Velvet Lashes

Being a human in general is bloody hard work isn't it? The pressures to look a certain way, to be this stepford style wife with freshly cooked dinner ready each night, clothes with not a single crease, a clean and tidy showhome. I have found I have been getting so irritated at the way the world is going and I have myself to blame. I feel I am constantly comparing myself to others, the way they look, how young they look, how they parent, how they manage a home with perfection, how they generally do all the things they do with not a sweat or tear in sight. I often get asked but "How do you do it?" I feel like being honest but hold back and just laugh it off saying "I don't know, running around after my tribe" and inside I want to cry and say I don't do it, think I hide it all well. 

I work in a stressful job part time, I help my brother in laws business (my husband has taken a lot of this on now), I also do occasion/wedding makeup, have three children 5 and under and have to keep a house clean and tidy and parent solely a good chunk of the week/days due to my husbands shift work and difficult job he does though he still helps as much as he can. There are days I want to run away, days I sit and cry and wish everything would stop and stand still, days when I feel "I've got this" and have loads of energy to do it all. There are days I wake up and wished I was "like her" who seems to be calm, happy and appears to have no worries and is the best mother to her children as well as having a show home of a house but then I stop and realise its okay....I have got this, I'm doing my best and yes there are days I struggle, days I cant cope and days I just want to run away from it all but its okay to feel like that we are only human and I need to learn to give myself a bit more credit and realise I'm okay, so next time someone says "how do you do it?" I need to hold my head high and be proud of myself.

How do you do it?

A xx

Links to outfit- some items are out of stock so I have found some alternatives in the widget below that contains affiliate links. 

Jacket- H&M

Jeans- ASOS Mom Jeans

Pink Tshirt- Primark

White Trainers- New Look

So I have a new found love- we got Netflix, and I've got to say its the only thing I use to watch TV now, the amount you find on it is so good so what I thought I would do is show you my current Top 5 Netflix series to watch which I have to watch on my 4KTV Panasonic. 

1. Power

This show is about a duo who are drug dealers within America, the plot has twists and turns left right and centre and makes you wanting to watch an episode one after another. It includes affairs, family troubles, friendships and much more. Some of my friends don't tend to enjoy series with violence or drug gangs but after a couple of episodes even they were hooked! A must watch! I cannot wait for the next season. 

4. Little Boy Blue

Again another series based on a true story of the murder of a little boy in Liverpool UK. This series was originally shown on ITV but is now available to watch on Netflix. The way the story unfolds is so sad, you can feel the parents pain and see how those that committed the murder act in the most awful way. The story is shocking and so sad, I cried so much, it made me want to cuddle my little boy so tight. 

Me and my hair have a strange relationship consisting of me not looking after it like it deserves and therefore my hair punishing me for it. My hair has changed so much since having children, its frizzy and not easy to manage so I really need to start looking after it and putting some love back into it so when I was sent the Organic Shop haircare range I thought my hair would again love me. 

Organic shop is a range available at Tesco, they have various different products for different hair types, I chose the Avocado and Honey range for frizzy hair which is meant to help beat the frizz and restore shine. The range is affordable with the shampoo costing £2.50 for a 280ml bottle. 

The range boasts its vitamin packed product being "liquid gold" containing various oils and fruit extracts and no parabens.

The Lavish Avocado & Honey Repairing Shampoo was the first product I tested, I have to be honest I wasn't impressed though I really wanted to be! I felt I needed a lot of product to even begin to feel like it was cleaning my hair, the consistency wasn't creamy and I found it didn't smell of anything inparticular which was a shame as I love the idea of avocado and honey mixed together. I then went onto trying the conditioner which I got on with a bit better, it was a bit creamier and felt silky on my hair. 

The Lavish Avoado & Honey Repairing Shampoo also have a hair mask as part of the range, this intrigued me as I have never used a hair mask due to no time- mummy problems ey! The hair mask smelt stronger then the shampoo and conditioner and was thick and creamy which was fabulous to apply to the hair. I left the mask on for 5 minutes, its says 2-3 minutes but I didn't feel that was enough for my hair. The product washed off with ease and left my hair feeling silky and like it had the boost it needed but unfortunately it didn't have a last long effect so hopefully with continued use my hair will get less frizzy and feel loved. 

Overall I don't think I will be repurchasing anything from this range, I do love the pumps on the shampoo and conditioner and hope other brands go down the same route. The mask was my favourite product out of all three but again it didn't wow me like I would have wanted it to.

Have you tired this range before?

A xx

Makeup Revolution has always been a consistently good brand but one I forget until recently when they released the conceal and define concealer- which is still strong in my everyday makeup bag! Have reviewed it here if you want to go and have a little read. 

This palette has 15 different shades, from burnt orange to fiery red with mattes and the odd sparkly shade, it is a perfect palette for those who are a lover of Anastasia Beverly Hills Renaissance palette with all those warm tones perfect for any eye colour.

The eyeshadows are buttery and each shade has a good amount of product especially for the amazing price tag of only £4! yes you read that right...I repeat £4!! I found these easy to blend, super pigmented and I could create such stunning looks! The packaging isn't the best, its not "pretty" and is a cheap plastic with nothing to please the eye, but the product itself is what matters and boy is it worth it and something I will definitely want to be repurchasing. 

You can purchase this palette here.

Have you tried this palette?

A xx

Yesterday you turned 1, a day I didn't want, a day I wish would hold on for a while, why? Because you are my little baby, you still need me, you still want cuddles and want me near. I can't explain how it feels when your child turns a year older, it is happiness mixed with a little bit of pain, each year that passes means a year closer to you leaving to be your own person, a year closer to you not needing me anymore and this is what I fear but I know at the same time life is exciting, life is precious and I am proud of you and so lucky to be your mummy, lucky beyond belief and this I am grateful for.

You are beyond beautiful and all the little things you do make me fill with pride, the way you point towards the sky, the way you look with love, the way you growl and laugh. You have such a playful soul that is also kind and gentle. Mummy is proud of you.

You were born into a family who adore and love you more then words can express, you are my little angel who has completed the puzzle, you keep me warm and content. Some of my happiest moments are when I look into your eyes, see you smile, when you hold me tight, I thank you for loving me as your mummy. 

Little Nello....things to remember and do

Go on adventures

Explore the world around you

Don't wish to grow up, keep your little imagination alive for as long as you can

Chase that butterfly 

Go for walks and feel the wind against your face

Feel the sand between your toes feeling each grain 

Run into the sea with a smile on your face

Laugh till it hurts

Dance till your feet cant dance anymore

Love with all your heart

Be kind

Know that everyone is different and this makes us all beautiful

Smile at strangers

Always listen and be there for others

Help those less fortunate

Know that you are loved more then you can ever imagine, that you will always have mummy near you no matter when I may be, be it here or above the stars, don't forget that I have loved and will always love you with all I have. 

My Little Nello

xxxx

I do love fashion posts, and enjoy creating them and normally add a post to the fashion photos such as a lifestyle post or something that I think can help others but after a poll on twitter where people could vote what they preferred they voted they preferred fashion posts without a topic added and just wanted the picture and links, is this something you prefer too? Comment below as want my readers to be happy. 

Shop the look below

Earrings- LOTD
Top- Zara
Jeans- River Island, see link below
Shoes- Marks and Spencer
Watch Forge and Foster

If the items are no longer available I have tried to find alternatives below. 

My first Ebay post of 2018!

Straw Bag

£17.54

Oversized Denim Jacket

£13.90

g

Shirt With Lace Panel

£15.49

Shirt Dress

£19.55

Straw Bucket Bag

£8.98

Which is your favourite?

A x

My trusted MAC Cosmetics concealer was on its way out and I was on the hunt for a cheaper alternative. Makeup Revolution had recently released a new concealer, the Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer, apparently a dupe for the loved Tarte Shape Tape which is a huge pricey little number. 

I was unsure on what shade to chose so decided on C4 out of the 18 available shades which is such a good choice compared to other brands who offer only a handful of shades. The product has a lovely rose gold and irridescent packaging with a large sponge applicator.

The concealer is very creamy and slightly thicker then other concealers I have tried and dries a matte finish. I applied this concealer on a manic Monday morning with three little children needing my attention, as I applied this I actually paused and inhaled a deep breath of shock! Not dramatic at all is it....this concealer is everything I have been wanting from a concealer. This concealer not only covers dark circles but doesn't crease which is always the issue I find with concealers. The concealer is easy to apply and blend and lasts all day. I have to admit I am in love and it even beats my MAC concealer! For just £4 this is so worth the money and would highly recommend the Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer. 

Click here to view this product.

Have you tried this?

A 

I got to admit all I ever do is shop online adding things into basket without checking out...am I the only one who does that? So what better way to shop then create a wishlist for you to see what my current loves are.

I am currently on a quest to find the best mascara, I mean who isn't?!I have been a dedicated fan to Maxfactor Calorie 2000 yet for the past couple of years I found that it just doesn't seem to do the trick anymore, not sure if they changed the formula, so my quest to find a new mascara began. I have tried so many and never been impressed so when I saw Maybelline had a new mascara on offer I had to give it a try.

The Maybelline Total Temptation mascara packaging is something that caught my eye, it's a pastel peach/pink matte finish which I thought was pretty with a simple black label. The wand isn't too large but has great bristles that would pick up each eyelash. This mascara has a true black colour and though not waterproof did not budge when it was raining cats and dogs on me during the school run yet when taking off my eye makeup it wasn't difficult to remove so didn't result in me rubbing the life out of my poor eyes.

When I first opened the mascara wand I could smell coconut and realised it was the mascara! The coconut scent is due to the coconut infused formula, Coconut is good for enriching your hair so am sure it would be good for the lashes too, but if you aren't into scents then I wouldn't go for this mascara as it does have an obvious scent but I personally love! This Maybelline Total Temptation mascara is so good! I honestly love this, it really thickens my lashes and lengthens too! I am so happy to find this highstreet gem and it only costs £8.99!

Shop here for an offer on this mascara! 

       
       

A xx

Disclaimer: This blog post has an affiliate link 

Now you have probably heard of Glossier, a company founded by beauty editors who say you have to think of skincare like makeup who categorize the products into two phases and you will be happy to know are cruelty free. Today I am reviewing the Glossier Rose Balm Dotcom.

First things first, look at the packaging!! Now I don't know about you but I am a sucker for packaging, for pretty things that attract the eye and Glossier have got that perfecto! With simple yet pretty pastel shades adorning each product. They have six different balms in various fragrances, though I have to admit I don't smell the rose that much at all.

When I first got this product and tested it I immediately thought of the Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream which like this product you can use on your lips, elbows, dry skin patches anything that needs some love. Glossier label this product as a "universal skin salve" I have used this on my hands, lips, dry patches and found it to add a much needed boost of moisture, it isn't sticky and the thick consistency soon melts into the skin. It is definitely hydrating and being packed with antioxidants it is a bit of goodness for the skin which makes my skin sing Halleluiah! 

I like the consistency and packaging, the product does what it says on the tin though I don't think I would pay £10 for this as you can get other products on the market that pretty much do the same thing for half the price. I really want to try other products in the Glossier range as hear such great things, here is the link to have a peek at all the pretty products.

Have you tried Glossier?

A x

I have done so much research into the skincare products I am craving for my skin. I am 32, I will soon be 33 and this scares the life out of me, where has the time gone?! Not only that, but I have also noticed how my skin is suddenly ageing. I haven't been the kindest to my skin, I have never been amazing with skincare and since children well lets not even discuss how that has gone down for my skin. 

I have always religiously taken off my makeup before bed, that is something I have always stuck by so now I need to ensure I create and stick to a really good skincare routine. 

So I need to find the following....

Cleanser....

I really fancy the sound of the Elemis cleansing balm, firstly because its meant to smell of a spa and who doesn't appreciate a bit of a spa sensation at home? Secondly its meant to have really good anti-ageing properties which is something I NEED! Have you tried this product?

Another cleanser I fancy is the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, a blogger must have product that has my favourite rose scent whilst being gentle and easy to use. I love a simple yet effective product that does what it says on the tin.

Exfoliator....

A must have I getting rid of those dreaded dead skin cells and giving your skin a well deserved deep clean, so the Origins Ginzing scrub is right up my street. This brand has always been on my wishlist, such great reviews and a boost of caffeine to brighten the skin.

Serum....

Kiehls Midnight Recovery is a product I am desperate to try, with beautiful oils to help with anti ageing and renewal as well as lavender oil to help you sleep. This oil works its magic whilst you sleep, perfect if you ask me!

Toning...

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid, this brand is so affordable and again a no fuss does what it says on the tin with some amazing reviews. The ingredients help with anti ageing and keeping the skin rejuvenated.


Another product I am desperate to try after reading so many great reviews is the Pixi Glow Tonic, which is an exfoliating toner so wasn't sure which bracket to put this in. This tonic tones, firms and tightens the skin as well as removing those pesky dead skin cells.

Face Oil....

The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil, a product renowned for its anti ageing properties and again a brand that I have to try with amazing reviews for the fraction of the price of even highstreet brands!

Moisturiser..

I am lusting over is the Glossier Priming Moisturiser Rich, I have not heard a bad review on this product leaving the skin nourished, moisturised, plump and feeling quite frankly beautiful.



Then for a night cream I would love to repurchase the Alpha H Liquid Gold which is actually classed as a facial oil but I would use this instead of a night cream. This is one product that I would repurchase over and over again, I honestly loved using this and felt my skin fell in love with Alpha H Liquid Gold. It left my skin looking so plump, refreshed, clear and happy.

Which products are you currently lusting over?

Shop some of my wish list below


A xx

If you haven't heard already I am on a skincare quest in 2018...its time to actually stick to and invest in my skin, my skin has officially breathed a sigh of relief!

I needed to use something aside from my micellar water to help remove all my makeup and to just make me feel like I was actually doing something for my skin, so when I popped into my local Superdrug I found this L'Oréal Fine Flowers Gel Cream Wash which is meant to be good for dry and sensitive skin.


I don't have sensitive skin but after baby n.3 my skin has changed so much, I have dry patches on my nose, under my eyes where as the other areas of my face seem a little confused on what type it is. I opted for this wash as a quick addition to my micellar water as by the time I get to take off my makeup I am frazzled and my children take up all the extra minutes I have.

The wash contains no soap and alcohol so kind to the skin, its contains rose and jasmine. Rose helps to maintain the skins PH balance, it also helps irritated skin and to clear pores. Jasmine helps the skin by reducing the appearance of age spots and helps provide natural moisture to the skin.


The packaging on this tube is so pretty with a rose petal and soft pink colour. The tube is pretty cheap, I found this for £4.00 and is lasting me a long time as you don't need much at all. Simply squeeze out the product and dab on damp skin then work the product in circular motions which lathers up then rinse off, as simple as that. The product is so gentle and lovely, it helps remove any makeup and dirt, it leaves my skin looking fresh and clean as well as feeling like it has added a boost of well needed moisture. I would recommend this little gem as a quick fix product for all us busy people.

I need to start researching into my skincare and looking into finding some really good products especially ones that help with anti ageing, something I am crying for as I creep further into my 30s.

What products would you recommend?

A xx

What a year 2017 has been, I had my last little bundle of joy and have realised that you need to live your life the best you can, being kind and being happy within your skin and not to rely on others to do that for you, you are your own warrior and your own rainbow on the  journey we call life. I feel that I need to do a lot of "finding myself" in 2018, and yes I am 32 with three children and a good job but its only until this point that I feel I have lost me and need to find myself and find a path of acceptance, accepting who I am and that I am great just the way I am. I need to learn to not allow people to put me down, to shut those people off and to not allow negative energy consume me.

I have always tried to put others before me, ensuring I am always checking up on how they are and doing things to make them smile, but through hard times you realise that most of those people will not be that kind of person for you. Life is a journey where you are always learning, learning about friendships and how these change and that some may leave and some may grow. I need to learn that its okay to let go of people and not to keep trying to hang on, if they want to be my friend they will be and they will accept me for who I am. I find I go very quiet when things aren't great, I exclude myself from everything and pretend all is fine but in actual fact its awful, those people who notice that and take the time to check how I am, to ensure they are there for me are those I will treasure. 

I have found some things I will change, some things that I will start to do to ensure I bring myself to a point where I feel better within myself. I have found some books that I will read and keep to inspire and  motivate me, as well as help change my way of thinking. I will make sure I start to think its okay to do that, its okay to have a night with friends, its okay to have a bath instead of clean the kitchen! IT IS OKAY! I always feel guilty and that I shouldn't be doing certain things because I am unable to, I need to start changing that thinking to YES I will do that and that its acceptable to want to see friends or to choose a bath over cleaning. 

Here are the books I am going to use to help me on this journey.

Kindness- the little thing that matters the most

Jaime Thurston

A book to discover kindness in myself and others

The little book of mindfulness- 10 minutes a day to less stress, more peace

Dr Patrizia Collard

A book to find peace within, filled with yoga and ways to feed the mind

The little book of Hygge

Meik Wiking

How to explore the Danish way of life, by candlelight and changing your way of life. 

I can do a full review on each book so you can see which you would like to add to your collection.

I need to mend me and to make sure that I don't allow people to stop that journey, I hope you all have peace and happiness within, if not then join me and lets do this!!

What books would you recommend?

A xx