2015 New Year Resolutions

It's that time of year again when people start to think of their New Year's resolutions and begin asking you what yours are. I made some pretty firm promises to myself at the start of 2014 and I'm pleased to say that I achieved everything on my resolution list in one way or another.

This could partly be due to the fact that my 2014 resolutions were so vague it would be nearly impossible to fail. But mostly I like to believe that I succeeded because they were resolutions that I really wanted to keep.

2014 New Year Resolutions

1. Read More - Vague, I know. But I did manage to achieve this one. I went from a tragic one novel read in 2013 to a much more respectful novel-a-fortnight in 2014. This slipped somewhat after I changed jobs and didn't have my daily commute anymore. But I'm pleased to say that I re-discovered my passion for reading and have continued to read on a semi-regular basis

2. Write More - Another vague statement. However, with a lack of brilliant novel ideas and no inspiration to even so much as spit out a poem, this one was difficult. I decided to focus more time on this blog and I'm pleased to say that I've succeeded. I still haven't written nearly as many posts as I had originally imagined but I have certainly made more of an effort with this blog and it's forming into something I can be quite proud of.

3. Get a Permanent Job - Achieved twice this year. After a couple of years as a temporary member of staff, holding a permanent job is a relief. I feel a lot more secure and I'm being paid far better.

4. Pay Off Overdraft - I failed to achieve this one. I just couldn't afford to for the first 8 months of the year on my low salary around trying to support myself too. However, in this new role, I finally have money to spare that I can use to start paying it off. I put a savings plan and a new budget in place and I'm on my way to paying it off by this time next year

5. Lose Weight - Deliberately vague, but I managed to achieve this. At my peak, I'd managed to lose 38lbs from this time last year and was well chuffed with myself. With the festive season and a miserable winter in general, I know some of this has come back. However, I know that I can lose weight now and I've had an education this last year on how to do it too. I''m going into 2015 with big plans to continue on the weight loss/fitness path and achieve my goals.

So, with a day and a half until the new year, I've been giving a lot of thought to what my goals will be for this next year. I know that I can achieve the goals that I set myself now. I have confidence in my ability to do so. However, this year I want to be stricter with myself and a lot less vague. I hope that by this time next year, I can proudly say that I've achieved these goals too.

2015 New Year Resolutions

1. Read 10 books
2. Update the blog 4 times a month
3. Fully pay off overdraft
4. Lose 6 stone
5. Have a dental check-up
6. Drink at least 2L water a day

Had you asked me at this time last year where I'd have ended up now, I probably couldn't have guessed. Even now, I can't predict what will happen across this next year but if the last one is anything to go by then I'm going to learn a lot of lessons.

I know that it's unlikely anyone cares about the post above and that it's kind of like someone telling you about the dream they had last night (f*cking dull) but writing my resolutions down and making a commitment to them really helped me last year so I'm doing the same this year.

Good Luck with any of your own resolutions and I hope 2015 will be an incredible year for all of us!

Tabitha
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My Little Box | December 2014

Christmas is coming and my favourite monthly gift of My Little Box arrived just in time. This month's theme is a box by YouTuber Fleur de Force and her stamp of style is all over it too :-)

The theme is very much around Christmas and gift wrapping but without being too in your face with ho-ho-ho and being much more....well...Fleur! A couple of beauty bits included of course as well as a headband I'll probably never wear out but that may come in handy around the house regardless.

This month's box contains:

- The magazine

- Cowshed Body Lotion

- Wrapping ribbon

- Wrapping tape stickers (at the front)

- Gift tags

- My Little Beauty lipstick

- A headband

- L'Occitane Immortalle Precious Cream

I'm never that bothered with skincare products but I love the lipstick colour and can't wait to try it out!

I also have some last minute gifts that the wrapping bits will come in handy for. 

All in all, another brilliant box that actually arrived on time to be useful (still waiting on my Birchbox which was dispatched two weeks ago....). 

I hope you're all enjoying the festive season as much as I am :-)

Tabitha

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PS: Sorry if the photos are low quality! 

This post not sponsored by My Little Box. I just love the product and wanted to share

Loreal Glam Highlights Update

I haven't blogged in almost a month! I have lots of ideas for posts but it's been difficult to get the pictures that need to go with them because I spend the daylight hours at the office and all my house lights are dim yellow.

Anyway, enough with the excuses. I just wanted to share a couple of pictures from just over a week ago since I managed to capture my highlights in the sunshine while taking train selfies (standard). The sunlight doesn't do my skin any favours so they are edited to fuck but I promise I haven't edited my hair.

As you can see, the highlights are still bright blonde and seamlessly blending with my hair. I am so so so impressed with Loreál's Glam Highlights kits as always and can't wait for my next session.

I'm letting my hair rest until after Christmas and then I'm going to put even more highlights in! :-) I definitely couldn't have done it without the kit though so a massive hats off to Loreal and their impeccable hair dye ranges.

Tabitha

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Post not sponsored by Loreal - I just love their products and wanted to share :-) 

My Little Box | November 2014

The squeal that escaped my lips when My Little Box arrived today should convey the instant joy I felt when simply seeing the brown postage packaging. I love this beauty box so much! This is now it's third month in the UK and this box was (can you believe it) even better than the last one.

This month's theme is Cosy and the contents were a perfect compliment to this. The box design was, as always, absolutely adorable.

I have to say, one of my favourite things about the box is how the contents are wrapped up with a ribbon. It's like the whole thing is a gift to myself.

This month's contents:

- Small Espresso Size Mug

- Tsumori Chisato Microwaveable cushion

- Arancil Waterproof Eyeliner pencil

- Essie Nail Polish in 'Cute As A Button'

- My Little Beauty Mascara Soin et Volume

As always, I'm so impressed with the value that I get with this box. Not only is the product selection decent and from reputable brands, but it's also all things that I actually want. Not to mention that the magazine it comes with is full of articles on hair, makeup and even recipes! It's full of fantastic content and I am so impressed with My Little Box so far!

If you want to check them out, have a look at their website for more information. Again, this isn't a sponsored post, I just love their boxes and want their UK audience to grow to where it should be.

If you're already subscribed to them, let me know what your favourite product has been so far. Mine is probably the coffee cup or maybe the DVF scarf from last month - I can't decide!

Tabitha 

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Primark | Festive Homeware Haul

Living so close to a massive Primark is both a blessing and a curse. I've actually been back to Primark again since the trip that is chronicled below took place, but that was all clothes.

Anyone that has been into my flat knows that I'm a big fan of the Primark homeware section. Not only are the prices amazing (as you would expect) but the quality is decent too! Perfect bits for a little rental flat that you're just trying to make your own.

I was in dire need of some new bathmats since mine fell apart more and more in the wash. My sister recommended the Super Soft Bath Mats that Primark sell so I decided to get some. 

They're washable, and the size information is below.

What I will say with these, is that as much as it feels like you're walking on marshmallows - they are NOT safe! The moment the floor around or slightly under them gets a bit wet, they become slippery death mats. They're so soft and cushiony, but the bottom is clearly not designed to get wet. I've put towels underneath them to try and increase the grip and haven't slipped in over a week now - but I'll admit that having fallen twice, I am tip-toeing across these now. Such a shame!

The next bit I bought was a necessity! It's Primark's Sort It Out Accessory Hanger. Previously, my necklaces and chain strap bags were all hanging over a corner of my shelf getting tangled and falling off constantly. This little beauty is a problem solved!

Here it is in action!

Next, I thought I'd get in there early with the Christmas jumpers this year. My sister is obsessed with pugs so I picked this absolute treasure up for her.

I got myself a nice Christmas pudding themed one and at first I just liked the pattern, but then I looked closer at the labels and it's so cute!!

It's got a real tag in it too so you know how you're allowed to wash it, but I love this little festive touch :-)

As is required, I got myself some kind of footwarmer. I love these cosy slipper boots! I've been wearing them every night since I got them! They're warm without being too hot. Plus they've got little slipper dots on the bottom for a non-slip bonus feature (perfect now I'm terrified of slipping on my bath mats)

Finally, I picked up some candles. I love burning candles but refuse to spend the ridiculous prices on the high-end ones when I can pick up some lovely smelling long-burning candles for £2 at Primark.  This one is a sweet pineapple and ginger scent in a sleek black square holder. It smells amazing and I've been burning it constantly but I'm not even a quarter the way down!

I also love these three wick round candles which are littered around my room. I got the Warm Winter Berry scent as I'm feeling festive (can't you tell). It's a little dented but I don't mind since it smells so incredible! 

As mentioned, I have popped into Primark again since and I can see that they're getting their full Christmas range in there. The home section looks amazingly seasonal so I'll no doubt be going in there again in no time :-)

Can anyone recommend nice cream bath mats that won't slip?

Tabitha 

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Review | L'Oreal Preference Glam Highlights

I've said in previous posts that I love to dye my hair - so it shouldn't be any surprise that I've done it again!

I'll preface this by saying that I've used this kit before and I absolutely love it. Their ombre kits are amazing which gave me the confidence to try this for the first time when I did. Well, that and the fact that Blake Lively was sponsoring it - we all know of my love for Blake. My hair was a lot lighter when I last used this kit though so I was a touch nervous on how the colour would turn out now. I have to say - I am so impressed yet again!

This is the front and back of the box. I chose No1 which is the lightest shade as my hair is still fairly light. I think I could have gotten away with No2 as well but I'm trying to lighten up again gradually.

Here you can see the contents of the kit. You can see the Expert Brush which I'd recommend using if you're new to highlights or haven't used the kits before. I personally opted for my tinting brush and bowl set as I was trying a more balayage technique at the bottom.

I chose to concentrate the formula at the bottom of my hair and the front section keeping the product light at the roots so that it will blend nicely as it grows.

Here's the finished look! As you can see, even though I applied it super-stripey above, it comes out really natural looking and blends perfectly!

I thought a pout might make the no make-up semi-acceptable :-)

I've had lots of compliments on my blonder looks since applying this and have been recommending this kit to anyone that is looking for a similar effect.  

Definitely give this one a go! 10/10 for colour, formula, application and result! I bought mine on 2 for £11 at Boots and used just one of them for the result above. I'll be applying the second one in a couple of weeks to lighten even more.

Let me know if anyone has tried No2 and No3 and if they're just as good.

Tabitha

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This post not sponsored by L'Oreal - I just love this product and wanted to share :-)

Haul | Paperchase Christmas Range

Yes, I know it's only the beginning of November but I LOVE Christmas so I am always keen to get started early.

Last year, my Mum got the most amazing and unique decorations from Paperchase and the moment they came out this year, she was in there expanding her collection. I loved them last year but was on the bread line money-wise and couldn't afford to decorate for Christmas beyond some gifted baubles.

Now, however, I have followed in Mum's footsteps and got some incredible tree decorations myself!

Behold, the Paperchase haul

I haven't gone quite as mad as my Mum (yet) but I am certain another trip will be on the cards as I just love these decorations!

They're 3 for 2 right now, as is most of their wrapping paper range. The decorations, as ever, range from traditional, to modern, to cute, to kooky. My three decorations were all in the £7 range so I ended up getting these three for £14 (bargain in my eyes).

(I'll admit I had a little laugh at the lion when I remembered Yeat's 'The Second Coming' and the "rough beast" slouching towards Bethlehem to be born. Clearly some of my English A Level hasn't been lost.)

I had to force myself away from the tree decorations and decided to take a wander around the shop to lust over their notebooks and recipe binders. To my delight, half the shop floor was filled with Christmas items. I was able to pick up some truly adorable wrapping paper and save myself another job next month.

In particular, I have an affection for the brussel sprout print. I'm not a fan of the real thing, but put a face and hat on them and I'm on board.

Paperchase have a whole section on their website dedicated to Christmas and I'd recommend you take a look. Not all of their tree decorations are online though, so definitely have a peek in-store or pick up their free catalogue (pictured above) and see their whole range. They always have good offers on around Christmas too.

Roll on December 1st when I can put up my tree!

If anyone has any recommendations for shops with similarly unique looking Christmas items, definitely comment below and let me know!

Tabitha
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This post was not sponsored by Paperchase or any partners. I just love their stuff and wanted to share :-) 

Review | Superdrug Vibrance Mango Copper Burst 7.4

I love to dye my hair and have tried a dye from most brand ranges and shades. Recently, I've been sticking to my blonde summers and auburn winters.

But the problem with auburn, as any bottle redhead knows, is that it can fade so very quickly! I was so disappointed when my Nice N Easy auburn shade washed out in just three weeks. Keen to get my auburn back, I ventured into Superdrug to see if I could find the perfect copper-red shade.

 I'll be looking for the perfect shade forever, but I did find a close second. This is the Mango Copper Burst shade from Superdrug's Vibrance range currently priced at £4.49 a box:

Linked here in case my apartment's lights aren't doing it proper justice. Now, according to the back of the box, my hair was going to go quite a bright orange.

However, knowing how quickly red fades, I figured I was better to go stronger with my shade choice now and have it fade to the warm copper red I'm looking for after a few washes. I'll admit, I felt severe intimidation when I mixed it up in my Primark tinting bowl.

This is two boxes worth of dye as I have long/thick hair

It's a distinctly tomato soup shade.....but I'm a daring woman when it comes to hair dyeing so I thought I'd put it on. 

Initially, it had a strong dye-smell but it wasn't as eye watering as previous dyes I've used from other brands and once I started to apply it, the scent was barely noticeable.

It goes on very orange but that helped me to see where I had and hadn't applied it. The formula is quite thin though, and even though I used two boxes, it really didn't go far. My hair is quite thick and goes down to the middle of my back, but two boxes is usually enough for me in other brands. I found that by the time I reached my top section, I only had a trace amount left in the bowl. I definitely couldn't saturate my hair which was disappointing and led to panic hair massaging to try and disperse the product (semi-successfully).

The dye has to stay on for a pretty standard 30 minutes and continues to be a bright (and scary) orange while it's on.

I did get dye on my skin but it washed off with soap and water.

You do have to use shampoo when you're rinsing it out according to the instructions which felt a bit wrong but the conditioner it came with was pleasant smelling and left my hair in good condition.

Here are the results:

Before (left) and After (right)

I'd say the result I had matches that of the box pretty well (for once) and I have to say the colours blended well with my natural highlights. 

There were some areas where the colour is weaker in the top sections but it's definitely not patchy. My colleagues actually thought I'd put in highlights as well because it was the top-section that suffered the lack of dye and it actually blended to look deliberate (so lucky it did!).

Shine-wise, this product could do better. Other brands tend to produce a high shine result where this on definitely didn't. 

Summary: 6/10 - Love the colour but so disappointed at how little product there was. If you're thinking about buying this dye, get one extra box than you think you need and then maybe another one for safety. I'd say that if you're the type of person (like me) that has to use a palmful of conditioner just to get all of their hair, you're definitely going to need 3-4 boxes of this dye. 

Tabitha

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