"I'm At A Place Called Vertigo" And It Hasn't Been Fun!

Well this little ditty from U2, pretty much says it all. Although I've still been uploading fairly regularly to my You Tube channel (thanks to an en block recording day!), I've been AWOL from the blog for a couple of weeks now, thanks to, at least in part, you've guessed it vertigo!

No not the U2 song, or even the Hitchcock's film noir,  but a horrible illness that makes you feel sick and dizzy. My mum was poorly first but I didn't think too much of it, she has a history of vertigo, but then I started feeling dizzy and that was that, a trip to the doctors, the diagnosis of a possible virus, and a box of prescription pills later, I thought I was feeling better, so on Tuesday I went on a long planned shopping trip with my Godmother and her friend, and then it came back with a vengeance.

Couple that with a fibro and CFS flare, and I've spent the last three days in bed, in a slighty blurry, not quite there haze,  believe me feeling like you've got a hangover when you haven't even had a drink is not fun! At last though I'm starting to see the light at the end of yet another long, dark tunnel and I'm starting feel less drowsy, and less woozy.

So from Monday I will be back posting regularly again with plenty more hauls, beauty reviews and who knows what else, and I'll also be announcing the winner of my Illamasqua giveaway, so make sure you keep checking back to see if you're a winner.

Until then though thank you for reading and following and I hope that you all have a lovely weekend, and I will see you next week with some new posts x

LouLouLand - 2016 - A Year In Review - Part 2 - July To December

Welcome to Part 2 of my blogging year in review x In this post I'm going to be looking back at some my favourite and most poignant blog posts from July to December 2016.

July 2016

July was a busy month post wise, I went shopping a lot and I shared a few reviews and a few nails of the day posts with you. I also tried out one of the newest beauty boxes on the market - QVC UK's Tili Beauty Box. Unboxing's are normally exclusive to my You Tube channel but I couldn't resist sharing this one with you one the blog as well. I've had both of the QVC Tili boxes to date now and I've loved both of them, I love trying new things and already I've found some things that I love, and some things that I will definitely consider repurchasing. I for one have my fingers tightly crossed that we'll see some more TILI (Try It Love) Boxes in 2017.

Speaking of new things, In 2016 one of the beauty ranges that I couldn't wait to try, was the Rosie For Autograph range for Marks & Spencer. M&S teamed up with supermodel Rosie Huntington Whitely to produce a make up range to rival any designer beauty brand on the market. The prices aren't the cheapest but I couldn't resist adding just one little thing to my make up collection, a Lip Glossy in Sweet Nothing Kisses x

I absolutely love this colour and it's something that I've worn an awful lot since I got it - you can find out more about it here x I'm definitely going to try and pick up a few more things from the Rosie For Autograph collection is 2017 but in the meantime I have another Lip Glossy in Supermodel Smile to try courtesy of the 2016 M&S Beauty Advent Calendar.

July also featured one of my last Foodie Friday posts of the year. I'm planning on doing some more Foodie Friday posts in 2017 and maybe some videos to, but in this last one,  I shared with you my interpretation of one of my favourite Hello Fresh recipes which I renamed my Lentil, Roasted Vegetable And Halloumi Salad x 

Don't forget to click on the Recipes tab above to check out all of the recipes that I've posted in my nearly 9 years of blogging.

August 2016

August was a pretty barren month in LouLouLand thanks to a bit of laptop breakage. The lid and screen on my Acer laptop completely snapped off, and instead of doing the sensible things and upgrading then and there, I sent it away to get fixed which took a few weeks. So for most of the month I was laptop less. Thankfully I did manage to get a few posts up including my final two posts for My Pure* and a couple of nails of the day posts, including this all be it edited to death, beauty from Nails Inc,

and I also posted a nails of the day from one of the newest nail brands on the market, Roxanne Campbell, and her beautiful shade Stormy Weather.

September 2016

From a barren month in August, to one of the hardest months of my life in September. On September the 11th 2016, I lost my beloved Godfather after a long period of ill health but thankfully peacefully after a short illness. As I said at the time, when you lose a parent like I did, if you're lucky enough, some people step up to the plate and try to take on that parental role, as well as my mum taking on the dad role too, I'm lucky enough to have uncles that care and I was lucky enough to have my Godmother. It's been a tough few months, but he will never be forgotten.

That news affected my whole month but I blogged a lot and tried to keep focused and again I shared a lot of posts with you including a haul or two,  another nails of the day from Roxanne Campbell* and a bargaintastic nails of the day from Primark.

The month of September will also go down in history, as the month when I lost my Benefit brows* virginity. I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Benefit counter in Debenhams in Intu Eldon Square, for a complimentary brow mapping, and brow wax and from that moment onwards I was a total convert. 2016 was the year when I actually started giving a damn about my brows and that was all thanks to Benefit. Find out what I got up to and what I bought here x 

September was also the month when my laptop gave up the ghost for good and I took the plunge and joined the Mac book generation. I've regretted it at times but I've gradually fallen in love with my silver, illuminated beauty even if I did end up losing a whole load of photos in the conversion process hmmm.

October 2016

October was another busy month on LouLouland as I temporarily got my blogging mojo back and enjoyed playing with my new mac book. October was a very home focused month on LouLouLand as I shared two home hauls with you - in the first one I lost my Tiger virginity, and bought some cute bits from ebay 

and in the second one I went crazy buying candles, home fragrances, pineapples and mood lighting.

It was also a busy month press sample wise, and I reviewed a beautiful facial oil from Beuti* and some fabulous cruelty free brushes from L.A.B. 2*

I also had a lot of fun at the Autumn / Winter Intu Metrocentre Style Garden event* where I fell in love with lots and lots of clothes, home wear and handbags, and I was thoroughly spoilt by the entire  Intu Metrocentre team and in particular by Aspinal London and Thomas Sabo x

In October I also shared with you yet another Primark haul, and I also shared a high end beauty haul with you, where I showed you some of the beauty bits that I'd bought over the last few months including some Style Garden influenced Kiehls and Giorgio Armani purchases as well as some OPI, Tarte and Nails Inc pieces.

My final post pick of October 2016 is a NYX haul and review post featuring a blusher, some eyeshadows, and some lip things. I'm so pleased that we can now buy NYX on the UK high street now and I'll definitely be picking up some more bits in 2017.

November 2016

November was a quiet month on LouLouLand as life got in the way again, but I'm pretty proud of the three posts that I've picked out to summarise the month. It's all about the make up and in November I was lucky enough to review a couple of pieces from the amazing Joan Collins' Timeless Beauty range.

The first product that I reviewed was one of her beautifully packaged nail lacquers in the shade Helene*, a beautiful blue based red. Red nails just scream glamour, and even on my short nails, this colour looked incredible. 

Although I'm not usually the type to match my lipstick with my nail polish, I also reviewed one of the beautiful Joan Collins Divine Lips Lipsticks in the shade Amanda*. I'm not usually a red lip fan but as I say this was the year when I tried to branch out a bit and try some new things. This shade is simply stunning, it's a warm red that I think would suit a lot of skin tones x Click here to read all about it x 

Next up more make up and this time some bits that I bought myself from the fabulous KIKO Milano store in Intu Eldon Square. KIKO are definitely one of my brands of the moment and in this haul I shared some of my newest pieces with you including some eye shadows, cheek colours, nail polishes, and a lipstick x 

If you're a KIKO fan they I would try and check out their sale if you can x I only picked up a couple of things but they had some lovely things and some fab offers x I might stick up a post or a video next week if I can xx

December 2016

December is supposed to be one of the happiest and jolliest months of the year but for me it started off in the worst way. On 3rd December my beautiful Persian Jasper left us and crossed rainbow bridge. It's so hard to believe that it's been nearly a month since we lost him. I miss and think about him everyday and the house feels just a little bit quieter without him. So in December I shared with you both my love and sadness, and my feeling and experiences of losing a much loved pet x

I didn't post as much as I would have liked in December for a few reasons but I did manage to share a couple of hauls with you including a Royal Quays Outlet Beauty Haul, which features some Wet N Wild, some Clarins and a few bits from The Body Shop, 

and I also shared a tiny Primark haul with you and a home and home fragrance haul with you featuring NEXT, Yankee Candles and Boohoo.

So that was 2016 in review, a lot of down downs, and a few ups, and lots of beauty, fashion and lifestyle content thrown in. I hope that whether you're a new or a longtime reader that you've enjoyed this little look back at 2016 and I hope it's left you wanting more.

I'm hoping to be less of a flake in 2017 and I'm really going to try and push my blog on and try and get it to where I feel it should be and where I want it to be. My blog definitely didn't grow as much as I would have liked in 2016 and although life does get in the way at times, I only have myself to blame. Still I was given a huge boost this month when I hit a crazy 1,000,000 all time page views. Not only is that an amazing figure for little old me, but it was a major confidence boost, when I was feeling a little bit down about my blog, and it future. So for 2017 the aim is onwards and upwards, I have lots of plans and aims this year and I'm going to do my damnedest to achieve them all x Thanks again to all of you for following and reading I really do appreciate it more than you will ever know x Thanks for reading both of these posts, and I will see you next year (eek) with some new posts that you won't want to miss x

*Press Samples Or Blog Events

Looking Forward On LouLouLand

Hello My Loves
Welcome to another week, I just thought I'd do a little post telling you what's coming up on LouLouLand over the next few weeks. I mentioned in my November Summary that I had a lot of reviews to do in December but what I didn't mention was that my reviews are going to have a little theme. You can expect to see some reviews on some essentials for the party season, some reviews on essentials for the winter months, and of course some reviews on some of the best budget gift ideas for others and for yourselves ;) I've also got a few posts coming up on how to change your nail polishes for nights out, and lots of pretty nail colours for you to look at. I'll still be doing the odd post in between but this lot should keep me busy over the next few weeks, and of course there is the annual LouLouLand Christmas giveaway which will be going live on 12th December, I have two lovely prizes for you people to win so don't forget to check back and follow my blog if you haven't already. Until then stay nice and cosy, it is freezing today! and what was with those snow showers yesterday and the scene I woke up to this morning, brrr winter seems to be here at last, yeah so get yourself a nice warm cuppa and I'll see you later today with a make up review xx

Naughty In November ?

Well November's been a funny month hasn't it, the weather has been distinctively mild compared to last year, and Christmas seems to have started even earlier than ever, there is a house near my that have had their decorations up for nearly 3 weeks! eek!

It's been a funny month in LouLouLand too, I started the month feeling a little under the weather financially but within a day or so of the month starting, a slightly unexpected windfall,and continuing good ebay sales meant that I've had a bit of a spare cash so guess what? yes I was a naughty Lou, and I've spent quite a bit of money this month and as a result I've probably gone way over this months spends eek.

I have a little haul post to go up next week of stuff that I've bought and received over the last week and a bit (L'Occitane, Avon, Viva La Nails, ebay, blog sale!, and Chanel!!!!) but in December I promise I really am going to try harder, as you read this I'm probably wandering around the Metro Centre which probably isn't going to give me the best of starts, but I'm going to be honest and detail all my spends in December for you no matter how far I go over my limit. Call it my penance for going so far over my limit ;)

I have to admit Trimming My Stash this month has also been a bit of a struggle, I've a few things hanging around, including a few make items, and a few bath and face products but they seem to be going on for ever! I only managed to finish 9 items in November

A'kin Jasmine Body Wash 225ml

SBC Jasmine and Evening Primrose Creme Shower Gel 250ml
L'Occitane Acacia Flower Hand and Body Cleansing Mousse 250ml
Ecover Lavender and Aloe Vera Shower Gel 250ml
Philosophy Spicy Pear Cobbler 3 in 1 Shampoo Shower Gel and Bubble Bath 473.1 ml
Anatomicals Not Another Rough Day Please Body Moisturiser 200ml
The Body Shop Passion Fruit Cleansing Gel 250ml
Lovea Guava Toning Body Wash 200ml
Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow 150g

It's not bad I guess but I would have liked to done a bit better, so in December I will be trying really hard!

Well what else can you expect from LouLouLand in December? well reviews and lots of them, in December you can expect reviews of everything from underwear, to energy boosters, to fake tan and hand cream. I'll also be reviewing a few things which I think will make great Christmas gifts :) I've also got December nailed and I'm planning lots of sparkly nails of the days, a couple of updates to my changing you nail polish, and a nail polish collection post focusing on drumroll MAC! I've also got a few end of the year summary posts coming up for you, a festive recipe and of course the annual LouLouLand Christmas giveaway. Added to more ebay listings, Christmas shopping and wrapping, tidying and seeing friends and family I have a jam packed month ahead, but do you know what I love December and I love Christmas. Thanks to all of you guys for your comments and support during November and I hope you'll stick around in December xx

October's Over

Hey Guys
I hope you all had a safe and spooky Halloween, as per usual we carved pumpkins and made lots of yummy soup yesterday - I'm not the hugest lover of Halloween but I love warming soups and leftover trick or treat goodies ;). It's hard to believe that there are only 2 months of 2011 left, the clocks going back at the weekend mean the dark nights are upon us, and it won't be long before the temperature starts to drop even further.
It's been a funny month for me, getting back from a fabulous, sunny holiday, and subsequently feeling like death ever since a returned is never a good thing - I'm currently waiting for some more medical investigations but I'm trying to stay positive. As you know my Monthly Spends product was suspended in October, but I will be resuming my challenge in November. I really need some money for Christmas pressies so I'm going to try and be good, and I'm going to be continuing with my ebay listings - don't forget to keep an eye out on my sidebar and my twitter feed for when I list new items, Oh and in case your wondering yes I am selling 90% of my CD collection ;)
In November I'm also going to be continuing to trim my stash - I've got a few things hovering on the edge but I'm feeling positive about it after how well I did In October

Carex Refreshing Wipes - 15 Wipes
Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover 150ml
L'Occitane 4 Reines Rose Velvet Hand Cream 15ml
Superdrug Nourishing Nail Polish Remover 250ml
Superdrug Nourishing Nail Polish Remover Pads 2 x Tubs
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer 200ml
The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Creamy Body Wash 250ml
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo 50ml
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish 30ml
MOP Glisten Shine Drops 5ml
Dove Beauty Care Body Wash 55ml
Zhuzh The Tan Accelerator Swipes x 8
St Tropez SPF30 High Protection For Body 36g
Sun Shots SPF 25 Medium Sun Protection 20ml x 2
Lovea Certified Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 - 8ml
Lovea Certified Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 - 8ml
This Works Deep Calm Bath and Shower Gel 5ml
Lovea Certified Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 - 8ml
Leighton Denny Nail Polish - Made To Measure 4.6ml
Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Skin Wash - 1 Litre
Total - 29 Items
Yes there were a few minis in this little lot but I have to say I'm pretty pleased with - I still keep opening new things but I'm going to keep at it.

So what can you expect to see on LouLouLand in November , in a word lots. I've got lots of reviews planned including a make up brand especially for sensitive skin, some haircare, some fake tan, and a cleanser. I've also got a few installments in My Budget Beauty Series, My MAC Collection and My Nail Polish Collection series planned, as well as a few OOTD, and lots of NOTDs. Thanks to all of you for sticking with me and I hope you all have a great November  xx

Normal Service Will Resume Shortly x

Hi Guys
Just a super quick post to say I'm back from my hols, feeling a little worn out at the moment tbh so I may be a little quiet for a few days , stick around though I have a whole load of holidays posts to come including a haul, some OOTDs, some NOTD's, and of course some holiday pics. I started the marathon task of attacking my inbox this morning and then I'll move on to my blog comments x Thank you all for sticking around whilst I've been away I really do appreciate your support and input xx

Nails Of The Day - Goldfinger Do Do Do, The Girl With The Midas Touch and An Update x

Happy Monday my sweets I hope you all had a lovely weekend - mine was pretty up and down but very productive I took lots of blog photos and edited them all up, and I also took a pile of pics taken for ebay (check out the ebay link in the sidebar I am selling some genuine Gucci shoes!!!). On Sunday I posted my first post in the Budget Beauty Series, as yet it's had no love which is a shame but hey ho, I don't always have time to post comments and I know other people are often the same. I also made some lovely gluten free cheese scones (that's them above) - I really enjoy baking in fact the only reason I don't do more of it is that I have to eat the fruits of my labour lol, which reminds me I put a pound on the week which doesn't really surprise me as I ate like a piggy last week but I'm vowing to try harder now. I don't really have any specific post plans this week, maybe a tag, and a review, but I'm starting off with a nails of the day x

Apologies in advance for the cheeysy title but I have to say I love my glittery, metallic and holographic nail polishes so I was delighted to recieve this gorgeous glittery gold  Culford Gardens in my recent Nails Inc special haul . At first glance I thought this was almost identical to Nails Inc Westminster Abbey which I picked up in the special Royal Collection, but on the nails it looks a little darker and dare I say even more glittery - apologies for the bad paint job, the gross burn on my finger, and a bit of a self tan disaster, but I hope you can see the sparkle

Any questions please ask x kiss kiss xx