FOTD | GOLD EYE

Just a quick one from me to you... 💝

For those of you who follow me on Instagram (if you don't, go check it out) will see that I treated myself to a new eyeshadow palette at the weekend, Maybelline, The 24Karat Nudes. After eyeing it up on snapchat for so long, I just couldn't wait to give it a try! 

It was the first thing I picked up on Monday morning and went for a gold smokey-ish look, that I just HAD to share with you all!

Here's an up close version, I really really love it!

Makeup Used

Foundation - Revlon Colorstay in Sand Beige
Concealer - Younique in Orangza
Eyeliner - Collection Extreme 24hour Felt Tip Liner
Mascara - No7 Midnight Lash
Bronzer - Collection Bronze Glow Shimmering Light
Contour and Highlight - Collection Highlight & Sculpt
Lip - Sleek Matte Me in Birthday Suit
EyeShadow - Maybelline 24karat Nudes Palette

I'm not sure on the names of these colours so I numbered them....

1 as base shade
2 as main lid shade
3 in the crease of the eye
4 in the outer corners of eye to create smokey look.

ps how beautiful is this palette? It so pigmented.

Have you got this yet? What do you think?

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT | WISHLIST

 Helloooooo😀... how you all getting on? February is nearly here already, wow! How fast is it going?

I usually spend alot of January being a hermit, chilling out and planning what I'd like to do and achieve in the year ahead and thats exactly what I've been doing. 2017 starts on the 1st of Feb. This year one of my main goals is travel and do different activities that aren't always in my hometown - I'm so badly travelled and haven't done alot of things, its laughable!

I'm all about getting out that travelling comfort zone, experiencing and having fun with Alex,family and friends this year.

 I thought I'd put together a little (large) list on here and see if any of you have been to the same places and have any experiences you'd like to share? Or is it somewhere you'd like to visit too?

Maybe next year I can revisit this post and tick off everything we've done!

Short-term (this year)

Visit a Zoo - I don't ever remember visiting a Zoo when I was younger (maybe I'm wrong) but I'd really like to go, plus it'd be really cool to take Alex to see all the animals.

Visit Harry Potter World - As a HUGE Harry Potter fan, since the beginning, its so shocking to say I've never been. I'm embarrassed of myself for sure! I really am going to go this year and now Alex is older and loving Harry Potter he can come too! Theres going to be a new adaption added, so i plan to go after.

Visit Legoland - How cool would this be? It looks so fun for the kiddies too!

Long weekend in London maybe to get these ticked off?

A day at Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey - I've wanted to do this for so long just never got round to going! On a lovely summers days it'd be nice day trip with picnic in hand. Last year I only ever went on the one picnic- definitely want to plan some more this year, as many day trips as possible this year, why not?

Visit Brighton - TICK THIS OFF!! There is a plan in place for this to happen, yayy!! I really want to go on the i360! Hope the family's ready to join me! Going to take some pictures in front of the beach huts.

Shop at another Shopping Centre - (haha, rubbish idea I know, but I like shopping)
I always love seeing and wandering around different shopping centre as each one always had a little something different to the last. I've walked through the Bullring in Birmingham once so maybe there? 

Clothes Show Live - Wanted to go for many many years, since I was at school, nearly went last year but chose to do something different. This year has to be the year right? If its still a thing of 2017

Edinburgh Christmas Market - I really really want to do this, its so beautiful! It'd be great to do this around my December birthday, what a treat that'll be! Fingers crossed!

Mid-Term (between now and December 2018)

Visit Butlins, Minehead - As a family we love Butlins! Its not everyone's taste but its ours. It'd be great to see another one of the sites and share family moments there.

Visit Jersey/Guernsey/Isle of Wight - This has become a new OBSESSION idea of mine. It looks lovely and although its part of the UK its far away enough to be a proper holiday. WILL HAPPEN!

Visit Ireland - Different culture, different city to see.

Long Term (between now and ongoing)

DisneyLand Paris and/or Orlando - Every kids dream! I'd like to go preferably when Alex is a little older to remember and thoroughly enjoy it

Majorca - I'd really like to go back to where I visited when I was younger just to see...

See the Northern Lights - Wouldn't it just be magical to actually see in person.

A Cold Snowy Holiday - We don't get proper snow here in the UK so I'd love to go somewhere whilst its very snowy and cold and enjoy the snow properly. Snowballlll FIGHT!

Australia - When our winter hits what a better way than to head out for the sun. I'd love to experience having Christmas in Australia as its completely different to what we know in some ways. 

Dubai - Ideally, I'd love to stay in the Atlantis Hotel in an underwater suite, sleeping with the fishes. WOW that'd be incredible!

THE WORLD - I'd like to go to many many places in the world with Alex, the list is endless as there is always something new and exciting I see and want to do/go so I chose just a few of my faves.

Basically, I'd just like to travel and do more stuff...haha

Do you have any upcoming travel plans? 

xx

HAIRCUT THOUGHTS

I had my hair cut nearly 2 weeks ago now so its given me some time to get used to it and what not. I've found it to be alot more maintenance than longer hair and alot less manageable- can't just leave it un-styled as it look horrendous (in my opinion haha)

Got to be honest and say, I really did not like it when the hairdresser had finished. My experience with the hairdresser is a whole other story but my hair was nothing like I asked, definitely didn't want a graduated long bob- but ended up with one! I couldn't of got it levelled out there and then as would of been too short for my liking - BUT I've learnt to like it with lots of trial and error 'hair styles' and don' think its all that bad anymore.
My go-to faves are-

-Using my straighteners to create messy waves like in the picture above
 I'm looking at getting one of those sprays that creates beach waves and see how that goes or investing in some curlers haha!

- The half up half down pony with a few added waves - think this is my most worn at the mo.

Do you have any hair stories and what you did whilst it grew? I'd love to know!
 Any product recommendations? 

xx

CURRENT SKINCARE BITS

I've been bad!

 I'm not one of those who keep up a regular in depth skin care routine. I've tried and failed many times. But I'm getting on in age abit and its starting to show haha so here I am, new year, fresh start and trying again! I mean, I don't have an in depth routine, its very basic but its a start, right?

These are my golden oldies, what kicked off my skincare routine in December 2014 and stuck by me ever since

Nivea Gentle Exfoliating Scrub
Nivea 2 in 1 Cleanser and Toner

Using these products together leaves my skin feeling really fresh, clean, soft and nice smelling.

During the colder months, I suffer with random dry patches on my face, last year was my forehead, this year has been my cheeks. So to tackle this I've been using the Vaseline Intensive Care, essential healing. I pop it on every night before bed to soak into the skin and its done the trick!
No more dry patches.

The Dove Derma Spa goodness3 is a new purchase. I noticed I suddenly had dry legs so thought it was time to try something new. After the first use my legs are so much better, smoother, less dry. In the description it claims to luminate skin so I'm looking forward to giving this a try on face in spring.

Another new purchase. As I don't do the exfoliate, cleanse routine as often as I should I thought a daily scrub would be a brill idea to keep pores clean.

Clean and Clear Morning Energy

What caught my attention was the lovely lemony scent and the shimmering consistency

Using it every morning as part of the shower routine has really helped clear up some problem patches I was having, leaving my skin clean and ready for the day.

Out of my No7 beauty advent calendar I'd say these are my most used

Protect and Perfect Lip Care
Protect and perfect Eye Cream

The Lip Care is incredible, I use this as part of my nighttime routine and pop it on before bed - I've not had a problem with dry lips, or lips drying out through the day since.
My eyes seem to be my biggest flaw on my face at the moment (i think anyway) so I'm trying anything I can to improve them. Since using the Eye Cream I've noticed a bit of difference in the lines (wrinkles😢) around my face certainly not as visible.








All products in this post can be purchased from Boots if you've seen anything you like.

The next thing I'd really like to purchase is the 'Don't look at me' face mask by Lush.
I'm always looking for new skincare products especially now I'm getting into it abit more - do you have any faves/recommendations?

You're all beautiful!! 💕

What's on my Phone Tag

I love little tags like this as it gives you the opportunity to have a nosey into a person's life - and we're all abit nosey right? Here's a quick one for you to take a gander at...

Thanks to Nikki at Nikkipedia for the tag! make sure you all go and check her out!

What phone do you have?

Its a Samsung S7 

How many gigabytes does it have?

You know, without checking or finding out somehow - I don't actually remember haha - lets go with 4GB as that rings a bell.

What colour is it?

Gold 

Whats is your wallpaper?

A picture of my son enjoying himself on a swing

What are your most used Apps on your phone?
Twitter and Facebook

What Apps are in folders?

The pre-installed Samsung Apps, Google Apps and Microsoft Apps

What Apps do you not use?
Most of the pre-installed ones...

How many contacts do you have in your phone?

25 

Do you like your phone?

I do like my phone, I've had Samsung phones for as long as I can remember. I love the colour and well i'd be lost without my my phone, wouldn't you?

If you had the chance to have any phone, what would it be?

hmm, i don't know as I'm not a huge phone follower and don't know much about them. Maybe something that is opposite to a Samsung to see how easy it would be to use/get used to.

Have you upgraded your phone?

Not since September, so got abit of a wait now.

How many selfies are on your phone? (estimate)

ummm, 20/30ish? That'll probably come as surprise to most people, but what I do is take loadsss then delete them when I've chosen one I like.

Do you ever let anyone go through your phone?

Yes, if I trust that person isn't going to post silly things on my social media or laugh at what they find. Phones are personal things these days haha!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now its your turn😀

I'm tagging Laura at LauraSnow | Katy at ColourmeKaty | Samantha at cocobutterblog | Sherry at SherryScribbles
Can't wait to read your answers!

Also, if your not tagged but what to take part GO AHEAD, drop me a comment with your links below and I'll check it out 

xx

ps - i got told that the creator of this tag would like us to continue using the picture that was made for it. Please find this above 😀

FOTD: FT TANYA BURR COSMETICS

Hey Ho, hows everyone's January going so far?

I asked on Twitter in a mini poll what post you'd like to see next and face of the day came out at the top - so here it is 😀

I was gifted this Tanya Burr Cosmetics Beautifully Defined kit for christmas and I'm really enjoying using it. I love how you have some products all in one place, the eyeshadow, highlighter, liquid highlighter and bronzer. Perfect for if your just starting out with experimenting with makeup or if your in a rush and need a quick look, whack on some foundation and use these. Tell you what, this would be perfect for if your going on holiday! A nice compact design with a ready made bronze look if thats the kinda look your like going for. I know I do, if I'm sporting a nice tan.

I haven't tried the liquid highlighter yet, but I'm really looking forward to trying it in the summer mixed with my foundation for a 'soft dewy glow' as described on the back of the packaging as a glow in spring/summer is just what you need.
Think I'm actually going to save this to take on my holidays!

Makeup products used

• Foundation - Revlon Colorstay in Sand Beige
• Concealer - Younique in Orangza
• EyeShadow - Tanya Burr - Silk pyjamas (my fave of the 3) as base - Cuddle me in crease and lower lash line - Baking Brownies - outer corner of eye, lower lash line, and eyerows
• Eyeliner - Collection Fast stroke eyeliner in Black
• Mascara - No7 Midnight Lash in Black
• Bronzer - Collection Bronze Glow in Shimmering Light
• Highlight and Contour- Tanya Burr in Champagne Shimmer and Caramel Kiss such beautiful shades
• Lipstick - No7 Pillarbox

I find it really strange not using black eyeliner on the lower lash line. I do think it makes me look rather tired when my eyes aren't defined by thick black lines haha, but hey something to practise on right?

Have you got any of these products, what do you think to them? 

xx

2017 - lets do this!

I'd probably say 2016 was the year of what I feel was HUGE changes for me within my life and around my life and I just muddled through. I've looked back at my 2016 goals and you know what, I've managed one! Although I'm not surprised one bit!

trying to be thoughtful haha

So now I've done a great deal of lazing around and eating alot, its time to begin 2017! (only 9days late)
I think what I'll do is pop together a bucket list of what I hope to achieve this year personally and another of blog goals!

Personal

Be who I want to beI learnt in 2016 not everyone appreciates how you grow, how you feel and what you like, what your thoughts and personalities are. I can't and won't be as other expect me to be and expect from me, I will only do what makes me happy or I feel right.

Explore
I'd love to venture down south (something already in the wings for this, eek exciting!) But also up North to Edinburgh. Be amazing to do the both in one year, we'll see. I'd also love to takes us on other little adventures to places such as Zoos, Castles etc. With Alex starting school next year it'd be nice to spend quality time doing things together before we only have the summer holidays. I want my new diary filled with lots of activities!

Use a Photo Album
Its all well and good having these amazing smart phones and many ways to save and store photos but there is nothing better than sitting with a photo album looking through the years and how things change. Plus, I'm always breaking and loosing my phone so would be good to be able to keep my favourite photos if I don't back them up.

Read
I used to be such a bookworm, I loved it! I feel we've all lost the sense of picking up a book and reading in our spare time, we're all staring at screens alot of the time. I've seen so many books I'd love to read so what a better time to start. I also think if you have kiddies it encourages them to like the idea of books but also reading to/with them. I noticed that in the last year Alex and I hadn't read alot together so I'm really going to start doing it more often.

No more phone in Bed
Speaks for itself really, something I REALLY REALLY want to conquer. Endless scrolling through the same social media is just silly-its all the same. It also means your brain isn't as rested before going to sleep I have problems with sleeping properly anyway so maybe this will help a little. I have a plan to put my phone out of arms reach instead of right next to me where I can pick it up every 2seconds. I mean, who wants to walk across the room, get your phone, go back to bed, get out of bed to put it back! Fingers crossed it works?

Exercise
Just a little though! Nothing to drastic, just the occasional work out once or twice a week and keep at it. Last year I did so well February to May time then stopped started again then stopped completely. Thinking back I felt good when was exercising so it'll certainly help get out this post christmas grogginess!

What are your personal resolutions/goals this year?

Blog

Attend at least 2 Blogger Events/Meet ups 
I didn't go to any last year - I personally find it difficult as don't have a great deal of childcare but this year I'd really love to go and meet other bloggers - it'd be great!

Possible expand to YouTube

I said this last year, lost a great deal of confidence in myself and never even attempted a proper video. This year I'd love too, what do you think? I might do a practise run sometime and see if I like it!

Improve photography!

Some pictures can be great, some can be pretty rubbish. I don't like editing my pictures too often or too much as then its not real but I'd love to improve in how the photos are taken. Lots of practise needed. Any tips?
(pstt, I only have a phone camera at the moment)

To Enjoy

This is my main goal, I want to enjoy what I'm writing and won't post if I'm not. I mean, if I'm not enjoying it, then its likely your not too! Lets have some fun!

Whats your blog goals?

Thanks for sticking with me, and I hope to see you through 2017 too!

Lets make it a good year we can talk about in years to come!

💕