Friday, 2 August 2013

Hair: Haul, Mini Reviews, Summer Styles & Chit Chat #AD

Hey Everyone!

I had quite a few random bits and bobs to talk about all under the umbrella of 'hair' so I thought I'd just write one bumper post. 

Haul
back of oval purple brush with no handle in clear rectangle packaging
Firstly, I have finally caved and bought a Tangle Teezer! It is pretty weird getting used to not having a handle but I love it already. I don't have particularly tuggy hair anyway, but it really does just glide through your hair. One of the main reasons I bought it was because my hair falls out constantly and I have noticed an improvement over the last few days using this. What surprised me was that this is great for backcombing-adding a bit of subtle volume without the frizz. This means tousled hairdoos are a lot easier. Another plus is that its really easy to remove the hairs that get caught in the bristles. 
two small bottles on floral quilt - one tan liquid one cream liquid
Also, when I got back from Africa, my mum had got me a few bits and bobs (big treat) including these Bed Head minis. 
Ombre
girl taking selfie wearing aqua long sleeved top with long brown hair
You may remember a while back I had my hair slightly ombred and I thought I'd give you a quick update. It was pretty subtle at first but since I've been in the sun its really lightened at the bottom. Though because they've been coloured, the ends of my hair have been pretty dry lately.

The Importance of a Trim
To combat these dry ends, I had a trim a few days ago. I really don't acknowledge often enough how important having a trim is. My hair instantly looked healthier and those nasty split ends were stopped in their tracks. I've also found in the past that after a snip my hair grows a lot faster.

Favourite Summer Hairstyle

All year round, I have 3 hairstyles: down, sleek straight ponytail or in a bun. In attempt to change this mundane routine up a little; today I tried a doo I saw on pinterest and I am 100% in love and will definitely be wearing it more. Its a twist on a plain ponytail, with the hair gathered as if you're beginning a plait and then tied at the crown. I was amazed at how much volume it created.
girl with long brown hair in ponytail wearing aqua top sitting next to white door looking down
close up of girl with brown hair in ponytail
Top Tips for Growing Your Hair
Get the ends cut off every couple of months
Minimise the amount of heat you use on your hair
Brush your hair! It seems obvious, but it will stimulate the production and spreading of natural oils. 
Massaging your scalp for a few minutes each day to increase blood flow.
I've heard that fish oil is good for hair growth- has anyone tried this?

Extensions

And you know what, if you are just too impatient for your hair to grow to your desired length- why not try extensions? Clip in extensions will transform short hair and you'll be able to experiment with many more styles. These extensions by Remy (here) are made of real human hair, so will blend with your own hair perfectly. 
seekhair.co.uk offer a huge range of clip in extensions at affordable prices, so you will be able to achieve luscious locks whatever your hair type.  Just remember- give your hair regular breaks from extensions and you may want to invest in a good conditioner to combat any damage.

This is a bit of a random post (all my posts seem to be a bit odd recently- hope you don't mind). I thought it'd be useful to share what I've learned over the past little while and was interested to see if you shared the same experiences. Also, if you would like to see a post on my current hair care routine, let me know.

Sponsored Post

Thursday, 1 August 2013

Home Decor Wishlist

Hey Everyone!

You will probably already know that I'm a sucker for home decor, especially if its shabby chic or floral themed. My room has hints of each here and there, but I still constantly find myself lusting after elegantly carved, rustic white, french inspired furnishings.

Instead of keeping all of my favourite shabby chic pieces stored up in my bookmarks, I thought I'd create a wishlist to share them with you in the hope that you'll become as inspired and gushy as me.
collage of floral vintage style notepages, white chaise longue, shabby chic two drawer desk, alarm clock, floral love sign and chandelier
1- Dolly Bow Bow Vintage Sticky Memo Pads
I think these are so pretty. They have a little bit of Cath Kidston about them, are really convenient (I always need a memo pad) and it would look great on a plain wall.

2- Chaise Longue Boutique Chateau Chaise Longue
When I look at this I imagine french ladies a hundred years ago lounging about. Its so elegant, stylish and looks like it would be lovely to snuggle up on. It was really difficult to pick just one piece from this website as their whole collection is beautiful.

3- Amazon Premier Housewares 5-Arm White Chandelier
Some might argue that chandeliers are tacky, but I think they look great in the right style. It really adds the old fashioned touch. 

4- John Lewis Amalie 4-drawer Sideboard
Nothing beats a set of fancy off white drawers for the perfect storage. I imagine these with some vintage perfume bottles and a vase of flowers on top.

5- Ebay Vintage Metal Pocket Watch Style-Free Standing Mantle Piece Clock
This would also look perfect sitting on the drawers- I love roman numerals on a clock rather than numbers.

6- Ebay 170cm French Scene Design Mannequin
I have wanted one of these for so long even though I have no idea where I'd put it in my room and I'd probably wake up in the middle of the night thinking it was a person. Nevertheless, I think they're amazing and such a nice touch to a girly room.

Which is your favourite?
green and pink floral text 'Julz'



Tuesday, 30 July 2013

200th Post & FOTD

Hey Everyone!

I'm back! For those of you who don't know- I was in Africa for just over two weeks and it was amazing. I feel like I have been away for ages though and I'm totally out of the loop. 

But I have returned to quite an important milestone- my 200th post! Fist pump fist pump :) I'd just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has commented and tweeted and supported me!

Cheesiness over: onto the post. This is my current FOTD. I have switched up products quite a bit lately- so thought you might like to have a look at what I'm wearing- I know I love these kinds of posts on other blogs.
girl looks down with brown ponytail, light makeup and black and white striped top with floral pattern
close up of eye with subtle sparkly gold and brown eyeshadow and thick mascara
close up of hazel eye looking forward with subtle shimmer eyeshadow, black top eyeliner and mascara, contact lens visible
close up of lips with gloss
Base:
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB in Light
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 
MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle
Avon Translucent Powder

Eyes:
MUA Single Eyeshadow in Shades 1 and 19
MUA Eye Shadow Palette in Glamour Days
L'Oreal Super Liner in Black Crystals
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara

Lips:
Avon Glazewear Sparkle Lip Gloss

Let me know if you'd like to see individual reviews of any of these products. And in the comments tell me the best thing you've done so far this summer.
green and pink floral text outlined in thin brown stroke, reads'Julz'



Monday, 22 July 2013

Hair Products Haul

Hey Everyone!

Instead of letting this become another post consisting of me moaning about how flat, straight and boring my hair is- lets dive straight in and I'll show you what hair products I've bought recently. Its weird because I usually do hauls on YouTube so I'm a bit rusty doing blog post hauls!

I'm not usually one for hair products- but after last weeks bbloggers chat, I had a list the length of my arm of things to try. Be warned- join that conversation at your purses risk!
gold long tin of hairspray, black smaller spray and white bottle of baby talc
I think I must of had about half a dozen replies to my 'Which is the best hairspray' query recommending Elnette- I couldn't not get it. It was just over £6 but haircare is currently on buy one get one half price in Boots- so it didn't work out so bad. So far I have only used this once so haven't entirely got to grips with it. Let me know if you'd like to see a full review of any of these.

I've wanted a Salt Spray for a very long time- and the haircare offer meant it was a good time to purchase. Weirdly, I couldn't remember a single Salt Spray recommendation- so I went for one that 'looked' good and was a decent price. This worked out about £3 I think.

Finally, after much umming and arring over buying the Lush dry shampoo (which smells amazing but realistically its probably just Talc + something with a nice scent) I went for the budget option of baby powder. I'm usually use Batiste but I'm not a fan of the smell, and a few bloggers mentioned that they thought  this was just as good. I think it was around 84p so its not a big deal if it isn't great. 

Have you tried any of these products?
pink and green floral text outlined in thin brown stroke reading 'Julz'

Monday, 15 July 2013

Birthday Snaps

various girl's birthday cards spread out on floral quilt, mainly pink and white
small cardboard box lined with yellow tissue paper with pink and red bottles inside surrounded by maple coloured sweets
close up of pink box with brown ribbon reading 'Soap and Glory Birthday Box'
old fashioned card with robins on leaves
black string bracelet with grey, pink and white sparkle spherical beads
Hey Everyone!

I mentioned in my last post that it was my birthday a few weeks ago so I thought I'd share a few photos I took. I'm always very interested to see posts along these lines- so hopefully no one will think I'm bragging or anything- this is just for the nosy people like me who are interested in some of the things I got.

I was so lucky to receive this amazing parcel from the lovely Melanie filled with lots of Canadian bits and bobs (including Bath and Body Works products!). It arrived in rather weirdly good timing: just as I was opening my other presents! I was also given the Soap & Glory Birthday Box (very appropriate) and the cutest little vintage poem. Finally, I love this Shamballa bracelet- I've wanted one for ages. 
pink and green floral text outlined in thin brown stroke reading 'Julz'