Meet The Blogger #1

For the new year I wanted a new series I could post every Sunday, something that was a little different and I hadn't seen done before. Like myself you might spend ages trying to find new blogs to read so I decided to hand pick a few of my favourite bloggers that I think are a little underrated in the beauty/fashion/lifestyle blogosphere world. In my opinion they all deserve an extra few readers and what better way to know them then a few questions of what you can expect. So here we have 'Meet the Blogger'. 

"Hi everyone I'm Lauren! I blog over at Lauren Wanders. Its a lifestyle blog where I share my daily musings about beauty, fashion, food and take you with me on my travels."

1. What made you start your blog?

I started blogging a fair few years ago but not consistently, then last year I decided I wanted to start afresh after being inspired by so many lifestyle blogs, especially The Londoner's blog. 

2. What's your must have product at all times?

 Mascara always, I have repurchased Maybelline's The Falsies mascara for about a year now.

3. Who inspires your style - fashion and make up choices?

I don't really have a particular person as so many things inspire my style both fashion and makeup wise. It can be from scrolling through my Tumblr feed, to watching some of my favourite Youtubers, to reading style blogs and magazines.

4. Who's your favourite well known blogger?

I adore so many bloggers I could list so many, but at the moment its definitely Suzie from HelloOctober. Her Sunday post is my favourite and her Youtube videos are amazing.

5. And any underrated bloggers you think deserve more credit?

I would have to say Viva la Blonde's blog, she posts about beauty, food and fashion and definitely deserves more readers.

6. What is your favourite drugstore beauty brand?

Oo thats a toughie, it definitely used to be Revlon but nowadays its Maybelline. They have amazing mascaras and the colour sensational lipsticks are the best. I love the Fit Me foundation too.

7. And your high end brand preference?

I think it's going to have to be Nars. I adore the Laguna bronzer and the blusher range is gorgeous. I would love to try their lip pencils too, having read great things about them.  

8. What's your favourite clothing brand? Online and high street?

Zara get it right every time for me, followed closely by Topshop.

9. Got any blogging tips you have learnt?

Be yourself. I know its an obvious one but I love reading blogs where you feel as if you know the person behind the screen. Also don't blog for the sake of blogging as it just doesn't work. Only write when you really want to as the content is always better.

10. What are your hair styling secrets? Products? Electrical's?

My favourite electrical beauty product is the Babyliss Soft Waves Curling wand, it gives my hair soft loose curls which I definitely prefer at the moment. In terms of products I only use my Batiste Dry Shampoo to give my hair a bit of volume, but I'm still meaning to try the Oribe Dry Texturing Spray.

11. And finally what do you want to achieve from blogging?

My blog is my online diary, I want to carry on posting snippets from my life and share my memories, so I can look at back at them and remember that time in my life. Along the way I would love to make some 'blogger' friends as they share the same passion and hobby as me and hopefully increase my readership and interact with every single one of them.

Here is where you can find Lauren:

• Blog (Lauren Wanders)
• Youtube
• Twitter
• Tumblr
• Instagram

I hope you all enjoyed the first instalment of 'Meet the Blogger' and make sure to check Lauren's lovely blog out and her Youtube channel is fab too.

And if you want to get involved in this series then just click on my contact page to email me your interest.

2013 Favourites Part 2/2 - Skincare/Haircare

Continuing with my 2013 favourites three part series, today I have the skincare and haircare bits and bobs I've been loving. I do have a hair care post coming out soon as it has been requested so I haven't included too much as more in depth reviews will be coming very soon. Like I mentioned in yesterday's post I'm not a high end type of person but in 2014 I definitely want to splurge a little and use some higher end skincare and haircare products. I did experiment more towards the end of 2013 mind you.

| SKINCARE |

The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner & Facial Cleanser (£3-£8) - I really enjoyed using these two products together though I do wish I'd brought the bigger sizes. That's the great thing about The Body Shop, a lot of their products you can buy in mini size which is great for trialling new products. These two together left me feeling really fresh though, perfect for mornings. 

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Purifying Micellar Solution (£4.99) - With this offering from L'Oreal you can easily remove your make-up before having a good cleanse. With a quick few swipes over your eyes you can remove any tough eye-liners or mascaras with so much ease, no more sore eyes.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (£8) - By far my most favourite exfoliator choice. Leaves the skin very soft and the perfect kick start to a killer fake tan. I'm a massive fan of citrus smells in body care products so I love the lime scent that goes with this glorious little pot. 

| HAIRCARE |

Aussie Take The Heat Shampoo (£4.69) - Now this might just be me being a little crazy but I find with blonde hair it's really hard to get a nice shine to it. Like many Aussie products it just gives me the best shine out of many hair products I've used. And anything that protects from heat damage is always a bonus.

L'Oreal Studio Line Matt and Messy: Salt Spray (£3.75) - Having natural/wavy hair is sometimes a good thing for myself. The amount of times I'll leave it in it's natural state and add a little bit of this salt spray from L'Oreal. It adds a bit of texture to it and I'm a fan of the whole 'beach hair' look. This small bottle lasts ages as well (I think they've changed the packaging since I last repurchased anyway). 

The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter (£3-£8) - Another product from The Body Shop that I brought in a mini size but is lasting me ages. I add this hair butter to the ends of my hair after conditioning to keep them soft, you don't need a lot of the butter. The trick with this one is 'less is more'. 

Part two of my 2013 favourites over with, if you missed yesterday's 2013 make-up favourites you can catch up HERE. What have been your favourites products in the past year?

2013 Favourites Part 1/2 | Make-up

Somewhat a little late on the 2013 favourites posts but I'm spreading mine out in three parts. Today's post being make-up and tomorrow's skincare/haircare. It's only towards the end of the year I've really been trying out higher end make-up so I haven't wanted to include that in my yearly favourites because I find that drugstore products have served me very well for the majority of the year. My make-up brand of the year has to go to Rimmel too!

| EYES |

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Retro Glam Mascara (£6.99) - It's not very often an advert for a new product makes me want to purchase the latest from a brand but it was right up my street this one. 60's band playing, 60's influenced fashion and make-up and a scooter for good measure. The mascara wand is brilliant at creating volume and lengthening my lashes. Become my go-to mascara most definitely. 

Natural Collection Due Eyeshadow in Mink/Sable (£1.99) - One of the biggest bargains you will ever pick up, promise! I love the lighter shade for a base on the whole eye, highlighting the brow bone. Then using the darker of the shades as a base for the lid. I think Natural Collection are often overlooked because of their cheap prices but these eyeshadows are well pigmented and easily build able.

Sleek i-Divine Storm Eyeshadow Palette (£7.99) - I love the mix of matte and shimmer shadows in this palette. I used to massively dislike shimmery shades in the daytime but this has changed my mind. They're incredibly pigmented but so subtle. A little dust excess can form if you don't keep the palette clean but apart from that I have no faults.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner in Black (£10) - I actually hated eyeliner in liquid or kohl form until I discovered this gem. Obviously I'm a sucker for anything Alexa Chung loves too. On a serious note though it's so easy for application with the fine point tip felt pen shape. Creates the most amazing flicks. 

| FACE |

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain (£6.99) -  Before I discovered this beauty I was all about the fullest coverage I could possibly get. I wouldn't say this is a sheer coverage, more like a medium one. What attracted me was the variety of shades available for a drugstore foundation. It's a perfect shade for my pale complexion and I've lost count how many times I've repurchased. 

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil (£15.95) - How did I even cope without this for brightening my eyes after a sleepless night?! I think this product will really get some rave reviews in 2014 because it is amazing. For a pencil it has quite a creamy formula once warmed using the fingers for application. Doesn't crease either, bonus points to you Chella.

Seventeen Skin Wow Highlighter (£5.99) - This can be used as a primer but I'd find it far to shimmery as a full face of it. As a highlighter though I can't get enough of it. It stays in place for hours and I often use it with a little blush which of late has been given me the perfect combination of a winter glow.

| NAILS AND LIPS |

Collection Hot Looks Nail Polish in Milkshake (£1.99) - There hasn't been a particular shade of polish that I have loved this year. I have loved a range though which is the Hot Looks Nails from Collection. Priced at £1.99 they are a bargain even if they are on the smaller side. Despite that they are long lasting, don't take very long to try and most shades only need one coat. Except a review soon with plenty of colours.

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick (£5.49) - Again not a shade I've been loving but a formula. I adore these from Rimmel's collab with Kate Moss. My two favourites have been in shades 19 and 16 for the seasonal transitions mind you. After a few swipes over the lips there is no budging this for hours. 

So there is my make-up favourites for 2013, look out for my other favourites from 2013!

Boxing Day/January Sales Haul

I've decided the start of this new year I'm putting myself on a spending ban for say the first 6 weeks, no beauty items, no fashion items and definitely not any shoes. I look back at the past year and wonder where my money goes. I spend a little on gigs and the travel side of it but the amount of clothes I have sitting around I've never even worn is ridiculous. Hopefully this year there will be a fair few of us going on holiday and hopefully V festival again. Plus, trips to Manchester, Liverpool, London and Leicester for a few gigs will more than likely wipe me out so do I really need anything else? No. I just want to point out anything in this haul was purchased prior to the New Year and I picked up some bargains.

I popped into Boots straight away. I did pick up a few other things but they were gifts for my Mum's birthday. This little 'post party beauty' kit set me back a fiver. I've been loving the 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution from L'Oreal and seen as it retails at £4.99 anyway I couldn't turn a basically free moisturiser could I? There was so many bargains in the Boots half price sale so I'd check it out while stocks last! I can't see this on Boots' website anywhere but it's available at Feel Unique for £6, HERE.

I always used to think the NEXT sale was a bit naff, still is really but I did find a load of these roll neck fine dogtooth printed tops for £8, down from £16 so obviously I grabbed one. Thinking of the hotter months that are ahead I'm sure this monochrome number could work well with a pop of colour on the bottom half.

Fred Perry always start their sale a few days before Christmas, and around the time of payday. I'm a massive fan of the brand and it's the only clothing items I indulge in money wise. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing they emailed me over an extra 15% off discount code for being a loyal customer though. I'm not complaining though. The quality of the polos are second to none and this reminds me something from the Amy Winehouse collection even though it isn't. This cost me £35.70 with my discount code, currently at £42 from £60 HERE. Fred Perry polo shirts really are an investment piece. 

Matalan isn't a shop I tend to shop in but I know they always have a good sale on their lingerie section which is the reason I stopped by. Me being me though couldn't resist a little look through the sale rails and stumbled across this geometric print shirt, £7 down from £14. I've been looking for something like this for ages. It's a little sheer and you might want to pop a another top underneath. They also had this available in red if blue isn't your colour. It's also available online to, HERE.

As you can imagine the sale in Topshop was manic on Boxing Day. I made a swift stop in there on my lunch break and I didn't have the patience to have a proper look and come 3 o'clock everything was in a bit of a mess but I did find this jacquard embossed style skater dress with a high neck collar. I loved the shape and style of this. Originally £30 and came in at half price for £15. They don't appear to have the black dress in stock online but I did spot similar ones HERE and HERE.

I did find there was a lot in the Dorothy Perkins sale but when I popped into Outfit which stocks the brand I found there were loads of variety and a lot better deals too. This jersey navy drop waist dress was £3. YES 3 ENGLISH POUNDS. Originally priced at £22. I can't find this anywhere online, imagine the frenzy if you found a basics item online though for a few quid.

I've made a little promise to myself this year to wear more jewellery. My collection is pretty much none existent apart from the odd few things here and there. I first stumbled across these different shaped rings and for £3 I couldn't turn them down.Then you can only imagine the look on my face when I discovered 3 matching necklaces for half price too, just £3.25. New Look really do have all the bargains every year don't they? I think I dropped on with these sets. 

One item I told myself I wanted to get was in fact a basic black skater skirt. This one was about 5 or 6 pound. Another embossed number but with a waffle like pattern going on. Something simple for the wardrobe and an easily layered number as Summer feels very far away right now. January blues..

Very very similar to the top I picked up in NEXT but I though hey what the hell I'll wear them so £5 isn't going to break the bank too much. Not entirely sure how to describe this pattern. Like a fine print tiling or something along those lines but well done to New Look again for a cracking sale.

I was if'ing and ar'ing over this dress but in the end I decided that I will wear it and it can always come out back to play when Autumn rolls back round again. Navy blue jacquard floral on black isn't something I'd usually go for but I really liked this one. Priced at £11, working out a little bit better than half price. They don't have this exact dress online but a very similar one can be found HERE.

That's everything now for a good few weeks on the clothes haul front anyway.

Which shops did you find had the best sales?

Looking Back At 2013 & New Year Resolutions

Looking back at 2013 I can it has been a fab year. Don't get me wrong there's been times where it's not been the best but overall it's not too shabby. Going through my pictures I'm usually with a beer in hand while pulling a stupid face, as lady like as ever. Some highlights of the year include seeing my favourite band 3 times, various birthday events, moving house, V Festival, the countless other gigs, my Uncle's wedding & in general meeting some of the most amazing people. I'd be silly to miss out starting my blog too wouldn't I?

This year I've also grown up a little bit and in the words of Alex Turner I needed to 'snap out of it'. I've put off driving lessons for so long and this year I finally put my mind to it. Not only that I realised who my friends were and didn't make the effort with those who didn't with me. Sure you might lose a few people you considered closest to you but this year has shown me a lot. As well as losing friends I've lost friends of the male variety, yes boys are still a pain in the arse (just a few that is). It has to be said though having a certain someone in your life shouldn't be your sole reason for happiness, realising that has made the majority of this year a lot smoother. So goodbye 2013 in pictures, here's to 2014.

(A lot of selfies of me and the best friend isn't there?!)

Now for the New Year resolutions:

General

• Spend more time with family/friends - I have a massive family and sometimes I feel like I just don't see them enough apart from family events. As for friends I want to be more spontaneous in plans.
• Control my spending habits - Do I really need that new pair of shoes that look similar to ones I already own? I'm planning on a spending ban for the whole of January!
• Put my gym membership to use/eat healthier - I'm stupidly conscious of myself and I've had a gym membership for 7 months that's been used once, yes once. Need to step my game up.
• Pass my driving test - I'm so eager to complete this one, it gives you so much more independence and would be so convenient for me for work and everyday stuff.

Blogging

• Aim for at least 3 blog posts a week - Posting more regular is my biggest aim, consistency is the key with this one so a more settled routine and stop being so bloody lazy.
• Set myself some blogging goals - I want a few goals to look back on in a year and be able to say I've done all of them, maybe even gone to further lengths.
• Redesign my blog completely - I'm fairly happy with how my blog looks right now but there is definitely a few things I'd like to change about it all.
• Speak to and meet more bloggers - Using twitter chats using the #bbloggers hashtag has allowed me to speak to some lovely people as well as discover new blogs. I want to continue this even more.

Beauty/Hair

• Paint my nails more often - Not so long ago I would paint my nails every other day. I've slacked so much and want to get back into the swing of pretty finger tips.
• Wash my make up brushes more - I already do at least once a week but improving skin care can always be helped with extra clean brushes
• Experiment with products more - I'm often stuck behind neutral shades so I want to try and be a little bit more bold in the products I use
• Make more effort with my hair - Not so proud to say I've become so lazy with my hair, I embrace my natural wavy hair far too much. Will those extra 15 minutes in bed really make a difference?

So here we are in 2014, what are your resolutions this year?