December empties

Toni & Guy Glamour Firm Hold Hairspray c/o
I picked this up when I was kindly invited to a Boots pick and mix style press day through work - I can't get over how amazing it was! My mum and I both picked one up and can't stop singing it's praises. It is quite expensive and will work out to be a costly habit if you use hairspray like my mum every day. But it's perfect as a little treat! It keeps every hair in place without being crusty and isn't a pain to brush out at night. Overall it's a pretty good buy! I'd buy this again as it's offers great support for nights out.

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo
Review here

Prada Perfumed Bath Salts
These were a gift from a while ago and only just gotten round to using them all up! They were the ideal remedy for a relaxing weekend bath with the sweet aromas wafting around the bathroom. I don't really know what the deal is with bath salts. They just seem to make the room smell nice! Therefore I'm going to judge these on that basis and they get a thumbs up from me!

Jurlique Hyrda Control Ultra Rich Body Lotion c/o
Admittedly Jurlique was not a brand I was familiar with until I was invited along to a press day but boy am I glad I finally became wiser! I usually prefer body butters to lotions as they're thicker and feel more luxurious. This lotion however proved to be a corker. It was non-greasy - something essential when you apply post shower - and worked wonders for dry skin. It kept my skin supple and soft throughout the day. The pump proved very handy indeed!

Tommy Guns Bergamot and Inula Shampoo and Conditioner to protect and prolong colour treated hair c/o
These were including in a goodie bag and initially I was a bit hesitant about using them as I didn't have coloured hair. The beautiful citrus smell hit me as soon as I squeezed a blob in my hands - the perfect wake up call in a morning shower. It's quite expensive for only 250ml of product and I do think there's better value haircare out there. But it had a good impact on my hair and who can say no to pretty, shiny locks? I noticed it felt visibly softer too.

No7 Protect & Prefect Night Cream
I picked this up when I had a no7 voucher a few moths back. I've found it's a good quality moisturiser for a very reasonable price - well worth picking up. It doesn't make your skin feel greasy and sinks in more or less straight away without leaving any residue behind. It smells like the rest of the No7 skin range which isn't overpowering. Nothing worse than constantly smelling the same smell as you're trying to slip away to the land of nod.

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Recipe - Healthy Spanish style chicken with rice

Serves four
If you're following Weightwatchers this will be 13 propoints. If you get rid of the rice it will take it down to 9 propoints.

Ingredients:
3 peppers in whatever colours you prefer, sliced
1 onion, diced
1 bag of green beans, trimmed
6 large tomatoes, halved
75ml of red wine
125ml of chicken stock
4 cloves of garlic (I use easy garlic so 4 tsps for this!)
1-2 tsps of Paprika or however much you prefer!
Fry Lite oil
1 pack of chicken chunks
160g of brown rice

001: Pop the peppers, onions, garlic, and green beans in a roasting tray. Sprinkle with the paprika and spray with 3-4 squirts of fry lite evenly. Pop in the oven for 20 minutes at gas mark 6/200 degrees/ 180 degrees at a fan oven.

002: Pop the brown rice in a saucepan filled with boiling water and leave to cook for around 30 minutes. Keep stirring it to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom!

003. Spray a frying pan with fry lite and brown the chicken for around 5-6 minutes.

004. Take the roasting dish out of the oven and pop the chicken in along with the red wine and hot chicken stock. Give it a good swoosh around and pop back in the oven for around 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it as you don't want the chicken to go dry.

005. Once cooked divide evenly between 4 bowls and tuck in!

I'm back on the Weightwatchers/healthy eating wagon now as I've been indugling far too much for about the last 4 months. Enough is enough! If you have any healthy recipes you could share i'd be very appreciative!

I'd love to know if you try this!

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Animal instinct

Outfit:
Leopard print long line blazer - Next (similar)
Black skinny jeans - Primark (similar)
Black sheer shirt - Primark (similar)
Burgundy leather loafers - Zara (similar)
Red gem statement necklace - Topshop (similar)
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour - Cheeky Chops c/o

I'd seen this coat all over the blogworld - namely it was Jazmine who made me decide it needed to be hanging in my wardrobe- but as you probably know I'm pretty fickle and forgot about it for a while. After having a browse on the Next presale thanks to the mother it caught my eye once again. At just £30 I thought it was a well deserved punt. When it arrived I fell in love and think it's going to be the perfect cover up as the months gradually get a little warner. Nothing puts a spring in your step better than leopard right?

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The last of the summer wine

Outfit:
Black long sleeved tee - Primark (similar)
Quilted faux leather biker jacket - Zara (similar)
Burgundy Aztec print midi full skirt - River Island (similar)
Burgundy patent loafers - Zara (similar)
Black bauble necklace - New Look (similar)
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour - Cheeky Chops c/o

I do love a full skirt even if they do make me look 10 times heavier than I am. Not most flattering around the bum/hips areas. Lets ignore the fact that I ate far too much over the festive period as well. Just not a good combination! I picked this skirt up in the River Island sale for a mere £20. I don't really shop in River Island full price preferring to hold out for the bargains. They always have such a great selection of midi skirts to choose from. You can trust me when I say I got very excited when I realised I had a pair of loafers that matched. Ah I do love a bit of matchy matchy!

I'm looking forward to eating better this month. Although it would be lovely to shed a good few pounds - boo at you holiday weight! - I just want to feel happier in myself and my skin is crying out for some goodness too. I'm going to try and overhaul my eating habits and stay away from the dreaded junk. I've had far too much of it over Christmas anyway - far far too much! I really do enjoying rustling something up in the kitchen and want to go back to basics this year and eat properly. Food tastes so much nicer when you've lovingly prepared it from scratch eh?

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Limited edition Spring/Summer 2014 Liz Earle Strengthening Nail Colours

Moonlight and Awakening c/o

Said to be inspired by the classic French Manicure, the wonderful people at Liz Earle are introducing two new limited edition shades in April 2014. You best be quick as they're only on sale for 6 months!

As an avid nail polish collector and Liz Earle hoarder I was very excited to try these out. My personal favourite was the gorgeous muted grey. Although marketed as a summer colour, I think it works perfectly for the winter months too. It makes a subtle statement and is certainly a talking point as it looks quite unusual. I can't really rave about Liz Earle polishes enough. They are chip resistant for a good few days like promised, look beautifully glossy even without a topcoat and come in such a good range of colours. I like my nail polish to be very opaque so I apply three coats but you can get away with just two. I'm just a little bit fussy!

Priced at just £7.50, you'll be a fool not to invest in them when Spring arrives!

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2013 in outfits

This year I've been leaning towards lots of trousers - something I'm still learning to feel comfortable in. I don't quite think I've pulled off the effortless look I see on so many American blogs. One day, one day. Maybe I'll wake up and be Blair. Wishful thinking.

I feel most at home in a midi length skirt or dress and love a retro style. I'm hoping 2014 will bring a lot more dresses to my wardrobe and am going to try and embrace a vintage style look everyday. I will master that perfect beehive! I've finally embraced lipstick after running scared for years -as my collection would confirm - and become a lot more adventurous in my make up so you may see that smokey eye making an appearance on the blog soon.

2013 has been a good year but I'm eager to see what the next year will bring. I set myself a New Years resolution of travelling more and think I've done a very good job of implementing it. I can't wait to see even more of the world next year. It's once again been confirmed that blogging is the best thing I've ever done and I really do pinch myself when I think about the amazing opportunities I've been handed. How did I become so lucky?! Being taken to Paris was an amazing highlight and one that I'm forever grateful for. My 'internet friends' have more or less shed that tag and become real life friends who are simply the best. Many a time they have made me seen sense and pushed me along to make that all important materialistic purchase. I can't wait to see more of them in 2014. The next year sees me starting to save for that scary house deposit after the holiday of a lifetime to New York. Eeeeek! I suppose it will have to be the year I become an adult but I couldn't think of a better boy to take that plunge with.

Goodbye 2013, you've been a blast!

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My heart stops when you look at me

Outfit:
Black off the shoulder jersey top - Asos
Silver statement necklace - Mum's bedroom (similar)
Silver taffeta midi full skirt - Topshop
Black leather heeled ankle boots - Topshop (similar)

I decided I needed to treat myself to a little early Christmas present in the form of this beautiful skirt. Yes it was very overpriced and maybe just a little impractical (ironing?!) but something about it just called my name. I thought it was absolutely perfect to wear for all the festivities over Christmas and  can be dressed up or down depending on where I'm heading. But let's face it, you can never be too overdressed eh?

Christmas is now over for yet another year and I've spent it in a haze of too much food and drink as I usually do. I'm starting to resemble a slab of Wensleydale and cranberry cheese but I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't wait to get back on the healthy eating bandwagon though as my bum and double chin are getting far too big for my liking! Got to make the most of it as it only comes round once a year! I've had a wonderful few days and yet again it's reinstated that if Calsberg ever made familes, it would make mine.

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This week i'm loving - Barry M Natural Glow Palette

The Natural Glow Eyeshadow and Face Blusher Palette c/o

Barry M was one of the first make up brands I ever spent my pocket money on. Dazzles Pots anyone? I still think they offer the best value for money nail polishes out of all the drug store brands. The colour range is amazing! They're always trying new formulas too and seem to be at the top of their game. It's safe to say I was pretty excited when I heard they were going to bring out eyeshadow palettes. At only £6.49 too. Bargain!

When I was given the opportunity to try one out for myself I opted for the neutrals. I'm a neutrals girl through and through. I feel it suits my skin tone down to a tee and can work perfect from day to night. You just opt for a slightly darker colour if you're going out on the town! The Natural Glow Palette features 6 different eyeshadows and one blusher alongside two double siders applicators.

My personal favourite combination is the brown shimmer the third in from the right with a dab of the white shadow blended on the corners to brighten it up. It doesn't have the most amazing pigmentation but I actually prefer this as it's a lot easier to build up to get your preferred shade. The first shadow on the left is perfect for everyday use with a slick of eyeliner. The eyeshadows glide on fairly easily but I do find they need to be slightly topped up if you're going from day to night. This may just be because I wear glasses and need to my eyeshadow to be more prominent as it's easily lost! The Glamourpuss Palette would be ideal to create a smokey eye for an evening out on the town.

Have you ever tried the palettes?

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Santa Claus is coming to town

Glass bauble, ceramic white snowflake, winter wonderland scene in a jam jar, silver pot pourri, star crackers, mini gem tree decorations, glitter tealights, silver tear drops baubles, wooden tree and star bunting.

c/o Marks and Spencer

Christmas has officially arrived with a bang in the Warner household thanks to a generous voucher from Marks and Spencer. They're not just any Christmas decorations, they're M&S decorations! This year we've gone for a winter wonderland theme with lots of silver, glitter and glass. I don't think anything beats a real Christmas tree at the festive season, there's just something about it. My dad has always been in charge of making sure the Christmas tree looks pretty. My mum and I aren't as artistic and it'll look like we've just chucked everything on. Not quite as talented as the man of the house! I've been trying very hard not to peak at the presents underneath - just look at them all!

Are you getting in the Christmas spirit?

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I'm a fire and I'll burn burn burn tonight

Outfit:
Faux fur collarless leopard print coat - Next (similar)
Cream long sleeved sheer crochet trimmed blouse - Asos via Leather Lane Market (similar)
Faux leather midi skirt - c/o Pretty little Thing (similar)
Cream and black court shoes - Primark (similar)

So I've been commuting to Colchester for a week and my body is slowly getting used to the nearly 5 hour daily journey. I'm having to be very strict at having early nights during the week. My kindle is going to become my best friend! Colchester is actually a very pretty and quaint town, it dates back to the Roman times don't you know? It's a lot quieter than London and my bank account is very happy at not having to spend nearly £8 on lunch. I love you Pret but you skint me! It's very nice having a brand new office to work in, it's very swish! I'm looking forward to the Christmas break though to recharge my batteries and to catch up with friends. The longer commute means I've become a bit of a recluse during the week. Not good for my social life.

This time next week it'll be Boxing Day and all these Christmas presents will be handed out! Just where does the year go?

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Review: Fleet River Bakery

Tucked away behind Holborn station just off Lincoln Inn Fields, sits the Fleet River Bakery. It's a welcome change from the endless chain coffee shops that scatter the streets. It's always got a queue around the block so I'd recommend taking lunch a little earlier so you beat the rush. Don't make the same mistake as me and go around 3pm as you'll miss out on the goats cheese sandwich. I've heard wonderful things!

The delicious looking food is all on display so you can have a good mooch around before you make your decision. It's the perfect place to settle down for an hour and catch up on your favourite book. You don't feel rushed by the staff to scoff your food down and it's full of sharing tables so it feels a little cosy. I'd pick up the cutlery and napkins at the counter as you won't find any on the tables. It's a lovely little gem hidden away from the hustle and bustle.

I opted for a tasty pesto, brie, tomato and basil ciabatta with a generous slice of carrot cake to finish. To be fair the portions for so huge I could have done with one or the other but you know a Friday is always a pretty special day. I'd love to go back and sample the hot food.

Do you have any recommendations for independent coffee shops in London?

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Got me looking so crazy right now

Outfit:
Black prom mesh midi dress - Asos
Red faux suede court shoes - Primark (similar)
Giant red envelope clutch bag - Primark (similar)
Cropped swing leopard print faux fur jacket - New Look (similar)

Oh Asos you reel me in yet again with your discount codes and reduced dresses. I used the excuse of needing a new dress for NYE so I could justify treating myself to this beauty. I'm going as Audrey Hepburn and thought the 50's silhouette worked a treat. The underskirt I've found will hopefully make the outfit come together. The dress will also come in handy for the many festive evenings I've got planned so really it would have been a crime to not buy it. Yes I know, I'm the queen of excuses when it comes to shopping.

I can't believe how fast this month is flying by, it really won't be long until the big day. I'm having a lovely month so far with lots of fun activities although my bank account is having a heart attack. I spent this weekend getting my London fix with the dream team blogger babes having our Christmas festivities. Sarah very kindly brought us all homemade rocky road as a little treat. It went down very nicely indeed! We also managed to squeeze in a little trip to Aisling and Elodie's pad to exchange our secret Santa presents. Well and truly in the Christmas spirit now. Especially as I got some candy canes in my present from Sarah - she makes the perfect Santa!

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November empties

Soap and Glory Righteous Butter - c/o Elodie Russo
One of the perks of having blogger friends is when they pass along their unwanted beauty products to you. Obviously I never have enough... I've gone through numerous tubs of this body butter and it's one I come back to time and time again. It's the perfect thickness so it feel luxurious and sinks in fairly quickly which is a god send in the morning when you're in a rush to get dressed. The shea butter ingredient works wonders on dry winter skin.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray c/o
Review here.

Batiste original Dry Shampoo
Review here.

Charles Worthington Front-row Rough and Tousled Salt Spray
Although I'm not as much of a fan as this as I am off the Bumble surf spray I do still think it does an ok job. I find it works better on bone dry hair, Pop it up in a topknot while you get ready and by the time you're ready to go out, you should have beachy waves. It works the best on hair with layers cut in.

Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado
This was brought on a recommendation from Michelle and I feel like it's made a hell of a lot of difference. I pop it on twice a day, once before bed time when I've removed my make up and then in the morning once I've moisturised. A little goes a long way! I find gently dabbing it works best. It takes a little while to sink in before you can put your make up on top. Now I just need a eye brightening cream to get rid of these dark circles. Any ideas?

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium
Review here.

George Lash X Trend Mascara c/o
I got this in a goodie bag from an Asda event a little while ago. I wasn't holding out much hope at first as the brush isn't my favourite - I like them to be big and busy rather than plastic as it hurts my eyes. Apart from being a little wet to apply I thought this mascara was a good budget buy. Complete bargain at £3.50!  It improved my lashes and didn't give me spider eyes which is one of my pet hates!

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser Normal/Combination c/o
I am a sucker for Liz Earle. It's one of my favourite beauty brands and one that I can imagine staying loyal to the brand for a very long time. I'm already about to buy my third pot of this. Thanks to the thickness it doesn't feel greasy once it's applied and it sinks in almost straight away which is always a winner in the morning! My skin hardly ever breaks out anymore and doesn't feel as dry around my nose. The only thing that can improve the cream would be to add an spf in the formula. I'm getting worried about aging!

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What to buy for: The Men in Your Life

Burgundy Grey Gingham Long Sleeved shirt £30, New Era Batman Bobble hat £18, ASOS Watch With map Print £22, Nike Blazer Mid Suede Trainers £70,

Jelly Belly Selection Hamper £30, Men's Society Moustache Print Stainless Steel Hip Flask £17.50, Tweet and Status Updates book £6, Asos leather Wash bag £25

I'm sure you'll agree that men can be extremely hard to buy for. Most things they fancy they buy themselves! Or in my experience, they can be very fussy indeed. Socks and pants can get very boring year after year.

I personally don't think you can go wrong with a snazzy new pair of trainers - you'd be very impressed with my boyfriends collection. He's mad on them! Food will always go down a treat with your brother while a watch is a lovely thoughtful gift for your boyfriend. A old-fashioned hip flask with a quirky slogan is a lovely thoughtful gift for your dad - fill it up with his favourite tipple to get some extra brownie points. Likewise, giving a posh washbag filled with lots of toiletries is great for a personalised gift. A tech-mad guy will love the chance to read about all the different tweets and status updates he can impress his friends with.

Have you got a gift for the man in your life sorted yet?

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