Sticky Fingers by Models Own

I had a little schmooze in Boots the other day, as I had to pick up a couple of essentials (isn't that always the way it starts?)

We're staying at my parents for a few weeks, while we have some work done to our house and over the weekend, I realised that I really didn't bring enough nail varnishes with me. As summer is well and truly on its way, I decided that a few new summer shades were an essential buy. And yes, I could pick some up from the house and bring them to my parents...but it's a good excuse to buy some new bottles, and the collection could always do with a refresh.

I was going to opt for a couple of Essie shades, but then the Models Own stand caught my eye. A stunning neon pinky/red immediately found its way into my basket, followed by an adorable little box containing a beautiful pastel pistachio shade called Pastel Petals Green and a roll of floral stickers. Behold Models Own Sticky Fingers collection. A collection of must-have shades, which come with a roll of stickers, which complement the colour.

We are running a floral design competition at work at the moment and my thoughts during the working week are consumed with all things floral related, so this choice was right up my street.

The colour is so me - in fact, it's the colour I want to paint my new kitchen, so you could say this purchase was all in the name of research! I applied 2 coats of the colour and then waited till they were touch dry before carefully peeling off the floral stickers and gently placing them on my nails. I then applied a layer of top coat and left them to dry.

The effect was really pretty. I think I should have waited a bit longer before I stuck the pictures on my nails, as the corners peeled up a little bit, because I couldn't press them on hard, so when I give it another go, I'll make sure I am more patient and wait a little while longer. Overall though, it is a really sweet idea and a quick (and lazy) way to customise your nails.

Have you tried the Models Own Sticky Fingers? What do you think of the range? Enjoy x

Botanics Shine Away Face Mask

You know when you find a product you really fall in love with and you want to shout it from the rooftops?

OK, you might not all be as mad as I am, but when I like something...I like it a lot!

I recently came across the Ionic Clay Mask from the Botanics range in Boots and remembering reading about it on some of my favourite blogs, I decided to give it a go. I haven't bought a new face mask in a long time, as I find my skin doesn't always react well to them. I have uber sensitive skin and for some reason, masks always make me either break out or makes my skin go all red and dry.

What I loved about this mask is the fact that 1) it doesn't break the bank (it comes in at under £6) 2) you only need to use it once a week and 3) there were not a lot of nasties in the ingredients.

I picked up a tube and trotted home, where I used it in the evening after removing my make up and cleansing with the normal Bioderma and Liz Earl Hot Cloth Polish. The instructions recommend applying to clean, dry skin and leaving on for 10 minutes before washing it off. I left it on for slightly less than 10 minutes - right after the clay turned hard and started to crack when I smiled. A quick wash off and my skin was clear, squeaky clean, bright and refreshed! I finished off with my Pixi Glow Tonic and Origins Ginzing moisturiser and was left with very happy, very clean skin.

The clay in the mask really draws out impurities and leaves you feeling fresh and clean, without feeling dried out.

This is the first Botanics product I have tried and I really loved it! Have you tried this mask? What are your top budget masks? Enjoy x 

A Jar Full of Love

It was my friend Sarah's birthday last week and I wanted to make her something special, as it was a bit of a milestone birthday!

You might remember Sarah got me a gorgeous, personalised Nails Inc nail varnish, which I posted about here.

I remember reading a post by Becky from Milk Bubble Tea, where she created recipe, where a whole cake (rainbow coloured at that) was mixed and baked in a glass jar. I loved the idea of creating something lovely in a jar that I decided that was the way to go with Sarah's birthday present.

Like me, Sarah is a huge fan of beauty products. We have had many a conversation and many a Boots trip involving lipsticks, mascaras and beauty balms, oh my! So, I decided to make Sarah a jar of beauty!

First I went to Cargo and picked up a Kilner jar. These are those rustic looking jars with the clip latch, which look lovely in a country style kitchen. They are not the cheapest (between £3-£4 a jar) but they look so pretty! I then headed to Poundland and picked up a bag of iridescent scatter stuff and mini eggs. The pretty sparkly stuff is perfect for lining your jar and making it look like a a jar full of magic and sparkle!

I then headed to Boots and Superdrug and picked up a load of lovely beauty things like nail varnishes, Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm, vintage looking nail files, a face mask and a few other bits.

The next step was to line the jar with the sparkly stuff and then arrange the items in the jar. I carefully placed them in, as I wanted you to be able to see what was actually in there. Then I scattered the mini chocolate eggs in the jar to fill up any spaces...and because girls need chocolate...fact!

The finished result looked so pretty and I was so excited to give it to Sarah! It went down very well and I have already started planning the next jar.

The best thing about them is that you can spend as much or as little as you want on them and make them completely personal to the person you're giving them to.

What do you think of this gift idea? Would you give it a go? Enjoy x

The Primark Must-Have Shoe

I had a little blitz around Primark the other day, as I needed a few essentials...socks, tights, knickers, cotton pads etc, and as I was there, I thought it would be a crime not to have a quick look at the clothes and shoes!

After snatching up a slogan tee, a couple of cami's and a pair of tapered, silky khaki trousers, I stumbled into the shoe section. My local Primark has had a bit of a makeover, and looking through the shoes is so much easier now. I am really into the whole cut-out look with shoes and boots at the moment. I think they work so well for winter, summer and in between seasons. I've picked up a couple of pairs from River Island recently, but I really wanted a more light weight pair for the summer.

And then I spotted them. A little block heel, strappy and cut-out effect. Not just one pair...but three...black, white and tan. It was love at first sight and it was also inevitable that they would all end up in my basket. Well, at £14 a pair, it would have been rude to leave a pair! (forgive the exclusion of the white pair in the photos).

I absolutely love them and predict that these will be my go to shoes this spring and summer.

What do you think of these shoes? Will you be rocking the cut-out look this season? Enjoy x

Christmas Adverts Are Here!

OK, yes, another Christmas themed blog...sorry about that! But, I don't care, I love this time of year and I am sure there will be many more Chrissy blog posts to come.

This one is about something, which truly makes you feel as if Christmas is arriving - the start of Chrissy adverts on TV! Yes, it's not just Coca Cola's "Holidays are comin'" beloved advert which graces our TV screens annually, now it seems stores, department stores in particular, battle it out each year to create the most emotional, funny, heart warming advert imaginable.

From John Lewis's gorgeous and often hauntingly beautiful adverts, to Debenhams colourful creations and Marks & Spencer's fun filled efforts, the Christmas advert truly marks the beginning of the season to me, and they all give me that lovely, warm fuzzy feeling.

Instead of dissecting just one particular advert, I thought I would do a wee round up of my favourites so far. I've put them below - I'd love to know which one gets your vote. I have to admit, the gorgeous snow men in the John Lewis advert gets me very choked up every time ;o) Enjoy x

TK Maxx Advert 2012

Boots Advert 2012

Debenhams Advert 2012

John Lewis Advert 2012

Matalan Advert 2012

Asda Advert 2012

Littlewoods Advert 2012

My Week In Pictures - Week 3

Hi there!

I hope you've all had a fab week. It's been an exciting one in my family, with the birth of my brand new baby cousin, Noah Jack! I haven't met him yet as he was born yesterday evening, but I am hoping to meet the little guy this weekend for my first cuddle, and hopefully he'll be included in my week in pictures next week.

So, with that being said, here is my week in pictures, week 3! Enjoy the rest of the weekend. X

New nail varnish - Lilac Dream by Models Own

Ellie from work modelling a new pair of shoes

Inside my first Graze.com box...nom!

yay first Graze.com delivery

Amazing jelly bean crown in John Lewis

Mmmm, chinese feast for John's birthday

Mini Boots haul

Red, white and blue Jubilee cake baked by Catherin from work

Jubilee cocktails

Jo, Kelly and Sarah enjoying a Jubilee drink

Me sporting union jack stick on tattoos at work

Ellie enjoying the Jubilations!

Massive lunch at Banners with Darren, Sophie and Mitch (guess which one is pregnant!)

Man vs. Food a-thon!

Finally, Kit Kat Chunky Peanut Butter...thanks Jack! So worth the wait!

New Purchases This Week!

Hello! I hope you all had a fabulous Bank Holiday weekend. I can't believe I've been back at work for two days already!

I did a little shopping over the long weekend. I ventured into St. Albans on Saturday (made such a nice change to London) with my sis in-law to be and our mums for a little pre-wedding pampering at the Champney's Day Spa, and afterwards, we hit the shops.

I haven't been shopping for ages...and I mean ages...even the hubby has commented that I haven't been coming home laden with bags recently, so I thought I deserved a little treat. Here's what I picked up for myself:

cherry batiste, soap and glory eyeliner, models own nail varnishes

I thought I'd pick up a couple of make up bits from Boots. I love a Boots shop, it always feels so satisfying! Above is the entire mini haul.

I've heard fantastic things about Soap and Glory's felt tip eyeliner pen. These are my favourite kind of eyeliners - easy to apply, long lasting and fun to use. Honestly, I can't live without eyeliner!

I love Batiste. What did we do before dry shampoo came along?? I've been wanting to try the new scents for a while now, and I thought I'd try the cherry scent. Amazing smell, does the job and looks so cute.

A fabulous colour from Models Own Beetlejuice range, Indian Ocean - a colour I've seen talked about a lot on some of my fave beauty blogs. It's a pretty transluscent blue/lilac which you can wear alone or over another colour. Check back for a full on review!

I've been hearing good things about Models Own new Hed Kandi range. I decided to try Beach Party - this amazing bright neon orange. I love it! Next to try is Hedonist, a neon coral shade. Check back for a full on review!

top, sweater and necklace all from h&m

This gorgeous chunky necklace is from H&M. I love the 1970's feel about it, but there is also something slightly art deco about it. Whatever, for £4.99 it had to be mine!

I love this top. It's billowy and shimmery and oh so pretty! I'll wear it layered over and under tops and dresses to add that boho vibe. £7.99 - bargain!

denim sleeveless jacket and sandals from New Look

I love these sandals. New Look do them in loads of different colours, but I love the mixture of earthy tones of this pair. I also really wanted the gold and black version, but they were sold out of my size :( oh well, for £19.99 I'll be picking them up online.

I've been after a sleeveless denim jacket for a while. I think they look so cute over maxi dresses and sequins! They also work well with the 90's revival trend that's so big right now. Bit of a style staple really. This baby was £19.99

So there you go! What do you think of my little haul? Have you treated yourself to anything recently? Enjoy x

Colour Me In

I have become a bit obsessed with nail varnishes recently. I decided to clear out all of the ones that had gotten to old that they became goopy and difficult to apply.

The result of the clear out means I am left with the below collection:

I'm not really a nail varnish snob - I love trying out all kinds of brands, cheap and pricey. In fact, one of the best brands I've tried, which stays on the longest, is Boots 17 collection. They have such a gorgeous array of colours, and every time I pop into Boots I seem to add to my 17 collection! A lot of the colours are part of their 3 for 2 offer, so for just under £6 you can add 3 new colours to your collection. I couldn't resist their new Candy colours when I went into Boots on Friday, and I treated myself to the below three varnishes.



I especially love the soft green on the right, which is called Mint Choc Chip. I first saw Sarah of Temporary Secretary wearing this colour, and I fell in love with it! I'm definitely going to be trying out the other colours...maybe on my next lunch break!!

Next on my list though is Rainbow Connection by O.P.I. a colour which every blogger seems to be raving about. There are only a few places that stock this covetable colour online, so now that I have finally been paid for January (well, maybe it's Tuesday, I can't remember) I think I'll be ordering it this week. Whoo hoo!

Have you tried any new nail colours recently? Enjoy x

Fearne Cotton's Makeup Range Makes a Return for Spring!

It's always exciting when a new make up range is launched, and even more so if it has a hot celeb fronting it! TV and radio presenter, style guru, fashionista and all round cool chick Fearne Cotton has just launched the second edition of her make up range "Fearne" (original no?) The first launch was at Christmas, which proved so popular, that a new edition each season was called for.

I was sent a selection of pieces from the new collection to review, and I have to say, I was very impressed. Super cute and girly packaging with quotes and sweet designs and fun and quirky colourways for face, eyes, lips and nails. I was sent two gorgeous nail polishes - a super bright coral (which I am wearing as I type) and a beautiful lilac (my new favourite colour), a chunky silver/blue eyeliner, a well put together eyeshadow palette, a lip set containing a lip pencil, lip gloss and lipstick, all in plummy pink shades and finally an eye shimmer.

The nail varnishes (£5.50) are fab - really bright, summery and fun - just want you want for a spring time manicure fix. the brushes glide onto the nails very easily and just a couple of coats suffice. I managed to keep my nails looking perfect for about three days before they started chipping, which isn't bad considering I was prepping for a photoshoot and doing a lot of packing and unpacking, so if you're careful, they would probably last a bit longer!

The eyeliner (£5) was my least favourite product, but that's more because I'm not a fan of silvery eye products (I prefer richer, earthier tones). It glided on well, but creased up as the day went on. However, I was able to apply my liquid eyeliner over the top, so that was a plus. I think I would use this again, but I would opt for a one of the other shades.

The eyeshadow palette (£12) is gorgeous. Loads of colour options which blend really well together and no shortage of combinations - and the palette comes complete with a mirror, and is really slim, so perfect for slipping into your handbag for a night out, or taking it away with you on holiday as a space saver.

The lip set (£10) is also a great little product, a small lip pencil lets you define your lips, a matching lipstick lets you fill them in and the gloss gives them a great shine. The colour I was sent wasn't my favourite - there is a darker plum shade which is more me - but this makes a great present.

Finally, the eye shimmer (£5) is a little pot of shimmer, which is perfect for applying on your eyes alone or over an eyeshadow to make it a bit more special. I have also dusted it onto my cheekbones to highlight them slightly. Of course, this works better if you have a more natural colour shimmer!

Over all, I was really impressed with Fearne's range. It's fun, colourful and has really reasonable price points, ranging from £5 - £12. The range has just launched in Boots, so why not nip out to your local store and grab yourself a little of Fearne's quirky beauty. Enjoy x

The Perfect Party Skirt?

Just wanted to do a little post for now (bigger one later) as I have found the ultimate party pieces. Every festive season, it's a battle to find that perfect outfit to wear over the party season, and this year, instead of opting for the usual dress, I have found something even better!

Introducing two of the most perfect party skirts from Topshop! Up first, this gorgeous gold ballerina style skirt by Jones and Jones - on Christmas day, team it with a gorgeous knit, woolly tights and a pair of fabulous boots, and on New Years, vamp it up with a lacy top and a faux fur gillet over the top. Add to that a gorgeous pair of shoe boots and you have got a note worthy and head turning New Year's outfit.

Up next this cute chiffon and sequin number. Again, perfect to team with knitwear and it's sweet flippy hem is the perfect tribute to the oh so fashionable skater skirt.

These are great skirts, real statement pieces that have some real fashion credentials, and will see you through the season to come. I love something a bit different, and these skirts are modern, quirky and the ballarina and skater feel gives them something a bit extra special. At a bargain price of £45 and £55, make sure you grab these little beauties, as they are sure to be a sell out. Enjoy x

Cindy Skirt by Jones and Jones at Topshop £45

Premium Sage Chiffon Sequin Skirt Topshop £55