Weekend Antics #1

Finally got round to writing this. So I don't normally get up too much these days (Money being the main problem) But now and again I do get up to some fun and games, which I would love to share with the guys,

Friday Night;

After a mad dash from my office to the station as to get the early train and get in home in time to get ready (Thank you bro for picking me up from station and giving me an extra half hour ) I actually did manage to get ready by 7:30 with a few minutes to spare. I hate rushing when I have to get ready for a night out, but when it comes to Friday nights I always have. Working in London just doesn't give you enough time to play with and I always get those mild butterflies of panic that my train will be delayed, or my hair wont work, or my dress doesn't fit... you can't have these dramas when your rushing.

Anyway I digress, So Blokey and Vince pick me up and we head off to out local Marriott for a friends birthday, which we are having at their regular The Comedy Club nights. Ok it was a cheap as chips (Literally !) night. Two comedians, introduced by a rather dashing compare... who I will introduce to you in a short while. Drinks were flowing, food was eaten and fun was had by all. I really enjoyed it actually as something abit different and was actually a lot more penny friendly than our local comedy clubs. Also comedians were very hilarious bringing out the regular 'I'm a man and how different we are to women' jokes. But my real excitement came from the compare do you recognise him....

Me and  James Redmond (Warning for your eyes I don't always look this bad :( )

Ok I have always been a proper Hollyoaks nut... and even more than that Casualty. Built into my physic from family nights round my Nan's from when I was wee nipper.. I can't even miss an episode of Casualty now (God Bless Catch up TV). I will say however faintly felt my age as no-one else in the group really remembered him... (And yes you may be thinking Blokey is my Toy Boy. lol. )

Saturday Night: 

Classy!!

Ok not too much going-on on this night but trotted down to my mates house for a traditional girls night in. Yes this involved playing along to Take Me Out (Hilariously good fun, especially with added Vino and really makes you see what weird taste your friends have) and the ritual of ordering Take Away,. 

*Mini Rant Alert* Ok we did order from Pizza Hut, and yes they are one of the more quality delivering pizzerias but am I alone in thinking that for what you are actually paying for (Frozen Food heated up on mass) it is rather expensive. Any way we did order a wide selection and would of paid quite a lot if it wasn't for the 50% off over spends of £30 coupon (We actually spent near to £60 whoops) so managed to get it all for a £5 each. Definitely worth it for big groups and girly nights  in..... But it turned up cold!! Not happy But hey ho... Everything seems  better with Vino (Not condoning alcoholism or binge drinking in anyway. Please drink responsibly) *Mini Rant Over*

The night ended at roughly 1:30 when I had to get my brother to pick me up, when the night ended in teddy bear roll madness... No more details allowed I'm afraid. 

Sunday Night. 

Reserved for couples and that back-to-school gloom feeling we all get when we realise the weekend is over and we must return to the monotony of the working week. I used to hate this day which would normally draw me into to suicidal thoughts and binge eating while I make sure I have enough clean pants for the week ahead... however now that I have recently entered into officialdom of coupleness with Blokey this has been replaced with relaxed together time, shopping trips, cinema outings and adventures into eating out. 

This week we settled for a night-in in front of the box with a film and some fizzy pop. Film rented from Work friend and refreshments provided by Blokey we snuggled down to watch Drive. I have been plagues by friends and colleagues alike to watch this for ages and many a time had to listen to people going on about the amazing soundtrack so I finally got to see what all the hype was about...And.. 

I wasn't that fussed about it to be honest. Maybe it was the hype or maybe it was Blokey's continual diatribe and commentary of the action and general unhappiness that he didn't see them getting it on... But I didn't think it was as big as I thought. Ok the plot and storyline was good and it had enough twists and turns and mindless violence to keep us both happy to a degree, but I felt I had seen this type of film before. Or maybe it was just the way it had been filmed with many moments where the Director had obviously thought how do I make this as art-house or creative as possible. 

Please don't let me put you off of this film, It is worth a watch and I am sure it was even better while being watched on the big screen... But I don't see myself watching this one again in a hurry. 

Ok... So that's what I got up to... Told ya it wasn't much.. Also don't expect this every week as if I did I would probably bore you to tears. Hope you liked it all the same. 

Later Peeps.!!

Freebie Haul #1

Ok so this is where I will be letting you guys know what freebies I get through the post each week... sometimes its not much but most other weeks I get a hell of a lot. This isn't bragging (I don't think so anyway) as you can all get most of these yourselves.  If you want to know how, I generally trawl most make-up and beauty for their samples... But I also use a lovely site called....

www.magicfreebiesuk.co.uk

Check it out as they put up around 8 new freebie offers a day... Really useful if like me you love recieving these through the post. Like little presents. Definitialy cheers me up throughout the week.

This week I got (Quite alot);

1. Mystery Skincare sample.... Face Wash and Face Mask.

I blogged about this earlier in the week so go an check this out for more information. The secret is due to be revealed on the 1st March, so check back when I hopefully can let you know.

2. Hugo Boss Fragrance swatch - Boss Orange

This wasnt a huge sample just a little swab really. Would of liked much more to get a full scent.However a lovely fruity but strong smell which I would probably purchase a larger version when I get some extra cash (Or its on offer ;p )

3. Touche Eclait.

Very small sample which was out of a magazine (Vogue UK March issue, which I don't know why I paid £4.10 to flick through 5,000 pages of adverts, but it will be a good door stop with the weight of it). Not tried this yet but I have always wanted to get some of this as its been THE product for a while now... we shall see. Also the page it came on had a lovely direction guide on the best way to apply which is always nice..

4. Lil-Lets

Well what can I say, I'm a woman and these will always come in handy. Lil-lets are going through a re-brand which personally I think they should of gone through years before this. However the samples came delvered in a lovely light blue box with white polka dots. Three samples for a range of flows... very handy in deed. Will be going in my bag for those unavoidable emergencies.

5. Yorkshire Tea- Tea Bags

My Friends will know this but I don't drink tea anymore, because I discovered I am lactose intolerant. I use this term loosely as I still eat ice cream and cheese (I can't not they are just so yummy) But with the amount of hot drinks I was drink through out the day I was finding myself feeling really sick, bloated and lathergic to the end of the day... so have swapped to black coffee instead. However will be putting these in the cupboards for guests or for a those mornings when Blokey is hungover. Handy indeed.

6. Sensodyne Rapid Relief :  This may make some people laugh as it has caused a few snickers among my team at work. I haven't had to buy toothpaste in the last 6 months or so. No! Not because I'm not brushing my teeth but that there has just been so many samples out there recently I am totally stocked up. Not tried this either yet but I will let you know what its like if you are interested.

7 Bepanthem : Well this was a bit cheeky (no pun intended) but I won't be using this but will be passing it on for Baby Leppy.(More about him later) Ever since I found out that my BFF Leppy (It's just a nickname don't worry) was expecting a little bambino I have been applying for samples in the mother and baby area as well. Amassed a few goodie packs, discount vouchers and such and the like and will add this to the pile when I go and meet the little sausage..

8. Garnier BB Cream

I have had a sample for this before and have used it previously but like many others I think I'm not really sure what you are supposed to use this for. It describes itself as an all in one cream with coverage properties. The first time I used it, I appllied it on its own as I was running late for work and couldn't do a full face. It did look good in the morning and I had a dewy glow most of the day, although by the time I got home it did look patchy and like it had come off. I was obvioulsy having a good skin day as the next time I used it was when I was smacked down with a really bad bout of woman flu. It was the type of cold where you really cant be arsed to put makeup on so I did use it on its own again... however I just looked horrible. However since trying it on its own I saw a PR piece for it that says you can use it as a moisturiser and primer underneath your make-up. I will be giving this a go for a while as I am on the hunt for something new in this stage of my routine. Will let you know what happens.

9. Escada Perfume swatch

Not had a whiff of this yet but will probably use this during the week and see what I think. Once again the same thing as the Hugo Boss with a cotton swab soaked in the scent in a little foil pocket stuck onto a branded  postcard. Keep you posted.

Ok, So this was last weeks samples and goodies I recieved. If you want any more details on these let me know. Otherwise keep posted for next weeks.

Glossy Box: February, Fashion Week Edition

The wait is finally over for me and postie has delivered..... My February Glossy Box

http://www.glossybox.co.uk/

This will be my third one now, and I still enjoy receiving the little surprise every month. The concept is to sign up to a monthly scheme and be sent 5 high end sample to try out and review, and ultimately purchase the full size version. I love this type of service as, as you will all know I love receiving samples... Ok, these ones aren't technically free but worth it all the same. 

So here goes with my review of this months offerings....

February Glossy Box:

Unlike the last two boxes I got this has reverted back to their normal dusty pink  box ... and I likey. I've already found a use for the last two too store all my samples/trial size products and organise them into some resemblance of order... I also may even get to use everything I have now it is in front of me. This box is destined for my make-up samples which surprisingly (even to me) I actually have quite a lot. 

Anyway I digress;Here are the boring stats on what I got

1. DuWop: Venom Gloss in shade Buttercup

 Full Size £16/10.4ml - Sample Size 5ml/ £8

Combining subtle tinted lip gloss with DuWop's Lip Venom to create Venom Gloss

2. Impress: Press on Manicure in shade First Date

Full Size £17.40 - Full Size sample

Impress by Broadway Nails is the revolutionary way to apply polish! Simply peel off, press on and done!

 

3. Awapuhi by Paul Mitchell: Wild Ginger treatment oil

 Full Size £25.95/100 ml  - Sample Size £6.49/25ml

Smooth and seal parched hair with natural oils and the hydrating Awapuhi extract. Absorbs easily to imparting a soft, silky texture and rich shine effect

4. BM Beauty: Pure Mineral Eyeshadow in Dusty Road

Full Size £7.00/2g - Sample Size £3.50/1g

 Award winning pure mineral eyeshadow. Cruelty free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

5. Como Shambhala: Invigorate Shower Gel

Full Size £20.00/300ml - Sample Size £3.33/50ml

A revitalising blend of essential oils that puts you in a perfect uplifted mood. 

Box Value: £38.72

Box Price: £12.95 incl Postage and Packing

Ok so that's what that they said I'm going to delve into what I really think below. But first just to clarify I have I included all of this information, specifically the price of the samples as it has become quite a hot topic on many blogs/forums/comments I have seen as there is a bit of a discrepancy with some boxes. Ok it is definitely worth considering that we all want value for money and this was probably one of the reasons we were all lured to the service, when they promised access to high -end products. Although I can't complain about the overall value of my box this month I will have to say it is never a real concern for me. I wouldn't natural pick these up in a shop (as I am still a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to new things) and as long as I can actually physically try the products (one point to note I am glad I didn't get the Paul Mitchell curly hair styling spray most people got, as my hair couldn't curl even if it was shocked into it) then I'm happy. Not everything will be ideal for me....so I will just have to share the joy with my fantastic friends.

So on first impressions what do I think about the products?

1. Apparently this is half the size of normal lip gloss.. but I think its the perfect size. The colour is lovely and really what I would pick up when browsing the aisles. I am really excited about the Venom part as well, as I have the smallest lips (well top lip anyway) in the world and anything that can help give me a bit of oomph is amazing in my book. It smells and tastes amazing which is always a bonus. It wasn't gloopy and the colour didn't streak, providing a lovely glossy even coverage. About 5 seconds after application I got a tingling almost menthol type experience which was nice and not uncomfortable at all. And yes my lips looked noticeably pumped. So yes I wouldn't definitely get this in full size... If you enter GlossyVG12 you can get 20% discount on all full size Venom Glosses up until 31st March 2012. Worth a shot with this one!

2. Ok press on nails... hmm. I know a lot of people have moaned about these but I do occasionally use press ons. I say occasionally as I have quite good nails that grow really fast (not bragging, honest!) so prefer to go for that sort of look. But they are good as a quick fix for when I have had to hack them back. The only criticism I have with these is they are a plain taupe purply colour... and I don't particularly like it. When going for falsies I always pick something with a pattern as I could never do that on my real nails. Also I'm a bit disappointed as I know some people got some lush leopard print ones (v.jell). Not jumping at the bit for these but will put them in my office draw for emergency nail dramas. 

3. Hair oil, omg thank you. I have been avidly reading quite a lot of blogs recently and as we come out of the winter season it is evident that everyone else's hair is as trashed as mine. (I actually desperately need a trim but I'm scared to lose any length off of my locks) So everyone seems to be turning to hair oils as their saviour so was desperate to try this. Lovely packaging and as I've used Paul Mitchell products before I'm really excited to see the effects. It has lovely slight scent of ginger and the consistency is just thicker than my baby oil. It also rubbed through to the same soft sleek effect of my primer gel..... so I can't wait to use this tonight before my girls night in (More details in my weekend activity post) I know hair oils can be expensive so I will see how good this really is, buy I'm really not sure I will pay the £26 price tag for the full version

4. Ok its an eye shadow... I am on the look out for a new shade though as I have started adding this to my daily make-up routine. Not enthused about a loose powder as I can be really cack handed when I want to be... and this will not look good on my bedroom carpet. It is a lovely rose gold colour which I am looking to use as I am trying out quite a few natural shades at the moment. I think I will reserve this for evening make- up and will try this out tonight when I get ready. Keep you posted. 

5. Yes it is another shower gel... I have to be perfectly honest I am not fussed about this at all and totally agree with some of the moans and groans on Glossy's product choices. I have a whole glossy box and more filled with just miniature shower gels! Unless Blokey grows a romantic bone soon and starts taking me on trips away... not going to get through all of these anytime soon. However .... It does smell lovely, with a quite strong peppermint with a twinge of lavender (glad about this as its not my fav smell). ehh i may try this.... or I might just add it back into the box of min-break dreams. 

All in all quite happy..... If after testing these further I have anything more extraordinary to say (So if I love it or hate it) I will post a separate blog about each. 

Oh but wait... what was that another hyped marketing campaign??After the furore over the much hyped and disappointing Valentine's edition (a different colour box and sweet??) they have decided to do another one with the Mystery Box!! They have set up a site in which they will be releasing letters which will spell out a clue.... Well I got an 'I'... but I don't think I'm going to be able to check back everyday... so if someone could let me in on this that would be amazing!! A lot of hints on a wedding theme to go with their contra with National Wedding Show... interesting.

http://www.glossybox.co.uk/mysterybox/

All right peeps, Laters!

Sweet or Savoury...

So I managed to avoid the fracass that was Valentine's day last week and moving onto the end of February we reach one of THE holidays of the year.... Pancake day!!!

I have no idea where this has come from or the real reason behind this day... but who really cares when batter is involved. My brother and I have fond memories of sitting at the dinner table while our mother slaved over the stove reeling out batch after batch of pancakes (thin ones of course because we are british). Attempted this a few years later with my Aunt but she was having none of it, lol. Still this day she shares in nightmares about the ordeal. lol.

However it is always a point of conversation of "What do you put on yours?".

Well my topping of choice is abit away from the norm, as I plaster mine with tomato sauce... Yes! I know this is not normal but it tastes so good.

So do you go THIN or THICK

SWEET or SAVOURY...

Below are some of the toppings I have managed to grab from friends and colleagues but please let me know what your favourite.

Lemon and Sugar (Standard)

Tomato Sauce 

Orange Squash

Nutellla

Chocolate and Banana

Prawn and Salmon

Jam

BBQ Sauce

White Chocolate

Syrup

Cheese, Chicken, Bacon and Mayo (Proper Fatty!! lol)

Lemon, Sugar and Raisins. 
Chopped up Mars bar 

Oh why so mysterious???

The big skincare mystery ... or so they say. 

So I am a complete sucker when it comes to a free sample (as you will realise) and I actively seek them out. There's nothing like receiving goods and items through the post to counteract the bills and direct mail you receive; especially when it's free. 

So recently I ordered a sample from a company's site on Facebook which is titles 'Skincare Revolution'. They have up till now kept the name and brand of the product secret but have publicised a reveal for the 1st of March (so not long now). 

What I got was a sachet of cream which as the directions state can either be used as a daily wash or applied as a mask to be used three times a week. I have previously used the Neutrogena version of this type of multi-purpose product, so I am already sold on the concept. So let's give it a go...

Scissors at the ready!!!

First I tried it as the face wash. It is a pretty and very pale mint green colour and I'm not overly sold on the smell of this, but I can't put my finger on why. It is also fairly thick which is obviously due to the mask element of it. On first impressions it was refreshing, foamed satisfactorily but not too much and left my skin fairly soft/smooth with no residue. TBH as skin washes go this wasn't anything spectacular. However I always believe with skincare I would need to trial this for longer than this one sachet will allow to see its affects. 

I did attempt to trial it as a mask as well but had only a smidgen left in the packet. Because of this it did go on quite thin. Also very weirdly the directions ask you to apply the product onto a wet face... never been asked this before but maybe this has been a mistake on my part. Once it started to dry it had a slight tingle which is always good to make you believe product is working, but it didn't dry as taut as many others I have used. 

However their campaign is obviously working... I myself am intrigued in part to see which brand this is and ultimately the price. Anything more than your usual high street price and I definitely won't be buying this. 

But let's see....

Secret revealed on 01/03/2012 and you can find out more info (and maybe also pick up your own sample ) at www.facebook.com/skincarerevolution  and they also have a competition where you could bag yourself some Topshop Vouchers!! win win.

And so it begins....

So here goes...

Please don't expect any dramatic prose or Noble Prize winning literature (or even Red Top fare for that matter) as I am not a journalist of any sorts. I barley managed to make my uni essays legible but I thought this would be the natural evolution of my online activity. 

I've been known to have the odd dalliance with witty banter and even the occasional rant on my Twitter feed so I thought I'd turn these into more lengthy examples of my verbal diarrhoea. So this is my disclaimer to set out the reasons for doing this and a little hint for you on what you can expect. Apologies in advance for any offence caused

My posts will be quite varied at this stage as I'm unsure of what I am going to be best writing on but I will have a smattering of topics from; 

• General goings on in my Life and the escapades that I get up to. 
• Beauty product reviews, but more specifically the (free) samples that I hunt down to try
• Random Rants : These will either be about my current pet peeve or based on a current event

I have often been praised for my frankness by my girlfriends and colleagues in relation to their dilemmas and life's woes but I can verge on fairly scathing sometimes so please bare with me. I'm also hoping to tackle a few difficult topics so please don't expect in any way a typical girly girl response to some things (this I am not), and of course because some topics need a level of in depth analysis of even its scary bits. Lets break a few taboos!!!

I also may mention my friends and the dear people in my life from time to time, however depending on the severity of the story (even if it is pant wettingly hilarious!!), I may change their names as to protect their dignity. lol. Let's hope I get a few of these into the mix. lol. 

You may also hear now and again but a mysterious and all together strange character called "Blokey", and the trials and tribulations that his existence may cause me after our recent furore into being "official". I will try and keep these brief as even I get bored of the triviality of my boyfriend ramblings. 

- So this is my manifesto so to speak - 

Please feel free to share, comment or even start a debate (civilised version of an argument). Happy to receive feedback and suggestions. 

Happy Reading!!!