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.

Sweet Manicure

Hey guys

Today's manicure has got to be one of my recent favourite. It isn't particularly difficult but I just love the classic-ness (not a word) of it.

It's just a simple nude polish with a hint of white.

The colour combo reminds me of one of the sweets you can get in dolly mixtures and I actually craved them after doing this manicure but still sadly haven't had any. I wish I could say it's because of my health eating plan but it's mainly due to my laziness and not being bothered to go to the shops.

I used one of the nude polishes from Maybelline's color show range and added a bit of white at the bottom.

I also used my matte top coat that I'm totally obsessed with that I mentioned in my recent Superdrug haul to finish off the mani.

It did annoyingly chip slightly quite quickly (which explains my thumb) but apart from that I was quite pleased with the result. 

What do you guys think?

Thanks for reading! 

Tip Top Nail Polishes Review*

Hey guys

This review is super late. I received these over the Easter holidays but back then I was preparing for my exams and super stressed that I wasn't even blogging then. I just remembered I hadn't written up my review for the polishes (only mentally) so here it is.

I received 5 polishes from them, 3 'normal' ones and 2 'special efffects' ones.

 

They are a South African company who were looking for bloggers to review their products and I'm always looking for new nail polishes to try so I contacted them to see if they wanted UK bloggers.

I've only tried 'No Way Rose' and 'Feeling Blue-Tiful' properly and so far I'm liking them. They also contain Vitamin E, which is good for the nails so helps strengthen them as well while having the polish on. I've gone 3-4 days with them and no chipping which I have to say is amazing as I've tried so many polishes, even those that claim to be chip free for 7 days which turn out not to be. However, I have found that they do need a couple of coats which is slightly annoying.

Unfortunately, I don't see as of yet where in the UK you can buy their polishes which is a shame as they have a beautiful range of colours and would be interested in purchasing a few of them.

However, you can check out their website to find out more about them and where you can buy their polishes if you're fortunate enough to live in a place where they are sold.

Has anybody else tried Tip Top nail polishes? If you find somewhere that you can buy them from, do let me know.

Thanks for reading.

Superdrug Haul (Nail polish edition)

Hey guys

I'm a massive fan of Superdrug and often find myself browsing the make up section totally forgetting what I came in for in the first place.

Recently, I bought a few nail polishes. I know I've bought quite a few recently but I think I'm done for a month or so. These polishes featuring in this haul were not all bought at the same time. I just decided to put them all together in this one haul.

The first 2 polishes are from Beauty UK. It's been a while since I've bought Beauty UK polishes and I was looking for some polishes that had nice colours (that I didn't already have) and wouldn't break the bank. These cost £2.99 each.

 

I then got 2 of Maybelline's latest limited edition polishes in their color show range costing £3.99 each.

At the time, Superdrug were doing a 3 for 2 offer so I decided to pick up a matte coat from GOSH. I have been wanting a matte coat for ages and I was aware that Barry M were due to release a matte coat (which is actually cheaper) but I didn't want to wait. I think

this cost me £4.99 (can't quite remember)

I can't wait to try all these out especially the matte coat and I'll let you know how I get on with them and I'll be sure to share my designs with you.

What hauls have you done lately? Do let me know as I need to find new things to buy next month after pay day!

Thanks for reading!

Love, Lies and Lemon Cake*

Hey guys

I recently just finished reading 'Love, Lies and Lemon Cake*' by Sue Watson. I came across the book while I was browsing NetGalley looking for some e-books to read and review. I have heard good things about Sue Watson's books but had not read any so I requested a copy and thankfully my request was accepted which I'm grateful for.

Description

Faye Dobson has lost her sparkle. Living on film star fantasies and vague memories of a marriage that once was, she can’t help feeling that life is passing her by. She dreams of being whisked to Paris for dinner, making three wishes at the Trevi fountain and having sex under the stars. But the wrinkles are multiplying, her husband’s passion is for plumbing, and the nearest she’ll get to Rome is a take-away pizza.

So when Faye meets Dan the gorgeous Australian surfer guy working in the local deli she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to see the world. He is blonde, tanned, ten years younger and bakes the most amazing lemon cake. Unlike her husband Dan actually listens to Faye, his smile makes her feel fizzy inside, and when he smiles... Oh. My. God.

But is Faye being silly? What would Dan see in someone like her? Even if he did have feelings for her, could she give everything up to be with him? 

My thoughts

It is described as a 'laugh-out-loud, bittersweet comedy about taking your life back before it’s too late' which I do agree with to some extent.

I enjoyed reading this book, it was exactly what I needed after the stressful months I've been having and after reading this book, I definitely will be reading more of Sue Watson's books. It's a good feel book which got me laughing and feeling the emotions of Faye (the main character). The story follows Faye who at aged 42 is feeling like she's missed out on things in life (on the verge of a mid life crisis, I would say). She's been married for 21 years or so and is now having second thoughts on her marriage.  Having never been married, or in a super long relationship, I personally don't know what it feels like to be trapped and fed up but I was able to feel and empathise at times with Faye. However, I did disagree with some of her behaviour and do wish it ended differently (don't worry I won't ruin the book with any spoilers). Either way, I felt involved with the story which is what I like when reading a book.

I give this book 4/5 and would recommend it. It comes out on the 27th of June and you can pre-order it from Amazon.

Have you read this book or any other Sue Watson's books? What did you think of them? Do let me know. Thanks for reading 

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! 

(Throwback) Manicure Monday

Hey guys

This week's manicure is a bit of a throwback. I actually did this manicure last month but because of my exams I didn't get a chance to post it up when I wanted to.

For ages I had been saying I wanted to get dotting tools. Then as I was going through my various nail art tools I came across one! I was so happy as it meant I could try dotting designs and could also save a bit of money for the mean time.

I kept it simple as it was my first time and also I didn't have that much time. I was pretty tired from the library and had to get up early but by force I had to paint my nails.

Here is the result:

 I used Bourjois' nail polish is Violet Couture as the base colour

 Then I used 2 Barry M polishes in Lilac and White for the dots

I'm pleased with the results despite the rush and it being my first time using dotting tools.

I think I'll be doing a lot more dotting designs.

Any of you guys fan of dotting designs? 

Thanks for reading!