Soap & Glory Hand Food

I go through lots of hand creams because I have very dry skin and I've tried so many different kinds - expensive ones, cheap ones, the lot. 

Sometimes my hands can be so dry the skin actually cracks and stings.

This lovely hand cream from Soap & Glory is just fabulous and one of my new favourites. I don't know how long it's been on the go probably ages but I have only recently discovered it.

I love the name 'Hand Food' and the retro pink packaging.

The cream is nicely formulated and provides instant relief to dry skin leaving your hands feeling super soft and nourished.

It smells great and it doesn't leave your hands feeling sticky or greasy.

Available from Boots and priced for as little as £5 for 125ml you get a really decent hand moisturising cream that's not going to break the bank and last ages.

I'm looking forward to trying out some of their other products.

Have you tried this or any other Soap & Glory products that you can recommend?

Wednesday Fashion Spot - Accessories

This week on the fashion spot I want to share some lovely pieces that have made their way into my jewelry box!

As we all know accessories in moderation are as important as the clothes you wear and the shoes on your feet.

My daughter bought me this lovely gold textured band ring from New Look last week when she was out shopping with friends.

She surprised me I have to say, because I had tried this on a few weeks ago with her and said how nice it was but put it back! She also brought me back change which was even more surprising!

A chunky ring can bring any outfit to another level and this is perfect for wearing everyday.

This silver necklace is a real statement piece. I was going through my cupboards last week and found this with tags still on!

I'm really bad like that and I'm always putting things away and forgetting about them.

I bought it last summer when I was pregnant and have never worn it. 

This will be great for giving plain t-shirts and dresses an instant style boost and I can't wait to wear it.

Now all I have to do is find somewhere to go and wear these beauties!!

Have you ever bought anything and forgotten about it or maybe not had the chance to wear it?

Wednesday Fashion Spot

This week I'm getting back into my skinny jeans.

It's the first time since The Little Fella was born that I've gone shopping for jeans because it has taken me much longer this time round to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight! 

I have been wearing my old ones for a while but haven't gone looking for new ones until now and I wanted something nice for Easter.

It's so hard for me to get jeans that fit right and I was delighted to get these beauties last week.

They are so soft and very comfortable as well as looking good. I love the vibrant blue colour which is perfect for spring!

I teamed them up with this cute little butterfly top.

It is sure to liven up any winter wardrobe and is a really versatile little piece.

Both items were purchased in DV8, check out their website here. They also do a lovely shoe collection!!

Wednesday Fashion Spot

For this week's fashion spot I'm bringing you a few bits and pieces I picked up last week in New Look.

I love New Look and so does my daughter.

It's great to be able to head off, leave the boys at home and get some much needed girl time and retail therapy.

There are some lovely pieces in New Look at the minute and something to suit everyone, check them out here. 

I've wanted a denim shirt for ages but put off buying one when I was pregnant. I really like this dark denim one which can be dressed up or down easily.

I love scarves and this one will give my wardrobe a much needed springtime boost!

Lastly these are my favourite purchase - tan peep toe heels. I love the cut out design and they will be a great finishing touch to many outfits this spring!

 I haven't really worn heels so much since the Little Fella arrived so I'm going to change that over Easter!

I did not receive any of the above items or any compensation for writing this post and all opinions are honest and my own.

5 Steps to Spring Clean Your Makeup Bag

This week I'm feeling really good and as I'm starting to take more of an interest in my appearance and looking at new clothes to replace baggy t-shirts and leggings post baby, I have decided that my make up bag needs a spring clean.

Spring is here, the flowers are starting to bloom and just like my cupboards my make up and skin care products need the cobwebs blown off.

If your like me you will have countless beauty items lying in handbags, drawers, the car even - but how many do we actually use? I don't wear loads of make up unless I'm going out or going somewhere that I need to look respectable!

Join me today and follow my 5 tips to Spring cleaning your makeup bag.

1. Gather All your make up

Have a good rummage around the house, check your drawers, the car and get everything in the one place so that you can sort through them properly.

2. Throw away anything you haven't used for the last 6 months

Makeup and skin care products have expiry dates and can be harmful to your skin. I'm talking from experience here - I once used an old mascara I found in a handbag and it caused a severe eye infection - I looked like I had done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson and that's no joke!
So my cousin who is a Beauty Therapist has kindly given me these guidelines to follow;

Mascara: Three to four months
Foundation: Six to twelve months

Concealer: One year for liquid; Eighteen months for powder and stick forms

Face powder: Eighteen months

Blusher: Two years for powder; one year for cream

Eye shadow: Three months

Eyeliner: Three months

Lipstick/gloss: One year - if you suffer from cold sores you should discard and replace straight away

3. What items do you actually use?

Separate your most used items and make sure they aren't broken - keep these to one side as they will be used on a daily basis. Then have a look at the rest, the things you bought for special occasions or Christmas - like the eye shadow someone got you for your birthday and never used or the eyeliner the sales consultant talked you into buying because there was an offer of 2 for 3. Is it still in fashion and will you ever wear it? Be ruthless. Give everything you are keeping a rub and clean with a baby wipe before we move onto the next step. 

4. Store your make up properly

Try to keep your make up in the one place, because if it's out of sight then it's out of mind. I have decided to keep mine in 2 vanity cases both of which came free with skincare products. I've had them a while and they were never used but one will be for my skin care products and the other for my make up bits and bobs.

I also love this retro make up bag from Tender Love & Carry, it's available from ASOS and looks great, it's very spacious making it perfect for keeping in your handbag or for going away. At only €15.38 or £12 GBP it's a steal.

5. Last but not least, check your make up brushes 

If there are hairs falling out of your make up brushes throw them away and invest in some new ones. If they are ok, put them into warm water using a mild shampoo - baby shampoo is perfect. Soak them until they are clean, then rinse thoroughly and dry off. 

Now, it sounds easy so what are we waiting for?