january wishlist

I guess it's kind of a funny month to have a wishlist as January is usually associated with cutting back and pinching the pennies after Christmas. However I have to say I'm the type of person who always has a little list in my mind of things I'm craving to keep me working hard and so I have something to look forward to. January is such a horrible month, how could I not have something to be excited for?!

Here are my current wishes.

1. Hearts & Bows Black & Cream Geraldine Dress - I think this is so pretty, I especially love the heart shape cut out in the back!

2. Panasonic Lumix Digital Camera - I really need a new camera after my old one was broken last year. This one is compact and fast, ideal for nights out, but also has a macro setting which is great for blog pictures.

3. MAC Lipstick in Shy Girl - I've wanted this nude for so long!

4. The cocktail represents nights out with my friends. After the Christmas party season I'm really hating the slow down in going out so hopefully this will pick up again soon!

5. 90210 Season 2 DVD Box Set - I'm a huge fan of season 1 and I'm currently re-watching the DVDs. I never got around to seeing the second series.

6. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch - I've wanted this for a while now but sadly there's no way I'm getting it any time soon!

7. Naked 2 Palette - Which make-up obsessed girl wouldn't love adding this to her collection?

8. Schuh Princess Wedge in Pink - These are just so amazing! I live in black wedges, they are just so easy to walk in and comfy. I'd love to try a wedge with a pop of colour.

What's on your most wanted list?

l'oreal paris volume million lashes review

I have recently been in the market for a new mascara. I do have a favourite mascara (Max Factor's False Lash Effect) that I have loved and used for years with no problems, but the time has come to make a change. Not because that mascara wasn't ideal, but because I just got bored!

So in steps L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black. I purchased mine from Boots, priced at £11.29 although currently selected L'Oreal Paris products are 2 for £14. I threw in a Perfection Color Riche Lipstick in 302 Bois De Rose (normally £8.19). Bargain!

Before I go on, I will now just express my love for the packaging of both items. It looks so high end and good quality, especially the lovely metal lipstick casing.

So how does this mascara compare to my old favourite?

For starters, it has a nice big wand, and it's plastic-y rather than traditional bristles. I really get on well with this as it's similar to my old Maxfactor mascara. There's also a wiper included inside the packaging that removes excess product when you remove the wand. This is quite useful as I find the brush is not overloaded.

The formula is more on the wet side, which I don't mind because my eyelashes have quite a lot of curl. For anyone with straighter lashes this might be an issue as it might weigh the lashes down a bit.

Here is a before and after shot, with just the single coat of mascara:

Overall I'm really impressed with this mascara - it's done an amazing job of both lengthening and volumising. This is the result after only one coat so more coats could easly create even more drama.

Another positive point is that my lashes don't feel overly 'crunchy' after application, and the mascara is easily removed with a make-up wipe or cleanser.

Do you have a number 1 go-to mascara?

umberto giannini glam hair: reviewed

I recently recieved the Umberto Giannini Glam Hair kit as a Christmas present and have since had the time to road test the products included. A New Years Eve night out was the perfect opportunity to try out the hair care products. However, I tested the eyeliner in the day time because I new I would be in no fit state to see how it had faired when I got in at 3am!

I believe the kit was from Boots, and priced around £10, although I am not sure if it's still available as it was in the 3 for 2 gift range. You can still buy the products individually though.

The set itself contains 3 'Glamourising Beauty Essentials', which includes Backcomb In A Bottle (30ml), Rock 'N' Roll Extreme Hairspray (30ml) and Painted Lady Feliner 'Blackest Black' Eyeliner Pen in a nice black presentation tube.

As a bit of hair background, I have fine hair but quite a bit of it, with a wavy texture. For the New Years Eve party I straightened my hair with my trusty GHD and wanted to add a bit more 'oomph' to the roots. This is where Backcomb In A Bottle came in. It directed me to spray (6 inches away) where I wanted the backcomb effect to be and then to 'jujj' hair into shape.

I found this easier said than done! The nozzle was really hard to press down, which made it tricky to apply right to the roots where I wanted it. I'm curious as to whether the full size product has the same packaging, because this is definitely a big downfall.

When I did eventually get the product out I found it did definitely add volume to my roots. Saying that though, I did have to do a bit of my own backcombing in addition to the spray to get the level of volume I was after.

As for the Rock 'N' Roll Extreme Hairspray, well I loved it! The nozzle on this one was more like a standard aerosol spray and much easier to use. The smell of the product is lovely, really nice and kind of sweet and spicy. The holding power is also great, so this one gets two thumbs up from me!

I wasn't expecting much from this eyeliner as it was from a company not usually associated with makeup. I was pleasantly surprised when the colour and pigmentation were really great and application was super easy.

One huge downfall with this one though - after about 3-4 hours of wear (with eye primer) the product transferred up onto my lids leaving me looking like a panda! Not a good look! I think it's because it's consistency is gel-like and it didn't really seem to 'set' or dry properly.

The final verdict?
I am not sure I would repurchase Backcomb In A Bottle as I feel I could achieve just the same results with a can of hairspray and a bit of backcombing. 3/5

I would definitely consider getting the full version of the Rock and Roll Hairspray next time I run out, it smells delicious. 4.5/5

The liner seemed so promising at first but I'm afraid this wont be making residence in my makeup bag any time soon because it just transfers sooo badly. 2/5

christmas gifts

I really hate the feeling of Christmas being over, it's really sad and strange how there's such a huge build-up and in an instant it's gone. I had a really great time though, so I can't complain, plus there's still a fridge full of leftovers.

I thought I might share with you all a quick tour through the gifts I recieved this year. As everyone else says, it's not trying to show off, I just love reading posts like this so I thought my readers might enjoy it too!

Above: Leather Purse and Necklace, Both Accessorize.

Above: Necklace Holder, M&S, plus some of my old jewellery.

Above: Socks and Stickers from Accessorize, Diary from Paperchase

Above: Umberto Giannini Hair Kit

Above: MAC Fix + and Studio Sculpt Foundation (NC20)

Above: Knitted Slipper Boots, Accessorize

Above: Large Craft Box for all my crafty bits, crochet and sewing stuff etc.

Above: Craft and sewing stuff

Above: Thorntons Viennese Truffles, Lindt Father Christmas, Lush Bath Bomb

Above: Meet my new Sony Vaio

At last I have a new laptop!! You may remember my post about my old laptop dying. I was considering a Macbook, but as a university student I do believe it may make me a target for theives as well as be an expensive luxury with compatability issues and a whole new operating system to learn. So instead I have opted for a Sony Vaio with a nice long warranty to see me through my degree. Yay!

As you can see I have been really lucky and got lots of lovely presents from my friends and family. I am so thankful to them all!

The best gift though, was that my Mum was feeling well on the day. This was the best present anyone could give me as she's been unwell for a few months now.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and ate way too much food and all the rest that goes along with it!!

christmas tag and silly glasses!

To get in to the spirit of Christmas I am doing this lovely tag from Ayla of a is for ayla. Her blog is one of my favourites so please go check it out! 


To get us started here is a picture of me wearing a pair of ridiculous novelty glasses:

Ok, now we're talking! Lets get going.


1 - Pick one: Candy Cane or Soft Peppermint 
I think I would have to go for candy cane... they are so cute and make great decorations!!

2 - Pick one: Egg nog or Hot coco
Cocoa all the way! I've never tried Egg Nog but it sounds gross! Haha.

3 - Which is more exciting: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
Christmas Eve is really exciting but I always have the task of preparing the veg in advance for lunch the next day so it's not too much fun. Christmas Morning has to be the most exciting!!

4 - Favourite Christmas anthem of this year 
My favourite anthem every single year is Last Christmas by Wham! So cheesy but so good.

5 - The Christmas trees all set up and ready to go, but what colour are the decorations?
I'd say a rainbow of colours! Our tree is full of childhood decorations and coloured lights so there's a bit of everything.

6 - The mistletoe is sat there waiting, but whos underneath it with you?
In a dream world, Matt Lanter (Liam, 90210) but in the real world, nobody ;_;.

7 - Did you believe in Father Christmas as a child?
Yes, and probably until I was far too old!

8 - Favourite Christmas movies
The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, Elf

9 - Santas got his lists but which are you on, naughty or nice?
NICE, obviously!

10 - What date do you get all your lights and decorations out?
Normally mid-December time, on the weekend when the whole family is around.

11 - Do you buy others gifts early or take advantage of late night shopping?
Definitely late night shopping - I leave it late but not till the last minute!

12 - Worst gift 
Hmm... that's tough! I don't really tend to get bad gifts that much any more because older relatives tend to just send money or vouchers. I did once get a really bad pink fluffy scarf though! 

13 - Best gift
When I was 14 my parents took me to Florida for a fortnight and for the Christmas beforehand my gift was to swim with the dolphins. Amazing!

14 - Wishing for a white christmas or praying it doesnt happen?
WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!

15 - Your trees decorated - whats sitting on the top?
A pretty porcelain angel with a floral dress.

16 - Its all cold outside, who's blog will you be reading while curled up by the fire?
I can't really pick one blog out because I love and read so many! But I will definitely read all my lovely follower's blogs and also some craft and cooking blogs for festive inspiration. 

17 - Favourite Christmas event
I love the Christmas cooking, like the cake and the pudding which must be done in advance. I also love the carol service and nativity story on Christmas Eve - there is so much excitement in the air!

18 - Favourite Christmas food
I love all of it, except the Turkey since I am a vegetarian! But I do love the mince pies, Christmas pudding with brandy butter, mulled wine, cheese board and the boxes of chocolates!


All my lovely readers are tagged! Link your post in the comments if you decide to do it!

currently loving: golden nails

This morning I painted my nails a gorgeous shimmering gold shade. It really brightened up my day and made me feel nice and Christmas-y (especially as I finally saw the festive Coca-Cola ad last night for the first time this year!).

Above: Shiny! Nail polish unknown.

I found the nail polish right at the bottom of my polish box and I totally forgot that I had it. Unfortunately I can't work out what it is as it's in a bottle with no label or brand. I can only assume it was a part of a set at one point!

It was pretty gloopy and difficult to apply so I think I will have to invest in a new gold varnish for the upcoming festive season.

Above, L-R: Barry M Instant Nail Effects in Gold Foil, Models Own Nail Polish in Gold Digger, Orly Nail Polish in Glitz, OPI Nail Lacquer in Curry Up! Don't Be Late

There are so many nice golds out there! I'll definitely at least be picking up one of the Barry M Instant Nail Effect Foil polishes - I got my friend the silver version for her birthday and she loves it.

Do you have a favourite polish for the season?

wordless wednesday