A few of my favourite things...

These aren't that fancy and being 9 months pregnant I'm all up for anything that can make my life easier. So here are a few of my current favs:

Palmers Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks £5.35
I am currently very lucky with this one as it's usually genetic whether or not you will get stretch marks or not and so far I've only got one. Yes one and I did nearly tear up when that appeared at 36 weeks. I really thought that I was going to make it to the end. Anyway this stuff smells delish and has a handy little pump. I use it twice a day and have been since about week 16. I do also have Bio-Oil but it stinks, I really hate the smell of it and it's very greasy so I usually use this.

Nautical Coin Purse £0.99 ebay here
This is so cute! Since I've down sized my handbag I was looking for a small place to store my coins and decided to look through eBay. You have to be careful as this exact same purse is also on there for up to £4. But if you don't mind waiting a couple of weeks for it to arrive from Hong Kong then it's ok.

Van's Flip Flops £24.81 similar here
This design is now sadly discontinued but can pick up some similar. They are from the surf range and have the most comfortable footbed ever! These are seriously what my sore, swollen pregnancy feet had been dreaming of and I've literally not had them off.

Ocean Spray Cranberry & Raspberry Juice £1.35
I wouldn't say that this is a craving of mine as I've always liked it but right now it is so refreshing and I could easily go through a carton or two a day.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip balm RRP £5.50, sale £3.66
I also have this one in the pot version which I love and lives in my bathroom but I also love this stick version. It is nice and light on the lips and perfect to carry around with me. It has a nice light scent and is super moisturising. It is something that I will repurchase again and again.

So that's it my current favs, please send me any links to yours as I love discovering new blogs to read. Jodie x

On My Radar

Here are some items that are currently on my radar!

Fiorelli Perry Bag RRP £45, Sale £22.50
This summer it is all about small bags where I can just carry my essentials around with me. This is very unlike me as I usually like carrying around a giant horde of stuff. Anyway soon when my baby is born (anyday now) I will have my Pink Lining Yummy Mummy changing bag to carry around with me so I want to streamline my own bits and bobs.

Charlotte Tilbury - Dolca Vita Palette £38
Yes the price is a little steep for 4 eyeshadow but the look that gives looks breathtakingly stunning. You can get both day and night looks from this. No matter what you say I will find a way to justify the hefty price tag for this. I just need it ok.

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade - Dark Brown £15
I never feel 'done' until I have my eyebrows made up. I currently use Benefits Brow Zings which completely transformed my life. I am useless with pencils but now this product has perked up my interest as it has received such good reviews everywhere. Also it would just be a one step process rather than the 2 with the Benefit product. Anything to make my life easier.

New Look Coral/Tan Sandal £15.99
I am so sick of wearing flip flops but I am struggling to fit my 9 month pregnant cankles into anything else and probably not even these but as she is due anyday (please god today?) I am told my feet will go back or normal more or less immediately after the birth. So what a nice way to celebrate than with some new summer sandals. These will also go with lots of outfits and the above Fiorelli bag (see where I am going with that). These were on sale on ASOS for £12 but they've just sold out boo! But luckily for me i managed to bag the last of my size just in the nick of time.

Bare Minerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick - Speak Your Mind £13.95
I remember seeing swatches of this on a blog ages ago (can't remember which) and it's just stuck with me as looking gorgeous on. It was like the everyday perfect pinky hue. I have not forgot about it and really should take the time out to swatch it for myself. As I've recently learned that looking at swatches online is completely useless as they can look totally different on you and in real life in general.

So that's it my current lustings. Unfortunately most are high end so I will have to continue to want but seriously they all look gorgeous! Let me know what you are currently craving? Or if you have found any bargains.
Jodie x

Revlon Colorburst Matte & Lacquer Balms

So it seems every blogger has been raving about these matte balms for the past few months now, and while I'm currently going through another lip crayon phase I thought I'd give them ago.

I was hoping that Boots or Superdrug might have had a 3 for 2 on but no such luck! The best I found was Boots had them at 2 for £10. Which is still a bargain. Whilst I am currently 9 months pregnant about to pop I've been a recluse so I've not been able to get out and swatch these babies for myself. I've had to rely on online swatches which isn't the best.

I got one of each line, there are currently 10 shades of each available which is a great choice! But for me alot of the colours in the matte balms don't appeal as they all look rather bright and loud. I opted for the following -

205 Elusive - Matte (left swatch)
105 Demure - Lacquer (right swatch)

My initial thought was urgh Elusive looks like a darker pink than I expected, as it had been described as a 'everyday pink' and 'my lips but better'. As you can see from the swatch though it is very pigmented and not something I would feel comfortable in for work, as it is not a nude pink lip in anyway shape or form.

I love the packaging, as from a distance you can tell which is matte and which is lacquer due to the finish of the tube. The packaging feels sturdy and well made compared to my Rimmel Colour Rush Balms which are more plasticy and cheap looking.

Both products have a mint scent and tingle when applied. It smells like strong chewing gum. I'm not a fan but it wouldn't stop me buying the product.

Lacquer Balm - Verdict
I love these as this is my favourite finish of the two. They glide on the lip easy and the colour can be built up. The colour payoff does not stain nor does it last long but these are only meant to be a balm. They feel more nourishing on the lips compared to the Rimmel Colour Rush Balms.
I love how glossy and non sticky the formula is.
My colour choice Demure is a nice pinky nude. Yes it has glitter in it so stay away if you don't like that but I am really happy with this. I now want colours Provacateur and Teese.

Matte Balm - Verdict
These give great colour payoff with just one swipe across the lips, the pigmentation is amazing and can be built up for full colour. The staying power isn't very good a couple of hours at most.
I don't find the mattes as nourishing as the lacquers I also feel like it shows any dry patches on my lips and makes them look worse. I don't like the colour choices as I feel they are all too bold for my liking and un-natural looking. I won't be buying anymore from this range.

Have you tried any balms from either range and which did you prefer?

Magazine freebies - August 2014

So it's coming to the end of the month and I've already read all my magazines from cover to cover. That's probably due to a recent hospital stay that I had a couple of weeks ago. Anyway I am literally counting down the days until the new magazines come out at the beginning of July as they have some amazing free gifts with them! Clinique Chubby Sticks *squeal* is my most anticipated! My due date is around when this is hitting the shelves, so I have already briefed my husband in what he needs to run out and buy if I am in the hospital lol.

Here is the August free gift round up so far:

Instyle - 3rd July
Neal's Yard Remedies Geranium & Orange Hand Cream - 50ml (worth £10)

Marie Claire - 3rd July (2 to choose from)
- Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream 25ml
- Balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm 40ml (together worth £25)

Glamour - 7th July (4 to choose from)
- Clinique Chubby Stick Super Strawberry
- Clinique Chubby Stick Woppin Watermelon
- Clinique High Impact Mascara
- Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion + (together worth over £30). 

As you can see they are all really good especially the Glamour ones. The Clinique items with Glamour are the only ones that don't mention the size of the free product but I can imagine it being a very small trial size product. Anyway I will be definately picking up at least one of each magazine early next month if I am not in labour eek, wish me luck.
Which will you be picking up and do you know of anymore great freebies due out next month?

Primark Yellow Bag

I was currently rocking my Zara Mini City handbag which I still love but I have been wanting something a bit smaller now that I have finished work for maternity leave. I don't need to carry as much stuff or try and squeeze in my dinner.
I still need to carry my maternity notes everywhere that I go and some other non glamorous pregnancy essentials (breast pads anyone?).
I knew that I wanted a across the body bag so I can be hands free when I'm finally pushing my pram and I knew that I wanted a nice summery colour. I mainly wanted a pastel colour such as baby pink, blue or mint green but when I saw this bag I knew this was the perfect one. It only comes in bright yellow or black and my local store only had 2 yellow left and tonnes of black so it must be a popular pick.
Primark do have some super cute and cheap mini satchels at the moment which I nearly decided on one but I love this one so much more as it's a little bigger and has a front pocket. I really don't have anything negative to say apart from some of the Primark bags quality can be terrible. The last one left of the shelf the handle was stitched on all lopsided.

Anyway here are the positives:

* bright colour perfect for summer with contrasting black piping and zip. Looks super stylish.
* cheap! at only £8.00
* adjustable strap.
* good amount of pockets, good size front pocket with clasp, zip to main pocket and I smaller zipped compartment inside.
* small in size (not positive for everyone but it was just what I wanted).

As this bag has been such a hit I have seen it on eBay for buy it now prices of £20 which is crazy seeing as the RRP is only £8. If you can still get your hands on this bag I would recommend it as I plan to use it future summers to come.

Pregnancy Update - Week 37, full term!

So I am currently 37 weeks + 4 days pregnant and I am now classed as 'full term' meaning that Sophia could make a appearance any day now and be perfectly healthy.

Since my last update my health did take a bad turn as at one of my routine appointments my blood pressure was alot higher than usual. I was sent to the hospital for further blood pressure monitoring. I had to have blood tests (urgh I hate having my blood taken) and urine tests for pre eclampsia. My blood and urine where fine and my blood pressure settled down after a couple of hours. So after a long evening in the hospital me and my husband where sent home. I was told that they wanted to keep a closer eye on me and for me to see the midwife twice a week for blood pressure testing.
So a few days later it's test time again and my blood pressure is crazy high, higher than before verging on the danger zone so it's back off to the hospital. It continued to sky rocket and I was given a drug to bring it under control which I now have to take twice a day. I was kept in overnight and it was a very scary experience I thought that I was going to be Induced or given a C section at any moment. All through it Sophia was monitored and she was doing fine, she kept kicking the monitor off her I guess she didn't like it. Before they released me the next afternoon we even got a bonus scan to check her growth and position and all is good. She is head down ready to come out and estimated to be nearly 7lbs which is a healthy weight. So now I'm off work and have to rest as much as I can, I still see my midwife twice a week and I'm currently playing the waiting game (not very patiently) it's up to her to decide to when she wants to come out.

No matter what I only have a few weeks to go until my new life as a mother begins. It is very daunting and scary but exciting as I am so ready.
My body has felt alot different these past couple of weeks due to the extra weight. It is virtually impossible to get up out of bed and my hips hurt alot as I have to sleep on my sides. My swollen feet have not gone down and are sore. I got my first stretch mark which was upsetting but inevitable none the less. I pee even more which I thought was impossible but I guess not. Also my boobs have started to do their thing, it's nice to know that they work haha. Apart from that the only other difference is the fatigue. It is like the first trimester all over again I am so tired! I usually can't make it through a full day without a nap. So there is it i am near the end and feeling pretty miserable and sorry for myself. I need to rest and save energy for my impending labour which I am terrified of but I keep thinking of the moment when I will be able to hold Sophia in my arms and see her little face and it will all be worth while.

My bump picture here if from my 35th week I have since got bigger so i will have to take another picture and update you guys. X

Rimmel Lasting Finish Colour Rush Lip Balms

So since last summer when the Clinique Chubby Sticks took off it seems that every brand has jumped on the bandwagon. Some do it better than others (Bourjois Peach on the Beach is still one of my favs) so here are Rimmels latest take on the all famous lip crayon. These ones are part of the Rita Orla line and I have the colours:

100 - Give Me A Cuddle
A light pink, this one is a great pick for everyday wear. It is a little bit glossy and leaves behind a stain. The colour payoff is initially very good but like most lip balms the colour isn't super long wearing or anything. At best it would last a few hours. These smell delicious a little bit like Mac lipsticks. I do find this one to be abit drying though. I don't know if it's just my lips but if they are abit dry this will cling to any dry patches and make them look worse.

600 -  On Fire (pictured on lips) 
This is a nice red coral shade. It can look like a bright true red in some lights but it is more of a pinkier light red with orange tones. It is perfect to test the waters into a bright lip territory without fully committing to a bold red lip. It is nice and glossy and like the other colour it leaves behind some staining and initially the colour payoff is very good but the staying power isn't great. These do smell very good and I like the formula but they don't feel as smooth as the Kate lipsticks. These don't feel like they are nourishing on my lips in the slightest but they don't feel heavy on the lips like a lipstick. I do really like them.

I decided to try the Rimmel ones over all the other ones out these as I love the Rimmel Kate lipsticks so much! I love everything about them and I was hoping that I would love these just as much but I don't. As previously mentioned I do find the Give Me A Cuddle colour abit drying and I don't find them super longlasting as it advertises. I am keen to try the Revlon lip crayons as they might be more on the nourishing side. I will still happily wear these this summer and they will be a staple in my handbag but I am yet to find the ultimate lip crayon of my dreams.

Have you tried these and what did you think?

Drugstore Wishlist

My wishlist changes from week to week usually but here are a few items which have stayed constant. All these items can be picked up from your local drugstore or even supermarket.
I like to wait until Boots or Superdrug have a good offer on (usually 3 for 2) before purchasing any drugstore products. Here is what I am currently lusting after:

Revlon Matte Lip Balm Crayon - Elusive
These have had a lot of hype since release but I do want to try them out for myself. I keep looking at online swatches of this and I can't work out if it a everyday matte nude pink or something much darker and deeper. I really should go look in store but at 9 months pregnant I have become a recluse. This colour seems to be the one that catches my eye the most out of the mattes.

Revlon Lacquer Lip Balm Crayon - Demure
These lacquer balms where released at the same time as the mattes mentioned above. They don't have the same hype around them and they don't have as many positive reviews about them but my does this look pretty. This colour looks like a nude glittery pink gloss which usually isn't my thing but for some reason I really want this bad. I don't have anything like it in my collection so I really want to try it. I also want to try the colour Tease but I feel like I would use this neutral colour more.

Bourjois CC Cream
This looks like the perfect face base for summer to tone down any facial redness and to give you that more done look than going bare. I don't know why I haven't tried this yet. It looks to be the perfect solution for when you don't want to wear foundation which I hardly ever do.

Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturiser
As I mentioned before I'm currently 9 months pregnant, this makes the smallest tasks harder. Such as reaching down to put on shoes which is now impossible hello flip flops. Anyway anything that can make my life easier works for me so a spray on moisturiser sounds right up my street.

Have you tried any of these items and what do you think? Do they live up to the hype?