Meet Alfie, a very sleepy kitten **WARNING! CUTENESS OVERLOAD!**

Hello Darlings
 On Sunday I was treated to a very early Birthday present ( My Birthday is in November!)...a Kitten!
 My lovely OH(Other Half) thought that as we have a week off of work it would be a great time to bond with the kitten that I was longing for.
 He is a 9 week old blue/grey/lilac British shorthair cross and he is B-E-A-utiful!
We have named him Alfred J Pennyworth, (Alfie for short) after the character in Batman!

 What do you think?

I adore this purring little ball of fluff!

He may make a few appearances in future blogs.

 Hope you are all having a great start to the week.

 Love, Pins X

Nails of the day: Misty Jade *Rimmel*

Hello Darlings
 Todays NOTD is a Rimmel one. I don't usually buy their polishes, I'm not sure why, I just think their colours aren't very exciting. This lovely rich minty green called to me from the shelves " pick me, pick me" so I did!

 The application of this polish was great and dried very quickly and only required one coat.

What do you think?

It took about 4/5 days before it started to chip, which I think is quite good.

I will definitely be using some more Rimmel polishes in the future.

Love, Pins. X

Mac Haul ** Foundation and Eyebrow Crayon **

Hello Darlings

 As its my holiday I have been having quite a few splurges(well I have been working hard!) and this little haul is one of them.

 I known its only two items but as Mac is quite pricey I think that two items class as a haul! They are both items that I have had on my wish list for quite some time so it feels great to have them finally in my possession. Also, I had sold a huge haul of clothes on Ebay so this justified some of my splurging!

 The first item is the face and body foundation in N2.

This is definitely a brush or fingers type of foundation, I tried a little on a makeup sponge and it all disappeared inside the sponge in one quick 'schlurp' ! Oops!

 I was assured by the lovely mac lady that this will give me the dewy glow that I was looking for whilst providing light-full coverage. This product is a build-able so you can vary the amount of coverage that you need, I think this is great perk as I'm going through a breakout right now. This can also be used on the chest and arm area( well, all over your body really). I am in full blown love with this little bottle of gorgeous!!

 The second product is also a product that I have been lusting over for sometime and that is the eyebrow crayon in 'lingering'.

I opted for a crayon as it gives a more natural fill to my brows, I find a pencil too time consuming and I don't feel it gives a natural finish.

sorry about the blurry pic (the front camera on the Iphone is a bit pap)

 I had been looking for a pencil/crayon to fill out my brows as naturally as possible without giving me the dreaded 'scousebrow'!

Usually I'm a right wuss when it come to talking to 'Beauty counter Girls' as I just like to pootle about at my own pace and discover things on my own, this time I was brave!

 I was doing some swatches of the eyebrow crayon on my hands and I was so sure I had picked the right shade for my brows, I was wrong. I had already asked for help matching the foundation as I usually get it way off, so as the lovely Lady was matching me up I showed her the crayon I'd chosen and said ' thats about the right shade for my brows isn't it?' she smiled a lovely smile and picked up a different shade and tested on me there and then, it was perfect. The one I had 'matched' to myself was about 6 shades darker!

Really don't be afraid to ask for help as its what the lovely ladies are trained and there for.

 What is your favorite MAC product? I think this might be mine!

Love Pins. X

Joliebox ** July 2012 **

Hello Darlings
 Firstly I'd like to apologise for the lack of blogging over the past few weeks. I have been a busy old bee at work,but as of yesterday( Sunday 22nd) I am on holiday for two whole weeks. Woop woop!
Anyshmoo, lets get on with this months Joliebox shall we?

 Even though the June box arrived only a few weeks ago, the July box is here!

My first impressions of the box are a bit "meh" to be honest, this might be down to the exciting june box.

From left to right: nailgirls two mini polishes,Jane Iredale Tantasia, Essential care organic rose moisturiser, Wen by Caz Dean sweet almond and mint cleansing conditioner and ETAT PUR Biometric skincare B09-Express purifying mask. Plus a cute pair of joliebox toe separators. 


Nailgirls mini polishes in gold and bronze
 I can't say that I have ever heard of this brand before, but that means nothing really does it?! The two polishes are from the 'Medal collection, inspired by the olympics'. You each received two minis in either bronze,silver or gold. I really like the two little polishes that I was sent. They were really easy to apply and they gave great coverage with just one coat.

Its a slightly sloppy application! 

I give these products 4/5

Jane Iredale Tantasia 

This little tube is filled with a gorgeous smelling( it smells like a lemon meringue pie to me?!) self-tanner for the face and body. It is an instant results kinda thing which gives a healthy glow. It's a creamy gel consistency which blends in easily.
 I'm not really a fan of fake tan or the heavily bronzed look but I think I may give this a go for a night out with the girlies.

Overall I give this a 3/5

Essential care organic rose moisturiser.

This is a little added bonus item from Team Jolie for all the hooha over the June box. This is a really lovely little gesture which certainly cheered me up. I am starting to get a little bored of Rose scented things now as they are just everywhere, but this light cream is great for throwing in your handbag and carrying around with you.

There were many different bonus items that were sent out , which I think were from previous boxes. 4/5

Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond and Mint Cleansing Conditioner

After doing the Ombre, the ends of my hair have been looking a little tired, so this tube has got me all excited! I shall be trying this product out first thing in the morning, so I will describe my first impressions. This is quite a big tube (50ml) so am hoping to get a fair few uses out of it. The smell is really quite light, the mint is just the right level to be refeshing and not overpowering. I am alway dubious of anything containing an almond scent as it tends to give me childhood Christmas flashbacks of picking the marzipan( bleurgh) off of my Christmas cake! I can safely say that there is no almond scent at all, just the nourishing nature and creaminess.

There is quite a full-on set of directions for use(lots of massaging,foaming,combing,rinsing etc) but I'll give it a go to see if that is really necessary or not, and let you know the result!

4/5 ( mainly on looks and scent!)

Etat pure Biometric skincare B09-Express purifying mask.

 As I am AWFUL with surprises I had already 'researched' this box before receiving and had decided that I really WANTED this product! I am always keeping my eyes peeled for a mask or serum-y type treat for my face and this has ticked my boxes. I have actually been wearing the mask whilst typing this up! It doesn't have any obvious scent and is a lovely thick matte cream.

They recommend that you apply a thin layer,leave for 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water. I did all of the above and the results are... velvety smooth, soft skin. Hurrah!

I really enjoyed this product and despite initially being bummed that there was no scent ,I think its actually a good thing. It feels like a truly luxurious product and I highly recommend it. I have already started to look up their other products!

5/5

Overall I give this box 3.5/5 The mask was the highlight for me and everything else was okay. This is only my second box so it is being put up against the Birthday box which I really liked, I can't wait to see what August has in store!

I have just had my Glossybox despatch email(Yippee) and I have also signed up to SheSaidBeauty so there will have to be some healthy competition to win my heart!

 Did you receive any of the above products? What are your views on the different boxes?

I'd love to hear from you.

Hope you are all having a great week and are managing to soak up some sun.

 Love, Pins. X

Nails of the day: golden peach * Models Own*

Hello Darlings
 Its time for another NOTD! And again I am using a Models Own ,I just love everything about their products from packaging to application.
 In order to combat my blueness about the crappy weather I picked up the shade " golden Peach" as it made me feel all summery and fuzzy.
Here are the results

What do you think?

You can buy them direct from their website HERE.

They hold a plethora of shades, many that make my mouth water. 

What is your favorite nail brand?

Love, Pins.

 X

Joliebox June ** Birthday edition**

Hello Darlings
 After a very VERY long wait for my first Joliebox I got is this morning and I can happily say it is totes amaze!
 I'm not going to go into details of the delivery issues as its no fault of Joliebox. Lets get on with the contents shall we?!

As it is their first year anniversary box they created two limited edition boxes and I received this lovely little orange number. What do you think?

One of the things that drew me to Joliebox was that they have their own magazine crammed  full of product reviews and how to guides. I have only flicked through but its safe to say that J'adore the Joliemag!

From left to right; Yon-Ka Pamplemousse protective and vitalizing cream(normal to oily),Institut esthederm Bronz repair body lotion, Leonor greyl volumizing shampoo with algae extracts,L'occitane angelica hydration cream and at the very top in the Elysambre lipstick in 109.

I'll give a brief review and my first impressions of these items as I haven't tested them for long ( I did receive it this morning!) 

Yon-ka

Pampelmousse protective and vitalizing cream for normal to oily skin.

This is a beautybox first, a customised product ( provided you filled in your beauty profile AND received your original box!)

I have heard many great things about Yon-ka products but was yet to actually own one. This is a full sized 50ml product which retails at around the £30.00 mark.

This thick,luxurious cream feels and smells beautiful whilst being crammed full of botanical essential oils. It blends into skin leaving it looking fresh and dewy. The smell may be quite overpowering to some but I love the creamy citrusy scent( it smells like lemon sorbet to me)

So far I am loving this product and am already looking into other products from the same brand. 

5/5

Institut esthederm

Bronz repair body lotion

 I am still not quite 100% on what this product is really for! 

They say its a lotion that " battles damage caused by the sun and reduces signs of ageing, whilst also helping skin achieve a healthy glow". It directs you to apply generously before sun exposure and then every two hours and after bathing. My understanding is that its a anti wrinkle tanning lotion.

As we have had no sun (some July this is) I can only comment on its smell. It smells like a floral suncream.

It is a 20ml sample.

 I won't give it a rating as I haven't used it correctly/ unsure what it really is!

Leonor greyl

volumizing shampoo with algae extracts

I believe that this is an extra product that was sent to new subscribers.

They say its " ideal for fine and limp hair,this detangling shampoo gives hair volume, vigour and support". I am really looking forward to using this product as my hair needs a little bit of TLC. This 50 ml sample smells like the sort of shampoo you are treated to in a luxury salon. I do love a good hair product! 

I will let you know how I get on with this product.

L'occitane

Angelica hydration cream

After getting impatient in the wait for this box I did do some blog stalking to find out the kind of products that were going to be in it (who doesn't though!) and this was the product  I was looking forward to trying most.

This gorgeous little 15ml tub is crammed full of the refreshingly scented cream which claims to plump, smooth and revitalize the skin. I have used this already after cleansing my face and I can honestly say that I can feel the difference. My face is smoother and looks healthier.

5/5

Elysambre

lipstick in 109

After stalking the contents  of other peoples boxes I was quite worried about the colour that I might receive but I am delighted with it. Its a deep purple-red which is matte. This is also a full sized product, although I have a sneaking suspicion that it is in sample packaging as its a little undesirable. It is quite difficult to apply directly to the lips, I think because of the matte-ness of it. Using a lip brush it went on perfectly.

I really like this product and am already looking into other items by the brand.

5/5

They also threw in a little jolie nail file, who doesn't love a free nail file?!

After the dramatic wait, this box has been totally worth it and all of the products are lovely ,and cost a small fortune! I love everything about Joliebox and am already looking forward to Julys box.

Hope you all enjoyed your boxes.

Much love, Pins. X

Nails of the day: Nude * Models Own *

Hello Darlings
 Todays nails are a gorgeous nude from the brand Models Own. I have had my eye on this colour for a about a month, so when Boots had an offer for buy one get one half price I HAD to buy it!

 Nude Beige

This is like a foundation for my finger nails. Its the perfect colour for barely there nails.

Seeing as it was on offer it would have been rude not to pick another polish. 

so I opted for this super neon orange colour.

hedkandi beach party

As I couldn't get away with this bright colour on my fingers at work I though I'd treat my little piggies, its like they each have a high vis jacket on!!

Its so bright it almost glows in the dark!

Models own polishes are very easy to work with and very affordable for what feels like a high end polish.

Do you have any recommendations for my next colour?

Love, Pins. X

Glamour Magazine uk ** balance me products**

Hello Darlings

 Seeing as the weather is parp right now I thought I'd share with you something that will cheer you up.

This Augusts magazines are already on the shelves and a few of them are including some brilliant products. But the one that caught my eye is Glamour Magazine.

This issue(August) is out right now

 Even after being so generous with last months Benefit goodies, those lovely people at Glamour are spoiling us with more goodness.

There are four products to choose from from the brand balance Me (check out their website its crammed full of gorgeous products).

The products are;

Pure skin face wash RRP £11

wonder eye cream RRP £11

balancing face moisturiser RRP £11

rose otto intensive lip salve RRP £12

Seeing as the magazine is only £2 you are getting an absolute steal, a great magazine and a brilliant product.

Go on, dash to the news agents right now!

I have already picked up three products and have given strict instructions to my OH ( Other half) to keep an eye out for the third!

Let me know if you have used any of these products or are planning to get them.

Love, Pins. X

Body Shop haul **inc Lily Cole**

Hello Darlings
 Since I have patiently been waiting my first ever Joliebox for what feels like a lifetime,I was very excited to hear a knock at the door on my day off.
 After terrifying the poor Postie,grabbing the box and bolting into the living room to rip open the package I realised that it wasn't my Joliebox, but the box of Body shop goodies that I ordered on Sunday.
I tore open the box and was greeted with the scent of cucumber and mint, it turns out that the lid of my free shower gel had popped open and doused all of my goodies in a sticky gel.


I shall show you the things that I managed to salvage from the soggy wreckage!

From the top to the bottom; Facial massager,fuzzy peach shower gel, mini brush kit,wild rose hand cream and Lily Cole pearl radiance primer.

Missing from the picture are the free earth lovers cucumber and mint shower gel which you can see HERE

And the Ultra fine Bath lily in cream( that got soggy too) which you can see HERE

There was a discount code that I was sent from O2 which meant I got 40% off so all of this came to £25.40 inc delivery. Bargain eh?

Facial massager

I have been looking for one of these for a while,to see if it has any affect on my skin. It has a lovely light wooden handle and soft rubbery nodules that help to increase the blood flow to the skin. I have given it a brief go and my skin was left feeling stimulated and perky. I am going to use it before my night cream and see if it helps with the absorption. 

5/5

Fuzzy Peach shower gel

This smells gorgeous! I haven't used this product yet but I have used the green apple version which leaves my skin baby soft and smelling fruity! Right now these shower gels are only £2 too. Winner! 

Mini Brush kit

Seeing as I still haven't decided which E.L.F brushes to try out I thought I'd these little cuties

 They are actually smaller than I had though but I do have a few of their older fullsize brushes,so I know that they are truly great quality. They come in a sweet little pouch with a mirror which makes them perfect to throw in your handbag. Each little brush has written on it which part of your face its for ( this is handy for early morning make up applications!) the four you get are; cheek,eye,slanted and lip.

The handles are really comfortable to hold and the brush itself is very soft and thick.

Wild Rose hand cream

This is a lovely luxurious cream that absorbs quickly, leaving a light rose scent and super soft skin.

 I love hand cream and personally thing that you never can have too much! 

I bought a 30ml version so it can live in my handbag with, even without the discount £5 is a great price. I will most definitely be purchasing this again.

Lily Cole pearl radiance primer

This was first on my " to buy from the Bodyshop" list!

 After hearing great things about her range,and being a lover of pearly shine I HAD to try this out for myself.

The primer is a pump action tube filled with pearly beads suspended in a lightweight gel. Doesn't it look beautiful? I'm such a sucker for pretty packaging!

This is how it comes out. The amount there is waaay to much which I realised soon after I had to rub it in up to my elbows! Classy! In reality you only need around a 1/3 of this amount. 

It is rather difficult to rub in as the 'pearls' do not blend very well and sort of leave a skin behind. Remember those bath pearls that you could burst under water , and then play with the shell? Its a bit like a teeny tiny version on that!

When it eventually rubs in, it leaves a lovely subtle sheen which can be used on its own or under make up.

This retails at £12 but they have a 40% off promotion at the moment. Its limited edition ,so grab it whilst you can.

Over all I do like this product but it didn't live up to my expectations, I will continue to use it but probably wouldn't purchase it again.

I have really enjoyed this haul,despite the exploding shower gel! The Body Shop is great for bulk buying when they have their promotions/free item. 

Now I just need my Joliebox to turn up * back to sitting by the letterbox*

Have any of you lovelies tried any of these or know of any alternatives?

Hope you are all having a lovely week.

Much Love, Pins. X

*** Blog award** | nominations

The Liebster Blog Award

I have been nominated by the lovely Jenni from jennimystyle for the Liebster Award.

 I have only recently started to blog so this is a lovely little surprise .

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

 The Meaning; Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, 

lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions 

for the people you've tagged to answer.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Go to their page and tell them.

5. Remember, no tag backs!

Here are my 11 things about myself:

1. I am 5'4

2. I adore the smell of really old books

3. my most extravagant purchase was my Mulberry Daria bag. 

It was worth every penny!

4. Nigella Lawson is my girl crush

5. Both my favourite film and book is 'To kill a Mockingbird'

6. I studied Floristry at college and worked in a Florist for 5 years

7. I have never broken a bone,had a nosebleed or had any fillings.

8. My dream pet is a Pug

9. I am an only child

10. I love to write things down as I don't want to lose my handwriting style.

11. I prefer salted popcorn to sweet

Jenni's questions

1.       What is your phobia (come one, there must be something everyone is afraid of)? 

I am really quite terrified of frogs, it sounds quite pathetic, 

but its just something about the that makes me shudder!.

2.       Something you wear everyday.

 My Dad's wedding ring on my thumb.

 He gave it to me about 4 years ago and its been on my thumb ever since.

I'd feel lost without it. Its also a good "have I got a tan?" detector!

3.       Worst Habit?

Squeezing my spots. I know its gross but it is so satisfying...until my face goes puffy and red.

4.       What do you think is the best thing invented?

 The kettle. I don't know where I'd be without a lovely cup'o'tea!

5.       Are you a tea drinker or a coffee drinker?

Both. I tend to drink tea ( earl grey, if you wanted to know!) at home and coffee out and about.

6.       How many pairs of shoes do you own?

 around 30 ish ?!

7.       What would you do if you won the lottery?

Take a trip to Hawaii and then stop at various american cities on the way home.

8.       Last 3 beauty products you last purchased?

 I have just bought a big box of body shop products, 

but you'll have to wait to find out what they are!

9.       Name up to 3 must-have beauty items you cannot leave the home without?

Perfume(any), lipbalm and Coralista

10.    Watched anything that made you cry?

The ending of 'Walk the line' gets me every time.

 Johnny and June Cash are,to me,the ultimate love story.

My questions

1. How many siblings do you have?

2. If you could go anywhere where would you go?

3. What is your favourite film?

4. What made you start blogging?

5. Do you have a lucky charm?

6. What is your most treasured possession?

7. What is your dream job?

8. What is your favourite shop?

9. What is your earliest memory?

10. Who was your last text/call from?

11. Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?

My nominations:

Sirens and bells

Aztec mess

Amy's wardrobe staples

Walk in your own shoes

The denim girl

Sunshine to soothe the soul

Laura's little secrets

Just Jesss

Confessions from under the duvet

Roses and rockets

Over the rainbow

Love,Pins.

X