No7 Advent Calendar

I feel like there has been a surge of beauty advent calendars in the past few years. Unfortunately, I do think many of them are overpriced for the size of the products they contain, so finding one worth the money can be a struggle.

Fortunately, whilst doing some early online browsing for Christmas presents, I came across a No7 one which was far more likely to suit my budget. I actually bought the calendar for my mum as she has been buying No7 products for years and I really wanted to treat.

The No7 25 Days of Beauty Wonders has everything for someone who is into beauty/skincare. The caldendar contains some of their best selling products in sample sizes - a perfect way to test a brand before you commit to the full thing.

The contents also include festive themes of products, which will really help you get in the Christmas party spirit. Look at these beautiful red and gold shades for you nails.

Whilst my mum has already started using many of these products, she informed me I will be receiving all the products she doesn't use. That's what you get for being a good daughter apparently! Even if she didn't, it's great to see her face light up each day with every product. Though, she did look slightly more confused on day 20 when she thought the eyelash curlers were some kind of torture device.

I realise this post is a bit late for anyone to actually go out and buy the calendar, but I wanted to include my honest opinion on the products before posting.  But hey, there's always next year!

For myself, I think I'll stick to the chocolate advents calendars because I refuse to believe I'll be turning 20 in January and Cadburys are the best. There's something about chocolate being shaped into Santas beard which makes it extra tasty. 

Victoria ♥

My Top 25 Christmas Songs

Christmas wouldn't really be the same without the cheesey music would it? I know if I'm not in a particulary festive mood, I can pop on a bit of Mariah and my mind is suddenly transported into a Winter Wonderland. In fact I listen to that much Christmas music, I couldn't wittle my list down to anything under 25. Yes, it's that bad. I'm sorry any Cliff Richard fans, he will not be making an appearance for 'Mistletoe and Wine'.

In no particular order:

25. ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ – Harry Belafonte
24. 'Lonely This Christmas' - Mud
23. ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ – Darlene Love
22. I Believe in Father Christmas - Greg Lake
21. ‘The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth’
 – Bing Crosby and David Bowie
20. ‘Santa Baby’ – Eartha Kitt
19. ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ – Dean Martin
18. "Stop The Calvary" - Jona Lewie
17. ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ – Brenda Lee 
16. ‘White Christmas’ – Bing Crosby
15. ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ – Chris Rea
14. ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ – Jackson 5
13. "Merry Christmas Everyone" - Shakin' Stevens
12. "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" - Wizzard 
11. "Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)" - The Darkness
10. "Merry Xmas Everybody" - Slade
9. ‘Step Into Christmas’ – Elton John
8. ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’ – Paul McCartney
7. ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
6. "Stay Another Day" - East 17
5. ‘Christmas Wrapping’ – The Waitresses
4. ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ – Band Aid
3. ‘Last Christmas’ – Wham!
2. ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ – Mariah Carey
1. ‘Fairytale of New York’ – The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl

To be honest, there are quite a few more tunes I could list as my top Christmas songs - but I think 25 is already a bit excessive. 

Hopefully I may have triggered some Christmas spirit in a few Scrooges with this list and if not, well then Bah humbug! 

Victoria ♥

Grans Recipe | Orange Zest Choc Chip Biscuits

Ah, winter has really set in now hasn't it? The mornings are getting colder, my eyes are getting drier and town centres are looking brighter. Literally, I'm worried about being blinded by the Christmas lights which were switched on last week?! Now I love Christmas, but I do not expect to see a fully decked out tree on the 5th of November, as well as being bombarded with numerous Christmas adverts before I've even heard even one festive Jingle. (Team Sainsburys by the way).

In light of the festive steam train that is Christmas, I was thinking about all the amazing food there is at this time of year. Now, I'm not someone who enjoys your typical festive treats. Mince pies, Christmas cake, sprouts? No thank you. Basically anything involving dried fruits is killing my Christmas spirit. Due to my repulsion of all things raisin related, I decided to share my grans simple recipe to turn simple biscuits into a must have for me this winter.

In case the quality was far too insulting for your eyes, you will need:

• Softened butter - 250g/8oz (I like using Flora Buttery)
• Caster sugar - 100g/4oz
• Self raising flour - 100g/4oz
• Grated rind from a large orange
• Chocolate chips

Lightly grease two baking trays. Put the butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat with a wooden spoon or fork. Add the chocolate chips and flour, mix well. Form the dough into walnut sized pieces and roll between your palms. Place the balls of dough onto a baking tray (9 is about right). Dip a fork into a cup of water a flatten the dough into a biscuit shape. Bake for 15-20 minutes at fan oven 150c or gas mark 4.

It's that simple! Please do let me know your favourite recipes for festive treats and if you do in fact decide to make these biscuits!

Victoria ♥

Favourite shows of the month #3

I have a confession to make. It's one that may come as a shock to some and other's may be relieved with my admission, but I feel like I have to get it out there. Yes, I am obsessed with Period Dramas.

I've always found studying history fascinating and while most dramas I watch are of a fictional nature, there are some definitive real-life aspects to them too. So if you're looking for some shows to watch this winter, I can't recommend these highly enough.

Downton Abbey

If you haven't heard of this show, where have you been?! The show looks at Britain between 1912 to 1925 and focuses on The Crawley's, an upper class family who live at Downton Abbey. The show looks at life at Downton Abbey and everyone who resides there, from the family to the staff - everyone has a story line. The show can be a bit slow at times, so if you're looking for an action packed adventure you probably won't find it in this fictional Yorkshire village. However, some of the characters are based on real-life people. The main reason I watch it is for Maggie Smith. Her sassy one-liners give me life.

Always true.

I honestly could have just done a whole post on gifs of the best lines from The Dowager Countess.

The last episode of the series airs this Sunday, I know *sob* but there's always the Christmas episode to look forward to hope. Lets just hope no one dies this time, ahem.

Call The Midwife

Much to my grans disbelief, the show is in fact a period drama. She refuses to believe it is, as it's set in the era in which she had her children. If you then mention that she is no longer younger and care free, then let the lord have mercy on your soul.

The show is set in Poplar, between the 1950s and '60s and looks a group of midwives and nuns in Nonnatus House. The initial plot follows Jenny Lee newly qualified in midwifery and her life as she joins the women at Nonnatus. The series is based on the book written by Jennifer Worth and the highs and lows she faced while being a district nurse and midwife in the East End of London in the '50s. (It's definitely worth a read). Between the bubbly Chummy and no nonsense Sister Evangelina, the characters keep the show lighthearted even in the most harrowing moments.

#spiritanimal

Love her.

Basically any shows with sassy women and I am there.

I have so many period dramas which I love, but these two are definitely my top 2. If you want any other recommendations, feel free to leave me a comment!

Victoria ♥

This is Halloween

Happy Halloween!

I cannot believe a year has gone by since my last Halloween post.. this year is passing by so quickly!

My pumpkin this year has a few buddies, as I felt Bucky was a little lonely last year. Yes I do name all my pumpkins, feel free to laugh at my expense.

From L-R, meet Mavis, Barry, Dave and Terry.

Who doesn't need a sparkly pumpkin which lights up various colours in their life?

Fun fact for you, did you know Halloween originates from Ireland? Many people associate Halloween as an American tradition, when in reality the tradition is believed to have stemmed from Pagan roots.

Isn't knowledge great?

I'm spending my Halloween in town with a few friends, dressed as Little Dead Riding Hood. Things are bound to get messy. No literally, I'm using fake blood and I dread to think what's going to happen.

I hope you all have a Sp0o0py day!

Victoria ♥

Eye Makeup Review | Born Pretty

It's safe to say, I have a key element into changing my eye makeup looking from night to day - GLITTER. I may be slightly early on this one, but since autumn is now full speed ahead all I can dream of is the sparkle that I associate with the winter. The twinkle coming from the frost on the ground, to the amazing shimmering display you see in shop windows which are displaying Christmas products ridiculously early. But more importantly than all this, the glitter filled make up and outfits which you now have an excuse to wear on a night out. Yes, I do find the thought of being a real life Tinkerbelle extremely satisfying.

Now I was recently sent some eye makeup products from the lovely ladies at Born Pretty Store which has definitely started to build my excitement for the next few months.

The items were sent from Hong Kong and as I have never been there myself or had any products shipped from there before, I was in awe at the adorable packaging of the shadow and liner. It's definitely a lot more appealing compared to what you can find in your local Poundland, that's for sure.

I bought the products based on my eye colour. Browns and neutral colours I find suit me best, so when I came across these I felt they were perfect whilst adding my sought after shimmer. I decided to play around with the products and managed to create this look.

The shadow is very well pigmented and the white liner compliments the colours well, but the glitter does tend to run out of the palette quickly.

Whilst I do find the products a treat, if you are thinking about ordering I do recommend 
you do this whilst remembering that the items are being shipped from Hong Kong and so may take slightly longer to get to you.

The prices are already amazing, but I have included this discount code VIDH10 for an even better deal.
Please let me know if you have purchased anything and more importantly, what you think!

Again, a massive thank you to the ladies at Born Pretty Store.

Victoria ♥

Back To School | Make Up Tips

I haven't been in full time education for just over a year now and before then, I'd had 5-6 years experience of wearing make up in school. Most people who are in school and reading this will have been back a few weeks or so, and are probably already fed up with their morning routine (or I would have been anyway). If you're in secondary school and are finding getting ready slightly tedious with how time consuming your mornings are, here are my tips to make it as easy and stress free as possible.

First up is your skin.
It always surprises me when I see young girls in a full face a make up for school. When I was around 12/13 I honestly wouldn't have worn anything other than lip balm and occasionally mascara to school. Foundation would have been a big no-no as I had no issues with my skin, although I know everyone's different. If you are between the ages of 11-15 and have no problems with acne honestly, a good tinted moisturiser or powder foundation should suffice. I personally recommend the Maybelline Dream Pure BB cream, from my previous blog post. It's very easy to use and doesn't feel at all cakey. After a long day, foundation can feel a bit oily and yuck, but this cream stays on my skin all day whilst feeling light weight and very refreshing. 

If you are worried about sports/dark circles from staying up all night to do some last minute revision, the thought makes me ill, I whole heartedly recommend the Collection _ concealer. It works wonders on covering blemishes and dark circles, it's my staple two in one at an amazingly low cost.

Think you might look a bit pale and well, ill? If you pop on a good on a good bronzer or rouge, very lightly mind, you should be good to go. I recommend the Maybelline Cream Touch Blush to be used under your foundation, as it gives the most natural blush.



Your eye area.
Again, this is something which shouldn't take up too much of your time. I've seen many videos from beauty gurus who've suggested wearing eye shadow, but I know many schools in the UK prefer natural make up and you'd only have to go remove it anyway. Sadly this wasn't the case until I moved into year 10 and I can still picture the horror of the striped look which some of my friends were sporting. Pink/green/blue will never be a good look on anyone. The best thing you can wear is a natural looking mascara and maybe a bit of kohl eye liner just above the lashes and on your water line, if your school will allow it.

I've been using the Maybelline Big Eyes for my lashes as it gives a great natural fluttery lash look (although I am dying to try the Maybelline Lash Sensation). If anybody has a good recommendation for a kohl liner, feel free to let me know as I've been searching for one that actually stays on for quite some time now.

Luckily my brows are quite full anyway, so I never had to spend copious amounts of time sorting them out on a morning. If your brows only really need taming, I recommend the Sleek Brow Perfector and they won't budge all day. I now use the MUA brow kit, but that can be quite time consuming. For a quick way to fill in those sparse areas, a pencil is the way to go. 

I topped off the routine with my trusty Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me

As you can see, the look is very natural and will suit almost anyone. Honestly, the best thing you for your skin is get enough sleep, yes stop watching those YouTube videos at 12am, and don't spend too much time stressing about your hair and make up. School is just their for you to mess around with your mates learn. I just realised I sound like a teacher, ew. But your hair doesn't need to be straightened everyday within an inch of it's life and their are more important things than your 'eyebrows being on fleek'. Though do not let anybody tell you eyebrows are not important, you do not need those people in your life. 

These are just my recommendations for a quick make up routine, but honestly just do whatever you feel is best for you and most importantly, whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

Victoria ♥ 

Blog Birthday | 1 Year On

Image credit

Yes, my blog is a year old. Hurray! They say a blog is like your baby, but to me it's more like my pet. The more time I invest in it, the better the quality of images, writing and overall look of my page. Though that is something which could be debated. If I neglect it, it just becomes more sad and empty looking, where as if I write post after post, I can feel the warmth from fellow bloggers and readers radiating through the screen. Mushy, I know.

I really would like to blog more often, but everyday life does tend to get in the way of that and I'm not really keen on content with very little written, just to fill out the amount of posts I create. It's just not my idea of blogging at all, I'm pretty much go hard or go home in that respect.

My job has meant I've learnt more and more about how to make my blog better, which I do hope to keep implementing as time goes on.

I enjoy writing about things I enjoy or  have learnt and I don't feel that is yet has a category in which it can fall into? Lifestyle maybe? But since this theme is something which people tend to enjoy, I think I'll just carry on what I'm doing.

I hope to blog everyday for a week at Christmas, good luck with that one Vicky. I'm a serious procrastinator, I may or may not be avoiding some academic related work while writing this, ahem, but I've been very proud in that I've kept blogging for a year. 

I'd just like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their day to sit and read and may even enjoy whatever I've felt like writing about. I can talk a lot of erm, crap rubbish sometimes, so I salute you, I really do.

So really, here's to another year of new experiences and essentially writing lot's of nonsense. 

Victoria ♥ 

Top 5 must visit places in the UK

I'd like to think I'm quite well travelled for a 19 year old. Although I've not visited half of the places I want to (Dublin, Venice, L.A. etc) I'd say I've done quite well for my age. Granted that a fair few of the places I've visited have been through school trips and may not have portrayed the cities in the best light, looking at you German ants that crawled all over my bed.

I'd love to do some more travelling, but a small income and being busy most of the time restricts me a lot. Baby steps, but I'll get there. Anyway, as well as travelling the globe, I've been to quite a few places in my home country, the UK. For anyone who's thinking of visiting the UK, yes that doesn't just mean London, I've compiled a small list of my favourite places from where I've visited so far.

5. Leeds | England

Okay, yes so I'm probably slightly biased as the is my hometown, but with the various trendy bars, restaurants, shops and plays, there's always something to do in Leeds. Personal favourites of mine include The Grand Theatre, Temple Newsam and Tropical World. Plus the buildings look very pretty and range from the 19th century style in the centre, to the modern skyscrapers built around it. If you're looking for a more historical focus, there's also the Royal Armouries, Kirkstall Abbey and Abbey House museum. So basically, it's got you covered.

4. Caernarfon | Wales

Most of my family holidays as a child involved various trips to different locations in Scotland and Wales. Even from being little, this quaint town stood out to me. Obviously the biggest attraction is the Castle with the interesting ruins, turrets and stairways to explore. I personally enjoyed wandering around the town and going into the various shops which contributed to my ridiculously vast Russian Doll collection I had going on, thanks mum. There's also various places to eat and drink and has a really family friendly feel. My favourite bit about the trips here was witnessing the scenes like in the image above. There was nothing better than walking on an evening with my dog and watching the boats sway in the water, with perfectly placed spotlights lighting up the walls a treat.

3. Whitby | England

Again, I spent many a childhood summer in my favourite seaside town. I've been to quite a few beaches up and down the UK, but nothing quite beats Robin Hoods Bay - a 5 mile drive from the town. Whitby is just one of those places where you want to walk around and take in everything you see, because it's just so darn pretty and much less tacky than some of the other seaside towns I've been to. Must visit places include Whitby Abbey, The Dracula Experience and Trenchers Restaurant if you're a seafood lover. There's also the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Eden Camp nearby.

2. Liverpool | England

Funnily enough, I have only been to Liverpool once. So what makes the city so fab that it goes into my top 5? Well, I'd say 70% The Beatles and 30% the shopping. If anyone is visiting, The Beatles story is an essential must see. The museum looks at the lives of the members, the music and their lasting impact on generations to come. Even if you're not a fan of them, you get a great insight into the 60s, 70s and the music of the era. The city is also full of shops, varying from high end to a cafe where everything is a pound. Yes really, a pound. Liverpool Cathedral is also an amazing piece of historical architecture and if you reach the top, there's a break taking view of the city below. There's also Albert Dock, Liverpool Museum, a trip on The Mersey Ferry and various sightseeing tours.

1. Edinburgh | Scotland

So for my number 1. city, drumroll please.. oh you've already read the caption? So yeah, you've guessed it - Edinburgh. The city is again another firm family favourite, with its festivals, historical background and scenic surroundings. If you ever get the chance to go, the Forth Bridge and Edinburgh Castle are definitely must sees, especially the one o'clock gun which fires everyday except Sundays. Even just walking around the city centre, you get to experience the immense Scottish culture with the buildings making you feel like you're at Hogwarts.

What are your favourite places in the U.K. or where you live? I'd love to add some more cities/countries to my bucket list! 

Victoria ♥ 

Image Credits: Leeds, Caenarfon, Whitby, Liverpool, Edinburgh

Favourite TV shows of the month #2 | PLL & Desperate Housewives

If you're looking for girly shows that have just the right amount of grit that stops them turning into a sickly sweet concoction of romance and fly on the wall drama, then look no further than Pretty Little Liars and Desperate Housewives.

Whilst both shows may seem like something only teenagers/middle aged women would watch when they need a fix of girly drama and soppy romance, you'd be very much mistaken for thinking so. The shows are filled with relateable characters, various gripping story lines and just the right amount of fear factor to make them stand out to other programmes of the same genre. But how can a show about a bunch of teenagers and housewives be at all appealing to anyone not in these age groups? Well trust me, I started watching Desperate Housewives at the age of 13 and was hooked since the first episode.

Pretty Little Liars
This is a show I've only gotten into recently, so yes no 'A' spoilers please. I'm on series 3 and so far have managed to dodge any official clues as to who 'A' is, though I may have just been a bit dim, because I'm pretty sure I should know who they are by now. Update: scrap this, I found out yesterday, damn it. Anyway, I was very hesitant to watch this show when it came out a few years ago, (2010?) as I really did judge a book by its cover. I assumed the show was going to be unbearably girly and cheesy for me to handle, with a naff story line that would only appeal to the very young. Now, I'm not going to say that the show isn't cheesy and a bit too soppy at times, but when you become so enthralled with the lives of the characters and have a weird obsession with their hair, it's easy to forgive the OTT lustful stares from Ezra and Aria. Speaking of them two, their scene in the first episode alone was enough to stop me watching it altogether, talk about not remotely realistic?! However, if you manage to forgive the first episode, it's certainly worth the watch. 
In a nutshell, the show basically revolves around the disappearance of a girl named Alison and a year later, her best friends Aria, Hanna, Emily and Spencer start receiving creepy texts from someone signed 'A'. They are then left trying to find out what happened to their best friend and just who is the person sending them the life changing messages. If you aren't into teenage drama style shows, then this probably isn't for you but I'd certainly recommend giving it a try and I'm so glad I did.

Desperate Housewives
Now this is a show that finished a few years ago, but it does have some big parallels. If you watch PLL, think of it as if the girls were now 40 somethings women and odd things were still happening to them, but this time in a suburban neighbourhood with the girls all now being married/divorced and cattiness is even more prevalent. This is another show I recommend binge watching if you have them time. There's many series and lot's of episodes, but I think it's definitely worth it. Again, what I find appealing with the show is that it's not a typical drab series about a bunch of housewives and their mundane lives. It focuses on each individual characters personalities, their relationships and the mysterious happenings on Wisteria Lane. The flashbacks keeps the storyline interesting and the diversity within each characters personalities will make you and your friends relate to at least one of the women and their sassy one liners. "Oh you're just like Edie/that's such a Bree thing to do!" Again, with a total of 8 series there's a lot to catch up on, but to follow the lives of Gabrielle, Susan, Lynette and Bree, I certainly think it's worth it.

If you're into shows with a fictional reality of daily life, then these two are likely to be right up your street. I do think that PLL would appeal to a slightly younger audience than DH, but if you're a fashion fanatic, both shows are great for their different generations of styles.
Victoria ♥ 

Maybelline Eyeshadow | The Nudes Palette

A high street dupe of the original Naked palette? Yes please!

I've been on the hunt for a good nude eye shadow palette range for a while now and The Nudes Palette by Maybelline is just the ticket. Unfortunately, though tempting it is, I'm yet to buy any of the Urban Decay Naked palettes. For an average month, £38 on any one item of make up is slightly out of my price range. So this is something that is definitely going on my Christmas wish list this year. Yes I am aware it's only the end of July, but a girl can dream.

I'm a big fan of Maybelline products and when I saw the palette advertised on TV, I knew I had to have it and I've not been left disappointed. The colours in the set vary from light to dark, all very blendable to create the perfect smokey nude look.

  

On the back of the product, a little help guide is provided to show you which blend together in duos, trios and quads. I thought this was very helpful in achieving the perfect daytime/nighttime look. My personal favourite is the quads in golds.

 As you can see, the shades range from barely there, shimmery, to darker tones, which gives a varied selection for a assortment of looks to choose from. (Or maybe not as the quality of an iPhone camera is not the best, sorry!)

For £9.99 at Boots, I fully recommend the palette if you're looking for a new nude shadow range. The colours have great pigmentation and can last all day (or night) if used with a good eye primer base. Personally, I would use different brushes to the one provided to really help blend the colours together, making the look less full on and dramatic. Unless of course that's the style you're going for.

 If anyone else has bought the palette, I'd love to know what you thought of it and your favourite combinations!
Victoria ♥