Saturday 27 July 2013

Goldwell Elixir Oil Treatment Review

I haven't done many hair posts on my blog so you may not be aware of how much I love my hair and try to keep it in as best condition as I can, but I do! When I was around 12 years old, I was determined that I wanted a perm and long story short, it went wrong and I ended up having my hair cut off really short. When I say short, I mean it was all between 2-4 inches in length!! :O Then when I was 16 I bleached my hair 3 times in one night to get it blonde and went through a phase of dying it each week in different colours. Needless to say, it started to fall out and I had to stop. I had quite a lot cut off again and I've literally been growing my hair since!

I still dye it regularly (from medium brown to dark brown) but I take much better care of it now than I did before including regular trips to the hairdressers, only touching up my roots instead of dying the whole lot, heat defence spray, decent shampoo and some kind of serum or oil too. I very rarely use heat on my hair now, maybe once or twice a month, otherwise it's up in a bun or I have a fishtail braid to the side. My hairdresser said my hair is in very good condition but it helps that it's so thick too.

Goldwell Elixir Oil Treatment Review

When I was asked if I'd like to review this product, I jumped at it! I'd heard of Goldwell before so I had high hopes. This an oil treatment and it's meant to be regenerative and protective for all hair types. It contains Argan oil (regenerative and moisturising) and Tamanu oil (protective antioxidants, moisturising and repairs dry and damaged hair) and we all know how much Argan oil has been raved about lately! It has a slightly sweet smell to it but you can't really smell it once it's in your hair.

Goldwell Elixir Oil Treatment Review

I like the packaging and the bottle, they're nice and simple without looking or feeling cheap, even though the bottle is plastic it doesn't give it a cheap feel, in my opinion. The bottle has a pump which dispenses the product cleanly so there is no worrying about it dripping everywhere which is good.

I've used this every time I've washed my hair since having it and use it the same way each time, on damp hair. I use 3 pumps (I have long, very thick hair remember) and apply it to the bottom third of my hair, focusing on the ends. I then brush my hair (it makes it a lot easier to brush too!) and leave it to dry naturally. Just as it says, it absorbs straight away and it doesn't weigh it down or leave it feeling greasy (even the next day) but gives it such a soft feel and a natural, healthy looking shine and really helps with frizz too - which my hair is pretty terrible for by the way!

Goldwell Elixir Oil Treatment Review

Overall, I've thoroughly enjoyed using this product, it has quickly become a statement product - I haven't stopped using it since I got it because I just love how it makes my hair look and feel. Would I go out and purchase this myself once it's all gone? Yes, yes and yes again. I've used many different serums and oils and none of them have made my hair feel or look as nice as this one does - most of them I hadn't noticed I'd even used it (John Freida I'm looking at you!) They've all been much cheaper products so maybe you get what you pay for with this.

You can purchase Goldwell Elixir Oil Treatment here for £20 with free worldwide delivery.

Which hair oil do you use? xxx


*This product was sent to me for review. All words and opinions are my own.

Thursday 25 July 2013

Bucket List

Who doesn't have a bucket list? You may not have written it down anywhere but I'm sure you have even a small list of things in your head that you'd love to do! I did choose to write mine down (I love lists!) and it's pretty long so I've picked out just a few to share with you.
Money Supermarket would like to know what's on our bucket lists, from cheap and cheerful to lots of pennies (including at least one of each) and explaining what's stopping us from doing them and what it would mean to do it. The winner will win £1000 (or £2000 if more than 50 people enter) plus 4 runners up will win £50. You can read the full details by clicking here.

Fly drive America bucket list
source
At the very top of my bucket list (and the most expensive) is a fly drive across America. I'm not talking 2 weeks covering one specific part of the country, I'm talking a whole month going from New York to California and stopping at Kentucky, Alabama and Louisiana along the way (plus over night stops in between obviously!) The only thing stopping us from doing this is lack of money while I'm unemployed :( Once someone gives me a job it will be save, save, save then book it and go! For as long as I can remember I've wanted to go to various parts of America, seeing what different states are like, taking too many pictures and eating too much food (it would be hard not to wouldn't it!) and Aaron has always wanted to go too so to actually go would make both of our dreams come true.
sunset suffolk bucket list
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The cheapest thing by far on my bucket list is to watch the sun rise at the beach with Aaron, cuddled up in a blanket with a nice warm coffee - to keep me awake ;) Soppy I know but it's one of those things I've always wanted to do and never have. I think the main reason we've never done this is because I'm really not a morning person!! Plus Aaron works long hours 5/6 days a week so enjoys a lay in whenever he can. I would really like to do this though because we don't often have moments like that where we're alone, away from technology and people. I informed Aaron of my wish to do this last week and he said "can't we just watch the sun set?" He's such a bloke!!!
pont des arts bridge bucket list
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Probably the least expensive thing travel wise on my bucket list is driving the car over to France for a week on the Euro tunnel (neither of us do well on boats and the train is quicker!) We've both been to France before and really liked it but have never been together. I think our little Peugeot would love a week at home! ;) We've looked into it a few times and while it's not that costly, when you have one wage and lots of bills, it's just not feasible so again, money is stopping us. Whilst there, a trip to Paris including putting our own little padlock on the Pont des Arts bridge over the river Seine would be a must. It would be lovely being in the romantic city of Paris together.. plus I'd need someone to hold my hand up the Eiffel Tower wouldn't I!! ;)

floatation tank spa bucket list
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Another thing on my bucket list is a spa day somewhere a little bit fancy. I'm not sure I'd enjoy a full body or even a back massage but I would love a facial, an Indian head massage, a sauna, jacuzzi and a float in a floatation tank, which I've actually done 3 or 4 times before and LOVE it. When I'm working I'm going to make sure I have one at least once a month. If you've never done it, I highly recommend it! Like everything else on my bucket list, the only thing stopping me from having a fancy pants spa day is lack of money. I always have something on my mind/something stressing me out so do be able to do this would be pure bliss.

cheap flight bucket list
source
Last but not least on my bucket list is driving to the airport and taking the next cheap flight somewhere with no planning what so ever! This was originally Aarons idea, he told me he'd like to do this one day but after talking about it, I really want to do it too! Aaron is a spontaneous person whereas I prefer to make sure everything is planned out so I know what's happening and when, which helps keep my anxiety under control. I'm also scared of flying (last time I flew I had quite a bad panic/anxiety attack, it was horrible) BUT I would love to do this one day to push my comfort zone completely and just go for it because I know it will be so much fun so to have done it successfully would mean a lot to me and would do great things for helping to overcome my anxiety. Again, the only thing stopping us from doing this is lack of spare pennies!

I'd love to see Ashleigh, Steph and Emily do this post too (if they want to of course!)

What's on your bucket list? xxx

Tuesday 23 July 2013

My Ultimate Summer Driving Playlist

Who doesn't love listening to music in the car? And having a good sing-a-long too, obviously! There are certain songs I absolutely love hearing in the car. The kind of songs that suit sunny days with the roof down, driving along country roads.. Bliss :)
I love a very broad range of music - old to new, rock to cheesy pop.. As you're probably about to find out...!! Money Supermarket would like to know which songs are on your driving playlist and why. The first 100 people can win £20 and all those who enter will be entered into a draw to win a 32GB ipad! To find out more, click here!

Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
Boston - More Than A Feeling
Hanson - Penny and Me
Roxette - Joy Ride
The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
The Script - Breakeven
Skunk Anansie - Hedonism
John Parr vs. Tommy Knockers - New Horizon

I love music SO much. I can't go a day without it but these songs are the top ones I love hearing on a sunny drive out. They're awesome driving songs (they're just not the same if I don't hear them in the car!) and my reason for choosing them is purely because I love them and they're brilliant car songs that I can sing along with too! Does anyone else do that thing when you're listening to music in the car and start day dreaming like you're in a music video or in a movie?! Lol..

What songs do you love listening to in the car? xxx


Sunday 21 July 2013

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Review

I've read many positive reviews about this little purple tube and often wondered what it was like in comparison to the MUA eyeshadow primer, which I had first.. Now I know!
At first glance, the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potions* packaging looks really cheap - the box it comes in and the tube itself. The design and style is nice but it could have been made from better quality materials to give it a more expensive feel as at £15 it costs six times as much as the MUA eyeshadow primer.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Review

The product comes out of a long thin nozzle which is handy for controlling exactly how much you'd like and isn't messy. One good thing about the tube is that when you can't squeeze anymore out, you can cut it open to use the last bit. I'm not the only one to do this with the more costly products am I?? It is quite thick in consistency and looks a little bit bobbley (see pic below) but it blends out smoothly and dries quickly which is a big plus as you don't need to worry about waiting to apply your eyeshadow.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Review

Longevity wise.. I tested this out during hot, sticky weather at work with no air con, an evening out and numerous days out too. The first time I used it, I applied a really tiny amount and found it creased quite quickly so obviously I didn't use enough. After that, I applied a more generous amount and it lasted perfectly - no creases what so ever. I should also add that I have naturally quite oily lids. Just so you know. Lovely yes? :)

So how does Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion* compare to MUA eyeshadow primer - which will it be in future? Urban Decay without a doubt. The MUA primer creased for me every time after 2/3 hours but this one doesn't so it's a clear winner. MUA might be cheaper but it doesn't work for me - I'd happily pay more if I know it's actually going to work.

You can purchase Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion* here (free delivery too!)

Which eyeshadow primer do you use? xxx

*This product was sent to me for review. All words and opinions are my own.

Tuesday 16 July 2013

Seascape Island Apothecary Uplift Body Wash Review

You know when you stay in a nice hotel and get home only to realise the complimentary shampoo, body wash etc. have accidentally-on-purpose come back with you... and you know how it smells so good you save it because you couldn't possibly use it for every day.. Well that's exactly what this Seascape body wash reminds me of!

Seascape Island Apothecary Uplift Body Wash Review

Everything about it says luxurious to me. It's the kind of body wash that not only comes in gorgeous packaging and looks lovely sitting on your shelf, it's a dream to use too. It has such a refreshing scent (eucalyptus, lime and lavender) which has been a blessing each morning during this hot, sticky weather. Personally, although I love sweet scents, they don't make you feel half as clean and fresh during hot weather as fresh fruity/flowery scents like this do.

Seascape Island Apothecary Uplift Body Wash Review

You don't need much product to get a good lather going so it might seem a little on the pricey side at £16 for 300ml but it will last you a long time compared to cheaper products so it does even it out a little. It really woke me up and made me feel ready for the day ahead, unlike sweet scents that make me feel like putting my jammies on and hopping back into bed!! The scent is strong enough that you can smell it but not overpowering or offensive by any means and it leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean without drying it out.

Seascape Island Apothecary Uplift Body Wash Review

"Contains 100% natural essential oils of Jersey Eucalyptus to stimulate the circulation, Lime to energise the body and Lavender to refresh the senses"

I was particularly impressed to discover that it's made in the UK from locally sourced ingredients and doesn't contain any of those "nasties" that many others on the market do. Big thumbs up!

"Our products are paraben, silicone, petroleum and SLS free and are suitable for vegetarians. We do not use artificial colours or synthetic fragrances. We are against animal testing. All of our ingredients are sourced from ethical suppliers and our bottles and packaging are recyclable."

My only gripe, if I really had to give one is that I'd have liked the bottle to have been glass just to give that extra lux feel.. But then I'd have moaned I couldn't get the product out and you can't have it both ways! ;)
Would I go and purchase this myself? Although I've enjoyed using it, probably not this one in particular as I very rarely use the same one twice but I would definitely try other Seascape products, particularly the Peppermint Oil Lip Balm or the Sooth Body Wash and I think anything from Seascape would make beautiful gifts for your loved ones.

If you'd like to purchase Seascape Island Apothecary Uplift Body Wash*, click here.
Have you tried anything by Seascape Island Apothecary yet? xxx

*This product was sent to me for review. All words & opinions are my own.

Monday 15 July 2013

New Week, New Wants!


Being a female blogger isn't the best of 2 combinations for a healthy bank balance and there is very rarely a week go past where I don't find new items to add to my long list of things I'm going to purchase once I get a paying job (volunteering has been going really well in the mean time though!) They're all things I would like very much but don't really need (especially while we have just one wage paying all the bills) thus I haven't bought them just yet..
These 6 things I've wanted a while now and are right at the top of my list!


One. Real Techniques Starter Kit. (mainly for the shadow & crease brushes!)
Two. Real Techniques Blush Brush. (because I need a pink blush brush?)
Three. Superfacialist Rose Miracle Makeover Facial Oil. (as a pre-cleanser)
Four. Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Cleanser. (cause I need to take better care of my skin/heard it's v.good!)
Five. Sleek Face Contour Kit (Light). (it's so pretty and I neeeeeed it.. handy too.. and pretty..!!)
Six. MUA/Fashionista Custom Palette/s. (Would like an eyeshadow one & a mixed blusher/bronzer one)

Saturday 13 July 2013

Punting in Cambridge

Tuesday was Aarons Birthday.. We had a meal out on Saturday night with his parents at Chimichangas (awful service, really nice food but small portions for the price) Aarons mum curled my hair for me and Aaron discovered he can fit back into his Henleys shirt again.. I fancy the pants off him in that shirt! After the meal (we didn't stay for desert after the rubbish service) we went to Tescos for chocolate then back to Aarons parents place to stuff our faces and have a few glasses of bubbles.. Then crashed there the night and had a lush fry up in the morning. Lovely jubley!
Before I'd finished my make up :/ (inc. eyebrows!)
Sunday we went to the coast and Monday we went to see my nan, I love her to bits. We had a coffee and a good natter then Aaron and I headed off to do some food shopping.
Tuesday Aaron opened his cards and presents then we got ready and headed to Cambridge (UK!) as I'd planned for us to go punting and we'd never been to Cambridge together before :) We used the park and ride but said we'll drive in next time.. We looked around the Grafton Center then stopped in Cafe Nero for free iced drinks (thank you O2 Priority Moments!) we might have had a cheeky look in Primark too.. It's massive compared to the Ipswich one! It's on 3 floors and was so tidy and organised which is unusual.

Anyone that knows Cambridge will know it's kinda split in 2 by a green with a shopping center and different shops either side. The opposite side to the Grafton Center is loads prettier with more shops. We headed across the green, had a wander round the town then headed to the river to go punting along the back of the colleges. 
A bloke approached us as we got there and said it was £16 each.. We said we'd have a wander past the others first before deciding and he said "ok £25 for both of you" we said we'd think about it and he said "£20!" so we said OK! :D What a bargain!






I took over 100 pictures (I couldn't see what I was doing as it was so sunny so just kept snapping away! They were all taken on my phone as I didn't dare take my camera)
We'd never been punting before - we'd hired a rowing boat once and I was shit scared the whole time so was a little nervous - but it seemed pretty sturdy and I relaxed quickly. We sat (well, laid back!) at the front of the punt in our own little bit, there was a group in the middle and a couple at the back. It was so chilled and really pretty too, I could quite happily have stayed on the river all day! The young bloke that took us round told us a bit about the buildings but made it fun and cracked some jokes so it wasn't boring at all. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and it was made perfect with the weather.. We definitely want to go again but along a different part of the river.

After punting we headed to Cherry Hinton (just outside the center) to a pub called The Robin Hood and Little John which is an Eating Inn restaurant pub. I highly recommend it. The food was the best I've had in a long time, the service was great, atmosphere, decor etc was all nice too and the prices were cheap considering how delicious the food was. We're 100% going back there.
Cambridge is a beautiful city with loads to do so I highly recommend visiting!
Have you been punting or to Cambridge before? xxx

Thursday 11 July 2013

Skinetica Review

A few of months back all I saw on my blog feed was rave reviews of Skinetica, the English wonder product made up of just 4 ingredients. It was very hyped up and everyone seemed to love it. It seemed to me that a little miracle had been found for those with less than perfect skin and everyone apart from me was enjoying the benefits of it! Fast forward a couple of months and I get offered the chance to review this product myself. Awesome!


My initial thoughts were.. The bottle is small (80ml) but cute and I like the packaging. One of the first things I done was open the lid and have a good sniff. I had read reviews that said it didn't smell of anything.. Did these people had blocked noses at the time? ;) There is a slight smell to it, nothing outrageous though and it doesn't hang around once you've applied it.


I was sent this at the perfect time this month, that time.. I do have quite blemish prone skin at the best of times so it was really put to the test in the first week. As the directions suggest, I applied it to clean, dry skin, every 12 (ish!) hours. I found it fitted nicely into my routine - before putting my make up on in the morning and when I take my make up off in the evening. The first time I used it was an evening before bed.. I took my make up off as normal then applied this and left it to air dry. As the bottle says, it's kind to skin, non greasy and has no harsh chemicals. In the morning the first thing I done was check my face! I'm happy to report that it was noticeably clearer, yippee!


Over the next couple of days I noticed my skin looked a lot less uneven and I had less blemishes. Usually around this time my skin would have been awful but it looked better than it had done in a while. I continued to use it for the next week, I did have a small breakout but nothing a bit of make up didn't cover up! It cleared up quickly and my skin is looking clear again. I honestly didn't expect it to work as well as it did for me as other hyped products I've tried haven't made a difference but.. It did :) My only downside to this product for me is that I can't walk into town to purchase it but I don't mind ordering online so it's not a big issue. You can purchase Skinetica online here for £9.99 although the more you purchase, the cheaper each bottle costs :)

Would I purchase this myself? YES!
Have you tried this? Did you like it too? xxx

*This product was sent to me to review.

Wednesday 3 July 2013

My Sinful Colors Nail Polish Collection (so far!)

As I said in my full (at the time) nail polish collection blog post - here - I've bought more polish since I took the pictures.. Most of which are from Sinful Colors which is now available in Boots stores, yay! When I first saw them a few months ago I got a little bit excited because they have lots of gorgeous colours and they're so affordable, at £1.99 for 15ml you just can't go wrong.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish

Not only are these totally affordable but the brush is decent (unlike some other cheap nail polishes *cough*MUA*cough*) so you get a decent finish and they're pretty long lasting. I find my nails chip quite easily no matter which top coat I use but these last well above the average time in comparison to all my other polish. I'd even go as far to say the quality is up there with China Glaze - woah, now there's a statement!

L-R: 924 Social Ladder, 376 Glass Pink, 945 Soul Mate, 313 Pink Forever.
L-R: 264 Vacation Time, 950 Savage (matte), 927 Nail Junkie, 1100 Blue By You.
There isn't one of these colours that I haven't thoroughly liked and enjoyed wearing. They're opaque in 2 coats (apart from Social Ladder, Glass Pink and Nail Junkie for obvious reasons) and dry quite quickly. So really, what's not to like? In my opinion, nothing! I can't wait to get my mitts on more colours.

Have you tried Sinful Colours nail polish? xxx

Monday 1 July 2013

Life update #1

Today has been a good day. 

I went down to a local charity shop (having emailed them last week about volunteering to gain retail experience in order to help me get a job) and had a chat with the lady, she talked to me about it and basically I start tomorrow!
Retail isn't my dream job - I don't really know what my dream job is - but I'm not getting anywhere applying for admin jobs as there's hardly anything out there and when there is I just don't stand a chance. So I decided I needed to go down a different path if anyone is ever going to employ me.. While I'm sitting home not getting anywhere, I might as well be training for something else which is where volunteering comes in. I'm going to be trained up on a retail job while giving something back and working for free for a good charity. Win win really.

Also today I won a Zumba set in a giveaway, oww yeeaahh! I have followed along with a couple of YT videos via the Xbox a couple times and it was really good fun so I can't wait to give the DVDs a go! Will help me keep losing weight while I'm doing Slimming World too so that's always a bonus.


The weekend was also really good. Saturday we had Aarons parents round for lunch and Sunday me and Aaron went to the coast (Clacton) cause it was bloomin' roastin'!! On the way we had such a laugh. I have no idea how but it got on to sheep impressions and we were laughing so hard at each others impressions! If you can act stupid together, laugh til your belly hurts, your eyes are streaming and you can't breathe properly, you've found a keeper :)


On a less positive note, I'm kind of surprised I'm able to smile with all that's been going on in other areas of my life. I guess I'm becoming immune to people shitting on my biscuit. <- Yet I still find time to amuse myself with things that only me and Aaron will find hilarious.

Song I'm currently loving: Will.I.Am - Bang Bang.