Brand Focus // Bath and Body Works

Visiting America allowed me to experience the gift that is Bath and Body Works. If you aren't sure what Bath and Body Works is then it is a shop which sells bath and body products. I would say a shop closest to it in the UK is The Body Shop but even then, not really. 

I could quite literally spend the best part of a day in a Bath and Body Works store and could cry that they don't have any stores in the UK, nor do they ship internationally which is a real shame. 

I've noticed that quite a lot of my readers are from the US and Canada so for you lovelies, here is a little list of my fave Bath and Body Works products featuring quite a lot of their new Autumn range. For my readers in the UK, this is what we are missing!

BODY LOTION

Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte Body Lotion - $12.50 // Indulge in the scent of a creamy pumpkin latte topped with fluffy marshmallows.

Suncrisp Apple Harvest Body Lotion - $12.50 // Stroll through the orchard and breathe in the crisp, sweet scent of juicy apples bathed in sunlight.

A Thousand Wishes Body Lotion - $12.50 // A festive blend of sparkling champagne, crystal peonies & almond creme.

Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion - $12.50 // A sweet indulgence of sheer florals, vanilla absolut & sandalwood. 

Peach Bellini Body Lotion - $12.50 // A fizzy fusion of juicy peach, white apricot & sparkling prosecco.

I don't usually use Body Lotion but now that summer has come and shone a tiny bit of light on my ghostly white pale skin, my skin has burnt no matter how much sun cream I have slapped on, causing my skin to burn. Ever since I have been applying body lotion like there is no tomorrow to try and aide the delightful peeling process. The Body Lotions come in a massive array of different scents and sizes. For $12.50 you can get a rather reasonable 236ml of product or $5.00 for 88ml of product. They are also available in different scents for men too.

HAND CREAM.

Pink Chiffon Hand Cream - $5.00 // Lightly scented with a light-as-air pairing of soft pink petals & vanilla chiffon icing expresses..

Vanilla Buttercream Hand Cream - $5.00 // Lightly scented with a comforting blend of creamy vanilla, sweet buttery caramel, vanilla..

Crisp Morning Air Hand Cream - $5.00 // A fresh breeze of pine, juniper & pear evokes a quiet fall morning.

Sweet Pea Hand Cream - $5.00 // Lightly scented with an optimistic blend of juicy raspberries & pear kissed by soft pink petals.

Cozy Vanilla Cream Hand Cream - $5.00 // A cozy confection of whipped frosting, sweet cream & vanilla bean.

Hand cream is one of my favourite things during Autumn/Winter. My hand gets so cracked, dry and sore and sometimes no matter how much hand cream I apply, nothing will heal it. I do love the Soap and Glory Hand Food but we all like change and, oh my gosh, Cozy Vanilla Cream scented hand cream??!

FRAGRANCE MIST.

Napa Valley Sunset Fragrance Mist - $14.00 // A romantic blend of Napa Valley plum, vineyard pomegranate & golden amber. 
Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Fragrance Mist - $14.00 // A spicy blend of heirloom pumpkin, autumn cinnamon & ginger snaps.
Midnight Pomegranate Fragrance Mist - $14.00 // A fiery blend of ruby red pomegranate, blackberry spice & sparkling cassis.
Cherry Blossom Fragrance Mist - $14.00 // A bright floral fragrance, reminiscent of spring's first blossoms bathed in soft sunlight.
Wild Madagascar Vanilla Fragrance Mist - $14.00 // Intoxicating Madagascar vanilla layered with African pear, wild jasmine & white sandalwood.
Twilight Woods Fragrance Mist - $14.00 // An enticing blend of apricot nectar, mimosa petals & Tuscan cypress.
French Lavender and Honey Fragrance Mist - $14.00 // A romantic bouquet of French lavender, nectarine de Provence & sun-kissed honey.

Don't all of these fragrance mists sound divine? For $14 you get 236ml of product which is bound to last you a while. 

CANDLES.

Sweater Weather 3-Wick Candle - $22.50 // Snuggle up with a cozy blend of aromatic eucalyptus, juniper berry & fresh sage.
Pumpkin Cake 3-Wick Candle = $22.50 // Treat yourself to a freshly baked pumpkin cupcake covered in rich buttercream frosting.
Marshmallow Fireside 3-Wick Candle - $22.50 // Gather round the bonfire with toasted marshmallows, smoky woods & sweet vanilla.
Flannel 3-Wick Candle - $22.50 // Wrap yourself in a warm blend of bergamot, polished mahogany & a veil of soft musk.
Autumn 3-Wick Candle - $22.50 // Fall into the season with notes of bright red apple, cedarwood & fir balsam.
Vanilla Pumpkin Marshmallow 3-Wick Candle - $22.50 // A mouthwatering treat of creamy vanilla & fluffy pumpkin marshmallow.

There is nothing I love more at Autumn/Winter time than coming in out of the cold and lighting a seasonal candle to fill up the whole house with. These six candle scents sounds absolutely perfect as we get closer to Autumn. Whilst I can't quite be sure what Autumn would smell like, I can sure as hell imagine it. For $22.50 you get 411g of product which is around the same size as a medium Yankee Candle candle.

HAND SANITIZER.

Pineapple Sorbet Hand Sanitizer - $1.75 // A delightful twist of iced pineapple & juicy watermelon. 
Sweet Peach Tea Hand Sanitizer - $1.75 // A refreshing sip of sparkling peach, white tea & lavender petals.
Raspberry Pink Peony Hand Sanitizer - $1.75 // A girly blend of sparkling raspberries & pink peony petals.
Black Cherry Merlot Hand Sanitizer - $1.75 // An addictive blend of dark cherry, black raspberry & sumptuous merlot.  

Following on from my recent post on my obsession with hand sanitizer, I couldn't not include my holy grail now, could I? Someone once asked me if I was stuck on a deserted island what would my one item be? I replied with "hand sanitizer" and they nearly passed out with laughter. 

Please note: These prices are obviously in $$$ so don't be alarmed at the prices. At the time of writing this post, the cost of the items in £££ are as follows; Body Lotion - £7.96, Hand Cream - £3.18, Fragrance Mist - £8.91, Candle - £14.33 and Hand Sanitizer - £1.11 which sound much more reasonable!

Review // Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - $19.00
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - £26.99

A trip to America means a trip to Sephora. I walked into a little Sephora concession on my first day of being in Washington DC. It was -14 outside, snowing heavily, I was majorly jet lagged and I was pretty convinced I had a hole in my shoe. Walking into Sephora was the first thing of my trip to really make me smile.

I was a little overwhelmed at everything and really regretted not having a little shopping list as, looking back, I missed out on so many amazing products. Luckily, I did manage to purchase one thing that I knew for certain that would become a staple in my make-up bag, the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner.

About The Kat Von D Range
Created by Kat Von D, tattoo artist, TV star, and owner of High Voltage Tattoo, this inspiring makeup collection exemplifies the fusion of glamorous, old Hollywood and edgy rock 'n' roll. Kat’s distinct style and flawlessly crafted face reveals that she is as masterful with a makeup brush as she is with a tattoo machine.

About The Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
A liquid eyeliner with an innovative brush tip for effortless, precise application. Achieve eye perfection with this high-pigment, waterproof liner that stays put all day for a fade-, melt-, crack-, and run-resistant finish. The superfine and flexible brush tip glides across the lashline for incredibly fluid application, allowing you to create a variety of looks with ease. Unlike traditional felt tip liners, this brush tip will not fray. 

When I bought the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, I wasn't aware there were two shades. I naively thought it came in a standard black but I was wrong. Available in Mad Max Brown, a rich chocolate brown, and Trooper, ink black, I luckily picked up the black version. My all time favourite eyeliner, the Soap and Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen, has served me well but I am always up for trying out some new alternatives.

I absolutely love the nib of the eyeliner pen. It is really thin and pointy and as they claim, it does not fray at all which makes application incredibly easy when you don't have to battle with stray bits of brush ruining the beautiful line you just drew. It gets into the tear duct area really easily due to the thin tip and unbelievably, it makes drawing a cat flick incredibly easy! I am a little cack-handed and still need a little work in the eyeliner area but I really surprised myself with how well this Kat Von D Tattoo Liner works. It makes the application of eyeliner so much easier due to the precision of the brush and the colour is a true black which is wonderful. 

The lid makes a delightful clicking sound when you close it so you know it will not dry out or ruin your make-up bag. Overall, I really cannot sing this liquid eyeliner's praises enough! Eyeliner can be tricky but this eyeliner pen just makes it so much easier. The nib is really thin and perfect for precision, the colour is a deep black and unlike some liquid eyeliners, it does not transfer onto the top of the eyelid. It does not budge, move or wear throughout the day and has a wonderful staying power. 

You can find this Kat Von D Tattoo Liner quite easily in the US but it is slightly harder to find it in the UK. I have searched the internet and there is a seller on Amazon selling it but it is more expensive than if you were to buy it in the US and slightly more expensive than buying it on the Sephora website and having it shipped over. I would say it was pretty damn worth it though!

Review // NuBand Activ+ Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker

NuBand Activ+ Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker - £29.99

I recently joined the gym. I know. Unlikely, but true. I absolutely love the idea of going to the gym. In fact, it is probably the best bit. I feel so happy when I have my gym wear on, my trainers on my feet, my gym bag weighing me down. I feel rather smug as I trot up to my gym, headphones on, One Direction blaring. I feel like saying to every passerby "Look at me, I am going to the gym."

When I am at the gym I become slightly obsessed with all of the information on screen, for example, how far I have ran and how many calories I have burnt. It spurs me on to a run a little faster or for a little longer, just to round up those numbers on the screen. Which got me thinking about how it would be great to find out all of that information during the day, not just when I am at the gym. I thought about buying a Fitbit Flex but then when I was in Argos I found a cheaper alternative, the Nuband Activ+ Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker.

About The NuBand Activ+

The NuBand Activ+ allows you to set daily, weekly and monthly workout goals and also helps you to achieve them by regularly monitoring your performance against your goal. Its features include a free app, sports monitor, sleep tracker, smart alarm and clock. Improve your health at the touch of a button. 

The NuBand Activ+ promises to do nearly as much as the Fitbit Flex but for £35.00 cheaper. It doesn't have the opportunity to log your food but that didn't bother me too much. All that I wanted was the ability to track how many steps I took, how long I walked for and how many calories I burnt.

How The NuBand Active+ Works
Like the Fitbit, the NuBand also has a free, downloadable app that will work with iOS and Android. You don't have to use it with your phone, however, as all of the results will come up on the little LCD screen but you cannot set goals or track your sleep this way. I really love the idea of using it against the app for a more in-depth review of my day and to see how well I have done against my target so I was really excited to use it. The NuBand doesn't come in different sizes but it does have a really easy-to-use wrist band with the little holes so you can tighten it to fit your requirements. I have really, really small wrists so I wondered if it would be a bit too big for me but luckily it fits perfectly and doesn't look stupid on.

It comes with a little USB cable which you use to charge it up with which is easy enough, although when you first purchase it you must charge it for a couple of hours to get it going. I happily downloaded the free NuBand app and followed the instructions in the booklet in order to sync the tracker to my phone and unfortunately, that is as far as I got.

No matter how hard I tried, I just could not get the two to sync together. I deleted and re-downloaded the app multiple times. I turned the tracker on and off multiple of times. I even downloaded the app onto my iPod to see if it would work that way and, nope, it just would not sync. I turned to the packaging to see if maybe it wasn't compatible with my phone or my iPod and it says:
"compatible with iOS 7.0 & Android 1.4 and above."
So it should work perfectly with my phone which has iOS 7.0 and it just would not sync. I persuaded a friend to try it on her iPhone 5c and it worked perfectly fine for her so I was in a bit of a pickle.

I turned to the NuBand website for some tech support but unfortunately there is none. I then turned to the next best thing, twitter. I found their twitter handle and tweeted them about it but 3 weeks later I have had no response. 

I am really disappointed in this product, and their non-existent tech support. I always said I would never post an entirely negative review regarding a product but I can't find any thing nice to say about it, other than it is cheaper than a Fitbit. Sadly, it just doesn't work for me. 

Review // Glimmer Metallic Temporary Tattoos in Luxe Silver

Glimmer Metallic Temporary Tattoos - £11.99*

I have wanted a tattoo for a while now but there are a couple of things stopping me. 1. The obvious self-inflicted pain. 2. My indecisiveness. The thought of loving a tattoo for a few days or so then absolutely hating it and being stuck with it for the rest of my life is terrifying, and probably just my luck. Luckily, there is such a thing called temporary tattoos.

I recently had the opportunity to try out some Glimmer Temporary Tattoos* and I was so excited. Available in two different varieties, Metallic Tattoos and Watercolour Tattoos, I have both to review for you but for today, let's have a little look at the Glimmer Metallic Temporary Tattoos. First though, let me tell you a little bit more about Glimmer.

About Glimmer
Glimmer Body Art is the creation of a young, creative, married couple in California. They first created the Glimmer Body Art Glitter Tattoos which quickly became an overnight success and Glimmer quickly became the #1 manufacturer of glitter tattoos and supplies. Caroline Beau de Lomenie spotted the beautiful range whilst in New York and fell in love. She bought Glimmer across to the UK and has become the UK brand guardian. 

About The Product
Available in three different shades (gold, silver and rose gold) and an up-coming celeb range, the Glimmer Metallic Temporary Tattoos are nothing like I have seen before. I think some people can think of temporary tattoos as a bit childish. When we were younger we all, at some point, went home from a child's birthday party with some sort of temporary tattoo, albeit a heart, a star or a skull & cross bones but these are so much better than that. They aren't childish in any way, they are made with adults and teens in mind so luckily there is no skull & cross bones in sight.

In the pack you receive two sheets of metallic tattoos with about 20 individual tattoos altogether, depending on how you would want to wear them. You have beautiful jewellery inspired temporary tattoos which all vary in size but keep their metallic shine. I absolutely love the bracelet inspired tattoos which I can't wait to try out but first, my sister and I decided to try out the word tattoos.

How To Apply
Carefully cut out the tattoo you want and peel off the clear film. Press to clean, dry skin and carefully dampen with a flannel or a sponge. Press for around 20 seconds then carefully peel away. The tattoos should last between 2-5 days depending on wear.

My sister decided she wanted the tattoo which read 'Wanderlust'. I carefully followed the instructions above but as I peeled the paper away, I managed to take off the final letter with it too which was a pain but we managed to kind of (?) put it right. I really wanted the 'Faith' tattoo on my wrist and it was so easy! I really love the final result. It holds its wonderful silver metallic shade and has not cracked, peeled off or moved in over 2 days which is remarkable considering I have showered twice since applying.

How To Remove
Just apply a little body oil onto your tattoo and rub away with cotton wool - no laser tattoo removal needed!

Overall, I really love these Glimmer Metallic Temporary Tattoos. They are super easy to use and are real fun. They are perfect for a festival or a party and if you don't like them then you can easily remove them, unlike a real tattoo. 

Update: Glimmer have very kindly allowed me to offer you lovely people 20% off the Glimmer range between now and Christmas. Just enter 'TEDDY20' at the checkout - they would make great stocking fillers!

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Fashion Trends // Pom Pom Key Rings

Pom Pom Key Ring - £3.99

I LOVE POM POM KEY RINGS.

Phew. I am pleased I managed to get that off my chest. I have loved them ever since I saw the Kardashian clan walking around with them swinging off their bags and thought "yep I could do me with one of those". That was until I was in Harvey Nichols and picked up one of the ones Kylie Jenner has. I saw the price and swiftly put it down again. To be fair, it was made out of gold.

I was recently in New Look and something cute, small and fluffy caught my eye as I was waiting to pay. Was that..? Is that a...? IT IS! Grey..black..white..black and white.. £3.99?? Oh twist my arm and call me Fred. I bought the grey version but I would really like to get a few different colours too.

Here are a few of my favourites and where you can buy them from.

One // Two // Three

Four // Five // Six

Seven // Eight // Nine

Ten // Eleven // Twelve

Aren't they cute? I can very well envisage me dashing about in Autumn with a few hanging off my handbag. As they are so cheap I can probably afford to go a little crazy and buy a couple more. 

That's not all though. Shop in the widget below for more! (Look out for the ones with ears!)

Review // Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

 Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - £3.29

If you asked me about a year and a half ago where you would find micellar water, I would have told you it would be found in between the Evian and the San Pellegrino. If you don't know what micellar water is and like me, believed it was a new brand of bottled water, it is a water-based make-up remover which is kind to the skin which cleanses and hydrates the skin whilst removing every scrap of make-up without having to chase any make-up stains around the face afterwards. 

The most popular brand of micellar water, Bioderma, comes from France and up until about two years ago it was hard to get hold of in the UK. Favoured by make-up artists, the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution is considered the best micellar water on the market and for that title, it comes with a price. You can now buy it online but at around £10.20 for a 250ml bottle, it is rather pricey. Luckily, Garnier have recently bought out a much cheaper dupe which works just as, if not, better than it's competitor. Say hello to the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water.

What Garnier say about their Micellar Cleansing Water

For the first time, Garnier introduces the Micellar technology in an all-in-one cleanser. Like a magnet, the cleansing agents capture and lift away dirt from the skin. No need to rub to remove impurities and make-up. The Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is and easy way to remove make-up, soothe and hydrate the face, eye area and lips, in 1 step without rinsing.

How I use it

I usually use a toner after cleansing and just before moisturising but since purchasing the micellar water I have used this instead of. I know it is essentially a powerful force of make-up removing in a little bottle but I can't imagine myself pouring some into a cotton pad and sliding it down my made up face. Instead, I take off my make-up in the same way I did before (bloggers sin - a make-up removing wipe!!) then use a couple of drops of the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water on a cotton pad and I use it to remove any make-up that the wipe has missed. 

It is utterly gentle on the skin and has to noticeable scent. I love using toners but this is just so much better. Unlike a toner, the micellar water cleanses the skin whilst hydrating it, leaving it wonderfully soft afterwards. It is excellent at removing any excess make-up, especially under the eye area. It is calm and gentle on the skin and doesn't irritate the eyes like some products do.

I purchased the mini format of the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water which comes in a 125ml bottle for around £2 but you can also purchase it in a 400ml bottle for around £3.50. 

Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. It is really gentle on the skin whilst removing make-up and cleansing the skin. It is definitely a rival for Bioderma and at a fraction at the cost, it is definitely a contender.

Guest Post From Hello-Chesca // Homemade Chocolate and Vanilla Nakd Bars Recipe

 Post written by Hello-Chesca

Aaaah Nakd bars, the chewy bars of joy found in most supermarkets. However, at 70p a bar, it was quickly becoming an out of control spending problem, especially when I used to eat two a day...every day..you do the maths!

Whilst looking at the back of a packet one day, I decided that I would try to make them myself as a cheaper alternative, and they haven't disappointed! 

All you will need is..  

- Two cups of dates 

-1.5 cups of chashew nuts 

- 2 teaspoons of cocoa 

- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract 

- Small dash of milk 

Not exactly an extensive list, hey?

To make these little bars of sheer joy you will need to...

1. Line a tin with clingfilm and put to one side 

2. Using a blender, blend together the dates, cashew nuts, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. You may need to do this in small batches depending on the size of your blender! We only have a small one so it took several small batches!

3. Mix together all of the ingredients in a bowl. If the mixture is a bit too powdery then add a dash of milk to the mixture until it takes on a close texture and is easily mouldable.

4. Transfer the mixture to the tin and press it flat so it's all even. 

5. Place in the fridge for at least half an hour and then slice up!

I'll be keeping my Nakd bars in the fridge so that they're a perfect temperature when I have them with a cup of tea!

Other // eBay Baking Essentials

With the Great British Bake Off back on our screens, I think I speak on behalf of nearly everyone when I say that we have all been inspired to get into the kitchen and get our bake on. Whilst my campaign to install a mint coloured Smeg fridge into our family kitchen hasn't won just yet, I do believe it is just a matter of time before our kitchen is reminiscent of the pastel coloured dream world that appears on BBC One.

If you haven't yet baked or want to get into baking and are a little bit unsure as to where to start, here is a little tiny list of essentials that will help you whipping up that croquembouche in no time.

KitchenAid. Mixing Bowl. 

Cupcake Cases. Cupcake Tray.

Spatula. Pastry Brush. Piping Set. 

How cute are those cupcake cases? I had no idea you could get such a variety! I will let you into a little secret and tell you that I have been dying to get a KitchenAid for a very long time now but the eye-watering price is slightly off-putting. My lovely mother has informed me however that as soon as I move out she will buy me one as a 'moving away' prezzie. Now, let me find that Zoopla page...

Review // L'oreal Paris Color Riche Nail Varnish in Exquisite Scarlet

L'oreal Paris Color Riche Nail Varnish - £4.99

It's been a while since I last did a nail post. I own so many nail varnishes that I have been trying to use a few of them up rather than buy new ones so I haven't done one in a very long time. I think my sister gave me this nail varnish for Christmas last year and it was only when I gave it a little bit of a Google that I found out it was free in a little L'oreal gift box around Christmas time when you spent over a certain amount on L'oreal presents in Boots. I am sat here telling myself it was the thought that counts.

I have recently been giving my nails a little bit of a break from nail varnish as I noticed that my nails were starting to get slightly discoloured due to the constant use of nail varnish. A little break is good for the nails as it gives them a chance to recover from all of the chemicals within nail polish. My nails are now much healthier and stronger and I am ready to wear coloured nail varnish again.

My nail varnish of choice is the L'oreal Paris Color Riche Nail Varnish in Exquisite Scarlet. As the name would suggest, it is a beautiful deep scarlet shade which, as it was originally free with a Christmas L'oreal gift box, is obviously made for Christmas. Whilst it was made with the festive period in mind, I am still sat here with it glistening on my nails in August. 

I adore the bottle of the L'oreal Paris Color Riche Nail Varnishes. They are slim, sleek and look more expensive than they actually are. The wide-angled brush compared with the formula makes it really easy to apply. I applied two coats of Exquisite Scarlet but I think I could have done with three, just to ensure my nails are fully opaque. It dries really quickly, has a lovely, glossy finish and it lasts ages on the nails with minimal chipping, even without a top coat. Available in dozens of various shades, I may have found my favourite!

Recent Purchases // The £1.75 Passport Holder

Passport Holder - £1.75

Admittedly this was a recent purchase 8 months ago when I first bought it but that's neither here or there. I purchased this at the end of January just before my holiday to Washington DC where I was travelling solo. I was incredibly nervous about travelling alone and thought a passport holder would cheer me up. Weirdly it did.

I have never had a passport holder before and to be honest, I never really saw the point of one. It was only when I picked up my sister's passport when I was getting my documentation ready for my trip that I realised it would be nice to have an easier way of recognizing my passport to that of other family members. Yeah, I could just whip open the back and have a look at the disgusting photograph but then I thought a nice neon coloured passport cover would stand out in my bag for when I needed to get it ready to show the un-nerving but friendly people at passport control in America.

I bought this from eBay where the listing states that the passport holder is real leather and to be honest, I very much doubt that. It is soft but in no way leather soft. Obviously I bought a UK version but I think you can buy passport holders for various different countries too. I typed 'passport holder' into eBay and bought the first one to come up (after about 20 mins of deciding which colour to buy). For £1.75 I wasn't too bothered about the quality, I just bought it purely so I could see it in my bag better than the deep burgundy that is accustomed. It arrived within a couple of days and was just how I expected it to be. I bought a lovely light blue shade and luckily, for once, the product is exactly like it is in the photo!

Fit wise it is a little bit of a tight squeeze. It is a bit of a wrestle to get the passport in (and out) of the holder which can be a bit of a pain when you are stood wearily in London Heathrow after an 8 hour overnight flight and the stony faced woman barks at you to take it out of the holder so she can ensure you are in fact a UK citizen. Overall though, for £1.75 I now have a wonderfully bright passport holder which does the job you want it to do nicely and for the very small price, I might even buy the hot pink version too.

Personal // My Obsession With Hand Sanitizer

Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer - $1.75 each
This is quite a sore spot for me and one that everyone has a good laugh at at my expense but if I am being very truthful, I just can't help it.

I don't know where the obsession started, or what triggered it, but for the past couple of years I have not been able to touch a door handle in public. The thought of touching something that hundreds of other people could have touched makes me feel physically sick and sweaty just at the prospect. It is irrational, and it is starting to turn into a bit of a fear.

My family and friends think this is highly amusing and they sigh at me when I wait for someone to open the door for me. Obviously if I am on my own I have to pull that door myself. If I am wearing a coat or long sleeved top then I can cope but heaven forbid I am wearing a short sleeved t-shirt. Recently on Dragon's Den there was a man trying to sell a product which I thought could have been a great item for the general public but he was shot down and the dragons thought he was a bit of a joke. The product was a little card that you used to open doors with so not to touch the handle and get germs on you and the idea was for it to live in your purse or wallet. My argument about this is that then the germs would be in your purse and I don't like that idea but still, it is the thought that counts.

Whilst that idea might not be the newest product on the market just yet, my next port of call is hand sanitizer, and lots of it!! I get through hand sanitizer extremely quickly and I use it about 15 times a day. My favourites are from Bath and Body Works which, you sadly can't get in the UK. If you hadn't head of Bath and Body Works then it is essentially a store solely selling body products, candles, perfumes etc. It is an American brand so you either have to hop on a plane to the USA to reach them or get a pal to go for you.

With a little bit of OCD, I walked into Bath and Body Works in Washington DC earlier this year with cash in my hand and an empty basket waiting to be filled up. I headed straight for the hand sanitizer section and happily stood and smelt every single one. And there were a lot. They sell a wonderful variety of fragrances all available in various forms which luckily, reach the hand sanitizer section. I'm talking Pineapple Sorbet, Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte, Orchard Bloom, Sweet Peach Tea, Watermelon Picnic, Electric Mango... 

For $1.75 you get a cute little pocket sized bottle of product which is 29 ML. You can also buy a full sized version for $5 and you get a massive 225 ML of product. I think the reason why the little bottle is more popular is because you can easily carry it around with you whereas do you really want to walk around with a 225 ML bottle in your bag?

Obviously you don't have to go to America to get decent hand sanitizer. Have a little peek at the hand sanitizer's you can get in the UK much easier below.

When I talk to people about my inability to touch doors (that sounds weird), some people agree with me and some just laugh. My question to you is this, when did you last see someone clean a door handle? Other items I don't like touching include: the first item seen on the shelf (always get the one behind), shopping trolleys, remote controls, light switches, anything remotely communal in a restaurant and doorbells. Now, where is my hand sanitizer?

Recipes // Oaty Banana and Peanut Butter Breakfast Smoothie

I've been on a recent health kick and I have tried to start adding more fruits into my diet. Whilst the list of fruit I dislike is higher than the list of fruit I do like, I have been trying to eat more of my 5-a-day and an easy way to do this is in smoothie form.

To begin with I stuck firmly with the banana and strawberry combo, before being a little more adventurous and adding blueberries into the mix. Before I knew it, I was adding in pineapple, spinach, raspberries and coconut milk. But today's recipe...Today's is my favourite.

I am not sure how healthy it actually is but as peanut butter is high in protein, this smoothie must have some health benefits. I add oats to my smoothies to add a little bit of texture and as I usually have my smoothies for breakfast, it ensures I am filled up for longer so I am not snacking throughout the morning. I also don't make my smoothies with milk as such, preferring to use water instead. I do add a splash to ensure a little bit of calcium gets to my bones but if you prefer to use all milk then that is fine too.

You will need:

A blender

I bought this one for £20 and it comes with two handy bottles. It is really easy to use, fairly cheap and does the job!

2 small bananas or 1 large banana, ripe

A few tablespoons of oats

A tablespoon of peanut butter, smooth or crunchy

A splash of milk

Water

Drop the oats, banana and peanut butter into the blender then add a splash of milk. Top up the rest of your bottle blender with water then blend until smooth.

It is a lovely breakfast smoothie and it really fills you up for your day. I know smoothies can be a bit bland and not very exciting but if you love peanut butter then this really will brighten up your morning! 

Review // Victoria's Secret Body Mist

  Victoria's Secret Body Mist - £9.22

Have you ever bought too many of one item then thought "damn, maybe I shouldn't have bought so many?" No? Me neither. Why buy one when you can buy in bulk, huh?

When I went on a little holiday earlier on in the year to America, I couldn't resist a little look around a Victoria's Secret store or two. Whilst it has been a good few months ago since I went, I recently re-discovered a little stash of products I bought when I was there that I forgot all about. This stash includes....7 body mists?

I remember at the time I bought so many because they had a deal on in store that if I bought so many I would get so many for free or something like that.. To be totally honest, I didn't need much persuading in buying so many. They all smelt so lovely and I thought they would make lovely presents. Admittedly, I am yet to give any away but it is just a matter of time before someone prizes them out of my hands.

Like when smelling any fragrances, if you smell enough within a short amount of time they all start to smell the same after a while. I just smelt them all again for the purpose of this post and by the time I got to the last one I was certain they were all various variations of each other but they really aren't.

Victoria's Secret Passion Struck Body Mist

Fuji apple and vanilla orchid.

"Seductive and alluring, the new VS Fantasies Passion Struck Fragrance Mist ignites passion and intensity."

Victoria's Secret Such A Flirt Body Mist

Star-fruit and white orchid.

"A vibrant, floral fragrance. Steal the spotlight in Such a Flirt, a tease of tempting starfruit and white orchid."

Victoria's Secret Sheer Love Body Mist

White cotton and pink lily.

"An irresistible, fresh fragrance. Fall in Sheer Love, bright and cheerful with fresh white cotton and luminous pink lily. Experience the luxury of fragrance."

Victoria's Secret Total Attraction Body Mist

Cherry orchid and lily blossom.

"Flirt with the bright freshness of cherry orchid and lily blossom, infused with conditioning aloe vera and calming chamomile."

Victoria's Secret Secret Charm Body Mist

Honeysuckle and jasmine.

"An irresistible, fresh fragrance. Enchant in Secret Charm, a bright bouquet of fresh honeysuckle captivated by soft jasmine. Experience the luxury of fragrance."

Such A Flirt and Sheer Love and beautifully soft, light and floral scents whereas Total Attraction is a lovely fruity and sweet fragrance. Secret Charm is a lovely sweet and floral scent with the jasmine notes whereas Passion Struck smells slightly different compared to the others. It is a deeper scent and smells fruity with the apple scent coming through.

Unlike some perfumes and body sprays, I find that the Victoria's Secret Body Mists last forever, on the body and in the bottle. A 250ML bottle lasts a very long time so you definitely get your moneys worth with the product. The scents linger on the body all day too so you can smell beautiful all day long.

I know Victoria's Secret is very much an American thing but they are slowly bringing all of their wonderful products to the UK. Their store just off Bond Street is a haven for underwear, swimwear, gymwear, beauty products, handbags... You could spend hours just walking around having a look at everything. If you can't get to one of their UK stores then they do ship to the UK online. At the moment you can buy 5 body mists for just £19.75 which is a great deal considering they are usually £9.22 each. Although you will have to spend about £19 for the privilege of getting it shipped to the UK as they don't have a British website. 

Personal // When I Grow Up I Want To Be...

If only life were that easy, huh? 

I am 21 years old and I still have no idea what I want to 'be' when I grow up. I just have no idea. Every day I change my mind and my thoughts change. I can be driving on my way to work and still wonder about what I want to do with my life.

I currently work in a jewellery shop. I sell gemstones, diamonds and watches to the general public and as nice as it is, I know that I can't see myself doing it forever. Will I still be stood behind that till in 30 years time? Absolutely not. The problem with having a job where you happily go in each day then go home again is that it becomes very routine and comfortable. I could comfortably stay there. I want to be pushed into doing something that will excite and interest me. I want to be pushed out of my comfort zone and thrown in at the deep end. But, how do I know what that is? When will I ever know?

You can ask anyone you know about what you should be doing with your life and someone will always have an opinion. I have asked a few people about what they think I should be doing and this is what they said.

Police Woman
Okay, so maybe I am naturally observant of others (or just god damn suspicious of everyone) and potentially nosey but is that a good enough reason to be in charge of keeping the bad people away? Can I imagine myself roaming the streets, ensuring the people of Britain are safe from the worlds criminals who are set out to destroy our world and the people in it? Well, perhaps not. I can't imagine myself patrolling with a little hat, a set of handcuffs and a baton to beat people with. This suggestion was that of my Nan. She told my Aunt who responded with "Louise wouldn't like to be around those unsanitary people." She would be correct.

Air Hostess
Now this one, I could imagine myself doing. In fact, I have actually applied to be Cabin Crew for British Airways. I can envisage myself in a little suit greeting passengers as they step foot onto the plane, excited about their travel ahead. It would be so exciting getting to travel the world, visiting new destinations each day and experiencing more of the world that is outside of the M4 corridor. 

Au-Pair
I used to be a nanny and whilst it was just about one of the worst experiences of my life (perhaps a blog post will be more informative), some people do think I should go back to child care. The difference between an au-pair and a nanny is that an au-pair moves into a family home, often abroad, to see new sights, broaden new horizons and occasionally be in charge of a child or two. My only negative thought about heading back into the world of being at a families beck and call is that, if I were to au-pair and live with a family abroad, as much as the experience and opportunity would be wonderful, if you didn't get on you would be stuck in a foreign country with a cluster of people who hate you. 

Make-Up Artist
My one regret about my college days is that I chose subjects that I didn't really want to do. Media studies, film studies and photography. Really, Louise? I wish I studied media make-up instead. I love make-up and whilst I am not so great at applying it to my own face, I love nothing more than applying it to others. My favourite thing about my sister being home is that she may, if I am lucky, let me do her make-up which I completely enjoy.

An Important Person With A Desk
This could cover many job roles but I have always wanted my own desk. For no specific reason, just because. My sister is currently studying Business at University and we have come to the agreement that when she has her own business I will be her assistant. An assistant who sits and does not do much other than play Solitaire on the computer and does the occasional coffee run. She reluctantly agreed.

Own My Own Coffee Shop
I love nothing more than cute little coffee shops where they sell cute little cakes. In my little mind I can see myself running my own shop. I see pastel colours, white washed wood flooring, drinks out of milk bottles and jars and dozens of cupcakes topped with a big swirl of buttercream. I will be in the back making the cakes and I would never have to talk to anyone or have to interact with the public. It would be great.

Own My Own Online Shop
How exciting would that be? I can envisage myself selling cute stationary, prints, pencils, jewellery.... I would enjoy picking the items to sell, watching orders come in and hell, I would even enjoy taking them all to the post office to be posted. 

A Blogger
Okay, so maybe I have been rather laid back on the old blog front but I am trying and I am definitely going to try harder. I have bought a new layout which I adore and I am trying to get organised and maybe buy a new camera to take my photos to the next level with. I am also thinking about maybe changing blog name and buying a domain but we will see. It would be great to turn a little hobby into a career though.

What do you want to be when you 'grow up'? At what point did you realise what you wanted to do with your life?

Fashion Trends // Denim Skirts

I will let you into a little secret. When I was younger, my Mum used to force me to wear denim skirts and I absolutely hated them. I remember being about 5 years old stood in QS crying as my Mum tried to get me to try on a denim maxi skirt. *shudder*

Whilst my Mum is still a fan of the denim maxi, less said about that the better, I have finally started to warm to denim skirts. I love the range of skirts that are coming out at the moment for A/W, especially the denim button up/down and the zip front. Now we are talking about Autumn Winter, I am also loving the suede textures we are seeing coming out at the moment. I could tell you a story involving myself, my new lovely cream suede boots, a mean person and a muddy puddle but I will let your imagination take you there instead.

Here are a few of my denim skirt faves!

TOPSHOP.

Skirt 1. Skirt 2. Skirt 3.

Skirt 4. Skirt 5. Skirt 6.

NEW LOOK.

Skirt 1. Skirt 2. Skirt 3.

Skirt 4. Skirt 5. Skirt 6.

MISS SELFRIDGE.

Skirt 1. Skirt 2. Skirt 3.

Skirt 4. Skirt 5. Skirt 6.

H&M.

Skirt 1. Skirt 2. Skirt 3.
Skirt 4. Skirt 5. Skirt 6.
NET-A-PORTER.

Skirt 1. Skirt 2. Skirt 3.
Skirt 4. Skirt 5. Skirt 6.

What do you think? I would really like to get a button up denim mini to stash away for summer and as much as I would love to go for white, I am always very wary of the menstrual cycle (sorry) so I always tend to shy away from white, just in case. Black it is!