Trimming My Stash December 2015 Edition - Empties And A 2015 Round Up

Happy New Year x I hope you all had a fabulous New Years Eve - My was quiet, TV, fizz and snacks and I was in bed before midnight, but I'm refreshed and ready to go, and ready to face another year head on.

Before that though I'm going to wrap up the last loose ends of 2015, by finishing up with December empties post x

Queen Cosmetics Eye Make Up Remover -50g
Rolanjona Shea Butter Smoothing And Whitening Hand Mask x 1 Pair
Rimmel Match Perfection Cream Gel Foundation - 100 Ivory - 18ml
Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray - 300ml
Mally Volumizing Mascara - Black - 10ml
Total - 5 Items

It wasn't an outstanding performance by any means but I managed to finish nice variety of products including a couple of make up items and a couple of products that I thought would never end !

1. Queen Cosmetics Eye Make Up Remover - 50g

Eeek - I've probably been using this product for way longer than I should have been according to the use by date but if it smells the same, and the texture hasn't changed then by my rules it's still good to go. I reviewed this on the blog quite a while ago now ( read my review here) and whilst I prefer a liquid eye make up remover, this one really does the business - it removes anything without causing any sensitivity or irritation. I can't guarantee I would personally repurchase but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this.

2. Rolanjona Shea Butter Smoothing And Whitening Hand Mask x 1 Pair

This was an ebay purchase that I bought and never used. What it was, was basically a pair of thin fabric / paper gloves, infused and dripping wet with a moisturising Shea butter, based solution. Just just pop the gloves on for 15-20 minutes and the idea is that you end up with silky soft hands, and believe it or not you do. My one complaint is that the gloves really are soaking wet, there is no outer glove or plastic cover so you're pretty much incapacitated while you're wearing them - I put my hands on a towel, to stop the drips, and lay down and relaxed for about 20 minutes. My hands are really dry at the minute and this made an immediate visual difference and my hands felt silkier, I'm not sure whether they made a difference in the long term but for a special occasion at just £1 ish they are well worth it.

3. Rimmel Match Perfection Cream Gel Foundation - 100 Ivory - 18ml

I honestly thought I'd reviewed this but I've only reviewed the original liquid foundation. I've loved the original one for quite a while and even more so now they've introduced some pinker shades, this one was similar but it had a completely different texture. Instead of the liquid texture this one had a much creamier texture. It felt nice on the skin, and the coverage was good but it wasn't for oily skin so I could only use this on my drier days. As time progressed it did have a tendency to dry out and cake so I wasn't sorry to finish it. This has been discontinued now but I preferred the original anyway.

4. Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray - 300ml

I've lost count of how many bottles of this I've gone through. I use every time I straighten, blow dry or curl my hair and it's a lifesaver. Although I've been trying to lay off the heat in the last 12 months or so I still swear by this spray, it smells gorgeous and you really feel as though your protecting your hair.

5. Mally Volumizing Mascara - Black - 10ml

Although the Mally range is only available from QVC in the UK, this mascara has a cult following and I can see why. It adds length and volume, and it wears really well, in fact some reviewers refer to it as bulletproof. I retails at around £25 for 2 tubes so it isn't cheap and whilst I probably wouldn't purchase it on it's own I would happily buy it in Mally kits which would make it more economical x

So they were December's empties and since we're starting a new year, it's time to add all my monthly totals together and to see just how many beauty products I managed to finish in 2015

January - 4 Items
February - 6 Items 
March - 4 Items 
April - 10 Items 
May - 4 Items
June - 6 Items
July - 9 Items 
August - 6 Items
September - 6 Items
October - 10 Items
November - 8 Items
December - 5 Items
Total - 78 Items 

Well I finished 78 items in total and whilst that' a lot of stuff when you think about it, I'm 6 items down on last years total so I'm a touch disappointed. Never mind onwards and upwards - I still have way more beauty products than one person needs so Trimming My Stash will be continuing in 2016 with a renewed vigour.

As well as trying to cut down on what I buy (after Christmas and the January sales obviously!) I'm going to be having a good sort through my products, and I'm going to work out what needs using first, and I'm going to sort out all of those half finished products that I'm sick of the sight of, and get them finished.

I'm also going to have a good sort of my make up stash - I don't know whether I'm going to go down the blog sale route but I definitely need to have a good sort and I'm seriously debating doing another Project 10 Pan in 2016 to help me both stop buying make and to help me use some of it up.

A new broom sweeps clean and since 2016 is going to be my year of organisation I'm going to start with beauty products. If you're doing something similar this year let me know, and link me up x

Happy New Year - Reflections And Looking Forward

I'm going to make no apologies for this statement but goodbye 2015 and good riddance. This year has a tough one for so many people that I know, and so many people that I love, and for a lot of people it's been a one to forget. It's been a hard one in particular health wise for both me, and some close family members but a new year is about to begin and we're all still here and we're all still fighting.

I'm not a one for making new years resolutions really but every year I always like to make a list of my hope, dreams and aims for the year, and this year I thought I'd share them with you.

1. Family

My most important aim of 2016 is to spend more time with, and to appreciate my family a lot more than I already do. I've had a few close shaves this year, and it's made me realise that life is short, and you need to appreciate and spend time with those you love whilst you have the chance. It's easy at times to yell at someone, or to make excuses not to see someone but next time, take a step back and think about it before you do it or before you speak, I know I will trying my hardest to do that in 2016.

2. Me - Health, Stress, Weight Loss, Love

I used to consider myself quite a selfish person but over the last 12 months I've realised that I spend an awful lot of time worrying and stressing about other people, If you care about someone that's a fact of life but I need to learn to take a step back and take care of myself for once. There is no point in worrying about other people to the detriment of your own health and that's what I need to remember. I went to CBT sessions and I was always told not to worry about things that might not happen and things that you can't control and that is something that I need to keep in mind in 2016.

I also need to listen to my body a little bit more - I need to take time outs from life occasionally and I need to realise that there is no need to feel guilty about doing it. I also need to learn to switch off the tv, put down the book, and go to bed, I've had a few early nights lately and I feel a lot better for it.

Something else that I plan to do in 2016 is learn to love myself just a little bit more - I probably say this every year, but on numerous occasions in 2015, I've experienced so much self loathing it's untrue. I need to accept myself for what I am - I'm not perfect but who is! It's so easy to compare yourself to other people especially online but where does it lead you - more self loathing and hatred - be you and love being you, is my new mantra. Other people have issues and problems too even if you can't always see them.

That said although I'm going to try and love myself no matter what my weight is getting me down a bit again so once the hellish tooth is removed (15th January at the moment) Healthy eating and weight loss will resume. I'm also going to try and do a bit of walking, and maybe a bit more yoga to try and untangle my achy muscles.

3. Blogging, You Tube And Social Media

Blogging has been a constant frustration to me in 2015 - I didn't post as often as I would have liked, my content waned at times, and I was left feeling mehhh on more than one occasion. I felt guilty at times about it, and I know I shouldn't have done but I did. In 2016 I'm going to try and develop a whole new attitude to blogging - first of all I want to regain the blogging love, I want to enjoy posting and writing again, and feel passionate about my blog. I want to get more organised, develop a regular positing schedule, mix things up a bit and provide you my loyal readers with quality, and individual content. Above all though I want to avoid comparing myself to others - it's hard not to but we're all individuals, we all write differently and about different things, and we really shouldn't judge ourselves by somebody elses achievements and standards. Again I want to thank you all for your support in 2015 and if there is anything specifically you would like to see on the blog in 2016, leave me a comment and let me know x

You Tube wise I've been pleased with my progression in 2015, I've been uploading more regularly and I've really enjoyed doing it so that's something that I'm aiming to do more of in 2016. I'm also going to mixing my content up a bit and trying some different types of videos, so again let me know what you'd like to see x

I've had a love hate relationship with Twitter and Facebook in 2015, and that's something that will no doubt continue in 2016. Social media has at times stressed me out a lot over the last year, so whilst I'll continue to use it and at times enjoy it, I'm not going to stress about taking some time out. I've taken a few days off social media this year and I think it's done my the world of good. Don't be afraid to step away from twitter every now and then for your own sanity if nothing else.


4. Organisation, Clutter And Spending Less

This is something else that usually ends up on my list every year - I need to be more organised, and I need to sort out my crap. I'm untidy, badly organised, and flaky and it needs to stop. I intend to attack every drawer, wardrobe and cupboard that I own and  clear out what I don't need and I don't use!and I need to put things where I can find them! I also need to write things down so I remember them and as I've already said I need to be more organised blogging wise, and I need to remember to reply to my comments more regularly.

In order to prevent some of this crazy clutter that I always seem to accumulate, I also really need to cut down on the shopping, so that's another aim of 2016 to try really hard and only buy what I need, and I definitely need to stop buying so many beauty products, but more on that tomorrow.

Basically no matter what happens in 2016 I fully intend to make the best of it and be the best person that I can, 2015 has been a learning curve but it's one I'm happy to say goodbye too x  I'd like to wish you and yours a very Happy New Year and I really hope that 2016 is everything that you want it to be x

Trimming My Stash - December 2014 Edition - Empties And Mini Reviews And A Review Of The Year

Hey Guys x Today's post really should be a Foodie Friday one but to be honest I am a bit foodied out, and with a family party on Sunday food really is the last thing I want to think about at the moment. Instead my foodie review of December in a slightly new format will be up next Friday, and this Friday's post will be my December empties post.

Primark PS Love Your Skin Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes x 25 Wipes

Avon Naturals Herbal Care & Repair Shampoo With Chamomile & Aloe Vera - 750ml

Boots Fearne Body Polish - 200ml

I Love Winter Berries Nourishing Body Butter - 50ml

Clarisonic Nourishing Care Cleanser - 30ml

Total - 5 Items

Mehhhh! Only 5 items! I have to say I'm pretty disappointed with this, I have a couple of bits including a mascara and some skincare that are just about done but I just couldn't push them over the line. I did finish a nice variety of body, skin and hair products though including a couple of things that I was sick of looking at so it wasn't all bad x 

1. Primark PS Love Your Skin Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes x 25 Wipes

I've lost count of how many packets of these I've gone through. They are a real staple not just as an emergency skincare item but also as a general hygiene item and for cleaning up swatches and make up packaging. I got another 2 pack in my Christmas stocking and I know that I'll keep repurchasing x 

2. Avon Naturals Herbal Care & Repair Shampoo With Chamomile & Aloe Vera - 750ml

Excuse the rubbishy iPhone pic but this bottle was absolutely huge and it appears to have gone on forever. I originally purchased this shampoo purely based on the scent. The smell of a product is so important to me and the scratch and sniff section and the cheap price lead to my purchase. This was actually a decent shampoo with a lovely fresh, floral scent. It's a nice everyday shampoo and whilst it's meant for dry, damaged hair I think people with all hair types would enjoy using this shampoo. You don't seem to be able to get this size anymore but it's currently just £2 for 250ml, or you can get 3 bottles for just £4.

3. Boots Fearne Body Polish - 200ml

Another awful picture but this was from a Fearne Cotton hat box set that I got for Christmas a few years ago. The scrubs are always my least favourite things in these kits. They usually have a very runny, creamy texture and their crammed full of scratchy, nutty bits. This one was no different and whilst I quite liked the smell I wasn't a fan of the texture and the bits it left in the bottom of the bath.

4. I Love Winter Berries Nourishing Body Butter - 50ml

I'm a huge fan of the I Love range but unfortunately a lot of their festive items didn't make a re appearance this Christmas. A scent that I fell in love with in 2013/14 was their Winter Berries. As the name would suggest it has a very fruity berry scent that reminds me of Mr Kipling Apple And Blackcurrant Pies and vanilla. This was a nice creamy, butter that absorbed quite easily and left the skin smelling yummy.

5. Clarisonic Nourishing Care Cleanser - 30ml

This was a beauty box item that I've had for a little while now. This was a nice thick, creamy cleanser that worked just as well with my Magnitone Pulsar  as it did with a warm flannel or muslin cloth. It also removed make up and even some eye make up with no problems.

So they were December's empties,but how did the 2014's empties total compare with previous years.?

January - 11 Items 

February - 6 Items

March - 6 Items

April - 7 Items 

May - 6 Items

June - 7 Items

July - 10 Items

August - 7 Items

September - 6 Items 

October - 7 Items

November - 6 Items

December - 5 Items

Total - 84 Items 

Well I was well, well down on 2013's total of 130, and whilst I'm disappointed not to do as well, 84 items are still an awful lot and it really puts into perspective just how many beauty products I've had and still have in my possession. I think the main reason why I haven't done as well is because I didn't go on holiday. Whilst I never count little sachets I do count mini bottles and tubes and I normally manage to use quite a few up when I go away, I also don't think I've used up as much make up as I normally do - never mind x 

Onwards and upwards though and Trimming My Stash will continue in 2015. My main aim will be use up all my bath stuff. As you know at some point this year I will be losing my bath tub,so using up my bubble baths, bath oils, soaks, bubble bars and ballistics is priority number 1. Thankfully I only received a couple of bath things for Christmas but I still have a lot of stuff to use up including several super sized bottles of bubble bath from Avon that seem to go on forever. Operation Bath Tub starts here, as does operation body care in general. I still have so many body moisturisers, scrubs and shower gels to use up that I'm really going to be trying to stick to one of my 2015 goals to use and wear what I buy, and only buy what I actually need, rather than what I like the look of.

In 2015 I'm also going to make a serious effort to use up some of my bulging skincare drawer. One of the hardest but funnest parts of being a beauty blogger is trying so many new things. It means that some things just never get finished so this year I'm going to make a real effort to use up all of those half finished cleansers, exfoliators and moisturisers.

Something else that I want to tackle is my make up stash, I need to have a good sort through, and use up all those lipstick dregs, hit pan on powders and half finished foundations. You never know once I've had a sort out I might host another blog sale or two. Nail varnish is also the other area that I need to tackle. I''m debating a total no buy at some point this year but in the meantime I'm definitely going to try and cut down on the amount that I buy, after all I only have two hands and two feet and an IKEA Helmer and a shoe box full of polish!

Thanks for reading and here's hoping that I can cut down on my shopping and use a few more products up in 2015 x 

Happy New Year - Reflections, Looking Ahead And My Goals For 2015

Happy New Year Everyone x  I hope you all had a fabulous New Years Eve what ever you did x Mine was quiet, me and Mummy Lou spent the evening eating, drinking and reflecting on the year gone by.

2014 was a tough year in a lot of ways, my health issues continued and in some ways worsened, my godmother had an accident and broke several bones, and both my mum and my godfather are set for surgery and hospital stays in the New Year, but we're all still here and we're still battling on.

My health issues have affected my blog a lot more than I would have liked over the last 12 months and as a result my blog hasn't moved on as much in 2014 as I would have liked. I didn't post as much as regularly as I could have done and I wasn't happy with the quality or variety of some of my posts, at time it all felt a bit samey.

It wasn't all negative when it came to the blog though - last week I hit 700,000 all time blog views,  Thank You so much it's an amazing feat which I'm unbelievably proud of, and it really shows how far that I've come. I also attended quite a few blogger events last year which I really enjoyed - I'm still quite a shy person and if you'd asked me a few years ago if I could walk into a room full of people I barely knew and feel pretty comfortable I would never have believed you. Blogging has made such a difference in helping me get some form of independence back. It's given me something to focus on other than my illness, and it's helped me to meet so many new people.

Unlike some people who've hidden their blogs from their friends and family I've always been open with mine. My friends and family might not always understand some of the things that I do or I talk about but they've always been 100% supportive. For Christmas my lovely mum treat me to two things that are hopefully going to make blogging and social media a little bit easier for me in 2015 -  a shiny new laptop and quite fabulously a video camera.

My aim in 2014 was to expand both my blog and my You Tube channel, but as you've probably already gathered that didn't really happen. Hopefully my new camera and some new lighting will enable me to make more and better quality videos, and hopefully a speedier laptop will make all of those blogging tasks such as photo editing and drafting much easier.

So what can you expect from my blog and You Tube in 2015? Well  I want my blog  and my You Tube channel to grow and to improve. I've listened to and read your comments over the last few months and the majority of you want to see more beauty reviews. Your wish is my command and whilst my blog is still about a bit of everything, beauty will definitely dominate in 2015. I'm also going to try and do a few more outfit and fashion posts, and a few more home related, food and lifestyle posts to mix it up a bit. I'm also hoping to post more regularly too, and of course there will be some more giveaways. I've already asked this question in my recent giveaway post but there is any specific post that you would like to read please let me know x

You Tube wise, monthly favourites will resume, and I will eventually get round to doing my much requested room tour post. I'm also planning on doing a few tags, an updated what's in my bag and maybe an updated perfume collection video. Again if there are any videos that you would like to see than please leave me a comment and I'll do my best once I get to grips with my camera x

Away from blogging and You Tube I'm not big and resolutions but I do have a few personal goals that I'm going to try and focus on that I'm going to share with you.

Goals For 2015

1. Stop comparing myself to others! Why do we do this? Someone will always be better than you at something, prettier than you, cleverer than you. It only depresses you - I need to concentrate on me and my positives rather than bothering about other people so much

2. Use and wear what I buy  - Looking back at last years haul posts I bought so much stuff. Do I really need another nude eyeshadow palette, another blue nail polish, and yet another black or white vest - quite frankly no. Trimming My Stash is going to continue and I'm going to make a huge effort to cut down on my spending and buying so much of the same stuff.

3. Be more organised - I make this resolution / set this goal every year but this needs to be the year that I actually do it. I need to be tidier, and I need to clear out my clutter. I dread to think just how much time I've wasted looking for things I've mislaid and how much stress its caused me.

4. Food - I did so well on my healthy eating plan at the beginning of last year that it goes without saying that in 2015 I'll be trying to do more of the same. My aims are 3 meals a day, healthier snacks and to try and do a bit more exercises and physical activity.

5. Sleep - My illness plays havoc with my sleeping patterns but at times I don't think I help myself. My aim for 2015 is to make it into bed before midnight, to cut down on social media late at night, to cut out the afternoon naps and to try and get up at a sensible time no matter how useless I feel or how badly I've slept.

6. Switch off the laptop, the iPad and my iPhone for one day a week - This is a pretty big one but like most of us communication and social media plays such a huge role in my life that sometime I neglect other things. On those days I'm planning to spend time doing other things that I enjoy, reading, watching films or craft and spending  more time with my family.

Like any year I'm expecting 2015 to have it's ups and downs, life's like that and nothing ever goes to plan, but in the majority of cases we are in charge of out own destiny, and I'm going to do my level best to make 2015 my best and most successful year ever x Happy New Year and here's hoping it's a good one for all of us x