Topshop Wishlist

After browsing through all the gorgeous topshop clothing in Outfit on Boxing Day, when i tackled the sales (little tip for next year: pop to the sales just before the shops shut - you don't have to wade through the swarms of people all grabbing at the same size 10 burgundy jumper and there's still lots of fab things left) I took a peek at the new clothing on my faithful topshop app. Topshop seems to be getting better and better and at the moment, it's rare I find a piece that isn't to my taste! They have so many stunning new pieces, I can see my Christmas money leaving my purse very soon.

Today, I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite new topshop pieces.

1 ~ Textured Seam Tunic
2 ~ MONTH Chelsea Boots
3 ~ Ok, these aren't from Topshop but they're too cute for me to not include! They're by Marc Jacobs.
4 ~ Knitted Rib Curve Hem Crop Jumper
5 ~ Nude Neat Shirt by Boutique

Which Topshop pieces do you have your eye on at the moment?

Lots of Love

Chloe xxx

P.S the photo is playing up and refusing to get any smaller so I apologise for the huge photo!


Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!
As I write this you're probably all tucking into your christmas dinner, admiring your presents or eating your weight in chocolates from the quality street tin. I hope you all have the loveliest day ever and you get everything you asked for.
 
Just a little reminder that I'm currently holding a giveaway for one of you lovely people to win an Essie polish (in a shade of your choice). It ends at midnight on the 31st December and you can find all the details here.
 
 
For some people though, this christmas won't be a happy occasion, and this is for a variety of reasons. As part of the #BigBlogmasProject, I'm going to be sharing with you a selection of helplines and websites there to give comfort and assistance to those who need it.
 
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
 
Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555
 
Beat, for Eating Disorders: 0845 634 1414
 
Refuge deals with domestic violence: 0808 2000 247
 
Childline for children to call: 0800 1111
 
And for adults worried about a child: 0808 800 5000
 
Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 999 1212
 
Rape Crisis: 0808 802 9999
 
Victims of Crime Support: 0845 30 30 900
 
OCD Action: 0845 390 6232
 
No Panic for anxiety sufferers: 0800 138 8889
 
Contact a family - 0808 808 3555
 
Cry-sis - 08451 228699
 
Disabled Parents Network - 0870 241 0450
 
Fatherhood Institute - 0845 634 1328
 
Help To Heal - 0845 120 3788
 
National Domestic Violence Helpline
England - 0808 2000 247
Northern Ireland - 028 9033 1818
Wales - 0808 8010800
 
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline - 0808 800 5000
 
Parents Advice Centre
0808 8010 722
 
Parentline Plus
0808 800 2222
 
Prisoners' Families Helpline
0808 808 2003
 
Relate
0845 456 1310
 
Samaritans
08457 90 90 90
 
Solvent Abuse - Urban 75
0808 800 2345
 
Talk to Frank
0800 77 66 00
 
Womens Aid
0808 2000 247
 
Working Families
0800 013 0313
 
Youth2Youth
020 8896 3675
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lots of Love
 
Chloe xx

Blogmas Day 24: The Perfect Festive Pamper Evening

(image ~ weheartit)

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE!
I honestly can't contain my excitement. I've been waiting for Christmas all year and I can't believe it's here already!
Sadly though, it does mean that this is going to be my last post of the #BigBlogmasProject.
I have absolutely loved taking part in this project, it's been so amazing. I'm not going to lie, it has been a challenge, coming up with ideas for 24 posts, and finding the time to write them each day, but I've loved every single second of it.
Now I've finished being all soppy, let's get started with what I'm going to be blabbering on about today...
Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself to a relaxing bit of "me time", and what better way to do this than with a festive pamper evening. I love a good old pamper evening and I'm not going to lie I do have them quite frequently. They're perfect if you're getting ready for some sort of event, or if you just want a chill out session.
I always end up having three main big pamper sessions - one on Christmas Eve, one on Boxing Day, and one on New Year's Eve (or afternoon; before all the festivities begin), and each of these follow a similar structure so I thought today I'd share with you what I do when I'm having a festive pamper evening.

(image ~ weheartit)

 First of all, I light some lovely festive candles and pop them around my bathroom. I really think this sets an idyllic setting, which really adds to your relaxation. My personal favourite festive candles are all Yankee Candles; "Campfire Treat","Christmas Cookie" and "Christmas Eve". It's also nice to pop on some lovely christmassy music to get you into the festive spirit whilst you relax. I also prepare a lovely hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows to enjoy whilst I relax.

(image ~ tumblr)

Now the rooms is all lovely and festive smelling, I start preparing your gorgeous bath. Personally, I start by waving the Lush Magic Wand Bubble Bar in the bath (whilst the water is still running), which produces tons of lovely smelling bubbles and turns the water a lovely pink colour. Snow Fairy is one of my most favourite Lush christmassy scents, so this bubble bar is perfect for me. I then crumble a little piece of the Lush Christmas Eve Bubble Bar into my bath, to give the bath a few more bubbles and make it a bit more festive.


Before I jump into my lovely festive bath, I take your makeup off so my skin is ready to be pampered. I use the Lush Ultrabland Cleanser with the Simple Soothing Toner.


It's now time for me to enjoy my lovely festive bath. As soon as I hop in, I apply the Lush Mask of Magnaminty Face Mask and I just leave it for around 15 minutes (I think the packaging says 10 minuets but I find 15 to be much more affective) to work it's magic on my skin. Then, it's time for any hair-removal procedures I need to undertake. My current body wash of choice is the Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel so I always use lots and lots of this, because it smells incredible. Next, I use the Soap and Glory Flake Away Body Scrub, all over my body, to exfoliate my skin (this particularly works wonders on legs - especially if you've just shaved) and leave it wonderfully smooth. I know some people seem to prefer to exfoliate and then use a body wash, but personally I prefer it this way around. If you're the type of person that likes to give their hair a wash in the evening, then this point in your pamper evening would be a fab time to do it but I prefer to wash my hair in the morning so I'll leave this stage out. When I've finished with all these bits and pieces, it's time to just relax.

(image ~ weheartit)

When I've finished relaxing, I jump out the bath, wrap myself in a lovely warm fluffy towel and pop back into my bedroom. I pop on a dressing gown (little tip if you're looking for a new dressing gown - the laura ashley dressing gowns are the softest warmest things imaginable) and pop on a christmassy film (Love Actually is my personal preference) or some christmassy telly (personally, I love the christmas Friends episodes) to keep you entertained as you relax.

(image ~ weheartit)

I tend to begin this stage in my pamper evening by moisturising my skin, which is something that is so important, especially at this time of year, as the cold weather can do disastrous things to our lovely skin. My current favourite ultra moisturising products are the Lush Soft Coeur Massage Bar and the Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream.


It's also lovely to give your hands and your feet a bit of a pamper too. I always start with my feet, and I use the Soap and Glory Heel Genius cream, before painting my nails in a lovely festive colour (I'm currently wearing OPI 'In My Santa Suit'). Heel Genius is a product that's supposed to be used overnight (I think?) but I find it works just as well when used as part of a mini pedicure. Then, I move onto my hands and I use my current favourite hand cream the Yves Rocher Cocoa and Orange Moisturising Hand Cream, which I got in a glossybox and I've just fallen in love with. I've just found out that you can get it in Cocoa and Raspberry, and Cocoa and Pistachio too which I'm so excited to try. I then paint my nails in another lovely festive colour (at the moment I'm wearing Barry M 'Pink Silver Glitter') and do the usual sit for twenty minutes waving my hands and feet around trying to get my nail polish to try quickly (just admit it, you do it too).

Whilst I'm waiting for my nails to dry I blitz my eyebrows, and complete any other bleaching or waxing that needs doing.

When I've finished with all those bits and bobs I begin my night time skincare routine. Now, as I've already taken my makeup off with my cleanser and toner, I just apply the Lush Celestial Moisturiser,  Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment (on any pesky spots that are lurking) and my prescribed acne medicine.

Now I've finished my pamper evening and I'm ready for a good nights sleep.

So that's everything I do on a pamper evening!
What do you do, and which products do you use?

Lots of Love

Chloe xxx

Blogmas Day 23: Blogger Interviews #4

It's week four of my December Blogger Interviews!
Today I'm going to be interviewing Aileen from A is for Aileen. Aileen's blog is one of my current favourites, so I'm so excited to share it with you.
 
http://a-is-for-aileen.blogspot.co.uk/
 
1) Tell me a little bit about your blog.
Well my blog focuses on beauty and fashion, but I quite often throw in the odd lifestyle post as well! I've had my blog for almost a whole year now and I can't believe how quickly it's gone! I often do hauls, reviews, and favourites posts etc :)

2) What Inspired you to create a blog?
I've always loved writing, and I've had my heart set on being a writer for years. I was a bit scared of actually starting a blog, and I had huge doubts that anyone would even read it, let alone enjoy it! But I'm so glad I took the plunge and got into blogging! 

3) What is your favourite thing about writing your blog?
My favourite thing would definitely be the blogging community! I love reading other peoples' posts, and it always makes my day when people leave comments on my posts, I love reading them! I've found everyone's so nice and supportive of each other, it's great!
4) Who is your favourite blogger at the moment?
My favourite blogger is definitely Louise of Sprinkle of Glitter, her posts are always fabulous, whether they're beauty, fashion or life related. She's so funny and her posts are just so enjoyable to read!
5) Which of your blog posts are you most proud of and why?
Hmm, I'd have to say my first ever post, which I think was a little haul. I had to think quite a lot before I eventually hit 'publish', and I was pretty nervous after I'd done so, but now I realise I had no need to be, and I wish I'd started blogging sooner!

6) Do you have any blogging goals for 2014?
My blogging goals for 2014 are to keep writing posts to entertain and inspire all the lovely people who read them. Also, I'm wanting to do a giveaway at some point next year, so watch this space!
 
I want to say a massive thank you to Aileen for taking part in this little interview!
You all need to go give here blog a bit of love - it's fabulous!
 
Lots of Love
 
Chloe xx


Blogmas Day 22: The Best of Tumblr This Week

I'm sorry this is just going to be a bit of a pants post but I'm currently in the process of planning a 'Pamper Evening' post that should (fingers crossed) be up tomorrow and that's taking quite a lot of time and effort so today I thought I'd just pop up a quick and easy post, sharing with you some of my favourite tumblr finds this week.
 
I have to admit I've got a little bit obsessed with tumblr over the past week or so, and I must have spent hours on end reblogging fabulous photos. Tumblr (along with YouTube and Pinterest, i've found) is one of those sites that you can click onto with the plan of just scrolling around for ten or so minutes, but then find yourself still scrolling an hour later.
 
You can find my tumblr here, if you're interested. I'd love to have a look at all your lovely tumblr accounts so leave me all your links in the comments!
 
But anyway... here's a few of the photos I've been loving this week...
 

 
Lots of Love
 
Chloe xxx

Blogmas Day 21: Disappointing Products ~ Maybelline Baby Lips

 
Maybelline Baby Lips has to have been one of the most hyped up beauty products of 2013. Everyone in the blogging world seems to be obsessed with these lip balms but to be honest (unpopular opinion alert) I don't like them.
 
Now I know that that statement has probably caused a majority of the bloggers reading this to scream and shout at their computer screen but it's the truth... I don't like Baby Lips.
 

 
Firstly, let's start with the packaging.  I know that you 'shouldn't judge a book by it's cover' but to be honest, if I had seen Baby Lips in a store, before I'd read any reviews of the product, I think I'd avoid it, because I feel the packaging makes it look quite childish. Some people see it as funky and colourful, but to me it looks like that makeup you get from a bit of a rubbish gift set when you're 10.
 
Now onto the actual product.
 
Maybelline say that Baby Lips "give intense care and 8 hour hydration, and is nourishing for baby soft lips" and that it's a "clinically tested formula which has a hint of colour and leaves lips feeling softer and smoother".
 
Let's start with how long the product lasts. Clearly Maybelline do not know how to tell the time because I can guarantee you, it did not last 8 hours - I had to reapply the lip balm less than 3 hours later! I don't think this would have been too much of a problem if the other elements of the product were fantastic, because I find myself having to apply most lip balms every 2 or so hours, but I don't Maybelline should advertise Baby Lips as such a long lasting product, when they're clearly not.
 
Next, we have the "hint of colour" element of Baby Lips. I have the "Peach Kiss" version, which is said to leave a light peach tint but I didn't find it to give off any noticeable colour at all. I just found it to make my lips look overly shiny and fake.
 
When it comes to how well it treated my lips I'm afraid I still don't have anything positive to say. If anything, I found Baby Lips to put my lips in an even worse condition that they were before! I had particularly chapped lips when I first applied Baby Lips, and it didn't improve their condition at all, so I just resorted to popping on my faithful Lush "Honey Trap", which helped my lips immediately.
 
Overall, I was so disappointed with Baby Lips. After reading so many positive reviews of this product. I was expecting big things, but it really hasn't lived up to my expectations - or anywhere near. I honestly don't know why I got on so badly with this lip balm but I do know that I will be avoiding using it in the future.
 
What did you think of Baby Lips?
 
Lots of Love
 
Chloe xx
 
P.S: You can still enter my giveaway to win an Essie polish! All the details are here x

Blogmas Day 20: The Liebster Award


I was nominated by the lovely Abbie from The World of a Blonde for the Liebster Award. Thank you so much for nominating me Abbie, it means so much! I've been nominated a already but it's amazing to be nominated again.
 
The Liebster Award is awarded to blogs with under 200 followers, and it's a great way of sharing new smaller blogs.
 
Rules
Tell 11 randoms facts about yourself
Answer the 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you
Choose 11 bloggers you like and link them in your post
Write 11 questions to these bloggers, so they can answer them
Go to their blog and let them know you nominated them
 
My Facts
*My phone is pretty much always in my hand/near me.
*Pretty much all of my favourite songs came out before 2010
*I have an absolutely huge phobia of needles. Even the word terrifies me.
*The Beatles are one of my most favourite bands ever.
*I could easily spend a whole day watching YouTube videos
*I spend quite a lot of my time planning my future (looking up uni's/houses/weddings) simply because I enjoy thinking about the future!
*I'm a huge huge fan of the really trashy programs, like 16 and Pregnant, and Teen Mom.
*Sims is my favourite game ever and I can spend hours and hours playing it.
*Roses are my favourite flower
*If I love a song I will play it and sing it over and over for days until I hate it
*Coke is my most favourite drink ever

Questions from Abbie
1. Favourite Season? WINTER!
2. Favourite drink and Food? My favourite drink is coke but I don't actually have one favourite food, I have many foods I love equally.
3. Favourite Song? I have many favourite songs but I really love The Climb by Miley Cyrus
4. One make-up item you couldn't live without? Concealer
5. Eyeshadow or Mascara? Mascara
6. Where would you love to go on holiday? Somewhere in the USA
7. If you had £1000 what would you buy? Presents for all my family, and then lots of clothes and beauty products.
8. Favourite blog(s)? Zoella
9. Favourite colour? Any pastel colour
10. Twitter or Instagram? I don't actually have instagram so it's got to be twitter hasn't it?
11. Why did you start blogging? I started blogging so I had a place to share my thoughts and opinions on the things I'm passionate about with people who have the same interests as me.

I nominate
I can't think of any blogger I know who hasn't done this award so I'll just say, whoever wants to do it is welcome to!

Questions for my nominees
1. How long have you been blogging?
2. Favourite colour?
3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
4. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
5. Favourite song?
6. If you could only use one makeup brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?
7. What are your hobby's (besides blogging)?
8. Favourite TV show?
9. Why do you like blogging?
10. What's your current favourite blog, with under 100 followers?
11. Favourite nail polish at the moment?

Lots of Love

Chloe xxx

(these are the same facts as the ones I used last time i did this award - sorry I'm a boring person!)

Blogmas Day 19: Sass and Belle Christmassy Haul

Before I share with you todays post, I just want to remind you that I'm currently running a giveaway, to celebrate this little blog reaching 100 GFC followers! You can win an Essie nail polish of your choice, and you can enter here! x

Now onto todays post...

When I went to London last Saturday I popped into one of my all time favourite little shops... Sass and Belle.
 
Sass and Belle is full of lots of lovely little shabby chic-esque home decorative bits and bobs for amazing prices, and my room is full of their products.
 
Sass and Belle had a lovely range of christmassy decorations out and it would have been a bit rude for me to leave without buying a few things now, wouldn't it? I picked up three beautiful decorations that look absolutely lovely in my room.
 

First of all, I picked up this darling little wooden decoration. It was in one of the Sale boxes, so I got it for £1.00 which was an absolute steal. It's a fairly small cream wooden heart with red detailing and a red and white chequered ribbon. I think this is the type of decoration I could keep up all year round because it's not obviously christmassy, which is fantastic because I absolutely love it.
 

Next, I picked up this cute litte red metal tree shape decoration for £1.99. It's a lovely shabby-chic style decoration that is just so cute, so I couldn't not buy it could I?


Finally, I found this stunning shabby-chic style metal heart decoration. This is probably the least christmassy of the three decorations I brought, but it's lovely all the same. It was £1.99, which is so cheap when you think how much you'd pay for something similar in the likes of Next or Laura Ashley.
 
Have you found any places that sell lovely christmassy decorations?
 
Lots of Love
 
Chloe xxx

GIVEAWAY: 100 GFC Followers Essie Polish Giveaway!

 
Yesterday I had a lovely suprise when I got home... I've reached 100 GFC followers!
I honestly can't believe this has happened. I want to thank every single one of you for following my blog and taking the time to read my ramblings. It means the absolute world.
 
To celebrate this little blog reaching this milestone I've decided to do a giveaway! I'm going to be giving away a Essie nail polish (in a colour of your choice) to one winner.
 
To be in with the chance of winning this prize, just enter via the rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post.
 
The giveaway is running until midnight on the 31st December.
I will be checking all of the entries so make sure you follow all the rules!
The giveaway is avaliable to UK residents only (sorry!).
I will be contacting the winner by email within 48 hours of the giveaway ending.
 
Lots of Love
 
Chloe xxx
 

Blogmas Day 17: The Winter Wonderland Tag

It's Tag Tuesday!
Today I'm going to be doing the 'Winter Wonderland Tag'. This tag was done by Gaby from AnotherGirlyBlog and it looked like such a lovely christmassy tag so I'm going to give it a go! Let's get started...
 
1. What winter holiday do you celebrate?
Christmas!
 
2. What is one item you hope to recieve as a present for Christmas or another holiday?
I'm hoping to recieve lots of money and vouchers from my family, so I pick up all of the beauty items I've had my eye on.
 
3. Gingerbread cookies or Candy Canes?
I don't actually like either of them!
 
4. Snowball fights or sledding?
You can't beat a good old snowball fight can you?
 
5. What is your go to winter outfit?
At the moment it's a long sleeved dress (normally with a peter pan collar) with some woolly tights, a big oversized cardi and some boots.
 
6. What are your favourite winter/holiday makeup items?
At the moment I'm going for the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation (in Ivory), the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (in Ivory) and the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (in Sandstorm) for my face, and I think these products give me a really good base. I'm using the Maybelline Falsies Mascara and the darker shadows from my Sleek 'Oh So Special' palette on my eyes, which give me a lovely festive eye look.
 
7. Does it snow where you live?
Most years we get a good amount of snow, but we haven't had any this year yet!
 
8. What is your favourite christmas/holiday song?
All I Want For Christmas Is You!
 
9. What is your favourite holiday movie?
You can't beat Love Actually!
 
10. What is your favourite holiday decoration?
Aside from the obvious christmas tree, I really love christmas lights!
 
I tag all of you lovely bloggers to do this tag!
 
Lots of Love
 
Chloe xxx

P.S: I'm currently running a giveaway to win an essie polish in a shade of your choice! Find it here ~ http://realityleaveslotstoimagination.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/100-gfc-followers.html

Blogmas Day 16: Blogger Interviews #3

It's round three of my little "Blogger Interviews" series, and today I'm going to be interviewing Naomi from Pennies for a Pound and Alicia from The Beauty-Journals.



Tell me a little bit about your blog
My blog is about finding top brands for less or cheaper alternatives. I do most the typical beauty posts such as 'empties' or favourites but I don't really include expensive products in any of them, so it's great for people on a budget, students or people who just prefer those kind of high street products!
 
 
What inspired you to create a blog?
I've always loved to watch beauty gurus on youtube, but they always seem to have all the products I can't afford. I wanted to see something that was dedicated to cheaper products, so I decided to start one myself.

What is your favourite thing about writing your blog?
I love to write about finding dupes of products or finding the bigger brands for a lot less. It helps people save a bit of money and shows them how to save money by looking around for deals.
Who is your favourite blogger at the moment?

I don't have an overall favourite right at the moment, but I've always loved Affordable treats by Louise, really great posts about high street products! 
 
Which of your blog posts are you most proud of and why?
My post about a christian holiday camp I went on this year. Its been seen by an editor of a christian magazine and is going to be published in their november/december issue! so happy  
Do you have any blogging goals for 2014?

Just take it as it comes. Hopefully reach 100 follows at some point, but I just want to see how it all goes!
    

 
 

Tell me a little bit about your blog
I would say my blog is a mixture inbetween fashion and beauty. Eventually I want to focus mainly on beauty but I don't currently have to funds too. I absolutely love writing blog posts and I've loved taking pictures with my camera! I try to put as much effort in my blog as I can and I hope it comes across in my blog. 


What inspired you to create a blog?
I was always interested in blogs and youtubers. At first I was inbetween the idea of YouTube and blogging, and I decided blogging! I love fashion and beauty so much I just wanted to share my views etc.

What is your favourite thing about writing your blog?

I absolutely love putting different looks together and writing posts on them. Aswell as this I love the opportunities blogging gives me, for instance, if I didn't blog I wouldn't know so many people I know now, and I wouldn't be writing this now.

Who is your favourite blogger at the moment?

Obviously I love the big bloggers/youtubers like Zoella, SprinkleofGlitter etc. But Ive absolutely been loving Fleur Danielle's blog (http://fleurdanielle.blogspot.co.uk/) since I found it a few months ago! Of course I love blogs love yours too!

Which of your blog posts are you most proud of and why?

I love my Halloween series posts (here's one http://thebeauty-journals.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/my-halloween-look-halloween-series_28.html )because I've never done a mini series before. I really enjoyed writing it and I also receive a lot of positivist feedback!
I also loved this post (http://thebeauty-journals.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/loreal-pairs-nude-magique-eau-de-teint.html ) on a foundation that I bought. I enjoyed trying out the foudation and also I think the images I took came out well!
 

Do you have any blogging goals for 2014?

I would love to have a giveaway and create some sort of list of things I want to complete in a period of time. I think the post is called '101 things in 1,001 days.' I would also love to work out how to edit html codes if anyone knows how I am all ears.

Thank you so much Naomi and Alicia for letting me interview you!
 
 
Lots of Love Chloe xxx






 

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