Elsie's Journal

Single Review: 'Forever' -Haim

2013-01-08T13:10:00.004-08:00

'Forever'-Haim

'Forever' is a track from Haim free 'Forever' E.P, which is going to be brought out as an official single. The band have a folk, but R&B feel, which I think is something quite unique and fresh. The band is made up of three sisters: Danielle, Este and Alana, and they are based in Los Angles.

The single, 'Forever' is about trying to make love last in the world, and this is presented in the well-written lyrics, which helps to show off the band's great song-writing skills. Also, the song has an extremely memorable chorus, which you can't help but sing along to after a few listens. Guitars and synth are heavily used throughout the song, which helps to contrast the band from other girl groups in the charts at the moment, and helps to give them an edge over everyone else.

In my opinion, Haim are possibly one of the best girl groups from this generation. They have gone against the typical stereotype of bubblegum pop, but have created their own unique style, with a hint of their rock chick essence. I would recommend listening to the band if you're into AlunaGeorge and Jessie Ware. The band recently won the BBC Sound of 2013 Poll, which just shows itself just how talented the band are.

If there are any singles or albums you would like me to review, then just let me know by commenting below!

Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

2013-01-07T04:24:00.000-08:00

Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm £7.99

I recently tried this cleansing balm from Boots own brand, Botanics. The product itself has received countless reviews, but with just as many negative ones as there is positive. Cleansing balms are great for getting rid of the 'clogged' feeling you get with your skin after using countless products on it. Since Botanics re branded, the formulation of the balm has changed, and it is for this reason that I decided to review it.

To use the balm, you take a small amount and work it into your dry face in upward strokes. Then, you take the cloth that it comes with, soak it in hot water, and then remove the product from your face. After this, soak the same cloth in cold water, and compress the cloth on the face to close pores.

It left my skin feeling extremely clean and nourished, and it is great for combination skin-just like mine. The balm however does leave a slight film behind, however I just use a facial scrub afterwards to get rid of it. The smell is divine, and I haven't broken out after using the product. I really do recommend the product, as I have enjoyed using it and the results have been great. This product is definitely one of those cheap but brilliant drug store buys.

Inflammable Hearts

2012-09-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

Jacket: Vintage at Ark

Shirt: Primark

Disco Pants: Glamorous

Necklace: Fuse (Irish Store)

Lipstick: Max Factor-Red Alert

Well, I'm finally back! I am very sorry that I've been M.I.A for the past two weeks. I've been to Ireland twice in that space of time, I can't get enough of my birth place at the minute! But the sad news is, I'm back at school now for my last year of GCSE's. I got my results for the first round of exams I done, and ended up with an A, A* and 3 B's. Hence why I went on a celebration shopping spree in Dublin!

Apologies for the photo quality, as these were taken in the hotel room with my mum's iPhone. I really liked this outfit, and I wore out for a few drinks with my mum. I was really impressed with this black shirt from Primark. It's one of the first shirts I've seen that's not been completely sheer, which is brilliant! Also, I'm in love with my disco pants, even though they aren't the real ones! But I feel so good in them, and I'm refusing to take them off. They flatter almost all figures, so they're a great buy. I would completely recommend them to people who can't afford the real ones, like me!

I'll be doing a haul post next, after going on countless shopping sprees over the past two weeks, all thanks to my savings! I've got a lot so it might even spread over two posts, but we'll see! Oh and my OOTD posts will always have a song title as the post title, just so you don't get confused! Hope you didn't miss me too much!

A Little Break

2012-08-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

My lovely mug.

Hello everyone! I'm back off to Ireland for a long weekend, and won't be back till Tuesday, which means I will not be able to update my blog. Thank you to everyone so far who has had a look at my blog, as it means a lot to me, being a new blog and everything. Also, I have some exciting news. I finally went out and picked up the Army Jacket I've been wanting for weeks yesterday. I have to admit, the fit is quite big, and the man in Ark told me that I couldn't return it because 'it's vintage darling'. Which I think is a load of rubbish! But anyway, yes the picture above it me, check out my instagraming skills eh? If you want to follow me on instagram, my name is: @leannee_xox. Lastly, if you want to message me, just e-mail me at my general/PR E-mail address or just tweet me at @elsiesjournal.

Want #1

2012-08-15T12:20:00.002-07:00

Vintage Army Jacket: Ark

I came across this jacket online a few weeks ago. I've always wanted an Army jacket, but I have never found the time to actually go out and buy one for myself. This one is sold in Ark, but it is from Hearts & Bows, a brand which you can also find on Asos. It's only £30, which I think is a bargain for any kind of coat. I'm a fan of the elasticated waist, which will help give any women who wears it, a waist. I'm hopefully going to pick it up sometime over the upcoming weeks, so I'll keep you posted. What do you think of the jacket?

Aussie Luscious Long Leave-In Conditioner

2012-08-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

Left Picture: My hair after using the product

Right Picture: Aussie Luscious Long Leave-In Conditioner

My hair always becomes dry after a while, as I'm always using my GHD's on it. Therefore, I was in need of deep conditioning product as well as a heat defence. At roughly £4-£5 a bottle, I think that this Leave-In Conditioner is one of the best on the market.

It helps de-tangle, protect against heat, and I've even found that it helps tame my frizzy locks. It also smells lovely, which I think is a really important quality for hair products. The 250ml would normally last me around 4 months, which I think is excellent, as that adds up to only £1 per month! It had the same effect whether you let your hair dry natural or blow dry it too.

I know it sounds extreme, but this product has changed my life in many ways (haha). My hair doesn't look like straw anymore, and I also don't resemble a huge fluff ball, thanks to the de-stress element. I've seen many other leave-in conditioners on the market, quite a lot of them cheaper than the Aussie version. However, in my opinion, they're no way on the same level. I can't remember the last time I smelt a hair product that was so nice, even my dad asks me where the 'beautiful scent' is coming from (bless him!).

I also brought it on holiday with me for by the pool. This was because after getting out of the pool, my hair seemed to become extremely knotty, and also after always shoving it up, it became a challenge to run a brush through it. So I'd spray this onto my mane, which would leave it smelling nice and make brushing my hair not so much of a challenge.

Overall I'd give Aussie Leave-In Conditioner 10 out of 10! It is a really amazing product, and has become my 'hair must-have' as well as a holiday essential. What did you think of this product?

This post is not in any way associated with Aussie and all of the comments above are opinions of my own. This is not an advertisement.

A Brand New Start

2012-08-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

I've had this blog for nearly a year now, and I haven't really taken off with it. I want to change by blog and give it fresh new look, as well as a different take on thing. My posts will become more regular, and will include OOTD (outfit of the day's) alongside beauty reviews. Also after having invested in a 'proper' camera, I hope that my photo posts will benefit a lot, as well as how often I post. Thank you to all those who have stayed with me and my blog, despite the fact that posts have been poor and my rubbish time-keeping. I hope that you will stay with the blog after it has been 'rebuilt' and 'redesigned'. Lastly, the URL will stay the same as I feel it will suit by the redesigned blog and it is a personal name for my new project.
See you soon, with a brand new face hahaha

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Budget Brands

2012-02-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

After a recent trip to Tesco's, I'm starting to think that their clothing isn't all that bad!
I've spotted at least 5 items of clothing that are now on my wish list, which I'll definitely be hopping into the trolley. To be honest, I've spotted everything there from chelsea boots to aztec print dresses. In my opinion, Tesco's have really tried with their recent collections. I do believe that the recession has something to do with the new on trend collections. After all people can no longer afford to be buying expensive high street or designer brands, such as Topshop or River Island. And with more and more people beginning to shop with budget brands such as Primark or Supermarket clothing brands, its obvious why Tesco have upped their game in the last few years. After all having a small student budget isn't the best when you're interesting in fashion and like to keep up with certain trends. Therefore, Tesco's cheap but stylish clothing is perfect for small budgets and fashionistas alike.