Wednesday 30 December 2015

F.B.L Quick Tip #31



Never shake your nail polishes, as this can cause air bubbles both in the bottle and when it is applied to your nails
Instead, gently roll the bottle between your hands, holding it vertically
 
A Quick tip on nail varnish

 
 

Friday 25 December 2015

Blogmas Day 25 - Christmas Day!

 
Well it's finally Christmas Day - Merry Christmas everyone!
I hope you all have a fantastic day, get loads of amazing goodies and of course, eat all the food!
 
Also, thank you to all of you who have read my Blogmas posts - at times I really wanted to give up and had no motivation, but I'm so glad I persevered with it!
 
Love Laura x




Wednesday 23 December 2015

Blogmas Day 23 - Red Lipsticks


A red lip is always part of festive makeup looks, but there is so much choice now on both the shade and formula, you can be overwhelmed when choosing.


My favourite is this L'Oreal Coulour Riche Eva Red, which is a matte formula and is honestly amazing! As, it is matte, it isn't too bright but still stands out which is the main thing. I have also found this lasts for hours, even when eating/drinking, so is perfect for the festive season.
For a cheap buy, this MUA red is perfect and at £1 it certainly wont break the bank! It is more of a pillar box red and super shiny. It glides on easily without tugging at your lips and does last for a good few hours.
Max Factor do a huge range of different reds and this one is little more on the pinky side, so perfect if you normally only go for lighter shades but want to experiment with a red. I love the gold tube of this - it feels really festive - and looks super expensive even when it's not!
Personally, I love a berry red lip in winter and this one from Collection Cosmetics is perfect. It is slightly more on the red side, which doesn't make it too dark even though it is part of their vampy range.

When wearing such strong pigmented shades, a lip liner is essential to stop the colour bleeding out from your lips and also to define the shape. For all these lipsticks, I use Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Red Diva which is quite a light red so does blend in well with pretty much any red lipstick. It applies really well and doesn't feel drying, as some liners can be. As it is a pencil, I find it defines your lips well and doesn't go blunt too quickly.


What are your go-to red lipsticks that you will be rocking this Christmas?
Love Laura x





Tuesday 22 December 2015

Blogmas Day 22 - Festive Pawsome Box


For Ollie, Christmas came early and he received his 2nd Pawsome Box* filled with festive goodies. As always, there are so many amazing items that Ollie is already loving, despite only having it a day!

Monday 21 December 2015

Blogmas Day 21 - Stocking Filler Ideas For Her


Stockings are an essential part of Christmas and is one part of childhood most people carry on doing thought-out their lives - just the contents changes slightly!


Joules Hand Cream


There are so many things you can put in stockings! What could be better than getting little beauty treats such as a new foundation brush or a lipstick? You can't go wrong with fluffy socks - especially at this time of the year, or a hand cream.

If you are like me and my family, don't forget the fruit in the stocking! (Have no idea why we do this to be honest!

Love Laura x




Sunday 20 December 2015

Blogmas Day 20 - Lemon Butter Biscuit Recipe


Not technically a Christmas biscuit, but these lemon butter ones are so tasty you'll want to make them all year round anyway - the added cinnamon adds a little festivity to them. They are super easy to make without needing a load of different ingredients and only take 20mins to bake. Oh, and your house will smell amazing too!



Ingredients
200g plain flour
100g caster sugar
125g butter
2 lemons zested
1 medium egg
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon powder


- Preheat the oven to 180oC and cover a baking tray in flour.

- Mix the butter and sugar together until the mixture is creamy and combined.

- Add the egg and mix together to make it light and fluffy

- Add the flour, lemon zest and salt and mix until you have a ball of dough. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge (or somewhere else cold) for around 2 hours to firm up.

- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is around 1/2 cm thick. Cut out the dough shapes and place onto the floured baking tray. Keep repeating this until all the dough is used up.

- Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon powder and bake for around 10 - 15 mins or until golden brown at the edges.

- Remove from the tray to a wire rake to cool then enjoy!


Saturday 19 December 2015

Blogmas Day 19 - Christmas Chat

Bit of a chatty one today, which I don't feel I do enough of! First of, how are you all enjoying reading Blogmas? I never knew it was so hard to do and how much planning and time it would take up when I said I would do it, but I'm so glad I am - it has defiantly got me even more into the festive spirit! The amount of people I have told that I'm doing Blogmas, think it is so easy to do but they honestly don't know the work that goes into it. I think this is the same for blogging full stop - people think it's the easiest thing to do, when it is actually a lot of hard work to make sure everything is at the highest standard it can be and then the promoting afterwards.

Anyway carrying one from my little rant there - I can't want for Christmas, mainly the food HA! Honestly the best part for me, everything is so tasty and because everyone is in such a good mood, it always tastes better - or is that just me being slightly weird?! Oh, and of course eating way too much and not being able to move after! I still have to though as I'll have to go and bring my horse in and feed her and maybe ride if it's not too dark or I'll just wait for Boxing Day like I normally do. It's kind of a tradition to me now that I go out for a Boxing Day ride and put a bit of tinsel on Bonnie and her Christmas boots. She looks so cute and honestly not bothered about me dressing her up - well that and she's used to it now!

Don't know about you, but it the only thing I seem to be watch right now are Christmas films and the amount of time I've watch the Santa Clause is ridiculous! Have to say it is one of my favourite festive films, along with Home Alone. I have watched both of these ever since I can remember and me and my dad especially watch them every year, along with pretty much anything else Christmassy we can find!

Do you like chatty posts like this and o you think I should do more? Let me know, so I know if I should to do more or not!
Love Laura x




Friday 18 December 2015

Blogmas Day 18 - Christmas Jumper Day!


Well today is national Christmas Jumper Day and with so many out there now and pretty much everywhere selling them, you will defiantly be spoilt for choice - even if some designs are a little more questionable than others!
jumpers from new look, topshop, h&M

christmas jumpers from love clothing, asos, brave soul and boohoo
New Look Sparkle Jumper
Love Clothing Santa's Bitch Knitted Jumper


These are just a few of what I think are the most wearable Christmas jumpers available this year but there are loads more if you fancy searching through.

What jumper do you have this year?
Love Laura x




Thursday 17 December 2015

Blogmas Day 17 - Christmas Playlist!


Who doesn't love a good Christmas playlist?! Music is an essential ingredient for the festive season and there are so many different songs, both old and new so everyone will know pretty much all of them for a good sing-along!

This is my playlist - anything you think I should have included?
Love Laura x




Wednesday 16 December 2015

Blogmas Day 16 - Handbag Cleaning Hacks You Need To Know!


When you have invested a lot of money in a designer, leather handbag you want it to last a lifetime and look brand new through-out. Taking care of leather items can be tricky, but prevention is always better than allowing it to get marked/stained and trying to remove that. Use some of the below tips to clean, and more importantly, care for your investment.

cleaning hacks you need to know for leather handbags

- Wipe over your bag once a week with a damp, soft cloth to remove any dirt

- Always wipe with the grain of the leather to avoid ruining it

- Stuff your bag when not in use as it will help it to keep it's shape

- Remove ink stains as soon as possible. Either use a special ink removing product for leather or take to a professional.

- If the ink stain is old, take to a professional as you will never get it out at home without ruining the leather.

- Grease stains should easily wipe off - don't use water!

- Avoid touching your bag if you have just applied hand cream, or you are just asking for grease marks!

- Use a professional leather cleaning product on tougher dirt. These will probably cost more but because they don't have to be washed out, it wont damage the leather.

- Always do a spot test! Preferable somewhere on the inside where it can't be seen.

- If you have really made an investment on a handbag, consider getting it insured. (Yes, this is actually a thing!)

- Try and match a shoe polish to the colour of the bag to remove/hide very stubborn stains

- Don't use saddle soap. It will be too strong/harsh for the leather

- Don't use a light coloured bag with a dark outfit as the dye from the clothing may transfer - this is one of the hardest stains to remove

- Always store you nag in the dust bag it came with. If you don't have one, use an old pillowcase


Do you have any more tips for caring for investment leather handbags?

Love Laura x



Tuesday 15 December 2015

Blogmas Day 15 - Winter Skincare


We all know that winter weather companied with having heating on can cause massive problems with your skin but how about a couple of products that help? For me, I have found two items that not only help my skin immensely, but are also super easy and quick to use!

winter skincare with simple

Both of these products are from Simple Skincare, so you know they are going to be good and kind to your skin anyway. For my winter skincare routine, I use one of the Cleansing Facial Wipes first to remove any makeup, especially waterproof mascara and they get it all off without too much effort - after all it is waterproof! I love the Christmas packaging - it is so cute and festive without being over the top and still fits in with the rest of the packaging in the range. I have found these wipes super soft to use and don't feel rough on your face which I have found some makeup wipes to be and this is amazing for me, as I do have quite sensitive skin which is prone to breakouts.

Next I go onto the Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash. This helps to stop excess oil production, which is something I do suffer from, without stripping it all away and leaving your face feeling dry. My skin still feels moisturised after use, which is exactly what you want at this time of the year. It gently exfoliates your skin and does help to reduce breakouts and blackheads, which can sometimes be so hard to both prevent and get rid of. It also doesn't really have a smell, which is always good when your putting it so near t your nose!

After using both of these products, my skin has never felt better - especially at this time of year! With the face wash, I have found that a little goes a long way and you also seem to get quite a few wipes in a packet, so while these might not be the cheapest on the market I feel you do get value for money. Also, wouldn't you want to pay more for something that actually works?!

Love Laura x





Monday 14 December 2015

Blogmas Day 14 - Lush


Lush is one of my all time favourite places to shop for bath and pamper products - they have such a huge choice and everything smells amazing! Everything is handmade, nothing is tested on animals and some items are linked to charity, so you are helping by buying.

lush bubble bar and christmas items

One of my personal favourites is the Comforter Bubble Bar. The smell of this is just amazing and turns the water super pink with a ton of bubbles - just what you want for a relaxing bath time. You only need about half a bar to create enough bubble for a bath, meaning you get 2 uses from this little beauty!

christmas bath fizzers from lush


Lush have so many different things for Christmas, it's so hard to choose what to get but these are just a few of my favourite bath fizzers and bubble bars that have the festive theme. How cute are they?!

Love Laura x




Sunday 13 December 2015

Blogmas Day 13 - LBD's!


December is the month of parties and events and, if your anything like me, then you will have a trusty little black dress ready for such occasions when you don't know what else to wear.

 
 
With so many different styles, you will be spoilt for choice, but these are just a few of my favourites! Lace and mesh are two of the materials I like to bring out at this time of year - even more if they have a bit of embellishment! These dresses from ASOS, Coogles, Definitions and Karen Millen all give a nod to that style but are also completely different from one another. If you want have just a small amount of embellishment, then this dress from French Connection is perfect, as it has a necklace design.
Strap detail has been huge this year and isn't going anywhere quick! If you want a subtle take on this (and a bit of a splurge buy!), then the Versace dress is perfect for you!
 
What is your favourite LBD?
Love Laura x
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday 12 December 2015

Blogmas Day 12 - Manchester Christmas Markets


It always starts to feel more like Christmas when the markets arrive in Manchester and it's somewhere I HAVE to go each year! If you don't know what these markets are, let me explain. It is basically a load of stalls that fill about 5 streets in the city centre and are filled with goodies from around the world and have everything from delicious food to unique gifts. All the different smells as you walk around is just amazing!

If this doesn't get you into the festive spirit (if your not already!) , nothing will!
Love Laura x

Christmas markets in manchester city centre

Christmas markets in manchester

manchester christmas markets

Manchester chistmas markets blogmas

Manchester chistmas markets blogmas city centre

Friday 11 December 2015

Blogmas Day 11 - Lingerie Gift Edit


I love lingerie and have so much, but I keep buying more! If anyone asks me where I would like a voucher for, it is always a lingerie store I ask for - the same goes for any extra money I have, so you know what I'll be when the sales come along!

Now, these are just a few things I am lusting after. Calvin Klein is must, as they are so comfy to lounge in and the bralette is perfect for under big, cosy sweatshirts. Agent Provocateur is one brand that is always on a lingerie lovers wish list! This set incorporates lace and a bondage style straps with bows.
I personally love soft cup bras/bralettes and I have the purple set for B'Tempted, but am so in love with the black and animal print set! Another good set is this pink one from Hanky Panky.

Of course, Boux Avenue and Victoria's Secret are up there too, but if you read FBL Savvy already, you'll already know this!
Love Laura x






Thursday 10 December 2015

Blogmas Day 10 - PJ's Tradition


One Christmas tradition we have in our house, is that me and my sister both get new pyjamas every year and this year we decided to get them from my favourite, Boux Avenue. Unfortunately, I can't post a photo of the actual ones as we are not allowed them until Christmas Eve, but I can still chat about them and show you the PR photos from Boux Avenue!

PJ's from Boux Avenue for Christmas


I had been eyeing these up on their website for a while, so I knew what I wanted. These are the PJ's that come in a bag, which I think makes them the ideal gift and also the colour and design used is just so Christmassy! They are also super soft - perfect for cosy-ing up in on a cold winter's night.
As they were buy one get one free, my sister got the leopard print ones in the same style.

So excited to ear these!!
Love Laura x













Wednesday 9 December 2015

Blogmas Day 9 - Mince Pie Recipe


Mince pies are the ultimate Christmas treat and the smell of them baking is just delicious and I love making my own (now I've learnt how!) The recipe I use is so easy to follow and at the end, you have some delicious pies to eat - and share of your feeling nice!

Ingredients
  • 375g plain flour
  • 260g unsalted butter, softened
  • 125g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 1 large egg, plus 1 beaten egg for glazing
  • 1 large jar mincemeat (about 600g)
  • little orange juice (or brandy if you prefer)
  • little icing sugar, for dusting

  •  
    - Pre-heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and grease your tray
     
    - In a large bowl, ad the flour and butter and rub together in your fingertips until it resembles bread crumbs. Add the sugar and egg and mix together.
     
    - Tip the mixture out onto a floured surface and fold until the pastry comes together. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge for 10-20 mins to firm up.
     
    - Empty the mincemeat into a bowl and add a little orange juice - enough to give flavour but not so it's swimming in it! Mix together until the mince meat is broken up.
     
    - Remove the pastry from the fridge and place on a flour covered surface and roll out until it is around 3mm thick. Use a cutter (or a glass) which is slightly bigger than the cake tray holders and place the circles of pastry in the bottom.
     
    - Place 1 table spoon of mince meat in each and brush the edge of each pie with a little beaten egg. Place the lids on top and squeeze around the edge to make sure they stick.
     
    - Glaze each pie with the rest of the beaten egg and sprinkle with caster sugar.
     
    - Bake the mince pies for 15-20 mins until golden brown. Leave to cool in the trey before removing and then dust with a little icing sugar.
     
    - Enjoy!
     
     
    Do you make mince pies each year and do you add any extras?
    Love Laura x
     
     
     
     
     

    Tuesday 8 December 2015

    Blogmas Day 8 - Favourite Christmas Movies



    There are so many Christmas films that I watch every year without fail! They are mainly ones I've watched since I was a kid, so I guess it's a bit of a tradition in my family to watch them.

    The Santa Clause Blogmas Films
    Home Alone Blogmas Christmas Films
     
    Blogmas Day 9 Love ActuallyMuppet Christmas Carol Blomas Films
     
    These are four of my ultimate favourite Christmas films and I can't wait each year to watch them! Home Alone and The Muppet Christmas Carol were two of the first Christmas films I remember ever watching. The Santa Clause is just a brilliant film, as are the sequels! Love Actually is another classic too.

    What are your favourite films?
    Love Laura x





     

    Monday 7 December 2015

    Blogmas Day 7 - The Christmas Tag


    What could be better than answering fun questions all about Christmas?! Read on for my Christmas Tag answers to so fun questions!

    Christmas Tag for Blogmas 2015

    1. What is your favourite Christmas film?
    Home Alone! Have to watch it every year


    2. Have you ever had a White Christmas?
    Ermmmm probably? I honestly can't remember


    3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?
    At home with my family and animals


    4. What is your favourite Christmas song?
    I love all Christmas songs!


    5. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
    Everyone is allowed to open one small present each - the rest have to be saved for Christmas Day morning


    6. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
    Prancer, Dancer, Vixton, Donna, Rudolf... I don't know any more....


    7. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?
    Putting up the Christmas tree and eating all the chocolate


    8. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
    Fake. Am I the only one who doesn't like the smell of the real ones?!


    9. What is your all-time favourite holiday food/sweet treat?
    Turkey! I love it and it's the only time of the year we have it


    10. Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
    I love buying and giving gifts as I always have so many ideas on what to get people. Seeing the looks on people's face when you give them something they love is amazing


    11. What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
    Have to be getting my first cat, that we called Tinsel, on Christmas Eve


    12. What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
    Lapland and New York. Both places look amazing and it's impossible to choose between them


    13. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?
    I can't wrap presents to save my life - they look like a 5 year old has done it! Actually a 5 year old could probably do a better job than me!


    14. Favourite festive smell?
    Anything cinnamon


    15. Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?
    Starting this blog was a New Year resolution and is the only one I have ever stuck to and so, so proud I have!


    Would love to see your answers to this tag - let me know if you do it!
    Love Laura x




    Sunday 6 December 2015

    Blogmas Day 6 - Luxury Beauty Gifts For Her

     
    There are so, so many luxury beauty gift sets for us girls around now, way more than there used to be in my opinion! Charlotte Tilbury has so many different sets available from makeup brush sets to mini lipstick sets, which is one of my personal favourites as you get to test out a few different ones without having to buy full size and realise you don't like it! This is the same for the Clinique lipstick set which as a different shade for everyday of the week. This gift set from Nars is perfect if you know someone (or yourself!) who loves the nude lip look, as it comes with everything that you need.
    Benefit is always a winner for beauty lovers and this Rockitude gift set is perfect and the box is just beautiful, as well as the amazing items inside. This Dior smoky eye and lip set with brush is perfect for designer lovers and those who travel a lot, as it comes in his zip bag.
    Burberry is a firm favourite of min and I love both of these sets - one being 3 AW15 nail polish shades designed on the colours used Camouflage Bucket Bag and the other the Body Tender parfum set - both of which are gorgeous. There are so many body-care sets including these from Cowshed, Kora and Nip and Fab to chose just a couple. Also, this set from St Tropez is the ideal gift for those of you who love to have a tan all year round!
    Perfume sets are always greatly appreciated by us girls and you can't go wrong with a bit of Prada or Marc Jacobs!


    These are just a few of my favourite luxury gift sets that I'm lusting over, but there are so many out there, you will be spoilt for choice!
    Love Laura x





    Saturday 5 December 2015

    Blogmas Day 5 - My Birthday!


    It's my birthday!! Is it bad that the one thing I'm looking forward to is eating cake?! Too bad if I is, as it's my favourite part of anything birthday! In my family, we don't tend to go over board at birthdays, unless it's a special one (18th, 21st etc) but we do always good out for a meal somewhere and I chose to go to the Hare & Hound Pub and Restaurant in Marple. This is one of my favourite places to go, as the food is ah-mazing! I got the chicken burger with cheese and hand-cut chips - literally one of the nicest burgers I've had and it was so huge I couldn't even have dessert! We always enjoy our meals there and today was no exception.

    Birthday meal at hare and hounds marple

    Also, how amazing is my cake - really wasn't expecting this and it is oh-so chocolatly inside!

    my birthday cake blogmas day 5

    Now the food is out of the way (quite literally!) onto the gifts. One of my favourite items was this gorgeous leather biker jacket from Zara. I had been on the lookout for one for ages as my old one is falling apart but I had had it since I was 16, so defiantly had my wear out of it! The leather on this is super soft and the blackest black which is exactly what I wanted and I get the feeling I will be living in this. If you follow me on Instagram, then you will know that I have a horse, so I got a pair of Dublin jodhpurs (the trousers you wear to ride in, if anyone doesn't know!) that have a pink reflective strip down the outside of each leg. This is such an amazing idea and I can't believe this is the first time I have ever seen anything like this! As I have to ride along a busy A road every time I go out, wearing reflective clothing is essential for safety and while I have a lot on, I don't have anything on my legs and this is the part that is most stuck out. With the pink reflective on the outside, they can clearly be seen by other road users and hopefully encourage more to pass slow and wide.

    I also got a phone case from Skinnydip London. I LOVE their cases as they are so different from anywhere else and the designs are super cute. I love this heart macaroon design with it's pastel colours as it isn't too in your face but still looks oh-so cute.
    My other gifts came in the form of vouchers (Boots and John Lewis!), money and of course chocolate!


    I've had such a lovely day, even if I do feel old now at 23 - that sounds so weird!
    Love Laura x




    Friday 4 December 2015

    Blogmas Day 4 - Ollie's First Walk!


    Today was Ollie's first day in the big, wide world using his own four paws! For his first little adventure (as well as going up and down my road), we took him to out local Pet's At Home, as you can take your dog in there. I admit, I did carry him for some of the time we were in there, mainly because he picks up literally anything and everything!

    There was so many Christmas themed outfits and toys that it was literally impossible to choose just one thing, so I decided to leave it for now, especially with Ollie growing so much it would be silly to buy an outfit right now. The toys are another thing! Balls with snowmen on, reindeers with extra long legs, and my personal favourite which I may go back and buy - a rope with plush 'fairy lights' attached. This is such a good idea and I know Ollie would absolutely love it!

    Blogmas day 4 ollie's first walk

    As we were paying for all the goodies, we were given a little Christmas cracker which was supposed to be for us, but Ollie decided to steal it and walked out holding it in his mouth and did the same when we got home! Cheeky little boy, but oh-so cute! He loved being out and getting fuss from everyone which is exactly what we wanted for his first time.

    Love Laura x





    Thursday 3 December 2015

    Blogmas Day 3 - Festive Nail Art


    An easy way to get into the festive spirit is to have a Christmassy design on your nails. Personally, I love doing my nails and have soooo many nail polishes in every colour and type/brand, so what better way to use them than creating a festive design?! This is super easy to do, without requiring too many colours etc or taking too long to do.

    Festive Christmas nail art Using Barry M


    Barry M Nail Paint in White
    Barry M Nail Paint in Black
    Barry M Nail Paint in Bright Red
    Barry M Plumpy Top Coat
    Small paintbrush
    Ball point pen


    Paint all your nails but your ring finger using the black nail polish. You will probably need around 2 coats to completely cover your nails - just make sure each coat is completely dry before you do another to prevent bubbles!

    Paint your ring finger with the white nail polish. The same applies about the number of coats needed.

    Once your nails are completely dry, use the small paint brush in the red nail polish and paint 3 small triangles one on top of the other to create a tree on your ring finger (the white one). You could do this green if you want it really festive - I would use Barry M in

    On the black nails, use the ball point pen and gently dip the end in the white polish and place dots from the ends of your nail down to create a snow effect. There should be more at the end than anywhere.

    When all your nails are completely dry, paint over with the clear top coat to keep the design in place and hopefully prevent the polish from chipping.


    There you have it - a super easy but effective nail art design. Let me know how you get on if you decide to try this!
    Love Laura x




    Wednesday 2 December 2015

    Blogmas Day 2 - Luxury Beauty Gifts For Him




    There are so many luxury beauty products for men on the market now that you will be spoilt for choice on what to buy your boyfriend/husband/brother/dad this Christmas! You can never go wrong with a bit of Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford fragrances, especially when they come in these lovely gift sets. The huge range of shaving gift sets has almost double this year with ones from Taylor of Old Bond Street and Mankind being just two of them.

    The men in your life can certainly be spoilt this year! What are you buying luxury wise?
    Love Laura x




    Tuesday 1 December 2015

    Blogmas Day 1 - Advent Calenders


    The start of December (and the first day of Blogmas!) means you can finally open the first window on your advent calendar! If like me, you'll have been looking at it for weeks wish to find out what is behind those little doors! There are so many different ones you can get now, so you don't just have to stick to chocolate (but you would be crazy not too!) or even to just having one.

     
    These are just a few of my favourite ones and of course there has to be some chocolate in there! If you are looking for a higher end chocolate one, this one from Hotel Chocolat is perfect and their chocolate is super delicious too.
    Benefit's advent calendar is always popular and sells out before it's even on the shelf so of course it has to be included in this post. Another beauty favourite is from The Body Shop which contains sample size and full size products from their huge product range - a perfect way to test out a load of products without having to buy them all separately. Ciate's advent calendar is full of different shades of nail polish and all are perfect for the festive season! Lush have also done one this year and it is full of their amazing products and smells divine before you've even opened any of the windows!
    For the gin lovers out there, this Ginvent from Drinks by the Dram is perfect as each door hide a little bottle of a different gin. Amazing and very unique! Yankee Candle have done an advent calendar house full of different candle in different sizes that will leave your home smelling lovely over the Christmas period.
     
    What advent calendar have you got this year?
    Love Laura x
     
     
     
     
     
    

    Saturday 28 November 2015

    Pawsome Box November


    A few months ago, I did a review of Perrfect Box, which is a subscription box for cats, but did you also know they do one for dogs?! Pawsome box is a subscription gift box for dogs and I was so, so excited to receive one for my puppy, Ollie! (Sure you will have seen him on my instagram!)

    Review of pawsome box for november for ollie

    Wednesday 25 November 2015

    White Glo Whitening Kit


    Time for another teeth whitening kit and on this occasion, it is White Glo whitening kit* that I've been tying out. This is the Diamond Series kit which has only just become available in Boots (UK) and consists of an extra strength whitening tooth paste, whitening gel and mouth guard.

    white glow teeth whitening kit diamond series review
     

    Saturday 21 November 2015

    Design a Welly Competition with Joules


    With the cold, wet weather now upon us (boo!), it's time to get your wellies out of hiding and start living in them! It is an age old thing that wellies only come in ,farmer green', but there are so many different and amazing colours and designs out there now to choose from, but how about being given the chance to design your own?

    Styling for Fall with Spring


    Now the colder weather is here, it can be hard to still be fashionable while keeping warm and incorporating layers. I was recently introduced to Spring and decided to use their site, which is full of amazing products and reflects their inspiration from the beautiful boutiques lining NYC's Spring Street, to create a look I would wear for the season.

    wish list of items from Spring website for fall fashion

    Wednesday 18 November 2015

    Topshop Lip Cream


    Did you know that John Lewis online sells Topshop makeup? I certainly didn't! As I had a gift voucher it seemed silly to not get one of their lip creams and test it out.

    review of topshop lip cream in bright pink

    Saturday 14 November 2015

    The Disney Tag


    Who doesn't love a good Disney film?! After seeing this tag on sooooo many blogs, I decided to give it a go myself - hope you like my answers!

    disney tag answering questions on disney

    Wednesday 11 November 2015

    Don't Make These Hair Mistakes!


    Hair behaving badly? Not doing what you want? You've probably been making these common hair care mistakes and by following these tips you will soon have the shiny, silky hair you've always wanted!


    Mistake 1 - Towel drying your hair - with a towel
    Now this is a fast track way to damaged hair as it is most venerable when wet. It can also make your hair frizzy as you are rubbing the stands the wrong way. Swap the towel for an old shirt for a more gentle drying experience and to promote shiny hair. I personally never use a towel on my hair other than to squeeze out excess water.

    wearing a pony tail too high

    Mistake 2 - Wearing a ponytail too high
    Or any style which involves tying your hair up, as it can weaken the hair, especially if it is always in the same place. If you do want to tie your tresses up, use something made from a soft material or a scrunchie.


    Mistake 3 - Not using protection
    Of the heat kind. You don't want burnt hair! Using heat appliances regularly without any heat protection can cause fizziness and can cause hair to break off. It can also make it very dry and hard to do anything with.

    tangle teaser to remove knots

    Mistake 4 - Brushing your hair wrong
    When tackling your tangled tresses, always start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. If you start from the roots, you'll be pushing the tangles down your hair, causing your hair to become damaged.


    Mistake 5 - Not drying hair before styling
    Hair should be 100% dry before you let the straighteners/curling tongs anywhere near it, and this includes any dampness from products. If you don't, you are essentially boiling the product to your hair - not good, especially if it contains alcohol!


    Follow these tips and you should soon have the hair of your dreams! (May take a while for these tips to work, so don't give up too early!)

    Behati Prinsloo hair goal

    To me Behati Prinsloo is a definite hair goal! Who are yours?

    Love Laura xx



    Saturday 7 November 2015

    B.tempt'd Lingerie Lace Kiss Set


    A girl can never have too much lingerie right?! However, with all that I have previously bought, I have never had anything from B.tempt'd, so I was so excited to receive their 'Lace Kiss'* set!

    btemptd lcae kiss set review bralette and brief in purple and animal print

    Thursday 5 November 2015

    Skincare Favourites

    I have always used the old saying 'less is more' when it comes to skin care and the amount of products I use, mainly to reduce the amount of breakouts along with actually letting my skin breathe. Although it may not seem like a lot, the products I do use do the job perfectly well and my skin feels so healthy for it.

    skincare favourites maybelline baby lips mr bean body morrisons face wipes boots back spray freederm facy wash
     

    Saturday 31 October 2015

    LaLaLab Photo Book


    A few months ago, I took a trip to London with my best friend and while we were there, I took so many photos, but it's not always quite the same looking at them on a computer screen as having them printed in front of you. This is especially true for my Grandma, as she doesn't quite understand computers all that well!
    
    a photo book from london printed using lalalab

    Wednesday 28 October 2015

    F.B.L Quick Tip #30

     
     
    Steer clear of quick-drying nail polish
    It is very dehydrating, leaving your nails dry and prone to breakage

    quick tip on quick drying nail polish

     
     
     
     
     

    Saturday 24 October 2015

    Halloween Beauty Edit


    Halloween is just around the corner, so what better time to do a beauty edit to make you feel all creepy. (in just the right way of course!) There are so many products out there that have the scare factor, but can also be worn anytime of the year, not just Halloween.

    Beauty products for a spooky halloween look. L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline, Katy Perry, MUA, Makeup Revolution, Superdrug

    Thursday 22 October 2015

    Halloween Costume Generator


    This year I have really got into the Halloween spirit and what could be better than getting inspiration from an online costume generator*?! The one that Ladbrokes have created is super easy to use and has so many different choices. You simply chose your style and occasion and it gives you costume ideas based on that. It is so much fun and gives so many options, you will be spoilt for choice on what to actually wear on the night. Even if you are not going to a certain occasion, say a house party, then you can just have a laugh at the options it gives you! What is even better, is that it is free to use without any downloads, meaning no time is wasted.


    Click the link below if you wish to have a go yourself -

    http://bingo.ladbrokes.com/en/news/halloweencostumegenerator


    Let me know what options it gives you!
    Love Laura x
    *This product has been gifted/sent
    for review by PR and/or the brand
    


    Wednesday 21 October 2015

    Model Behaviour


    For me, sometimes the simplest outfit can look the best, meaning you can't go wrong with jeans and a tee!

    Topshop jeans primark t-shirt river island boots OOTD

    Saturday 17 October 2015

    Wear Dark Berry Lipstick!


    With autumn/winter now upon us, it's time to dig out those dark and berry lipstick shades and completely own them! Now, before you freak out and think it's too much effort or too 'gothicy', there are a few little rules to keep in mind so you can rock that bold lip with no fear.

    how to wear dark and berry lipstick this autum and winter wearing collection cosmetics vamp lipstick

    Wednesday 14 October 2015

    Exuviance Skincare


    One if the brands I was lucky enough to talk to and get a sample from at #BloggersFestival was Exuviance. This is a dermatologist developed skincare brand from the makers of NeoStrata and is a clinically proven at home range which is designed to transform, while still comforting, the skin and smelling nice.

    purifiying cleansing gel exuviance skincare #bloggersfestival

    Saturday 10 October 2015

    Pronounce Those Tricky Fashion Names!

    Now that we are at the end of fashion month, there have been so many different names floating around., but why do designer fashion labels have to be so hard to pronounce?! Discussing your favourite dress from the catwalk, until you try and say the designer label's name and it all goes wrong. Knowing how to pronounce the name correctly no only makes it easier for fashion discussions with your friends, but also makes you look super smart in the fashion world!
    Now, this is the last time you stumble (and give up) on your high fashion names.

    how to pronounce tricky fashion label names


    Miu Miu: Mew Mew

    Louis Vuitton: Loo-wee Vwee-ton

    Lanvin: Lahn-van

    Ralph Lauren: Ralph LAUR-en

    Balenciaga: Ba-len-sia-ga

    Dolce & Gabbana: Doll-che & Gab-ana

    Rodarte: Row-dar-tay

    Herve Leger: Her-vay Lay-jar

    Moschino: Moss-key-no

    Badgley Mischka: Badge-lee Meesh-kah

    Moschino: Moss-key-no

    Giambattista Valli: Gee-am-bah-tease-ta Vah-lee

    Versace: Ver-sah-chee

    Givenchy: Gee-von-she

    Yves Saint Laurent: Eve Sanh La-rahn

    Marchesa: Mar-kay-zah

    Sonia Rykiel: Sewn-yah Ree-key-el

    Balmain: Bahl-mahn

    Mary Katrantzou: Mary Cat-trant-zoo


    Are there anymore designer names you think should be added to this list?
    Love Laura x






    Wednesday 7 October 2015

    Blogger Brunch With Get The Label


    As I am sure you will know by now, I have been involved with Get The Label's #StayFitDontQuit campaign throughout September and to end the month of fitness, we were all treated to a yummy brunch! Held at Proper Tea Rooms - a unique venue right outside Manchester Cathedral, the yummiest and healthiest brunch was served made up of bagels, fruit salad, a pepper, squash and feta salad and sugar-free flapjacks alongside refreshing juice and their fantastic teas.  Everything was instagramable!
    As well as amazing food, we were also treated to a spa workshop, held by the lovely Yvonne from Temple Spa. Being able to try out some of their luxury products was amazing and of course being able to smell them! It was also a chance to relax - exactly what you need after a month of spinning classes.
    It was so nice to put faces to names of fellow bloggers and to also meet the team from Get The Label, who were so lovely and welcoming. Getting to try out a new place to eat in the city is also a bonus too! I have absolutely loved bring part of the #StayFitDontQuit campaign and getting to try out a fitness class I may not have other wise done. Also, the amazing goody bag filled with fitness products and snacks was amazing too! It is important to remember that you shouldn't only do fitness during the summer months, it should be a year long thing - don't quit!

    Love Laura x

    blogger brunch getthelabel stayfitdontquit fitness campaign

    blogger brunch bagels propertea rooms manchester

    proper tea rooms feta and pepper salad blogger brunch with get the label

    blogger brunch with get the lable stayfitdontquit camapign fruit salad

    blogger brunch with get the label for the stayfitdontquit campaign


    TempleSpa workshop at the get the label blogger brunch manchester

    goody bags from get the label #stayfitdontquit campaign at propertea rooms manchester