NYE... No Choice But To Spoil Myself!!

Well the title says it all really. As I am having a very relaxed (and cheap) New Year I feel it is only fair to spoil myself especially after the year I have had.

So, I popped in to Peter Jones in Sloan Square and got myself this...

Ohh So exciting!

Laura Mercier La Petite Patisserie Trio Fresh Fig ♥♥♥

As you can guess I am very impressed. I saw Tanya Burr review the Laura Mercier bath and body products last year so I think this product has been on my mind since then. When I saw it I had to have it.

The 'Trio' features Crème Body Wash, Soufflé Body Crème and Eau Gourmande all with the delightful Fig fragrance.  And it was £20 reduced from £40 - an absolute steal!

The Crème Body Wash is delightful. Soft and silky. I added it to running bath water and it foamed up beautifully and smelt devine.  The Soufflé Body Crème leaves your skin feeling very hydrated and also smells lovely.  And the perfume is gorgeous and sweet, a perfect size to pop in to your handbag.

I am so pleased with the purchase.  I will definitely be buying more Laura Mercier Bath & Body products.

My Trio fitting in nicely with my favourite other products :-)

Lots of Love and New Year Wishes

My Totally Guilty Pleasures!

Guilty pleasure

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Guilty pleasure (disambiguation).

A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. The "guilt" involved is sometimes simply fear of others discovering one's lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes, such as campy styles of entertainment. Fashion, video games, music,^[1] films,^[2] and junk food can be examples of guilty pleasures.^[3

So *gulp* here are mine. 

Starting with...

1. ONE DIRECTION

Yes that's right. The cheesy (but cute) boy band discovered on the X factor and now taking over the world. I defy any girl to not fall a little bit in love with Niall, Zain, Harry, Liam and Louis after watching this video. Oh gosh I even know all of their names.  

I have sat and watched their 'funniest moments' on youtube and downloaded their album. In fact I am listening to it while I write this. And one more thing, I will be going to see them on their UK tour!!

A One Direction fan and proud!!

2. PRIMARK

So you know that "fabulous top" I was wearing that I told you I couldn't remember where it was from because it was last season? Well It was actually £4 from Primark. And those amazing studded trainers I have? Also from Primark. And they are the most comfortable wearable footwear I have ever owned.

My Fabulous Studded Primark Trainers :-)

So thank you Primark for giving me the smuggest smile when the Sloan with the £4,000 Birkin bag would rather have my £4 top from you than a £75 Zoe Karssen :-)


3. BRITISH AIRWAYS GOLD CARD

What could possible be bad about this? Entry in to the 1st class lounge, que jumping at the airport...

If only it wasn't Expired!!! Thats right I keep an expired Gold BA card in my wallet. And the fact it is expired doesn't stop me from using it for the above mentioned (amongst other things) but its not my fault I just can't part with it. So what if I deserted BA for Virgin Airlines, It is gold and shiny and makes me feel fabulous!!!! :-)


So ladies I would love to hear your guilty Pleasures. Do you steal all the toiletries in hotels you can get your hands on, do you secretly go dress shopping and hide it in the cupboard from your boyf to bring out and declare "oh look at this old thing", or do you rent your handbags and tell your snobby friend they are yours?

What are your guilty pleasures?

My New Victoria's Secret Make Up Bag

Hi all, I wanted to share with you my fabulous new Victoria's Secret Make up bag.

It is such a fantastic size for my make up and still fits in to a medium size handbag!

I can't get over how much I can fit in it. Really fab.

And it is Glittery! So you really can't go wrong with this one.

It comes in a few different sizes, I got the bigger one and it was £12 from the Victoria's Secret store in Westfield, Stratford.

Deffinitely recommended.

Lots of Love Ashly xxx

Shhh it's a secret... My skin Care routine!

With all this cold and windy weather your skin may need a little bit more love than it usually does.  With this in mind I thought now would be a good time to share my skin care routine :-)

 

The first thing you need to know about My skin care routine is that is differs from season to season. I am paying far more attention to my skin at the moment as it needs the tlc. I find that the central heating (along with the weather) can make it quite dry and unhappy.

Here we go...

The products

1. Clarins gentle foaming Cleanser  | £17.50

This is my absolute favourite cleanser. It is super gentle on my skin, removes make up well, smells divine and lasts for absolutely ages. I only need to buy one every 4-6 months and I use it all the time. You only need a very small amount. Absolutely fabulous.

Application: I wet my face first then apply a small amount to my fingers and rub in gently in circular motions for a minute or so. I then use a cold wet face cloth to wipe off. If I have on a lot of makeup I will repeat this step to make sure it is all removed.

2. Garnier Simply Essentials toner | £2.99

I find this works very well. Contains no alcohol or perfume and removes any left over make up fabulously.

Application: i apply to a cotton pad and wipe over my face, I wash my face after using as I dont like to leave the residue on.

3. Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist | £17

This stuff smells lovely and leaves your skin feeling so refreshed and soft.

Application: I spray my face with 3-4 squirts, wait 1 minute then I pat any residue off with a tissue.

4. Aveda Touramaline Charged Hydrating Creme | £34

This cream is perfect for the winter. It is very thick and luxurious. Really hydrates your skin.

Application: I apply generously rubbing in circular motions making sure my whole face is covered.

These are other products which I use once or twice a week.

5. Aveda Touramaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser | £21

This is great for when your skin is dry to get it all smooth again by getting rid of any loose or dry skin. I would say it is too harsh for me to use everyday as my skin feels quite tight afterwards which I don't like too much. So couple times a week is all you need with this one.

Application: This is a good one to use in the bath or shower. I wet my face first then apply a very small amount to my fingers which I then rub around my face very gently in small circular motions. Then wash off with a soft face cloth or simply with water.

6. Orba Originals Goat's Milk Night Cream | £12.99

I use this if my skin is feeling really sensitive or I am having a no make up day. This is really light and absorbs straight away. I love this and have been using it for a few years now. It is also fab for dry hands. Application is easy with this one. Simply apply a small amount to your face, you don't need much.

7. L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream | £6.40

I first bought this in LA about 5 years ago and I adore it. A perfect size to slip in to your hand bag. It really works on dry hands and leaves them soft for days.

8. Aquaphor Healing Ointment | Boots £6 approx

This is an amazing lip balm. You can't beat it to get those chops looking and feeling super smooth and silky. It is also good for really dry skin on hands. I use to order it online from the USA but you can now get it in larger Boots stores.

The Routine

Morning

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Aveda Toning Mist

Aveda Hydrating Creme

Apply make up

Evening

Clarins Gentle Eye Make up Remover

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Garnier Simply Essentials Toner

Aveda Hydrating Creme

I hope you enjoyed reading about my skin care routine. I will update it in time when it changes.

Love and Christmas Wishes, Ashly xxx

Got the Christmas blues? A little bit of honesty x

I have to say Christmas this year for me, feels like a double edged sword. On one side there is festivity and family cheer, on the other is the fact that it is the first Christmas for me, since I can remember, being single.

Wrapping presents :-)

Don't get me wrong. I love being single, I am not looking for a relationship and I don't have the desire to jump in to bed with the first hottie I meet. Well... That's another story.

It's just all the memories of years gone by. All the driving in the snow together, the cuddling up on the sofa watching tv next to the fire, which for the record I was awful at lighting!

I hope this person knows that no matter what I deeply wish for them to be happy and at peace.

This pressie is a little tricky to wrap!

Sometimes things just don't work out and in my case this time last year was a very difficult time. I have come a long way this year and I am very proud of myself.

I am sure there will be many moments of happiness and joy this Christmas but I fully accept that there will also be moments of sadness and pain. It is a scary thought but I know when all is said and done... it will be ok.

So if anybody out there is suffering or in pain, or feels by themselves at this time of year. I wish you well and please know that you are not alone...

Love and happiness

Ashly xxx

My Xmas list for Santa.. if you are listening :-)

Dear Santa, 

for Christmas can I please have...

1. An iPad mini Black 32GB Wifi

Price £349 at Apple

I already have an ipad and didn't think I would like these but after trying one out in the Apple store, I love them more than the iPad. They are lighter, smaller and more compact. Better for putting in your hand bag.

2. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation Beige 40

Price £36 at Debenhams

I use to wear their Pro Lumiere and loved it so when I heard they were discontinuing it I was gutted. However, I have just tried a sample of the new perfection Lumiere and I really like it.

3. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Price £36 at Bobbi Brown

This is perfect for wearing under make up, smooth, soft and luxurious.  One of my favourite primers. Smells delightful.

4.Chanel Chromatic J12 titanium watch H2979

Price £3,950 at Goldsmiths

I adore Chanel watches and have had a few of them. You don't have to worry about it scratching or getting wet. They last forever, amazing. And this little beauty is stunning.  Very classy and chic

5.Start Weizman for Russel & Bromley 50/50 boots

Price £365 at R & B

These are a must have timeless boot. I have been searching for one just like this for months. Easy to wear everyday, comfortable and chic.

Lots of Love Ashly xxx

My Ultimate Top 10 Christmas Films Ever!!

I have composed a list of my top 10 Xmas films. Most of them I watch all the time at this time of year. They are great to stick on while doing lots of festive duties like decorating, wrapping presents etc.

Ho Ho Ho Here we go...

1.The Santa Clause (1994)

Ahhh Tim Allen! What a man, what a Santa! This is a Xmas must watch movie. It is very family friendly and has lots of magic and immagination in it. Really fun.

Perfect for: Watching on Xmas morning.

2.Four Christmases (2008)

I have seen this so many times and it never gets boring. It even saved me from boredom as I watched it on my laptop after getting stuck on the M1 for 3 hours in snow last Xmas.

It has some great actors in it from Mary Steenburgen to Robert Duvall. The leads; Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are fantastic comedy actors and are so funny.  This really is a must watch if you haven't seen it yet.

Perfect for: Watching by yourself on a cold winter night.

3. Elf (2003)

This film is super special. It is suitable for all the family from babies to grand parents. There is something in it for everyone. It is very funny and sweet at the same time. Sure to be a Christmas Classic. I have watched this so many times and it is another one that doesn't get boring.



Perfect for: Watching with the whole family after dinner on Xmas Day

4.Home alone 2 (1992)

This is just a Christmas classic and had to be in here. I love it. Who doesn't? Macully Culkin is adorable.  Of all the Home Alone films, this is definitely my favourite. I think because it is set in New York and I simply adore Xmas in New York!

Perfect for: Watching while you wrap your presents

5. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

OMG this is amazing.  I watch this with my mum on Xmas eve and we always chuckle at poor old Clark. It has the lights, the music, the Xmas cheer.  Perhaps more suitable for the adults but I am sure the children would enjoy it too.


Perfect for: Watching to get in to the Xmas spirit.

6.Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

This is a film I have been watching for years.  A very cheesy Xmas film.  It is great! The little girl in it is so cute and it has all the qualities a festive film needs: Romance, love, warmth, snow, music, decorations.

Perfect for: Watching with the girls on a night in with a bottle of wine.


7. Santa Claus the Movie (1985)

I remember one Xmas eve when I was 4, I was watching this on tv when the delivery men came with our new tv and I wouldn't let them set up the new tv until it had finished... I watched it every Xmas eve for years. It really is a classic!


Perfect for: watching with your young neices, nephews, kids.

8.It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

believe it or not, being as festive as I am, I only watched this for the first time about a month ago.  It really is a great film. For those who aren't keen on black & white you really don't notice it after a while.  A must watch for any Xmas lovers.  And it also has a great message.

Perfect for: Watching with the whole family on Xmas Eve.


9. Bad Santa (2003)

This one is very funny. Definitely just for the adults though. A great film with great acting. Not your average Christmas film although it does have the music and decorations featured in it there is also a lot of swearing and alcohol consumption.

Perfect for: Watching with your adult brothers/sisters.



10. The Polar Express (2004)


Such a cute film! I love this. Very magical. Has a lovely story and message.

Perfect for: Watching with the whole family on Boxing day.


Lots and love with festive kisses, Ashly xxx

REVIEW - FAMOUS DAVE'S FAKE TAN MOUSSE - yes or no?

Another day another fake tanner. Now this one I was excited about as I had been eager to try it for quite a while.

Famous Dave's Fake Tan Mousse has been talked about a lot in magazines and the views have been favourable. So lets see what it is really like...

The bottle is nothing exciting. A little bit like St Tropez packaging.

Famous Dave's

So lets take a look at the claims...

Famous Dave's Claims (we will come back to these later)

• Creates a golden tan without the need for age-robbing sun or tanning bed exposure
• Dries to the touch almost immediately as it is applied to the skin
• Gives you an instant, streak-free and non-sticky tan that can last up to 7 days
• This professional tanning formula is developed using a blend of natural ingredients and antioxidants
• Compliments your existing tan by deepening and evening out your skin tones
• Contains a guide colour to ensure even application
• Paraben-free
• Not tested on animals; no animal-derived ingredients
• Can be used all year round to give the most natural looking tan you will ever have from a bottle!

The application

  

After bathing and exfoliating, I was ready to apply. I applied using this glove I got previously. When using a mit I tend to wear gloves underneath as I find that tanner can go through the mit and get my hands all stained.

Before Applying

The guide colour is absolutely gross. A horrible green... this is not looking good so far!

It gets worse when the green is applied to my skin, I am not impressed with this look at all.  No chance of going out the house after applying.

Straight after applying (notice the green top right)

There deffinitely is a smell, quite sweet. Not too much fake tan like or chemically though.

So I began applying starting with my face and working my way down to my feet as I usually do. I applied some moisturiser to my hands as I find this stops the tanner from developing too darkly on my hands.

My first impression was that on my face it looked green, pale and awful. I didn't think it would be dark enough when it developed as there really wasn't much of a tan colour at all.

The mitt is the only way to go when applying this one, I tried it with just the gloves and it didn't blend in at all.

It was quite sticky 10 minutes later as I got dressed for bed. Although the green was begining to fade and a very light brown was developing, things are looking up!

8 hours later...

Lets see how it did 

I woke up in the morning expecting not to look brown but I actually did. In fact it was a good job I added the moisturiser to my hands first as they would have been way too dark. After showering I am still pleased with the colour (in other words it didn't all run off). It is a lovely golden brown. However, It is not very even at all. My chest is a totally different colour to my arms, not great!

Final result

Day 2 and it just doesn't look great. Will see how it fares after another day or 2.
Day 4 well this is the total limit for Dave's it is begining to flake off and really not looking good especially on my hands, very dry and almost scally.  Not great!

Day 7 I haven't reapplied and it is looking bad. My legs are pretty cracked and scally... yuk feel like puking.

After 7 days

So lets review the claims 

• Creates a golden tan without the need for age-robbing sun or tanning bed exposure - Does create a golden (ish) tan 

• Dries to the touch almost immediately as it is applied to the skin - 30 minutes later and still sticky!

• Gives you an instant, streak-free and non-sticky tan that can last up to 7 days - very ambiguous! that 'can' last 'up to 7 days'. This definitely did not last 7 days!!

• This professional tanning formula is developed using a blend of natural ingredients and antioxidants - no comment

• Compliments your existing tan by deepening and evening out your skin tones - there was nothing even about my skin tone after applying thats for sure.

• Contains a guide colour to ensure even application - A gross green one

• Paraben-free - well this is a positive

• Not tested on animals; no animal-derived ingredients - very impressed with this one.

• Can be used all year round to give the most natural looking tan you will ever have from a bottle! - well I don't agree that it is the most natural ever from a bottle

Summary  

before left - After right

Overall I am not very impressed. Although I like the colour and that it doesn't all run off after showering.

I just don't think it is worth all the hassle for 2-3 good days of tan.
And the nail in the coffin is that it cracks and is difficult to buff off... this always puts me off using a tan again and needless to say I will not be buying another bottle!

4/10

Will you be trying this tanner? Have you tried Famous Dave's and had a different result?

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