Favourite Lush Valentine's Products || Review

If you haven't had the chance to check out the Lush Valentine's range yet, where have you been!? This year seems to be the best range yet, with everyone being catered for; from the loved up couples, that want a bubble bar to share in a romantic bath, or, for the single people out there, that would rather not be surrounded by hearts and love.

This is a small collection of my personal favourite products:

The Lonely Heart - RRP: £3.50

Don't be fooled by the name of this! A single heart, super sparkly bubble bar, that smells incredible. What more could you ask for!? Except, maybe, a self cleaning bath to de-shimmer the area...but, because it's a bubble bar, it'll last for more than just the one bath. Perfect.

When crumbled under the warm water, the bar melts into the most amazing shade of red, with the gentle gold shimmer fit to dazzle even the most anti-romantic hearts out there.

The Floating Flower - RRP: £3.50

I'll be honest with you, this is the most awe-inspiring bath bomb I have ever seen. When placed in the water, this flower fizzles out, keeping its flower shape, and bursting out a gorgeous spectrum of colours. Plus, it almost goes without saying, that, this product smells as beautiful as it looks.

Who needs real flowers, when you can enjoy a melting bath flower instead...!?

The Unicorn Horn - RRP: £3.25

Anyone out there, sick of Valentine's Day, always being surrounded by hearts, flowers, chocolates and loved up people..!? Well, let's all let our imaginations go wild, and, embrace the Unicorn Horn on Valentine's...

I love the idea of unicorns, as much as the next person. So, it was only natural that I immediately fell in love with this bubble bar.

The bar itself, is made with a combination of magic, dreams and lavender oils. I've stocked up on this bar, simply because its a perfect, post-stressful day, pre-bed bath essential. Word of warning though, this bar will not make your bath as colourful as the Floating Flower.

Prince Charming Shower Gel - RRP: £4.75 - £15.95

Once again, Lush hasn't failed us. Prince Charming returns, smelling as amazing as normal (seems everything in Lush smells amazing)!

I personally love this. The smell; the way it leaves my skin feeling; the colour. I'll be stocking up with this, and, this miniature is going straight into my travel essentials. The formula is made from a mix of marshmallow root, vanilla, and pomegranate juice. infused with sandalwood, grapefruit and geranium oils, giving this gel the most sensual smell, and, ingrediants that are designed to leave your skin hydrated and soft.

Of course, there are plenty more products to choose from, including a brand new lip scrub. If you've tried the products, what are your favourites?

Megsy....xo

2015 Resolutions || Life

To sum up 2014, I'd say it was, emotionally draining, (and, that's being kind). However, with most things in life, you have to pick yourself back up, and carry on with things, otherwise you get left behind, whilst watching everyone else be "normal." 

Here I am, start of yet another year, and, for once, I can honestly say, I am truly Happy. Of course, I still have the odd days where I question my existence, but, well, I wouldn't be human if I didn't, right..!?

These are the aims/resolutions that I strive to maintain (for as long as these things are possible). Fingers crossed, eh! 

1) Regularly blogging.

Well, last year was a bit of  a disaster on the old blogging front, mainly because I wasn't in the right place, or, didn't feel confident enough in what I wanted to write. I've recently discovered, that one of my key faults in 2014, was, I was always seeking reassurance from people around me. Reading various blogs (both good and bad, popular and, the ones just starting out) it dawned on me, that the only person I ought to be asking if it's right or not, is me. My blog. My views. My little portion of the internet. And, most importantly, MY hobby. It's time to drop my barriers, and just write. Here's to more blog posts! 

2) Focus on myself, and my happiness.

Yes, I know what you're thinking; "sheeesh, what a selfish cow", but, let me explain. As I explained above, I am extremely talented at doing things to please everyone around me, and, in turn, making myself miserable. Surely that isn't right. It's about time, even if it's just for the short term, that I learn to say no. Of course, I'm not going to stop being sympathetic, empathetic, and, just normal friendship behaviour, but, there will be times when, I need to do things for myself. Boom. 

3) Apply for graduate engineer jobs, and, (hopefully) get one.

In September, I will be waving goodbye to the safety net of my academic studies, and embarking on the road of the Real World Adult Career. MSc level graduate. Blimey. 

4) Run a half marathon

Yes, that's right. Running. Eek. But. it's about time I brushed the dust off my running gear, and, gave myself a target! (remind me of this, in 12 months time)

5) Stay single for a year.

Well, 12 months is a long time, but, I am pretty darn happy with how my life is right now. Plus, nights out with the girls wouldn't be quite the same... Also, we all need at least 1 resolution we won't stick to! Ha!

So, Happy New Year to all. Link me to your resolution posts, or, pop a comment below with yours! I love hearing what people's aims are (attainable, or not!)

Megsy....xo

Nip + Fab Bath Soak and Body Wash | Review

The main question here is; who doesn't enjoy treating themselves to a new bath/shower product..!? No one, that's who! Everyone loves a new product, which is exactly why there are so many out there!

My previous experience with Nip + Fab, has been extremely limited to a 'leg fix' moisturiser that was my saving grace over the summer period. Now that summer has gone, I decided (with the added help of a Superdrug offer) to dabble into the bath and shower range. And, as you can imagine, I have not been disappointed!

I'll be honest, looking at the bath soak, and the consistency of it, I wasn't expecting great things. But, you literally only need a tiny amount and it soon begins to lather up. Not forgetting the smell! The bottle says it is a 'detox' bath soak, containing green tea, jasmine, coconut and frankincense. I can vouch, that the combination of all of these scents mixed together, results in the most amazing, refreshing and revitalising experience I've ever had from a bath product..honestly! I highly recommend this bath soak to anyone out there looking to treat themselves, and, who, like me, occasionally needs destress time.  

The body wash is more of a 'yoga' inspired product, simply due to the ingredients used, aim to help you relax and unwind after a stressful day. The lavender, rose and coconut blend really does achieve this, and, for me this has quickly become a favourite to use after commuting, as well as after the odd gym workout that happens (which, lets be honest here, I commute more than I gym...). As well as relaxing me (I'm a complete sucker for lavender),the coconut oil that is in the wash leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth I can go without moisturising. Bonus! 

If you have any recommendations for any other Nip+Fab products out there, that I need to try, leave your suggestions in the comments! :)

Megsy...xo

Soap&Glory Mascara and Eyeliner Pen First Impressions | Beauty

Does anyone else struggle with committing themselves to a new mascara or eyeliner? No word of a lie, it has taken almost 2 months of debating, and searching before I finally just committed to new products. I know some of you will be sat there, thinking this is the lamest thing in the world, but, the dramatic few months have paid off!

I've never tried anything other than body wash from Soap&Glory, yet, I've heard nothing but positive things from people who have tried their make up. I'm not overly certain what attracted me to the 2 chosen items, maybe desperation of urgently needing new mascara, or, perhaps it was the quite bright, striking packaging...we will never know. One thing I do know, is, first impressions have been incredible!

I am already absolutely, 100 percent completely and utterly in love with the  Supercat Fat Jumbo Carbon Black Ink Eyeliner. Yes, for me, it really is that good! For those of you who haven't seen it, the pen has an angled edge, which makes application the easiest thing, ever! For cat eye lovers out there, this pen is for you! It's so quick, simple, and the staying power seems to be pretty good..although, I will review this if it turns out to disappoint on the staying power. 

From first impressions, I'd definitely recommend this product to any 'first time' eyeliner wearers, or, anyone who loves a perfect 'cat-eye' within seconds! Brilliant for any lazy make up wearers like myself. 

The second product; the Thick and Fast Mascara, is a bit of an odd one. Not because it's bad, but, because the brush has 2 sides to it. The first side, has an almost V-shape, which is designed to build volume as you apply, and is the first 'side' of the brush you use. Does it work I hear you ask? Yes, Yes it does. The volume build up for me has been fantastic, and the other side of the brush, the more 'traditional' shape brush builds the length and the curl. I must say, this side for me caused a bit of clumping but I tend to get that with new mascara anyway, so I'm not too concerned at this stage, but, I have seen a lot of impressive mascara action from this product! Worth a try for any fellow mascara commitment-phobes out there.

Let me know if you've tried these products, and what your thoughts are. Or, if there are any other Soap & Glory products that I need to try! 

Lots of love,

Megsy....xo

Carrot and Coriander Soup | #cookwithmegsy

Hi guys!

This is the first in the series of #cookwithmegsy (which, before you judge me, is an inside joke - however, by all means tag your versions of the recipes with #cookwithmegsy so I can see them). Every week, I will be posting up a new recipe for you all to try. I'm a vegetarian by choice, but I do cook with meat every so often so for all you meat eaters out there, keep a look out for my meat dishes! 

Today's dish is a very quick, and simple to make Carrot and Coriander soup. 

Suitable for Vegetarians, it can be Dairy-free and is Gluten-free too. 

What you will need;

• 1 bag of carrots from the supermarket (or about 5 good sized carrots
• 1 potato (this is optional)
• 1 onion
• fresh coriander (I use half a bag from the supermarket)
• 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
• half a tablespoon of nutmeg - but this can be altered to your own taste
• 2 pints of vegetable stock
• Vegetable oil (/butter)
• Either a stick blender or a food processor - anything to whizz the soup up.

Method; 

Step 1: Prep your veg! Give them all a quick wash. Then, dice your onion, and chop the potato and carrots into chunks. Don't worry about the neatness of your chopping - they just need to be cut down enough for them to cook well, but try to make them evenly sized for cooking purposes. Also, at this point I'd cut the fresh coriander up and put it to one side.

Step 2: Use a reasonable size (about a tablespoon) of vegetable oil in the bottom of your pan (I personally prefer to use the equivalent amount of butter, its down to personal preference) and allow to heat up for about 30 seconds to a minute. Throw in all the diced onions and leave these to 'sweat' or sauté on a low heat. I normally chose heat 3 for this. 

Step 3: After about 4 minutes, add in your carrots, potato and the ground coriander. Again, leave these to sauté for about 3 minutes, or, as long as it takes you to make 2 pints of vegetable stock, if you haven't already prepped these.

Step 4: Add your 2 pints of vegetable stock to the pan, and bring up to the boil. Leave for 1 minute, then bring down to a simmer. Cover the pot, and leave it for 20 minutes or until your carrots are tender. 

Step 5: Now, add your fresh coriander and nutmeg. Take off the heat and add the soup to your food processor or use your hand blender, which is what I personally use - just for ease, and, I find it more fun to use the hand wand. 

Step 6: Grab a bowl and enjoy! You can always add a dash of fresh cream at this point if you fancy it.

Hope you enjoyed this simple little recipe. I absolutely love this, and it is one of my all time favourites! Let me know how you got on making it, or, any other recipes that you'd like to see.

#cookwithmegsy

My Evening Skincare Routine (for normal-dry skin) | Beauty Post

Hey beauties. 

Recently, I've been quite successful with my skincare routine - I do have two different routines for the evening and the morning, so this post only focuses on what I do in the evening.

Step 1: Cleanser - 

This product has been an absolute gem! I saw quite a few reviews about this before I caved in and bought it (which, lets face it - once you see what brand it is, you'll know it didn't take much convincing). 

It's the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil from The Body Shop (£11). After only using this product a couple of times I began receiving so many compliments about how healthy my skin looked, and, at the time this was the only item that had changed in my routine.

If I'm honest, I did have my doubts; first up, would it actually remove all my make-up (including waterproof mascara?!) and, secondly - eek! It's an oil?! Wouldn't it make my skin mega oily?! 

There was only one way to find out, and, that was to put my faith in the product and give it a try. You simply just squirt however much you fancy onto a cotton bud and apply it to your face to clear away any make up or dirt that has accumulated in the daytime. First up, it smells absolutely amazing, and secondly, it feels so smooth and gentle on your skin. The make up literally glides off your face, and I can quite confidently say, for me this is the best cleanser I've used in a while. After applying, just simply wash off with warm water.

One thing would say, is take caution when using it to remove your eye make - it's amazing, but will make your eyes go blurry if it gets in there! 

Step 2: Toner - 

I'll be honest with you, this is the first toner I have ever used. Bad, I know! But, up until recently, I've always seen toners as an 'old lady' product - did/does anyone else think that...? Not entirely sure where I got that concept from..anyway! I braved, or rather, embraced the old lady product, and treated myself to the Vitamin E Facial Toner, by (if you read my blog often, you'll have already guess..) The Body Shop!

I tend to use this in the same way as I use my cleanser, but, this time I don't wash it off. Again, the product smells nice - which, is always a bonus! I must say, I haven't seen any drastic differences whilst using this product, other than my skin doesn't seem to be getting many break outs or getting that dry.


Step 3 - Moisturiser - 

Now, I don't actually use a proper "face" moisturiser, mainly because I'm lazy, and if I can use one moisturiser for the whole of my body, I will! Recently, I've been loving the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula. 

If you haven't picked up on it yet, I'm a sucker for things that smell nice, and, oh my gosh does this product smell amazing, or what?! I won't go into much detail about this, other than if you like the smell of cocoa, this is for you.

For when my skin is having a 'crisis' -

Us females will know, that at.... 'certain' times of the month, for some of us, our skin can decide to play up! I am one of those people. Every month, I will have a break out of spots that I just don't need when I'm feeling crappy already. Currently, the first item I grab is one of the Lush face masks - the Mask of Magnaminty, which  I've already reviewed here; Lush Mask of Magnaminty facemask   but, honestly, this is a serious life saver! Sad thing is, I'm starting to run out rapidly, so if any of you reading this know a similar product, please, please share with me!! 

Finally, after all of that, I'll use some sudocrem on any of the spots I feel need a bit of extra help to leave my face. 

If you've written a similar post, or have any tips for how you look after your skin when there's a bit of an unwanted break out, I would love to hear about it, so pop links/tips in the comments below! :)

Lots of love,

Megsy...xo

Designing my Blog Page | Blog

Hey guys!

Here's the thing...for the last week or so, I've been sat, everyday debating over how to design, and, ultimately 'brand' my blog. I'm naturally quite a creative person, so I never thought I'd have this much of an issue over it.

I know a few of you will be sat there, thinking that it doesn't really matter - it's a changeable design that can be altered in due course. The drama wraps itself around the fact that I'm a lazy perfectionist. I don't really want to create a half-hearted design, because, reality is, that will stay with me for probably what would be until I decide to hang up my blogging hat and wave goodbye. 

How did you come to a conclusion over the design for your blogs? Some of you have absolutely stunning designs, which is definitely something to be proud of! 

I guess I just have to face the fact, that, for the foreseeable future my days will consist of writing blog posts, and the great debate whether I want pink or purple, flowers or animals and, don't even get me started on the font type! 

Please tell me that this is completely normal, and that I'm not alone in my struggle over designs?! 

Have a lovely weekend,

Megsy...xo