My Christmas Treats

Trifle

I had a special request from my brother one day to make a trifle. So the next family gathering I decided to give it a go. 

This recipe is a spin off from the much loved trifle that my Nanna makes. She adds a few splashes of sherry to the sponge and let it soak for a bit to give it a lovely sweet flavour.
 I then added some frozen berries (mixed from the local Coles freezer aisle) and poured the port wine jelly mixture on top.I waited for the jelly to set in the fridge. I made a traditional custard and poured that on top then I made a chocolate custard and topped it all off with cream and blueberries! Yum!

I love trifles because there are so many different flavours in one mouthful.
So there you go my simple but delicious trifle idea.

What do you traditionally bake for the Christmas Season?


Have Fun!

Renee x

Lust Have It! December 2013

Its the last day of December and my Lust Have It! has finally arrived. Im so excited to see what they have in store for me this month. So here goes...

From Left to Right.

Maybelline New York Dream fresh BB Cream (Full Size) I dont really use a lot of BB Creams, mainly because I havent gotten around to buying any yet so Im pretty happy that I got one. I just tried a bit on my hand and I am pleasantly surprised how lightwight it is! After the initial oily feeling when I put some on my face I noticed that the more I blended it in the less oily it feels. In fact it dries as not quiet powdery and not quiet liquidy. hmm hard to explain. But I like it.

Sunsense Anti-Aging Face  SPF 30+ Yay for full sized products! This sunscreen is specifically designed for the face. It contains AHA's and Vitamins E and B3. I have never heard of Vitamin B3 but it is good for anti-inflammatory,  oil control, skin lightening, skin brightening and anti aging effects to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
 So all good stuff for the skin. It does say on the bottle to expect an tingling feeling for a little bit after applied, not sure how I feel about that. Id rather anything I put on my face to be soothing not tingling! Even though this is a full size product I feel a bit unexcited about this one.

Maybelline New York Dream Pure BB Cream (sachet) Another BB Cream huh? I didnt really see the diffrence between this one and the full sized Dream Fresh BB Cream. From a quick read of the sachet I gather that this product sort of treats problem skin and the other BB Cream is just a bit more of a cosmetic and covers skin imperfections. So Im pretty curious about this and will defenatly give this one a try.

Clairol Visible Repair Intensive Mask I never really bother to try the hair care products in my subscription box and this one will be no diffrent. Im just waaaay to picky with what I put in my hair to try everything that I recieve. This mask will go straight to my mother who is not as picky and will give this mask a try. 

Uriage Aquaprecis Refreshing Gel Cream  These little sample moisturisers and cleansers  are so handy and I use them all up, they never just sit in my cupboard gathering dust. Im always happy to try a new skincare line and this one is no exeption.  This is a light weight lotion and it smells really good, even if it reminds me of a mens aftershave. Im looking forward to giving this one a go. I will use this moisturiser with the cleanser I got in the box.

Pelactiv Gentle Foaming Cleanser. This foaming cleanser has almost no smell. Thats good news to the people who dont like to have an overpowering scent whafting up their nose when all they wanna do is clean their skin! I recieved the foaming cleanser but I would much have preffered the cream cleanser, however this wont be a good reason for me not to try it out. Im always a bit concerned that a foaming cleanser will dry my skin out, but its summer here and my skin gets that bit oiler in the warmer months. Im willing to use this and see if it will solve the oily problems.

I also Recieved a $100 Wine voucher from Virgin Wines. I dont drink wine so I wont be using this. 


So that was the December 2013 Lust Have It! box. I think it was pretty average but hey you win some you lose some.


Have Fun x

Renee 

Holiday Makeup Bag

What Surprises Come In My Make Up Bag?

I had recently gone away on a short break to Australia's South West. In the mad flurry of packing I grabbed whatever cosmetics I needed for the couple of days we were gone. Without really thinking about it. So when I unpacked my bag I was curious to see what I had stashed in my make up bag.

Only a few items

I don't wear a lot of make up day-to day. When I'm on holiday I wear even less. So these few items are my absolute essentials when travelling anywhere overnight.

Innoxa 16hour wear foundation in light- I don't think this product is on the market anymore and its a real shame. I really like this foundation because it is so light. The finish is not very heavy and I don't think it is oily at all. This is a very reliable foundation that I am going to be so disappointed when this runs out. My skin doesn't have many blemishes so I can get away with wearing the bare minimum. I usually use this foundation to even out the redness in my skin and it works great.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara- I usually wear a mascara when I go out. Only one coat, so I have to make sure that it is a good mascara. Maybelline has proved time-and-time again that they have fantastic mascaras. Well I am a big fan. This one is the Great Lash Mascara, I am first time user with this particular Maybelline mascara. The brush is one of those plasticy ones ( is plasticy a word?) so the application is very precise. I have to admit if I knew the brush would be plastic when I bought it I would not have tried this mascara. I prefer the bristle brushes, like the original hairs. I find the mascara dries a lot quicker to the plastic brushes, so I'm sorta hanging out for this one to finish so I can get the particular mascara wand I like.

Australis Stayput Eyeliner in Midnight- Two things I wear almost everyday. Mascara and eyeliner. This eyeliner has such a smooth application, it just glides on effortlessly. This is my second stick of this eyeliner and I'm nearly finished with this one. I really like the wind-up mechanism because it means I don't have to keep sharpening the pencil.

Avon Eyeshadows- These eyeshadows are the perfect neutral colour for me. However I don't know if these colours are still made. I have had these eye shadows for years now and they are due for an update. I am really hesitant to throw these out because they are so pretty and I really cant be bothered searching for a new quad with these colours at the moment. So lucky for them, they stay in my makeup case.  

L'oreal Studio Secrets Lip Glow- Before purchasing this product I went to the L'oreal stand in Myer for about a week testing this on my hand and thinking if I would really use it or not. Turns out I use it all the time. This lip glow leaves the most subtle amount of colour on the lips and it has mega shine to it. When applied it leaves a hot pink gloss and layering it multiple times makes the pink really pop. Or I can just put one coat on and it just looks like a sheer lip gloss. It's no wonder why I only had to pack one lip item.

Thin Lizzys in Light and the Thin Lizzys brush- Thin Lizzys is a New Zealand product, it is a mineral 6 in 1 compact and I LOVE IT. The website www.thinlizzy.com.au says that it can be used as an eye shadow, contour, blusher, bronzer, lip colour and body bronzer. Well I havent used the pressed powder as a lip colour but I know that it works great as everything else. Thin Lizzys gives a lovely sunkissed glow when applied lightly with the brush. I usually use this over my foundation as a bronzer and blush. The brush is one of my favorites too because it is so soft and really easy to clean.

Colgate Total Toothpaste- Hey I'm on holiday but I still gotta bush my teeth. I got these handy little toothpastes from the dentist after my annual check up. Along with the free toothbrushes I always stash a couple of these in my suitcase and they don't take up much room at all.

What's in your holiday essentials makeup kit?

Have Fun

Renee x

October Buys. Lush, Puretopia...

Check out my purchases for October so far...

This month I have ran out of nearly every body product that I have, so I have been replenishing my stocks bit by bit.
The first thing I bought was a new face moisturiser. I had only the tiny samples that I get from my subscription boxes to tide me over until I had the time to go down to the shops and get what I really wanted to buy.

The Puretopia Sensitive Care Moisturiser and Puretopia Refresh and Balance Facial Mist

I have been using this moisturiser every night for about three weeks and I love the smell of this stuff. It is a little relaxing treat I dab on before I go to bed. The toner is great for taking makeup off and it has a really nice light and refreshing smell to it.

 

Big Sea Salt Shampoo, Miranda (light green), Dirty.

I am sure I have mentioned this before but I LOVE Lush. Lush has sooo many gorgeous soaps and smells and its so colourful. I go a little crazy when I am in a Lush shop. However I live about an hour away from my closest Lush store so I am now rediscovering a new love for online shopping. I thoroughly enjoy receiving my Lush in the mail as much as going into a shop.. well almost.

 There were a few things I wanted to try. Like the Big Sea Salt Shampoo. The label says to lather it and rub it into your scalp and it can make limp hair Big, also good for getting rid of dandruff. I'm really excited to try this one out. I ordered the Miranda soap for myself because I liked the description and other reviews I had read on it. I am not disappointed, this soap is light and has a gorgeous fruity smell to it. Yes there is even chunks of fruit in the soap bar! 

I also ordered the Dirty soap for hubby because he-is-a-man and he works with dirt. So Dirty soap it is then. This has more of a heavier and citrus smell to it than my fruity Miranda soap.

Balingup Lavender Farm Shower and Bath Gel 50ml 

Our little family went on a trip down to Australia's South West. I didn't pack any soap because 1. I had ran out and 2. we were staying at a motel and I figured that there would be soap there. I was right there was soap in the motel room, but it wasn't quiet right. I am very picky with my products so after one night of using the motel soap I just had to go and get something a little nicer.

 I stumbled across this product at the Balingup Lavender Farm when I was browsing their little gift shop. Of course everything has lavender in it. Tick. And nothing is super expensive. Another tick. Anyone who knows me would know that I LOVE LAVENDER. So I just had to get something and this little beauty was the winner. Its absolutely gorgeous, the gel lathers lightly and it has the very relaxing scent of lavender made with real oils. Using this was the perfect way to unwind after driving round with bub in the car. Aaahhh bliss.

Tinderbox Hair Conditioning Oil and Tinderbox Cacao & Goji Body Lotion

On the same trip to Balingup I found a Tinderbox shop. I was really excited to find this store because I am a really big fan of Tinderbox products as well. Firstly what grabs my attention is the beautiful packaging the products come in. There are pretty drawings for each item and the containers are gorgeous blue glass jars. I picked up the Hair Oil which I rub onto the tips of my hair. I only had to use about four drops to cover the tips of my long hair, so I have a feeling this will go a long way. My favourite buy was the Cacao Body Lotion, it's like rubbing a chocolate milkshake onto your skin. Just joking. But seriously it smells Amazing! It just melts right into my skin and the delicious smell lasts all day. I am totally in love with it. The lotion is light and leaves no oily residue.

I'll be putting a post up soon about my holiday under my lifestyle heading.

Comment if you enjoyed this post.

Have Fun!

Renee x

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Baking Day - Macaroons

Home Made Macaroons

The other day I was devastated to find out that my local bakery had stopped making by beloved Macaroons. I love these little flavoursome jewels. Crunchy on the outside and spongy and sticky on the inside. The flavour possibilities are endless and they are my favourite treat. 
So I went in search of some macaroons. I tried the other local bakery, cafes and even the two supermarkets. One supermarket sold a pack of 12 for around $8, I seriously considered buying. But then I saw this in the packet cake aisle... 

I just had to try them. It took me a few weeks to pluck up the courage because in my mind macaroons were complicated and fiddly to make. Today I faced my fear and took some time out in the day and made them.

This box contained everything I needed: raspberry base, almond mix, a stencil to pipe the mixture onto, two piping bags and chocolate.

First I had to mix the raspberry, water and almond mix together and then pipe them into baking sheets with the stencilled circles on them.

Once baked they needed cooling.  I matched the two sides that fit together the best and prepared the chocolate filling. I melted the chocolate and two tablespoons of thickened cream in the microwave and put that into the second piping bag. Once I had piped chocolate onto the macaroon I sandwiched them together and they looked like this...

image is a bit shadowed but you get the idea

I have to say that now that I have actual made them, macaroons are not so scary to make. Yes, they are fiddly. And they will make a mess if your not practised at using a piping bag ( well I did ). But its fun and so rewarding and a lot cheaper than buying them for $ 3.00 a pop. This mixture made more than 20 macaroons. I am very impressed with this Adriano Zumbo packet mix. They taste amazing and I am looking forward to trying the other flavours he has. I think there is salted caramel and a lemon flavour. Yummo!

Make a comment below if you like the look of these.

Have Fun

Renee x

Bella Box September 2013

I Have just received my Bella Box for September 2013. Here is a sneak peek. 

This Bella Box 's theme is Spring. I enjoy opening my box and seeing the carefully thought out products they have sent out for me to try. Such little items but always used in the warmer months when socialising is in full swing again!

Bella Box have teamed with Cleo Magazine this month. We all received a free copy of Cleo Magazine.

• Montagne Jeunesse Mud Pac Kelp and Seaweed- trial size.                                                     I am looking forward to giving this particular mask a try tomorrow. I have used this brand before and really love it but I usually use the masks made for sensitive skin. The sea weed mask is used to deeply cleanse pores and draw out impurities in the skin. This brand of face products also makes masks that peel off once dry. They are good fun! Generally used to soften the skin and they are often gentler than mud masks. These products are vegetarian and animal cruelty free as well, so win win!         Perhaps a good mask to prep the skin before going out on the town?
• Elegant Touch Envy Wraps                                                                                                                I recently did a review on My Winter Nail Faves and it featured nail wraps, so I'm pleased as punch to receive a new brand that I can try. These wraps are a tie dye effect in a bright almost fluro pink (pink my favourite colour - score!) and a hint of orange. I can see why Bella Box chose these colours, they are the hue of Spring. Very Pretty. They have the same application as my previous nail wraps I have reviewed. Press on the nail sticker and file off the edges and they should last five days. Ill let you know if they do. A great start to brightening up your Spring nails.

• Garnier Ambre Solaire self tanning spray in light.                                                                      I Don't even have to open up this bottle to know that i am going to love it. I use this spray tanner every spring/Summer season. Its the best i have tried yet. I have tried creams, mouses and shimmer gels but in my opinion nothing beats a good spray. I have to admit I am Not a fake tanning addict. I would probably use up 3/4 of a bottle up over the whole Spring and Summer period, I like my pale English skin. But when it gets to the point where my legs are so pale they look almost blue, that's when I think I may need to give a bit of life into them ( and no I will not sit in the sun for half an hour, be sun smart people!). The Garnier spray Tanner needs a little bit of blending in but it is the perfect golden instead of that mud brown colour that you can sometimes get with other spray tanners. Spring essential.                                                                                   To make your spray tan last longer, exfoliate in the shower then after you have patted your skin dry apply about 40 cm away from the skin for an even finish. Also easy on the knee area, the hard and dry skin on the knee can absorb tan and make it look like you have been crawling in mud.
• Shick Hydro Silk Razor and Cartridge.                                                                                       These razors with the moisture edges are really lovely. I don't even look at the razors without a moisture strip on them. The schick moisture strip is water activated and is infused with mineral extracts. Receiving a razor in the Bella Box is a bit blah to me.
• Manicare Glam Eyes false eyelashes in Kelly.                                                                               I am not a false eyelash girl. In fact false eyelashes is something I would never buy for myself, I just don't feel like I have the need to use them. So when I received these lashes my eyebrows went up and I thought to myself  ' I doubt if ill ever use these. They may gather dust in my make up pile. *Shameface
• Footcare- Gel Ball of Foot Cushions.                                                                                           Yes! I will definitely be using these! I regularly opt to wear flat shoes because I know my feet will be HURTING if I wear a pair of heels at a long party. These are really easy to use, just take them off the protective film and put the sticky side to the shoe. Done! The cushions are really thin so you don't have to worry about your much loved pair of heels feeling  little too snug once they have been applied.
• Asap Pure Mineral Lip Pencil in Three.                                                                                           I love love receiving makeup items in these boxes. I'll try anything new. I don't own many lip pencils ( well only one) so I was happy to receive this pretty pink mineral pencil. I had to try it on immediately. The application was a little dryer than I'm used to but the lovely colour far out weighs the dryness factor. I have been using this pencil on its own, but it would look great with a gloss over it or a moisturising lip balm under it.

Is there any other product that is a Spring essential?

Have Fun!

Renee x

Baking Day! Apple, Oat and Choc Muffins.

It's another Friday. A day of glorious baking. I love watching my family enjoy the treats I bring to them. These muffins are a bit of an exception though. No I don't have a 'Forbidden' sign up after I have made them. These go straight into the freezer after they have cooled down (they freeze really well , by the way) and I just take one out during the day to defrost. I have a baby and I am breastfeeding, hence I am eating a lot more than I used to. I made up this muffin recipe so I could nibble on something during those 3 am feeds.
The oats make them really filling and the apple/chocolate combination gives them that much loved sweetness.

Apple, Oat and Choc Muffins

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 Green Apple finely chopped or grated
• 1/2 Cup of Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup of oil
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Essence

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Cups of Self Raising Flour
• 1 Cup of Rolled Oats
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Tablespoon of Golden Syrup
• 1/2 Cup of Milk Choc Chips

Method :

1. Preheat Oven to 200 C
2. Line a 12 hole muffin tray with cases
3. Combine wet ingredients together in a bowl.
4. Sift in flour
5. Add oats, baking soda and cinnamon and golden syrup. Mix them in well.
6. Stir in chocolate chips
7. Divide mixture evenly into the muffin cases
8. Bake for 15-20 Minutes.

I put my muffins in for 20 Minutes and some were a bit brown for my liking so see if 15 minutes is enough time first. These Muffins are ready if you put skewer in the middle of one and it comes out clean.

I hope you girls love these as much as I do. Are there any other recipes you would like to see?

Renee x

August Lust Have It !

Hello Girls!

Who has heard of this new Beauty Box phenomenon? Not you? Me neither until a couple of weeks ago. I was scouring the Internet to see if there is a company out there who send out free samples of lots of products at once. I didn't find a website who did it for free but I came across a few companies that send out samples for a small cost.

 For instance Lust Have It! is an online shop where members can buy make up and skin care from lots of different brands. But get this, for $19.95 a month you can subscribe to a sample box. Each month Lust Have It! will choose 5-6 deluxe and lifestyle products and send them to your mailing address. What an Awesome idea! At least one product was full sized and it contained a mix of makeup and skin care.

I caved and subscribed to the August 2013 Lust Have It! Box, I received it last week and I've been testing the products.

 I was pleasantly surprised when I opened it up and found decent sized samples and two full sized products.

                                           

• Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator ( Full size)-They say: Lightweight liquid illuminator works instantly to brighten skin. It boosts natural illuminosity, minimises flaws, enhances skin with a hint of sheer colour and protects skin from harsh environments.
  I Say: This light cream brings a really pretty glow to your skin. I'm really looking forward to trying this  in the spring/summer months to freshen up my look.
  
  
• Revlon Nearly naked Makeup – They Say:  So light it melts right in, working in harmony with your skins unique tone and texture. Vitamin and antioxidant-packed to pump up skins natural glow.
  I Say: I didn't think it 'melted' in as they say. I do think that it blended really well but the product still felt a little sticky on the skin when applied. 
  
  
• KMS California Free Shape Shampoo and Conditioner-They Say: Create unlimited style transformations with hot tools. Styles last until next wash.
  I Say: I only received the sachet of the conditioner. I was a bit nervous about using a commercial conditioner because I always shampoo and condition my hair with Bi-carb and Vinegar. However I did promise to try everything that I received in these boxes for reviewing purposes. I'm not all that impressed with this product my hair isn't ultra shiny or frizz free. It does come in a pretty violet colour but doesn't have any scent.
  
  
• KMS California Add Volume Volumising Spray- Increases volume and provides intense fullness ideal for super fine hair.
  I Say: I have really fine and flat hair. There isn't a lot of volume going on at all up there. The products comes in a pump bottle and is more of a thin gel than a light liquid. I am due to go to an engagement party soon so I am really looking forward to trying this to give my hair a bit of oomph.
  
  
• Sinful Colors Nail Enamel (Full size)- A long wearing, ship resistant, professional formula. Available in 69 colours such as cream, metallic, shimmer, glitter and matte.
   I Say: I am a bit embarrassed to say that I have NEVER worn a red polish before. The staple nail colour has been non-existent in my collection of many nail lacquers until now. I received a vivid red called Ruby Ruby and it compliments my skin tone really well. I am in love with this colour. One coat is sufficient enough to achieve a balanced and even texture. One drawback, the polish only lasted  two days before it started peeling. Next time I'll try two coats.
  
  
• Lush Gorgeous moisturiser- Protective vitamin filled, softening moisturiser formulated with best ingredients have been used for this light, bright cream.       
   I Say: Whenever I receive a new body product I have to smell it. This face moisturiser is nothing less of gorgeous. It has the freshest scent of orange blossom, olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, pineapple juice. It just smells amazing. The light cream just melts into my skin with no sticky residue. I have found a new love! This is a product that I plan on purchasing full size.
  
  
• La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water- Soothes sensitive skin irritated by outside factors (sun, dermatological treatments) helps prevent skin ageing it is also a natural anti oxidant.                             
   I Say: I don't really see the point in spraying water on my face. I gave it a shot and sprayed some on my face. It went on nice and cool and then dried, just like normal water. I wasn't really that bothered. Perhaps good to put in my handbag in summer to use as a refreshing spritz?
  
  
• La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume- They Say: Replenishes most severely dry skin in record time. Contains Shea Butter and Niacinamide, an active ingredient to break the vicious cycle of itching. Formulated to treat eczema and extreme dryness.                     
   I Say: Another sample that I am really happy with. I usually slather on a bit of moisturiser everyday and I loved the thickness of the cream. It absorbs really quickly and I have noticed that my skin isn't as dry as it was. Winner!

Have any of you girls subscribed to a beauty box? What do you think of them? Any Product here that you have tried?

Let me know!

Renee x

Baking Day - Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

It's Friday! I always look forward to Friday. My husband is home and I let him mind the baby for a couple of hours while I retreat into my own little world and bake whatever my heart desires. I enjoy nothing more than throwing a few ingredients into a bowl whisking them together and seeing what delightful tastes they bring together. Or scouring my mothers pantry where she has dozens of cookbooks and I can dream what I will create the next week.

So, girlies. I am going to share with you some really easy, quick and (most importantly) delicious recipes that will make even a novice baker feel like a pro once they are out the oven!

Enjoy! x

Bake off!

 Chocolate Oatmeal Bars 

250g butter

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup sugar

2 egg yolks

1 cup plain flour

1 cup quick cooking oats

Topping: 150g Cadbury Cooking Chocolate

1 tablespoon butter

½ cup of chopped walnuts

• Beat butter and sugars in bowl until creamy
• Beat in egg yolks
• Add flour and oats. Mix together well
• Spread mixture in a thin layer in a buttered and lined 20cm x 26cm slice pan
• Bake in moderate oven, 180c for 20-25 minutes, Cool.

Topping

• Melt chocolate and butter together, stir and spread over biscuit layer. Sprinkle with nuts
• Allow to set and cut into squares.

Tip: The recipe says to use chopped walnuts but why not add different kinds of nuts. I used flaked almonds, walnuts and salted pistachios.

I store this slice in an airtight container in the fridge.

Have Fun!

Renee x

Winter Nail Faves 2013

It's almost Spring and I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite nail finds for the Winter months. 

First lets start with these new nail foils that have recently hit the shelves. OK, I'm a bit of a fan. At first I was a bit sceptical thinking ' They will fall off easily' and ' They probably look cheap'. But I really love these. They come in cute designs for any girls taste weather you like animal print, bright pops of colour, lacey details or ( my personal fave) glittery diamonties. 

The first set I tried was the Fingrs- nail makeup. I actually picked these up from my local Coles supermarket and was very happy with them. They were these cute multicoloured diamonties on a sheer sticker. They were soooo easy to put on. All I had to do was take the sticker off the backing, stick it onto my nail and file the edge off. These lasted me about four days before they started to peel off but I'm not exactly gentle with my nails. 

I was really impressed and received a few compliments as well. I would defenatly use these again. They are soooo pretty and they are a lot more friendly on your coins than going to a nail bar.

So yep, highly recommended. Especially if you want that special budget friendly nail makeover for a high school formal or a weekend holiday or just to treat yourself (which is why I bought them in the first place)

 On the same shopping trip to Coles I also picked up the Fingrs - Edge Fashion Nails. These are really funky and colourful. Ok so these are not in the nail foils category but they are false nails with the designs already printed on them. No need for fussing or painting its already done. Handy, huh? One of my friends raved about them, she used them while she was on holiday so I gave them a go. Whats even more handy about them is that they also come with nail glue and double sided stickys, so you can choose how you want to apply them. I'm mega lazy so I went for the stickers and I only wanted to wear them for a little while. But if you want longevity, I'd say go the glue.
One drawback I find with fake nails is that they usually come in one size. Sure they have short length, average length, oval tips, square tips etc. But only a few companies have made nails with petite hands in mind. And my nails are petite .
 So usually I have to file all around the nail to get it to match my nail bed, and that can take hours if I want it to look half decent. 
 Even though I really loved the look of these nails and the length was nice I would personally look for a petite range for myself. I did put these nails on my faves list because I would highly recommend them if you do not need to use a smaller fake nail. I hope you enjoy trying these nails too!

OK, so this is not an exclusive Winter fave. I pretty much use the Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat all year round. As you can see it comes clear and when used as a top coat it leaves a really lovely glossy finish. I prefer a thick brush with my polishes and I find that this product has a really good brush and makes it easy for precise application.
I love love clear polishes. I think they are so low maintenance and they give your nails a natural looking uplift.
 I wear this clear most of the time because I like to have shiny nails.
When I use this with my polishes as a base and top coat I honestly think that the colour last 2-3 days longer. If I don't use this then my polishes peel pretty quickly and then I have to dig out the nail colour, touch them up, wait for them to dry etc etc. Urg, all too hard. So I'm pretty keen on this product, and it doesn't dry your nails out (like some other products.)

So I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is after a base and top coat that lasts. And its in one handy bottle.

 I'm noticing a bit of a pattern here, but another favourite also comes from the Sally Hansen range. Boy, does she know how to make great nail stuff. I'm always on the lookout for a lovely nail colour and I'm pretty partial to pinks and purples. So when I saw this gorgeous dark purple I was sold.
The bottle is cute enough with a diamond cut around the edges and also a little diamonte on the top of the bottle. First impressions count, but 99% of the product has to be good when I buy it and the extra 1% is a bonus if it has cute packaging . I have used Sally Hansen polishes before and none of them have disappointed me.
Firstly there is the great brush that makes it so much easier to apply the paint. And the colour is such a beautiful on-trend purple, when I put this on I also saw that it left a pretty shine behind as well. No wonder why they call it Diamonte. This is definitely not a matte colour. I was also impressed with the longevity of the colour on my nails, it lasted about four days before any peeling at all. That was without the Sally Hansen Base and Top Coat . Next time I think I'll try using the base and top coat with the polish just to see how long it lasts, I'll let you know how it goes.
If you only have a budget for one nail polish this winter, yep, try this one I reckon.

 I was given these Sally Hansen Nail Strips from a friend. I was so excited to try these because I have seen these everywhere but just did not buy any. What I first noticed is the gorgeous design of black lace on a blood red base.
 This particular brand of nail strips come in soooo many designs and colours. you wont be short on choices, and whats better than that?
At first I was a bit disappointed because after fifteen minutes of (incorrectly) trying to apply them, they just would not stick.  So I finally relented and carefully read the simple four step instructions and they finally stuck, (turns out they have an adhesive side but you have to take the backing off first. Who would have thunk?) After they have been applied all that needs to be done is a bit of filing on the nail tip to even everything out.
So all in all, another favourite because they are super easy, super pretty and super gentle on the purse.

Have a great day girls!

Renee x