Revive Your Eyes This Winter With Optrex ActiMist

I've been a little quiet on the blog recently, eh?  Well don't fret (I know you won't, but y'know) it's not that I've lot my mojo or anything, I've just been finding a bit more of a balance in life.

Blogging is and will forever be a hobby for me and I've always said I will only blog as and when I have the time to, without forcing myself to stick to a strict schedule etc so for the past few weeks I've been focusing on life, my home, my family and myself.

Beauty | Bourjois Poudre De Riz

 

Ok, ok!  I'll admit it....  I bought this purely based on the packaging alone.  No point in fibbing, eh?

 

The Bourjois Poudre De Riz has been around now for a few years but it's been an elusive wee scamp - it took me a good while to actually get my hands on one and I put that down to it's cult status and, as I already mentioned - the adorable packaging.

Fashion | The £30 Dress I'm OBSESSED With This Autumn

I love that come autumn time everyone embraces the darker side of life! 

Dark lips, big boots and cosy coats for lyfe!

It's no secret that I've never fully grown out of my witchy-goth stage of life and to be honest I doubt I ever really will!  And I adore that in the winter months, stores are filled with all the blacks, plums and greens. 

So I'm sure you can understand why I've completely fallen head over butt for this Pink Clove Swing Dress!

It's got everything I want in a dress - it's black, floaty, not too short, smart casual and really affordable!

Food | IlGusto Ristorante, Belfast

From the people behind Solo Restaurant and Ambrosia comes the new kid on the block, il Gusto Ristorante.

Located on the bustling Lisburn Road, Belfast; Il Gusto has set its roots into the old Combos/ Serendipity Café unit and officially opened it's doors on September 28th 2016.

Fashion | Affordable Plus Size Fashion By Sammy Dress

Recently I've started looking at all the pretty dresses.  I get like that at this time of year! 

 

Think Christmas party, funky dresses with big boots or even a nice wee woolly number over jeans for work.

By Invitation | The First Scent By Michael Bublé

Oh boy, there's a new fragrance on the block guys, and I think you might want to take a few minutes to hear what all the fuss is about!

Newly launched; "By Invitation" is the first scent by the debonair Michael Bublé and it's not just any old perfume with a celebrity name slapped on the bottle.

Lifestyle | H&M Homewear Top Picks

I can't help myself!  I can't stop looking at pretty things!!!

 

I just happened to stumble over the H&M home wear section recently and completely fell in love with the majority of the new stock so today I thought I'd share my top picks of totally unnecessary home wear items that I just need to have.

Beauty | Kiehls Super Multi-Corrective Cream Review

I've said it a few times before but I still cannot deny it, I'm a bad, bad beauty blogger!

 

I'm TERRIBLE at using a moisturiser!

Win | BBB Palette From Make Up Revolution

One of the most beaut eyeshadow palettes ever released by Make Up Revolution and curated by the lovely Jane from British Beauty Blogger is currently sitting in my home looking for someone to love it.

Belfast Culture Night | Friday 16th Sept 2016

This week sees the return of Culture Night, an evening full of FREE events, dotted all around the City of Belfast with activities for all ages.

Now celebrating it's eighth year, Culture Night Belfast is encouraging the public to come down and enjoy an evening of fun, music, live performances and even join in with the Power Ballad Karaoke Championship

Beauty | B.Confident Blemish Serum

It's no secret that I've suffered for years with an uneven skintone, blemishes and large pores, but of course, being the total product whore that I am, I'm forever searching for that new Holy Grail product to ease my woes.

Recently I picked up a whole range of affordable skincare from Superdrug brand, B. is for Beautiful to try out and couldn't stop myself from throwing this Blemish Serum into my basket as the whole range was on offer for 2 for 1.  YES!

Beauty | Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation

Budget beauty brand Collection (2000) have been well known and well loved for years for their amazing Collection Lasting Perfection 16hr concealer - I imagine if you speak to five women, at least three will already own the concealer - it seems to have become one of those budget beauty staples in make up bags around the UK so I figured I'd give the foundation version a whirl.

Described as "ultimate wear foundation" and packed full of SPF 20 and zero oil the Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation, like the concealer claims to also last for up to 16hrs.

Beauty | Current Addiction Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet

Finding the perfect lipstick can be both an exciting and irritating experience.  I could lose hours in my local Debenhams or Boots just swatching, swooning and covering myself in pretty colours.

There's a few things I look for in a good lip product;

Beauty | NEW L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation Review

So....y'know when you're out having the craic, shopping for stuff you don't need and some new foundations just fall into your basket?

 

Well, yea... that happened recently and it happened hard.

 

I mean, I popped to Superdrug to buy one of my favourite blemish serums (post soon) and I accidentally ended up buying three different foundations.
 

Fashion | Grunge Styling From George@Asda

So y'all know by now how much I love George @ Asda, right? 

 

I mean, I've featured many of their items on my blog over the last year, from homewear lust-lists to clothing wishlists.  I just can't get enough of their affordable goodies.

 

And low and behold, here's another lovely wee fashion wishlist to add to the tally.

 

Now, I love a good label as much as the next blogger but when it comes to casual separates for day-to-day wear, you really cannot go wrong with George at Asda - the quality is there, the items wash up great (jeeez, when did I become so OLD?) and they are SO affordable.

 

Seriously, sack off that Primark haul you had planned and get yourself down to your local Asda and have a good hoak around.

 

Beauty | What To Do With Coconut Oil

 

Recently I ran out of one of my favourite cleansers - The Body Shop Camomile Butter Cleanser (link) and if you've ever used that product you'll understand just how frigging amazing it is to just melt off thick eye make up and leave your face feeling wonderful.  But at £13.00 for only 90ml of product, I found myself going through a tin very quickly and my bank winced each time I bought a new one.

 

Beauty | Clarins One Step Exfoliating Cleanser Review

Y'know when you find a product and you just fall for it?  Well enter Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.

Beauty | Benefit Gimme Brow Review

Hands up if you're a lazy girl?!!!

Yup, that's me and I won't even try to deny it!

Ahead of the big release of the re-branded and reworked Benefit's brow range later this month I thought I'd give a quick run down on one of my favourite Benefit products to ever grace my make-up bag.

The Benefit Brow Freebie | Elle Magazine July 2016

Stop the press!!- this month in Elle Magazine you can nab yourself a sweet little freebie from the new Benefit Brow range.

And who doesn't love a freebie?

I'm sure you've all seen the new items from the range and the repackaged and reworked items we already loved but this month in the July edition of Elle I managed to pick up the Goof Proof Brow Pencil in shade 2 (light...YES) that are actually not available to buy until 24th of June 2016.

 

Food | Local Eats: Vandal, Belfast

Beauty | Things I'm Crap At

So, over the last year I've shared a lot on this blog - mainly it's been hauls, product reviews, sometimes even weekly life updates (guffaw those lasted long, eh?)

There's a few small points I don't tend to cover on the blog, you know why?  'Cos I'm shit at them!

Lush Belfast | Father's Day Launch

LUSH have got to be one of the best companies for working with bloggers, right?

 

Well they just got even better! 

 

On May 11th 2016 Lush Belfast held their first EVER blogger event! 

Lifestyle | Surviving The Summer Festivals

I've been to more festivals than I could possibly ever remember.  For over 10 years I've found myself laying in a field surrounded by the best folk I've ever met and all the loud noises I could ever wish to hear.

 

Over the years I have attended festivals in many a guise; as a customer, as a volunteer and as an employee.  And I think I've managed to put together an essential list of items one needs to survive camping for 5 days.

 

Now most of the festivals I attended, I actually had to fly to, so I had to travel LIGHT.  There's no crates of booze or weeks worth of BBQ gear in my backpack.  But I did manage to survive over 5 days, in a tent, in sweltering heat OR rain and still come out of the end not covered in mud or missing any limbs.  

Travel | Barcelona: A Photo Diary

I've been a little MIA recently, eh? 

 

But I can explain!!

 

Life had taken over for a few weeks there and then I went off on a lovely break to Barcelona with my bestest girls to relax, recharge and indulge in some good old fashioned culture.

 

This was my second time in Barcelona - although my first was as a child so I don't think that really counts.  So this time we made sure to do as many touristy things as we could squeeze in.  You gotta, don't you :)

 

Lifestyle | My Little Bubble Box - March 2016

Ohh so, it's May and I'm talking about March stuff ....I'm a tad slow lately but sure, let's ignore that, yea?  Life and all that jazz takes over sometimes.

I couldn't help myself but re-subscribe to My Little Box again.  It's the one subscription box that brings beauty, lifestyle and cuteness together in one place and I just couldn't resist it and boy, am I glad I did.

Fashion | Summer Shoes At House Of Fraser

At the start of May I'm heading off to Barcelona with the girls for a few days of sight seeing, wine guzzling and Sephora haulin'.

 

But right now I'm spending all my time worrying about what to pack.  I'm a big heavy boots and black clothes kinda gal so a few days in what could be heat-wave central could be a bit of a shock to my system.

 

I've been pouring over House Of Fraser a lot recently.  Y'see, I was very lucky to win a gift card from the lovely "Just me, Leah",  If you don't know her, you really need to check her out.  She's a babe!

So, yes... I've been pouring over HoF a lot trying to find something suitable to get spendy on and I've narrowed my choices down to but a few.

I've never been a fan of those thong style sandals, they just don't do it for me but I've managed to find a whole load of goodies that'd do me nicely while away and even better, they're all below £30.00!!!

Lifestyle | Boxcitement Subscription Box Review - March 2016

Are you a lover of all things stationary, cute and creative?  Then pull up a pew and let me introduce you to this months Boxcitement box.  

Boxcitement is a monthly subscription box jam packed full of accessories, jewellery, stationary and greeting cards all squeezed into a slimline box which fits perfectly through your letterbox - ideal if you're out during the day and hate those dreaded red leaflets from the postie. 

Beauty | Wednesday Wishlist With Farfetch

I'm forever lusting and dreaming over new items to add to my make up bag or daily skincare routine.  It's becoming a very long list these days with so many of the items on the higher end of the purse-string scales.

Recently I discovered Farfetch.com, the high-end online retailer specialising in luxury fashion have launched a new beauty section in conjunction with Space NK Apothecary and it's everything you'd expect it to be and more.

I've pulled together a totally drool-worthy wishlist of some of my most sought after items.  'Cos what's better than spending hours day dreaming over the latest beauty releases?

Becca Blotting Power - I've been dying to get my hands on some BECCA products for a while now and this blotting powder is top of my list.  It's non drying and controls shine without adding colour.  Perfect for me as I have combination skin. 

Beauty | Colorsport 30 Day Mascara - Eyelash & Brow Tint

As a natural blonde (I've not seen that for over 15 years though so sshhh) I struggle with my brows.  Oh boy, do I struggle.  Pinky red hair does not go well with blonde eyebrows and I'm not about to start trying to rock that trend anytime soon.

For the last seven or so years since being a brightly coloured-hair lady I've had to make some changes to my routine but getting tinted at a salon can add up.  I don't mind paying more if I'm going for a brow wax and tint but I'm lucky enough that my brows actually grow quite slowly, meaning it can be months between waxes.

I also find that a salon tint fades after a few weeks and I'm left with a set very pale slugs on my face.  Enter DIY at home tinting.

For the last year I've been using this ColorSport 30 Day Mascara / Brow Tint between salon visits and I've been so pleased with the results.  This is a semi-permanent tint for your lashes and brows that is designed to last up to 30 days and it takes just a few moments to do at home.

Beauty | Spring Make Up Menu

It's been a bit of a mundane month for me beauty-wise.  I've been on a bit of a mission to use up existing products before buying more but GAWD, it's just so damn dull trying not to shop, isn't it?

 

Recently I've been shopping my stash and rediscovering some items in my collection and cementing the basics in my daily make up bag and these are the items I have found myself reaching for almost every day.
 

 

Beauty | Product Empties & Speedy Reviews - February 2016

Product empty posts are one of my favourites to read!  You know that once someone has managed to work their way through all of a product then they'll have a good idea of their opinion on it.

Lifestyle | Favourite YouTube Channels

Y'know when you spend all your free time watching videos on YouTube and wonder where the hell the time went?  These are the ladies who have pinched all of my free time recently!
 

Dani Vegas

My go-to for all things black and Goth!  Dani shares her monthly shopping hauls on her channel and has a great knack for finding all things Goth in the most unlikely places.  Good accent & great hair too! 

Beauty | The High End Splurge: Dior Diorific True Colour Lipstick

 

Did you know that Dior have a magic lipstick matching machine?

 

It's true!

 

A few days before Christmas I found myself bumbling around my local House of Fraser looking at lipstick (natch, ssshhh) when I should have been gift shopping.  I got chatting to a lovely lady at the Dior counter who told me about her fancy machine.

Beauty | A Touch Of Drama Smokey Eye Kit By Max Factor

A while back I made a very un-beauty-blogger confession.....I'm TERRIBLE at eyeshadow.

Yes, I know, I know, I hang my head in shame.

Lifestyle | Valentines Gift Guide

Does anyone actually do the whole swoony Valentine thing we are lead to believe exists?  Y'know, the type of thing, being whisked away to spend the weekend in a spa, and having diamond encrusted shit thrown at you.

I certainly have not.

I'm one of those folk that says I don't do Valentine's day.  Oh no, I don't need a specific day to be shown how much G loves me...... but of course I'm lying!

I love a wee bit of tack now and then.  Sure showing how much you love each other is not defined by how big a teddy bear you buy or where you go for dinner etc but if you're in a relationship and don't get/do something on V.D....are you really ok with it?

Not this gal.

I've pulled together a load of shit that I've clapped eyes on recently that have either made me crack a smile or I wouldn't mind finding hiding in my letterbox this weekend.

It's a little mug heavy but who doesn't like a mug?

Beauty | Clearer Skin With Viridian Nutrition

It's a well known fact that I've mentioned time and time again on the blog that I suffered bad acne as a teenager.  I tried everything from creams to pills, over the counter items and prescription meds.  In the end my skin settled as I got into my late teens with the help of a specific birth control pill - Dianette.  I'll talk a little more about Dianette soon though.

Beauty | Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Deep Cleansing Milk Review

 

I felt since I talked about this briefly in my January empties last week (here) that it was only fair to do a full post for the Soap & Glory Peaches &Clean Deep Cleansing Milk.

Coming in at a totally purse-friendly price of £8.00 (but usually found in the 3 for 2 Boots offering) The Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk has been in my life for over a year now and I can't rave about it more. 

Lifestyle | My Little Wish Box - January 2016

My first ever "My Little Box" I'm SO FRIGGING EXCITED!

If you've read my most recent subscription box review here you'll know that I've been on a hunt to find new and exciting subscription boxes recently.  I love having a little surprise delivery arrive on my work desk every now and then but I feel like I've tried most of the big ones and quite frankly, I've gotten bored of them.  How many mascaras does one girl need?

Beauty | Product Empties & Speedy Reviews - January 2016

Speedy review time...... yea?

 

If you've previously read any of my empties posts you'll know I'm TERRIBLE for keeping it short!

 

But sure I'll keep trying.

Food | New Kid On The Block: Kitchen Trotter

I've been on a hunt recently for some new and exciting monthly subscription boxes to try, I wanted to keep my wee postman on his toes y'see and when the lovely folk over at Kitchen Trotter asked if I'd like to try out one of their monthly subscription boxes, I just KNEW he'd love delivering me some new goodies.

So bright and early this morning I received my first Kitchen Trotter Box*.  Priced at £29.99 for a one off box it is on the higher end of the price scale for a monthly subscription box but they do have some offers if you were to sign up to a 6 or 12 month plan (see here).
 

Beauty | Mini Post Christmas Lush Haul

I'm a complete bargain hunter, I'm not going to fib - who doesn't love a good bargain?!

I've said it many times on the blog before that I am ALSO a huge fan of LUSH and have no regrets when I use a full bubble bar or bathbomb in one bath, sure it may be a bit of a waste on money but pretty bathtime treats are one of the few vices I have these days #oldcow

I know many bloggers are running out to LUSH everytime a new collection is released but I want the cheap stuff guys.  So of course I'm going to head into the LUSH sale and see what I could nab at half price.

I'll also admit here that I did actually place an order online around Boxing day - that order came to over £80!  I slapped myself silly and had to phone and cancel it, £80 on bath products was just going to go a little OTT...I spent that £80 on pretty boots instead, 'cos y'know... a girl gotta have some good boots!

Anyway, I decided to just pop to my local store instead and see if there was anything left - to my surprise even three weeks after the sale got going, LUSH Belfast still had LOADS left.

 

Beauty | Blogger Beauty Box - January 2016

Everybody loves a subscription box, right?

Well how about one made for bloggers, BY BLOGGERS!!

That's right, the lovely Vix Meldrew and Reinventing Neesha have put together a Bloggers Beauty Box full of 5 handpicked items, delivered for the bargain price of £10.00.

Lifestyle | George @ Asda Homewear Wishlist

Are George at ASDA killing it right now or what?!

 

I've been obsessed with their homewear now for a good few months, so affordable and great quality that I just couldn't help but add but add another few items onto my wishlist.

 

My style ...if you'd even call it a STYLE is a bit of a jumble.  I've never been one of those sleek white, minimalist types.  I love rustic goodies, geeky accessories, quirky lamps and dark gothic furniture.  I featured a wishlist from Abigail Ahern a few months ago (here) and I feel like ASDA are really pulling some inspiration from her pieces recently with their bold homewears.  It fills me with much excitement.