Full FOTD using mostly 2 palettes

Hi sorry it's been a while as I don't wear make up everyday. I never used to but since having the little one I have less time to experiment with make up.

Here is my recent face of the day, I'm wearing,

- Benefit oxygen wow foundation

- Benefit Hello Flawless powder

- Bobbi Brown under eye corrector

- Benefit Boi-ing concealer

- Anastasia Beverly Hills dipbrow pomade

- Benefit High Brow

- Mac all that glitters shadow all over lid

- Mac sepia shadow on the outer edge and under the eye.

- Mac Show Stopper shadow in the outer corner.

- Mac Orb shadow inner eye area and above the eye to highlight.

- Eyeko liquid eyeliner

- Mac Melba blush

- Benefit Watts Up highlighter 

- Rimmel lip liner 

- Mac Ravishing lipstick 

Sorry this was so Benefit heavy. I have the Benefit how to look the best at everything palette and I love it. I also used my Mac Rebecca Moses face palette here. I find palettes much easier to reach for these days if I'm quickly trying to put a look together. Also some of you might notice that I didn't include mascara here, that was no mistake as even though it makes your lashes look fab I find that they scratch on my glasses an leave marks. X

Pregnancy update week 32

Hi sorry I have not posted in a while I am still working full time in retail and busy getting ready for Sophia's arrival. I now only have about 8 weeks to go woop! We are both so excited and still have alot to get ready especially in her nursery. I can't believe I am now classed as 8 months pregnant which seems crazy far along but I'm not going to pretend that the time had flown by because it hadn't. I'm quite impatient and at times it feels like these weeks are dragging.
I am now at the uncomfortable stage where heartburn, indigestion, swelled feet, back, hip and lung pain are a daily occurrence some nights I have suffered terribly with excruciating upper back/lung pain where nothing has helped I have found myself in the bath at 2.30am trying to ease pain and with being pregnant I can only take paracetamol which do absolutely nothing. Anyway moaning aside the finish line is in sight.

We had a 3d scan at 25 weeks which I still look at daily as seeing her little face and little perfectly formed hand keep me sain. I can't wait for her to be here and I know that even though I am due early July she could make a early appreance next month! Omg next month how soon is that! Just wow.
There are so many true funny pregnant clichés that I fully understand as I literally have to pee every 5 minutes and I'm still constantly hungry but my stomach doesn't have much room to hold food now so it's a hard situation. I feel her move about alot now and my favourite thing to do is guess the body part? My bump was so lopsided the other day on the left hand side she must have been sticking her big bum out haha. Last week we also started our antenatal classes which were useful and enjoyable. It all feels more real now. Anyway I will keep you updated again soon. X

What's in my handbag - Zara Office City Mini

So I have a fabulous new handbag and I haven't done one of these posts in a while so I thought it was time for a update. Here is what currently in my handbag:

- Ted Baker Rocksy purse
- Samsung earphones
- Kleenex tissues, as I haven't been able to shake off this cold for over a month now :-(
- DC gloves, as even though it's now spring it's still freezing most mornings.
- Keys
- Pregnancy notes, I'm currently 6 months along and apparently I'm not allowed to leave the house without these.
- Sick bag, if you've been pregnant you will understand it's not glamorous but keeping these with me makes me feel confident enough to leave the house for any worse case scenarios on public transport.
- Glasses cloth.

I also keep a L'Occitane cosmetic bag in here which keeps all my beauty essentials in which are:

- Bobbi Brown corrector, i mostly use this for the mirror as it is so small and light to carry around.
- Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish no. 16
- YSL Rouge Volupte Shine no. 15
- Neals Yard lip gloss
- Paris Hilton perfume vial
- Elizabeth Arden perfume sample
- L'Occitane hand cream
- Gaviscon
- Paracetamol

There is still plenty of room in this bag to fit more stuff too which is great but this is what I currently keep with me, my lip products tend to change quite frequently it depends which are my current favourites. X

Birthday Bag - Zara Office Mini City

So I have finally joined the club and got myself one of these beauties! and now I'm thinking why did I wait so long?

This bag is the bomb! There is no doubt about it it is perfect in every way, the size, the quality, the simplicity, the functionality, the chicness, the price tag. The list goes on but now that I've fell head over heels for it I now want it in Navy too but i believe that colour has been discontinued. I may settle and get the black one as well. I do feel like grey is perfect for spring though as it will go beautifully with the pastal colours that are currently making themselves known.

My favourite thing about this bag is the organisation as there is a pocket for everything. I love being able to give my most used items there own little space and it makes it so much easier to find what I need. I normally stand at my front door for ages fumbling for my keys or on the bus for my bus ticket but not any more as I know where everything will be.

I love how it isn't too small as well as I'm crap with tiny bags. I like to carry a decent amount of stuff with me and I will do a what's in my bag post soon so you can see what I carry around in here. I'm also enjoying using the shoulder strap as with most bags that is the first thing that I detatch and throw into the bottom of a draw never to be seen again. It is just a 10/10 for me.

25 facts about me

1. I love to make lists, I have lists for everything. You will usually find at least one screwed up post it note in my pocket haha.

2. I'm married, yeah I'm only 26 but I'm very happy and have been with my hubby for 8 years.

3. I have a degree in Forensic Science sadly there aren't many jobs in it these days.

4. I was never really interested in make up until about 2 years ago. Crazy right I never used to wear it.

5. I'm obsessed with cats! I currently have 2 Wolverine and Rogue who I both love to death. I would happily have a house full but the hubby won't let me haha. Therefore I collect anything with cats on clothes, statues, pictures you name it.

6. I love tattoos I currently have 10 but want more.

7. I wear contact lenses.

8. I'm pretty good at Call of Duty Multiplayer and i did play it obsessively for a while.

9. I'm obsessed with tea preferably Twinings English Breakfast, I drink several throughout the day. I don't like coffee at all.

10. I've never been abroad at all.

11. I rarely drink alcohol

12. My middle name is Marie

13. I am obsessed with Vampires. Twilight, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries your name it I've watched it and read the book.

14. I enjoy reading. I'm currently reading Clash of Kings (Game of Thrones book 2).

15. My favourite colour is emerald green.

16. Incase you didn't already know from my blog but I'm obsessed with the 1940s era and all things retro. I love the rockabilly fashion. I wish I was born in that era.

17. I love Dita Von Teese, I admire her style and everything about her. Can I be her please?

18. One of my dream jobs would to be Snow White at Disneyland! How amazing would it be to be Snow White everyday and to get paid for it.

19. I currently don't use a computer, my husband has one but I don't use it. So all my blog - videos, editing, posts are all don't on my Samsung Galaxy S3. Crazy right. I need to get a laptop.

20. I burp too loud for a girl, not ladylike in the slightest oops.

21. My husband says I'm insane because I refuse to have any other toilet paper apart from white - is there a phobia for that?

22. I am absolutely shit scared of spiders.

23. I love horror films!

24. My favourite band is Blink 182

25. I regret the fact that I had my brace taken off after 2 weeks when I was a kid and now I have crooked teeth :-(

So there you go you know abit more about me, I hope you don't think that I'm too weird :-)

Jodie x

My International Wishlist

There is probably tonnes of products that I want from the USA that are not sold in England but here is my main 3 that you cannot buy from storrs in the UK. If I wanted these items I would have to get them shipped over which would be very pricey in the postage department.
Here is what I am lusting over from across the pond.

Tarte Coral Crush Amazonian Clay Palette
Omg how gorgeous is this, seriously just look at it for another second. Amazing.
This is so cute and it has everything, I love the circular shape and everything. It even has a starfish on the top of the compact which has been cut off in this picture.
I am so tempted to have this shipped over but it is limited edition so I'm guessing it will be hard to get hold of. Sephora currently have it on their site.
I love how you shadows, blush, bronzer and a highlight all in this palette. I am palette obsessed so this is right up my street.

Sigma Brushes and Brush Cup Holder
These look amazing but they are on the pricey side. I think the brush cup holder is a great idea as you can use I for travel too as well as displaying your brushes.
I've heard great things about these brushes but I've never tried them so I might add them to my Christmas list.
You can buy them individually or in sets. I'd like the essentials set.
The good thing about Sigmas website is that they shipping internationally no problem but again pricey.

What do you think of my international picks?

Jodie x

The Chanel 2.55 bag has always been my favourite bag from as far as I can remember

I have always said that if I won the lottery that this would be the first item that I would buy as I've dreamed about owning one for as long as I can remember.

I have even thought about renting one of these things! It Costs about £250 per month or you can rent it for just a weekend for a special occasion for cheaper. My husband thought I'd finally cracked and gone crazy when I suggested the idea. But the Chanel bag dream wasn't over!

Last Christmas I got this bag as a gift, now I'm not stupid I suspect it probably isn't authentic due to it costing hundreds rather than thousands of pounds but I cannot guarantee it nor rule it out. Anyway I am happy with it. It feels great quality and has very good detailing on it. If it isn't real it is a good copy. What lengths would you go to to get the look of your dream bag? The Chanel 2.55 bag is probably the most famous and sort after bag in the world!

My bag is black with gold detailing and I have had it 8 months and I love it. It is rather heavy though with the chain strap. The chain can be worn long across the body or doubled up to fit nicely over the shoulder.

What do you think of this? Would you ever risk your money in getting a possible fake or would you consider renting a designer bag?

Jodie x

July UK Glossybox - Seaside Splash

So if you have read my August Glossybox post you will have read my rant about how my July box hadn't turned up.

Hoorah it has finally arrived only 1 month late. So here it is, I am not sure that I will have use for all of its contents as summer seems to have faded away but maybe I will save them for next summer.

In my box I got:

Alterna - Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Hair Mist 25ml
If you can get over the ridiculously long name you can make out that it is hair spray to give you beachy waves.
I have never managed to achieve the sort after beach waves as I always have my hair poker straight but I am wiling to give it a go. To see if this does help you to achieve the California girl hair like Cameron Diaz 

Anatomicals Facial Spritz 100ml
I do like the idea of this and I'm sure I would have greatly appreciated it when it was red hot but I don't have use for it at the moment. It smells nice of lavender anyway so I might use it to spray on my pillow as a fabric spray. Apparently it helps you to sleep.

Essie Sleek Sticks - 05 a to zebra
I was hoping for a Ciate nail polish but I do like the pattern of these. I will definitely give them ago but I would never spend £10 on them which is the RRP.

Sleek Pout Paints - 154 mauve over & 161 minx 8ml each
I do like the colours that I received in these. This is a good product to try through Glossybox as again It is something that I would never purchase in store.
When I opened them I found them abit oily and I had to shake the tube to get it mix to come out as a consistent colour. They are very pigmented and bright so I look forward to trying these out on my lips.

Coola Organic Suncream Facial Moisturiser 7ml
This is a facial moisturiser that contains SPF 20. It is unscented and organic and is paraben free.
It also boosts a list of other stuff that it apparently does for your face like minimising pores. It reads like a BB cream advert but once I've tested it out I will let you know if it lives up to its promises.

So as you guessed this is abit of a meh box for me, overall a huge disappointment seeing as I had to wait so long for it. The box is pretty and I will keep it to store my bits and bobs in. I like how it has something for everything as it includes skincare, haircare, nail product & make up What did you think of your summer box?

Jodie x

August UK Glossybox - Highflyers

So here is my August Glossybox, the theme this month is Highflyers and it includes products from around the world.

If you are subscribed to my blog you may have noticed that I've not done a blog post for the July Glossybox, this is because I've still not received it! I will get my rant over quickly. I've been subscribed to Glossybox for 4 months and the courier that they use Hermes are absolutely rubbish in my area of Wigan! My courier delivered both my May and June box the same day despite having my May box for over a week before I guess she just couldn't be bothered to deliver it. Now with my July one I tracked it religiously (as I'm inpatient) and it said there had been 3 unsuccessful delivery attempts which was BS as my husband was off work that week and he didn't hear the door go and there was no phone calls or cards left. I am furious to say the least as she sent the box back to Glossybox and I have still not received it and Glossybox aren't much help either, so this may be my last Glossybox review.

Anyway enough ranting here is the August box, mine includes:

Sweden - Emite Eyelash Curler RRP £20
Everyone received this in their box this month and it is my favourite item. I am currently using a £1 one from body care which is fair rubbish. A decent eyelash was something on my wishlist so now I can take it off. This one is great quality and I love it, it also comes with spare pads.

USA - Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir Sample
Most people don't like receiving perfume samples but I am very grateful of this as my perfume has ran out and also this smells amazing! It really smells delicious and so feminine. I would definitely consider buying the full size of this. That is why I am happy to receive samples as I would never even try brand in store (as the word chavy comes to mind) anyway I really like it.

UK - Jelly Pong Pong 2 in 1 Shadow/Liner Full Size RRP £10.50
I didn't know that this brand was a UK one for some reason I thought it was international anyway let's hope that this is better than the mascara that we received in May as that went down like a lead balloon with bloggers.
Though to say that this was a 2 in 1 shadow or liner is abit far fetched as I can't imagine anyone using this as a shadow pencil but I will reserve judgement until I have tried it. The one that i received is in a dark green colour.

Brazil - Oceane Make Up Remover Pen
This doesn't have a RRP as it isn't currently available in the UK.
This is a full size product that comes with 3 refills. I am hoping that this fairs better than the Simple pen that I reviewed a few months ago that was rubbish. This difference with this though it that the nib is removable which was the Simples main problem as after a couple of uses the bib got dirty and just smudged the make up around which was the opposite of what I wanted it to do. So i hope this one works better.

USA - Tresemme Platinum Strength Hair Treatment Full Size RRP £1.49
I love Tresemme as it is currently the only hair product brand that I am using I will go into more detail for my love for Tresemme in a planned future post. I am happy to receive this product and to try it out as I suffer from split ends. I will let you know how I get on.

So there is my Highflyer August box what do you think? I am very happy with it as I got 4/5 full sized products and the eyelash curlers alone are worth more than I paid for the box which was £12.95.
Let's hope that my July Summer Glossybox arrives before Winter hmm.

Jodie x

Bioderma personalised skincare regime that I won in a Twitter comp

I am so lucky and grateful to be one of the 3 winner from Twitter, this was from a competition last week on Twitter which involved following and Retweeting Bioderma.

I have heard many good things about the brand especially the micellar solutions but I've never tried any before. Mainly because I thought it was very expensive but when I've looked it's actually quite reasonable and less expensive than I thought especially compared to other high end skincare out there and also because it wasn't readily available in the UK. This is no more a issue as you can buy it on a few websites now mainly www.escentual.com and also www.garden.co.uk

So the prize was a personalised skincare regime and after I found out that I'd won I was asked a few questions about my skin and my current skincare regime. I was currently using the Benefit B. Right range which was getting close to running out so this prize couldn't be at a better time. Unlike the Benefit range which is generic for everyone's skin my prize is targeted at my skin only which is combination skin, it's oily around the t-zone with visible pores.

So I have got the following to try out, this is a 5 step skincare regime which consists of:

Step 1 - Sebium H2O Purifying Cleansing Micelle Solution 100ml RRP £4.50
This is the all famous micelle cleansing make up remover solution. I have read so much about this on blogs that I'm so excited to finally try it for myself.

Step 2 - Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel 200ml RRP £9.00
Yay a Foaming cleanser my favourite. I know a lot of people prefer other cleansers but I'm old school if I don't splash water on my face in don't feel like I've cleaned it properly. Which I know is crazy. Anyway I am interested too see how this differs from my Benefit foaming cleanser so let the battle begin.

Step 3 - Sebium Pore Refiner 30ml RRP £14.80
This is for my Tzone to tighten my pores and is a step before moisturising or it can also be a great make up primer. I'm also thrilled to try this as I only have Benefits Porefessional to compare it to so I will see which is best for my skin.

Step 4 - Sensibio Eye Contour Gel 15ml RRP £14.00
I really suffer with dark circles under my eyes and it is a sensitive area. In the past I've used make up removers which are too harsh and have left red marks under there. So anything delicate is a blessing.

Step 5 - Hydrabio Light Moisturising Cream 40ml RRP £14.00
This looks like a great moisturiser which won't make my face feel greasy after use like some. Benefits Total Moisture is my favourite that I've ever used so I wonder if this will compare.

So overall I am so happy with my prizes as I got a lot of items more than I expected so a big thank you to Bioderma and Wizard Publications who handle their PR. You did a amazing job at picking out the right products for my skin.
I can't wait to use them and to report back in a week or two to let you know how my skin is doing. I'm really hoping that I see a difference so I can stock up.

So please check out Bioderma at www.escentual.com as they have free delivery on orders over £30.

Have any of you tried any of the Bioderma skincare range and if so what's your favourite?

Jodie x

My current favourites - Early August

Here is what I've been reaching for most this month:

Benefit Boi-ing concealer - nothing covers my dark under eye circles like this stuff. It has the best coverage that I've found in a concealer but it isn't too thick or cakey.
£21.50 Here

Nuxe Reve De Miel - I never thought a good hand cream would make such a big impact on me but I have fell head over heels for this stuff! This hand and cuticle cream is absorbed instantly and leaves my hands feeling soft and refreshed and not to mention smelling good enough to eat. This isn't greasy at all like all the other hand creams that I've tried.
£10 Here

The Balm Instain Blush in Swiss Dot - This blush has been a big game changer for me I've already been a Benefit Coralista kind of girl but I might even love this just as much. It is amazing and it's so pigmented and longwearing not to mention pretty. I love this.
£21.50 Here
Benefit Porefessional - I've nearly ran out of this oh no! It's my favourite primer and most days I wear it alone, who needs a bb cream with this wonder. It really does smooth out my complexion and hide my pores. It leaves my complexion looking natural too. It feels so soft and silky I will definitely have to repurchase this one.
£24.50 Here
Elf Stipple Brush - This is my must have brush as I use it for so much. I use it to apply my cream blushers. I currently use it to apply my very pigmented The Balm Instain blusher as a normal brush applies too much product. I also use it to apply my Benefit Watts Up highlighter. Everyone needs a stipple brush in there life.
£3.75 Here
L'Oréal Paris 3 in 1 Micellar Solution - This is my current make up remover of choice as it does the job so effortlessly. I've never used the Bioderma one but I know that bloggers say that this is closest alternative and I really like this. It moves my make up fast but also feels gentle on my skin.
£3.33 Here
Burts Bee's Lipbalm - I've recently been using this daily and I've noticed that my lips do feel in better condition. It leaves them feeling softer and more hydrated.
£3.69 Here

The Balm Instain blusher review in Swiss Dot

I keep thinking to myself that I don't need any more blushers so but there are so many that I want to try that looks amazing The Balm's Instain being one of them. After I saw these little samples being given out in one of the latest Birchboxes I was intrigued.
I don't currently subscribe to Birchbox but I knew that I i wanted to get hold of one to try it out before committing to a full size one.

This sample is in the shade Swiss Dot and you get 0.5g it is smaller than I thought it would be but that just adds to the likeability it is seriously cute! It is tiny but I love it and the packaging is so cool. Also surprisingly a lot of this product goes along way.
I used a tiny amount on my blusher brush and it gave me enough pigment in one brush stroke which is something that I've never had happen to me before. I am very impressed with how pigmented and good quality this blusher is. It also has great staying powder. I will definitely be purchasing a full size one of these but maybe in the Lace colour as that looks more suitable for my skin tone.

I can't get over how impressed I am with this blusher just wow! I've heard from bloggers that all products by the balm go along away so only a tiny amount is needed and with my experience that is definitely true. I wish it was more readily available in the UK as I am falling head over heels in love with this brand.

The left swatch is blended out and the right one isn't blended. I've done a picture with and without flash and you can see there is a colour difference between the blended and non blended swatches.

Have you tried any of The Balm Instain blushers and what did you think? Jodie x

Shoe lust - Charlotte Olympia Sleeping Beauty Court Shoe

Seeing as my dream job would to be a Disney Princess at Disneyland (preferably Snow White) I am obsessed with anything Disney Princess.
I have recently seen these Charlotte Olympia shoes that are due for release any day now and i would give my right arm for a pair of these. They are stunning.

Seriously what more could a girl want - shoes with a Disney Princess theme = amazing!

Jodie x

My appreciate what you already have month

So it's now August and my wishlist is growing by the day, to stop myself feeling very depressed about all the pretty things that I cannot afford I've decided to root around and dig out some golden oldies and rediscover how much I love them. I never stopped loving these products I just was busy trying new things. So here is what I am appreciating this month:

1. Benefit Foamingly Clean Facial Wash
This cleanser leaves my skin so soft and clean afterwards. It feels very caring on the skin and not harsh like I find some cleansers to be. It also doesn't have a strong smell which I love. It smells pleasant but not strong.

2. Benefit Watts Up
Since I've recently bought a stipple brush I have fell in love with this highlighter all over again. I love the way that it looks on the skin but I always found applying it with my finger the best option which wasn't ideal. It does come with a blender on the opposite end but I've never really liked that I find it just leaves the product patchy on my skin so my new stipple brush is perfect for the highlighter.

3. Benefit Hervana
I'll just get all the Benefit items out of the way first. I am a huge Benefit fangirl but I've recently been trying to discover other brands so this blush got left to the bottom of my make up bag.
It doesn't help that I love the Benefit Coralista blusher more than life so I never find myself picking this one up. So this week I've made more of a effort to use this.
I love the packaging and the brush and the smell (a strong feminine perfume scent) I also most importantly love how it looks on my skin. It is a subtle pinky rose blush which is very buildable. It could also double up as eyeshadows. This is a great blusher for summer.

4. Figs & Rouge Lip Balm
I got this in my May Glossybox and it was one of my favourite items in my box that month. I am glad to rediscover this as it feels nicer on my lips than my recent Bourjois lip products that I've been recently wearing. It also gives enough colour to wear alone and it's completely natural so win win.

5. Burts Bees Lip Balm
This has a nice peppermint fresh scent, this is the first Burts Bees product that I've tried and it feels very moisturising on my lips. I prefer this to my trusty Carmex lip balm now. I want to try some of the tinted ones that they now do.

So if like me you are going to be skint during this 5 week month have a dig through your beauty stash and pick out those lost loved items and appreciate what you already have right in front of you.
Let me know if you make any good discoveries along the way. X

Bourjois Effect 3D lipgloss that I won from Orangina

When I'm at work I drink a lot of this stuff. Drinking fizzy drinks is probably my worst vice.
Anyway a couple of weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised to find that they have now started a competition where you can win a Bourjois Effect 3D lipgloss Yay! What a great combination is that!.
I had seen the lipgloss advertised in my regular magazines and in my local Superdrug and I knew it was a new release so every day I would peel off my bottle label and wishfully type in the code. I even got some of my colleagues in on it, luckily for me i work in a BMX/Skateboarding shop so it's male dominated and they aren't interested in wining a lipgloss, so I managed to nab a few extra codes and I finally won Yay! I would estimate that I have typed in about 10-15 codes to win this one.
When you do win it brings up a window and asks you to list the 3 lip gloss choices in the order that you would most like to receive. Luckily for me i got my first choice of Rouge Democratic which is a bright red. I have a lot of pale pink and coral lip glosses so I wanted a bright red one anyway and I am thrilled with this.

It aims to leave your lips hydrated and shiny for 8 hours. A plus for a lot of people is that it is paraben free too.
I felt this gloss to be quite thick but it gives a amazing result. I love the packaging and how the wand is clear. It feels great quality and even though it didn't last 8 hours for me as I had been drinking I felt that it's a good gloss to have in my collection. Especially because it was free. These retail at £7.99.
Once I'd won and chose what I wanted the shipping was free and it arrived to me about a week later.
Thank you Orangina and Bourjois.

George at Asda half price shoe finds

So when I was doing my weekly shop yesterday I managed to convince my husband to let me have a "quick" look at the shoes, something which he begrudges but look what gems I found for half price. These where £10 both reduced to £5.

The white ones I've bought to go with my Collectif Dolores flared dress in blue hibiscus which I've mentioned in a previous post. I think these will go with it so well as they have a nice low heel and complement the retro feel.

The coral flats I've got for everyday wear at work. I am obsessed with coral in clothing as well as makeup but I love how these have studs on to give them that rock chick vibe. I found my last pair of George flats some of the comfiest I've ever worn so I hope these are the same.

Let me know if you find any half price bargains.

Jodie x

My new notebook for all my blog ideas

Yes it's only a notebook so why am I mentioning it? To me a notebook is a important part of blogging to jot down any ideas for future posts and videos. Also I find it important to narrow down my wishlists as there is so much stuff that I want and this helps me to not forget anything and to prioritise things.

I am quite a crazy organised person and I love making lists. I have lists for everything. There is something satisfying about ticking something off your list haha so this is why it's important for me to carry a notebook with me. Yes there are apps for your phone but I find nothing compares to a good old fashioned notebook.

This one is from eBay and costs £6. It is a bit smaller than A5 and opens up to reveal 2 notepads. I might have one dedicated to my blog and the other to my YouTube or maybe just one dedicated to everyday shopping lists, I've not decided yet. I love the print of this as I am a tea lady through and through and I love the cute pastal colours that gives it quite a retro theme which is perfect for me. Overall I am very excited over my new notebook and I know that it's quite sad to get excited over a piece of stationary but here I am :-)

Do any of you fellow bloggers find it important to have a notebook or not? Jodie x

The best bronzer for pale skin video now up on my YouTube channel

If you are pale like me and wondering which bronzer to choose then please watch this video, this is a light buildable matte bronzer by The Body Shop and it is my go to bronzer this summer.

Jodie x

How to apply cream blusher video now up on my YouTube channel

Do you love the look of cream blushers but are unsure of how to apply them?
Please check out my quick tutorial which shows you the best way to apply cream blushers to give a even all over flawless look.

My favourite cream blushers are definitely the Bourjois ones which I use in the video.

Please let me know if this video helped you at all or if you have any other tips.

Jodie x

I've been nominated for a "Very Inspiring Blogger Award"

Hi so tonight I've found out that Lou over at 
http://loulou15081978.wordpress.com has nominated me for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award and I am thrilled so thank you Lou! It's nice to know that people enjoy reading my blog as I am quite new to the bloggersphere, but I am really enjoying doing it and I try to post as much as I can.

The rules for this award are:-

1.  Display the award logo on your blog.

2.  Link back to the person who nominated you.

3.  Nominate 10 other bloggers for this award and link to them.

4.  Notify these bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.

So, here are the blogs I have nominated for this award as these are the ones that I read most often:

http://www.thetattooedtealady.com

http://www.thesundaygirl.com

http://www.beckybedbug.com

http://www.joannaloves.com

http://www.britishbeautyblogger.com

http://www.missbudgetbeauty.co.uk

http://www.missmakeupmagpie.com

http://www.beautygeekuk.com

http://www.talesofapaleface.com

http://www.beautyandlechic.com

I wish I could nominate more as I do read a lot of blogs. I'm especially loving the bloglovin app as it's so simple and clean looking. Thank you again for reading my blog and for the nomination it has cheered up my Monday blues.

Jodie x
www.retrococktail.co.uk