Hello February

This has been February.

Morning applinos;

February has been a lovely month for me, a weekend away with my bear, family time and some not so lovely moments, losing my pup. I spent February mostly smiling and wishing the weather would warm up a little (the weather man seems to have listened oh so slightly). Here's February in pictures;

New glitters | Nephew selfies | Kasper | Nephew love | God-daughter 

Bear | Sorting hat | Love | Lioness | Hogwarts

Olivanders | Girls night | Pup | Sleeping nephew | So adorable

Best | Family | Bengal | Daisy Faith Mason | Snow

So this month I spent a lot of time with my little ones. Bear's nephew is the most handsome, cheeky little master and we spent time helping them move house this month and took him and his sister for a meal and a play. I also saw more of my cute-as-a-button God-daughter this month, she is the most beautiful thing ever to grace this Earth and I have so much love for her that I sometimes think it's not normal. 

As you're aware I spent time in London this month with my Bear which was awesome. Harry Potter and Whipsnade Zoo and of course, some Oxford Street shopping. 

I had a few girly nights with my friends including a recent trip to TGIF with my little family of girlies, it was an awesome night full of cocktails (mm, bubblegum) and possibly the biggest steak of my life, which I devoured of course.

As great as February was, I also went through one of the worst experiences of my life. After 13 years, we said goodbye to our pup, Colin (hilarious name). It was going through this that made me realise there is a difference between being upset and being sad. I was just so, sad. It was awful and I never felt an ache this big, it's like my heart is truly broken. For most of my adult life he's been there every time I've opened the front door, over-excitedly wagging his tail. He was the most beautiful, most annoying, most loving animal I have ever come across and I miss him more than I could ever tell you. I love you pup and as much as I know it was the right thing for us to do, I would give anything to spend one more day with you rolling around in dirt and then jumping on my bed, with you barking too loudly when asked if you want a biscuit, with you being too scared of bushes and pavement to be taken on a walk, with you sliding around on my wooden floor and not knowing what to do with yourself. I just love you. 

So there you have it, February 2014. Another great month, mostly. 2014 is beginning to shape up nicely and I can't wait to see what March has in store for me.

How has your February been?

- Charli, xo

Favourite Folk - February Edition

It's that time of month again, my little sunflowers, it's time for my Favourite Folk! This month I've really been getting involved with the #bblogger chats on Twitter on a Sunday night and I've met a few rather lovely people who have some rather lovely blogs. So here you go;

Sian Marie's Beauty Blog

Yes, she's back, again. I genuinely read her blog posts before I read anyone elses. This may be because she's my soulmate, but it's also because I am literally in love with her blog. We're constantly talking about what posts we're thinking of doing, discussing new blogs we've found and every time she gets a new follower, I may be ever so (very) jealous, but it makes me even more proud of her and her little Internet space.

Steph Ellis

I stumbled across this literally beautiful lady in the #bbloggers chat a few weeks ago, and I've been hooked on her blog ever since. There is one thing that drives me insane though, she looks bloody fantastic in everything. Every lipstick, every eyeshadow, every piece of clothing, every picture. Definitely slightly in love with this girl. Check her out, her blog is awesome and she's hot. 

Lemonaid Lies

Love this blog! And her addiction to Yankee Candles makes me squirm with delight. This little lady blogs about pretty much everything, home, lifestyle, beauty of course. I always look forward to reading her posts, and I want to buy pretty much everything she posts about. I also LOVE the name she's chosen, Lemonaid Lies, who would think of that?! I love it!

hbbeautyblog

I met this girl, again, during a #bbloggers chat and I've come to adore her. She's helped me with my 'eating issues' (if you've read my Motivational Monday post, you'll know what that means) and I think she's just a darling. Oh, darling. Her blog is bloody awesome and I wish she posted everyday! Such a genuine girl and she is definitely worth a read!

And there we have it, any blog recommendations for me?!

- Charli, xo

Glossybox - February

Morning my little sunflowers;

 

This week has definitely been a lot more beauty based than my recent posts! I think my blog became a little bit of a lifestyle space for a while there! Nevermind, eh :) Anyway. This months Glossybox is of course, Valentine themed and actually, it's the first box in a long time, that I've loved! Well done Glossy, I won't be unsubscribing this month, which I thought I would be! Here's what I got;

 

 



 

Nougat London - Sparkling Body Shimmer | £14.50 for 250ml

Add radiance to your skincare regime with Sparkling Body Shimmer. This body lotion with mallow extract, vitamin E and wheatgerm enriched oil will leave your skin luxuriously perfumed with a hint of sparkle.

 

Okay so when I saw this, I instantly thought 'Edward Cullen', anyone else think that?! No? Just me then. I think this is going to be the one product that I won't be using. I feel like I'm 12 again, when you had those glitter moisturisers and you thought you were awesome and now you look back and thing, I just looked like a shiny twat. So, no thank you!

 

Eldora - Eyelashes | £3.90 (from)

Every cosmetic connoisseur will adore these simple and beautiful, high quality lashes by Eldora. Their extensive range means there's a style to suit everyone.

 

YES! I love Eldora lashes, but unfortunately I've never had the opportunity to try them. These look a bit too big for my eyes so I may have to cut them down a bit, but I cannot wait to try these bad boys out!

 

Ciate London - Paint Pot | £9.00

Do you want stunningly sophisticated looking nails? Look no further than a Ciate Paint Pot. These lovingly chosen and high performance formula's provide you with an effortless nail colour.

 

There's is nothing to say, except yes.

 

Giovanni Eco Chic Cosmetics - Chic Ultra-Sleek Range | £7.99 for full size

Giovanni Eco Chic Cosmetics is the #1 selling natural hair care brand in the US. Contains natural ingredients including Moroccan argan oils, avocado and papaya to treat and nourish your hair and scalp.

 

Hmm. I like the look of this, but I suffer with oily hair so I'm not sure how my hair will react to this?!

 

Maybelline New York - Big Eyes Mascara | £8.99

Double the drama with Maybelline's first eye-opening double mascara brush. Built with specific upper and lower lash brushes, Big Eyes Mascara produces an all-around eye-opening effect.

 

Again, yes! This could not have come at a better time. My mascara has just dried up and I only like to use my 'They're Real!' for best. So I cannot wait to try this out! I don't usually put mascara on my bottom lashes, is that normal?! So this should be interesting!

 

And something you can't see in the picture, because I ate it as soon as I opened the box, is a Lindt Lindor Treat Bar which tasted like heaven itself and I thought, I am not waiting until I can get to a good camera, I am eating this bastard now.

 

With 3 full sized products AND a lifestyle extra, I'm thinking this is one of Glossy's best boxes yet! I really can't wait to use the products and give them a review, that I say I will post but never do :)

 

What did you guys think?! Did you get something different?

 

- Charli, xo

 

Birchbox Delivery // 04

Good morning my little sugar nuggets;

After a weekend in London, I'm feeling positively splendid about life. The beauty boxes have arrived and this months are pretty darn good! Here goes; 

So this months Birchbox is all about Love Style, inspired by London Fashion Week and I'm also thinking a slight touch of Valentines? Let's have a look at what I recieved; 

Beauty Protector - Protect & Oil | £16

Exclusive launch! This nourishing hair oil battles UV rays, heat and breakage. Work 1-3 drops into damp hair, or to dry ends. Perfect for all hair types. 

This is the second Beauty Protector product I have tried from Birch and I've loved both of them! I struggle with oily hair so I wasn't sure whether this would be okay for me at first, but I applied a few drops, literally 2-3 to the ends of my hair, (it smells amazing BTW) and then dried my hair. Now my ends are super soft! And feel really healthy! So I'll be using this a couple of times a week I think!

Eyeko - Skinny Liquid Eyeliner | £12

A foolproof liquid liner to help you create Alexa Chung-style feline flicks in a flash. The precision pen tip ensures a tidy line.

There was a tip card with this item, that shows you how to do the 'perfect flick' which I think looks a bit pants. But this couldn't have come at a better time. I've been desperate for a liquid liner and this looks as though it's going to be pretty good! I can't wait to try this out.

Urbanveda - Radiance Exfoliating Facial Polish | £8.99

A gentle exfoliator packed with superfruits for a radiant, youthful complexion. Massage into damp, cleansed skin 2-3 times a week.

This is a very rough exfoliator! And not to be used everyday! However, it smells nice and it left my skin feeling smooth as a baby's bottom! I've only used it once, but I will be using it 2-3 times a week as it says and definitely moisturising afterwards!

Gilchrist & Soames - The London Collection Shower Gel | £13.75

A paraben-free formula with red tea, grape seed and milk thistle to refresh and hydrate skin;. Lather up in a hot shower and inhale the crisp, invigorating scent. 

I actually really love the smell of this. I've used this once and it filled the bathroom with a beautiful smell that lasted ages afterwards! I love how much it lathers up and it made my skin feel so smooth! The only thing I don't like about this product is the packaging. I think it looks like the cheapo stuff you get when you stay in a hotel?!

Leighton Denny - Nail Colour | £11

High-performance polishes in our favourite stylish shades. Apply two even layers of colour and finish with top coat.

Everyone should know by now that I'm a nail varnish addict, so my eyes lit right up when I opened my box to this. This would look beautiful over a black base coat and I can't wait to try it out! I've never heard of this brand before but I've read some good reviews!

Green & Black's - Dark 70% Chocolate | £2.29

The highest quality organic cocoa beans, sugar and vanilla are sourced to create this delicious treat. On the sofa, at your desk, or on the move; nipple wherever, whenever!

No, ew. I hate dark chocolate with a passion. I also don't really eat any other chocolate than Cadburys, Galaxy or Lindt. This will be going to Bear. 

Overall, I'm really impressed with this months box. As usual Birchbox hasn't failed to impress. Even though I don't like the chocolate, I love that they almost always put in a little extra something, usually edible, which I'm sure everyone loves!

What did you guys get this month?

- Charli, xo

The Sunday Post - Goodbye January

Merry Sunday;

I know 'Merry Sunday' isn't a thing, but maybe it should be. We all get to Sunday and take a deep breath. It's the end of the week, Monday is ages away (or so we tell ourselves) and it's time to run ourselves a hot bath and take a second to actually relax.

Somebody please tell me it isn't February already? Please?! However happy I am for payday (oh, I am so happy) it doesn't change the fact that January pretty much came and went without even stopping by for a cuppa. I'm pretty sure we say this every month though, don't we?! I'm starting to realise more and more how quickly your life just passes you by. Which is why, at the start of 2014, I made one promise to myself. Say yes. 

Last year was shite. I'm sorry for the awful language (or maybe I'm not) but it really was. So I told myself in December last year that I would do every little possible thing to make this year amazing. In 2013 I probably went on 3 or 4 nights out? I said no to everything my friends asked me, I said no to everything my family asked me, I let my boyfriend go on countless weekends with other people because I was happier sitting alone in the house. I stayed in every weekend and sat in front of the TV being morbid for no damn reason other than the fact I'm a miserable bugger. 

So, it pleases me greatly to share the fact with you guys, that 2014 has already been and is already looking to be my best year. This month alone, I've had 3 nights out (with NO hangovers?! what's going on?) I've been on girly meals out, I've spent time with my family and I have booked and planned a HELL of a lot of things for the coming months. As well as all these beautiful plans, I have some major life decisions and life.. Steps, shall we say that are coming up. I am both excited and totally and utterly nervous about these but either way, I cannot wait to tackle them head on. 

Breakfast treat after good grades | Night out | Naps with the nephew

Walks at Uni | Sisterly love | Walks at Uni

Nail treats | God-daughter | Nights with the bestie

For those of you who have read my more depressive posts and for those of you who actually give a damn; I feel like a totally different girl. I'm positive, I'm motivated and I'm making the best of the life I've been given.

Goodbye January, Hello February

- Charli, xo