New In: This Works With Sleep Comes Beauty Set

This Works With Sleep Comes Beauty Set £38

When I think about the third trimester of pregnancy the first thing that springs to mind is lack of sleep. Now I've never been the most fantastic sleeper in the land, I'm one of those night time thinkers (why can't my brilliant ideas come in the day?) but sleep when you're 29 weeks pregnant is another matter. Enter the This Works With Sleep Comes Beauty Set*, not only is the name absolutely genius but at £38 this set is a steal (it'd be £55 to buy the products individually). Right now Blow Ltd are offering 20% off nearly all their products, including this set with the code EASTERTREATS. Better than an Easter egg right?

I'm a long time devotee to the original This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (see my latest empties post) but the newest release, The Sleep+ Pillow Spray had me at hello. A souped up version of the original formula still with that dreamy lavender scent where 100% of testers said they felt less restless during the night and 89% woke less often. Clinically proven to improve sleep? Can I go nap now and test this out? 

The second product is completely new to me but one I can't get enough of. Don't be put off by the name, this baby isn't just for travel but a saviour when you're in a rush (which if you're like me is every day!) As a mask, moisturiser and primer you'd think this would clog your pores but in fact it does the opposite. I've been using this on top of my usual moisturiser for an extra boost of hydration for the past week and with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, plant oils and a hint of caffeine it's been giving my lacklustre skin a real glow and my make-up has been lasting longer. A new holy grail product? Well if it's loved by Victoria Beckham then it's more than alright with me.

Have you ever tried anything from This Works? Are you a late night thinker?

Have you entered my SofaBedSofa competition? Win two scatter cushions of your choice here.

*This set was kindly sent to me by Blow Ltd, all thoughts my own.

Empties #10

I don't know what it is about empties posts but there's something incredibly satisfying about reviewing products I've used all the last little bits of. Maybe it's down to the realisation that it's time to buy replacements? I'm sure you all know the 411 by now with empties posts but if not it's where I tell you my honest thoughts on products I've actually used up.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - I'm not going to harp on too much about this one as I actually used up a 400ml bottle in my last empties post. What I will say is this is the lazy girls best friend for swiftly removing make-up - it's even suitable for the most sensitive skinned gals out there. Bioderma who?

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray - It's been a whole 8 months since I last finished a This Works Pillow Spray which is a testament to just how long this sleep inducing baby lasts - I use this every night, whether I'm at home or away. I've never been a fantastic sleeper (and we're talking long before I became pregnant) so I find a spritz of this just before collapsing onto my pillow helps me to drift off much quicker than I would sans spray. A forever repurchase.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville - I may have let out a cry of despair as I banged this bottle on my hand for the last time (yes I really should buy a pump). Nars Sheer Glow will always be my holy grail foundation - it lasts all day, provides medium yet buildable coverage and buffs into my skin like a dream to provide a non matte/non dewy finish. My only gripe? Nars and their supply issues, this has been out of stock (on and off) since December and my order with Space NK is currently at four weeks and counting. Sort it out Nars, I need me some Sheer Glow! Want a more in depth review? Mine's here.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Glazed Apple* - I'm sure you all know by now how much I enjoy Body Shops Body Butters, they just bring the moisturisation levels like nothing else. The glazed apple scent was a special edition for Christmas and while it's no longer available I can tell you it was the right mix of sugar and spice and all things nice.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Travel Candle - Bought as a birthday gift last year (thanks Gem) I was a teeny bit sad when this Jo Malone candle took it's final breathe. While Pomegranate Noir is one of Jo Malones most popular scents it's never been a fragrance I've gravitated towards, until I got this candle. The mixture of sweet pomegranate, raspberry and plum combined with pink pepper and spice is truly divine making this the perfect scent to burn in our living room - it's got that unisex, welcoming home fragrance down.

Nars Creamy Concealer in Vanilla - The only concealer that helps to hide my 'baby kept me awake kicking all night' under eye bags. I love how this multi tasking concealer covers both blemishes and under eye circles although it's frightening how quick I go through this - something I've heard a few bloggers comment on. Urban Decays latest cover-all is getting some rave reviews and at nearly £5 cheaper than Nars I'm tempted to give it a bash.

Have you ever tried any of my empties? Which concealer do you reach for?

*PR Sample, all thoughts & opinions are my own.

Empties #7

With a brightly coloured array of plastic packaging building up in my bedroom window sill I thought it was about time I tidied up, got friendly with the recycling bin and introduced you to my collection of empties...

Rituals Yogi Flow Shower Gel - As a bath lovin' gal shower gels are never something I go crazy for, that said my first venture into brand Rituals was a happy one. With just one pump of the canister this Yogi Flow shower gel quickly changed into a fragrant foam of almonds and roses, a luxe Imperial Leather if you will. For me the scent is the real winner here although at £8.50 I'm not sure if I'd repurchase, plus life's too short to buy the same shower gel again. It did last an age though.

The Body Shop Raspberry Body Butter* - Oh Body Shop, do you ever get it wrong? If you're a regular around these parts you'll know how much I dig a body butter and this raspberry scent is no exception - I absolutely adore raspberries so this one was a no brainer for me, I mean who wouldn't want to smell like raspberries? Next time you pass a Body Shop you need to give this a sniff.

Cane + Austin Acne Treatment Pads - This is my third tub of Cane + Austin pads and I've already got another tub winging its way to me as I type, they're that good. These play a crucial role in my newly streamlined skincare routine and I'm crediting them (along with a few other gems) with taming my breakouts. Packed to the rafters with salicylic and glycolic acid these miracle pads slough away at the skins surface to reveal brighter and clearer skin. Due to the high concentration of acid involved these are pretty pricey (£48 for 60 pads, say it quickly) but beyond worth it to me.   

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo - Before team Pureology stepped into my life my hair was one crazy individual - thick, unruly, wavy and colour treated it was a real magnet for frizz and looking, well a bit lacklustre unless I straightened it within an inch of its life. Enter the Hydrate range and as they say, the rest is history. Will I ever use another shampoo? I doubt it. This stuff is the bomb and manages to keep my mane in check without the use of sulphates or nasty parabens. I love it that much that I already had a back up in my stash before I finished this bottle, and I am never that organised.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray - I've used this every night since picking this up in a sale gift set in January 2013 and now I can't sleep without it, a bold but genuine claim. There's just something about this lavender and wild chamomile scent that sends me into slumber quickly, which is amazing as I think of everything you could possibly imagine as soon as my head hits the pillow. A truly worthy repurchase and one to check out should you struggle with knocking the zzzzs out.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara - I may never be a mascara (or eye make-up) expert but I know what I like and what I don't when it comes to mascara. The False Lash Effect offering from Max Factor is one I come back to time and time again as it's well priced, gives a real fluttery, full and separated lash look without looking over the top and it stays put all day long.

Have I tempted you to try any of these products? Which shower gel do I need to try next?

*PR Sample, all thoughts my own.

I've Been Sale-ing

Landmark Ring Dish was £10, bought for £3.95

Vintage Sweets Book was £16.99, bought for £7 & Spoiled Milk Greeting card was £2.50, bought for £1

I Have A Dream Set was £75, bought for £37.50

Sweet Shop Measuring Cup was £12, bought for £6.95 & Cranberry Spice Candle was £14, bought for £5.95

I'd never call myself a bargain hunter. There I said it. I just don't have the drive to sharpen my elbows, scramble along a floor (I'm looking at you Topshop) or queue at ridiculous o'clock in the morning. On-line sales however are a completely different ball game - being able to check out the discounts a day early, and getting notifications of the final reductions all from the comfort of my sofa without any of the in store chaos is my kinda shopping. Is there anything more satisfying than getting your mitts on pieces that were out of your price range but are now affordable? I think not. 

Whistles, Topshop, Anthropologie and Space NK are four stores that have really tickled my fancy this sales season. Clearly old habits die hard as I picked up the same This Works set from Space NK as last year, let's just say team This Works know how to make me fall into a deep slumber. 

Anthropologie is my go to homeware destination for cool pieces so I'd be cray not to check out their sale offering. As soon as I spotted the landmark dish I knew it'd be perfect for Craigs bedside which is littered with coins and random bits and bobs unlike mine which is actually pretty tidy - when I took the above picture he asked if I was doing a post on 'the boys bedside', not quite Mr! Additions to my Anthropologie basket include a spiced cranberry candle and a measuring cup which is a constant reminder to bake more.

In Topshop I discovered the super cute Vintage Sweet recipe book (the perfect gift) and the amusing spoilt milk birthday card, which I may have to keep for myself. Does anyone else do this with cards or is it just me? 

Fast becoming my I-wish-my-wardrobe-was-made-up-of store Whistles had the most epic sale and I picked up a few pieces including a lace dress for my buds wedding (expect a wedding outfit of the day early March), a leopard print clutch and maybe another clutch too which sadly refused to be photographed. No doubt it'll be making an appearance on Cagney and Lace soon.

Have you been sale-ing in January? Are you a fan of my cheeky picks?

What's On My Bedside Table

With the weather turning a little bit ugh and my hair becoming a permanent frizz bomb (thank you rain) I thought I'd give an outfit post a wide birth and instead get all cosy and bring things inside - a mini through the key hole if you will, so feel free to snoop as I share with you a small part of our newly decorated bedroom. Let me introduce you to my bedside table, and more importantly what's on it...

Our bed and bedside tables came from the Sienna collection at Feather and Black and my incredibly fitting lamps, called the Hanna I'll have you know, were a housewarming gift from my bro and his fiancee.

Look at this little cutie, this photo frame is from Swarovski and was a lovely gift from my parentals on my twenty first birthday - my how time passes by.

One of my much loved past times is not only writing my blog but reading others too, so much so I'm often guilty of being enabled by other bloggers to buy more skincare than one person needs. My current bedside essentials include Origins Night-A-Mins, a new addition which smells scrumptious but the juries out on whether it makes a difference to my skin and the This Works pillow spray, which almost guarantees I head off to the land of nod in a timely fashion. Two samples also feature on my side - one from Sarah Chapman which is a complete noob and a hand cream from Cowshed which is pretty amaze.

Candles are my absolute fave, not only do they beautifully scent a room but they're so relaxing - sometimes I'll light one just before bed and you can guarantee they'll be one on the go while I'm blogging. Figuier has a rather divine figgy aroma which makes a change from my usual sweet choices, I'm looking at you Roses Duet.

My bird dish is a bedside essential allowing me to remember where my most worn jewellery pieces are, making them easy to grab in the morning rush - you're probably not surprised to see my Michael Kors watch here but you may be surprised to see my poppy ring which currently has pride of place on my stand.

My mum bought me this last year for Remembrance Sunday and I love that it'll last forever whilst commemorating a day we should never forget. You can pick up this years version of the poppy ring from online jewellery retailer Jon Richard* and £3.60 of every ring sold goes directly to the Royal British Legion. Feel good fashion at it's very best, don't you agree?

What essentials do you keep on your bedside table? Is it all beauty booty or keepsakes too?

*In collaboration with Jon Richard, all opinions my own.

Sale Finds: Space NK, Zara & Urban Outfitters

Bird Ring Dish £12 to £5

I'll let you all in to a little secret...I really not into sales. I hate how everything suddenly becomes unloved when it's been marked down, how the art of merchandising goes out the window and shops become a bit of a free for all - not forgetting the queues, ah I hate queuing. Now on-line sales are another ball game entirely, no pushing or shoving is involved at all although you do have to decide on your plan of action - an early riser who gets all the best bargains or late to the party to get the best mark downs. Surprising to me, and probably everyone who knows me I actually bought all these items in store but without an elbow in sight.

This Works Night Owl Set £65 to £32.50

My first sale purchase was the This Works Night Owl set. I couldn't wait to try out the Deep Sleep pillow spray after seeing it on numerous blogs so after honing in on the Night Owl set in Space NK I promised myself I'd buy it in the sales if I didn't find it under the Christmas tree. Spotting the Night Owl set on Annas beauty sales post had me clicking straight through to the Space NK website, only to find they'd sold out. Thank the beauty gods for Manchester Space NK who confirmed they had one set left after a frantic Boxing Day phone call (I am that girl) and would happily put it on hold until the next day. Imagine how pleased I was when I went to pay and discovered £10 on my loyalty card so the set cost me a grand total of £22.50 instead of £65, result! So far I've only tested the heavenly candle and the deep sleep pillow spray but I'm impressed and have even been sleeping better. A absolute bargain and better sleep - double whoop!

Checked Shirt £39.99 to £29.99

My next sale find was from the Zara in Duke of York Square on my recent trip to London with the boy. The checked shirt with studs on the pockets (needs an iron) was actually something I tried on back in Barcelona but as it was the first day shopping I decided not to buy it in case I saw something better, a big mistake in the land of retail. When I came back from Barcelona I spotted quite a few bloggers rocking the same shirt in various colours and I began to kick myself - you always want something more when you can't track it down. So imagine my joy when I spotted it in London, in my size, with £10 off. It had to be mine. It's certainly not my best bargain to date but I refuse to miss out on something twice - shame on me and all that jazz.

Tea Bitch Mug £7 to £4 to £0

My final sales splurge took place in Urban Outfitters - now they have a proper sale, almost everything goes into it and there's some real bargains to be had but it's definitely a rummage job (seriously not my bag). I popped into my local Urban Outfitters (or as me and the bestie call it, T'Urban) last Thursday in the hope of finding something pretty to house my new favourite ring and to sit on my bedside table. After spotting the bird ring dish which I'd previously seen on-line I knew it must be mine, even better when I saw the buy one get one free sign for anything in the home sale. Sadly there wasn't a huge selection unless you fancy some Hello Kitty for Liberty plasters (I was tempted - no lie). In the end I picked the Tiffany blue mug with the funny Tea Bitch slogan, you can never have too many mugs.

I was hoping there'd be an amazing Acne dress from mywardrobe.com in the sale finds mix too but sadly I'm in between a size 38 and a size 40 (10 and 12). Thanks to my shapely bottom I need a 10 on my top half but a 12 on my bottom half so this had to be sent back. R.I.P beautiful Acne dress.

Are you a sales shopping pro or do you detest sales shopping as much as me? What do you think to my sale finds?

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

So first things first I'm bringing you this post from my sofa, with a glass of red wine in hand and the only Christmas album worth listening to on the iPod (Michael Buble if case you were wondering), judge all you like but it's getting seriously close to the beginning of advent and I'm feeling just a little festive and smug. Smug I hear you say, why's that? Well I've completed ALL my Christmas shopping! In all honesty there's nothing I love more than sitting down, picturing the person I'm buying for and selecting something that screams them. The boy thinks I'm mad and doesn't understand my penchant for buying for others but I for one can't think of anything better than watching someone opening a gift you've picked and them absolutely loving it. 

So todays post comes from a very self indulgent place, here are a few gifts which I would quite like to find in my Santa sack this Christmas. Maybe they'll even inspire you in your own Christmas shopping quest...

1. Reindeer Knitted Jumper £36- Who doesn't want a novelty Christmas jumper this year? This one from Pop Boutique is one of the best I've seen and if reindeers don't float your boat there's a snowflake number too. I'll hopefully be wearing this with everything from pyjama bottoms to a faux leather skater skirt this Christmas.

2. Nars Pleasure of Paris Palette £37- After spotting this in one of Anna's posts I just knew I wanted this in my Christmas stocking. I believe this is a re-issue of a palette that sold really well for Nars before so they've brought it back just in time for Christmas. I'm personally not a huge eyeshadow wearer and tend to go for the standard smokey eye on a night out but the colours in this palette are just divine. 

3. Body Shop Gingerbread Tin £15- Where do I begin with this little beauty? It's £15, it's contains a mini body butter, shower gel, soap and butter scrub in a gingerbread scent AND the lovely little tin is re-usable- perfect for storing anything from hair bobbles to thank you cupcakes. J'adore!

4. River Island Jacquard Skater Dress £35- A lovely alternative to the usual Christmas party dress, in my head I'm already wearing this with my faux fur stole looking a little 40s. Maybe this one will reach my wardrobe before Christmas....

5. Deep Sleep Pillow Talk £20- I'm not always the best sleeper in the world so I love the sound of this deep sleep pillow spray from brand This Works, as the name and many bloggers suggest the products really do work so I'd love to give this a go. Heavenly slumber here I come.

6. Knitted Wolf Jumper £50- As much as I've professed love for the reindeer knitted jumper a girl needs options and this camel jumper with wolf motive is a nice change from the traditional Christmas offerings. Camel is one of my go to colours so I know this would work with a lot of my wardrobe.

7. Ginsberg is God Candle £38- Who doesn't remember Kate Moss rocking a black knit jumper with the very same words embellished across her chest? A stylish candle from Bella Freud with a fig leaf & tomato scent....if that's not your thing then have a look at the other slogan candles available in the very same line. I'm determined to have a candle this year, think I'm getting to that age!

8. Cream Sequin Touch Screen Gloves £10- Gloves that you can keep on while tweeting or texting away on your iPhone? (Other touch screen phones are available) Bloomin genius and an absolute bargain! Perfect for your tweet happy friend or a teenage relative.

9. Taschen 365 Day by Day Fashion Diary £18- Have you ever seen a more picture perfect diary? This Taschen diary is full of classic fashion adverts and brimming with quotes of the day, even the most organised lady needs a new diary for the new year.

10. Mulberry Oversized Clemmie Clutch £595- What a surprise... I saved the very best until last. The new Clemmie clutches need hardly any words although here are a few- chic, sophisticated and made on this lovely little island we call England from beautiful buttery soft leather which Mulberry are renowned for. Major lust! Now let's just hope this pops up in the January sales, I remain hopeful.

For those of you who are still out there searching for the perfect presents I hope my list has given you some inspiration, if not then check out the following shops for discounts this weekend:

Selfridges- 20% off everything except beauty and food & drink, don't worry though you'll still get 10% off these goodies, use codes SELF10 or SELF20.
My wardrobe.com- 25% off womens wear and 30% off mens wear using PERFECTPRESENT25 and EARLYBIRD30, anyone for a Taschen diary?
For all you beauty junkies out there get yourselves over to beautybay.com for 20% off but be quick, it's only on today.