Decor Haul: Hanging Ball Lights

Hello!

"bringing that warm fall glow into the room... the kind that warms your heart"

With this cooler weather, it reminds us Christmas is coming - 78 days, people! Christmas is all about beautiful lights, tree decorations, christmas wreaths and snow - although all of this can't be achieved yet, we can bring some lights early. Trust me, they really give a warm vibe (yes, pun intended!). 

"The lights in these last for about 10 years,"

There are so many different shapes, hearts, stars, even flowers that you can choose from on Blaze-On.com (which is where these are from) but these round ones are perfect. They work year round, are neither more feminine or masculine, and suit in any room... they're currently surrounding the noticeboard in the study. 

"many different shapes, hearts, stars, even flowers that you can choose from"

The colour is a off-white, almost yellow - bringing that warm fall/winter glow into the room, you know the kind that warms your heart? Yes, it's that kind!

"They work year round...and suit in any room"

Although the packaging is gorgeous, there was a dent in one of the balls :(. I'm sure they would exchange the box for another, but you can't really see the dent when they're up and running. The lights in these last for about 10 years, so no need to worry about changing them.

The most important part about Blaze On is their ethics, which is great about buying from them - click here for more.

As well as lighting up your life (there's another pun!) through the balls, you can also choose a candle. This is the pretty one that came with the box! How gorgeous?!

Let me know how you have decorated for this season?

Cotton Candy Grapes - The Verdict

Hello!

If you haven't heard of Cotton Candy Grapes, where have you been?! They've been all over Twitter, YouTube and Instagram... and yes, they do really exist!

"not genetically engineered or artificially flavoured"

How are they made? They have not genetically engineered or artificially flavoured the grapes, but have used pollination techniques to create this unique flavour! So, they genuinely are grapes, and they actually (sort of) taste like the good-old Candy Floss you get at summer fun fairs and carnivals!

"'WAIIITTT!', paced it to the fruit isle... searching all over for the green grapes with 'Cotton Candy' written on..."

I went to my local Tesco yesterday and only when I was at the till did I remember about the Cotton Candy Grapes. So, obviously, I said 'WAIIITTT!', paced it to the fruit isle and was searching all over for the green grapes with 'Cotton Candy' written on the package. To my delight, they were there! At £2.50 for the punnet, I was delighted. You can bet I opened it as soon as I got in the car!

"get excited: there's going to be tropical flavour grapes next!"

Instantly, the taste of candy floss came into my mouth. The taste doesn't last the whole time you're eating the grape, but the initial taste is candy floss. Having said that, some grapes taste more candy-flossy than others.

Overall, it's a lovely idea! Oh, and get excited: there's going to be tropical flavour grapes next!
What do you think about Cotton Candy Grapes, or do you think it's over-rated? 

PS. these grapes are available in Waitrose, M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda.

Find YOUR Perfect Dress... for Prom, Weddings or Parties!

Hello! 

"dresses can be a bit of a hassle..."

This is the season for parties - with two MORE weddings coming up on my calendar this month, dresses can be a bit of a hassle to find. If you've read this post and this post, you'd know I have already had two weddings, so I'm a bit experienced this year!

Also, Prom dresses are quite important too and this site has it all!

"reminds me a bit of Princess Kate's wedding"

The lace detail on the blue and black dress is gorgeous and I have fallen for the design! I love the colour too. This would be perfect for a wedding and reminds me a bit of Princess Kate's wedding where she had lace sleeves on her dress. 

The blush colour is one of my favourites, and I recently bought a jacket in the shade (keep your eyes peeled for a post on that). I think it is so girly and elegant yet not an in-your-face shade at all. Also, I love the jewellery the model has paired with it, definitely simple but beautiful.

"One-shoulder dresses have a more fun vibe"

One-shoulder dresses have a more fun vibe, and slightly more relaxed. The blue and cream dress can be lovely for prom or parties. It can also be worn at weddings too - a very versatile piece.

I actually wore a dress similar to the black and white dress a couple of years ago at a annual celebration evening - it is quite formal yet laid-back at the same time. Plus, the floral detail is a lovely touch and adds a nice dimension to the dress.

"I actually wanted a dress very similar...but didn't find one like it during the time!"

These are perfect for prom. I actually wanted a dress very similar to the middle one for my prom but didn't find one like it during the time! If only I had known of victoriasdress.co.uk earlier! I love the pastel colours. Also, the high-low effect on the first and last dress is so pretty! Moreover, the bejewelled designs on all 3 dresses make the dress youthful and fun!

Overall, my favourite is the black and blue elegant lace dress! I love it! What's your favourite? 

Mani Monday... purchase - Barry M Gelly Kiwi

Hello! 

"Many brands are releasing the gel manicure"

A slightly different type of Mani Monday for you... This time a haul/purchase! Nevertheless, I'm sure it'll soon be featured as a proper Mani Monday sometime soon! 

"a mint colour was needed in my collection"

Many brands are releasing the gel manicure type of polished and I reel that Barry M were one of the first. The 'Gelly' line has been out for at least a year now as I had owned the 'Watermelon' and 'Blood. Orange' last summer and they are lovely, but not very bright, hence a mint colour was needed in my collection! 

"kiwis are meant to be green whereas this is more of a mint shade"

The one thing that can be confusing is the names to the colours, for example, the shade 'watermelon' does not look like the colour of a watermelon! And kiwis are meant to be green whereas this is more of a mint shade! It's a bit confusing but I guess it's all fun anyway! Let's be honest, the name doesn't REALLY matter yet the OPI names are very funny and make me want to buy them even more - but it doesn't really matter!

Have you tried Gel finish nail polishes yet?

POTW: Peep Toe Bow Flats - (they're a bargain)

Hello!

"the cutest types of shoe"

Peep toes are the cutest types of shoe! I love the way you can show the world your toenail colour yet be totally comfy at the same time! Its super fun and pretty! 

I love the bow detail on these particular ones too  - it adds a touch of girly-ness! 

 "black is perfect as it goes with everything"

The colour black is perfect as it goes with everything!! Although it was hard to picture the material, it is suede - hence they look kind of fuzzy on camera! They feel lovely - can you tell I am in love with them? 

 "the amazing price tag"

The best part about them is the amazing price tag! If you have ever been to Primark, you'd know about their incredibly cheap shoes... these were £5!! How amazing! Maybe it's time we all go to Primark more often?!

Are you a fan of peep-toe shoes? 

Yes/No: Cropped Pants... for casual wear?

Hello!

The last time you may have come across the Yes/No series is for the Short Hair Trend. Having not even thought about it being a series, I figured 'why not?' as you seemed to love it! If you haven't read it yet, let me know whether it's Yes or No for you on that post!

"classy yet fashionable"

Well, this time it's the cropped pants. Having gone shopping last week, it was on the 'Must Buy' list. To my amusement, I found them (which is good) and they were in the office wear section. Maybe its the fact that I love sophisticated style but I would easily wear this as casual attire!

source: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4
"Definitely a versatile product and a staple in ones wardrobe"

I love the way it looks: classy yet fashionable and easy to pair with many outfits. Definitely a versatile product and a staple in ones wardrobe, I'd say!

" if you want a bargain, it's for £9 in Primark! "

You can buy a pair from ASOS for £20 online, yet if you want a bargain, it's for £9 in Primark!

So tell me, Yes or No from You on Cropped Pants? 

POTW: Batiste Dark & Deep Brown Dry Shampoo

Hello! 

"Dry Shampoo is your best friend."

Generally in the summer months we like our hair in the style of Beach Waves - and the heat can cause one to sweat more (sounds eww, I know!) which leads to greasy hair. You may be like me and wash your hair about 3 times a week, so almost every other day, but actually it's not healthy to do so. So, to keep your hair healthy and looking non-greasy, Dry Shampoo is your best friend.

As it is now summer, it is the perfect time to get your hair into 'better shape' meaning (unfortunately) less hair washing as when we wash our hair, we're stripping away the natural oils that are produced meaning the hair is left dry. 

I am aiming for twice a week to see if it makes a difference.

"staple and a go-to product on a bad hair day."

After using this dry shampoo once, I can honestly say I love it! I can see it becoming a staple and a go-to product on a bad hair day.

I have tried the non-dark hair version and it is NOT the same. This version is so much easier to blend into your hair and it doesn't look like you have talcum powder in your hair and at £3.99 from Boots you can't go wrong!

So, how many times do you wash your hair a week? 

Whole Foods Market Haul: First Ever!

Hello!

If you live in the US, a Whole Foods Haul may be pretty usual for you - but for people like me, and possibly other countries in the world, the whole 'Whole Foods' thing is pretty new to us. But boy am I glad Whole Foods has come to Town - I say that but it's still pretty far for me, yet I'm definitely more likely to go!

"boy am I glad Whole Foods has come to Town" 

When you enter whole foods, you see fruits and vegetables, smiling faces and very healthy looking people! I love the vibe of the market and the idea that everyone has the same priorities as you!
Even going to the checkout, the lady there was greeting me with jokes and recommendations, telling me the Snapea Crisps are "dangerously good" and making me even more excited to try them!

I had known there was a Whole Foods in London but never thought of going until I passed it on the way back from China Town with our Bubble Teas on our last trip to London. We had a quick pop in and out of the store as one of my friends and I were literally jumping with joy at the sight of the 'Whole Foods' sign - yet too overwhelmed to actually purchasing anything...

"the Snapea Crisps are "dangerously good""

The second time we went was last week, this time ensuring we were going to buy at least one thing. So we went down to China Town to get ourselves some bubble tea (now becoming some sort of a ritual) and then went to Whole Foods in Piccadilly. As soon as we saw Snapea Crisps, which have been raved about on YouTube, we had to pick these up. If you've tried Sugar Snap Peas, you know how amazing they are - as I am a huge fan of them, I hope I will be of these too.

For your information, there are more than one flavour, I also spotted the 'Caesar' flavour and 'Tomato' - yet 'Lightly Salted' seemed the safest option.

"Chia Seeds are the superfood of the moment"

These two items were no brainers when it came to Whole Foods. Chia Seeds are the superfood of the moment. Superfoods are the foods with a lot of nutritional value per calorie unit. There are so many great things you can do with those tiny seeds: put them on your cereal, in your smoothies or make Chia Seed Pudding.

Cacao Powder is basically chocolate - but the raw, good-for-you kind. I was in search of this but had only found cocoa power thus far, which is great for making healthier hot chocolates, yet cacao powder seems like one step up, and I am excited to give it a go!

"let's hope these babies are satisfying"

I have been loving dates. Having a big box of medjool dates at home meant that I'd freely have a couple when I want something sweet and super yummy! Running out of those, I was left feeling empty - let's hope these babies are satisfying! I love dried fruit and seeing these mango and pineapple sachets in the store, I had to pick them up! These were actually near the checkout line, which is a very smart place to put them!

"Too many good things all in one place!"

A simple 5 item shop left me satisfied with my shopping trip in Whole Foods - still being overwhelmed with the amount of amazing things they have on sale there, I was unsure of what exactly to pick up! If you've been to whole foods for the first time, I'm sure you'll understand what I mean: Too many good things all in one place! 

What's your favourites from Whole Foods / Health Food Stores? 

Purchase of the Week: Rimmel Kate Rockin' Curves Mascara + Goodie Bag!

Who doesn't like free Makeup Goodie Bags?! 

Hello!

Happy Wednesday! Shopping always makes the day better, especially if it's a haul like this one! The Kate Moss by Rimmel Mascara came out last week and seeing as I run a beauty blog and the fact that I needed a new mascara - obviously I had to pick it up! With it's weird shape of wand, I was a bit skeptical but intrigued nonetheless... 

That's the shape of the wand and after trying it out today, I can truly say I already love it! It gives great volume and length, making your lashes look fuller and lovely! I used it with a mascara base by Kiko and it worked wonders!

So, I had mentioned a 'Goodie Bag' earlier and you might be wondering how that came about... Well, Boots and Rimmel had a scheme whereby the first 180 people to order the Rimmel mascara were to get 4 products from the Kate Moss line for FREE! I was in awe and really wanted the product now more than ever! As soon as I got the e-mail from Boots that I am now able to purchase, I went for it, and 3 days later, I had this baby in my hands! 

The goodie bag was packed with great stuff! It had a lipstick (pictured above) which is a lovely baby pink shade. A green gel liner was also included, which I am super excited about!! As well as a lovely bronze shadow stick (I think it's waterproof :O) and a peach/nude shade nail varnish - all of which I'd use! 

Want an in depth review of the mascara? Leave a comment! 

Have you tried anything from the Kate Moss line?! 

Bargain Deals - Happy Hump Day!

Hello!

Happy Hump Day!! This is either the day that you love or hate - depending on which way you look at it. Kind of like if the glass is half-full or half-empty! So, lets keep it positive and say today is a good day - as we're getting closer to the weekend!! Actually, for me Wednesday is the longest day, I have all 4 subjects AND have extra-ciricular afterwards - Being a college student is great (!)… haha, it's not that bad, to be honest!

Anyway, so as it is the middle of the week, I didn't want you to have the mid-week blues, so I thought I'd gather some codes for great bargains to make your day just that little bit better! Who doesn't like bargains?! So, make yourself feel good by treating yourself (or a loved one, if you want), yet not feeling so guilty because it's a bargain!

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

BooHoo
10% off £40+ on boohoo.com
Enter Code: PERFECT10

H&M
£5 off £11 on hm.com
Enter Code: 1304

Feel Unique
5% off + free delivery on orders over £10 on feelunique.com
Enter Code: JAN2014FIVE

TopMan
10% off Full Priced Orders + Free Delivery  on topman.com
Enter Code: TMSAVINGS

StarGlass
20% off all orders on starglassuk.com
Enter Code: BerryBloomXO

I hope these work well for you and you find great things to treat yourself with!
What's your best bargain/deal you've come across?! Also, would you like to see more of these posts?

Clothing Haul: Shopping the sales!

Hello!

Deals. Sales. Offers.
That's all that is seen on shop windows right now! Being a shop-a-holic, one cannot entirely resist these amazing opportunities, so why not make the best of it?

Yes, I cracked and went shopping and bought a little more than I needed to… especially right now anyway, after exchanging and receiving gifts… yet, there's no such thing as too much shopping, right?! ...Right?!

Basically, I walked into the store and found that most things were 50% OFF! Half price is amazing for a deal! So I picked up a few pieces that caught my eye...

I bought this denim jacket as a) I don't have one, and b) it was half off! 

I feel like a denim jacket is a staple for the spring and summer months and is on trend practically every year, so obviously it was a must have! 

Next I picked up two of these knit tops which are quite baggy and perfect for this time of year. If you're like me, then you know how easy they are to throw on and look somewhat cute… and be comfortable! I got one in this greyish, brown colour and another in navy blue! 

Next I got this top, which the picture does NOT do it justice! It is honestly so gorgeous is real life! It is red and the sequins and beads on it look stunning! It is more of a dressy top, yet it won't be over the top (no pun intended). It's like a subtle dressy, if you know what I mean! 

Also, I bought this sheer khaki coloured top with gold sequins in the front. Again, I feel the picture makes the top look weird and it's hard to take a snap of it! I felt this was perfect for party-wear. Moreover, this is a total trend right now too - I love sequins because they show how girly I really am! (I even have sequin fluffy socks that I wear at home… but shh…!) 

I then spotted these shoes! I love bows and heels, put them together and I cannot resist! I have way too many shoes with bows on them! 

As for accessories, I bought a navy blue, thick knit scarf which can keep you warm and look cute too! The scarf has tiny bits of glitter woven throughout, which you can kind of see in the second picture with the bracelet on top of it! The Bracelet is made of 'Sparkling Glass' and is very simple yet adds a little extra to any outfit. Being the colour it is, it would also match many outfits! 

So, yes, that was my haul… which is an awful lot of shopping for something uncalled and unplanned for, oh well, you live and you… buy? Oh, who am I kidding?! haha! 

What has been your best bargain? 

Getting into the Xmas Spirit!

Hello!

You may have started to feel festive the day after Halloween, or maybe even the first day of fall - but now it's ALMOST CHRISTMAS!

This advert made me feel all fuzzy and festive inside and I thought I'd share it with you!

Being it the first Christmas Advert I had seen this year, it was bound to make me feel this way! Can you believe there is 8 days until Christmas day?!

What's making you feel super festive?

Bath & Body Products Haul

Hello!

With the colder months you get dryer skin and feel the urge to take long, relaxing bubble baths - when we get the time, that is - and drink hot beverages!

This called for a shopping trip for my bathroom! Well, I didn't specifically go out to buy stuff for my bathroom but when a shopping trip was called for, these were the products that called out to me most! Well, where my eyes were drawn to anyway! You know what they say, you're a better person when you moisturise...

Okay, I totally just made that up, but I still believe it!

I first saw these beauties on the shelves and know that it would look great! Baylis & Harding have a thing about posh and lovely looking products and you can't help but fall for it! Although the scent is Rose, Yland Ylang (which I have no idea what in the world it is!) and Patchouli and there was no tester to smell it, I thought I'd purchase anyway because I liked the bottle! I did, however, try it when I got home and I've got to say the hand cream smells lovely and lingers in a good way!

I also bought a Body polish from the same line.

Having a fresh smelling product in your shower for the morning can really waken you up, hence the reason I bought the Radox Uplifting Shower Gel in Grapefruit and Basil. The packaging is a pink and if you're a girly girl like me, then you know what I mean by falling for it! Also, these Shower Gels have a hook which fits perfectly in my shower and doesn't linger on the bottom meaning the shower looks less cluttered! 

 Finally for today's haul, I bought a new bottle of FemFresh for the feminine hygiene... but we don't need to go in detail with that!

By the way, you may have noticed the loofah - I didn't buy it today but I thought it looked nice with the bath products none-the-less! All in the name of photos!

What are your favourite bath products?