New York Photo Diary

October 30, 2014, 12:00 am

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For old times sake, I thought I'd do a photo diary style post today as I used to always do these after my trips!

I didn't take my camera out with me every day but I managed to take some snaps on the last few days. I loved walking through the streets of Soho and Greenwich village. We saw pumpkins on front porches, dog walkers out and about and Halloween decorations a plenty!

We also managed to run down to the water in time for the sunset which was absolutely beautiful. We had a great view of the Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty! 

We stayed at my friend Keisha's apartment for 3 nights and then stayed for 2 nights at Citizen M hotel. The hotel was perfect for what we needed and the view from the bed was the best way to wake up in the morning. The whole room was operated by a tablet which changed the room's 'theme', changed lights, temperature, TV... everything! 

Here's a list of some great food & drink places we visited; Nourish Kitchen, Hu's Kitchen, Gansevoort Market, Dean & Deluca, Stumptown Coffee, Argo Tea, Koi Sushi, Badokan. 

The shops I loved browsing in were; Brandy Melville, Kate Spade Saturday, the beauty department of Urban Outfitters (by Macy's) and Steve Madden.

Part two of my vlog is going up tonight at 6.30pm and my haul will be up Sunday morning at 9.30am so stay tuned! 

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NEW YORK VLOG: PART 2

October 31, 2014, 12:00 am

≫ Next: WEAR LIFE EATS: NYC EDITION

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So here's part 2 of my New York vlog. More shopping, more eating, more fun times and an INCREDIBLE sunset. We found some lovely places in our final days and spent more time downtown in the chilled out parts of New York. 

Click on the video above to watch and subscribe to my channel so you don't miss Sunday's haul video! 

WEAR LIFE EATS: NYC EDITION

November 1, 2014, 12:00 am

≫ Next: ESSIE HIDE & GO CHIC

≪ Previous: NEW YORK VLOG: PART 2

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WEAR //

When browsing the streets of Soho we found a Kate Spade that looked completely different from the other stores. Kate Spade 'Saturday' is like the younger, funkier, more fun sister. Prices are lower, although not cheap it's certainly more affordable. Colours are brighter, cuts are edgier and I just loved the feel of it. As well as clothes there were phone cases, make up bags and handbags too. I spotted some gorgeous Whistles-like clutch bags that looked beautiful. It's definitely worth checking out if you're in New York and let's cross our fingers for a London store soon! 

LIFE //

Waking up to this view in the morning was so breathtaking. If you have a trip to New York coming up and you need somewhere to stay I'd definitely recommend Citizen M hotel. Like most central New York hotels the room was small, but it had everything we needed. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, one of my favourite meals of the trip was arranged for us by the concierge. 

EATS // 

On one of the days we were on the hunt for a fresh and healthy lunch. We followed some yummy mummy's into Hu Kitchen and we instantly knew we'd hit the jackpot! Hu Kitchen is completely Paleo so all their food and drink is free from sugar cane, refined sugars, gluten, GMO and other nasties. The food was unique and delicious. I made up a box mixing together salads such as quinoa, broccoli and cauliflower topped with almond crusted chicken bites. We had the best meal and it was exactly what we fancied. I'd definitely return and recommend it to anyone! 

Until next time New York... 

ESSIE HIDE & GO CHIC

November 2, 2014, 12:00 am

≫ Next: HUGE NEW YORK HAUL

≪ Previous: WEAR LIFE EATS: NYC EDITION

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Essie Hide & Go Chic was my daily love before going away. It's an azure blue that's different but completely wearable at the same time. 

You probably know by now about my obsession with blue nails, I have no idea why but it's the colour I always gravitate towards. This one though isn't childish at all or too over the top, as the name suggests it's a chic take on blue nails. 

I haven't seen many people speak about this shade but it's definitely one to consider adding to the collection! 

What do you think of Hide & Go Chic? 

HUGE NEW YORK HAUL

November 2, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: AFFORDABLE, TRAVEL-FRIENDLY FACE MASKS

≪ Previous: ESSIE HIDE & GO CHIC

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A long weekend in New York with no boys?? Literally shopping heaven. You've seen the vlogs, you've seen the photo diary but here's the final (& most exciting) documentation of my time in New York... the haul. 

Two suitcases and one airport confiscation later and here it is... enjoy! 

AFFORDABLE, TRAVEL-FRIENDLY FACE MASKS

November 2, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: AUTUMN LIGHTS

≪ Previous: HUGE NEW YORK HAUL

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Sheet masks have been popular in Asia, specifically Korea for a very long time now. They've been working their way into the UK, popping up in specialised stores and high end brands have been jumping on the band wagon too. This brand really grabbed my attention though, four masks, four different skincare concerns, affordable and available at Boots stores nationwide. They seem to tick all the boxes right? 

MasqueBar is a new brand that was developed in Korea and offers a collection of sheet, mud and crème masks depending on the skin concern. They are packaged in cute and colourful boxes that are easy to differentiate from each other. Inside each £9.99 box you get three masks in three separate sachets. Although I think this looks great and works nicely when travelling, my only problem is I wish there were more sachets with less product inside as you get a lot of product in each sachet, too much for just one application and they're harder to store once opened. 

Anti-Blemish Mud Mask //

I apply this one with a brush and it aims to sooth irritated skin and bumps while helping to control excess-oil. I would use this one on spotty days as it helps to purify and balance the skin. The formula is easy to remove without dragging the skin and leaves it feeling fresh and clean. 

Brightening Sheet Mask //

This one is like a traditional sheet mask that you peel off and place onto your face whilst lying down. It helps to minimise the appearance of dark spots and aims to even out your complexion in general. Unlike some traditional sheet masks, this one is free from hydroquinone (used to whiten the skin) and therefore can be used on all skin tones. 

Pore Refining Crème Mask //

In the yellow box you'll find sachets of a crème mask, which usually isn't my favourite type of mask. This one helps to minimise the appearance of pores making a more refined and even complexion. It feels calming on the skin and very gentle, which is good for those with sensitive skin. 

Anti-Wrinkle Sheet Mask //

In the purple box is another sheet mask, but this time it's one that's collagen-infused to contour the face and help to reduce wrinkles. It's very hydrating and helps to give that plumped skin look, therefore reducing the look of wrinkles. 

So now it's easier than ever to try out a skincare craze that was only accessible across the world in the past. Which box would you want to try out first? 

AUTUMN LIGHTS

November 3, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: KARAOKE QUEEN // WEEKLY VLOG

≪ Previous: AFFORDABLE, TRAVEL-FRIENDLY FACE MASKS

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I've always had a thing for Autumn, but it's quite rare for us to have such beautiful sunny weather at this time of the year. The sun is out, the leaves are vibrant and all I want to do is take long walks bundled up in a scarf and hat. 

I think I'm a hat person. Beanies usually suit me and I can get away with most shapes, but there's something about this Whistles hat that terrifies me. I had a discount card from a magazine and really wanted to buy a hat, but I umm'd and ahh'd for a long time. Eventually I settled on the navy blue (I loved the grey but it was too similar to my coat!). I feel a bit ridiculous when I wear it and it's the sort of thing my brother-in-law would definitely make fun of, but I also kinda love it... 

Talking of accessories, this watch is from Daniel Wellington. I often get asked about my Acurist watch but although it's really affordable, it's also hard to get hold of and hard to find with a rose gold face and black strap. This one from Daniel Wellington is rose gold and black, has a really simple and clean design and is easy to get hold of here. I love a classic watch design like this as it goes with any outfit. I also wore alongside it this beautiful friendship bracelet from Monica Vinader. Again, a simple but classic design that looks really elegant and pretty on. The L necklace is by Kate Spade although I chose not to wear it in the end as it didn't quite go with the outfit. 

I'm so happy with the relaxed, baggy knit that I bought from Brandy Melville. It's cosy, comfy and I love how it looks with my skinny Topshop Jaime jeans and Steve Madden boots. Luckily it's still warm enough to wear my Topshop coat and my Urban Outfitters rucksack is still my daily favourite. 

I'm going to try and take more outfit/lifestyle photos this month, so let me know if you like them! And for all you beauty junkies out there... the lipstick is MAC Plumful!

KARAOKE QUEEN // WEEKLY VLOG

November 4, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: CHANEL'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING

≪ Previous: AUTUMN LIGHTS

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This one is more of a weekend vlog as I got back to the UK mid-week. This weekend was so much fun though with plenty of auntie duties and karaoke with my friends. 

It's an extra long one so I hope you like it! 

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CHANEL'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING

November 5, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: FILMING, EDITING & YOUTUBE QUESTIONS

≪ Previous: KARAOKE QUEEN // WEEKLY VLOG

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Chanel's Christmas collection is the one that always makes my heart flutter. Last year Anna and Amelia hunted down the eyeshadow palette on release day, adding one to their basket for me and we all spent dinner with palettes in our hands and hearts in our eyes. For a beauty junkie, Chanel at Christmas is just perfection. 

This year they have a gorgeous collection yet again and as it's hitting counterstomorrow I thought I'd show you a few of the bits to wet your appetite. 

I've bought one of their highlighting powders in the past, what can I say the embossed detailing is impossible to resist! This year the powder is embossed with a feather in the shape of a camellia flower. When used on the cheekbones it leaves a shimmer mix of golds and silvers, adding light and glam for the party season. 

The five pan eyeshadow palette has a mix of cool tones with one yellow gold on the end. The three shades to the left create a soft lilac, snowflake haze and the matte black can be used as a liner to define the look. There is also a liner for the eyes and this one I love. A soft champagne that can be used in the inner corner of the eyes to brighten or along the lower lash line for pure elegance. It's so easy to use and creates a gorgeous effect. 

When I think of Chanel I think of red. When I think of Christmas I think of red. So it's not a surprise to see some rouge in their Christmas collection this year. The Rouge Allure Velvet in 'La Flamboyante' is a fiery matte red that matches perfectly with the 'Phenix' nail polish. I can't wait to wear them as a combo at a Christmas party! 

The liner and lipstick are my picks this year, so what are yours?

FILMING, EDITING & YOUTUBE QUESTIONS

November 6, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: WEAR LIFE EATS

≪ Previous: CHANEL'S CHRISTMAS STOCKING

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Just before I left for New York I was going to do a blog post about filming, editing and general YouTube questions. But when I asked you guys to tweet me some questions there were so many good ones I thought I'd turn it into a video instead! 

So let's chat about filming and editing videos as well YouTube in general. Hopefully you'll get some tips or just find it interesting! Enjoy! 

WEAR LIFE EATS

November 7, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: COLOUR & GO

≪ Previous: FILMING, EDITING & YOUTUBE QUESTIONS

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WEAR //

I'm so happy with the Nike trainers I bought in New York! I picked up the Flynit Lunar 2's in black as I found them the comfiest and well, they looked great with black skinny jeans! I think that's what I love about Nike trainers is even well before trainers were the 'in thing', they've always worked as casual wear as well as for sports. The only problem is now I don't want to wear any of my other shoes! 

LIFE //

Tomorrow I am being whisked off to Glasgow to watch the EMA Awards! Samsonite offered to send me packing and I am so excited for so many reasons. I have never been to Glasgow. I have never been to the EMAs. I LOVE the EMAs. Ed Sheeran is playing. I'm going with Anna... Basically, the excitement levels are on over drive right now. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for updates and watch out for my Tuesday Weekly vlog to see what we got up to! 

EATS //

Last wekend I went to La Bodega Negra in Covent Garden for my friend's birthday dinner. I've been before but never mentioned on here before. There are two branches right next to each other but the main one on Old Compton Street is the real deal. From the outside it literally looks like a Soho sex shop. 'Girls Girls Girls' flashes in neon lights and there is absolutely no sign of a restaurant. It took me a while to figure it out at first and pluck up the courage to open the door, but when you eventually do you're met by friendly (and quirky) staff who take your coats and show you downstairs to the restaurant. The food is Mexican, but not your standard fajitas and burritos. Some examples of dishes we had were Spicy Yellow Fin Tuna Ceviche, Roasted Corn and Pork Belly Tacos. The restaurant is very dark and atmospheric, so if you're not a fan of eating in the dark then maybe this isn't the place for you. But it's definitely an experience and the cocktail list is insanely good! One for a special occasion and although I wouldn't rush back (once you've done it, you've done it) it was a really fun and enjoyable experience. 

COLOUR & GO

November 8, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: QUICK BEAUTY FOR BUSY WOMEN

≪ Previous: WEAR LIFE EATS

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The Leighton Denny Colour & Go is one of those lightbulb why didn't I think of that products. It's genius. A top and base coat on one end and a nail colour on the other. One stick and that's all you need to be able to do your nails on the go, because let's face it sometimes there just isn't time to sit on the sofa and do a full manicure. 

They come in a range of different shades, the ones I have here (from light to dark) are Just Perfect, Plush Pink and Pillow Talk. 

So for packaging these get a big thumbs up from me but in terms of formula I wouldn't say they're the best I've tried. The polish is nice and the same as standard Leighton Denny shades, with two coats you get an even coverage. I found the base and topcoat to be a little disappointing though and it takes quite a while to dry. For a nail polish that's on the go, fast drying speed is essential and I didn't find it to be as effective as Seche Vite. Using a quick dry spray helps to speed up the process so you could keep one on hand or at your desk if you needed to. 

I haven't seen anything else like it though so if you are doing your nails on the go I'd say it's worth trying these out! 

QUICK BEAUTY FOR BUSY WOMEN

November 9, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: A DUPE FOR MY FAVOURITE HIGH-END CREAM EYESHADOW

≪ Previous: COLOUR & GO

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There isn't always time in our lives for the full on makeup or skincare routine. Sometimes it's just about getting out the house and looking half decent. 

For today's video I'm talking through some products that will help cut down time in your beauty routine. I really enjoyed working on this video and included a 3 minute makeup challenge as well as some fun stop motion! So I really hope you like it and find some good product recommendations to help you save some time in the mornings. 

Hope you're all having a great weekend. I'm currently in Scotland for the EMA Awards so follow me on Twitter or Instagram to see what I've been up to! 

A DUPE FOR MY FAVOURITE HIGH-END CREAM EYESHADOW

November 9, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: A LITTLE TOO LONG LASTING?

≪ Previous: QUICK BEAUTY FOR BUSY WOMEN

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I have raved about the Estée Lauder Pure Colour Stay On Shadow Paint in 'Chained' for well over a year, since I wrote this post. It's a mousse-textured cream eyeshadow with the perfect amount of warm tones and a lasting power that will see you through the entire day and evening without creasing or disappearing. It's a bit of a weird one to recommend though and it's £20 for the pot so it isn't cheap! Until now I'd never found a good enough alternative to recommend so this really excites me... 

Max Factor are launching their Excess Shimmer pots this month and the shade 'Bronze' is my favourite. Shade wise it's darker than 'Chained' and a bit more like MAC 'Eclair' Paint Pot. Texture wise, it's spot on! It also has that mousse-like feel to it so I prefer to apply it with a brush. You have a few minutes to blend it out and then it sets and stays put all day. It has a gorgeous shimmer to it without being too over the top or glittery. It's a one shadow does all and when it's taken under the eye as well as on the lid, it looks beautiful. 

The Max Factor Excess Shimmer Pots are only £8.99, which I think is really good for the the quality of the shadows. I'm so impressed and finally I have a dupe for the Estée Lauder shadow. 

So will you be trying one when they hit stores mid-November? 

A LITTLE TOO LONG LASTING?

November 10, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: THE CUTEST EDIBLE GIFT

≪ Previous: A DUPE FOR MY FAVOURITE HIGH-END CREAM EYESHADOW

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When wearing a red lip I usually like to go for a matte formula. There's nothing more annoying than red lipstick on your teeth or even worse, smeared around your face! Matte formulas stay in place much better and require little topping up. So when I heard about the Rimmel Provocalips 16hour Kiss Proof Colour and the rave reviews they had from other bloggers, I jumped on the beauty bandwagon. 

So what are they? A matte colour on one end that you're supposed to apply and leave for 60 seconds to set. And on the other end is a topcoat to lock in the colour and moisture as well as add shine (although I didn't think it made the lips shiny!). The idea is great especially as it guarantees to be kiss proof, food proof and completely transfer proof. 

The formula feels light weight on the lips and not drying at all. I picked up 'Play With Fire' and 'Kiss Fatal' and I actually wasn't blown away by the shades. The red had a little too much rust in it which I found to look quite ageing on the lips. I prefer my reds brighter and my dark shades more berry-toned. But shades aside, I was impressed on application. 

So here's the deal, I was really annoyed by this product. After blowing me away with it's lasting power it came to taking off my makeup many hours later and nothing worked. Nothing! I tried Bioderma, I tried baby wipes, I tried all my oil based makeup removers, I even tried pure olive oil. I ran my face under the shower. I scrubbed at my lips with exfoliating pads. Nothing worked. In the end I genuinely had to go to bed with red (and by this point, sore) lips. In the morning I scrubbed them with my Fresh Sugar Lip Scrub and eventually, a few layers of skin later, I was free. For me, this sort of evening struggle is not worth it just for a long lasting red lip. I think this time the mission for the longest lasting lipstick was taken a little too far. But I wonder if this is the case for everyone or maybe it was just my lips? 

Let me know how you got on with this one because I'm kind of sad that what I thought would be my new favourite lip product ended up being thrown (angrily) into my disappointed products box. Leave your comments below! 

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THE CUTEST EDIBLE GIFT

November 11, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Scottish Adventures with Anna!

≪ Previous: A LITTLE TOO LONG LASTING?

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As soon as Halloween is over everyone seems to get in the Christmas spirit very quickly! Party season is upon us and people are already talking about Christmas gifts - madness! 

In my family, we have a lot of birthdays to celebrate before Christmas comes around and today is my nephew's 5th. As an extra part to his present (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Lego obviously!), I'm giving him this personalised Boomf set. 

Boomf is completely different to anything I've seen and it always gets a great reaction. Personalised  marshmallows - what's not to love?! 

It's so easy to upload your images, re-arrange them and order a set and I think it makes a really cute gift. I chose photos of Bailey and his friends and family because, as a kid, I know he'll be excited to see his face on food. But you can put any photos you like on there and you can really get creative with the grid setup. 

Boomf costs around £15.50 and I was really impressed by the super speedy delivery and quality of the service. They also have a pop-up stand in Selfridges at the moment where they can make them then and there! It's just something a bit different and it's pretty much guaranteed to make someone happy... 

I love it! What do you think? 

Scottish Adventures with Anna!

November 12, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: L'OREAL GOES NAKED

≪ Previous: THE CUTEST EDIBLE GIFT

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After a spot of shopping for my mum's birthday, Anna and I were flown over to Scotland for the MTV EMA Awards! We had such a fun two days, so I hope you enjoy following us around and seeing what we got up to. 

L'OREAL GOES NAKED

November 12, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Glasgow Photo Diary

≪ Previous: Scottish Adventures with Anna!

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When browsing Boots last week I spotted one lonely L'Oreal 'La Palette Nude' sitting by itself... it would have been rude to leave it there alone, right? 

It's great to see the high street brands get involved with the nude palette trend. I always think there's room for more! There are already others on the high street but most are smaller quads and none have really blown me away. This one  stood out to me though as it's a really decent size with 10 wearable shades and no dodgy pink or blue in sight. There's a nice mix of shimmers and mattes, the light isn't too light and the dark isn't too dark. It all just seems a little perfect. 

I'd say this is one of the least scary palettes I've come across. What I mean by that is it's kind of hard to go wrong with it. All the shades have decent pigmentation (the shimmers slightly more) but they are very light compared to other shadows I own. When you swatch it with your finger hardly anything shows up, but using a blending brush they look really pretty on the lid. Normally I would say it's a bit disappointing that they're not creamier or more buttery in texture, but I think it's quite nice to have a fool-proof palette for those who are less brave with eyeshadow. 

It's really easy to apply a shimmer all over the lid and then blend a matte into the crease. The darker two shades at the end work nicely in the outer corners, but again aren't too dark so they're easy to experiment with. 

The palette is £14.99, so it's not cheap but then I think it's probably the most impressive nude palette for that price. It's the sort of palette I'd recommend to a friend who wants to wear eyeshadow but isn't a pro and finds it a bit overwhelming. I also think this would be a great one to take away on a trip! I'm wearing the shadows in my new video tonight so keep an eye out for that and let me know what you think. 

Does this palette take your fancy? 

Glasgow Photo Diary

November 13, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: DISAPPOINTING PRODUCTS

≪ Previous: L'OREAL GOES NAKED

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If' you've already watched my vlog then you'll know what we got up to on our two day trip to Scotland. But I thought I'd also make a little photo diary for those who prefer to read a blog, than watch a video. 

We were in Glasgow for the EMA Awards and it was mine and Anna's first time there. Something we really noticed was how lovely everyone was. The cab drivers, the people in restaurants, the hotel staff... everyone seemed really friendly! We stayed at the Citizen M hotel and we had a great stay. 

On Sunday we walked around town catching up with our friend Kate. For lunch we went to a Mexican restaurant called Topolabamba, which I think is new. It was nice, but probably not as good as Wahaca in my books. Having a young guy singing and playing the guitar live was both amazing and incredibly awkward. Never the less it was a lovely lunch catching up with friends.

Sunday evening was the EMA awards which was hosted at the amazing SSE Hydro. I really liked my makeup for the evening and those of you who watched my vlog seemed to as well! I wore Tom Ford 'Spiced' cream eyeshadow and a mix of Tom Ford Black Dahlia and Crimson Noir on my lips. It was really fun watching the awards and seeing all the backstage bits that you don't see on TV. After the show we headed to the after party, but you'll have to watch the vlog to see what really happened... 

On Monday we spent most the day working, but in between editing we popped out for lunch to a place called Ox & Finch. It was definitely up there with one of my favourite meals I've had. It's kind of tapas style with a range of meats, fish and delicious vegetable dishes. We got about five small plates to share between us and it was the perfect amount. I'd highly recommend this place! 

Samsonite were one of the sponsors of the EMA Awards and gifted all the artists with one of their new Lite Cube DLX. They kindly gave us one too and sent us on our Scottish adventure, so thanks to Samsonite! The cases were so helpful and an organised girls dream inside! They were super light, although I packed mine so full that I needed help putting in the over head compartment as I nearly knocked someone out with it! 

So I hope you've enjoyed this photo diary and check back this afternoon for my Disappointed Products video. 

DISAPPOINTING PRODUCTS

November 14, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: WEAR LIFE EATS

≪ Previous: Glasgow Photo Diary

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My box of disappointing products has filled up again and it's time to run through them all with you. I try so many products that I'm bound to come across some that don't work for me!

Hopefully this is helpful if you like to do your research before buying! Let me know if you agree or disagree with the products that disappointed me.