Leather Jacket – All Saints via eBay (the style is Mahonie)
Jeans – Topshop Jamie
Oversized White Tee – River Island

Plaited Chain Necklace – Kate Benjamin via Accessories Direct

I just adore this chain as it feeds into all my current jewellery loves; statement, layers, mixed metals. It’s also a dream to wear as it is deceivingly light. I highly recommend checking out their sale, brilliant reductions and so many stunning pieces.

Next on my want list is this Jacey Withers Ship Pendant. It’d make a lovely Valentine’s/ Birthday/ Just cos it’s a Tuesday present…. oooh and it’s currently reduced as well… (take the bait Matthew…).

Watch – Swatch
Bracelet – eBay
Faux Fur Bag – H&M

Boots – River Island Sale (the style is Shifty Herit)

So delighted with these boots as I had been giving longing looks over in the direction of the laid-back Banddit Boots but they were just too pricey. These were just twenty tiny pounds and have satisfied my urge for a less structured boot. The studding is just an added bonus

Oh and yes, blonde. Well actually for the past fortnight I’ve mostly been bright orange as I couldn’t decide whether I was going to take the plunge with the “obnoxious red”. I got cold feet though and so I’m blonde. Forever fickle… that’s me folks xo

P.S In answer to Why no face?! COLDSORE SIZE OF BEN NEVIS

Just a quick and somewhat random post. I wasn’t even going to share this one as it’s just mundane (for me) but I’ve noticed negative blogs towards this product recently and felt I had another side to share.

The product in question is called Colour B4 and was originally marketed by a celeb hairdresser, Scott Cornwall. He has since disassociated himself with the brand for legal reasons but after enquiry I’m satisfied that they do not relate to product safety.

So here’s the background. I’m addicted to dyeing my hair. Anyone who has ever known me since the age of about 13 can testify to this fact. Colour B4 is a “Hair Colour Remover. Safely rewind to your colour before. Extra strength, extra gentle.”
I have bought the Colour B4 Extra Strength three times and used it three times, on (…yes you guessed it) THREE separate occasions. Most recently last night.

Yes it reeks (chemicals normally do though) and to use it to best effect you need to wrap your hair in cling film (or as I do a plastic bag) and leave for one hour if removing really dark dye. On rinsing you MUST spend at least 15 minutes under the shower. They recommend 12 but trust me, I’m Mrs Three Times. I knows what gets results

Before

After

Yes it is gingery and yes, my roots are my virgin natural brown but if you understand anything about how hair dyes and removers work then this shouldn’t be a surprise. I’m not going to go into detail here (that’s what Google is for) but basically every dye including those oh so innocuous looking “semi”-permanent ones cause permanent change within your hair. Colour B4 can only take you back to that stripped back colour. Personally I’m more than happy with what it does.

Previously my monthly whims would have seen me bleaching the life out of my poor hair. Colour B4 lets me indulge my fickleness without being quite so evil to my hair. Truly hand on heart I don’t find it damaging. I’ve saw people complaining that it gave them chemical burns, however what they don’t say (or do in the next paragraph) is that they bleached their hair directly after using the product. You’re not meant to do that. Chemicals + more chemicals = risky business

I let my hair rest and then in a fortnight I will either get a full head of highlights or dye it bright obnoxious red. Haven’t decided yet, but that’s the beauty of it

There are negatives though and for me they are these

• Your hair will STINK like rotten fart for up to a month when wet. I haven’t found any way of making the stinky process shorter. Just lots of strong smelling shampoo needed! Haha! Thankfully when dry it doesn’t pong
• When using the buffer under the shower your hair will feel super super dry. Like when you use one of those cleansing shampoos that make your hair squeak multiped by ten. I think if your hair were ALREADY in a delicate state then this is where YOU could potentially cause breakage by pulling on it/ trying to de-tangle. Just let the water run through and then use a big massive dollop of conditioner (like Aussie). It’ll be super soft again after that and this step doesn’t need to be repeated in subsequent showers as that drying effect only happens straight after using the buffer.
• It’s pricey (but nothing compared to a salon colour correction). I have thick hair but obviously short and I need two boxes to cover my hair sufficiently. Not much change from £25

Even so, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Colour B4 BUT YOU MUST HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED

xo

P.S I was not paid for this post and the product was purchased with my own pennies

Hands up who has a faux fur addiction? *raises both hands*

This gilet was reduced to just £30 in River Island a few weeks back. It’s sold out online but check out your local branch as mine still had a few even up until yesterday. It’s extremely cosy as you would expect and I just love the sixties vibe it has going on. I’d classify most fur as sexy but this one is definitely cute!

The hair has been scraped back into one of those ridiculous 2″ ponytails that I always ridicule others for. Frankly it’s this or the chop right now as I am totally fed up with my unruly barnet.

My boots are from Next and cost £78. More than I would have liked to pay but I think this design is a forever classic and I wanted to invest in a comfortable, quality leather pair. I tried SO many on, including most notably the Topshop Dashing ones, which are around the same price but imo really uncomfortable and badly sized.

Next isn’t somewhere I would normally shop but they’re definitely on my shoe-radar now. If you likey too then check them out asap as these appear to be selling out fast!

xo

Let’s just get stuck right in shall we?

I am up to my eyeballs in life stuff at the minute and my current daily uniform consists of paint splattered jeggings and an equally decorative jumper. Wouldn’t make for the most dynamic outfit shots….

So I’m a little stressy (but in the productive way) and free time is sparse. This hasn’t stopped me indulging in some retail therapy tho, helps relive the tension dontcha know

Oxblood Pleather Shorts from Topshop £30. Gorgeous colour, really Xmassy and easy to wear with thick opaque tights and ankle boots. What’s not to love? Well, if you buy online the sizing. It’s atrocious. I would suggest the Size 14 if you are normally a UK Size 10-12. Anything smaller would imo be indecent (think arse cheeks hanging out to say hello).

New Look Mittens £5 ish pounds. Everyone comments on these. Pure 70′s and ultra cosy. On the downside they (along with any mitten) are of course deeply impractical. It’s like having a pair of flippers and I struggle to lift anything when wearing them. Cute tho

Versace for H&M Leggings £24.99. I couldn’t resist. In fact if money was no option I’d have bought lots from this collection. Not everyone’s cup of tea, granted, but isn’t that the beauty of fashion and life. We all like different things? Quality wise these are not your average Primarni style leggings. Very heavy glossy material and ridiculous flattering. WIN

Charity Shop Purchase and I could not have been more delighted when I clocked this. I have been after a decent vanity case for an age. The modern equivalents just don’t cut it size or quality wise. My ultimate aim is to reduce my (still frankly embarrassingly large) make-up collection to the point where it all fits in this. Rome wasn’t built in a day tho…

One of the rare days where I did actually wear real clobber and a visit to the hairdressers. Namely Hedonist Hair on Botanic (apologies if you do decide to click the link. Their website hurts the head and eyes. Trust me).

You clicked didn’t you? Matt had bought me 2 cuts and a 50% off colour deal through Living Social and I must admit that because of the price my expectations were low. However I was pleasantly surprised, the salon is quirky but cool and the stylist I had (I believe her name was Cathy) was bubbly and friendly. She also listened to me (massive thumbs up). I told her I was growing it out and simply wanted a tidy and a bit of shape to the back while the layers grow down. Now at this point what normally happens is the stylist nods and proceeds to “thin out” my hair and generally undo all my hard growing out work. She didn’t. Refreshingly she did EXACTLY as I asked. SUCCESS!!

Now on to what has been taking up almost all my days and nights. Decorating. Yes painting, papering and sanding shit. I’m doing it all and YES, I too wish it were more exciting. We are moving house this time next week and I still have an absolute mountain of work to do BUT I really feel like I’ve broke the back of it today. So YAY!!

This afternoon I completed our bedroom (carpet is coming on Thursday). I kept it pretty neutral. Cream walls and a simple floral paper behind the bed. That way I can put any duvet/ curtains with it.

In natural light (on a dismally dull day) it gives off an almost silvery hue

Under lamplight it takes on a lovely warm buttermilk colour ♥

Finally… if you’ve made it this far give yourself a little round of applause and feast your eyes on my sneak peek….. what’s in the box???

Find out this weekend

xo

Why so sad?

Black Bodysuit (not seen) – River Island
Black Blouse – F&F @ Tesco
Shorts – H&M Sale £6.99

This is my little toe-dip into the sheer trend. I picked the blouse up in Tesco of all places and although I’ve searched for it online I’m unable to find a link, so please accept my apologies (as it’s a pet hate of mine when bloggers don’t link to where they’ve purchased things).

This pic also shows off my highlights quite well (…probably helps that my hair is also clean and not drenched by days of rain for a change), I’ve had them for about 3 weeks? now and I’m still digging the lighter side. Perhaps I’ll get more……

xo

It’s been a bit of an emotionally draining week. My brother isn’t very well and there is a lot of weight of everyone’s (not least his) shoulders at the moment.

So I took a bit of time out yesterday morning and went to the hairdressers. Thinking about going lighter, how much lighter I’m not quite sure yet… but lighter and brighter.

I got some foils pulled through and an ickle trim. It’s a subtle change but I enjoyed being pampered for a few hours.

Best of all it only cost £34. I took a bit of a gamble and let one of Hair Traffic’s students at it, but I needn’t have worried. She was great and I’m pretty sure paying eighty odd quid elsewhere wouldn’t have got it done any better.

My comfy aztec style cardy is another Forever 21 purchase. It worked out at about £32 in our money, bit more than I’d have liked to pay but it is seriously cosy and thick, almost jacket like. In my mind that justifies the price (…..and why I also got it in the black and cream) and means it will get plenty of wear.

“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul“

xo

So my little reddy hair phase lasted about 3 days. I think that’s a record even for a hardcore hair-dye addict like myself. I just wasn’t “feelin’ it”. I dyed over it with one of those Nice & Easy Semi Permanent Browns which of course translates as BLACK. Yup black as your boot. Hopefully it’ll wash up a little as I’m feeling a bit Snow White right now.

In happier hair news it’s now reached that stage of the earlobes where I think I can streeeeetch to the word “bob”. Herein lies my hair comfort zone. However I plan to do what I always do., waste time growing it past my shoulders, wear it up often and then chop it pixie short again. It’s a cycle. Makes life that bit more interesting.

Oh and I twitpic’d this hoodie during the week and it went down a storm. It’ll likely mean nothing to you unless you’re a UK Reality TV fan, but to those that get it… and would actually like to “get it” you can do so here

Size wise it’s a pretty generous in fit. I’d order a small if you’re anything sized about 8-12 (UK)

xo

Sprocket...

The Tedster...

Hmmmmm….

Time for a groom me thinks…

xox

That’s what a simple hair cut makes me feel like.

I’ve had my fringe cut back in and all the length and weight taken off the back, graduating down into a bob.

Simple & relatively inexpensive but it’s made such a difference to how I feel.

I guess the move and all the stress associated with that meant that my appearance really did take a bit of a back seat. In fact… most days I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. Kinda defeating the purpose of growing it….

I’m lazy when it comes to long hair, I also have ridiculously thick hair, so long hair is A LOT of work… and well… I’m a pretty simple girl when it comes to that kind of maintenance.

I like to play with my hair colour and cut wise. Having shorter styles means I can do that without committing to anything long term. If I colour my hair and I go off it, I simply re dye and get a good chop. Thus cutting out the majority of damage. If I took the painstaking time to grow my hair long and THEN dyed/ ruined it (inevitably that is EXACTLY what I would do), I’d be beyond gutted.

So…. it’s back to messing with my hair again and the fun of wearing wigs and extensions when I feel the need for a little extra length. In fact… my Dad just picked me up a new Jessica Simpson Hairdo in the US and it’s amazing.

Really girly and glam. All in one piece which beats fiddling with numerous wefts any day in my book. Told you I was low maintenance…the husband might disagree

It’s one of the new Tru 2 Life range she launched. It can be curled and straightened up to 180˚ and washed. Hooray!

It’s quite pricey here at almost £100, so if you know anyone in the US I’d get them to buy it for you on QVC. It was only $80 ish so worked out waaaay cheaper. I always wear the shade “Midnight Brown” which blends perfectly with darkest brown hair. It’s the shade next to black in the JS line.

Give it a go! 2 different looks but with zero style commitment.

xox

Thank you so much to Dottie at http://www.pinkpoppolkadot.blogspot.com/ who tagged me with a “You make me smile” Award.

She said “Arlene is a breath of fresh air and I absolutely love her blog posts and her lovely accent ”

Now I’m not one for displaying award tags normally, I think it’s a bit silly to celebrate “best lay-out” etc, however if my blog causes someone to break a smile that’s definitely worth boasting about!

So I accept my award with pride Dottie, and it definitely made me when I read it xx

Rules
- You have to put a song that makes you happy.
- You can tag as many people as you like, there is no limit.
- Say at least one thing about each blog you tag, that will make them smile, something nice about their blog that makes you smile when you read it!

So below is a song that always makes me smile….. I sing along and I never fail to get my groove on

I’d like to award Marie of http://marie-loves.blogspot.com/ because she’s a really down to earth girl with a varied blog, who’s not afraid to send herself up for a bit of a laugh, and even though I’ve never met her in real life I can hear her thick Scottish brogue in my head as I read her hilarious posts.

xoxo

Well….. It’s October… and did I lose a stone in September? Did I heck!

I did however lose 2 full inches off my waistline thanks to my new love of running
Yes, I’m addicted. I’ve found my exercise. Four weeks ago I could barely run 45 seconds without feeling like I was gonna to die, and now I can run 15 minutes!!!! and feel amazing to boot.

I’m still using the same iPhone application “Get Running”, and I think this has been key to my success. It focuses on gradually building up time and stamina. It doesn’t even look at distance (until the very end).
Once I’m running 25 – 30 minutes comfortably, then and only then will I start thinking about time and mileage together.

So….. all this running means a lot more showering!!

Not that I didn’t shower before (that would be gross)…. but whereas previously I could have maybe got away with washing my hair every other day, after running that’s NOT an option. I didn’t realise I could actually produce sweat until I started running, but produce it I can, and by the bucketload…… Washing my hair daily is now a necessity.

With more hair washing, comes more hair drying, and this is extremely damaging at the best of times, never mind daily. I also find that my hair loses body quicker the more often it is washed. So I started to look for leave in products. Things I could use to add texture and allow me to leave it to dry naturally.
I’m rotating use of a few at the moment but this is my current favourite:

“Lee Stafford Beach Babe”

A Sea Salt Spray with a Pro Mineral Complex & 26 Minerals

I simply apply a generous spritz of this all over lightly towel dried hair and leave to dry. It smells utterly amazing, as with all of the Lee Stafford range. Musky and very sexy, the husband approves!

It is slightly sticky, but as its drying I run my fingers through it every so often to separate. My hair is naturally poker straight but it adds volume and a slight wave throughout. This is low maintenance Sunday hair at its best!

I got it in Boots on a 3 for 2 Promotion or you can buy it for £5.99 but it’s definitely worth it. Check it out xox

Over the Knee Boots

Tarty?

Trendy?

Practical?

Discuss

I really didn’t think I would be partaking in this particular item of footwear, especially as when I recently tried a heeled pair on in New Look, my eight year son said “but you’re not a rough Mummy, those boots are for rough Mummy’s”.

As I stood back and surveyed my reflection in the mirror I had to agree with him. I looked like I should be stood on a street corner or at least serving in a sex shop. Not good.

I couldn’t help but feel disappointed, I’m one of those people that actually likes to follow fashion, thinking for myself and being “individual” in the clothes area has just never appealed. Don’t get me wrong I love to see other people expressing themselves via their togs but it’s safer and easier for me to just have Look Magazine do it all for me.

So I was pleasantly surprised when I re-visited New Look this week and they had taken delivery of flat Over the Knee Boots, looking more demure altogether.

They were £35, they’re not real leather, but they are lined so you don’t get the sweaty thing going on. The toe is an almond shape which I think is quite flattering on bigger kebs like mine, and they have long leatheresque Gucci style tassles on the sides. I thought these might trip me up when walking as they are floor length but no issues at all, they swish back and forth and make me feel all catwalk.

I don’t think they look cheap, but feel free to disagree. I think this is due to the lack of sexy heel and also the fact that they come just over the knee in a slouchy style, but they’re not “thigh high” which gives a different impression altogether imo. Think Pretty Woman…. to that mind it probably helps that they’re not wipe clean PVC or have concealed pockets for doms……

Jumper Dress – Peacocks £14

Leggings – Asda £6

Bag – Tesco £3.50 (Sale)

Thoughts? xo

A big thank you to everyone who made a purchase from my blog sale, the shoe fund is looking healthy now

Everything that has been paid for was posted out on Thursday & hopefully will soon arrive at your end xoxo

*SALE NOW FINISHED* Should you wish to purchase anything, please leave a comment below stating what/ which items and your paypal address. I will then invoice you. Payment is required within 1 hour or items will be relisted.

I am afraid I can only post within the UK/ Ireland. Postage is included in prices

*SOLD* Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal – Oily Skin (Brand New, Never Used) £6

*SOLD* Cetaphil Daily Moisturiser SPF15 All Skin Types (Used 4 times 80% product remains) £6

*SOLD* MAC Play on Plums Mineralize Eyeshadow (Used once, does not suit me) £10

*SOLD* Riotous (all used a few times) £3 each

*SOLD* GOSH Multicolour Blush (Swatched once) £5

*SOLD* Benefit FYI Eye Primer RRP £17.00 (Used a few times) £8

*SOLD* Barry M Natural Dazzle Compact £5

*SOLD* Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Palette (Used 3 times, looks like new) £15

*SOLD* Remington Shine Therapy Straighteners (Used literally 3 times, like new) £24

Thanks guys, hope you see something you like xoxox

The town next to ours held its annual 4th of July Celebrations last night and we went along for the sunshine, music, hotdogs, ice-cream and Elderflower Slush Puppies (well actually I went for the beer)…. yum

I took full opportunity to work cow girl chic using a new dress from Peacocks £16 and vintage boots from The Ragged Priest £24.99

I felt really girly as the dress has some netting underneath, so there were a number of gratuituous twirls for the husband

The boots kept it quite casual though and this particular pair are like wearing slippers! With a four hour wait for the Fireworks, I’m really really glad I opted for these over strappy sandals!!

Make-up wise I wore a thin layer of Dior Forever Foundation, this is my go to for evenings out at the moment.

I kept the eyes bright but simple, using just one eyeshadow namely MAC Steamy and then lined my upper lid with Barry M Turquoise Liquid Liner. I adore this liner, however I hate the applicator which is like a spear, and its also near impossible to remove in entirety. I’ll have a little blue hue around my lashes for the next 2-3 days. Not ideal….

Eye brows are courtesy of the Urban Decay Brow Box, blusher is MAC Tippy from the Hello Kitty range, still in my top five and lips are my own

We had a brilliant night, the weather was just perfect and it was nice to see people from all walks of life congregate for something fun! Roll on next year!

Matthew & Izaak skimming stones

Johnny Cash Tribute Band

This band caused much mirth and amusement with us, every song up until about 10 minutes before the end was NOT a Johnny Cash song. Not unless Johnny Cash was the 6th member of Boyzone……

Hard to capture the impressive Firework display on camera phone but it was amazing and such a beautiful setting over Groomsport Harbour.

xoxo

P.S Check out how much my hair has grown?!! We’re entering short bob zone here folks

Breathe in…………..

I woke up this morning, logged onto Blogger and YouTube and felt completely uninspired, frustrated and frankly a bit bored.

Can I possibly be the only person who is sick and tired of reading and listening to the same old regurgitated reviews on the same old products? Or am I alone in thinking that a little originality wouldn’t go amiss?

When I first started blogging, it was for fun, and essentially for myself. When people started to read and comment that was simply a bonus. I’ve continued to feel like that about it and enjoy it up until about 2 months ago. I can pinpoint when the tide turned for me, and I would have to say it was when the PR companies got in contact.

Suddenly rather than review things I had picked and paid my hard earned money on myself, I was being sent cosmetics and hair products for free. GREAT I’m sure you’re thinking….. well I would have to disagree.

I’ve reviewed a few of things I was sent such as the OSiS Gloss and the Barry M lippies, these got reviews as I actually personally tried & loved them….. however I’m basically left with an ever growing drawer of shite as I get sent more and more things that a) I’d never have bought for myself and b) are just pure and utter crap. I don’t want to be a PR Product Prostitute.

Its no surprise then that when I log into Blogger or YouTube all these items are being reviewed by fellow bloggers, and I’m sorry but some of them are blatantly bigging up ANYTHING they are sent, regardless if its a good product or not. I have issues with this on many levels but basically for me its all about the integrity.

If I recommend a product to you and give it a positive review, you can be 100% sure that I genuinely feel this way about the product. I’m not a nodding dog. I won’t sell out, and I honestly couldn’t live with myself if I thought I was encouraging people to waste their money on a product I didn’t actually like, or even worse (and what I suspect with sadly quite a few) had never even tried it.

So agree or disagree with me, but this morning I have taken positive steps to undoing the “damage” as I see it. I’m not suggesting in any shape or form this is what you should be doing, but this is what I have done to up my enjoyment levels of them again.

This morning I culled the channels I subscribe to on YouTube by around 3/4. I literally couldn’t see the wood for the trees, and by that I mean all these insignificant reviews were covering up the true diamonds I had subscribed too. It was only when I deleted these that I realised all the fabulous tutorials I had been missing out of, they were simply being pushed out of sight.

I’ve retained only 1 major Product Reviewer, namely Lisasz09 as I trust her reviews are totally genuine, I know she buys the bulk of her own products and as she is US based I get a sneak peak at whats coming to the UK. 

The rest of the subscriptions I held onto are truly talented people in the application of make-up. Not all of them are Make-up Artists but I believe more than ever you don’t need a qualification to be an artist or expert, in any creative field. If you’re good at something, you’re good at it. End of. I’ve also kept some weight loss & fashion gurus that inspire me in there too.

In regards to Blogger I have my favourites who I will still be reading and enjoying, but there has been a major pruning there too, and you know what?…. I wish I’d recognised the problem 2 months ago and done it then. Already this morning I’ve enjoyed 2 refreshing tutorials on YouTube and all because they weren’t hidden under frankly a pile of twaddle.

I’m going to get lynched for this post aren’t I? Ah well, I have to be true to myself!

I’m now looking forward to blogging again, if I want to review a mascara that came out a year ago, I’ll do it, an eyeshadow that came out 6 collections ago, I’m gonna do it, a lipstick that has just been released… I’m gonna do it But I’ll be doing it in the order I want to, and not just because 20 other bloggers have decided thats the flavour of the day. I’m nobody’s sheep.

Breathe out……… wooooooooooooooooooo

Talk soon beautiful people xox

Last week I was sent a few samples from the new OSiS Design Mix range from Schwarzkopf.

I really like the idea behind this collection, basically it makes up the building blocks of shape & texture for hair styling, use them solo or explore pairing the contradictory styles and forms.

• Light & Strong
• Smooth & Rough
• Gloss & Matt

I’ve been testing the Gloss & my husband Matt is currently working up an opinion on the Matt (see what I did there…). I intend to give it a go in conjunction with the Gloss, if I can get him to share (outlook hazy)….

I am pretty loyal when it comes to hair “styling” products (much unlike makeup), and have used the same shine product for about the past 9 months, namely Toni & Guy Finishing Shine Spray.

It’s not too pricey, has a fuss free spray mist application, smells gorgeously musky & performs really well….. so could the OSiS Gloss tempt me to stray…..

First impressions in regards to packaging are good, I’m liking the square, in fact I think more products should come in square pots, much more conducive to stacking & general bathroom cabinet tidiness OCD.

The actual colour & consistency is very different to any shine product I’ve previously tried. Going by sight alone I was expecting the gloss to be very sticky, however its not at all, it’s more like a thick balm with a lovely fruity scent.

Instructions are limited and basic “Apply to dry hair”. No pea or walnut sized amounts here!

I decided to take just a little as I would with a serum, rub that quickly between my hands and then apply down the lengths of my hair, avoiding my roots (as I can be quite oily there already), they need no encouragement to shine!!

Right away I noticed that this gloss has hold, nothing heavy, but definite styling capabilites as well as shine. I’m thinking this must be because it is a fibrous gloss. I love these kind of products! My all time HG Hold product for a night out is TIGI Bedhead Manipulator and it has this funky fibrous thing going on too. I find it hard to explain but basically when you pull your fingers away from the product it looks like little strings of web. Heres a visual..

Don’t be fooled, it looks thick in the pic but these are just little wisps that completely melt into thin air or hair once applied.

End result is an undeniably lustrous barnet (please excuse deathly pale makeupless me , and just the right amount of light hold to give texture, shape and tame my little flyaway hairs. I think I’m in <3

RRP £11.95

Locate your nearest Schwarzkopf salon here

xoxox

Thats what the Original Super Looper Brush is.

If you use hair extensions (human hair or synthetic) at all then this is a must have maintenance item. As you know I love my Jessica Simpson HairDo, but after a days wear they do get tatty sometimes, especially in windy Northern Ireland. I had been using a wide comb but it was quite an arduous task, as I was conscious I didn’t want to tug on the hairs & risk damaging the extension.

The unique bristles on the Super Looper are just that, super little pliable loops that gently tease out any tangles, it really does make light work of it, genius.

I got mine at Sallys for approximately £5

xoxox

The PR peeps at Clynol sent me a sample of the latest addition to their “Play With Me” range to review. I’m not one to turn down a freebie, whether it be a cocktail sausage or a hair product (shameless) so here it is, the “Powder Punch” Texture Powder.

Official press on the product promotes it as:

“A little pot of product delivering guts and hold at the roots to create an incredible volumised effect but without the bore of backcombing”

“Easy to apply, once tipped into the hand it transforms to a paste, allowing you to direct it where you want it and offering the malleability of “day old” hair”

“When you’re finished simply shampoo away, no messing”

So whats true and whats more than a little PR spin?

It comes in a nifty little tin with a sifter on the top, the powder is odourless which I prefer in styling products, especially for something you’re likely to use when heading out on the tiles, I want my perfume to do the talking, not my haircare.

Once tipped into my hand and rubbed with fingers it does take on a different consistency, its far from a “paste” though as it remains completely dry, its hard to describe, but it seems to bind and bulk out.

I’d liken it to the good aul dry shampoo but with extra hidden powers. Those on Twitter will know that earlier today I was at the hairdressers getting a trim. I had it washed, cut, and blow dried. No product applied though whatsoever, so my hair was soft and fluffy which is always when its most resistant to holding a style.

I applied the powder punch to the root area behind my fringe, not a huge amount, rubbed it in there as I would with dry shampoo and was very surprised at the amount of lift this product initially gave. I was a bit worried the white powder would be obvious and visible but you can buff it in with quite minimal effort. I applied a bit more just to see what it could actually do and the result is below.

Ha Ha!! I think you get the idea that there is more than a little hold in this product. I honestly was able to twist it wherever I wanted and it was staying there. However it doesn’t make the hair itself hard like say a gel or hairspray would. The best way I can think to describe it is slightly crispy to the touch, a bit like candyfloss but without the extreme stickiness, more of a tackiness.

I think this would work really well at easily creating quiffs for the boys & the gals (its a unisex product) and small behives etc for brides behind their tiaras, especially as its basically undetectable by eye.

RRP £10.60 For your nearest stockist click here

I know one person already that will <3 this big time, Ms Catto, I mean you!!

xoxox

Lee Stafford seems very much to be the man of the moment right now in regards to haircare. This actually makes me feel quite old, you see around five years ago I remember when Lee launched his range, there was much less choice but the packaging etc was exactly as it is now. I bought shampoo & conditioner at the time and have to say I was distinctly unimpressed. I remember it smelt nice but was a lot dearer than my trusty herbal essences.

So I was all for giving this recent brand fad a wide berth until someone mentioned it had a hair growth treatment among it. I think it may have been Talluluhbella? sorry if it wasn’t, head like a sieve, I’m old y’know

My hair is in the best condition it has been in years, sounds a bit like I’m blowing my own trumpet, sorry, but I’m just so pleased with it. My hair was a mess this time 4 months ago, it was literally breaking in my hands it was so over-processed. I cut it short short and started again and have been getting it regularly trimmed every 3 weeks. Now, all the damage has been cut out and I’ve been left with my own natural, very shiny, thick, healthy hair. However the down side to that is that its still short hair and I want my bob back

While extensions are fun in the meantime, I’m now ready to start the arduous task of growing my hair again. Cuts will be less frequent and treatments and general hair pampering will be up ten-fold

So as part of a little haul today I picked up Lee Stafford’s Hair Growth Treatment from Boots.

I had a lovely shower a few hours ago and used it for the first time, directions are to apply in between shampoo and conditioner. You are told to use a scoop the size of an “egg” which just made me giggle, who the hell makes these ridiculous amounts up?! I mean, do they mean a chicken egg, an ostrich egg… small egg, extra large? The mind boggles at the logic. Anyway tangent…

I took a fair sized dollop & massaged it into my hair, root to tip. It may look a bit suspect but it smells AMAZING, it is quite heavily scented, I keep thinking how to describe it and can only think of musky floral, can something even be those two things?

It washed out easily after 5 mins, I still applied my normal conditioner and was worried it might leave the hair lank, however once blow dried my hair was simply shiny and manageable.

The up shot is that I’m not suddenly sitting her like Rapunzel but I am sitting here with soft hair that smells good enough to eat, and you can’t be bad to that. Give it a go!

xoxo

Specifically Jessica Simpson Hairdo, I’ve always wore wigs, hair pieces, clip in ponytails etc for as long as I can remember. I think its because I like to change my image and have fun with it, however I don’t want to have to deal with the permanent aspects of “actual” hair extensions. With these my fickle nature allows me to take them out whenever I choose.

I’ve had 2 previous sets of Jessica Simpson Hairdo whenever my hair was longer, the 22″ straight and 23″ wavy. I loved both and used them to great effect at weddings and parties. Basically they just bulked out what was already there, you can even wear your hair up with them in due to the nature of it.

Since my hair is very short at the minute I thought I’d order the 10″ straight and try out a bob, nothing too drastic. The shade I use is Midnight Brown, Sallys normally have colour swatches if you think they are something you might like to try. I wouldn’t suggest purchasing them in Sallys though as they are pricey, around £65. Ebay is very good but there are numerous other online companies selling them.

All hairdo^TM Clip-in Extension Systems consist of one multi-level, contoured piece that creates an easy, fashionable style without the hassle of working with several individual wefts.

The basic premise is that you seperate your hair from around the tops of your ears and around the back of the head, put that up in a clamp, and attach the hairdo using the clips (however you can place it ANYWHERE), you can do a tiny bit of back combing to make it easier to secure, however I’ve never had any issues with any of them slipping, moving.

Then just release your top layer of hair from the clamp and run your fingers through to blend it with the hairdo. Easy as pie. First attempts take a bit longer, but I can get mine in and out now in a few minutes.

Below is a set of pictures to show you my hair before and after. The first pic was taken last week and shows you how short my hair actually is at the minute.

I like to place the hairdo up high on my crown, it gives a lovely concave bob effect, bit more modern. Please excuse the lack of make-up, with no hubby about this week I’ve had no-one to look pretty for!

I have literally thrown it into my hair here and not even combed it through and I think it still looks grand.

Have you ever tried these type of extensions, if so what do you think? Or would they be something you think you might like to give a whirl??

xoxox