New Year... New You?

Hi guys! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and you're ready to take on 2014! 

Personally I'm not one for New Years resolutions because I never stick to them. I'm also a firm believer in "if something's not right, change it". Why wait for a new year to change something that's making you unhappy? Seize the day and all that. 

People seem to feel obliged to diet, exercise, cut down on alcohol and just generally take care of themselves a little better. That's all well and good but why even bother if you throw in the towel within 2 months? 

I think that if you make a resolution then make a reasonable one. Something you can actually achieve. 

There's no point in feeling angry at yourself for not being able to change your whole life over night. 

Why not decide to make sure you thank that driver that let you cross the road or smile at someone who looks like they're having a bad day? If someone makes you happy, let them know. If someone makes you sad, let them know. 

Rather than changing your physical appearance, why not try to make life a little more enjoyable for yourself. 

Maybe it's time to cut ties with that person who makes you miserable? Do it. Maybe you'd rather have more nights in with your family than nights out with the girls? Do that too. 

Stick to your convictions and don't let anybody make you feel bad for who you are or how you feel. 

Make 2014 your year by becoming you. 

♡

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Hask Keratin Protein shampoo and conditioner review

About 3 weeks ago, I picked up Hask's Keratin Protien shampoo and conditioner.

Hask isn't a brand I know much about other than they sell lots of their products in Penny's such as smoothing oils, serums and other hair products. 

This pairing claim to "give damaged, over-processed hair a miracle makeover". 

I personally don't have very damaged hair as I chopped it into a bob last summer and I've been taking very good are of it ever since. However I do have quite frizzy hair, especially in high humidity. They also state that they can "reduce frizz and block humidity" with their Hydrolyzed Keratin infusion. 

I've found using these over the past few weeks has really improved the quality of my hair. 

The conditioner is possibly the most amazingly smoothing product I've ever used. My hair felt like silk after the first use. The shine was noticeable even before my hair was dry. 

For me, the only downside is that I have an extremely sensitive scalp and I have to use Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky shampoo before I can shampoo with this. 

If you have an extremely oily scalp, I can imagine you'd end up washing your hair daily. Maybe go for the conditioner only if you fit into that category. 

Both the shampoo and conditioner are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, alcohol and artificial colours. This made my heart do a little leap as I find it redundant using "conditioning products" that contain many drying ingredients. 

I love this shampoo and conditioner, they're good value for money at €4 a bottle. A little goes a long way, they smell delicious and work from the first use to make your hair glossy, smooth, shiny and virtually frizz free. 

I plan on doing a little more research into this brand to see what other kinds of products they do because I'm pretty impressed by both of these. 

I suggest you give them a try if you're looking to give your hair a little love this winter. :) 

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BRB, busy bee!

Just a quick post to say sorry for the lack of posts! 

I've had so many ideas for festive posts lately but between being incredibly sick, stupid personal stuff and the holiday shopping rush, I've had no down time to write about anything. 

Now that everything is calming down slightly, stick around for a Hask keratin shampoo, conditioner and smoothing oil review coming in the next few days. :) 

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Daily Winter Essentials Haul

Today I decided to go on a little shopping trip to pick up a couple of items I was out of/wanted to try, and a couple of impulse buys of course. 

I popped into Penny's (Primark) first with the intention of getting a new chunky knit snood. I decided on a mustard coloured one. I also found a light weight material grey skater skirt marked down to €3. I figured I should pick up a pair of touch screen gloves too seen as they were only €1.50 and my tiny, cold clammy hands need protection in full fingered glove form. 

I needed to go into Superdrug to get a new concealer. I left with more than a new concealer. 

I decided on Collection's Lasting Perfection 16 hour stay in the shade Light 2. I wasn't looking to try something new but I did need to get a lighter shade than my usual Medium 3 because my face has become rather pasty this month. 

I really wanted a deep berry shade nail varnish but I also wanted a more red tonned festive colour. I found just what I was looking for with a Barry M Nail Paint in the colour "Raspberry". 

I planned on picking up a red lipstick of some sort but changed my mind when I saw the shade "402 Across the Universe" from Rimmel's Apocalips range. 

This is a beautifully dark vampy red and I'm so excited to use it.

Before I left I picked up a Palmer's lip balm. I've wanted to try one of these for a while and I decided I might as well just get one. I just got the original because I find a lot of flavoured lip products make me nauseous. 

Have you guys tried any of these products and did you like them? Let me know. :) 

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Warm Fuzzies (ft. Misty)

Now that the temperatures have dropped and seem to be staying put, it's time to snuggle up beside the fire and sip on a hot beverage. 

As humans, we know when we feel cold and we know when it's time to add an extra layer. Unfortunately, our little furry friends aren't able to articulate feeling chilly and so, it's up to us to make sure they feel toasty. :) 

This applies to all sizes of dog but particularly if you have a small dog, regardless of it's coat type, it's important to keep them wrapped up when out on a walk. 

Ancol supply a large range of thermal, all-weather and knitted coats and jumpers for pooches of all sizes. (of course a quick eBay search will find you many a knitted doggy sweater for around €5). 

Something I found quite hilarious was the concept of a "dog Snuggie". Yep, an actual Snuggie for your canine companion. Of course I bought into this immediately like any crazy dog lady would. 

If your dog isn't as spoiled as mine and actually sleeps in their bed at night, try making a hot water bottle and wrapping it in a blanket and placing it under the dog. 

Hopefully I've given you guys some idea of how to keep your little buddies nice and warm this autumn/winter. 

Kisses and snuggles from both of us. :) x

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The Deep Autumnal Lip

I love wearing a dark lip during the colder months and this year I think I've found my new favourite deep rouge shade in the form of Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade 107. 

I love the red matte packaging, simple but classy.

This lipstick has a matte finish but it applies smoothly and doesn't dry your lips out. I find it stays on for hours and it's so highly pigmented you only need one coat. It lives up to the hype. 

This is an extremely wearable shade and can be worn as part of a day or night look. 

I personally keep the rest of my make-up simple with just a light blush and a coat or two of mascara but this would work with a gel eyeliner or lightly smoked eye. 

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Morning Skincare Routine

Facial cleansing in the morning is a must for me, however, I have extremely sensitive skin that gets really dry once the temperatures drop. Finding products that won't sting, turn my face red and blotchy or burn like the fiery pits of hell is a task I don't enjoy. Just because something is "dermatologically tested", it may not be suitable for very sensitive skin.

Thankfully I can always rely on Simple to deliver quality products at a good price and there's no risk of me looking like a tomato-human hybrid.

First, I exfoliate my lips with my homemade lip scrub (post coming soon), then I wash my face with Simple's refreshing facial wash gel. It's completely fragrance free and doesn't even irritate your eyes.  

I pat my face dry and the apply Simple's 12 hour light moisturiser. This is probably my favourite moisturiser because it almost acts as a primer. It smooths out any areas that might be dry or patchy so there's no worries about flaky foundation. 

I then dab on some Simple soothing eye balm under my eyes. This cream really helps to ease any puffiness, redness or dryness. 

Finally I apply a layer of beeswax lip balm and my skin is good to go. 

This routine really is easy on the skin and prevents you looking like you've just had an acid peel facial. If you have sensitive skin, I highly recommend looking into purchasing some Simple products if you haven't already. :)

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