I’ve used ghd hair straighteners since 2003 and during that time I’ve had two. The first irons I had for 8 years which decided to break when I clumsily stood on them. Doh. The next pair I bought on Ebay – every saving counts folks. Ten years on, this is the first time I have ever tried their hair products, kindly gifted to me by ghd. It’s about time I started looking after my hair a little better.

The ghd Style and Protect gift set includes a paddle brush, 2 x sectioning clips, Style Straight and Smooth Spray and Style Final Shine Spray, all packaged perfectly in a gift box (which I’m now going to use as a box for my tights!) for £39. If you straighten your hair regularly, this is an ideal gift for everyday shine and protection.

I used the Straight and Smooth spray on my dry hair, which acts as protection before straightening your hair. I then opted to pop my hair up, as a nod to Spring, whilst adding a plait in the mix to cheer things up. Fancy joining me?

Take a section of your hair and plait. Tie with a bobble.

Pull the plait apart a little to give it more texture.

Repeat, as many times as you please. I had places to go so chose two. Pin up, using the sectioning clips, on top of your head.

Gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail whilst at the same time bringing the plaits into it. Tie with a bobble, then de-plait the plaits you have leftover in the ponytail.

Pretty plait ponytail! You can add  as many plaits (underneath would look lovely) as you please. One or two just adds something different to a classic ponytail especially for medium length hair.

I then add a little Final Shine spray to my paddle brush and to my fringe, to finish the style off. Not too much or it can get a little tacky.

Ta-da. I tend to always pull down whisps of hair to frame my face a little too.

As you can see I don’t go mad with hairstyles, I like to keep it simple – up or down.  I can only use a little product in my hair as it does tend to go flat and limp, but a little of both products goes a long way. Both sprays worked well, and my hair was less frizzy, smoother  and more importantly, protected.

Maybe making that ponytail into a plaited messy bun should be my next style?

Happy Wednesday!

♥

Disclosure: The product was gifted to me by ghd.

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The post Beauty: Spring Hairstyle Tutorial appeared first on Mathilde ♥ Manech | UK Lifestyle Blog.

Via Joules

Via Boden

Via Joy

Louche via Surfdome

Via F&F

Via Topshop

The simple things folk, the simple things.

♥

P.S Don’t forget to enter the Lady Muck Giveaway!

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• Try wearing your hair differently this week or colour your hair. A change is always a good thing.
• Begin the week as you mean to go on. Want to exercise? Start today. Want to eat better? Start today.
• Swap one cup of tea or coffee you drink a day with a herbal tea of your choosing.
• Wash all your cushion covers and throws.
• Don’t be afraid to complain! Every penny counts right now, so if you’re disappointed with a product, tell them. I did this the other week and a got a handwritten apology, a big pack of biscuits and a postal order! It only took me 1 minute to write a quick email.

Brew up and see my previous 5 Positive Things posts here.

♥

P.S Don’t forget to enter the Lady Muck Giveaway!

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The post 5 Positive Things To Do This Week #34 appeared first on Mathilde ♥ Manech | UK Lifestyle Blog.

Lisa Levis knows how to design beautiful bags. In fact, she’s pretty darn talented in creating all types of pretty things. Her accessories, bags and kitchen textiles make up the delightful lifestyle brand that is Betty & Walter, a place full of fabulous floral designs and contemporary awesomeness inspired by mid 20th century design. It should be called Swoonville – I’d totally live there.

The tote in question, named Treacle Toffee, is destined to live a long and happy life with its chunky cotton handles and hard-wearing matte PU coated cotton. Not forgetting the delightful tulips and basket weave background design. You like?

Happy Friday!

♥

P.S On the hunt for a new bag? Take a look through my previous tote bags featured!

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The post Tote of the Week: Treacle Toffee Tote via Betty & Walter appeared first on Mathilde ♥ Manech | UK Lifestyle Blog.

For those days when you need cheering up, a touch of kitsch, a pop of colour or simply wearing a bird brooch on your lapel can work wonders – trust me on this. The person responsible for such whimsical delights you’ll see below is Lady Muck of Whitstable. Her unique handmade accessories, jewellery and feathered fascinators are full of quirks and make ideal gifts for lovers of kitsch, retro and vintage inspired loveliness. 

She was kind enough to send me a couple of  her handmade pieces including the Bird Brooch, Heart Pendant and a lovely brown package tied up with string for my readers! Fancy owning a little whimsy of your own?

DISCOUNT OFFER FOR READERS

Readers of this blog can benefit from 25% off their total order using the discount code “HEART13” at the checkout. The offer also includes free postage to anywhere in mainland UK. Offer expires on 22 May at 12am. Enjoy!

GIVEAWAY

Lady Muck of Whitstable is also offering my readers the chance to win a lovely brown paper package tied up with string, including these adorable accessories.

The prize will include a Bird Hairslide, Old Gold Hibiscus Stud earrings and Ring.

ENTER

• Visit Lady Muck of Whistable and leave a comment below with your favourite item from the shop.

EXTRA ENTRY

• Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following ‘Win @Ladymuckstuff accessories with @m_heart_m  http://wp.me/p2xBrA-2pU #win #bloggers’

T&C (and all that jazz):

UK residents only. Competition closes Thursday 23 May at 5pm. Winners announced on this blog post shortly afterwards and contacted via email.

Good Luck!

♥

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The post Bookmarked: Lady Muck of Whitstable appeared first on Mathilde ♥ Manech | UK Lifestyle Blog.