Beauty Sale Finds

I'm not really a sales kinda girl.

I actually hate the sales. They are busy, loud, crowded, hectic and stressful and having a 6 month baby bump makes it all the more necessary to stay away.

So this year, I decided I would check out what some of my favourite beauty and fashion spots had online. First stop - beauty. I decided to be reserved and only checked Selfridges and Space NK (aka the mothership). I thought I would share with you briefly what I picked up and then over another couple of posts, I will share them with you in more detail.

So my first venture online was to Space NK. I have always wanted the gorgeous Laura Mercier bath and body sets but I never really felt like spending upwards of £40 on indulgent bath treats for myself! So when I spotted the Honey Musk duo set - with bubble bath, body creme and honey spatula - at HALF PRICE for only £15...well, it went straight in my virtual shopping basket.

Next, I spotted something from Lipstick Queen. I have never bought anything from Lipstick Queen, but I have heard some amazing things. I saw the Liquid Asset set of 3 lip glosses, featuring a stunning nude, a bright popping pink and a vampy red. Whereas I am more of a lipstick girl, I thought my collection could do with some high quality lip glosses. Again, this set was £30 and was reduced to half price. So in the basket it went! Now considering this is still available on the John Lewis website for full price, this to me was a real bargain.

Next was the Selfridges beauty sale. There was so much in this sale that I actually got a bit bored going through the dozens and dozens of pages. I filled a basket quickly and in the end, I had to do some serious editing. Which...was a real challenge!

I ended up purchasing the Laura Mercier eyelash curlers, a MAC black liquid eyeliner and...my favourite new palette, Urban Decay's Naked on the Run - a limited edition palette from the Naked range, featuring 6 new eyeshadows, a bronzer, high lighter, blush, eyeliner, mascara AND a lipgloss, all in the famous naked colour ranges. This is definitely getting it's own post as I really am in love with it. It was originally £37 and I think I got it for £30 in the sale, which isn't that much of a saving, but as I had my eye on it before the sale, I knew I had to just get it!

The Selfridges beauty sale didn't have as many bargains as the Space NK sale, it had more like a few pounds off each product as opposed to a decent percentage off, but if you have the time to scroll through the many...many pages, you will be sure to find some good deals.

So as I said, more details coming soon, but in the mean time, did you find any amazing bargains in the sales?

Belle x

Nails Inc Couture

When I went to visit my lovely friend Sarah the other day, she presented me with a belated birthday present.

I knew she was excited about it because she has been telling me how excited she was about it for about a month before my birthday!

She handed me a beautiful white glossy box with black ribbon around it and immediately my eyes fell upon the "Nails Inc" logo and the "Couture" stamp on the front...heart rate went a little faster at this point.

I opened the box and inside was a simply stunning glittery gold nail polish, nestled snuggly in its packaging. The gorgeous gold glitter polish would have been gift enough, but what I didn't realise was that this was a personalised bottle of polish, designed by Sarah. The lid is an amazing black leather with chunky silver studs! So me! The colour is actually called Chelsea Embankment and then I looked at the base of the polish, and darling Sarah had named it after me - "B'day Belle" and the product code "CBF 30" (those are my initials and yes my age!)

I was so blown away by this incredibly thoughtful and personal gift and I absolutely love it. Sarah then told me about the Couture service that Nails Inc provide online, so I checked it out when I got home. It is an amazing thing to do for someone, of they love nail varnish as much as I do. You start by choosing your lid design, then the colour and then you personalise the name. You also get little stickers to add to the base if you want to.

What do you think of my very own nail polish? Didn't Sarah do well? Enjoy x

Pixi Glow Tonic Vs Ren Clarifying Toning Lotion

I have been a big fan of the cult product Glow Tonic by beauty brand Pixi for quite a while. I picked up a full size bottle from their Carnaby Street store back in August (read about it here) and I am only just running out now. Keep in mind I have been using it pretty much every morning and evening since August, so my £16 went a very long way.

However, now that I have only a few pumps left (sob) I thought about repurchasing OR trying out something new. Toning is such an important part of the skin care regime and I do not take it lightly.

I have been hearing some very good things about Ren's Clarifying Toning Lotion and after going back and forth between repurchasing or trying something new, I decided to give the Ren toner a go.

I picked it up at my local M&S (yes they stock Ren! How amazing?!) and at £18 for a bottle, it is £2 more expensive than the Pixi Glow Tonic, but seeing as these products last so long, it's worth the investment.

So what do I think? It might be a little too early to say it, but I love it! It is an exfoliating toner, much like the Glow Tonic, but it is very gentle. It contains Salicilin, Glycolic Acid and Tartaric Acid, which all help to unclog pores, get rid of dead skin cells, prevent breakouts and tone. I used it for the first time at night and my skin felt so refreshed and clean, and in the morning, I noticed a difference in the brightness and softness in my skin.

Overall, I am very happy with this toner. It really leaves your skin soft, bright and feeling utterly toned and cleansed. I use it after my Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and Bioderma and always follow with either my Origin's Ginzing moisturiser or an over night Youth Code by L'Oreal.

Have you tried the Ren Clarifying Toning Lotion or the Pixi Glow Tonic? Which do you rate? Enjoy x

Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch

Oh I haven't blogged for a very long time. I am a very naughty blogger *slaps wrist.

How are you all in blogger land? I hope 2014 is treating you very well so far. It's so far given me a chicken pox ridden baby and a nasty horrible cold that will not budge. I've also been working on a lot of writing for another project so I do apologise for my non-blogging ways, and I will try and get back up and running as normal ASAP!

I wasted to share with you my favourite Christmas present, given to me by my lovely hubby.

Now, I may have given him a few hints, which he obviously received loud and clear, as I got this stunning Michael Kors rose gold watch.

I have NEVER owned a watch before. I know, crazy. I never really saw the point in them, and as I don't really do bracelets, I have never really wanted one. However, when Darren got me my lovely rose gold and diamond bracelet for my birthday in October, I decided wrist jewellery ain't that bad. So, I had a look online and fell in love with this stunner by Michael Kors.

This is the Bradshaw watch and I don't really know all the techy specifications, but it has an analog display, date, time and stopwatch and it's chronograph...and most importantly it's really pretty!

I had to have three links taken out of it, as it was quite big, but now it fits perfectly and I absolutely love it. It goes with everything and finishes off my outfits, giving them a bit more of a smart yet edgy touch.

What do you think of this rose gold beaut? Are you a fan of Michael Kors watches? Enjoy x

Happy Christmas!

I just wanted to do a quick post today as I won't really have the chance to post tomorrow...being Christmas and all!

I can't believe it's Christmas Eve already. This year has flown by. I keep thinking how crazy it is that this time last year I was pregnant, I had no idea if I was having a boy or girl and my life seemed totally different. It's been an eventful and wonderful year and I am very excited to see what 2014 has in store.

I'm going to be spending today with my hubby and Elijah and Christmas day is going to be with both mine and Darren's family, which will be fun - especially as there will be two babies experiencing their first Christmas, complete with lots of presents and wrapping paper - every baby's favourite thing. Boxing Day will be spent in my onesie and then with my whole family (about 25 of us) at my auntie and uncle's house.

I can't wait and I will definitely not be counting Points for a couple of days...we're doing Nigella's turkey recipe, so the diet is on hold for 72 hours.

Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a wonderful day and that Santa brings you everything you wish for.

Happy Christmas from the Belle of the Ball family to yours xx

Dr Bronner's Magic Soap

You know when you hear about those products that you always want to try out but never get around to actually buying?

Well the amount of amazing things I have heard about Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap has always made me want to try it, and amazingly, I was offered to be sent some of the samples to try out myself. Cue squeal of delight.

Now this soap has been heralded as a little miracle. It is described as; "A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils, creates a unique soap that cleans effectively without being aggressive and produces a velvety-lather that leaves the skin silky-smooth and refreshed." 

This basically means that it can be used for anything and everything - skin, hair, teeth(!!), clothes, as a massage oil, to clean make up brushes...apparently it has 18 uses in one. Bargain. I was sent two of the liquid soaps - the lavender one and the green tea and hemp one and then two of the soap bars, the peppermint and the baby mild one.

So far, I have used them to clean my hands, my face and my make up brushes (amazing, the make up literally dissolves off of the brushes). The smell of the soaps, in particular the lavender one, is gorgeous. As they are made from oils, they feel and smell beautiful. They even recommend using them as a massage oil. I actually massaged a tiny bit into my temples at bed time and I slept like a baby!

Speaking of babies, I have used the baby mild soap bar on Elijah, who has quite sensitive skin, even for a 9 month old, and it caused no reaction and left him skin soft and smelling even lovelier than normal.

I have a way to go to make my way through the rest of the 18 uses, but so far, I am a Dr. Bronner Magic Soap lover!

Have you tried the Magic Soap? Enjoy x

Christmas Onesie

Yay, I've jumped on the onesie bandwagon...I am such a sell out!

I was out with my sister in law the other day and we popped into New Look and lo and behold, they were having a 30% off event off of their onesies. Now, my sis loves her onesies...she lives in them and she has been trying to convince me to get one for a while. I've always looked at them and gone...meh. I get why people love them and why they are appealing but I've never gone for it.

Well, with a £15 New Look credit burning a hole in my purse and with 30% off, this festive beauty cost pennies, so I decided to give it a whirl.

And am I glad I did! I bought this on Friday, I am writing this on Sunday morning and I have barely taken it off. It is soooooooo cosy and comfy. I love the print and the colour. We've already decided that we will be wearing our onesies all of Christmas morning...and probably Boxing Day...and let's face it, the whole of the Xmas period!

Here are some snaps of the onesie, and Elijah decided that he had to join me in the pics. What a poser...wonder where he gets that from.

What do you think of onesies? Are you a fan? Enjoy x

#Christmasjumperday

This was meant to be posted on Friday...I don't know why it didn't go up...must have been a glitch with Blogger. Oh well,better late than never!

So Friday was sort of an unofficial Christmas Jumper Day! People in offices and at home everywhere donned their gorgeously tacky Christmas jumpers in order to spread a little festive cheer and raise money for charity.

Not wanting to miss out on the fun, here is a little pic of Elijah and I wearing our Christmas jumpers - both from Primark don't you know? I bought myself and Darren matching Santa Claus versions from Primark last year, so Darren wore his to work, but...a new year, a near jumper for me! Plus I had to get one for the newest addition to our family. My jumper was £12 and Eli's was £8. Total bargains.

Did you wear your Christmas jumpers on Friday? I'll be rocking mine on the big day itself too! Enjoy x

A Bag Fit For A Claire Belle

Ok, I have not blogged for a very long time...I am very naughty and I am sorry. The only excuse I have is that the little one is taking up a lot of my time and I have been doing quite a bit on writing and trying to sort out work for the new year...so those are my excuses. They're poor really. Soz!

ANYWAY...

I wanted to share this amazing birthday present that I got from one of my loveliest friends, Sophie. This is a girl that knows me very well and we have a lot of the same interests and love the same things. Glee, kitschy homeware, Primark and the Poundshop to name a few! Anywhoo, Sophie presented me with an ultra fabulous present over a sushi catch up, and here it is:

It's my very own Claire Belle make up bag. I love it so much. It was designed by Lisa Bea bespoke bags and is a hot pink leather exterior, with a leopard print interior and a glitter "Claire Belle" and heart design on the front.

I obviously squealed with delight when I opened it as, firstly, I needed a new make up bag and secondly, IT HAS MY NAME ON IT!

A personalised gift like this makes such a great present and I'll definitely be looking into them for a few pressies in the future.

What do you think of my Claire Belle bag? Do you have any personalised goodies? Enjoy x

Cambridge Satchel Company

I have always been a fan of niche brand The Cambridge Satchel Company, ever since their launch a few years ago.

The humble satchel has become a fashionista's bag of choice. Chic, fun, stylish and understated. Designer labels such as Mulberry have created their own interpretation of the satchel, but brand The Cambridge Satchel Company have dominated the style all on their own.

Needless to say, I have wanted one for a while. I have never taken the plunge and bought one, but have sat and drooled over images online and in store many times. I was never sure whether to opt for a simple brown leather version, timeless and classic, or a block bright colour, or a fun print. The company have created new colours and prints each season, and the choice is amazing.

On the August Bank Holiday, myself, Darren, Elijah and a few good friends decided to take a day trip to Cambridge. While walking around the shops, we stumbled (obvs) onto a Cambridge Satchel Company boutique. Naturally, all the girls stopped and started pointing out the various colours and styles and choosing which one we would go for. Sadly, at £130 a pop, we walked away empty handed, but the thought of them lingered.

I was extremely touched when, 6 weeks later, I was presented with a gift from said very good friends at my birthday party (how babyish do I sound?!) I opened the wrapping paper and was faced with a dustbag. I flipped the dustbag over and there were the words "The Cambridge Satchel Company." Needless to say, I squealed with excitement, whipped open the bag and pulled out a stunning sunshine yellow satchel.

I LOVE it!

A beautiful, buttercup, sunshine yellow. The perfect colour to cheer you up on a grey winter's day and to compliment the sun on a hot summer's day. The satchel is sturdy and stylish and will be perfect for slinging over my shoulder and carrying around all day.

What wonderful friends I have with wonderful taste!

What do you think of the Cambridge Satchel Company? Have you got one of their renowned satchels? Enjoy x

Here is the satchel in three different light's, just so you get an idea of the colour in natural and artificial light.

with flash

without flash

in daylight

Birthday Bonanza Weekend!

Sorry I have been absent for a few days, but it's been my birthday! Yep I've turned a number that freaks me out to say out loud, but I'm sure I'll get used to it soon enough.

I have spent 3 days celebrating with friends, family and my hubby and baby and have had the best time. So, I thought I would do a little photo heavy blog of what I have spent the last three days doing...as well as a little peek at my amazing birthday presents.

My birthday originally started last weekend when I went to Bloomsbury Lanes with friends for bowling, pizza and karaoke, but I sadly have no photos!! I blame the shots of sambuca thrust upon me!!

So on Friday I dropped Elijah off at my in-laws and hopped on the tube to meet Darren. We booked a room at the Tower Grange Hotel in Tower Hill, a fabulous 5 star hotel in the city. They upgraded us to a mini suite on the 12th floor, so we had stunning views of the city. The hotel also kindly surprised me with a birthday cake and "happy birthday" written in chocolate on the plate. I decided I wanted to stay in the room, get room service and drink a lot of champagne as opposed to going out for dinner. Literally perfect. I had a bath with Ren goodies, drank too much champers, had an amazing burger and watched Family Guy.

After a yummy breakfast, we left the hotel and walked to Borough Market, passing Tower Bridge and the Tower of London on the way. We walked along the Thames and got to the market as it was heaving. We spent about an hour checking out all the amazing food stalls, sampling way too much cheese and other yummy morsels, drinking fresh wheatgrass juice and buying huge chewy bread sticks with olives and cheese. Drool!!

We then left the market and headed into the West End, where we popped into some shops (MAC) mooched around Carnaby Street and the Liberty beauty hall, before making our way to the Sanderson Hotel, where we had booked the Mad Hatter's Tea. O...M...G, what an amazing experience. Tea was held in the gorgeous courtyard and we were led to our table by a rather fabulous waiter in a tux. When we sat down, we were presented with the menu, which was hidden in a vintage children's book, and the sugar caddy, which was a music box with a dancing ballerina inside. Such a whimsical touch.

We were then offered "smell me" bottles, which contained different tea flavours - strawberries and cream, rhubarb and custard, mint choc chip and apple pie! I opted for apple pie and Darren got mint choc chip. The tea came in stunning tea pots, decorated with the King and Queen of Hearts with matching tea cups and saucers. Then came the food. WOW! a four tiered cake stand starting from the top: a black and white tea cup filled with pea shoots and meraigne carrots, next, a selection of "magic" strawberries and cream mushrooms, then a beautiful mini Victoria sponge cake, a dark chocolate tea cup filled with white chocolate and green tea mousse and popping candy and a rainbow coloured white chocolate case filled with a passion fruit cheesecake and a melting mango "yolk" hidden inside. The final tier held sweet and savoury scones - a raisin and orange zest scone and a goats cheese and spinach scone - a quiche, "drink me" potion and a selection of yummy sandwiches.

The final course came from the jelly service - a gorgeous silver trolley adorned with a selection of delicious jellies, which you helped yourself to. At the end of the meal, we were stuffed! I was then surprised with ANOTHER birthday cake, and a chorus of happy birthday. Awww...such a sweet touch.

I honestly can't recommend the Mad Hatter's Tea highly enough. For a special treat, it's just amazing. The atmosphere, the surroundings, the food. You really do spend a couple of hours down the rabbit hole.

Finally we headed to Covent Garden to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. What a fab production! We had second row seats in the stalls, and as a huge fan of the book and original movie, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was great. Hilarious original songs, amazing sets, a brilliant Willy Wonka and Oompa Lumpas and a great cast. It was such a fun production, you should definitely book yourself a ticket!

After the show, we headed to Five Guys to grab a quick burger before heading home.

Phew! Onto Sunday!

We picked up Elijah and went to my parents house, who had decorated the house with birthday banners and balloons. We had a huge family (I have quite a big immediate family) tea with birthday cake, pink champagne, babies, presents, scones and sandwiches and more. Followed by a chilled night on the couch watching Django Unchained.

Onto my actual birthday, which was Monday. After being awoken by Elijah bright and early, I opened presents from my parents and then Darren and Elijah. After receiving my first ever "happy birthday mummy" card, Darren presented me with Elijah's present, a gorgeous rose gold heart keyring from Mulberry...what a good boy! And my wonderful hubby got me a one of a kind (he had it made) rose gold bracelet with 5 square cut diamonds. It is just stunning. I don't wear bracelets, so I really wanted a special one, and I am never taking this off. It means so much to me.

After breakfast we loaded the car and went to Oxford for the day. I haven't been before and it was such a fun day out. We parked the car and just walked around the whole city, stopping at some shops and Jamie's Italian for a spot of lunch. We walked around the colleges and the gardens as well as the castle and other sights of the city. It's only an hour away for us and it was such a great day trip and was amazing spending the whole day with my boys.

When we got home, we put the little one to bed and ended my birthday weekend with a chinese takeaway and Glee!

Wow! I can't get over what a fabulous birthday I had. I was given the most wonderful gifts and was spoiled rotten by everyone. I ate waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much and Weight Watchers well and truly went out the window for 3 days, but it was so worth it.

Sorry about the longest blog post in the world, but I wanted to share my special day with you! I hope you enjoyed x