Bam what better way to start the 1st of December with than an advent calendar of Dark Chocolate!
I got this advent calendar as a present from family in London, I am completely in love and even though I'm trying to keep up the healthy eating this month this will be my 'special' treat each day.

All that I can say is yummmm Day 1 was super good!

Any other nice advent calendar's going on out there? I've spotted the Liz Earle one on a few blogs but wow a lot of money to spend on one.

Feeling so chrismassy right now!

"I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes"

Bisous

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Red Velvet Hummingbird Cupcakes made my moi!   Sex on the Beach in a pint glass (gulp!)


Naughty Squirrel eating the birds food!                    My cat snooooozing


My tumblr!                                                           New pair of TOMS, loving them.


Just a catch up on my week photos from my instagram follow me on: bitofholly

Would love if you left your instagram names in the comment bar :)

Bisous

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Two new products I'm reaching for in my make up bag! I was reading Laura's post at Call of Beauty about changing some products up and going for something different! Well these are two of those products!

I am a 'coffee' eyeliner by MAC gal, and the thought of going for something lighter with a little bit of a sparkle in it was a little daunting. Yet I persevered and bought 'Powersurge' by MAC.
It needed a little warming up and smudging on the back of my hand to get the best out of it, but created a gorgeous mellow brown in and around the eye. Thinking of putting up a make up look with this to show the difference between this and coffee, what do you think?

The second product I chose to change to is the MUA palette in 'undressed'. I have been lusting after this for a while but having the small barrier of living in Ireland (where no MUA products are sold!) stopped me for a little bit. No worry though as I bought it when my Mum was over in London! (RESULT).
Great palette, fabulous colours, pigment is strong and stay power is high.
It is very comparable to the Naked 2 which I will show in a later post! but at a fraction of the price, I would highly recommend this at £4!

Bisous

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NEW FAVOURITE PRODUCT - ok I've been having a breakout on my forehead lately, probably to do with stress, and I don't normally get large breakouts. My skin has had a lot of small spots for the last 3-4 weeks.
I was starting to fret, no amount of moisturiser, cleanser or exfoliator or lack of these products would help clear. So when I was in MAC I casually asked one of the girls what I should do, I asked casually due to the fact they always seem to brush off questions (well in my experience they have) Yet I was fortunately surprised. The girl asked If I had changed my diet, had enough zinc, drink enough water and then asking what face products I was using.
I was given a list of do's + dont's  and this is where I got to purchase Dead Sea spa Magik - Super Night Cream.
It has helped nourish, quench the thirst and balance my skin without giving me oily skin.
Applied in slow circular movements on the neck and face before you go to bed, this product does not disappoint! Albeit quite a heavy cream, it allows your skin to breathe and the result is a happy face the next morning.

My forehead is healing, and enjoying the moisture without the oily factor, a major plus on my account! Also, super affordable at €10.95/£8.25.

Have any of you tried this product, would love to know your outcome?

Bisous

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I had a voucher to spend in Hollister that I received for my birthday. having visited Hollister in Dublin on a number of occasions no clothes appealed to me, apart from their incredibly warm sweaters. Yet I decided to go beyond the stereotypical pants or jumper from this brand and purchased a gorgeous tartan scarf!
It is so soft, cosy and a fabulous item to brighten up your outfit with (I tend to wear a lot of grey, white and black). The scarf was a whopping €36! Hopefully worth the spend and it'll keep me fashionably warm this winter.
Secondly I found this sweet floral lace top. It's see-through at the front with a white cotton back to it. Can't wait to have an OOTD with it! Along with the scarf this was an expensive purchase at €40, and I feel If I didn't have the voucher I wouldn't see myself splurging on these. (But I do love them).

Bisous

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Decided to give my room a little bit of a lift last week, thus it entailed a trip to Ikea.  My Mum was only too delighted to go along and pick up some much needed household items. I went in with the intention of only spending €50 and I think I spent just under that, I was very chuffed!

The first too items are to hold my make up brushes, but thought they looked cute with a tealight in too! Dual purpose and all that.
Next on the list was a glass bowl to hold either jewellery or make up and picked up this sweet one, It's perfect for my rings and bracelets, or my growing collection of lipsticks (blogger problems!)
These fairy lights were a little of an impulse buy but I could not resist them, they have a plug as opposed to the usual battery pack Ikea lights, I am still looking for the right place for these, but around my ciel de lit could be the winner.
Last but not least a decent mirror for €10 - bargain in my opinion, it pivots and will fit right in with my grey bathroom! 

I'll be writing a post when I finish off my bedroom and bathroom where these items will have centre stage! Have purchased anything interesting lately from Ikea?

oh p.s I may have bought a DIY gingerbread house for Christmas - I cannot wait to build and decorate and then eat this fantastic invention.

Bisous

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Jamie Oliver recently opened his "Jamie's Italian" in Dundrum, Dublin.  Being a huge foodie I had to have a sneaky look inside.  As I was there they said they had a spare table so I jumped at the chance for a late lunch.

First impressions are everything to me, and boy did they stand up well. Initially greeted by a friendly Head of House I was quickly seated down and asked for drinks.  Due to driving I chose some sparkling water, but next time I shall be delving into their extensive cocktail menu: yumm!
Somewhat of a surprise that they sold Irish sparkling water, I was ready for San Pellegrino, I was not disappointed as it is a delicious choice.

The decor was incredible, meat curing off wooden stalls, fresh bread cut on huge wooden blocks in front of you, sturdy tables and the kitchen is open to the restaurant looking on to the tables.

On to the menu, I was caught between 4 or 5 different dishes (not complaining as I love choice). In the end I chose BUCATINI CARBONARA which is - Tubular spaghetti with smoked 
pancetta & ribbons of green & yellow courgette, tossed with Parmesan cheese. 
This was absolutely devine, creamy sauce but not too rich, crispy pancetta and the courgette was a delicious idea!
I also could not resist ordering a side of 'Posh Chips' which consist of Truffle Oil and Parmesan. So tasty!

My experience can summed up as NOM! I will definitely be returning to this restaurant and being a little more creative with my choices next time, including the squid and artisan meat boards.
I would highly recommend this restaurant and as an added bonus it won't break the bank!

Bisous

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TV show/online

Pretty Little Liars - Need I say anymore! I've just finished watching the Mid Season finale and all I can say is hmmmm, It picked up from a terrible season finale last year and has left us with some questions to whom A still could be. Not too sure if I'll leave my thoughts on this as I don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't yet watched the finale. If you have thoughts or theories, please leave them in the comments :)

Check out my post on 'how to dress like Ashley Benson (Hanna from PLL) here.

Book

Disgrace by Jussi Adler - Olsen This is set in Denmark, A detective has been drafted in to re-open a case on murders from old boarding school children. It is quite a dark book, written well, page turning and leaving the reader with wanting to know more.
It is very like the TV show 'The Killing' and I would recommend it to anyone interested in Crime, murder or thrillers.



iPhone App

HayDay - Saw Estee from EssieButton review this on one of her recent videos, and now I am hooked, It is a virtual farm game! Think farmville, but less annoying with no notifications all over Facebook

Tumblr

I'm really getting into Tumblr, my one is oggytogs.tumblr.com . I have a few favourites this week including:
crushedcoconuts.tumblr.com + uglyfaceofbeauty.tumblr.com


Snack

Ice cubes - SO bad for your teeth I'm guessing, but quite refreshing and as there's a crunch to it I feel like its satisfying my crisp cravings (how sad)

Would love to know your favourites, leave a link below if you have done any on your blog, always up for new things. 

Bisous

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Oh hey! I have been quite absent from the bloggersphere of late, I am sorry. Going through tough heartbreak, so decided to take a break but I am back and I am just going to update you on what I've been up to in the last few weeks.







Bought a Motel dress off ASOS and wore it on a night out, hopefully will get a proper picture next time, as I was in a huge rush to get out of the house I only instagrammed it!



Finally we have some sun in our lives (well in Ireland anyway). The evenings are closing in which only means one thing AUTUMN! But I am loving the warm sultry weather and can't wait to sit out in it tomorrow on my day off.

Follow me on my tumblr at oggytogs.tumblr.com and my instagram is bitofholly

Bisous

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A little bit different to my usual music mondays.

I have just got back from my a last minute holiday in Portugal so I thought I'd share my holiday playlist of my most listened songs over there.
I always love to know what peoples favourite new songs are of the moment..leave a few below so I can add them to my playlist.



Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks
Electric Guest - This Head I Hold
Hudson Taylor - Battles
Hudson Taylor - Chasing Rubies
Dog Is Dead - Young
Childish Gambino - Sunrise
Friends - Friend Crush
Kavinsky - Night Call
Calvin Harris feat. Example - We'll Be Coming Back
Will.I.Am - This Is Love
Florence + The Machine - Spectrum

Bisous

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Bought this on the recommendation of LLYMLRS who was praising this hair product in one of her beauty videos. Was lucky to pick it up over in London when I was over there, as they seem to be now sold out everywhere (EHHH).

I was a little sceptical about this as I adore my Moroccan Oil and didn't think another product could surpass it.. Welcome Vo5 Hot Oil - Moisture Soak Elixir.

This is a shower product, you wet your hair and add in a measured amount (indicators at side of tube) and massage into hair. Leave for a minute or two, rinse out and wash hair as normal.

My hair instantly felt soft and I couldn't wait to dry it to see the difference!

After blow drying my hair it had a great sheen and actually felt lighter.

The Moroccan Oil still is number one in my heart but seeing as they are different products and this is a lot cheaper than the oil it is a great find.

I would highly recommend this if you can get your hands on it!

Bisous

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I am finishing off my assignments and studying for exams at the moment, but needed a little break. So decided to show my new make-up love!
A lot of people rave about the Lace Blush palette from Sleek and I had intentions of buying it when I was in London, but sadly it was sold out. Not to be disappointed I went through the other sample palettes and found this beauty, a little muddy looking at the start and not my normal blush colour (love dolly pinks). I decided to buy it.

It is the Sugar Blush Palette from Sleek. Highly pigmented and can see this lasting a good while for me. I was most unsure about the orange on the far right, but it gives a gorgeous lift if you're quite bronzed up. The middle colour is a bronzy/pink divine when heading out on a night out or on holidays as it acts as a blush and highlighter! Finally the colour on the left is a deep terracotta pink. No need to apply a lot of this colour as it is so strong. Gorgeous on every day make-up or when looking for something more dramatic.

Possibly quite late in posting about this blush but I never saw the hype in it all. Now I'm a strong believer in this, Has anyone else tried it ?

Bisous

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A little bit of a different post this weekend.

I always love to see what peoples favourite TV show, book, App or websites are.  Particularly as I always like to try new things out so here goes. Maybe tag yourself along and do it on your blog too.

Top 5 - week 1 July 21st

TV show/online

Revenge - oh wow I found a beauty in this show, I have watched the full first season of this, and cannot wait for Season 2. All about a girl called Amanda Clarke who's father was killed unlawfully and she sets out for revenge on the people who were involved in his death. There is also some romance, it's set in The Hampton's, and some good looking actors. What more could you want.

Book

50 shades Series - Yup I said it, sorry if a lot of you are thinking seriously Holly are you for real!? I've read all 3 books, and as much as I thought they weren't written as well as they could have been, they were page turning, unable to put down and feel good books. With an added raunchy side.

iPhone App

Stumbleupon - I have known about this website for a few years, but never thought about looking it up on my phone. Great if you're stuck in a queque for something, on a train or a bus.

Tumblr


Imperfection equals beauty. - Adore this tumblr link is here .http://recklessinvogue.tumblr.com/

Snack


Low fat probiotic vanilla yoghurt + frozen red grapes! nom nom can't get enough of this. 


Would love to know your favourites, leave a link below if you have done any on your blog, always up for new things. 


Bisous

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This was a little bit of an airport impulse buy, On my way home from London I decided to spend my last few pounds that were left in my purse.  Which shop was in my direct line after security? Mac ughhh so bold!

This is the Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Year from their collection Heavenly Creatures.  I have been reading quite a few reviews about this product, mostly very positive ones, but with people saying it's too bronze, it's too pink.  I personally bought it so I could blend all these colours together.

It is a gorgeous bronze/pink when blended into the skin (sorry photo not justifying how pretty it is).  The wear on the skin is excellent lasting 6 - 7 hours, but I would possibly be topping it up every now and then to keep a gorgeous glow on my skin.

I particularly bought this product for nights out, when I have a olive based tan on (st. moriz or st. tropez) it is lovely to give this a sweep across your collarbones and up the front of your leg, to give a longer leg effect.

At £21.50 it was an expensive/impluse buy, but it is my first of this make - up mineralize skinfinish from MAC and I think it'll will last a long time!

Going to be very interested if the bronze is all the way through the product or just marbled on top. 


Bisous 


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Bought this around 6 weeks ago when I went to the Nails Inc Bar to get a manicure. The lady who did my nails went on and on about nails being in a 'terrible' condition. Now I have quite strong nails, and in my own opinion I don't have the worst set of nails out there.  Yet I was sick of her teling me this, I asked for a solution to my problem. Even though in the back of my head I knew it: Stop wearing nail varnish 24/7 365 days/year.

So I was shown this package. It was on special for €35 (Estimate) and included:

Base Coat - Hyde Park 10ml
Top Coat - Albert Bridge 10ml
Cuticle Oil Slick Pen 1.6ml
Nail Buffer
Nail Polish remover wipe

All in all, It was a great bargain as if you were to buy all those separately it would add up to over €50.

So I started to use this kit particularly the Base Coat and cuticle pen (which I've fallen in love with).

Verdict: I now have stronger nails, easy movable cuticles, and are more durable to be putting nail varnish on over long periods.

I am trying to help my nails by letting them breathe for 3-4 days at a time if I can, but I feel naked without nail polish.

Has anyone else tried this product, would be interested to know what you thought?

Bisous

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