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

A Scheduled September Summary

By the miracle of scheduled posting I'm back with my September Summary. September by and large was a good month in LouLouLand, my mums birthday, a couple of positive health things and of course reaching 500 blog followers all helped some of the negativity of previous months just fade away. Added to the fact that I'm currently in hopefully sunny Cyprus now, it wasn't a bad month at all.

Because I went away before September ended I've only counted my monthly spends up until the 28th September and I have to say I think I did really well

NYC Smooch Proof Lipstain - £3.99
Papercraft Inspirations Magazine - £4.99
Total £.8.98
£31.02 Under

I really tried to hone in my spending so I had at least some holiday funds, and I think I managed it. If I had managed to find a few things I was looking for this month i.e magnetized polishes it might have been harder but it wasn't so I'm fairly happy with my September performance. Obviously because of my hols I won't be counting my spends from the end of September onwards but once I get back I will be trying to keep my spending at a sensible level after all it isn't long till Christmas now eek!

I've also only counted this months Trimming My Stash up until 28th September too 

Veet Short Hair Wax Strips With Shea and Berry Mai Pack - 40 Strips

Simply Wax Mini Hair Removal Strips - 28 Strips
Hand Pack Intensive Rejuvenation Rose and Shea Butter - 1 Treatment
Heel Patches Softening Treatment With Aloe Vera - 1 Treatment
OPI Avoplex Nail and Cuticle Oil 15ml
L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 15ml
Elemis Tan Accelerator 125ml
Soap & Glory Sit Tight 200ml
Spa Therapeutic Gel Bath Relax 500g
Clynol Look At Me Dazzle Color & Shine Shampoo 250ml
Bomb Cosmetics Raspberry Blower Ice Cream Body Wash 275g
Total  - 11 Items

I finished quite a few items in the last few days of the month but I have to say I think I could have done a bit better than I have, as per usual I opened a few new things ignoring old things - bad LouLou. Never mind hopefully I can do better next month - I'll be counting all my empties from 28th September till the end of October for next months attempt. I'm anticipating a much better performance despite the fact that I will probably be finishing quite a few mini products, fingers crossed x

So what does October have to offer on LouLouLand? Well I'm planning a few holiday post when I get back including some holiday pics, some nails of the days, some outfit posts and maybe a bit of haulage. I'm also planning quite a few review posts, a product rave, another post in my MAC Collection Series, and maybe another post in my Budget Beauty Series. Not only that though but October will also see the end of the LouLouLand 500 Followers Giveaway !!! Click here to enter for your chance to win loads of goodies including All For Eve, Nails Inc, L'Oreal HIP, MUA, Vivo and much, much more. So that was September and that's whats coming in October. Oh and I've still got a few more scheduled posts for you whilst I'm away including nails from Nars, and Illamasqua, a little recipe, and a focus on Primark Beauty for My Budget Beauty Series, hope you enjoy and I hope you have a great October xx

Au Revoir To August

and good riddance! - what a crappy month August was, the weather was awful, I was ill for half of it and my mum was ill for the other half - I have to say I am glad it's over.

There weren't a lot of positives for me in August  apart from having my first ever Percy Pig - Thanks Dawn! but predictably my spending was over budget


Swimsuit - ebay - £9.94
Ultrasun After Sun - ebay - £9.49
L'oreal Elvive Shampoo, Undies - Boyes - £4.20
Superdrug Haul - 2True,MNY,Earrings - £8.97
Stacey Maxi Dress - Boohoo -£10.00
Color Club Nail Polish - ebay - £6.34
Elle Magazine - £3.80
Total So Far - £52.74
+ £12.74

At £12.74 over it wasn't as bad as it could have been I guess, and the majority of purchases were to do with my holiday but I really could have done better, I've also spent a lot on my mum this month to go towards her birthday present, so it's looking as though I won't have as much money for my holidays as I would of liked - I guess the only option is to ebay like a demon lol - so you can certainly expect some new listings over the next week x

You'll already know this if your a regular reader but my other monthly mission is trimming my stash basically me trying to finish as many products over the course of the month and ultimately the year


Leighton Denny Hydra Flex Shield 12ml
The Body Shop Raspberry Shower Gel 250ml
Primark Beauty 4 in 1 Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes x 25
No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara 01 Black 0.23 FL Oz
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish 100ml
Clean & Clear Gentle Face Lotion 200ml
SBC Echinacea Bath Soak 500ml
The Body Shop Dewberry Bath and Shower Gel - 250ml
John Frieda 3 Day Straight Spray 100ml
Total - 9 Items

This month I finished 9 items which is about the average so far for me this year which isn't too bad to be honest and I finished a nail and a make up item which is always good.

September will be a bit different than normal I go on holiday on the 28th so both my spending diet and trimming my stash will only be up to that date everything else will be added to Octobers lists. I'm hoping to finish a few more products this month, and I'm going to try and keep my spending right down, even though I'm probably going to the Metro Centre on Friday eek - restraint is essential!! On the blogging front I am going to blogging like a demon this month I have quite a few reviews I want to do including an Autumn / Winter essential, a hair product, a couple of skin care products and a few holiday preparation product reviews. In September you can also expect to see the start of my nail polish collection posts, lots of nails of the day posts, the continuation of my budget beauty series, and some pics from my mums birthday :). At the same times I am also preparing a few scheduled posts to keep you amused whilst I'm away - phew I have a busy few weeks ahead so stay tuned and you never know if I hit 500 followers in September you may have a little giveaway to enter. Anyways that's my September planned out largely positive bar a few hospital appointments for my mum, I hope you all have a great month and that we have an Indian summer because August was so bad, fingers crossed, Love and Kisses xx

Time Passes By - Well It Will Have By The Time You Read This!

Well here we are - August - Time seems to fly so much when you get older but like it or not the countdown to the cold and wintery weather has started, July was as odd month in many ways as I said last week I've felt a bit down about things and not overly motivated to do anything let alone blog.
I try not to talk to much about my illness and the depression it causes but in July I pretty much reached the end of my tether, it's not the first time I've let things get on of top me but it's something I need to ride it out, no magic wands and no miracles unfortunately. Towards the end of the month though I started to regain some sort of mental normality due to a bit of venting, mind clearing, de cluttering and positive thinking. So I'm mentally back with a renewed focus on my bloggy blog. Posting this month has been erratic and I'm sorry but I promise August will be better. I have so many posts planned for this month including a mountain of reviews including my usuals for My Pure, some Clynol shampoo and conditioner, a couple of eye products, some Jessica nail care and an all natural facial exfoliator. I will also be continuing with my changing you nail polish series this time focusing on nail stickers and August will also see a few posts in my Budget Beauty Series, including my long promised focus on MUA and MUA Professional which I am super excited about.
So that's what's coming in August but what about July ? well as you can expect from my fairly negative mood I did what a girl does when she's sad and I shopped

V05 Miracle Drops, Make Up, and Magazine - Superdrug - £22.46
Boots No17 x 2 Eyeshadows -£7.78
CVS Pharmacy Essential Glow Daily Moisturiser - Factory Bargain Store - £1
MAC, Primark and More - Whoops!!
Total - £31.24 ++++++

Yup I stopped counting hmm I'm not proud of that, shopping doesn't cheer you up at least not in the long term, you get a quick high and then reality bites, don't get me wrong I'm happy with everything I bought, but shopping like chocolate is only a temporary fix. Well there is no doubt I will have to do better in August, I'm going to be ebaying like a demon (listings in the sidebar including new things, MiuMiu and Marc Jacobs !!), and trying to save every last penny, why? well Mummy Lou has a big birthday in September and we're going on holiday :)

     
No, we didn't have any plans to go away in fact it was pretty much decided that we were going to have a staycation, but the ridiculously useless summer weather up north changed Mummy Lou's mind, she doesn't want a party for her birthday or anything so she decided to have a holiday instead. No guesses as to where we're going, Cyprus of course :) we love the island so much and the temperatures even more, so I will be desserting you on the last week of September, first week in October, and do you know what I can't wait, not to leave you of course but my achey body needs some warm sunshine.

So instead of buying new products I'm going to be trying to make the best of what I've got, and believe me I still have loads to use up

Alpha H Liquid Gold 100ml
Herbalife Body Buffing Scrub 200ml
Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 400ml
Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask 50ml
Alpha H Balancing Cleanser 50ml
Burts Bees Therapeutic Bath Crystals 44g
Australian Bodycare Body Wash 200ml
Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover 150ml
Total - 8 Items

Yes I finished just 8 items which wasn't too impressive I have to say, I did flit around this month and open a few new things which never helps, but I'm nearly finished two items so hopefully I'll do better in August :)
So that's where we're at, feeling happier but struggling to keep my spending and my diet in check. (although I did lose 3 pounds last week yeah) How was your July and what plans and goals do you have for August? If you made this far you've done well thanks for reading and thanks for being there to listen xx

June Japes

Well June was a bit of a disaster for me  - the spending diet was an abject fail, having to pay for half a camera, and just throwing caution to the wind meant I was way, way above my limit booo bad LouLou

Perfume and Lip Polish - Charlotte's Blog Sale - £5.50
2 Issues of Glamour - £4.00
Revlon Lipstain and Rimmel Foundation - Boots - £10.98
Coloured Pencils and Notebook - Boyes - £2.48
Superdrug Haul - £11.46
LA Colors Nail Polish Radiation - Boyes - 99p
Elle Magazine - £3.80
Red Magazine - £3.80
Total So Far - £43.01 + - Way Over - eek
 
I must try harder next month but I have to say I'm not hopeful I am in love with MAC's Fashion Flower collection - my first MAC love in such a while so I don't know how restrained I am going to be - at the moment I am thinking two lipsticks and a beauty powder, but we'll see. My decluttering took several steps forward in June, although I'm pretty much done with blog sales for the moment, my ebaying has started in earnest, and I have loads and I mean loads more to list so keep an eye on my sidebar for the latest additions. I did slightly better trimming my stash this month
 

The Body Shop Earth Lovers Apricot and Basil Shower Gel 250ml
GOSH Intensite Irresistible Mascara 12ml
Leighton Denny Essential Remover 50ml
Herbalife Body Contouring Creme 200ml
Philosophy The Gingerbread Man Hot Salt Body Scrub 652g
Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel 100g
Boots Botanics Quick Fix Cleansing Wipes x 30
Ecover Lavender and Aloe Vera Hand Soap 250ml
Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak 125ml
No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml
Tresemme Heat Defence Spray 300ml
n-spa Indulgent Gingerbread Latte Bath Syrup 100ml
Total So Far - 12 Items

12 items and a nice combination of things, lots of body care, some hair things, and some face care. I also finished one make up item which was a bit of cheat I did promise to review the GOSH mascara for you but every time I used it my eyes itched like crazy :( so to the bin its gone - sorry!
My monthly mission was also a bit of a fail I was going to attack my coming soon list but I didn't really manage it so this is my July mission too I am determined to tackle my list, starting with a few long promised reviews. Thanks to all my new followers for joining my insane world in June I really do appreciate all of you lovely people and your input and I hope you'll keep on supporting my blog xx

Memories Of May

Well that's another one down, we are officially half way through the year now -isn't that a scary thought I got a Christmas catalogue through the post the other day that's how scary it is!
Well May as expected was an interesting month for me I turned 33 and to make up for it I shopped like a demon eek - needless to say I went miles over my monthly spending limit - I actually stopped counting after this


L'oreal HIP, and Maybelline - ebay - £11.98
Wet N Wild Palettes - ebay -£12.92
OPI and Essie - ebay - £20.88
InStyle Magazine -£3.70
ASOS Order - £26.32
Elle Magazine - £3.80
Glamour and Red Magazines - £4.80
Barry M Nail Effects - Blue - £2.99
Shampoo, Toner and Love Your Body Renewal - £14.45
Ring and Earrings - Peacocks - £7.00
Primark Haul - £18.00
Easy Living Magazine - £3.70
Body Sprays, Nail Polish - Boots - £10.09
Stopped Counting -eeek
Total So Far - £140.63 ++++++

Yeah embarrassing eh I probably in reality spent double this - some of it was birthday money but still. So as you can imagine in June I am going to do my damnedest to get back on track - I have a few hauls to come of things that I actually ordered in May so they won't count but in June I am back to my £40 a month limit and I am going to seriously try and stick to it.

Trimming My Stash was also a bit of a disappointment in May although I managed to complete Project 10 Pan I only managed to finish 7 items

The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Shampoo For Coloured Hair -250ml
Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash 50ml
Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover 150ml
Imperial Leather Foamburst Shower and Shave With Nourishing Cocoa Butter and Vanilla 200ml
The Body Shop Divine Calm Heavenly Shower Gel 200ml
Models Prefer Hands Free Light Diffusing Foundation - Medium 59ml
Bourjois Coupe de Theatre 2 in 1 Mascara - 51 Noir Exceptionnel - 9ml
Total - 7 Items

I definitely need to try harder in June - I've started making the mistake again of starting new things before I've finished old ones always a big mistake!
My monthly challenge for May was basically to get more organised and sort my stash out - I have to say I have definitely done that - my blog sale updates have been proof of that but the updates are coming to an end now - everything else on my unwanted pile is going to give and make up - I already have one carrier bag full and I have a few more cupboards and drawers to go. I have also been having a wardrobe sort out and I've started with my ebay listings agin so don't forget to check out my updates in the side bar :) My challenge for June is to be a good blogger and attack all the coming soon posts in my sidebar I have beeen promising some of these posts for over a year no so in June I'm going to get some of them done :)
I hope May has been a good month for all of you out there I've really appreciated your input and your clicks on the follow button this month it's given me a new zest for blogging and lots of fresh ideas - thanks guys x

Au Revoir To April

(gorgeous pic from we heart it)

Well that's it another month down, I don't know about you but when I was younger time seemed to pass so slowly but now days and weeks just seem to fly be. Well April's gone now I have to say it's been another up and down month - my foot is almost back to normal bar a few aches and pains, but I haven't felt so good in other areas never mind things were starting to look up as the month ended so hopefully the only way is up. We'll start off with my monthly challenge which was to sort through my make up and toiletry stash, well I've certainly been doing that - I've given a few things away to friends and relatives, I am sorting out some more bits for Give and Make Up, and of course I've been updating my blog sale page on a regular basis - the latest update should be up about 2pm this afternoon with lots of MAC limited editions, Illamasqua and more - so don't forget to check it out x I am also up to 8 items on Project 10 Pan with another 3 believe it or not nearing the end of the lives too - very exciting I'm already planning on the things that I want to buy - Bad LouLou ;) In May I am going to to keep at this sorting and trimming up - it's so hard to get rid of things but I really am trying to be brutal - I am also going to resume my mass ebay listings so check out my sidebar in the next few weeks for some goodies including Hello Kitty, some shoesies, some jewellery and accessories and lots of clothes.

Avon Naturals Strawberry and Guava Body Lotion 200ml
Butter London Powder Room Nail Lacquer Remover 2fl oz
Boots 17 Mirror Shine Lipstick - Nudist Peach
Good Things Stay Clear Anti Blemish Cleanser 150ml
L'Occitane Ultra Rich Shower Cream 250ml
Lacura 3 in 1 Facial Cleansing Wipes For Sensitive Skin x 30 Wipes
The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter 200ml
Lush Tea Tree Water 250g
Tara Smith Big Baby Gentle Shampoo 100ml
The Body Shop Nutmeg and Vanilla Bath and Shower Gel 250ml
The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Creamy Body Wash 250ml
Total - 11 Items

Anyway on to Trimming My Stash I finished 11 items which wasn't bad I just managed one make up item which was a bit of a disappointment but as I say I have about 3 make up items on their last legs so all is good. My Monthly Spending Diet on the other hand was a abject fail in April
 

Butter London No More Waity, Katie - £15.00
Nails Inc The Royal Collection - ASOS - £20.00
Top and Maxi Dress TK Maxx - £29.99
Skirt, Top and P&P - Asda - £16.95
TK Maxx Skirt and Handbag Jar - £19.98
WHSmith Rose Multi Drawers -£9.99
Boots 17 Xtras Crackle Top Coat - £3.99
Sideways Cross Necklace - ebay - £7.00
Total So Far - £122.90

Eek that was so bad nearly £80 over my limit primarily down to a couple of cute clothing purchases and some Royal Wedding nail polish purchases - I don't really have any excuses this month apart from the freedom of managing to get out and about properly for the first time in a while, but as I've said before I'm not going to beat myself up for failure. I could say that I'm going to try harder in May but that will probably be a bit of a lie after all May is my birthday month and that means I can spend - after all I need to celebrate my old age in a positive way lol I will still keep track of it in the sidebar and I'll try not to go too crazy ;)
So that was my April I hope you had a good one - the weather was certainly good in the UK in April lets hope it continues in May there is nothing like a bit of sun on your birthday xx

A Tiny Bit Of Haulage - Here Come The Summer Sun??

Hi guys sorry this post is up so late tonight but I was listening to the football and trying to fix my Blackberry - a  0-0 draw at home to Man U has left my feeling pretty chuffed, Newcastle's Premiership future is secured for another season :)
Yesterdays little outing lead to a further dent in this months spending diet - this month has been a total and utter disaster I'm not proud but I'll keep documenting my failures in the side bar for you ;) I have a couple of online purchases to add and a potential trip to the Metro Centre this week too eek! As you know yesterday my mum went to pick up her new car, and whilst we were in Durham we went to a local retail park, we stocked up on some Easter food stuff (chocolate) in Aldi and Tesco, and we popped into TK Maxx. I have to say I had never been in this particular TK Maxx before and I was pleasantly surprised. Often TK Maxx stores are a little bit of shall we say a mess, don't get me wrong I love a good rummage, but sometimes you just can't be bothered. This store was a revelation everything was well displayed, and tidy. The cosmetic goodies were particularly good - the display area was clean and everything was sealed - they had a good selection of brands including Leighton Denny, Nails Inc, Margaret Dabbs, Tigi, St Tropez, and Rodial. There were a few things that tempted me but I remained strong, and headed to the shoes - lots of lovely shoes in sizes 3, 4, and 5 :( The size 8's were awful in comparison which is such a same damn you big feet, next up the clothes.
I have to say this particular stores clothing range wasn't the biggest but the quality was excellent, lots of variety and nothing looked as though it has been dragged around the floor. First up the bargainista in me checked out the sale rails, they had a few nice things including a whole load of Max C dresses for less than £15 but this top called to me. Yes unsurprisingly for me lately, it's a nude blush colour and it has ruffles :)  It's by a brand called Spense and it's in a lovely silky fabric which is a polyester/elastane mix, and better still it was only £10 :)

I then went to look at their dresses and I immediately fell in love with this maxi dress. Maxis look set to be one of the key trends for summer again this year, so I think I need to add a few more to my collection. This dress is by a brand called Uttam London, and it was £19.99, and had an RRP of £49.99

It's in  black with a rose print in 100% cotton with a smocked top and adjustable tie straps, which you can use or tuck in to wear it strapless and it has a large rose, floral pattern :) This one really appealed to me because of it's similarity to one I bought last year from Bon Prix which I loved - it's exactly the same style and has a very similar print

slightly chubby LouLou modelling it on my hols last year ;)

So they were my purchases eek, I guess we'll see what the rest of the month brings spends wise, I ain't holding my breathe for much success lets put it that way ;) Any questions let me know x I'm not sure if I'll manage to get a post up tomorrow what with my hospital appointment and so but I'll see xx

Flippy Skirt Delight

OK the spending diet is broken for the month - If you read my last haul post you could probably guess that this was going to happen and what was the straw the broke the camels back, a flippy skirt of course :)
I received an email about the George sale and I couldn't resist having a little peak :) I have to say I love Barbara Hulanicki, not only her original Biba designs but also her more recent collaboration with Top Shop -her first Asda collection didn't wow me as much as I thought it would but low and behold in the sale there was the Barbara Hulanicki Flippy Skirt

Down from £14 to £9 this is just a plain jersey flippy, flarey skirt - it has a roll down elasticated waist which means you can wear it as a dress as well. I really love skirts like this and I still have a Primark one from a few years ago which comes out every summer. I sized down with this because of the elastication and I'm glad I did there is a lot of give in it, but my flippy skirt and flip flop fantasy can be fulfilled, just need the weather to hold out ;)

I also got this top which was only £5 - I love these ruffle / frill style tops - this one is in black and has sort of bronze splatters on it - really nice for evening wear.
So my spending diet for the month is blown already whoops I am going to try and be super good for the rest of the month, honest :)
Never mind I can try and recoup some of it back with a blog sale update :) Check out my blog sale page from Sunday afternoon for the first in a number of updates - this one will included some limited edition MAC items, some Bare Minerals, some Revlon and much more x I'll stick a post in my main section and tweet when it's live. Any questions give me a yell x

(Pictures taken from Asda )

March Madness

(pic taken from we heart it )

Well it's goodbye to the third month of the year already - where the heck is this year going. March saw the return of lighter nights which is a good thing in my book losing an hour of sleep maybe wasn't so good. March saw a big improvement in my foot which lead to my first proper shopping trip since before Christmas - understandably this didn't help my spending diet - whoops!



Boots - Cleanser, Eye Make Up Remover, Leg Wax - £14.51
ASOS - Ring and Nail Polish - £18.00
2 x Tops - H&M - £20.98
2 x BeautyUK Nail Polishes - Superdrug - £3.98
Daisy Earrings - ebay - £3.99
Biotherm Aquatrio Starter Kit - £8.55
MAC Biker Blue Nail Lacquer - £8.10
2 x Issues Glamour - £4.00
3 x Issues Glamour - £6.00
Total So Far - £87.57 - £47.57 Over

Lets put it this way I've certainly made up for my frugal January and February - I went a massive £47.57 over my £40 limit - I had some fun in the real world which I'm not going to apologise for but what was scary this month was that I bought 5 issues of the same magazine - yup that's right 5 issues of Glamour for the Clinique freebies - that doesn't really make them freebies does it ? hmm. Never mind I am going to try a bit harder in April I promise - yet again the new MAC collections aren't wowing me and I've stocked up on skincare so hopefully it should be a bit easier x
Trimming my stash well I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my March total - I finished 16 items

Alva Naturkosmetik Daily Care Milk / Honey Shower Gel 150ml
Laura Geller Invisible Oil Blotting Powder - 10.50g
Laura Geller Spackle Make Up Primer 28g
Clear Beauty Deep Cleansing 3 in 1 Facial Wipes - 25 Wipes
Leighton Denny Essential Remover Acetone Free Polish Remover 50ml
Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover 150ml
Sally Hansen Kwik Off Apricot Nail Colour Remover 150.8ml
b.liv by cellnique Squeaky Clean Beads Cleansing Gel 130ml
Lovea Bio Le Monoi Moisturizing Shampoo 200ml
The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Creamy Body Wash 250ml
Ecover Lavender and Aloe Vera Shower Gel 250ml
Jessica Phenomen Oil 7.4ml
L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation in 110 Ivory Rose - 20g
Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Face Mask 75g
b liv by cellnique Quench Me Moisturizing Gel 45ml
ELF Brush Shampoo 120ml
Total - 16 Items

Perhaps what I am most pleased about though is that I finished 3 make up items so I have just another 3 to go and I have finished project 10 pan :)
In March my mini challenge was to have a look through my make up and see what I'd been missing out on- well I can certainly say I have found some absolute gems - I will be doing a blog post and an accompanying you tube video sometime in April for you x My April challenge to be honest is more of the same - I have sorted some more things out for blog sale so I will hopefully pop those up next week, and currently sorting out a pile for give and make up, so in April I am basically going to sort my make up out again and see which bits I can live without - I also want to change my lip product storage so hopefully that will be something I can achieve in April. I have felt a little bit bleurgh for a lot of March so I'm hoping April will be better - fingers crossed for a good month for all of us x

Naughty LouLou - More Haulage and Some Gifts

Well after doing so well on my spending diet for the first two months of this year - this month has been a disaster, that's life though I've needed to by a few things and I've generally felt a bit blargh so shopping has been a bit of a pacifier. Anyhow onto the goodies - first up ASOS - I used my groupon voucher to buy my mum some jewellery bits for Mothers Day but thankfully Diet Coke has an offer on special where you can either win vouchers or get £5 off a £20 spend being a bit of a caffeine junkie I already have a whole load of vouchers - I believe the vouchers are on special packs till the end of April and are valid till the end of June, so it's well worth picking some up x I bought my mum something else and got a couple of bits for me including this beauty - Illamasqua nail polish in Bacterium
                                           

I really can't wait to try this out, the colour is like nothing I've seen before - I promise to do a NOTD with it soon - I also got this ring - alas even in the largest size it's a bit small but I can't wait to wear it as a pinkie ring until I can hopefully lose a bit of weight on my fingers

                                   

   pic borrowed from ASOS

It's a little cream mouse - it's has crystal eyes and the tail moves, so cute it comes in black too but I think that one is still full price x
 

I also popped to Boots this week and stocked up on Botanics eye make up remover - all the Botanics products are currently on 3 for 2 :) and some Veet wax strips which were 1/3 off - no pics I am sure you all know what they look like ;) I actually went to Boots to use my No7 £5 off voucher but they didn't have the product I wanted - thankfully my mum popped to the Metro Centre on Saturday morning and picked me up a bottle of this - the Boots Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser
 

I have a review on this coming up but since if I've got another one that probably tells you what I think of it.... ;) My mum was an angel and paid for it for me, she also got me this on Friday from the Factory Bargain Shop - I love this shop it's has all sorts of bits in and from Thursday to Sunday they had  25% off everything in store - so she got me this New York themed t-shirt 

 

They sell a lot of high street end of lines and seconds and this top came from Dorothy Perkins, and originally retailed at £16, Factory Bargains had it on sale for £6 and with the discount me mum got the t-shirt and a bag of M&M mini eggs (not for me;) for just £5.25 :)
 

As well as the t-shirt she also got me some other bits from the Metro Centre on Saturday including a few Body Shop Cocoa Butter things the creamy body wash and some more body butter -( there was an offer where you got a body butter and a shower gel for £12)

and she also got me the Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Stick that I wanted

I had heard a little bit about this and I really wanted to give it a go - It's basically a twist up stick of solid cocoa butter that melts on contact with the skin, I am intending to use it directly onto my ankle scar to help with healing

She also got my some of the new Earth Lovers Shower Gels with were on buy one get one half price - she got me the Lemon and Thyme version, and the Apricot and Basil fragrance, they smell amazing and I can't wait to try them out x

and because she had spent more than £25 after the in store and Love Your Body discounts she also got a freebie a full sized Vitamin E Body Butter - I've used the Vitamin E skincare before so I am interested to see how I get on with this - Vitamin E is supposed to be good for scarring too :)

All in all a lovely little bag from MummyLouLou - I am so grateful to her - she always tried to find ways to cheer me up when I am feeling down and she normally hits the spot perfectly. If you have any questions or if you would like and reviews please let me know xx

Farewell To February

Well that's two months of the year down already, where the hell is it going eek, admittedly February is the shortest month of the year but still!! Well February hasn't be too different from January as far as life in LouLou was concerned - OK I wasn't in hospital but my spending still never really happened. In February I spend just £5.82


GOSH Holographic Polish + Postage - £3.65
Hello Kitty Konad Plate - BornPretty - £2.17
Total - £5.82
£34.18 Under My Limit!!!

Yes you've read that right I was £34.18 under my monthly limit I did even better than last month - result. To be honest again I haven't really wanted anything online and I haven't left the house, hopefully by the end of March I might be able to get olut and about it bit so this may change next month, but I am still a long way off a Primark spree, which is something I want more than anything at the moment, I'm beginning to feel as though the walls are coming in on me :( Never mind I have to look at the positives and not spending money is certainly that for me.
Trimming My Stash well it wasn't a vintage performance this month but I still managed to finish 7 items

The Body Shop Nutmeg and Vanilla Body Butter 200ml
L'Oreal Elvive Nourish and Shimmer Highlights Shampoo 250ml
Collection 2000 Big Fake False Lash Mascara - Ultra Black 17 - 8ml
L'Occitane Honey and Lemon Hand Cream 15ml
Lacura 3 in 1 Facial Cleansing Wipes x 30
L'Occitane Fleur Cherie Hand Cream 30ml
Primark Beauty 4 in 1 Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes x 25
Total - 7 Items 

Given the short month I don't think that was bad going especially since I finished another item towards Project 10 Pan, and I'm nearly done with a few other things so hopefully March will be better x
As to my little challenges this month I am going to shop my stash and have a real look and play with my make up so I can see what gems I've been ignoring - quite a few I can imagine lol I'll probably stick a video on my you tube channel and maybe stick a post on here to show you what I've found. Any questions give me a yell and I hope you all have a fabulous March x

January Japes

Well January really has been a month to forget for me - a certain slip on the ice and a poorly foot has curtailed my plans left, right and centre, In some ways this has been a good thing my inability to walk at the moment has meant that I can't go shopping booo. Well I could always shop online, but the continuation of project 10 pan and a distinct lack of enthusiasm for anything has meant shock of horrors that I am way under for the first month of my 2011 spending diet I spent the grand total of £9.41

Nails Inc Denim Nail Polish - ebay - £3.49
Made Bangles x 3 - ebay - £5.92
Total So Far - £9.41
£30.59 Under


So from my January 2011 limit of £40 I have £30.59 left which has to be some sort of record for me, admittedly I have purchased a nail polish but I still think that's pretty good going :) Now onto trimming my stash well predictably January has been a bit of a fail

Dove Beauty Care Body Wash Go Fresh Burst 55ml
Lacura 3 in 1 Facial Cleansing Wipes x 30
Philosophy Carrot Cake Ultra Rich Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath 473.1ml
Trilogy Smooth Shine Shampoo 250ml
Total - 4 Items

I managed 4 items this month which to be honest wasn't great I have a few bath things on the way out but obviously me ability to have a bath has been postponed for a bit so they will have to wait. I managed no make up items this month probably because I've barely worn any :) but I do have a mascara that should be done in the next week or so which will hopefully get me back on track :)
My other plan for 2011 was to try and eat a bit more healthily and lose a bit of weight well I haven't weighed myself for a bit I think the cast would give a false reading ;) but my clothes certainly feel a bit looser thanks to rubbish hospital food and a lack of appetite - every cloud as they say ;)
I certainly hope that you have all had a better start to 2011 than I have, as they say things can only get better xx

2011 - A New Start ?

OK I know the title of this post is a bit a cliche but a lot of 2010 just wasn't that great for me - For those of you that don't know I've gotten pretty good at hiding things and putting on a brave face. In 2011 I really am going to try and things I a more positive light I have issues who doesn't but there are things I can change and I am going to do my damnedest to do exactly that. How does that effect you my loves, well as I've already said your support means the world to me, just knowing that so many people take an interest keeps me going. As per usual my aims for 2011 - I'm not going to say resolutions because to be honest that just means a bit of a laugh and something that is often destined to failure - my aims, well at least some of them are going to be life changes that I can implement not just on the 1st January but everyday!
The normal one at this time of year is the word diet! The cliche of cliches almost every person in the UK probably is probably saying the same thing today but for me it's a necessity- being kindly advised by my new GP that I could do with losing some weight has been the kick on the inside that I need. I am 100% aware that I need to lose weight when your jeans get tighter and dare I say it tighter you know that the time has come. Because of the obvious health reasons and medication I find it easy to put on weight and harder to lose it, but I am going to give it a go. I am going to try and eat more healthily and snack less and I am going to try and have a little walk everyday - I know this doesn't sound much but going outside for a few minutes everyday is a huge and sometimes difficult for me. As per usual I'll keep you guys posted x
Next up decluttering  I've  started this in the last few months of 2010 but its something I am going to implement in all areas of my life in 2011. I've shed a few friends who get me down, now I just need to start shedding a few more possessions I have so many things I don't use I am seriously going to be ebaying my life away in 2011, clearing out my past and my present. Like most people I also have lots of papers, and documents that I probably don't need so shredding scissors are at the ready and hopefully a clearer mind and box file to come x
OK now to the things that are going to concern my blog first up Trimming My Stash - after the success of the whole trimming my stash and monthly catch ups this is something I will definitely be continuing throughout 2011 it's gave me a strange sense of satisfaction every time I finished a bottle or a jar and it certainly stopped the half finished bottles in my bathroom - so yes I'll keep you posted on my diminishing toiletry stash :)
Next up monthly spends yes this is going to continue hopefully with 100% more success than last year - my financial situation at the moment is not good, I've been buying too many things I don't need or even want that much and it needs to stop - I'll keep the £40 limit but I really need to keep well under this every month through 2011 and I'm only going to be buying things I really need.
As well as that Project 10 Pan will be continuing I am 3 down at the moment, and very nearly 4 (come on Collection2000 mascara you are so close to the end now ;) As I said in my last post this has proved to be a great help in trying to cut down my spending and in trying to use things up it's also really helped me to take another look at the things I already own,so shopping my stash is going to be a big part of 2011 for me - I just have to hope MAC doesn't do any more MSF's - a real weakness of mine at the moment ;)
Well that's all I can think of at the moment - on LouLouLand in 2011 you can hopefully look forward to lots more reviews, a few different types of postings, more blog sales and above all I am going to try and work in conjunction with my You Tube channel a little bit more to give me a bit of variety, oh and I am going to reintroduce the weekly goods and bads posts too no matter how I feel. Once again I'd love your input let me know what you would like to see on my blog it could be reviews, randoms, favourites - whatever you'd like to see please let me know x My blog and twitter have really kept me going over the last year and they are certainly going to be a big part of my life in 2011. Onwards and Upwards as they say -Happy New Year xx

December Is Ended 2010 Has Gone

Well another month and another year have gone for good - life is oh so short. It's about this time of year that we all start looking back on how the year has gone, but before I do that I'll do a little recap of December - well first up the spending diet well the words Big Fat Fail spring to mind a little bit of online shopping, a bit in the sales and a bit in the middle of the month lead to me giving up in December before I'd even started eek - to be honest this was the story of my year really, I had the best of intentions but I only managed to stay under my limit in two of the twelve months - FAIL!! I have to say though the start of Project 10 Pan has really started to help so maybe that's the way to go we'll see but I have to say my willpower was super weak this year

Trimming my Stash - well I have to say December was a bit of a success I  finished 14 items

b.liv by Cellnique Shrink and Tighten Large Pore Reducing Serum 30ml
Boots No7 Cleanse and Care Eye Make Up Remover 30ml
L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 15ml
Keraskin Esthetics Lait No27 Daily Residues Cleanser 400ml
ELF Luscious Liquid Lipstick - Baby Lips - 1.5g
Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Color Save Spray Conditioner 200ml
Neutrogena Pure Glow Daily Cleansing Cushions x 22
Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Smooth Shine Shampoo 250ml
id Bare Minerals Foundation - Medium Beige 2g
Boots Botanics Soothing Make Up Remover 150ml
The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Scrub 200ml
Soap & Glory Calm One Calm All Bubble Bath 500ml
Lacura 3 in 1 Facial Cleansing Wipes - 20 x Wipes x 2
Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream 30ml


So in total over the last 12 months I finished 182 items  I broke these down into a few different categories so you can see what type of things I finished the most of

Bath and Shower Products - 28
Body Moisturiser Products - 40
Hand and Feet Products - 20
Facial Skincare - 53
Make Up - 19
Perfumes / Deodorants -4
Hair Products - 18
Total - 182  Yeah :D

Don't get me wrong I still have loads to use up but I'm getting there and I've really impressed myself, at one point in December I actually ran out of eye make up remover so that has to be an improvement on having 7 backups lol. I have to say it's being an interesting experiment to see what you can actually use up. It makes you actually want to use up a bottle before leaving one half full and opening another one :), yes its frustrating when you want to try something new, which is in some cases why you have had to wait so long for some reviews but my mum is certainly pleased that the bathroom cupboards are starting to look slightly less stuffed ;) I really appreciate your support on these two challenges despite the fact I have the willpower of a slug lol Any questions please ask and I'll be back later with a look forward to 2011 x

Ta Ta To Snovember

Well November certainly ended with a bang here nearly 2 feet of snow and super strong winds for the last few days have made me think good riddance to it, alas December seems to be starting the same way with blizzards and thunder nearly all morning :(
Never mind how did November go well trimming my stash first - it was never going to be as successful as last month I knew that from the start but I still managed 9 items including my first project 10 pan item :)

Lovea Bio L'Argan Regenerating Body Polish 150ml
Avon Naturals Strawberry and Guava Shower Gel 200ml
Herbal Essences Rainforest Flowers Dazzling Shine Conditioner 200ml
Laura Geller Balance & Brighten - Regular - 9g
Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter 50ml
The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Shower Gel 250ml
OPI Avoplex Oil 15ml
Avon Perceive Perfumed Body Spray 75ml
Lush Tea Tree Water 250g

I have a couple on there way out so all is looking positive for December :)
Right my spending diet that didn't go quite so well during November but I can still take a lot of positives from it

Forever 21 Flower Necklace - £3.80
Sex In The City Lust EDP - £5.00
Triple Star Necklace - Dainty Dollymix - £6.00
ELF Goodies - £3.00
MAC The Faerie Glen Lipstick - £12.50
Sir Teddy - £12.50
NYC Natural Matte Foundation 001 Ivory - £2.79
No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser - £4.00
Total - £49.59

I had lots and lots of online temptations this month so I am pretty pleased with that. I am going to keep going for December which will be tough if I ever do make it to Newcastle or the Metro Centre but not so bad if it keeps snowing :) Every cloud as they say x Any questions as per usual leave me a comment x Your support really does help xx

MAC Goodies and A Little Haul

Well I've started November with a few spends - first of all MAC's Holiday release Tartan Tale, as I said in a previous post as time went on less and less of the collection appealed to me - I still want a pigment set when the mini sets come out but I just ordered 2 things from Part 1.

The first thing I ordered wasn't a make up item it was Sir Teddy - All proceeds from the little Tartan chap made by top toy maker Gund go to MAC's Kids Helping Kids fund to help children with AIDS and HIV - once I saw him I couldn't resist I love tartan, and it goes to a good cause


look at his cute little patent bow tie

he's fully jointed and he can stand up :)

He's sold out on the MAC site now but if you can get him it's for a good cause :)

Next up a make up item and the only one from the collection that I had to have, a lipstick in The Faerie Glen

The perfect nude pink shade a little paler that it appears here I am seriously debating a back up already it really is my lips but better x

Oooo surprisingly for MAC I got a free sample in all the little black boxes I've had from MAC I have never had a freebie but I got a little tube of Prep + Prime Face :)

I also got a few bits when I went out today and well as a few Christmas pressies I used one of the £5 Boots No7 / Ruby + Millie vouchers which are around again and instead of buying make up I bought the No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser (sorry for the crap pics damn dark nights)

I am interested to try this and see how it compares the my beloved Liz Earle Cleanse + Polish I'll definitely keep you posted with my voucher I got it for just £4 which can't be bad :)

I also popped into my local Semi-Chem and bought yet another foundation - another one I here you cry - well it was less than £3 so I thought it was worth a try - it was the NYC Natural Matte Foundation in 001 Ivory

I don't know what it's like but for the price it was definitely worth a go x

So that was my mini haul - that brought me near my spending diet limit on day 4 of the month eeek no matter if you would like any reviews or you have any questions please let me know xx

Savouring September

Well there it is another month gone, I can't believe there are only 3 months of the year left ! Anyway on to my September summary well trimming my stash was a bit of a disaster

Urban Retreat Anti Cellulite Treatment Cream 15ml x 4

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray 150g
ELF Nourishing Cuticle Pen
Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover 150ml
Possibility Strawberry Shortcake Ultra Rich Shower Gel, Shampoo & Bubble Bath 525ml
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara - Waterproof Black - 13.1ml

Just 9 little items and 4 of those were mini cellulite treatments - eek hopefully I'll finish a bit of stuff on holiday which should put October off to a good start :)

On to my spending diet well shock of horrors I managed it

Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover - ebay - £3.76
Orly Nail Polish - Space Cadet - £11.84
MeMeMe Blush Boxes & P&P - £15.49
No7 Blusher - £3.75
Elle Magazine - £3.70
Total So Far - £38.54
 
Just made it but I managed it :) Not for the want of temptation mind but the MAC collections didn't really appeal alas other things did but I stayed strong - Obviously I won't be doing my spending diet in October - holidays and the launch of Venomous Villains will see to that but I feel pleased in the knowledge that I managed to hold back this month.
 
Oh and on my other little challenge I have tried to used my palettes a lot more this month admittedly it's generally been my Naked palette but I've enjoyed rediscovering old gems like Tenderling blush in my MAC palette. Octobers challenge is going to to be to get my makeup, skin and nail stuff in some sort of tidy order, it's all a bit disorganised at the moment, so that's something for me to do when I get back from my hols x Any questions on anything give me a yell x

Auf Wiedersehen To August

Well, there's another month done with 4 month to Christmas now argh! Well how did it go for me -financially not great I've recouped a bit back from ebay sales but the spending diet has been a bit of a fail this month still not to be deterred I will be starting again in September I really need to be good and try and save a bit for my hols in October - I've got a couple of things coming which I've ordered in August which obviously won't count but a new broom sweeps clean. Trimming my stash again went pretty well no make up but I still managed to finish 11 things

ELF Daily Brush Cleaner 250ml
Clynol Smooth Flatter Iron Spray 300ml
Avon Skin So Soft Replenishing Dry Oil Body Spray Soft & Fresh 150ml
Lacura 3 in 1 Facial Cleansing Wipes 25 Wipes
Veet Ready To Use Hair Removal Wax Strips Shea Butter and Berry 20 Strips
Anatomicals The Seven Deadly Skins Body Scrub 80ml
L'Oreal Perfect Clean Refreshing Foaming Gel Wash 150ml
Liz Earle Cleanse + Polish 100ml
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic 50ml
Possibility Lemon Cheesecake Ultra Rich 3 In 1 Shower Gel, Shampoo and Bubble Bath 525ml
GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer 30ml

I've also done pretty well in the other little challenge that I set myself this month - I haven't worn nudes or neutrals on my eyes at all this month all I've worn is colour mainly silvers and smokes,greens, and purples :) It's been a bit tough especially since my NAKED palette arrived but I've loved wearing colour and I'm definitely going to try and use more colour in my eye make up. My mini challenge this month is to use my palettes more for both blush and eyeshadow - I have loads of palettes premade ones, my MAC palette and obviously my Urban Decays so I've decided to try and use them all a bit more throughout September. I am in the process of reviewing a few make up products so I will still be trying those but I am going to try and stick to my palettes - I'll obviously be doing FOTD's so you can see how I get on. I hope August has been a good month for you all if not here's hoping September is better x