Monday summary

It only feels like 4 days since my last Monday summary. Oh, wait, it was! I was a bit behind last week, sorry! Having no internet at home is a real pain and I actually get withdrawal symptoms from not being able to check my emails and things :)

In 3 weeks time I'll be moving out of the house and moving onwards on my own so I need to get a little laptop and the internet sorted for then. Blogging is a big part of my life and I would miss it dearly if I couldn't regularly update!

Oh hi! Not posted a picture of my face in a while. Incase you had forgotten what I look like, here's my mug!

I also have 5 good things for you, as always:

1) Today is Monday and I'm in the comfort of my parents home, snuggling Lily and Lola and sipping on a big mug of tea! Bank Holiday Monday's are the bestest type of Mondays.

2) I'm back on Twitter! I never actually thought I would see the day when I went back on but I figured it's the best way to keep in touch with my blog pals. I am going to try my best not to get addicted, it's easily done!

3) I have hopefully got the chance to study a HR qualification through work which would be amazing! I think it would be really interesting and increase my knowledge of my role and the world of HR which can only be a good thing. I'm all about learning new things!

4) My hair has grown so long in the past year. I do miss my blonde locks ever so much but not having my hair dyed every 4 - 5 weeks has improved the condition hugely! I also invest more time in conditioning treatments and I only use straighteners when I really have to, so I feel like my hair is in quite good shape - well, apart from the fact I only get a trim every once in a blue moon!

5) Lily and Lola. They make me smile! Simples. I couldn't resist taking a cheeky photo of them snuggling in fliffy cushions. They love those cushions!

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No7 Exceptional Definition (nutrient enriched mascara)

I was extremely in need of a new mascara - my trusty Max Factor one had run dry and I hadn't had chance to find a suitable replacement - so when I was given the chance to try out the new No7 Exceptional Definition mascara in black I jumped at the chance! I love a good mascara as much as the next girl; I was certainly not blessed with long, thick eyelashes by any means.

My first couple of goes with the Exceptional Definition mascara didn't go so well; I found it went everywhere, all over my lid and underneath my eyes. Turns out I just needed to get used to the wand. You see it's a bit of a fancy one!

What do they say?

The left hand side of the brush loads lashes for great volume, the right side combs lashes to ensure clump-free, clean definition while the top has been designed to target even hard to reach lashes. 

The formula is enriched with cashmere keratin, vitamins and hydrolized soy protein to care while you wear.

The key is to get the curved side of the wand right into the root of the lashes and then twist the wand to allow the other side to comb and seperate the lashes. Once I tried this out for a few days in a row I really started to like it! I love that it's really black. Like black black. It gives a really good coat without clogging up the lashes, and if you can get a hang of the wand you can achieve a really dramatic but wearable look! At £12 it's the same price as Max Factor mascaras and other "drugstore" brands so it's an affordable price which pays off in the results. Plus, it's "nutrient enriched" and I'm a sucker for anything that claims to be good for me!

Big thumbs up from me! Have a closer look:

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Owls and stripes

I have to confess something. The Next voucher I had been saving for a rainy day (well, for when I get my own place) was just too tempting to resist and off I popped to treat myself to some new threads. To be fair it has been a while since I've bought any new clothes apart from the odd Primark bargain, and after the tough time I've had lately I thought it might cheer me up. And cheer me up it did!

I went in first and foremost to get some jeans and I was pleasantly surprised to find a gorgeous skinny pair in the colour I wanted. I turned over the price tag... £18! I thought it must be some kind of mistake. £18 for jeans is a total bargain! I tried them on and they were a great fit. Sold! Next up I spotted this delightful little top with a colourful owl print. It's slightly cropped but not enough to show any skin, and has some ruching around the bottom. It looks lovely on! The perfect little top to wear with jeans.

It's my new favourite outfit. I love it! 

I also picked up a couple of things to wear for work. I got a gorgeous striped shirt which is the perfect fit and reminds me of something Jack Wills would sell. Finally I got a simple pair of bootcut black trousers with a button detail. The office I work in is smart casual, no suits or anything like that, so I stick to a shirt or blouse on the top and trousers or a high waisted skirt on the bottom.

I really rate Next at the moment - their prices are affordable (gosh I'm getting old!) and they have some lovely things - both smart and casual. I'll definitely be popping in more often!

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Eyeko: Chi Chi Polish & Punk Polish

When a little package popped through my letterbox last week I was intrigued - I wasn't expecting anything! Lucky old me had been sent 2 new polishes from Eyeko - Chi Chi Polish (for girlie nails) and Punk Polish (for neon nails). I adore Eyeko polishes so I tested them out straight away. On Friday I sported neon nails at work and today I've been sporting glittery 'Chi Chi' nails!

As you can see, both polishes are very pretty! Chi Chi is a pretty, glittery pink - packed full of glitter so your nails get good coverage. Punk Polish is SO bright. I officially love it! One or two coats is all you need for a fierce pop of colour.

I'll be showcasing pink nails for some time to come me thinks! I really do rate the quality and colour range of Eyeko polishes. When I want to paint my nails I constantly reach for one of my many polishes from the range.

Pop along to the Eyeko website for a peek at these new polishes, and all of the other pretty colours. And don't forget to use my code E8761 at the checkout to receive a free gift!

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Tweet tweet

I'm back on Twitter.. for now :) hehe. Click here to follow me!

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Monday summary (on a Thursday)

Morning blogettes! How are you? Apologies for the belated Monday summary - I don't have the Internet at home at the moment so I've got to grab blogging opportunities whenever I can! e.g. when I go to my parents house or if I get into work early!

Last weekend involved sleep, and dog walking. That's about it. Not the most exciting weekend I've ever had but boy did I need that sleep! Sometimes a good sleep catch-up is all a girl needs to feel human again. This week at work has been reeally busy as I'm covering 2 other people plus my own role so it has been a steep learning curve! But better to be busy than quiet in my opinion :)

My 5 good things:

1) Sleep. I have had lots of it this week and tonight another early night is in order. You can't beat a good nights sleep in a big fluffy duvet.

2) I am now a permanent member of staff! I have passed my 6 month probation with flying colours and can now relax without worrying whether I was doing a good job or not! It also makes me feel more secure about getting my own place knowing I have a permanent job.

3) Bank Holiday weekend! I have plans to go charity shop shopping for bargains, see my parents, take the dogs out on some lovely long walks (weather permitting) and catch up on blogging. I really need to get the Internet and a laptop asap!

4) I have just reached 1330 blog followers through Google reader, and 154 on blog-lovin and that is just amazing! I never thought I would get so many. Thanks everyone :)

5) Payday! 'nuff said.

P.S. Congrats to Kat, Ellie and Lauren - they won my Miss Bollywood Eyebrow Shaping Kit giveaway! Your kits are on their way to you :)

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Wish list featuring River Island

It has to be said, River Island is one of my favourite stores. From the heels and bags, to the jumpers and going out dresses, I always want so many things from there. Plus their jeans fit me like a glove whereas I really struggle to find jeans that fit nicely in other shops.

I have got my eye on a few things at the moment...

I love this skirt - it would look great for work or dressed down with a slouchy tee tucked in. Great for the colder months ahead too.

I spotted this a-m-a-z-i-n-g flying jacket in store a couple of days ago but the £150 price tag put me off. A girl has a budget you know!

But then I spotted this almost identical version at a much more reasonable £59.99. I reeally want a flying jacket! I had one when I was about 9 when it probably wasn't in fashion by any means. I'm just ahead of my time obviously :)

These wedges are beautiful. They're the perfect wedges that would go with anything! A really good investment.

 And finally, do you remember my cute panda hat that I lived in last Winter? This is the new version!

How about you? Bought any star buys from RI that I've missed on my wish list? Do let me know!

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Lush shampoo: Cynthia Sylvia Stout

I mentioned this shampoo a while ago and thought it was about time I shared my review with you. I know how popular Lush products are with bloggers and this isn't a shampoo I'd heard much about before trying it out myself.

I'll cut to the chase - it's definitely not a shampoo I would repurchase which is such a shame because I really want to love it! It smells delicious and after all, it contains beer! I want to love anything that contains beer (hehe). 

It claims to give hair weight, smoothness and gloss and promotes a healthy scalp. The problem I have is that I like my shampoo to create a really good lather. I have quite long hair now and with this shampoo I have to use a big dollop to lather the top of my head and then another dollop to do underneath, and because of this I get through this stuff like lightning!

It has a lovely smell - really unique - and I find it quite masculine but in a good way.

The great thing about Lush is they're happy to dish out samples so if you perhaps have short/medium length hair or fine hair, and you're curious about the product it's definitely worth trying out a little splodge.

What doesn't work for me may work for you!

Prices:

100g - £3.70

250g - £7.35

500g - £11.95

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Tattoo

I have wanted a tattoo on and off for a long time now. I'm 25 years old but I am well aware my Mum would go mad and yes I'm scared! I would happily get any one of these, I think they're all wonderful. But ultimately I would get a unique design. One that I would hope I'd never regret!

Do you have a tattoo? If so, share the details!

All photo sources unknown:

  ha - can you imagine a Pug version of this! ;)

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Trevor Sorbie: heat defence blow dry spray

It's not often I use a product until the very last drop, so when I do I like to shout about it. The product in question is Trevor Sorbie's 'beautifully straightened' heat defence blow dry spray (for all hair types). I purchased this a good few months ago and use it on an almost daily basis. I spritz it generously onto my damp hair after washing and towel drying, then I either blow dry in sections or blast dry.. depending on how many times I hit the snooze button that particular morning.

It makes a huge difference to the look and feel of my hair compared to when I don't use anything. The thing I love about Trevor Sorbie products is the reasonable price of the range, plus the fact they're constantly on 3 for 2 at Boots in a mix and match deal, so you can try out a few different brands if you like too.

I would definitely repurchase this! Have you tried and loved any Trevor Sorbie products?

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Kiss and makeup

These photos are stored in my 'inspiration' folder but I have no idea where they originally came from - if you know do please tell!

I think the makeup on both pictures is absolutely gorgeous..

I need this lipstick!

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Monday summary

Evening all. Monday again! Where is 2010 going!? First things first, go visit Phoebe who did a '5 good things' post today. She is a lovely blogger - in real life and in blogging land!

I have been a little ball of horrible today. I have had a lot on my mind over the weekend. Andrew moved out yesterday and I'll be staying in the house by myself for the next 5 weeks, so last night I was a little bit lonely in a big ol' house rattling around by myself. Also in the next couple of weeks I'm covering 2 other people's jobs, and even though I love my job, I know it's going to take all of my concentration up over the next few weeks, so I am trying to prepare myself and do the best I can. My 6 month probation date is coming up and I want to pass with flying colours!

My 5 good things:

1) I have got the afternoon off tomorrow so at 12.30 I'll be heading home and then meeting my Sister to do a spot of shopping and girly activities. Then the parentals, my Sister and I are going out for tea. Tapas! Yum. A little break from work and a yummy tea should put me back in a good mood.

2) Lots and lots of things and products to blog about - I just need to find time to type! Oh and somehow fix the problem of impending internet-less-ness!

3) Music. Currently reliving my younger days with a spot of Alanis Morissette.

4) I got asked by a stranger in the post room today if I was at my first job. Errrrm, no. I'm 25! I have been working full time since I was 18! hehe :)

5) Support from my blog friends. Seriously, you guys are fab! Your little messages on Facebook and your comments on my blog put a cheesy grin on my face.

Randomness in the form of pretty pictures? Yes please.

As always, borrowed from www.weheartit.com

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10 things that make me happy

I have been tagged by the beautiful Onyx to do the '10 things that make me happy' tag. I like these tags; they're fun to do and you can learn about your fellow bloggers a little bit too. If you fancy doing the tag go for it! Be sure to let me know the link if you do.

(All photos have been lovingly borrowed from www.weheartit.com)

1. Pugs

My Pugs, other people's Pugs, I love them! They're so cute. If I had £1 for every person who told me they're "yappy", "ugly" or "horrible little things" I would be a millionaire. I won't deny, they're a bit yappy but they're adorable! Loving, loyal, intelligent, Lily and Lola are my best friends!

2. My family.
Self explanatory! 

3. Tea. 

I go through cups upon cups of milky tea day in day out. If I don't have it, my head hurts. I can't start the day without it! I'm officially addicted to tea. I'm also partial to a bit of camomile tea. Perfect for wind-down time before bed.

4. My blog. 

I have been blogging a year now and I can't imagine life before Lily loves Lola was invented! I can't go anywhere without my camera now, I have received some wonderful products that I wouldn't normally have been able to have, and I have made loads of great friends. Blogging is the perfect hobby - I get to write about anything I like and I get to make friends with you lovely folk along the way.

5. Planning holidays.
This is my favourite thing to do. I love travelling and going on holiday, but I LOVE the planning element of it. Flicking through brochures, pricing up flights, planning day trips, saving up. Such fun!

6. Going to the cinema and watching movies. 
I love losing myself in a really good film. My ultimate girly movie that I watch when I'm alone is The Notebook. It makes me long for my own love story just like the movies.

"If you're a bird, I'm a bird" :)

7. Shopping.
I don't need to explain this one to you ladies do I :)

8. Singing/music.
Life without music is a very dull one indeed. I also love to sing, particularly in the car but I'm also partial to singing into a hairbrush.

9. Being silly. 

Life is too short to be serious and let things get you down. If something is making you unhappy, don't do it anymore. That's my new motto and it's so simple!

10. Pampering. 

I love nothing more than having some time on my own, painting my nails, sticking a face mask on and chilling out. If I'm feeling down or I've had a busy day a bubble bath is the perfect solution!

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I'm a Gift Girls Ambassador!

I hope you're all having a lovely weekend! So far today I have been a busy bee tidying up, packing a few things into boxes and getting excited about some apartment viewings this afternoon. I have also been catching up on some much needed blog reading and blog post writing. Time just seems to be running away with itself lately. How is it August already!?

I got an exciting email a couple of days ago and I wanted to share the details with you. I recently applied to be an Ambassador for Gift Girls and yippee, I was selected! Basically I now have a unique code which is GG1261. This means great things for you if you want to order anything from this fab site. If you enter my code at the checkout not only do you get 5% off your order but you also get a free gift.

My code will always be on my left hand sidebar so feel free to use it anytime you like. Personally I have got my eyes on this pretty pink Eiffel Tower Je T'aime necklace and the Geek Chic necklace. I can't get enough of cute jewellery like this. Everything is similar to Accessorize; cute, girly, fun, different, but with a much better price tag!

Happy Shopping!

P.S. I am also an Ambassador for Eyeko so if you're ever shopping on there, pop E8761 into the checkout code thingymabob for a free gift!

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Eyeko: Posh Polish

I have blogged about many Eyeko polishes before, and this is by no means the latest colour to come out, however I have failed to blog about it until now. This is Posh Polish. And I adore it!

It is the perfect colour for work and it has extraordinary staying power!

Exhibit A below - no base coat or top coat; just 2 coats of Posh Polish. 2 days and lots of typing, washing up and dog pooper-scooping later, they still look good as new!

Any polish that has staying power like that gets top marks in my book!

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Monday summary

Happy Monday peeps! Here are my 5 good things this week:

1) Work. At the moment a busy routine is keeping my head straight. When everything else is falling apart it's good to have something steady.

2) House hunting. It's hard work finding somewhere that will accepts pets (even ones as cute as mine!) but I enjoy the challenge. Plus I'm really nosy and I love having a look round people's homes.

3) My other blog with Gemma. I Know What You Wore This Summer is keeping me blimmin' busy at the moment but it's great seeing all your outfits. Keep your photos coming ladies! Just email iknowwhatyouworethissummer@gmail.com with your photo and blog/youtube link if you have one. It's great inspiration, especially as we get first peek.

4) I have to find a positive amongst my break up - I have lost over a stone (14 pounds) in weight. Perhaps all waiting to be put back on in the form of cream buns, no?

5) Tattoos. I am seriously thinking about getting a tattoo. I think a really pretty design can look so nice in the right place. I'm going through one of those fresh start/rebellious phases. It's either a tattoo or a nose piercing. lol.

Picture I heart this week:

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My trip to Gibraltar - the best bits

After my recent trip to Gibraltar I shared with you the most important bit - the outfits! And I told you about the Wildlife Park there. Here are some pictures from the rest of our trip. It seems like such a long time ago when I was there. And my tan is a distant memory! Isn't that always the way... :(

We took a cable car to the top of the rock to get some amazing views of Gibraltar and Spain, and of course we bumped into lots of monkeys! There were so many tiny babies. The monkey above was teetering on a railing with its little baby tucked into her belly. It was so cute, I just had to get a picture! She doesn't seem keen on me though does she! The picture above right was taken from my Sister's balcony. What a pretty view. I could get used to looking out over that after a tough day at work.

Talking of the balcony, we did lots of munching. My Sister was a wonderful host. I ate my body weight in food and polished off several beers, but that's what being on holiday is all about!

I got to meet my Sister's two rescue dogs - Peanut and Snowy (bet you can guess which one is which!) They are so cute. I even managed to get them to sleep on my bed on a night, much to the dismay of my Sister's boyfriend! Peanut and Snowy were left behind by someone who moved back to England but now they have a loving home and will even get their own pet passports so that when my Sister and her boyfriend eventually move back to England, they can come too!

One day it was slightly cloudy in Gibraltar and not really sunbathing weather so we hopped in the car and headed to Spain where we visited the Selwo Zoological Park. Now I have visited many Zoos and Wildlife Parks before but this one was something else! Think vast open spaces, where you have to literally hop on a 4x4 and take a 20 minute trip across the park to see the full range of animals they house there. They had everything from Bears and Tigers (not mixed in together might I add), to Giraffes, Elephants (my favourite) and Monkeys. I even spotted a Red Panda for the first time, as usually they're so far up the tree you can't see them.

My favourite shop in Gibraltar is a store that sells hand crafted jewellery, ornaments and carvings from Africa; they have some amazing things! I picked up this pretty necklace which looks lovely with a plain white vest or tee. I saw so many other cool things too but sadly they wouldn't have squeezed into my suitcase. I also visited another cool store where I picked up a large wooden buddha statue. I have always wanted a buddha and he is certainly a cool fellow!

Holidays are over just too quick aren't they! I must get planning my next one.... :)

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