Mint-y Goodness!

I recently extolled the virtues of coral in THIS POST and mentioned that I've also really been loving mint for Spring/Summer. In fairness, coral and mint are pretty popular every S/S- like the nautical and neon trends, they always seem to come back in fashion as they are perfect colours for the nicer, sunnier (I'm nothing if not eternally optimistic) weather. Apart from actual clothing, I'm loving mint shades for accessories and nails, so here's my mini rundown on what I'll be wearing to channel the look this season:

 1) Mint and grey strappy heels, Asos.
These are pretty much taxi-to-bar shoes, undoubtedly they will cripple me and will be my (literal) downfall but somehow I think they may be worth it. These are available online now.

2) Mint Candy Apple polish, Essie.
I love this polish, for a matte creme it's surprisingly lovely to apply- no streaking and fully opaque after two coats. I get a good three days wear out of it before I see any obvious signs of wear and tear, it dries fast and generally just looks all Summery and pretty. Hurrah! (as a side note, I mostly got this cause it reminds me of my wedding manicure, which I was informed by the nail technician is an OPI shade called "Tease", however according to the Internet that polish apparently does not exist, so this is a happy alternative).

3) Mint Doctors bag, Topshop.
It's slightly cruel of me to include this as I actually got it last year but I really had to pop it in as it's so perfect. It's surprisingly roomy so fits all my random goods and has a detachable long strap so it can be worn across the body although I prefer to carry it in the crook of my arm, whilst I pretend to be a lady.

So those are my current favourite mint items. Anyone else enjoying this trend?

xx

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

I recently discovered a love for French brand Nuxe when I started using their Creme Fraiche de Beaute  Enrichie (review HERE) so I was eager to try their little pot of delicious lip balm- Reve de Miel, an absolute favourite in the beauty world.

So whats the deal with this then?

It's an ultra nourishing balm containing honey, plant oils, shea butter and grapefruit extract to help nourish, repair, soothe and protect the lips. 

15g of product is housed in a heavy glass pot, adding a feel of luxury and it contains no parabens and 79.5% natural ingredients which is also great. I love everything about this so prepare for gushing!
Firstly, it smells amazing- I've seen it compared to Terry's chocolate orange, (which is one of my all time favourite chocolate brands) and I'm very happy to report that it does indeed have a good old smack of that to it. I will say that the scent wears off shortly after applying so if you're not a big fan of overpowering smells then nothing to worry about here.

Secondly, it is seriously moisturising- my lips have been super soft since I started using it and it feels ridiculously comforting when applied..I would actually describe it as a massive treat for the lips. Finally I have to say how long lasting this is- when I put it on at night I find that there's still some on my lips the following morning. While it feels like it's sunk in there's still a nice light layer left on my lips, so it's kind of like a deep conditioning mask for your kisser! Basically, I can't recommend this enough. It looks a little bit like the kind of thicker consistency honey that you have to melt to use but looks are deceiving- it's incredibly malleable and just generally lovely.
You can find it HERE on Cloud 10 beauty for the bargain price of 12.50 and they also sell the balm stick version if you find yourself adverse to dipping your finger in a pot.

Anybody else tried Reve de Miel?

Xx

Cath Kidston Haul

I'm a little bit of a Cath Kidston obsessive..my apartment is actually starting to resemble one of the stores as I now have everything from mugs to cushion, throws to bedsheets, toiletry bags to hand lotion. I care not. Retro kitsch sums up my interior design style perfectly so for me having various different floral patterns strewn about the place is heaven and finding anything Cath Kidston on sale is even better.
Here are a few bits I picked up recently for next to nothing. I would advise keeping an eye on the website for sales but for even better bargains check out the Kildare Outlet Store- so many good deals to be had there and they recently expanded the shop so it's now brimming with loads of lovely stuff.
I didn't really need anymore bed sheets but this shade of blue is one of my all time favourites and I can't leave a polka dot behind:

I did however need a new oven glove (nothing more tragically domestic than that statement) and this colourful number is one of those ones that covers your entire arm, you know, just in case you have plans to battle dragons or whatever:

Lastly, and possibly the best of all, are these here salt and pepper shakers. I'm sorry, but these are just ridiculously cute:

Ah would you look at them there. 

Confession time- I really don't need these. I already have two sets of s & p shakers so definitely didn't require a third but they had to come home with me..they were calling to me..the way only ceramic hen and roosters can. I'm using them as ornaments on either side of a shelf with framed photos, paintings and a lamp and I like the clustered, homely feel these add. Also, it was only six euro for the two. That's right, SIX! Sure where would you be going?!

Kiehls Creme de Corps

I love this stuff. It's an all over body moisturiser designed for extremely dry or flaking skin and is fragrance free so ideal for those of a sensitive disposition too. I have read that others have found this a bit rich but personally I find it really easy to massage in and it sinks into the skin quickly.

I've noticed a definite improvement in condition and suppleness of my skin since I started using it and am only about a quarter of the way through the bottle at this stage. The only thing I would say is I'm not sure if I would actually rather it was scented- while it doesn't smell of anything in particular, it has a faint "product" smell, for want of a better way to describe it and I suppose when I use it I miss the scent of the likes of my Body Shop Almond Body Butter or Garnier Body Intensive Lotion. That's only a small gripe however, otherwise I'm very happy with this and would definitely repurchase. Next time I'll probably get the bigger size that comes with a pump applicator.
This is a 250ml size, I found it HERE on the house of Fraser website. It's quite pricey at £27, so I would recommend waiting for an online sale and using your reward card points. I managed to get mine for free doing that so I don't feel so hard done by!

XX

Romantic Literary Quotes to make you go "Aww"

I don't know why, but I'm feeling particularly smushy today so prepare to be overcome with romance as you read the following- some of my all time favourite romantic literary/movie quotes!

 “Because,” he said, “I sometimes have a queer feeling with regard to you—especially when you are near me, as now: it is as if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string situated in the corresponding quarter of your little frame.  And if that boisterous Channel, and two hundred miles or so of land come broad between us, I am afraid that cord of communion will be snapt; and then I’ve a nervous notion I should take to bleeding inwardly". Mr Rochester to Jane Eyre (people really need to make more declarations of love involving the words "bleeding inwardly", I feel).

"Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain and sickness it would still be dear". -Jane Eyre.

He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking- Anna Karenina.

 "What did my arms do before they held you?" -Sylvia Plath (poor old Sylvia, wha?)

"I've never had a moments doubt. I love you. I believe in you completely. You are my dearest one. My reason for life".- Atonement

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same"- Cathy, Wuthering heights.

“When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun.” ― Juliet

"How doth my lady? For nothing can be ill if she be well". -Romeo, seconds before everything went really unwell.

"When I first met her, I knew in a moment I would have to spend the next few days re-arranging my mind so there'd be room for her to stay"- The Great Gatsby. Swoon.

And eh, lastly..

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.- Ahem, Winnie the pooh.