My makeup storage

I love these types of posts - and I've never done one before, so thought I will give you a little peek into some of my makeup storage. If you have read one of my earlier posts you would have seen how I swapped my muji drawers from storing makeup to jewellery. I was really beginning to think it was look really ugly and I love how it looks now - as well as I can see all my pretty jewellery on display.
This meant I could hide away my makeup. I have the smaller draw set of this from Ikea. They do a cheaper metal one - but I already have one for my office so wanted something wooden.
It's the perfect size as the draws change depth meaning some of my products can stand up.
It's took me three times to get down to this makeup collection and  I still have two makeup bags full of all my cult products which I use daily. I might get them all packed in here this afternoon.
I also went a bit wild with throwing my nail polish away. I'm now left with colours I like and no duplicates in different brands. I love the Ikea trays you can get in their bathroom section. By having them in a tray I can simply lift it out when I am painting my nails, so I can see all the colours.

I really want to have a minimum makeup collection with only products that I love - instead of what I had before was multiple products of the same thing some un-used, some used once. They were just cluttering my space.

I'm going to look for a print to put in the frame at the top. The thing with these drawers are that they don't fit next to any of my other furniture in my bedroom. At the moment I have them next to my dressing table - just for ease. But, I think they will be going into my spare room which I am making into a sort of closet next month.

Has anyone else done a post on their makeup storage? - would love to see.

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Share: My recent blog designs

I've loved designing some bloggers layouts these last couple of weeks. So, I thought I would show you a couple I've done and a little about their blog. As I'm sure you are like me and love discovering bloggers you might not have come across previously.

Ana at We all think differently

I thought about using some kind of thought bubble in the header to go along with the title of Ana's blog. I then developed it into a cloud and added the colour scheme she wanted which was pastel. I love how it turned out. Ana is currently taking part in a spending ban (i wish I had the will power to do). I love reading her updates of how she is getting on and she has really clear photos which I always love on a blog. As well as having an amazing blog - she is the most sweetest girl ever!

Lauren at Little red

I loved working with Lauren from 'Little red'. She pretty much knew what she wanted and we exchanged emails un till it was perfect. She liked my own blog design where my header is very understated and the 'read more' and 'latest posts sliders' were added. Her theme was purple, but we added some greys in to break it up. Before Lauren contacted me - I hadn't come across her blog before. But I'm so glad she did as I've been able to go through all her posts. My favourite of hers are the outfit posts.

Lisa at Lissah-Jayne

Lisa was happy with her current header so I built around it and added a colour scheme to match.  With a little re-postioning of the header and added a texture to the background I was able to make her blog look more uniformed. She also wanted the 'read more' and 'recent posts slider' installed into the coding. I think this helped to make her photos really stand out.
Lisa's blog has tons of beauty posts and I've loved going through and mentally listing everything I need to get! Definitely worth a read.


Alisha at Unleeshd

Alisha sent me a few links of what she was after in her design. She wanted something sleek but also the header to be bright and stand out against everything else. We exchanged emails un till we got the perfect shade of purple. I took out a lot of things which weren't needed around the posts to give it a really clean look.
She makes me extremely jealous of her hair and she looks just like a Kardashian! I love all of her beauty reviews - and I can't wait for her next post.

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Review: Mac lipstick in 'Russian red'

I featured this lipstick in my wishlist last week as I have been wanting it for a while. I down own a matte lipstick from Mac, and have been really surprised with the texture. I usually can't wear a matte lipstick without my lips dehydrating - but the formulae is really creamy. As you can expect with pretty much any Mac lipstick it is really pigmented and lasts ages on my lips. I originally swatched it on my hand at the counter and it took a lot of scrubbing to remove it. I always dread with a red lipstick that it would smudge around my face. I used a lip liner before applying and I know there is no chance of that happening.
This lipstick is going to be a favourite over my other nude shades. Especially when I want something a little more daring.

Has anyone else got this shade - or been going for brighter lips recently?
It really helps to a simple outfit less boring.

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Review: Fashionista Brow kit

Fashionista Brow kit £5 - here

In my early teens, I had a fascination with eyebrows. I had pretty thick brows and although it wasn't monobrow territory - I still hated them. I changed them dramatically over night with a pair of tweezers. I actually managed to pluck half my eyebrows off so had to fill them in. You can imagine. It was probably the worst thing I could have done as now I don't have the best eyebrow shape.
For the last few years I have filled them in to make them look fuller. I would say they are pretty 'ok' now, from what they use to be. I can go out without filling them in - not like before.
I started using a Eyebrow pencil, a Rimmel one. But I never found the right shade and it always looked obvious.I have quite dark hair but I have a lot of light brown and ginger running through it naturally. My eyebrows also have a difference in colour. The arch is darker then the rest of my eyebrows.
After using the Eyebrow pencil for a couple of years I moved on to a eyeshadow. I was actually surprised how easily it stayed on throughout the day.
For the last year, I have been using the Sleek Eyebrow palette. It comes with a brown wax and shadow but it still didn't match my brows perfectly.
I saw Gemma's post from Miss Makeup Magpie about the Fashionista eyebrow palette and thought I would try it for myself. With 3 shades and a wax in the palette - it looks very similar to the HD Brows Kit. You are able to mix the colours to create the best shade for you. I like how you can start with the lighter colour and build it up gradually till you get it just right.
It comes with some mini tweezers and a plastic angled brush, but I will probably throw these out. You could probably get away with using the powders as eyeshadows as well and for just £7 it's a real bargain.

Has anyone else tried this? I love finding a product which works amazing from the drugstore and is also a bargain for what you get.

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New in: Accessories - H&M, Primark, Topshop Mac

Bag - H&M

All primark

Necklace - H&M, Bracelet - H&M, Bracelet - Orelia at Topshop

Shoes - Primark, Brow kit - Fashionista at Superdrug

lipstick in Russian Red - Mac

I'm in love with the jewellery I purchased, especially the necklace from H&M. The bag was reduced to £5 and I wanted it when it was full price. So, it was a good enough reason to get it. It might be a little pink but I like it.
I managed to find some velvet slipper like shoes from Primark. These have printed skulls on them. They also had moustache ones.
I'll be putting up a review on the lipstick and brow kit.
I'm really loving red lips - finally!

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New in: Clothing - Primark, Topshop H&M River Island

Jumper, cross top, lace collar top - all Primark

Lace top - Topshop

Dress - River island

Printed trousers left - H&M right - Zara

both tops - H&M

Here's a few things I got yesterday. I managed my shopping trip in a record time of 2 hours, as I went with my boyfriend. Normally he will sulk all the way round and I don't get anything or see anything I like - but I managed to just grab what I wanted and go!
Primark have some really nice stuff in. There is always a phase with Primark. At the moment they are really on trend and have some really pretty jewellery in as well (which I will show tomorrow).
I love the collar on the last Primark top. It was only £12, although I think I am going to have to exchange it for a couple of sizes smaller. I've recently lost over a stone since being ill and problems with my old job, so I've managed to go down a dress size. Not thinking, I got a size up to my usual (like I normally do to be safe with Primark) and it is massive on me. Can't complain though - hopefully loosing some weight can kick start me to getting fit and healthy.
The dress from River island was just too nice not to get. Again, not sure if I should have got this in a size below, but it is really flattering on.
The trousers are my favourite. Although I prefer the H&M ones on the hanger. But I'm going to keep them for spring/summer when they may fit me better.
The monochrome top from H&M is something I don't usually go for. It was only £7.99 and is so soft. I can see it paired with some basic jeans and boots.
I may do an outfit post tomorrow - that's if my outfit is worth taking photos of.

I will show what accessories I purchased tomorrow. Got some really pretty pieces.

Anyone got anything nice from the new season on the high street? I'm glad to see the end of the sales.

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January wishlist

I'm off shopping this week, probably to Meadow Hall so I've been having a good old look online at my favourite shops. I now have a list as long as my arm of things I want to get so I thought I would narrow down some of the items to show.

Topshop floral lace crop top here

I love lace and I love 3/4 sleeved tops due to the face I hate my arms. So this seems to be pretty much the perfect top. It is also cropped which means I can wear it with a skater skirt if it is long enough.

Topshop lace print tee here

Again.. I can't get enough of lace. I really want some laid back t-shirts which are easy to wear.

'In Vogue we trust' t-shirt here

I originally saw this on one of VIPXO's ebay posts and bookmarked it straight away.

River island wrap top here

I couldn't tell you the last time I purchased something from River Island. I kind of went off the store when they over printed their brand on the handbags. But, recently I've been able to find loads of lovely pieces there - including this top. They do it in navy too.

Mac lipstick in Russian red here

I've wanted a good bold red lipstick for a while now. But I've never really been brave enough to wear anything darker or brighter than a nude. I brought a red lipstick the other day (which I will post in the week) and now want to try more reds.

H&M Necklace here

I've always loved H&M's jewellery range - so hopefully I can find this when I go shopping.

River island rose gold wrap watch here

I really need a new watch - not that I hardly ever look at the time. But, my wrist just feels strange without one even with multiple stacks of bracelets. My chunky rose gold watch from ASOS has well and truly died. It seems to work when the back in on but without it's dead. After buying my boyfriend a Michael Kors watch last year I have had my heart set on one. But, with recently going completely self-employed I need to manage my money well before an impulse buy.

Zara slippers here

Zara put these in their sale, when I should have bought them straight away. But, I didn't. I actually want any of the Zara slippers they have. Although, I've seen some lovely ones which people have been buying from Primark. So I will have a look there first.

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Review: Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder

Maybelline Fit Me Powder £5.99 - here

I've been trying a few new pressed powders recently. I normally don't stray from MAC's Mineralize skin finish natural but I often run out of it at times where I am not near a counter or store.
I wanted to try something from Maybellines new range called 'Fit'. It includes no oils or waxes and it formulated to make your skin look natural.
Firstly, I don't use a lot of face powder. I have dry skin but I often find that I need some extra staying power on my liquid foundation. I usually dust it over the centre of my face and set any concealer I have applied.
The first thing I noticed about this powder was how light it was but still had a good coverage. The texture is soft and velvety and lasted on my skin all day.
I have the powder in the lightest shade and it matches me perfectly. I sometimes struggle to find a powder which does.
Overall, I really love this powder. It comes with a sponge applicator but I don't tend to use it. It looks pretty in the packaging though. There is a mirror in the lid which helps when you are on the go and considering the packaging if plastic it is quite sturdy.
It retails for £5.99 but Maybelline have an offer on in Boots at the moment where you buy one product and get the second half price.
It's been a while since I've purchased a product from Maybelline. Is there anything you have from them you like?

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Video: About Me tag

This is a bit scary posting a video - but I have promised myself to try new things. I am aware that I say 'like' and 'erm' a lot but I talk like that normally. Let me know what you think. Maybe if I film another I might not be so awkward?
If anyone else has just started Youtube out, please leave me a link to your channel. I would love to subscribe.

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A walk in the snow

Today it snowed through the night and again through the morning and afternoon. This added on top of the coating we had on Sunday meant I was able to take my dogs on a walk through the woods. This is one of the few reasons I like living in the countryside. The fields and trees look so pretty covered in white. It's Daves first time in the snow and as you can imagine he went a little crazy. Toby was much more relaxed and more bothered on creating icicles on his fur. We had to rescue him with a hairdryer once we got back. He is definitely over due a hair cut and I think I'm going to let him go short for the summer. Think it will have to be a bath for both of them tonight although they are both flat out at my feet.

Did you have a lot of snow where you lived today? I'd be happy for it to go - as I hate walking through it, as I think I will slip over every step I take. I kinda have to walk like a penguin.

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Bathroom inspiration and before photos

L to R - H&M ruffle shower curtain here, H&M Vase here, H&M bottle vase here, IKEA Shelving cabinet here, IKEA Mirror cabinet here, H&M Bath towels here, Zara bathroom set here, H&M textile baskets here, H&M Linen textile bag here, IKEA wash stand here, Homebase Bath tap here, Crown paint in Pashmina here

I have the most awful bathroom at the moment. It has half tiled floor, off yellow paint and blue border tiles. We moved in nearly two years ago and for some reason the upstairs bathroom has been the last to decorate. I've decided now that it needs doing ASAP - luckily my boyfriend agrees. He also use to be a builder so that is a major plus as I can easily get my tiles fitted and furniture installed. I just need to disconnect him from the football and PS3!

As you can see my bathroom is awful. It has no storage and no theme. I have to keep my skincare, haircare and any other body products in my wardrobe - which can be a pain when I need anything, as I am going back and forth. Luckily there is a lot of affordable bathroom furniture in IKEA. I've created a little inspiration wall of things and paint  I would like. The colour is from Crown and is in the shade 'Pashmina', but I don't think they do it in their kitchen/bathroom range. I want the walls to be a shade of pink with everything else white to give it a clean look. I really like the look of this. So I'm going to do my best at re-creating it. I love the ruffle shower curtain from H&M. They have some lovely storage baskets too which would go perfectly with the shelving unit from IKEA to store products.

I would love to have one of the vintage inspired taps, but they can be quite pricey so I'm going to have a shop around.

Hopefully if all goes to plan I will be able to show you the 'after' photo in the next couple of weeks.

Let me know if you like these kind of posts. I'm thinking of doing one for transforming my spare room into a wardrobe.

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Review - Topshop lipstick in 'Innocent'

Topshop lipstick in 'Innocent' £8 - here

Excuse the quality of images today - who is ready for summer? I'm all for the natural light. I had to resort in setting up a couple of lights.
This is my first lipstick form Topshop. I have one of their lip crayons and loved it - although it was a little drying. I purchased this lipstick while having a wonder round Topshop. I had been wanting the lipstick shade in 'Pillow talk', but could never find one in stock in a store near me. On the lips innocent is a blue toned mid pink. It reminds me of Mac's creme cup but deeper. Mainly because of it's blue tones. It's really pigmented and stays put on the lips for a decent time even though it is quite glossy. I really want to try some more shades for Topshop's lipstick range now. This one has fast become my favourite.
I'm actually wearing it in this post.

If anyone has any reviews of other shades - please leave them in the comments. I'm going to build a list of shades to swatch for next time I go shopping!

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Lots of changes

My new blog layout is fully installed - hope you like it! The changes I have made are including categories (on the left), so you can easily find content. I just need to go through my posts adding them.  I've also added a features section at the top and added summary posts - so just click read more to see the full post if you wish. Hopefully this will make my page look neater and easier to manage. I have set my images a little smaller in the hope that it will load my blog quicker?! I don't have the best Internet connection at my house, and I often notice my images slowly coming up. At my parents there is no problem. I might change my mind and extend the width. We'll see how it goes. It doesn't effect any quality.

I've got plenty more content to add to the pages at the top right of my blog including a blogroll. I have been meaning to do this for some time now. So I will have a sit down later and try and generate a list.

Hopefully, now my posts can be much more organised and there will be loads more frequent posts.

I've also had a bit of change in my career due to being made redundant from my office job. I still have the shop - but I can't receive an income as we are building the business up. (I'm actually going to post an update on the shop and take some photos). This past week I have been taking on freelance work and have loved it all. But, we'll see - fingers crossed!

I would love to hear your feedback...

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Blog changes

My blog is having a little change over the weekend which I have been wanting to do for a while now. As I aim my blog as Beauty, fashion lifestyle and a little decor I wanted to be able to organise it a little better. I also have a video which is currently being uploaded to Youtube. I'm hoping the quality is decent - otherwise I will probably delete and re-do. It looks all fine so far.
Hopefully you will like the changes. I'm currently finishing the template in between finishing some blog designs for people. So hopefully, if I get the blog designs done in the next couple of hours my new layout will be up to see.

Today has been the first day where I am feeling a little better from tonsilitous - which I have had now for 2 weeks. My voice is back to normal, but I have the worst pains and still struggling to eat. Hopefully it will get better ready for the weekend.

I've got loads of stuff done this week considering time has flown by. I'm having a bit of a career move (finally) as I'm being made redundant from my office 9-5 job. Hopefully now I can either get a job full time in the industry I want or really start the freelance going.

Hope everyones week has been amazing - happy friday!

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Review: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

I finally brought the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I really don't know what has took me so long. With so many amazing reviews on the product I really wanted to try it myself.  This is also my first Liz Earle product. I love the clean like packaging. I decided to get the starter kit which included a few Muslin cloths (I now have hundreds) and a 100ml bottle. I use it exactly how it states to on the bottle, and it is pretty amazing. The texture is so creamy it basically feels like your putting on a thick moisturiser. It is safe on the eyes - which I did hesitate at first, but it didn't make my eyes sting one bit. After polishing off the cream, you are left which what I can only describe as baby soft skin.
I've used it a few times while in the bath and letting it soak into my skin before using the muslin cloth to take it off. The scent is
I'm so glad I finally purchased it - as I know it is going to be a permanent in my skincare routine. If anyone hasn't yet tried it out, do! I have sensitive/dry skin and luckily it didn't break me out. I thought the Cocoa butter would - but it hasn't.

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Giveaway: 500 GFC Followers

I've just reached 500 GFC Followers this week, so I thought I would do a Giveaway as a little thank you. I was a little un-sure on what to give away as prizes and I was going to give away some Beauty products, but couldn't seem to decide what to get . As I blog about Beauty, fashion and homeware. I decided to give away a few homeware items which I also have myself. The earring holder is my favourite.

 Giveaway ends on Midnight 14th January (GMT) 
- Open internationally 

- You need to enter through the Rafflecopter form below

- I will announce the winner on 15th January via my blog and my twitter
- I will email the winner and if they don't respond within 5 days I will re-select another
- Winner is chosen using Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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