Polka Spots and Freckle Dots

Sunday, 31 August 2014

Sunday Favourites #97

Hi guys!

I hope you're all having a great weekend so far.

Are you ready for this week's favourites?

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I love the colour of this lady's hair.

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Gorgeous make up.

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This bird is so beautiful.

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Nature is amazing!

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Beautifully-coloured chameleon.

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This floral crown is so pretty.

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I'm in love with this eye make up look. I may need to recreate it with my Urban Decay Electric palette!

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Sasha Unisex's penguin water colour is amazing. This will be some lucky person's tattoo!

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This.

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Love this.

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This photo of a cathedral in Moscow is so beautiful.

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Adorable sloths in buckets!

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This made me laugh!

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In Tokyo there is a small shop where customers are greeted by this shiba inu dog called Suzuki!

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This is how I try to live these days.

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So true!

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I love Autumn!

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This looks delicious.

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And for no reason whatsoever, here's a surfing pig!

Louise's Lovely Links

♥ Nancy shared her 8 inspiring tips for a more contented life.

♥ Becky wrote an interesting and helpful post about a plus size girl's guide to shrewd shopping.

♥ Chastity wrote a helpful and enlightening post about what she's learnt from blogging.

♥ I enjoyed having a look in to Kaylah's home full of curiosities

♥ We need to make it easier and safer to talk about suicide.

♥ Why some people grieve for dead celebrities.

♥ I will never be smaller than a size 10 (UK size 14). So what?

♥ A man was kicked out of his parents home when he came out as gay. He secretly filmed the conversation, and posted it on the Internet. The reaction from the public has been incredible.

♥ This video showing the impromptu rescue of more than thirty dolphins that came too close to shore on a Cornish beach really restores my faith in people.

♥ I love this quote from Jennifer Lawrence.

♥ The wonders of being a girl in the late 90s and early 00s. I laughed so hard at this post because this is exactly what my life was like in the late 90s! Adidas Poppers; hair mascaras; butterfly hair clips; hair tied back except for two strands; hand written notes; roll on glitter; skirt-trousers; Byker Grove; Nutty Tart / Bang on The Door everything; and dancing to B*Witched at the disco... Cringe!

♥ 5 plot holes you never noticed in Friends. I thought I knew the series backwards, but I sure didn't notice most of these inconsistencies.

♥ These 15 facts about outer space completely blew my mind. Yes, I'm such a geek!

♥ 15 plus size fashion tips for you to know so you can have fun.

♥ 20 places where nightmares are born, aka some slightly creepy abandoned places.

♥ 27 reasons why we should all aspire to be Ralph Wiggum. Me fail English? That's unpossible!

♥ 28 people who are too dumb for their own good. I don't even know how to respond to what I read in this post...

♥ These 52 bizarre Google street photos were definitely taken at the right time.

and finally,

♥ A man called Bruce Campbell has converted a Boeing 727 aircraft in to a home!

Thanks for reading!

Zatchels Polka Dot Satchel Review

I'd like to introduce you to the newest addition to my bag collection, this rather gorgeous polka dot Zatchels satchel!

Isn't it a beauty? It was a birthday present from my older sister, which I convinced her to buy after I spotted it in the Zatchels sale back in June. It was just £31 instead of £110, which was a complete steal, and we both agreed it was too great a bargain to pass up. She paid for the bag, and I paid for shipping, (fair deal, I think!), and it finally arrived on my doorstep a couple of weeks ago after a very long six week wait.

While I was not at all happy about the very long wait- more on that in a minute- I'm pleased to say the satchel didn't disappoint. I've wanted a polka dot satchel for years, and this bag is far more perfect than I could have ever hoped for. It's absolutely beautiful in both design and craftsmanship.

Like all of Zatchels' bags, the satchel was handmade in Britain by a team of skilled crafts-people using high quality leather and fastenings. You can really see the skill used to make this satchel; the stitching is uniformly straight, and there's not a single stitch out of line. It's clear by how perfectly every piece has been put together that it was made carefully and with precision by highly-skilled people. I can also feel the quality of the materials used; the leather is wonderfully thick, and the nickel buckles are so sturdy. You really do get what you pay for with a Zatchels satchel and in this case that means quality!

The satchel features a large main compartment at the back of the bag, and a smaller pocket to the front, which is the perfect place to keep the items you want to grab quickly, like your phone or keys. This satchel is the 13", and while it looks like a big bag, it doesn't have a huge amount of space... but it does have enough room for the essentials. I can fit my purse, keys, phone, iPod, lip balm, Kindle, and some make up in it with a little room to spare. I can't carry around a heavy bag anymore, anyway, so it definitely meets my needs most days.

The bag is fastened by two straps at the front, which need to be buckled and unbuckled by hand. It can be slightly inconvenient when you're in a rush, but it doesn't take too long to do. If you don't like the idea of dealing with buckles whenever you want access to your belongings, Zatchels now offer the option of adding magnetic claps to their bags- although it wasn't an option when I purchased this one, or I probably would've added them.

The satchel also has an adjustable shoulder strap, which has a silver nickle buckle fastening and eleven notches so you can adjust it to the desired length. I love my bags long, and on the longest notch it sits on my upper thigh, or on the hip when worn across the body, which is perfect for me. It doesn't matter how short or tall you are, or what size you are, the shoulder straps on Zatchels satchels will adjust to accommodate most people's needs.

I absolutely adore this satchel, and I would recommend Zatchels satchels to anybody who loves high-quality leather satchels. This bag is my third Zatchels bag- I also have a classic red satchel and a red heart print barrel bag- and I've yet to find a fault with any of them.

However, I will say, I've not been impressed with the length of time I've had to wait for the two bags I purchased (during two different transactions a year apart). Last year, I had to wait a ridiculous ten weeks for my barrel bag to be delivered, and this year I was left waiting for this satchel for six long weeks. Not cool! I started getting annoyed after a month had passed.

I ordered my satchel within the first half an hour of their sale, yet people who had placed their orders later were getting their bags before me. So frustrating! I personally think they need to be conscious of working on orders by date and not just by design, even if they feel it's more efficient to work from one leather at a time. Their service is extremely slow during sale time and I don't think I'll be in a hurry to shop with them online again, even for a beautiful bargain. I understand that they get flooded with orders during sales and they're only human, but I haven't got the patience for service that slow, even if their bags are so beautifully crafted.

This polka dot satchel was definitely worth the long wait, though, and I absolutely love it! Sadly this design is no longer available, but there are different colours to choose from here which are currently on sale. I think there's only one day left of their sale, so get in fast if you want to snag a bargain!

Do you own a Zatchels satchel?

Wednesday Wish List

Hey guys,

Would you like to see what's on my wish list this week?

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I really like these simple block colour shift and swing dresses from Truly You and ASOS Curve. While it's true that I wear prints most of the time, I also enjoy wearing plain bold colours. The beautiful colours make a statement on their own, but I also see them as a blank canvas to style a thousand different ways with accessories and other garments.

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I'm finding myself drawn to a lot of black and dark reds at the moment, now that my thoughts have moved on to my Autumn / Winter wardrobe. The online shops have no shortage of either, and ASOS Curve have some lovely understated yet classic pieces, like the three dresses above. I can't decide which one I like best.

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Modcloth, New Look, F&F at Tesco and ASOS also have gorgeous pieces in the same colour palette. I've grouped this lot together because I would mix and match, and wear most of the pieces together. I'm particularly smitten with the polka dot button-down skirt, and the cat ears bag.

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These three fit and flare dresses from Modcloth are just beautiful. They all go from a size XS up to a 4X, which is fantastic! The plaid would be perfect for Autumn, and the polka dot beauty reminds me of a dress my Mum had when I was growing up.

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These two circle skirts from Lindy Bop are absolutely stunning. The pink is covered in a martini-glass print!

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It's been so chilly here in England this past week, so I think it's almost time to stock up on cosy slippers, and PJs. I love the Bambi lounge wear from F&F at Tesco; they'd be perfect for curling up on the sofa with a couple of movies when the nights start rolling in.

The slippers are all from Accessorize, who make the comfiest fleecy slippers. I have a pair of slipper boots from a previous season, and they're so warm and soft. I'd like to treat myself to the fairisle boots if they're still available a little later in the year. (FYI, they have plenty of room to accommodate chunky legs)!

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And finally, I've found a couple more satchels from River Island that I'd love to have in my collection; they make the best satchels on the affordable end of the high street. I'm still smitten with the burgundy version I shared in last week's wish list, and it's likely to be my next purchase.

What's on your wish list this week?

Which of these are your favourites?

My 10 Favourite Body Shop Beauty Products Part 1

The Body Shop are and have been one of my favourite beauty brands for almost two decades now. I can remember using their shower gels and body lotions as far back as age ten. I've long admired them for their ethical values, and in particular for the fact that their products weren't / aren't tested on animals.

When I first began shopping with them in the nineties, only a handful of beauty brands were commonly known as cruelty free (to me, at least), but I knew I could go to The Body Shop to buy beauty products with a clear conscience. I've always been against animal testing for cosmetic purposes, and the thought of animals being abused so we can wear make up or strawberry scented shampoo makes me feel ashamed, and disgusted. That's why I love The Body Shop. I can indulge on lovely, frivolous, beauty products and not feel guilty that an animal is suffering for my vanity. Everything is 100% vegetarian, too, and they also trade fairly in a way which benefits communities, so in my opinion, there are so many reasons why The Body Shop are worth shopping with. One being that their lotions and potions smell amazing and work like a dream.

As I use The Body Shop's products more than any other beauty brand, I thought it was time I shared some of my favourites with you. I've compiled my top ten favourites, half of which I'm going to talk about today.

Coconut body butter

I've been using Body Shop body butters for a very long time, and at present, I own the body butters in four different scents, including vineyard peach, satsuma, cranberry and coconut. While I do dabble in the different flavours from time to time, my favourite has always been the coconut, and it's the one I use and buy most often. It's enriched with Community Fair Trade virgin organic coconut oil, and the tropical scent never fails to make me nostalgic for past summer holidays. I like to use it on my legs, feet, and elbows during the summer months because it's heavier than a body lotion, and it works wonders on moisturising those dryer, hard-wearing areas that need a little extra TLC. Each time I use it, I get great results immediately, and I'm left with the softest, smoothest skin. I particularly love using it after shaving my legs because it gives me the silkiest pins I could ask for. And it smells amazing, too.

Coconut lip butter

I get badly chapped lips on a regular basis and have tried countless lip balms over the years but none of them have ever made much of a difference. That was until I bought a pot of the coconut lip butter for the first time last year. Unlike all the others, this lip butter actually hydrates, moisturises, and softens my lips, and that is a bloody miracle! It contains organic virgin coconut oil and has a thick butter-like consistency which work together to deeply nourish even the driest of lips. The butter seems to create a barrier that keeps my lips in shape for a couple of hours after being applied, which may not sound that remarkable, but for a girl whose lips usually become dry and chapped minutes after applying a lip balm, it's extremely impressive. I couldn't live without this lip balm now and always carry a pot of it in my handbag.

Peppermint cooling foot lotion

I have been using the peppermint cooling foot lotion since I was nine or ten, so my love affair with this lotion goes back nineteen or twenty years! I don't use many beauty products today that I was using twenty-years ago, so I think this shows just how much I love this foot lotion and how satisfied I am with it. It's a multi-functioning foot lotion. The mix of peppermint oils and cocoa butter not only smell fantastic, but work to banish foot odour, no matter how sweaty and pungent your feet may be. It cools hot, tired and swollen feet, which can provide some much-needed relief after a long day travelling or on your feet. And of course, it works to keep your feet well moisturised and softened. I like to apply this lotion after soaking my feet in a foot spa for ten or fifteen minutes, and I'll then cover my feet in a pair of cotton socks for a few hours to give the lotion time to sink in and work its magic. It never fails to give me extremely soft skin, but I get the best results when I pop the socks on after applying it to my feet.

Banana shampoo and banana conditioner

I've confessed my love for the banana shampoo and conditioner before, and I'll declare it again: I love the Body Shop's banana shampoo and conditioner. They both have a nostalgic banana scent which reminds me of banana yoghurt, and I could sit and inhale the aroma all day long. Both the shampoo and the conditioner are made from real banana puree, and they really do smell good enough to eat.

The banana shampoo always leaves my hair feeling beautifully clean, even when I begin the shower with greasy hair. It may be a gentle shampoo, but it's a feisty little thing . Once my hair is dried, it feels incredibly soft and light- not unlike the results I get at the hairdresser's- and every lock looks shiny, healthy and glossy. I often use the shampoo on my fringe in between hair washes, without following it with a conditioner, and it gives the same great results used on its own, too!

The banana conditioner is one of my all time favourite hair care products, and I've only been using it for about a year and a half. The Body Shop describe the conditioner as being "thick and creamy", but I personally think it's quite a light conditioner compared to a lot of others I've tried. Don't let that put you off, though; this conditioner is worth its weight in gold. When I massage it in to my hair, I usually leave it to sink in for a minute or two before I rinse it out, and afterwards my hair feels wonderfully conditioned. It leaves me with very few tangles, so my hair is really easy to brush through before I attack it with the hair dryer. And once my hair is washed, dried and styled, I'm left with the softest, shiniest tresses I could ever dream of having. Not bad for a cruelty free conditioner that costs an affordable £4.50!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about five of my favourite Body Shop products. Keep an eye out for the second part of this post coming up next Monday when I will be talking about another five of my favourites.

What are your favourite Body Shop beauty products?

Sunday Favourites #96

Hi guys!

Are you ready for this week's favourites?

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Think pink!

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This is beautiful.

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I want to make a rainbow cake!

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This is really eye-catching.

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I love this hair colour.

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These DIY ombre doughnuts look far too cute to eat.

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I want a mint green cooker! How gorgeous is this one? I'd love a mint green Smeg, too.

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These high speed photos of bullets cutting through droplets of water are pretty cool.

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It happens to me all the time!

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I want to try this tutorial for DIY honeycomb balloon gift toppers.

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Perfect pastel kitchenware.

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I'm not sure exactly what kind of deer these guys are, but they're so cute!

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These s'more ice cream sandwiches look delicious.

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Wise words I try to remember every day.

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These DIY 'cat face shoe decor (or hair clips)' are really cute.

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I love this lady's eye make up.

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This five week old baby wombat is bloody adorable! Yes, it's pretty ugly, but it's also extremely cute. I wouldn't want to mess with those talons, though!

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This photo shows American soldiers taking Dutch children to a dance during the second world war, and I think there's something really lovely about it. I love those traditional Dutch outfits, too.

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Tapirs are my favourite animal, and this baby is one of the cutest critters I've ever seen.

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This is so true.

Louise's Lovely Links

♥ Vicky made her debut on The Huffington Post with a brilliant piece about the darker side of fat shaming. (Congratulations on the job, Vicky!).

♥ Laura from Tutus and Tiny Hats wrote about how much she hates the recent trend that is blaming fat women for our lack of clothing options. I couldn't agree more on the subject!