What I Got for My 28th Birthday

Every year we all love to be nosey and see what we all got for our Birthdays and Christmas, so here we are again. This year I was pretty lucky and mostly got to choose my gifts so as you can tell it is mainly Too Faced products and centres around all Gluten Free make-up. 

Some items I was unaware of getting were these adorable cups, who doesn't love Eeyore! I did also get some sweet treats which were promptly eaten before I had a chance to do photos, oops, sorry not sorry 😝. 

Bourjois Voxbox in Association with Influenster*

This is now my second Voxbox, when I was told I would be in for the chance of receiving one I thought it was only going to be lipsticks. How surprised was I to receive a full box of make-up, with foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, mascara, blusher and lipstick.

I am not really one for drugstore make-up especially foundation, however I am always willing to give products a chance. That said Bourjois was one of the brands I used to use when I was just discovering make-up and was on a budget.

Healthy Mix Foundation, R.R.P £9.99. For a drugstore foundation I was quite surprised at the coverage, whilst it wasn't full it was medium and build-able. It did give a dewy finish which was quite nice and different from my normal matte look, it worked very well with my go to Too Faced setting powder. As for the 16Hr staying power, I would say that a standard work day without strenuous activity would probably be more realistic. I wouldn't change from my high end foundation to this though.

Healthy Mix Concealer, R.R.P £8.99. I have found that I have been needing to use concealer more often recently for dark circles, and this concealer is actually excellent coverage. You can build it well too and it stays in place under foundation, which is a definite must for any concealer.

Rouge Velvet The Lipstick, R.R.P £8.99. Whilst I am not a fan of drugstore lipsticks, these shades are gorgeous. The Rouge Velvet range did seem to be one of the better cheap lipsticks I have tried, they did stay in place for a good few hours without bleeding and did stain the lips which is good for when the colour fades a little. That said I still wouldn't go away from my staple favourite Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick.

Little Round Pot Blusher, R.R.P £6.49. I have to say I hate the way this smells, it is so manufactured. The colour is not me either and overly shimmered, that said for a drugstore blusher it is nicely pigmented and has average staying power.

Smockystories, R.R.P £7.99. Ever since converting over to high end eyeshadows I can seriously tell the difference, I really had to work to create a smokey eye look with this palette. The shadows were very patchy and stuck, they didn't blend together very well and in the end the look was just well over done because of the amount of product I had to use to try to erase the patchiness.

Volume Glamour Push Up Mascara Ultra Black, R.R.P £8.99. I am one of the lucky ones and have pretty good lashes, that said this mascara doesn't create volume. It is pretty good and not giving you any clumpy lashes. The pigment of the black isn't great either. Overall I would just use this to create a base for a better mascara.

Overall the only item out of this whole box that I would actually re-purchase would be the concealer.

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

A Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

When I started Christmas shopping I didn't quite know what to get the Men in my life, as I am sure most of us Women do. If they aren't your better half then generally you don't really know what on earth to get them! So when I did start shopping for all my gifts I ended up mostly shopping at Lisa Angel!!! I just love it in there and they do free delivery with no minimum order, what's better than that. 

First up is the standard Eau de Parfum gift.. I recently did a review on Monsoon's Rose Gold and Accessorizes' Lovelily Fragrance, so these are fairly staple gifts for the lucky ladies in your life. 

Any Make-up junkie or girly girl will appreciate a decent palette. It can be a good all round everyday palette with a mix of eyeshadows, blusher, bronzer and highlighter or just a standard eyeshadow palette. Just go all out and get a decent brand such as Tarte or Too Faced. You could even pair it with the same brands lippy, just for them to complete the look.

Everyone loves cute things, and these ring dishes from Lisa Angel are the prettiest! They range from £4 - £8 which in mind mind is pretty damn good.

Lisa Angel also offer a variety of jewelry gifts for everyone, this leather bangle is a solid choice for most men. It can go with anything and can be easily hidden if they so choose to. If you really wanted to go above and beyond you can get it personalised too.

I struggled to decide what to get teenage lads, so opted for some pretty sturdy earphones. They are water-resistant, perfect for sports and stylish too. I have never had a complaint for these gifts, so hopefully I am doing something right....

Gardeners will love this shabby chic picture frame bird feeder, it is such a unique gift and will certainly get tongues wagging. Yet another from Lisa Angel, I'm telling you it's an amazing site!

One for the unusual and you'll have to decide if they are the right kind of person for the game, is Cards Against Humanity. I absolutely love this game and find it hilarious if you can be as brutal as possible. You just have to be with the right people, but then you shouldn't be playing with anyone that is easily offended!

Hopefully you all have a wonderful Christmas and don't leave you shopping till the 24th!!!

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

Happy 28th Birthday to ME with 28 Questions in Collaboration with Christie's Lifestyle

Today I turn 28 to state the obvious, and I am doing something a little different for this years post. I have collaborated with my longest, best friend and fellow blogger Christie from Christie's Lifestyle. 

Instead of just answering some basic questions about myself, Christie has chosen them all and has also replied to all of my answers to decide whether she thinks I have answered truthfully or not. We hope you enjoy learning a little bit about Romanovs Views and our longterm friendship. 

1. Name an inside joke that we share with each other.

Romanovs Views: Flip Flops are a very nutritional breakfast 😝

Christie: It’s true, they are!! Haha love this.

2. What would you rather have in life – love or money?

Romanovs Views: Love, I have my own money at the end of the day.

Christie: I thought you would say this, and I hope love is something that comes your way!

3. Name one bad habit that you have.

Romanovs Views: Just one? Uhm, speaking before I think… I would like to say that I have gotten better with age and time though?

Christie: Yes you’ve definitely got better at this over the years. Although it has made many entertaining cinema trips with you speaking to people who are on their phones or chatting haha. I think your patience is much better these days haha!

4. If you could have dinner with any famous person – who would it be?

Romanovs Views: Stuart the Minion, because he is the bestest ever!!!!

Christie: I thought you were going to say me, but I shall accept this answer 😝

5. What was the last thing that made you cry?

Romanovs Views: All this weight loss. I was trying on my mums bridesmaid dress and even though I had it fitted a week earlier it was loose. I knew that it was going to be even worse the week later when I actually had to wear it, and it wasn’t the fact that it didn’t fit right that made me cry. It was the feeling of being completely alone and lost. I had been dealing with a lot of pain and weight loss alone for a long time and just been putting on a brave face not letting anyone know what I was going through. So when my Nan called me and I was standing in that dress it just broke me.. I spent the day crying.

Christie: That’s really not nice to hear and I want nothing more than for you to find out what’s going on and get better!

6. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life – what would it be?

Romanovs Views: I am not sure, honestly. I guess, if it was only one thing then it would have to be my Nan’s Sheppard’s Pie.

Christie: I feel like I need to try this out to verify the answer haha...

7. What is your favourite song?

Romanovs Views: This changes so often for me, I am always listening to the latest Country Music. Right now it has to be Lay Low by Josh Turner.

Christie: I’ll be honest I have never heard this song but will check it out!

8. Think of your first high school crush… would you want to go there now?

Romanovs Views:  God no!!! If you remember rightly I already did ha ha. So NO!!!!

Christie: Hahaha…. Yeah lets not mention names but LOL!! I remember now hahah!!

9. What is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

Romanovs Views:  Hmm…. I think it is my Mac Book pro… Or Harley if you tally up all the vet bills from all the accidents she keeps having! No sorry, technically my Car.

Christie: Haha bless Harley, worth the money I am sure! Are you sure its not Too Faced products? 😜

10. What is one thing you’d love to achieve in the next 5 years?

Romanovs Views: My Chartership, if I can ever get my butt into gear!!!

Christie: You can do it girl! I have faith in you 😝 !!!

11. Have you ever won anything? Big or small?

Romanovs Views: Yes. A voucher for some glasses at Dipple & Conway, a bunch of Know Cosmetics and My Tiny Box from My Little Box.

Christie: Oh yes, and thank you for winning some Know Cosmetics for me as well, loved those!

12. You go for a night out clubbing – what are you drinking?

Romanovs Views: Usually water or coke.

Christie: This is true! You don’t need alcohol to shear the sheep or go fishing on the dancefloor!

13. What is your signature dance move?

Romanovs Views: Was the slut drop ha ha… but now is our random backwards arm shimmy thing.

Christie: Haha yes, and as said in the first question we do like a good old fishing sesh!

14. Do you believe in ghosts?

Romanovs Views: Obviously, I have seen one or two. Does Shannon peeking through the window at us watching Fourth Kind count? Actually there was that weird shape in the road on the drive home from one of the Paranormal films!

Christie: OMG that was the scariest moment of my life!!! Thought she was an owl!!! Hilarious!!!

15. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

Romanovs Views: Despicable Me 3!!!

Christie: This doesn’t surprise me in the slightest 😋 !

16. Describe your ideal date.

Romanovs Views: A dog walk.. I’m fairly simple really. Plus I don’t really want to go through all the hassle of a restaurant and food straight away!!!

Christie: Yes this sounds very ‘you’! Would be ideal!

17. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Romanovs Views: Nope. Unless it is for your pet or child.

Christie: I agree on the pet front! Although I didn’t like biscuit when we got him, I do love him now lol.

18. Do you miss any particular foods/drinks since becoming a coeliac?

Romanovs Views: KFC!!!!!! Chinese!!! Owh and Pringles…

Christie: Yeah I think I would miss those foods too…!!! MATE have you had Chipz from tesco? Gluten free pringles! Think they taste alright if you ask me! Just a shame they only do 2 flavours.

19. What season do you like the most?

Romanovs Views: Summer obviously.. I am a heat addict.

Christie: Yep this is true, and you tan nicely as well rather than burn/peel like me.

20. Jeans or Joggies?

Romanovs Views: Jeans, I am not really one for Joggers am I.

Christie: No, to be honest I cannot picture you in a pair of Joggy Bizzles. Pyjamas maybe but not trackies haha…

21. Top 3 things about having a dog.

Romanovs Views: No matter how bad your day is, when you come home, they are always so happy to see you. Even if you have just been gone for a few minutes; the complete loyalty and trust, there is nothing else like it. Lastly the laughter, you always end up laughing at the things they do even when they are being naughty. You try to be mad but they have this way of just making you smile.

Christie: Aww that’s really lovely! And you make a great dog owner too so its good to hear you get some much back from it.

22. What is your most important memory?

Romanovs Views: I am not entirely too sure, I have blocked out a lot of my childhood. I always remember one funny memory when I used to stay round my grandparents. I had a Furby at the time and it was time for bed, it would not be quiet. So my Grandad shouted at it “Shut Up”, and from then on whenever it heard my Granddad speak it would say “Shut Up”. It was so funny and made him get so annoyed.  

Christie: Haha this is brilliant!! Love this story!!

23. What is something you dislike in a person that drives you mad?

Romanovs Views: Hypocrites. To say you dislike something or that you won’t ever do something because it is against your beliefs or whatever and then to do it a few days later… AGHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Christie: That is rather annoying I agree!!!!!

24. How many sugars do you like in your tea?

Romanovs Views: What now or when I was younger? Now I have between 2-3.

Christie: I will never forget the day we went to the café in Costessey and you asked for 9 sugars. I don’t think the woman believed you behind the till!! Glad to hear you have cut down quite a bit there haha…

25. What is your favourite type of flower?

Romanovs Views: Lillies.

Christie: I think I knew this…! Good choice!

26. If you had to change careers, what job would you choose?

Romanovs Views: I have no idea. I love my job, maybe a teacher.

Christie: I think you’d make a good teacher.. I’d be scared of you and would do the work lol!

27. Do you prefer fruit or vegetables?

Romanovs Views: I have never thought about this before? What do you prefer, Leeks??? I guess fruit because you don’t feel obliged to eat them.

Christie: I like them both, my body prefers fruit.. veg just does not agree if you catch my drift lmao… And yes I love a leek! Especially on the ceiling hahahha….

28. In all of your experience as a coeliac, where has been the best restaurant to cater for your needs?

Romanovs Views: Hmm, this is a tough one.. the restaurant of Kim’s house ha ha. No I would probably have to say either Applebee’s in USA. I can’t really remember any in the UK that wow’d me, other than the Gluten Free Café.
Christie: I agree, I think America is a lot better catered for coeliacs than we are here!

I had a good giggle doing this collaboration with you Kim, and look forward to 29 questions next year 😉.

Hopefully we can do one for your 28th in June...

If you would like to wish me an extra special Birthday, please head over to the UK Blog Awards and give us a Vote. 

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

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My Little Box November 2017 Sunday Edition

I have always been a lover of My Little Box and have stayed with them even when they have let us down with less than good service. I was pretty happy as usual when this months box came through the post, only to open it up and find a note to say that this will be the last box in the UK!

I am sure I am not alone when I say I am not happy! Especially when their reason is to focus on their Gambettes Box, I am sorry but a box of tights is not a replacement for this subscription! I will now be on the hunt for a suitable replacement.

Nominated for the UK Blog Awards 2018!!!!!!!

I cannot believe I have been nominated for the UK Blog Awards 2018, it was such an unexpected surprise and I am truly honored. 

I Got More From the Too Faced Peaches & Cream Collection!

After trying out the setting powder and eye shadows from the Peaches & Cream collection I had to get more from the range. I have to say I am absolutely hooked and need more!!! 

I had heard that the Peach Perfect Foundation was a dupe for the Estee Lauder Double wear, but was obviously skeptical. Let me tell you there is no need to be! It is amazing, The formula is easier to work with, stays in place all day long, for over 14 hours! Plus you get 48ml in the tube, a pump cap and the packaging is just to die for as with all Too Faced products. The scent is very subtle, which I found to be pretty refreshing for the whole range, the only down side is the colour selection.

Too Faced Gingerbread Man Matte Limited Edition

I am a total Too Faced addict and when they release limited edition Melted Matte Lippies I just HAVE to get them! They are my go to lipsticks and they are completely gluten free!!! 

Give a Gingerbread Man kiss this Christmas! 

Last year they launched the limited edition Candy Cane, which was a very bright, highly pigmented fuchsia. That had a gorgeous scent of mint mocha, that was so strong when you licked your lips you got a taste of peppermint.

The Hard Parts of being a Coeliac No One tells you about!

Having been diagnosed for almost 7 years now I would like to say I am fairly well adjusted, but there are always new challenges and things that happen that really make you want to scream at the top of your lungs!

Everyone tells you it will get better and it does believe me, you get a handle on the diet, the cross contamination and all the basic rules. BUT no one tells you about all the unknowns and the obstacles people put in your way that make it that much more difficult to be safe. That is such a funny way to put it isn't it, to avoid being 'Glutened', is it safe or stay safe.

Letterbox Cake by Bakerdays and Competition*

When I was contacted by bakerdays to review one of their cakes and provide you guys with a chance to win yourselves one of your very own, how could I say no??? 

They offer a variety of sizes and sponges, including Gluten and Wheat free, perfect for me as a Coeliac. There are other options such as dairy free so I am sure that if you were in need of a specialised order they could accommodate.

Thing's I am Tired of Hearing as a 27 Something Singleton!

I am nearing 28 now and swear I am jinxed when it comes to men, you often find yourself questioning yourself and whether it is something you're doing or whether you're that much of a bad horrible person?? Answer is NO, they're just Jerks! 

That being said I am sick and tired of comments from people around me, yes I know they may mean well but seriously do you not think I am tired of hearing it all and it loses it's meaning after a while..

Here's the best one!

"Someone will come along when you least expect it"

My Little Box X ASOS October 2017

Following last months disastrous box I was pleased with last months collaboration with ASOS. With the launch of their new make-up range My Little Box joined forces with ASOS to bring us a selection of beauty treats and lifestyle pieces created by the wonderful peeps over at ASOS. 

This month's box was swapped for a large multi-purpose pouch. I for one love the design and think it could be used for just about anything. You could even use it as a going out clutch bag, you would certainly make a statement with this piece.

Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask*

This is marketed as Amazon's No 1 best selling sleep mask. I cannot sleep without an eye mask now, and have found it difficult in the past to find ones that are actually comfortable and stay in place.

This one intrigued me as it is molded, contoured and claims to not actually touch your eyes. All while creating a blackout from any light. The carefully crafted design allow you to still be able to open and move your eyes, which is supposed to enable a better REM sleep.

Cute Fall Looks

Here it is my first ever Fashion post, please be nice. I am no model and am in no way a fashion critique, but this is my idea of fashion and what I like to wear.

Lovelily Fragrance from Accessorize*

Another tantalizing perfume that brings your senses back to spring time and keeps you smelling gorgeous all day long.

This fragrance is very reasonably priced at £19.00 for 75ml. Perfect at this time of year as a stocking filler, for that special lady in your life.

To Blind Date or Not?

Having had my fair share of dates from online dating sites and just random meet ups that have obviously ended up going  no where and leaving me feeling like what is the point in dating at all? I was recently set up on a blind date of some sorts..

So here's the thing he knew what I looked like and knew way more about me than I did about him.. but when I was given his number to set something up we seemed to click straight away. I didn't think at all about the fact that I didn't know what he looked like, which is quite refreshing to be perfectly honest.

Monsoon Rose Gold Perfume*

I have always struggled to find perfumes that I really like, I always find that they just don't smell that nice or don't last too long. The Monsoon Rose Gold EDP is an exception to this rule, when it arrived I was shocked at just how much I loved the fragrance. 

When you first spritz yourself you're hit with juicy notes of citrus, rich floral and decadent woods these combined reveal a delicate and sensual feminine scent.

My Little Box September 2017 Rouge Edition

This months My Little Box review is a lot later than usual because it arrived pretty much at the end of September and has really annoyed the majority of it's customers.  I am not that impressed with this month's box, but then we cannot expect to be happy with every single box we get. 

The main thing that I was miffed with, was the fact that we seemed to be missing one lifestyle piece, there are usually two lifestyle pieces and three beauty products. So what happened to that???

Too Faced Just Peachy Mattes & Peach Perfect Setting Powder

When I saw that Too Faced were releasing a full Matte collection and all smelling of Peaches and Sweet Fig no less, I had to get something from the range. I jumped on the site as soon as Too Faced released Peaches & Cream, and managed to get my hands on the Just Peachy Mattes Palette and the Peach Perfect Mattifying Setting Powder. 

7 Years Diagnosed Coeliac and My Hairs Falling Out, Nails are Yellow and I've lost a Shit Tonne of Weight

As you may well know back in April time I finally found out that I was Vitamin D deficient, I started taking supplements and started to feel better. Let's not be silly though, that was short lived!

I had started to lose some excess weight over two months which I thought was fairly normal, and linked to the Vitamin D thing, but here's the thing it carried on coming off. Rapidly! I dropped from a size 10 to a size 6 in about 4 months, I hadn't changed my diet or exercise in anyway.

S+ by ResMed Sleep Monitor*

I love my sleep, I mean I could sleep day and night if I really wanted too. When I was offered the chance to review the latest S+ Sleep Monitor by ResMed, I couldn't turn it away, I was intrigued to see just how well I was actually sleeping at night and if there was anything that the S+ could do to improve it.

The S+ is the world's first contact-less sleep tracker, that helps to analyse your sleep and thus provide any suggestions required to improve it. It is easily linked up to your phone via an app and quickly records the light, noise and temperature conditions in your room, which all add to the tailored feedback for improved sleep.

Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons

Yes I think I am slightly addicted to Too Faced cosmetics! I have been eyeing this palette up for over a year now and finally had the spare cash to justify the purchase, god am I happy I did. 

They all smell insane as usual, which is always nice because who doesn't want to smell of sweet chocolate?

This palette retails for £39.00 which is fairly standard for Too Faced, and as always they keep to their amazing standard so there are no complaints here about the price.

There are 16 candy coated heart shaped matte and shimmer eye shadows, 14 of which are new shades, all of which are infused with the chocolate scented antioxidant-rich  cocoa powder formula.

You can achieve so many looks with this palette, from insane pops of colour to subtle day looks. The shadows are all incredibly pigmented except for Totally Fetch (Fuschia) which requires a little layering. They all blend so easily with little top no fall out, I find it best to use the Too Faced Shadow Insurance primer for the best results.

I am so happy I have finally added the Bon Bons palette to my ever growing Too Faced collection! Have you got a favourite palette or Too Faced product?

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

Estee Lauder DayWear Matte Oil-Control Anti-oxidant Moisture Gel Creme

After having a period of bad skin with viscous breakouts, I went to an Estee Lauder counter and spoke to one of the lovely women there. She was very helpful and gave me some free samples including this amazing moisturiser, it has worked wonders for me and consequently prompted me to buy a full size pot. 

This moisturising gel creme is aimed at those with oily skin types, as it is designed to control oil, minimise shine for up to 8 hours and reduce the look of pores. It is Dermatologist tested, oil free and non-acnegenic, so wont't clog up your pores.

Avon mark.

mark. is Avon's expertly developed beauty and fashion boutique, which has been around since 2003 in the US. God why do the US get everything first??? Due to the success of Avon's sister brand overseas, Avon decided to bring it over here to the UK, earlier this year.

The sister brand has been developed to help and inspire young women to make their "mark.", with a vast range of customisable products that allow them to show off their style and create your very own signature look.

Why it's important to remember it's okay to say NO!*

With lots of dating sites out there nowadays such as Manchester Dating, Hampshire Dating, Northamptonshire Dating, Shropshire Dating and Staffordshire Dating, it can be hard to know which ones to pick and which ones will be give you the right kind of people.

Even just meeting someone can be difficult, someone can make themselves seem like the most genuine caring person until they don't get what they want. I know most men are just big kids but seriously if we say no or don't want to follow you round like a little puppy dog, don't throw your toys out of the pram!

My Little Box August 2017 Wild Summer Edition

I am a little late with this one, but I guess I had a lot of other things that came ahead! As always I do look forward to coming home and finding My Little Box package, this months was pretty interesting with the two lifestyle pieces being staple favourites of mine.

I'm Confused...*

Isn't it funny that when you decide to give up on the opposite sex (or the same if that's what you like) that something comes along... very expectedly I might add.

After having a rant about how I couldn't be bothered with men anymore because I seem to just attract Psychos.. I mean it's not like I have had the best track record is it. I had someone text me that evening, to make me aware that they were interested and didn't want me to give up.

Estee Edit from Estee Luader

The Estee edit launched last year and has already been announced as being discontinued. The Brand launched the new line in collaboration with Kendall Jenna, in an attempt to reach out to the millennial generation. 

Unfortunately I have arrived to the party a little late and have only been able to get my hands on a few items, especially with the few that were available and appealed to me. I would have liked to have tried to the eye-shadow palette though.

I wanted to try out the Pore Vanishing Stick, R.R.P £14.50. This easy to use stick, is supposed to blur the appearance of pores and minimise oil/ shine. The stick has two formulas, one on the outer core which is made of oil absorbing powders. While the inner core is a sheer pigment supposedly suitable for all skin tones.

It states that this can be used alone, as a primer or over makeup. I found that using it as a primer, it didn't do well at making my foundation last well throughout the day, bearing in mind I used DW. When I used this in combination with the Estee Lauder Mattifier primer, it seemed to work very well and kept my foundation in place all day.

I also fancied a matte blusher, so went for the Barest Blush in Ember Glow, R.R.P £14.00. This blusher is super soft infused with sunflower seed oil, for a natural soft finish. I found that you do need a light hand with this, as it is very easy to go a little too heavy. That said the finish is beautiful and lasts all day.

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