Monday 21 December 2015

The Melt Crowd | December

I think that there is nothing more festive than filling your home with lovely fragrances at Christmas time and this months Melt Crowd box has helped me do just that. Each month I look forward to getting this in the post and seeing what the lovely people over at Flamingo Candles have put together for us.

This month there was a few little extras included in the box which is so cute. It was my sixth month of subscription and there was an extra tart melt which fitted extremely well with the theme of the box. As its Christmas, there was also a little flamingo tree decoration which is such a nice little touch. I'm going to find a place to have this out all year round.

Onto the melts included in this months box...


Asian Pear and Plum is so sweet yet with just enough floral in it to make it slightly more grown up. It makes for a really light scent that would be perfect all year round. 
Black Tea and Almond is one of my favourites. You can really smell the almond in this which makes the room smell like a lovely cake shop. The Black Tea is just so comforting, this one would be perfect for a snuggly night.
Christmas Pudding is a Melt Crowd exclusive and is one that I'm still not sure about. It's really not something that I have ever like so this would never be a hit with me, but there is no doubting that it smells exactly like a Christmas Pudding.
Cinnamon Sticks just screams Christmas to me. Whilst some cinnamon scents can be really overwhelming this one is just right. This will be my Christmas eve scent.
Mulled Wine and Berries is a really lovely twist on a classic. The mulled wine is spicy and warming, yet the berries adds a nice juicy and fruity element to it. Perfect if you're looking for something a little different.
Vanilla Milk Bottles is definitely the sweetest of the bunch. It's sweet, sugary, warm and smooth, whilst taking me right back to my childhood.
Black Cherry is another Melt Crowd exclusive and if this was available in full candle size, I would snap it up right away. You can smell this as soon as you open the box, it is so fruity and yummy that I just want to take a bite out of it.
Mistletoe, another exclusive is so fresh and clean smelling. It s exactly how I would imagine Mistletoe to smell. It's a welcome change from all of the strong scents featured in this box.
Finally, Snow Angel is the 6 month gift, and is just so beautiful. It smells like fresh air which I know is a little strange but growing up in the countryside and now living in the city, this makes me so nostalgic.

This month is just perfect and they keep getting better and better each month. Here's to seeing what January has in store.
Which is your favourite from this months box?
Sign up here, for just £10 a month.

Wednesday 2 December 2015

Christmas Date Ideas

Around this time of year, I use a couple of days holidays from work to enjoy a couple of days of festivities, and battling crowds for Christmas shopping. This year I have done exactly that but my fiance has also take some days off work so we get to spend them together. We have decided to have a couple of Christmas themed date days and I thought that it would be nice to share some of the ideas with you...



1: Ice Skating
I know that some people might think of this as cheesy or obvious but hear me out. If you are someone who has weekdays off, or has taken a couple of days off then an Ice Rink is the perfect place to go midweek. It is so quiet and peaceful rather than on a weekend and evening when it is usually so busy! You often get a better deal through the day too which is always a bonus! 

2: Christmas Cinema
Throughout the month of December, some cinemas often run classic Christmas films. We have done this quite a few years in a row now and it's always nice to get us into the festive spirit. This week, we went to see Miracle on 34th Street, which is a firm favourite of mine, and brings back memories of watching it as a child. Make sure to check with your local Cinema to see what they are showing.

3: Christmas Markets
Who doesn't love going to the Christmas markets? We always like to go and have a wander round whilst feasting on the goodies there and having a festive drink. I definitely recommend a Cherry and Amaretto Punch if you can get it. Again, try and avoid peak times as it does get very busy.

4: Tobogganing 
Surprisingly, there are quite a few toboggan tracks or slopes all around the country. This is so good for a fun date or family day out and something completely out of the ordinary. I have done it quite a few times in different places and have found that I much prefer the slopes as they really add to the authentic winter experience with the snow. Remember to wrap up warm! The best one I have been to is at Xscape Castleford.

5: Winter Forest Walks
Something that is becoming more and more popular is a Winter Forest. Many places now will have somewhere that has a magically transformed forest that looks just like a winter wonderland. I have been to some a few times and think they are absolutely amazing, and very romantic. One of my favourites is Stockeld Park.


What is your favourite Christmas Date?

Tuesday 1 December 2015

November Favourites

It's been such a long time since I've wrote a favourites post. I think it's probably because for the past few months I've been travelling between Manchester, Leeds and Kent, all whilst using the same products from the same tiny make up bag. November has finally seemed to calm down a little and I've had a chance to rotate some products and there are some that I've been loving.


Paco Rabbane Olympea EDP - Here
Working in Duty Free means that I am constantly surrounded by gorgeous fragrances, but this one really has got me smitten. It is so unusual, yet isn't too out there, and it is so beautiful for this time of year. It's categorised as a 'Floriental' fragrance with Mandarin, Ginger Lily and Jasmine, to give it a floral boost, whilst the Salty Vanilla accord, and cashmere give it a slight oriental scent. I am absolutely in love with this, and will definitely replace it once I'v finished this bottle.


MUFE HD Foundation - Here
I know that MUFE have now released the Ultra HD foundation but I am a little late to the party with this one. This foundation has been my holy grail ever since purchase for a number of reasons. It gives me such a smooth even base, that looks almost flawless even with just the tiniest amount. The coverage is medium and buildable without looking cakey on the skin which is always a bonus. 

NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick in Sandstorm - Here
At the moment I'm all about brown lips, so this was always going to be a winner with me. This colour is quite unusual as it has a little grey undertone to it which is surprisingly flattering. The formula is so smooth and long wearing, with a fully matte texture. I find some liquid lipstick to stay a little tacky but this fully dries down and is so comfortable on the lips. I'll definitely be picking up more shades.

MAC Blusher in Mocha - Here
I love having a slightly darker blush in the winter months, and had lusted after MACs Mocha blush for a while. When I finally picked it up, it was definitely love. I find it gives me just the right amount of warmth and colour to my face without being too pigmented. It lasts all day and the matte finish is lovely, I can see this one getting a lot of further use.

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 - Here 
Urban Decay are one of my favourites for palettes, and as a big fan of the original Naked Basics palette, I had to get this one. I find that the cooler tones are much easier to work with and you can create so many eye looks from just six shades. As with all UD shadows, the pigmentation is insane and the shadows are so buttery soft so they blend like an absolute dream.

So those are my favourites for November, and I reckon that most of them will still be my favourites in December too! 
What have you been loving this month?


Saturday 21 November 2015

Winter Time Tanning

Okay, so I think it's fair to say that we are definitely in winter now. The weather has got much colder and as much as I do love the winter season, I still long for summer. All year long, I like to keep a little bit of a tan. In summer, I will more often than not be sporting a deeper tan, but in winter I do like to have more of a softer glow rather than the deep bronze shade that goes hand in hand with the summer months.

It was only when I was discussing tanning with some friends at work, when I had the idea that I would share my favourite tanning products to use for that Winter Glow. 


This is by far and away the easiest tan to apply I'v ever used. It goes on extremely smoothly, and streak free. Out of the four in this post, this is the one that gives me the deepest tan, but is still very very natural. It dries down very quickly, so there's none of that waiting around like a puppet waiting to dress. It's not the most purse friendly tan product out there, but I guarantee it's one of the best you will try.

If you don't like instant tans, but want something with a very quick application time, then this is the one for you. This is an invisible spray, which is super easy to apply. Just spray directly onto your skin and that's it. I like to quickly run over it with a tanning mitt just to ensure that there are no streaks or patches.

When I'm in a hurry, or there are some spontaneous Christmas outings, this is the one I reach for. It's instant colour and quick drying time means I can get my glow on in next to no time. One thing with instant tans is that they often get patchy if you'r caught in the rain or they transfer onto clothes. However, with this one despite being medium/dark, you get a very soft tan, which stays put even in the wintery showers. 

My most used has to be this offering from Bondi Sands. Keeping soft skin in winter can be difficult due to the harsh weather and central heating, so using this gradual tanner which is moisturiser based helps to combat that. It includes cocoa butter which smells divine and is a god send for my skin. The tan that it gives is very natural, which is what I love about this tan.

Do you still enjoy to tan in the winter time? Which is your favourite?

Saturday 7 November 2015

The Melt Crowd | November

At the start of every month I get really excited because I know that my Melt Crowd Box will be arriving any time soon. Every single month, I say that it is my favourite one yet, but this one really does live up to that claim. It's every thing I look for when buying candles, with such beautiful scents perfect for this time of year.



This month included a mix of delicate, fun, and fruity scents all of which are stunning for autumn/winter. 
The more delicate scents are Darjeeling Tea, Blackberry and Bay Leaf and Warm Vanilla Sugar. Darjeeling Tea is very soft and fresh but still packs a punch, whilst Blackberry and Bay reminds me very much of the Jo Malone fragrance of the same name. Warm Vanilla Sugar is a Melt Crowd exclusive, and is absolutely perfect for snuggling up on a cold winters night. 
Fruity scents are always a winner with me and Blackberry Jam has to be my absolute favourite in this box, it reminds me of when my grandma would make jam when I was younger and the sweet smell would fill the house. Violet and Lime is the perfect way to hang on to summer with the floral violets coupled with the fresh lime, they make a stunning pair. This next one was always going to be a winner with me as they are some of my favourite childhood sweets, the Parma Violets scent is beautifully sweet without being too sickly. 
Finally, to get us all in the Festive mood there are two Melt Crowd previews, for the new Christmas 2015 collection. Bah Humbug smells exactly like a bag of mint humbugs which will always remind of the festive period. Christmas Tree-O is a very strange yet lovely scent. It is fruity and spicy, like mulled wine but has the freshness of pine, which will be perfect for when I'm putting the christmas decorations up.

I really couldn't love this box any more, the scents are exactly what I would pick if I were to creat my own box. You can subscribe to The Melt Crowd here. 
Which would be your favourite?

Monday 2 November 2015

Kiko Infinity Eyeshadows

Kiko is fast becoming one of my favourite brands. I used to pick up tons of products when I went to Westfield in Stratford on one of my many shopping trips with my Mother in Law to be. However, Kiko stores are now popping up everywhere so it makes it extremely easy to nip in and have a little swatching session, which is exactly what I did in the new Trafford Centre store this weekend. 
I picked up three of the Infinity Eyeshadows which were created for the Palette Clics System. These palettes allow you to build your ow custom range of shadows s that you know you will use all of the colours. 

I picked up three shades to start me off although I could quite easily go wild and pick a lot more of the shades.
I decided to go for shades that I don't really have in my collection and that I could wear on a daily basis, but there were so many shades that there is bound to be something for everyone.


204 Mat Apricot - I thought that this would make a really lovely blending out shade and it reminded me a little of Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie shadow. This is so smooth and blends like a dream, I absolutely love it.
205 Golden Coral - I've been after a rose gold shadow for such a long time but didn't want an overly pink shade This one looks stunning as a really light wash of colour over the lid, but the pigmentation is insane so a light hand is needed.
243 Satin Dark Burgundy - This is such a rich shade and glides so smoothly onto the lids, it is absolute perfection. It's perfect for this time of year, and looks beautiful all over the lid or smoked on the lower lashline.

The pigmentation and lasting power of these is amazing. They rival some of the pricier shadows from other brands. At £2.80 these are an absolute steal! You can get them from their website here.
Have you tried any of these? What is your favourite Kiko product?

Saturday 31 October 2015

Top Five Nude Lips For Autumn|Winter

My favourite season is in full swing now and it's normally around this time of year that I would be turning to my deep, dark and vampy shades. However, I have surprised myself and stuck more to the nude shades on my lips and I have been loving it! 


The lastest edition to my collection and the darkest nude in this line up. On my lips this has a very slight grey undertone which I love! I thought that it might be slightly too dark for me to get away with but I have fully embraced the 90s brown lip revival with this shade!

I tried for months to get this and everytime I went to Superdrug and Boots it was always out of stock. I finally found one and I'm so glad I did. It's a very natural and flattering shade which looks great on occasion. 

The only non matte in my Top Five is this little beauty. With a beautiful formula, it is a slighter warmer nude and is almost a my lips but better colour. Its not overly shiny but more satin in finish which only adds to the beauty of it.

This is a shade I don't hear too much about in the blogging world, but it really deserves a bit more recognition. This is a paler nude than I would normally go for, but oh my it looks lovely. Another matter shade, but this one is very creamy. It's also my choice when you want to look extra glam without having too much colour.

For everyday, when I want something ice and easy to wear this is my choice. A milky beige shade which looks so pretty with a bronze smokey eye. It makes my lips look very healthy and full which I love, and the lasting power is just incredible!

I'll definitely be sharing my favourite deep shades for this season too but for now I'm definitely in the nude lip party.

Tuesday 6 October 2015

The Melt Crowd | September and October

It was only when I received the October Melt Crowd that I realised I had not wrote about the September box. So this post is going to be a double dose of waxy goodness, featuring both boxes. 

September


Each melt in this box is just as lovely as the next one. It is the perfect mix of scents too so there is bound to be something for everyone. The most impressive for me have to be the fruity scents, Grapefruit, Orange and Lemon Peel and the Lemon and Lime Mojito. There are also some beautiful blended scents which are stunning. White Lilac and Rhubarb is one of those scents which I just couldn't imagine but once I smelt it, it was love. Rose and Marshmallow is beautifully sweet and floral at the same time, and reminds me a little of perfume. Earl Grey Tea and Cucumber is so classic, I can imagine this burning whilst having afternoon tea. Jamaican Cafe and Walnut, pleases the baker in me, it's delicately sweet but still with the kick a traditional Jamaica Cake has. Finally, for those who love a very sweet scent, Creme Brulee and Circus Candyfloss are perfect.

October


Every month I think "this is my favourite box", but this months box really is my favourite box. First of all, there is the inclusion of the Pink Ribbon Scent Melt which is in support of The Pink Ribbon Foundation, and £2 from every box is donated to this very worthy cause. It's great addition to the October box as it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
There are some lovely, earthy and natural scents included in this box. Thunderstorm reminds me of that gorgeous smell you get just after it has rained heavily. Golden Woodlands is just amazing. It's a very masculine scent that reminds me of male fragrance, particularly Tom Ford Noir. 
Nutmeg and Ginger and Applecurrant Crumble, could easily fool people into thinking that I have been busy baking yummy treats in the kitchen all day! Pomegranate and White Fig, is so soft and delicate, with a floral touch to it,  it's a nice transition to autumn. Finally, the sweetest melt I've ever tried is Bubblegum. This takes me right back to being a kid and going to the sweet shop after school. 

Have you tried The Melt Crowd? You can sign up here.


Thursday 1 October 2015

September Favourites

It's been a while since my last post here on RL, and to ease myself back in I thought I would share my favourite products from this month. The past few weeks have been really busy for me, so trying new products hasn't quite being top of my agenda. However, I have tried to rotate my makeup collection so that I'm getting some use out of my less used products.


Sleek Barekissed Illuminator in Cuba
I first saw these on Sleeks Instagram page and I knew I had to have them. I'm a big fan of highlighters, and multi use products so these were always going to be a big hit with me. I did want all of them, but I restrained myself and just picked up the shade Cuba. A beautiful rose-gold which add jut a flush of rosy colour and a lovely amount of brightening on the skin,

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NW20
This is a repurchase for me and I think it always will be. I don't wear this much in the summer, but now that the weather has got a bit colder this has been all I've reached for. It gives me a flawless finish and makes a really nice base for other products to go on top of. It lasts all day and a little goes a very long way.

Makeup Revolution Ultra Contour Palette
With every brand and their mum launching contour products, it's now easier than ever to jump onto the sculpted face wagon. I've been wanting to try this one for a while but it was never in  stock in my local Superdrug, and being away most of the month meant there was no point getting it posted to home. The contour powders are still a little warm for my liking but the highlighters are just amaze. 

Topshop Gloss Ink in Cruel
This is my ultimate autumn/winter lip. It's a glossy purple with a blue shimmer to it which jut looks incredible. Despite it being glossy, it lasts such a long time on the lips. I'm definitely going to go back and buy more from this line.

MAC Soft and Gentle MSF
Although I have been using the contour palette for my highlight, on days where I have wanted a stronger one I have been reaching for this. The powder is so soft and doesn't have big chunks of glitter so it looks so natural on my skin.

What have been your favourites this month?

Tuesday 8 September 2015

A Catch Up

I usually dislike these sort of posts because I never really understood why people apologised for not posting in  a while. However, as my posting has been somewhat sporadic in the past few months I thought it would be nice to have a little catch up with you all.

In the past couple of months I have been extremely busy for different reasons. Most of you will know that my Fiance and I are getting married next year and I have been making plans for the big day. Anyone who says that you should enjoy the planning are 100% right, but they also forgot to mention that you will be the most stressed you have ever been in your entire life. Trying to get hold of suppliers, make payments and appointments is not easy, especially when you live 70 miles away from your home town which is also where the wedding is taking place. I really applaud those who plan their big day in a few months or weeks. 

We're also in the process of trying to find a new place to move into, as our contract is over in a few months and we want to give ourselves plenty of time to find somewhere new. Having moved out of my parents home four years ago, I had forgotten how hard it can be to find somewhere that meets all of your needs and isn't costing the earth. So with that and the wedding, along with working full time, I feel as though I haven't had much time at all to relax or do any more hobbies. 

So, I'm making much more of an effort to make sure that I have some time for myself, including this little blog. From now on keep an eye out for more blog posts from me! 

Sunday 16 August 2015

Lifestyle | Splendid Kitchen Manchester

On Wednesday I turned 23, and as always for each of our birthdays every year, we always try and go eat at either a favourite or new place. 
This year, I really fancied trying somewhere we hadn't been before and I had heard nothing but amazing things about Splendid Kitchen, so it was an easy decision to go there. 

Based right in the City Centre, on John Dalton Street, it really is easy to get to and let me tell you I am rubbish with directions and I found it perfectly fine. The restaurant itself is small and cosy, with an almost pop-up shop feel to it, which we both loved. There are booths which are nestled neatly into the far side, and the rest of the restaurant is filled up with old tables all of which have different chairs around them, which only added to the homely feel of the place. 



I had already looked at the menu beforehand online so I was pretty sure that I knew what I was going to have but I gave the menu a look anyway. It is filled with what I would describe as American Home Comforts with Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Burgers and Hot Dogs to name just a few. I decided to go for the Fried Chicken and Waffles, with a proper Cherry Cola Cocktail. 
The portion sizes are humongous. They are simply huge and I didn't think that would be able to manage it all but it was so good, that I was willing to put myself into a food coma to finish it all. The Waffles were perfectly fluffy yet crispy at the same time and the chicken was cooked to absolute perfection. It was so juicy and tender in the middle but with the most delicious crispy coating, and just the right blend of spices. All of this was topped with candied bacon which complemented it all so well, and the cutest little jar of maple syrup to pour over the top. Oh and the pizza fries. Just heaven.

Everything was just so amazing about Splendid Kitchen, we will definitely be returning. The service was great as the staff weren't too pushy but attentive and they were so quick with everything. I would definitely say that it is a must visit! The menu has something for everyone and on different days there are different deals, such as Wicked Wednesday or their lunch menu! If you're out and about in Manchester, you should definitely try here!

Friday 7 August 2015

The Melt Crowd | August

At the end of June I signed up to my first ever monthly subscription box which was The Melt Crowd from Flamingo Candles. I had bought a few candles from Flamingo Candles before so I knew that the quality was incredible, and I didn't need much persuading to get the Melt Crowd. 

The August box is my second month and I'm absolutely in love with the offerings. Each of the scents reminds me of a different summer favourite activity and I can't wait to fill my home with these gorgeous smells.


This box features a Melt Crowd preview which is Circus Doughnuts. This really does smell the sweet and sugary doughnuts that you can buy at the seaside and is probably my favourite from this months box.
There are also two Melt Crowd exclusives scents which are Fresh Cotton and Dahlia. Fresh Cotton is just so simple and stunning, I am smitten with this scent. It smells exactly like a fresh load of washing and is so crisp and clean, I love it. Dahlia is a soft floral scent that is a little perfume like. It's one o those scents that lingers four hours and smells lovely when melted.
I always love a good fruity scent and there are two featured in this box so I am thrilled about that. Pomegranate Cider is a really fresh scent with a little bit of sweetness to it. This reminds me of drinking fresh juice on the beach in the Mexico last year. Green Apples is such a zesty scent which I adore. This is also my fiancés favourite, and my dad loves this too so it's definitely one that appeals to males too.
Finally, everyone loves a good cocktail every once in a while so the Kir Royale and Champagne & Strawberries and lovely editions. Kir Royale smells so luxurious that I think I'm going to save this one for a special occasion. Champagne and Strawberries is such a British summertime staple and this is perfect for a hot summers day, with a perfectly mix of sweet and fruity it really is lovely.

The Melt Crowd Subscription is a bargain price of £10 per month including delivery and you can sing up here

Sunday 2 August 2015

Sunday Share #3 A Catch Up

Well hello there! Remember me? It's been a little while since I've posted on here but I have to say that a little break has been lovely and refreshing. I've been making the most of my weekend off, as they are such a rarity for me that I always try my best to pack them full of exciting things....



Happy Thoughts...
1: Family Spending time with family and friends is always so lovely. I always get so excited at the thought of going back to Leeds to see them. This time was extra special as we had my Fiancés family with us and we showed them our wedding venue, which everyone loved.
2: Wedding Excitement A couple of weeks ago, my Grandma, Mum and I went out for a very exciting day of shopping for my wedding dress. I've definitely found the one and I'm so excited to wear it on the big day. As a side note, have any other brides felt trying on dresses was completely overwhelming?
3: Reading I've just finished reading Gone Girl and I was gripped right from the start. I've been trying to make more of an effort to read as it's something that I love doing. Using my commute to read has made me get through things so much easier, and I'm now looking out for another recommendation to try.

This Weeks Loves...
I have become completely obsessed with Orange Is The New Black. I've almost finished and I'm already counting down to the next series. I have binged watched so many episodes at once and it has made me lose track of time. Oops.
I'm also on a mission to get healthier, and part of doing so has been attempting to lose some weight. I've really been enjoying using the Slimming World Fakeaway book for yummy and filling meals, which are better for me and kind on my purse.

How has your week been?

Monday 20 July 2015

The Melt Crowd From Flamingo Candles | July


A couple of weeks ago I was having the busiest few weeks I've had in a long time, which also explains the extreme lack of blogging for a while! During this busy time, I was having a quick scroll through Twitter and I saw the new Melt Crowd box from Flamingo Candles. Candles are a huge weakness of mine and I'm actually over run with them, but does that stop me buying them? Hell no!

The Melt Crowd box features eight wax tarts, and your first subscription comes with an adorable little tart burner which is great for those who might not already have this. I try and use wax tarts for as long as possible, to get the most out of their scents. My brand of choice was Yankee Candle tarts but I found that I could only use these 4 times at the most before their was no scent left. With the Flamingo Candles ones I have been burning them all day every day and they still as strong as they did when I first opened the package. 



Each box comes with a menu card with an image of the tarts and their respective scents, along with use and safety instructions. The eight scents featured are Raspberry and Salted Caramel, Cucumber and Melon, Mojito, Lemon Curd, Oriental Lotus and Rose, Pink Lemonade, along with two box exclusives, Green Tomato Leaf and Island Breeze. They are all stunning scents and there isn't one that I dislike. I've been using Island Breeze during this lovely warm weather we've been having and it fills my apartment with the perfect fresh air that you get when on holiday somewhere tropical. 

At £10 a month including postage, this is one subscription box that I think everyone will love! It would make a lovely gift for a candle fanatic or would be great for building up a candle collection. You can find out more and subscribe here.

Saturday 4 July 2015

Adventures In Madrid

A couple of weeks ago, we spent the most amazing couple of days in Madrid. I have always had a love for everything Spanish and have always wanted to travel the country. My fiance and I decided that we would do city breaks at least once a year and this year decided that we would finally travel to Madrid. 

We had so many things planned but as we were only there for three days we had to try and fit all of this in. Now that we have done it I thought that it might be nice to share all of the things that we did incase any of you are thinking of travelling there yourself, or are wanting a bit of inspiration for a new destination to try.

We flew from Manchester to Madrid with Ryanair - link as the flights were insanely cheap, which made our little break away much friendlier on our pockets.

madrid things to do in madrid fiance travel travel blogger blogging spain royal palace of madrid catherdral almudena


Top 5 Places to visit:

Royal Palace of Madrid
This is so easy to get to and is such a beautiful building it is well worth a visit. We went both through the day and at sunset, and it was beautiful at both times. If you are an EU Citizen, then make sure to take your passport along with you as after 6PM you can enter the palace for free.

Almudena Cathedral
Right next door to the Palace is the stunning Almudena Cathedral. This isn't something we would normally do but we walked round and it was stunning. There are quite a lot of stairs but the views from the panoramic platforms at the top were just breathaking.

As someone who is regularly a football widow, I knew there was no way that I was going to go Madrid and get away with not going. Well I eat my words now as it really was a great experience. The behind the scenes is really interesting and they have quite a lot of interactive areas for the young ones and big kids. My Fiance loved it, and the best part was that it was self guided so you could go at your own pace. 

Retiro Park
If you want to relax in the sun and watch the world go by then this is the place to do it. Imagine Hyde Park in the sunshine and there you have it. We sat by the lake, where you can hire little rowing boats. We sat here and planned our next moves and just had a few moments to relax our feet and catch a few rays. They have quite a few little cafes and monuments in the park too which all just adds to the laid back atmosphere.

Gran Via
Our hotel, Best Western Hotel Los Condes was based just off this street and was ideally located. Gran Via is the Madrid verion of Oxford Street with plenty of hotels, shops and restaurants on it. We could not have asked for a better location and I would definitely recommend having a little roam around on here.

To get around the city we walked mostly but did use their underground system which was incredibly easy and cheap. I would definitely suggest planning your journeys before hand as we found that walking was just as quick and easy, Definitely pack comfortable shoes as they are definitely an essential as we found out. 
There are a million and one places to eat in Madrid and they are all pretty cheap. Our favourites were Tommy Mels Diner on Gran Via and Choclateria San Gines for the best churros and chocolate I have ever had!

Out of all of the city breaks we have been on, Madrid is by far my favourite! We absolutely loved it and I know that we will definitely be returning!

Where is your favourite city break destination?




*The Post Adventures in Madrid first appeared on RetroLove Blog*

Sunday 21 June 2015

Nip and Fab Dragons Blood Cleansing Pads

I've been going through a phase of wanting to buy all of the skin care products that I could possibly get my hands on. I have been on a major skincare mission in a bid to get super soft glowy skin in time for my weeding next year, and also to prevent premature ageing.
One thing that I would love to have is fuller looking skin without the need of fillers. I need something which will renew the skin without the need for too much effort because I will admit that I am lazy. This is why my skin care routine has been less than perfect in the past. Enter Nip and Fab Dragons Blood Cleansing Pads.




Thy sound scary I will admit that. I told my mum about them and she just couldn't get her head around it. The Dragons Blood is actually a resin from the Croton Lechleri Tree, more commonly known as the Dragon Tree. It has been used in numerous products over hundreds of years, particularly for its renewing properties.
Each pot of the pads contains 60 circular pads which are ever so slightly textured. They feel a little oily and tacky at the same time which is some thing that I continuously struggle with because it feels so strange. This feeling doesn't last long on the skin but it is something to take into account if you're not a fan of that sort of thing. 
My skin instantly felt a little plumper after using these, and I especially noticed an improvement around my eye and cheekbone area. My fine lines had reduced quite considerably and my skin felt smooth and hydrated. I did have a little hormonal breakout on my chin too and it cleared those pesky little blemishes right up, which was pretty amazing to see them gone after only a few hours. 

I absolutely love these little pads of magic and they are a staple in my routine now. I was worried that they would be like the old pads that were popular when I was a teenager, the Clearasil ones which used to feel like thy were ripping your face off. I will definitely be using these for the forseeable future.
You can purchase these from Superdrug for £9.95 for a pot of 60 pads.

Friday 12 June 2015

Face B4 : A New Holy Grail

A while back now, I was contacted by the lovely people over at Face B4 who asked me if I would like to take part in their Face B4 Skin Clinic. I jumped at the chance as I'm really tying to a better effort with my skin in preparation for my wedding next year. 



The Face B4 Clinic included using two products, which were the Anti-Bacterial Face Wash and Anti-Bacterial Serum. I used both of these together daily for around 6 weeks and was really impressed with the results, especially from such a simple routine!
The Anti-Bacterial Face Wash features a duo pump system which provides both a cleanser and a toner. Before using this, I removed my makeup with a regular cleanser first and then went in with this. The consistency is a lovely soft foam which feels extremely gentle on the skin. The instructions say to leave this on the skin for a minute or two before rinsing off, but in all honesty I found this a little to do because the foam tickled my face, but I did leave it for around 30 seconds. Once I had done this, I rinsed with warm water and patted my face dry.

My favourite product of the two was by far the Anti-Bacterial Serum. Quite often after cleansing my skin can feel a little tight, but this wasn't the case after using this. I applied one pump of this to my finger tips and then applied to my face in upwards motions. It doesn't feel greasy unlike other serums and sinks into my skin beautifully, rather than sitting on top like some other products I have used in the past. 

 These pictures were taken on the first day of the trial, half way through and after 6 weeks.

After using both of these, I have noticed a hug improvement in my skin. A lot of the redness has gone down, and my blemishes are pretty much non existent, aside from the odd pesky one that everyone has to deal with every now and then. I've found that my skin is much smoother, meaning that my makeup sits much better on my skin and looks much nicer. These really are game changers, and are definitely products that will be in my routine for a long time.

You can buy this product here from their website and from Boots. You can also find them on Twitter.

*This post features a PR Sample. All opinions are my own*

Monday 8 June 2015

The Wedding Series #6: Planning Tools

For a stationery fiend like myself, planning a wedding is an absolute dream. I'm always found in either the makeup or stationery aisle, and I love perusing the shelves of Paperchase as much as I do the beauty shelves in Boots. Once we started getting ideas and plans together for our big day, I realised that this was the perfect opportunity to get myself some planning tools and kick it up a gear. There are so many different things that I've found useful, and thought it would be nice to put them together on one blog post for other Brides and Grooms to be.



Pinterest Boards:
This little gem is by far my favourite thing ever, not just for wedding planning. However, if you are planning a wedding it might just be a life saver. Creating a wedding board on there has been a great way to put ideas from hundreds of different places and help us to understand more of what we actually want for our wedding. It has also been great for discovering ideas that would otherwise have never thought of. You can find my wedding ideas board here. 

Wedding Magazines:
I can't even begin to tell you the excitement I felt when I went and bought my first Bridal Magazine. It really is a lovely feeling flicking through the pages and thinking of your own day. I have found these really useful when planning our wedding because there will be such a wide variety of items in there. My favourite is when they include 'real' weddings in the issue as it gives a more realistic view of weddings. One thing that I enjoy doing is taking clippings or keeping pages of something that I really like, or want to show to a supplier as sometimes it's much easier to show a picture of what you want, rather than trying to explain. Hands down my favourite wedding magazine is Perfect Wedding.

Wedding Planner/Diary:
This is fairly new to me as I only got one a few weeks ago, but it certainly has been a god send. Imagine a filofax but solely wedding related. It's been a great little tool to keep track of costs, names, and contact details of suppliers, along with a check list of things still to do. This little beauty has not left my side since getting it and I just know how much I'm going to be relying on this as the day gets closer. It also makes a lovely little keepsake to look back on. 

These have been my favourite helpers when planning our wedding. I'm always on the look out for more tips and tricks on planning, so if you have any ideas I would love to see them. 


Sunday 31 May 2015

Sunday Share #2

Having a day off on a Sunday is quite a rarity for me, especially having to work in travel retail, so I really have enjoyed making the most of today before being back at work tomorrow. This week, I've had a really time as I got to spend it with some loved ones enjoying a few days away. So here is what I've been up to this week...



Happy Thoughts...
1: Family Time Last weekend, I travelled back to Leeds to spend some time in my home town at my parents house. It was so lovely to spend some time with the family in a place that makes me incredibly happy. Although I do this quite often, it's something that always makes me feel content.
2: Holidays In 22 days time, Olly and I will be flying off to Madrid for four days. European City breaks are something that we both love and try to do as much as possible. Although I have been to Spain quite a lot over the years, Madrid is a new destination for us both. So, I have obviously been shopping much more than I actually need to and have tons of new things.
3: Making Changes This isn't a hugely important change but I have had a quite a big change in th hair department. After having long dark hair for a number of years, I now have a choppy mid length balayage, which I am absolutely in love with. It feels so refreshing to have a fresh hair do, and makes me put more effort in when styling it.

This Weeks Loves...
Following on from my effort to read more, I have just finished reading The Island by Victoria Hislop. If you haven't read this, I really can't recommend it enough. It's such a sad tale that is beautifully written, and really does make you use all of your senses thanks to the fabulous descriptions. I can't wait to pick up the next one in the series.
A little ashamedly I have been indulging in quite a bit of reality TV, mainly Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Say Yes To The Dress. I'm becoming slightly obsessed with both, and will probably need an intervention sometime soon. 

How has your week been?

Monday 18 May 2015

Makeup Revolution All About Cream Blush Palette

I'm aware that I've been featuring a ton of Makeup Revolution products as of recently but I can't stop buying things from their website, oopsie. This offering from my latest haul is one that I wasn't so sure about when it arrived but now that I have had a chance to use it properly, oh my am I in love!


Blush palettes are perfect for me as I am travelling a lot, due to living away from both mine and my fiancés family so taking numerous blushes for different occasions is just unrealistic and a pain. These palettes are sturdy, house a full size mirror and have plenty of shade variation in them so there really is nothing more that you could ask from them. I especially love the inclusion of the full size mirror because trying to find a decent mirror when you are staying away from home can be a nightmare. The struggle is real.

Usually I am more a fan of powder blusher as I find it easier to blend and much more forgiving should I go a little overboard. I was worried about looking a little clown like when I saw these shades, but they really are so flattering. There some extremely subtle coral/nude tones, bright bubblegum pinks, and deep rose/red shades, so something for everyone is in this palette. The bonus too is that they can be used on the lips which is something that I have enjoyed doing with the brighter shades.
The formula of these is just lovely. In the past I have found that some cream blushes can be a little greasy or bone dry, making them sit poorly on the skin and be a nightmare to blend. That isn't the case with these though as they are beautifully creamy and pigmented, a little goes a long way and they last well all day. They also work really well with a powder blusher over the top , should you want a more intense look. 



I now have all of the blush/bronze palettes from Makeup Revolution and I have not been disappointed by a single one of them. They are definitely some of my most used items in my collection and a £6 they won't break the bank.
You can purchase them here from their website.

Sunday 17 May 2015

The Sunday Share #1

For the past few months now I have been thinking about starting a Sunday post, and here it finally is. I have seen quite a few bloggers who do this, and I think that it is a lovely way to reflect on your week and appreciate all the little things that have made us all happy...


Happy Thoughts...
1: Weddings If you have been reading my little blog for a while now you will know that my fiancé Olly and I are in the middle of planning our wedding. This week things seem to have taken a giant leap in the right direction with appointments with supplier confirmed, and all the little details coming together nicely.
2: Active Lifestyle Getting fit is something that I have been wanting to do for such a long time now, but nerves and lack of willpower got in my way. Well now I have decided that enough is enough and with no more excuses I have finally got back in the gym and got a diet and exercise plan in place.
3: Sunshine and Friends The sunny weather that we have been having has been just lovely. I have spent a couple of evenings this week having a good catch up with friends with a glass of wine, enjoying the beautiful weather.

This Weeks Loves...
I've been trying to make an effort to read more, which is something that I fell out of love with after entering the world of full time work. This week I've been reading The Cuckoo's Calling which I have been loving so far, its quite gripping which is something I love in a book. I've heard that this is been made into a TV show but I'm not 100% sure that this is true. If it is true then I really hope that they do the book justice.
I've also been obsessed with reading travel blogs and tourist information sites. Olly and I have booked a little break away to Madrid at the end of next month, and as neither of us have been before we have both been doing tons of research. We think that we have found out about all of things that we wan to do but if you have any other recommendations then we would love to hear them. I am absolutely obsessed with Spain and their culture, so this trip is something that I am extremely excited about.

I have really enjoyed writing this very first Sunday Share, and look forward to writing some more :)

Friday 15 May 2015

Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 2 Palette

A couple of weeks ago I posted my April Favourites, and included in that post was the Iconic Pro 2 Palette from Makeup Revolution. I realised after that post went up that I hadn't actually dedicated a post to this beautiful palette, so here it is.

Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 2 Swatches

Back when Makeup Revolution launched their Iconic Pro Palettes they were almost immediately added to my basket. A first I did only purchase the Iconic Pro 1, which is one of my current most used palettes, but temptation go the better of me and a couple of days later, I purchased this one too.
It has a beautiful mix of mattes and shimmers, with a lovely smooth formula that glides on the lid with ease. I've found that with a primer I can get around 8 hours wear out of these which is fantastic as I very rarely wear my makeup for longer than that anyway. 

Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 2 Swatches


Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 2 Swatches

Paper  - A yellow toned neutral shade which is lovely for all over the lid
Chase - Warm, tan shade which is lovely in the crease
Smooth - An almost plummy brown 
New-Tral - A pinky/peach shade with tons of pigmentation
One Way - A mid tone purple, which is a little drier in texture to others
New Rules - A bright navy blue shade which sadly lacks in pigmentation
Grey Day - A creamy grey which is lovely for a soft smokey eye
Sudden - A true matte black
Only - Icy Shimmery white, aka the most perfect inner corner highlight
Silk - The shimmer version of Paper, it looks lovely all over the lid
Awaken - A warm Golden tone
New Day - Bright bronze shade which is perfect for a quick wash of colour
Steal-er - A deeper bronze which looks stunning with a tan
Echo - A true and bright silver 
Ambition - An olive green with golden simmer, such a beautiful colour
Faith - A deep chocolatey brown with red/gold shimmer

All of the shades are just lovely and all have a beautiful formula except from One Way and New Rules which were much drier than the other shades. I would say that the shimmers perform a little better than the mattes but that is nothing unusual. 

If you don't already have this palette then you definitely need it. You can pick this up for the tiny price of £6.99 from both Makeup Revolution and Superdrug.

Sunday 10 May 2015

Boots Botanics All Bright Radiance Balm

Well, that title was a bit of a mouthful wasn't it? Anyone who knows me, will be able to tell you that I am constantly moaning about how my oily skin always looks flat because of the amount of mattifying products I have to use. So, with that in mind, I'm always on the look out for something that will give my skin the glow that I crave.

When I heard about the new drugstore/highstreet dupe of MACs Strobe Cream I was intrigued. Off I trotted to Boots and left happily with new purchase. I had seen so many people praise this and I couldn't wait to get home and try it.



First things first, the packaging is ok. Not great but ok. I  opened this a few hours after getting home and a whole load oozed out of the nozzle, not a great start. I assumed this was because I had it stood up on my dresser, so I now lay it down and don't have this problem. The tube is clear so you know exactly when you're running out, which is something I welcome. Does anyone else find it irritating when you go to use and product and find that you cant get another drop out of the tube?
The texture of this was much different to what I was expecting. Due to the name I was expecting a balm like texture but this is actually a very thin in consistency, and light cream. It does apply like a dream and doesn't just sit on the skin either which I like.

I had read that this could be used in a number of ways, which pleased me because I'm sure you all know by now that I am a big fan of multi-use products. I first tried it mixed with my daily moisturiser but this created far too much product for my face that I was rubbing it in for ages. I applied this after my moisturiser and primer, which gave my skin a lovely glow and created a soft base for my foundation to go on top of. Finally, I tried mixing this with my regular foundation but much like with the moisturiser, it created far too much product to work with and thinned down my foundation which gave me less coverage. 

Overall, I think this is a nice product to have if you are a big fan of glow getting products, but I wouldn't rush out to repurchase when I've run out. 
Have you tried this? What is your favourite glow getter?