GOOD FRIDAY GIVEAWAY | LEE STAFFORD HAIR KIT

I'm teaming up with Lee Stafford once again to offer another fabulous giveaway for the Lee Stafford Blow Dry and Go Hair Kit* which offers everything you need to blow dry and style your hair, especially if you're always on the go.

If you favour getting ready for a night out with the girls at your friends house or perhaps spend frequent nights sleeping over your significant other then read on. I have a travel hairdryer which does the job for me in a pinch and if really desperate I can use those on offer in hotel rooms but the Lee Stafford Hairdryer has become my first choice.

This isn't a traditional travel sized hairdryer and certainly can be used for regular, everyday use thanks to a power 2200 watt motor, two speeds and three heat settings including a 'cool shot' function to set any style you have created but it's lightweight compared to the hairdryer I was using prior and is accompanied by a travel bag to keep everything in place.

The bag is ideal as it opens fully and allows you to place your hairdryer inside, along with all your hair grips, bands, sectioning clips and room for any other hair tools you might need so you can simply grab and go. If you're a regular traveller this is ideal to have ready for any adventure you embark on and keeps things neat and tidy.

If you scroll to the end of the post you will have an opportunity to win for yourself but fear not if unsuccessful the Lee Stafford Blow Dry and Go Hair Kit is a bargain at £21.99 and includes your travel bag, hairdryer, a selection of hair grips, bands and sectioning clips as well as a vent brush and sectioning comb.

The hairdryer in a fun fuchsia colour means it will not go unnoticed and forgotten on your travels and more importantly is infused with keratin to dry hair quick and safer whilst smoothing and strengthening your hair looking like you've just stepped out of the salon.

To be in with a chance of winning a Lee Stafford Blow Dry & Go Kit for yourself do enter your details below before Monday 24th April.

Good Luck!

Win a Lee Stafford Blow Dry & Go Kit #4

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Giveaway | Lee Stafford Hair Straighteners

Everyone owns hair straighteners right? Well not little old me over here so when Lee Stafford got in touch and asked if I wanted to try the Lee Stafford Academy Iconic Flat Iron Hair Straightener* before offering another to giveaway to one lucky reader I of course said yes.

I've spoke on numerous occasions how lazy I am with my hair, even more so lately just washing and going but it was time to take a little bit more pride in my appearance. Even my dad asked what was up with my hair when I was observing my wash and go technique over Christmas.

I've never had a need for straighteners in their traditional sense and I don't favour the sleek poker straight look, but for curls it is always straighteners my hairdressers use as the curls tend to hold better and I was keen to try at home.

The first point of note for the Lee Stafford Hair Straighteners is their LED display which shows the temperature increasing for you to then manage the heat needed for your hair or style of choice. I think many of us have fallen fowl to brands with a 'one size fits all' approach that is damaging our hair even more so than needed.

Unlike ceramic coated brands the plates on your Lee Stafford Hair Straighteners are made from nano silver titanium to glide through my, or your hair. Again I've dabbled in the past and found myself pulling and tangling my hair and simply abandoning as it's just all a little too much to bother with.

I favour a wave as opposed to a curl in my hair and whilst I still need a lot of practice I am finding the Lee Stafford Hair Straighteners one of the better I've worked with and I'm sure in another couple of weeks I'll have my waves styled in mere minutes.

You can find the Lee Stafford Hair Straighteners on Amazon retailing for £69.95 at the moment which is a comparable price for the high end brands but with those extra touches they don't have. If you're looking to upgrade or invest in hair straighteners in 2017 then check out the Lee Stafford brand.

Before you hit buy now you why not try your luck to win a pair but entering my giveaway which will be running till the 13th February. Simply fill in the form below to be in with a chance to win. Good Luck!

Win a Lee Stafford Academy Straightener #14

*this post contains press samples and/or affiliate links

Kawaii Box Review and Giveaway

Hands up if you're familiar with the Kawaii trend? For those who aren't kawaii simply means cute in Japan. The trend spawns all manner of products from the more mainstream Hello Kitty and Sanrio brand you're probably familiar with to the more niche characters and simply anything that is deemed 'cute'.

As with most trends of this type there are those who fully immerse themselves in the kawaii world and others like myself who just like the odd little piece here and there. Enter Kawaii Box, a monthly subscription service (is there nothing we cannot get on monthly subscription anymore?). Each month you'll receive a box of cute products (10 - 12 items per box) from Japan that fit the kawaii mould. The type of items vary but tend to feature things such as cute stickers, Japanese sweets, cute characters.

The price of these boxes is pretty comparable to others of its type. There is little price difference in signing up for the monthly service to the yearly one but you will get one free box on that plan but there's a plan for everyone if this is your thing. The boxes are $18.90 on the monthly service which can be cancelled at any time. These prices are also inclusive of free worldwide shipping.

I was sent a Kawaii box to review and share with readers and keep reading as there's a chance for you to win a box of your own. Inside my box was 11 items which fell into a stationery theme from the giant plush pencil case to stamp sets and envelope seals.

I'm fully aware that perhaps my age and not being a kawaii purist that the box wasn't necessarily aimed at me and whilst the Lollipop pen still sits in a jar on my desk and is used and I happily samples the Meiji DIY Sushi-Bar Gummies for the most part the items in this box weren't really something I would use.

What I did find was that all the items in this box were perfect for me to pack as in flight entertainment for my niece when we travelled to Florida recently. She loves these sorts of items and had great fun on the plane with the Popcorn Rolling Stamp Set and writing notes she'd put in the Patterned Envelope Set.

The main item in this selection of products was the Flan Dakigurumi Plush Pouch. I knew little about this character but it seems a familiar one to those in the Kawaii world and is available in all manner of styles. They retail around the same price as the box itself so you can consider everything else in your box 'free'. And of course my niece loved that too.

As I've mentioned and just a look through the Kawaii Box site there are different themes to your Kawaii Box each month so some will appeal more than others, but we know that is the 'risk' you take with any subscription service.

Whilst I don't think the Kawaii Box is something I would personally sign up for it's definitely one I would consider for gifts when looking for something different. Depending on budget I think these would make unusual gifts for children's parties.

For those of you still intrigued there is an opportunity to win a Kawaii Box for yourself to try, all the details are in the Rafflecopter below. Good luck and have a Kawaii Day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*this post contains press samples

The Perfume Society Review & Giveaway

Perfumes are more significant to my upbringing than beauty and skincare. From admiring the bottles of perfume that sat on my mum's dressing table to my introductions via Charlie and LouLou in my younger years to today's preference for Chanel many perfumes evoke memories both good and bad. Cerrutti 1881 I no longer wear due to it being an ex-boyfriends favourite or Jean Paul Gautier's fragrance which reminds me of the former friend he left me for. More positive reminders are, Chanel No 5 for my mum or Vivienne Westwood Boudoir which reminds me of my twenties and many fun nights out and is still the scent I still wear today.

Nostalgia aside, fragrances are very much big business these days. Perfume price points have always sat in the luxury camp and that's one of the reasons many of us love to pick up a bottle of our favourite scent in Duty Free and now we see brands go beyond those price points with eye watering expensive variations.

That said we've also seen some more affordable options making an appearance. I for one am a fan of the 'cheap' 007 Fragrance for Women and in the past have enjoyed the celebrity endorsed perfumes from Christina Aguilaera and Paris Hilton.

If like me you're a perfume fan than you may be interested to head about The Perfume Society. A website covering everything you might want to know about perfume. Containing all the latest news and quite frankly everything you could possibly want to know about perfume houses, ingredients and the like it's got a wealth of information.

One of my favourite parts of the site is the Fragrance Finder. Type in your preferred scent and it'll list alternatives for you to explore. Excellent if your favourite perfume has been discontinued or like me your sense of smell isn't perfect.

If you're really keen on perfumes then there's also the opportunity to become a VIP subscriber. For £25 a year you'll receive eight copies of their online digital magazine The Scented Letter and invitations to events with key figures in the perfume world, workshops or in store events.

You'll also receive your first Perfume Discovery Fragrance Box which includes samples of eight perfumes for your to try and other treats. Love Penhaligon's perfumes? Then all access all areas subscribers to The Perfume Society receive 15% discount in store.

In addition you'll be first to know about the limited edition Perfume Society Discovery Boxes. At a subscribers price of £15 you'll have access to both new and established perfumes to try at home eight weeks before anyone else.

Extra treats include those such as I received AD Skin Synergy Night Treatment Facial Oil and a travel tube of cult toothpaste, Couto.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in well the good news is the team at The Perfume Society have offered my readers the opportunity to win one of 5 VIP Subscriptions. All the usual Rafflecopter set up is below and it will run from 4 weeks today. Unfortunately The Perfume Society is currently only available within the UK so many apologies my overseas friends.

Good luck

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLOSED / US Drugstore Beauty Giveaway

Whilst I was in the US last year I threw a few extra beauty bits into my shopping bags to share with readers. For whatever reason they were hidden in the back of a cupboard and I think it's high time I got my giveaway ready for you.

One lucky person could win a goodie bag filled with the following:

The Wet Brush Mini link
I love my Wet Brush as you will know if you're read this post and whilst luggage allowances restricted me to bringing home a full sized one for you I hope a mini to throw in your handbag will be just as pleasing.

NYX Matte Lipstick in Shocking Pink link
If you're looking for a dupe of Mac's Candy Yum Yum then Shocking Pink from the NYX Matte Lipstick range is just for you. This is a long lasting, non drying formula I really enjoying wearing. In fact typing this post it's time to dig my own out.

Victoria Secret Rollerball in Heavenly link
I can't actually tell you from my own experience what Heavenly by Victoria Secret smells like as this was a free gift during one of many large sprees in store. It's apparently one of their first fragrances and I can tell you from reading online that it is a warm fragrance with white musk, sandalwood, vanilla and white peony notes. If you're lucky enough to win report back and share what you made of it.

Milani Baked Blush in Deliziouso Pink link
Milani Baked Blushes are highly regarded in beauty circles and deservedly so. Don't let this bright pink blusher scare you its very wearable with a light hand. It's perfect as we head into Spring. Whilst I have this blush in my own collection I've never reviewed it here but you can find all you need to know on Temptalia here

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara link
I actually brought this mascara for myself but due to an excessive collection of mascara's I decided to throw it in to the giveaway pile. If it made it's way onto my shopping list I had obviously seen it reviewed somewhere.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk link
Another product I picked up was also seen on American YouTuber's channels and I reviewed my copy here. Unfortunately it creases on me but as an eyeshadow base it's fantastic. Reviews are mixed across the board so I hope that if you're lucky enough to win you'll be in the thumbs up camp.

Bath & Bodyworks Hand Sanitizers in Pumpkin Pecan Waffles & Vanilla Berry Sorbet link
You also have the opportunity to win two of the famous Bath & Bodyworks hand sanitizers. I picked up two different scents for you, Pumpkin Pecan Waffles and Vanilla Berry Sorbet. Both smell amazing and who can fault any of these little bottles.

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Eyeshadow Palette link
I'm a big fan of Wet n Wild's afforable eyeshadow palettes and they're quality is comparible to Mac and other high end brands. I reviewed the Comfort Zone palette in this post and the fact remains I'm still a big fan and love to bust this out regularly.

This giveaway is open to all UK residents (sorry overseas friends)

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLOSED / US Drugstore & 200 Follower Giveaway

Whilst I was in Las Vegas last month I naturally hit one or two drugstores to do some beauty shopping and one or two duplicates of my purchases ended up coming home with me so I could not only treat myself but you too.

I have recently hit 200 followers on Bloglovin and with Christmas around the corner what better time to  literally share some blog loving (yes I really made that pun!) than now.

So before we get onto the boring bit of what you need to do to win this selection of US drugstore goodies let me tell you what you are in with a chance of winning.

The Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette 
A US drugstore brand famed for they're highly pigmented eyeshadows this is palette filled with some excellent Autumnal colours

Seche Vite Top Coat
Do I need to say more, yes this is easy to come by in the UK but dare I admit I purchased this for $5 - a third of the price us Brits are charged

Essie Nail Colour in The Lace is On
I fell in love with this colour after having a manicure at a blog event prior to my trip and I'm sure you will too

L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadows in Amber Rush and Bronzed Taupe 
Another blogger favourite but only available in the US - this is your chance to see what the US bloggers are raving about

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
Another blogger favourite but a brand only available in the US yet now is your chance to give this gorgeous peachy blush a try for yourself

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Shock
I think I'm right that the Neon Baby Lips have yet to reach the UK so here's your chance to get ahead of the crowd

Marc Jacobs Lipstick Pen
Every beauty blogger needs a pen in the shape of a lipstick right?

Coach Coin Purse
Coach is certainly not drugstore but a brand I always associate with my trips to US outlets. I hope you enjoy stashing your coins in this bright pink purse to look fabulous when making your next UK drugstore purchases.

If all those items sound like something you'd like to receive as a pre Christmas treat all the usual Rafflecopter instructions are below. The giveaway will run from today until midnight on 18th December which should enable me to post the items out to you receive before Christmas Day (fingers crossed Royal Mail). For postage reasons and the nature of the products this giveaway is open to UK bloggers only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Time

Did you all have a good weekend?

I'm loving my Sundays these days with the longer daylight hours - esp since I seem to be on top of my housework!

Yesterday Ben & I took ourselves to our local antique spot

This beautiful writing box caught my eye

for this reason

Such a shame the price tag was restrictive!

We indulged in a delicious treat in the small coffee shop

It wasn't good for the diet but my were the calories worth it!

Giveaway Winner: Ponds

I'm pleased to announce the winner of my Ponds Cream Giveaway is

Cally of Cally's Cottage!

Congratulations Cally, please email me your address and I'll get your goodies in the post for you!

There is still time to enter my latest magazine giveaway - please let a comment on this post. I'll be busy transferring boxes over to my flat tonight so I may not get a chance to pick a name until Wednesday/Thursday evening so there's plenty of time!!

Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement on the painting, it went very well and thankfully I had a friend help although it was somewhat tiring for him!

Here I am doing my first spot of washing up

I promise I'll be back soon with some proper photos of the flat so you can join me in it's transformation

Pond Life

The lovely people at Ponds have decided to share with me their vintage beauty secrets and recently sent me some samples from their range to try

I thought it would be very bad form of me not to share their secrets with you so.....

I have Ponds Light Day Cream and Hydro Nourishing Cream to giveaway to one of my lovely commentators



You'll be interested to know that Ponds Cream features in 101 Things To Buy Before You Die as the cheaper alternative to La Prairie cream

Simply leave a comment on this post by 6pm GMT Friday 5th February 2010 when I will draw a name from the hat!

And I haven't forgotten I need to announce my latest magazine giveaway winner - check back tomorrow to see if you've won!

And don't forget to check in with Kelly who is planning some major giveaways this year!

Calling all Goddesses

Kelly is having a fab giveaway at the moment - the book The Goddess Experience


Have you read it?

Or maybe the first book by Gisele Scanlon The Goddess Guide?


They are fantastic books laid out like journals with so many hints and tips for being goddess like and I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Check out this article in the Daily Mail and a video on You Tube and if you're inspired leave a comment for Kelly here to in with a chance to win a copy

STUFFED

I recently brought a copy of Stuffed magazine but alas it wasn't what I expected


Would any of you out there like to have a read through?

Please leave a comment on this post by Sunday 6th September if you would and should there be more than one of you interested I'll pull a name out of the hat!

Tres Chic!

Last night Kelly & I went to see Coco Before Chanel

It wasn't as good as I'd hoped but I still enjoyed the dip into Coco's world

I also came out with the following thoughts:

I wish I spoke French

I had an overwhelming desire to open my dad's wardrobe, cut up his suits and create Chanel-esq creations

My hunt for a pair of white men's pj's with black trim shall begin imminently

and

I still would love to own one of the trademark Chanel suits (and a matching bag obviously!)

We're off to see The Time Traveller's Wife at the weekend so I'm sure these whims will be replaced by a brain storming session to create my own time travelling machine!

Please say I'm not the only one that comes out of films brainwashed to indulge in whatever the subject matter is!