Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms

Burt's Bee's Tinted Lip Balm Duo in Red Mix - £6.99 (used to be £9.99)

In the winter months I have really chapped lips and this is such a nightmare when I want to wear lipstick. I find that if a lip products is highly pigmented the colour clings onto the dry cracks on your lips. So when I found these I was amazed at how smoothly the colour blended into the lips whilst nourishing them too. I am a fan of "butter" type lipsticks/lip balms. 

What I love about these Burt's Bee's ones are how they feel on your lips, they are super smoothing and last for quite a while. The balm is build-able too which means that you can reapply as many times are you would like. Hibiscus is my preferred colour out of the two just because it gives a 'my lips but better'  look (excuse the pun) and it suit my skin tone more than the redness of the Red Dahlia. Another this which makes them great is that they are 100% natural and contain no baddies which I have been paying a lot more attention too of late. If I could change one thing about them then I would love them to smell a little more as they don't particularly smell of anything but I think that, that is more of a preference that an actual issue with the product. To be honest, I think that these are such a bargain and they make for the perfect gift as well. 

Have you tried these yet? 

My Big Fat Diary: Week 3

Image: wehearit.com

Hello Everyone,

Week Three:
Flop; that is what I think of this week. I haven't done badly buy to be honest my head hasn't fully been in the game. I had a little reality shock on Friday when I decided to go through my waredrobe trying on 90% of my clothes and find that A LOT are tight or don't fit. I have got a rid of lots of things and I have kept all my nice clothes which I can aim to get into. It took me nearly 5 hours and it definately has given me a push in the right direction :)

Lost: 1lb

Food: I have had a few naughty treats this week but I have been trying to pick the healthier options for example I went to the cafe with my friend and instead of having a fry up, I had poached egg on toast. Friday night I had a curry with the family and instead of my typical chicken tikka masala, pilau rice and a peshwari naan I opted for a Chicken Bhuna, boiled rice and a plain naan (which I shared with my Dad). I also had a girls night in on Saturday and whilst the wine (calorific) was flowing we snacked on baked crisps, low fat tips and vegatables and having thin crust home cooked pizzas over dominos.

Calorie Target - 1500 per day/ 10,500 for the week. 
Calorie Intake - 12, 341 for the week - which means i had an average of 1,700 calories a day which isn't too bad over my target. I tried to balance the bad days with the good ones.

Fitness: Gah I haven't improved from last week and to be honest I have felt like a massive heffer so I couldn't think of anything worst than going to the gym. I know that is sounds silly because if I went to the gym I probably would feel better afterwards. I always find as well there are a lot of slim healthy people at my gym and this can make me feel a little awkward but I need to understand the reason that they are like that is because they are at the gym often. Sounds silly but so true. I have been taking myself out on walks mainly to calm myself down as I have felt a little over stressed this week.

Exercising Target - 3x 1 hour exercise per week 
Actual Exercising - 3x half hour power walking sessions (this was more for stress relief to be honest. Oops - still exercise though) and a 20 minute intense Body Conditioning session. 

Mood: I have been coming up to my 'time of the month' and I had what felt like a really bad weekend. There is something about me which sometimes makes me worry so much that I either feel sick to my stomach or I feel sorry for myself and demolish most things in sight. Most of you girls will understand the emotions we all get before that time and I am just one of these girls which turn into the cookie monster. As of Monday though I am starting a new full time job, which I am so excited about and hopefully that will put a little more routine in my life and cut the time that I have to worry about little things.

If you want to see the background behind me and my weight see this post (includes pictures)  

Is anyone on a weight loss or healthy living kick at the moment? If you are please leave your links below as I am in need of inspiration.

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner - £6.99

Most of you know that I have extremely dry hair, it doesn't help that it is dyed blonde which will obviously make it worst. Now I bought this duo on the basis that I brought the conditioner in the mini version and loved it as well as using the Organix Coconut Hair Serum (see post). I like to use a shampoo and conditioner which are quite thick with a lot of nourishing oils in them. 

The Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo smells exactly like the conditioner which I was pleased about. The consistency of the product is quite thick and doesn't lather up a great deal which I find slightly disappointing and then it takes ages to rinse out. The first time I applied these I had that 'I haven't washed it out of my hair properly' look after I blow dried it and to be honest I think there is nothing worst. On a few tries since I have managed to get on with it but I personally perfer the conditioner if I used it with a lighter shampoo. 

Overall I would defiantly buy the conditioner again whereas I still can't get on with the shampoo. With longish thick hair, I don't really want to use a shampoo as it makes my hair look and feel flat. I mean they are pretty cheap and I think the conditioner is defiantly worth it over the shampoo. I tend to use the conditioner with my Lush Big Shampoo (see post) as the shampoo is quite clarifying and the conditioner is thick enough to put nourishment's back into my hair. 

My Big Fat Diary: Week 2

Imageweheartit.com 

Hello Everyone, 

So like I said I will be doing weekly post every Tuesday, about my weight loss journey - and yes as you can see today is Thursday and I am only just posting this. That is for two reasons, 1 I have been buried under a mountain of receipts doing tax returns for the end of the month and the other is because I have complete flown off the wagon, not even fallen off - just completely flew far away from the wagon. Mare! 

Week two:
I HATE week too, if I can get past weeks 2 and 3 then I am usually on the right path to shed some pounds. I really want to just blame the snow the reason that I haven't made an effort to go to the gym and it is also the reason why I have been eating so much food! Obviously to keep warm too :p.

Lost: 0lbs

Food: Waah I have been eating LOADS! To be honest I don't know what has been wrong with me but I have been craving my arse off for sweet foods. It doesn't help that I have been at home loads! I start my new full time job on the 4th February so I won't have that as an excuse to why I have been spending most of my days picking! Also the snow makes you crave hot, stodgy and carb-filled foods - FACT! I am still human, I love my food! 

Calorie Target - 1500 per day/ 10,500 for the week. 
Calorie Intake - 14,821 for the week - which means I ate a hell of a lot - average 2,000 a day.

Fitness: So because I hate walking in the snow, as I am like Bambi on ice so I have used that as an excuse to not to go to the gym. So In the week I only went to the gym once, I know I could workout at home but I am just never motivated enough for that. That is my aim for week 3! 

Exercising Target - 3x 1 hour exercise per week 
Actual Exercising - 1 hour of the swimming - ooops! 

Mood: I am a firm believer in that if you want something that bad, then you will do it.  But I also believe that you will get obstacle which you have to overcome. So even though I have come off the wagon, I need to pull myself back onto it and I will. I am classing this week as an off week and I am trying not to be a defeatist  and let it get to me too much and show myself that this week I can do it :) 

If you want to see the background behind me and my weight see this post (includes pictures) 

How is everyone's get fit for new year thing going? Has anyone fallen or slipped off the wagon like myself?

Brighten Up Your Day

So sometimes we all go through bad patches or bad days and it doesn't feel as though things are going to get any better or you are just feeling glum here are a few little pick up things which I find really work for me. 

In the Mornings: 
* Try to have a musical alarm and change it every month
Mine is currently Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven because it is really upbeat and is my favourite song at the moment. It makes me want to get up and move. 

   
* Use citrus scents in the shower  
Luckily for me, I love citrus scents and I definately agree with them being such a great pick up in the mornings. I follow it with a citrus based moisturiser too, I love how it makes me smell nice whilst I feel refreshed too. My current favourites are the Lush Happy Hippy Shower Gel followed by Korres Basil Lemon Body Lotion. 

 

* Give yourself a minute before rushing out of the door
I am an early person, I hate being late for things and when I am in a rush or just dive out the front door, I do feel a little over flustered. This is why I think it is important to aim to be ready 5 minutes before you need to leave because that way you have time to make sure that you have everything you need and you feel a little more relaxed too. Plus you get to take a couple of cheeky OOTD snaps and then instagram them!

During the Day:
* Have natural/living things around you like plants/shells
When days a glum having natural things around you really help you feel better. When I was poorly my best friend bought me flowers - she picked out my favourite ones all in my favourite colour; yellow. I was struggling with motivation to blog but sitting in a bright area with this flowers just made me feel better. You can see why:

* Turn small events into big events
This is one of those things where you think that you haven't done anything with your day/week. But if you looked closer at it you will see that you have been up to lots. Whether it is just having a quick catch up coffee with a friend or popping over to someones house. When you make these little events become big events, like get yourself dressed up you feel better about yourself. Going for a drive turned into a fun night out:

 
* With a slump - listen to music for 5 minutes
If I am a boring or 'crappy' day listening to music really helps lift my mood. I sometimes listen to songs which remind me of a great time in my life or music I listened to when I was younger or songs which just want to make me dance. I think that you should dance around your room for at least 5 minutes a day listening to music. 

* Have a cuddle 
Cuddling anything just makes you feel better - fact. If you are feeling sad a cuddle from your parents, friend or partner can just make you feel 100% better. I even feel better cuddling up one of my penguins or my boyfriend's dog.  

Sunday Afternoons: 
* Read a good book by the window
A window gives you natural light and it gives you the vitamin D which your body needs to boost your mood. Reading a book helps you shut off from the world and lets you focus on something different for a while. I am pretty girly and I love a good romance book or a feel good book, though I rarely read a book twice. I think that there are so many books out there, that I wouldn't want to read the same one twice. 

* Go for a country walk 
The fresh air always does you good! In all weathers going to a country park or walking in the woodlands (in daylight - don't forget your safety). But having a long walk on your own can really help you settle your mind and think clearly about things. If I could I would have a 20minute walk on my own everyday. I should make more time - but I don't. Just remember if you are going for a long walk on your own then you should let someone know where you are going an preferably do it in the daylight!

* Pamper yourself 
My personal favourite, I could pamper myself all day and all night. I love playing with products and how great it makes me feel afterwards too. I think baths are one of the most relaxing things that you can do too. It is quite "me" time where no one will bother you at all. 

In your Bedroom:
* Keep a bar of dark chocolate in your bedside table
I am not a fan of dark chocolate but am currently enjoying supressing any my sugar cravings with a piece of dark chocolate. It is quite nice always having a little treat in your room. It is like the Galaxy advert where it is that one bit of heaven.   

* Spray your bed linen for relaxation 
This is essential for me - I love fresh smelling sheets. They make you feel so relaxed when you get in the bed. Plus I find that you have a better night sleep too. My favourite is The Body Shop - Cranberry Joy Linen Spray.

 

* Don't pile up dirty clothes  
Just seeing the diry mess in your room can make you feel uptight or like that you still need to do things. It is like people say that if you have a tidy room, you will have a tidy mind. Plus dirty clothes don't tend to smell nice and you want that blocking out your lovely linen spray. I put mine in a laundry basket to keep them out of sight. 

I hope these help any of you suffering with the January blues! If you have any more tips please let me know in the comment box below. :) 

Mass Empties #1

Repurchase 
Chance by Chanel Eau Fraiche - see full review here
I already was lucky enough to recieved this in the Eau Parfum from my Brother this Christmas. To be honest, I can see myself buying this scent forever. I'll be a little old lady and still pulling my Chanel perfume out of my (hopefully) Chanel handbag. This scent is girly but seductive - it has strong lasting power too.
 
Pantene Repair & Protect Shampoo
I haven't used Pantene for ages, I tried this small bottle and actually really liked it. I quite like the smell as it is fresh. It cleans deep into my head as well and even though it is a gentle shampoo, it feels as though it is clean my scalp too! 

Corsodyl Daily Defence Mouthwash
I have really sensitive gums; I need something which cleanses and cleans my teeth and gums. It isn't overpowering or super strong - I hate when mouth washes are really strong. But after using this for a fortnight, I can tell the difference in my teeth and dental care. Would recommended it to everyone, as it is a quick and easy way to help your towards healthy gums and teeth. 

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner 
I have a supply of this in the larger size already. I really like it but not as an everyday shampoo but as one of thoses that I used after using a clarifying shampoo such as BIG. It makes my hair feel super soft and shiny without weighing it down. It is also sulfate & paraben free which makes me like them more as I believe it is kinder on my hair. 

Lancome Star Bronzer in 02 - see full review here
Even though this is in my repurchase section and I would 100% buy it again, the only thing that does put me off is the price. It is £32.50 which for a bronzer which doesn't actually last that long is pretty annoying. However, the glow it gives is beautiful. It is buildable and has a slight shimmer in it so it contours your face more when the light hits your face. 

The Body Shop Cranberry Joy Room & Linen Spray
I have this already and I am a quarter through my current bottle. I have notice they have gone into the sale so I need to get into my nearest Body Shop to stock up as this scent only comes out at Christmas and it is my favourite. I love the berry scent and I use it mainly on my bedding inbetween washes, just to freshen it up. I haven't found anything that comes close to this. 
     
Might Repurchase  
Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner
I really did like this and the reason that I only might repurchase it was because I prefer the 'Nourishing Oil Care' one. I did like this and thought that it really conditioned my hair but I just prefered the silkiness of the oil care and the that it is a little lighter than the Intensive Repair. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in no.52 - see full review here
When I bought this at first I really didn't like it. I thought that it wasn't anything special, but as the cooler months started to draw in - I realised what was great about it. It is super light and it is blendable whilst nourishing the skin. It gave a dewy glow which I need when the weather starts to get cooler. The only thing is, is that I find it similar to Rimmel Wake Me Up - just not as heavy - but I think I prefer the Rimmel. 

Soap & Glory Hair Supply - see full review here
I am not keen on the smell, which is my first observation about this product. I don't like that traditional Soap & Glory smell in a hair product. I also find that this mask is quite thick and heavy. That aside, it does really nourish my hair when it is feeling super dry which not many hair masks touch my hair when it is rough. I prefer this mini tube too as I only use it on the odd occasion.

The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Soak - see full review here 
I haven't used any other foot soaking products, I liked this one as it felt as though it was softening the hard skin on my feet. Also the peppermint smell lasts as well which I find cheaper products don't usually do. I just think this does the job and does it well. 

Lush Oatifix Fresh Face Mask
I am working my way around all of the Lush Fresh Face Masks. I love most of them, like the rest and the only one I dislike is the Cupcake (as it made me break out). This Oatifix is really great when your skin is feeling sore, like if you have been over indulging in products, or the cold weather has got to your skin and even if you have sun burn. It contains a blend of bananas, vanilla and oats. It didn't do wonders for my skin as I need masks for blemishes but I would recommend it for anyone who needs to brighten up their skin or has super sensitive skin. 
    
Won't Repurchase   
Umberto Giannini Intense Beauty Conditioner
Again as you know I am a smell person and if I don't like the smell of something, I normally don't like the product unless it is amazing. To be honest when I put this conditioner on it hardly made any difference on my hair whether I put this on or not.  
 

nSpa Jojoba & White Jasmine Body Polish
I love the smell of this unlike the Umberto Conditioner. The thing that lets this product down is that it doesn't feel like a polish. It feels like a shower gel which has these little annoying bits in it which doesn't actually do anything. It was okay but not something I would use again.


VO5 Perfect Lengths Serum Mist
It has taken me AGES to use this up but I was determind to do it. I HATE the smell and it made my hair feel greasy if I put too much on and it was hard to control how much you apply. I am just happy to have used 80% of this so I can now throw it away. 

The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion 
Not my favourite smell but nice enough! For me unless I adore a body lotion I rarely repurchase it, they normally have to blow me off my feet for me to repurchase but I did enjoy using this scent. 

Mark Hill Beautiful Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner - see full review here 
I just HATE these from the beginning but I used them up when I was at the gym because I am normally too tired to care much at the time. However always regretted it afterwards, my hair felt clean but it was left frizzy, dry and had that feeling of when you don't wash a product out - even though I had spent ages washing it out. Steering clear of these - even though they have been rebranded. Has anyone tried this?

That was a big empties, I will be doing another one next month as I am trying to use up all of my minis and products which only have a little left in. It is saving me money and it definately saving me space.

Are you using up your bits or just throwing them out?
      

My Big Fat Diary: Week 1

Hello Everyone, 

So like I said I will be doing weekly post every Tuesday, about my weightloss journey - but also about my moods and how I have been feeling with it. Now if you want to read (or see pictures) of me currently and my goal or me prior to my weight gain then click here. 

Week One:
I'm not sure whether week one is meant to be easy or not - or whether it is just dependant. For one thing, I had a lot of fitness motivation but probably lacked in certain parts of my diet (I did still indulge in some fatty bits... oops) I am just trying to slowly cut myself down on the foods that I like.Though on the positive, I have been to the gym 3 times this week (which was my aim) and I have been drinking around the 2 litres mark of water.   

Lost: 4lbs

Food: It has been a mixed week, I have had good and bad days. I only went over my calories one day and the rest I remained under which is great. I had a few little treats as I am trying to get myself of the chocolate without going cold turkey because then I am hoping that I won't crave it as much. I use the myfitnesspal app - my name is Misslaceyloves on it and I recommend it to anyone who is trying to diet! 

Calorie Target - 1500 per day/ 10,500 for the week. 
Calorie Intake - 10,399 for the week - which means that I was 101 calories under for the week. Pretty good considering the over indulgence that I had.

Fitness: I don't like going to the gym, but once I have been and gone to the gym I really like it, but then I don't like the aching the next day. A vicious circle really. I have never been the most sporty of people and I am rubbish at running and many other physical activities. I used to go to Body Conditioning classes back when I was fitter and they really helped me tone and help me lose weight too! I tend to steer clear of the gym itself as I am not very self motivating and I usually go easier on myself than I would in a class. 

Exercising Target - 3x 1 hour exercise per week 
Actual Exercising - 1 hour of the gym & 45mins Aqua Aerobics, 1 hour of the gym & 1 hour at a Body Conditioning class. Along with walking a lot more and as often as I can. 

Mood: I feel really deflated this week, I mean don't get me wrong I am happy with my weight loss this week. I do feel like I have cheated myself because I have just lost the weight that I gained over Christmas, that and I haven't tried the hardest that I could. I just feel that when I start exercising and dieting, I begin to notice the fat on me even more than I did before. I'm hoping to be gulping the endorphins of my exercising next week. I just need to pull myself out of my silly mope. 

If you want to see the background behind me and my weight see this post (includes pictures) 

How is everyones healthy New Years going?