BODY DUO: The Product Line-up.

When it comes to body pampering maintenance on Sunday night, I have my ritual down to a tee. With a little help from the unlikely duo of the fruity scrub, Soap and Glory's Pulp Fiction and intense moisturiser, Jergen's Ultra Healing, this product line-up has never had me feeling so pampered and preened!

Pulp Fiction - Soap & Glory (£8.00)

Being a firm fan of S&G's Flake Away, I had serious high hopes for Pulp Friction. And boy, did it not disappoint. If you prefer scrubs with a grainier texture that doesn't dissolve into the skin, Pulp Friction is right up your street. A fine gritty scrub made from a concoction of fig, pumice, peppermint oil, orange and lemon - naturally it smells of a luscious tropical fragrance. When lathering on the skin, it's gentle to apply but works well to work off dead skin and leave skin smooth and soft. Foaming up into a creamy lather it doubles up as a shower cream, with a dollop of product going a long way. Perfect for pre-fake tan and general weekly scrub, neither too harsh or messy to use, Pulp Fiction is serious an all round winner.

Ultra Healing Moisturiser - Jergens* (£4.99)

After finding this bottle lost in my stash from last summer I was eager to give it a whirl, hearing only good things about this very much under-rated brand, it does exactly what It says on the tin: healing. The luxurious cream to gel like consistency easily spreads, absorbing rapidly in a matter of minutes. Giving a burst of intense hydration and moisture surge, my skin is left silky soft right up until my next shower and leaving my skin looking rather radiant in-between. Sometimes after shaving, my legs feel so dry and itchy but the Jergan's banishes this peskiness - a must-have as we enter the bare leg territory of summer! 

So there you have it, my current body pampering line-up. Have you tried any of these products or do you have any other products you swear by? I have tread carefully in terms of Soap & Glory, as some of the sickly scents are far too overpowering for this dainty nose of mine!

BLOGGING: 4 YEARS TODAY

Today marks a rather exciting milestone (queue ooooh!) in that in it happens to be my fourth blogging birthday! Oh how time fly's when your having fun eh? Still to this day it amuses me and slightly baffles me that you lovely readers continue to read my endless ramblings. Whether it be swooning over a must have (read: i-need-it-or-life's-not-worth-living) dress or showcasing another disgustingly overpriced handbag, there's nothing I love more than sitting down and tapping away. If you've been from me from the beginning, you've witnessed short hair, awful photography (sorry), my university life, work experience's, Mulberry purchases and god knows what else (lots of enabling, I hear). Back to the present, this year has certainly started on a high, I've not only landed an amazing dream job (holler!), I am surrounded by an amazing set of friends I made through blogging, soon to be celebrating my 10th anniversary with 'the boy' whose real name is actually Matthew (or stud muffin which he asked me to use instead - gah) and hopefully, fingers crossed I'll be going on a rather exciting transatlantic trip later in the year.

I hope you're here to stay? Because I sure as hell haven't finished ramblin'.

To celebrate, I whisked my Gran and Mum off to our local village farm. Yes i know what you're thinking - slight lie - I ain't no city girl but check out this beaut little view beyond my house.

Can't have a celebration without a little cake no?

Thank you for reading x

PINTEREST: Pin it Forward!

I'm addicted, they're addicted, why aren't you? Pinterest, your go-to inspirational online scrapbook. Whether your planning a wedding, changing up your interiors, fancy baking something new or in need of some style inspiration, Pinterest is your perfect online haven for inspiration! With people all over the world sharing their ideas, tips and tricks - it's time to get in on the action and pin it forward.

How to get started?          

Super easy to start, simply register your own account, create as many different boards for different themes (interiors, cakes, flowers, shoes!) and get pinning! Anything you fancy, I started with one key board called 'Stylish Inspiration' which is a mish mash of everything and anything. Then added another when I was on the hunt for hairstyles when I got tiresome of having the same look - Hair Style Rut Buster anyone?

What IS pinning?            

Each image or idea on Pinterest is called a 'pin' - by 'repinning ' these on your own board you can keep them as inspiration for your very own virtual scrap book. Genius! Pin those to die-for killer heels from Net-A-Porter or that flawless up-do hair style for next time you get in a beauty rut. 

Errrr...Why?                      

Why not is the real question here! There's nothing more I enjoy than sitting down with a cup of tea on a Sunday evening, searching through for anything that tickles my fancy. I'm always on the hunt for inspiration, whether than be stylish outfits I would love to re-create, swooning over anything beauty related (hello hair style ideas!) or even interior ideas I would like to try - it's endless. When I was a tween I loved pulling out editorial shots from Vogue and Elle, plastering them all over my bedroom walls (much to my poor dad's annoyance). Pinterest does that, just in virtual form - saves on the blue tack!

As you can tell I'm quite the fan, so when Pinterest asked me to share it with you I was delighted. In taking part in their Pin it Forward campaign I would like to pass to virtual baton on to the beautiful Natasha, who blogs over at Candy Pop Images. Her amazing(!) photography document her exciting adventures and it's fair to say I'm rather smitten. I have loved taking the time to re-read over Natasha's blog, and having taken quite an interest in all things decor/interiors recently, her Pinterest boards have only added to that! But go see for yourself - and give Natasha a follow!

Do you use Pinterest? If you fancy a signing up, you can here! If you already have one, pop the link below :)

HAIR THERAPY: Tresseme Platinum Strength

When it comes to hair care, I'll put my hands up and admit I am a complete product snob. Long gone are the days I would browse Boots for whatever was on offer, for when I decided to embark on my hair growing journey, I dived straight into the luxury deep-end and bought the best quality haircare I could afford. After freelancing in beauty pr last summer, I became inundated with salon haircare brands, soon becoming fully stocked with an array of lotions and potions, however when the last bottle was finished I was rather stuck what to move on to. In need of something lightweight, yet powerful enough to help prevent split ends I turned to my personal beauty guru Laura.

Her response was the new Tressemme Platinum Strength range - she swore by it. Intrigued yet slightly dubious how a brand could promise it's products to reverse the look of five years damage in two washes is beyond me - quickly frankly I laughed. Needless to say, I purchased - Laura's recommendations have never failed me yet - and you know what? It worked absolute wonders and I swear by the bottle!

Platinum Strength Shampoo / Conditioner - Tresemme (£3.32 each on offer)

Leaving your hair silky soft, my hair felt stronger and strengthened after a week or so. Amazed at how a high-street branded product could perform so well, I was delighted to see my hair looking the picture of health with my fine hair looking bouncy and manageable. Even more so it looked shiny, something my mousy brown hair struggles with immensely. Both the 500ml Platinum Strength Shampoo and Conditioner come in at under £10, yet the results prove something more I would find from a well known salon haircare brand Kerestace. Having used religiously for over two months It was time for me to share the love, so if you happen to be cruising the aisle in Boots - pick a bottle or two up and give it a whirl, you won't be disappointed!

Have you used the Tresemme Platinum Strength range?

Having said this, I did drop a shit load of dollar on Kereastace this week. Whoops. 

STYLE #1: Cobalt Blue & Black Skinnies

Blue Statement Necklace - Next* (£10.00) / T-shirt - Topshop (£9.00) / Skinnies - Next (£22.00) 

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of jeans, like the majority of the female population - I suffer. One fitting room melt-down after another, endless cursed swearing and complete frustration at the realisation I must be in-between sizes does not help the matter. However, when I stumbled across the skinny offerings in Next a month or so back I was intrigued. Sucked in by the reasonable price tag alone, I dubious of how these would fare. Minutes later without any huffing or puffing (oh the glamour) I had on a very, well fitting pair of black skinnies. Fast becoming a wardrobe staple, the jeans I am glad to report back have remained a true jet black shade, have a kind, gracious stretch, sit perfectly on the hips (rather than my smaller waist) AND are the correct leg length - no more ankle crumples - hurrah!

For that price, I'll have ever colour. Thanking you.

Where do you find your perfect black jeans? Should you mention the word Leigh or Joni, I may have strangle you. Kidding. Oh, Topshop, why do your jeans hate my hips?

MEAL TICKET: Patty & Bun

Being friends with a burger extraordinaire certainly has it's brownie points, so when the burger-o-holic Hannah suggested we check out the once burger pop-up, now permanent Patty and Bun, there were no buts about it. Just a few minutes away from Bond Street tube, P&B is the new Meat Liquor. With great big, tasty cheese burgers - that look quite frankly heart-attack inducing -  there's nothing more delicious than biting into one of the bad-boys Patty & Bun have on offer.. 

Spot the blogger! Elodie, Hannah, Aisling (birthday girl), Michelle, Sarah, Tanya & Lily.

Tucked away, Patty and Bun is rather on the small side with only thirty covers, but what it lacks in space is a banging atmosphere and bloody good food. The perfect place to drop by after work for a quick (but ever so tasty) bite to eat and indulge in a seriously cheesy, meaty feast.

Needing a table for eight, we waited patiently on the bench propped up outside, soaking up the rare evening sunshine and listening the music being pumped out (retro 90's hits slash kisstory - genius!). The restaurant is decorated with broken down cardboard boxes covered with impressive graffiti. Not forgetting the staff who really are second to none, all to ready to blast out Happy Birthday to a some-what mortified Aisling.

When we pondered inside we got straight to business: beers, smoked BBQ wingers, never ending fries and the biggest, baddest cheese burger you've clapped eyes on...

I love a place that doesn't take itself too seriously and Patty & Bun nails it on the head. Laid back with great food, there really is nothing better for a Friday night treat. Do keep in mind, that where good food hails, there alas will be lengthy queues. Honestly though it's worth the wait, or even take advantage of the takeaway service P&B offer, even more genius! 

To read more about Patty and bun goodness, see here www.pattyandbun.co.uk.

Answers on a post card, where and when was the best burger you've ever had?

LUST: China Blue

China Blue Embroidered Dress - Miss Selfridge (£65.00) 

If there was ever a dress I needed for summer, it's this fine beauty. With big bouncy curls, an olive tan, Audrey Hepburn-esq sunglasses whilst sightseeing abroad. Yes please. 

SUMMER SWITCH UP: The Product Line-up

Wow! That ladies and gentlemen is my face - hello! 

After re-delving into my make-up collection this week, I picked out some of trusty summer products for a lighter, brighter fresher feel. Settling for a lighter coverage with a warm bronzed base, adding a bright pop of colour on the cheeks and finishing with a soft pastel pink hint to the lips, it is my go-to look for the summer. Whilst the weather may be taking a while to catch up, I've been discovering old forgotten favourites and I thought I would share them with you today... 

Nars Orgasm Blush / Chanel Bronze Universal / Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

Bases              

Creating a base for summer can be somewhat tricky as you don't want to appear caked in a heavy duty foundation, neither do you want to go completely au natural. The next best thing of course is Laura Merciers Tinted Moisture, a true beauty must-have - this baby is sure racking up the beauty awards. With good light coverage, it evens out your skin tone and handily has an SPF of 20 (without looking greasy). If you need a little extra coverage in some areas, then wack on a more substantial concealer, personally love the Collection 2000 or Macs Pro Longwear concealer.

To create a seamless bronzed look, ditch the powder and go for a cream product. The Chanel Bronze Universal is a pricy purchase, but an investment all the same. The tropical smelling mouse/cream formula will last you forever, creating a smooth clean contour or all over glow.

Whipping out the classic Nars blush Orgasm is so typical of a beauty junkie, but theres a reason this beautiful peachy pink blush is so famed. With a hint of shimmer, apply to the higher cheek bones for a healthy, brighter look. Long forgotten amongst the many other pink blushes I have acquired, Orgasm (excuse the naughty name!) is a staple for my make-up bag forever more.

Eyes              

Keeping it fresh and bright, Urban Decay's Sin (as found in the Naked palette or sold separately) is a winner for me. The perfect shade between champagne and a peachy pink tone, it works well to compliment most eye colours. Its buttery texture is long-lasting, working well as a simple wash of colour on the lids. Finished with a slick of Topshop's Sable eye pencil, it gives subtle definition without being too over the top.

Lips               

Mac's Creme Cup is the perfect pinky pout shade, true to it's name the lipstick is creamy and comfortable to wear. Keeping it natural and girly, this hint of pink of the lips keeps it fresh (and not too much hard work!).

There's my look for summer - I hope you enjoyed! 

Have you used any of the products mentioned above? And prey do tell, what are you go-to summer products?

WHO RUN THE WORLD?

So if you follow me on twitter you may already know (well chances you do, I did shout my gob off) that I was ever so lucky to see the goddess that is Beyonce perform at the O2 on Friday night. My beautiful (dedicated) friend Charlotte somehow managed to snag me and my friend Jo some of the best seats in the house, with the Queen B only being a matter of metres away, scream! My ultimate girl crush, Bey put on absolute killer of a show. I danced my jelly to Single Ladies, sang my heart out at Halo, screamed its 'Love On Top people!' before four songs that weren't, got shitfaced on cheap cocktails in the O2 Priority room, got serious thigh envy and have since decided to join her as a backing dancer - someones gotta do it eh?

Blouse - H&M (£19.99) / Black Skinnies - Next (£22.00) / Boucle Jacket - H&M (£24.99)

Despite looking like a right mardy cow, I vamped up the glamour stakes and went with killer black skinnies, cream studded peplum and this beauty of a boucle jacket from H&M. I also threw on some seriously diva eyelashes and va va voomed hair (you can see here) but I choose not to scare you with those delights on a easy bank holiday. Hey, if you can't go glam and diva for Bey - when can you?

Mrs Carter was an ABSOLUTE legend and it pains me how I never went to see Destiny's Child perform, equally baffled as how she storms ahead with fifty tour dates non-stop *takes note for a booty like that!* I must admit I did nearly have a little 'girl crush weep' when she appeared on stage, having the entire stadium dancing and singing back her songs is no mean feat. Hell yeah to the B! 

What was the last concert you went to? I wish I could go see Mumford and Sons!

PERRICONE MD

When it comes to skincare I pretty much stick to my guns, I know what works for me (and what doesn't). Staying loyal to my daily essentials, with the odd flirt with something new here and there, its fair play to say I'm sorted. However, because they is always a 'however', when I was invited to try a sample range of the Perricone MD products I was sold. 

Dr. Perricone - the skincare god hailing from the US. A Times best seller and all round skincare buff, with a slight fascination with fish (no joke) he seriously knows his stuff, with arms of women swearing by his formulations. When I found out my skincare genius Caroline Hirons has Perricone scribbled in her good books, I was eager to get a slice of the fishy action myself.

Discovery Set - QVC (£46.20)*

Coming in a nice tidy set, the Acyl Discovery Set contains a four step routine, including the Nutritive Cleanser, an anti-aging treatment Acyl-Gluthathione, Face Finishing Moisturiser and a No Foundation Foundation (tinted moisturisers to you and I). I trailed this discovery set for little over a month, and i'm back, ready and reporting for duty...

Step 1 - Nutritive Cleanser 

This floral scented cleansing gel was an absolute treat to use. Ever so gentle, it frothed well alongside my Clarisonic, washing away any impurities in a soft yet rather vigorous manner. It left my skin feeling clean and happy, neither tight or stripped - something I struggle with when trying out many cleansers. It's also the cleanser that just doesn't stop giving, I've been using generous amounts of this badboy for over a month and It's still going strong! Don't ask me how, its genius!

Step 2 - Acyl - Glutathione 

This rather fancy anti-aging treatment was slightly void to me, at the grand old age of twenty three, anti-aging is not something of a priority right now. However, applying a curious slather one night - I was left with brightened, pumped up skin come morning. It absorbs super quickly and was neither too heavy, which is serious browine points for a anti-aging treatment. Have passed this on to the mothership.

Step 3 - Face Finishing Moisturiser 

My favourite of the bunch, this moisturiser screams luxury. Thick and heavenly to apply, this blurred my imperfections and left my skin soft and supple. My nose did slightly twinge at the rose scent that lingered, meaning it was resigned to a night-time moisturiser. To which lashings upon lashings were applied and it ran out far quicker that the other samples - whoops! 

Step 4 - No Foundation Foundation 

A glorified tinted moisturiser, this aims to provide coverage and correct skin undertones. It really doesn't offer any coverage, unless of course you are lucky to be blessed with flawless skin (alright for some!). With a one shade suiting all, we can all imagine what this leads to, a seriously tanned Sarah. 

Similar to Origins Vitazing, Perricone should up his game and release a few more shade offerings. HOWEVER, being rather thrifty I did make use if this sample and was pleasently delighted to discover this has a SPF of 30. With the weather taking a turn for the better and being caught pale faced (fake tan is such an effort) I applied a tiny pea size amount before my foundation. Not only did it provide a rather tidy SPF but added a tanned hint to my complextion, without going all tango orange. A tanning primer if you please.

So there you have it, a round up of Dr Perricones products. A few pleasers, passers by and a suprising happy ending. With thankfully, not a fish in sight. The Discovery Set is from a special offering at QVC, of whom I've purchased a Liz Earle set previously (cracking value amd if you don't like you can return it - errrr say wa!). 

Have you ever tried Dr Perricone? Or dabbled in the beauty section of QVC? I will be forever grateful of them for starting my love affair with good old Liz.