Hello new products that I must bow to every time I enter the bathroom - Ok perhaps a slight exaggeration but I do owe these products a thank you at least!

I saw the L'Oreal Elnett Heat Styling Spray (3 Day Volume) on the television as another Cheryl Cole advert and thought; oh yeah I'm sure that works NOT!  I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.

I have very fine hair but lots of it, which means it has texture but hard to hold it.

These two products have made my life a living dream lately! I don't use these together, If I'm going out on a night out the Elnett Volumising spray is fabulous, its like a salt mouse in a spray. I spray it on my roots and then a little around the rest of my hair while wet and blowdry my hair.
It gives an excellent hold without creating greasiness. It definitely gives you volume for 3 days, and doesn't leave the hair. Great product at an affordable price €8.99

The Bumble + Bumble Bb. Texture cream is gorgeous, this is more of my every day texture cream, it gives a lovely lift to my roots and hair in general, I bought the small tube as I didn't want to waste my money on it if it wasn't the product for me!
It is in an easy to use tube with a twisty cap, meaning no mess! Which I love, as I really dislike getting excess product on my hands.

Overall I highly recommend these products, and the next one on my list is Bumble + Bumble surf spray - I've heard so many great reviews I might just cave.

Bisous

x

 First up is Maybelline's The Falsies Volume Express in Black Drama, I've had my eye on this for the last few months what with Tanya Burr raving on about it, so I was so happy when it appeared in my stocking! It has a curved wand, applies well, and holds a curl, The above photograph is after ONE application of mascara, and is totally buildable!
I still would pick my L'oreal Telescopic over this due to my lashes feeling a little harder with this mascara as apposed to the L'oreal one review here.

Over all I would give this mascara a 7/10 As it is a nice addition to my make up bag!




















Finally a product I never took a second look at, a mineral powder. I am normally a cream make up girl, especially when it comes to coverage on my face.
My mum surprised me with this product and I am starting to come around to it!
If I am going for a look during the day that isn't a  heavy make up one I start off the base of my make up with this powder and it gives me a lovely finish, not giving my face too much of a matte finish!

I am still learning with this powder so any recommendations I would be highly open to them!

Did you receive any new products for Christmas that you never used before?

Bisous

x

Having lived abroad for a few months last year while working, I started to think of all the Irish or homely things I missed while I was away, some things we perhaps take for granted! and With the gathering coming upon us (jeez we'll be sick of the word) I thought I'd compile a top 10! Please feel free to add in what you've missed whilst living away from home local or abroad in the comments!


#1 Mum's Sunday roast

Dayumm sometimes I get fed up with the week in week out of chicken dinner or roast beef. Yet it is my number 1 thing I miss when away and most lusted after meal when I come home from being abroad! Who can't say no to a plate full of succulent meat, peas, carrots and crispy, melt in your mouth roasties (potatoes), lying in a pool of gravy - thats not from a tin! My tastebuds are going 90 at this stage.





#2 TEA

I don't think I need write anymore about this apart from: Barrys or Lyons?






#3 Newspapers

When I was away and had friends or family visit, I always asked for a paper, or even when a guest left it after their stay which it would possibly be over a week old, the news never got old.
Looking out to see what the 'sca' was at home is definitely up there in my list. Bare in mind, a lot of people don't tend to read the newspaper at home it's like the holy grail when you're away.


#4 Irish Food

Ballymaloe Relish, Taytos, Brown Bread, Black Pudding, Cadbury's chocolate, Chips from the chipper, Toast! 7up, Scones, Hellman's Mayonnaise, Sausages + Rashers - what is it with other countries and not knowing what a good rasher is!? No thick slices thanks.


#5 The Local Shop

Where you're bound to meet someone when you're not looking your best i.e hungover or wearing rags! Yet who doesn't love going down to your local shop to pick up milk (is that too culchie to say) , taytos and a bar of chocolate and bump into someone for the local gossip you've missed out on.


#6 Colloquial Sayings

Nippy, Sham, Feen, Lush, Fierce, Shift, Muppet, Banjaxed, The Shades, I will ya, come here to me, savage, beour, manky, deadly, locked, bate.   To name but a few, you'd be amazed not being around fellow Irish how you miss these words!


#7 Paddy's Day

For one IT IS NOT PATTIE'S DAY! Yes it's another holiday we possibly use to get drunk on, but we know how to throw a mighty party, It doesn't feel the same without being surrounded by your friends in the local!


#8 Sign Posts (or lack of!)

Only in Ireland will they really take the piss out of road signs, I mean you could end up in Timbuktu without knowing due to minor detail of NO road signs in the countryside. Guess they just don't want us to leave. But we all miss the funny ones like Gaggin', Emo, Muff, Termonfeckin, Nobber - Yup you name it we have it.
Or the total opposite of too many as seen below!





#9 Government

Yup I said it, perhaps you were thinking what is she on with writing our government!? Yet I can easily say I miss the long school holidays, snow days due to the government not being organised, road closures due to 'elephant walking', members of 'parliament' showing up in grubby t-shirts thinking they're in the right and our cute little President, even if you can't stand our politics of the country you can't but laugh at it and enjoy!

#10 Penney's

Where d'ya get tha gurl? Penney's.. NO WAY, that is the norm is it not? cheap and cheerful and well missed when away in a foreign land that sells only mid price to extreme bank emptying clothes! I miss you penney's you come up with a fair few 'OMFG' pieces!

#extra FRIENDS + FAMILY obviously! but we always have them at the end of the phone or skype! Technology really is a lifesaver.

Bisous x

Christmas was spent with close family and friends, I am so happy that we were all together for the festive period, as this year especially has taught me how precious life can be!

With 14 family members in one household you can imagine the drama, conversations, catch-up and love that was shared but most of all we all came together and put up a mighty feast over 3 days.

One week later and I am still in a food coma! There are just a few pictures of Christmas, the unbelievable canapés that I made with my cousin (even if I do say so myself!)

We laughed too much, cried too much and drank too much! but that is was family is to me! I can't wait for next year already.

As for presents, we were light on the giving this year, giving each other more practical items as opposed to the luxury gift. (Yet I still managed to receive some lovely make up Laura Mercier + MAC, so expect a few little write ups on those!)

Last but not least! HAPPY NEW YEAR, I can't wait to start afresh! I am already writing a post on what 2012 taught me! I hope you all had a gorgeous time over the last two weeks.

Bisous

x