Hello 2015

Hi all, hope everyone had a brilliant Christmas. I just wanted to drop by and wish you all a Happy 2015. 

Personally I cannot wait to see the back of 2014. It has been a pretty tough year so am hoping next year will be better. I realise I have been a bit quiet lately and while  I won't go into too much detail I will say thank you to all the lovely Irish beauty bloggers who have been so kind and thoughtful We really do have a great little community. 

Here's to a great new year! One thing I cannot wait for is the arrival of our little baby. I am taking a bit of time off to spend with family and try get sorted for the little ones arrival. I have so little done! I  have a few posts scheduled while I de stress a bit. As always I will be hanging around on Facebook and Twitter

Irish Blogger Secret Santa 2014

This year I took part in the Irish Blogger Secret Santa for the second year in a row. I really love the idea of this a sit is a way to find new blogs and treat a fellow blogger to a Christmas treat. Like last year it was organised by the lovely Total Makeup Addict   This year the spending criteria was €20 excluding postage. 

When shopping for my blogger I found €20 went a long way. Nina from Nina's Bargain Beauty was chosen for me. I've met Nina a few times and was thrilled to get her name. Be sure to check out her blog to see what I sent her and other great posts.

On the 3rd of this month, my very own present arrived. In it was a lovely package and christmas card from Emma (http://masteringyourmakeup.blogspot.ie) I've spoken to Emma a few times on Twitter and a Facebook group I help admin, but only met her a few weeks ago at a blogger dinner.

To say I was blown away by her gift is an understatement. I received a few favourites of mine - Dream Dots and Cleanse Off Mitt. Both were very welcome as I like to have a supply of Dream Dots in the house at all times and my Cleanse Off Mitt was looking like it needed replacing.

There were also so products that I haven't tried before. One that got me very excited was the Karora CC cream. I've wanted to try it for an absolute age and can't wait to give it a proper outing.

There were lots more in the package - I Love polishes from Penneys, a Catrice lipgloss, an Essence bronzer, a Max Factor mascara (also most welcome as I was holding off buying a new), a Wet N Wild Eyeshadow, Style File and a bar of Lindt dark chocolate orange. I love dark chocolate and hubby doesn't so this was a nice treat just for me. 

I can't wait to take part in next years Secret Santa. 

Have you tried any of these goodies?

Christmas Gifts For The Men In Your Life

I really struggle with what to get the men in my life for Christmas. CD's or Xbox games are always a good one for the baby brother. But more often then not I struggle with which to get as he has no patience at all and buys things as soon as they are released. This year I told him not to buy one or two things and I'll be picking up an album from his favourite band. 

My dad is pretty easy, in fact the easiest as anything country and western or Man United and he is a happy camper. Last year I got him something Country and Western so this year I got him something Man United related. 

For the hubby I'm getting something techie (he has no clue I have splurged on him) I'vee also picked him up some smellies and a really cute personalised gift from Jack. 

There are lots of smellies on the market for the men in your life. I picked hubby;s up in Gatwick but here are my picks for what you can get in department stores and pharmacies.

The Body Shop Modern Gent's Shaving Kit €39.95

Yonka Gift Set (buy Yon-Ka Nutri Créme, €41 or Anti-Age Créme €42.50 from the Yon-Ka for men range and get one product half price ( prices start at  €14) presented in a gift bag.)

Giorgio Armani Code Homme EDT €57

If you are looking for something techie, you can't go wrong with either Argos or my new favourite Amazon. Like last year tablets seem to be the big thing. Word of warning though. If you are planning on a tablet or similar pick them up early. Last year I had a nightmare trying to track one down. Oh and the reserve option in Argos can be your best friend.

I love adding something personalised to the hubby's gift, this year I've decided to let that be part of his present from Jack.I use Snapfish as I find them the best and they always have some sort of discount. You can choose between personalised mugs, canvas prints, phone cases and lots more. Once hubby has gotten his gifts I will share them on Twitter.

What do you buy the men in your life?

What I've Been Watching

I like to sit down in the evenings when Jack has gone to bed and watch something on the TV or the laptop. Here are the six programs I've been watching lately. Some are old favourites while others are more new. 

CSI is something I have watched from the start. I loved Grissom and when they replaced him with Laurence Fishbourne, I kind of lost interest in it. I really disliked his character. However I persevered and now am loving it with Ted Danson. A good few of the originals have left. Most recently I read Nick is leaving (le sigh!) and I also read it's finishing next year ( weeps into pillow) to make room for CSI Cyber starring Patricia Arquette. The current series has a pretty good main story line staring Zack from Saved By The Bell as a complete nut job.

Greys Anatomy is another series I've watched for year. Past seasons I have loved but this season I am really not feeling. It kind of feels like the writers are just phoning it in. I would say this will be the second last if not last series. I hate when I series I love started going downhill towards the end. Oh and there is a new character in it that just plain annoys me.

Arrow is more the hubby's bag as he is a big DC fan. I really didn't think I would enjoy it but I have to say I am liking it. It doesn't do any harm that the lead character is easy on the eye and one of my favourite actors ( John Barrowman) has a recurring roll. Apart from that the storyline is quite edgy, a bit dark and is full of twists.

How To Get Away With Murder is the newest offering from the creator of Grey Anatomy. It centres around law students working with this strong manipulative lawyer. The storyline is good and full of twists. You think the episode is going one way, only for it to be turned on it's head. The timeline can be a bit jumpy but having just watched series 1, I'll definitely be watching the next season. 

Blue Bloods cannot be missed in my house. When I first heard of it, I knew I would love it for two simple reasons - Donnie Wahlberg and Tom Selleck! I love Tom Selleck so much, there are just no words. Every episode has a different storyline and family is of major importance. Definitely worth watching. 

Revenge is another one that has a fair few twists in it, sometimes a bit too many. I quite like the cleverness of the lead character,if not sometimes she borders on just plain crazy. How the writers came up with the idea for the show is beyond me. 

Let me know in the comments what you've been watching and if you watch any of these?

My Pregnancy Go To Products

I thought I would share with you all my pregnancy go to products that I have relied on over the last 30 weeks. Gosh! When I say it like that it seems like forever! I've included everything from skin to supplements to morning sickness.

Morning Sickness

I was really lucky this time and didn't suffer from much morning sickness. Part of this I am convinced is down to taking Vitamin B6. I took the Solgar brand. I also made sure to have a supply of bananas, ginger tea and mint tea in the house. Oh and if things got really bad I found Lucozade helped a lot but tried keeping it to a minimum cos it is full of sugar.

Pregnancy Supplements

Up until 12 weeks I took Clonfolic Folic Acid once a day, I then switched to Sanatogen Mum To be with Omegas, which is what I took last time but for whatever reason these did not agree with me espescially the Omegas. I felt rotten on them so switched to Pregnancare Original and Mumomega. So far I have not needed to take Iron and am hoping I will be able to avoid it as the side effects can be less than pleasant.

Stretch Marks

I have lots of stretch marks left from when I had Jack. I am a strong believer in that you can't really avoid them if they are in your genes but you can maybe minimise them. From about 12 weeks I have been using Holos Happy Momma Oil and really love it. It's not too oily and does a great job moisturising my skin. I think it is helping keep stretch marks under control.

Relaxation

I have a bit of difficulty sleeping the last while. This is down to a number of things going on in life plus as soon as I do get comfy in the bed, I will get a cramp on the side I am lying on. Meaning I toss and turn all night. Not good! However I have used Lisa Heeney's Pregnancy Bath Oil for relaxation. Find it fantastic in helping me de-stress and actually get a decent sleep. Looking on Lisa's website, I see there is one for nausea so if you are suffering from morning sickness, it could be worth a try. I definitely wish I knew about it before now. 

I also use a pregnancy pillow to help get comfy in the bed. I find it great to a point. It takes up a lot of room in the bed and half way through the night I kick it out. Up to that point though I find it helps take the pressure off and lets me get a little more chilled and comfortable. I picked mine up in Argos for €16.99

So there we are, those are my go to pregnancy products. If you have a little one, what products did you find helpful when you were pregnant or if you are pregnant what are you using?

The Christmas Tag

A few days ago the lovely Lilli White Rose tagged me in her Christmas tag. I was never really into Christmas that much but since having Jack and with this little one the way I find myself getting in to the spirit.

1. What is your favourite Christmas movie/s?

I love Miracle on 34th Street. Without fail watch it every year. No doubt there will be lots of kids christmas movies on in the house this year. 

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas eve or on Christmas morning?

Myself and hubby swap pressies Christmas Eve when Jack is in bed then Christmas morning we open his presents and open our presents for him.

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

Without a doubt, it would have to be Jack's first christmas. He was only six months old and we dressed him up in an adorable Santa suit.

4. Favourite Christmas food

I love a traditional Christmas dinner, we usually go to my mums but this year I'll be doing all the cooking. With the help of hubby and little brother putting stuff in the oven. We go all out with turkey, ham and beef (for the dad) plus whatever drinks we all want and usually Christmas cupcakes/ chocolate biscuit cake made by yours truly

5. Favourite Christmas gift

I've been very lucky with Christmas presents but last years I really love. Hubby bought a me a fancy new camera and a Michael Kors watch. The watch is only taken out on very special occasions

6. Favourite Christmas scent

Nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas tree.

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

We pop a christmas movie on and have some treats. Then when Jack goes to bed, myself and hubby swap presents and then wrap Jack's presents.

8. What tops your tree?

A star.

9. As a kid, what was the one extravagant gift you asked for but never got?

A horse, Yes I know. Not exactly realistic but a girl can dream.

10. What’s the best part about Christmas for you?

Spending time with my two men and my parents and brother. Next year there will be another addition to this and I can't wait!

I think pretty much everyone has done this tag but if you haven;t feel free to and send me our links 

The 10 Week Countdown: Time To Start Shopping

Today marks 10 weeks until baby number 2 arrives, that's of course if they arrive on time like a good little baby or I go over like I did on Jack. With this date in mind, I have started proper shopping for baby by picking up adorable baby grow, socks, hats. That sort of thing. I actually forgot how tiny the clothes are! I have a good few things left over from when Jack was a baby that are gender neutral too so I don't really need a lot.

The things I do need to think about are bottles, a steriliser and a pram. I already know what bottles I want (Dr.Brown) but finding a universal sterilser they'll fit into is proving a big problem. The bottles are slightly chunkier then others and typically the brand only do a microwave sterilser. Total nightmare.There is rumours of an electric one but it's like finding a needle in a haystack and even if I did find it I'm not sure how comfortable I would be paying nearly €80. 

Luckily we have Jack's baby car seat left from his travel system, the pram itself is knackered thanks to an overly eager granddad shoving it in and out of the boot. The mechanism on the buggy part is broken and collapses as your walking down the street. So I have the fear I'll be out with babs and that will happen. Prams can be so expensive but I am thinking of giving this Chicco pram a test if I can find it in a Boots

I'm hoping to get everything sorted by the second week of January and plan to buy a good part of what I need in Boots so I can get some points on my loyalty card. Now that I have a plan in place, all I need to do is dedicate a couple of drawers in the spare room. 

*In general I am feeling quite well, tired but that's to be expected

Irish Beauty Gift Guide

I make no secret of the fact that I like to Buy Irish as much as I can. This year is no different with a good majority of gifts coming from some lovely Irish brands. They are really giving international companies a run for their money. Here are just some of the great beauty gifts available from our little island. 

Bia Beauty 

Scrub Your Skin Gift Set containing Detox Body Scrub and Orange &Grapefruit Facial Exfoliant and Cleanser(€35, retail value €36.90), Feed Your Face Gift Set containing Mellow Mandarin Moisturiser, Orange & Grapefruit Facial Exfoliant and Cleanser, Stop The Clock Eye Gel and Lime Pie Lip Balm(€50, trail value €55.80) and Feed Your Skin Gift Set containing Mellow Mandarin Moisturiser, Orange & Grapefrui Facial Exfoliant and Cleanser, Stop The Clock Eye Gel, Apple Blossom Body Butter and Detox Body Scrub(€80, retail value €90.75) 

Cocoa Brown Tan 

Bronzed & Beautiful (€9.95), Soft & Smooth (€9.95) and Luxury Giftset (€19.99). Available in selected pharmacies,Tesco and Cloud10Beauty Christmas just wouldn't be christmas without some Cocoa Brown. I love how cute and girly the packaging is.

Designed 4 You 

Makeup Bags (€15) Large Makeup Brush Roll (€34) Gothika Clutch Bag (€55) - I love everything Designed 4 You creates but something about that clutch is calling me!

EO Ireland

Grapefruit & Mint Revitalising Shower Gel and Lemon Verbana Body Lotion €36.98

Calming Giftset €88

Holos

Love Your Skin Giftset (€31.20), Goodnight Relaxation Gift (€42.30) and Good Morning Gift (€49.90)

Lisa Heeney

3 All Natural Lip Balm Giftset (€19) Lisa also offers gift vouchers for her bespoke skin care service and products recommended in the consultation. I love the idea of this.

Please pop over and check out their websites and support Irish

Ren Hot Cloth Cleanser Versus Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser

I'm a sucker for a hot cloth cleanser, I have tried a couple of different ones at this point but hands down my favourite is the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. When my recent bottle was finished, I decided to break the pattern and try the Ren Hot Cloth Cleanser.

I was hoping it would have a similar texture to my much loved Liz Earle but the texture is different. More creamy than the Liz Earle and almost Cleansing Milk like. I was extremely sceptical if something like this texture would do a good job. I have to say it does a pretty good job, my face definitely feels clean after using it and my skin doesn't feel tight. However, I think I am too set in my Liz Earle ways to truly fall in love with this beauty. 

The two scents couldn't be more chalk and cheese with Ren having a calming rose scent and Liz Earle offering a more invigorating eucalyptus scent. I do have to say I prefer the cloth Ren give you, where Liz Earle an other brands give you a muslin cloth, the Ren cloth is more like a cotton cloth. The price is also a little friendlier at €17 (150ml) from Cloud 10 Beauty versus €23.50 (150ml) for Liz Earle. I'll continue to use the Ren until it is empty but I wouldn't be in a massive rush to repurchase. 

*Liz Earle kindly sent me out a new bottle last week so I have it waiting in the wings to be used properly*

Have you tried either of these two?

Women's Christmas Gift Guide

Todays gift guide features gorgeous gift sets for us girls from some of my favourite brands. I've chosen purse friendly prices and some a little more extravagant. From each of the brands, there is lots of choice but I have chosen my top picks. Any one of them would be a lovely surprise under the tree.

Benefit

Sweet Tintations (contains Benebalm, Lollibalm, Mini Benetint and Mini Lollitint. €29.50), Cheeky Sweet Spot (contains Hoola, Dandelion, CORALista, Bella Bamba, Rockateur and Sugarbomb Blushes €43) and Sugarplum Fairies (contains Full Size They're Real Mascara, The POREfessional, Hoola Bronzer and Benetint Mini €63) There are lots more gift sets available at your nearest Benefit counter. I am really loving their selection this year. 

Clarins

Lip Collection (Rouge Eclat #133,Instant Lip Perfector #6, Instant Lip Perfector #1, Gloss Prodige #4 €26, retail value €32.33) Beauty Flash Balm Collection (Beauty Flash Balm 50ml, Instant Lip Perfector #1 and Instant Perfecting Touch €36, retail value €50.97) and Hydraquench Collection (Hydraquench Cream, Hydraquench Serum and Hydraquench Mask €45, retail value €79.90) There are lots more sets available from Clarins so be sure to check out your nearest counter.

Lancome 

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes (contains Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara, 30ml Bi-Facil and Mini Kohl Eyeliner,€27.50), Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate 30ml Giftset (contains  The Lancôme Genifique youth activating concentrate gift set comes with a genifique eye light pearl 5ml, advanced genifique concentrate 30ml, and genifique day 15ml. €73) and Dream Tone Serum 02 Giftset (contains 40ml Dreamtone Pigmentation Serum Profile 2, 7ml Advanced Genefique serum, Advanced Genefique Eye Light Pearl and 7ml Dream Tone 02, €87)  These and lots more Lancome gifts are available at your nearest counter along with Debenhams, Brown Thomas and Arnotts)

The Body Shop

Argan Gift Cube (contains Argan Shower Gel,Argan Body Milk Lotion and White Mini Crinkle Lily €9.95) Strawberry Luxury Gift Set (contains Strawberry Shower Gel, Strawberry Soap, Strawberry Body Polish, Strawberry Body Butter and Red Mini Crinkle Lily €29.95) and Satusma Gift Bag (contains Satsuma Body Butter, Satsuma Shower Gel, Satsuma Hand Cream and Orange Mini Crinkle Lilly €39.95) These are just a handful of pretty gifts from The Body shop, the full range can be found in your local store.

Yonka

Cleansing Essentials for dry skin( Lait Nettoyant and Lotion PS) or combination skin (Gel Nettoyant and Lotion PNG) €48, Aromatic Body Oils (contains Replenishing Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil with a smooth Jasmine oil, Energising Sweet Orange and Mandarin Essential Oils and Relaxing soothing scents of Verbena and Petitgrain Essential Oils) €49.60 and Home Spa (Phyto Bain and a large Quintessence Candle) €65 There are lots more Yonka Gifts available at your nearest stockist

YSL

Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils ( includes 30ml Eye Makeup remover €31.00) Radiance Set (Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils, Touche Eclat #1 and 15ml Youth Liberator Serum €66) and Forever Light Creator Giftset (contains 30ml Forever Light Creator Serum, 5ml Forever Light Creator Jelly Cream, 5ml Forever Light Creator CC Cream #2 and 5ml Top Secret Gommage €80)

What do you think of my picks and do you think the offerings this year are much good? I have an Irish Beauty Gift Guide too.