Review | Benefit They're Real Mascara...

Hiya Lovelies!

My boyfriend really pulled it out of the bag this Christmas in regards to presents, maybe all this beauty blogging is rubbing off on him after all! One of my lovely presents from him was the Benefit They're Real mascara. It had been on my radar for the longest time but I could never justify spending so much on a mascara, so I was delighted when I unwrapped this!

It's the UK's best selling mascara & Benefit claim that it Lengthens, Curls, Volumises & Separates. What did I think of it then?

Lets start off with the brush. It's the plastic wand type affair that you either love or hate. I personally like this type of wand but I know many people prefer the natural type wand. The ball of bristles at the end help to coat hard to reach lashes and provide lift.

 A few coats of this mascara provides my lashes with intense volume & lift. It's super pigmented & black which I love. The above pictures are my lashes after 2 coats, applying 2 coats isn't a problem but it dries very fast so you have to work quickly to avoid clumping. This mascara lasted a good 6 hours before it started to look a tad 'worn' which is very impressive.

The only downside I can think of is the removal of this mascara. it takes a little longer than my normal mascara would to remove. 

Overall I'm really impressed with this mascara. I don't use it every day due to the price tag but I would certainly be happy to repurchase it when it runs/dries out.

Benefit They're Real is available here priced at £18.50.

I'd love to know if you've tried this mascara & if so what you thought of it.

Sarah xx

Recipe | Fererro Rocher Cupcakes...

Ahoy blogerinos!

I hope you're all well & having a great weekend.

When I saw this recipe featured on Milkbubbletea a couple of weeks ago, I knew I had to try it! 

This recipe is great for using any left over Fererro Rochers you have from Christmas, if you have any that is!

Here's what you'll need:

Chocolate cake mix

Eggs (dependant on the cake mix you go for, check the packet)

70ml Vegetable oil (dependant on the cake mix you go for, check the packet)

250ml water (dependant on the cake mix you go for, check the packet)

250g icing sugar

100g Butter

Nutella

Fererro Rocher

The ingredients needed will depend upon the cake mix you go for so be sure to check the packet. The above quantities will make 12 cakes, I only had 6 Fererro Rocher left but instead of wasting the cake mix I just made a further 6 plain cakes.

Start off by pre-heating your oven to 170.

Mix together your cake mix, eggs & water until the mixture is smooth. I cheated and used my new hand whisk ;)

Fill your cakes cases to about the halfway mark & pop your Fererro Rocher in the middle. Don't cover the Fererro Rocher with further mix, important!

Allow to bake for around 20 minutes, if you're unsure as to whether they're done pop a skewer or knife into the cake & ensure it comes out clean.

For the Nutella frosting mix together the icing sugar, butter & 2/3 tablespoons of Nutella depending upon taste. If it's a little too thick you can add some water. Whisk this together until you get a lump free thick frosting.

Allow your cakes to cool then slather the Nutella frosting on top.

Ta-da!

I have to say these taste delicious. My boyfriend wolfed his down & was so impressed he already wants me to make more! Milkbubbletea's cakes did look a little more professional so be sure to pop over there too but I'm sure no matter what they look like they all taste amazing!

Sarah xx

Review | Lush Think Pink Bath Bomb...

Hiya lovelies. It's nearly the weekend, yay!

As featured in my Christmas Haul post, my lovely boyfriend bought me the Quality Treats tin from Lush & the Think Pink bath bomb was one of the items that were included. 

As you can see it's the prettiest pink bath bomb!

Lush say:

In the past this ballistic wasn’t vegan because of the ingredients in the candy flowers.  But now they are suitable for vegans – because when you buy this many flowers, you can ask for the recipe to be changed!! So now, when vegans aren’t thinking cake, they can Think Pink.

The reassuring smell of tonka and vanilla, with a hit of neroli lifts you up; all wrapped in a pink and frivolous ballistic to stop you taking yourself too seriously.

How pretty does my bath look?!

As standard with most Lush bath bombs it fizzes away in a couple of minutes when held under warm running water, leaving behind a lovely pink colour & a few bubbles. I got a surprise when I noticed Think Pink also leaves behind some tiny confetti hearts, how cute!

The scent is pretty much the typical sweet Lush smell, not quite as strong as the likes of The Comforter but image Love Heart sweets & you won't be far off. 

I have to say I was a little disappointed with the bubble factor. Other than making my bath look pretty this didn't really do that much. It didn't make the water feel any different, there were few to no bubbles & the scent didn't linger once I'd got into the bath. 

Would I repurchase this? Probably not.

Available at Lush priced at £2.50

I'd love to know what your favourite Lush product is.

Sarah xx

Bump Watch | Week 27...

Hello lovelies, I hope you're all well.

The weeks are flying by now, only 13 weeks to go!

This week has mainly been spent curled up at home only venturing out when really necessary. I'm getting a little bored stuck at home now though so I hope the snow starts to clear so I can get out and about a little more.

You'll have to excuse the wonky belly button, I think madam was sticking her elbow out when I took the picture!

I attended my first Bumps & Mums group on Friday. I was so nervous before going in but everyone was so lovely. It was nice being able to talk to people in the same position or people that had already been through it all. I'm definitely going to attend more & look into other groups for when she's born. 

We painted the nursery at the weekend! It's the pinkest room you've ever seen. I'm going to take some pictures & pop them on here next week so you can have a peek. We've ordered the drapes for her cot & some wall art, I can't wait to make it look all pretty & girly.

I'm starting to feel really heavy & pregnant, it's only crept up on me in the past week or so. Moving feels like a huge effort & I'm finding it hard bending down now, eek! 

See you at week 28 =]

Sarah xx

Skincare Haul...

Hiya lovelies, I hope you're all well and had a fab weekend.

One of my resolutions this year was to take better care of my skin so naturally I had to go shopping ;)

Here's what I picked up...

Alpha H Liquid Gold 

£31.50 - Available Here

This is somewhat of a cult product on the blog scene and it took me a long time to cave in & purchase it. It's raved about by my favourite skincare guru Caroline over at BeautyMouth & I know AModelRecommends is also a huge fan. I can't wait to start using this and see what it does for my skin!

Hydraluron

£24.99 - Available Here

The skincare goddess that is Caroline over at BeautyMouth dedicated a whole post to this product last year and I've been itching to try it ever since! I used my Boots Advantage Card points to purchase this so I don't feel too bad. I'll post a full review of this once I've put it to the test. 

This Works Perfect Skin Super Moisture

£22.50 - Available Here

I'm always on the hunt for my holy grail moisturiser and after I saw Vivianna sing this products praises I knew I had to give it a go, she has amazing skin! I managed to grab this in the sale & got another 20% off with a discount code so if you want to try this out be sure to shop around. I can't wait to try this out, horrible dry winter skin be gone!

Once I've given the above a thorough testing I'll be posting an updated skincare routine so be sure to look out for that.

I'd love to know what your skincare must haves are, please let me know in the comments below.

Sarah xx

Best of 2012 | Part 2...

Ahoy blogerinos!

This is part 2 of my favourite products of 2012, you can find part 1 here.

Here we go...

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara

£10.99 - Available Here

Mascara is probably my most purchased make up product, I have a drawer full and yet can't stop buying them! I absolutely love this mascara and have repurchased it 4 times now, that's no mean feat for a mascara addict like myself! I love that it both lengthens and adds volume to my lashes whilst keeping the curl and it lasts all day without needing to be touched up. Can you tell I love this product?!

  

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter

£10.50 - Available Here

This is another product that has featured in many previous favourite posts. I always have at least one of these knocking around due to the volume of Soap & Glory gift sets I receive at Christmas and I love it! There's nothing like slapping a layer of this on after a hot bath, nothing else leaves my skin feeling as soft and smelling so nice. I couldn't imagine not using it and will continue to use it forever!

Paco Rabanne Lady Million

£33.99+ - Available Here

I'm slightly addicted to perfume and have far too many in my collection. This was a present last Christmas and I'm just coming to the end of it now, sob! i'm rubbish at describing scents but if you haven't already tried this you must give this a whiff next time you're in town. I'm contemplating buying another bottle already!

Soap & Glory Hand Food

£5.00 - Available Here

This is another product that has featured in many of my favourites posts. For the price I really don't think you can beat this hand cream, it leaves my hands feeling baby soft and it smells amazing. I have 3 of these dotted around the house to encourage me to use it, I've even caught the boyfriend having a sneaky go of it when he thinks I'm not looking ;) 

GHD Scarlet Styler

£99.99

My lovely boyfriend bought me this for Christmas last year along with the matching hair dryer. I don't need to say too much about GHD's as I'm sure you've seen everyone who owns them singing their praises. I know they're a tad expensive but they can be used in so many different ways and I know people who have had theirs for years. I struggled to find this particular model online as it was limited edition but there's always a new collection so be sure to check on the GHD website.

So there we have my top 10 products of 2012! Most products mentioned are very popular on the blogging scene and for very good reason. If you haven't tried any of my top 10 I strongly recommend reading full reviews of them and giving them a go.

I'd love to know what your favourite products of 2012 were so be sure to leave a comment and let me know or leave me a link to your post!

Sarah xx

Best of 2012 | Part 1...

Hiya lovelies.

I know I' m a tad late posting this but I've really been enjoying reading everyone else's posts on their favourite products last year and decided I'd join in!

In previous years I've separated my favourites into beauty and make up products but this year I've decided to just keep them all together & there's no specific order. Hope you enjoy! 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle

£4.99 - Available Here

This has featured in my favourites for the past couple of years & I still love it just as much. I use 3 Minute Miracle at least once a week and nothing leaves my hair feeling as soft and healthy, I couldn't even count how many bottles I've been through!

HD Brows Foxy Palette

£18.95

I received this in my Glossbox last year & have used it to fill in my eyebrows ever since. I missed this the first time it was in the box so was delighted when I received it the second time around. The shade I use is the brown on the bottom right, I really should try and utilise the rest of the palette but never do. Unlike most brushes that are included in products like this it's actually very good quality and useful. I struggled to find this online so you may need to check eBay or a local HD Brows salon in order to purchase this.

Benefit Bella Bamba Blush

£23.50 - Available Here

I received this for Christmas last year & haven't stopped using it since. i love the colour of this blush, it works with so many make up looks and I don't need to use a highlighter when I use this, winner! The only downside is the packaging, as you can see mine is looking a little worse for wear! The mirror was smashed on a flight and the cardboard is falling apart, I wish benefit would make the packaging more substantial. Never the less this still makes my top 10 as it's been used practically every day in the past year.

Urban Decay - Naked Palette 2

£36.00 - Available Here

I was & still am a huge fan of the original Naked palette so when I heard a sequel was on the cards I was ecstatic! I pre ordered this and when it arrived at work I couldn't wait to get home and use it. I use this palette at least 4 times a week, it's great for every day eye make up and also for something a little more special for a night out. Using this in conduction with the original Naked is a dream & all I can hope is that Urban Decay release a third.

XEN Dark Lotion Self Tan

£21.95 - Available Here

There was lots of hype surrounding this product last year and I finally caved in & purchased it when there was a feel unique code knocking around. This tan is faultless to apply, leaves a lovely streak free tan and smells of cherry bakewells! Everytime I apply it i have to stop myself from licking my arm! I don't apply a fake tan every week but when I do I always reach for this over my St Tropez now. When this bottle runs out I think I may take the plunge and try the Absolute Luxe.

So there we have part 1 of my favourite products of 2012.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for part 2!

Sarah xx

Bump Watch | Week 26...

Hiya lovelies.

I can't believe it's been a week since my last bump watch post, time really is flying!

My bump looks non existent in the above picture but I promise there's a baby in there somewhere!

I met my new midwife in Market Harborough for the first time this week, I got measured for the first time and apparently I'm 26cm which is right on track for what I should be. 

I've been getting lots of back pain this week, something I think I should get used to so I've been having lots of lovely lush baths, I just have to make sure I can get out! Imagine getting stuck in the bath!

Anthony & I are painting the nursery this weekend, I'm so excited! I'm going to do a post on the first stage of her nursery after we're painted it so you can all have a little look. There's so many cute bits I want to buy to make it really personal and cute. She won't even be sleeping in there for the first few months but I want her to get used to the room and use it to dress and change her.

I've been really good this week & haven't bought any more clothes, I looked at the pile she already has and decided I still have 14 weeks to buy more. Everyone says you get lots of clothes when they're born so I'm trying not to go too mad!

I've been waking up 3 or 4 times a night to go for a wee which is really frustrating, it's not even like I really need to wee, my brain just thinks I have to. I guess I should get to the lack of sleep now!

Anthony & I have been looking at 3D/4D scans and are definately going to be booking one in the next couple of weeks, it'll be so weird actually being able to see her face and features, I can't wait.

See you at week 27! (eek)

Sarah xx

Baby Purchase | Babymel Satchel Changing Bag

Ahoy Blogerinos!

Who knew the changing bag market was so big and confusing?! I've spent the last few weeks trying to choose a changing bag, there were so many mixed reviews on every bag I liked & I didn't want to spend a small fortune. The bag also has to be man friendly, as much as I like the girly bags I don't think Anthony would be very happy using one. 

I was at the end of my changing bag tether when I found this bag, the Babymel navy satchel changing bag & I instantly fell in love! I love anything with stripes so naturally I had to have this. I'd just like to say this isn't a review of the bag, as my little girl isn't here yet I don't think it's really fair to review the bag and the features but I thought I'd show you it & review it at a later date.

Babymel are a London based retailer of changing bags and all bags feature changing mats, wipe clean linings and an insulated bottle holders.

Babymel offer various bags but I chose this one simply because I liked the design, i think it looks really chic and will look lovely in the spring/summer when our baby is due.

As mentioned above an insulated bottle holder/pocket is included. I obviously haven't tried this yet but I like the idea of keeping a bottle warm for an on the go feed.

There are 2 departments to the bag, a pocket under the flap and a separate zip department with various pockets inside. I can see the flap pocket being ideal for all my stuff including purse, phone etc as this will also be used as my handbag. The zip compartment will be used for baby bits as the multiple pockets inside will be ideal for storing all manner of things I'm sure!

I'll be doing a proper review of the bag once I've used it & this bag will also be used for my hospital bag so I'll show you what's inside once it's all packed and ready to go. 

The Babymel Satchel retails for £42.00 on the Babymel website but I found it for £33.60 on the Mamas & Papas website with free delivery to store! 

I'd love to know what your chosen changing bag is or what you've used in the past.

Sarah xx

Review | REN Clearcalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser

Good afternoon lovelies, I hope you all had a lovely weekend. 

For the past year or so the only cleanser I used was Liz Earle C&P but after seeing this cleanser mentioned on many of my favourite blogs I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go.

REN Clearcalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser

REN say:

REN's ClearCalm3 system combats the 3 key causes of breakouts and blemishes: excess sebum; build up of dead skin cells; blemish-causing bacteria... without harshness.

A purifying, antibacterial cleanser formulated to combat and help prevent breakouts and blemishes.

I've really been enjoying using this cleanser in the past couple of months.

With it being a clay formula it feels a lot more substantial on the face compared to a lotion cleanser like Liz Earle C&P. You can really feel this on your face and it feels like it's doing something.

I've expierenced no breakouts or reactions as a result of using this product and I genuinely think all skin types could use this, it doesn't feel drying or oily in the slightest.

I've been using this cleanser morning and night & following advice from Caroline at Beautymouth I've been removing it with a flannel not a muslin cloth!

I really like the packaging, a pump has been included and the packaging is clear so you can see when you're running out, thumbs up REN!

Priced at £18.00 for 150ml I think this is a really good deal, REN also offer 10% off your chosen favourite product for life which can bring this down to £16.20. REN also throw in 2 samples of your choice with every order and offer free delivery when you spend £30.

Overall I really recommend this product if you're looking for an affordable cleanser, I can't think of any bad points at all!

I recently had a bit of a splurge on new skincare so lookout for my skincare haul next week!

What is you favourite cleanser?

Sarah xx

What I Got For Christmas 2012

Ahoy Blogerinos!

I know I'm super late posting this but I got such lovely presents this year & I wanted to show you what I received. This will be our last Christmas without our baby girl so it was really special for the whole family, she even received some presents of her own!

Here is what I received...

 I was a very lucky girl!

 Everyone knows how much I love Soap & glory and I was receive a gift set or 2! 

My mum spoilt me this year & bought me the big Soap & Glory set and my boyfriends Mum got me another set. As you can see I've already started using it, I couldn't resist!

My boyfriend completely surprised me with the Lush Quality Treats tin. I didn't even know he knew what Lush was! It contains so many lovely products that I can't wait to start using, the tin will also now be home to all of my Lush products! My mum knows me too well & bought me the Snow Fairy shower gel & Comforter bath melt. 

 I'd been hinting at Anthony that I wanted a new hairdryer, I never dreamt he'd buy me the GHD air! I was in total shock when I opened it on Christmas day. How does even know what a GHD Air is?! He's received some serious brownie points for this. I've been after a curling wand for ages & was so happy when I opened this one from his Mum & Dad, I've been practising lots!

 I've been running low on some of my favourite perfumes so was over the moon when I saw I'd received Loverdose & 212 VIP from Anthony & his Mum and Dad. Anthony's sister bought me a lovely Mum to be set from The Sanctuary, the products smell beautiful and I can't wait to try them out!

I've recently been obsessed with baking after watching The Great British Bake Off so was delighted when I opened both the books & the hand whisk. I know both will come in VERY handy. I'll share some of my favourite recipes once I've perfected them. 

 Once again Anthony really surprised me with some Benefit goodies, the High Flyin' Glosses set & They're Real mascara. Maybe all this beauty blogging has finally rubbed off on him?!

My Mum buys me a book every year & this year she picked a Sophie Kinsella. Always a winner! Anthony bought me a Pandora bracelet a couple of years ago and ever since he's been slowly filling it with charms every Birthday/Christmas/etc. This Christmas he chose a beautiful pink charm. I'm nearly running out of space now, I'll have to start another bracelet if he isn't careful!

As well as what you can see above me & Anthony's sister bought each other a Robbie Williams tour ticket for June, I can't wait to see him live! So strange to think I'll have an 8 week old baby by then.

I was a very lucky girl this year and love every single present I received.

I love reading these types of posts so if you've done one please post the link in the comments, I'm so nosey!

Sarah xx