A YouTube Video

31 December 2014

So I know everyone is talking New Year plans or post round ups, but before I signed off for 2014 I wanted to share an update on the YouTube channel I talked about before.  First things first, it exists. Me friend Nettie and I did sit down and film a video, but I might have stupidly not transferred the close up shots from her memory card to my laptop, so editing is still in progress for that! 

In the meantime, I threw caution to the wind, and filmed a video of me unboxing my secret santa gift. All is explained in the video, so if you want to hear me talking at the speed of light (I only do so for the first minute) then click below!



And before I forget Happy New Year :) Wishing you all a wonderful time tonight, be safe and enjoy whatever you do :) xxx


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2014 Round Up - Popular Posts

29 December 2014

Considering we are approaching the New Year I thought now would be an appropriate time to round up my most read posts of the year. I've never done this before, but after realising that people actually read my blog, I was super intrigued to know what sorts of posts were popular. I've compiled a list of the top 10.


3. Introducing BeZonter Christmas Crackers 
4. October Book List 

5. Book Review: The List
6. Cleansers On The Go 

7. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Review 
8. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama 24H Gel Liner (Black) Review 

9. December Book List 
10. September Birchbox 


So that's it for my final post of 2014! I'd like so say a huge thank you to all of you who read my blog! It means so much to me looking at my analytics and statistics and seeing that people are actually engaging with my blog. I'm not one to focus on numbers or followers, so it actually means the world to me that I see the amount of reads or clicks on links increasing. This has been happening since the second half of the year and has really shown me that putting the effort in will get you results. I'm even impressed at my bloglovin' stats - I don't promote my bloglovin so much but I've managed to increase it by over 50% since March this year. 

Anyway enough numbers for now, but I really do want to say a massive massive thank you for taking the time to read my little space on the internet. I'm really looking forward to 2015 and where I will take this blog. For me I just love writing, so it will always be about creating enjoyable and relatable content, and I'm really excited for how I'm going to go about that in 2015! 

What are your most read posts of the year? Link them below as I'd love to have a look! 


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Empties #2

22 December 2014

As it’s coming to end of the year, I thought I’d do my second round of empties. They’ve just been sat in a box and after cleaning up my room, I decided it was time to snap some pictures, give my thoughts and chuck ‘em away. 

I’ve split them into three sections, make-up, skincare and 'other.'

Skincare


REN Clarimatte Invisible Pores Detox Mask - I’m not sure how I feel about this mask. I remember the first time I used this I loved the results, and then I bought this full size one. However, I can’t really say I’ve noticed any sort of reduction in my pore size, or really any major improvement. I only ran out of this last week, so maybe I’ll leave it a while to see if my skin misses it before I give my final verdict.
Would I repurchase? Maybe.

Benefit It's potent! Eye Cream - I got this in my September Birchbox and this product was just meh. First of all I started using it in place of my other eye cream but after a week I noticed that the texture of my eye area had changed, it was a bit similar to milia, but not milia. I stopped using it, then decided I’d switch to using it in the evening every other day. The funny texture change to my skin never came back. Like I said before I was already using another eye cream, so whether this one helped to combat my dark circles I do not know but overall I was not impressed with it.
Would I purchase it? No.  

Clearasil Daily Clear Superfruits Refreshing Pads 65 Pads - I bought this after Caroline Hirons talked about it here. In hindsight I really should have thought more about it before buying it, because I personally don’t think she’s ever used it to recommend it (something I've assumed from one of her replies to comments on the video). But anyway I wanted to add exfoliation pads into my routine and this seemed like a good place to start. I was really impressed with how long this lasted, but I don’t think it did too much for my skin if I’m honest. It didn’t irritate my skin which I’m glad about, but it’s been about 3 weeks since I finished it and my skin really hasn’t missed it.
Would I repurchase? No. 

NUDE ProGenius - I wanted this oil for a while and it even featured in my March wishlist, so when I got it in my August Birchbox I was super happy. Ah how thankful am I for my little tester you ask? Very thankful. I did not notice any changes in my skin with this oil, which is super weird considering all the good ingredients it's made up of, and the hype the surrounds it. Alas, this was not the product for my skin and I’m super glad I was able to test it out, instead of forking out for it.
Would I purchase it? No. 

Seaweed Pore-Cleaning Facial Exfoliator - So I love the face wash of this and for some reason that I’ve forgotten, I picked this up (it was probably an offer). This product was blah for me, it did nothing and was just annoying to use if I’m honest. I think I much prefer washing my face and using an exfoliating pad, rather than going back in with a exfoliating wash.
Would I repurchase? No.


Make-up


Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara - I think this was one of the first products I bought when I decided I want to improve my brow situation (I’m pretty sure this was a decision I made in January this year - late I know). At first I liked it and then I didn’t and then I did, when it ran out I decided I wanted to try one of the many eyebrow products available in Boots and Superdrug and I ended up buying one of the Revlon ones – big mistake. I really like Brow Drama, the colour is perfect for me and I find it just holds the hairs in place without looking crispy or even feeling crispy. Although don’t quote me on the feeling crispy bit, it’s been about two months since I used it.
Would I repurchase? Yes, I shall do right after I use up the Revlon one.

Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation - I’ve already spoken about my love for this foundation. For me, it the foundation, I actually use it a lot because at the moment, I only have like two foundations that I use, so really I have to be reaching for this a lot. I love the coverage on this and the colour is such a perfect match for me.
Would I repurchase? I already have!

No7 Fanomenal Lashes Mascara - I stole this mascara from my mum and I actually really enjoyed using it. I always used it as a second mascara just to get to fan out my eyelashes as the names suggests. I didn’t think this was a great mascara, but I thought it was really good at declumping lashes, which made it a good product for me! However upon seeing the price, I don't think it's that bloody good.
Would I purchase it? No.

Rimmel Exaggerate Automatic Waterproof Eye Definer - I love this eyeliner. I rock eyeliner in my waterline every day so it needs to be absolute perfection.This is actually my second one of these, so without a doubt it's love for me. It doesn’t smudge everywhere or fade away. When I get back from work it’s still there and I just really like that it stays put so I don’t have to worry about panda eyes. It's also retractable which for me is a must have for eyeliner.
Would I repurchase? Already have.


Others



Natures Way Organic Coconut Oil - Ahh coconut oil what a year you’ve had. I used this for a variety of things but mainly for my hair. I decided last year I really wanted to take care of my natural hair so I went about researching what I needed and coconut oil turned out to be a ‘must-have.’ This brand was also heavily recommended in terms of hair growth for my texture type. I love this stuff because along with castor oil and shea butter, my hair has grown significantly and it feels so healthy. Coconut oil has been such a good way for me to retain moisture (my hair is super dry). I also used this for removing make-up (then I switched to something else) and cooking (don’t worry everything is all hygienic). I love the fragrance it produces when you cook with it and of course it’s a better oil for cooking and all that jazz. I also used this as a moisturiser when I want to pamper myself. P.S I actually buy mine off Ebay, it's the cheapest I've found!
Would I repurchase? Already have!

Garnier Express 2in1 eye make up remover - I’ve already done a post about this eye make-up remover and I finally used it up. I still love it as much as I did when I wrote my post. It doesn’t leave my eyelids feeling greasy even if I’ve used it after I’ve cleansed my face. It does such a great job at taking off my eye make-up and it’s just so quick and effortless to use.
Would I repurchase? Yes, I stocked up when I saw it was on offer!

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil - This is another sample that came from Birchbox and this was the most recent one (because y’know I still haven’t received my December one). I’m not use to using oils on my skin, as I’ve always used cream (moisturiser), and occasionally used coconut oil as said above. However this was such a lovely product to use, it smelled wonderful and just felt like a treat to use! I can’t comment on whether it improved my dry skin or anything, but I definitely think this would be a great product for a pamper day.
Would I purchase? Maybe.



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Updates & Apologies

19 December 2014


I’d like to apologise for the lack of content on my blog, I’m sure no one cares but man oh man December has been a rubbish one. For the first week my depression set in and quite frankly everything became difficult and I didn’t find anything enjoyable. I then I had my work Christmas party and then managed to get the flu, which basically left me stuck in bed for three days. So literally for the first twelve days of December I was a miserable fucker.


All of the stuff I had planned for December seems to be a bit too late to post now, so right now I am focusing on what sort of stuff I want to post in January! The post with my friend’s crackers was meant to be up ages before it was posted but for reasons listed above it wasn’t. Sorry that all the above sounds like a moan, but it's only been this week that I've actually felt better physically and mentally, so I'm just getting it out there. 

That’s all from me. I do have a couple of posts planned before the end of the year, but they won't be festive ones as I am not a Christmas person. I hope everyone has a good weekend! 

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Introducing BeZonter Christmas Crackers

14 December 2014


So with the holidays approaching I thought I’d better post something festive on the blog. I know Christmas is about many many things, but let’s talk about something that doesn’t get that much coverage over Christmas but is a well loved part of it. CHRISTMAS CRACKERS. I absolutely loved crackers as a kid, it is one of the good things I think about when I think about Christmas; those little jokes and rubbish toys that you forget about within 10 minutes, but most importantly the snapping sound when you pull them apart. Today I bring you your childhood crackers with gifts you’ll want to keep!



BeZonter is the creation of one of my dearest friends Tamar. We went to secondary school together, so right from the age of 11 I’ve had the pleasure of knowing her and it makes me so happy to see she’s doing something she loves! Tamar has always been entrepreneur, when we were at school she was the girl you’d go to for cakes and chocolates because the vending machine didn’t have half as good as a selection as she did. So whilst we were scoffing our faces Tamar was pocketing away our money because she had the sense to fill the gap. And now here she is doing it again with her Christmas crackers. I should say now that I haven’t been compensated in any way or any of that stuff. I literally ask Tamar if I could write about her products because she’s a star and I love to write.

Tamar’s aim with BeZonter is ‘to create a product that has less of an impact on the environment and a big part of this has been sourcing gifts I think people will treasure and not trash. All tubes and packaging are made from recycled material (although not 100%) or are biodegradable.’ 

I told you it was your childhood crackers but better and more environmentally friendly! All the crackers are handmade from the softest recycled cotton paper which is hand made and hand printed in India. The crackers are priced different according to their design and what gift option you choose but prices start at £30 and go up to £60. You'll receive 6 crackers with every order. To give you an idea of what sort of gifts you can receive I've included pictures and information below. You'll receive 6 of the gifts in your chosen category along with a snap, hat, joke gift and surprise gift! Now on to the goodies! 

Gift Group 1 - £30/35 

Whoopee cushion (green, white or red available), Hand warmer (various colors), Bicycle Clip Bookmark - mark your place with a bike clip,  Pencil Sharpener bottle cap - Reuse a plastic bottle and catch your shavings,  Wooden mini-iq puzzle (we've managed to solve them all ... great fun!),  Leaf-shaped filigree earrings - gold colour,  Incense sticks - Frankincense and Musk,  Robot-fish - collectable clownfish activated in water - with bonus batteries,  Small card punch (various colours and design - this one's the heart-shape), Multi-strand bracelet with silver charms in various designs (bird, seahorse ...), Puppy stapler (blue or pink), Hand felted soap (various colors), Your very own bunny island and Passion fruit bath bombs.

Gift Group 2 - £35/40 

Cactus/ Mushroom candle, Multi-strand bracelet (various designgs, bird, seahorse, musical...), Wooden mini IQ puzzle,  Facecloth compressed into heart shape,  Bathbombs,  Tweezers, Nail caviar (various colors), Key ring ruler, Butterfly seedballs - simply scatter in garden watch as flowers grow and butterflies come to visit, Frankincense or musk incense,  Guitar bottle opener, Owl necklace and Hand felted soap.

Gift Group 3 - £40/45 

Bobino headphone cord wrap, Key-shaped bottle opener keyring (silver or vintage look), Bird necklace, Metal IQ puzzles (various designs all challenging), Bag hook (also have flower design), Money / pill holder keyring, Egg timer, Nail caviar, Headphone splitter- share your music, Phoney phone charm (owl, fox or kitten design), Funny Fruit Faces compact facecloth 100% cotton (various designs),  Heart-shaped filigree necklace - vintage look, Eraser table tennis, Hula girl air fresher, Iron on fox by sass& belle, Shark bottle opener key ring and Fish bottle opener key ring.

Gift Group 4 - £60 


Seaglass charm necklace, Rose bag hook, Wine stopper/ pourer, Owl headphone protector, Grow your own Thyme/ Oregano kit, Candle holder, 925 Sterling silver heart necklace, Shark bottle opener, Money holder- keep a spare not on your keys for emergencies, Key cover multi tool- nail file, tweezers, bottle opener, screwdriver x3, thread cutter, 925 Sterling silver tree of life necklace, Metal IQ puzzle, Fish bottle opener, ikey- add a short-key button to your phone for instant photography or whatever you programme it to do, Grow beans with a message, Butterfly bag hook, Nail art pens x2 and Personitas wish fairy with 3 wishes and some fairy dust to ensure they come true.

And those are the gifts, I love the variety and definitely make a difference from your normal table cracker. My friend Tamar kindly gave me a discount code for my readers :) If you use SBlog25 you will receive 25% off your order! It expires on December 31st. 

You can purchase BeZonter crackers from here or e-mail Tamar directly on bezonteruk@gmail.com Custom boxes can be made to order.



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December Book List

3 December 2014

Another month has passed I’m taking you through the books I plan to read in December. Oh and Goodreads and my book challenge? Let’s not mention that, it’s a sore subject. I did however managed to finish The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared, so yay for that! 

So last month I absolutely loved the books I read. Mother, Mother and Willpower were amazing. For me I could relate a lot to Mother, Mother and it was just so wonderful written and not over the top. Willpower was great because it taught me a lot of things, it did feature a lot of experiment talk (I’d say 75%) but it used it was used to get the point across. It was a great learning tool though and I really do feel like it has helped me to understand a bit more about my own willpower, and possibly why I seem to lack it at certain points. I’m nearly done with The Power, however did not get to finish it in November but not long now until I do! But on to this month’s book list!



So three books for this month, and hopefully I’ll be able to read some more during the time off over the holidays.

Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger. I actually picked this up in November and started to read about 30 pages of it because I’d forgotten to take anything with me to work. However I did stop reading it, so I plan to pick it up for this month. I liked the first book and of course I really like the film, so I was interested to see what the sequel is like. Truth be told in those 30 pages I think I can safely say it is not as good, and if any of the reviews I’ve read about it is anything to go by, then yep it’s not as good. But still worth a read eh? After all I do want to see what ‘Ahn-dre-ah’ made of herself after she left Runway.

Simplify by Joshua Becker. I absolutely love Joshua Becker’s blog Becoming Minimalist, I think he writes about something incredibly important. He writes about minimalism on his blog and his book is about ways to simplify your life and I’m home, which I’m sure ultimately comes down to not giving in to consumerism. I’m super excited for this because despite what it looks like on the blog I really do like to think about my purchases, and not get too caught up in having so much. If I’m honest having so much stresses me out, so I do need tips to streamline my life and not get caught up in ‘buy buy buy’.

The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness by Pema Chödrön. I’ve had this book in my ‘save for later’ basket for a while now and randomly in November I thought of it again, so I purchased it on the Kindle last week as for some reason it was 99p. I’m super excited to read this; I was recommended this by my psychologist over a year and a bit ago, so I think it’s time I finally read it.

What are you reading this month?

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