Courting Trouble*

Hey guys

I apologise for the lack of regular posts. I've been very busy with work and life and just haven't had the time to sit down and blog but I'm back this week with a book review.

I came across Courting Trouble by Kathy Lette whilst browsing NetGalley and was received approval for a copy.

 Description

Tilly has the day from hell when she's sacked from her barristers' chambers in the morning, then finds her husband in bed with her former best friend in the afternoon. She escapes to her mother, Roxy - a sassy solicitor whose outrageous take on men, work and family life is the despair of her more conventional daughter. Roxy comes up with a radical plan for their future - they'll set up an all-female law firm which will only champion women who have been cheated, put upon, attacked, ripped off or ruined by the men in their lives.

In court, Tilly finds herself up against Jack Cassidy, the smooth-talking, politically incorrect, legal love god who broke her heart at law school. Jack is fluent in three languages – English, sarcasm and flirtation… but if he's so loathsome, then why is she committing Acute Lust in the 3rd degree?

When a case lands on the doorstep that threatens to change all their lives, Tilly finds herself dangerously close to taking the law into her own hands… Will Jack's cunning ways and expertise in emotional break and enter derail her quest for justice? Or will the women take on the boys… and win?

Thoughts

When I read the description I wasn't quite sure how I would find this book as it's quite different to what I usually read (it's more of what I would watch) but since I'm trying to read different type of books I decided to try it. And I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint. This is the first book I've read of Kathy Lette and it probably won't be my last. She has a hilarious, sarcastic, witty way of writing which is just my kind of humour.

Another reason why I liked this book is that it's taken an important, relevant topic about women equality and made it relatable. This is a must read especially if you're all for feminism and women equality!

You can find this book at Amazon and is available to pre-order.

Bésame Lipstick Review*

Hey guys

Last month I received a lipstick* from Bésame to review. I must say, beforehand I was not aware of this brand but I saw they were looking for beauty bloggers so I got in contact.

They are company specialising in vintage cosmetics which explains the delicate design of their products. When I first opened the package I was taken aback by the design of it. I've never seen such a beautiful lipstick case and it comes with it's own little cute bag to carry it in.

 

This lipstick is in shade Dusty Rose. It is a shimmery pink shade. 

 


I tend to love matte polishes which this isn't but I quite like this one as my lips are quite pink, this lipstick leaves my lips looking nicely polished so it's great for everyday wear. It lasts quite a while considering it's not a matte lipstick, about 4 hours.

RRP is £22 which is standard high end price which I personally find a bit pricey for any lipsticks as I don't wear them everyday, but considering the vintage design of this lipstick, £22 seems a reasonable price. 

They have a nice collection of shades of lipsticks and also other types of cosmetics which you can find on their website or you can find a list of stockists here

Have any of you guys tried any Bésame products? What did you think of them and which ones would you recommend?

Thanks for reading! 

Manicure Monday + MoYou Stamping Kit Review*

Hey guys!

It's my first Monday in ages that I haven't spent in the library and I know it's been ages since I've done a manicure monday so I thought I'd start again but this one's a bit different as it includes a review of a stamping kit I receive from MoYou nails.

I've been wanting to try stamping for ages so I was happy when I was contacted to try out this kit. I had tried stamping before but the one I previously bought was absolute rubbish.

I received the Kitty Set (RRP: £24.99) which contains 1 black nail polish, 2 image plates, 1 stamp and 1 scraper. The only difference in mine was that I was able to choose the colour of my nail polish and I picked lilac as I surprisingly don't own one despite purple being my favourite colour.

 

As it was my first time stamping I decided to keep the design pretty simple but I am looking forward to trying out new designs with this kit and I'll be sure to share them with you! 

Sally Hansen nail polish as my base colour

So far, I'm impressed with the kit, especially the nail polish. It's great quality, and good for stamping as it nicely transfers onto the stamper from the plate and then onto the nail and the design doesn't chip off. 

I would highly recommend giving MoYou nails a visit. I'm hoping that they bring out some new colours so that I can buy a few of their polishes but I'm sure I'll be getting a few more of their stamping plates.

Have any of you tried MoYou nails? What did you think of them? Any fans of stamping? Do let me know.

Thanks for reading.

Mr Nutcase

Hey guys

I've recently come across a site where you can order a customised phone case. I've always wanted one so I took this opportunity to try it.

 

First of all, I have to say how easy the Mr Nutcase website is. Some of these customisation websites can be quite confusing at times.

I always have problems deciding on what design I wanted. I originally wanted a photo but I couldn't decide on what photo I would happily have on my phone case that I wouldn't get bored of. So I just went to good old reliable Picmonkey and created a design of my own.

Unfortunately I couldn't create a case for my Google Nexus 7 which is what I really wanted. The option was on the website but had no cases available. Hopefully they'll branch out to give more selection as it is a great service and I would love to use them again for other gadgets!

I ended up creating a design for my iPhone instead.

As I'm super paranoid about my screen cracking (I've seen too many cracked screens and I'd like to keep mine crack free) I always have cases that protect the screen which led me to choose the Executive Flip Leather Style. Now on the website, it states that one side would be white, but at the time that I was designing my case that message did not come up. So I have a case with one beautifully designed side and then one white, plain side. This is such a shame as it makes my case look incomplete.

I would recommend the Ultra Light Weight Slimline case and if I was to design my case again I would choose this type instead.

Apart from that I have no complaints and would happily recommend this service.

Have you customised your phone case? I'm always looking for design ideas so would love to see them!

Thanks for reading!

Soap & Glory- No Clogs Allowed

Hey guys

As you may or may not know, my stand out product of 2013 was Soap & Glory's 2-in-1 facial peel. Ashamedly, this was the only Soap & Glory product I had tried but I said to myself I would try more in 2014.

Boots sent me a voucher for extra points when buying a Soap and Glory product. It's like they read my blog and wanted to help me out! So of course I took this opportunity and after much pondering on which ONE item to select I finally decided on 'No Clogs Allowed'. This product is for oily/combination skin and as a girl who is constantly battling with oily skin it sounded exactly like what I needed.

 

Soap & Glory describe it as a super self heating deep pore detox mask and I would have to agree with them. It contains 1-MINUTE HOT PORECLEAR™ TECHNOLOGY which is a fast-acting, smoothing and polishing blend of micropumice, salicylic acid and hot clay, which activates with water contact. As this is the first self heating mask I've tried that worked, I found it such a a weird sensation. You put the product on and then wet your hands and scrub it until you feel it get hot and turn blue. After 5 minutes, remove it with a wet cloth. I use this once a week, normally on a Sunday night, so that I'm starting the week with a well cleansed face.

I really feel that my face is well cleansed after using this product especially as when I use my toner afterwards it slightly stings (I like to take it as the mask doing it's job properly, giving the deep cleanse that I need). When I wake up, my face still feels greatly cleansed and grease free. it has definitely helped prevent breakouts and blemishes. RRP is £11.50 from Boots but at the time I bought this, Boots were offering 1/3 off any Soap and Glory product as they tend to always be when I buy their products.  I would highly recommend this for those with oilier skin as those with dry skin may find it dries out their face.

Have you tried this product? What did you think of it? Any other Soap & Glory recommendations? Do comment below and let me know! 

Thanks for reading!