Fitness Update

Afternoon folks!

I haven't written a fitness update in a little while nor any recipe posts, things have just been so busy with a new job that I haven't really had chance. My hours have changed (again!) with the new job so now I've had to change up my schedule again too. This isn't really a problem just more difficult to get into a new plan and make it a habit again.

I've been trying to get to at least one Body Pump class in the week as well as my normal Saturday morning class as it is definitely the most beneficial for me. My progress in it is slow but every week I push myself to go heavier in something different and squat lower, hold my plank longer and try not to have sneaky breaks in shoulder track! I hate working shoulders as it's such a weakness for me and the burn can sometimes end up being real pain. I'm working on it.......but it's hard.

That said I've been making up my own routines as well as using my latest program from my trainer.

My latest program uses a ladder formation with a 15 minute recovery period on the cross trainer in between. She's got me doing squat jumps and burpees all the way from one each to ten of each, then all the way back down to one. I'm not going to lie, it's a killer but really good for an all over work out. I've felt a difference since doing them but in all honesty I've only ever made it up to 10 of each and haven't ever got as far as doing back down to one......yet. I think it's mostly an issue with time as it would take me so long to do and my evenings are limited but i also get quite dizzy sometimes too.

After the recovery period I then have to do press ups followed by an oblique crunch (bringing round one knee to your elbow at a time whilst still in press up position). These have also been good but the same problem still exists and I'm yet to make it back down from 10!

Aside from that here's my routine that I've been doing by myself, taken from instagram videos and other programs I've had in the past:

It's an absolute killer and i repeat it twice with a bit of active recovery in between. It's a full body workout with almost everything I could think of thrown in to keep my body guessing and my abs and shoulders were definitely still feeling it a few days later. It was exactly what i needed and I'm going to do it a few more times and then switch it up and make a new one.

If you have any suggestions for things to add to my next workout leave them in the comments! If you try this workout let me know :)

Do you have a personal trainer? Do you follow any particular programs or get inspiration from any online sources? I'd love to know!

L xxx

Winter Wardrobe Updates

Morning pals!

Another Friday is here and we're another week closer to Christmas! It only gets more exciting from here and it's my favourite type of year. Winter clothes are also my favourite kind, layering is the best thing and I love all of the patterns and colours associated with autumn/winter clothing.

Here's what I've been buying to update my wardrobe this year:

First up I picked up this belt from Dorothy Perkins. I've had a belt for dresses very similar to this before and I wore it until it fell apart so I knew it was a good buy. It's definitely good for wearing at any time of year but as has been happening for the last few years the trend for wearing a belt to cinch in your coat is back and this one is going to be making it back into my wardrobe.

Secondly I snapped up this BEAUTIFUL scarf from Zara. I touched it in store and couldn't leave it behind. I love the patterns in tartan and the red is gorgeous and goes with all of my coats, it's a winner and was something I had no idea I needed and now cannot live without. It doesn't leave my neck during the week now!

My latest shoe purchase is from New Look and I had to order them from in store as they didn't have any left. The heel height is perfect for most occasions and the gold buckle detailing is enough to give it a bit more pizazz. These can be worn with leggings and jeans and I look forward to wearing them to the pub over the next few months.

Capes are big news and this blanket cape cardigan type garment is absolutely fabulous. It's super comfy, warm and goes with everything, literally EVERYTHING. The colours mean it complements many outfits but there are also many tartan type patters and colours available too and if I was rolling in the spare cash I'd probably get another.
This one is from New Look and I'm so glad that fashion has produced and comfortable, wearable and warm item of clothing for the winter months. I've always wanted to look chic in a cape, jeans and boots!

Lastly is my new bag also from New Look (they've clearly got a lot out of money out of me recently!) This beautiful bottle green bag has replaced my tired looking black bag for work purposes.
It's awesome, the colour is lush and it holds it's shape really well too which is perfect as I seem to be lugging a lot of paper back and forth to work at the moment!

What have you been buying to update your wardrobe? Do you have anything else on your wishlist?

I'm looking to add another coat, a lovely thick wool one would be lovely but I may have to wait until the sales for the type of quality I would be looking for. I'm fed up of buying important items like coats and finding out they are cheaply made! If you have any suggestions for some hardwearing well made coats leave them in the comments section below!

L xxx

Spending Ban Update 11

Yay I can say I've not broken the ban this week (that was needed after all I bought last week, you can read that here) I've had such a busy week I've not really had the time to break it.

 

On Tuesday night I had to rush back to my parents house after work (which is about a 2 hour train journey from me) to attend a funeral on Wednesday, I had work again on Thursday then on Friday I had work and was back to my parents on Friday night. I booked myself a week off work so I['m currently enjoying some family time. Altough it's very busy. Not that I mind less chance to distract myself with shopping.

 

I've had a lot of presents to buy for this week so my money has gone on that. So I'm still getting to shop even if it is for others. My Grandad is 80 tomorrow so I've been making him a photo framed filled with memories and I'm going to get busy baking soon as we are doing him a surprise afternoon tea tomorrow! I love baking and my mum has bought me a few new bits to make some cute things for his tea party.

 

I've also got my dad's birthday on Wednesday. How hard are men to buy for. They have everything. For him his year we've got him an olive tree.

 

So no time to shop means good results for the spending ban. L is coming down to visit me on Saturday and we are going to Laura Mercier. I really can't decide between Silk Creme or the Tinted Moisturiser. Any thoughts? I really need to resist buying a dress for the evening. I packed in a rush to come home as I was relying on a dress I thought I'd have but it doesn't fit :( boooo being very pear shaped!!!

 

 

I'm hoping I can jazz this dress up with heels and jewellery so it will be ok.

 

Enough rambling from me, Here's my Wishlist

 

My Wishlist.

MAC Brick-O-La (this has been there since the beginning. I've still not seen it in person)

Urban Decay Setting Spray

Illamasqua Pigment Base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler Water Colour Blush

Elf Brush Cleaner

Stocking Tights

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or the Tinted Moisturiser. I want to get samples of both of these.

Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss.

Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick.

Van's

Skinny Jeans (I've seen some gorgeous coloured ones in Asda and Sainsburys)

 

Love M

 

xxx

Spending Ban Update 9

The spending ban is very nearing the end, it's completely changed me. Even though I want things I have developed some will power (ignore last week's post where will power disappeared for a brief moment haha). I've stopped buying make up it seems. I'm so proud of this. I am now keeping my empties and I don't seem to be using much of it. I think even when the ban ends I really need to resist buying any more foundation, primer or mascara for a while. A girl always needs more lipstick though right.

First things first I did break the ban twice this week. One thing was absolutely necessary. It was this black dress from Asos. Unfortunately my mum's auntie passed away last week so I needed something long and plain suitable for a funeral. It was only £16.50 and it will be great for work after.

Secondly I went bridesmaid shopping with one of my friends for her wedding. I had decided I wanted to look my best while shopping and decided to do my make up how I may wear it on the wedding day. This involved individual lashes which I didn't own. As in Boots it's 3 for 2 at the moment it seemed silly to just buy the lashes. So I also picked up a Revlon Nail Varnish and the False nails I always use. (shown in this post).

The nail varnish is so gorgeous!! I love all the colours in it.

I will be adding on a few extra weeks to make up for my breaks. I'm thinking maybe I'll go till July. We will see.

How are your bans going?

Love M

xxx

Spending Ban Update 7

This week has been a very hard one for me. 3 years ago this July I graduated! I had the most gorgeous Carvela heels for it. Come August I was skint and decided I'd sell them and make money. My mum told me I'd regret it if I did but of course I didn't listen to her. 2 and a half years of eBay searching I finally saw them on there again! I almost put in a bid immediately, determined to not break the ban though and after a chat with my mum we've decided I'll have them for my birthday should I win them. (my birthday is July, I'm well known for having presents early but this is definitely the earliest I've asked for something)

The beautiful shoes on!! Note to self. Listen to mum and don't sell sentimental shoes just cause I'm skint. I really hope I get these back!!

I did break the ban once this week. My phone case broke this week and I couldn't resist this one.

This one cost me £9.99 posted. I could have gone for a cheaper one but I wanted something pretty. As my current one is broke I don't think it's too bad to spend on it. Plus it's so cute. I got mine from Get Nailed (link here) She does such reasonable priced covers and great nail art too!!

This week has been all about the shoes teasing me. I've wanted Vans or Converse for a while now. I need a shoe I can wear with jeans that won't make my feet cold like dolly shoes. For ages I've talked myself into thinking they wouldn't suit me. Mainly to save money. After trying on Van's I'm completely sold and love them. I determined to wait till April 21st. It's going to be very hard though. Here are the four styles I love at the moment. I prefer the trainer shape to the plimsole but the plimsoles are a lot cheaper!

Schuh £45

Van's £47

M and M direct has the plimsole version of the floral ones for £29.99. So many choices. For now I'm resisting.

My lovely mum has bought me a few make up bits which will be up in a haul so that's curbed that shopping craving for a while. For me it's all shoes. It's hard to resist the converse!!

My Wishlist.

MAC Brick-O-La (this has been there since the beginning. I've still not seen it in person)

Urban Decay Setting Spray

Illamasqua Pigment Base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler Water Colour Blush

Elf Brush Cleaner

Stocking Tights

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer 

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or the Tinted Moisturiser. I want to get samples of both of these.

Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss. 

Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick.

This week I'm adding 

Van's

Skinny Jeans

I'm starting to want new clothes now. I will stick to this though. It's L's birthday soon. Luckily I have a few dress options so won't be tempted to purchase a new one.

How are your bans going?

Love M

xxx

Spending Ban Update 6

The spending ban is definitely getting easier as the weeks go by. Is anyone else finding this? As much as I'm wanting products I'm finding it easier to just swatch all the pretty things on my hand and then put them back. I think this week is also easier as I'm off home to my parents on Saturday and have two lipsticks waiting there for me that my mum has kindly got me.

I have broke the ban this week. A deal in boots was too good for me to get for my mum and not pick on up for myself too. I love the original Stylfile (blogged about here) it's an S shaped file to easier shape the nails. So when I was in Boots and saw the Emergency Stylfile for £2 I had to pick up one for me and one for my mum. She's a fan too. I love that it's protected in a coil and has a file on one side and a buffer and smoother on the other side for any nail breaks.

This is the first beauty related item I've bought that hasn't been essential like make up pads or deodorant (both of which I had to buy this week). Apart from the shoes I showed in last week's post I've not bought clothes either.

On top of the £4 spent on the files L and I have booked to have our make up done in Mac before we go out for her birthday. We did it last year and that was what introduced me to higher end make up. So a year on we thought we'd do it again. That cost £30 and is before the ban is up it will be after 90 days so one splurge then isn't too bad. I think I'll add on a few extra weeks to make up for it.

The list of products I want is ever growing with so many new products constantly being released. I just have to keep telling myself I don't need it.

My Wishlist.

MAC Brick-O-La (this has been there since the beginning. I've still not seen it in person)

Urban Decay Setting Spray

Illamasqua Pigment Base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler Water ColouR Blush

Elf Brush Cleaner

Stocking Tights

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

Rimmel Appocolips

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer 

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or the Tinted Moisturiser. I want to get samples of both of these.

This time I'm adding:

Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss. I love the formulation of these. As I'm adding these I'm taking off the Rimmel Appocolips. Here I reviewed Forever Fushia

Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick. I'm a huge fan of Maybelline lip products. I love all the shades especially Always Plum

How are your bans going?

Love M

xxx

Spending Ban Update (6)

Hello.. Today's post should be an update on my ban where I moan that not spending is hard and tell you about my wish list, how it's growing etc. If you've seen some of my tweets from earlier this week you will see that I had the most ridiculous relapse back into spending and bought quite a few items from the Cosmetics Company Outlet (CCO) in Swindon's McArthur Glen. Basically this is what happened:

I went a little bit spend crazy in one shop and just couldn't resist some of the bargains that were available.

I know I should have resisted....but this week I successfully paid off and cancelled a £500 portion of my overdraft and just couldn't stop myself.

I did feel guilty afterwards and for now I am back on the non spending wagon because I'd like to continue paying my overdraft off at the same rate (though this may be a little optimistic!)

Even so....here are my purchases closer up if you need a little product porn:

Make A Difference skincare set.

I've been using the moisturiser recently and couldn't resist picking this up too.

This mascara was on sale for £7!

This is a beautiful pinky red that is really hydrating and so gives a high shine look, cannot wait to use it!

My first ever Smashbox purchases came in the form of their Arced Liner Brush #21.....

....Jet Set Waterproof Eye liner in Midnight Black.....

.....Beeeeeautiful Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst.....

.......and their Smoke Box Eye Shadow Palette.

(I imagine all will feature in upcoming posts)

Completely unnecessary but 100% totally worth it for the smile and feeling I've been possessing over the past few days.

I think it's even more of a high after being cold turkey for so long, though I have made better judgements on what I need and don't need.

I would have purchased so much in between Christmas and now if I hadn't have been on a ban!

Let's get back to it though eh?

What do you think of my purchases? What would you like to see in a post first?

L xxx

Spending Ban Update (5)

Hi all! Hope your spending bans are going well. I'm here with another update on mine....I've been doing really well and now have enough to actually pay off a  portion of my overdraft hurrah! Because of this I decided to treat myself with my Boots points, obviously! As part of our rules, this isn't actually breaking the ban so this is a good way to treat myself as it's a limited amount. I picked up some Apocalips as I just couldn't not buy them any longer. I'm a little annoyed at myself as I umm'd and ahh'd at the available colours for so long because there wasn't many left that were still sealed, that eventually I ended up putting back the wrong colour...booooooooooooooooo! I'm so annoyed. I'm hoping as it's still sealed and I have the receipt I can take it back and get the right one. I should really know the policy on this from working there haha. I also picked up the new Maybelline Rocket Mascara as the only mascara I have left isn't too great, not sure if it's too wet still but it can be clumpy sometimes. My update is early this week because I'm going to London with some friends, I cannot wait and may even do an outfit post next week if the photos are good enough! So copied from my last update my wish list now stands at:

1) Macadamia oil hair mask. Having used a sample of this it is quite honestly one of the best and I need to get my hands on it and make my hair feel like silk again!

2) An Origins serum. I feel as my 25th birthday looms ever nearer that I need to take better care of my skin, as mentioned in lots of previous posts. I would like to invest in a serum to prevent further wrinkles and damage to my skin so hopefully I can pick up one of these soon.

I have actually got a sample of the Perfect World serum to try this week!

3) Benefit boxed blushes. I clearly missed out on a few years of new products and now feel like my blush collection needs updating and revitalising with additional Benefit products.

4) A number of DVDs. I really want to update my DVD collection having not bought many in the past 5 years, I'm thinking Game of Thrones TV box sets along with others as well as ones like Magic Mike for some eye candy!

5) A new dress to go out in. I have my birthday coming up so I will be needing a new dress! No idea what type as op yet.....but I'm sure something slinky and figure hugging will be just the ticket!

6) Urban Decay Oz Palettes. The palettes are absolutely gorgeous and I want my hands on both the Theodora and Glinda looks, both serve my split personality for pretty pastels and smokey neutrals. I'm devastated that these have come out during the spending ban and I'm actually considering buying them and screwing over the ban.

7) Liz Earle Bronzer. I've seen M's and its such a gorgeous colour, I need it in my life for contouring for every day use!

I would have added Apocalips but now have them. What's on your wish list? Is your ban going better or worse than mine?! L xxx

Spending Ban Update 4

Whooooo I finally have internet back in my flat. Now to get my blogging mojo back as I have lots of fab products to share with you all.

Firstly the bad. I have bought a shampoo and conditioner this week. I couldn't stand my hair. At the moment it's so dry at the ends and rather damaged. I have basically run out except for a product I bought for both L and I that I don't really like. So I'm donating this to her and bought myself new stuff. As my hair was is in such bad conditioner I didn't want to leave it another 70 days using a product that didn't agree with me. Plus I allowed myself as I got a free hair cut so saved the money there. Do you used a protein enriched shampoo? I'd love to know what you use on damages hair.

Like L's mum my mum has been good to me this week too. She's bought me a few bits including a skipping rope which has weightless ends so you can skip indoors without a rope, a new eye shadow primer (both of these are room Avon and my mum is a Rep so she tends to get me a few little bits from here) she also kindly picked me up a how to knit book and some wool and needles. If you've read my 101 things in 1001 days (you can find this in out pages tab) you'll have seen I wanted to be able to knit. I really want to be able to make me own things. If I can do it I'm planning on making a scarf, arm warmers and a snood ready for next winter. Thankfully I have time to learn. My mum is good to me.

My Wishlist:

Mac Brick-o-la lipstick

Urban Decay Setting Spray

MUA Eyelid Primer

Illamasqua Pigment base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler water colour blush

RT brush set I don't have I can't find it in boots :-(

Elf brush cleaner

Elf blush and bronze duo.

This week I'm adding:

Stocking Tights (I love these and I've now laddered mine) and Studded Tights

Maybelline Colour Tattoo (I'm yet to own these and I think it's time I did)

Rimmel Appocolips (I love love love the look of these.

How have your bans gone this week? 

Love M

xxx

Spending Ban Update (4)

So another update for you today...

I haven't done too badly again, but when pay day came I did splash out and buy myself a replacement for my poor DVD player which broke a few weeks ago.

After consulting with my geeky brother I decided on a Samsung Blu Ray player, as my brother has a lot of them that I could borrow and it wasn't too much more than the DVD player. Plus as it matches my TV I will be able to use the one controller for both!

I'm so excited for it to turn up, I was gutted when I couldn't watch films after Christmas and in the long run it will be cheaper than me spending my evenings going out.

I was also lucky enough to go shopping with my mum.

I was helping her pick up presents for complicated family members who are turning 18/50 etc.

We went into Zara for a wander and saw some sale items which I loved but refused to buy, my mum was LOVELY and bought them for me, I was so excited!

She bought me a lush wide black belt with gold studs and rivets which is quite small and didn't look quite right in the shop as I had a baggy blouse and jeans on, but I can't wait to match it up with some dresses.

She also got me a make up bag with a horse hair cover and union jack print. I absolutely love British themed items and this will be a perfect addition to my work bag. And maybe even on a night out as it seems to be the perfect size for a clutch bag too? We will see!

I have also signed up to a fitness magazine (Women's fitness) as it cost me £16 for 9 months of magazines which are keeping me going with my inspiration and motivation for the gym.

It also comes with a free pack of Vitamins worth £25 from MyVitamins which should help me kick start my metabolism. 

So as you can see I have spent some money this week....but I've found that investing my time and money in things to do as opposed to clothes, make up and alcohol is a better use of my cash.

I've just had my new gym program this morning and am really excited to get into it again.

I've booked on gym classes and plan on shifting a few pounds and toning up.

So here's my wish list, with some new additions!

1) Macadamia oil hair mask. Having used a sample of this it is quite honestly one of the best and I need to get my hands on it and make my hair feel like silk again!

2) An Origins serum. I feel as my 25th birthday looms ever nearer that I need to take better care of my skin, as mentioned in lots of previous posts. I would like to invest in a serum to prevent further wrinkles and damage to my skin so hopefully I can pick up one of these soon.

I have actually got a sample of the Perfect World serum to try this week!

3) Benefit boxed blushes. I clearly missed out on a few years of new products and now feel like my blush collection needs updating and revitalising with additional Benefit products.

4) A number of DVDs. I really want to update my DVD collection having not bought many in the past 5 years, I'm thinking Game of Thrones TV box sets along with others as well as ones like Magic Mike for some eye candy!

5) A new dress to go out in. I have my birthday coming up so I will be needing a new dress! No idea what type as op yet.....but I'm sure something slinky and figure hugging will be just the ticket!

6) Urban Decay Oz Palettes. The palettes are absolutely gorgeous and I want my hands on both the Theodora and Glinda looks, both serve my split personality for pretty pastels and smokey neutrals. I'm devastated that these have come out during the spending ban and I'm actually considering buying them and screwing over the ban.

7) Liz Earle Bronzer. I've seen M's and its such a gorgeous colour, I need it in my life for contouring for every day use!

Watch this space as it might really happen! Urban Decay why do you do this to me.

How are your spending bans going? What's on your wish list?

L xxx

Spending Ban Update 3

This week has been my OH birthday so it's been an expensive one with eating out and his presents.

Even though the spending ban is on we have had 3 meals to celebrate his birthday. 

Otherwise I have been pretty good. I'm trying my hardest to avoid town at the moment.

Uni and working are making me tired and lazy with my cooking which doesn't help spending.

My mum also asked me to pop to ikea for her. I was good and bought light bulbs and food for me there. The only naughty thing I got was a champagne flute as I love sparkling wine and it doesn't taste the same in a normal glass. Plus it was 70p so ok in my mind.

This weekend coming I'm going home. Not spending will be hard but I do have my money box at home so I may be naughty and tuck into that as my grandad still gives us money weekly bless him (no matter if we tell him he still does) it's a nice saver for me.

My Wishlist:

Mac Brick-o-la lipstick

Urban Decay Setting Spray

MUA Eyelid Primer

Illamasqua Pigment base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler water colour blush

This week I'm adding:

RT brush set I don't have I can't find it in boots :-(

Elf brush cleaner

Elf brush and bronze duo.

How are your bans going?

Love M

Xxc

Spending Ban Update (3)

My spending ban hasn't been too bad this week.

I did cave and buy myself a new sonic toothbrush, but I feel that's not really a bad thing to buy.

In fact I'll be doing a post on it soon as I think an electric toothbrush is really important and there are currently some great offers on in Boots.

I picked up the Philips Sonicare Whitening toothbrush which currently has £63 off so is an obvious bargain.

It makes me think that because I'm not buying unnecessary things like clothes and make up i am actually buying things that are worth the money.

Unfortunately for me, my DVD player has broken. And although I don't really 'need' a new one, I reeeeeeeeeeally miss watching my films and I'm a little lost without it!

I am tempted to buy one when I get paid tomorrow and I've found one for £50 that has everything I need, but even so. Will have to see how much money I have left!

In other thoughts, here is my first wish list of items I am currently lusting over and cannot buy:

1) Macadamia oil hair mask. Having used a sample of this it is quite honestly one of the best and I need to get my hands on it and make my hair feel like silk again!

2) An Origins serum. I feel as my 25th birthday looms ever nearer that I need to take better care of my skin, as mentioned in lots of previous posts. I would like to invest in a serum to prevent further wrinkles and damage to my skin so hopefully I can pick up one of these soon.

3) Benefit boxed blushes. I clearly missed out on a few years of new products and now feel like my blush collection needs updating and revitalising with additional Benefit products.

4) A number of DVDs. I really want to update my DVD collection having not bought many in the past 5 years, I'm thinking Game of Thrones TV box sets along with others as well as ones like Magic Mike for some eye candy!

5) A new dress to go out in. I have my birthday coming up so I will be needing a new dress! No idea what type as op yet.....but I'm sure something slinky and figure hugging will be just the ticket!

How are you getting on with your spending bans? Link me to your wishlists if you have one!

L xxx

101 Things in 1001 Days: New Tasks

This post follows on from my original recap of my 101 Things in 1001 Days post which I uploaded last week, and you can find on this link.

My plan was to swap a few tasks that couldn't be completed for various reasons, and some that were too similar. Here are my other options which will be added in soon!

The first which will replace no.19: Go to the Harry Potter Studio tour thingymajig. I'm absolutely dying to go and if it's added on here then obviously it must happen. Sneaky.

28: Increasingly important to me is my health. After being the epitome of gluttony in university and generally being the perfect student slob I am now a regular gym attender, avoid fat like the plague and generally try and take good care of myself. I'd like however to drink more fruit and herbal teas instead of caffeinated ones and other drinks. This isn't a massive deal, but I don't seem to drink enough throughout the day and different teas are easy and healthy!

30: I always used to love going to different gigs, and I miss seeing bands live like I used to. So over the next 2 ish years I plan on seeing lots more. I've recently bought tickets to see Rihanna and McFly so am off to a good start!

64: I've decided this year will be about decluttering. Decluttering my room of excessive beauty products, unworn clothes and old useless magazines. Also I would like to declutter my life of crappy people, pointless junk and old things that I've kept in my life and no longer need. I have already this year removed a large pile of 'stuff' that I was planning on ebaying, along with a huuuuge cardboard box of folders and books from my school/uni days. Let's hope it continues!

67: In 2010 I redecorated my room from a pink and girly fairytale room to a white and turquoise room with 'traveller' style items. By this I mean I have an array of suitcases dotted around my room plus a gold chair and trinkets from all over the world. However I've always wanted a globe, sepia coloured map and loads of pictures and postcards on the walls to decorate it but have never quite got round to it. This year it will happen!

72: I suppose somewhere on this list the inevitable will makes it's way.....some of my friends are getting married this year and therefore I need a date. I am currently single and have been for the majority of my life which doesn't normally bother me but on these occasions I would not want to be the only one without a date, nor do i want a date that in 5 years time I will look back and think 'WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING'. So this may be the biggest task of them all, but a challenge that my friends have already decided is going to begin with speed dating, just for the laughs. (Oh God)

89: Having been there when I was a child, I have been reminded of Longleat Safari Park and have made my decision that I definitely 100% want to add this to my list after remembering the maze! I want to complete that maze and get to the tower.


So there we have it! Took me a little while to come up with them and I haven't managed to update the actual page yet. But I should get round to it on the weekend.

What do you think of my replacements? Have you written down your list of things you'd like to complete?

I guess it's like a Bucket List, but quicker!

L xxx

Spending Ban Update 2

Hey it's been a while since I've posted. I still don't have Internet and I've had a few stressful uni weeks. Bring on Thursday and uni will be done and a week on Friday I'll bhave Internet hopefully.

I've got so much to post about it's just awkward to do on my phone as our photos have to be uploaded via photo bucket. L has been great at putting in photos for me.

Anyway my update. By Thursday I was feeling disheartened.  It was com up to pay day (which is today) and I was still completely broke.

Until yesterday I still hadn't bought clothes or make up.  Which was more than a challenge.  I had an hour to kill when I met my OH for dinner one evening and two shops had things I'd been lusting after since summer in my size and 70% off. I managed to not succumb to the temptation.  Boy yhat was hard. And on Thursday L and I took a trip to TK Maxx. My hair is begging me to get the Macadamia oil and it was so cheap in their.  But I resisted and had to drag L with me ;-).

Where I'm going wrong at the moment seems to be food. My partner received some bad news this week so I've bought him a few dvds and treat food to cheer him up and bought his mum flowers as a pick me up. I think with just moving as well cupboards need stocking and getting used to a longer commute is hard as I'm tired and not wanting to cook. All in all lots of excuses and I need to stop letting my OH persuade me to go to McDonald's which is now across the road.

I broke the ban by picking up OTH season 8 when I was getting my OH his dvds. I love one tree hill and have 1-7 on dvd and it was cheap. Naughty me.

I've also had the week after Christmas and a bit before on this months pay check.

My plan this month is, to stop wasting money on fast food and dvds. I have four birthday's to buy for this month including 2 expensive ones and valentines and meeting up with an old friend. So February is expensive.  Must cut back somewhere.

So onto my wishlist

Last times
Mac Brick-o-la lipstick
Urban Decay Setting Spray
MUA Eyelid Primer
Nars Sheer Glow
Bobbi Brown Corrector
I have decided I no longer wanted the Nars Sheer Glow as gorgeous as it is I don't think it'll be for my skin type. The Bobbi Brown Corrector I'm unsure on as I do love my Erase paste so the last two are off the list now. I will edit the list with eacg update. I wonder if any will last 100 days.
This time I'm adding
Illamasqua Pigment base
Origins Cheeks and Balance
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
Daniel Sandler water colour blush.

So after 21 days I've not bought make up, skincare or clothes but I'm still broke. Oh well. Less has gone on the credit card. How are your bans going? 

Don't forget to check out Marvelle from Blog of Shadows blog for others doing spending bans. Link here. Her latest Disney series look is stunning too.

Love M Xxx

Spending Ban Update (2)

So after my quite positive post last time with how well my ban was going it went a little down hill!

I had a Boux Avenue voucher for Christmas from my nan that I hadn't spent yet as I was saving it for when the new stock came in.

Obviously this happened rather soon after Christmas and after the email came through with the deal where you buy a bra and get the matching knickers for free on it, I couldn't resist!

As part of the ban this was a rule, that i was allowed to spend the voucher and put money towards it as it's a bit unrealistic to try and spend the exact amount on a gift card.

I felt like the luckiest person in the world when my package came through in the post!

I bought 3 bras of the same style in 3 different colours and got the matching knickers, look how pretty they are:

They're beautiful and I can't wait to start wearing them!

I did have to put around £20 with them, but otherwise I would have had a silly amount left on the card so I feel like this was ok.

Next up was of course the inevitable 75% off sale day in Boots.

I was pretty good in this sale, mostly as I was allowed to do my shopping before the shop opened and my shift started, so I grabbed a few things in the 5/10 mins that I was allowed!

You should have seen it, genuinely people running through the store to get to the sale area. It was absolute bedlam!

So I picked up a few things as presents, including a No7 travel kit, Sanctuary toiletry bag, Champneys incense stick and candle kit, and a Toni and Guy hair styling kit.

Lastly I bought 2 of the Toni and Guy Brunette shampoo and conditioner sets, one for myself and one for my mum. At £3 this was an absolute bargain and I couldn't not get myself one so a slap on the wrist for me for breaking the ban for the sake of £3.

However I did get £110 of stuff for £27 so I refuse to beat myself up over it as I bought quite a few presents and only one thing for myself!

Aside from that it's going well and M managed to restrain me when we wandered into TK Maxx on Thursday evening.

Expect a wishlist from me at some point this week as I am slowly breaking down and my brain will melt wth the amount of things I'm trying to remember I need!

How are your spending bans going? More successful than mine or are you caving at the bargains around?

L xxx