Wednesday 4 January 2017

Real Techniques Your Picks Berlin Holiday Set - Review And Giveaway - CLOSED

For someone who never used to use, or see the point in make up brushes, it's safe to say that I'm now slightly obsessed with them. I have 5 jars and vases full of make up brushes, and I have several more squirrelled away in make up bags and drawers. I've said it before and I'll say it again though , a cheap brush doesn't make a bad brush, and if you were to have a look through my brush collection then you'd see that I have brushes from a huge variety of brands and at a variety of different price points.

One of the brush brands of the moment is of course Real Techniques, the beauty tool brand founded and championed by professional make up artists and You Tubers Sam and Nic aka Pixiwoos. As much as I love watching their tutorials up until recently I only owned a couple of their brushes, a stippling brush and an eyeliner brush. I'd heard a lot of great things about their brush sets but if I'm being honest I couldn't really justify buying a full brush set. I didn't desperately need any more brushes, and even though I view Real Techniques as being a made range brand I couldn't really justify the cost.


You know how it goes though, you stay strong for so long and then you just say sod it and buy it anyways. Well that's exactly what happened when I saw this set, the Real Techniques By Sam & Nic Your Picks Berlin Brush Set.


Comprising of 5 brushes for the face and eyes, this limited edition set is Real Techniques first ever fan voted kit. Way back in April, Real Techniques gave their fans the opportunity to vote via their Instagram and social media pages for which brush design they liked the best. All of the brushes were themed around cities, and the designs reflected local landmarks, art and culture. I'm going to be honest and say that I preferred the brighter Sydney or Shanghai designs, but this set Berlin was the clear winner.


The inspiration for this design came from the multi cultural Berlin street art scene, with the brushes reflecting abstract paintings, street murals and graffiti. All of the brushes are cruelty free and are made from 100% synthetic duo fibres so they can be used with liquids, creams and powders. The main metal section of the brush handle features an abstract black and white, which depending on how you look at it could be a cow print, or even brush strokes. The name of each brush is also printed on the side in hot pink / purple colour. In direct contrast to the black and white design, and the monochrome brush hairs, the end of the brush handle is also in a bright pink / purple plastic which has a slightly rubberised feel for easy grip.

As I say this kit contains 5 full sized brushes, for both the face, and the eyes. It's a real essentials kit, and it's perfecting for trying out Real Techniques for the first time, or for expanding you make up brush collection 

Buffing Brush


If you're a loose or pressed powder fan or if like so many of us, you love the look and ease of mineral foundation, then this is the brush for you. It's super soft and fluffy, but it isn't too big so you can apply the powder exactly where you need it.


I've been mainly using this brush with both loose and pressed powder and I've found it a really easy brush to use. It picks up powder with ease, and it feels gentle on the skin but at the same time it's firm enough to do the job. 
When I first used this brush I notice a little bit of shedding and as you probably see in the photos above some of the hairs were slight splayed. I do think that this was probably down to the packaging though rather than down to any manufacturing issue. The brushes are quite tightly packed it a piece of foam so I think that may be why some of the hairs were slightly displaced.

Contour Brush


One of the key beauty trend of 2016 was contouring, or using powders and creams to re shape your face. As well as needing the right bronzers, concealers and highlighters you also need the right brushes to apply you make up.


This smaller slightly domed brush is perfect for applying a bit of highlighter to your cheekbones or even for popping a bit of colour into the hollows of your cheeks. I've mainly been using this brush with a powder highlighter, and again I was really impressed with the softness of the brush, and with how easy it was to use.

Stippling Brush 


I already have quite a few similar brushes in my collection, and whilst I do sometimes mix it up and apply my foundation with a different type of brush or sponge, I always end up coming back to the classic stippling brush.


This duo fibre brush not only features two different types of hairs, but the hairs themselves are actually different lengths for a more natural, feathery finish. The brush hairs again are super soft but at the same time the brush is substantial enough to hold it's shape even when it covered in liquid. I've been using this brush mainly with a liquid foundation, but I've also tried it with a cream foundation and I was equally impressed.

I did notice a little bit of shedding the first time I used it but it was a very easy brush to work with and unlike some brushes that I've used in the past it blended out the product very easily and I didn't really get any streaks, or uneven patches.

Deluxe Crease Brush


The last two brushes in the kit are both eye brushes and this one is the Deluxe Crease Brush which is specifically designed to contour and shape the eyelid.


This is quite an over sized fluffy crease brush, personally because I don't have a lot of lid space, I prefer a smaller more precise crease brush but I still think that I'll get a lot of use out of this brush. With a very steady hand I can use this brush to apply colour to my crease but I think I'm mainly going to be using this brush to blend and soften my eyeshadow, and maybe to apply a highlight colour to my brow bone, where I have a bit more space.

Like all of the other brushes in this kit this one was super soft, but it was substantial enough to the job. Again some of the hairs did look a bit splayed and I did actually notice a few loose hairs in this brush that came out when I first used it.

Base Shadow Brush


The final brush in the kit is the Base Shadow Brush. This brush is still pretty soft and fluffy but it's a lot smaller and as a result I think it's something that I will definitely be using on pretty much a daily basis.


As the name would suggest this brush is perfect for applying your base shadow colour all over your lid, personally though I would also use this brush for crease work and even for applying an eyeshadow primer. This is a super versatile brush and I think that it's one that most people would get a lot of use out of.

In fact I think that most people would get a lot of use out of this entire kit. This set contains 5 of the most useful essential brushes that everybody needs in their collection. These brushes look great and bar a couple of minor blips, the quality is excellent. All of the brushes were really easy to wash with minimal shedding and they were quick drying. 

I think that this kit would be perfect for someone who is new to make up or for anyone who wants to expand their make up brush collection in one easy step.

The Real Techniques Your Picks Berlin, is a limited edition set with a recommended retail price of around £25 and is available from all of the usual Real Techniques stockists including Boots, Superdrug and the Real Techniques website. This was a limited edition holiday kit though so you better get your skates on if you want to grab it before it disappears.

If you're having trouble finding it though, don't despair, in celebrating of the new year and LouLouLand reaching, 1,000,000 all time blog views,  I've managed to track down an extra set, which I'm going to be giving away to one of my lucky readers.

All you need to do is make sure you're following my blog and fill in the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open internationally and will end on Saturday 4th February x 


If you've any questions on this post then please leave me a comment x Thanks for reading and good luck x 

144 comments:

  1. My resolution is to drink more water

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  2. I want to flow and live in peace this year :)

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  3. My goals for this year is that I want to eat healthier.. I eat many vegetables and fruits but sometimes also many sweet things or bread (which here is very good haha) And do more exercise. 😉 Happy New Year And Good luck to all, I really want to try this beautiful RT brush set!

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  4. I plan to get more rest and have less stress in my life

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  5. My new year resolution is to lose some weight.

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  6. Normally, I do not make new years resolutions, so I do not have any.

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  7. MY RESOLUTION IS NOT TO MAKE ANY MORE RESOLUTIONS

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  8. These brushes look great. My resolutions are to lose some weight and read more books. Thanks for running this giveaway. Happy New Year!

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  9. I haven't made any, but my boyfriend is trying to lose weight, so I'm helping him with that.

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  10. My new years plans are to eat more healthy, spend more time outdoors and try to be less stressed about things!

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  11. Hi,
    my resolutions are: to eat more healthy, to workout more, to remember that time is precious.

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  12. Mine is to get generally fitter and eat healthier foods.

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  13. My resolution this year is easy! To spend less time focusing on the trivial things in life :)

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  14. I want to start feeling better about myself so going to the gym and eating better

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  15. To start a bullet journal, and get more organised! :)

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  16. Mine is to do a good deed everyday - and to try and not get caught doing it! x x

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  17. To maintain attendance at my local running club and run a 10K

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  18. My new years resolution is to drink more water - so good for your skin :)

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  19. Mine is to look after myself more! I keep saying I don't have time when I need to make some for myself!

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  20. My New Years Resolution is to get healthier, fitter and stronger!

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  21. My New Years Resolution is to be more outgoing and try new things! ♥

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  22. I never make and new year resolutions as I always break them.

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  23. mine is definately to lose weight and be healthy, so far it is going good so I hope I can stick to it this time

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  24. Congrats for the blog views!! The truth is I didn't made any resolutions this year! But I am hoping that this year I would be able to find another job and to travel even more! :)

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  25. To travel more and say yes to doing new things

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  26. im trying to eat more healthy which is going great but im sure im meant to feel great instead i have a cold

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  27. I am hoping to complete my first half marathon

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  28. I want to have read 50 books by the end of the year, I only managed 38 last year!

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  29. my new years resolution is to stop being so wasteful. i literally have a room full of stuff i buy and dont use or even like!

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  30. To do lots and lots and lots of walking, get myself fitter.

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  31. My New Years resolution this year is to get fitter (same as last year 😬)

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  32. My neauty New Year resolution is to wash my brushes each week. I'm guilty of leaving them far too long between washes

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  33. My resolution is to eat healthier and exercise more!

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  34. My main resolution is to lose weight.

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  35. My goal for 2017 is to get outside more! I feel like I was house bound all of 2016 and I just want to push myself to be more social :)

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  36. My new year's resolution is to stop procrastinating and maintain a good health :-)

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  37. To clean my make-up brushes as often as I should!!!

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  38. I want to eat healthier..and to be more healthier

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  39. I'm going to concentrate on qualifying as a yoga teacher :-)

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  40. I need to start doing more exercices.

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  41. My New Years resolution is as always to get in shape and regularly clean my make up brushes not let them stack up until I have to buy new ones.

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  42. I didn't make a resolution this year.

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  43. My New Years resolution is to be more organised! Xo

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  44. My main resolution is buy a new car.

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  45. My new year's resolution was to be more patient with people

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  46. To try and rotate my makeup more frequently :)

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  47. Mine are to be happy and to wear all of the clothes/shoes that I keep buying but never wearing!

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  48. I want to spend more time with the family this year x

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  49. To lose some weight, I really want to become healthier xx

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  50. Eat less junk / get more active

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  51. Im getting fit and healthy - got to shift my baby weight! x

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  52. To take one day at a time and to appreciate what I do have

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  53. To be more active and eat a more balanced diet and live in the moment

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  54. My New year's resolution is to declutter my home

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  55. My resolution is to destress and practice yoga on a weekly basis :)

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  56. my new years resolution is to live a more healthy life style x

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  57. The main one is to pass my driving test.

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  58. My new years resolution is to go back on my diet again & try to lose more of my belly

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  59. My resolution is to learn to swim!

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  60. i want to trvel more this year x

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  61. I want to learn to be more confident, and to eat healthier!

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  62. To have the best day ever for the entire of 2017

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  63. To have 'me' time more often.

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  64. The goal is to spend more time with friends this year! More fun...

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  65. This year I plan to do more of the things I love with the people I love

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  66. I start my diet In January,that's my new years resolution,So I can fit Into my summer clothes for when I go on my summer holidays

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  67. I'm going to try and be nicer to everyone!

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  68. I don't really believe in making New Year's Resolutions to be honest as I think I'm always setting myself up for disappointment?

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  69. I need to get my fitness levels back up

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  70. My new year's resolution is to be more positive! Life's too short to be anything but happy :)

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  71. My new year's resolution is to spend a bit more time and money on myself as it's something I don't usually do

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  72. Drink more water, eat more healthily and regular excercise

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  73. My new years Resolutions are stop eating fast food and think positive.

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  74. My new year's resolution is live in peace

    xx

    Laura Azevedo

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  75. I just want to put less pressure on myself - and get enough sleep at night :)

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  76. I'm trying to be more positive this year and enjoy life

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  77. Definitely to lead a healthier lifestyle. I am doing pretty well so far.

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  78. My resolution is to worry less!

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  79. Mine is to concentrate on me more as I keep helping others and getting not even thanks for it or being taken for a mug so it's time to put me first and say no more often.

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  80. I am trying to be in contact with and see my family and friends more

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  81. cut down on takeaways just because it's a weekend don't mean i need a takeaway lol

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  82. To laugh out loud every single day

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  83. to travel more, i want to find all the beauty in England :)

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  84. To take better care of my health

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  85. My goals for this year would be to manage stress better, eat cleaner/healthier, and make it to the gym at least 3-4 times a week! Thanks for the chance. :)

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  86. My New Year's resolution is to exercise at least three times a week

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  87. My new year's resolution is to get more sleep, do more reading and overall, be a happier person!! :) xx

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  88. to run a 10km, last year i managed 5k

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  89. To not leave everything until the last minute

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  90. To lose some weight (I've managed nearly a stone so far!), to make lunch for work rather than buying it (managed this every day too!) and also to run every week.... so far I've wimped out because it's cold. Oops :)

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  91. Eat more vitamins - I've bought a Smoothie Maker to assist.

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  92. My resolution is to eat healthier this year

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  93. My resolution was to start my blog properly which I have done & im loving it!

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  94. to keep my weight steady @susanhoggett on twitter

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  95. to have fun and make memories with my babies

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  96. my resolutions is to be more patient this year

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  97. To spend more time with family and friends

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  98. Maintaining my weight loss from last year

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  99. Mine is to pass my driving test.

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  100. My new year resolution is to lose some weight.

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  101. My new years resolution was to try to eat healthier and drink more water daily.

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  102. Losing weight .. 3 years ago I gave up smoking but my worst fear stepped in and I put on weight now I have to try lose it

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  103. To lose my baby weight and start taking pride in my appearance again xxx

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  104. I'm exercising more. I've signed up for a 10k in March so been training hard

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  105. My New Years Resolutions is to spend more quality time with my family and friends.

    Lynsey Buchanan

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  106. my resolution is to get fit, healthy and lose enough weight to try for another baby

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  107. I'm wanting to tone up after loosing 3 stone.

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  108. To put all my efforts into building our new business

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  109. To be more in control of my anxiety/ panic disorder ... PMA all the way for 2017! x x

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  110. Mine is to take more exercise, however, I fell down the stairs a couple of weeks ago and badly sprained my foot so its not going too well at the moment!

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  111. Haven't really set anything in stone, just to be more healthy really and cut down on the crisps ! .x

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  112. Give up smoking and join back gym!

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  113. to have more time for myself, to do the things that I love doing

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  114. My new years resolution is to be more organised and less rushed :) Also, to try out more adventurous recipes and try new foods :) x

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  115. Eat less. Move more.... so far so good too!

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  116. I am trying to practice and use my french, i've been studying it for 10 years, I should try to speak it sometimes!

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  117. My New Year's Resolution is to take control of my finances as I am terrible with money! I spend far more than I should so this year I am only buying essentials and things I genuinely need and by doing that hope to save a set amount of my wages every month.

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  118. to keep in shape after loosing a stone in weight

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  119. To try and get more organised

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  120. I plan to do whatever it takes to make myself happy after an abusive relationship , having to have my son alone and look after him 24/7 on my own for last 17 months and still breastfeeding this year is all about positivity:) my make up bag is a bit dusty and full cobwebs so hoping to change this . Aim is to put my face on daily regardless of my mood :)
    Thanks for chance :)

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  121. My new years resultion is to eat healthier

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  122. My new year resolution is to give up sugar

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  123. I hope to carry on with my weight loss journey (I've managed 4½ stone so far last yar) and get to target this year - hopefully!

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  124. To get pregnant. I have fertility issues and am wanting to realise my dream this year so my resolution is to be fit, healthy and cut out stress

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  125. To make more effort in my appearance, worked so far! :-) x

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  126. my new years resolution is to be mor e organised and sort my finances

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  127. To lose the 3 stone I've put on since last summer 😁

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  128. Not to make a resolution I can't keep, but to have as much fun as I can with my children.

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  129. To work hard at physio and make it back to work full time after 2 spinal operations xx

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  130. To be better with my money - not doing too good so far (too many nice clothes and make up about)

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  131. My resolution is to use things up before buying new things

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I love hearing what you have to say so leave me a comment and let me know your thought x My comments are moderated at the moment but that means that I read every single one of them so don't be shy, have your say x