Beauty And The Biryani

Love On My Mind and Indian Food!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:24:00 +0000

Bonjour!

How is everyone ...? Been trying to get over the heavy cold that I succumbed to last week - these things do have a tendency to hang around and leave you depleted of energy once they get a hold. Anyway, I didn't visit the gym for a week whist I was ill - that's a long time for me - so forced myself to go Tuesday night for a gentle workout. I wasn't very enthusiastic on the treadmill I have to say ... until I heard this tune on my I Pod ...

Freemasons - Love On My Mind ...

Always loved this since it's release in 2005 - good grief 2005 - only seems like yesterday! This is a track that would have had me up on the dance floor of any club in my day ... not that I tend to 'do' clubs anymore ... nowadays it just gets me up on the treadmill...

So - enough of clubbing and back to reality! As my youngest brother G left to return home to France this week, the other decided to turn up for a few days, so we were treated to a lovely meal Wednesday night when Gourmet Gorman cooked for the family. Tandoori Pork, Chicken Mulligatawny and my Grandpa Richard's 'Devil Chutney' - (tomatoes, onions, chillies, mint and coriander I think!).

Tandoori Pork/Devil Chutney/Chicken Mulligatawny

All I've seemed to want to eat recently is Indian food - it's the only thing I've been able to taste...and I can confirm that all of the above tasted bloomin' marvellous! Thanks Gourmet Gorman!

Have a great weekend!

Jen x

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Balm - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:53:00 +0000

Bonjour!

I was recently contacted on behalf of Skin Nutrition - sister company of the Nutrition Centre. Both companies are based in Cheltenham and are beauty and health retailers offering - between them - a range of natural/organic skin and body care together with vitamins, minerals, supplements and remedies. In fact the Nutrition Centre is actually celebrating "40 years in the nutritional supplement world" and have launched a new website which you can check out (and give feedback on) right here!

Here's one of the products I received - Balance Me Rose Otto Body Balm...

I think most of us are familiar with Balance Me products one way or another - their philosophy is "beauty that works naturally" and the company aim "to address and resolve every day skin conditions and concerns (without causing new issues in the process) and bring skin back into balance."

(source)

Now I realise it resembles a pot of solid candle wax but don't be fooled my friends...!

Initially, I must say I wasn't sure this would be totally suitable for everyday use. In the main - pampering 'after-shower' time for me is a treat (Mums will know where I'm coming from). I rarely have time to hang around rubbing stuff in - it has to be a quick fix! However - I was surprised at how easily the balm melts once warmed in the palms of your hands and then literally glides on in no time at all. The trick is to use just the right amount - you don't need loads - too much and it gets a little greasy (but too little and you end up dragging on your skin). Used in the correct quantity it leaves skin soothed and silky with a veil of subtle scented rose and it makes me want to touch my arm all evening as it's so soft! (erm ... that would get me some weird looks I imagine!)

I've also used the balm as a concentrated overnight hand treatment. Having had a heavy cold recently -incurring all the necessary 'extra' hand-washing - my hands have been going through one of their extra-dry phases. At times like this my hands can be quite sensitive to products which are overly-perfumed or cosmetic as such - natural products suit best and don't irritate them further. This has therefore been ideal to slather on last thing and let sink in overnight. It seems to have done the job as my hands haven't started cracking and bleeding this time round!

The Rose-Otto Body Balm is priced at £20 per 170ml pot - which is more than I would usually pay for an 'everyday' body moisturiser. However - given that you only need a small amount at a time it should last for quite a while so will be something I'll probably put on a Christmas/Birthday list!

You can check out Balance Me products and other organic/natural ranges together with current offers on the Skin Nutrition website here and for vitamins, minerals, supplements etc visit the Nutrition Centre on their new website here.

Have you tried any Balance Me products - which is your favourite?

Jen x

April Favourites and Empties ...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:04:00 +0000

Bonjour!

Better late than never... some empties, some favourites ...

Ojon Damage Reverse Shampoo and Conditioner - a duo I've been using on and off for a while (nicked it from my mum!). Tend to save it as a treat for my poor old hair - full review to follow.

Marks & Spencer Essential Extracts Coconut Hand and Body Lotion and Shower Gel - £1 each for pity's sake - you just can't go wrong - brilliant every-day shower gel. Body lotion sinks in really easily - both do their job and smell great - will re-purchase without a doubt. Did I mention that they're only £1 each?!

Impulse Loving Words Body Fragrance - I usually pick up a couple of cans of Impulse whenever they're on offer at £1 and always carry one in my handbag for a quick spritz! I'd like to say it's an ideal fragrance now that Spring has arrived as it fresh and fruity - but of course we've had our 2-3 days of sun and warmth ... (not that I'm bitter or anything!)

Revlon 'Just Bitten Kissable' Balm Stain in Honey - been a favourite for a while and is always in my handbag, so much so that the writing has worn off the tube. Really want to try out another lip stain - you can see my full review of this particular shade here.

17 Va Va Voom Mascara - great volumising mascara - full review here. Unfortunately it's been used for a while and dried up so will have to chuck. Would re-purchase as it's really well priced at £6.29 only I don't need any more un-opened mascaras just yet! Am I getting sensible in my old age?

Avon Glimmerstick Eyeliner in Cosmic Brown - this is a re-purchase and is coming to an end. It gets used most days if I'm honest for definition on the upper lid whether on it's own or mixed with another colour. It glides on dead easy, doesn't drag the skin and stays put all day. Had this in 'Blackest Black' as well (and seem to have lost it - very mysterious!). Great price at around £6 (but usually on offer for less) so will re-purchase again.

Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream - kept this at work in my desk drawer to use as a hand-cream. Smells good, hydrates and softens. Will re-purchase but only when I've used up some of the other myriads of hand creams dotted around our house!

This is a favourite with me and the kids (and the girls at work too!) - hot bubbly chocolate - what more could you want?

So that's this month's lot - do you reckon by next month's Favourites/Empties we may have actually have had some decent weather for more than a few days?

Jen x

Paul Weller - You Do Something To Me...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:40:00 +0000

It's Friday ...

If truth be know I've felt like a 'pile of pants' this week. Dizzy spells (at the Sainsbury's check out of all places!), annoying tickley cough which has had me up coughing the night away wrenching stomach muscles all over the place, got a cold now (I don't get colds very often so must be run down), eczema flared up, got spots, hubby's been away with work, house is a tip, there ain't enough hours in the day and so on and so forth...! Thank goodness it's Friday. The family are coming round tonight for a fish and chip supper from our local chippie - don't reckon my brother gets em proper whilst he's over in France!

So...it's a laid back tune as I really don't feel like bobbing about to up-tempo music tonight ...

Paul Weller - You Do Something To Me ...

Released in 1995 from the album Stanley Road (which we have knocking about somewhere) ... I've always loved this track ...

... it's one I hope to sing one day with my mate Dave (whom I used to work and jam with) on keyboards - or my brother Mike of course - but he's always too busy living the musicians high life! If there's one (and only one) advantage of having a cold it's that my singing voice always comes out husky - which suits this tune - in my opinion - bet it would sound particularly fetching with a bit of coughing and spluttering thrown in for good measure too - not!

I'm just grateful for my Bare Minerals Foundation which has helped conceal all manner of sins this week and extra soft Kleenex!

What sort of week have you had - what are your plans for this weekend?

Jen x

NOTD - Barry M Gelly Nail Paint - Watermelon

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:06:00 +0000

Bonjour!

When I first looked at the Barry M Gelly Nail Paints - this is the colour which grabbed me immediately - don't ask me why - it just did! Somewhere between a deep blue and green the name 'Watermelon' must relate to the skin and not the flesh of the fruit...

Unfortunately I didn't find application very easy! The polish is pretty thick and you have to load the brush with just the correct amount - too little and it streaks, too much and it goes all over the place (for me anyway). I'm no 'experienced nail-painter' so I really had to take my time with it (something I don't have a lot of) and still managed to make a mess - is it just me? It didn't last too long once on - it's meant to be a chip resistant formula but the ends were showing signs of wear and tear after a day and a half (with a top-coat). Also - just seemed to take a bit longer to dry than a standard polish - ah well.

Just as an aside is that this is the 'one' I took down to London with me for the Daniel Sandler Make-Up Masterclass - which can read about here. I painted my nails in the middle of the night knelt on the bathroom floor and managed a much neater job than the few times I've used it at home in broad daylight - so what's that all about then - are one's powers of concentration and dexterity heightened at that time of night or what?!

I do love the colour of 'Watermelon' though and the glossy 'vinyl-look' finish so I will be persevering (have another colour to try anyway) to see if I can improve my technique with it and add a bulletproof top coat - which I've still to buy. If anyone has any tips on how to apply this polish correctly and keep it chip free then please share - cos I ain't giving up just yet!

Have you tried the Barry M Gelly Nail Paints? How did you manage?

Jen x

Percy & Reed 2 Piece Perfect Blowdry - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Sun, 05 May 2013 20:02:00 +0000

Bonjour!

This is the Percy & Reed 2 Piece Perfect Blowdry kit I purchased just before Christmas from QVC, when it was on offer at around £22 (ish). Includes 'Superstar Supersized Bodifying Cream' and 'Smooth, Sealed and Sensational Volumising No Oil Oil (for fine hair)'. I've been using them both on and off since December (but more on than off I must say) and as you can see there's still loads of the oil left.

I use the Bodifying Cream just as it says 'on the can', it works best for me with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner. It's more of a lotion than a thick cream and between 1-2 pumps is all I need for my barnet (I happened to use far too much on one occasion and it did seem to weigh my hair down somewhat so quantity is key!) - spread through from roots to ends as per the instructions - it's good that you can place the product exactly where you want - instead of spraying half of it into the air! It works to create either a smoother blow-dry or a more undone rough-dry (Alexa Chung style - which is my favourite!). It leaves my hair with natural movement, volume and shine but no sticky or crispy residue as it doesn't 'freeze' the style in place if you know what I mean - so you can still run your fingers through your hair - always a bonus!

I don't think No Oil Oil needs much introduction - it's probably the best known product from Percy & Reed so far do you reckon? More of a serum than an actual 'oil' in texture, it can be used before blow-drying to help smooth and protect the hair - I didn't find that it added loads of volume for me this way - especially when used it with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner. However - it did make my hair super-shiny and 'swishy' and my friend actually told me my hair looked in fab condition - turn up for the books! I've mixed it in with the Bodifying Cream (as Percy & Reed have suggested) and this works best for me. I then get the volume but also extra glossiness. Have also used a little extra as a finishing product as it's great at taming any frizzy, dry ends. It super-concentrated so you only need the tiniest amount.

Don't get me wrong - my hair is still very 'bad hair day' prone but this is a good combination of products for my fine, frizzy, thin hair - both perform different duties and married together they work really well for me so all in all a worthwhile kit. And - as with all the Percy & Reed products I've tried they smell amazing!

You can check out the Percy & Reed Bodifying Cream and No Oil Oil on their website here or in the 2 Piece Perfect Blowdry kit from QVC here.

What are your favourite hair products of the moment?

Jen x

Happy Anniversary Mr G!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:56:00 +0000

Bonjour!

Slight hint in the title there but it's our wedding anniversary today - 16 years ago it was a scorcher of a day and we were all relaxing after the meal and getting ready to dance the night away to various corkers including the following ...

Faithless - Insomnia ...

Slight dilemma over tonight ... my hubby's football team (his ~~one~~ other true love!) have a home game - he has a season ticket for pity's sake - missing one match surely won't matter, today of all days (and especially as they are particularly useless at the moment!). I told him so in no uncertain terms. It then turns out that the girls at work are going out into town tonight - the weather has improved and I haven't had a good night out in ages, I really fancy joining them for a few drinks and a boogie! Hubby has told me to go (so that he can go to football!).

After much deliberation we've decided to get the family round (my brother - also 'G'! - is home from France) and have Chinese with beer and wine - didn't fancy being stuck in town later on with hoards of disgruntled/elated football fans (will probably be the former!). Turns out I'm driving the lads to pick the Chinese up so they can have a pint or two while we wait - I obviously have my uses...

Few pics from today...

Mum has surpassed herself again with our Anniversary Cake/Hubby surprised me with flowers!

We treated ourselves in HMV today (Trevor's collection is for me!)/I treated myself yesterday!

Hubby and brother 'G' have stocked up for the night!

What would you have done on your wedding anniversary - sent hubby to the match/gone out with the girls or spent a 'romantic' evening with a takeaway and the footie on the TV?

Have a great weekend!

Jen x

Revlon 'Just Bitten Kissable' Balm Stain in Honey - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:15:00 +0000

Bonjour!

I bought this Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (that's a mouthful alright!) in Honey ages ago - just as I'd started the Spend Ban - used my Boots points! Think it was on offer at £5.99 rather than the usual price of £7.99. I know everyone is probably familiar with the Balm Stains already so it's just a quickie (she says!)...

Looks pretty pale on my hand but deepens on the lips!

'Honey' is a soft dusky pink in it's 'crayon-like' form and feels like a standard waxy (not wet) balm once applied with a slight sheen and a subtle minty taste . It's sort of half-way - I guess - between a standard tinted lip-balm and a full on lippie. It can be used to add a soft wash of colour or intensified to a deeper 'rosy' pink by adding more of the product but it doesn't seem (in this shade anyway) to stick to any dry areas. Either way the colour seems to deepen once on the lips and keeps 'em moisturised. It lasts pretty well - even after a good old cup of tea - however after tea and toast - tea and biscuits etc or even an apple/banana - that's me trying for a healthy snack!, I've needed to apply a touch of regular lip balm. The 'stain' really does it's job though and sticks around for ages - a good few hours - and then fades evenly.

I've found 'Honey' to be a really wearable 'everyday'' shade - it's easy to apply, feels comfortable on, is very well pigmented (in my humble opinion) and adds long-lasting colour - ideal for those days when you just want to add a bit of something but not have it 'in yer face'!

Balm Stain 'In Situ'

I seem to be pulling a dopey/pained face in this pic - (whichever way you look at it)... maybe I was dreaming of a far-away island in the sun (with internet access of course!) or maybe I was just dying for the loo and needed to get the darn photo taken first!

Have you tried out any Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains - which is your favourite shade?

Jen x

Mally Beauty on QVC Beauty Day!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:31:00 +0000

Bonjour!

Just to let you know that it's QVC Beauty Day - all day! Exciting! Apparently it's the 'Biggest Beauty Day of 2013'. Everything on air is in 4 easy pay instalments plus web-only offers ... what's not to love?

Check out the superb 'Today's Special Value' (TSV) from Mally Beauty ...

"Mally Beauty is a collection of high-performance products that encompass simple techniques from celebrity make-up artist Mally Roncal. From gorgeous daytime simplicity to red-carpet-ready glamour, Mally has the answer with proven products that last all day."

'source'

The 7 piece kit is amazing value - contains Mally's Poreless Primer, Under Eye Brightener, New Instant Impact Mascara in Black, High Shine Liquid Lipstick in 'Delish', Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner in 'Black Violet', Evercolor Shadow Stick in 'Antique Taupe', Brow Fix plus silver shoulder bag ... all this lot for £43.96 (plus p+p) in easy pay instalments! For more information about each product full details directly from QVC are here! If you haven't seen Mally on QVC you can check her out on one of today's shows - she's brilliant - always brings a smile to my face!

Looks like Beauty Day also includes shows from Liz Earle, Leighton Denny, L'Occitane, Decleor and more! I've already ordered the Mally TSV and can see that I'll be tuning in - on and off - all day at this rate - dangerous! Don't forget that the TSV is on offer for today only (if it lasts that is!) and with the QVC '30 day money back guarantee' you can't go wrong in my book!

Will you be tuning into QVC to check out today's offers?

Jen x

Ce Ce Peniston - Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday!

Had a lovely but manic day (but more lovely than manic I hasten to add!). Fitness pilates this morning after school run - met up with some old friends this afternoon for an hour or so. Completed various household tasks in-between, kitchens and bathrooms unfortunately do not clean themselves. Food shop had to be done after the school run - hence the manic bit! Anyway just wanted to say how lovely it was to see my girls G and J again and catch up - I should add that G wafted her Urban Decay Naked Palette right under my nose and now I can't get it out of my head! Anyway...this is today's track...Finally!

Ce Ce Peniston - Finally!

It was a rare occasion earlier on in the week when hubby and myself travelled into work together and this was on in the car from our battered Back to the Old Skool 2 ...

I arrived at the office that morning 'buzzing' from listening to some of these old dance-tracks and just felt like going out - getting drunk and having a bop - I commented so to some of my friends/colleagues who were wondering why I was so animated so early in the morning. (The 'high' feeling was soon squashed however having been sat at my desk for 20 minutes - no surprise there!).

My hubby is not a fan - his 'fond' memories of this tune are of retreating to the bar whenever it came on! I - on the other hand would always be found on the dance floor bopping away with all the girls - it's a proper girls tune - love it - brings back memories of the early 90's and many a night out!

Anyone recognise any of these tracks from Back to the Old Skool 2? Some corkers on there alright!

Jen x

'London Baby!' & Daniel Sandler Make-Up Masterclass!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Bonjour!

About this London thing then...I'd booked myself a rare treat of attending Daniel Sandler's Make-Up Masterclass, run by The Simon Seminars at the London College of Fashion near Oxford Circus - Saturday 13th April. We decided to take the kids down for a whirlwind trip - and whirlwind it was ...!

Left crack of dawn Friday morning - (I didn't sleep much the night before - always worry that I'll not hear the alarm and we'll miss our chosen method of transport!). Turns out I wasn't the only one who didn't get her full quota of sleep ... my little girl started to write her diary page whilst on the train and this was the result (with her permission to publish the pic of course!) which had us in stitches ...

That afternoon we somehow managed to visit three museums one after the other (not at all tiring but when in Rome etc) and then met up with my brother Mike (who had the night off gigs!) for the rest of the evening and some dinner.

Amidst all the madness I'd not had time to paint my nails before travelling down but brought my polish with me so - the middle of the night saw me crouched on the bathroom floor against the bath with my new Barry M Gelly - trying to do a fairly neat paint job in the most awkward of positions! I couldn't sleep as the heating thingy in the room was so bloomin' loud and the bed was one of those squishy ones that rustle every time you move! Off I went back to bed with my newly painted nails and the resolve to wear my specs the next morning to try to conceal my inevitable bags and dark circles from no sleep!

I was actually the first to arrive at the venue (friends of mine will be reeling in total disbelief!). We watched Mr Sandler create various make-up looks designed for 'real women'. Part 1 of the demo was aimed at natural 'daytime' make-up to help us look 'younger and healthier'. First up was a soft smokey 'everyday' eye look using an eye pencil - building up the look gradually. Next was a subtle contoured eye using a shimmer eyeshadow (yes - older girls can wear shimmer too according to Mr Sandler - we just have to be careful where we apply!) - in this case it was restricted to the lash line and just below the brow bone - with a taupe shadow applied in the socket.

A couple of pics from the session - on the left is the lovely Gina Potter having her soft daytime smokey eye done. Gina is a 'Kicker of Bowel Cancer's Butt' - and played a pivotal role in the organisation of the event. Inspirational or what! On the right is Daniel's friend and QVC model Isabella having her shimmer/taupe eye shadow blended - I have my eye on that palette in Mr Sandler's hand!

We then had a short break during which I got to say hello to Mr Sandler (complete with a hug!) and then proceeded to the second half of the session which had more of an 'evening-time' air about it to help us look 'sensational but not over-made up'. First up was a lesson in contouring where the message was to (within reason) apply as much product as you want as long as you 'blend, blend, blend!' - this was then teamed with a bright pink lip. Finally Gina's 'daytime' look was 'smoked up' - which included adding eye-shadow (keeping the darkest colour to the outer corner of the eye) and grey eye-liner.

It was fascinating to watch and Mr Sandler made it look so easy! We all received a lovely goody bag ... here's mine...!

Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in Grey Velvet
Daniel Sandler Eye Delight in Peach
Daniel Sandler Concealer Brush
Urban Retreat 'The Hydration Mist'
Urban Retreat 'Shaving Gel for Girls'

So - cheers to Mr Sandler, Gina and of course Mr Simon Seminar (Mr Simon Vallance!) It was a lovely event (despite the fact that I had one of the worst bad hair days in my huge history of 'bad hair days' and poor Mr Sandler must have thought he was talking to a scarecrow - but hey - we live and learn and that's another blog post in the making!). I've taken loads of tips away with me (few of which I've actually had time to put into practise yet mind!) Sorry Daniel - I'll let you know how I get on with that purple eye-shadow suggestion at some stage! There are more pics from the event - taken by Gina's hubby - over on The Simon Seminars website - here! Feel free to have a browse!

Right - apologies that I've waffled on even more than normal but honestly I could go on all night - but of course I won't - really going now! See ya!

Jen x

1st Blog Birthday Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:12:00 +0000

Bonjour!

I've been waffling on within this little space of the net for a year now and can hardly believe how time has flown! My first 'proper post' published on Sunday 22nd April last year - so to celebrate Beauty and the Biryani's first birthday and to say thanks to you lot for supporting me I'm holding a Birthday Giveaway...!!

These are three of my favourite Liz Earle products which I've either reviewed or included in 'Favourites' posts. With us (seemingly) coming out of what seems like the longest winter ever, I'll be reaching for each of these to (hopefully) help achieve brighter, smoother, hydrated skin. You have the chance to win all three ...

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask
Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator
Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask

To enter please fill in the Rafflecopter form below. Please also leave a blog post comment with your email address - so I can get in touch if you win! The Giveaway will run for approx. four weeks and is open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Please obtain permission/consent from an adult if you are under 18.*
* As with all new products please be aware of possible allergic reaction and remember to test the product suitably first.*

Good luck!

Jen x

Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On"

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:07:00 +0000

Evening all ...

I was in London this time last week - time does indeed fly! This week, however, has been particularly busy - it was Mum's birthday - I attempted to make a cake for her and my brother Mike has been home which means lovely grub and several late nights. Add to that dragging the kids out of bed for school and myself for work - plus hubby up and down to London several times - behind with everything - housework, washing, ironing (massive - and I mean MASSIVE pile) blogging, exercise ... as I say mad but 'good mad'! I just feel really grateful for all that 'good madness' and everything I have - with all the terrible things that have been going on - am I making any sense?

Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On"

Released in 1971 from the album also titled "What's Going On"

Superb track ... don't really think I need to elaborate any further...

Have a good weekend everyone.

Jen x

Oh Haul - It's Been A Long Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:29:00 +0000

Bonjour!

Apologies for sparseness of posts over the last few days - kids were on holiday, I was in London with the family over the weekend - then kids were back to school yesterday so things were slightly manic! My youngest brother even commented to me on Skype the other night (from France) that I hadn't posted since last Thursday - so ... he does have a sneaky look at my blog now and again ...!

I had popped (just typed 'pooped' then but corrected myself luckily!) into Boots on a couple of occasions since my Spend Ban recently ended and come out empty handed - I thought there must be something wrong with me! Also as you may know I hadn't really spent any of my recent birthday money! Anyway - I got to do some shopping with my daughter last week and took full advantage of the Boots 3 for 2 offers which are on at the moment. I'm not going to waffle on about each product as I'll probably do separate reviews ...

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paints in Grapefruit and Watermelon/Maybelline Forever Strong in Hot Salsa or is it Rose Salsa - says both on the bottle!

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher in 'Rose The'/ Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium and Dark

Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist/Tresemme Texture Style Backcomb Dust/John Frieda Luxurious Volume Dry Shampoo

Our local Sainsburys also had their 25% off TU clothing and footwear earlier in the Easter hols ...

... I grabbed these sandals - hoping for the promise of summer (no way can I show you my feet in them at the moment though - some major renovation work needed in that area!). The pumps will be great with my skinny jeans and also for work. Bargains!

And last but not at all least ... my Mum gave this to me the other Sunday - she said it was a belated Easter present as she didn't get me an egg and would be ideal for my impending trip to London. She's an absolute star - don't you think?

Gatineau 16 Piece Little Luxuries Collection ...

Gatineau is a French Premium Salon Brand available from QVC - so far I'm really impressed with everything I've tried from this range so looking forward to dipping into this lot! The cute pink 'carry case' is jam packed with lovely products and as you can see there's a really good selection. Thanks again Mum! xx

So - that's me done on 'hauls' for a while - looks like I've spent a lot I know but for the amount of products I've managed to get don't really think I've done bad - plus I know for a fact what I've spent on all this lot is far less than some of my young friends at work would spend on one night out!

Have you taken advantage of any current offers? Have you hauled?

Jen x

March Favourites, Empties and Misses!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:06:00 +0000

Bonjour!

It's that time again ... got me some favourites, got me some empties and unfortunately a couple of 'hit and misses' ...

Bare Minerals Warmth - you can't tell from the pic but this is my tiny pot of Bare Minerals Warmth and it's practically empty (have a larger one waiting in the wings though!). Love this and really need to get a full review sorted - it adds colour to my face without any 'orange factor' going on!

The Body Shop Moringa Body Mist - I can't stop spraying this - addicted is the word. I'm useless at describing fragrance but this a heady - intoxicating in a good way - floral scent which lingers and I've used it copiously over the past few weeks when it's been so cold and miserable to cheer myself up! If anyone remembers the old 'Impulse' ads where the bloke passes out at the girls doorway - then I'm that girl ...!

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator and Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask - a couple of old favourites - the Exfoliator I use twice a week and is super-gentle but effective in bidding goodbye to those dead skin cells - helps brighten and smooth. The Mask is a night-time treat and for plumping and soothing de-hydrated, grey tired skin - just did a full review here.

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex - one of my go-to eye products in the morning - really wakes up the eye area - finished it earlier this month and luckily had another to open - full review here.

L'Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 60 Second Saviour - coming to the end of this tube - it didn't transform my hair in 60 seconds, but did an 'ok' job after having been left on for 10/15 mins or so. I wasn't wowed by it though and think it's been replaced by a different masque in the L'Oreal range anyway.

Tresemme 24 Hour Sky High Plumping Powder - finished this little bottle (been re-purchasing this for quite a while) - can't seem to do without plumping powders these days for extra lift and oomph. I know some people hate the feel of this type of product in their hair but it doesn't bother me. I've just bought a new version from Tresemme try.

L'Occitane Limited Edition Ylang Ylang Hand Cream - a pressie from my mum almost finished - have had it in my handbag to use on the go and it's lasted ages as it's very concentrated - smells wonderful like all other L'Occitane products I've tried.

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara - unfortunately a 'miss' for me - I know this is loved by many but it just didn't do anything for me certainly no volume, just a bit of definition - and I couldn't get on with the 'spoon brush' - just felt too flimsy for me to work with. Never mind.

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk - another 'miss' - shame - I've heard many good things about this product. I actually bought and first used it last year when my skin was really playing up - hoping it would help but I just didn't see any noticeable improvement - I put it away and forgot about it until recently when I ran out of Elemis Cleansing Gel. Thought I'd try and use it up as my morning face wash but again - I just didn't get it, no brighter complexion or improvement in pore appearance etc - I like the smell of the peaches but maybe it's better for a younger/oilier skin?

Couldn't let this month's faves go by without this lot ...

Mum cooked Easter Sunday dinner, Anglo-Indian style, with hot mince curry and rice with dhal and fried meatballs and potatoes - oh and some poppadoms! Very tasty it was too and exceedingly stuffed we all were afterwards! Centre pic is of Mum's Easter cake - not a traditional simnel but the inside was choc and vanilla rainbow cake with stacks of choc fudge icing on the top and vanilla buttercream round the sides. It's mums birthday soon and I'll have to attempt to make a cake for her but as you can see there's going to be a fair bit of pressure involved ...!

So that's this month's little lot - what did you stuff your face with over Easter?

Jen x

Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:23:00 +0000

Bonjour!

The Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask is one of several of her products I've used on and off for years now. Needless to say with the recent, never-ending cold snap, constant central heating and lack of exercise (pulled a stomach muscle so my usual gym routine was disrupted - which means bad circulation/non-glowy skin and lethargy in my book!) etc etc my skin has been feeling and looking like it was at the end of it's tether.

Directly from the Liz Earle Website ...

"...this creamy mask hydrates and soothes parched, stressed and sensitive skin. It contains West African shea and borage seed oil to enhance the skin’s natural barrier and comfrey to calm, while the uplifting fragrance of rose-scented geranium helps refresh your senses."

Tired, stressed and dry skin - all sounds so familiar to me of late. I've used the Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask as per the instructions on the back of the tube - my skin is left hydrated, plumped and just seems to breath a sigh of relief - if you know what I mean. It sorts out the dry, flaky bits but doesn't upset my oily t-zone. It's thick and creamy but non-greasy and doesn't sit on the skin as such but seems to slowly penetrate - hence I've used it as an overnight facial mask (which is obviously so easy) and by morning my skin has drunk it all in! It's also ridiculously soothing as an overnight hand mask (you can always add a bit of the Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate for an extra boost) - it works on many levels so a real multi-tasker in my book and something to try out if your skin is parched and grey.

The Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask is priced at around £14/50ml tube and available from Liz's own website here and also from QVC, John Lewis or Boots.

Is your skin at the end of it's tether? What products have you been using to sort it out?

Jen x

Marlena Shaw - California Soul!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:51:00 +0000

Bonjour...

Is it Friday? This week's been all over the place - combination of bank holidays, clocks changing, kids off school, getting up later and feeling worse for it - when I did go into work I didn't know what day it was! I have next week off with the kids so trying to think of things to keep them busy and stave off the ultimate scraps that will no doubt arise once they get bored ... bless em!

Anyway - last week running up to the Easter weekend my brother Mike aka Gourmet Gorman had a string of gigs with the brilliant Marlena Shaw at Ronnie Scott's in London so here we have ...

Marlena Shaw - California Soul ...

Written by Ashford and Simpson and covered by Marlena in 1969 ... it's one of my favourite tracks ... apologies if you don't like cats but this video contains none other than Garfield himself grooving on down to the music part way through!

Ok - so this tune has such a summertime vibe going on - warm sunshiney days and sand and sea. It's totally funky - laid back, chilled out but still groovy while it rolls along ... I have this on my IPod to 'cool down' to after a gym session and have to stop myself dancing 'Soul Train' style on the treadmill every time it comes on - I mean what would people think - do I care - one day I'll do it!

Wish I could have gone down to see them at Ronnie's - would have been fab... here's a pic of Marlena and Mike with the band backstage (not forgetting the all-important Mini-Eggs mind!).

Have a groovy weekend everyone!

Jen x

NOTD - Nails Inc - Basil Street

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:53:00 +0000

Bonjour!

The last couple of weeks before Easter were particularly hectic and I was too busy in the day and too tired at night to indulge in any nail painting activities...! Anyway - things slowed down over the Easter weekend and I just fancied a bit of Nails Inc Basil Street ...

I've had this polish for ages - think it was a Glamour freebie (good old Glamour freebies!) many moons ago...

I know my cuticles need attention but just ignore 'em for now!

So this is a polish for those 'subtle nail' days I guess when you don't want your nails 'in your face' but just want to dress them up a little! It's a neutral which goes with anything really - a soft nude/fleshy/beigey colour with no grey undertones - described on the Nails Inc website as 'a chic pale toffee shade' (much better than my description!). It actually matches my skin tone so from a distance it blends in! As with all Nails Inc polishes I've tried it goes on fine - I only have two coats on here - could maybe have done with three to be totally opaque but didn't have time. Lasts a good couple of days with topcoat and even when it chips a little you can't really tell that much - shouldn't admit to leaving my chipped nail polish on should I - ah well...!

I know spring/summer will hopefully be here shortly and the brights will be out in full force but we all feel like a nude now and again don't we? I really fancy this little lot - the Nails Inc Happy Nude Year Collection - contains Bruton Street - Porchester Square - Holland Park Avenue - Convent Garden Ballet, unfortunately it's only available on waitlist at the moment - (probably as it's £22.75 + p&p which I think is pretty good value) so will have to keep an eye on it!

If you were in a 'nude mood' which polish would you be reaching for?

Jen x

Birthday Bits And An Excuse Of A Clothes Haul!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Bonjour!

It was my birthday the other week - the hubby took me out 'shopping' and for lunch which was great - not so great that he managed to buy some clobber and I bought absolutely nowt! It's always the case isn't it - you have your birthday dosh on you and can't find anything that takes your fancy ...

Anyway just a couple of bits I'd picked up previously ...

All from H&M ...

Tomato red dress - actually got this ages ago in the sale but forgot to post about it so better late than never! No idea when I'll wear it but I like the colour and if we ever get some warm weather I'll dig it out and may even do an OOTD to give you all a good laugh!
Crimson and blue check shirt - now and again I get a yen for a good old check shirt but do wonder about releasing my inner hill-billy ... let's face it I'm no Daisy Duke!
Black loose knit jumper - it's black, basic and loose knit ...what else is there to say - apart from I'll probably just chuck this on with my coloured jeans!

Moving on - a few birthday pressies from the hubby and kids ...

I love the Mandara Spa range - these were all on half price offer recently at Sainsbury's and I hinted to my little girl that now would be a good time to get her Dad to buy these for my birthday (as I was still under spend ban at the time) - she took the hint and the rest is history!

I usually have 'birthday money' to spend from my parents but my lovely mum - bless her - always manages to pick up a few 'surprises' for me to open - even at my age ...!

L'Occitane Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette - gorgeous little bottle of fresh summer fragrance - peonies to be exact - lovely!
Gatineau Paris Radiance Enhancing Gommage - I've been wanting to try this for ages - can't wait to use it to try to rid my skin of the 'greyness' all this bad weather has brought about!
Gatineau Paris Defi-Lift Revolumising Lip Care - this is one of my absolutes favourites when it comes to lip care. I use at night as a lip treatment - love it - full review here.
Silver Diamonique scroll ring - I love silver and white gold - particularly band-style rings. Mum's such a sweetie - thanks mum! xx Close up below!

Mum used to make and ice all our birthday cakes when we were little and she's still at it as you can see - tasted fantastic!

Needless to say the cake - large though it was didn't last too long!

I'm planning a couple of serious shopping trips over the Easter hols with my girl so hopefully may have a proper haul to show you soon!

Jen x

Otis Redding - A Change Is Gonna Come ...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:27:00 +0000

Evening ...

I wasn't going to publish a music post day, with it being Good Friday and all. My parents are devout Catholics and music wasn't appropriate on this day - for obvious reasons - when myself and my brothers were growing up ...however this song just came to me today for some reason ...

Otis Redding - A Change Is Gonna Come...

Written and first recorded by the late great Sam Cooke in 1963 - according to Wikipedia...

"The song has gained in popularity and critical acclaim in the decades since its release, and is #12 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

There have been many versions of this track but if I had to choose one apart from Sam Cooke's own then this one recorded by Otis in 1965 is the one. If ever there was a song that had to be sung straight from the soul - it's up there. It's one of the most haunting, compelling, gut-wrenching, spine-tingling tunes and moves me like you've never known every time I hear it...

Jen x

Melt Candle - Shine!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:13:00 +0000

Bonjour!

I was recently contacted by Melt (not Fork Handles) Melt Candles!- to ask if I would like to try out one of their luxury handmade scented candles. Here's a little bit about Melt directly from their website ...

"At Melt we’ve made our name by producing beautifully fragranced scented candles that intoxicate the senses.Created using blended quality wax, our luxury candles contain a high level of pure fragrance, and because they’re hand poured you can be assured that every part of our candles exudes our high quality aromas."

Apparently Melt Candles are used in the X-Factor dressing rooms - wonder which one Louis goes for?

I received Shine .. .beautifully packaged if I may say...! As soon as I opened the box my hubby and boy both commented on the fragrance before we'd even lit up (unlike myself and my little girl they don't usually notice things like this)!

The candle has a burn time of 70+ hours which seems pretty impressive to me. It has the Melt logo on one side and a pretty scroll type thing on the other so it's whatever floats your boat really! We lit Shine - initially - on a night after I'd cooked a chilli and I was pleasantly surprised to smell the gorgeous scent of the candle wafting around the kitchen and down the hallway! I've since used it after cooking (or on the morning after) as I find it effectively diffuses the left over aromas! Suffice to say I'm thoroughly enjoying my Melt Candle and am looking forward to trying out some of the many other flavours - got my eye on Joy, Ginger and Bergamot and also Neroli and Rose Geranium, to name but a few.

If you're a candle fiend and/or want something that looks good and smells wonderful please feel free to check out the full range of luxury scented candles by Melt. You can also find them on Twitter @meltcandles and Pinterest.

Let me know which Melt Candle you're tempted with - would love to know!

Jen x

The Body Shop Hemp Intensive Hand Butter - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 21:15:00 +0000

Bonjour!

Just wanted to do a quick post on one of my favourite hand treatments of the moment - The Body Shop Hemp Intensive Hand Butter (hubby bought me this for Christmas). I love the Hemp Hand Protector so was eager to try this out.

The Hemp Hand Butter contains Community Fair Trade hemp seed oil and is suitable for very dry skin. If your hands aren't drying out at this time of year (especially with the extended cold snap) you're very lucky. Mine are dry, sensitive, prone to itchiness where the skin cracks from time to time and have a tendency to look like proper 'older lady' hands if I don't moisturise them regularly and appropriately.

I like to use my Hemp Hand Protector treatment last thing at night for an extra boost but I know some of my friends find it a tad potent and the smell a little overpowering - this one's for you lot! I'm finding the Hemp Hand Butter much more user friendly throughout the day as it's non greasy and absorbs easily. A lot of standard hand creams just don't cut it for me at this time of year but I've found this to be effective at moisturising, soothing and hydrating. It still has the clean, almost medicinal aroma associated with The Body Shop Hemp range but is far more of a lighter and subtle scent.

Lovely product and I will re-purchase - it retails at £11.00/100ml but I got mine with 40% off so will wait for a similar offer (you know I like my offers!) - also want to try the foot butter at some stage! You can check out the full range of Hemp products from The Body Shop here.

Have you tried The Body Shop Hemp Intensive Hand Butter? How are you looking after your hands at the moment?

Jen x

Heatwave - Always and Forever...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:08:00 +0000

Another freezing Friday... for crying out loud ...!

I don't know about you lot but I'm getting pretty hacked off with this stupid climate. What's happened to Spring? I'm fed up of wrapping myself in multiple layers because I'm so cold all the time ... hasn't helped that I've ripped/torn something - muscle/ligament - not sure and to crown it all am pretty sure I did it during a coughing fit! Regular gym-time activities are temporarily suspended and that seems to be one of the only things that keeps me warm and gets my shocking circulation going...rant over!

Heatwave - Always and Forever...

Released in 1977 (don't forget it's disco era - hence the outfits!) - a superb live performance of Always and Forever - one of my favourites this one - sends shivers (not through the cold) down my spine!

"Always and forever, each moment with you,

Is just like a dream to me, that somehow came true..."

I've been singing this all day - so hard to reach the lowest and top notes and keep it clean (warmed me up actually - cheated a bit by slipping into the harmony!) ... the lead vocals by the late Johnnie Wilder Jr are so effortless and his range is just ridiculous!

Right - off to do a bit more singing practise - now I've finally started ...!

Have a lovely 'warm' weekend!

Jen x

Percy & Reed 'Quite Frankly Flawless' Finishing Polish - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:07:00 +0000

Bonjour!

The Percy & Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish is one of the products I picked up with the recent Glamour offer ... it usually retails at around £10/125ml as you can see from their groovy website here, which I think is reasonable anyway...

Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish

Alleluia for horse chestnut extract and sunflower wax!

100ml tube so should last for ages!

I use a tiny amount (Percy & Reed recommend pea-sized but my 'pea' is slightly mis-shapen!) after drying and straightening and rub well into my palms before applying. As with any product of this nature it's obviously better to start off with less and add more if needed. It's a gel-cream which smooths, adds shape and light hold but in a flexible/malleable way and I haven't had to use any additional hairspray. I wash my hair every 2 days. I can go to bed all nicely 'Percy & Reeded' on day 1 - however, overnight my hair has this magical ability to transform itself into a complete birds nest. I've used my Finishing Polish on day 2 and it's ideal for taming those (many) frizzy bits and creating a bit of a texturised, almost bed-head, 'Alexa Chung'd' look (which is, in fact, my ultimate 'hair-goal'!). Many finishing products are either too heavy/greasy/sticky on my super-fine hair - this is perfect for me, you can place the correct amount of product exactly where you need it and as with all the Percy & Reed products I've used, it smells good too!

I didn't intend writing this review so soon - I usually buy (numerous) products and put them away for what seems like an eternity. However, I used this the day after I bought it and have been so impressed I just had to 'get it out there' (I've already bought another Glamour mag just to get an additional Finishing Polish!). The Percy & Reed offer with Glamour mag is still available and at £2.00 a pop you really can't go wrong!

Have you tried out Percy & Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish? (Have you tried saying all that lot after a few drinks?!)

Jen x

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny G) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:43:00 +0000

I've been slowly getting through some of the Elemis products I received in the QVC TSV from last April (yes I did say last April - ridiculous or what?). My Pro-Collagen Marine Cream recently finished (review here) and the Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel was another of the gems from the collection.

Directly from the Elemis website ..."Skin protective organic Argan Oil, mattifying Rice Silk and purifying Rosemary Leaf are combined with powerful anti-pollution Moringa Peptides."

Although this can be used to remove make-up (and I did so on a few occasions with success) I preferred it as my morning cleanser as it's not meant to be used around the eyes. It has a pleasant but subtle soft/warm citrus aroma. You only need a small amount of the gel for a morning wash - I apply directly to my face (where else?) - it glides on without dragging and melts to a silky oil form - I then add water and it immediately transforms to a milky liquid. I find it best to use this way as it emulsifies so quickly you could end up losing half of it down the sink if you're not careful! I rinse/buff off with my ever trusty muslin cloth. It leaves skin soft, clean and refreshed.

I finished the tube a couple of months ago (included it in my January favourites) and honestly my skin appeared to 'behave' whilst I was using it every morning. My pores looked smaller, skin felt clearer and I seemed to lose those hormonal (I think) spotty bumps that appear on my cheeks from time to time. Was it just co-incidence or is this really my perfect morning cleanser. I'm now using another a.m. face wash from my stash am not sure I'm getting the same results.

I would love to re-purchase Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel but it retails at around £21.00/125ml so not the cheapest. I'm keeping an eye on the super size which is available from QVC - around £28.00/250ml so much better value - (on 'waitlist' at the moment as it's obviously very popular!).

Have you tried Elemis Cleansing Gel - have you found your Holy Grail cleanser yet?

Jen x