Return of the blogger!!

It's like Bonss Blog part 3.... my previous laptop sadly died.... and my hubby loves me lots so now I have a new one, after a little wait :D And it's oh so beautiful by the way! So blogging and book writing, and indexing were all put on hold for the past few months. To be honest I felt rather lost :( so I'm MORE than happy to be back typing this away right now!

Now I feel a lot of pressure to write you some good ol' content....
Life's pretty good right now- apart from my feet feeling way to chilly for my liking. The Patrick household is super excited for Christmas! So much so we put up our tree one week earlier than usual... November 24th to be exact... we're so daring. Got all my Christmas shopping finished a month or more ago too, so we're having a very chilled start of December. Which is probably a good thing given that Sally and I took a slip down the top half of our stairs together and she broke her leg :( so there's not much venturing out with hop-a-long, though I think we'll journey out to the library tomorrow :D she loves a good book. She's being super brave, and I'm sure I'll dedicate a whole post bragging about her braveness very soon...
We're loving our home a lot! It's easy to forget all the stress and waiting we had to do before getting it, but it's so beautiful and we're very excited to get decorating in the new year- dining room first then our bedroom.
And finally Dave's brother Josh and his girlfriend Becky had their baby at the end of November :) a gorgeous little boy called Joshua Junior (JJ for short :) I'm soooooo excited to get snuggles when we go to see the whole fam after Christmas. So I'm now an auntie and Sally has her first cousin! And Dave's an uncle too :) This growing up stuff all happens rather quickly doesn't it?

BBxx

TKMaxx Haul :)

Currently sat in our little garden, in the glorious sunshine trying to tan the pins whilst Sally's digging for ants... She's always sooooo happy to be outside! So I thought I'd write a post whilst she gets mucky :) 

TKMaxx has recently become a new addition to our family... I had always despised the one in my home town (was just too higgledy piggledy) and it had pretty much put me off them... That was until we moved to our new home and decided to go there to look at their home stuff... Now I'm slightly obsessed with the place.... The bargain hunter within me literally is in paradise whenever we're there. So last Saturday we ventured over and this is what we came back with... Eeek.... 

I feel pretty... Oh so pretty :)

Who could refuse? (my husband couldn't ;) 

We have a wicker/basketry drawer thingy majig that has two compartments... This is to go in our new ikea bookcases to hold some stationary bits in :) 

The pretty blue box thing is also destined for our bookcases... Though what it is going to hold I do not yet know... From memory the wicker one was something like £9.99 and the blue one £7.99...

The beautiful Kirsty Allsop (apologies for any spelling errors) door stop :) it's perfect and for just £5.99 a darn good cheaper than a load of other places we saw them. Plus it doubles as a weight lifting exercise for 19month olds.

A decorative 'E'... Couldn't not pick it up really! As with most things in TKMaxx, if you don't get it there and then then you probably won't be getting it ever :) and it literally turns my bookcase from a storage solution to an interior design decision :D (I will probably do a post on just our bookcases once they are completed don't you worry pet!) think it was £6.99?

A glass soap holder... Which Dave is going to use to keep all his cufflinks on :) smart huh? Believe it was £4.99

A cream pink/rose gold eyeshadow by some random company, which was reduced to £2 instead of £14.99 and it's BEAUT!

Then last but by NO means least... I've even spaced out this paragraph for dramatic effect!... A pair of Michael Korrs pointed silver/steel grey pointed pumps! Ah me gosh! These babies are literally the love of my life at the mo (if only I could have them forever like Sals and Dave). When I saw them I just had to try them on, then there was no turning back as they are THE MOST comfortable heels EVER! Granted they're not my highest but boy oh boy, they had me at hello (anyone else know the Beyoncé song?). Now at £39.99 instead of £95 they were a bargain... But that's still a lot for a pair of shoes, especially as I'm no longer a shoe spendy teen... Luckily I had high hopes they would go with my outfit for my bros wedding, and I said I'd bring them back if they didn't go with the dress. Who knows if I'd actually have been able to do that, thankfully I didn't as they are so darn perfect a match for my outfit... Have promised myself I won't wear them out till then... Can't say you won't catch me in them doing the housework (oh so glamourous when donned with pjs ;) can pretty much say I'm an owner of designer shoes too surely?? :D 

I just need a new excuse to go back there... Could exercise count? I'll try not to buy anything ;)

Renewed Nails!

So in case you hadn't realised by now, I'm a little bit obsessed with painting my nails. It's the one thing I will always do... More important than a face of make-up! 

Last night I decided to take drastic action and start to file my nails into a different shape! Daring I know! My nails have always naturally been very square/squoval, but I rather like the look of rounded nails, especially with longer fingernails which I have (they grow like no-one's business). Here's the result of my first tweak,

You may think it boring but I find it rather an exciting change :) and this is just the first step! The varnish was a freebie with an Instyle magazine, called something like São Paulo Streets... I rather like it.. Nudey dudey!

BBxx

Midday Nails :)

Sally's nap has allowed me to change my nails :) it's ridiculous how much joy I get out of painting my nails! And I just had to share this gorgeous colour with you! Got it from TKMaxx a couple of months ago and only just cracked it open today! It's stunning! 

Makes me think of mermaids :) it's called blue rhapsody. On another note, this top coat from Revlon is AMAZING! It's much thinner than my previous love Seche Vite, but for me it dries quicker, leaves a nice shine, and because it's thinner my varnish takes longer to chip (before I'd changed them my nail varnish had lasted just over 4 days! That's amazing for me!) Also my Seche Vite has got so thick and gloopy (with just under half left in the bottle) and I can't really see this one following suit!

 :) 

BBxx

Want you back... want you back... want you back for good

Oooooo Take That how I long for your next album and tour.....

It has been over a month since my last blog post... so as a way of doing a sort of catch up I thought I would share with you some of my favourite things from May... warning... this is likely to be a very wordy post... with no pictures.... deal with it punk :P

1. Number one has to most definitely be our new first proper mortgage home :D it was LONG awaited for but now we're here it is literally home :D I still don't think we've quite realised how grown up it is to have a mortgage, or that the house is 'ours'... but don't worry, once I crack open a tin of paint I'm sure that will change :D
2. Our first family holiday :) Although this was officially at the end of April, it did cross over into May by a couple of days :) it was so nice just getting away from the stress of packing and just enjoy being a little family :) in a BEAUTIFUL caravan in Cumbria, just down the road from Dave's family :) so we got to spend lots of time with them :D Sally wooed them as she does everyone :) may do a post of pictures of it later :)
3. Chesterfield's new chapel! It opened the day we left for holiday, so we had to hold out to see it till we got back... and golly gosh is it beautiful! Not only is it in the best location for a chapel I have EVER seen (and I've seen a lot of chapels) but it's just plain stunning! Plus it has under floor hearting, and a whiteboard that rises from the side of the pulpit... you know like the televisions that rise from posh beds :D way too cool :D
4. Being on the YW's presidency... it's only been a few months but I love those girls so darn much (the presidency and the yw themselves :D). I just forgot how wonderful of an environment it is, and just how much fun I can be :) being a mummy can sometimes make you forget that :)
5. Having a garden :) it may be mostly concrete slabs at the minute (quite nice ones though, perfect for Sally's chalks :) but it's just amazing how just sitting out in the sunshine for even just 5 mins can make your day so much better. Plus Sals is in love with all things creepy crawly. Let's just say she had a Lenny from 'Of Mice and Men' moment with a woodlouse... one minute she was kissing it (I had to try so hard not to react totally disgusted as I don't want her to get wimpy), the next she had just his head in her hands... don't worry she didn't eat it... well at least I hope she didn't. Her latest best buddies are the spiders that live in our bathroom :) shhh... don't tell my mum....
6. Having a big bathroom... and space in general :D the first time Sally came in the house once we were moving she just ran from wall to wall in the living room screaming :D she likes it :D a lot :D
7. Preparing for my brother's wedding!!! Woop de woop! So excited :) even got my outfit sorted :) so happy for him and Eve (she's gorgeous, and the perfect match for my one of a kind bro ;). I can't lie though, I'm most excited for Sally being the flower girl :D and the food of course.... nom nom nom...
8. Big Bang Theory- Davey Babes and I have been big watchers of this for ages... and since getting him the series 1-5 for father's day last year our love for it has grown even more! We've been mashing in the episodes this month and I cannot get enough :) you thought I'd have enough geekiness with engineers for a hubby and brother... and all the other geeky stuff they do.
9. My Sally :D she is always a favourite, now and forever! She's been a bit lazy on the speaking front but this past month she's grown a ton physically but also decided to actually bother repeating things I say and just surprise me by saying words all of a sudden of her own accord, like 'shoes' and banana... or as she loves to say it (like a minion) 'ba-ba-ba'- she says it in hushed dramatic tones too. She also does THE cutest dancing and excited noises and fist pumping when she likes something... for example when the choccy treats come out :) naughty mummy.... though she does get super excited about tomatoes and cheese too.... gotta love her!
10. A blogging break! It has allowed me to kinda re-evaluate my life a bit and try and get my head around what I want to be doing with my time, and I don't want blogging to takeover anymore :) I'm writing my first novel (onto chapter 8) and I really want that to be my thing :) it's just something I've always been secretly wanting to do since I was a kid reading Roald Dahl books... I want to be a writer of more than just a blog, so that's what I'm gonna do. My plan is to finish my first draft by the end of the year... and I'm telling all you guys so that you hold me to that goal :) don't let me falter okay? Because I will blame you... for sho!

There's been so much more stuff I've been loving but I think that about sums it up! Now I'm off to do my first day of the 30 day ab challenge... bye bye poochy tummy :) the rest of you curves can stay ;) ;)
Toodles!!!!
BBxxx

Baby Be Gone

Okay... so I (and Dave of course) experienced something new these past few days... here's how the events unfolded...
*quick disclaimer, if you think this is going to be some super exciting experience then you are going to be nothing but disappointed! This is my life :) and the smallest things are exciting (though this wasn't that small to me)
We went over to Nanny and Pop's this Easter weekend, and had a wonderful time hanging out with family and some super close family friends (they're basically adopted). Safe to say Sally made two new best friends, and I was very tempted to decide to adopt a 5 year girl and 3 year old boy for Sally's siblings :)
Here's a pic of our Sals hanging out with her best gal pal Bella under the table ;)

So yep, basically ate a load of chocolate and a SUPERB roast on Sunday (like the best ever!!!)
Then Sunday evening, after we put Sally to bed Dave and I left for Chesterfield... without her!!! What was I thinking???? Basically we wanted to use the whole Bank Holiday Monday to carry on really getting the house sorted ready to move (yes we are moving... but that's gonna be a whole other post!).
When we got in it suddenly dawned on me just how long I was gonna be parted from my bubba... Two nights and nearly two whole days! The longest we'd been parted before this was one night for Dave's work do in December. I literally just kept repeating out loud "I've got no Sally". Literally for that first night and pretty much the entire Monday I kept realising little things about how much Sally has changed my life... and other stuff like that...

• I had to facetime her for the first time EVER! I finally got to experience what it's like for my mum and dad just seeing her on a screen, but I have to say it reassured me even more that she is THE most gorgeous girl ever, and she just does the cutest things- including eating her dinner like a boss.
• Lie ins are nice, but you want them so much more when you've been woken by a baby than by your bladder- you get me?
• It's strange eating breakfast in front of the tv at 10am in the morning... I literally felt like I had lost a whole day in time....
• Meal times just seem too simple to fathom....
• No matter how many times your hubby tells you that Sally's not here, the baby's coos and giggles next door immediately make you think it's here.
• You can vacuum the whole house in 30mins- including going up 2 flights of stairs!
• All chores and various 'to dos' are done in a matter of minutes.
• You don't have to worry about being seen with chocolate.
• You don't get sleepy snuggles, or any other snuggles at that :(
• There's no going up to bed silent ninja style... stomp and creak the floorboards all you want.
• The house, and your heart somewhat, feels empty :(

Okay that was a few more things than I was expecting, but I think you get the picture! I just missed her sooooo darn much!!!! So when she came home this afternoon/evening (of as Sheldon cleverly describes 'pre-evening') I was dancing in excitement in the kitchen waiting for her :) and when she saw me I got the biggest and longest cuddles ever! Like a good 10 minutes! Which luckily for her meant I was all too ready to forgive her for her nappy over-filling and her basically weeing on my hip mid cuddles.... ahhhh feel the warm love ;) It's just so nice to have her home, but also a HUGE blessing to know that she's been so happy with her Nanny and Pops (and Auntie Rella ;).  In fact until this afternoon I wondered whether she even missed me one little bit :) now I can go to bed smiling... I'll let you know if I'm still smiling 6.30am tomorrow morning!
Here's a Sally selfie for you :D

Look at that hair!!! My little messy mooch!!!!
BBxx

Spring Wedding Make-Up Use & Review

Yo, yo, yo... back again! This is the make-up I am going to be wearing for my friends wedding in early May! It's long lasting and just simply peachy/pinky beautiful! Plus I'm playing the piano for the day so I don't want to bring even more attention to myself by doing some crazy make-up that accentuates my possibly questionable piano playing... wish me luck!

Here's a before and after- side note, my foundation mixture of YSL and Rimmel is PERFECT and long lasting :D I've never realised the awesomeness of it before the before and after shots! In love <3

Now to the 3 products I'm gonna review.

First up, MUA Luxe Power Brow Pencil in Mid Brown



Have been using this for a month or more now and I think I've just about mastered it. In this before and after pic I've used both the highlight and pencil end, just for reviewing purposes ya know. The highlight end is not for me though- it's an odd pearlescent shade which is just to shimmery for my liking- especially for under the brow. The formulation is a bit odd too, very kinda chunky and not very blendable, clinging to any stray brow hairs you have- which in my case are many due to my no plucking lifestyle. The only somewhat use for it is to highlight the inner corner, but even then I don't LOVE it.
The brow filler end is my friend though :) I think it's a close to perfect shade match for my brows. Just use it to fill them out a bit so they look a little thicker and richer, and try and form a bit more shape to them- which I think it succeeds in doing. I always use a brow gel over the top to hold the hairs though as they can get a bit wild!! Defo prefer the pencil method to powder now, which has surprised me. Tis just reassuring to know that when you use them you don't have to end up looking like your brows are tattooed on.... not a look for me my friends... And for £3 I think it's a fab starter to brow pencil use and getting the hang of it- more complicated than you think. Plus it's a twisty up pencil so no need for sharpening (the evil time consumer, especially when your sharpener goes walkies... devilish thing).

Beauty UK Baked Box in Halo

Got this a little while ago (see haul here) and I was very excited to give it ago. To be honest it wasn't as impressive as I hoped it was going to be, but I don't know what I was expecting to get for the £3.99 it cost. I've now pin pointed what nags me about it- it's not very creamy, so you don't pick up a lot of product in one go and the pay off isn't spectacular. However this does mean it's buildable which is probably a good thing to have in a highlighter as you don't want to end up looking part alien. It a lovely neutral/pale pink shade, and as it's more specifically designed as a blush it's very wearable, especially for those new to highlighters. It doesn't pick up too well in photos (again perhaps a good thing as you don't want to look like a shine ball) but in person it gives off a gorgeous glowish shimmer. Really like it for a subtle healthy highlight. It also lasts a long time too (I was still glowing come bedtime). Defo better than the MUA Undress Me one, which in my opinion is a complete fail, but still searching for 'the one'... I have a feeling I may have to resort to high end... how long till Christmas? :)

MAC Lipstick in Coral Bliss (crème sheen)

All I really want to say about this lipstick is that I LOVE IT! The packaging, the colour, the formulation, the scent... EVERYTHING! Once you're MAC you never go back? I defo think that drugstore lipsticks can be just as good, but there's just something about owning your first MAC lipstick, especially when it's in the most perfect your lips but better corally shade for Spring/Summer. Definitely will be getting some good use out of this :) hubby really likes it too- how it makes your lips 'shiny' (his words). It's long lasting and leaves a nice stain so you don't have to worry about it wearing- a trait most likely true for all the crème sheen MAC lipsticks :) going to treasure this one as I'm not likely to get another one for a while... my precioussss...

Just a quick note to my eye make-up- used only the Naked 3 Palette as its shades are literally perfect for Spring/Summer. Just created a pinky/peachy slightly purpley base then just added a bit of definition by darkening up the outer corner, top and bottom lash line, with the darkest shade in the palette. Wouldn't really call it smokey as I didn't want anything too dramatic. More to just make the eye look wider and just more defined... like I know what I'm talking about??!? Hehe...

Obviously when you're creating a make-up look for a wedding, you want it to last all day. Here are some of my tips that I used in this make-up:

• If you're filling your brows use a brow gel, as I find this not only keeps your hairs in place but also makes the colour last longer. If you can get a colour and gel in one then Bob's your Uncle! I love GOSH Defining Brow Gel as it's clear and fool proof (doesn't leave your brows looking or feeling stiff either).
• Use a primer-whatever suits your skin best, be it to reduce oil, or just hold make-up in place for longer. You can get some super inexpensive drugstore ones that are mega. My picks are Nivea Express Hydration Primer (for dry and sensitive skin, to just make a dry patch free finish) and Maybelline Baby Skin Primer (great at smoothing out your bumpy parts and minimalizing those pores).
• Use an eyeshadow primer- I tend to use one in everyday use just because creases really drive me crazy. My all time fail proof favourite is Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Now this will literally last you FOREVER!
• Use layers... e.g. eyeshadow on eyeshadow, powder blush over cream blush, and a lip stain under lipstick (the Benefit tints are SUPER for this on both lip and cheek). It just means if things do wear a little there's something underneath.
• Set your concealer (and foundation if you get oily) with a powder. My choice is purse friendly Natural Collection Loose Powder (just £1.99!!). I prefer loose as I am towards the dry skin side of the scale, and it's much kinda to my skin and doesn't cake.
• Finish with a spritz of fixing spray- I've been using Collection Fix Me Up, which I quite like (for the price :), though I'm sure Urban Decay's are much better. Just think of it like hairspray, but for your face.

Just one last note- if there's going to be flash photography at the wedding (most likely) then avoid any foundations or concealers with too high of an SPF as it will flashback and make you look like a ghost. Trust me I've seen the results before and its not pretty (the brides party had had their make-up done professionally, but obviously the artist wasn't that much of a professional!).

Anyways... long post.... but hey, lots of useful information hopefully! Have a fab Easter Weekend! Be sure to remember the true meaning of Easter amongst all that chocolate scoffing.
BBxx

Winter/Spring Empties 2014

Time to look back at the things I've all used up! And trust me, if I've used it up I must have liked it just a little.

Avon Planet Spa- Uplift Spirit Candle- Just a little candle but it lasted for AGES! Like a good 13+ hours. And (although it could all have been in my head) it did uplift me :) a subtle kinda cleansing scent.

Chloe EDT- a beautiful florally fresh Spring fragrance that I used the majority of Spring/Summer last year, and has reached it's end in the past month :( The bottle is just so beautiful too.... definitely makes me want to check out the other Chloe fragrances.

B. Pure Micellar Water- no surprises here! I have got a Garnier one to try out that people are RAVING about, but still have 2 bottles of this to get through first :) What's not to love about it!

Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing Toner- this is the first toner I've PROPERLY used in my skincare routine, and I really noticed a difference to my redness and overall quality of my skin. Super gentle and fragrance free :) and it took away any tightness or stinging from cleansing.

Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover Pads- you can see my somewhat detailed review/comparison on this here. A quick fix, but not really for me.

Nivea Pure & Natural Soothing Day Cream- this I love! The whole pure and natural range is right up my street (see blog on whole set here). Have already repurchased and I think I am gonna struggle to be brave enough to try anything else, especially considering the price too :D Maybe Soap and Glory will tempt me away one day... where's a 3 for 2 when you need it.

Garnier Moisture Match Goodbye Dry- this is an empty that's been sitting around in my draw for an age! Finally remembered to take a picture of it. Was a decent enough moisturiser- very hydrating, and almost gel feeling in texture. Also had a pleasant rose like smell. For me though it just seemed too much- I prefer my moisturisers simple and soothing, and this one wasn't specifically designed for sensitive skin which I think I need. Plus I can't stand this sort of packaging as it's a real struggle to get all the product out, and to me it seemed to run out far too quickly for my liking.

Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Liner- my only make-up empty! Was really sad when this FINALLY dried up (got it ages ago as a freebie with a magazine) as it was my first liquid liner friend that helped me get past my winged out fear. Pretty impressive formulation, but for me some drugstore brands do ass good as, if not better, job for half the cost! Collection's is my new friend :D

So that's my bin emptied!
BBxx

Matte Smokey Eye Use & Review

Time for another Use and Review post- warning the pictures are not as high a quality as I used my phone! Tried to create a nice smokey evening look that can also be worked during the day without seeming 'draggish' ;)

 

Bourjois 123 Perfect Colour Correcting Cream- Ivory

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream- Ivory

Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer- Eclipse

Here's everything I used!

 

 

 

CC cream- I had heard many good reviews of this product, so I caved about a month ago and decided to give it a try.

I never really got the whole BB cream fiasco- to me they seemed no different to standard foundations. But with having quite a lot of redness in my skin (due to its sensitivity) I was expecting better results from a CC cream. I normally apply it with my fingers as it's much more of a face cream texture than a foundation and I just find it goes into my skin better that way. It feels like you're applying a moisturiser too, which is nice because it leaves me with no fears of streaky skin or weird dry patches. Because it just blends into your skin so well, when I first used it I didn't really believe it could have covered or changed my skin tone that much. But boy oh boy! Look in the mirror and pow! The effect it has with such a little amount is AMAZING! See for yourselves!

 

How could you not love it? You can use it by itself for day to day just to even things out (I find it lasts relatively well, though I do still use my primer just to calm my sensitive skin down a bit more). If you're wanting to go for a more flawless finish though you can use foundation over the top, which I did this day :) the coverage by itself is still pretty impressive though, but I don't think the coverage is designed to last all day like a regular foundation- thus making it better for everyday use, or under your usual foundation. It contains 3 pigments to help colour correct any discoloration- apricot for anti-fatigue, green for anti-redness (my best friend) and white for anti-dark spots. I can pretty much conclude it works on all those levels! Also seems to reduce a bit of shine too, whilst still being hydrating (claims 24hr hydration, and I can say by the end of the day I don't feel 'dry' which is always a good 'un for me). It is also SPF 15 which makes me love it for spring sunny days when your skin needs that little bit added of protection.

As for the eye cream, I've fallen in love to! It's coverage is much less, but is designed more to illuminate and care for the delicate eye area by moisturising it as well. It just feels so much more of a natural product to use under the eye than my previous concealer (Collection Lasting Perfection) which sometimes caked. It definitely completes the face when used with the face cream, and you're left just looking awake and natural! It does settle in lines a bit, but I only notice it when I'm wearing my specs and everything around the eye area is magnified! The eye cream is also SPF 15 :D The most impressive thing about it though is its silicone applicator. It seems so much more hygienic than the brushes you usually get for eye concealers, and it is cooling and smooth in its application- other brands I'm sure will take note as it just makes life so much easier!

Lips- Here's the look with the nude lip day option (an old Rimmel Moisture Renew in 400 Nude Delight- they now have a new formulation which is even better!) and the deep red alternative!

 

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer- Eclipse





I know it's not a very springy colour, but I bought it January time and there just wasn't enough winter months left to fully appreciate how perfect of a deep raspberry red this is!!! I have always loved the Apocalips formulation- super pigmented and creamy. They feel sooooo luxurious on the lips and last a long long long time. It also leaves a beautiful stain, so you don't have to worry about eating and stuff, being left with a hot mess on your face. Easy to apply to with the little applicator holding the perfect amount of lacquer :D a pure genius product all round!!!!

 

Will do a more springy one next time don't worry :D got a new spring shade MAC lipstick to show off after all ;) just saying it gets me excited.....ahhh.... *twinkles inside*

BBxx

Spring Beauty Haul

Okay... I went shopping again :( I have no excuse other than I 'needed' these things ;) hehe...
First stop was Superdrug!

MUA Bronzed Perfection- After giving the bronzer from the Artiste MUA palette a go (see use and review here) I had to pick me up a big one... and I don't think bronzers get much bigger than this one! It's huge and was only £3! The tester seemed promising, but I have yet to try it out on my face. Seems better than my Bourjois one in swatch though... eeeek.....

Collection Work The Colour Shadow Pencil in Vintage Pink- have swatched these pencils almost every time I've ever gone past a Collection stand. I've always been flabbergasted by how they just set and literally cannot be moved! This pink colour has a gorgeous almost bronzeness to it which I think is perfect for everyday. Can't get much easier in application either. So tempted by the chocolate shade too! Naughty, naughty...

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair- a standard purchase when it's in stock! These babies literally zoom off the shelves! So thought I'd stock up as mine is running low! They have a new shade choice too!

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer- thought I'd see what all this covering pore fuss is about. I've had a sample of the Benefit Porefessional before and I really didn't like it. But this MUCH cheaper alternative is already more my friend as it is completely clear in colour. Just to use it all over the face now! Heard lots of good things about it so shall have to see.

Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer in Light- trying to find the PERFECT under eye concealer and brightener in one- have always felt the Collection one is too heavy for under the eye. Seen this used in tutorials online and it looks impressive, so I can hope! It's anti-wrinkle too, and of late my under eye lines have been scaring me.... let's not even get onto the first signs of grey hair! I can't be doing with dying it!!!

Sleek Storm I-Divine- this was an unexpected purchase, and risky too :) whilst in Superdrug I decided to wonder over to the reduced/damaged products stand, and this palette was there in its box all taped up. There was no way of seeing the damage inside, but at £3.99 instead of £7.99 I just had to get it... daring I know! When I got home and opened it I was horrored by the blackness that was literally getting everywhere! A fair few baby wipes later and it's true beauty was revealed! Best off all only the black shadow had shattered completely- the dark matte brown is slightly chipped but all the others were unharmed except from a little black dusting! Some of the shades are just gorgeous!!! If only it was Autumn/Winter again- don't worry I'll be patient, I do really love the sunshine. The copper red ones in the right corner are just sooooo mmmmmm...!!!! So happy I got it in case you couldn't tell.

Then there was my first proper exploration of the beauty section of TKMaxx... my life will never be the same! I literally was picking up EVERYTHING!! I just about managed to contain myself! The bargains are ridiculous!

Real Techniques Travel Essentials- I've wanted this set from the beginning of my obsession!!! Then when I saw it for just £14.99 (normally £20.99) I literally could not resist!!!! It deserves all these '!!!!!' So excited to see how it changes my life... well make up life... got big plans for these babies....

Got a whole selection of nail varnishes (the Sally Hansen and Essie ones came in sets but have set aside some for the birthday box!) at BARGAIN prices! They had Nails Inc. varnishes for £5.
Butter London in Molly Coddled- the name alone made me fall in love. Also it was the only Butter London polish there and the first one I've ever owned- for just £5.99 how could I say no. So excited to give this gorgeous lilac a go. Plus the packaging is just so yummy.

Sally Hansen in Plum Luck- first time buying Sally Hanson too, and this colour is a gorgeous deep berry purple. Came in a set of 4 for just £7.99.

Essie in Adore-A-Ball- how could you not love this almost white nude. It's gonna look so good, I can feel it in my bones. I don't have a colour like it and the Essie brushes are just so darn good- I think they're my favourite brush :)

Essie in Blue Rhapsody- another colour I've not got anything like- a silvery, almost denimish blue. Really excited to see how this looks on. FYI follow me on twitter (@bethybonss) to see my NOTDs (nails of the day) as I don't really share much nail stuff on here... and it's like my biggest addiction....

Time for some freebies!

Eyeko Lash Curler- Got these beautiful babies free with this month's Instyle magazine :D usually retail for £12, so to get them for like £3 and a mag too, I'm a happy lass! Interested to see how they compare to my Superdrug 99p ones. The navy velvety handles already please me muchly.

Finally, and perhaps best of all, a product I didn't pay for in any shape or form :D I won it in a giveaway over on my cousins blog! Can't believe that the first giveaway I win is my cousins! Mental!! Got to pick what shade I wanted and this one seemed the most beautiful when researching :D

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss in Lovechild- what do you think? First impressions are that it's a beautiful ever so slightly blue toned neutral pink gloss. The formula feels sooooo luxurious and nourishing! And the packaging is just soooooo pretty. A happy Bethy :D Be sure to go check out Dee's blog here- it's pretty darn amazing! She is too :) and I'm not just saying that because she's family ;)

BB xx

Sally the fashion designer...

So our Sally is pretty hilarious when it comes to most things, but her lastest fascination of the past couple of months is getting dressed :D often when she is already dressed. I thought I would share some of her quirky creations with you :D she gets a WHOLE lot of enjoyment out of it. And FYI it's all about layers and no help was given in the creation of any of these masterpieces :)

She came so close with this last one! Inside out and one arm in :D Maybe she'll be a record breaker one day for the most clothes worn... I'm hoping for more of a Vivienne Westwood future if I'm honest :D hehe...
BBxx

March Favourites 2014

So excited it's April! Got our first proper family holiday the end of this month, just the 3 of us :D And we should be moving before then too.... though I don't like to talk about that much... not that I'm bummed or anything that it's taking this long!!!!!!!
Let's talk beauty to cheer me up :) Here's what I've been loving this month....

Yep, that's right, I'm mentioning cotton pads again!! Click here to see the full blog on these... just get yourself to an Aldi and buy these babies!!!! NOW!!!! The end.

NIVEA® Daily Essentials Soothing Cleansing Mousse- this caught my eye when I was stocking up on my Nivea face creams and I just could not resist. I use it in the mornings I'm not showering (getting into the tmi zone :/) to just freshen my face and cleanse it a bit more to really get rid of any impurities I may have missed removing my make up the night before. I guess you could use it at night, but I don't like rinsing my face in an evening, it wakes me up to much! So I tend to just stick to my micellar water :D Anyways... back to the product... so yep it looks like water then when you pump it (usually do 2 pumps so my face gets nice and frothy :) it's all moussey- a magic that baffles the engineer hubby :D It's specifically designed for dry and sensitive skin and I do find it super gentle and it leaves my skin soft and left with moisture. Some cleansers can really leave your face tight and almost buffed sore, but this one's right up my street :D in general I feel my skin has been in a better condition because of this addition.... check me getting my rhymes out.

No7 Smokey Eyeliner Brush- been wanting a pencil like brush for an age, and this one fits the bill! Not too pricey and the perfect size to use in the inner corner... and to smoke up your eye can you believe it?
Avon Brow and Lash Comb- use it mainly for the brow side just to tame those babies! Unruly folks... Love it :D

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream- gonna be doing a use and review make up look using this next week so I'll waffle on about it more then, but let's just say I'm pre-tty sure this baby's gonna be a favourite FOREVER!!!!! Floopin' amazing!!
The accompanying eye cream is also pretty good- like it more for its hydration abilities and general eye care than coverage and general looking goodness under the eye. Have pretty much used it all month though :) just love how easy it is to apply with its clever little nibby wibby...

Accesorize Baked Blush- I've had this beauty for a while now but have only started REALLY loving it now that spring has arrived and a corally cheek looks beaut! It's a blush and highlight combined (to me anyway) and it is the most gorgeous pinky peachy shade that you can just effortlessly sweep over your cheeks :) love it especially for everyday, or when I'm wearing a stronger eye (my eyes have some super muscles ;). Reminds me in looks of the Hourglass Ambient Blushes that all the beauty gurus have been harping on about- I imagine they may be longer lasting or what not- or at least I hope so for the price! But for the price of this I really don't think you can go wrong :D Easy peasy pigmented squeezy. Can't find the link online but they still had them in store when I last went in!

Barry M Touch of Magic Lip Paint- see my use and review make up look of this here. It's magical, beautiful and long-lasting! That about sums it up.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti- Got this from my big sis (rhyming again ;) for my birthday in January, but only started really using it this month. It's the perfect easy orange lip for everyday spring! It's all the trend apparently, that tangerine lip malarkey. It's nourishing and you don't have to worry about it bleeding out as it's somewhat sheer whilst still giving a healthy punch of colour! Love this formulation so much.... it's likely more will make their way into my collection this year... I hope!

So there you go! Very springy, naturally looking skin kinda favourites. The sun must be making an appearance this spring!! WAHOO!!
If you're new to the blog leave me a comment! Have had quite a few more views the past month and I want to know who's stalking me :D just to feel a bit safer you know ;)

Also check out my bestie Hannah Banana's blog, where she did a guest post for me, comparing Benefit's They're Real mascara with Avon Supershock... she's pretty darn hilarious :D miss you banana woman!!!

Happy April minus the showers :) apart from the ones where you clean yourself of course.... no one likes a stinky...
BBxx

Mother's Day 2014

Happy belated Mother's Day to you all :D
Mother's Day is, of recent, my favourite 'celebration' after Christmas and before my birthday :D after all being a mum and treating your own mum is more important than getting one year older :D

My day started with a big snuggle from my Sals :D Then it was time for breaky brought up to me, not quite in my bed, but in our spare room where I was wishing happy mother's day to my own mumsie! I had a bowl of Lucky Charms and a glass of chocolate milk :) who needs a full cooked breakfast when you can have sugar???!!
Here's what I got :)

Sally carried these through to me :) GORGEOUS!!

May have made a couple of suggestions ;) Also got two gold tea light holders but forgot to take a photo of them :/

My first M.A.C lipstick :D and product! Coral Bliss :D what a beauty!!
 

And last but by no means least...

Paper daffodil from the Primary children at church, and my card from Sally :) 

My dad then cooked us all the most delicious roast chicken dinner :) Dave prepared the veg and kept him company :) so my mum and I got to relax and enjoy each other's company and Sally :D

On this most wonderful of days I was able to reflect on the amazingness of my mum- I've done a whole post on her before, before I was a mum myself. But there's now a couple of things I see in her that I hope one day Sally will recognise in me :)

• Family is first- both in life choices but also in terms of selflessness. We always came first, even I that meant mum missed out.
• She loves you no matter what :) and you can talk to her about EVERYTHING :)
• Always cooks home meals, that are wholesome and delicious- those YSA in Leeds are SO blessed! I'm not at all jealous ;)
• She has supported my dad in everything, no complaints- from working long hours, his various time consuming callings, and those random purchases he makes from time to time :)
• Her testimony of Jesus Christ is always burning. Her example makes me realise what is necessary to keep the faith, and her happiness radiates from her- the most beautiful woman on this earth.
• She's the most Christ-like person I know, and most likely will ever know. The service she gives to everything and everyone baffles me. She's done some things for free, out of love, that some people even if paid, wouldn't do for their families.
• Her family love her more than anything and everything :D and we will be forever in her debt for the rest of our lives (pretty sure my dad, Rella and Chris whole heartedly concur!)

Love you mum,
BBxx

Healthy Living

Anyone that has known me for any considerable amount of time will know that when it comes to health and lifestyle I go by two theories:
-Exercise is bad for you
-I'm so happy because I eat what I want when I want

I'm taking a stand against myself... the scariest of people to face ;) my new theories are:
-A bit of exercise is good for you
-Eat what you want when you want, but food isn't the basis for ALL happiness, though it is still one of my biggest contributors.

As of the past few weeks I have started counting calories... with the help of My Fitness Pal. Now this venture I have taken upon me a couple of times before, and just got bored very quickly. But this time it seems to be sticking. Obviously I am doing it to lose weight, but to be honest that is not the biggest benefit I've found from it (it is working though as I've lost 4lbs in 2 weeks :).
Here's the good things:

• I'm much more conscious of what foods are better for you, and what you can fill yourself up on and still have a ton of calories left
• Because I'm counting calories I now think when I pick up a treat 'Do I really want this right now, or will I appreciate it more later'.
• I can still eat whatever I like- so if I want to have a proper binge on 2 or 3 chocolate bars in an evening (don't tell me you've never done this) I have to do some exercise to earn them.
• I get fuller quicker, so sometimes can't even eat the remains of a days calories in chocolate despite wanting to.
• Drinking more water :D mother would be so proud :D
• I can eat cake and chocolate for breakfast if I really want :) and dinner, and lunch :D
• Salads are soooooooo tastey and awesome for lunch :)

So yep! Gotta keep motivated! I already can feel the difference in me, and in my energy levels- just feel AWESOME :) P.S EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!!

So if you've on My Fitness Pal add me :D - bethybonsslds
BBxx

Spring Everyday Make-Up Use & Review

Thought I'd start a new kinda series of blogs where I create a make-up look for the main purpose of reviewing some products! 2 blogs in 1!! Snazzy I know ;)
So today children.... we are reviewing...

• MUA The Artiste Collection
• Barry M Lip Paint Touch of Magic
• Model Co Shine Ultra Lip Gloss- Berry Pink

Here's what I used for the entire look:

 

Let's start with the MUA palette.... I've had this for over a year now and I love it initially because it has everything you need in one place, and it's as cheap as chips for £6!

Eyes-

Mocca, Cookie and Chocolate

I took Mocca in the inner corner of my eye then used Cookie as a base really packing it on. It's a gorgeous bronze colour that isn't too shimmery so good for Spring. To add a bit of definition I used Chocolate in the outer corner, through the crease, and a little under the eye.
The eyeshadows in this palette are quite pigmented but at times a little chalky. But they last really well... though I do always use an eye primer... just very cautious like that :D

Face-

Shimmer Kiss, Bronzed and Pink Sparkle

I took Shimmer Kiss the highlight shade on the brow bone and across the top of the cheekbone- not as pigmented or creamy as what most people would like in a highlighter, and it has quite a chunky shimmer to it. Bronzed is the most impressive part of the WHOLE palette! I used it to contour in the hollow of the cheeks and along the hairline and jaw. I won't lie, it is a pretty scary powder when you first pick it up on your brush as it's super pigmented, so use it sparsely... like very much so. But it's just so darn good!! It's really matte too which is always desirable in a bronzer you're using to contour. I've been so impressed by it (once I worked out how best to use it) that I'm highly considering trying to find a similar full size product in the MUA range. It lasts all day too and blends very well...
I took Pink Sparkle on the apples of my cheeks- it's very kinda natural flushed blusher colour, and not all that pigmented. But works well for an everyday light look, good for spring.

Lips-

Waited so long to get this product! And it was well worth the wait. Superdrug website describes it as- Green goes pink. A waterproof formula with added Aloe Vera stays on for up to 8 hours. Depending on the alkali level of your lips, determines just how pale or rich the colour will go. And this is the colour it turns mine :D Love it!!! Feels nourishing and stains your lips all day. What I love most though is that it's MAGICAL!! Dave's never been so fascinated with a lip stick :D Plus Barry M Lip Paints just have such gorgeous packaging- makes it feel so much more luxurious and pricey.

I got this light reflective gloss free in Glamour magazine last week (worth £12 and still available) and I wasn't sure of it because it's a bit too sheer on my lip by itself. But it's gorgeous strawberry scent (tis AMAZING!!) and awesome mirror incorporated packaging (all lip products need to take note!) made me try it again. And on top of the Barry M lip paint it's awesome- makes the lips look so shiny and juicy! The shine is incredible, and the formulation isn't too sticky or tacky as far as lip glosses go. Your hair will still stick somewhat when the wind blows, but the gloss lasts well and feels super nourishing too! Defo worth the £2 for the magazine :D everyone loves a freebie.... Could sniff it ALL DAY!

Just an overall natural Springish look, with a pop of no-fuss colour on the lips :D
What do you think of these kinda posts?
BBxx