Week Review #7: 15th December 2013

// Revision & Johnny English // Nan & Gramp's 50th Anniversary // Stole Boyf's Cap //
// Starbucks // Knackered Boyf // New Scarf //
// The Hobbit // Puppy Williams // Mum's Christmas Tree //

Sorry for the late week review (again!). Been having some health issues lately so blogging took a bit of a back seat. Last weekend was spent revising for an exam I had Monday but I couldn't resist watching Johhny English while it was on TV! Sunday I had my Nan and Gramp's 50th Wedding Anniversary meal to go to. It was so nice to be around the family because, since I've been at uni, I've spent any time with them. Considering I'm in my third year of uni that's a lot of time I've missed! One thing I will miss over Christmas is the hot chocolate in the uni Starbucks, they spare no expense on the cream! You get an absolute mountain and don't get charged for it. The last week of term is always hectic and the fact that we had 3 assignments in that week really did take it's toll on Roche, flaking out under the Christmas tree! Although he did manage to get me an early Christmas present in the form of a Topman scarf which I love; he couldn't have me being cold! (Or just got sick of me complaining about how cold I am...). Then Friday night we went to go see The Hobbit which was amazing! And featured a pug cameo which made my day. Pugs are taking over the world I tell you! Then this weekend I spent at my mum's with my dog following me round acting like my shadow (I've missed being stalked by her...) and we put up the Christmas tree! Still don't feel Christmassy though, despite typing this at my Nan's house, which resembles Santa's grotto, while watching White Christmas. It has to kick in at some point surely?!

Feeling Festive #3: Christmas Pyjamas

One of the things I love about this time of year are Christmas traditions. Those things you do every year without fail or else Christmas just doesn't feel the same. I also love that everyone has different traditions so I'm here today to share one of my family's things that we do every year which maybe some of you do too. And that is Christmas pyjamas. Every Christmas Eve, after we've had our tea and we're about to wind down for the evening, we all get to open our "Christmas Pyjamas". I think the theory behind this is that we wake up fresh on Christmas day with brand new pyjamas, especially since my Dad insisted on filming us open our presents every year so we couldn't just wear any PJs! Despite the fact that I've now moved out, my Mum still insists on us having new PJs, which I'm glad about because I would hate to see that tradition fall by the way side. For the past few weeks my Mum has been pestering me to choose a pair so she can buy them, wrap them and I can act surprised when I receive them, but I'm still yet to find a pair (within our budget anyway!).

So for anyone like me who hasn't had chance to find their annual PJs or for those who feel like picking up a new tradition this year, here are a few Christmas-themed pyjamas (how many times can you say pyjamas in one blog post?!) to get you started:

Details:
1) Felicity Father Christmas Shorts & Vest Set (Boohoo.com, £10)
2) Katie Keep Calm Mistletoe Shorts & Vest Set (Boohoo.com, £10)
3) Santa Says Relax Pyjama Set (Topshop, £26)
4) Courtney Fairisle Shorts (Boux Avenue, £18)
5) South Penguin Fairisle Christmas T-Shirt (Very.co.uk, £16)
6) Sorbet Stag Print Pyjamas (Very.co.uk, £15) 
7) Betty Boop Fairisle Pyjamas (Very.co.uk, £16)
8) Minnie Mouse & Mickey Winter Hugs Pyjamas (Very.co.uk, £24)

And I'd love to know what your Christmas traditions are, so feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Feeling Festive #2: Dressing the Part!

This year I'm not feeling the most festive, whether that's because I haven't got an advent calender (how old am I?!) or because we haven't got any decorations. So starting from now I'm going to do my best to feel as Christmassy as possible, starting with plastering myself head to toe in Christmas clothes...Well maybe not completely but a Christmas jumper wouldn't go amiss. Trawling through the internet I found so many cute festive things and, if I had the money to do so, I'm sure I would've been throwing things aimlessly onto my debit card. But since I don't have the funds to do that I thought I'd just post a few of the things I've found, so here are my favourites!

1) Black Rudolph Sequin Nose Bobble Hat (New Look, £7.99)

I just thought this was adorable, not sure if I'm cool enough to pull it off but I want it!

2) Beluah Reindeer Christmas Jumper (Missguided, £16.99)
3) Acenitha Snowman Christmas Jumper (Missguided, £16.99)
Two really cute (and affordable) Christmas jumpers from Missguided. Considering you can only bust them out once a year I find a lot of these jumpers are expensive but at under £20 I think that's a reasonable price to pay.

4) Black Reindeer Light Up Christmas Jumper (New Look, £29.99)
Thought I'd include this in case you wanted the jumper to match your reindeer bobble hat! Too much? Maybe. I saw this in store and couldn't work out how it lit up but I'm sure for all of you more savvy than me about this kind of thing it'd make a cool jumper.

5) Fun Pudding Sweater (Next, £28)
Last of the festive jumpers, I just thought this was cute, albeit a bit pricey. (Yes the New Look one was more expensive but unless the pudding lights up I can't part with £28!)

6) Red & White Snowflake Fairisle Brushed Leggings (New Look, £9.99)
I've been desperate for a pair of leggings like this for so long but no matter where I look they never have my size. Maybe next year!

7) Brown Christmas Pudding Slipper Socks (River Island, £8)
Well I did say from head to toe! Don't think it gets more festive than walking around with Christmas Puddings on your feet.

8) Photographic Pug Boypant (Topshop, £4)
Maybe it's not necessary to be festive right down to your knickers but I couldn't resist a pug in a Christmas hat so these had to be included!

9) Reindeer Fairisle Ankle Socks (Topshop, £3.50)
Sort of a similar pattern to the legging but I just think festive socks are a must.

10) Christmas Character Nail Wraps (Topshop, £6)
And finally some Christmas nail wraps. I've never used nail wraps or fake nails or anything like that, I'm strictly a nail varnish kind of girl but I may be persuaded by these! They include Penguin, Santa, Gingerbread Man, Christmas tree, Rudolph and Snowman wraps. If you're going to be festive down to your knickers you may aswell do your nails too!
And the record for most uses of the word "festive" in one post goes to....

Feeling Festive #1: Gift Ideas for £15 and Under

I've already done a post about how to tackle the "I don't know what to get for So-and-So" (see here) but I thought I'd do another gift ideas post because there are some great little bits and pieces out there that won't break the bank. Whether you're looking for a stocking filler, Secret Santa or just a little something, there are so many things you can get for £15 and under. It may look like I've gone a little bit Urban Outfitters mad in this post (and maybe I have!) since 50% of the items I've listed are from there but I just think they have some really nice gift ideas. I do branch out a bit near the end I promise! So here goes...

1) Monkey Nail Dryer (Urban Outfitters, £8)
This may seem like an odd one but for someone who loves painting their nails, hates waiting for them to dry and is too lazy to sit there frantically blowing their fingers for ten minutes, this seems like a winner! And come on, look how cute it is!

2) Fuck Off Floral Eye Mask (Urban Outfitters, £8)
Excuse my language there, I suppose this is more of a joke present for that one "Do not wake me or you'll be sorry" friend that we all have. There are other eye masks on the Urban Outfitters website (including an owl and a cat) if you're not a fan of all things offensive but I'm all for acknowledging those grumpy sleepers!

3) Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal Hot Water Bottle (Urban Outfitters, £10)
Living in a student house where we can't exactly be as forthcoming with the heating as we'd necessarily like to be, I'm all for hot water bottles and I just think they're good to have in the house; everyone should have one! That with the added festive vibe I'd say this would be a pretty good stocking filler.

4) This Is Not A Book (Urban Outfitters, £8.99)
This is another book (or is it...) by Keri Smith, who also created the Wreck This Journal. I got a Wreck This Journal a few years ago and loved it, even though I'm not in the slightest bit creative. This is along the same sort of lines where each page contains an instruction or task for the reader to carry out. It's just a fun, interactive gift that makes even the least artistic people (i.e. me) look creative!

5) "Girls With Class Don't Need A Glass" Hip Flask (surprise, surprise: Urban Outfitters, £12)
Another great Secret Santa or stocking filler present for those who like a drink. It's just a really pretty take on the traditional "old man's" hip flask and you never know when you're going to need one!

6) Shot Roulette Game (River Island, £13)
Bit of a different gift idea compared to all my other ones but staying on the alcohol-theme, this just seems like a fun game, whether you use it to pre-drink with before going out or just to add something different into a social gathering.

7) Make Your Own Lip Balm Kit (notonthehighstreet.com, £15)
This is something I hadn't seen before but thought it would make a pretty cool gift for anyone who wanted to try something new. Each kit comes with enough ingredients to make 5 of your own natural lip balms. They offer four different flavour kits: strawberry, spearmint, orange and unscented and everything has already been weighed out for you so it's a really easy way to get creative!

8) Reindeer Votive Candle Holder (Boux Avenue, £5)
Again going for a festive present, I thought this reindeer candle holder was really cute and I can only imagine how lovely it would look in a dark room with a candle burning away in the middle of it.

9) A Little Scented Something Drawer Sachet (Boux Avenue, £6)
Another little stocking filler (not that we're saying any of our friends have smelly drawers!), I thought this was really pretty and I just remember my Nan always used to have little potpourri balls in all of her drawers so I guess this is just a prettier, more modern version of those to leave your drawer and underwear smelling nice.

Review: Origins Super Spot Remover

What is it?
Blemish treatment gel. It's a clear gel as pictured above.

What does it claim to do?
To "heal, fight and fade" blemishes. It uses Salicylic Acid to speed up the healing process, Caffeine and Red Algae to visibly relieve redness and super exfoliators to eliminate excess oils and pore-clogging debris.

How to use it.
Just dab a small amount, as and when needed, directly on to any blemishes on the face.

Verdict.
So it's been a while since my last product review (apologies!) but what better way to get back into it than with an Origins product. I've made no secret of my love of Origins as a brand; I find their products faultless, which is always hard to find with skin as sensitive as mine, and this product is no exception. I apply this on any spots I may have in the morning after cleansing but before moisturising, again when I get home from uni and then lastly right before I go to bed (after cleansing but before moisturising again). When I do this I find the next morning that the spot has pretty much disappeared, if not completely, at least enough to make it easier to cover with makeup. The reason I say to apply this before moisturising is because spot gels (although this one to a lesser extent than others I've tried) have a tendency to dry skin out a bit so just to re-hydrate my skin and to help the gel sink in quicker I moisturise after.
The biggest tip I have with this product is: use it early! I can't stress this enough; as soon as you see the beginnings of a spot get some of this Super Spot Remover gel straight on there. It is an absolute miracle worker for spots that are only just starting to appear because it immediately stops them getting any redder or bigger, resulting in a "speedy recovery" as it were. I have a real problem with the marks spots leave behind. I tend to have a darker mark, where the spot used to be, lingering for weeks after the spot has gone. For those marks I don't find this product is a quick fix (and with problem skin like mine I wouldn't expect it to be!) but continually applying this gel on those marks has resulted in them only lingering for about a week as opposed to the usual three weeks. Like I said the key to this product is early and multiple applications.
Ok so lets talk numbers! Origins Super Spot Remover is £14, which I know sounds pretty pricey for 10ml and I was hesitant about putting my card details into the Origins website. That being said I am so so glad that I did because my skin would be a lot worse off without it. Also don't let the size of the bottle fool you! I've been using it multiple times a day for the last 3 months and it hardly looks like anything has left the bottle so I really do think this will be a very long-lasting product.

Sum Up.
So to sum up, those are pretty big claims Origins are making about this product but I can honestly say, for me at least, they tick every one of those boxes. When using this, my blemishes heal faster and are almost instantly less red and visible. I'd definitely recommend this Spot Remover because, if used correctly, the results are unquestionable. Now I know everyone's skins different so I suppose I can't generalise it to everyone but I honestly think it's worth a go if you're struggling with spots. If it doesn't get rid of them completely, it will at least reduce them to a more manageable level.

And just quickly, sometimes spot treatments can be harsh on skin, this one is really mild. As I've mentioned before I have really sensitive skin and I can use this no problem, so just thought I'd add that to reassure any other sensitive skin sufferers out there!

Anyone else tried Origins Super Spot Remover? I'd love to know how you got on!

Week Review #6: 8th December 2013

//Train Essentials // Train Selfie // Liverpool was Christmassy //
// Roche // Star Wars Purchase // Costa //
// Liver Building // Dinosaurs at the Museum // Roche Again //

A very much overdue week review! So last week I went to Liverpool for a few days with my boyfriend to do some more sightseeing and Christmas shopping in a city that we both love. We got to do a lot more this time round and it definitely seemed less rushed. On the Wednesday we just wandered round and hit the shops because the 4 hour train journey killed us off; who knew you could get so tired from just sitting on a train for 4 hours?! I didn't buy a whole lot but I did pick up a Star Wars top that's got the characters as they would be in the 70s if they were in their school year book. Then just had a chilled evening of food and drinks. After the last couple of weeks of uni it was definitely a welcome break, just to relax away from Cardiff and spend some quality time together because, despite being on the course and seeing each other every day in uni because of that, it felt like we'd hardly actually spent any time together (weird).

// Couldn't resist train selfies! //

// Chilled evening with the pub and a wander round looking at festive things //

Thursday was when the real sightseeing happened. We got up early to make the most of our day because we had to get the train back at 5pm. Started with yet more shopping (how could we resist?!) then we walked down to see the Liver building, think we must have taken a photo of it from every single possible angle between us!

// Morning of shopping! //

// Liver Building // Museum of Liverpool //

From there we saw the Museum of Liverpool and thought what better way to learn more about the city than find out about its history which was actually really interesting. After that we took a wander down to Albert Dock, which I can imagine looks so pretty at night, where we stopped for a much needed Costa! There's a definite Beatles vibe in a lot of the places we saw around the city (understandably) yet this time we didn't manage to actually do any of the Beatles tours or go to the Cavern Club which I reeeally wanted to do.

// Costa // Dinosaurs! // Ancient Greece // Roche //

But hey ho there's always next time! Finally we had a bit of time to kill before our train so we went to the World Museum (two museums in one day, how cultured do we think we are?!). Couldn't resist going to see the dinosaurs first, we're suckers for anything prehistoric so standing infront of a dinosaur skeleton for five minutes was enough to turn us back into excited children on a school trip. There was also a little aquarium in there and I loved the Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greek exhibitions (yes, Disney's Hercules songs were playing in my head the whole time I was in that one!). 

Then we had the looong train journey back which, after all that walking the last two days, I found it very difficult to stay awake in. Next time I'd love to visit the Cavern Club since we missed it this time round and I'd definitely want to do the Sightseeing Bus, not only to save my little legs, but because I like knowing all the inside information the tour guides tell you.

All in all a much needed few days!

What do you consider as being "Grown Up"?

Bit of a different post today and, don't worry, I will get back to doing reviews (I've already got an Origins one lined up so watch this space!). This is more of a life/growing up post. I'm at the stage in my life now where I'm in my final year of uni and need to think about what I'm going to do with the rest of my life (as dramatic as that sounds!). I have no idea what job I want to do or where I want to live etc and it's sort of scary.

Lately all I can think about is "settling down", now I don't mean that in a marriage and kids kind of way, I just mean that lately I've been desperate to make a permanent home for myself. The last 18 months, what with living in student accommodation and my Mum moving house several times, I've lived in 4 different houses and I just want a stable place to get settled in. The typical things I think of on, near enough, a daily basis is "I want a cute little cosy house filled with 'Emma things' and I want a puppy"; sounding like a 6 year old at the end there Emma...

But there's even been the most random thoughts in my head, for example, I was in Asda with my Mum earlier and I looked at a coffee machine and my head went "aww I can't wait to have my own kitchen so I can put a coffee machine in it". I'm not even much of a coffee drinker but clearly my head thinks my older self will be. Honestly I could probably buy one now for my student house but it just doesn't feel the same. It's like some switch in my head has decided I need to start thinking about being an adult (which at 20 years old I guess I am anyway) even if I still feel like the most childish individual.

I think what I'm really trying to say is that I feel like I'm on the brink of being thrown into the "real world" and whatever I'm perceiving as being "things adults have and do" are things I'm craving. Apparently to me having a puppy and a coffee machine means I'm an adult! For example one of my uni friends who, had always despised coffee, had just started buying it on her way into uni and for lectures. I asked her why and she said "well I don't know, it's just feels like something I should be doing, all the lecturers turn up with coffee".

So it just made me wonder, what do you guys consider "grown up"? Is it drinking coffee or wine? Investing in a million cushions to smother your future sofa in? I'd love to know your opinions!

Week Review #5: 24th November 2013

Star Wars Trilogy // Uni Night Out // Uni Presentation
Liverpool Countdown // New Boots // Doctors
Breakfast with Mum // I'm a Sucker for Sugar // ASOS Order

How am I on my 5th week review already?! This week seems a bit of a blur to me and, if I wasn't so snap-happy with the camera on my phone, I'd probably have no idea what had happened this week. The main reason is that on Thursday I had to do a presentation (I'll talk more about that in a minute) and it's all I was able to think (and stress) about for the first half of the week.

Anyway, the beginning is always the best place to start so on Monday I had a surprise present from my Dad in the form of the original Star Wars trilogy. Then Monday night me and the Uni Gang went to Glam (in my opinion the best nightclub in Cardiff) to "dance the night away". Those nights are probably one of the things I'm going to miss most when uni is over, I'm far too attached to these guys!
Tuesday I spent creating my uni presentation, which I'd been putting off because I panicked every time I looked at it. Wednesday marked 7 days until me and Roche get to escape Cardiff for a few days to do some shopping and sightseeing in Liverpool (I'll no doubt do a post about that next week!).
Thursday was a busy day! My new boots came in the post, just in time for me to make my way to the doctors (which I seem to be living at atm) and then at 2pm I had my presentation. Anyone who knows me knows I'm the worst public speaker. I get beyond nervous and have panic attacks and in high school it was a well-known fact, by teachers and pupils alike, that if a presentation was set I would be conveniently ill that day. It sort of became a running joke in high school but this uni presentation wasn't one I could dodge. I had to basically do a presentation about what my dissertation is about and how I'm going to do it. I spent the whole time waiting for my turn staring at the door wanting to run straight for it. My uni supervisor even said "Every time I looked at you you were looking at the door, I thought you were going to leave" I simply replied "I was". But I got myself through it and decided to reward myself with an ASOS order as soon as I got home!
Saturday morning I met up with my Mum for breakfast and a wander round the shops and I honestly need to do that more because I really do miss her now that I don't live with her anymore. She also treated me to some Galaxy drinks and when I got home I saw my ASOS order there waiting for me.

Here's the outfit in full:

(Excuse the odd socks!)

And here's the status my boyfriend did after we got out of the presentation room (being lovely as always...):

The Joys (and "Not-So-Joys") of Christmas Shopping

Nothing I like better than seeing my puppy under the Christmas tree

(Last year's photo, don't worry I haven't gone decoration mad yet!)

So Christmas time is very nearly (if not already) upon us and that comes hand-in-hand with the dreaded Christmas shopping. Don't get me wrong I love going around buying presents for people and seeing their faces when they open them, the bit I dread is the first step: thinking of what to get people. With some people you know straight away what you can get them and what they'll love, with others it's not that easy. Even people you know exceptionally well can be difficult to buy for, I'm sure we all know people who, as soon as they want something, they buy it making it hard to figure out what's left in the world that they could possibly want. While others *cough* my dad *cough* without me even having to ask, a month before christmas (or his birthday or father's day) without fail will email me a list of things he wants and I just pick a few from the list. As easy as that makes it I don't like just getting people things they've asked for because, lets face it where's the fun of Christmas if there are no surprises?!

I'm super-organised (borderline OCD) when it comes to lists, lists over the years have become a sort of obsession (yes I've previously made a list of all the lists I needed to be making...). So here are a few tips that have got me through many years of present giving:

1) Make a list (or a brainstorm/spider diagram/mind-map) of all of the things that person likes. It could be anything; music, tv programmes, even colours and patterns (e.g. my housemate loves leopard print so that would definitely go on the list). This could spark some kind of idea and, with the help of key word searching on Amazon/Google/Ebay, you can get some really different ideas. For example: typing "Breaking Bad" into Amazon, within seconds I found, not only the boxsets, but some really cool tshirts, mugs and even one of those bobbleheads that people have in their cars (yes, really!). So you started with a tv programme but don't necessarily have to get anything DVD related. So your friend could be sitting down next to their Breaking Bad bobblehead watching Breaking Bad while wearing their Breaking Bad tshirt, drinking from their Breaking Bad mug...too far?

2) Joke Presents. Now everyone likes a laugh and a surprise so what better way of adding to your gift than getting an additional joke present. Joke presents are rarely expensive but can cause a chuckle and a lot of the time show you've made the time to get them something personal. You could use lists again or think of something off the top of your head but it's always good to think of some of the inside jokes you may have with that person. For example, one year a friend of mine got given a pillowcase with Edward Cullen's face on because she once got with a Robert Pattinson-lookalike and she has forever regretted it. Silly things but it got a smile and a giggle and isn't that what Christmas is all about?

3) Days Out. Presents don't always have to be gift wrapped under the tree (as nice as that is), sometimes a day out after Christmas can be more fun and kind of extends the festive season. Like I'm desperate to go to the zoo so I'd think that was a good present. Another example is my boyfriend supports Liverpool so for his birthday this year I paid for us to stay up there and do a tour of the Liverpool stadium. I don't think any item I could have bought him would have made him as happy as he was while we were up there. 

One last random idea that I like is for your boyfriend/girlfriend you could get them the DVD of every film you saw in the cinema together on your dates (providing they liked the film obviously!). I just think it shows a lot of thought and it's personal, shows that that time meant something to you. Now this may seem excessive if you've been together for like 4 years because that could potentially be a lot of DVDs! But in those cases maybe set a time limit of all the films you've seen in the cinema in the last 6 months or a year etc.

So now I've waffled on for this long, I'd love to know what your Christmas present ideas and tips are for this year?

Week Review #4: 17th November 2013

My new Parka came // Assignment hand-in day // Chocolate overload

Got a 2:1 // Roche's Bitstrip obsession // Thinking I can multi-task

Rugby at Varsity // Star Wars was on TV // Starbucks Sunday

Time for another week review! These weeks seem to be whizzing past me at the moment, feel like it's going to be Christmas before we know it. So, since in the last couple of weeks the temperature has taken a downward turn, I decided to order a Parka from ASOS which came on Monday and I'm in love with it. I'd forgotten what being outside and feeling warm at the same time felt like until now! Tuesday was assignment hand-in day for me at uni and after slaving away all last week I was beyond relieved to hand this one in. That's two assignments down, what feels like a million to go. After the hand in Tuesday, Roche surprised me with a maaaaaassive bar of Galaxy and endless cups of hot chocolate while watching This Is The End (highly recommend it if you love anything Seth Rogan/Jonah Hill). We're such hardcore students; alcohol-fuelled night out after a hand-in? Nahh chocolate and a film it is. Thursday I got my first assignment of third year back which I was desperate for because 1) second year my grades took a turn for the worse and 2) I wanted to see how high the bar was set in third year. I was more than pleasantly surprised with 65% which is a 2:1 and the grade I'm hoping to get when I finish uni in June so to know I'm on track felt amazing. Not sure if any of you have the Bitstrip app but it's becoming a kind of obsession, which usually involves people insulting each other (jokingly) and posting it on Facebook (in the case above Roche taking the piss out of my driving...). Friday was a nothingness day really. I'm really indecisive and didn't know which I wanted to catch up on first; reading* or The Walking Dead, which resulted in me trying (and failing) to multi-task. Saturday me, Roche, my housemate Laura and Nick went to Varsity for food and to watch the rugby. Wales were playing Argentina and, with the final score being 40-6 to Wales, there were some very happy people around Cardiff! After the game I went home and watched Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back with Roche before making our way to his and then this morning doing some Christmas shopping (and having a much needed Starbucks break!) in town. (As you can probably tell by the name on his Starbucks cup I don't actually call Roche by his first name ever, just to clarify any confusion! haha). I'm starting to feel so Christmassy what with all the lights around town and Christmas songs playing in shops, it genuinely puts me in the best mood. 

Here's a full length picture of my ASOS Parka (in petite, £85). It may sound pricey but the warmth you feel when you're wearing it beyond justifies the price tag!

*Currently Reading: No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay.

I can't rave about this author enough, if you like thriller/suspense type books Linwood Barclay is definitely your go-to guy. This is the third book by him I've read; the others being Too Close To Home and Trust Your Eyes. I honestly can't pick a favourite, you never know which way the story is going to go and I find it so difficult to put the books down. If you want well-written suspense novels look no further!

Clothes Wishlist #1

// See end of post for item details //

When I created this blog (albeit not that long ago!) I didn't even contemplate ever doing a clothes post because, honestly, I don't think I possess any kind of dress sense. I'm all for oversized t shirts or baggy jumpers worn over my black matte wetlook leggings or my black disco pants with either ankle boots or my converse. Its safe to say I'm usually not very adventurous, opting for a comfy, easy-to-throw-on, this-took-me-2-minutes look. I like to think I dress semi-grungy and "rock-chick-esque", especially with my cropped leather biker jacket, but that may just be wishful thinking on my part! Saying this I am partial to a girly skater skirt but, and its a concept that baffles my friends, I try to steer clear of "floaty", overly-girly skirts or dresses, simply because I look young anyway and I feel like even more of a little girl in those types of clothes (as much as I would love to wear them!).

I usually live and die in Topshop but for when my student budget doesn't stretch to Topshop prices I branch out to ASOS, Missguided and Boohoo. So above is my current clothes wishlist full of items that I will probably never actually possess but I will lust after from this side of my computer screen. (Apart from the Parka in the last photo which I may have just purchased...oops!) And below are two outfits that I'd love to own:

You may have noticed that there are a few American Apparel items in this post which are definitely not in any way within my student budget but a girl can dream right?!

Items in this post:
1) Noelle Chicago Oversized Tee in Burgundy (Missguided, £12.99)
2) Ceryssa Value Loose Fir Crop Top in Grey (Missguided, £5.49)
3) Giliana Leather & Tweed Dress (Missguided, £24.99)
4) Katherine Oversized Jumper in Berry (Boohoo, £15.00)
5) Lyndsey Cable Knit Super Soft Leggings in Grey (Boohoo, £8.00)
6) ASOS Wool Mix Short Cable Beanie (ASOS, £10.00)
7) American Apparel Easy Sweat Top (ASOS, £50.00)
8) American Apparel Disco Pants (ASOS, £74.00)
9) American Apparel Slouchy T Shirt (ASOS, £30.00)
10) ASOS Petite Khaki Parka (ASOS, £85.00)

Week Review #3: 10th November 2013

Bit of a different "week review" this week. I've got a uni deadline on Tuesday so I've spent the last week slaving over my computer and, as much as I'd love to have been blogging instead, I've been essay writing. So my entire week can be summed up in these four pictures really:

uni work // Vulcan Lounge with Laura // more uni work // films and cwtches with Boyf and his dog

So because my week has been uneventful I thought instead, as it's a Sunday, I'd do a post about my "Sunday Pamper Routine". Every Sunday night, to prepare my skin for the week ahead, I give it a bit of much needed attention, away from my usual daily skincare regime. This pamper session is made up entirely (with the exception of my La Roche-Posay Serozinc) of Origins products, which is quickly becoming my favourite skin care brand.

So I start off with Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash (£18) which targets both oily and dry skin so if you have combination skin this would be perfect for you. I'm not a massive fan of the smell but obviously that's just personal preference and that's honestly its only downfall in my eyes. After using this my skin feels super clean and its very gentle. I have really sensitive skin (or just plain fussy skin as I like to think of it) so there's a lot of products that my skin flat out objects to and I tend to get a reaction. That's not the case with this, or any Origins product I've tried, so I'd definitely give Origins a go if your skin is temperamental like mine.

Next I use Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion (£33). Now this one is a bit pricey and I can't lie I've only got a sample size that came free with another Origins purchase so not sure if I can justify re-purchasing it when I've run out. That being said, this is one of the best facial exfoliators that I've used. You can feel it working (without feeling like you're rubbing sandpaper on your face) and my skin looks so much smoother and brighter after it's scrubbed away all excess dirt or dead skin cells.

Following that I use Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask (£22) which is aimed at unclogging pores. I never used to have a problem with my pores but the more makeup I started to wear (and how lazy I used to be with my skincare routine) made them a lot more visible. This mask "does exactly what it says on the tin" as my Nan would say. When you first put it on it comes out quite dark, which makes it easy to see what parts of your face you've missed, then becomes less noticeable as it sinks in and works its magic. I leave it on for about five minutes before removing it with a cloth and hot water (I should probably have mentioned that that's how I removed the last two steps too!). It doesn't leave your skin feeling as tight as other masks, my skin tone looks a lot more even after using it and the next day my pores look visibly reduced.

Then it's time for my La Roche-Posay Serozinc (Review here: http://emmawillz.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/review-la-roche-posay-serozinc.html) which removes any remaining traces of cleanser, scrub or mask that could still be lurking on my skin before my final step. This last step is another mask and quite possibly my favourite ever Origins product. It's Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (£22). I apply this before I go to bed and leave it on overnight. It smells amazing and it's heavy enough to feel like it's working but not so heavy that your skin can't breathe or that you feel sticky or clammy. It may seem expensive but it goes a long way and honestly the way your skin feels the morning after using it makes £22 seem like a bargain; hydrated doesn't even cover it. 

Monday mornings are always difficult and, although I dread them, it's probably the best my skin looks and feels all week which, lets face it, makes even the dreariest of Mondays seem ever so slightly better. My skin tone is more even, my face looks brighter, feels smoother, any breakouts appear tamed and pores practically non-existent. 

I can't rave about Origins enough so I'd love to know what your favourite Origins product is?

John Frieda Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray

What does it claim to do?

"Peroxide lightening formula, with citrus and chamomile, works with heat tools for lightening and brightening blonde hair, up to one and a half shades. Gradually lightens in 3-5 uses. Maximum lightening occurs after no more than 10 uses."

Warning.

The product warns not to use on natural brown or darker shades of hair, intensively bleached hair (lightened 4-8 shades) or platinum/white shades of blonde hair.

How to use it.

Spray thoroughly through wet hair then, as the spray is heat activated, blow dry your hair. For optimum results follow these steps by using straighteners or curling tongs; the more heat you use the more effective the product will be.

Verdict.

I was at the hairdressers recently when the lady cutting my hair asked if I was a natural blonde. I used my normal "I'm naturally blonde, just not naturally this blonde". I explained that I've only ever used this spray on my hair and she was baffled; she couldn't believe I'd never dyed my hair. This made me realise just how effective this product is and it has made me a lot more confident so thought I had to give it the praise it deserves here. I've used it for almost 2 years now and noticed results after about 2 weeks of using it every day. Since then my hair has gotten even lighter and I couldn't be happier with it. It takes very little effort as all you have to do is give your hair a quick spray all over straight after you've washed it so you're barely adding anything extra to your routine. I don't use it as much as I used to, probably only use it once a week now because, after almost 2 years of use, the colour has built up a lot. My hair is probably the lightest it'll go so I just do a spray every week (mainly on my roots to keep them topped up) and use John Frieda Go Blonder shampoo every time I wash my hair just to maintain the colour I'm at now. I've seen other reviews mention this causing hair damage, however, I've never experienced any sort of damage, despite having used 5+ bottles. These "damage" reviews are in the minority and as long as you follow the instructions and stick to them there's no reason why you should experience any problems. However if you are worried about damage be sure to thoroughly condition hair after shampooing (I use John Frieda Luxurious Volume Conditioner).

Sum Up.

This product gives impressive results with very little effort. It's far cheaper (£6.99, Boots) and less time consuming than dyeing your hair while giving similar results. It may look like a small bottle (100ml) but it actually goes a really long way. It's especially handy for a quick roots top up and I honestly couldn't be without it now but remember it's a gradual process so please don't expect instant results but you will get there!

The next John Frieda spray I'm dying to try is "John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow Out Styling Spray". I already use the conditioner in this range but hopefully this spray can give me some much needed volume.

Week #2: 3rd November 2013

Mum's Moving Day // My dog is ignorant // Liverpool trip with Boyf booked

Scream Movie Night // Pumpkin Carving // Halloween

Heinsenberg! // Football at the pub // Harry Potter Day

Another hectic week and it would be just my luck that my first week off from uni in ages I spend feeling beyond ill. So my week consisted of going and helping my Mum move house which also meant getting to see my dog Millie who does a really good job of ignoring I exist most of the time! On Tuesday me and my boyfriend Roche had a "Breaking Bad and Dominos Pizza" lazy day and booked our trip to Liverpool for a few days at the end of November. Then to get in the Halloween spirit me and my housemate Laura watched Scream (which I may or may not have fallen asleep in, oops!). Halloween was spent carving Pedro the Pumpkin with Roche followed by a night out with the gang. I only went as a cheerleader but people really outdid themselves with costumes this year with my friend Joe going as the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Roche going as Walter White/Heisenberg from Breaking Bad. That made him a sort of "local celebrity" when we were out with people asking to have pictures with him. Yesterday I went to the pub to watch Liverpool v Arsenal. Now I'm in no way a football fan but with Roche being a Liverpool supporter and Joe being an Arsenal supporter I thought I'd better go to keep the peace. And today I'm having a lazy Sunday watching Harry Potter, it's a hard life! Back to reality with uni tomorrow though.

Review: La Roche-Posay Serozinc

What is it?

It's a zinc sulfate solution in an aerosol spray form

What does it claim to do?

Purifies, cleanses and soothes the skin's surface irritations

How to use it.

I use it as a toner, so after my cleanser but before my moisturiser. I spray it evenly across my face, wait 10 seconds for it to sink in a bit then dab my face with a cotton pad. Alternatively you can just use a cotton pad to wipe it around your face.

Verdict.

After 8 years of a religious cleanse and moisturise routine (twice a day) I thought it was about time I stopped ignoring toners and actually introduced one into my daily routine. I always dismissed this middle step as pointless since my cleanse and moisturise combination seemed to be working perfectly. However since adding this product in between cleansing and moisturising I kicked myself for not doing it sooner. 

At first I was sceptical about this product, despite reading such positive reviews, because I thought it was essentially "fancy water", with the ingredients simply being "water, sodium chloride and zinc sulfate". However the results were incredible. I thought my old routine was doing the trick but after using this for 3 weeks now I can see how wrong I was. 

Toners basically get rid of any makeup or cleanser left behind on your skin and this spray certainly does that! My skin has never been so clean and, as a result, I've never seen my skin so consistently spot-free. With no makeup or other impurities sticking around on my skin and clogging my pores my skin has benefited massively, giving me the confidence to even go out without any foundation/concealer on. 

Who knew you could get such a fantastic result from "fancy water"?!

Sum Up.

I now don't know where I'd be without this product in my routine, I will definitely be re-purchasing and I highly recommend trying it out. 

Anyone else tried it? If so, what did you think?

November Wishlist

Happy Day-After-Halloween Guys! Ok so this post isn't really going to fit in with the "Halloween Vibes" I've been seeing everywhere today but it's the first chance I've had all week to do my "Wishlist" post. I'm big on skincare and think trying out different brands until you find the one that's right for you is so important. So here's a list of skincare products (with some makeup and nail varnish thrown in for good measure) I'm desperate to try:

1) REN Rosa Centrifolia Cleansing Gel (£14, M&S): REN is a brand that I've seen reviewed by bloggers a million times so I think it's about time I jumped on the bandwagon and saw what the hype is all about. Cleansing, in my opinion, is the most important part of my skin routine so I like to shop around and try different ones. This is definitely the next one I'm trying.

2) Lush Tea Tree Toner Water (£3.95, Lush): I've only just got in to using toners and am completely loving the results. That new-found love of toners added with the fact this is Tea Tree based makes this a winning combination for me and I can't wait to try it!

3) Soap & Glory Dr Spot Super Strength Breakout Clearing Gel (£8, Boots): I don't have a massive problem with spots but I find spot treatments a lifesaver when they do rear their ugly heads. Right now I'm using Origins Spot Remover which is amazing but a tad pricey so next time I want to try the more "student-budget-friendly" Soap & Glory version.

4) Super Facialist Vitamin C Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash (£9.99, Boots): Super Facialist is another brand I've never tried but keeps cropping up on the blog scene. This product is supposed to buff your skin and give it a nice glow so can't wait to try it!

5) Origins Out of Trouble Mask (£22, Origins): Origins is one of my favourite skincare brands and their Overnight Drink Up Intensive Mask is something I now couldn't live without. This is definitely going to be my next Origins purchase, although it is at the top end of my budget.

6) Organic Surge First Class Face Mask (£7.99, Amazon): This one was recommended by a friend. I have sensitive skin and am pretty careful about what I put on my skin so this being "sensitive skin tested" makes it all the more appealing to me. 

7) Soap & Glory Beauty Sleep Accelerator Night and Flight Moisture Miracle (£13, Boots): I'm a big fan of overnight skincare too because I love the way my skin looks and feels in the morning and with Soap & Glory offering such affordable products how can I resist?!

8) Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation (£8.99, Boots): On to make-up! Ever since I've started wearing foundation I've only ever bought Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation which, although it still does the job, I feel like I need to branch out of a bit and have definitely heard good things about this one so may aswell give it a whirl!

9) Essie Recessionista Nail Varnish (£7.95, Amazon): Essie has replaced Rimmel as my new go-to nail varnish. I find it chips less and has a much more even coverage even if it comes with a higher price tag. Since Christmas is just around the corner I feel like a darker nail varnish is essential and anyone who knows me knows I'm forever wearing purple nail varnish so this shade is right up my street!

Week #1: 27th October 2013

3am flights aren't my friend // Hotels don't think through their plugs // Nan's bracelet

Jersey // Laura's birthday night out // Hangover Day at the cinema with Boyf
Evening in with Boyf and Jake the Dog // Walking Dead Catchup // Day of Uni Work

I've been pretty busy lately, with me starting the week in Jersey because that's where my family are from and I had a funeral to go to there. While I was there my auntie gave me my nan's bracelet that she wore every day until she died so needless to say that meant the world to me. Later in the week a bunch of us went out for my housemate Laura's 23rd birthday which was followed by the nicest hangover day (if a hangover day can ever be classed as "nice"!).

30 Random Facts About Me

Since I'm pretty new to the whole "blog scene" I thought what better way to tell you a little bit more about myself than doing a "30 Random Facts about Me" post. I know technically it's usually 50 facts but I honestly don't think I'm interesting enough for that many facts! Hopefully you'll find some of the facts amusing and maybe you'll even find we have something in common. So here goes...

1) Starting off with the boring one: I'm a 20 year old Psychology student from Cardiff studying in Cardiff (I clearly can't get enough of the place!)

2) I put cheese on pretty much everything, my poor arteries are probably sobbing from all the cholesterol but I can't help but love the stuff

3) One of my main life goals is to visit all the states of America (6 down, 44 to go!)

4) All of a sudden I can't go to Queen Street (our main shopping street in Cardiff) without my eye getting so swollen that I can't see. I literally look like Quasimodo and the Elephant Man's love child

5) I'm completely obsessed with skincare which is probably what led me to start this blog

6) I've had Alopecia since I was 11 which has resulted in me not having any eyelashes or eyebrows. This means there probably won't be any reviews on mascara (sorry!) but it's given me a good insight into the world of fake lashes and eyebrow pencils 

7) When I was younger I was about to have a blood test, me being the needle-phobe that I am, panicked at the last minute, knocked the nurse's hand which caused her to accidentally stick the needle in herself. Needless to say my mum was mortified!

8) I met my boyfriend last Halloween, me dressed as a sailor girl, him dressed as a zombie. What wonderful first impressions!

9) I'm afraid of lifts, heights, flying and bees/wasps (this list is way longer but I don't want to look like a big old scaredy cat!)

10) I'm welsh and have lived in Wales my entire life, yet I don't have even an ounce of a welsh accent which I actually find gutting

11) I once tripped over a bin while staring so intently at a hot guy across the road (embarrassing)

12) I've read all the Harry Potter books 3 times (apart from The Prisoner of Azkaban which I've read 7 times)

13) Probably a pretty cliche one but my favourite book is The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

14) Because of the whole lack of eyelashes and eyebrows thing I was called Gollum throughout the whole of high school (kids can be so cruel!)

15) I've been a bridesmaid 3 times, what do they say? Always a bridesmaid, never the bride? Damn.

16) My first gig was in 2009 and it was Fall Out Boy

17) I've seen every episode of Friends, Dexter, Lost, Gossip Girl, Breaking Bad and Gavin & Stacey 

18) Harry Styles is my guilty pleasure, which I hate to admit

19) My car's called Phoebe, Phoebe the Fiesta

20) My favourite animal is an elephant (closely followed by meerkats and penguins)

21) When I was in primary school I used to fancy Ash Ketchum from Pokemon and Aladdin 

22) I may be 20 but I look so young that I recently got ID'd for a 15 film at the cinema

23) I used to know every single word to both School of Rock and the first Pirates of the Caribbean

24) I used to want to be a model and got obsessed with all sorts of modelling TV shows but then I got to 5 foot 2 and stopped growing...

25) I can't stand popcorn, the smell, the taste, anything

26) If I could look like anyone in the world it would be Lauren Conrad

27) Speaking of which, no matter what shitty situation I'm in there's a Hills episode to go with it

28) Another one of my life goals is I reeeeally want to do a road trip of either Europe or America in a VW Campervan

29) If I ever have a son I want to call him Dylan

30) I'm obsessed with Kurt Cobain or anything Nirvana related

Eek I've started a blog...

Hi, my name is Emma and I'm a 20 year old uni student from Cardiff and I'm in my 3rd year studying Psychology at Cardiff Met Uni. I wanted to start a blog because lately I've felt like I've got a lot to say and, as much as I love Twitter, not enough room to say it. This will probably mainly be for reviews of beauty products and occasionally make up because I've been trying out different brands and would love to give my opinion (even if I'm not a professional!). There will probably be the odd post about something in the news etc if I feel strongly about it, posts about uni and just my life in general. Any questions feel free to ask as I'm more than happy to answer anything!