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● Laura Thornberry ●

Winter Nail Polishes
When the cold starts to flutter into my world, the cooler colours start to stumble upon my nails.  And none of my nails go without a splash of glitter on them. It's a crime to go through December without wearing a glittery nail polish. And if you're looking for a stocking filler, you have come to the right place. Here are a few of the polishes that have been floating my boat recently...
Winter Nail Polishes
L'Oreal 'Sequin Explosion' | ... The day I stumbled across the L'Oreal Nail Polishes was the day I turned to goo. Their nail polishes hold a special place in my heart. Their formulas are impressive. Ridiculously so. They dry in less then a minute. Literally bone stone dry. As an incredibly impatient person, I hate waiting for my nails to dry. And these polishes DRY very quickly. I have not come across anything like it. This particular polish. It beautiful. It's definitely my winter favourite. Three coats of this lovely silver sequin glitter and my entire nail is coated. None of my other glitter nail polishes do that. Go try this one out. I promise you, you will fall in love. 

H&M 'Lady Luck | ... The colour of this feels so festive, this is my favourite month to be wearing it. I love wearing this colour in the run up to Christmas. This is a very beautiful forest green with swirls of glitter. Its so rich in colour and does not streak. I say one to two coats of this and you are done. It doesn't dry as quickly as the L'Oreal nail polishes. But it does not take a century either. Yep. It's a beauty. 

L'Oreal Diamond Carat | ... Another Loreal Polish has seeped into this list. I apologise. I just love them so much. This one is a stunner. Its a very gorgeous frosty glitter top coat. Its oozes this magical feel. Perfect for Christmas. It goes really nicely over any polish. But sits alone just as nicely. When I feel like a simple nail day, I do like sweeping this over my nails. I feel like I have magical fingers when I do. Its impressive. 

Reverence de Bastien | ... Royal blue. Definitely a winter colour. I love my royal blues. They just look magnificent when swept across the nails. It needs a few coats this one, but the colour outweighs the cons. It just makes me stare at them all day long. I really cannot stop lusting after the colour. This one rocks my world. Simple as pie. 

If you're looking for a stocking filler, any one of these would be perfect. 
It adds a splash of festive cheer to the occasion. These are all beautiful. None will disappoint. 

What are your favourite colours for winter nails?
12:30 No comments
So for today's post, it's a new addition to my blog, a food related post! Since I was young, I've always been involved with cooking in my house, whether it was helping to prepare dinner or making it myself, I've always enjoyed cooking! So I wanted to share with you all a recipe for some yummy biscuits I made earlier this week!

So let's get started!
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
You will need...
275g of Plain Flour
1 large table spoon of Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon of Baking Powder
3/4 of teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 of teaspoon Salt
125g of Butter, softened
200g of Caster Sugar
1 medium Egg
1 tablespoon of Water
4 tablespoons of Golden Syrup
2 tablespoons of Caster Sugar
Icing Sugar
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 1 - Preheat your oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4. Sift together the flour, ginger, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt, in a large mixing bowl. 
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 2 - Add the butter into a small bowl and soften in the microwave for 20/30 seconds.
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 3 - Add the egg, golden syrup and water into the dry ingredients.
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 4 - Mix together and add the softened butter to the mixture.
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 5 - Combine all the ingredients until you get a solid mixture. If it is a little too wet, just add some extra plain flour.
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 6 - Roll the biscuit mixture into small balls, roll in some caster sugar, and place on a lined baking tray.
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 7 - Place into the oven and cook for 10 - 12 minutes.
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 8 - Whilst your biscuits are cooking, combine some Icing Sugar and Water into a paste for the glaze.
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 9 - After the biscuits are cooked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
Soft Glazed Ginger Biscuits Recipe
Step 10 - Complete the biscuits by drizzling over the iced glaze and enjoy with a lovely cup of tea!

If you cant finish all these tasty biscuits in one sitting, place them in a biscuit tin or tupperware box, and keep tightly sealed to keep fresh!

Have you done any baking over the festive season? Would my recipe be something you might try out? What are your favourite biscuits to bake?
12:30 No comments
With the run up to Christmas, we're all feeling very festive and merry, and what better way to get into the xmas spirit than festive nails! I know I'm no nail art expert and I'm not really one for bold, bright nails, but when I was contacted by Ali from Sparkly Nails, I thought it would be a great opportunity to try something out of my comfort zone!

If you've never heard about Sparkly Nails before, here's a quick run down. Sparkly Nails began in 2004 by Ali, and has grown in to a successful business, stocking over 100 different nail art gems! Impressive huh?!? "This year alone we have introduced new product lines: colour studs, flowers and nail art shell, along with a much wider selection of nail stickers, water decals, pearls and gems and we will continue to invest and increase choice for our customers."
Sparkly Nails Water Decal
The product I was kindly sent were the Christmas Cheer Water Decals*, perfect for this time of year! These water decals are so quick and easy to use and help to create simple but beautiful festive nail art! The water decal set features 5 different Christmas designs, which are perfect for those who love nail art and want to add some festive cheer to there nails!
Sparkly Nails Water Decal





Drugstore Nail Polishes

Below I have featured some simple nail art looks (I am no expert and I apologise for them looking messy) just to show you what the water decals look like and how I would wear them on my nails!

Sparkly Nails Christmas Water Decals

Collection Green Nail Polish Sparkly Nails Christmas Water Decals

2true Silver Nail Polish Sparkly Nails Christmas Water Decals

Accessorize Blue Nail Polish Sparkly Nails Christmas Water Decals
Overall, I really liked using these. They were so quick and easy to do, its amazing! Personally my favourite was the cute little reindeer's! So cute and festive! So if you're looking for some cool nail art decals, a way to make your nails festive this season or even a stocking filler for a friend who loves nail art, I would highly recommend Sparkly Nails to you! They have such a variety of these water decals, as well as nail wraps, gems, stickers, studs and beads etc.

RRP £1.65

Have you heard of Sparkly Nails before? Would these water decals be something you would like to try out? Have you tried out any festive nail art?

*PR Sample sent for review purposes
13:00 No comments
For lovers of natural products, this is definitely one for you! I was recently contacted by Matthew from Alison Clare, a natural health care practitioner for over 30 years and has specialist experience of working with people with skin sensitivities, asking me if I would like the opportunity to review one of their body butters, which of course I said yes as I love testing out new skin care products!
Alison Claire Mango Body Butter
"This little airless pump of mango body butter is one of our best sellers and has been shipped all over the world. The airless pump also gives you much greater control of the amount you use but it’s also more hygienic and fits wonderfully into your handbag."
Alison Claire Mango Body Butter
So as you can see, I was sent the Mango Body Butter* (50ml pump bottle), which I was really happy about, as I love the mango scent and was looking forward to using this product! The mango body butter was so lovely to use from the first application. As mango is a favourite scent, this immediately attracted me. The packaging is simple and a practical size for carrying around day to day in your handbag. The pump on the bottle is a great feature, as this allows you to get the right amount of product, without waste!
Alison Claire Mango Body Butter
"The Alison Claire mango body butter is deeply enriching and conditioning and is made with organic mango and cocoa butters, this contains the anti-ageing influence of retinol, antioxidant action from green tea, mango,vitamin E, and anti-microbial protection."

I really like the consistency of the body butter, it's not too thick and quickly absorbs into the skin within seconds, leaving no greasy residue, which is perfect! A definite must for these cold winter days! The body butter feels really moisturising and nourishing on the skin, giving you that burst of hydration needed from dry skin.

So if you're looking for a new body butter, stocking fillers or Christmas presents for skincare lovers, I would definitely recommend the Alison Clare products. They are super affordable, smell amazing, all made with natural ingredients and so moisturising on the skin!

RRP £7.99

Have you heard of Alison Clare before? Would you be interested in visiting there website to find out more about them? Are you a fan of body butters?

ad* | PR Sample Sent for review purposes
12:30 No comments
Today I am going to be posting a Winter Warmer post, with a review of a product I was kindly sent from Funzee! Funzee onesies are made for men and women, and are exclusively available in the UK from our website! The range of onesies from this brand is constantly growing and evolving, and they have so many lovely colours and prints to choose from!

The Onesie craze has been everywhere!, its been a runaway hit with top celebs being snapped wearing these giant babygrow-esque suits. With so many designs, colours and prints, there is definitely a onesie for everyone! A perfect winter essential for everybody, and something that would make a lovely Christmas gift! So I was over the moon to find out the lovely people at Funzee were sending me one of their Funzee's for this review.

The lovely people at Funzee hadn't told me which onesie I would be gifted, but when it arrived, I was kindly sent the Wild Style Leopard Spot Print Onesie*, which I was absolutely over the moon with! I absolutely love leopard print, so the lovely people at Funzee definitely picked an amazing one for me! After receiving an little email saying that my onesie for review had been dispatched, it was quickly delivered a couple of days later, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and put it on!

Features of the Wild Funzee Onesie*
- Made of 100% soft, jersey cotton
- Hooded for extra cuteness
- Zipper down front
- Ribbed ankles and cuffs to improve fit
- Large front pockets to keep hands warm and handy breast pocket
- Machine wash on cool or 30 degrees
- Not Footed - too unhygienic - but try our non slip, anti-bac. Socks
- Available in full Unique funzee unisex size range, XPetite – XXLarge. 
- This adult onesie is great for sleepovers or pyjama parties

Wild Funzee Onesie
When this arrived, I literally had to put it on straight away! With the weather getting colder and heading into winter, this onesie is just absolutely perfect! The cotton material is so soft and doesn't get you overheated like some thicker onesies can do, which for me is a definite bonus! With me being 5ft 5, I opted for the size Medium, which is suitable for those between 5ft4 and 5ft 8, and was a perfect fit, not too long, not too short and perfect spacious and comfortable! Exactly what you want for a onesie!  The leopard print pattern is something I absolutely love and I think it is such a bold and wild design! Also, the cuff feature is something that is very practical and another bonus, just makes the onesie a lot more comfortable and helps with a more improved fit! And finally, the onesie feature to large pockets, so if your hands ever get cold, Funzee have that covered!

Funzee offer such a vast selection of other prints and patterns, so if leopard print isn't your thing, I'm pretty certain you will find something ! Another pro point of Funzee is there sizing is generous, it's designed to be loose fit with cuffs and ankles ribbed. Because really... who wants a tight and uncomfortable onesie now?!? The simplest way to get the right size is to choose the nearest height to your own, and you will find the perfect size for you!If you've never visited or shopped with Funzee, I'd definitely recommend them to everyone! They have such a helpful and friendly advisor's, who offer such excellent customer service. They offer such quality products are so well made and offer a large selection of styles. If you're looking to buy a onesie for yourself or as a gift for someone else, definitely go check out Funzee, you WON'T be disappointed!

RRP - £28.95


Have you heard of Funzee before? Do you already own a onesie? What colour/design/pattern is yours? Are you looking to get one? What are your perfect Winter Warmers?

ad* | PR Sample sent for review purposes.
12:00 No comments
For those struggling to find little gifts for the lads and dads in there lives, here's something you might enjoy! I was recently contact by the lovely Jessica from IWOOT, after responding to a tweet about a blogger collaboration for products to use in a Christmas Gift Guide/Review, to which I jumped at the chance!

If you've never heard of www.iwantoneofthose.com/‎, then here's a little information. IWOOT is an online store that sells a super large variety of gifts, gadgets and toys perfect for any occasion and person! You'll find a whole selection of gifts ranging from Christmas gifts, super cool gadgets, amazing toys, home + garden gifts, geeky unusual gifts and experience days to name a few!
Moustache Mug Gift
Moustache Mug Gift
Moustache Mug Gift
Moustache Mug Gift
Moustache Mug Gift
This moustache mug* would be a perfect stocking filler surprise, a Secret Santa gift, smaller Christmas present, a funny gift for your work/office friends or even just for a lover of tea/coffee or hot chocolate! This mug has such a cool bold design, featuring 2 different style moustaches on each side and the size of the mug is pretty HUGE! This is an amazing Christmas present for any male friend/relative, so he won't miss his Movember tash come Christmas! I would definitely recommend this to anyone considering buying it, it's fabulous and it would make an awesome gift.

Have you heard/visited IWOOT before? Would you buy this amazing, quirky moustache mug for any man in your life? What are your gift ideas for him?

ad* | PR Sample Sent For Review Purposes. All thoughts are 100% honest

18:00 No comments
I was kindly sent the Redken Fashion Waves 07*, which is a texturizing salt spray, used to add some effortless beachy waves and to enhance the texture of the hair, creating gorgeous tousled locks! I was looking forward to trying out as I have never used a salt spray before, but really wanted too! 
Redken Fashion Waves Sea Salt Spray
"Create textured, beachy waves with the help of the brand new Fashion Waves 07 from Redken. A sea salt-infused finishing spray which gives hair an effortless, fresh from the beach look, this spray creates a naturally tousled style for hair that looks sexy and lived in."

My hair is naturally pretty straight, with the odd wavy parts, so this product was definitely a help in creating some texture and helping me to style my hair differently. This specific product is from the Redken Signature Look range which is designed by Redken artists for that fresh from the salon style any time you need at home. 
Redken Fashion Waves Sea Salt SprayRedken Fashion Waves Sea Salt Spray
After using the product a few times, I absolutely loved the texture and style that it gave my hair, it gave my normally straight hair effortless beachy waves that I really loved! I used the the salt spray after blow drying my hair, which really helped me to create a messy and roughed look, which is a style that looks really gorgeous and sexy! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who wants to add some texture and style, to what is normal boring hair!

Have you used any Redken hair products before? Have you used salt sprays before? Would this salt spray be something that appeals to you?

ad* | PR Sample sent for review purposes
18:30 No comments
Today I have a review of some gorgeous nail polishes from Mavala, which were kindly sent to be by Beka from The Hut Group! I had never heard of the Mavala brand, so I was very excited to receive these and test them out!

"Mavala is the world leader in nail care with a heritage spanning over 50 years. Created in 1958 by MAdelaine VAn LAndeghem and with the introduction of Scientifique Nail Hardener which remains one our best selling products to date, Mavala is available globally in over 100 countries, with stockist ranging from small independent salons to large department stores."
Mavala Cracking Duo Nail Polishes in 164 Rose Dust and 397 Sweet
I was sent the Mavala Cracking Duo Nail Polishes, which features two gorgeous pastel shades; 164 Rose Dust* and 397 Sweet*, that are definitely colours that I would personally choose to paint my nails! I found that the formula was a perfect consistency, which was so quick and easy to apply as well as fast drying! Which you know, who likes to sit there doing nothing for ages until there nails dry?!? I absolutely love the cute packaging, and would definitely recommend this as a perfect small gift for anybody!
Mavala Nail Polish in 164 Rose Dust
Rose Dust is a gorgeous nude, muted brown shade, that has a small hint of shimmer in the formula, that looks super pretty on the nails! It's a perfect everyday colour, wearable all year round, as well as a suitable colour for those who don't like bright and bold shades!
Mavala Nail Polish in 397 Sweet
Sweet is a super cute pastel peachy pink colour, that definitely screams spring/summer to me! Again, this shade has a slight shimmer to it, an everyday shade which is so pretty and girly.

RRP - £9

Have you tried any nail polishes from Mavala? Which shade is your favourite that I have featured? Would you purchase this cute gift set?

ad* | PR Samples sent for review purposes
15:28 No comments
Today I have a first impressions review of some skin care samples that I kindly received via Senzimi.  If you haven't heard about Senzimi, here's a little information. 
Senzimi Skincare
They are unisex skin care company whose products are targeted towards those with dry, irritated or sensitive skin. The range of products they have to offer have between 90 – 99% natural ingredients, that can be used as part of a skin and scalp cleansing, nourishing and protection routine. There brand focuses on giving sufferers the opportunity to have a daily skin and hair care routine, using products on their skin that won’t further irritate it. 
Senzimi Skincare
So lets go into what products they have to offer and what they help with. Senzimi currently offer a range of 4 products in there naturals collection; a cleanser, a moisturiser, a shampoo and a conditioner, perfect for those with allergies, dryness or irritation of the skin or scalp.
  • Senzimi Cleanser* - "This luxurious, effective yet mild cleansing cream has been formulated especially for people with dry, sensitive and troublesome skin. This is a 95% natural product that combines excellent mild cleansing action and usability with superior conditioning, soothing and healing power, so your skin not only looks great, but also feels great."
  • Senzimi Moisturiser* - "This light and easily absorbed natural moisturiser has been formulated especially for people with dry, sensitive and troublesome skin. This is a product that really works for you. Containing some of the best natural active ingredients available on the market today, and also having a pH that matches that of the skin means it will work in synergy with your skin."
  • Senzimi Shampoo - "This mild sulphate free shampoo is ideal for people with dry and sensitive scalps and damaged normal to thick weight of hair. This is a 95.47% natural product that combines excellent cleansing action and usability without irritating your scalp."
  • Senzimi Conditioner* - "This rich yet mild 90.45% natural conditioner has been formulated with three functions in mind. Firstly to repair and strengthen damaged hair, secondly to condition and improve the appearance and feel of hair, leaving you to style and colour as you wish, and thirdly to condition, protect, soothe and heal sensitive scalp."Senzimi Skincare
The product samples I kindly got sent from Senzimi were there cleanser, moisturiser and conditioner, all of which I have tried and tested and feel I can give a good enough review of each!
  • The Senzimi cleanser* was probably my favourite out of the samples I have received and I have really enjoyed using it as part of my everyday skin care routine. The cleanser contains soothing aloe, chamomile and jojoba which are all natural products that help keep the skin looking soft and plump. I used this cleanser after I had taken off all my make up with a micellar water, smooth it all over my face and removed with warm water, to make sure my skin was totally free of make up and removed all the dirt. From my first use of this product, I felt like my skin was left so soft and smooth, as well as glowing and definitely helped to soothe my skin of any redness! Also, this product helps to cleanse clogged pores of oil and dead skin cells, and helps restore the skin’s natural pH balance! 
  • The Senzimi moisturiser* was also a nice product to use, combined with the cleanser, it does work quite well. This moisturiser is packed full of gorgeous natural ingredients such as Cucumber Extract, Aloe Vera, Rosehip Oil, Argan Oil and Oat Extract which all contribute into cooling, healing and hydrating the skin, which is perfect for those with sensitive skin! After using this product a few times, I had noticed a difference in my skin, leaving it smooth, soft, shiny and revitalized which was lovely to see! This moisturiser sinks into the skin really quickly and feels really cooling upon the skin, whilst leaving no greasy or oily residue!
  • Finally, the Senzimi conditioner*, a lovely product for the hair, I wouldn't say that I have a dry or irritated scalp, but I did like using this product a lot. This conditioner definitely helps to strengthen my hair as well as protect and soothe the scalp, and leaves it looking and feeling lovely! This conditioner includes Vitamin B12 and Wheat proteins that are beneficial for repairing dry and damaged hair, as well as improving the appearance and feel of hair, which it certainly did!
Have you heard of Senzimi before? Do you like natural skin care products? Is this something you would like to test out?

ad* | PR samples sent for product review. All opinions are 100% honest
14:06 No comments
Today's blog post shall be sharing with you my "go to" lip products that I shall be using this Autumn/Winter. When thinking about what lip sticks and lacquers I have bought to use at this time of year, I was amazed that all the products I am featuring today have been from Rimmel! For the Autumn/Winter time, I usually tend to head towards either a really bold red/berry lip or a nude colour (which I wear all year round anyway), so I have included a mix and match of colours that I think would suit the majority of skin tones.
Drugstore Lipstick Swatches
I have swatched all of the lip products above, and as you can see, they are all highly pigmented and have a full coverage with just one swipe. I find all Rimmel products I have used before, they have been very pigmented and easy to apply, as well as being very affordable and a variety of shades! Most of these products I have previously reviewed, so I shall leave the link to them, so you can go and have a peak at what I think.
 Rimmel Apocalips in Stellar Rimmel Apocalips in Stellar
Rimmel Apocalips in Stellar - Read what I thought here
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 720 Notting Hill NudeRimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 720 Notting Hill Nude
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 720 Notting Hill Nude - Read what I thought here
Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in Shade 107Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in Shade 107
Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in Shade 107
I've yet to review this lipstick, but its a gorgeous deep berry shade perfect for Autumn - a definite blogger's favourite!
Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in Shade 08Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in Shade 08
Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in Shade 08 - Read what I thought here
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 260 Amethyst ShimmerRimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 260 Amethyst Shimmer
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 260 Amethyst Shimmer - Read what I thought here
Rimmel Colour Rush Lip Colour Balm in Rumour Has It
Rimmel Colour Rush Lip Colour Balm in Rumour Has It - Read what I thought here

What are your "go to" Lip Products for Autumn/Winter? Are you a fan of any that I have featured? Are any on your wishlist?
20:14 No comments
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