Lifestyle | Pumpkin Decorating tips!

 

Happy Sunday! 

It's the week before Halloween and I know what you're probably thinking if you read my post of the Hallotober tag. 'You don't celebrate Halloween why are you pumpkin picking'. Well the honest answer is, I don't really know! But it's become somewhat of a tradition over the last couple of years and something I wasn't going to let COVID ruin this year too! Unlike last year I wasn't able to visit a pumpkin patch as normal as annoyingly my local and favourite patch were working on a booking slot schedule and they sold out understandably very quickly. But I wasn't going to let that be the end of my mission and managed to get one in our weekly shopping from Tesco. I won't lie, it's not the best pumpkin in the world but let's be honest it does the job! 

Once you've got your pumpkin there's a couple of options for you to decorate. You can go old school like me and carve into it. Or you could go down the different route and decorate by painting, sticking or embellishing them. I've found a couple of great examples of this on Pinterest that you can find below! I've linked the ideas which you can view by clicking on the images! 

I decided to go for a classic design for my own pumpkin and used a pen to draw the rough shape of what I wanted it to look like. After some careful carving and scraping out of the insides I was left with a cute little pumpkin that lights up exactly how I had imagined it too. Next year I might try to be a little more creative, although I'm also hoping we will be able to easily get to a proper patch too! What do you think of my little creation?

Until next time, 

Beauty | Glossybox October 2020

I always get so excited whenever one of these gorgeous boxes lands on my doorstep. It's truly the best birthday present as it's a gift that keeps on giving. This month's box is probably the prettiest one I am yet to receive and I can't wait to repurpose it for other uses. Let's take a look into what was inside October 2020's Glossybox. 

This month's box was themed around a magical storybook 'The Beauty Tales' with two box designs, 'Enchanted Spirit' and 'Magical Fantasy'. The box I received was the gorgeous lilac design and I love it. I'm secretly chuffed to have got this style as I prefer it over the blue! This month's box includes 3 full sized and 2 delux mini samples which I think is always generous when the products are from well known brands. 

The products included in this month's box are, as always, super cute and very useable. I think I mentioned this before but I used to be a subscriber of Birchbox and as much as I enjoyed the treats received in that each month, it was getting extremely repetitive. Now don't get me wrong Glossybox has also had it's previous repeated products, but they usually get it right! Now onto this month's box...

First up is the Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer. I've never heard of this product before but I love the information and the potential of it! It states that the primer hydrates and smooths skin by working together to help maintain skin hydration levels. The texture of the product on first swatch feels like it will do all of the claims, but we will have to see! Next, Bubble T Cosmetics Fairy Dust Foaming Bath Powder. There's nothing better than relaxing in a warm bubble bath, especially at the moment so any bath products are always greatly welcomed in a box! This product is lavender scented which is going to be perfect for the ultimate before bed chill. Then I received Luna By Luna Pixie Lipstick. If you're a long time reader of this blog then you know how much the name 'Luna' means to me, so whenever I see a product with moons, stars or the name included I'm always game. This lipstick is no different and I'm obsessed with the colour. It's not quite a deep red, but it's not quite pink either so it' a nice in-between! Next up is the Eyesential Under Eye Enhancer. I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sure whether this product is for me, or if it's one I will be likely in trying. I have very sensitive under eyes so I tend to be careful when applying any products in that area. Basically this product is applied to the under eye forming a 'web' like texture that smooths out and kind of glues your skin. I'll let you know how I get on with this one! The final product is The Beauty Crop Stargazing Blush Duo. I love a makeup palette that can be used for a variety of uses. This palette has a gorgeous pink blush and light brown shimmer for bronzer. I think the bronzer colour would also look gorgeous as an eyeshadow too! 

So that's this month's box - These posts seem to becoming more and more regular, so not sure what that means in terms of the weeks going quickly I know this year deffo has! Is there anything that you think stands out from this month's box? For me it would have to be the lipstick or blush as makeup products were one of the main reasons for joining glossy box in the first place! 

Stay safe! 

Until next time, 

Lifestyle | Hallotober Tag

Couldn't not include this photo of my gorgeous Luna! Still wish she was with us - Coming up to 2 years missing soon!

Happy Sunday - I'm loving getting back into a routine with posting on my blog! Such a shame it took a global pandemic and redundancy to get me back into the flow but here we are. 

This weeks post is something I am super excited to get involved in albeit a little different from my usual uploads! My lovely friend and fellow blogger Katie tagged me in the Hallotober post and I couldn't wait to get involved! (Make sure you go and give her post a little read as I loved her answers!) 

The Rules

1. Thank the person who tagged you and link to their post 
2. Put the rules at the beginning or after introduction
3. Answer the 13 questions 
4. Tag 13 people to do the tag 
5. Delete Question 13, add a new number one question of your own

The Tag!

1. What’s your favourite thing about October? - October has always been the month that I begin to feel excited about the weather turning cold and the autumn colours begin. Nothing makes me happier than being able to wrap up warm in a cosy knit, boots and winter coat and October is usually when you can properly do this. (It also means Christmas is just round the corner, kinda!)
2. Are you a big celebrator of Halloween? - Not at all. I feel in the minority with my next statement but I have never been trick or treating or ever dressed up during the Halloween season. I personally don't get it or see the attraction to it, but each to their own! Growing up my parents were very anti Halloween so I guess that's why it doesn't bother me much. I do however LOVE to decorate for any season and any excuse to put up some pumpkin fairy lights or burn some wax melts!
3. What’s your favourite horror movie? Ermmmmmmmm... Sorry to say but I don't watch scary movies! So if we could switch this question to favourite Halloween movie then it would have to be the classic Halloweentown! I'm too much of a wimp to watch anything scary!
4. Would you rather a cosy night in watching horrors or a big night out in a costume?-  This answer will probably come at no surprise whatsoever, especially in the current 2020 lifestyle, but cosy night in 100%. Add a takeaway, fresh pjs and a blanket and I'm there!
5. Which has been your most favourite costume to date? - I'm having to think back long and hard at any time in my life where I was to have dressed up for Halloween and can only think of one! I believe I was meant to be a witch but got scared of my costume aged 6 so ended up going to the Halloween school party as a Barbie wearing normal clothes and a witches hat. Original I know!
6. Bobbing for apples or pin the hat on the witch? - Bobbing for apples! Although again, this won't be happening this year lol! I remember the only other time bobbing for apples was at Disneyland Paris! So if we could go back to then that would be great!
7. How do you celebrate Halloween? - I read Katie's response to this question and couldn't stop laughing as my family are the exact same minus dad getting sweets for the incase knock scenario! My road doesn't tend to have anybody knock, but if they do we tend to ignore it. We're just not into it and would rather just let the night go by!
8. What’s your least favourite horror? - I can't pick a favourite! I'm scared of them all haha! 
9. Do you have a favourite trick or treating memory? - I can't comment on this question as I've genuinely never been trick or treating!  
10. What’s your favourite thing about Halloween? - I love all of the themed Halloween treats you can buy in store during the month of October! My faves are the spooky French fancies! So yummy!!
11. Scary costume or Silly costume? - I would probably try to do a mixture of the two! Perhaps a normal-ish looking dress with a scary makeup look? That counts right?!
12. What’s your favourite Halloween candy? - I kind of mentioned this already but the Halloween French fancies, love me a bag of Rainbow Drops and any sour sweet!
13. What are you most looking forward to this October? - This year is going to be much different from the last couple as I suddenly have lots of time on my hands due to furlough and redundancy! So it will be nice to be around to enjoy the evenings at home. Going for walks in the autumn weather, bobble hat and coat on. Also my brother has just got a new puppy and I am so excited to get to know him too! 

Tag People to Join the Hallotober Tag

I would like to tag the following people:

1. Izzy - https://www.lebellelavie.com 
2. Eloise - https://www.eloisewrites.co.uk

Share The Questions and Change Question 13!

1. What’s your favourite thing about October?
2. Are you a big celebrator of Halloween?
3. What’s your favourite horror movie?
4. Would you rather a cosy night in watching horrors or a big night out in a costume?
5. Which has been your most favourite costume to date?
6. Bobbing for apples or pin the hat on the witch?
7. How do you celebrate Halloween?
8. What’s your least favourite horror?
9. Do you have a favourite trick or treating memory?
10. What’s your favourite thing about Halloween?
11. Scary costume or Silly costume?
12. What’s your favourite Halloween candy?
13. What's your favourite Halloween inspired drink? - PSL, Hot chocolate etc...

And there we have it, that's the tag! What do you think about my answers? Let me know if you would like to be tagged and I can add you onto my list for others to go over to read! 

Until next time, 

Lifestyle | DIY Bedside table

There's nothing I love more than a little DIY project, especially if it means up-cycling something that needs replacing but can have a little bit of extra life squeezed out of it. I was watching Stacey Solomons Instagram story where she showed a complete renovation of her bedside tables from something plain to chic and fresh. Being inspired I decided that I too could do this, lol. I initially thought it would be harder to do but in reality it took a day, a few supplies and a lot of patience. 

What you need

• Marble vinyl
• White wood paint
• Silver wood paint
• Decorative drawer knobs

The steps for this little project are so easy and need little explanation, but I'll briefly let you know how I did it. First of all I cleared my side and gave it a complete wipe down. Depending on what material your side is made out of you might need to sand it down too, but I didn't need this step and was able to apply the vinyl directly to the top and paint to the surfaces. I would say the vinyl application was probably the hardest out of everything to do. My only advice to make it easier is to roll it onto the table whilst rubbing it down and smoothing. The great thing about vinyl is if you make a mistake it is relatively inexpensive to replace, or you could just pull off and try again. Next I decided what colours I wanted to use for the sides and drawers. I went for white and silver to match the jewelled drawer knobs I had found in TKMaxx. After removing the old drawer knobs I started to paint a couple of layers to the drawers until I was happy with the colour. The final step is to add the new drawer knobs and to put into place. 

Overall I was super happy with the outcome of this little project! I was planning to replace the unit completely but as money is now a little tight thought this was a great alternative for now.

Let me know if there's any other DIY's that you've been up to and are as easy as this one!

Until next time, 

 

Phillip Kingsley | My Haircare saviour!

It's taken a good few years for me to find the products that work best for my hair. My hairs long and in some places thin which has always been the biggest insecurity and worry for me. I've tried all of the thickening shampoos, leave in sprays and tonics to try and build some volume but nothing ever worked the way I wanted. That was until I was recommended the brand Phillip Kingsley by a friend. I've never looked back! Last Sunday I used up my favourite products so did a little re-order on the M&S website as well as including something new that I hope will work great too. 

Hair treatments aren't anything new, however to me I had never tried them. I'm now onto my fourth pot of this stuff and it honestly does wonders. The Elasticizer is a deep conditioning treatment that you apply in wet hair for a minimum of 20 minutes before washing out and following your normal hair routine. You can use this however many times a week you want, but I like to apply it as part of my Sunday pamper. I apply in the morning, wrap my hair up in a bun and then go about my day before rinsing out in the evening. The product is literally what it says on the pot! It makes your hair more 'elastic' which prevents breakages and fall out, it also leaves the hair feeling smooth and shiny! 

The next product is one that I just thought would be great to try and something that on the bottle sounded like the perfect addition to my routine! You apply the Root Boosting spray after a hair wash before drying. You spray directly to the roots and massage into the scalp and then blow-dry. I've only used this one a couple of times but can already tell the difference it has made to the texture and volume. One thing I'm not sure on completely is how chalky it felt on my first use, but I do wonder if I perhaps sprayed too much so I'm willing to give it more of a trial. 

Finally purchasing two Phillip Kingsley products meant I qualified for the free gift set including 4 travel sized products. I was so happy that the Elasticizer was part of this set as it's going to be handy if and when we're finally able to travel abroad again. The root boosting spray was also included in this set which is great too. Next are two products I haven't tried before but was on my list when my budget extended to it. The Body Building Shampoo and Conditioner. I've read so many reviews on both of these products which I hope to be true, however my hair will be a good test for that! 

So there we have it, my Phillip Kingsley hair saviours! If anyone has tried any of these products let me know how they worked out for you, particulary the shampoo and conditioners. 

Until next time, 

Beauty | Harrods Beauty at Intu Lakeside!

When I first heard that my local shopping centre Intu Lakeside was getting a brand spanking new beauty shop I was so excited. Then when the news broke that it would actually be a Harrods beauty hall I was over the moon. Lakeside is full of so many incredible stores, including a few stand alone make up ones, but it really was missing one of this kind. So on Friday Emma and I decided we would pop down as soon as it opened to see what it was all about and we were not left disappointed!

Firstly the store itself is the perfect size for the wide variety of brands that are included. The aisles are large and allow social distancing which is ideal currently, but it also allows you to differentiate between the different brands. Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, Penhaligons and Nars had the biggest displays and product ranges to select from, but smaller brands were also highlighted in individual aisles. With the current laws Emma and I didn't test anything out in the store on the day but the sample selection was great too. We worked our way around each aisle and was so excited to see all of our favourite brands in person, including a few that we hadn't ever seen up close before and thought were online exclusives. 

Another thing to note was the whole shopping experience itself. We were greeted by a lovely shop assistant and security guard at the door who welcomed us in and handed us a cute gold basket. Each main stand had someone offering help if needed, but allowed you to browse and prompt any interaction and the smaller ones had someone hovering every few metres or so. Nothing felt forced and we didn't feel like we had eyes on us the whole time. Both Emma and I commented on how nice it felt to actually look and we probably did browse for a good hour or so getting lost in all the makeup! The store also had a few stands of non makeup products too. These included the famous Harrods bear, water bottles and the new normal face masks. 

It was dangerous to our pocket but we enjoyed our little shopping spree, keep reading to see what I purchased!  

I had told myself I wasn't going to go too crazy on this trip, and I think I reigned myself in very well (I say as I'm fully preparing to go back for the Iconic London illuminator!). First was a repurchase of a very loved product of mine and my used to be daily lipstick. The Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in shade Super Cindy.  This colour is definitely my perfect nude and the colour that makes me feel the most like 'me' so I always make sure it's a repurchase of mine. The next product was absolutely encouraged by Emma who told me all the great things about it. The Brazilian Bum Bum Cream which claims to help smooth and visibly tighten the appearance of skin. If this works, you best believe I will be shouting about it from the rooftops! Finally I was swayed by the aisle of doom AKA the checkout which had so many mini products which always look so cute. The Tonymoly Egg Pore Nose Pack is another brand I had heard a lot about so wanted to try them out for myself. The pack comes with 7 sheets and I can't wait to get them out and use them. 

Overall Emma and I had such a lovely time visiting Harrods beauty. If you were to compare it to anything it would be Sephora, which as you know is a store the UK is missing! 

Until next time, 

Beauty | September Glossybox 2020

It's September, the start of the school year and the beginning of life getting back to some form of normality... we hope! I always love the start of a month for a variety of reasons. One, it means pay day will be coming very very soon and two, my glossy box will soon be arriving! This month was also extra special in the world of Glossybox as I preordered my advent calendar which I am so excited to receive again this year. Last year's advent was incredible and the little brand sneak peek we've been shown looks equally as good. But enough dilly dally, let's delve into this months box. 

The first thing I just want to mention briefly is that I don't have as much details of the individual products to share this month as my box didn't come with a contents card, so annoyingly I have no idea if it's a theme or what. From what I gather September's box is focusing on skincare and a good ol' pamper! The box arrived this month in it's classic pink with black ribbon and tissue paper packaging which is by far my favourite one they do. I've mentioned it before but I like to keep hold of my boxes and keep them as storage. As pretty as the 'special editions' are, the pink classics look nicer when together! 

The first product in this month's box is a Mine Tan prep and prime coffee body scrub. I'm guessing by the brands name you use this in the shower before a tan to exfoliate and rub off any remaining colour from a previous application. I can be so lazy when it comes to tanning so am excited to give this a try to see if it actually works. I wish I was an avid coffee drinker too as I'm sure the scent would be very enticing to some! Next up was Avant Supreme Hyaluronic Acid Antioxidising DUO Moisturiser. I'm never sure why skincare like this in included in boxes when they're so specific to skin tone and personal preference but I'm sure it will be lovely. Annoyingly I've just got my skin to feeling nice after a horrible face mask break out so don't want to tempt fate by adding a new product into my routine. I'll either keep this one aside or give to Emma to try so it doesn't go to waste. Then I received Ameliorate Intensive Skin Therapy which is from a brand I've never heard of before. The product states you apply this onto the skin in any 'troublesome' areas and massage until the balm has fully absorbed. I think this product would work really well and can't wait to try it. Another new product this month was the Wishful YO GLOW Enzyme Scrub. I'm guessing this product is an advert this month as inside the box was some information about what it is and how to use it. I feel like this product is another one of those 'I'm not sure I want to try this right now' situations, but again I will pop aside and keep for a rainy day/give to Emma! Then finally product wise was an old favourite which Glossybox have included before and I loved. The Imperial Leather Foam Burst Ultimate Body Wash. I'm not joking when I say I love this product! You can use it in the shower or bath as a body wash, but I prefer to use it as a shaving foam on my legs. You only need a small pump and it goes very far leaving your skin refreshed and smooth. It states the can lasts 15 showers, but you could deffo get more than that! Finally it wouldn't be a pamper box without a little treat, so I was pleased to see a Lindt Lindor Chocolate Bar included too. Now I've just got to hide it from the family...

What was your favourite thing from this month's box? I think mine is the body wash, but I could be tempted with the skin therapy cream too! 

Until next time x