Shanmade With Love

Two blog posts in one week is basically unheard of for me, but I wanted to share my latest little project with you all as it's something I'm so excited about!

For the past two years I have been making crafts for family and friends, and it's something that I not only love doing, but managed to make money out of over summers at university so I didn't have to get a part time job.

It's something I've been meaning to get back into for a while now, and so my boyfriend finally pushed me to create a Facebook and Instagram page to make it all a little bit more real and professional. I really lack confidence with this kind of thing, but have been overwhelmed with the amount of support I have received in just over 24 hours in terms of likes, lovely messages and orders. 

Around six months ago now, someone did a rather nasty thing which knocked my confidence a lot, but this has honestly given me such a boost and words can't describe how grateful I am for the love shared.

I've included a few snaps of my creations above. I have listed several items on my Facebook page but also take custom orders. I love nothing more than someone sending me a photo saying "would you be able to make me something like this?" 

You can find my little shop on Facebook here

And on Instagram here

And I hope you take this as a lesson that you should just go out there and be yourself. People will always have things to say no matter what you do, so you should be happy and let them get on with it!

♥ 

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Friction Free Shaving Subscription

So after 2 months of trialling this subscription, I feel like I can finally do a write up on my thoughts on the Friction Free Shaving Subscription.

Friction Free Shaving is the first subscription service for razors exclusively for women. The benefits of the subscription are that each month, four blades make their way through your letterbox - one for every week. Skin is so sensitive, especially to a blade running across it! and so it's important to make sure you change your blade regularly. I often find myself forgetting to pick a new pack of razor blades up, so this leaves me with no excuses for having a rusty blade... or hairy legs!

When you sign up, they send you a handle and blades. After that, you get four blades through the post every month.

You can choose from a £5 per month (the Frankie razor) or £7 per month (the Samantha razor) subscription. There was an even cheaper one when I signed up but it seems now that it's not on the website and they've got a new secret razor *coming soon*. Best of all, free postage! Considering I was paying £10.99 for three Olay gel Venus blades before, this is a big saving.

I went for the Samantha razor because it not only has the most blades out of the lot but also fuels my rose gold obsession! I actually signed up at the Clothes Show after thinking about it for months, and they engraved my razor with my name for free which really sold it for me. I've always been a sucker for anything customised!

They also gave me a free sample of their Shaving Cream which you can add on to your monthly subscription for an extra £6 a month. The cream contains Manuka honey, Shea butter and Coconut oil, and claims to have a 'cationic' formula which reduces friction so you get a closer shave.

The combination of the amazing cream and starting to change my blade every month has had some incredible effects... I'm truly amazed! My skin is the softest it has ever been, and as an eternal victim of sensitive skin, I can say that any shaving rashes or dryness has completely gone and for the first time ever I feel comfortable and confident baring my legs. They feel so silky and I can't believe the difference I've noticed in just two months.

Finally, the packaging is just great. It's pretty clean and simple which I like, and the Craig David style quote on the inside of the lid just makes it the complete package. They often send discount codes from other companies inside the packaging and told me at the Clothes Show that sometimes you get a free gift, so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for that!

I will definitely continue my subscription and if you don't sign up to this, I can guarantee you'll regret it!

If you enter my referral code, you receive a discount on your first order when you sign up! My code is: 8LD7BX

Let me know in the comments below if you've tried this and what your thoughts were!

♥ 

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Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

After taking a little break over the festive season to catch up with loved ones, I'm back today with a review of The Body Shop's Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask.

I know what you're thinking - I'm only 22, do I need Drops of Youth? The answer is YES after trying this in the shop... I just couldn't resist!

What does it claim? "The refreshing bouncy cream-gel leave-on mask containing cell-renewing Edelweiss stem cells. Overnight, it moisturises and replenishes for youthful-looking skin." 

My first impressions of the packaging were pretty strong. The labelling and instructions are clear, and I love the glass tub which I think gives it that high-end feel. I also like the little spatula included which makes application easy as pie. They have actually repackaged since I purchased this pot (that's how long it lasts, I'm still going!) and I think the new look is better. They have scrapped the leaves from the labelling and I prefer it - much more of a clean look. 

The mask is a milk-coloured thick gel. I apply after I have cleansed and toned and right before I'm about to get into bed. I use one and a half spatulas on application to cover my face and neck (I like it on quite thick so it soaks) and there is no need to rinse in the morning. It says you should apply this every night, but I like to do this every other night as a little treat for my skin. The pot has lasted me around 6 months and I still have enough left for another few weeks' applications. 

I can't even begin to say how incredible this is. It is my new all-time favourite skincare product. While I luckily don't have to worry about wrinkles or ageing skin yet, this is still one of the best products out there for hydration and combating tired skin in my opinion. Despite winter and daily commutes on the tube taking its toll on my skin, this brightens and hydrates my skin perfectly and gives me a lovely radiant glow. I can definitely tell when I haven't been using this, and will 100% be repurchasing. 

It is £24.00 which I think is reasonable for how good this is. There are always big discounts online too on full price products, so you can often pick this up with 20-30% off.

You can pick this little gem up in any Body Shop store, or online here 

♥ 

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Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask

So I am officially on my Christmas break from work, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my first day off than curled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate, my favourite Christmas films and to indulge in a little pampering! 

I have wanted to try the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask ever since it was released, and couldn't resist popping it in my basket when I noticed it was on offer in Boots. 

It claims that it is a "super-hydrating revitalising mask containing pomegranate extract, hyaluronic acid and plant serum, which intensely rehydrates skin, leaves skin looking smoother and your complexion more radiant after just 15 minutes." It sounded like it meant business to me, which is just what my skin needs after the cold, winter months have taken their toll.

It took some getting used to as it is extremely wet and cold! But after three or four minutes it actually felt really relaxing. I definitely recommend applying in your bathroom so you can dry your hands. It is not as messy as clay face masks so I can't really complain. It has a really mild fragrance which is lovely, and the time just ran away with me. Wearing it didn't annoy me like I thought it would. 

After 15 minutes, I was amazed with the results. My skin felt almost brand new, so so fresh and really radiant. I've been so tired lately and my face has really shown it, but the results with this little gem were almost instantaneous. 

I prefer this to clay, which is my usual mask of choice. I hate how clay cracks and I hate having to really scrub at my face to get it off. I don't have any fine lines yet so I can't comment on how the mask has worked on those, but I do have a nice little glow ready for my week of Christmas partying and so overall, I'm really impressed and will be repurchasing. 

You can pick up a Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask now in Boots for just 99p! 

♥ 

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Iceland

Apologies for the lack of posts again over the past few weeks... I have been in the process of something BIG which I still need to keep under wraps until it is all confirmed... but I have also been settling back into work life after returning from my holiday to Iceland with my best friend.

Seeing the Northern Lights was one of the first things on my bucket list, and as I started doing a little research and staring in awe at the amazing photos on Instagram, I couldn't help but book a holiday.

We went for five days in total and it was honestly the holiday of a lifetime. As a country, it is the most magical natural beauty ever and I still cannot believe that it is only a three hour flight from London because it seems worlds apart.

We visited the Golden Circle on Monday morning, and after all that walking we couldn't resist a relaxing session in the Fontana Wellness spa. The hot springs were around 40 degrees and the view of the mountains was breathtaking while we lazed around in bikinis with cocktails. In the evening after a quick bite to eat, we booked a boat trip with Special Tours and managed to see the Northern Lights for well over an hour. It was honestly one of the most amazing things I've ever seen and I just couldn't prepare myself for it... it was also RIDICULOUSLY freezing on the boat even in a ski suit, but so so worth it.

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in Iceland to see sights of natural beauty - our first stop was Pingvellir National Park

Our second stop was the geothermal area in Haukadalur to see the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. I have some great videos of the water explosions!

Our third and final stop on the Golden Circle tour was the Gullfoss waterfall

The view of the Northern Lights from our boat

On Tuesday we had a few hours in the infamous Blue Lagoon, which was even better than I expected. The option of natural mud masks and body scrubs and the heat from the water creates the most amazing atmosphere, and the swim up bar just sets it off to a tee. When I got back in the changing room I panicked that my tongue and mouth was blue and that I was having a reaction to the Lagoon that was turning me into a smurf... before I realised I had several blue raspberry slush puppies whilst swimming. Typical Shannon moment.

Blue Lagoon with my chica

On the Wednesday we booked an Ice Glacier Hike which was IN-TENSE. It was a two hour hike with clampons and ice picks and it was exhausting but so rewarding. The views were incredible and I managed to drink from the small stream flowing where the glacier was melting. Even if I did then fall in said stream and spent the rest of the trip shivering. We met some really nice people and the ice was so beautiful up close. And you have never appreciated a hot chocolate with cream until you have been that cold!

Looking like full on wilderness explorers hiking through the glaciers as well as on top of them!

Iceland is as expensive as people say. Eating out was fairly pricey as is alcohol, and souvenirs more expensive than anywhere else I have visited. But it is honestly an experience like no other and worth every single penny. I was gutted to come home and would visit again in a heartbeat.

If you are thinking of visiting Iceland and would like recommendations of which tour providers I would recommend or trips you shouldn't miss, please comment below. But for now, feel free to just enviously scroll through all of my beautiful holiday photos... You can also find more on my Instagram. 

As always, my social media links are below. I would really appreciate follows/likes, and will of course return the favour if you comment below!

♥ 

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Sleek Matte Me Lipstick - Birthday Suit

I purchased this when the Kylie Jenner lip kits were first released and sold like hot cakes. Several of my favourite bloggers recommended this as a good dupe, and it has been a firm favourite of mine ever since.

This liquid lipstick has a matte finish and thick consistency, so you only really need to apply one coat and I never bother applying a lip liner. It is a really smooth product and dries almost instantly, so it is great if you are in a rush. I find that it has a fairly strong lasting power, although once I start drinking or eating it does go slightly darker in places. I am usually scared to try matte lip products as I suffer with really dry lips, but this doesn't dry them out at all. 

The colour is a really nice nude colour, with brown rather than pink undertones and is perfect for the winter months. I absolutely love the shade's name 'Birthday Suit' and it makes me wish even more than usual that I could have a job at a cosmetics company naming products (especially nail polishes!) 

I like the simple packaging and think it looks rather high-end and sleek (just like the brand name would suggest!)

You can pick this up here for a bargainous £4.99 and I can promise you, you won't regret it!

♥ 

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Make Up Revolution Fixing Spray

Let's face it girls. When we've put a lot of effort into making our faces look good, we want it to stay that way. Commuting into Central London and the temperamental weather at the moment can mean that by midday, my make up is sliding down my face.

And this is where I introduce this little gem - Make Up Revolution's Pro Fix Fixing Spray. Make Up Revolution claim that "Our formula will protect your makeup against heat and humidity, cold and windy conditions, and however your skin reacts this will help your make up stay perfect for up to 8 hours"

I apply my make up as normal and then spray this all over my face. It feels like a light mist and isn't scented. I have been majorly impressed with the results, and have found that my make up is still in tact for up to 12 hours afterwards, despite my combination/oily skin. On average I now reapply concealer and lipstick once during the day, which is a huge improvement on the many touch ups I had to make before I purchased this spray.

I'm not a huge fan of the yellow gold on the bottle, but I'm always more lenient on drug store companies with their packaging because the prices of the products are so low. This retails at a £5 in Superdrug for a 100ml bottle and I have found that it lasts a really long time - making it an absolute steal.

I would really recommend purchasing this. My make up bag is incomplete without it now, and my friends constantly steal this when we are getting ready to go out - the true test of any good product!

Do you love the Make Up Revolution Fixing Spray? Are there any other I should be using?

If you are enjoying my blog, please follow my social media accounts - links below!

♥ 

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Lee Stafford Original Dry Shampoo

And I am back! I have just had a look and my last blog post was six months ago now - I honestly don't know where the time has gone. Life has been really hectic as of late and I think part of it was I lost all confidence in blogging. Just lately while browsing blogs/vlogs, I realised that I was overthinking it and trying to reproduce what I thought was popular because I was scared of putting myself out there on the internet. I've realised now that there's no point doing it unless you're yourself, and even if nobody reads it, if I enjoy sharing it then it is a worthwhile past time. 

I wanted to come back with a review of a product I have been absolutely loving at the moment - Lee Stafford's Original Dry Shampoo.

In the past I've never been a fan of dry shampoo as a product. It never worked for me and I felt that my hair was just far too greasy and resorted to washing it every day. When I went to the Clothes Show in December I purchased a Lee Stafford goody bag, and have to say as much as I loved the contents I wasn't overly phased about this. 

Now I have long hair, washing it was becoming a chore and so I thought I would give this a whirl. I was over the moon with the results and can't live without this product now.

The powder is finer than other brands I've tried and it doesn't make my hair feel weighed down or dry. I usually have quite flat hair and this adds so much volume. It doesn't have a nasty smell like others I've tried (even the ones that claim to smell nice make me feel sick!) and it makes my hair look freshly washed. I'm so glad I am washing my hair less now and have noticed less is falling out as a result.

I am a fan of the metallic and bright pink packaging, although the writing has always bugged me on Lee Stafford as I am slightly OCD! I do prefer the Cath Kidston style floral themes to some of the Batiste packaging. But for me, haircare packaging isn't really as important as make up packaging so it doesn't deter me from loving this little gem at all. 

At £4.99 for 200ml, it is on average slightly more expensive than Batiste but I think it is so so worth it. A little goes a long way, where as when I've tried others I feel like I use half a can. Also, Lee Stafford is always on 3 for 2 at Boots and so it can work out to be an absolute steal.

 I would definitely recommend you adding this to your basket next time you are in Boots.

What are your favourite hair care products? 

As I've been away from the blogging world for a while, what kind of posts should/shouldn't I be doing?

♥ 

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Skincare Secrets with Farfetch

Recently I was contacted by the luxury fashion website Farfetch, who asked me to share with you my ultimate skin care secrets. As a girl who has been obsessed with trying every skincare product under the sun since my early teens when I suffered with terrible breakouts, I was delighted to take part! Here are my top 5 skincare secrets – I have tried to avoid any products I’ve seen featured on a lot of blogs, because if they’re everywhere on the internet, are they really a secret?

1) VASELINE | A well-known saviour for your lips, I like to rub Vaseline over my eyelids, under my eyes and lightly coat my eyelashes. In the morning I wash it off and my eyes look brighter, more hydrated, and the Vaseline has a hair conditioner-type effect on my lashes. In terms of beauty products, I prefer gels, particularly in a roll-on pen. I find they really cool the eye area and reduce those puffy tired eyes right down. If you are on a budget, the Simple Eye Roll on Gel is brilliant.

2) JOHNSON’S BABY POWDER | You are never too old for this little gem. I like to use this post-shower. It has a calming effect on my skin and takes away the shine from my legs. I also love the smell – so relaxing if you shower before bed like me. This is great if you are rushing and don’t have time to rub a thicker body butter in, but want that silky smooth skin. Tights also always seem to make my legs itch a lot as well, so this is great to pat on before hand too.

3) COCONUT OIL | For a more intensive body moisturiser, I love coconut oil.  You can find this in most stores which sell toiletries and beauty products these days, but I actually buy mine from the supermarket down the aisle with all the oils. A huge tub can cost as little as £1.50 and it is 100% pure coconut oil so it is the real deal. A tiny amount goes a long way and leaves my skin feeling so soft for days! This is also great to massage into your cuticles to promote nail growth or to use as a hydrating/restoring hair mask.

4) THE THREE STEP RULE | I always try to stick to the three step rule, no matter how tired I am or how much of a rush I am in. The three steps are 1) cleanse 2) tone and 3) moisturise. At the moment I am really loving the Boots Botanics All Bright Hydrating Range. At the moment I currently have the foaming face wash, the cleansing toner and the hydrating Day and Night creams. If you currently just use a make up wipe at the end of the day, I would urge you to think again! It is surprising how much dirt toner picks up, even after a make up wipe and using face wash. The day cream is more brightening and a lighter consistency, whereas the night cream is much thicker and soaks in beautifully throughout the night. Establishing a good facial skincare routine in your teens/early twenties is one of the best ways to prevent ageing!

5) MAKE UP FREE DAY | This is a difficult secret to admit given my make up obsession, but I try to have a make-up free day at least once a week. If it’s a day when you have no plans or you’re literally only popping up the road to the shop for five minutes, I would definitely recommend braving the bare face. I think my skin really appreciates the chance to breath and unfortunately make up can take its toll on your pores. It is also a good opportunity to clean your make up brushes. I try to clean mine once a week/fortnight to prevent bacteria building up and therefore preventing break outs. I also think make up application is improved if you clean your brushes regularly too – added bonus!

What are your skincare secrets? Any skincare products that I should be buying right now? 

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♥

Byrons Burger Review

Everyone who knows me knows that I love a good burger. And they don't come much better than Byron Hamburgers. Me and my new boyfriend went to the Canary Wharf London branch last weekend and it was the perfect date. We both ordered the Double Bacon Cheeseburger, and for dessert I had the Banoffee Sundae and Ollie ordered the Oreo Cheesecake.

The food is absolutely incredible and really high quality (of course I had a spoonful of Ollie's pudding so I can honestly be the judge of all of it and not because I'm a pig) and the interior of the restaurant is very cool and has a kind of shabby chic feel to it. I have been to three Byron branches in London and I have to say the staff are always incredibly friendly. The bill came to about £60 including alcoholic drinks which I think is pretty reasonable for the quality of the food, and it was such a lovely evening.

If you are ever in London you should definitely check out Byrons. I have a huge appetite but trust me when I tell you I couldn't have managed another bite.

Can you recommend any burger restaurants for me to try next?

♥

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Mini Egg Cookies

Hi everyone! It has been months since I last sat down to blog. I've missed it a lot, and I'm hoping now I've settled into my new home in London and my new job, I'll be able to make the time I need to get back to it.

I hope you've had a lovely Easter. I was truly spoilt and have enjoyed being back in Lincolnshire with family. This year I baked Mini Egg cookies to dish out to my loved ones, as every year we all moan we get far too many eggs! This is the perfect recipe to use up the millions of bags of mini eggs you received, or if your sweet tooth can't face another chocolate egg.

Ingredients:

100g butter (I always use Stork)

200g self-raising flour

100g light brown sugar

1 medium egg

1 bag mini eggs

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 4 / 180c and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

2. Mix all the ingredients - minus the mini eggs - in a bowl using an electric whisk until just combined.

3. Scatter a little flour on your hands to stop the dough sticking to them too much, and knead and pat into a huge ball.

3. Crush the mini eggs. I preferred laying them out on surface and pressing my rolling pin into them as opposed to the old 'stick them in a bag and whack them for ages'. This way, the eggs kind of split in two as opposed to tiny crumbs, so they are prettier and you can actually taste the eggs.

4. Add the crushed mini eggs to the dough handful by handful, each time folding and kneading the dough so the mini eggs are spread consistently throughout the dough.

5. Pull off chunks of dough and roll into golf ball sized pieces. Place on the lined baking tray - leaving space between them - and pat slightly, but leave as balls. They will spread out as they cook.

6. Cook for around 10-13 minutes or until slightly golden. Don't open the door while they are cooking. When you pull them out of the oven, leave them on the tray for a few minutes to cool. The cookies will still feel kind of soft but don't worry - they harden once they've been out of the oven a while. After a few minutes, use a spatula to remove them from the baking tray to cool on a cooling rack properly.

Best served warm from the oven when they are all gooey like Millie's cookies. To dish them out to friends and family, wrap them in clear cellophane and tie with a coloured ribbon to make the perfect gift!

Happy Easter! Have you got any Easter recipes you would recommend?

♥

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Christmas Party Glitter Look

Hi everyone! I can't believe we are only five days away from Christmas. This year has gone so quickly and I've made so many wonderful memories, so it was nice to let my hair down at a Christmas Party and celebrate as the year draws to a close.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a bit of sparkle, and I have to admit I really got into the glittery spirit for my Christmas Party this year.

I thought I would share photos as I received so many lovely compliments and it was really fun and easy to achieve this look.

For my hair: I straightened it like I normally do, and then used a fair amount of hair spray near my roots. I massaged my hair near the roots (or you could backcomb) to give it that bit of volume, but also so the glitter would hold for longer. I used children's craft glitter which I purchased in those handy little shaker pots, so I could just sprinkle it straight onto my roots. I used a rose gold pink near my roots and then turquoise further out than this to give it a sort of ombre look. I then sealed again with another layer of hairspray.

For my lips: This is a kit I purchased last year at the Clothes Show, but you can find a similar one here in red. I would recommend buying these kits because the glue and glitter is skin-friendly so won't cause any irritations. The glue is also really effective, and I find my glitter lasts through food and many a drink!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

♥

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Fireworks Night

Last weekend my best friend from university came to stay and we went to the fireworks display at Blackheath Common. It was free and the fireworks were beautiful. Bonfire nights is always one of my favourite nights of the year. I love getting all wrapped up and am always completely mesmerised by fireworks. There was a huge fairground with lots of refreshment stands, and we had a go on the carousel and a few rides. It was absolutely packed so it was a really nice atmosphere and I didn't completely freeze so I consider the night a success!

When we got back I made Hot Cookie Dough from scratch for the both of us - it tasted just like the popular dessert from Pizza Hut and was sooo delicious with ice cream. I made it using Cadbury's Giant Buttons rather than chocolate chips and I have made it since because it was so yum.

On the Sunday we had a chilled day catching up on X factor and eating bacon sandwiches. It was such a good lazy weekend and it was nice to just relax and recover as we had both had a busy few weeks at work.

Did you enjoy Bonfire night? Are you as excited for Christmas as I am?!

♥

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Upbeat Dairy Protein Drinks*

Sorry for the image - I will replace this with one of my own. I left my camera at my parents when I went home for a weekend and now I'm back down in London. Typical me!

*Disclaimer: I was kindly sent this product to review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own. 

A few weeks ago I received a lovely email from the Upbeat team asking if I would like to review their drinks range. I was absolutely chuffed because I had heard about these online and had never gotten round to actually trying them.

Upbeat have a range of dairy drinks which are high in protein and low in fat, which are perfect if you are working towards a healthier lifestyle. Protein is one of those food groups I think we overlook when planning our meals and it is so so important, particularly if you are into your fitness like I am. Upbeat drinks are basically made from three ingredients: fruit juice from concentrate, fruit puree and fresh whey protein. None of those long fancy chemical-sounding words you see on so many shelves in the supermarket these days! 

They come in four flavours: Blueberry & Raspberry, Mango & Passionfruit, Strawberry, and the newest addition to the Upbeat family - Chocolate & Orange (made with real chocolate might I add) which I think sounds amazing! 

I tried the Strawberry and Mango & Passionfruit drinks. Both were really delicious and so much better than any other protein drink alternatives I have tried which are currently on the market. I've always been a sucker for Mango & Passionfruit smoothies but find that smoothies actually contain quite a lot of calories due to the high sugar contents. The great thing about the Upbeat range is that they contain no more than 150 calories!

I tried a drink each day and found that I felt more motivated and less sluggish, so I would definitely recommend them to anyone, even if you aren't particularly into your fitness. Especially now the winter months are coming and I think we all tend to feel more sluggish during the colder seasons. I will definitely be incorporating this range into my weekly shop from now on.

I am a big fan of the brand and packaging. I think it is simple yet also eyecatching and tells you everything you need to know. I personally find that most drinks of a similar nature focus specifically on putting out a 'I AM STRONG AND FIERCE' brand directly targeting the fitness bunnies, but I think that can completely alienate the rest of society who could also use a little extra protein in their daily lives. This is nice and fun and I think as a brand it just puts out a really caring, all-inclusive image.

I cannot recommend this range enough! These retail at £1.75 a bottle, which I think is a reasonable price to pay compared to smoothies and alternative drinks on the market. You can find them at your local Tesco or Holland & Barrett stores. 

♥

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Sunday Funday

Hi everyone! Today I have a major case of Monday Morning Blues, partly because I had the most perfect Sunday ever yesterday. My Mum came down to visit me in London and we went to the Met Police's Crime Exhibition at the Museum of London at lunchtime. It features evidence from crimes since the 19th century including ropes used to hang people, some weapons used by notorious criminals such as the Krays and sketches from the court room. Me and my Mum find crime so interesting and I would definitely recommend the exhibition if you are the same.

After that we tubed it on over to Leicester Square and ended up having the naughtiest lunch ever - this chocolate and ice cream fondue. I was in utter heaven - best cheat day I've had in a long time! It was only £22 for both of us which I thought was quite reasonable given the sheer quantity. As you can see you get the naughty cookies, brownies, chocolate and a little bowl of nuts as well as the ice cream, but then lots of fruit as well so it was a really nice treat. After having a nosy round the shops we had an italian for dinner before saying goodbye. It was the most perfect day and I definitely can't wait to go home again next weekend to see my fam.

♥

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My London To-Do List

I have been living in London now for around two weeks and I have to say that I am absolutely LOVING my new job, I'm finally getting used to the commute and the London way of life, and I'm really excited for everything the future holds at the moment.

I've been working on a list of things I'd like to do now I live down here, when I have a spare day or two. I thought I would share it with you in case any of you are planning on visiting London, and I was also hoping that you could all comment below with more fun things I can do!

1. London Eye
2. London Aquarium
3. London Zoo
4. Wander around Camden Town (especially the food markets!)
5. Up! at the 02
6. London Dungeons
7. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
8. Haagen Daaz Chocolate Fondue
9. Choccy Woccy Doo Dah
10. Buckingham Palace

Please comment below if you have any other ideas!

♥

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No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation

When I was in Boots the other day, I noticed that No 7 had a really good offer on. If you buy two products - make up or skincare (excluding gift sets) - you received an anniversary gift box for free containing a mini mascara, highlighter, eyeshadow and a voucher for a free full sized No 7 lipstick of your choice (worth £9.95). I couldn't resist and so decided to try one of their foundations.

The Beautifully Matte foundation claims that it is:

'specially created with our patented, fine, oil absorbing powder, this lightweight formulation glides on effortlessly to ensure shine breakthrough is controlled and your colour remains true all day'.

'The unique mattifying formula ensures pores appear less visible, whilst Salicylic acid helps fight against bacteria which cause spots'.

I have to say that I have fallen head over heels in love with this foundation. The bottle packaging is very similar to my favourite foundation of all time, the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow, and I love how the bottom of the bottle moves up to ensure you get the most out of each bottle.

The coverage is thick which I definitely need as I have a lot of imperfections, and it really does last all day. For someone with oily skin, I haven't even been having to wear powder with this absolute miracle of a product! I've recently tried a new concealer which has given me the worst breakouts ever, but since using this foundation I've noticed that the quality of my skin has drastically improved, just like it claims it will on the box.

No 7 offer a match made service on their foundations, so they take close up photographs of your skin to find your perfect shade. I'm Calico which is their lightest one, and I have to say the Advisor matched me up perfectly.

This retails at £13.50 which I think is so reasonable for how happy I have been with this foundation. Especially with the current offer to get the free anniversary gift box. I also got one of the No 7 £5 off vouchers, and of course my free full sized lipstick, so overall I'm really really happy and wish I hadn't overlooked No 7 all these years!

♥

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Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

A few weeks ago I purchased the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer as I've read so many positive reviews online. It retails at £5.49 and is often on offer, so I think you definitely can't complain at the price. I'm also a fan of the sponge wand applicator as I think it's easy to use and is good for controlling how much of the product you use at once.

The consistency was perfect for me with high coverage and had brightening elements which meant that it was perfect for your under eye area, but that didn't necessarily draw attention to any imperfections so was perfect for spots as well. I purchased the shade in 'True Ivory' which was a perfect match for me, although like all drug store cosmetic brands I think the shade range is fairly limited, particularly if you have darker skin. However, I found that after an hour or so my skin would look so disgustingly oily and after a week or so of using this concealer, I noticed that I had a really painful breakout wherever I had applied this on my face. Trust me when I say they were the worst spots I've ever had. I have oily/combination skin, and so if you are the same I definitely would not recommend this concealer.

I'm gutted to be honest because it appeared to be an absolutely perfect concealer for a few days, but unfortunately I will not be purchasing this again.

♥

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New Look A/W 2015 Wishlist

Lately whenever I've been shopping, I've found myself drawn to more items of clothing in New Look than anywhere else. They are starting to preview their Autumn/Winter collection and so far I've been really impressed by the prints, quality and cut of their pieces. Here are a few of my favourite picks which will probably accidentally fall into my online basket next payday!

Cameo Rose Multicoloured Sleeveless Paisley Print Shirt£14.99

The pattern of this shirt reminds me of those adult colouring books I'm seeing everywhere at the moment!

Girls on Film Black Floral Flare Sleeve Top
£25.00

Yellow Ditsy Floral Frill Bubble Hem Crop Cami
£9.99

Not at all appropriate for the colder weather but I think this will look so cute with the skirt below!

Navy Pocket Button Front A-Line Denim Skirt
£19.99

Influence Rust Flared Sleeve Lace Trim Top
£22.99

I've surprised myself with this pick - it's something I would love on someone else but never usually pick for myself, but I'm really loving the rust orange colour at the moment!

What do you think of my wishlist? What are you looking forward to purchasing and wearing for Autumn/Winter?

♥

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