Friday Favourites #5

How is everyone today? Hope you had a quiet and peaceful week? I know I didn't! Ever get one of those crazy non-stop weeks? Umhumm, that was me! I am going to make some serious plans of action over the weekend and get all my Valentines Day posts up for you next week. Until then, here is some of the things I have been loving the past few days.

 Thing: Night Time Relaxing

I have had a stressful and go-go-go! week, so bed time is my wind down and relax time. A nice cup of tea, a hot water bottle and a book or magazine is just what the doctor ordered. I got my copy of the March Cosmo (British edition) which I have yet to even open. However I practically absorbed Kill Marsell's 'Take a chance on me'. I will (fingers crossed) have a review for you guys soon.

Site: Instagram

Now let me be totally honest, I was not a fan of the whole 'expand your blog' business with twitter (-which I am still afraid of) and the likes. But oh how could I have left it so long to make an Instagram account? I use it everyday and tend to put up a photo or two, just to show everyone whats popped into my life without having to blog or Facebook about it. Apart from that its amazing to share and see some true works of art (and a lot of glitter!) I would recommend making an account and becoming part of the community - its amazing. And of course you can follow me at http://instagram.com/bigblondegirl/ or just have a nose at my pictures.

Product: Collection (2000) Fix Me Up

I had been eyeing this 'long lasting make-up fixer' since the start of January wondering if it was worth almost €10 for a small bottle that had some very mixed reviews. But Boots are having a sale 3 for 2 at the moment and I had to have it as it was just over €6. I am glad I did because I am now in love with it. I will do a proper review once I have used it a little more and see if its just the honey moon phase I'm in with this product.

Music: Sandi Thom Wish I Was A Punk Rocker
All the way back in 2006 this song was released and this week for some unknown reason it popped into my head and has been there since! A nice bit of nostalgia for you all if you want to listen to it here . I clap along completely off beat to this day still, but wow its such a good song!

Product: Boots Camomile And Lemon Balm

For under €3 each I could not say no to the lovely summery smelling shampoo and conditioner as I badly needed one. - I had washed my hair with body wash that morning. Not sure if I should be ashamed or not? Its cheap and cheerful, not to mention smelling really lovely in the bottle and lasting all day in your hair. It also makes my hair soft and the condition is fine but not as good as something like my herbal essence hair mask. I will pick up the shampoo again, just to catch the smell of my summery hair!

Thing: A Notebook And Pen

I would have been a headless chicken this week if I didn't keep handy my trusty notebook and a pen. Meetings, shopping list, errands, recipes, blog posts... The list goes on. All I had to do was scribble things down as they came to me or if I needed to remember something, a quick root through my bag and chaos subsides. Yes, a permanent addition to any handbag. 

So my lovely guys and girls thats what has been occupying my week, keeping me happy. I also can not believe it is now the 1st of February! Finally some hints of Spring and perhaps if were lucky even Summer? Who knows! As always have a fab weekend and I will see you soon!  

Highland Aromatics: Coorie-in Basket Set

 Well hello! My week has not been going to plan as far as my posts and Valentines day posts go, so I thought I would post this review to give you all something nice to read! I hope that later today or tomorrow things will be back on track. Until then, fingers crossed it all goes to plan!

The basket, body butter, soap and bath bomb.

I was oh so excited to receive this because it was a name I had never heard before and I love trying out new things. The packaging alone was so cute and rustic looking. I am a sucker for packaging, especially if you can reuse it. The contents of the basket smelt lovely with a small, sweet smelling bath bomb, small soap and mini body butter. They looked amazing wrapped separately in little pieces of tissue paper. It had beautiful font on the bottle, along with the delicate matching tags. 

I researched the Highland Aromatics only to find that their website is a bit all over the place. A lot of links and tabs lead to nothing at all, with only half their products on the site. I found quite a lot of things produced by them on amazon.co.uk but because it wasn't the main site it didn't give a proper list of ingredients or information. Also, if you are thinking of buying something of theirs from amazon be aware that the picture is bigger then the product, as many people in the comments were angry about it. What I do know is that they are a family run business for 35 years who are best known for their soaps. Much of the Scottish highland inspires these products and they are environmentally friendly. 

The little bath bomb sunk to the bottom of the bath and disintegrated  into a white pile. To my horror it expelled little bits of lavender and what looked like twigs. before I got in I had to mix the water up to distribute the left over bath bomb which didn't colour the water or give out a smell. I sat in a bath full of plain water while twigs and pieces of foliage floated by. I got out early only to spend five minutes picking bits of the floating matter off me. I was not impressed at all and the bath was very hard to clean afterwards with the bits clogging the drain and sticking to the bath sides.

My bath water. There were bits EVERYWHERE!

I tried the body butter hoping that it would make me forget about the bath incident but it only softened the blow slightly - no pun intended! It wasn't what I was hoping for at all, being thick and hard to make sink into my skin. I had to stand like the statue of Jesus in Rio for ages and flap my arms about to try help dry off. I did notice once it dried in that the smell was really rich with earthy type undertones. It wasn't over powering and the smell stays on for hours after, something more high end products don't always do. 

Beautifully packaged and presented bath bomb.

Lastly there was the little soap. It smells like the body butter and is so moisturising. It left my hands soft and lovely. If I was to go buying it all over again it would be nearly worth it for the soap!

Overall I was very disappointed as I had high hopes for it. However, after looking at their other products I might try again and pick up something else. Maybe their shower gels and other soaps are the things to rave about. 

Have you ever tried Highland Aromatics?

NOTD: L'oreal Sublime Platine

I had to do a NOTD to tell you all about a nail varnish I picked up on sale in Boots a few weeks ago for only €4, but I think its normally at the €6 mark. Its L'oreal Colour Riche in Sublime Platine 819 and as you can see, its a gorgeous silver that is so eye catching. 

The first time I used it I could not get over how much I kept looking at it and how beautiful it looks on. You will only need one coat of this as it is a more high end product (then what I normally use!) that deserves the name. The brush is wide and easy to use, none of this blobs and painting one nail for 5 minutes business.  This will stay on your nails for about 2 days before it starts chipping. The second time I used it I put on a finishing coat and it lasted me nearly 3 days but I accidentally bit my nail and it started chipping, oh dear. Taking it off is really easy too with one cotton pad soaked in nail varnish remover doing all my nails in one go. 

I have also been eyeing up Barry M's glitter nail paint in Amethyst Glitter that I think would go so well as a top layer with this. I may just pick it up! I would highly recommend having a look through L'oreal's massive nail colour collection and see if anything takes your fancy as these are amazing varnishes and I know I will be getting more of in the future. 

Whats on your nails today?

Valentines Day Gifts For Her

It doesn't matter if its a first date or the 20th year you have been together, all girls love to be pampered and given something special. This could be a dinner out for the two of you or a romantic night in. So here are a few things and ideas for your lovely girl with a price range to suit everyone!

Find her favourite sent: I think it is safe to say all women love perfume and have at least 5 favourites! To help you out, why not ask a friend or family member which she likes the most? There a loads of gift sets you can get from perfume shops or in Boots.  YSL Parisienne Gift Set is about €32. Kylie Minogue's Darling Gift Set is a steal of just €12 according to there site and DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom is about €42.

Be cheeky and have fun: Has she read the famous Fifty Shades of Grey book? Why not get her some joke toilet roll? I would laugh! Or if she is a reader then a little funny Don'ts For Wives Book will be sure to get you a bit of a sore head! And to go with a good book I always love a cuppa, this is too cheesy not to add in! The No Sugar Needed Cup! Ugh, I want one ha!

Its all about romance: How about a stay at home dinner cooked by you for the lovely lady? Find a few helpful things on the bbc food/recipes site as it has a great big A to Z and has measurements that I understand! You can make her favourite dishes, pick up some fancy deserts (or make them too!) and light some candles. That is sure to impress her! Dotcom gift shop do some beautiful little candles like these rose ones to set the mood or some lovely glass jars here and here. 

Careful how you go: A helpful hint for all out there, unless you know your girls tastes and sizes do not go and get her jewellery or clothes. You could end up spending money on something she wont wear or worse yet - you could get her dress size wrong. And depending on if its too big or too small, it might be your last valentines together! So ask one of her friends for help if you are set on getting her a special necklace or those earrings you think she would love. 

Do the cliche: Girls and guys make your lady happy with some chocolates, a teddy or even the classic rose. Its so overdone and bad its good. Go that extra mile and embarrass her (in a nice way!) with a heart or 'be my valentine' balloon.

Always remember: This a one day thing, don't have hang ups if its not perfect or your not buying your girl things that are overly priced anyway! If your spending the day together, lucky you. Watch a film online and make some popcorn. Write her a cheesy but personal love letter or poem. Send her a sweet text and tell her your thinking of her. Its always the thought that counts the most.  

February Blues?

Everyone has heard of the January Blues. That time of year when the rush is over, the money all spent on extravagant last-minute buys, the festive things are packed away for another year, its cold, dark and there is hardly any sun. Its easy to feel a bit down. But I am noticing that more and more people are still feeling this way when Friday next week is the 1st of February. Now that just will not do at all, not if I have a say! So sit back my dears and listen, er, read.

Those silly new years resolutions. You broke them the 2nd of January and its ok. There is an entire year to get back on track. Hell, I still buy fruit to decorate the fridge and table, not to eat! I gave up the walking and have turned to swimming. Maybe have a look into an alternative hobbie/activity/event that you originally planned to do this year if its not working out for you.

Don't feel down about a tight budget. There are loads of things you can do that needs little or no money at all! For instants, those creative types out there why don't you start a blog? Its fun, free and something nice to keep your mind active. Or why not read? You can join your local library for free and there are lots of resources. If all that is not to your taste and your more of the social variety how about volunteering? You can pick hundreds of things from helping elderly neighbours with shopping to fundraising to helping animals to going to your local community centre to help with sessions for a few hours. You will be surprised by how much you enjoy it, make new friends and have something to feel positive about. You might even find yourself wanting to do it long term.

Give yourself a good spring clean: Out with the old and in with the new as they say. Go on, do a big clean out of your bedroom. Throw out rubbish hidden under the bed, sort through shoes, books and clothes and then either give them to family,charity or even try your hand on Ebay. Alternatively you could ask your friends to do the same thing and then meet up and swap items you would like.

Eat yourself happy people: Yes, you heard me right. Spinach is full of folic acid, magnesium, vitamins A and C. It will improve your mood.  Eggs have protein which means you feel full longer and are more alert. Its bursting with omega-3, zinc, vitamins B, D and B12. That ticks healthy teeth, hair and nails off the list for you. Dark chocolate is a treat and releases mood-lifting endorphins while being lower in fat and sugar then milk chocolate. 3 bars I hear you say?! And then lastly Garlic. I promise it wont keep the Cullens away and it is fantastic to help your mood, energy and blood flow. Mmm, yum!

Make lists: Get some paper, do it in your head, blog it, facebook it or email it. Lists are wonderful and I am a big fan. Take time to think about what you would like to do this year. Write down lists of places you want to visit, even if its just pretend. Spend time with your dreams and have a happy page at the end of it to enjoy re reading. I'm not a big traveller so I like to write lists of all my favourite songs and bands I hope to see one day. Of course they will come to play in my living room, only when I invite them and whenever I want....

Enjoy the people you love: You do not know everything about a person, no matter what you think. Take time to go and see that friend that you only really see when in a group and don't talk much. Go visit your grandparents and ask them about when they were young, its stories they love telling and you wont get to hear them always. Tell your neighbours you'll help paint the gate when their doing it in the summer. Being with people, talking, listening and spending time is the best thing you can do. Its 100% free and makes you feel happy. So why sit online all day or on your own between school/college/work when there are people you love right there?

Remember it takes a whole lot more muscles to frown then it does to smile, so smile and I hope everyone will be a little happier today. 

Friday Favourites #4

Would you look at that, I'm now nearly blogging a whole month! My oh my, doesn't time fly when you are having fun? I have now Facebook and Instagram to go with it too and hoping to one day enter the world of twitter - but not brave enough yet!

In the next week I will be doing a few blog posts for Valentines day. Yes I know its still January but you have to be prepared! And if you are buying something online it is best to get it ordered as early as you can. Now, let us get on to my favourite things this week!

Mmm, looks good. One please!

Drink: Tesco's Peach Sparkling Water

For just 83 cent you get the best drink on earth that has, would you believe only 9 calories! Nom, I have only just found the Tesco own brand drink but I want to go buy a box full! It is really refreshing and I love how the peach isn't an overpowering taste like some fruit drinks can be. It also has the added benefit of being better for you then coke or other fizzy drinks, yay!

Product: Carmex Soothing Lip Balm

This week my lips have been needing a little TLC because I have a cold. This lip balm is my go to at the moment as they are sore, dry and chapped. I love the original  which has menthol and camphor that has cooling pain relief. Word of warning, avoid the little tubs as its hard to get the product out! 

Film: Django Unchained

Stephen and myself went to see this during the week. It was so good and parts had the whole cinema laughing but it was very sad too as it depicted black slavery and the journey for Django to find his slave wife. I do not take well to anything even slightly upsetting or violent and this was both, ha! Stephen actually wrote up a really good review on it over here which will explain it a lot better then I can! 'It was sad' was all I could say after! Also, a cheeky Instagram photo to the side there showing our tickets. Not too bad considering I couldn't use the app for ages! Sigh, me and new things never work. I break them, this is why I can't have nice things!

Book: The Woman Who Went To Bed For A Year
I have just finished this book and I was delighted by how good it was. I had it on my wish list on amazon (I have a kindle) for ages hoping the price would come down but then Stephens mum lent it to me, Yay! Sue Townsend has written a thought provoking book in a strange way and had me laughing out loud on long rides home. Not something to read if your not a fan of people staring at you mind! If you come across it do read the back and see if its one you can love too. I'll have a review up soon!

Site: TwistedSifter.com
This site has some fun things on it but this one post had me taking down notes and committing it to memory! Its 50 Life Hacks to Simplify your World. I did not know paper clips had so many uses! And the how to light a candle without burning yourself is something I am now very glad to know about. I will totally be trying the brownie in a mug too, it looks too good not to!

Game: Plants vs. Zombies

This is an app for phones and you can also play it online. I am loving it right now and it can get addictive! The game is set in your back yard with the zombies starting to arrive over your back fence and slowly making their way to your house. If they enter your house your well, dead. So the aim of the game is to kill them by using different plants which you can get once the sunflowers you plant produce enough sunlight. This game has won over 30 game of the year awards and I can see why. You can check it out on a cool site over here. 

Have a happy Friday everyone and a fab weekend! I'd love to know if you try any of these things or already know and love them.

ASOS Dress

Image: http://www.asos.com

This is a dress that I got from the ASOS Collection in the January sales. It has the most lovely floral print with a dark green background, a crew neckline with a collar and mesh inserts. Some cropped puff sleeves, a  fitted waist and flared skirt along with a hidden zip at the back. It is really the perfect cut for the more curvy girlies like myself. They also do a 'curve +size range' from a uk size 18 and up.

It was originally €60.68 but I managed a steal of just €26.97. ASOS has a 25% off student discount right now for Irish and UK students up until 9am Friday, so get crackin' on and find something lovely for this Spring. To make matters better they do a standard free delivery service worldwide. Now isn't that a little extra happiness in your life? I hate paying for shipping!! Visit them here.

Happy shopping!