Penneys Haul

Just a quick little haul posy today. I surprised myself and didn't buy a stitch of clothing when I went in, which is really unlike me! I follow Penneys on Instagram and a lot of the time love things that they put up but can never find them in the shop when I go in. Sometimes they end up being only sold in the UK and other times they haven't been released yet. It can be a real pain in the arse.

I was in the home ware section looking for some new face clothes and found 3 for €2.50 which will keep me going for a good while. I've started to use cream cleansers again to take off my make up and couldn't find any of my face clothes. While I was down there I spotted stars. I'm a big fan of stars and have started to replace all my bed sheets so when I saw this white and blue star fitted sheet for €6 I had to pick it up. 

I never go into Penneys without passing the make up section and I spotted a reduced P.S love lace perfume from €7 to €3. I had a sniff and decided that even if I got only a few uses out of it, it wasn't going to be a waste considering it was such a bargain.

I've hunted for a few weeks and finally found that little star and triangle necklace, I think its just gorgeous and was only €2. I was also on the look out for the make up brush cleaner that everyone and their mammies have been on about for the past while. There were lots in stock at the Penneys on Henry St if your looking yourself! This was only €2.50 and I'm looking forward to having a go to see if its any good. Pennys own brand P.S are coming out with loads of exciting things and next on the list of things to try out is their lipsticks and maybe a nail varnish.

The last thing I had my eye out for was a nail varnish that I saw online a few weeks ago. I couldn't remember the brand but I think it was this one from Catrice. If it wasn't I'm still happy that I picked up this lovely shade. Its called 46 berry potter and plumbledore - someone at Catrice is a potter fan! This was about €3.

Have you gotten any bargains in Penneys recently?

Empties #7

I think I'm getting better at doing these empties more often, thing aren't piling up so much! I only did one of these last month but since then I've had loads more odds and ends that I've been using up. Some of them I'm very sorry to see go and will be on the list must buys again soon, once all the Christmas presents have been bought!

First is my lovely Body Shop chamomile cleanser that was an utter dream to use on my skin. It took off all my make up and didn't irritate even my eyes. It was pricey at €15 and not something I will be picking up soon, but is on my wishlist of lovely things to get when I have a spare few bob floating about. You can read my full review of it over here.

Seventeen is the love of my make up life, we all know that by now. So when they brought this new foundation out a few months ago I couldn't have been happier. I'm now on to my third bottle of the stuff and use it daily. Its the perfect tone for my pale completion and can build up to have a totally flawless - slightly thick, but full coverage. Theres not much else in the make up section that could make me change my mind. This is just over €8 but all the make up in Boots tends to be on 3 for 2 so you can pick it up on the cheap. I need to get a back up of my back up for this one!

My Garnier micellar water is finally finished. When the internet went mad for those waters I naturally jumped on the bandwagon and bought a million different ones. This one is by far the best, purely based on the price. Its one of the biggest bottles at 400ml instead of the usual 200ml. So when I next run out of all my water, I'll pick this on up again.

Ziaja is amazing, theres not one product that I've tried of theres that I've not loved - which is a big thing for me to say. The Ziaja rose butter micro peeling face scrub has been my go to scrub for months now and I'm sad thats its come to an end. I'll be keeping an eye out for this again and buying a back up when I do find them. I used this about 3 times a week and it kept my skin soft while not being too harsh or stripping it. This was about €6 if I remember right and is worth every penny. 

My fall down with these posts are the crazy amounts of hair things in them. So I'll keep this one really short. We all know I love Dove and I buy this conditioner for coloured hair religiously. Big thumbs up. Next is a let down of a Dealz find, some random shampoo and conditioner that wasn't very good. I wont be getting it again.

Onto the hair dyes now. My Bleach London dye needs a full ranting, so heres the blog post for it. I just hate it so much! The other is XXL Live and that is the other end of the scale entirely. I use this all the time and love it so much. I lasts ages and gives such gorgeous colours once its washed out. You can pick this one up on offer in Boots all the time for about €5 which is perfect for me.

Two bottles of dry shampoo that I now use all the time. Batiste is an old favourite that I used a lot of especially around Halloween as it gives great texture and the white powder it leaves behind looks great too. But a new favourite is the Herbal Essence range and I have about 3 as back ups! They were on special offer in Tesco so I really stocked up. Best dry shampoo ever!

Few deodorants I really like is the Nivea no stains one and the roll on energy fresh one. Mostly the bigger bottle is about €5 in Boots but I always buy the roll on one in Dealz for €1.49 which is great for just before bed if you don't fancy having a stuffy room of spray left or if you have asthma and find that sprays irritate it. 

Next are two body scrubs, one is a mini from Soap&Glory. Sugar crush is by far my favourite scent along with the new orange one thats out. Nom nom nom, they smell so good! I'm asking santa for one of those sets for Christmas and in the mean time I might just accidentally buy one! The other is the raspberry body scrub from the Body Shop that loads of bloggers raved about. When I was in one day they had it on special offer so I picked it up but I wont be getting it again. It just didn't do anything for me and left my skin, unscrubed?

Once I found the dupe in Dealz for my Bourjoir nail varnish remover, I'm not going to be picking it up again. But this did work really well and if theres no Dealz near you then I'd recommend getting this one. Its about €6.99 so its not breaking the bank.

I really love Ghost and enchanted bloom is my favourite one of the collection. I have had this still in my shelf far too long but I could bare to throw it out. But considering its less then €30 I think I'm going to ask himself for it for Christmas. Perfume is such a lovely gift and an easy one once you know what type the girl or guy likes!

Lastly is one of the best Irish candles around, Emmas so naturals. This is one of their winter limited edition ones in masala chai. I think this is one of the nicest ones of all the winter candles out there. For €9.99 I think this is going to be bought again really soon. You can see all the other scents and full reviews over here.

Do you think empty posts are good for finding new things to try?

September Favourites

This has been such a good month for me, I'm so sad to see it go! I feel like it lasted the perfect amount of time, does anyone else get like that? I'm forever saying a month dragged or flew, but never that it was just right. It could have something to do with it been my birthday month, but sure feck it, everyone has to have a good time now and again. I have so so much that I have loved this month and actually had to narrow it down. Normally I'm wreaking my brain trying to think what I have used and enjoyed, but not for September. I've actually loved so much I've decided to do a few separate reviews to satisfy my cravings and need to tell people about wonderful things. I've spent the full day taking photos non stop, I'm delighted to have a few things ready to go for the blog. Theres nothing worse then feeling like your getting behind and will never be able to blog again.

I've a good few things that I've loved that aren't really beauty related. For one Netflix; I just realised  a few days ago that How I Met Your Mother has a season 9, I thought it ended at 8! So I can't wait to start watching that. (Those of you who are big HIMYM fans have every right to boo and give out to me!) I've also been really getting into Once Upon A Time - a retelling of all your favourite fairy tales but with a modern twist thats just great. I'm half way through season 2 and its starting to drag, but I've been told it picks up! Has anyone watched it? Lastly Bones. I'm a long time fan of Bones but somewhere down the line I stopped watching it so over the past two months I've been re-watching all the seasons. Its so good and addictive! 

Other things that I've been loving are candles (which I will do a review of soon) and hot chocolate. Nearly every single night I will go to bed with one, I'm awful! But after putting back a big box of Cadburys last time I was in Tesco, I thought I'd treat myself only to find that the biggest tub was reduced to €2. Made my month. I've been to lots of blogger events this month too and its just so lovely to meet new people and catch up with blogger friends that I genuinely have such a big space in my heart for. Ugh, you women!! *cuddles all the ladies*

Oh, and the Gyspy Rose bar in town (on the quays?) is normally somewhere I'd never venture - loud, many many people and if I'm honest, a little scary. But I was in there one of the really quiet nights and I was bowled over by how friendly, polite and just down right gentlemanly the fella behind the bar was. Its not often a bar tender makes me feel safe and not even slightly perved on, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to tell anyone and everyone to stop by if your looking for some nice staff.

That was a freakin' mad long intro, sorry! First, lets just take a minute to love these colours above, side by side. Mmmm. Max Factors new nail varnishes were one of the only ones I wore this month, alone and with colourful accent nails. These were two of my favourtie colours as they stood out and made an outfit. Have a proper look at the entire collection Over Here.

Two random things that I've really loved this month are bobbins and earphones that are both pink! Some of you will have seen my haul from yesterday that had these invisibobbles in it. I've had these for almost two weeks (I know, shameful to have a haul and not put it up sooner!) have been using them non stop. I love them more then any bobbins I've ever had. They don't break on me, are really stretchy, hold hair much better then regular bobbins, don't catch or pull on my hair and are different to the everyday stuff you see. I know these claim to leave no kinks in your hair but I've noticed some in mine - much less then with normal bobbins but still a few. However that wouldn't stop me from using them or going out and buying more. Its love. 

Next are these earphones that were €2 in the pound shop! I got them as I broke my other ones (€3 from Penneys) and wanted to watch videos on the bus. They are so freakin' handy!! You pull them all the way out and when your done pull on them again and the wrap themselves back up. No untangling for 10 minutes before you can listen to music. The one downside is that they are only €2 so the quality isn't amazing. But there cheap enough that if I break them it isn't a big loss, easy to use and small enough not to take up space in my bag. 200 please and thank you!

Its hard to find a really good lipstick that I will wear non stop. I'm not one for bothering with my lips too much, let alone reapplying. This is a serious big deal for me, I've been using this for a month and a half every time I go out. Every, single, time. Its from one of my favourite brands, Seventeen and is their supreme shine lipstick in the shade Pink Posey. I went on the hunt for something that was dark and purple, but wasn't going to be too OTT - the lighting is so poor in the above photo, I'm sorry! This entire collection is darker shades that just make you want them all. I've been so happy with this one and its half way gone, its been that used. Its moistursing, slightly shiny and doesn't have a very strong colour that you would need to apply in front of a mirror. Its really perfect for on the go or sneakily putting back on between drinks or food. It doesn't last forever but it keeps my lips hydrated which for a 'drug store' brand lipstick is amazing. Theres 12 colours at €6.29 each. Plus, look at the shiny gorgeous packaging!   

Two little palettes that I haven't been able to do without are the Wet'n'Wild Comfort Zone and the NYX eyebrow cake powder. I'm not going to talk about the eyebrow kit at all because it needs its own post. Thats how much love I'm willing to give it. Watch out for it on the blog soon! Every time I've put on makeup without fail I have used these. I've loved the eyeshadows so much that I went out specially and bought a brown mascara to go with the brown side for a smoky eye look. I've also got brave and used the green side a few times. I've put some of the eyeball looks up on Instagram over here if you fancy a goo. You can also see my full review with swatches of all the colours Over Here.

The last two things are old loves of mine. Vaseline spray and go body moisturiser has got so much love this month that my cocoa one finished and I've started to use this one now. These bottles last a crazy long time too. I got a little sick of a nearly empty product so one morning after the shower I tried to finish up the bottle. I was covered from head to toe in this stuff and there was far too much, but after I rubbed it in a little it was totally absorbed and gone. I'm even more impressed with it now as I was sure there would be a greasy residue left on my skin and I'd feel sticky. But that wasn't the case at all and I am pleased to say this will be a long time repurchase until they stop making the stuff! 

For my birthday I got so many lovely things from friends and family but decided not to do a 'haul' post as I find they can sound quite braggy at times. But one thing that I've been using loads is this Yardley perfume called Diamond. I've had this once before and its the most lovely fresh scent that I have owned. I was gutted when I finished it and I remember going on a hunt only to find Boots didn't stock it. So when a friend guess bought this for me without knowing I loved it, I was delighted! And just look at that bottle. Oh its so pretty. I always feel lighter, fresh and 'wake me up' scents make me feel so much happier and perky then my deep heavy sweet scents, although most of my collection is made up of the latter!

So, tell me something you've loved this September!

And also, do you have any Netflix recommendations?

March Powder Pocket

Were back again and all of a sudden March is nearly over. Where are the months going, I'm going to blink and it will be the middle of the Summer next. This is my 3rd month with Powder Pocket and I have to say, the most disappointing one I've gotten so far. Now don't get me wrong, its still a pretty fab box but I'm just getting pissy cos' I saw the Chic Treat Club box and now my middle name is jealousy! 

This months box theme is very 'Spring clean' your skin! And what better way to bring in a bit of Spring time feel then with gorgous baby pink tissue paper and a fab cover of their mini mag. This months box is so girly and I'm lovin' their packaging as normal. I also want the flower crown that girl has on the front mags cover, thanks I'll be waiting by the door for the postman ;)

Although it was at the bottom of the box, the packet of Water Wipes caught my eye first. They are also in this months Chic Treat Box so I was a little excited to get to try them out. I used to be a massive face wipe fan but then I caught onto the wonders of taking the time to cleanse and tone my face. I will try these out and report back if they are any good or just fit for a quick wipe of the hands. They are an Irish brand which surprised me as I've never seen them before. These are the sensitive make up remover ones that are €3.49 and can be got in places like Tesco.

In the first Powder Pocket box I got, there was a sample of a Ginvera product, so I was surprised to see another this month. Ginvera BB cream is something I'm looking forward to using as I've tried to stay clear of the BB and CC creams up until last month. Sure why not join the craze? A full size of this is €21 for 25ml.

  

Now heres where it starts going a bit down hill. A sample of Ghost Ghost the fragrance was not something I was happy to see in my box. You can go into any chemist or Boots and ask for one of these for free. As it happens I already own a full size of this and like it but I'm not impressed that Powder Pocket tried to flog this off as one of their products in the box this month. If it becomes a habit I might try my luck with Chic Treat Club instead as their boxes look amazing. A full size perfume is €34 for 30ml. 

Hmmm, Lavera 2 in 1 hair and body wash. Right, well I can't say anything thats a 2 in 1 for face and body is something I trust. I might use it as a body wash but its not going near my hair. I want to go and look this up to see whats in it and then see if any bloggers have reviews of it before I go to the shower with it. Bit ifie. You can get this for €6.42 for a 200ml bottle.

Lastly I got a Shiseido perfect rouge lipstick. It was such a lovely treat in last months box to be lucky enough to get a product from this brand but the repetition of the same brands is a little annoying. Don't get me wrong, I'm still delighted to get a full size product worth €27 in the shops. I am bit jealous of subscribers who got a red lipstick though, as I'm not sure if I will use this colour. 

I know some of you will think I'm splitting hairs with some of the negative comments at this months box but I feel I'm allowed give out a bit when I'm forking over my few bob every month and hoping for some fancy treat samples (that I can't get for free in the shops might I just add!) 

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday and also happy mothers day to you all!  

February Favourites

Sweet divine Jasus is it really the end of February? Ah now, where did that month go? thats just woeful, I'm actually sitting here trying to think what I did this month thats worth noting. Feck all. Have to do more next month, get my arse into action. Anyway, here is what I have been loving this month and its even kinda on time, ohhh my!!

I know I talked about it in my Skin Care Saviors  but I really have to tell you about it again. Bepantiseptic (formally known as Germoline) is a first aid antiseptic cream that has local anesthetic in it. Its great to have in a first aid kit and its even better to have on your spots at night. The last two months my skin has decided to apply for position of best join the dots face in the country and I'll tell you, if it wasn't for this wonderful tube of cream, it would have got the job. This cream drys out spots and in a few hours you can see a noticeable difference. I normally put this on last thing before bed and then let it work its magic. All for under a fiver and it lasts ages. I just want them all. 

Next is Wet'n'Wilds foundation. I had wanted it since it came out but put off buying it because it was nearly €5, I already had a good foundation and sure, it was a cheap brand, I bet it doesn't even work or match my colouring... I caved in and got it earlier in the month and I've been kicking myself since for not having got it sooner. Its in the lightest shade they have which is just slightly too dark for me, but with a bit of blending and some setting powder its the perfect colour for my skin. It takes a minute or so to dry and set but it lasts all day, the coverage is amazing and I will admit, its better then my Rimmel match perfection foundation that I have been using for the past 6ish months thats twice the price of Wet'n'Wilds foundation. It might be true love, I'll tell you if we decide to get serious in the next few months.

Next is a perfume that I had forgotten about at the back of the draw, I'm getting worst at doing that! Its Kylie Minogues Darling. I'm so not good at describing scents at all, but its like a deep sweet scent that drys in quickly so your left with a gorgeous light soft sweet scent that lingers for a good for hours. The little bottle that I have is so pretty and girly, it has a pink shimmer over the bottle thats so eye catching. I'll be getting this again once I've finished the little bottle.

Another life saver this month has to be my Soap and Glory Smooch Operator Lip Butter Balm. It has wild mango butter, vitamin E, rose hip and argan oils to help sore chapped lips. The only thing I don't like about this is the balm can be quite had to heat up to get some out of the little jar so I tend to have to dig at it a bit. Not the handiest or nicest thing in the world!

How could I not throw in something from Lush? As the weeks go by I'm getting weaker and really want to go to their shop 'just for a look'. The blurry photo (sorry) above is the olive branch shower gel. I got this ages ago, used it for a while and the switiched it for something else. But early February I found it again and it has been coming to the shower again and were back in love, Fair trade olive oil, mandarins, vine leaves.. Who could say no to that? Its sweet but not overpowering and has subtle notes of something more earthy underneath - would you look at me getting all fancy with smell descriptions! Jasus!

La Roche-Posay is a brand I don't use a lot, but when I do their products are always amazing. Last month I got this thermal spring water in my Powder Pocket beauty box and I've been using it loads. You can see my review of it here. Its going to be great for the summer when you want a quick freshen up and to cool yourself down. I'll be stocking up for the hotter (fingers crossed that it gets hotter!) months.

Lastly I have my Benefit they're real! mascara. I got this mini one in a set at Christmas and I haven't used another mascara since. I'm now ruined for other mascaras that might come along to tempt me. I love the packaging, the wand is amazing and I love how it coats and separates the lashes. And best of all theres no clumping so it doesn't look like you have just plastered half a tube of mascara on your face. Honestly, I'm not wearing any! ;D

January Favourites

Last year I was all over the gaf with favourites, I had weekly ones then I think I had random ones and finally now I'm trying to stick to a monthly as part of a I'm being good and not frying the head off myself or anyone else. New year, fresh start and all that jazz! I love haul posts and favourites posts as you get a good few products to read about in one go and if anything takes your fancy you already have read a mini review of it, sounds pretty good huh!? So here are mine, its a mixture of things this month. I surprised myself with going straight for make up and then body products.

First off my trusty batiste dry shampoo. I think at this stage everyone has tried one of these life savers. I go threw a crazy amount of these bottles and they are my favourite brand too. Oh and the smell! They work wonders, can't get enough of a good thing.

I have left my lovely holy grail L'oreal purifying micellar solution over at a friends house and have been left to rummage through my potions and lotions to find other things to take my make up off. And with that I have been reintroduced to Botanics soothing eye make up remover. I did a full review of it over here.

Flower pharm is something that I have known about for quite a while, I see it in Tesco a lot and my sister buys me products from the line for birthdays and Christmas' but this is the first time I have used the lime blossom body scrub and it is amazing. I love a scrub thats not too harsh when your skins not feeling up to it and this works a treat. Also I'm not normally a fan of citrus scents but this is gorgeous and helps me to wake up in the morning. Try one out their not pricey at all!

Lush. Oh Lush. I know I'm on a spending ban from this shop but it means I have more time to try out and get to find some new loves in my big pile of products from their line. Lovely Jubblies breast cream is normally over €20 but I got it half price in their after Christmas sale, lucky girl for spotting a bargain, me! I will definitely do a full review on this as its amazing and smells divine! Nom for my boobs!  

I went off earlier this month to TopShop and got some goodies along with this matte blue nail polish. Its already been slapped on my nails loads and I know its going to be worn to death over the coming summer months. Its just so pretty!

Next I am in love with The Body Shop white musk smokey rose* perfume. I have been wearing it for at least two months now and its such a lovely scent, I get compliments about it all the time. Its an old teenage favourite with a new twist! If your near one of their shops I'd defiantly recommend going in for a quick sniff to see for yourself.

Normally when I go to a Catrice stand they are all out of this concealer palette but someone obviously was loving me earlier in the month when I stumbled across this, ugh its perfect! I have used Essence ones before but they seemed to have discontinued them, boo. But I think after using both, this is the better one. It also has three different shades of concealer for different skin tones which I really like too. Bonus!

My new beaut of an eye shadow palette that I also got in TopShop the day I got my nail varnish, it was on sale at only €4 and I was delighted with life! It has gorgeous shades and the pigment is to die for. It lasts all day and blends amazingly well. I think everyone needs one in their collection. You can see swatches here.

Lastly my lovely Rimmel Kate Moss lip stick that I had lusted over for ages when they came out. I got my very first one for Christmas and I am firmly hooked, I think about 10 more are in order! This is in the shade 107 and is a gorgeous dark red colour. Its very pigmented (you have to scrub your lips a little) and it lasts ages. On the down side because it is a matte it hides none of those lip sins and isn't moisturizing at all so a lip balm and maybe a gloss is a must.

Thats all my January loves, I hope you enjoyed them! I'll do another favourties next month and keep up the good behavior of sticking to one type of posting and blogging. As always I hope everyone is having a good day. Whats some of your favourites this month? 

Products marked with * are PR or gifted samples. Read my Disclaimer here.

Autograph's New York Perfume

I'm a big fan of perfumes but I don't have a huge collection. Once I find one or two that I really like I stick with them, purely because new nice smells can be hard to find and theres always the possibility of me having a bad reaction or asthma attack to a one. So its best to keep to what I know for the most part.  

Marks and Spencers New York is one that I was gifted a few years ago and have loved ever since but only recently just picked up a little bottle again to see if I was still as in love with it as ever. I got a little purse spray bottle thats 10mls for €7. Not a bad deal and it smells oh so good. The black box that that it comes in looks super luxurious and the gorgeous gold lettering just makes it magic.

The smell itself is blends of top notes of dergamot and apricot with heart scents of damask rose, jasmine and warm woods and sensual base notes of velvety musks, creamy sandalwood, vanilla and heliotrope. Yup, thats what I thought myself.. Considering I can never describe scents at all, its either sweet, spicy or bitter. But you really do get a beautiful jasmine and sandalwood smell, maybe its best if all you lovely people go have a sniff yourselves next time your passing a M&S to see what you think. 

M&S have some great perfume jems and also the makeup will surprise you too if you give it the chance. Take a look here for it. 

Friday Favourites #7

Its the day after Valentines day, did everyone love it or hate it? Either way its over for another year so we can all breathe a bit easier. And whats better is that theres half price chocolate and candles in shops today! I'll be getting myself a nice candle holder or two that I've had my eye on! This week I have been really loving these things:

YouTube: Grav3yardgirl

Bunny is one of a few youtubers that I have followed from the very beginning. She vlogs about fashion, beauty, ghostly happenings and her daily life. I like to save a few of her vidoes up and then sit in bed at night with some tea and watch them all! She is funny, slightly mad and a lovely down to earth girl. Go fall in love with her here.

Magazine: Cosmopolitan

I'm not one to fork out anything up to a fiver for a few glossy pages of ads but March's Cosmopolitan (British edition) was one that would make me consider taking a second look at the magazine racks. Its packed with S/S fashion styles, a mind blowing 3 page article on International Women's Day thats extremely interesting and some beauty must-haves that I never knew about. I love the overall spread and its not something you'll finish in 20 minutes on your way home from work. Its still in shops for €3 if you want to grab your copy.

Site: PostSecret

I have been a lover and devote follower of PostSecret for a very long time. Every Sunday the site gets updated with new postcards that people from all over the world make and send to Frank, the creator of the site. Then they are posted for the week, displaying the deep hidden thoughts and secrets of everyone who chooses to share them. Its a wonderful community to be a part of, take a look over here.

Perfume: Eau De Soap And Glory 

I have tried this out lots in Boots every time I pass by and yesterday Stephen gave it to me for Valentines Day. Mmm I love it, it smells strong and girly with notes of magnolia, freesia and vanilla to name a few. Its in a cute bottle that is something I'm going to love having on display. I'm a fan of Soap and Glory so this is a perfect edition to my growing collection and my perfumes. Give it a go, it really grows on you. You can find it over here. 

Drink: Papaya Milk

It looks like I have a favourite drink every week of the year, but honestly I don't! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know I went to the Asia Food Market on Drury Street in Dublin to pick up some of Stephens favourite chocolate biscuits (things we do for Valentines day!) I had to pick up a lovely can of papaya milk. Its creamy and fruity and just nom nom nom. Its 99 cent and worth every penny. I wish Tesco did it so I could have it more often!

Shorter then my normal Friday Favourites, but these are what I have been loving and occupying my week. I will have a lot of product reviews next week for you all, seems I have been stocking up on new products that I haven't tried before over the past month or so to tell everyone about. So until tomorrow, hope you all have a fab Friday and enjoy the weekend!

Valentines Day Gifts For Him

Marilyn Monroe, such a beautiful woman.

There isn't a girl (or guy) I know that finds any day that requires present buying an easy task! I always pull my hair out panicing over what I can get Stephen. He likes play station games and crisps. The first I know nothing about unless its Skyrim) and the second is not really an amazing gift to receive! So here are a few ideas for you all. Fingers crossed your guy has loads of interests and hobbies!

Find his favourite scent: Guys like to smell just as good as the next person, so why not have a snoop through his bathroom or ask family what he likes to wear. There is a huge selection in in the perfume shop and also in Boots. Calvin Klein CK One is currently £22.60 (about €26) for a 100ml bottle in the Boots sale- a real steal considering its the same price for only a 50ml bottle from the Perfume Shop. Or if thats not easy to decide on, there is always the Lacoste's Eau de Lacoste collection thats about €50 each. My favourite at the moment is Diesel - Only The Brave thats about €60 in Boots and you get a free gift with it too. I got Stephen the gift set for Christmas and he loves it.

Do it his way: You know he is expecting you to suggest some really bad rom-com that you are dying to see and rented/bought it especially for the night. Why not surprise him by watching something he'll love instead. An action or maybe just a good Star Wars marathon? (just not football, oh god anything but that!) I have recently signed up to NextFlix and its something I would recommend as you get a one month free trial and then its only €6.99 per month after.

Don't be fooled: They act all 'manly' and are just short of climbing a building to beat on their chests at times, but guys like to have surprises and treats just as much as girls do. Maybe buy him a nice box of chocolates and get him a rose this year.

He has hobbies: Now I know not every guy is going to love the same things, but if you take a wonder through Eason's or online you will find a book that he could enjoy. And who doesn't love getting books with a nice little message written on the inside? The Top Gear Years is all about Top Gear and cars, a great read if you ask me. Then theres the classic football book, but what if you can't remember his favourite team? Why not be a bit cheeky and get him a football colouring book ? (If I wasn't currently cutting up my credit card into pieces like in 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' I would have bought this for Stephen.)  Maybe games are his thing? Thinkgeek.com have loads of really cool stuff to choose from, even safe bets like interactive t-shirts(!)

Always remember: Like I said in my last Valentines gifts post, This is only one day, don't have hang ups about not getting him the perfect film or burning the dinner. Be grateful if you get to spend the day together. Send him a nice text, or buy him a fancy card to write something sweet inside. Its always the thought that counts the most.

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.