I Love A Good Tart | Yankee Candle Haul

 I love me a good candle, I find they can really change my mood within minutes and they help set a relaxing atmosphere! Yankee candles are my favourite as there are so many different scents for whatever mood you fancy. They are also really good value for money - who knew candles could be soo expensive (Neom, I'm looking at you!) When I saw that you could get 10 tarts and only pay for 8 on Yankee Direct I made my order pretty sharpish! 

I picked up a couple of my favourite scent ever, Black Coconut, a few summer scents but also couldn't resist some Christmas/wintery scents like Christmas Cookie! The thing I love with the tarts that you can try a scent on a small scale before biting the bullet and buying a jar. Although the tarts are small they do pack a big punch  when it comes to scent. I add a tart to my burner and light a little tea light and off I go. Although Yankee says the tarts can last 8 hours, I'd say they last a whole lot longer than that as I tend to burn 1 tart each night for a few hours and it can last a week or sometimes longer depending on the scent type of the tart.

I've started to store my tarts in a glass storage bowl as they are too pretty and colourful to store away in a drawer! Every time I walk passeed I cant help but take the lid of the container to get a wiff of the loveliness inside! 

Although I've never tried it you can mix up tarts to create your own scents which is such a good idea, I just panic that I may not like the scent I make so just stick with what I know. I have seen though that on the Yankee Direct website they give different ideas on Mixology, I like the sound of Laundry Day which is Fluffy Towels and Clean Cotton. I have both so may give that a try later on this evening, I'll keep you posted! 

Do you like Yankee Candles? What's your favourite? 

Review | Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

Hair for me is more a pain then a pleasure. 99.9% of the time you will find me with my hair up in my regimented ballerina bun, if your lucky I might have my doughnut in, but noway will it be in a normal ponytail let alone down! My hair is just out of control, its not straight, but not fully curly, its that in between which is a nightmare to maintain. Any small bit of heat or humidity and BOOM I'm a scarecrow. Because of this I've pretty much given up on with my tresses. 

Despite all of the above I do like to try new things now and again to see if I will finally find something to tame my very dry out of control hair, and I hate to admit it but I think the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer is a little bit of a game changer for me! You use this as a pre-shampoo, so you wet your hair before your shower or bath, massage into the mid and ends of your hair. I leave it for about 20 minutes before rinsing off and using shampoo and conditioner as normal. The formula is designed to add a big burst of moisture into your hair which gives hair elasticity and bounce and doesn't make it heavy. 

From the first use of this little baby my hair felt softer and and looked in better condition, to the point where I actually wore my hair in a pony tail shock horror. I've used this a couple of times since the first use and its only got better. I'd like to use it once a week to get the full results but it all honesty I find it a bit of a faff having to wet my hair then wait around for 20 minutes before even stepping foot in the shower, but you know what they say, pain is beauty! And it is a pretty big pain in the butt! 

This little sample size I received in a beauty box which was a blessing as I'd never have picked it up on the off chance as it has quite a hefty price tag of £28 for 150ml! Now in my books that's an extravagant purchase, but now I've tried it and loved it I'll definitely consider picking it up again. 

Have you tried anything from Philip Kingsley? What has been your most

expensive hair product?

The Reading Habits Tag

In the past few months I have most definitely got back into reading, which I didnt think would ever happen. Up until I was about 15 I was the biggest book worm going, I loved reading and would choose it over doing anything else, mainly because I shared a room with my younger sister and she watched rubbish TV. Then I discovered social media and the internet and it all went down hill from there. I'm now making time to read, mostly on my lunch breaks at work and in the evenings before bed. I saw Hayley from Water Painted Dreams had taken part in a great tag and I couldn't help but join in! 

1. Do you have a certain place at home where you read?

Always in my bed, its my favourite place.

2. Bookmark or random piece of paper? 

You know when your in the fragrance department and you squirt the perfume on a bit of paper? 

Well currently I have one of those as my bookmark. I've been known to have

 a train ticket and even a bit of tissue as my bookmark in the past! 

3. Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter or a certain number of pages?

I haven't really noticed before but generally I'll read until the end of the chapter or at a suitable stopping point. 

4. Do you eat or drink when reading? 

I love a cup of tea and a book so I'm okay with that but add food into the mix and it gets complicated. Eating just takes my focus away from the book. 

 5. Do you watch TV or listen to music whilst reading?

I dont mind it low in the background but I find if I zone in one word or sentence I lose focus in the book and pay more attention to whats on the TV.

6. One book at a time or several at once?

It depends how I'm getting on with the book. I have a couple I'm a mid way through as they got a bit heavy going so I switched to something a bit more light-hearted. I will eventually go back to them but I'll never actively read more than one book at one time. 

7. Reading at home or everywhere?

9/10 I have a book on me so I'm ready to read a chapter here or there if I have a spare moment. I kind of wish I had to use public transport so I had time to read on my commute. My sister however will read whilst walking to work !

8. Reading out loud or silently in your head? 

Always in my head, its too time consuming to read aloud. 

9. Do you read head or skip pages?

If you skipped pages you might miss out on something important! Although I do sometimes skim read certain sections if I'm getting impatient and want to get to the nitty gritty of a story line. 

10. Breaking the spine or keeping it new?

I'm totally torn on this question. I always keep my books in pristine condition, to the point where people may question whether I'd actually read any of my collection! I do think that books with broken spines do look well loved. 

11. Do you write in your books?

Nope never have. 

12. What are you currently reading? 

I've just recently started Peach Blossom Pavilion by Mingmei Yip and so far so good. Its a very interesting story about a Chinese prostitution house in the 1910's from the point of view of a young girl who was unknowingly sent to live in 'Peach Blossom Pavilion'. 

Recipe | White Chocolate Blocks

Everyone around these parts knows that I'm slightly addicted to Pinterest so you wont be surprised to know that this is where I picked up this really simple but to die for chocolate treat recipe! I know I'm trying to make healthy choices at the moment I just couldn't help myself with this one. 

You only need 3 ingredients and your good to go!  

• A bag of mini marshmallows
• 2 blocks of white good chocolate
• Sprinkles

 First off you need to start with melting the chocolate, I did this pretty easily in the microwave. Just put the broken up pieces into a non-metallic bowl (I don't think you need to ask why!) and microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring regularly to make sure its all fully melted and there are no hidden pieces. When its ready stir in the marshmallows, making sure they are fully coated in chocolate. You'll need to work fast on this as if you take too long the warm chocolate will melt the marshmallows which is not what you want. 

Now you'll need to transfer the mixture into a dish, line it with greaseproof paper so its easy to remove. Push it all to edges of the dish and make its all even on top. Next up, make it pretty! Add sprinkles all over the top, I say more the better! Now for me the next step was the hardest...trying to find some room in the freezer! You want to chocolate to cool as quickly as possible so the marshmallows stay in one piece and don't turn into a sticky mess. After about 20 minutes take out of the freezer and let the yummy white goodness return to room temperature so you can easily cut it up.

See bet you didn't think it would be that easy to make such a yummy treat! These were definitely a hit in my house, so much so I think I'll be making a new batch very soon! Maybe next time I'll try mix it up and try some different variations. 

I ❤ Sundays #2

Tea is always the answer - New book - Friday - Left over pizza - I won!
- Saturday breakfast - Costa & Bloglovin session - Bills is coming to my town! - Made it to the gym

This week it feels like all I have done it eat! Although you probably cant tell that from my pictures, I'm pretty crappy at taking food pics, I'm far too greedy and get stuck in before I even cast a thought to getting a snap! On Tuesday I went out for dinner with my mum, sister and nan to celebrate my mum bagging herself a new job! I know she has been very apprehensive trying to find a new job after being in her current one for 14 years so I'm so proud! On Thursday Allan treated my to a trip to Zizzi's after he managed to get a tax rebate - why doesn't that happen to me! I got a bit dough happy, we had garlic bread and I opted for massive pizza which of course I couldn't manage so took the rest home for lunch on Friday. 

At the end of the week we had our quarterly awards at work, as I've mentioned before our awards are work are a pretty big deal. We all attend the local golf club and there's an award ceremony, I wasn't expecting it at all, but I won an award! I was very shocked as this quarter (well this year really) has been testing me a lot, but it does make me feel that the blood sweat and tears are all worth it. The prize is Luxury Power Boat Day or you can opt for vouchers. I think I'm going to take the vouchers so I can stock up on holiday clothes ready for our holiday at the end of August. 

As its was my dads birthday on Friday we went out again to Bella Italia which was really nice, I love spending time with my family and Allan, it makes me smile as they get on so well. Although me and my sister was getting quite bored with all the football talk - thank god that's over after tonight! 

If you read last weeks first I ❤ Sundays post you will know that I made it my aim to make it to the gym. Well after lots of different excuses stopping me going during the week I finally donned my trainers and headed to the gym this morning! It was so hot that I don't think I've ever sweat that much, but damn it felt good! Leaving the gym I stuck on the radio and blared Kisstory singing along to Destiny's Child, I definitely felt better after that work out! Maybe next week I'll be able to make a few more trips, as I love the after gym feeling - its just finding the motivation to go in the first place! 

Sorry about the ramble guys, I just love nattering away - I'm kind of a chatter box and it always translates into my posts, which I say is a good thing :) 

What have you been up to this week?

Fitness Wishlist #1

GAP Shorts - FT4 Watch - Vest -
Gym Bag - Trainers 

Everyone needs the right tools for the job right? In my quest to find out if I actually have any fitness levels at all I think its only right that I kit myself out correctly, even if it doesn't help me to physically train it will at least give me a bit more motivation if I'm wearing some new gladrags, right?

Although I might not be brave enough to get my legs out in the gym if I did the shorts from GAP would be perfect, gym chic without looking like I'm trying too hard, they seem pretty lightweight and not too clingy. Whilst I might not know the ins and out I do see a lot of fitness gurus taking snap shots of their Polar FT4 watches after they've clocked up hours in the gym and I want in on the action. I can imagine seeing the calorie burn on the screen is enough to spur anyone on.

Scrolling through Etsy is one of my new favourite things, on one Etsy session I came across a pretty cute workout top available in plenty of different colours, I couldn't help but smile! I may not have the muscles, yet but who doesn't love a slogan top! I can count the amount of trainers I've had since I left school on 1 hand finger. I hate trainers, or so I thought but who knew there were so many different types, all different colours and patterns! I need in on this trainer action and these Nike trainers are a good start, now I have no idea whether the type is good but bloody hell don't they look good! As I'm going to be such a gym bunny I need something to lug around all my gym bits and this Nike bag was perfect, big enough for all the essentials but small enough that I'm not carrying the world on my shoulder!

Who would have thought that I'd be spending hours seeking out gym clothes, definitely not me that's for sure! I'm just hoping that I find something somewhere deep inside which gives me the motivation to get to the gym time and time again. Watch this space...

Do you find a good workout outfit helps? How do you motivate yourself?

I ❤ Sundays #1

IMATS goodies - Relaxing in the bath - Late night bun & cuppa -
Getting into holiday mode - Small things - Disney makes everyone better

I've yet to do a weekly update post which is kinda strange as I love reading what people have got up during the week, what they have been loving and having a peek at their pictures. These Sunday posts of mine will most likely vary week to week, but they will have the same idea running throughout. 

This week I have mostly being getting over the flu. After an amazing day at IMATs last Saturday I came down with the flu and spend the next few days resting up in bed. My plan for Sunday and Monday evening was to get back into the swing of blogging, take lots of pictures and getting drafting but I couldnt muster up the energy to get out of bed let along pick up my camera. I did however manage to watch Anastasia and Sleeping Beauty! I forgot how amazing Disney Films are. I've made it my aim to watch a few more, I just need to get my hands on Sword in the Stone. 

Whilst the rest of the week was pretty mundane a trip to Nandos with my sister did put a smile on my face, even if she was distracting me from blog duties! I'm so easily distracted...

Getting away for the weekend is my favourite thing to do and more often than not you'll find me hiding away in Brighton. My boyfriend lives down here so coming down is quite a regular occurrence but its always like  a little holiday. This weekend we've spent the weekend relaxing, watching football much to my dismay and also a trip to Nando's for Allan's friends birthday. Today we have friends over for Sunday lunch so Allan is rolling his sleeves up in the kitchen and making a monster roast! No doubt there will be a picture on Instagram as evidence (you can follow me here). I've even made my first Banoffee pie for desert, my mum makes the best so I've got a lot to live up to! 

Next week I'm hoping to finally make it the gym, find out if I managed it next Sunday! Dont hold your breath though ;) 

I hope you liked reading my first I ❤ Sunday post. Is there anything else you would like to see me write? 

Empties #4

This post would have been up hours ago if my sister hadnt forced invitited me to Nandos, well who can resist chicken and halloumi cheese? Definitley not me.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love reading and writing these posts. Tried and tested products with mini reviews all tied up in one pretty little blog post!

Superdrug Vitamin E Gentle Eye Make Up Remover - I love a good Vitamin E product, nice and gentle non offensive smell and pretty moisturising and that pretty much sums up this one too. It did take a few swipes to wipe off stubborn mascara, so dont be thinking this will take off Benefit They're Real with ease but will tackle most non waterproof make up. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water - I didn't have high hopes for this, I've gone a bit meh for micellar type waters but this turnt out to be a winner. Didnt dry my eyes out like some waters do, didnt drag or leave a horrible reside behind. The only thing that is putting my off repurchasing is the price, £10 for only 100ml! 

Would I repurchase? If I have some spare pennies

Botanics All Bright Hydrating Night Cream - When my finger tip reached the bottom of this little tub my heart sank a little. I love this stuff teamed with The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil, I even dedicated a blog post to the pair here so I wont harp on about it any longer. Well other than, try it! 

Would I repurchase it? Yes

Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark Brown - There's always going to be a dry shampoo that pops up somewhere. This little guy I got for free when I was out shopping in Brighton, score! Like most I love a bit of Batiste and the Dark Brown version is a favourite as there is no white caste, but still does the job like the original. 

Would I repurchase? There's always 1 waiting in the wings

Soap and Glory Flake Away - Need a never ending tub of body scrub? This is the stuff you need. I felt like this was sitting in my shower for so long even though I used it regularly. It was a really good scrub, there was enough abrasion without being drying as it did leave a slight silky residue behind which personally I like. As with most S&G products its very sweet smelling, my sister said it smelt like holiday which is down the Shea Butter, sea salts and almond oils. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

ELF Daily Brush Cleaner - Spot cleaning brushes is important, aint nobody got time to clean a brush each and every day. A couple of squirts of this on a cotton pad, and a quick swirl of all the brushes you've used that day means the brushes are cleaner for longer. This little bottle kept me going for quite some months and the squirty top really helped. I'm using the No7 one at the moment and the pump is AWFUL! For £3.50 you cannot go wrong.

Would I repurchase? In bulk 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion - There was nothing dramatically different about my skin after using this. I've the little 30ml bottle on the go for about a year now, just using it for travelling as its so diddly but honestly I wont miss it. Maybe my skin just didnt get on with it but it would take ages to soak in as it was quite thick. I've now got a mini of the new version, hopefully the formula has been improved this time round. 

Would I repurchase? Nope 

Burts Bees Pink Grapefruit - If your into your lip balms you'll know that this is a winner in the moisturising stakes. I used this every morning before putting on my make up, it left them feeling nice and smooth whilst the smell really perked me up. Not usually being a fan of pink grapefruit I wasnt sure if it would be my bag but I was wrong. The good thing about the formula is that its not soft like the Baby Lips which means you don't get through it so easily. I'd now love to try more in the Burts Bees range. 

Would I repurchase? When I get through the 100s of lip balms I have on the go at the moment

Out with the old in with the new ;) 

Have you tried any of these bits?