The Best Of Beauty Challenge: Beauty Treatment

Men! Women! How in the name of god are you all doing?! Your lookin' well, I'll say that! Would you pick yourselves off the floor and stop that carry on. Yes, I'm aware I have a #BOBBlogChallenge up and ready to go on time - you can follow that hashtag on twitter to find more of these deadly blog posts! So you know the story well by now, Sam the sexy lady that she is hosts this blogger challenge and her lovely blog is AllTheBuzz, I'll wait here while you open the link to a new page.. Done? Grand job!

This is the second last week of this challenge and I couldn't go a full blogger challenge without mentioning one of my utter most favourite things in the world: Sex. I mean, what better treatment to have then a little TLC of yourself. Like any beauty treatment, we all have our favourite potions'n'lotions and who else would know what you like apart from yourself? (or if were getting technical here, a good boy/girlfriend/partner who listens - shock horror!) Sex or masturbation is good for you, it relives stress and pain, helps you sleep better and gives you a work out at home just to name a few benefits! So this week I'm thinking outside the box, or pot of cream if you will.

What is the best way to have a fab little bit of you time? Close the door, turn off the phone, maybe throw yourself into a nice bath and then off to bed with you. My favourite thing about a night like that? Having a quick deforestation (or shave to you normal folk) of the important bits so your silky soft and then getting to put on some nice knickers. Why can't you dress up just for yourself? Or indeed if your other half is waiting for you in bed, he will appreciate the effort and meow, woman do you look fine in sexy lingerie. (As opposed to the faded SpongeBob knickers I tend to sport on a normal day.) But sexy doesn't have to mean expensive. I just picked up some knickers in Pennys the other day that I have no doubt will make me feel fancy once I eventually stop taking photos of them and actually get to wear them for the first time! (Aren't they pretty? And so soft! I'll have a haul post soon)

After getting all silky theres no point in not feeling up your handy work or let your partner have a go. Lush do a-feckin-mazing massage bars and I am a massive fan of their cute heart shaped soft coeur. Above in the photo! Theres cocoa and honey in it along with all the fab oils - It doesn't taste half bad when you lick it off either. Just a FYI for you people out there planning on letting someone else join this treatment night!

Next on my list has to be a toy. This can be a vibrator like this one here but if your really treating yourself get this set here. Or if the fella is getting involved then why not a cock ring so the two of you can both share the pleasure at the same time. I really like this cock ring, handy, cheap and cheerful! (- for any ladies out there there is a vibrating finger cover version of cock rings. Boots doesn't seem to stock them but I know for a fact that bigger Tesco's do!) Sex toys are becoming easier to buy, your local chemist, Boots or indeed even Tesco will stock all the essentials. My personal fav lube is this one here as you can use it for a massage too and who doesn't love something thats sweet while containing Vitamin E? Divine.

Lastly, the best treatment you can give yourself? - besides masturbation or sex that is! Sleep. No amount of creams or goo can measure up to the thing that is a good long nights sleep. So after all the fun and games are over make sure a hot water bottle is at hand and hit the hay. You can thank me later ;)

Battle Of The Affordable Dry Shampoos

If you've been round these parts a while you'll know I'm a bit mad for my dry shampoo. There is nothing as good a freshen up of the mop of hair if your out of bed late or even if its just to give it a bit of a lift and extra shiny cleaness. But is there a good tried and tested dry shampoo that is affordable yet does an amazing job too? That my friends is where I come in, testing out the good, bad and the plain awful so you don't have to!

I have poker straight hair that needs a wash every day, otherwise you can clearly see the grease in my hair. Sexy right? Ugh!! So if I am really desperate I'll throw in half a bottle of dry shampoo to combat the grease until I can find a shower, sink or deep puddle to dip my head in. I just hate having dirty hair, its the worst feeling! So lets start off with the dry shampoo Spirit of the Carnival from Super Drug. This was actually not too bad if your hair is only a little greasy and your looking for a quick freshen up for £2.19. I also included a small Super Drug hair spray for extra firm hold that goes really well with all of these dry shampoos as its light and doesn't least a layer of hard hair that looks like its covered in hair spray or gel. All for the little price of £0.99? Perfect!

Then we have the worst out of the lot, Girlz Only Hazy Days Dry Shampoo from Pennys. This was under 2 euro but I'm sorry I wasted the money on it! My god, there was nothing I could do but head for the shower after I put this into my hair. It was wet, sticky and left my hair feeling twice as greasy from what I started with. All I can say is thank god I wasn't in a rush out anywhere or I would have been late! Straight in the bin with this horrible bottle after the photos for this were taken!

Lastly the best out of the lot, Batiste. I know that this one is the most expensive out of the lot and most widely available as you can get it in all chemists, Boots and even like likes of Tesco and Dunnes stock this brand. The most expensive being €6.59 for 400ml and the cheapest being about €3.99 for the 200ml. However you can get them in loads of different scents and they cater of all types of hair. I branched out with my last bottle and got a big bottle of Cherry. It wouldn't be my favourite scent but it really works so well and my hair feels the next best thing to being clean from the shower. My favourite ones are the light and blonde or the blush. And the packaging is always a plus too, I love all the different cute and eye catching designs!

So there you go, a few different kinds of dry shampoo to look out for or indeed, avoid! I will be on the hunt to see if there is something better out there and if I do find something, you will be the first to know! As always I hope everyone is having a good week and staying happy :)

Your Entire Christmas/New Years Outfit For €32 From Pennys!

It is rare to find a full length photo of me online, but for you special readers its worth the shame! I wore this lovely dress to the blogger dinner last weekend and couldn't resist sharing it with you guys. Everything I got was from Pennys so you know its going to be a bargain! Also Stephen took all these photos and complained the entire way through of being cold and not knowing what to photograph/how to use the camera, so apologies of my mid movement poses and dreadful close ups!

Firstly the dress for just €19 - A gorgeous (and very sheer - sorry!) cream top half surrounded by belt like gold beads and studding that snakes around into cut out sides. The lower half is a plain black skirt that has a nice flare if you spin! .. Totally didn't spin, I'm a big girl now. It has a plain back with a zip most of the way down so its easy to shimmy into! I also threw on a big knitted black cardi I've had for years and a pair of leggings as it was freezing cold.

 I was going matchy matchy so I got little gold pumps for €6 and a gold clutch bag that was €7. As you can see from the photos it also has a small gold chain if you prefer it on your shoulder. Its actually really big for a clutch which I was delighted about.

Lastly I went for dark plum lips and a brown/gold eye shadow. Just as the sun set and we were going back inside Dodie decided to come over and join in, I was clearly overly delighted by this and Stephen took a quick snap of the event. Hes really the best for putting up with me and taking all the photos I asked for - hes getting some nice Christmas pressies so he should be extra happy soon enough!

I hope everyone is getting super excited for Christmas and the new year ahead. Has everyone got their outfit sorted for the day? Personally I'll be spending the day in some comfy jammies and fluffy socks! Stay fab x

Stupidly Big Pennys, Boots And Lush Haul

I know right? I have nothing to say, I can only declare that it wasn't my fault and eh.. The fact that I have come to hide Boots and Pennys under my bed in shame means something is seriously wrong, that or I'm just cleaning the lazy way. Yeah? Now just to clear it up before you think I've money coming out my ears, I bought these things over time and just haven't done a haul on them so there getting all squashed together into one. I have a few fashion bits that I've picked up too but will do another post on those so you can see them better. So, here we go!

First lets start in the cheap and cheerful Pennys. From L-R, a purple owl mug I got as a Christmas present (the seasons started!) for my sister €2 (you can't go wrong!) before you think I'm uber mean, I have forked out a lot more for her but it's nice to have a few other bits to open on the day. / Also some lovely coloured ribbons for €2.50 / €6 batttery operated lights that you can see all lit up in the next photo. So in love with them! Might get a few more sets.. 

Then in another visit a while ago I got €1.50 tweezers / €3.75(?) Cartrice camouflage concealer in ivory that I'm dying to try out / a pair of black leggings / a €1.50 sticky flint roller with an extra roll. The floral pattern is so cute and the added bonus of a plastic holder so the sticky part isn't ruined. Handy or what?

Now Boots thats again L-R, I should have shares in this shop by now. It was 3 for 2 on make up so I got a repurchase of 17 Phwoarr Paint eye concealer in fair €6.99 / 17 Miracle Matte pressed powder in Ivory €6.09 / 17 Supreme Shine in pinking shear €5.09 / I also got a buy one get one free Pantene ProV shampoo and conditioner €4.79 for my mom / Lastly I picked up a repurchase of Jerome Russel Bblonde lift cream peroxide and a cheap as chips Nivea roll on deodorant for €1.49.

I also got a repurchase of Boots own brand cotton pads that I use all the time, they are buy one get one half price / Collection hot looks in shimmey shake €4.99 /Picked up a buy one get one free on Impluse white musk - can't remember the price / Jerome Russel Bblonde powder bleach that was like €6 / a few handy hand wipes €1.75(?) / a bottle of nail varnish remover as mines not that good and I wanted something else to try that was less then €3. 

Lastly I picked up an amazing offer in Tesco. A box of Cadburys milk tray for only €4. I went into SuperValue later and saw the same box for €11, super buy!! / My three favourite buys from the day that I can't wait to use! / Umhumm, Lush shopping again! This time I picked up 2 of their Christmas things, bath melt star light, star bright €4.50, a bubble bar of Christmas penguin €3.85 and a chunk of rock star soap €8.23 for Stephen who loves using it. I was also given some samples of celebrate body lotion. / Lastly 2 magazines for €2 each - reading bargain of the year!  

So yeah, stupidly big haul but I didn't want to do loads one after the other as thats just a boring and repetitive reading! Hope everyone is keeping happy and well. Stay fab x

Autumn Boots And Owl Purse

I've been living in pumps and those little roll-it-up-and-put-it-in-your-pocket tennis shoes all summer but now the feets are starting to freeze and complain every time I go outside this past while, so it was time to try and find a decent pair of boots or shoes that would be warmer and more sturdy then what I have been wearing. Take a look at the shoes I'm talking about here. And so let me introduce you to my new babies that I love oh so much. 

These black, slightly above the ankle boots are Pennys best would you believe for only €30, such a great bargain! They are meant to be leather on some parts, but don't ask me, I threw away the little card when I first put them on like a dope. They are true to size, being a perfect fit for me. (size 5) Lacing up at the front they have gorgeous square studs in three rows at the top of the boot. Studs are all over every other hand bag and top being really on trend now. They have different ways you can lase them up too, adding a little extra detail. They've a cute little light brown heel on them, just enough to give a tiny bit of extra height. These are super comfy and will be glued to my feet all this Autumn.

Next is my new love of my life, a hot pink, owl covered clutch purse. I spotted this in the window of The Bag Shop in the Ilac centre on Henry St. I've been looking out for a new purse as my old one is very worn because the fabric has frayed. That and if it has more then 3 quid in change it refuses to close, instead emptying the contents into the bottom of my bag. This purse has a zip, a Zip! Oh joy of joys it has it all. Its got plenty of space for cards, change and notes inside, maybe even a cheey lip gloss could be stuffed in too. It has a dark brown strap for easier carrying too. They come in several different colours and retail for €15. 

Have you your eye on a new pair of shoes, a bag or purse?

Boots, Pennys And Lush Haul

All these things I have picked up in the past few weeks, just in case anyone thought I had gone off on a mad one and was now a share holder in all these places! But thought I would give everyone a look at my new buys, cos' I love being nosy like that too!

First off three Boots make up things. A repurchase for me, Rimmel's Exaggerate waterproof eye definer eyeliner (€5.49) - what a mouth full! Love this little pencil, you can see it in my whats in my make up bag post. Boots is doing a buy one get on half price on some products at the moment and so I picked up Seventeen's new On The Spot foundation (€8.89) that claims to give you clearer skin in 4 weeks.. We will see. And also Seventeen's new phwoarr paint heavy duty eye concealer (€5.49). I like the sound of it already!

You might see that I'm a bit of a fan of Lush, just a bit.. I got two things in particular that I had been lusting after for months now. I am currently using up all my cleaners and will be running out soon so I finally got 9 to 5 cleansing lotion (€10.95). I have tried it before and my word. Heaven. Can't wait to use it. Same goes for the Twilight bath bomb (3.95) that I have never had before but always looked at with such longing. However it broke on the way home and to say I'm upset is an understatement. I know I will get it again though, purely because it has made my room smell fab while its been sitting in the bag. Lastly I got a little Space Girl bath bomb (€3.85) I always get the Out of This World gift set for non Lush people that I want to try and convert because this one is a small fun starter and the box looks so cool. But I have never tried the bath bomb before so I thought why not!

I also went to Pennys and nabbed some leggings (€4.00) and a pair of really lovely floral shoes (€5) because cheap and cheerful is always welcome any day of the week!

Anyone been doing a spot of shopping lately? Talk to you soon, have a fab day! :)

Friday Favourites #1

As the country heaves a sigh of relief that its Friday, I suspect that everyone might be in need a good read over the weekend! So here are some of my favourite things, people, places and anything else I find to throw in!

Product: The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser 

This product can do no wrong! I fell in love with it as soon as I got it from my lovely other half  for Christmas  Its from the Soap and Glory range and its food for the skin. I can be super lazy when it comes to taking off my make up and this takes all the hassle away! Squeeze out some of this,  massage it into your face and neck for around a minute, then just wash off with warm water. It even takes off water proof mascara like magic. The smell is amazing too with sweet almond and lavender essential oils. To top it all off every tube comes with a free muslin cloth. Wonderful.

Product: Christmas Eve Bubble Bar by LUSH

I could honestly devote an entire book to Lush products. There are 2 shops in Dublin and before they come into view you get this amazing smell that makes you instantly want to go in! They had an after Christmas sale with 50% off a lot of their stock. Did I grab some amazing things? Oh yes! I will do a haul later in the week. The Christmas eve bubble is a limited edition but it keeps coming back every festive season, hence the name! Its a real treat just before bed. You can get about 3 uses from it, breaking it up into pieces to save for the next bath. It gives the out loads of bubbles and  makes the water a strange greeny colour when the blue and yellow are mixed together. The minute you smell it you relax with jasmine and ylang ylang. I can't wait to get more next year!  

Film: Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You

I watched this during the week and it was really great, it was out in 2011 directed by Roberto Faenza. It follows James Sveck on his last Summer before heading to college. He prefers solitude to socialising and  has some very deep thoughts that we hear through his first person narration. Between his sister dating a man twice her age and her parents who are divorced and getting remarried, his only outlet is the 'life coach' that his parents force him to see. You get to learn about his past and present through these sessions. Its one of those happy ending films that just make you feel good. 

Thing: Yankee Candle in Christmas Cookie
This has to be my all time favourite scent for the past two years. I love sweet smelling candles but its really hard to find one that wont make you feel sick! This is the perfect combination of sweet but not overpowering. I was lucky enough to get 3 for Christmas, Nom! You can pick up all different sized candles, and the great thing is you can get little tester ones to see if its really worth the price - they are kind of expensive! If you shop around you will pick them up cheaper. They last for ages and the glass ones are cute and add a nice touch to any room. These shops are becoming really popular around Dublin, so pop in and have a smell to find your favourite one!

Music: I'll Be There For You Cover by Boyce Avenue

Man I am loving this song so much! Boyce Avenue have done some amazing covers and have some originals too. They are all the way from the USA and they are the most viewed independent band in the world - so their YouTube profile says! Well worth checking theses fellas out.

Clothing: Fluffy Socks
So everyone has been off college and work over Christmas and what better thing to be wearing around the house then fluffy socks?! You can nab a pack of 2 over under a fiver in Pennys (or Primark for those lovely people reading in the UK) Now that is a comfy bargain.

I hope everyone has a good weekend and that you check out some of the things above. Have you tried any of the products?