AD - A Laptop Love In - Top 3 Budget Laptops And Buying Electronics On A Budget*

I still remember my first, my first computer that is! Way back in the late 80's or early 90's I had a Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2, it didn't do much, games were loaded onto a cassette, and to be honest I didn't get it, I just wasn't that interested in computers, I played the Oregon Trail at school and Donkey Kong at home and that was it -mehhh. By the time I started university though in the late 90's computers were starting to become something of a necessity, assignments had to be word processed, research need to be done, and there was no escaping it, I needed a computer, my first real computer was a Compaq Presario - a huge pile of cream metal and plastic, and do you know what I loved it. From blogging, to chat forums and of course online shopping, the Internet became my life and my escape.

Looking back now it's quite laughable it, and it's subsequent replacement were huge, big monitors, cables everywhere, and these huge tower units, that took up half the desk. I didn't mind though, I looked at laptops and I just didn't feel the same love towards them, it took me years and years before I gave in and switched to something more portable and do you know what I've never looked back. My first love was a tiny little net book, quickly followed by an ACER or two, and do you know what? I've never ever missed my hefty, cumbersome desktop, they're small, powerful, and portable and basically everything that you could want and need in one tiny (ish) package.

A few years ago I took a big step and left the world of Windows behind and I got myself a MacBook, and again, embracing change paid dividends I love it and I'm a totally Apple convert. Lets be realistic though, they are super expensive and if I'm being really honest I could have bought something a bit cheaper and it could probably have done the same job. When it comes to laptops, I don't think the majority of us really need to spend a fortune, obviously if your a graphic designer, artist or a gamer, then you may need something a bit more powerful but for the majority of us, you can get something with all the latest technology without spending silly money.

Seeing as we're coming into what for a lot of people is the most expensive time of the year, the thought of shelling out on a laptop either for yourself, or for someone else as a gift can been pretty terrifying, but there are ways and means to make both finding that perfect laptop and paying for it easier, If you're looking for a great laptop at a budget price, then the UK market has plenty to offer. There are a staggering number of laptops out there, but here's a look at 3 that you will definitely want to take check out:

1. ACER CB3-131 11.6 Inch Chromebook

This little beauty is made for those who want to step outside of the Windows world and step into the world of the Google Chrome operating system. The ultra sleek unit is 11 inches wide and has 2GB of RAM and as well as looking good it weighs less than 1kg. It is tailored to students for the most part because it's easy to transport and carry. The hard drive is only 16GB but as well as being able to store information on the Google Cloud, you also expand your storage with a USB drive. Compact and powerful this particular ACER Chromebook currently retails at around £199

2. ACER Aspire E15

If you're looking for something just that little bit special and with a lot more storage then the ACER Aspire E15 series could be right up your street. This specific version is ultra light, allowing you to use it just about anywhere. With a 1 terabyte hard drive and 4Gb of RAM, the Aspire E15 has plenty of power and acres of storage space, and if you're into gaming or photography, or if you want to use your laptop to watch movies, then you have a 15.6" screen for that inclusive, full colour viewing experience. Giving the size and the features this one is a little bit more expensive at around £349 but for the features and the technology it's still excellent value for money.

3. ASUS Chromebook Flip

If you can't decide between a laptop and a tablet then this one could be for you. With a full rotatable sleek metal body and a back lit keyboard, the laptops in the ASUS Chromebook Flip series have a full HD screen, and 2 USB ports, as well as a 64GB hard drive and 4 GB RAM. Whilst anyone would love to own this beautiful laptop, the look, feel and finish ideally suits professional and it would fit perfectly into any office environment. Price varies depending on the model but one of these beauties would set you back at around £400.

These are just some of the excellent value laptops on the market at the moment but if you're looking to buy a new one either for yourself or for someone else, and whether you're on a budget or even if you're not, then there are ways to not only find the best deals and offers, but also to help you stagger those payments by using a site like Want Gadgets. As well as hints and tips on what laptop to buy they also offer information on buying new, and second hand products and even renting laptops and various other electrical items including televisions, games consoles, tablets and even mobile phones.

Buying a high price electronic item is a considered purchased for most people, so the more research that you can do the better, but it is good to know that there are so many sources of information and advice out there to make that decision making just that little bit easier, from product information, to price comparisons, offers, and finance plans, the world really is at our fingertips and where would we be without a computer? It's amazing how things have changed even in my lifetime!

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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

Normality Is Restored and A Gift Haul

Well everything is just about back to normal I am back to portable blogging from this beauty - a huge all singing and dancing DVD playing laptop :) I was so gutted on Friday night my mum took me to PC World on Saturday and bought this as part of my Christmas pressie I am so grateful, blogging and the internet really is my life at the moment and without it I felt as though a part of me had gone. I brought it home on Saturday afternoon and proceeded to start setting it up only trouble it refused to pair with my wireless router, try as I might it wouldn't work so I emailed Orange from my desktop and waited. Sunday afternoon I received a response which to be honest wasn't that helpful so I decided to brave the Orange call centre - first call succeeded in getting the router and laptop paired but still no internet access this time on any computer or my iPod cry :( So I rang them back and sat in the queue for over 10 minutes listening to Girls Aloud, JLS, etc. and how as an Orange customer I was entitled to Orange Wednesday eventually I managed to talk to a human being and got it sorted. I am still trying to fathom out the wonders of Windows 7, Windows Mail Live, and getting used to typing on a full sized keyboard so a little patience would be appreciated xx I have a few posts and You Tubes to catch up on as you can imagine but I'm going to go myself into gear for you. I'll start here by showing you a little gift haul and showering Mummy LouLou with praise. We had a bit of a rough week last week lots of rows and strops but this weekend she really made it up to me as well as my shiny new laptop, she also bought me a few bits from the Metro Centre on Friday. It was a little trip where I was good and just spent my money on Christmas gifts, I also had an infamous Fish Pedicure a full review and a video of which should be up soon ;), so Mummy LouLou very kindly bought me a few bits including this fragrance

Everyone seems to be talking about this at the moment and whilst it wasn't what I expected it is nice and very feminine, my mum thinks it smells a bit like Exclamation, lol I can see where she's coming from actually but I think Naughty Alice has a more sophisticated edge, which is I am sure what Ms Westwood intended, girly but grown up, and the bottle is so cute xx

She also got my a few Lush bits my mum cannot speak highly enough of Lush Metro Centre she we went for a look she kinds picked my up some Snow Fairy which we both love, and some of the Christmas Bubble Bars in Christmas Eve, Bearded Lady and The Gingerbread House which smells amazing

I'm really impressed with Lush this winter another things I would also recommend that we got was The Mandarin Tea Party Soap, this is soooo nice it smells so fresh, and fruity, exactly like the Snow Showers from last year. and the long gone Champagne Bath Ballistic :)

So that was my very generous gift haul from Mummy LouLou I really don't know what I would ever do without her xx Any questions please ask x

Bye Bye Netbook :(

Sometimes you have days that are just bad all over sometimes you have days like today that are really good then something happens that turns it on its head - well this morning I went to the Metro Centre with my Mummy - I have a few posts coming up on my trip this morning including some things that my mum got for me and a review :) However there maybe a little delay in posts and the few video uploads I have planned as I am now without my netbook. All was well - I got home from the Metro Centre cheerful thanks to a large Toffee Nut Latte - I went upstairs to get my netbook only to find a large glass of water soaking into it thanks to Tallulah :( I let it dry for a couple of hours and everything seemed OK I filmed a little video and then disaster struck the keys started coming off and sticking and it started making several weird noises :( Thankfully I've managed to copy my pics and videos off it but typing is impossible the back space, P key and the directional arrows have all come off. I can't afford a new one at the moment and I have told Mummy LouLou I can't expect her to buy me one either so I am relegated to my my desktop which alas ain't the quickest so I'll do my best to update as regularly as I have been both on here and on my You Tube channel - Thanks in advance for your patience xx

EOTD - Golden Greens

Sorry for the crappy pics (my camera is beyond useless at doing close ups and the lighting today was yack - not a good combo and low and behold my laptop then went insane and deleted the best pic argh!!!! ) but this was the eye look I went for today -lots of olive greens, shimmery greens and golds to match my cosy khaki /olive parka lol :)

Products Used

MAC Prep + Prime Eye -Light
MAC Eyeshadow Fresh Approach
MAC Eyeshadow Image Maker
MAC Eyeshadow Sumptuous Olive
MAC Eyeshadow Photo Realism
2True Instant Length Mascara - 01 Black

(All of these products were purchased by myself apart from the 2True Instant Length Mascara which was sent to me by Superdrug for review purposes - see my review here - I was not paid to review it or to use the item in this or any other blog post x )

Normal Service Resumed

Well after a lot of hassle and irritation today I received a parcel from Samsung containing my replacement laptop !!! Hurrah! Although it isn't the same model as my previous one it is brand new and very nice :) Because its a replacement not a repair I have lost some of my old files etc which can't be helped I tried to back up as much as I could but I suppose I will have lost some bits :( Never mind to apologise for all the hassle they also included £20 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers which I am going to use for some of my Christmas shopping - result ! Anyways normal service will hopefully be resumed asap I have loads of posts to catch up on so expect some regular postings from now on xx

Hey You + September Round Up

Hiyas - long time no speak to :) Alas the hotels Internet access was too expensive and my phone signal was non existent so apologies for the lack of updates but I am back from a gorgeous holiday in Cyprus - the weather was amazing but I got a stinky , nasty cold which I am still battling off. Anyways I have loads to catch up on - I've got a few videos to edit up and stick on You Tube and loads of holiday purchases to update you on and a few bits I've picked up since I've got home :),as well as trying to catch up with You Tube videos and blog posts so apologies in advance if I don't comment on any posts - you have been busy bees while I have been away. All of this will still probably be done without my laptop much to my irritation it is still MIA
:( Anyways to sum September up I have had a fab time buying what I've wanted for a change but this has to end - I have saved some of my holiday money for some bits from the new MAC collections but apart from that I am back to my £30 a month limit from today:)
I also persevering with trimming my stash - September wasn't the best of months - I only managed to finish 11 full sized items although I haven't counted the multitude of travel sized and mini items I finished whilst I was away

Pro Strong Pro Advanced Fluoride Nail Strengthener
Avon Bronze Sun Protection Sensitive UVA / UVB 15 Sun Lotion Spray
Avon Planet Spa Detoxifying and Firming Body Mask
Avon Planet Spa Hawaiian Thermal Volcano Paraffin Hand and Foot Treatment
The Body Shop Ginger Body Scrub
The Body Shop Peach Shower Gel
The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter
ELF Studio Make Up Remover Wipes
The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner
Lush Jasmine Henna Fluff-Eaze
Nivea Compact Deodorant

On the plus side I have hit pan on a couple of bits in September, and a couple of bits should be finished in the next week or so - I can definitely see an improvement in my bath and body stash :)

Anyways bear with me for a few days and I'll try and get caught up on my posts - including a huge thank you to the fabulous Sara for my swap package. and thanks to the lovely Kate for a gorgeous thank you post :)

New MAC Collections and Hello Kitty Goodies :)

Sorry - I can see I am going to be MIA a bit till I get my laptop back - I have to say I almost shed a tear when UPS came to pick it up yesterday to take it back to Samsung - hurry back my friend :( Anyways it was my mums birthday yesterday so we had a lovely day - I made her a gorgeous meal of mushroom stroganoff and a gorgeous blackberry and white chocolate mousse - very yummy but not good for the waistline - lol. Anyways I have got a few parcels over the last couple of days - my giveaway prize from the lovely Lydia deserves a post of its own so hopefully I will show you all my lovely goodies tomorrow, but in the meantime Ireceived a MAC parcel,a perfume parcel, and a huge box of goodies to review (more on that to come in the next few weeks:) )
MAC released some of their new collections in the UK last week so I placed a little order when I ordered my giveaway prizes (my giveaway ends tomorrow - don't forget to enter - see below ) One of my must have items from the new collections was The Perfect Cheek blush - its a gorgeous natural colour, which unusually for me is matte - its certainly love - I wore it yesterday and today :)


I also ordered a couple of the nail polishes - Dry Martini - which is actually a much darker brown / olive - it looks minging in this pic but it honestly isn't that bad :)and Beyond Jealous which is a gorgeous dark teal - these colours will be gorgeous for winter :)



I also ordered yet another nude lipstick whoops! Very like Illamasqua Sonnet this is Close To Real


I also got one of the eyeshadow quads - the green one - Photo Realism - I love the gold highlight shade on the top left


I also ordered a couple of the starflash formulas from the last collections - One Off -the green and Unbasic White as well as a new 15 pan palette - roll on a depotting fest :)



I also got a little perfume though the post from The Fragrance Shop . I recently spotted a perfumes in Boots and knew I had to have it - I was initially going to buy it then and there but for some reason I didn't. I recently watched a video from the fabulous FoundOnFilm where she bought this perfume from The Fragrance Shop for a much better price (£7.99 as opposed to £12.50) and not only that but you get a free bracelet - bargain! The perfume that I'm talking about is super sweet but in a good way and I love it - it is Hello Kitty x







There you go - the shopaholic returns with a vengeance lol - don't forget my giveaway ends lunch time tomorrow xx

QVC and Barratts Haul and A Rant

Hiya sorry I haven't been round for a few days but I have had a bit of a crap few days. First off all my laptop started to smell of burning plastic, so its is going back to Samsung for investigation :( This may mean that I might not be around much until till I get it back - my desktop is soooo slow. Secondly I became the subject of a bit of hatred on my You Tube channel -thankfully I had my comments on approval so none of the stuff went on my channel but they decided to rate all my videos at 1 star to make up for that. I have to say I was really upset I had anticipated a bit of rubbish due to my facial palsy I have had that all my life but quite frankly I was really upset that adults could say such hurtful things - we aren't all supermodels. It has really made me think twice about doing any more videos - I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank some of the lovely people who left such lovely kind message on twitter, etc and really helped lift me spirits - will I do any more videos I'm not sure yet - I need to build my confidence back up again :(x

Anyways to happier things - I have a few hauls to show you x I received a few orders from QVC this week - As you probably know I love QVC yes a lot of it is tacky but you can get some really good bargains if you look.

First of all I got the YBF Duo of Steadfast Shadow Liners in Shimmering Violet and Emerald Brown which also came with a little retractable shadow / liner brush. These are fab really pigmented and they really seem to last - water alone will not take them off and they are a lot cheaper than the Bobbi Brown and Smashbox alternatives - I think I paid about £15 for the two 5.1g posts






I don't buy many clothes from QVC I tend to think they are geared toward ahem the older generation but I do love this ruffly , tiered top - the pic certainly doesn't do it justice


I also mentioned about my gold evening bag quest - I managed to pick up this beauty from Barratts - its the perfect colour and I love the bow detail


Anyways hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with more purchases - Illamasqua anyone ;)
Oh don't forget my giveaway too x

ELF Goodies and Some Good News

Its been a pretty good day so far - first of all I've lost another pound - hurray I am feeling really proud of myself and my clothes are starting to feel a bit looser -hurrah. Secondly my laptop cable came - the end snapped last week so huge thanks to Samsung I now have quicker, portable surfing again! Thirdly my ELF goodies came over the weekend - hurray - here are some pics and swatches any questions please ask





Dramatic Lash Kit - I love the look of these and can't wait to try them - a really nice looking lash for a bargain £1.50 :)





All Over Color Stick In Toasted - As I have said before I love products like this - an all over product for eyes lips and cheeks a real time saver. This is a lovely, sheer, shimmery, pinky, bronze shade which will be gorgeous on summery skin and lovely with a tan







All Over Color Stick - Lilac Petal - Another all over product in the same twist up applicator and with the same sugar orange (orange creams anyone?) fragrance. This is much more shimmery pink toned colour so, so pretty and fresh.




Shimmering Facial Whip - Citrus - This is a similar idea to the color sticks - an all in one product for eyes, lips and cheeks. In a squeezy tube, dispenser this also has the sugar orange fragrance. In a metallic shimmery, bronze / pink this again is a really useful all in one product that will be great for holidays.

Pic squeezed from tube

blended


Due to the 10,000 facebook fans offer I also got a free lipgloss





Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF15 - Goddess I already have a few of these and they are fab . This is a super sticky lipgloss in a peachy, coraly pink, which smells according to ELF of grape vanilla, but it remains me a bit of bubblegum or a bright sherbet I used to eat when I was younger - really nice and with an SPF to boots, a bargain at £1.50

Bill Paying and Mini Spend

A little update for you readers.
So far this month I have made payments to a catalogue, a store card and a credit card, and my phone bill has came out by direct debit !!
So far so good as long as I don't buy anything every little will surely help.
OK I have bought a few bits but they were allowed or classed as urgent or essentials. My monthly mags and a few bits from the Avon sale to go towards my Mothers Day pressie (Aren't I good thinking ahead!!!) are classed as allowed in my money saving plan and a Memory Stick for my new lack of optical drive laptop and my prescription are essentials.
Must admit I have been majorly tempted by a few bit bought by some of the handbag girls including a gorgeous Primark dress and shoes, and some lovely jewellery I saw on the Dorothy Perkins website - must stay strong though!