Thursday 21 July 2011

How's my hair? 001


I've been wearing my hair like this a lot recently. It looks effortless and easy for those busy summer days. It does take slightly longer to achieve than some hairstyles but I love the fact it can last for days - although I do tend to wash my hair everyday (I can't stand my hair being dirty!) 

 I know the whole 'ombre look' had been slightly over done but now the hype has died down I think its time for me to take the plunge and give it a go. However diy ombreing my hair myself...I'm not so sure about?! Have any of you given it a go yourselves? I'd love to know how easy you found it?!

-Hannah Kimberley ♥

XXX

p.s only three more sleeps till my holiday - not that I'm counting or anything! I'm thinking of doing a little holiday packing series 'What's in my hand luggage?' etcccc so if you'd like to see that then keep a look out!

Tuesday 19 July 2011

I'm doing nothing cos then atleast im doing nothing wrong


A recent rediscovery I have pulled from the back of my wardrobe not thinking I would need again until Autumn - how wrong I was! My outfits have been rather plain recently having not been particularly inspired by the rain that continues to fall. However Ive been adding simple accessories like this scarf to change add a little something. It's a gorgeous semi-sheer material with a floral and skull pattern. The obvious inspiration here being 'that' Alexander McQueen scarf . I do actually have the 'real deal' near the top of my wish list which as soon as funds allow I WILL be snapping up! (Please excuse my little brother's gormless expression in the last picture!)

 Today has turned into one of the most unproductive days in a while. I attempted to prepare for my holiday by popping into town to pick up a few essentials but failed, badly, so another trip will be needed later in the week! Is five days before I jet away on holiday too late to start an attempt at shaping up for the beach? I think I may have left it a little late but its better late than never right?! The gym was torture today - having not been for a few days I felt like a fish out of water. If looking at those bikinis I have to wear in five days isn't  enough motivation I don't know what is!

Any quick/easy/lazy tricks or tips would be very much appreciated :)

- Hannah Kimberley ♥

XXX

Monday 18 July 2011

And you can leave your hat on...


When I heard the Next sale started at 5am on a Saturday for a tinylittlesmall second I contemplated going for the opening but who am I kidding...5am on a Saturday? Err no thank you my bed is much more appealing! I eventually made it there around lunchtime to find ciaos which I just wasn't in the mood to deal with at all. I'd already spotted this hat a few days before but couldn't justify spending £14 for it (my last hat had a rather squashed ending from the airport to the hotel- I am possibly the most clumsiest person alive.) But at less than half price I couldn't not - I must learn to be less clumsy!
 I've never been the biggest lover of Next but I was impressed with their stock and everything in store is now in the sale at half price or less so worth a look - you never know what you might find.

-Hannah Kimberley ♥

XXX

Saturday 16 July 2011

I know you get me, so I let my walls come down...


Isn't it gorgeous?
I stupidly burnt a whole through one of my most loved tops last week with the iron - urghh.
After having a little moan to my boyfriend about how much I loved it he went and had a sneaky look for it to surprise me with - although they didn't have the same one he picked this one out for me as a replacement which I love a lot. Whats more last month I did a little post on everything coral I was loving and lo& behold this top was there! Now he 'says' he had no idea I had posted about it so is this just one of those crazy coincidences that shows how well he knows me? Whatever the reason this ended up in my hands made me a very happy girl.
BestBoyfriendEver.

XXX

Friday 15 July 2011

My edition of...Project 10 Pan.

I must stop being distracted by all of your blogs!
 Every time I go to write I find hours just escape me reading.

I've seen the 'Project 10 pan' posts floating around which (being nosey and all) I enjoy reading so thought I would do my own little edition on it. Every time I manage to use up 10 products whether it be make up related, hair care related, skin related I would do a little post to show you and share my repurchases.

So here we go... My edition of 'Project 10 Pan.'


The products have varied in the amount of time I have been using them but coincidentally all ran out within a week of each other.

Hair care

  • V05 Shampoo and Conditioner - I opted for 'gloss me smoothly' after seeing these on offer for 2 for £5.00. The pink packaging really stood out to me and having tried and few other products from he new V05 range and being impressed thought why not give them go. To be honest I don't have anything particularly positive or negative to say about them. I wouldn't say I really noticed must of a difference in my hair either good or bad. They smell nice, the pink packaging grabbed my attention, have I found my go to Shampoo? I don't think so and shall remain looking.
  • Schwarzkopf 'got2be' hairspray - I featured this in my 'May favourites' as my new 'go to' hairspray. This still remains. I can't get enough of the amaaaazing berrylicious smell!
  • Umberto Giannini 'sex bomb massive mousse' - This was also featured in a monthly favourites my July monthly favourites. I love this mousse but hadn't tried many others so thought I would try a different brand but it just doesn't compare!
  • Batiste - Need I say more?! An essential I just need in my life! I kept this bottle in my car for those times when I needed to freshen up on the go.

Body care


  • Garnier 'Mineral' deodorant
  • Sure deodorant  - Not particularly interesting I'm afraid! To me a deodorant is just a deodorant. I don't have a 'go to' deodorant which I always buy I usually just pick up whichever has the best bargain on it! I've never used one which has been particularly different to the previous one. I do however prefer them in unscented so it doesn't mix with my perfume causing a mess of smells!

Skin care

  • Nivea moisturiser - I liked this moisturiser as it is a slightly thicker formula than some other moisturisers I have tried which I prefer. However it does not have a SPF in it which is essential for me especially in the Summer.
  • Clearasil 'Clear n'Refine daily scrub' - My holy grail of skin scrubs. This seems to do wonders for my skin, I only discovered it worked so well for me a few months ago and have already been through three tubes. It has really helped to clear up my recent skin catastrophe from using ahem Liz Earle. (Yes I know!)
  • Nivea Visage '2 in 1 Cleanser and toner' - I like to use this after I have used the daily scrub above to just make sure I have taken every last bit of make up off thoroughly. Its super gentle and has a milky consistency which also seems to be a good little eye make up remover if I don't have any to hand- a multi purpose product!
Any repurchases?

Yes! I will be repurchasing five out of the ten products I have used up this month.


Have any of you tried any products I have mentioned here? What did you think of them?

- Hannah Kimberley ♥



Wednesday 13 July 2011

OOTD - Denim shorts

Lately I've been finding I have no idea what weather to dress for - its just so unpredictable and forever changing!
I have found myself filling my bag with such contradictory items to make sure I am prepared for any weather!
Sunglasses? An umbrella? Suncream? A jumper?
Will it please just make up its mind!

I'm going through a more comfort over style look at the moment.
 I have really not been in the mood to squeeze myself into tight jeans and struggle all day so please say hello to my favourite most lived in item of the moment...

My denim Hollister shorts.


Comfortable, cool and casual.

I have been pairing them with cardigans, jackets and jumpers as it hasn't quite been warm enough to wear with just a top.
Below I wore with a white basic top and added a black blazer to smarten it up and keep my warm. I find this black blazer such a versatile piece - a definite staple necessity for any wardrobe!



Denim shorts - Hollister
Basic white vest - Primark
Blazer - H&M
Necklace - Primark
Bracelet - Pandora
Nude flats - Primark

How have you been keeping comfortable in this ever changing weather?!

On another note I failed my shopping ban I restarted - I lasted 2 days this time! But oh how it was worth failing for...post to come soon!

- Hannah Kimberley



Tuesday 12 July 2011

Weekend Haul - Guildford

Hello everyone!

I should start off by letting you all know I failed.
 Yes I failed my shopping ban!
I think I lasted about two weeks which I'm still pretty proud of as I need love to shop. I fought the temptations of online bargains and resisted going anywhere near a Topshop, Primark and H&M which seemed to do the trick.
I wasn't planning on even going shopping this weekend but when my dad spontaneously mentioned a trip to Guildford it would have been rude to let him go alone right..?!

Guildford is a large town about an hour from where I live which I usually visit once every few months. They pretty much have every shop you can imagine so its great when your looking for something specific but Sunday was more of just a casual mooch.

As well as wandering around a few shops my dad wanted to look in I managed to sneak away for a little as Topshop, Primark and H&M were calling my name!
 Primark is a recently new addition to Guildford so id never been in before but it was a good size so I was happy. I picked up a couple of summer Esq jumpers as the weather is just so unpredictable here. I couldn't have been more happy when I spotted the pink one as Ive been eyeing up a nearly identical one in Topshop for a couple of months now for more than double the price. I'm not a great lover of wearing pink but this is so bright and great to colour block with I wanted to give it a try. I thought it would look nice under a plain black blazer(which I also brought!)




The maxi dress was an unsure purchase and I'm still undecided. I love the colours but it is slightly too long and too big - I'm only a small 5ft 4 and I had to get it in a size 10 but it may work for holiday.  I seem to be so picky when it comes to maxi dresses I haven't been able to find one which is perfect yet they are either too long, too short, too see through or just make me feel like a whale!


Sunglasses, shoes and make up wipes were little extras I threw in at the last minute - I'm the most clumsiest person that ever existed so am forever breaking sunglasses.
These shoes were reduced from £2.50 to £1 they may not be the most comfortable but they will be ideal to throw on on holiday.


The Topshop store layout was so well put together and organised I found it so easy to look around which i love as I am pretty lazy when it comes to shopping - I like to be able to just scan a shop and see everything! This was the last top left and in my size...it must have been fate.



H&M wasn't such a pleasant experience - too many people and long ques at the tills. I must have been waiting 15 minutes in a que that seemed to go on for miles with only ONE sales assistant serving - that really irritates me! Ive been looking for a plain black blazer so this one fit the brief perfectly. I also wanted to get it in cream but they didn't have my size :( waa.
 About a month ago I brought a semi high waisted blue and white floaty stripe skirt which I just had no idea what to wear with as everything I tried looked awful. After reading through a few blogs(I cant remember which) I was inspired to try it with a plain white strapless top which goes perfectly!

Lastly I am on the hunt for a new foundation.
 Having run out of my drugstore foundation I went for the Bourjous healthy mix to try having heard great things about it. I also use the Estee lauder Double Wear for evenings or special occasions but I just find it too heavy and hard to blend in the Summer so I picked up a sample of the Double Wear Light to have a little play around with. I then couldn't resist having a little word with the very nice lady at the Chanel counter who gave me samples of Chanel Pro Luminare and Vitalumiere which I'm megaaa excited to use!


Having had my shopping fix I should try and go back to the Shopping ban for the next week and a half before holiday but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to!

How has your weekend been?

-Hannah Kimberley ♥









Friday 8 July 2011

Were all going on a Summer holiday...

I am a self confessed magazine whore.
Literally can't help myself.

My family actually think I have a problem - I think I may!

I tried to give up for lent and failed. The sun came out and I just needed wanted something to read!
I usually buy around 3 -5 a week but this can often esculade to a higher number. I must have over 100 stashed away in my room!

I MUST STOP!


Yesterday I brought 'heat' and 'Cosmopolitan' to save for my holiday as I like taking a lot so I never run out of them to read on my sunlounger! I don't usually buy Cosmo as personally I think its overpriced although I do love the magazine but yesterday I couldnt turn down a Missguided nail polish which retails at £5.00 and the magazine for £3.50!

There are three to collect a bright orange, a coral and a turquoise. I opted for the gorgeous turquoise - which is showing up more blue in this picture.


I have never tried a missguided nail varnish before so am looking forward to giving this a go!

As well as being an avid magazine reader I love being engrossed in a good book - especially whilst laying in the sun on the beach! The problem I seem to have is finding a book I really enjoy so I thought I would ask you lovely readers if there are any you would recommend?
 Last Summer holiday I managed to get through three which were LA Candy by Lauren Conrad, Playing awa by Adele Parks and The good the bad and the dumped by Jenny Colgan. Have any of you read any of those? On holiday I tend to prefer the light hearted girly books so please let me know if you have read any I may enjoy:)

Also just a quick little note to say I have finally jumped on the Twitter bandwagon! If you would like to follow me its @hankimberley :)

-Hannah Kimberley ♥

 

Wednesday 6 July 2011

My Monthly Favourites - June 2011

I get so excited by monthly favourite posts in the hope of discovering something new!

I had far too many products I could have included this month but have narrowed it down to my most reached for...

My products of the month


  • Umberto Giannini Sex Bomb Massive Mousse Where was I when it was explained to you mousse = volume and how had I missed this?!?! I love the smell of all the Umberto Giannini products and you can always get a great deal on them in Boots. I scrunch a handful of mousse into the roots of wet hair and then blow dry for an extra lift. I stayed at my cousins house last week and was devastated to discover I had forgotten my mousse! I can't live without it!
  • Batiste XXL Volume I may be slightly cheating here as I only picked this up about a week ago but I couldn't not include it! Ive used it every day since (even more than once a day a few times!) I like how it can be used for volume as well as as a dry shampoo. I spray a tiny amount to the roots after I have washed my hair which seems to work miracles! The only negative I have which is to be expected is that it makes my hair very dry. Now all they need to do is bring out a travel size for me to pop in my handbag.
  • Sudocrem I read somewhere Cheryl Cole swears by this and uses it every night without fail so if its good enough for Chezza its good enough for me! I have just run out of the new handy 30ml tube and couldn't get my hands on another so opted for the 200ml tub. For value for money the tub gives you a lot more and works out cheaper so I may just stick to the tub in the future. I love the way it makes my skin feel in the morning - smooth and soft ready for my make up to be applied!

  • Emollient Cream After being driven insane by my moaning about my legs my Dad picked me up some emollient cream from his work. I had never heard of this before but I have such sensitive legs that after I shave them they become irritated and sore so this cream is a little god send. It instantly soothes them and brings down the irritation. I find that some moisturisers with a scent in can irritate my skin even more so this being scentless is great. You can normally find it at any local pharmacy. It applies just like a usual moisturiser and absorbs quickly into the skin once rubbed.

  • MAC lipstick in Creme Cup  My most prized lipstick! I asked my Dad to pick this up for me in Duty Free at the airport at the beginning of the month after reading many great reviews! The colour is just so me. I actually had it in my clutch bag this weekend and because of the hot weather it started to melt which had me in despair! None of my family understood my pain but I'm sure there are some reading this that will!

  • Benefit Highbeam Since the recent Glamour giveaway I'm sure you are all aware of this one. I didn't actually manage to get my hands on the highbeam sample although I already have one I would have liked a backup as mines running low. The Summer has reignited my love for this product to add that sun kissed healthy glow. I apply everyday without fail on my cheek bones and brow bones. I will defiantly be repurchasing!
  • Urban Decay Naked Palette I know I know you must be bored of this one by now but how can it not be mentioned when I use it everyday! My love for it just seems to grow and grow! I tend to go for more simple colours in the Summer so my favourite have been Naked and Smog.



My Perfume of the month
  • Escada Taj Sunset I was given this as a gift a few months ago and thought it would be a great Summer scent. Although I probably wouldn't have chosen it myself it has grown on me and Ive been reaching for it most days. I find it so hard to describe smells but if you think of a light mix of mango and coconut your on the right lines! I can see myself spritzing this on on holiday to go the beach or for lunch as its light and fresh. 


My Jewellery of the month
  • llymrs mix of 5 rings - I took advantage of the offer llymrs had on her website whilst she was away when she was offering 20% off. There were so many rings I wanted I just couldn't decided so went with the mix of 5 rings for £10. With the 20% discount it cancelled out the delivery charge so for £2 a ring I am stunned. I was worried I may not like a couple as you cant choose but I love all of them! I have been mixing them up to try different combinations everyday and am even considering buying another 5.

My Songs of the month
  • Ed Sheeran - The A team
  • Chris Brown - Fallen angel
My Nail Polish of the month
  • Coral by Barry M I feel slightly embarrassed to say thinking back over the last month I don't think I have worn any other colour nail varnish - what can I say I'm obsessed with coral! It seems to go with everything and anything and looks even better with a tan - WIN!


What have your favourite products been this month?

- Hannah Kimberley ♥

Tuesday 5 July 2011

If nothings gained then nothings won...

I am most defiantly having post weekend blues after such a great weekend in the sun. I thought i'd try and re live the memories of my weekend by sharing it with you!

Sunday saw the 25th Wedding Anniversary of my Grandma and step Grandad which we celebrated with a big family party at the most gorgeous Manor House I have ever seen- lots of champagne, food and laughter!
I took so many photos so here are a selection of my favourites...

My Cousin and I  :)






I was so undecided on what to wear and brought numerous dresses but ended up going with this little beauty. A nude bodycon dress with large cap sleeves from a little boutique in London. I paired it with my huge nude platform heels from Next and a pink orange and camel clutch bag from Primark. My feet must hate me right now after what I have put them through this weekend!

My new camel wedges which I showed in my last haul also has their debut outing on Saturday night. I popped into my local Town for a what was supposed to be couple of drinks which turned into many drinks - as they usually do! Before I knew it we were taking shots and dancing in the local (and awful) club!

Onto the highlight of my weekend...wakeboarding! My Brother is a bit of an expert now and I was finally convinced to give it go- I was so nervous it was ridiculous! If you live near anywhere that does wakeboarding or get the opportunity to try it on holiday DO IT! It was so much fun and im already trying to book up my next lesson! Apparently 15 minutes wakeboarding is also equivilent to an hour in the gym - any alternative way to get me out the gym is great in my books!




How have you all spent this weekend?

-Hannah Kimberley ♥