Tuesday 8 July 2014

Food blogger/writer, Jack Monroe.

Recently, I've been obsessed with food bloggers, cook books and bloggers that work with a budget. With a plus one that costs a bomb to feed and a budget that just doesn't stretch to it, I needed help.

Step up,

I can really identify with Jack, having been in a similar situation not that long ago - minus a small dependent. She's made such a positive of a negative that affects so many of us but we don't talk about it!


This girl is the answer to all my problems. If you're not that flush and you can't quite stretch to a cook book purchase, do as I did and run down to the library, after all it's what they're there for! And I'm sure Jack wouldn't mind. 

I choose a bread recipe, falalfel, gnocchi, satay chicken, meatballs, ice cream, a Mediterranean dish and one or two extras and headed down to tesco to pick up the ingredients. It came to a whopping £26 (a major bargain) and that included extras such as cereal bars. 

I spent an entire day filling my freezer with all these dishes & so far so good. We're still working through the ones he likes and doesn't like but if you're looking for a challenge, a way to save a bit without giving up taste or healthy eating then this is the lady for you! 

Oh and good news! she has a second book coming, around my birthday! (hint, hint anyone.)

R x

Sale shopping!


I've been shopping! a dangerous form of cardio.



These are the major bargains i've managed to pick up.
Dress - H&M £3! (can you believe it? It was £30.) Gillet - Zara - £15, Bag - Zara £10, Heels - Zara £20, Tee shirt - M&S £6 & finally the espadrilles - H&M £7. 

I worked out that if I had paid full price for these, it would have been a hundred pounds more than I paid .. astonishing! 

R x

Saturday 14 June 2014

My week in pictures.

My days off this week consisted of the following..


Discovering another cute plant pot that has doubled up as my hair brush holder, you can find this in sainsburys for £3, I have my eye on the yellow one but I don't have a use for it! 

Then I thought sorting through my old stuff was a good idea.. Always stressful!

A visit to a 1940's museum, isn't this bar really cute?

And finally, a lovely walk with my pooch. 

R x

Thursday 12 June 2014

Benefit - they're real mascara.

Okay, I'm late to the party with this one. I'm not the type to run out and buy something during its hype period - I need a lot of convincing. It just so happens I got a sample size in a beauty box. 

And it was worth the wait! 


As you can see the brush is really defined to get inbetween those lashes, it really separates and 
lifts your lashes. The colour is very defined and really makes those lashes stand out, it could be a liner and mascara in one. Another major pro; it does not budge. I have to say, I've read so many reviews but for me personally this almost looks like I have fake lashes on. 

It isn't the cheapest - but I imagine it would last quite a long time. If you're a minimalist on make up this will seriously make your eyes stand out with hardly any need for anything else.

Plus! They're real mascara has a sista coming! - a gel based eye liner pen. This is a totally new product to the forum and I cannot wait to see if it's like the mascara. Perfect cat flicks with wide eyes coming up! 

Thank you Benefit! X

Thursday 5 June 2014

Lush - King of skin

Hello lovelies!

I might be making myself really unpopular with this post, it's about a blogger favourite.. 

The lush king of skin body butter. 
You use this after all washing etc as a wet moisturiser and then wash it off before you get out. 

I have to say for me this product is a no no, I won't be making another purchase. If you're like me that the idea of feeling a bit slippery and oily even after washing it off and off again then it really isn't for you! 

On the plus side, your skin will be soft as anything! but you'll feel like you're covered in a slippery substance for hours. 

Sorry Lush! 

R x

Thursday 29 May 2014

What's on my face #2

I went to a Rugby dinner as a proud WAG recently.. can I get away with that title? 
I wanted a simple make up look that mainly relied on a pop of colour on my lips, so here it is:




Face - Benefit, porefessional; Laura Mercier primer (radiance), Collection concealer, Rimmel match perfection foundation (classic ivory 101). Topshop cream blush in head over heels, Topshop highlighter glow stick, Laura Mercier bronzer in Dune Bronze. 
Applied with :- Real Techniques, expert face brush. 

Eyebrows - Rimmel 002 hazel brow pencil. 

Eyes - Collection work the colour eyeshadow pencil in vintage blush 3. B. precise long wearing gel eyeliner in black. 
Applied with : Real techniques, fine liner brush. 

Lips - Burts bees lip balm & Topshop lip cream in Sweetie. 

R x

BB cream

BB cream is one of the new 'in' products, there are so many to choose from, different brands, prices etc where do you turn?! 
If you're like me and really think hard before you buy a product then maybe this budget find will suit you. 


This BB cream is from... the 99p store! 
So as you might have guessed it was 99p - it also boasts a SPF of 15.. can this get much better? the answer is yes!

I can honestly say this is a dream find, it glides on brilliantly, I have very red cheeks and sometimes a quite uneven skin tone, this is like a cross between a tinted moisturisor, foundation and a silky goddess. My mum recommended this and she's quite fussy about what she's uses and has sensitive skin so this may well suit you too! 

I haven't yet tried a more expensive BB cream so I wouldn't be able to recommend if they are any better for the higher price tag but I do urge you grab this even if its for the days you don't wanna use your best stuff!

R x

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Pink Lipsticks.

I needed a pink lipstick for a dinner, I wanted the gel liner eye, shocking pink lips look.
So I decided to scout around for a budget version. 

Firstly, I popped to Boots, their collection range is usually a fail safe and has so many amazing items (for example the concealer) 

I got this from the Collection Deluxe range, it's in the shade Speakeasy 04 and was £3.99. It's a lovely creamy texture and is probably the least sticky out of the mini haul but isn't as pigmented on the skin as I thought it would be. Didn't suit for my occasion but I will definitely be using it. 





I then popped to Superdrug and had a nose at the MUA stand, has anyone else noticed these are a bit.. destroyed every time you go in? So popular. This is their pinkest lippie in shade 3, it was the brightest I could find in their budget range (£1) but they did have their Luxe glosses which were practically neon. I've found this is a bit more berry colour on me but for £1 it's going to serve me well no matter how pink or berry! 
Did anyone else know about the dipping pot on the end?!


I got this in the MUA sale not that long ago but I can't find it now! I think it was about £1.50 and is a shocking pink and probably the best pigmentation from stick to face of all the purchases. The shade is Ultra Pink if it comes back into stock. 

And finally, I had picked up a little while ago another Collection lasting colour lipstick (baby pink packaging) but the shade appears to be discontinued. The nearest to it now are bubblegum or pink shock.. I'm sure they'll find their way into my collection in my hunt for the ideal pink lipstick. 



Tuesday 27 May 2014

Beauty Hack.

We found this handy little thing on Pinterest. 


So easy, so cheap! Can't wait to try it.

R & M x

Monday 26 May 2014

New Jo Malone purchase.

Dear Jo Malone,

I love you, 
You smell amazing,
your packaging is classic, 
I know we're going to be together forever,
I would like all the scents, 
maybe a candle one day, 
please don't tell my bank!
yours lovingly,
Rachel x



(my new purchase) 

Sunday 25 May 2014

Everything 5 pounds.

You may not have heard of this website; everything5pounds.com but you'll thank me!

It's literally what it says on the tin, like the pound shop; although I still see people asking the price? 

Naturally, some of the products are a bit.. questionable but now and again you can find a really classic piece, for example Valentino lookalike shoes; unfortunately I missed those. 

If you like them on facebook you'll get an update of what are the new arrivals of the next day, at the moment I've got my eye on this. 


A pop of colour will brighten a plain outfit, or if you're feeling really brave pair this with a fuchsia dress for a spring/summer awakening!

Let me know if you find anything you like!

R x

Wish List.

I love a good nose at someones wish list, only problem is, I usually add something from theirs to mine! Here's what I'm lusting after at the moment. 


Topshop jeans are the best you'll ever buy, I mean ever. Nothing else on the high street compares to these, they're so flattering, soft, they retain their shape and last yonks! (Warning: you might have to do the 'topshop squats' the first time you wear them) 

I think I want these just because they're beautiful, that's a good reason right? We all love a bit of rose gold and these just are.. beautiful. Sigh. (Zoeva Brushes)

This rather different looking lippy is the Barry M Genie - it changes colour based on the alkali levels in your lips and will display a shade of pink that should suit you perfectly! I'm really curious to see what it would comes out like on mine. 

I've been reading about the benefits of these little babies for some time and I definitely need to give them a go, you can chuck them in almost anything you're eating not notice they're there and reap the benefits! If you want to try before you invest in a large bag, birchbox have the answer here


The final piece on my wish list was the Glow pots from Topshop but I can't find the colour I want online, I guess another trip to the store is necessary.. Oh damn ;) 

R x



New discoveries - Topshop make up.

Yello lovelies! 

I've been hunting for a highlighter for some time, I wanted a mid market one for a change. I've heard a bit about the budget MUA one that's £1.50 and apparently that is good, stonkin good price! 

But I decided Topshop needed to be graced with my presence in the make up department. 

So I picked up the Glow Stick in 'Play Up' it's £10 and just so easy to use. So convenient just bam up the cheek bones and down the nose and you've got a bit of structure to your face, particularly if you're like me with hamster cheeks. 

Then I picked up a cream blush.. I have to be honest, I am one of those people who sticks there fingers into the testers just to feel the consistency.. this is amazing. 
I couldn't quite describe the texture of Benefits Porefessional and neither can I for this, it's light, airy, smooth and creamy. 

I got it in the colour 'Head Over Heels' it's a corally orange, perfect for Spring/Summer tones and especially if you're not short of a bit of redness in the cheeks anyway this adds another dimension. I'm using it quite subtle at the moment but if you're brave enough you could make a real statement. This was only £7!

At the time of me popping into TopShop they were doing an amazing free Lip Gloss offer so I got this 
Bold lips are in ladies! and this will certainly make you stand out. I LOVE it. It's in the colour 'Sweetie' and is £7, it stays on all night (even after a glass or two!) and I can't say enough good things about it. 

R x



Sunday 4 May 2014

Benefit - Porefessional

Hello! I'm Back. Sorry for the absence, work,  life general etc.

But this product has been on my mind for blogging, every time I use it I feel I have to put my words across about it. I know there are a lot of reviews out there! 


Firstly, if you've used this you will have noticed the incredible texture this has, it's as light as air (no exaggeration) it blows my mind every time I pop some on my face. 
I have the biggest pores in the universe, seriously.. and I've found this to be a great base product underneath my foundation. 

I've read and heard many reviews from those who were sent this, bought it or had a sample with a beauty box and there are some varying opinions. My advice would be treat it as it's meant to be, an aid for your make up to look more flawless. 

There are a lot of products out there for pore minimisation these days, so try a few and find the perfect one for you (if you can). For me personally, I keep going back to this for my full make up days and if you have quite good skin in summer you could use this with a bit of tinted moisturisor and you'll definitely be satisfied. 

R x

Saturday 29 March 2014

Reading wish list.

I thought I'd share with you the books I'm wanting to read, I have to admit I have A LOT of books lined up to read and when I discovered the free book shop in my city, well it's caused a bit of hassle for my spare room/study! 

But I still fancy reading these;


I've noticed this book on everyone's (it seems) bedside table; a coming of age novel written through anonymous letters. I'm not sure if it's the cover, the press it's had or the title that is enticing me but it's doing something right. 

As you'll know from previous posts I am obsessed with the golden girls, it's a comedy sitcom from the eighties and early nineties about four outrageous but very different women and how they cope with the next stage in their lives. It is hilarious and anyone who's had five husbands must have some good stories, take Elizabeth Taylor! 

Mitch Albom and I are old *imaginary* friends! I've long had a love for his novels. They're affirming, inspiring, thought provoking and deeply interesting. If you've never read any of his works I strongly suggest you do. Check out Tuesdays with Morrie, a book close to my heart. 


R x



Thursday 27 March 2014

New look court shoes.

I've found these little babies 

They're the Ronald mesh detail court shoes, and are a steal at £19.99. They remind me of the PVC and mesh look that celebrities such as Kim Kardashian are currently working. I'm imagining these, peg/cigarette trousers a plain block colour top and a statement necklace. Perfect! 

You can get these from both ASOS and New Look. 

R x

Monday 24 March 2014

Bag Bargain at ASOS

ASOS really do have the best sales. 

This little beauty is from Oasis and is half price in the sale! from £38 to £19!
It'll be great for any season, any occasion, day or night... have I talked you into it yet? 

I love it!

R x

Sunday 23 March 2014

Night time routine lately.

Just thought I'd show you what my routine for nightly skincare is lately. 


1. Liz Earle hot cloth cleanse & polish. 2. Lush Tea Tree water, even after Liz Earle's revolutionary product this baby gets so much out of my skin, frightening! 3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar duo - I'm trying this out at the moment and finger crossing I will see some of the results I've read about! 4. Finally REN night cream for my tired eyes and dull skin. 

I've been using this combination for a few days (three of the products are new to me) and it seems to have brought up all the impurities so I do look a bit terrible but hopefully the improvements will show through soon. 

As they say, it gets worse before it gets better! 

R x

Friday 21 March 2014

Leather look jacket.

So, my current obsession with Millie Mackintosh and my desperate need for a spring jacket combined has led to my discovery of this beauty. 

George at Asda has become a serious high street contender and this on style jacket proves it so. You can pick this beauty up for £28. You could definitely work this for both the day time and evening. 

R x

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Subscription boxes.


A new craze is taking the beauty, fashion and jewelry world by storm; monthly subscription boxes.
I thought it might be helpful to do a post on what boxes are available (the ones I've tried), what you'll get and where to look! 

So firstly, beauty! 

The glossybox.

Self described as the 'ultimate beauty experience' you will receive an array of beauty, skincare and sometimes lifestyle samples or full size products. You can expect brands you were completely unaware of and will never want to be without again & well known beauty gurus. The products will be tailored to a survey you fill in on your preferences and skin/hair types. You will gain 'glossy dots' to then put towards free boxes, provided you are on a rolling subscription. 

Dependent on the type of subscription you choose it will be £10 plus p&p. 

The Birchbox. 

The Birchbox is a similar experience to that of glossy, they may hate me for that; but one box I had recently was virtually identical, I believe there are some spy's in one or the other! They do however, use different brands to glossy so although the products may be the same type the brand probably won't be. Holidays and seasons are represented within the boxes too which is a nice touch. You'll collect points with Birchbox that you can then spend in their shop, this box probably has the best perks in rewards sense. 

Again, £10 with p&p.

The Love me beauty.



The Love me beauty box is a little different in approach, you can choose the products you receive from a selection of three 'menus' if you aren't comfortable with the thought of paying for a box of products you're not sure you'll even use, then this is for you. 
The pricing is again the same £10 plus p&p, again there is a reward scheme for completing reviews. This box isn't as main stream with their products, there's a different feel to this box, I don't quite have the words but it feels more natural. I've never been disappointed with this box, ever!


Jewelry. 

Astrid & miyu

A secret concept box but with jewelry! This looks so cute, I can't speak from experience with this service but the pieces I've seen have always been so lovely. Again, you can be assured by the survey you complete on your style and preference to avoid any major disasters. This is a great way to keep on trend, have something unique (everyone has the same rings etc from primark don't they?) and the packaging looks like a real treat! This subscriptions is a quarterly one of £39 with free postage and packing. 


Food.

Graze 

(Images from GoogleImages)

If you're like me, eating healthy is a bit tough when the snacking demon takes over me! Here is your answer, the graze box. At £3.89 you can choose to have them delivered as much or as little as you like, you can choose an eating plan if you're trying to be extra healthy and you can rate or bin anything you know you won't like. So completely tailored to you! It's an exciting feeling when the box comes and you can't wait to try the amazing concoctions these geniuses come up with! 

I hope this gives you a little in-sight into these services, and if they would suit you! 

R x

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Overnight oats.

A bit of a different post but if you're anything like me sometimes breakfast can be a chore, either I haven't got enough time or a lot of the 'healthier' suggestions sound a bit too much for that time in the morning.

So! I have the perfect solution, Oats are such a good breakfast staple, healthy, keep you full for long and so on. But hot porridge in the spring and summer sounds like hell! 

Que; Overnight Oats
(laurenconrad.com)

You'll need 1 kilner jar, mines a 0.35l (and I got it from Sainsbury's), porridge oats, natural yogurt, cinnamon & a fruit of your choice. 

Pop a cup of oats, a cup of milk and two table spoons of yogurt into your kilner, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and add the fruit. Leave overnight & hey presto! 

You can pretty much tailor this as you like so it doesn't get boring, I've been using blueberries, strawberries, lemon curd & peanut butter. 

Enjoy!

R x

Lush - Porridge.

We all love a bit of Lush (the bath and body shop for those Welsh, who might think something else!) 


I've recently discovered this beauty, the 'porridge' it's a soap that when you go in will be cut off in chunks. As you can see its a textured soap with the oats to be used for exfoliating. 

The small just feels so natural and creamy, you just feel like this is doing something good to your skin, I feel so soft and smell divine after using this. It's a soap, it exfoliates, moisturises & is preservative free. 

I'm completely hooked.
(I've Just been and bought some more!) 

R x

Whats on my face.

Going out for a Tapas meal the other night I decided for a subtle pastels make-up look.


Foundation - Rimmel Match Perfection, Eyebrows - Rimmel , Concealer - Collection 2000
Eyes - H&M Nudes (pink) palette, Mascara - H&M, Bronzer - Benefit Hoola,
Lips - E.L.F - Sparkling wine. 

My dress is from Primark & I think it compliments the light blue pastels in my make up perfectly. 

R x


Also, I just got blog lovin :) 
(<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11827859/?claim=u6j43tcxswx">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>)

Monday 10 March 2014

White T-shirt

I've done the impossible ladies! I've found a non-see through, non-bump hugging white t-shirt!

Let's all praise Marks and Spencer in unison!

(Marks and Spencer.com)

We've all been there, thinking this tee looks great and next thing you know you're showly all and sundry your bits.. not good! 
This baby has 'stay new' technology which promises to maintain the pristene condition it's in, I'll let you know about that as I haven't had mine for long.

But at only £6 I am just thrilled it is a nice quality, sits properly on and I'm not flashing any by passers!

R x

Currently loving..

Here's what I'm currently enjoying or.. Obsessing over!

This album is a girls anthem, a feel good sing along array of songs. This will probably be my soundtrack to summer.. Corny right? 

This tv programme is almost a sec and the city for your 20s although a little more gritty and less designer influence. It's hard hitting, sometimes too relatable and quite graphic but I'm completely hooked. 

You name it, I've tried it! I even begged my partner to fork out for Elizabeth Arden's eight hour balm, quite expensive for what it is and not overly remarkable (for me personally). But, Burt's bees have always been there for me, always in my handbag on stand by for my poor terribly chapped lips. 

Finally, I love any anatomicals product and this is so cheap, cheerful, smells great and I can't wait to try more. Has anyone tried their shampoo or conditioner? Or the lip balm? Let me know! 

R x





Friday 7 March 2014

New look wish list. SS'14


Just gazing around Instagram and the internet and thought I'd check out New Looks new season, bittersweet because I'm going to have no money but look amazing! Here's my picks.. 

This charcoal and rose gold watch is to die for, my wrist yearns for it and at £12.99 I really don't think it looks that cheap! 

Pastels are the new black this season so why not be bold and use the inbetween spring weather to break out these bad boys! (£19.99) I've also noticed that New Look seem to have really put a lot of effort into redesigning and improving their jeans recently so I'm looking forward to seeing the difference. 

Aren't these just the cutest little things? They're £15.99 and I spotted them on pearls and poodles Instagram. They're suitable for daytime or a casual night out plus the pointed toe is back big time ladies! 

Finally, can you tell I like to buy in outfits? Or is that dream! This cute contrast effect top is £9.99 and finishes the outfit perfectly. 

Ahh New Look you're breaking my heart but I love it! 

R x




Thursday 6 March 2014

H&M palette

I picked up one of the H&M palettes in a light nudes colour recently, I've had an amazing mascara from them before at only 99p! So I had reasonable hopes for this.



The colours are quite sweet and good for a transitional time such as spring! Okay so here goes there really is no pigmentation to these. I attempted to do swatches but frankly was too embarrassed to put up a photo where you can't see anything! I've used it quite a few times and you really have to work to get some colour. So I guess I'll just use them as a base for better shadows. If you're looking for very light colour all over the lid and a bit of eye liner it might work but I wouldn't repurchase. 

Sorry H&M! I still love your mascara. 

R x

Tuesday 4 March 2014

Japonesque



Before I got the opportunity of a little make up tutorial at John Lewis by Japonesque I have to admit I'd only vaguely heard of the brand. It turns out, I've been really missing out! They're a company 30 years in the making who specialise in tools and accessories and their products are exclusively available through John Lewis.

Here are Japonesque's make up artist to the stars top tips!

Foundation.
Start from the center of the face and blend outwards - if you're looking for a professional make up look the tools are the answer. Let the brush do the work over the face! (Also, Japonesque's foundations are buildable coverage!)

Concealer.
A little goes a long way with concealer and use it to tone down the pink undertones that may be apparent in your complexion.

Powder.
The softer the brush, the less product it will hold onto and therefore allowing you to control how much is being applied. Nobody wants an over caked looking face! (Japonesque have a one colour powder that suits all skin tones!)

Eyes.
Tap off the excess from your brush, don't go straight from palette to eye. A top tip for coverage and precision is to tilt the head back and blend whilst keeping your eyes open. This will give a realistic position to the product.

Bronzer.
Use it to shape the face, and use a rounded brush to sculpt and give definition. Forehead, chin, cheek bones allows for definition.

We did ask what would be the one brush the make up artist couldn't live without and she answered the smudge brush.

This beauty is £12.00 at John Lewis and for its versatility and recommendation from a make up artist to some top celebs I think that's a bargain!

Overall, Japonesque's message as a brand is use the correct tools and you will have the professional look you lust after. You should only have to invest in these once and then if you take proper care of them (gentle shampoo and warm water once a week!) you could have them a lifetime. 

R x