Friday 30 December 2016

Lush Boxing Day Sale Haul

December 30, 2016 0 Comments

I don't normally care about the Boxing Day sales but every year people always rave about the Lush sale because it only happens once a year, so this year I'd thought I'd try my luck.

I didn't visit the shop as I had no way of getting there so I placed an order online (OMG talk about stressful) So many people were trying to access the website that they had a queue system in place and their website crashed numerous time. At one point there were 80,000 people in front of me and I felt like giving up. Finally after half a day I reached the front of the queue expecting everything to be sold out, but surprisingly I managed to pick up 7 things including 2 Kitchen Exclusive items.


Here's what I bought..




Luxury Lush Pud
I mainly bought Lush's Christmas range because 1) they were really cheap and 2) they only come out once a year so thought I'd better stock up. This is one of my favourite Christmas bath bombs and I buy one every year.  It has lavender in it which makes for a relaxing bath and the colours are so pretty when it is placed in the water.





Northern Lights
The next bath bomb I got was Northern Lights. This is actually the first time I've bought this and I'm excited to try it. One side is blue and the other is yellow, and from videos I've seen, when placed in the bath it makes for an epic show. It has a floral type of scent to it which hits you when you first smell it but isn't too overpowering.



Shoot For The Stars
This is another one of my favourite Christmas bath bombs that Lush bring out. They've changed the design this year to 3 big stars instead of 1 shooting star, but the scent is still the same which I'm so happy about. The stars are bath melts and have cocoa butter in them which leaves my skin feeling super soft. 



Never Mind The Ballistics
This is a new bath bomb that Lush have brought out as part of their 2016 Christmas range. I haven't used it yet so am excited to try it but I love the design of it. It looks like a ball from a birds eye view which is so creative, and has a bath melt coating on the top which is obvious when you hold it. I like the fact that Lush are combining bath melts with bath bombs in their Christmas range, so you get the benefits of both.


The Christmas Penguin
When I saw Lush still had some of these on sale I clicked add to basket so fast. I mean just look how cute it is, it almost makes me not want to use him. The Christmas Penguin is a bubble bar and can be crumbled under running water to fill your bath with lots of bubbles. It also turns the bath a calming light blue colour, perfect to help you relax after a long day.



Golden Slumbers
This was something I picked up from the Lush Kitchen. On their website they say it is only sold as part of the Lush Spa gift set and not separately, so I'm happy that I managed to get one. This is the perfect bath bomb to use before bed as it includes lots of calming oils such as lavender and chamomile. The bath bomb itself has glitter on the top to make it sparkle and just by smelling it, I can tell lavender is a key ingredient.



Cyanide Pill
The last thing I bought was also from the Lush Kitchen. This was a Lush Oxford Street exclusive product so I never got the chance to try it when it was in the shop. It contains almond oil, lemon oil and cedarwood oil and smells like vanilla which makes it quite sweet (I love sweet scents though so doesn't bother me) One side of the pill is yellow and the other is white, which makes it similar to Northern Lights as the colours mix together from both ends. Lush's website also say it contains a surprise in the middle which turns out is popping candy. I cannot wait to see it in the bath.

Saturday 24 December 2016

Christmas Q&A

December 24, 2016 0 Comments


HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYONE!!! 

For today's post I asked my Instagram followers to ask me some Christmassy questions that I could answer. Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a question.



Favourite Christmas Movie?

Elf, it's such a classic Christmas film

Favourite Christmas Song?

 All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey (along with a billion other people) However I also love Fairytale of New York by The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl and Driving Home For Christmas by Chris Rea.

Favourite Christmas present you have received?

This is a difficult one but one of my favourite presents has to be my very first iPhone. A trusty old iPhone 4S.

Does your Christmas tree have a theme?

Not normally, however for the past 2 years it's been red and gold and this year we've added lights to it.

What's your favourite Christmas tradition?

My favourite Christmas tradition is putting the tree and all the decorations up, but I also love opening my advent calendar throughout December. I mean what's not to love about getting to eat chocolate every morning?


Giving or receiving gifts?

100% giving gifts. I just love seeing the other person's face when they open it, especially if it's something I know they're going to love.

Favourite part of Christmas dinner?

Pigs in blankets of course.

What's on your Christmas list this year?

There's not a lot on my Christmas list this year, because the older I get the less there is I want. However I have asked for some Nike Roshe One shoes, an Urban Decay palette and some Zoella Lifestyle goodies.

Ice skating or Skiing?

Ice skating (even though I suck at it)

Favourite memory of 2016?

I've made so many amazing memories this year. However attending V Festival this summer was one of my favourites. It was my first ever festival and I can't wait to attend more. Another of my favourite memories was meeting one of my favourite YouTubers Oli White. 


I hope you all have an amazing Christmas and get everything you asked for.

 I'll be posting another blog post just before the new year but until then MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!


Sunday 18 December 2016

Top 5 Favourite Christmas Films

December 18, 2016 0 Comments


Christmas is only a week away, so if you haven't started watching Christmas films already, now is the perfect time.


To celebrate the fact it's almost Christmas, here are a list of my top 5 favourite Christmas films. (there are so many more I love, but these are the ones I find myself watching time and time again.)





Elf is such a classic Christmas film and I watch it every year without fail. It stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf who is obsessed with Santa and all things Christmas. I've watched this film so many times I could probably say it word for word. If somebody watches this film and doesn't enjoy it then they "sit on a throne of lies."  (If you've seen the film you'll understand that quote)





The next film on my list is Arthur Christmas. This film only came out in 2011 but since then I've watched it numerous times. It follows the journey of Santa's son Arthur delivering the last present to a little girl who Santa forgot.  I love how magical this film is and it reminds me of when I was a child, waiting for Santa to come in the hope he would bring me the present I'd asked for.



Another classic Christmas film is The Grinch, although I only watched this for the first time a few years ago. It is based on Dr Suess' book How The Grinch Stole Christmas and stars Jim Carrey. It tells the story of The Grinch who hates Christmas, and will do everything he can to spoil everyone else's. However he soon realises the true meaning of Christmas. I love how funny this film is and just like Elf there are so many quotes in it, that you'll find yourself saying time and time again.




I love Romantic Comedies and I love anything Christmas themed so this film is perfect for me. Love Actually tells 10 individual stories of people whose relationships are tested in the build up to Christmas. It has an all star cast which includes big names such as Keira Knightley, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. I love how this film takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions with all the ups and downs. It also makes you realise that "Love Actually is all around."




Although not technically a Christmas film, I couldn't not include Frozen in my top 5. I mean it was released near Christmas and has a song called Do You Wanna Build A Snowman (snowmen are Christmassy.) I'll be honest when this film first came out I didn't see what the fuss was about, but now it is one of my all time favourite films. It tells the story of 2 sisters, Elsa and Anna. Elsa has magical powers and has accidentally put an eternal winter on her home town Arendelle. Anna tries to stop this with some help from Kristoff, Sven and Olaf. This film always puts a smile on my face and the songs are mega catchy (Let It Go anyone?) 


So those are my top 5 Christmas films which always get me into the Christmas spirit.


What are your favourite Christmas films?


Sunday 11 December 2016

What I Got My Dog For Christmas 2016

December 11, 2016 0 Comments
Today I thought I would do a little haul of everything I've bought my dog for Christmas from The Hungry Hounds Bakery.


For those not familiar with The Hungry Hounds Bakery, it's a company that make so many cute handmade things for dogs. They do Birthday cakes/ treats, toys, collars, basically everything you'd need to spoil your pooch. They also have the nicest customer service which for me personally is a must when ordering from somewhere.

I first came across this company at the beginning of the year when looking for a Birthday cake for my dog. I placed an order and a few days later the most impressive dog friendly cake arrived (my dog loved it FYI) Since then I have placed many more orders with them.

As soon as I saw that they had their Christmas range in I couldn't help myself.

Here's what I bought ....

WOOF Fillable Stocking - £5.99
The first thing I bought was this adorable stocking. I always get a stocking at Christmas, so thought it was only right that my dog gets to join in on the fun, I'm planning to fill this with some of the other goodies I've bought him. I just love the pattern on this, and it has a loop on top so you can hang it above the fire place alongside your own stocking.


Reindeer Rope Tug Toy - £8.99
The next thing I bought was this Reindeer Rope Tug Toy. My dog absolutely loves playing tug of war with his tug toys, so this is the perfect gift for him. However I kind of don't want to give it to him because look how cute it is.


Festive Boxed Dog Safe Chocolates - £10.50
The next thing I bought was this festive box of chocolates that are safe for dogs. We all love to munch on chocolates especially at Christmas time. These chocolates ensure your dog gets some sweet treats too. These chocolates are made using carob (a dog-friendly substitute for chocolate) and come decorated with cute little holly leaves. I also love the packaging, it's such a nice finishing touch.


Reindeer Cookies - £3.99

Christmas Tarts - £4.99


The next thing I bought were these Christmas tarts and reindeer cookies. The Christmas tarts come in a pack of 3 and the reindeer cookies come in a pack of 4. I just love how Christmassy they are, and they remind me of Christmas cookies and tarts the supermarkets sell but in dog form. 





They both come in this adorable packaging which says Merry Woofmas! on it. I'm a sucker for cute Christmas packaging like how can you not love this? Even though I know my dog is going to appreciate the treats more than the packaging, I couldn't not take a picture of it to show you.


Bowtie/Cookie Box Set - £10.50 
 The final thing I bought was this bowtie/cookie boxset. It contains a bowtie and  a Christmas tree shaped biscuit.


The bowtie has Velcro on the back and easily attaches to your dog's collar. I got the red Santa design and I absolutely love it. I'm going to put it on my dog's collar on Christmas Day and I know he's going to look handsome in it. I also adore the detail on the Christmas tree biscuit and the little paw print on the top which is their version of a star.



With my order I also received this complimentary herbal tea for dogs. It's basically tea for dogs which helps them with their digestion and breath. It can be served as a drink or sprinkled over their food. I'm quite excited to give my dog this and to see if he likes it, because I've never seen anything like this before.


So that is everything I bought my dog for Christmas. Normally I don't buy him so many things at once but as it's Christmas it's only right that he gets spoiled too, because he's a huge part of my family.

If you have a dog I highly recommend you check out The Hungry Hounds Bakery because you'll be surprised at how much amazing and unique stuff they sell.

Sunday 4 December 2016

My Top 10 Christmas Adverts

December 04, 2016 0 Comments
I can't believe that we're in December already, this year has literally flown by!!

One of my favourite things about this time of year though is all the Christmas adverts that get released by different companies. So to honour that here is a list of my top 10 Christmas adverts.

It was really hard to narrow it down because there are so many amazing/heartwarming adverts out there, but here are the ones I finally decided on ....

1) John Lewis - The Long Wait 



John Lewis always bring out the most heart warming/emotional Christmas adverts. However their 2011 one still remains my favourite. This is mostly because the advert is not what it seems at first glance, and when you find out the real reason the little boy is so excited for Christmas it can't help but put a smile on your face.


2) Coca Cola - Holidays Are Coming 



Every year I always say the same thing "It's not Christmas until you see the Coca Cola advert." Even though this advert has been around for years it's an absolute classic, and I can't help but get excited when I see the Coca Cola truck on TV.


3) M&S -  Christmas With Love From Mrs Claus



This is M&S' (Marks And Spencer) Christmas advert for this year and it is the sweetest thing ever. This advert really portrays what everyone wants at Christmas and that is for their loved ones to be happy. It also makes me wish that I had a sibling.


4) Sainsbury's - The Greatest Gift



Another advert that has been released for Christmas 2016 and possibly my favourite offering of the year is by Sainsbury's. It includes an insanely catchy song sung by James Corden (I actually can't stop singing it) and the animation is just amazing. It follows a similar message to M&S' advert and focuses on the family side of Christmas and how that's the best gift there is.


5) John Lewis - Man On The Moon


Like I mentioned previously John Lewis nail their Christmas adverts every year, so I had to include another one of their offerings in my top 10. This is their 2015 advert and it really pulls on the heartstrings. It's in partnership with Age UK and tells the story of how lonely some people can be at Christmas.


6) Amazon - A Priest And Imam Meet For A Cup Of Tea


This is Amazon's advert for 2016, although they don't mention it is a Christmas advert the message it portrays makes it seem that way. It's a story about 2 friends from different religions who both share the same problem. They then surprise each other with a gift to help with that problem. I love this advert so much. The message it portrays is, we all have similar problems/pain regardless of who we are and what we believe in. Amazon have gotten this across in a really beautiful way, making for a heartwarming advert.


7) Boots - #SpecialBecause



Not everybody gets the luxury of having Christmas Day off. This is something that Boots highlight in their 2014 Christmas advert. It tells the story of a mum who is working on Christmas Day as a nurse and cannot celebrate with her family. Her family then surprise her by travelling from all over to be with her on Boxing Day. It's such a tearjerker but highlights what Christmas is all about, being loving and caring.


8) Sainsbury's - 1914



The second Sainsbury's advert to feature on my top 10 list is their 2014 Christmas advert titled 1914. Based on a true story from the first world war, where on 25th December 1914 some British soldiers and some German soldiers left their trenches for a game of football. I love how they've recreated that moment in this advert. It really tugs at the heartstrings and shows that even during one of the darkest times in history, nothing beats human kindness.


9) Argos - I Can Shop From Here



I can't believe I almost left this advert out. This is Argos' 2012 Christmas advert featuring the Argos aliens. I used to love the Argos aliens and all the adverts were so funny. I'm gutted they got rid of them. This advert basically shows their app and how you can shop from anywhere using it but adds humour to it. Please bring the aliens back Argos.



10) Toys R Us - There's A Magical Place



The advert completing my top 10 list is the Toys R Us advert. Just like the Coca Cola advert it's an absolute classic, and one that has been shown every year since I was a child. The song is so catchy and one that will be stuck in your head for ages.


What are your favourite Christmas adverts? 


Sunday 27 November 2016

November Favourites 2016

November 27, 2016 0 Comments
As November draws to a close, I thought I would do a post about some of the things I've been loving throughout this month.


M&M Hot Chocolate


With the weather getting colder I love nothing more than drinking a hot chocolate before bed, topped with whipped cream and marshmallows. This month I discovered M&M hot chocolate and it is one of the nicest hot chocolates I've had in a long time. It contains mini M&M's which melt when water/milk is added, to give you a chocolatey taste right down to the last sip. It is so easy to make as well, you put 3-4 teaspoons in a mug then pour in warm milk or water (I prefer to use milk as I feel that it gives it an extra special taste) stir with a spoon then it's ready to drink. 


Cadbury White Chocolate Fingers


Anything white chocolate is going to be a favourite of mine. I love Cadbury products anyway because let's be real who doesn't love chocolate? but this is probably one of my favourite products. It combines 2 of my favourite things (biscuits and white chocolate) to make the perfect snack. I tend to eat them whilst watching TV/a film or when reading a book (I did eat a whole box once without realising but ssh). They are definitely moreish and once you've had one you'll keep wanting to go back for more.


         Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Face Wash


My skin can be quite sensitive at times so I swear by Simple products. I actually picked this up in Boots because my normal face wash was out of stock but I've definitely noticed a difference in my skin since using it. My skin is not as red or as oily after using the product and it leaves my skin feeling super smooth. I use this in the morning and sometimes in the evening as well just to freshen my skin up a bit. One of the best things about this face wash is that you don't need to use too much of it for it to work, which means it lasts longer.



Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil


This is a product I have been using for well over a year now. This is always in my handbag but I find myself reaching for it more in Autumn/Winter when my lips become dry. It leaves my lips feeling soft and moisturised all day long. One thing I particularly love about this product is that it leaves your lips with a bit of a shine, so even if I'm not wearing another lip product it can seem like I am. I also like the applicator that comes with it, it is a sponge tip applicator which makes applying it so easy. I've only ever bought the honey flavour because honey seems to work well on my lips and stops them from becoming chapped, but they also sell a raspberry flavour and a red berry flavour.


Teddy Robe Dressing Gown



 This is the softest dressing gown I've ever owned. It's from Topshop and costs £32.00 but is worth the price tag. I've practically been living in this dressing gown every evening/weekend and if I could wear it to work/social gatherings I probably would. I love the detail on it especially the little teddy ears on the hood and it's really thick so even if the heating is off you won't be cold.


               I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here


I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here is back on TV and I couldn't be more excited. It's one of my all time favourite shows and as soon as November rolls around I count down the days. For those not familiar with the show it involves 12 celebrities going into the jungle down under (Australia) Whilst there they complete in trials involving lots of bugs/animals in order to win food for their camp mates. The show is hosted by Ant and Dec (aka the best presenters ever) This year I'm rooting for Scarlett or Joel to win because they're both amazing and so funny.

Sunday 20 November 2016

15 Facts About Me

November 20, 2016 2 Comments

Today I thought I would do 15 facts about me to make my blog a little more personal.

 If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (My username is @Barbsxoxox on both btw) some of you might already know a little bit about me, but if you're new follower/reader I hope you learn something about me. I'd love to know some facts about you as well so please leave them in the comments section.

1. My name is Barbara and I'm currently 19 years old (get the boring facts out the way first)

2.  I'm an only child (sometimes I wish I had a sibling though)

3.  I have 2 pets, a cat and a dog and my phone camera roll is 90% pictures of them

4. I really want to go to Disney World in Florida

5. My first concert was JLS in 2012

6. I'm scared of spiders (small ones are ok I guess but anything bigger than a penny nope don't even go there)

7. I don't do well with early mornings unless I'm going somewhere exciting such as on holiday

8. Talking of holidays I've never been abroad (I did go to France for a day trip in year 7 at school but it wasn't a holiday, it was educational and we went to a small village with hardly anything there)

9. I love buying presents for other people especially at Christmas

10. I want to visit Canada so I can meet my internet best friend of 3 years (you know who you are)

11. I'm currently learning to drive after putting it off for 2 years because I was scared

12. I am a shopaholic especially when it comes to clothes (sorry bank account)

13. I am addicted to watching Netflix and Youtube videos

14. I don't have any tattoos yet although I want to get a small one on either my wrist or my foot

15. I would love to live near the sea when I'm older

Sunday 13 November 2016

What's In My Make Up Bag

November 13, 2016 0 Comments
Today I thought I would do a post about what's in my make up bag. 



I love make up and love nothing more than trying new products. Although I don't always wear all of these products every single day I wouldn't be without them. 


This is my go to primer. I tried out a few primers before finally taking the plunge and buying this one and I'm so glad I did. I tend to use this product before I put my foundation on but you can use it over the top of make up as well. This makes my foundation look really smooth and it definitely does what the product is designed for which is to erase pores.


Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation - £7.99


Rimmel London is my go to brand for foundations. I used to always wear their lasting finish 25 hour foundation but I recently purchased this one as I saw so many amazing reviews about it.  I bought it in the shade ivory and it's perfect for my skin tone. It applies effortlessly and doesn't have a cakey finish which I have found with other brands of foundation. 



Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer - £17.50

Urban Decay is one of my favourite make up brands. Although some of their products aren't cheap they're worth spending a little bit more on. I use this concealer under my eyes and also to cover any blemishes that appear on my skin. It blends really nicely and you're able to build it up using layers without it looking too obvious. It gives a full coverage and stays in place all day, this is something I really like particularly if it's a hot day and I don't feel like putting loads of make up on.


 Revolution Ultra Brow Palette - £7.99

I've never really had much experience with Revolution products but after using their brow palette I will definitely be trying some of their other make up products.





This palette contains 4 different shaded eye brow powders, 2 tinted eyebrow waxes. eyebrow arch enhancing cream and brow bone highlighter. You also get an eyebrow pencil, applicators and some tweezers. I think this is such good value for money as it lasts a really long time and gives you everything you need for perfect looking brows all for under £10. The palette also includes a mirror which I don't use because I tend to do my brows at home rather than out and about. I also don't use the applicators because they're so small and fiddly, so instead I use them to mix 2 shades together to get the correct shade of my eyebrows.



This was something I saw in Tanya Burr's Back To School Makeup Tutorial and thought I'd try it out. I bought it in the shade Permanent Tote. What I like about this product is it can be used as a base and eye shadow can be applied over the top, but you can also wear it on its own. It has long lasting power and really helps to bring out the colour in your eyes.

Tanya Burr Birthday Suit Eye Shadow Palette - £5.99

A friend of mine gave me Tanya Burr's Birthday suit eye palette for my Birthday and I'm so in love with it. It has 4 different shades - marzipan, toast, cocoa sugar and truffle.


The shades I wear the most are marzipan and toast but I also use soft truffle to define my lash line. I am yet to use cocoa sugar purely because I feel it's more for a going out look rather than my everyday make up look for work. I love all the colours in this palette and I love the way they blend together. The packaging is also so cute and includes a mirror which enables you to do your eye make up whilst out and about.



This is one of the best eyeliners I've ever purchased. I'm not the best at doing eyeliner and give up trying to do a cat flick but using this makes it so much easier to get my desired look. The brush enables you to draw lines smoothly and effortlessly, and it's easy to do a thick line as well as a thin line. It also leaves you with a shine finish which is a bonus, and is long lasting which everyone wants in their eye make up. It removes easily as well using make up wipes or micellar water and cotton wool.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - £7.99

I've had a love/hate relationship with this mascara. When it first came out I'd thought I'd try it because people were saying it was a cheaper alternative to Benefit Roller Lash (my all time fave mascara) but I just didn't see it and stopped using it. However recently in the past few months I've fallen in love with this mascara. It leaves my lashes looking full and long and adds volume to all of my lashes both big and small.


If you're familiar with YouTubers you'll know that this is Zoella's favourite lipstick and I couldn't agree with her more.


This lipstick is perfect for Autmun/Winter to add a splash of colour to your lips. It is a matte lipstick which I have always been cautious of, because some I've used in the past have been so drying on my lips, but this one is the total opposite. I can wear this all day and my lips are still moisturised come bed time. In my opinion this lipstick really brings together a make up look and is so affordable.


The final product in my make up bag is my Urban Decay make up setting spray. This is a recent purchase for me and my first ever experience with a make up setting spray.  I was torn between this one and an NYX one, but after reading all the reviews and asking other people for advice I decided on this one. I'm so glad I did though as it leaves my make up looking amazing and keeps it in place all day. It is available in 2 different sizes (30ml and 118ml). I opted for the 30ml one because it was my first time buying it but when it runs out I'll definitely be getting the 118ml one.