Turning the Attic into a Room fit for a Pre-Teen

The attic in our new house had been converted, so we set about turning it into a bedroom for Bradley.
He was super excited. His own little den at the top of the house, away from whinging little brothers and nagging parents. 
We had to turn it from an 'attic' into a cosy bedroom fit for a pre-teen.  He's 11 so we wanted something grown up, that he wouldn't grow out of in a couple of years.
I couldn't wait to get started. We had the walls re-plastered and central heating installed and was left with a blank canvas; a interior design fans dream!!  There is something about an attic room that makes them appealing, special, particularly for children; their own secret space!
We painted the walls and ceilings bright white, to make the space look bigger, painted the wooden beams, skirting and cupboard doors black and wallpapered the feature wall with a London theme. 

Organising furniture into a small, quirky shaped space is pretty tricky. It's not a huge space, but for what he'll be using it for; sleeping and playing on his computer, it's perfect. The eaves have been turned into storage space, leaving the room space clear.
I've come up with the following wish list, perfect for a pre-teens attic bedroom:

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VELUX Blinds

A high quality blind for your roof window is essential. 

They come in lots of different colours, designs and functions, I particularly like the black out, pleated blinds.

VELUX offer manual, remote controlled, electrical and solar powered blinds, so there's something for every budget and room function.

We chose a black pleated blind for Bradley's room. It simply slides up and down so it's super easy for him to use day and night.

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Gaming Chair
A gaming chair is a great idea for an attic room, with low ceilings.

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Pull Down Desk
A wall mounted desk that pulls down when homework calls, is a great space-saving idea and can be popped back up when finished.



How would you design an attic bedroom?

xxx








*This is a sponsored post

Getting Eggs into my Toddlers Diet

I'm pretty lucky that, with us doing Baby Led Weaning, Taylor has been a great eater and eats pretty much anything. But I have noticed that he's not a huge fan of eggs. I've tried him with scrambled eggs and hard boiled eggs lately but it always ends up left on the side of his plate. Possibly the texture?
Eggs are super nutritious. They're a natural source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and egg yolks contain omega-3 fatty acids which are very beneficial and contribute to the maintenance of normal brain and heart function.  After reading the benefits of Egg Nutrition, I definitely want to try getting more egg into Taylor's diet.

So, I've been looking into some yummy recipes...
I've decided to try some savoury egg muffins. It's super simple and something that Taylor can help me make when he gets a little bigger, and I can mix up the recipe with different toppings each and every time. It's also a great way to sneak a few extra veggies into meals. 
Egg muffins can be made for breakfast, lunch or added to a main meal for dinner, or even just for a little healthy snack on the go. They don't take too long to make and can also be batch made and frozen.

WHAT WE NEED:
Muffin Tin
British Lion Eggs - The British Lion is the UK's most successful food safety mark with nearly 90% of UK eggs now produced within the Lion scheme
Toppings - grated cheese, cooked meats, veggies etc 

To start, grease or spray your muffin tin. 

Half fill the tin sections with your toppings; I've gone with  cheese, cooked chicken breast and shredded carrot.

Then, I beat the eggs in a measuring jug. I used 4 eggs for this 6 section tin. 
You may want to season the eggs but I left it unseasoned, and added it to the toppings. 

Try not to fill the sections right to the top as the muffins will rise during cooking.

Pop the tin into a pre heated oven at 200c [180 for fan assisted] for approximately 20-25 minutes. I left mine in a little longer until the tops started going a golden brown colour.

Check the egg has set and allow to cool before serving.

Serve straight away or pop them in the fridge / freezer for a later date. They can be warmed up in the microwave when you need them.

Voila! Yummy, fast egg muffins. I was so pleased, Taylor LOVED them! And Daddy thought they were yummy too!! I'll definitely be making these more often, they're a fantastic way to get egg into my families diet!

 Do you have any quick, yummy recipes using eggs?

xxx








*In association with British Lion Eggs. I received a supermarket voucher for writing this post

Clean 9 Programme : The RESULTS : Days 7-9

So, I'm reviewing the Clean 9 Programme*. Read my Introduction Post to read what it's all about and what I hope to get out of it.

Since having Taylor and hitting my 30's, my body has completely changed and I've been finding it hard to keep the weight off. I totally took my metabolism and slim frame for granted in my 20's!

Apparently over the next 9 days I'll look better, feel better, feel lighter and more energised. Let's see shall we...

We're now onto Days 7-9, did you read how I got on on Days 1 - 2, and Days 3-6?

Days 7 - 9

Day 7 Starting to get a little tough now. Had a bad night with Taylor so I'm really tired and grumpy. But I'm starting to miss food. I'm not overly hungry, I just want some substantial food rather than a shake. Not long now though.  Supplements and shakes for breakfast and lunch, with the gel for breakfast. I'm not feeling hungry in between meals which is great, I hope it's training my body to stop snacking between meals.

I go for a walk around town and when I get home I keep feeling a little dizzy. I'm not sure if this is due to the tiredness and bad nights sleep I had. I'm not drinking enough water either, I just can't keep drinking it, I feel bloated and it's beginning to get tedious. I'm not giving up though, I've come this far and followed the plan perfectly, I'm not about to mess it up now! I have grilled chicken, rice and peas and carrots for dinner. It was lovely. My portion sizes are definitely getting smaller, and I'm feeling full afterwards. 

I was in a habit of having a little snack, usually of the chocolate variety, after dinner. And I'm hoping I'm training my body out of that habit!! I've been feeling really tired today and I dont manage any exercise which I feel gutted about.  I get an early night and hope I'm feeling better tomorrow.
Day 8  I wake up feeling a lot better, a lot more energy today! The detox is becoming part of life now, gel, supplements and shake for breakfast and I'm ready to get on with the day. I have a pair of black skinny jeans from River Island that I havent been able to get into since BEFORE I was pregnant, and I tried them on this morning and they fit comfortably!! Yay! That's got to be a sign that it's working! I feel good all day, although I keep having some random dizzy spells. Just for a few seconds. I dont know if this is due to lack of food, or maybe sugar withdrawal?  I put in a good work out and felt good for it.  I have my fibre drink with some squash today.  Dinner was tricky, I LOVE a good gravy dinner, I probably cook a meat, potatoes and veg dinner a few times a week and I'm REALLY missing them!! So I cook Slimming World sausages, mashed potato and lots of steamed veg. And I have a small amount of gravy. It was lush! But I feel a bit guilty about it afterwards. I feel really full afterwards too, I could hardly move. I upped my water intake today too, hopefully another good day tomorrow.

Day 9 Yay! I've reached the final day! I drink my last glass of Aloe Vera gel and feel smug that I've done so well and stuck to the plan for 9 whole days. Breakfast and Lunch have become routine by now. The book does say you can introduce a 300 cal meal at lunchtime today, to get you ready for the FIT Programme, but as I'm not doing that, I stick to my usual shake. I get another good workout in and feel good. For dinner I have a Slimming World pasta dish and go to bed feeling good and looking forward to weighing in in the morning.

THE RESULTS:

That's 4.8 lbs not 48!! ;)

So, My thoughts... I enjoyed the detox, it made me feel good and I had lots of energy. I was kind of hoping for a little more weight loss but I'm happy with the inches off. I pretty much hit all my goals so I can't complain. I originally thought it was FAR too much money for something like this, BUT if you think about it, it's pretty much all your meal replacements for 9 days! I'm going away for the weekend so I'll potentially un-do all the hard work!! ;) But, I'm hoping it's changed my mindset when it comes to snacking and eating better. I learnt that I DO have willpower, and I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking to the plan. Clare checked in with me every single day to see how I was getting on, how I was feeling and was there for any tips and advice I needed.

DO IT IF... *You have £100 spare. *You want to detox and cleanse your body. *You have a special occasion coming up and want to lose a few pounds or inches.  *You want to re-train your mindset and eating habits.

You can purchase the Clean 9 Pack from Clare's page, for £108.95, HERE.





Have you tried the C9?  How did you get on? 
xxx



*Clean 9 Pack sent to me, free of charge, for review purposes I am in no way involved with Forever Living All opinions are my own honest opinions

Clean 9 Programme : The Review : Days 3-6

So, I'm reviewing the Clean 9 Programme*. Read my Introduction Post to read what it's all about and what I hope to get out of it.

Since having Taylor and hitting my 30's, my body has completely changed and I've been finding it hard to keep the weight off. I totally took my metabolism and slim frame for granted in my 20's!

Apparently over the next 9 days I'll look better, feel better, feel lighter and more energised. Let's see shall we...

We're now onto Days 3 - 6, did you read how I got on on Days 1 - 2?

Days 3 - 6

It starts getting a little easier on Day 3. It starts with a weigh in. I've lost 2.5 lbs and 4 inches all over. I feel a little disappointed with the weight loss to begin with, as I see people lose a lot more. But I try to put into prospective, I've lost what I usually lose in a week, in 2 days. I'm feeling good, I'm not really missing food and I have lots of energy. And I'm pretty happy with a 4 inch all over loss!!

As well as the usual supplements [2x Garcinia Plus Softgels & 1x Therm Tablet], you can now have a shake for breakfast and lunch and a 600cal meal at dinner time. And, you only need to take 120ml of Aloe Vera gel at breakfast. 

You should also gently increase the intensity of your exercise too.

Day 3
Although I was a little disappointed with my weigh in, I'm shocked at how good I feel. Considering I havent eaten anything in 2 days and was expecting to feel awful by now, I have lots of energy and feeling good. Aloe Vera Gel is getting a lot easier to swallow now, managing to down in one, although I have been adding a splash of juice to help! I'm feeling full after shake so no need to worry about snacking in between meals.  I spend a few hours walking around town & to supermarket, pushing the pushchair and start to feel a little weak & dizzy. Must be lack of food. My water in take is still high, making sure I have at least 7-8 glasses each day. After lunch [shake & supplements], I feel much better. Mid afternoon I have a handful of red grapes and my fibre sachet and do a 25 min workout with my workout DVD. I'm currently doing Charlotte Crosby's DVD which I love. I'm so excited for my first meal in 3 days, I have a small grilled loin steak, rice and lots of steamed veg. Yum.

Day 4
Woke up feeling good. Actually really enjoying detoxing and knowing I'm doing my body some good! Think I've got this downing gel thing down to an art ;) Enjoying the shakes - you can add fruit from the free fruits list to shake the flavour up a little but I havent, I'm enjoying them as they are, they're very sweet. I'm finding that I'm feeling full afterwards too. Lunch time is shake & supplements & I feel really quite full after the shake, I almost can't finish it.  I do a 30 min workout in the afternoon whilst drinking the fibre drink. Feeling good and looking forward to my meal tonight.  Had a yummy stir fry this eve, it's amazing how much more you appreciate food!! It tasted so nice and I was happily full afterwards. It was tough as being Saturday night, we often have a takeaway and then snacks. We were happy with the stir fry but then James & Bradley had yummy snacks and I kept having moments where I'd want to grab something but then it dawned on me that I couldn't. I wasn't hungry though, just habit I guess. I reach for a satsuma to help with the sweet cravings. Feeling good and proud of myself for sticking to the plan! :)

Day 5
Had a lovely sleep last night, nice early night and James let me have a lie in this morning too. Woke up feeling good!  Take my supplements, gel and shake for breakfast, feel full with lots of energy. I no longer feel hungry, I'm completely comfortable on this detox.  More supplements and shake for lunch. It's a busy family Sunday and I don't get time to exercise today, which I feel super guilty about, but I'll make sure I work harder tomorrow. I cook a roast for the family for dinner, so I have some turkey, lots of steamed veg some mashed potato [with no butter/milk] which is super yummy! 

Day 6 
Weigh in day today. I only lost 0.5 lbs, which is 3 lbs altogether so far. I feel a little disheartened as I'm being so good. I lost another 2 inches all over though, which is 6 inches so far so I'm pretty happy with that, especially as 2 inches is off my waist so I guess that's something. They do say your weight may fluctuate at this time though. Maybe I'm not drinking enough water. Need to make a conscious effort to drink lots more water from now. Let's see how the next few days go. I'm still not missing food, taking my supplements and shake at lunch is becoming habit now.  I do a longer workout today to make up for the lack of exercise yesterday. I even had Taylor up dancing to the workout DVD :) Dinner was a Slimming World meal, which I enjoyed. Looking forward to the last few days now...

6 down, 3 days to go!

You can purchase the Clean 9 Pack from Clare's page, for £108.95, HERE.






Have you tried the C9?  How did you get on?  Any tips?
xxx



*Clean 9 Pack sent to me, free of charge, for review purposes I am in no way involved with Forever Living All opinions are my own honest opinions

Clean 9 Programme : The Review : Day 1 & 2

So, I'm reviewing the Clean 9 Programme. Read my Introduction Post to read what it's all about and what I hope to get out of it.

Since having Taylor and hitting my 30's, my body has completely changed and I've been finding it hard to keep the weight off. I totally took my metabolism and slim frame for granted in my 20's!

Apparently over the next 9 days I'll look better, feel better, feel lighter and more energised. Let's see shall we...


Before you start:

I weighed and measured myself, entered them into my booklet and chose 3 realistic goals I'd like to achieve in the next 9 days. 

Day 1 and 2:

The first 2 days are designed to reset the mind and body. No food is allowed, although there is a list of Free Foods [certain fruits and vegetables] allowed in moderation to curb any hunger. These first 2 days are deemed to be the toughest, especially if you're used to eating a lot, snacking regularly, not used to drinking much water or you drink a lot of tea, coffee or fizzy stuff!

Exercise during these 2 days should be 'low and moderate impact' such as gentle stretching exercises, walking or low-key yoga. This is to help stimulate metabolism and help you stay calm.

They say you may feel tired, with less energy during this time due to the very low calorie intake.


Day one:

Okay here we go... Breakfast. Step away from the Frosties, it's all about aloe Vera gel & some supplements this morning!! The gel is tough. It takes me 2 glasses of water, lots of gagging & a few tears to get the 120ml down me. I start to wonder if I'm going to manage this today let alone for 9 days!! 

I slowly eat a satsuma throughout the morning, then share some apple and pear slices with Taylor while he has lunch. I go for a brisk walk with Taylor in the pushchair to the supermarket to pick up some almond milk, water & red grapes.
Lunch is more supplements and gel, but I get to drink a shake too. I hold my nose with the gel this time and try to down it quickly, I manage to do the 120ml in 3 mouthfuls and lots of water this time. Still minging, but a lot better than breakfast! I half the shake and bulk it up with water, that way I can have some later too. It's actually quite nice, but anything will taste good after the gel ;)

Another good walk with the pushchair, I start to feel a little headachey so I have some fruit and the fibre sachet. 

I'm almost dreading dinner. More gel. Eugh. Almost pinch a chicken nugget from the kids dinner, and the disappointment when I remember I can't have it sucks!! :) I have the other half of the shake, the gel, more supplements and I steam some green beans, broccoli and sugar snap peas. I still feel hungry but I'm not feeling too bad. Managed to drink 8 glasses of water, which I usually struggle with day to day, but has been pretty easy today.
Clare checks in with me a few times during the day which is lovely. It's nice to know she's there for tips and advice if needed.

By bedtime I'm feeling a little headachey and my tummy feels empty but I'm okay. I'm proud that I got through the first day, but I'm not looking forward to tomorrow. Day 2 is going to be tough!!

Day two:

Craving some cereal this morning, but settle for my supplements and gel. ;) Gel makes me gag first thing in the morning, really hoping I get used to it, as I'm struggling.  I wonder how on earth my OH swigs this from the bottle like it's nothing!!
Ive been up since 4.30 as Taylor had a bad night teething, so I'm dreading how I feel by the end of today!
Clare checks in with me to see how I'm feeling again. I have a read through the support page, I'm already thinking about what I can have as my meal tomorrow! :)

We go swimming and I make sure I get a few widths in as my exercise. I have a little moment afterwards when I feel a bit sick and weak but it passes and I have half of my shake, my supplements, gel and a few red grapes whilst Taylor and James have lunch. I have my fibre sachet during the afternoon and a satsuma, few hunger pangs but nothing like I thought Id feel.
Cooking a yummy roast dinner for the family was tough, but I'm still feeling good. I have some steamed veg and the rest of my shake and actually feel full up! 
Really shocked to be feeling so good, after being up so early I'd usually be flagging by late afternoon and I really thought I'd be struggling by the end of today with no food, but still have loads of energy by bedtime! Shocked! But feeling good!





Results after 2 days:



Day 3 is weighing and measuring day.
I've lost 2.5 lbs and 4 inches all over.

I feel a little disappointed with the weight loss to begin with, as I see people lose a lot more. But I try to put into prospective, I've lost what I usually lose in a week, in 2 days. I'm feeling good, I'm not really missing food and I have lots of energy. And I'm pretty happy with a 4 inch all over loss!! Let's see what happens on the next measuring day.

2 down, 7 days to go!

You can purchase the Clean 9 Pack from Clare's page, for £108.95, HERE.






Have you tried the C9?  How did you get on?  Any tips?

xxx


*Clean 9 Pack sent to me, free of charge, for review purposes I am in no way involved with Forever Living All opinions are my own honest opinions

Clean 9 Programme : An Introduction

Since having Taylor and hitting my 30's, my body has completely changed and I've been finding it hard to keep the weight off. I totally took my metabolism and slim frame for granted in my 20's!!

The Clean 9 Programme* is essentially a 'detox, cleansing, weight loss system' by Forever Living. You've probably heard of it; someone you know has probably done it, or is selling it.

I've been sent a C9 to review by one of Forever's Business Owners, Clare Dix and I'm excited to see what the fuss is about.

So, what is the Clean 9 all about?

'The Clean 9 is designed to kick-start and cleanse your body, it


provides the perfect starting point for transforming your diet and

fitness habits. Based around Forever’s bestselling Aloe Vera Gel

drink, this nutritionally-balanced programme will allow you to see

real results in just nine days.




Following on from a C9, is our F.I.T 1 programme. This 30-day regime

allows you to continue towards your weight management goals, in a

sustainable, healthy way. It contains the exact portions of

supplements, shakes and bars required, with easy-to-follow

step-by-step guidance to help you through. To enable you to maintain

and build on the progress you made with the C9 and change your habits

for the long-term.'

The kit contains:

2 bottles of Forever Aloe Vera Gel:

'Pure stabilised aloe vera gel which is as close to the natural plant juice as possible, containing over 200 different compounds. This rich source of nutrients provides the perfect supplement to a balanced diet. Drink to promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being.' 

1 pouch of Forever Lite Ultra Shake Mix:

'This versatile product can be used as a meal replacement shake if you’re watching your calorie intake.'

18 Forever Therm tablets:

'This carefully created formula contains a special combination of vitamins, including B6 and B12, which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue; the vitamin C will also contribute to a normal energy-yielding metabolism.'

54 Forever Gardenia Plus softgels:

'Also known as malabar tamarind or brindle berry, Garcinia Cambogia is a tree native to Southeast Asia. The fruit has been prized for centuries for culinary and beneficial purposes in Southern India and Thailand and is used today as a weight management supplement.'

9 Forever Fibre sticks:

'Fibre is a vital part of any healthy balanced diet. This water-soluble fibre supplement provides a proprietary blend of 5g of soluble fibre that can be readily mixed with any beverage to help increase your daily intake.'

...Plus a tape measure for taking measurements, a shaker for the shakes and an information booklet.

The information booklet tells you a little more about the programme and takes you through the 9 days, step by step, in a really easy to follow way. Each day has a separate page to record everything you've done. As well as this, you get full support from the Business Owner you purchased from. I received an email with lots of tips from Clare, I was added to a support page on Facebook full of people also taking part in the programme and she even offered to give me a call or Skype me to talk me through the programme, if I wished.

Before you start, the book asks you to write down the three goals which you're hoping to get out of the programme...

I'm ready and raring to go and hoping to reach these goals by the end of the 9 days. I finish just in time for a long-anticipated weekend away with some of my Mummy friends, so I'm hoping I can show off some results! 
I've always wondered whether it really works. Are the Business Owners telling the truth when they tell you how amazing it is, or are they just trying to get you to buy?
I'm a bit dubious about how they describe the pack as a 'starting point, designed to kick-start weight loss. Is this their way of getting out of it if you don't lose any weight?
I'm about to find out. I'll be documenting my 9 days and giving my full honest opinion. I'll be posting my full review here only blog, and check my Twitter and Instagram accounts for daily updates! 
Whatever happens, I'm looking forward to a good detox and feeling a little healthier after the cleanse! I can't wait to share my results with you

You can purchase the Clean 9 Pack from Clare's page, for £108.95, HERE.


Have you tried the C9?  How did you get on?  Any tips?

xxx


*Clean 9 Pack sent to me, free of charge, for review purposes I am in no way involved with Forever Living All opinions are my own honest opinions

Bradley: My Letter to you as you start Secondary School

To Bradley, 
I remember your first day of school like it was yesterday. You were 3 and a half and a ball of energy, you couldn't wait to get involved. You didn't get upset, you waved me off and went off to play. Me however, I shed tears on the way home and paced the house for those 3 hours and couldn't wait until home time. You cried as you didn't want to come home!
This week you started Secondary School. 
I think I was more nervous than you. You seemed a little apprehensive but also looking forward to it. You were worried about making new friends, and you were convinced you'd get lost and walk into your classes late.
I walked you to the bus stop and stood back while you stood on your own amongst all the uniform-clad children also waiting for the school bus. I waved you off and walked back home, hoping you were okay, wondering if you'd got a seat or had started chatting to anyone. I followed your location on my phone [thank god for the Find My Friends app] until you got to school. It felt like the longest journey ever. And I contemplated pacing the house until you finished, like I did on your very first day 8 years ago. 
You rang me when you finished and told me you'd had a great day. Phew. Second day you came home telling me about all the new friends you'd made. Third day you told me you were loving school. I'm so glad. 
I'm really hoping Secondary School helps you to grow up and become a bit less silly, as you're guilty of being a bit silly and hyperactive, as you know. I'm hoping it gives you the skills to become more independent, make choices and think more for yourself, rather than me having to give you constant instructions. 
I know you'll do well academically. You're a bright boy and I'm very proud that you managed Level 5's in all your SAT's exams earlier this year. 
We haven't been getting on so well these past 6 months. Your behaviour hasn't been great, you've been told off a lot and beginning to be punished more. I'm not quite sure why your behaviour has changed so much. You're argumentative, think you're always right, can't seem to do as you're told and have to be told to do something at least 2-3 times. I'm hoping this is an age thing. I'm hoping secondary school teaches you to behave a little better.
I know you'll use your manners and be polite. It makes me very happy when people comment on your lovely manners. Hopefully you'll continue this through Secondary School. Good manners are so important. 
I hope you'll get involved, throw yourself into all your classes and maybe some after school activities too. You're a friendly boy and you're not afraid to talk to new people so I'm sure you'll have lots of new friends in no time. 
I can't quite get my head around the fact that you've started secondary school. You've grown up far too quickly. The years just blur into one. The same will happen for you over the next few years. High School will fly by. So make the most of it. Enjoy the new experiences, make memories, make friends. 
Choose your friends wisely. Choose friends that'll stick by you, help you, lift you up when you're having a bad day, accept your decisions and your flaws. Choose friends to make memories with. I had great friends back at school, and we had the most amazing time. Be mindful though, being friends with the wrong people can change you and lead you down the wrong path. I think you're quite a good judge of character though, I hope you'll stay clear of peer pressure, remember whats right and wrong and not get involved in anything you don't want to, or that you know is wrong. High School, and growing up, will bring many a temptation. Your friends may get into drinking, smoking, under age sex, crime... the list is endless. Make the right choices Bradley. 
High School may also introduce you to some not so nice people. There are some nasty kids about, you know this already. Ignore any remarks or nasty behaviour. Remove yourself away from any negative people. Be better than them. Speak nicely to everyone. Be a good friend. Look out for people who need a friend, you're good at this, I've always been proud of how you used to take new children under your wing at Primary School. If anything is upsetting you, come and talk to me, or James, or your Dad. Or even a teacher. Always talk to someone, a problem often feels so much better once shared.
Learn. Take everything in. Bring something new home with you every single day. If you don't understand or you find things a little tricky, ask a friend or ask the teacher. Never give up. Everything you learn from now is so important! The more you learn, the better your exam results. The better your exam results, the wider your choices. You have expensive taste, so you're going to need a good job to pay for it! :)
Be a good role model to your little brother. You adore him and he adores you. Teach him to do his best, try hard at everything he does, and be polite and helpful.
Most importantly have fun! Have fun and enjoy this next chapter of your childhood. Enjoy making new friends, enduring new challenges, learning new things. 
But stay safe and remember right from wrong.
I love you, BE GOOD! ;)

Mum xxx



xxx

August Beauty Favourites 2015

This year is just flying by!! I can't quite get my head around the fact that it's September!! 

Let me share with you my favourite beauty products I've been using lately...

L'Oreal Hair Expertise Ever Riche Shampoo & Conditioner (£4.99 each / Chemist Direct*)
My hair can get very, very dry and these are designed to provide nourishment to dry hair. I love the fact that they are sulphate free and it leaves my hair feeling so soft and smooth afterwards.

Make Up Revolution Vivid Baked Bronzer in Golden Days (£4.00) & Highlighter in Peach Lights (£3.00)
These are fab little dupes for MAC Skinfinishes, I've been using them lots this past month, for contour, creating shadow & highlight and also for an all over bronze-y look. Amazing price for such fab little products.

MAC Lipglass in Underage (£14.50)
I hadn't used this for a while, but this past month I've reached for it quite a bit. Think 'Creme d'Nude' or 'Myth' in a gloss. It's a natural, creamy gloss that finishes my summer bronzed look perfectly. Gorgeous!!

Mavala Mini Nail Polish in London (£4.50/Nail Polish Direct)
I love this bright red polish, it's opaque and looks great after just one coat!! And it lasts ages. Definitely my favourite nail colour this month!

Stella McCartney Summer Perfume 

Stella's 2013 fragrance, 'Summer' seems to be unavailable now, but it's still a firm favourite during my summer seasons! It's one of those perfumes that every time you spray it you realise how lush it smells, for me, thats a sign of a favourite! I'm still using it now, as we go into Autumn but I think I'm going to have to put it away, begrudgingly, for next Summer very soon!

What beauty products have you been loving lately?

xxx


*Cost subsidised for review purposes