My Little Box April 2016 Flower Edition

I am seriously raving about this subscription bx every month! This month was no exception with the added excitement of the box being made to look and open like a book, I couldn't wait to tell you all about it!

Pop-up Garden, R.R.P £7.00. The pop-up garden is such a sweet idea and is perfect for those of us that live in flats or shared houses without their own gardens. I will have my own garden soon for the first time so will be making that look pretty, however this little treat has pride of place in my bedroom, the white colouring is perfect for the décor. The instructions are fairly easy to follow and are pretty idiot proof, she says knowing a friend that managed to kill a cactus.

Travel Pouch for Lingerie, R.R.P £13.00. I have to say I have never used one of these before, I think they are quite old fashioned. Nevertheless I am sure I will get use out of it when I go to the USA this summer, however it seems to be only large enough for one or two sets and with my chest size I can’t imagine it fitting more than one. So I guess it’s perfect for a night away, and not for a long trip. The material is super soft and does look very pretty.

The Pouch this month also had little leaves on it and looks so cute. The pouch is such a lovely addition to each box and can be used as gift wrap for presents in the future.

L'occitane En Provence Roses Et Reines Shower Gel, R.R.P £15.00 per 250ml. I must confess I have not tried this as of yet as I decided to put it straight into my USA packing bag. The travel size is perfect for the time I am away, I have seen other reviews and am aware of the brand, so know that it will be very decadent. I did give it a little sniff though and was blown away by the sweet scent.

Nails Inc nail Polish, R.R.P £11.00. The only downside to this box is that they never seem to tell you what shade the nail polishes are, and although I received a nail polish from the same brand last month I much prefer this shade. It is a sort of dusty grey pink colour and really goes well with pretty much anything and is so subtle that it can be worn without care of not looking professional. The wear time is pretty good with this particular polish, I have been wearing it for a few days and only had a few chips which I think is mainly due to me doing dishes with no gloves on, insert shocked emoji.

My Little Beauty Rosy Mornings Detoxifying Mask, R.R.P £11.00. I do really like all the my little beauty products and seeing as I have been going through a lot of stress recently with a house move and job move a facial mask is much needed with a steady breakout occurring on my face. This mask is not like any other I have tried in that when you apply it the colour changes, letting you know that it is working  it’s magic. Once applied leave on for 5 minutes and then rinse off leaving your skin feeling silky smooth and fresh. This should really be used in the mornings, but not everyone has time for that unless it’s a day off or the weekend, so I will just use it whenever I can. I will say that I do love the results and will certainly be introducing it into my routine.

Let me just take a moment to talk about the box, sorry no BOOK design this month, it opens just like a book and has the standard my little box ribbon as a tie to keep it closed. The look gives it a great second purpose as a place to keep your secrets, hiding in plain site on your book shelf or side.  The material isn’t too flimsy either, but I still wouldn’t load it with lots of heavy items just encase.

Each month I say I cannot recommend this box enough and again I am repeating myself. I even think they are still running their first box offer, just enter FIRSTBOX at checkout and receive your first box for just £11, so you get the P&P for free.

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

Glossybox April 2016

After last month's diabolical box, I was intrigued to see whether Glossybox would up their game this month and they certainly have! Other than the temporary tattoos, I am one happy bunny. I have already purchased the Body Shop Intensively Revitalising Facial Oil in full size after using the deluxe sample.

Bills Restaurant Norwich

Being as I am the one with dietary requirements within my work group, I took over the organisation of the quarterly event and decided upon Bills Restaurant. Let me just say I cannot believe I have never been in there before, I mean how long has it been in Norwich now?!?!?

My initial impression of the Restaurant was one of awe, I mean I loved the décor, it is so me and something I hope one day I can replicate in my own home. Seeing as I was a little earlier than the group I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to see what exactly I could eat, so when the waitress seated me and gave me a dietary list I was very impressed.

As a Coeliac don’t you just hate the moment when you have to order, when you go out in groups even if they are close friends. I really despise the fact that I have to state ‘it needs to be gluten free’ and then await a sigh or look of irritation, as if you’re trying to make things difficult or make some sort of scene. Well anyway, the waitress was right on it and seemed to be really familiar with my request.

For the main course I opted for the Grilled Sea Bass Fillets, served with grilled pan fried potato rosti, which was delicious. The only downside is that this is a fairly small dish, so is prefect for those of you with a smaller appetite, me however I could have devoured another one, insert shocked emoji here.  

Seeing as I had space to spare I did have a desert which is not my usual go to and when I do it is usually Eton Mess. They had the usual culprits of gluten free options, i.e Eton mess or Brownies, however they did have a special on the Pistachio Pavlova. I was having a craving for chocolate and didn’t fancy the pavlova so ordered the Warm Chocolate Brownie served with chocolate sauce, vanilla ice-cream and a chocolate flake. Unlike most gluten free deserts this was not over powered with sugar, it wasn’t too rich either, dare I say it, it was just right.

Overall I really enjoyed myself and will defiantly be visiting again. I was told they do a really good breakfast, so you never know watch this space.

I even got a little doggy bag for Harley, I may not have been able to eat the ribs, but she sure can

My Neutral and Brown Lipsticks

Some days you still want to wear lipstick, however you don't want anything too obviously so you grab a neutral tone. These three tones are my go to when I am in need of a natural look. 

From left to right:

• NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Rikugien (R.R.P £19.00).
• MAC Matte Lipstick in Honey Love (R.R,P £15.50), best matched with MAC Lip pencil Subculture (R.R.P £12.50)
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita (R.R.P £19.00)

Rikugien is a lovely pinky neutral shade with a subtle shimmery finish. When I first tried this I didn't really like it as it didn't seem to stay on too well, however since trying it again I love it! The staying power is much better than when I first tired it, however I was a little under the weather.

Honey Love and Subculture are pretty much a perfect match to my skin tone, you can hardy tell I am wearing anything when I have this on. I always opt for this on down days, when I am feeling under the weather or days where I know I have an external meeting. Perfect for interviews too.

Dolce Vita is a slightly darker shade that Honey Love with a subtle pink tone. This is a little more obvious than Honey Love, however paired with a smokey eye can make any look beautiful and subtle.

Each of these lipsticks are super moisturising and have long staying power.

When you want to opt for a neutral tone, however think thats a little too dull you can go for a brown tone. These are great to keep to a natural look as well as making it a little darker. 

From left to right:

• MAC Pro Longwear Lipstick in Made to Last (R.R,P £15.50), best matched with MAC Lip pencil Morning Coffee (R.R.P £12.50)

Made to Last is a gorgeous milk chocolate brown colour, which can be worn day or night for a neutral dark look. I do love my brown lipsticks for everyday wear as they provide a mysterious kind of look about you. Askwith all Macs this particular tone has a slight sheen and is so moisturising, its just divine. 

• NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Golsham (R.R.P £19.00).

Golsham is a funny name isn't it, makes me think Gotham!!! But it couldn't be further from a Batman colour, below is me wearing this gorgeous reddy brown colour. It is a perfect brown with a slight shine to it and super long staying power.

Whats your go to neutral or brown tone?

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

My Pink Lipstick Collection

Everyone loves a splash of colour every now and again and why not let it be a shade of pink.

From left to right:

• N07 High Shine Lip Crayon in Petal (R.R.P £9.00).
• NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Luxembourg (R.R.P £19.00).
• MAC Pro Longwear Lipstick in Unlimited (R.R.P £19.00), best paired with MAC Lip liner In Anticipation (£12.50). 
• MAC Matte Lipstick in Captive (R.R.P £15.50), best paid with Mac Lip liner in Soar (R.R.P £12.50).

Unlimited is a very dusty pink colour and therefore is kind of between a neutral and pink tone. This one os perfect for every day wear and perfect for professional meetings. 

Captive and Soar are such a gorgeous berry pink shade, I love wearing this tour it is slightly dark and therefore can go perfect with a smokey eye look. These particular lipsticks are lovely and moisturising with such long staying power. 

• MUA Power Pout Lipgloss in Allure (R.R.P £).
• MAC Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up (R.R.P £15.50), best paired with MAC Pro Longer Lip liner in More to Love (R.R.P £15.00).
• MAC Pro Longwear Lipstick in Love Forever (R.R.P £19.00), best paired with MAC Pro Longer Lip liner in More to Love (R.R.P £15.00).

All Fired Up and Love Forever are beautiful bright pinks, perfect for a pop of colour to any look and for a night out. All Fired up is super matter, where Love Forever has a slight shine to it whilst still being matte. 

• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl (R.R.P £19.00).
• NO7 Shine and Tint in Seduce (R.R.P £8.50).
• MAC Nicki Viva Glam (R.R.P. £15.00), best paired with MAC Lip liner In Anticipation (£12.50). 

This particular Shade, Nicki Viva Glam is a super neon pink and one I wear rarely. It is very Nicki Minaj and would be perfect for darker skin tones. It is a little Barbie like for me. 

Are there any pink shades that I should know about? 

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

My Classic Red Lipsticks

I have so many lipsticks, it could be a problem actually I am sure I have spent over £400 in the last 3 years. After reading the beautiful Christies eyeshadow posts, and badgering from her that I should do posts on all of my lippies, here is the first one.

A Classic Red Lip is always a great finishing touch to pretty much any look.

From Left to right we have:

• MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick in Feels so Grand (R.R.P £21.00)
• Cailyn Matte Liquid Lipstick in Modernist (R.R.P £19.00)
• MAC Matte Lipstick in Viva Gam I (R.R.P £15.50),  best paired with MAC Liner in Brick  (R.R.P £12.50)

Feels so Grand and Viva Glam I are very similar, albeit Viva Glam I is slightly Darker. They are both divine and lately I often find myself grabbing Feels so Grand, however the Viva Glam I is a lovely deep tone which is super moisturising. All MAC lipsticks always smell sweet and have such log staying power. These colours are fantastic for a 1940's vintage look.

• MAC Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo (R.R.P £18.00),  best paired with MAC Liner in Cherry  (R.R.P £12.50)
• MAC Pro Longwear Lipstick in Perpetual Flame (R.R.P £15.50),  best paired with MAC Liner in Cherry (R.R.P £12.50)

These two colours are perfect for daily wear, Ruby Woo is a brilliantly bright matte red, which has been seen worn by Taylor Swift. I don't often wear this one as it isn't very easy to apply as it is bit drying. 

Perpetual Flame is from the Pro Longwear range, which I adore and glides on like a dream. This is a little less bright so can be perfect for the days where you want a nice red but don't want anything to neony. 

• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysterious Red (£19.00)

The Mysterious Red shade is a shade between Viva Glam I and Ruby Woo, I do love these lip pencils as they are super easy to apply and give an instant lining to your lips. This isn't drying however it isn't  moisturising, but does stay on for quite some time.

I love all of these colours and all of them have amazing staying power. I cannot rave about these enough!

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick in Feels So Grand

Liquid matte lipsticks are a big thing right now and I have to say as a Lipstick lover I am absolutely loving it! When I discovered that MAC had released their own line of liquid lipsticks I just had to have one.

A classic red lip is always a great complementation to any look and the Feels So Grand deep red is just divine. It is very similar to the MAC Viva Glam I, which again I love.

Let's start off with the application, the diamond tip applicator is the perfect shape to enable you to shape and line your lips and then fill them in. You can very easily get the same perfect shape as you would with a lip liner. It will take you a few trials to perfect your individual technique, as it does dry fairly quickly. The only thing I will say is that the product is quite thick, however you just have to make sure you strip most of it off of the application before you line your lips. Please note that I always use a lip primer, moine being the Mac Prep & Prime.

Next up in the wear, let me tell you I was absolutely amazed at the length of time it stays on. Even after eating a full lunch it was still on, with it being applied 4 hours before hand and several teas in between that too. I would say you only need to reapply it once throughout the day and by that I mean touch up.

The colour is so highly pigmented and just heavenly. The colour comes exactly as it is in the bottle with only one coat.

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

March Lookback

This month has seen my life completely derail, with my live in landlady giving me my notice (albeit a long whenever you can get a place notice) but nevertheless a notice to move out and I have also been considering leaving my current job due to personal reasons as well as the team completely falling apart.

Home
Now I had been thinking that it was about time that I moved out and got my own place, with that in mind owning a dog and having debt doesn't bode well when looking to rent.

Yes I know I shouldn't be in debt, but come on I am 26 and don't know many people my age without debt, that's not to say that I don't completely and utterly regret it!

After many messages to private landlords and some letting agents I had started to get to the point of complete disappear, I do not want to be homeless!!

On Easter weekend round my Mums for dinner, my brother was looking through zoopla and found that the house two doors down from her was up for rent, I instantly jumped on that and went round to see if I could speak to the people currently living in the property, however there were no signs of anyone there.

When I was about to drive home I saw that someone was moving out of the property, so I pulled over and got the number of the landlady. I left it till the following morning and got in touch with the landlady to discuss possibly moving in with a dog, she seemed happy to speak to me however wanted to go through a letting agent which was fine with me, long story short I am now awaiting confirmation on whether we can proceed on the basis that I have a guarantor.

I mean what were the chances of finding somewhere a few doors down from where I used to live, catching the previous tenants and getting the landlady's number? To add to the mystery, this is also the house that my best friends The Doyles were considering buying when they were looking a few years back! So heres hoping that all comes back A OKAY and I can move out by the end of April!

Job
I don't really speak about my Job very much on here, note I must do a post on what I actually do for a living, however lately since the team has had a few new members the structure has gone to pot. There seems no sorry there IS a lot of backstabbing going on and I just don't like to work like that. I feel as though there is only one member in my team that I complete and utterly trust and I hope he feels the same. We have our own language and are able to moan to each other regarding differs aspects of the daily drama as well as bitch about work ethics.

That said I do enjoy the work itself, however I cannot stay based on one/ two people. There is also the added fact that currently I have to drive one day a week to Hadleigh, Suffolk from Norwich and then bus in the remaining days to Norwich. I don't mind the bussing part, but I do mind carrying an extremely heavy laptop bag with all my paperwork in as well as my laptop.

I have had a few interviews this month and been offered a couple of jobs, however have chosen to move on to another company who are based in Norwich with a massive pay rise. I just can't turn it down especially with me looking to move out and rent on my own.

Love Life
In all honesty this seems to be on bit of a lull, I guess it could be due to the fact that I am extremely stressed at the moment and am trying very hard to keep myself grounded, that I think this has kind of taken a back seat. My best friend would tell me that that is exactly where it should go presently, however with everything that has been going on I cannot help but look at my life clock, I'm 26 with no home (yet), a lot of debt and no children (unless you count my four legged furry baby).

Now I will be perfectly honest and say that I have been fooling around with a guy, but I am now at the point where I feel as though I could really fall for him, but I am not totally sure that that is the right thing. I guess only time will tell but I just wish that I knew what he really wanted and he would take it rather than just beating around the bush.

I guess I still have reservations from my previous screw ups and issues from when I was with the abusive partner.

Blog
I have really been pushing myself with my blog so that I can really get all I want out of it, as well as making it look more professional. Christie's boyfriend very kindly made me a blogging board to provide my photos with an awesome background, naturally I personalised it with a little paper chase paper and modpodge glue.

In addition to that, I have been trying t expand and 'totify' my writing style. Reading other bloggers posts, I realised that my writing style needed to change ignorer for me to be fully satisfied that I have provided my readers the best possible posts from me I can give. Just hope that is shows.

Harley the Dog
Well someone cost me a bomb with two visits to the vets, she managed to break one nail and then another the following week, costing me a total of £250. She is fine now, however I am being extra careful when playing with her now so as to not have any more accidents, which is a long shot with her. Honestly she is the dog version of me, beyond clumsy.

Due to her nails we had to miss out on our first ever competition in Agility, that said she and I are improving immensely. If you want to do something fun with your dog, I highly recommend finding your local Agility club. It keeps you fit as well as creating an even stronger bond between you and your pup.

Goodies
I always love reviewing products, especially when I cannot find many reviews on a particular product. People nowadays want to read and hear about how others got on with whatever they have their eye on and I must be speaking for many when I say how frustrating it is when you come up with zilch.

This month I had one free product to review and 3 beauty subscriptions.

I was asked to review these Crobar, energy bars made of cricket's, yes you heard me correctly.

The first and most disappointing beauty box was this months Glossybox, honestly have considered sacking this one off. That said do you like my photography skills? Getting better I think.

Next up is my absolute favourite, I am in love with My Little Box Subscription. I have been beyond pleased with each box so far. 

Last but not least was a first for me the Love Me Beauty subscription, who have just released a news letter stating they are scrapping boxes and opting for beauty bags each month. This one is great for those of you that don't like the idea of not knowing what you're going to get. 

Cinema

After moaning about seeing Deadpool for so long, I finally saw it with my brother and it was epic! Definitely one to go see in the cinema! Just to clarify, he was very tired here but certainly does look as though he has some drugs. 

I also went to see the final in the Divergent series Allegiant and although they didn't follow the books (at all) I was very impressed along with my Nan which was a surprise. 

I think that's it for March, hope I get to tell you lots of good news in next month's lookback. 

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

Love Me Beauty March 2016

This beauty subscription service is very different from others I have seen and when I was sent an offer for £5 off I couldn't resist seeing what it was like.