Oh Liz, I love you...

Now, there are a million Cleanse and Polish reviews out there. EVERYONE seems to love this now cult beauty product, including myself. I have used it for quite some time now and enjoy how great it leaves my skin feeling and looking. So, you can imagine my excitement when I opened up an email from Liz's team about a new Cleanse and Polish product... I had to order some and try it out!




The new product is a limited edition version in collaboration with The Prince's Trust which incorporates rose and lavender and £2 from every bottle sold goes to the charity.

The publicity surrounding the product declares that the addition of rose and lavender makes it ideal for your evening cleanse. Oh my wow, are they right. Cleanse and Polish smells incredible as it is but the new additions almost make the limited edition version seem supercharged- as dedicated beauty fans, you should all know the calming benefits of lavender and rose! The scent is lovely for the evening time, but the properties of the lavender and rose also mean that it helps your skin recover from any irritations it has faced throughout the day.

As always, it leaves your skin feeling super soft thanks to the cocoa butter and the exfoliating action of the muslin cloths, and although it is scented, everything is natural so you sensitive flowers out there don't need to worry about turning red and puffy when using this.

My only concern about the product is this: the fact that it is limited edition. I love the fact that they have bought out a version aimed at a luxurious evening cleanse! It really does make me feel pampered when I use it!

As it is a limited edition product (Liz, we may have some serious problems if you don't incorporate this into your permanent line) there is special white packaging with a really cute design on the bottle. It currently only comes in 150ml pump bottles. Personally, I like this and would like to see the usual C&P sold in this form.

So Liz Earle products are luxurious, good for your skin and natural, but what REALLY stands out for me is the customer service- I've not heard too many people talk about it and I think it's so fab that the Liz Earle team deserve a moment in the spotlight...

Okay, so usually I would prefer to try a product in store and speak to the sales associate but I know some people are a little intimidated by this and would prefer to buy online. This is really when the team come into their own. I have so much to say that I actually had to break it up into bullet points!

1. Packaging and delivery.
Liz Earle is based on the Isle of Wight and so all their orders get sent from there (to my knowledge). You can choose extra speedy delivery or normal, yet I have ALWAYS experienced prompt delivery (if sent via the slowest delivery method it usually arrives before I expected-win!) and the parcel is wrapped impeccably so nothing has ever arrived in an unfit state. They also provide instruction and ingredient booklets.

2. Customer care.
Within the package, they include a customer satisfaction card that includes a helpline number AND it is signed by the person that lovingly packed your goodies along with the promise that if it isn't up to scratch, they will sort it. The personal touch makes you feel special and valued.... Aaaaaww!

3. FREE STUFF!!!
Okay, who doesn't love a freebie?!
My most recent order comprised of the new C&P and six new muslin cloths. Within my package there were two free muslin cloths, a travel size toner complete with 'Toning Guide' AND four samples of the new Sheer Skin Tint in varying shades which strikes me as rather thoughtful; usually companies just send out a generic beigey shade of sample foundation, designed to be the most universal but more often than not, they end up to turn you off the product in question rather than get you excited.
I took a picture of everything that arrived (with the exception of a packet of cloths and my freebie cloths) so you could get the idea of how much care goes into each package-




It's these simple personal touches that make ordering from Liz Earle a real treat. The experience really stands out from ordering from other retailers or from perusing beauty counters. For the record, all the girls on Liz Earle counters that I have encountered are charming and knowledgeable. Couldn't be further removed from the scowling dollies from other brands (which shall remain nameless) which surround them.

All this talk of the Liz Earle experience makes me want to call their customer services line just for a chat... I get the feeling they're all mega friendly!!!

So, all in all, well done to Liz and her team. Gorgeous products that stand out because of the quality, the price and the fabulous service provided!

Nails of the moment...

Currently got a big thing for Essie polishes. Recently launched to the masses over here and I have to go and have a look every time I go into Boots! This shade is 'Status Symbol'

Jumping on the band wagon...

So the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains have been out in the States for a while now and us Brits have been patiently waiting. Well... They're finally here!
I noticed them in Boots on my lunch break today. They didn't have a massive selection of colours and a lot of shades were sold out so there was only one that I would wear available to buy. I picked up 001 Honey.






These things are great. They look similar to the Clinique Chubby Sticks...






When applied they feel like a balm, but after the moisture disappears, a light tint is left behind! Nice for those who don't get much of a chance to touch up their lippie during the day.






As you can see, I didn't pick up the most inspiring colour but it was enough to encourage me to keep an eye out for more shades when they become available. Here's a sneaky lip shot to try and show you the colour (I have quite naturally pigmented lips- this shade is a 'my lips but better' kinda deal)






These babies have an RRP of £7.99 but they currently have an introductory offer for £2 off in Boots. Bargain. Get them while you can, ladies!

The Most Fun You Can Have Getting Naked... Nails.

Okay, nail polish removal isn't ever going to be fun, in fact, I see it as a chore. As a polish junkie, I change colours roughly every other day and frankly, removing it is a trial.

However, for all you nail polish lovers out there, there is a (acetone-free) solution. Apologies, I'm just getting excited...

THIS is Bourjois' Magic Nail Polish Remover. This is rather nifty, and it's so simple, I'm kicking myself for not thinking of this first! It's basically a bright pink pot, filled with nail polish remover and a sponge. The sponge has a hole in the middle and you simply push your finger in... (time for some horrific action shots)

Wait one second (this is not COMPLETELY true... I find that with a light polish one second is fine, but with a darker polish it's best to wait about 5 seconds)

Pull your finger out and...

Hey presto, a naked fingernail!! Excuse the paper cut around the edge- yes, it stung.

Simple, yet effective. At £4.99 it is more expensive than the usual nail polish remover, however when you factor in the fact that you don't need to use cotton pads with this, it is worth it. It smells of 'red fruit & vanilla' although, what red fruit is, I'm not quite sure... It does smell yummy though! It is also acetone free so it's falsie-friendly and it contains sweet almond oil so it nourishes your fingers.

I'm VERY impressed with this product, and I would definitely purchase it again. If you aren't keen on the formulation though, I don't see any reason why you couldn't refill it with your favourite remover!

It has shaved minutes of my nail routine, and there is next to no effort required so it's perfect for those pre-bed manicures. You know the ones; when you're far too sleepy to do anything yet you still do your nails in the knowledge that you will wake up with sheet imprints all over your fresh polish. Yeah, those.

And with that, I'm off to do my nails before my interview tomorrow!! Good night:)

Don't forget to follow me on twitter! @BeautGirlsGuide

Beauty Girl Economics: T K Maxx

As I am currently unemployed (boo!), I have recently been focusing on on getting more bang for my buck. Having spent the last three years as a student, I have developed some tactics which I'm going to share with you in a series called Beauty Girl Economics. 


Firstly, T K Maxx is a bit of a pain in the backside, I know. It is not a shop which I relish venturing in to. It is SO disorganised and due to the very nature of the store, you cannot go in with the intention of purchasing a certain product. T K Maxx has to be approached in an altogether different way: little and often. Last summer I worked in an office across the street from a T K Maxx and I found myself browsing in there about twice a week on my lunch breaks. This way, I was familiar with what was in stock and was able to identify what products were new in.

Looking for clothing in T K Maxx is a MISSION. In fact, I find that I only look for items which I think shouldn't be scrimped on, i.e knitwear. Some of you guys may remember me mentioning my bargain Fenn Wright Manson angora cardigan last year. I purchased that for around £20 and the RRP was around £120! The cardigan is still going strong and I have a feeling it will for a few more years yet!


T K Maxx is among my favourite places to score beauty products- more often than not, my local store stocks TIGI shampoos and conditioners. I never buy TIGI products from the salon as they are rather expensive. Instead, I look in T K Maxx as they usually stock something from the brand. Whilst you can't guarantee that your preferred product is in stock, I like it because it means I get to try something different without risking too much money. 


I have also seen St Tropez and similar high-end tanning products at a BARGAIN price in there! T K Maxx is one to avoid if you're on a really tight budget but I find it is good for trying new things at a lower price.


My most recent bargain T K Maxx purchase was a whole load of Stila products. I stumbled across a whole load of Stila goodies packaged in plastic bags, each with three products in. I have been meaning to try their Lip Glazes for a while now, yet I always forget and so when I saw that one of the bags included a Lip Glaze, I decided to get two bags!

 1st Bag: Lip Glaze (Apricot), Petal Infusions Moisturiser & Convertible Eye Colour (Onyx).

2nd Bag: Rouge Pot (Lotus), Perfecting Foundation Stick (Shade G) & SPF 30 Oil-free Sheer Colour Tinted Moisturiser (Light 03)


I am impressed with these products, but I am still trying them out so if I feel they are worth mentioning to you guys, I will review them and post more detailed photos.


So you're probably wondering why I'm talking about these if I'm not going to review them, right?
The below photos show you exactly why T K Maxx is the place to head for the economising Beauty Girl...

The photo is a little blurry, but the contents of bag one should have cost me £34. and I paid £7.99!!!! Stila's famous Lip Glazes retail at £15, so this was a total bargain!

Bag two cost me £9.99 and the RRP is £42!

Now, Stila aren't crazy, they're not simply giving products away... Having looked on the website, all but the Lip Glaze are no longer available to purchase. This doesn't bother me however, as the whole exercise was about trying a brand that I hadn't tried before! As I mentioned, I like these products, so (when I have funds available!) I would DEFINITELY be tempted to hit the Stila website and try some of their current products!

Have you ever found a bargain in T K Maxx or do you avoid the place like it is a breeding ground for the plague? (In some areas, the stores are exactly that... ahem.) Let me know :)

Forever Favourites

Hi guys!

Feels like forever since I've posted! I've been really busy job hunting and attending interviews etc. Yesterday I got my degree result- a 2.1! I'm really happy and cant wait to graduate next month!

I thought I'd introduce a new thread to my blog with this post. 'Forever Favourites' will be a series that enables me to talk about my all-time favourite products; those which are staples in my collection and would or have re-purchased.

My first Forever Favourite is Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream.

This product is one which isn't usually raved about on beauty blogs and YouTube but I have noticed that a few have mentioned it recently due to Elizabeth Arden releasing a scent-free version. I have the original version and I must admit, the scent IS rather strong. I'd describe it as a 'medicated' smell, but I'm rubbish at describing scents so it's best you try and figure the scent out for yourself! That aside, the scent doesn't bother me, however if you have very sensitive skin then I'd recommend that you try the scent-free version.

Before I continue, I must say that I would NOT use this as a daily facial moisturiser! (Elizabeth Arden have formulated a moisturiser version, however) The back of the tube says it 'soothes minor skin irritations. Also for symptoms of chapping, peeling or flaking due to minor burns, sunburn, windburn, scrapes, abrasions or cracked lips'. The 'cream' (I'd call it a waxy gel) is said to have healed the scraped knees of one of Elizabeth's loyal client's sons in eight hours, hence the name.

I wouldn't use this as a daily facial moisturiser as it is simply too sticky and it sits on the skin for far too long. I do however, use it during the winter when my skin needs a little extra TLC: I slather on my regular moisturiser and then I warm some Eight Hour Cream between my fingers so it melts, and then apply over the top. It acts in a similar way to petroleum jelly; it locks in the moisturiser and allows it to work to it's full potential. I wouldn't sleep with it on though, as you're guaranteed that you'd wake up with your hair stuck to your face.

It's this longevity that makes it a popular product with makeup artists. I like to apply a small amount on the 'high points' on my face during the day if I want a dewy glow without any shimmer. It's also great as a lip balm.

My main use for this, however is on skin irritations. It is lovely to use on sunburn; I like to apply aloe vera gel to sunburn and then use this on my face. I just find that it takes more care of my face than aloe vera or other after-sun products. I also apply it if my skin has encountered a product it doesn't like! It definitely soothes the skin!

A full list of Eight Hour Cream's uses can be found here.

All in all, this product is great to have on hand at all times. I like to carry mine in my handbag so it's there for all of life's little emergencies!!! Definitely something that I would purchase again and again!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter! @BeautGirlsGuide

Current Loves & Loathes

So I'm currently tucked up in bed watching 'I Don't Know How She Does It', feeling a little under the weather and I fancied doing a quick and easy post to get me back into this blogging business!

Love
- LOVING that uni is now finished. No more essays, obligatory reading or deadlines. Hooray!
- Now that I have plenty of free time, I'm really enjoying pampering myself by regularly giving myself a DIY manicure. (sad, I know)
- Following on from my manicure obsession, I recently bought some new Nails Inc. polishes. So good I may just have to write a post soon...
- Getting into the summery vibe by using cream blush/bronzer and liquid highlight. Can't beat summer skin!
- Real Techniques brushes. Just fab. Softer than my MAC brushes. Can't say enough positive things about them but there's so many reviews out there that I'm sure you've all heard enough about them already!

Loathe
- Seeing as I'm mildly obsessed with nails at the moment, I'm going to make this statement right now and I hereby vow that this blog will NEVER EVER mention the following beauty crimes EVER again: crackle & yellow nail polish need to disappear off the face of the planet. End of discussion.
- Job applications. Ugh. Just ugh.
- Serious lack of money which will not be resolved without the above. Double ugh.
- 'One-uppers'. You know those kind of people who always have to be that little bit better than you? Bore off, before the wind changes and the smug look on your face gets stuck there.

Proper post coming tomorrow, I promise!

A xo

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

... Being a totally bronzed beach goddess

So, it's mid-May (apparently the weather hasn't got the memo yet!) and I find myself thinking about long hot sunny days and beautiful sun-kissed skin.

However, in this day in age, we know that there is no such thing as a healthy, natural tan. I go a nice olive brown but before that happens, I burn and I know that is not healthy. This time last year I resolved that I wouldn't ever burn myself in the pursuit of a tan again.

I love a good fake tan and I have been doing my own for several years now. I don't proclaim to be the master of tanning, but I have learnt by making (orange) mistakes. When a very pale friend who doesn't tan herself asked for a 'dummies guide to tanning' earlier this week, I sent her this in an email and I thought it would be appropriate to share with you lovely lot.

Before I begin, I have put links for the products I use at the end of the post. There are no photos as this isn't a review or the products I use, this post is more about the techniques I use to apply my tan as well as I can. I am by no means saying that these are the products you HAVE to use, these are the products that work for me. I use the now infamous St Moritz tan as it gives me the same result as St Tropez without the A-List price tag.

So, here goes....

Get your sticky little mitts on some tan (I recommend a mousse with a guide colour- easiest formula to work with and you can see where you're going!) a tanning mitt, an exfoliating pad & some decent body butter.
Prep by waxing/epilating no less than 48 hours beforehand and shave 24 hours before. (Defs stick to this if you're a sensitive little flower!)
Get naked and hop in the shower for a full exfoliation sesh. I like to use an exfoliating product along with the exfoliating mitt. Make sure you really pay attention to drier areas such as wrists, knees, elbows & heels. Remember to exfoliate your neck and face too but use a facial scrub rather than the mitt.
Once you're dry, apply a thin layer of moisturiser all over and then apply extra to the scaley areas I mentioned before! (The moisturiser all over will mute the tan a little so a good tip if you're extra pale!)


When this has mostly sunk in, start with the tan. Take your mitt and squeeze out an amount the size of 1 1/2 golf balls. It's easiest to work with as little product at once as it does dry quickly once you are rubbing it in.
Starting with one leg, focus on the shin and then the calf using vertical strokes up your leg. Applying the tan in one consistent direction achieves a better result. Stop when you have reached just over your knee and then wipe the mitt over your feet making sure that you go between your toes and stick to the white skin only. The mitt should retain some product from doing the bottom half of your leg as you don't really want to be applying more product to your feet than required!
Next, just follow the above in the following order: thighs, bottom, stomach, lower back (I don't always bother with getting someone to do my whole back as you can reach your lower and upper back yourself which are generally the only bits which will be on show). Then do your chest, side of chest (under arms), neck (making sure you don't miss your ears, back of the neck and behind your ears) and shoulders. After you have done your shoulders, spread it round to your upper back. Then, one arm at a time, work your way from top to bottom. Treat the hands in the same way that you would your feet (no/minimal product applied directly), checking that you do between your fingers and avoid the palm.
At this point, I usually squeeze a blob smaller than a golf ball onto the mitt and just rub all over my face. Don't be too worried, this is the easiest place to remove it from!
I find that the place which takes the tan the least is my chest so check the colour compared to your arms. Apply more if necessary, remembering to blend carefully to avoid streaks.
Once you have applied it all, take your mitt and just rub all over your body to make sure it is all blended. It doesn't matter which direction you rub, just make sure you do so firmly as this is the best way to blend.
Survey the scaley bits and if you feel that they may have absorbed a little too much tan, take a TEENY amount of body butter and massage in. Then use mitt again to blend.
As with spray tans, avoid deodorants and perfumes until you have washed the guide colour off.


With the St Moritz, it can be applied in the morning as it dries rather quickly. If you're going to do this, just wear dark clothes. I prefer to apply it just before bed and I sleep with as few clothes on as possible to avoid marks. Ive never had a problem with colour transfer onto sheets but if you are worried, sleep on a towel.
As gross as it sounds, try to sleep in a cool room to avoid sweating it off in the night!

In the morning, shower normally but try to allow the water to rub off the guide colour rather than your hands.
When drying off, dab rather than rub!


I like to exfoliate GENTLY (for this, I use a scrub rather than the mitt) every other morning, moisturise and then re-apply that night (sometimes I wait until the next evening to re-apply, depending on how it is fading). Exfoliating gently encourages the tan to fade evenly but you will probably find that you need to find out the best way to maintain your tan through trial and error
The best way to maintain your tan is by using a thick moisturiser (I SWEAR by Palmer's Cocoa Butter) every morning. It also makes your skin look glowy and healthy, bonus!


If you do find that you have a streak, exfoliate that patch and then carefully apply a tiny amount of tan to the area using a cotton pad as it is more precise.
Lemon juice is also good at fading streaks.


Links

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004TM1Q3A/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002QA1VDW&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0S13RFRYMBJ77BDFV03T
http://www.boots.com/en/Palmers-Cocoa-Butter-Formula-Pump-Lotion-400ml_955343/
http://www.boots.com/en/Botanics-Sisal-Mitt_1228751/
http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/_en/_gb/catalog/product.aspx?ParentCatCode=C_BathBody&CatCode=C_BathBody_BodyScrubs&prdcode=11947m



Phew! There you go!

A rather wordy post for my first blog back but I hope it helps. Do you have any good hints/tips/products that others might want to try? Share your thoughts in a comment!

A xo

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I'm baaaaaaack!

After three years of hard work, my dissertation has been handed in and I have moved back from university. I'm now applying for jobs and have an interview lined up already (eek!)

Sorry I've been MIA for so long, my studies really have had to take top priority.

That aside, I now have nothing to distract me from blogging and so I'm really hoping to get things up and running this summer! I've made a massive list of potential posts so hopefully I won't be stuck for things to talk about. I'm also hoping to get some guest writers on board too!

The camera situation is still bad but I'm hoping to borrow a DSLR for posts that need decent pictures.

Is there anything YOU would like to see on my blog? Let me know!

And follow me on twitter too! @BeautGirlsGuide

Hope you are all well :)

A xo

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Keeping your fabulous handbag away from grubby restaurant floors!

This little gadget may not look like much but it is very useful AND it's a lifesaver (well, for your bag, anyway!)
Ever been to a restaurant or bar and had to begrudgingly place your beautiful handbag on the floor under the table? We've all been there, and it often ends in tears.
In Italy, you often see fabulous women take up two chairs: one for them, one for their bag. Whilst that is easy in cafés and coffee shops, it is not always an option. That is where this little beauty comes in...
It allows you to hang your bag from the table which keeps it clean and out of the way, but it also allows you to keep a close eye on it and so therefore, it minimises the risk of theft.
I am aware that these handbag hooks come in various different styles for varying price ranges, but I just wanted something plain and functional- no frills necessary! I purchased mine from a company called So-Hooked on Amazon for £5.99 and I have used it so much already! I would recommend getting one if, like me, you are rather over protective of your handbag! This would also make a great gift for any discerning handbag fan in your life :)




Here's a picture of it in action, complete with my Bayswater!
A xo
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

This week, I couldn't live without...

These beauties!

It's been so hot and sunny over the last week that my beautiful new Chanel sunglasses have been getting lots of loving!




They were a gift from my boyfriend for my birthday and he bought them from the David Clulow concession in Harrods. (If you're reading this- thanks boo!)




What girl doesn't love a good bit of CC action?! They're still available in store as they are from their summer collection... We all know they're a worthwhile investment!

A xo

Cheap goodies!

Hi dolls!

Just a quick post to let you know that the fabulous Boots 3 for 2 deal is currently available in stores and online across selected cosmetics. This includes the new Revlon Lip Butters! (planning on getting my sticky mitts on some when I can next get into town!)

Don't say I don't look after you, recessionistas :)

A xo

(P.S think of the Boots Advantage Card points if you splurge now! Free goodies AND Boots points?! Girlie economics at its best!!)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Graduation

OH MY GOD, I JUST GOT MY GRADUATION DATE THROUGH!

Squeal!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Something I need in my life...

Aren't these babies just beautiful?!
If only I had £295 hanging around in my bank account.
*sigh*

(Image courtesy of Miu Miu)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Body Shop Haul

Sorry I have been M.I.A recently, dissertation writing and blog posts don't mix very well! I have also been suffering from what I think is a reaction to a skin care product, so I have had to stop using everything and then slowly reintroduce products which has been a pain to say the least!

So, as I have mentioned, I placed a rather large Body Shop order back in January. All of the products are good as to be expected and so to save you all am enormous ranty post, I thought that I would share my favourites which I would definitely purchase again.

As pictures aren't really necessary here, I have just provided links so that you can easily read about the products in more detail :)

Shea Body Butter:

This. Stuff. Is. Divine! I am a massive fan of body butters and this is everything I ask for in a body moisturiser. No one is immune to dry winter skin and this cream is so rich and thick that it can be used on even the scaliest of skins. I have also discovered that it is excellent at prolonging the life of fake tan. Ideally, this should be used before bed as it is slow to sink in but I enjoy this as it makes me really aware of its affects. A softer and more subtle scent than cocoa butter means that it is more wearable. I would consider this my ultimate skin saver!

Vanilla Body Spray:
I love perfume. I am one of those girls who wears perfume for no other but herself. I know that perfume is designed to linger, yet I find that I get used to scents easily. I would bathe in the stuff if I could as I like to be able to smell my perfume all day! I found that I was using up faaaar too much of my expensive perfumes, and so I decided to find an alternative to make my habit a little cheaper. This body spray is a lovely, warm and sweet vanilla scent that lingers for longer than I expected it would, and for around £8 for 100ml, it's an absolute bargain. My perfumes live to fight another day...

Scented Hand Sanitizer: (couldn't find these on the website! They are still in stores though, keep an eye out for the buckets by the till!)
Okay I admit it, my name is Alexandra and I'm a germaphobe. I loathe being ill (mind you, I don't think many people actually ENJOY that...) and I travel on public transport every day so you will never catch me without hand sanitiser. The trouble is, the selection of scents available are uninspiring and they usually just leave a nasty smell of alcohol anyway which isn't good. These however, smell gorgeous; they leave you feeling clean AND they only smell like alcohol if you shove your nose into your palm. BONUS!

Tea Trea Oil:
This one is a bit of a cult product that I can truly vouch for as I have been using it since I first stepped into the miserable world of embarrassing teenage skin. In my humble opinion, this should be a staple in every Beauty Girl's skin care arsenal. It dries spots and simultaneously disinfects with that divine sting which reassures you that it is working. It worked on my awful skin as a teenager and now I use it at the first sign of a spot to keep things clean and flare-up free. I have lost count of how many bottles that I have been through. Don't be fooled by it's size, it is much more impressive than it looks. I would advise that you check it out for yourself as I could rave about this stuff for hours and hours...
(Word of warning: use sparingly and only directly on affected areas. It is VERY drying and a flakey face is not a good look!)

Okay, okay... I'm a rubbish blogger!!!!!!

Agggggh guys, I'm so sorry! I'm rubbish at updating!

Just a quick post as I have some news: I've FINALLY ordered a HD webcam! This means that I will be able to post a lot more as I don't have to rely on my ancient digital camera! One of my resolutions is to really get this blog up and running and I've got soooooo many things I want to share with you all:)

I hope you are all well and are having a lovely 2012 so far! Suffering from slight January blues as I've realised how much I have to do within the next few months... Eek.

The BIGGEST piece of news I have is that my parents have purchased my birthday present! We went to Bicester Village just after Christmas and the moment I walked in I spotted THE most beautiful 'outlet special' BAYSWATER! It was a bargain and as it's a special, it means it's slightly different to the normal bags (the inside is lined, there is no clochette or feet on the bottom) PLUS it's in a colour/leather combination that hasn't been used on the Bayswaters from the normal Mulberry collections! This makes it even more special to me and I'm soooo excited to get my sticky little mitts on it. Got to wait until late February though. Boo :(

Needless to say, I will be sharing photos when I'm allowed it!

Hope you all had an amazing and peaceful holiday and that Father Christmas bought you everything you asked for!

A xo