A Haul I Hear You Cry?

I mentioned the other day that I had broken my spending diet for this month whoops a daisy - well a combination of being alone, unwell, and a further 10% discount on all sale items from Dorothy Perkins weakened my resolve. Well my goodies came yesterday which was pretty good considering I only ordered them on Thursday and paid standard delivery (which is still ridiculous £4!!) :) I meant to put this post up earlier but I've been having a bit of a sort out in my room and moving some furniture argh!
Anyways I got three things including these two ruffle vests in nude, and navy


I love these they are so summery and they are long I am quite long in the body so short tops just look ridiculous on me. Both tops had been £18 but I got the nude one for £10.80 and the navy one for £9.00 :) I am so pleased I didn't buy them when they were full price :)
I also got this cute flower band ring which was £2.25

it looks so much better on the finger

So there you go one ickle bitty haul where I probably saved more than I spent (Louise logic I know) but it still means I've gone over this month but hey ho I just have to be good for another 3 weeks ;)

The Sky At Night

I'll start by saying I'm having a super bad ME day - I didn't wake up till after 3pm and I feel like death so yet again huge apologies for being so behind in posts. I really am going to try and catch up later this week - I'm planning on doing my Brush Guard review, a little Dorothy Perkins haul, my greige /taupe nail polishes and at least one TAG - phew - thankfully most of my pics are already done eek I just need to grab a bit of energy from somewhere lol
Anyways I tried to upload this last night but silly blogger was taking too long so I've stuck it on my You Tube channel - Like most people I was watching the World Cup Final, and I have to say as a football fan I was more than a bit disappointed, the Dutch tactics were disgraceful - from a country that prides itself on total football their mission appreared to be to kick spain off the park! God Knows how many players Howard Webb booked - I know he's received a lot of criticism today for not sending more players off but to be honest if he had sent more off he would have received just as much criticism for ruining the game - hmm referees really can't win. So Spain were worthy winners but the game itself as well as being dirty was more than a little bit dull so I ended up looking out of the window - the sky was amazing purple, pink, and orange, almost a little bit like MAC Azalea Blossom at times - I couldn't get a good picture so I made a tiny little video which was partially interrupted by a Dutch sending off x

Product Rave - SBC Arnica Gel

After my little tumble the other day so many of you both on here and on facebook and twitter said I should get some Arnica - thankfully Arnica is something that I already know and love. My Arnica product of choice is the SBC Arnica Gel. Used for centuries to treat bruising and aches and pains Arnica was something I first encountered many years ago from a friend. We were on holiday in Blackpool and we'd gone bowling and what happened, the ball came back up the shoot too quickly and my thumb was squished between two very heavy bowling balls. Back at the guest house my friend produced a tube of Arnica cream which I slathered on my throbbing thumb, and than applied a plaster -the next day there was no indication that anything was wrong, no swelling or bruising and my nail was still intact.
Anyways years later I was diagnosed with ME /CFS, for those of you that don't know as well as exhaustion and numerous other nasty symptoms, sufferers can also experience severe muscle and joint pain, and muscle spasms. Watching QVC as you do I listened to Alison Young talking about the SBC Arnica Gel, and how it could help with joint and muscle pain. Well me and my mum took the plunge and ordered some. I have to say I've found it a huge help, whether it's psychological I don't know but it certainly makes a difference.

As it comes in a light alcohol/ water based gel texture it's easily absorbed and it has a pleasant herbal smell. The gel texture means that it's more economical to use, and you can literally use it all over your whole body if you needed to. You also use it as often as you need to. Unlike the creams (which I've also found effective although they work out more expensive in the long run)it also comes in much larger containers - the pump action dispenser pictured contains 1 litre.
I would definitely recommend this product - it's one of QVC's top sellers and I can see why. I would always suggest you talk to you doctor if you have any pains, etc. - (I use this alongside prescribed and over the counter medication) but I certainly believe there is something to be said for herbal treatments such as this. You can also buy a bath soak, which I also use regularly, a shower gel and they have also recently introduced a Warming Arnica Gel which I really want to try. I bought my bottle here from QVC but I believe you can also buy it directly from SBC

(Oh, and you'll be pleased to hear my toe is feeling a lot better - thanks partially to liberal Arnica gel applications, the swelling has gone down and the bruise is already starting to fade - it would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all you well wishes x ;)

Nails Of The Day - Boots 17

Just a quick NOTD with one of the colours I was lucky enough to win from the lovely people at Boots 17 Mint Choc Chip. I have to say this isn't a true mint to me it has more of a turquoise undertone to it - this is two coats which it needed, coat one was really streaky but two seemed to even it out x

In The Groove Haul ?

I don't know if one item really constitutes a haul but as it turned out I only ended up with one item from the latest MAC collections In The Groove and Superglass. I wouldn't have minded some more things recent blog posts and You Tube videos have left my drooling over Stereo Rose, some mineralize blushers, and lots of lipsticks but my mum was kind enough to buy me the one thing I really wanted and that was good enough for me. I recently had a serious look through my make up collection and to be honest I was bit shocked not only be how much I own, but more by the similarities of things own. Lots of peach / coral tones blushes similar to NARS orgasm, loads of nude and baby pink lipsticks and glosses, loads of similar eyeshadows, it goes on and on. I will more than likely use most of what I've got but it's becoming more and more likely that some things are going to sit there unloved for sometime. I might do a little blog sale at some point because I did find a few bits where I thought why did I buy this? but we'll see Mummy LouLou has first dabs as always at my leftovers ;)
Anyways said MummyLouLou was kind enough to buy me something I'd wanted for sometime Petticoat MSF. As per usual I had to rely on MAC online but the one I was sent whilst radically different to some of the pictures I'd seen is very beautiful. A little darker than some pictures have suggested and with gorgeous gold veining it really suits my skintone

swatches from L to R - dark veining, light shade, gold

I think this is so pretty - everyone is going insane for Stereo Rose but don't forget to check this one out too x

Thank You Lydia

I received a little parcel on Saturday - I love parcels :) I recently mentioned on twitter that I was starting to get a dip in my MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Moon River. The lovely Lydia said she had seen one in her nearest CCO and offered to pick one up for me - of course I said yes, Moon River is so pretty a lovely peach / pink shade and a lilac veined highlight colour. It came on Saturday and I am thrilled to have another one it's really wearable on my skin tone :)


I heard somebody say that it is pretty similar to the Mineralize Blush Duo from In The Groove - Hang Loose - does anyone have both to compare - I'd love to know - thanks in advance and a huge, huge thank you to Lydia xxx

Bonbon Lip Balms Review

About a month ago I received an email from a lovely lady named Sally. Sally owns a company called Bonbon - she is a plant scientist who produces hand made lip balms containing no mineral oils or parabens, and using 100% natural plant ingredients.
Sally was kind enough to sent my some lip balms to try out, I couldn't believe it when she generously sent me 3 pots of balm to try

At the moment she has 8 flavours to choose from, including Strawberry, Chocolate, Mint Tingle, Mandarin, and Pina Colada. She kindly sent me the Highly Original, Caramel and Mojito balms. They came beautifully packaged with shredded paper to protect them and in cute 3g glass jars with twist off lids.

The first thing I noticed about these is how clear the ingredients are - everything is clearly listed on the jar and explained thoroughly on her website where she explains the main ingredients she uses and why she uses them. The main ingredients she uses in all her balms are Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, ingredients renowned for the skin softening abilities.

The balms themselves are quite thick and creamy but they melt easily and actually seems to absorb into the lips rather than just sitting on the surface

having said that I still think they provided a little bit of a gloss to the lips

I really liked the feel of these balm on my lips, they didn't feel tacky or sticky just soft and moisturised even with the warm weather we've had. They also smelled and tasted pretty good too. The 3 I tested all had a subtle but noticeable taste and smell which again comes from natural ingredients. The Caramel balm contained real caramel, which was pleasant but not sickly, the Highly Original palm had a sort of aniseed taste to it and perhaps my favourite the Mojito balm had a lovely taste of spearmint and lime.
I have to say I recommend these 100% so much so that if you watch me on You Tube the Mojito balm made it into my June favourites video - they really did improve the condition of my lips, in a natural none chemical way and I also love the honesty and ethos of the company. I will definitely be repurchasing when I've used my very generous samples up. The balms are £5 each, and the website not only features a balm of the month but from late summer 2010 Sally is introducing Club Bonbon where customers can sign to receive a new limited edition, handmade lip balm every month :) Sign me up :) She accepts payments via paypal, and her shipping is very reasonable and yes she'll even ship to Europe for you :)For more information check out her website here x Any questions please ask x

(I was sent these items for review purposes - I have not been paid for this review -these opinions are mine and mine alone)

Report Says Much Better

Well here we are again the start of another month - it's time to look back at June - well I have to say I've done much better in both my spending diet and in trimming my stash this month

Nivea Good-Bye Cellulite 10 Day Serum 75ml
L'Oreal Lash Renewal Serum 7.5ml
Panama Jack Peaches and Screen SPF 8 240ml
Liz Earle Eyebright 50ml
Mavala Nail Shield Phase 1 10ml
Lancome Palette Mix Complexion Concealer Kit 01
Boots The Spa Hydrating and Conditioning Body Moisturiser 125ml
Boots The Spa Mineral Bath Soak 125ml
Lacura Face Care 3 in 1 Facial Cleansing Wipes
GOSH Show Me Volume Mascara 12ml
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish 100ml
Lush Cupcake Mask 75g
Mavala Nail Shield Phase 2 10ml
Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover 150ml
Lush Marilyn Hair Moisturiser 225g
Butter London Powder Room Nail Polish Remover 2fl oz
The Body Shop Cranberry Body Butter 200ml
The Body Shop Cranberry Bubble Bath 400ml
BioSilk Silk Therapy 0.5 fl.oz

I finishes 19 items :)this month which is a huge increase on last months 6. I even managed a make up item too. I am nearly finished another few things too a couple that could even be finished by tomorrow - woohoo
I also did lot better in my monthly spends this month and managed to stay under my limit :)

No17 Lipsticks and Botanics Eye Make Up Remover - Boots - £11.97
Superdrug Goodies - £10.59
Avon Super Extend Mascara - £5.00
Magazines - £9.50
Vantage Cotton Buds - 69p
Total So Far - £37.75

It was tough and I have to admit I was bought a few things this month but I've proved to myself I can do it :) I've already made a purchase this month but my mum has bought me the one thing I wanted from the new MAC collections - expect a couple of posts on some MAC bits :)
This month I read a book by Avis Cardella called Spent in it she discusses the term Oniomania - no it's not about root vegetables, Oniomania is the clinical name for someone who has a compulsive desire to shop i.e. me but I've proved to myself I can show restraint I just need to keep at it x I CAN DO THIS!!!

An Elemis Surprise

I mentionned a few posts ago that my lovely mummy had bought me something, well it was by Elemis. Last weekend me and my mum watched a few Elemis shows on QVC it was their 15th anniversary on the channel and their 20th anniversary overall so there were loads of good prices. Well after or before one of the shows my mum must have ordered me something that I said I liked - how fab is she :)It was the Elemis favourites collection - I can't wait to have a play with this it contains a few of my essentials but also a few bits I haven't tried

Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser 50ml
Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner 50ml
Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream 15ml
Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath and Shower Cream 50ml
Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 60ml
Elemis Vitamin Rich Body Lotion 50ml

They are all perfect sizes for holidays (I need a holiday at the moment so badly) or for trying out new things - Thanks Mum x Any questions on anything please let me know x

FOTD, New Hair and a Ramble :)

Hiyas I've had a busy 24 hours or so (well for me anyways;) yesterday was the dentists and this morning was my doctors appointment. I had a little chat with my doctor and we have decided to keep my medication at the new levels. It's definitely reducing the pain which has to be a plus point, but I am feeling tired and a bit more zonked out that usual - it's a vicious circle really but I think I'd rather be spaced out than in pain. It was a really productive appointment we talked about new CFS research and he assured me that my shakes and tremors are normal - these have been getting worse over the last few weeks so much so that my arms were physically jerking the other night - still if it's normal in CFS / ME at least I don't have to worry that it has a more sinister cause.
Anyways after the doctors I had a few hours rest and I managed to finish my Zuneta post for tomorrow (I'll post a link for you to comment on tomorrow ;)- then it was back out the door again to the hairdressers - I managed to put on a little bit of slap before I went out so I thought I'd show you as part of some before and after hair pics :)

Before

Silly pic I was in a stupid mode lol



Today I Wore

First Light Mineral Foundation - Breeze In The Beeches*
id Bare Minerals Foundation - Medium Beige (mixed together)
ELF Sheer Mineral Booster
Boots No7 Concealer Palette (all colours mixed)
The Balm Time Balm Concealer - Light*
MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base - Light
MAC Cremeblend Blush - So Sweet, So Easy
MAC MSF Porcelain Pink
MAC Pigment - Vanilla (to highlight brows)
Jemma Kidd Make Up School Iridescent Eye Silk - 02 Mercury (on lids smudged under lower lashes)
Indulge In Beauty Urban Eyes - Modern Eyes Palette - Grey / Lilac only
Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara - Black
MAC Lipstick - Viva Glam Gaga

During
Silly salon pic - check out my hair accessories x


After




OK new hair - more blonde highlights, and a side fringe which will make it easier for me to grow out my bangs - I love a full fringe but it is sooo high maintenance
- my make up is the same but I touched up with Revlon Colourburst Lipstick in Baby Pink, and MAC MSF Natural in Light x Hope you get the idea it's started to flop a bit now - it's too hot again honestly it was like a sauna in the hairdressers especially being all gowned and foiled up - anyways sorry I keep going AWOL but I promise I will put up a couple of posts tomorrow including a link to my Zuneta post (did I say I was blogging for Zuneta tomorrow ;), and a post on a pressie my mum bought me :)Oh I almost forgot thanks for all your nice comments regarding my recent health posts and so on- I'm so sorry I haven't been able to respond to many comments yet but I will I promise x

(*provided by companies for review purposes)