Accessorize Sale Haul

Neon Woven Stripe Stole

Higher Intellect Stacking Ring, Statement Geometric Ring

Parrot Satin Vest Set

Sales are both exhilarating and frustrating to me. They are everywhere at the moment and even when you are getting something for less, it is important to remember it won't be a bargain unless you are definitely going to use it.

When I saw Accessorize had a 50% sale, I knew it could be dangerous as I adore shopping there. It is just so good for getting little bits and pieces and especially good for buying gifts for other people. I always find something I adore! So I had a browse but decided I would only buy for me and only if I really, really liked it.

I bought this scarf, which I actually wanted before it was in sale and would have paid full price for. It is so soft and I love the design, plus it goes with my bag (also Accessorize!) and I love the unusual colours. It's quite heavy so it will be perfect for Autumn.

I went a bit crazy for the jewellery, I couldn't help myself! Eventually I put a lot of it back as I know I am terrible for losing jewellery and I didn't want to buy heaps, I wanted to buy some pieces I would really get the use out of. So I settled on these cute gold rings which will go with anything and can be stacked or worn alone.

With the pyjama set, I was torn. I loved the pattern (which isn't something I would usually like) and I loved the design. I try not to buy myself pyjamas because usually I get them for Christmas and then I end up with way too many, but after circling the shop I came back to these because I just couldn't help myself. Maybe it was the heat, I don't know, but I'm so glad I did get them! They are just so cute and sexy. I think they'll actually be pretty practical as it gets pretty hot at night in the flat.

Have you bagged yourself any bargains in the sales this season?

TK Maxx for Interiors

I have already posted how much of a fan I am of TK Maxx for the amazing bargains you can pick up. It is a really cool place to browse when you are furnishing a new space on a budget. I picked up these pieces on a recent trip and I am in love with them. I have a small collection of owl related things as I find them pretty lucky so I was really pleased to find this beautiful vase and cute little ceramic box. The photo frame has so much texture to it, it really stood out for me. I like how all the pieces are neutral white and would go with anything, yet have lots of personality.

TK Maxx is also brilliant for finding discount candles that smell amazing! I love a scented candle but they can be really pricey, and cheaper supermarket versions don't have the same scents or cute labelling. TK Maxx usually has an aisle dedicated to candles and other scented pieces for rooms and you can usually sniff out a bargain! This MySenso candle retails at £15.90 and I picked it up for £4.99. The scent is musc cassis, it's very heady, feminine and floral, perfect for a pampering session.

Have any of you guys picked up a bargain recently?

Birchbox UK | June 2014

Birchbox - May 2014 Edition

I cannot seem to get away from the football madness at the moment, something that was confirmed to me when I realised that the theme for Birchbox this month was footie related. Le sigh. However, the box did not disappoint. It was more of a global theme than a sports theme, with lovely products from around the world. Here is my round-up:

Embryolisse | Lait-Crème Concentré

I found this moisturiser to be very rich, though it did melt into the skin very quickly. I'm not sure how those with sensitive skin would find it, but I found it really pleasant on my combination skin. My skin tends to get drier in the winter months, and I have a feeling this would be a brilliant moisturiser for then.

Silk + Honey| Shea Butter Hair Mask

I only have showers, so to have to stand about for 15 minutes for this to soak in was never going to be a good idea for me. I loved the scent which was fresh and feminine, but it didn't stay after my hair was dried. I wasn't very pleased with the product (I'm used to a thicker, quicker hair mask). However, I did get lots of compliments later about how shiny my hair was looking so I can't deny that it worked!

OPI | Nail Lacquer - The Brazil Collection

I received the colour 'Next Stop the Bikini Zone'. It is a shimmery lilac shade, very feminine and metallic. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the colour, though the solution went on a treat. I've decided I'm going to give this away to my Mum and sister, who both tried some on when we were opening the box and fell in love with it!

Yves Rocher | Sheer Botanical Lipstick

This shade (corail doux) is a beautiful orangey pink that goes really well with my complexion. The stick is velvety and goes on really well, leaving lips very moisturised. I definitely recommend this if you find lipsticks dry out your lips or if you aren't used to wearing lipstick, as it was a lovely subtle formula. This was probably my favourite product this month and it's already become a handbag staple!

Naobay | Body Radiance Lotion

This citrus scented body lotion left my skin feeling very silky and the scent lasted a decent amount of time. It's a light formula and felt very fresh, making it a brilliant morning pick-me-up! It's organic and also against animal testing which is always great to see.

I also got a wee yellow and green flip-flop keyring as my lifestyle product, but there isn't much to say about it apart from it's now on my window keys! It was a great box with lots of really good pampering products as well as products for use on the go. I loved all the sweet and citrus summer scents and how moisturising all the products were.

You can subscribe to Birchbox for £10 per month (plus £2.95 for P&P). You receive 5-6 beauty samples to try each month, and makes a great present for family and friends, or just a monthly treat for yourself!

But Debbie - Pastel?

Top: Zara

Blazer: New Look

Trousers: Miss Selfridge

Shoes: Office Shoes

Necklace: New Look (old)

Technically, this is what I wore a couple of days ago! My boyfriend was lovely enough to take some photos for me so I could pop them on my blog. I was feeling very grown up and chic!

The blazer is new and perfect for Summer, it's a lovely mint colour and really light. It feels very relaxed but it also makes me feel very smart.

The shoes are also new, they are such a gorgeous shade of grey! When I first saw the style I wasn't sure because I worried they looked a bit clunky. Then my friend got the black pair and I saw how neat they looked on and I was converted! They are definitely a lot prettier on the feet than on the shelf.

I've made a point of taking a photo of my nails as it is the new polish I got in my Birchbox! I haven't had a chance to use all the products yet or write up a post, but I will be doing it soon so keep a look out for that!

Birchbox UK | April 2014

Birchbox - April 2014 Edition

This month, Birchbox was inspired by all things foodie related. Many of the products had scents and influences from the kitchen! Here is a round-up of my box opening:

theBalm® cosmetics | How 'Bout Them Apples

The packaging is adorable and I loved how it felt on my lips as it is a soft, creamy balm that felt very moisturising. The colour palette is really good too. I loved trying out the shade 'pie', it was a vibrant, deep pink that really suited my skintone. Not sure I'll be trying this product on my cheeks as I think the colour might come off a bit strong on my pale skin, but really pleased with this tester.

Lord & Berry | Couture Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil

Apart from the sample pencil being absolutely tiny, this was a decent eyeliner to try out. The pencil was a thick, dramatic black which framed my eyes perfectly. I'm thinking of trying out a darker, smokier eye on my next evening out so I will definitely be returning to this sample!

Color Club | Gala's Gems Nail Polish

A mini collab between colour club and blogger Gala Gonzalez brought about these really pretty polishes. They are exclusive to birchbox and come in four pastel colours, inspired by retro lacquers of the 70s and 80s and perfect for spring. I received 'aquamarine azulino', a pearlised duck egg blue. The colour really stands out and is really beautiful once on. The formula was super easy and quick to apply, so very pleased with the quality of this product!

Propercorn | Sweet Coconut & Vanilla

Ok, firstly I will say I am not a big fan of popcorn! My sister once broke a tooth on a piece and I've been a bit reluctant to trying it since! However, I am super excited to try this flavour, I can't help it, I have a really bad sweet tooth and coconut vanilla sounds tasty! I'm going to save it for my lunch tomorrow!

Yes To Cucumbers | Facial Wipes

These towelettes are a really handy size and promise to be very moisturising as well as cleansing. The cucumber, aloe vera and green tea should be gentle on my skin, which isn't particularly sensitive but can sometimes feel dry after using wipes. Also, the wipes won a best of beauty award from allure, so I'm excited to try this product out.

Campos de Ibiza | Almond Body Milk

I have never tried body milk before so I am a bit apprehensive about this product, as I tried a wee bit on my arms and it felt a lot like runny body lotion! It smells amazing, very floral and summery. I'm hoping it surprises me and becomes a must have because I love when that happens, it's the best part of trying these boxes!

The box this month was a varied mix and I'm excited to try all the products more fully over the next few weeks. I am already in love with the nail polish and lip stain!

You can subscribe to Birchbox for £10 per month (plus £2.95 for P&P). You receive 5-6 beauty samples to try each month, and makes a great present for family and friends, or just a monthly treat for yourself!

Birchbox UK | March 2014

Birchbox - March 2014 Edition

I just love the look of this month's Birchbox, in collaboration with Lulu Guinness! It was so different from the usual box designs and really lovely and bright. Here is a round-up of my box opening:

Benefit | Stay Don't Stray

Benefit is a really good quality brand you can rely on so I'm really excited to try this eye primer. The packaging is adorable. I have a few cheap eye shadows that are really bad for clotting when I'm out at night, but I love the colours and can't bare to get rid, so hopefully this will be the perfect product to help out.

Dr. Brandt | Pores No More Pore Refiner

I am a huge fan of Dr. Brandt products, they are really expensive (a full size of this product is £39) but they really work. This will be a nice alternative to primer for a more natural look, I'm hoping it will leave my skin looking dewy and clear.

Aroma Works | Serenity Body Oil

This oil smells so good! The scent is a mix of lemongrass, neroli and geranium, it's really fresh and sweet. I love that it is a citrus scent in an oil, it would be the perfect wake up call for early mornings. The texture is smooth too so it goes on really easily and it feels really luxurious. It absorbed really well, especially on my legs that were left with a subtle glow (not too shiny like other oils!)

Molton Brown | Rhubarb & Rose Replenishing Hand Cream

My hands get so dry at work so this is definitely going in my hand bag! It isn't as strong as other hand moisturisers but it does make a difference. It is such an unusual scent, rhubarb is definitely not something I would have chosen for myself, but I'm so glad it was chosen for me! One of the main reasons I love my birchbox is because it chooses products I wouldn't otherwise try. The rhubarb is a different choice, but it's a winner for me, I love that it reminds me of my mum's rhubarb pie!

English Laundry | No. 7 For Her

This perfume is described as having 'top notes of pear and jasmine blend with gardenia, vanilla and sandalwood'. It's a sweet smelling perfume, personally I would use it as day wear perfume. It is quite a fruity scent but the vanilla balances that out.

Candy Rock

A cute stripy piece of rock was popped in as a lifestyle extra. It represents the Lulu Guinness side of the collaboration, as she was inspired in her Spring/Summer 2014 collection by traditional sweet shops. It has been ages since I've had a piece of rock, it always reminds me of my Grandad and visiting him in Great Yarmouth!

I really loved the design of the box this month, the collaboration with Lulu Guinness was awesome. There were a lot of lovely scents this month, perfect to get me into the mood for Spring and out of the hibernation mind set!

You can subscribe to Birchbox for £10 per month (plus £2.95 for P&P). You receive 5-6 beauty samples to try each month, and makes a great present for family and friends, or just a monthly treat for yourself!

NicoleXMissguided.

Celebrity collaborations can be very hit and miss, but I think this one works really successfully. The collection comprises of a mix of laidback lux with sporty details and fitted body con pieces. The colour palette of monochrome and cobalt blue is perfectly modern, the colours work so well together. The glamourous style of Nicole Scherzinger is captured really well but also what customers of missguided really want, which is wearable, reasonably priced fashion. I love that it's quite minimalist but really sexy at the same time.

These are my favourite pieces - did you guys have any favourites?

You can shop the collection here.

Birchbox UK | February 2014

Birchbox - February 2014 Edition

My February Birchbox arrived this weekend and though I've not had a chance to sample the products fully, here is a round-up of my box opening:

Beauty Protector | Protect & Oil

Newly launched, this hair oil is suitable for all hair types and protects against UV rays and heat damage. I'm hoping this will be a lovely light product to use as an alternative to my heat spray, it smells amazing and promises to be light so I should still be able to style my hair in up-dos. I'm really excited to try it!

Eyeko | Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

I have used Eyeko products before but I always felt like it was a brand I grew out of because the packaging was really focussed on tweenies. Now they've grown up and updated. The new face of the brand is Alexa Chung, a really fantastic spokeswoman as she is really expert at eyeliner flicks. I love winged eyes and it's a look I regularly do so I'll definitely get the use out of this product.

Urbanveda | Radiance Exfoliating Facial Polish

I love the facial exfoliators you get from birchbox as they are usually really high end and fun to sample. This one smells amazing, ayurvedic turmeric with an infusion of marigold, papaya and coriander, it's a deeply luxurious smell but fresh and light too. The brands focus is natural skincare, so that means no SLS, no parabens and no GM ingredients, and approval from the vegetarian society which is always brilliant to see. I have a feeling this is going to be my favourite product to sample this month!

Gilchrist & Soames | The London Collection Shower Gel

A lovely enough product boasting antioxidant-rich botanicals of red tea, soy, ginkgo biloba, grape seed and milk thistle. It smells very sweet and I'm hoping the scent lasts and the formula (another cruelty free brand containing no parabens or phthalate) leaves my skin feeling moisturised.

Leighton Denny | Nail Colour

I love a good nail varnish and this shade is just gorgeous, a pale pink that will be perfect for the spring tones coming in this season. It couldn't have come at a better time! There were a few shades available in the boxes this month, but I'm in love with this colour, it came just in time for valentines day. The name "mine's a rosé" suits me to a t!

Green & Black's | Dark 70% Chocolate

The lifestyle extra this month was a chocolate sample from Green & Black's. Fair trade and organic, it's a fab sample of a sweet treat. Pretty sure this won't last very long!

This was actually one of my favourite boxes, there were so many different samples, two were full sized and the products were thoughtful and catered to me really well. The theme, 'love style', focussed on fashion week and was also quite influenced by Valentines day which I thought was cute. I loved the cards with inspirational quotes that came with the magazine, I've saved a couple and I'm thinking I might frame them! Birchbox have partnered with Lulu Guinness for the March box, I can't wait to see what they come up with.

You can subscribe to Birchbox for £10 per month (plus £2.95 for P&P). You receive 5-6 beauty samples to try each month, and makes a great present for family and friends, or just a monthly treat for yourself!

Primark/ Semi-Chem Haul

As today was my day off, I made a mini shopping date with my sister Lou. I managed to pick up some bargains and also some necessities that I've been meaning to get for a while.

Firstly, Primark. I picked up this top for a mere £3, it will be perfect for work where I like to wear thinner layers I can build up. I love the bow detail on the back, and the colour is a gorgeous grey-lilac shade that will see me through to summer. I bought cotton pads (no more ruining face cloths!) and exfoliating gloves because they were bright and I really needed a pair. I've not used fake eyelashes from Primark before, but for a pound I'm willing to try them out.

At Semi-Chem I got this gorgeous nail varnish which is guilty of having the worst/ funniest name I've ever heard (district-ly come dancing). I love this colour, it's bold and bright and will hopefully go really well with my gold rings. The shampoo I got as an experiment. I've been dying my hair recently so it's a little lighter and sometimes it has reddish undertones, so I'm trying to neutralise it. Hopefully it will reduce the brassiness.

Have you tried the PRO:VOKE hair care range? If you have any tips or tricks on toning your hair I'd love to hear them!

Valentines Day Outfit & Date Ideas

(Red flared dress, £35.99, Zara. Scuba drop hem dress, £46.00, Topshop. Isabella floral velvet skater skirt, £12.00, boohoo.com. Pink knitted jumper, £14.99, H&M. Red cami slip dress, £22.00, ASOS.)

For those finding it difficult to plan that perfect Valentines day, I've come up with some cute outfit and date ideas to inspire the romantic in you!

CINEMA DATE

Sci-fi/ romance film 'Her' is set to be released this Valentines day. Directed by Spike Jonze and starring Joaquin Phoenix and the voice of Scarlett Johansson, it's a clever film exploring concepts of technology and relationships, perfect for indie-arty types. This bright red dress from Zara (1), a little sexy without being too obvious, would look gorgeous teamed with some boyish brogues and a decent sized clutch for an edgy look that isn't trying too hard.

ICESKATING

An excellent date if you fancy trying something a bit more adventurous than cuddling in front of TV. This dress from Topshop (2) has long sleeves and decent bum coverage (in case you do fall!) and would look so cute with a beanie hat and cosy tights!

WALK IN THE PARK

Sometimes just a walk together, somewhere far away from your troubles, is the best way to make your favourite person feel special. Catching up with each other with no interruptions is the best way to reconnect and to remember why you are so happy together. Since the weather is still quite drab, why not shake it up a bit with clashing colours and bright patterns? This pretty skirt (3) with bold red roses is fun and flirty, and the bright pink jumper (4) will hopefully keep you cosy. Wear your favourite trainers and get two coffees to go.

A NIGHT IN

Firstly, make sure you prompt your other half if you want spoiled on a night in. It doesn't mean sitting around doing the same old. Hopefully they'll take cue and be an old romantic - flowers, a cute card, candles, dinner (or takeaway) and a massage. This sexy slip (5) will let them know they've done a half decent job!

Collage: Rabbie Burns Nicht

Since it is the day to celebrate Scotland's arguably most well known poet, I was inspired to design a collage of how to dress for a céilidh! Clashing plaids with shoes you can dance in all night and a cute bangle, engraved with some Burns poetry "And I will love thee still, my Dear, Till a the seas gang dry". I would probably wear this outfit with a black leather jacket and lots of eyeliner, with a pair of black tights in my bag for the walk home! Bold Tartan Scarf, £27, Johnstons of Elgin. All Star Hi Tartan Leopard Studs Converse, £59.99, Office Shoes. Silver Bangle 'And I will love thee still my Dear', nts.org.uk. Ceris Laundry Check Shift Dress, £22, boohoo.com.