review


Originally posted: 4th July 2019
It’s finally here! I’m trying to cram as much as I can in before work whilst getting ready and as you can tell I’m only just starting episode 2. However I can already tell this is going to be the best season yet. Just wishing, hoping and praying the Duffer brothers finally give Joyce Byers a freaking break! 


Update:
Season 3 was eventually completed at 1:30am on 5th July. Without giving anything away I just want to quickly raise a few things: 
1. Things need to be discussed. Lots of things! It can not be left like that.
2. Please give Winona & Millie all the awards. They can split them I'm sure.
3. I have a lot of emotions right now and don’t know how to process them! #momsteve
  • Monday, September 09, 2019

stranger things 3.



Originally posted: 4th July 2019
It’s finally here! I’m trying to cram as much as I can in before work whilst getting ready and as you can tell I’m only just starting episode 2. However I can already tell this is going to be the best season yet. Just wishing, hoping and praying the Duffer brothers finally give Joyce Byers a freaking break! 


Update:
Season 3 was eventually completed at 1:30am on 5th July. Without giving anything away I just want to quickly raise a few things: 
1. Things need to be discussed. Lots of things! It can not be left like that.
2. Please give Winona & Millie all the awards. They can split them I'm sure.
3. I have a lot of emotions right now and don’t know how to process them! #momsteve


Originally posted: 24th April 2019

You can’t beat new albums on a good old cd. How about this weather? What a change for the worst, I take back ever complaining I was too hot. I think I'm going to bunker down inside, listen to the new Andy Black & consume my weight in cups of tea. A Wednesday well spent. Also I know this doesn’t match my ~theme~ but it was so tricky to photograph so we’re going for a vintage vibe today.


(Updated a few hours later) So after listening to this about 6/7 times in a row I still can’t pick a favourite song, they’re all that brilliant! Soul like me; Know one and Ghost of Ohio are just some of the few that really stood out. The message behind the lyrics and the journey that they take you on is both one of learning to deal with the struggles that anxiety and angst can present in life; as well as the realisation that each new day presents a fresh chance to start over, change for the better and move forwards. It’s very thought provoking and definitely worth listening to on repeat. 5/5 ⭐️
  • Friday, September 06, 2019

the ghost of ohio.



Originally posted: 24th April 2019

You can’t beat new albums on a good old cd. How about this weather? What a change for the worst, I take back ever complaining I was too hot. I think I'm going to bunker down inside, listen to the new Andy Black & consume my weight in cups of tea. A Wednesday well spent. Also I know this doesn’t match my ~theme~ but it was so tricky to photograph so we’re going for a vintage vibe today.


(Updated a few hours later) So after listening to this about 6/7 times in a row I still can’t pick a favourite song, they’re all that brilliant! Soul like me; Know one and Ghost of Ohio are just some of the few that really stood out. The message behind the lyrics and the journey that they take you on is both one of learning to deal with the struggles that anxiety and angst can present in life; as well as the realisation that each new day presents a fresh chance to start over, change for the better and move forwards. It’s very thought provoking and definitely worth listening to on repeat. 5/5 ⭐️


Originally posted: 25th March 2019

I'm one of those people who need at least two books on the go (& then gets confused what’s happening where.) I came across this book whilst browsing Depop & was taken in by the Stephen king/80s/retro VHS cover vibes so did a quick google search and decided to snap it up. I'm barely a third of the way through but I’m already hooked! It’s a brilliant mix of quirky teen drama mixed with classic 70/80s gritty horror troupes. 👻 I also read that it’s going to be turned into a film soon so have to make sure I finish reading before then! 📖
  • Friday, September 06, 2019

my best friend's exorcism.



Originally posted: 25th March 2019

I'm one of those people who need at least two books on the go (& then gets confused what’s happening where.) I came across this book whilst browsing Depop & was taken in by the Stephen king/80s/retro VHS cover vibes so did a quick google search and decided to snap it up. I'm barely a third of the way through but I’m already hooked! It’s a brilliant mix of quirky teen drama mixed with classic 70/80s gritty horror troupes. 👻 I also read that it’s going to be turned into a film soon so have to make sure I finish reading before then! 📖

There's many things in life that I don't have, two of them being (opposite to sensitive) skin and a baby. Despite the latter however, I've become a bit of a hoarder of baby products. In particular beauty and skincare.  I've spent years splashing out on various lotions, potions and cosmetics that claim to be designed for sensitive skin and I still would always break out into the most horrible of rashes.
I'm not quite sure how I came to this brainwave, but all of a sudden it hit me. What's more sensitive than baby skin? So off I trotted to my local boots and Lush, in search of bits and pieces that would both do their jobs and not make my skin feel so itchy and blotchy.


Due to having extremely sensitive skin; so much so that I'm actually allergic to tea tree; I tend to find shaving a nightmare. I can't even begin to tell you how many creams, sprays or hair removal creams I've tested over the years that have left me with incredibly irritated skin and not much actually being shaved. I switched over to baby oil on a whim after reading about it on Tumblr of all places and since then I've never looked back. My legs, etc. Are left feeling silky smooth, all hair removed with minimal razor cuts or burns. Most importantly of all, no nasty rashes or reactions. I also find that the razors themselves are much easier to clean when not coated in thick cream or lotion.

You'd think that a plain old bar of soap wouldn't be such a problem, right? Wrong. Oh, so very sadly wrong. In truth, it's not so much the soap that's the issue but the giant scar under my right armpit (it's a long story.) I was finding that whenever I used a perfumed soap; something that we seem to have multiplies of in our house; the scar and tissue around it would feel like it was on fire. Major ouch. Making the move to baby soap seems to have done the trick. It also is pretty nifty at leaving my hands nice and soft too.


When I spent my Christmas at Lush, I fell head over heels in love with these two little bath time gems. I'm sure you've heard of them, but for those who haven't I'll give you a quick run through. Both created with sensitive and baby skin in mind, the Butter Ball bath bomb and Milky Bar bubble bar are made with soft cocoa butter and a smidgen of ylang ylang to give it a sweet powdery scent. Both leave the bath water incredibly soft and are completely free of harsh chemicals, just like all things Lush.

There's hundreds of bubble baths out there on the market, all claiming to be soothing and chemical free. That may well be but none of them seem to be right for me. I've been using Johnson's Bedtime Baby Bath for a good six months now and I must have gone through at least seven or eight bottles already. It has the most wonderfully calming lavender scent and lathers up the biggest bubbles. A little goes a long way with this one too which is a major bonus.

Much like the baby bath, I've become a sucker for Johnson's baby lotion. Firstly, there's something about that signature powdery scent that makes you feel all warm and cosy. Like being wrapped up in a fluffy towel after a nice bath or snuggling into bed. I love how it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily and soaks in within a matter of minutes.


Lastly is the one hair care staple that I couldn't be without. My hair likes to tangle itself up so much that some days, even a tangle teaser can't comb through the knots. This is usually around the time I break out the detangling spray. Despite being designed for children it does the job perfectly and after a few sprits of strawberry scented goodness I can run a brush through my hair without yanking half of it out.

I can't recommend these little treasures highly enough, so if you try any out; or have a few of your own, I'd love to hear about it.


Thanks for reading, love Jade x
  • Friday, July 14, 2017

baby beauty for sensitive skin.


There's many things in life that I don't have, two of them being (opposite to sensitive) skin and a baby. Despite the latter however, I've become a bit of a hoarder of baby products. In particular beauty and skincare.  I've spent years splashing out on various lotions, potions and cosmetics that claim to be designed for sensitive skin and I still would always break out into the most horrible of rashes.
I'm not quite sure how I came to this brainwave, but all of a sudden it hit me. What's more sensitive than baby skin? So off I trotted to my local boots and Lush, in search of bits and pieces that would both do their jobs and not make my skin feel so itchy and blotchy.


Due to having extremely sensitive skin; so much so that I'm actually allergic to tea tree; I tend to find shaving a nightmare. I can't even begin to tell you how many creams, sprays or hair removal creams I've tested over the years that have left me with incredibly irritated skin and not much actually being shaved. I switched over to baby oil on a whim after reading about it on Tumblr of all places and since then I've never looked back. My legs, etc. Are left feeling silky smooth, all hair removed with minimal razor cuts or burns. Most importantly of all, no nasty rashes or reactions. I also find that the razors themselves are much easier to clean when not coated in thick cream or lotion.

You'd think that a plain old bar of soap wouldn't be such a problem, right? Wrong. Oh, so very sadly wrong. In truth, it's not so much the soap that's the issue but the giant scar under my right armpit (it's a long story.) I was finding that whenever I used a perfumed soap; something that we seem to have multiplies of in our house; the scar and tissue around it would feel like it was on fire. Major ouch. Making the move to baby soap seems to have done the trick. It also is pretty nifty at leaving my hands nice and soft too.


When I spent my Christmas at Lush, I fell head over heels in love with these two little bath time gems. I'm sure you've heard of them, but for those who haven't I'll give you a quick run through. Both created with sensitive and baby skin in mind, the Butter Ball bath bomb and Milky Bar bubble bar are made with soft cocoa butter and a smidgen of ylang ylang to give it a sweet powdery scent. Both leave the bath water incredibly soft and are completely free of harsh chemicals, just like all things Lush.

There's hundreds of bubble baths out there on the market, all claiming to be soothing and chemical free. That may well be but none of them seem to be right for me. I've been using Johnson's Bedtime Baby Bath for a good six months now and I must have gone through at least seven or eight bottles already. It has the most wonderfully calming lavender scent and lathers up the biggest bubbles. A little goes a long way with this one too which is a major bonus.

Much like the baby bath, I've become a sucker for Johnson's baby lotion. Firstly, there's something about that signature powdery scent that makes you feel all warm and cosy. Like being wrapped up in a fluffy towel after a nice bath or snuggling into bed. I love how it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily and soaks in within a matter of minutes.


Lastly is the one hair care staple that I couldn't be without. My hair likes to tangle itself up so much that some days, even a tangle teaser can't comb through the knots. This is usually around the time I break out the detangling spray. Despite being designed for children it does the job perfectly and after a few sprits of strawberry scented goodness I can run a brush through my hair without yanking half of it out.

I can't recommend these little treasures highly enough, so if you try any out; or have a few of your own, I'd love to hear about it.


Thanks for reading, love Jade x

Over the past six months I've become a lot more involved and interested in the world of skincare. Gone are the days where I'd glide past the long aisles in Boots whilst making a beeline for the latest makeup releases, I'm now finding that I've developed a new approach. Skin first, make up second. After all, what's the point of putting products on your face when you're lacking a good base to begin with?

Amie Natural Skincare is a brand that I've both loved and featured on my blog before; one for being a cruelty free and vegan friendly brand and having been a lover of both their Morning Clear Purifying facial wash and Morning Dew Matte-Finish moisturiser. They've both become a staple in my morning and nightly routines.

I was incredibly lucky to be sent a few things to try by the lovely team over at Amie, so today I thought I'd let you know how I got on.

I've tried and tested the Petal Perfect Gently Cleansing Micellar Water* in the past after having found some of the other offerings on the high street to be a bit harsh on my skin, so naturally I was pleased as punch to see this little bottle staring back at me from my box of goodies. From my personal opinion, I've found this to be incredibly effective at removing all traces of makeup including waterproof mascara. It glides nicely over the skin when applied to a cotton pad and a little goes a long way. I can usually get rid of a whole face of makeup with one micellar water soaked pad and then used the back to tackle my eyes and brows. It can also be used as a very gentle and refreshing toner in the mornings if like me, you don't fancy having 101 different bottles clogging up your dressing table.

Next on the list is the newest addition to the range, the New Leaf Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish.*  I've struggled with my pores for as long as I can remember. It seems that I've tried every single product under the sun and up until now, nothing has quite managed to completely blitz away the pesky blackheads - until now. The first thing that I noticed was that this smells amazing. I spent a good five minutes just standing at my bathroom sink just inhaling the delicious mango and orange blossom scent before I'd even used it. The Exfoliating Polish naturally removes dead skin cells and gets deep into the pores to get rid of all the usual dirt and grime that builds up to give skin a cleaner and brighter, more refreshed feel. The thing that I love the most about this product is that it's not abrasive and doesn't leave my skin feeling as if I've gone at it with sandpaper. It's just nice and gentle with quick results.


Last but definitely not least is the Daybright Glow Brightening Sheet Mask.* having never tried a sheet mask before in my life #sheetmaskvirgin! I was curious just to see exactly how they work. Happily, they're as easy as pie to use thanks to the three step instructions. I found that although the masks were slightly too big for my tiny face, it’s incredibly effortless to adapt and adjust them to your required face shape. There's no harsh chemicals to be found within the masks which happily resulted in leaving my skin incredibly soft and refreshed after 15 minutes of use. These will be perfect for whenever you fancy a nice relax in the bath with a glass of wine or cuppa tea. I've already got my next one planned for this evening.


I will definitely be repurchasing all of these products again and can't wait to incorporate them into my daily skincare routine. I'd love to know what your favourite go-to skincare product is, let me know in the comments below.


Thanks for reading, love Jade x
  • Wednesday, March 08, 2017

review: amie natural skincare.


Over the past six months I've become a lot more involved and interested in the world of skincare. Gone are the days where I'd glide past the long aisles in Boots whilst making a beeline for the latest makeup releases, I'm now finding that I've developed a new approach. Skin first, make up second. After all, what's the point of putting products on your face when you're lacking a good base to begin with?

Amie Natural Skincare is a brand that I've both loved and featured on my blog before; one for being a cruelty free and vegan friendly brand and having been a lover of both their Morning Clear Purifying facial wash and Morning Dew Matte-Finish moisturiser. They've both become a staple in my morning and nightly routines.

I was incredibly lucky to be sent a few things to try by the lovely team over at Amie, so today I thought I'd let you know how I got on.

I've tried and tested the Petal Perfect Gently Cleansing Micellar Water* in the past after having found some of the other offerings on the high street to be a bit harsh on my skin, so naturally I was pleased as punch to see this little bottle staring back at me from my box of goodies. From my personal opinion, I've found this to be incredibly effective at removing all traces of makeup including waterproof mascara. It glides nicely over the skin when applied to a cotton pad and a little goes a long way. I can usually get rid of a whole face of makeup with one micellar water soaked pad and then used the back to tackle my eyes and brows. It can also be used as a very gentle and refreshing toner in the mornings if like me, you don't fancy having 101 different bottles clogging up your dressing table.

Next on the list is the newest addition to the range, the New Leaf Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish.*  I've struggled with my pores for as long as I can remember. It seems that I've tried every single product under the sun and up until now, nothing has quite managed to completely blitz away the pesky blackheads - until now. The first thing that I noticed was that this smells amazing. I spent a good five minutes just standing at my bathroom sink just inhaling the delicious mango and orange blossom scent before I'd even used it. The Exfoliating Polish naturally removes dead skin cells and gets deep into the pores to get rid of all the usual dirt and grime that builds up to give skin a cleaner and brighter, more refreshed feel. The thing that I love the most about this product is that it's not abrasive and doesn't leave my skin feeling as if I've gone at it with sandpaper. It's just nice and gentle with quick results.


Last but definitely not least is the Daybright Glow Brightening Sheet Mask.* having never tried a sheet mask before in my life #sheetmaskvirgin! I was curious just to see exactly how they work. Happily, they're as easy as pie to use thanks to the three step instructions. I found that although the masks were slightly too big for my tiny face, it’s incredibly effortless to adapt and adjust them to your required face shape. There's no harsh chemicals to be found within the masks which happily resulted in leaving my skin incredibly soft and refreshed after 15 minutes of use. These will be perfect for whenever you fancy a nice relax in the bath with a glass of wine or cuppa tea. I've already got my next one planned for this evening.


I will definitely be repurchasing all of these products again and can't wait to incorporate them into my daily skincare routine. I'd love to know what your favourite go-to skincare product is, let me know in the comments below.


Thanks for reading, love Jade x

All throughout my life I've been fascinated by perfumes, colognes, and all different types of sprays and scents. I think it started when I was about four or five and I'd spend hours upon hours setting up my Grandma's empty Chanel No. 5 bottles into the perfect row along her window sill. I just adored the way that the glass captured the light and the faint lingering fragrances would tickle my nose.

I've been aware of Library of Fragrance for quite some time now, having stumbled across the odd snap on Instagram. However, it wasn't until Christmas just gone that I finally managed to pick up a bottle for myself from Boots. I decided to go for the Baby Powder cologne as I've always personally been drawn to that particular scent. There's just something so comforting and soothing about it. I find that a little goes a long way with this one, and yet it still remains to be light and clean as you go throughout your day without it becoming muted or too stale after mixing with the skins natural PH levels.  According to their website all the products are 'free of artificial colours, parabens, binders, emulsifiers or Phthalates. As well as never tested on animals.'

I find that it's perfect for popping into your handbag and taking on your travels too as the bottle itself is adorably tiny and can fit in the smallest of pockets.

Let me know in the comments below if any of you have tried something from the Library of Fragrance ranger before. I myself am eyeing up 'Fairy Dust' for my next addition.

Thanks for reading, love Jade x
  • Tuesday, January 17, 2017

review: baby powder cologne.


All throughout my life I've been fascinated by perfumes, colognes, and all different types of sprays and scents. I think it started when I was about four or five and I'd spend hours upon hours setting up my Grandma's empty Chanel No. 5 bottles into the perfect row along her window sill. I just adored the way that the glass captured the light and the faint lingering fragrances would tickle my nose.

I've been aware of Library of Fragrance for quite some time now, having stumbled across the odd snap on Instagram. However, it wasn't until Christmas just gone that I finally managed to pick up a bottle for myself from Boots. I decided to go for the Baby Powder cologne as I've always personally been drawn to that particular scent. There's just something so comforting and soothing about it. I find that a little goes a long way with this one, and yet it still remains to be light and clean as you go throughout your day without it becoming muted or too stale after mixing with the skins natural PH levels.  According to their website all the products are 'free of artificial colours, parabens, binders, emulsifiers or Phthalates. As well as never tested on animals.'

I find that it's perfect for popping into your handbag and taking on your travels too as the bottle itself is adorably tiny and can fit in the smallest of pockets.

Let me know in the comments below if any of you have tried something from the Library of Fragrance ranger before. I myself am eyeing up 'Fairy Dust' for my next addition.

Thanks for reading, love Jade x

Like many people I climbed aboard the bandwagon and have finally given in to temptation by purchasing the ever sold out (at least when I've been on the hunt for it) 'Velvet Teddy'  lipstick from MAC. I can't even begin to tell you how much hype I've seen surrounding this particular lipstick for the past year, it's bordering on obsessive. It just seems that the world and his wife want to see for themselves exactly what all the fuss was about. I have owned exactly two lipsticks from MAC, both of them being more towards the pink/purplish end of the colour spectrum, so that being said I'm counting this as my first 'nude' lipstick from the brand. 

Unlike many other various nudes I've used in the past, I've found that this one has amazing staying power on my lips. It's survived a whole day in which I only had to touch it up once, including numerous cups of tea, singing lessons and a rather disgusting sweaty hour and a half dance class. I also like that it's almost a subtle darker nude when I apply it; standing out whilst not looking too obvious or in your face, which for me is a key factor when trying to decide which colour to reach for in the mornings. At £15 which I know may seem a little expensive to some people I know, I would still recommend this just because I personally think it's a good quality product and is good value for money. Why by five or six seemingly okay lipsticks when you can just easily invest in one good one which will last far longer?

- Thank for reading, Jade
  • Wednesday, October 07, 2015

velvet teddy lipstick.


Like many people I climbed aboard the bandwagon and have finally given in to temptation by purchasing the ever sold out (at least when I've been on the hunt for it) 'Velvet Teddy'  lipstick from MAC. I can't even begin to tell you how much hype I've seen surrounding this particular lipstick for the past year, it's bordering on obsessive. It just seems that the world and his wife want to see for themselves exactly what all the fuss was about. I have owned exactly two lipsticks from MAC, both of them being more towards the pink/purplish end of the colour spectrum, so that being said I'm counting this as my first 'nude' lipstick from the brand. 

Unlike many other various nudes I've used in the past, I've found that this one has amazing staying power on my lips. It's survived a whole day in which I only had to touch it up once, including numerous cups of tea, singing lessons and a rather disgusting sweaty hour and a half dance class. I also like that it's almost a subtle darker nude when I apply it; standing out whilst not looking too obvious or in your face, which for me is a key factor when trying to decide which colour to reach for in the mornings. At £15 which I know may seem a little expensive to some people I know, I would still recommend this just because I personally think it's a good quality product and is good value for money. Why by five or six seemingly okay lipsticks when you can just easily invest in one good one which will last far longer?

- Thank for reading, Jade

Like many people I climbed aboard the bandwagon and have finally given in to temptation by purchasing the ever sold out (at least when I've been on the hunt for it) 'Velvet Teddy'  lipstick from MAC. I can't even begin to tell you how much hype I've seen surrounding this particular lipstick for the past year, it's bordering on obsessive. It just seems that the world and his wife want to see for themselves exactly what all the fuss was about. I have owned exactly two lipsticks from MAC, both of them being more towards the pink/purplish end of the colour spectrum, so that being said I'm counting this as my first 'nude' lipstick from the brand. 

Unlike many other various nudes I've used in the past, I've found that this one has amazing staying power on my lips. It's survived a whole day in which I only had to touch it up once, including numerous cups of tea, singing lessons and a rather disgusting sweaty hour and a half dance class. I also like that it's almost a subtle darker nude when I apply it; standing out whilst not looking too obvious or in your face, which for me is a key factor when trying to decide which colour to reach for in the mornings. At £15 which I know may seem a little expensive to some people I know, I would still recommend this just because I personally think it's a good quality product and is good value for money. Why by five or six seemingly okay lipsticks when you can just easily invest in one good one which will last far longer?

- Thank for reading, Jade
  • Wednesday, October 07, 2015

velvet teddy lipstick.


Like many people I climbed aboard the bandwagon and have finally given in to temptation by purchasing the ever sold out (at least when I've been on the hunt for it) 'Velvet Teddy'  lipstick from MAC. I can't even begin to tell you how much hype I've seen surrounding this particular lipstick for the past year, it's bordering on obsessive. It just seems that the world and his wife want to see for themselves exactly what all the fuss was about. I have owned exactly two lipsticks from MAC, both of them being more towards the pink/purplish end of the colour spectrum, so that being said I'm counting this as my first 'nude' lipstick from the brand. 

Unlike many other various nudes I've used in the past, I've found that this one has amazing staying power on my lips. It's survived a whole day in which I only had to touch it up once, including numerous cups of tea, singing lessons and a rather disgusting sweaty hour and a half dance class. I also like that it's almost a subtle darker nude when I apply it; standing out whilst not looking too obvious or in your face, which for me is a key factor when trying to decide which colour to reach for in the mornings. At £15 which I know may seem a little expensive to some people I know, I would still recommend this just because I personally think it's a good quality product and is good value for money. Why by five or six seemingly okay lipsticks when you can just easily invest in one good one which will last far longer?

- Thank for reading, Jade

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