly, the packaging, as always with S&G is stunning- I love the kitschy black and white photo of a food processor and the pink and yellow background colours. I love the bowl shaped tub- it definitely looks like a bowl of delicious porridge to me. 

The Breakfast Scrub smells unbelievable- it's sweet and sticky maple syrup scent is only second to, in my opinion, S&G's Whipped Clean Shower Butter. The main ingredients are oats, shea butter, sugar, organc cupuacu (apparently a tropical tree related to the cocoa tree), bio scrubs, bananas, almond and honey extracts which all sound good to me! The Breakfast Scrub is unlike any scrub I've used before- instead of the exfoliating particles being mixed within a cream base, this scrub has a sugary syrupy base which actually melts into the skin. It contains sugary grains as well as larger grittier particles but remains gentle yet effective. I have quite spotty shoulders (ew) and I've found this product really helps to dry them up and keep my skin soft and smooth. It's great for using on dry skin- especially on my feet! I love how this is an all-rounder scrub and you can use it all over your body and it'll have different effects. I love using this scrub, it feels so luxurious and special whilst remaining under £10 for a whopping 300ml and I reckon it'll last me ages! Have you tried the Breakfast Scrub? If not, why not?!

Fairies Wear Boots.

Dress- Topshop

Cardigan- Primark

Belt- Topshop

Leggings- ?

Ugg Boots

OK, so this outfit is nearly all black and fairly simple but I loved wearing it. The dress is a really thin jersey material which Topshop do so well, and it has splits up the sides upto the hips. Initially, I was a bit worried about having my legs on show (I obvs wear them with leggings anyway) but I've got over that now. The dress can look a bit like a sack so I teamed it with my beloved studded belt. I was initially rocking it with my Uggs but swapped them for my ankle boots when I went out last night. I'm not sure where these leggings are from because my Gran bought me them but they're fleecy on the inside and are soooooooo warm, cosy and comfortable! They look more like tights than leggings tbf. 

I had a really nice day yesterday- I got paid on Friday so I treated myself to having my hair dyed and cut (hooray!) and my eyebrows waxed. I love how pampered you feel when you go to the hairdressers and it's a super girly thing to do. I then nipped into town with my boyfriend and some chums and had tea out etc and had a really nice, chilled time. I also got my Tragus pierced which was a semi spur-of-the-moment thing but it's something I've been wanting to do for ages but didn't think my ears were big enough. Turns out they were and I'm super happy with it though and it takes my piercings total upto 9. I hope you're all having a lovely weekend girlies!

Soap & Glory Heel Genius.

Soap & Glory Heel Genius Foot Cream (£5.50 from Boots).

I received the glorious S&G Best of All set for Christmas off my wonderful boyfriend and I've finally got round to cracking it open and getting stuck in to all the lovely treats inside. Since I've started work, my feet have suffered immensely- I'm pretty much on my feet all day at work and as a result, my feet have become tired, dry and hardened. I thought it was time to break out the Heel Genius- which is a S&G product that I've never used before. It goes without saying that I love the packaging- the foundation of the tube is the same as their Hand Food packaging. The main active ingredients are allantoin, glycerin, macadamia oil, menthol, bilberry, orange and lemon fruit acid smoothers.

Foot care products usually have that sickly minty scent to them but Heel Genius has a sweet fresh scent which is neither offensive nor overpowering. The formula is more like a lotion than a cream- it becomes really thin and easily absorbed upon application, unlike a cream which I sometimes find to saturate feet. S&G recommend that you use this product every night before you get in bed and then pop some cotton socks on and let the cream do it's work. I know some people don't like wearing socks in bed but I like wearing those fluffy slipper socks. In the morning, I wake up to super soft, smooth and fresh feet. I personally noticed the benefits of using this product after one use and would definitely recommend it for softening dry skin on the feets. I can see this becoming a much loved item in my beauty arsenal as it's super quick and easy to use. A little goes a long way (one squirt about the size of a chickpea does one foot for me) and you get 125ml for a bargain £5.50!! Have you tried Heel Genius? Let me know what your favourite foot care products are.

100 Day Challenge: Week 3 Update.

Cat Dress; Buckled Shoes; Grab Slouch Bag; Grey Biker Coat.

So, third week in and I'm still going strong. I've been tempted many a time: I tried on some Jeffrey Campbell shoes in the sale the other day but (luckily) they were way too high for me to walk in. I also nearly bought a Henry Holland handbag that was lilac and only £8.50 but, guys you'll be pleased to know, I resisted. I'm still lusting after loads of makeup- but luckily most of them aren't out yet so I'm not able to buy them. I will admit that this week I bought some new gloves because I couldn't find my mittens which seem to be lost in translation during moving out. So I did buy a pair of glvoes from Tescos for £5 to save my fingers from the frosty cold!

I've planned a shopping trip with my chum for when the 100day challenge is finished which I'm looking forward too- I'm torn between having a MAC or Benefit makeover but I've got plenty of time to decide! I'm feeling a lot better about the challenge this week after my bad times last week. Thank you for all your lovely encouragement on my last post- it helped me loads and that's what it's all about ladies! I'll link you to some of the other lovely ladies getting involved in the 100 Day Challenge. I've got this list from the lovely Marvelle's Blog of Shadows- if you're doing the challenge then get in touch with this lovely lady and I'm sure she'll add you to the list :]

Sandra from TheBlackPearlBlog - update 1

Grace from allthatslap - update 1

Anne from Fashiony Nails -update 1

Sarah from Writing & Rambling

Shona from freshbeautyxox - update 1 + 2 + 3

Jenny from Beauty and the Biryani

Alice from Bright Town Girl - update 1 + 2

Natalie from natalieroseanne - update 1 +2 + 3

Katie from Fashion & Beauty - update 1

Jo from Beauty and the Books

Claudia from Beauty and the Chic - update 1 + 2

Linsay from Pandora's Beauty Basket - update 1 + 2

Josie from L'amour Josie

Christina from Tales from the Kingdom - update 1 + 2 + 3

Sandra from Beauty Balm 

Danielle from Floral Danielle 

Rina from Rina's Beauty

Kate from The Cats Meow - update 1

Lydia from Lydia Sparkles

L&M from CSI Beauty Blog - update 1 + 2

Sarah from Yummy Mummy in Training

Samantha from Tiny Paint Pot - update 1

Bean from Sparkles and Rock

Gemma from Gemma E R - update 1 + 2

Kelly from Kel Loves

Atia from Makeup Monologue - update 1 + 2

Melissa from Son & Star - update 1

Ayshe from Discovering Beauty

Safira Ali from Miss Stylicious 

Hannah from Hannah Marie Beauty - update 1

Ellie from Mantra Pixie

Evenlyn from We Were Raised By Wolves - update 1 + 2

Suzye from Love in my heart oceans apart

Sam from Honey Go Lightly - update 1

Roisin from Brutal Fashion and Beauty - update 1 + 2

Georgina from Make Up Pixi 3 - update 1 + 2 + 3

Lipstick Fridays from Lipstick Fridays

Amy from Paintpotted - update 1

Ana Cristina from We All Think Differently - update 1

Gaelle from The Make Up Fairy - update 1

Sarah from Some Sparkle and Shine - update 1 + 2

Kerry from Girls Addiction - update 1 + 2

Tolly Dolly Posh from Tolly Dolly Posh Fashion
Laura from Laura's Haven - update 1
Hannah from Midnight Violets
Ronnie from Looking at the Stars Tonight - update 1 + 2
Sandra from Just need my coffee (she is doing it for a whole year!!)
Vanessa from The Other VW - update 1
Dee from Confessions of A Makeupaholic
Georgina from Through these brown eyes
Talbs from Talbs - update 1
Sian from Quite Frankly She Said - update 1
Vanessa from The Other VW - update 1
Louise from Nekomentsu - update 1
Le Beaute Obsession 
Grace Louise from Grace Louise Beauty - update 1
Sharon from Stagazy eyes - update 1
K from Life, thoughts, fun and Lush!
Fuchsia Forest from Fuchsia Forest - Update 1

Nu Me, New You.

[all images from Morrisons.co.uk]

If, like me, you're finding it hard to stick to any sort of healthy eating or diet regime this January then take a look at this. Morrisons have launched their brand new healthy range of products called NU ME ranging from ready meals, to snacks and treats. I personally love cooking but don't always get the time and I know some people can't/won't cook. The main two areas I struggle with when it comes to watching what I eat is lunch time and evening snacking. We all know how to do  it: eat less and move more, but knowing it is only half that battle, doing it is the hard part! 

So far, I've tried two items from the range. Their Moroccan Cous Cous and Lentil Pot is the range's answer to Pot Noodles- they're super quick and easy for a snack or your dinner and it is soooooo tastey! I've also tried their Cheese Puff crisps which are equally as delicious and are only 100cal per packet- great for those evening munchies. 

The range is also reasonably priced and a lot of it is on offer atm to promote it's launch. Other prodcuts I'm looking to try are the Sorbet Smoothie Collection for that sugar fix and the Reduced Fat Pork Sausages. There's also a handy PDF available on the website called '101 Steps To A Healthies You' which is full of handy hints and tips, just in time for these January blues!

Have you tried Morrisons new healthy range? Got any recommendations of other ranges or products? Let me know in the comments bar below!

Flamingo Fun.

Table Runner (£6.99); Table Cloth (£7.99); Tin (£7.99); Apron (£7.99); Cake Stand (6.99); Storage Bag (£7.99) all from the Flamingo Fun Home Collection in H&M.

Oh how my heart melted when I saw this collection. And then my brain inflamed with rage as I realised I'm on a spending ban. In 80 odd days time these will all be mine! I lovelovelove the pastel pink and blue kitschy colour combo. It'd fit right in with the pastel coloured products that I already have in my kitchen. I love this ice-cream sundae table runner, they also do this pattern in a tea towel too which I want. Me and my boyfriend are planning on getting a table and chairs for the kitchen when we can afford it and this table cloth and runner would be perfect. I love this tin- it kind of looks like a tiffin, they also do it in the powder blue shade and white too. Finally, I have no idea what this storage bag is for but me oh my I'm sure I could find a great use for it! 

p.s I'm sorry all I seem to be doing is making wishlists but all lovely new things are coming out and all I've done all weekend is browse le internet and lusted after things!!! 

Clarins Daily Energizer Cream.

Clarins Daily Energizer Cream (£20 from Clarins). 

I've been using this moisturiser for some time now but haven't got round to reviewing it. I was more than happy to continue using the lovely No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Normal/Oily Skin (mouthful) but my boyfriend's mum kindly got me this Clarins moisturiser with some points she'd accumulated over the years. I've always held Clarins in that unreachable expensive high end product group that I've never really considered using. I've been to spas where they've used Clarins products on me and they've left my skin feeling really nice but I've never felt compelled to buy them for myself. The Daily Energizer range is marketed at the 20-30 age group boasting benefits such as radiance boosting, hydrating and minimising imperfections. The main active ingredients in this range are vitamin C which boosts cellular activity, alchemilla which reduces excess oil keeping the skin matte and red currant which is super hydrating.

The moisturiser itself is a peachy toned rich cream which melts into the skin beautifully. It has a subtly sweet, luxurious scent to it which you couldn't mistake for anything other than a high-end product. This moisturiser is immensely hydrating, too much so in fact for my oily skin which I find a little disappointing seeing as though one of it's main active ingredients is meant to be mattifying. I think this moisturiser would be great for ladies with dry/normal skin because it really softens and hydrates the skin, but for me, it's just not the one. Although the glass packaging makes the product look more expensive, I'm always frightened of smashing it as I'm really clumsy- it's also pretty heavy so it's not that ideal for travel. The moisturiser is £20 for 30ml which isn't great value for money in my opinion; especially when you compare it with the No7 Day Cream which is £12.50 for 50ml. Alas, this isn't the cream for me and tbh, I can't wait to finish it off so I can get back to my No7 Day Cream. Are you a fan of Clarins products? Let me know what you think!

Hearty Cupboard Broth.

I didn't intend to do a recipe post or anything but I was bored last night and decided to make a hearty broth out of odds and ends that I had left in the cupboard. Ultimately, you can use whatever you want but these are the ingredients that I used:

• 1 onion
• 1 clove of garlic 
• 4 bacon rashers
• some potatoes
• butter beans
• veg stock pot
• tinned tomatoes 
• pasta and/or rice
• dried or fresh oregano
• hot chilli powder (optional)
• paprika (optional)

Step 1: Finely chop the onion and garlic and fry, either in oil or fry-light oil spray. Cut 4 rashers of bacon, smoked or unsmoked its your choice, into slices and add to the pan. 

Step 2: Add the veg stock pot or you can use powder if you like and cover with boiling water. Add 1tbsp of dried oregano. Peel and dice some potatoes and add to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes. 

 Step 3: Add one tin of chopped tomatoes and a tin of drained butter beans. Add some pasta, I just used up  a packet of fussili and broke up some spaghetti, and 2 handfuls of rice. Add 1tsp of hot chilli powder and 1tsp of paprika and pepper to taste.

 Step 4: Simmer away for at least 15minutes but you can simmer it for longer if you wish. If anyone wants to know, my pan is from Bhs and it's £40 full price but I only paid £20.

Then it's ready to eat! I know it's a bit of a wishy washy recipe but you really can put whatever you've got lurking in the cupboard in it if you want! It's super filling and I didn't even need a chunk of bread or anything with it- it was super tasty too. I'd love to know if any of you lovelies make this winter warmer- let me know what you put in yours.

Spending Ban Wishlist.

MUA Matte Effect Foundation; MUA Cover & Conceal; MUA Pro-Base Setting Mist; Topshop Lip Crayon in Wave Goodbye; Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Sticks in Bulletproof Beige and Guilty Grey; e.l.f Mineral Eyeshadow in What's Your Name; Benefit Smokin' Eyes Palette; MAC Lipstick in Plumful; Dr Lipp Nipple Balm; MAC Lipstick in Shy Girl; Benefit They're Real Mascara; Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel.

This week I've been lusting after yet more makeup. MUA have launched some new products that I'm interested in- especially the makeup setting spray as I've ran out of all my Collection 2000 spray. I'm liking the look of the Natural shade of their concealer and foundation, plus I'm always on the search for matte foundations. I'm also intrigued to see the quality of their liquid/cream concealer to compare with my beloved Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer. I'm a big fan of Topshop lipsticks but I've heard their Lip Crayons can be quite chalky and drying. However, I've read reviews that this one has quite a glossy finish so I'd like to try it out please. I've seen images of the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Sticks but I've got no idea when they're out. I love the idea of a quick smudge of a pencil then you're eyes are done. I love the colour of this e.l.f eyeshadow and I love their cheap and cheerful products.

I'm a big QVC fan and I watched their Benefit show this week, let me tell you it was torture! I don't know why I put myself through it! I instantly fell inlove with this smokey eye kit- it's got eyeshadows, brow gel, mini eyeliner and tiny tweezers! Plus QVC sell it with a full size nude Benefit lip gloss which just completes the look really. I also saw their They're Real mascara which I've read rave reviews about so I'd like to see what all the fuss is about for myself tbh! MAC lipstick in Plumful-what can I say about this other than get in my makeup bag!!! I'm still searching for the ultimate nude lipstick (well, I've found it but it's only available in Americi) so I'd love to try MAC Shy Girl. I know the name's weird but this seems to be a cult lip product and I need all the help I can get in that department in these cold times. Finally, it's the Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel- I got a sample in my She Said Beauty Box and since then have dreamt of a time when I can justify buying it for myself. Alas, you'll all have to wait another 80-odd days for me my friends. 

Please link me to any of your wishlists!

100 Day Challenge: Week 2 Update.

So I'm 2 weeks in. That's 14 days. Only 86 more to go. Ughhhhh. 

Whenever I think about the 100 Day Challenge I get upset and immediately want to go and buy things. However, when I'm busy like when I'm at work or doing housework I'm not really bothered by it. I won't lie, I'm finding it hard to do reviews on my blog because I haven't got that many products I've not used before to review. The only thing I've come close to buying is that scarf I mentioned from M&S at the weekend. I've also been trying to keep away from the Look Beauty website as all their lovely makeup is half price at the minute. 

I won't lie girls, I don't know if I'm going to keep this up for 100 days. I don't know if I'm feeling the benefits of not spending because I'm not putting any money aside or anything. I'll give it my best shot though. How rubbish am I getting this disheartened this early? That says a lot about my will power! I'll link you to some of the other lovely ladies getting involved in the 100 Day Challenge. I've got this list from the lovely Marvelle's Blog of Shadows- if you're doing the challenge then get in touch with this lovely lady and I'm sure she'll add you to the list :]

[image from Google]

Sandra from TheBlackPearlBlog 

Grace from allthatslap

Anne from Fashiony Nails

Sarah from Writing & Rambling

Shona from freshbeautyxox

Jenny from Beauty and the Biryani

Alice from Bright Town Girl

Natalie from natalieroseanne 

Katie from Fashion & Beauty 

Jo from Beauty and the Books

Claudia from Beauty and the Chic

Linsay from Pandora's Beauty Basket 

Josie from L'amour Josie

Christina from Tales from the Kingdom

Sandra from Beauty Balm

Danielle from Floral Danielle 

Rina from Rina's Beauty

Kate from The Cats Meow 

Lydia from Lydia Sparkles

L&M from CSI Beauty Blog 

Sarah from Yummy Mummy in Training

Samantha from Tiny Paint Pot

Bean from Sparkles and Rock

Gemma from Gemma E R 

Kelly from Kel Loves

Atia from Makeup Monologue 

Melissa from Son & Star

Ayshe from Discovering Beauty

Safira Ali from Miss Stylicious 

Hannah from Hannah Marie Beauty 

Ellie from Mantra Pixie

Evenlyn from We Were Raised By Wolves 

Suzye from Love in my heart oceans apart

Sam from Honey Go Lightly

Roisin from Brutal Fashion and Beauty

Georgina from Make Up Pixi 3 

Lipstick Fridays from Lipstick Fridays

Amy from Paintpotted

Ana Cristina from We All Think Differently

Gaelle from The Make Up Fairy

Sarah from Some Sparkle and Shine 

Kerry from Girls Addiction 

Tolly Dolly Posh from Tolly Dolly Posh Fashion

Laura from Laura's Haven

Hannah from Midnight Violets

Ronnie from Looking at the Stars Tonight

Sandra from Just need my coffee

Vanessa from The Other VW

Dee from Confessions of A Makeupaholic

Georgina from Through these brown eyes

Talbs from Talbs

Sian from Quite Frankly She Said

Vanessa from The Other VW 

Louise from Nekomentsu

Le Beaute Obsession