Beauty Wish List

1. The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel All time fave. I love Body Shop shower gels, they're good value and leave you smelling super scrummy all day long. Christmas stocks are now running low (yes, I did ask for shower gel for Christmas!) so I need to grab myself a few more bottles of this stuff!

2. Clinique SPF40 Face Cream I'm pretty anal when it comes to my skin. I apply sun cream on a daily basis, even if it's cloudy! Mum's always drilled into me how important it is to look after my skin, so I apply a minimum of SPF15 all year round. I've decided using sun cream as a moisturiser before I apply my make up probably isn't the best idea, so want to give this baby a try.

3. Essie Borrowed & Blue Nail Varnish I'm big on Blue and I've been eyeing up this gorgeous pastel shade for a while now. Definitely a polish I need to add to my collection, the perfect subtle summer shade for the office.

4. Mac Shroom Eye Shadow Another Mac product that I'm lusting after at the moment. Eye shadow isn't part of my everyday make up routine, however I definitely have a few looks I want to incorporate this into. I love the shimmer and it's the perfect shade that will blend nicely with most colours.

5. Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi-Colour Blush Brick I need this blusher and fast. I didn't even know that Soap & Glory did make up until I was browsing for a friends birthday present. This has everything I look for in a blush, it's peachy, a little shimmery and multi-toned. I bought Alexandra the 'Love at First Blush' block which is also amazing and I now have blusher envy. I suit more peachy tones so this is definitely high on the wish list.

6. Mac In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Another must have Mac product. As you can tell I do have a little obsession with this brand. I tried a bit of my mums mascara before the 10K and not only did it lengthen my lashes (to the extent they looked fake) it was also perfect after running for an hour! At £18 it is a little pricey, but it's definitely worth the money and I shall be ordering one on payday.

7. Burt's Bees Rhubarb Lip Shimmer Burt's Bees is a pretty fab brand. I've tried a few of their products before and I love that they are full of good ingredients. I'm not usually a big fan of shimmery lips however after trying this on in Boots recently I have been converted!

Have you tried any of these products? What's on your beauty wish list?

M x

Minty Monday

Bank Holidays are always fun, who doesn't love a three day weekend?

I have had a perfect break, catching up on sleep and enjoying quality time with friends.

On Saturday A left bright and early for Manchester to play in the Lacrosse British Nationals, so I treated myself to a lay in. Hol and I then went on a mammoth power walk/jog for 2 hours and got a little burnt in the sun, before we finished the night off with an old school slumber party.

On Sunday I did not move from the sofa all day, instead I watched 9 episodes of One Tree Hill (Yes, 9!) and lounged around in my pjs. It was then time for a delicious Italian supper and cocktails with the girls, calamari, pork and a passion fruit mojito, perfection.

A's team won the British Nationals and when he got back we nibbled on chocolate and caught up on news from each-others weekends.

Today was particularly fab because I treated myself to a new pair of shoes in my fave colour... Mint!

The sun was shining so A and I went for a walk down to the pub and sat in the beer garden to soak up some summer sun.

Earrings can be found here, £39 from Daisy London.

Jeggings £22 from Next

Tee from Rampant Sporting and Cardigan from H&M (unavailable)

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

M x

Springing into Action

The sun has been shining almost solidly for the last week. This makes for a very happy Maddie. I have been in a constant haze, day dreaming at my desk of summer nights, Pimms and adventures with friends.

Spring is doing a very good job as a warm up act for the main event, so much so that I've already started splurging in preparation.

My top 3 Spring/Summer purchases so far:

1. Bubblegum Pink Lipstick by Lasting Colour

The perfect shade to add a pop of pink to any outfit. I usually have trouble finding a good lipstick that doesn't fade too easily, smudge or crack. I bought this on a bit of a whim because I really liked the colour, however it's actually really good quality. Want to know the best bit? It was less than £5! Nothing says HELLO SUMMER more than a bright pink lipstick.

2. L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner

I was a bit sceptical about buying this product as I'd read a lot of mixed reviews online. However as Boots had a half price offer on I thought why the hell not? It was a sign! This shampoo is pretty incredible. As someone who has pretty thin and flat hair, I've wanted something to boost it without leaving it sticky and full of products. I've used this for a week and can genuinely see a difference in my hair. Apparently there's something in the shampoo that causes your hair to expand? I don't care what it is, it seems to work!

3. Olivia Round Sunglasses from Accessorize

I must say, I do enjoy experimenting with different styles of sunglasses. I usually go with the classic aviators, however I found myself in a spot of bother when in London a few weeks ago in the blinding sunlight, with no shades! I quickly popped into Accessorize and found these bad boys which I've fallen head over heels in love with. I love the style and they're a great pair to add to my collection. 

What are your favourite Spring/Summer time accessories?

M x

On my radar

Sooo people, with Summer just around the corner it's definitely time for me to start looking into new lighter items of clothing and pretty accessories.

I thought I'd share with you a couple of bits and pieces currently at the top of my list.

Oh if only money grew on trees... Or clothes!


1. Mizzy Shorts by Motel


Topshop - £35

I love the paisley print on these shorts and the shade of blue. I'm a big blue fan (in fact it's the colour dominating my wardrobe!) These would look super cute paired with a cami and some loafers.


2. Nike Pro Hypercool Compression Aerial



Nike - £26

In other words a pretty damn cool sports bra. I've had my current sports bra for about 3 years now, it used to be white and now would definitely be classed as grey... I love Nike gear, so much so that all of my running kit is by Nike. Another item to add to the collection!


3. 'Gym and Tonic' Tote Bag



Not on the Highstreet - £13.75

As a lover of G&T's and exercise this bag has my name all over it. I can already find multi purposes for this bag... Definitely top of the list! You can bag yourself (sorry) one of these from Not on the High Street.


4. Oversized Resin Bib Collar Necklace



Accessorize - £22

Super cute and would go perfectly with so many different outfits. You can't beat a good necklace and I love this bold and pretty pattern.


5. Office Karriage Navy Sued Loafers



Office - £60

I love loafers! I'm a huge fan of these, comfy and stylish, everything I look for in a shoe!


6. Original Brit Cuff Welly Socks



Hunter - £30

These would go perfectly with my patent black Hungers and would be ideal for weekends at home in the country.

What's on your Summer wish list?

A Sunny Saturday in Some Jazzy Trousers

Doddington Hall is one of my favourite places to go for a day out in Lincoln. Situated in the Lincolnshire countryside, the Estate boasts beautifully kept gardens, a farm shop, cafe, restaurant and interiors shop.

In the winter, the Estate is transformed into a winter wonderland, with wreath making classes, a bauble barn to buy all of your Christmas decorations and of course...Christmas trees!

Spring time is my favourite time of year to visit, the flowers are in full bloom and the Kitchen garden is full of fresh vegetables and herbs.

A and I took a trip down to the Estate yesterday afternoon for a wander around the gardens and to soak up a bit of spring sunshine. I wore my new Jazzy polka dot cords from Joules LOVE, Jack Wills Crew (here's a similar one), Next Loafers and Sunglasses from Accessorize.



Cheeky

Happy Sunday everyone!