Lately I've been loving...

...Soap and Glory's Girligo Spray-on moisturising mist and Nivea Double Effect Shower & Shave.

£6.50 for 250ml from Boots

The skin on my legs is always a bit dry and it can get quite flaky, but when it's hot, like it has been lately, I'm not too keen on slathering lots of body lotion or butter as I end up feeling tacky and generally a bit yuck. Plus after wearing sun lotion all day it's nice to have naked skin as it were. This is wear the mist comes in. It's super light and gives just enough moisture without feeling heavy. Plus it smells lovely. The bottle says 'Spritz Girligo on all-over post shower for temptingly fragrant, softer, smoother, more supple skin.' And I agree. I got this as part of a mini set at Christmas and I'd definitely consider getting the full size. It's also fab to use after shaving... which leads me on to the Nivea Shower and Shave. I got this at the 99p store and yes you could just use any creamy shower gel but I have found this one to have a lovely rich creamy lather and a little goes a long way. It leaves my skin soft and gives a really close shave. The bottle says it contains 'soothing avocado oil' with 'a delicate passion fruit scent'. It's not very passion fruity in my opinion but it does smell pleasant.

99p!

So there you have it, just some products I think deserve a mention! :D

Sea and Sun Eyes!

I decided to have a little play about with some of my MUA eyeshadow palettes the other day. I wanted a sort of tropical look with golds and blue/greens. I was relatively happy with the results, apart from my rather glittery cheeks and the fact I think it was a bit OTT for a trip to the dentists. I eventually paired it down!

I used 'Dusk til Dawn (top) and 'Glamour Days' (bottom). 'Glamour Days' is new- my sister got it free in an order and gave it to me. The other I've had for a while and just never used it! There is a good range of shades in both and overall they are fairly good quality. I do find there is a lot of fallout though as a lot of the shades are very glittery. I should have done my foundation afterwards- felt very sparkly faced! 

Out of the 'Dusk til Dawn' palette I used the turquoise and the glittery navy blue to the right of it. Turquoise on my lid and the navy in the crease.

Out of the 'Glamour Days' palette I used the top left shade, a creamy highlight all over my lid and to help blend everything at the end. I think I'll get a lot of use out of this shade. I also used the third shade on the bottom ,a beautiful gold, on the inner corners and over the eyeliner on my lower lash line. 

Looks like I haven't blended properly but I had, or at least tried, I am very cack handed!

I used Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara (which I am not too fussed about in all honesty) and a teal-y 'Fearne' (as in Fearne Cotton) eyeliner.

It looked much brighter in real life!

What I settled on in the end. More subtle.

Like I said I was relatively pleased with the results but sadly I don't think blues suit me as much as other colours! Fun to experiment though! 

Olympic Torch

Today the Olympic torch came through the town where I live. I met up with my best friend there and, complete with flags, watched the procession. Really a once in a life time experience and it was great to see everyone so excited and patriotic!

Looking a bit of a sweat but I had just come back from the dentist!

Book Review: The Single Girl's To-Do List

I'm getting through books quite quickly at the moment, what with being rather jobless and all that. I've got another two (nearly 3) to review after this one. Go me.
I loved this book by Lindsay Kelk and was a bit sad when I had finished it! I had nothing to look forward to! Sad. I find a lot of chick lit books to be predictable but on the whole this one wasn't- it was fast paced and had plenty of twists and turns it it. The characters were brilliant, especially Rachel's (the main character) best friends Emelie and Matthew. I could really visualise them. I loved Matthew though. Makes me want a gay best friend too! The story grabbed me right from the very start-vital as if a book isn't instantly engaging I'm likely to give up on it, I'm not into slow burners! Overall it was fun and easy to read- ideal for reading whilst lounging on a sunbed on holiday, I'd imagine. (Aww holidays....snap me out of my reverie please!) Lindsay Kelk is also the author of the 'I Heart' series which I had also enjoyed. Though I actually still need to read 'I Heart Vegas'.  I was confident then that I would enjoy this one also. Which I did. It's obvious that Lindsay has a 'type' in regards to men also. Dan in this story definitely reminded me somewhat of Alex from 'I Heart...' Not a bad thing at all! ;)
I got this from The Works on a 3 for a fiver deal, £1.99 on it's own. Definitely one for the summer!

Phil Smith SOS Rescue Damage- Protection Conditioner

My hair tends to be on the dry side most days. My hair's pretty long, very thick (bushy to boot) and I've got grown out highlights so it appreciates a good conditioner! I got this one from Sainsbury's whilst it was on offer. It's normally £3.99, which I think is a bit steep, but at the time it was £1.99. I've just checked the Sainsbury's website and it looks like there's a 50% off offer across the range - or some of it at least, not quite sure.
According to the packaging 'This intensive conditioner delivers top-level pampering for heat-stresed hair. Protection, repair, shine and softness-it ticks every box.' 
I'm down to the last dregs now and I have to say it's been an excellent conditioner. It has a lovely thick texture (I hate mimsy, runny ones!) smells nice and is very effective in making my hair softer and smoother. I can feel the softness straightaway as I am rinsing it off and it definately makes brushing my hair afterwards much easier. I know you are meant to use a wide tooth comb or whatever but I am really too impatient, drying it takes too long as it is! Speaking of drying, and when I can be bothered to dry it semi properly rather than just blasting it, my hair is left smoother and less frizzy and pouffy. It also contains 'provitamin B5 for frazzled, frequently-styled hair'. Whilst it does get a bit of a beating with the hair dryer my hair it isn't as frazzled as it could be, but as it's been super hot and sunny lately,and I've been spraying on sun protection oil, my hairs been left feeling fried and rather ick and I feel this has been helping.
I'm meant to be on a no buy regarding hair care but I'm so tempted to go get another tube whilst it's on offer!

Laura Factoids!

Just some facts about me!

1. I have a twin sister.She is 6 minutes older than me.
2. I adore sour sweets-the sourer the better!
3. I have a First class degree (but not a full time job atm, grr)
4. I'm a shy thing, but once you get to know me I'm really not.
5. I'm 5ft 4, or thereabouts.
6. I can't stand touching cotton wool. Cotton pads are ok. But the thought of actually pulling some apart makes me want to vom.
7. I'm also a wussy with injections and the last 2 times I have been to get vaccinations I have ended up lying on the table, clammy with a face the colour of putty.
8. I am the least sporty person ever. I don't do team games! I just make a div of myself.
9. I am a magazine fiend and devour them- faves include Cosmo, More and Glamour.
10. I buy far too much nail polish.
11. I passed my driving test on my sixth attempt. That's perseverance for you.
12. I love the Mummy movies and used to have a crush on Imhotep.
13. I can never decide who I like best. Dean or Jess. Gilmore Girls is (was) fab.
14. Getting into bed with cool, clean sheets, is one of the best feelings ever.
15. And putting on new socks is nice too.
16. I love the smell of baby powder, laundry drying on the radiator, Moschino I Love Love, Lush Sex Bomb bath bomb.
17. I really need to get my highlights redone, not feeling the mousy-ness!
18. My first pet was a goldfish called Daisy, after my nana.
19. I used to do Karate and I think got up to purple. I also used to do clarinet, gymnastics and for a short while, thankfully, viola.
20. I watch far too many food programmes. Diners, Drive In's and Dives has made me crave chicken and waffles!

Nail Polish Fiend

I love love love nail polish. I must have near 100 now but I can't seem to stop myself from buying them. I keep telling myself 'No Laura, you have enough now!'  But then I'll see a gorgeous new colour or a new range and I start to sweat like a weight watcher in a cake shop and inevitable I end up giving in to temptation. I actually think my collection could be much bigger If I had a steady full time job so really it's not too shameful!
Well firstly I'll show you my faves. It would be fair to assume that these are the colours I wear frequently but it's not always the case as I have so many that I generally like to wear different ones each times. However my faves are the ones that I put on and think 'Why don't I wear these more often?!' and spend a lot of time lovingly gazing at them like a weirdo.

1. GOSH -Misty Mauve (Special Edition) - I got this, along with the other one, on sale a while back. It's a lovely lavender creme polish. The formula is good being not too thin or thick and it applies beautifully, taking two coats for full coverage.
2. GOSH -Neon Baby (Special Edition)- This is a bright neon pink. It's what I choose when I want Barbie nails and looks delightfully princessy with a glitter topcoat! I normally apply 2 coats but you could get away with just one.
3. W7- Cosmic Purple- I got this for just £1.50 at a local market stall and it's so pretty! It takes about 3 coats to build up the gorgeous purple and blue glitter but I love the end result- so sparkly and quite the statement polish! Just seen a review of Models Own Disco Mix and this is very similar, but much cheaper!
4. Accessorize- Pink Spice- I adore this polish. Every time I wear this I catch myself looking at my nails more times than is normal! It's a lovely bronzey pink duochrome. No probs with application (2 coats) and lasts well.

1. MUA Love Hearts -U Rok- I knew I had to get this as soon as I saw it! It's a blue toned lilac/periwinkle that is perfect for spring and summer. I'm a bit gutted, it's starting to get a bit gloopy and the brush seems to have splayed :( I'll definitely be showing this one some love again soon.
2. Collection 2000 Hot Looks -BMX Bandit- A similar sort of shade to U Rok this is again a purpley blue. I love the Hot Looks range. They always have really on trend shades and they are dirt cheap at £1.79.
3. Natural Collection -Black Cherry- So cheap at £1.89 but so stunning. It's a rich vibrant cherry red with a golden shimmer. Ideal for Autumn and Winter as it's very festive.
4. 2True Glossywear Nail Polish Shade No 30- This is my go-to polish for interviews/more formal occasions. I actually wore this to my graduation :) It's a hard colour to describe. It's a nude with a slight pink shimmer that becomes more dusky the more coats you apply. Sorry that's such a bad description! Anyways it dries fast and application is a breeze.

I have also chosen some colours that I will be wearing this summer.

1. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure- Sea and Be Seen- I got this from Fragrance Direct for only £1.49. It's a beautiful shimmery blue with lilac tones which looks different depending on the lighting. Takes 4 coats on it's own so probably best layered over another polish.
2. No 7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour -Jammy- I love the name of this and it's a great pearly hot pink with fuchsia shimmer.
3. Color Club polish- I got this in a set and have no idea what the shade name is. But it's a creamy peachy orange.Very tropical for Summer.
4. Barry M Nail Paint- Blue Moon- This is a fairly new purchase and is a pale pastel blue with blue shimmer running through it. It is very sheer and I think it needed 3 coats.
5. Nails Inc -Bluebell- Everyone knows about this Instyle mag freebie! Periwinkle perfection.
6. George Quick Dry Nail Varnish -Shipwrecked- I got this last year and it's been rather neglected but I don't know why as it's a gorgeous creamy sea green colour. It's more green than what it looks like in the picture.
7. Collection 2000 Hot Looks- Swizzles- I got this as part of a pack in Poundworld. It's a bright fuchsia- sweet and very girly!

1. BeautyUK Glam Nails-Turquoise Shimmer No. 45- I love wearing this shimmery turquoise green on my toes and looks great under black crackle (if anyone is still doing that!)
2. Revlon Nail Enamel- Rock- Another Fragrance Direct bargain at £1.75. It's a creamy but vibrant violet shade- sort of grapey actually! I can't wait to wear this again. Possibly with some glitter on top too...
3. MUA Nail Varnish- Shade 15- Another lovely bright pink shade. I've only worn this once so far but I was really impressed with the formula and could have gotten away with just one coat. For a quid it's fab!

I've actually started to bore myself now haha so hope this wasn't too tedious for you and I hope my descriptions were adequate! 

GOSH Smokey Eyes Palette-02 Brown

This is quite a recent addition to my makeup collection, I actually won it in a blog giveaway which I was very pleased about :D The palette consists of 4 super soft shades from a pale creamy highlight to a rich dark browny/black shade. I'd read on blogs previously that these were meant to be matte but they are not quite- they do have some sheen, no shimmer or glitter mind. Which I like as it doesn't make them appear flat and dull.
I like the packaging. Simple but smart looking. It also comes with a plastic cover with illustrates how to wear the shades. I followed the suggestion and I was relatively pleased with how it came out. It's more daytime smokey than nighttime smokey! It lacks that punch to make it really smouldering.
I wore this to a interview and whilst I didn't get the job (my talking shit and a cringe worthy silence contributed to that fluff up) I felt my eyes looked professional as it were. All in all a great palette for an easy neutral daytime look.

Not very good swatches, weird lighting!

Soap & Glory Hand Food

It feels like I have permanently dry disgusting hands. Granted I do wash my hands a lot but even when I apply it each night it doesn't seem to work- it's like they're moisture resistant! I can load them up with cream and then put on my moisturising gloves and by morning still feel Sahara dry! Grr. They can get so bad that they crack and bleed. In this case I use like a E45 cream as others just make them sting sooo much. Thankfully they haven't been that bad in while, but they frequently got that way when I worked in a day nursery and was slathering my hands with alcohol gel every 5 mins.

I got this hand cream in the Big Splendour gift set at Christmas. Firstly I love the smell but like I said I wouldn't use it if my hands were super irritated. The texture is good: neither too thin or thick and absorbs quickly. The label says 'The Most Astonishing Hand Cream Ever? You Decide!' Well I've decided that no, it isn't. Actually, I think the best I've used yet was a discount brand one from Tesco for only 75p! This costs £5.00 from Boots. A bit steep I think. I may purchase a mini one again, to put in my bag, as I do adore the smell, but I think I'll experiment with some more. I'm always on the look out for something better!

Foray into Fake Tan

So recently I've felt the need to give some colour to my pasty limbs. I blame my boyfriend for sodding off to Spain. When he comes back I'll look positively anaemic next to him! I'd heard good things about Dove summer glow so when it was on offer in Savers for something like £1.99 I thought I'd give it a go. First things first. Gradual tan my arse. There was nothing gradual about what I woke up to after my first application. It was like I'd put on a regular fake tan and it was obvious where I'd missed. So last night I gave myself another coating and I also put some facial tanner on too so that I wouldn't have a two tone body. I chose Boots Soltan Beautiful Bronze self tan face cream and mixed it in with some normal moisturiser to dilute it a bit.
Back to the Dove for a min, but this stuff takes ages to sink in. However I have found this to be the case with all the tanners I've tried bar the sprays and mousses. Suppose it doesn't help that I load it on for fear of missing bits but still. Makes me feel like a right sweaty get. Plus then there's that typical fake tan smell. My room smells delightful this morning. Nothing like a bit of musty biscuit aroma :/
The results this morning are well..it could be worse. I need to scub a bit around my feet and wrists and give my knees and elbows a buffing. But if you squint it doesn't look tooo bad. My face, though not oompa loompa orange thankfully, looked like I'd smeared lard on it. So shiny and oily. The cream is far heavier than anything I'd normally put on my face and now I have a spot that I feel deserves a name on my nose. Not impressed. But like I said least I'm not Tango'd.

'Manager's Special' at Savers and Boots Soltan Beautiful Bronze face cream-£6.99

Yesterday I dabbled with some make up I could use to give myself some colour. As a base I used Garnier BB cream, it's a smidge too dark for me but in this case works well. I then used Sleek Suade blush as a sort of contour shade and then applied the bright pink Elf blush I've mentioned previously. I also dug out my neglected Honlulu W7 bronzer and gave myself a sweep of that around my hairline and a bit across my nose. I always feel really self consious when I use bronzer but I think it looked ok!

'Honolulu was dirt cheap from Savers too

Cheeky Chops to Cheer Me Up!

Disgusting weather today. Again. So thought I'd put on a this rather cheery colour by No7. It's such a pretty, summery colour. Would look even better with a smidge of a tan but don't think I'm gonna get one! It's a hard colour to catch on camera. It can look more pink/orange depending on the lighting but it's definitely a pink. Albeit a peachy one. Generally I'm not too keen on the No 7 formula - some apply fine whilst others go on awful. However this one went on great with two coats.

Chocolate Cupcakes!

I made these beauts this evening and I'm so pleased they turned out well, they taste lovely. I was inspired by the book I'm currently reading- 'Meet me at the Cupcake Cafe' by Jenny Colgan. I had a craving to do some baking and now I feel like a domestic goddess, haha.

Tesco All About Nails- Southseas

This was an impulse buy during a quick dash to Tesco- I was about to walk away when I spotted it and just had to have it. Plus at just 99p it's a complete bargain! It's a minty/blue shade with some pretty shimmer running through it. It's not obvious unless you look closely or when it catches the light. Similar colours to compare it too could include Bourjois Bleu Model and Rimmel Misty Jade ( I don't own these, this is just based on swatches I've seen online). It took 2 coats to achieve the finish I wanted, which is fairly standard I find, and application was great-not too thin or thick. It dried quickly also which is always a plus. The bottle is quite dinky containing 7ml but considering it's only 99p it can't be sniffed it! Especially when Loreal Color Riche polishes cost £4.99 for just 5ml! Who ever uses up a whole bottle of polish anyway?! Very few I'm sure! I'm really impressed with this line- the range of colours isn't vast but I would have thought they'd have something for everyone- darks, lights, a few brights! I have few others-Perfect Pink and Bronze-and again the quality is outstanding for the price. They really do rival more expensive brands.

Current Skincare Routine

My skin annoys me. It'll only ever look good for about 2 days at most then it'll inevitably decide to rebel and present me with some lovely spots. Even worse is that I tend to get them on my cheeks as that's were I've got large pores. Ta dad for passing them along. They also make a regular appearance on my forehead and chin. So everywhere really.

I hate faffing around with my skin. Predominantly because I am lazy and I either want to go to bed or stay in bed for longer. All about the bed. For that reason in the mornings I'll just slap on some facewash whilst I'm in the shower. I prefer foaming ones for this though they can be a bit drying. I'm using a Soap and Glory one at the moment which I got in the Big Splendour set at Christmas. It's decent enough, nothing special really. And the little exfoliating beads in it do next to nothing.Probably won't repurchase when I can get something much cheaper that does the same.

£7.00 from Boots. Tad steep!

In the evening I prefer to use my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. It's gentle and gets off all my makeup, though it does sting a bit if I get it in my eye. I like the herbal-y smell also. I don't think I like it any more than the No7 hot cloth cleanser I used previously but I would repurchase if I had the money. 

Starter kit cost £14.25 for 100ml pump and 2 muslin cloths. It also came with a mini toner which was gorgeous.

£6.99 from Boots

£13.00 for 30ml so def one for when I've got some monies! I also use this Lacura eye cream when I can be assed. Only cost £1 something-bargainous!

Moisturiser wise I like to use different ones for morning and night. In the morning I will use Botanics Sensitive oil free moisturiser and in the evening La Roche Posay Effaclar K lotion. The Botanics one is a gel and absorbs really quickly- perfect when I'm in a rush and need to do my makeup. The Effaclar K is a thin lotion that again absorbs quickly. I like to think it helps with my spots also!

A recent purchase is this overnight serum that I got from the poundshop. I can't fault the price and it's pretty effective at reducing spots.

Lastly I love this toner. It's probably not essential but it smells lovely and helps my skin feel extra clean. Pfft and I say I don't like faffing around...

£2.99 from Boots but I've gotten it cheaper and is often on promotion.

Wrexham Food Festival

On Saturday I went to the Wrexham Food Festival with my mum and sis. There was a pretty good range of stalls selling all sorts such as cakes, chutneys, olives, turkish delight nuts, local beers, pies, welsh cakes etc... Of course my favourite stalls were the ones selling cakes. I was particularly taken with 'The Little Round Cake Company' stall and had to get one of the Black Forest 'Tweener' cakes. They are described as being mini layer cakes that are inbetween a traditional cream filled sponge cake and a cupcake, that can be enjoyed by more than one person. I don't share though :D I really enjoyed it but I wish there had been more cherry-ness!They were meant to have kirsch in them too but I couldn't detect it. Nevertheless it was still yummy but very rich, I got defeated and had to eat to eat it in two sittings! I would love to try more of their cakes...and their biscuits and meringues too! I also bought some (or rather Mummy did) chocolate and mint fudge. It was very gorgeous and far too easy to eat. Moar please!

NYC Water Street Blue

I've been looking for the perfect blue polish for a while now. Not sure why as it's not my favourite colour but I've had a craving for bright blue nails! I finally found what I was looking for in Superdrug at the weekend. Presenting in all it's long named glory, NYC In a New York Color Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish in Water Street Blue (296)



I applied two coats but I could have got away with one which is quite impressive. I rarely find a polish that has a good enough finish after one coat. As you can see its a vibrant true blue creme and I adore it. Such a cheerful colour :) I've been wearing it for two days now and it still looks perfect (well as perfect as my rather sloppy application can be!) plus it was only £1.79!

I don't tend to check out the NYC stand but I think I'll pay it more attention in the future. Everything's very reasonable priced and, in the case of the polishes at least, there was a good shade selection.

Think I may have to try out some more whilst Superdrug are still doing the 3 for 2 offer. Not that I ever need an exuse!

Romania

I spent this Easter volunteering in Romania. It was my second visit having gone in 2010 in the summer. I went with a group of students from university (even though I have left now, I was kindly invited to go again having been last time and loved it). The aim this time was to work in the village school carrying out educational and craft activities. The majority of children we were working with were gypsy children living in the village of Urvind outside of Oradea. The living conditions of the gypsies is really rather shocking. Many live in metal containers and the most basic of shacks. Alcoholism and violence is also an issue within the gypsy community and I will never forget witnessing a child being hit across the face, with full force, by her  mother. The child was hit for being at school. Were she is supposed to be. Makes me truly mad. The gypsy are generally seen as outcasts and their prospects are not good. Education is certainly not a priority, it is estimated only 1 in 10 are able to read. However the gypsy children are being encouraged to go to school and steps are being taken to improve their education and thus their future prospects. A pre-school programme has been developed so that they can be prepared for mainstream education and after school sessions have also been introduced so that they can get extra support and help with their homework.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would love to go again if I could. Experiencing something like this really does make you realises how much we take for granted and how lucky we really are.
Here are some pics of my time there.

The gypsy village in Urvind

The school which has been developed with a lot of funding

Quite possibly one of the saddest posts ever!!

I'm really rather childish and seem to have accumulated a lot of soft toys in my room despite being nearly 23. The shame.  Please humour me, I have never claimed to be normal! And I'm bored.

Alistair the yarn sausage dog. He was my sisters. Now he's mine.

Ali's companion. Brendan. Named after lovely Brendan from Coach Trip.

Beans and Pudding. Prezzies from my bf Kyle. Beans face is the epitome of 'unimpressed'

Caramel. Again stolen from my sis and now decked out in jazzy beads and cinema glasses. He actually looks blind without them now.

Holly. Looking mint as a bumble bee.

Porkchop. Had him since I was tiny. Much love.

Sweepy Bear. Again another prezzie from Kyle. He does get me grown up stuff now and then.

I can be an adult! I bought car insurance! and this has to be the most special looking meerkat in the world.


So there you have it. An insight into my saddness!