Sunshine, BBQ's and Garden Gnomes

Don't know about the rest of you but we've had a lovely sunny weekend in North Wales (although a little windy and chilly at times).  As usual as soon as the sun makes an appearance we're straight out in the garden and planning a BBQ.  

In previous posts you'll see that we only moved into our new home at the end of August 2012, with everything that needed to doing in the house we've only just been able to start in the garden over the last few weeks and it's needed an awful lot of work.  But it's starting to look fantastic and we're been picking up some garden furniture and some decorative bits, which leads me nicely on to this little beauty I picked up in Poundland, who's positioned very nicely guarding my herb garden.

I've actually used a lovely image taken my stepdaughter and you can see up on here instragram.

Finally with the lovely weather looking to continue, me and the hubby are planning a little trip to the beach next weekend to celebrate a two year wedding anniversary.

Hope everyone's had a good one! 

NOTD Maybelline Super Stay Gel Nail Color in Surrel

I've been after the perfect cornflower blue shade of nail polish for a while.  Nothing I've seen as quite been what I was looking for.  Now I've not actually tried or looked at any of the Maybelline polishes before and was actually only looking through their Colour Show range and just happened to spot this gorgeous shade in their Gel Nail Color range.  The shade is just the perfect blue.

The polish applies easily and smoothly in two coats.  I was left with a lovely glossy finish after two coats.  This is the second gel polish I've tried - the first being Rimmel's Kate Moss range (will try and get a review up shortly on that one) and I have to say I love the way they go on.  I find that their application is just very easy and even if you feel it's looking a little streaky as it dries the end result isn't.  Now it's states 7 days strong and in the picture above, I was at 3 days and you can see a little chip on my thumb, and there's been a little tip wear but nothing like I would usually expect by Day 3.  Can easily see this staying on through to Sunday - which is a definite bonus when you work full time.  It's much easier to apply a polish on a Sunday night for the week.  I've spied a deliciously looking Berry shade and a gorgeous Green that I need to try out next!

Priced at £4.09 (and currently on 3 for 2 in Superdrug) 

N-Spa Beauty range

We both absolutely love the N-Spa Bath and Body range. They stock a range of deliciously lovely body butters, bubble baths and shower gels. Plus at Christmas they tend to release a range of chocolate, toffee and gingerbread scented products. Finally they're more than reasonable priced at around to £2-£3. I usually buy my selection from my local Asda.

Now I've been aware of the beauty range for a while but haven't really given it a go despite looking over the range on a few occasions. Well a few weeks a go, Asda had an offer on with price reductions over the whole range so I thought why not. I picked up the Melting Cleanser and the Illuminating Beauty Serum.
The Melting Cleanser is a gel that once massaged into dry skin and once a little water is added turns into a cleansing milk. I then buff off with a muslin cloth. It removes all traces of makeup and even got rid of my mascara - not bad at all!

The Illuminating Beauty Serum is described as 'sleep in a bottle' as it illuminates tired, dull skin. I'm not sure I'd go that far, but applied after my moisturiser and before my primer it definitely gives my skin a lift in the morning and perks up my whole complexion. I've actually been using this every morning since I picked it up and is definitely one of the better serums I've used.

Got to say it's not a range you'd expect to find in your local supermarket. It has a much more expensive feel to the whole range. Both products I tried definitely had a luxurious feel to them. I've already got a list of a few more of the range to try out.

Priced at,

Melting Cleanser £6 for 125ml
Illuminating Beauty Serum £7 for 50ml

There's currently a 2 for £8 offer on - bargain given the individual prices.

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Dragon Fruit NOTD GNP11

Just a quick NOTD featuring Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Dragon Fruit.

With the weather finally looking up its made me want to crack open the bright nail shades. And though I do have a lot of nail polishes I decided I wanted something new. I had been wanting to try these Gelly nail polishes fom Barry M for a while and this shade jumped out to me. The idea behind the concept is a glossy high shine in one coat. I did do two coats here but I have seen in reviews if other shades they are opaque in one coat.

 

This polish is a great spring shade...I will be making good use of this throughout spring and summer.

These retail at £3.99 and are available in 13 shades and I now really want Blueberry and Lychee.

 

Have you tried any? What do you think?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

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Beauty Blog Link Love

Here is this weeks Beauty Blog Link Love filled with lots of lovely reads.

 

Phyrra shares her picks for the best photography and video equipment for beauty and fashion bloggers. From handbags to cellphones and lights, she's got you covered!

Jenny tries her hand at an Illamasqua I'mperfect inspired speckled eyeliner look at My Funny Valentine.

Musicalhouses does an Emerald Color of the Year Eye Look, and throws in random musings on this whole Color of the Year business, too!

Rae thinks she's found the one Spring 2013 blush that you need. Don't miss her review of this gorgeous violet-scented face palette over on theNotice!

Jenn from Spiced Beauty shows you how to get dewy skin in seconds!

Handmade Reviews reveals how skin color and contrast can contribute to signs of aging.

Looking for a reasonably priced BB Cream? Gouldylox Reviews has the run down on most brands available at drugstores!

At Musing on Beauty you will discover pictures, swatches and a review of the five new Makeup Geek eyeshadows. Check them out!

Love Frederic Malle's Lipstick Rose? Kim from Makeup by Kim Porter has found an affordable dupe!

Beauty Crazed discovers that Sally Hansen InstaGel Strips are not so easy that even a spaz can use them - check out guest reviewer's Sam and her inaugural strip experience!

Jude reviews the GlamGlow Exfoliating Mud Mask on Love, Lust, & Fairy Dust -- with not so glowing results!

Watch SmashinBeauty make Pablo Picasso's The Weeping Woman painting come alive on her face.

Love a bright lipstick? Midnight Violets has lip swatched all her favourites for you!

Looking for a sophisticated and lovely new scent? Pammy Blogs Beauty reviews Valentino's new Valentina Assoluto.

Prime Beauty has rounded up the best of spring's beauty launches just for you!

Don't know what to get at Sephora's 15% off sale? Then head over to Beauty Reflections to see a few of the new Sephora Colorful Eyeshadows in action! Some of them are worth getting, especially with the discount!

Whether you're a redhead, blonde or brunette, you'll appreciate the gorgeous shades in these Whiphand Cosmetics lip palettes. Beauty Info Zone loves these so much that they're offering a giveaway for these, too!

Thanks

 

K & L

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