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My 2015 Beauty Calendar – January

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You may remember at the end of last November I wrote a blog post all about beauty advent calendars. There were some real treasures out there to purchase for the countdown to Christmas, but this time I wasn’t able to buy one. I was saving any money I had for medication and an advent calendar of this type is definitely a luxury and not a necessity.

As the new year began I received a surprise box in the post from a lovely friend of mine, and guess what one of the items was… A beauty advent calendar. I was totally over excited and found myself staring longingly at the shiny purple and turquoise box full of beauty goodness! Then the thought ran through my head, advent is another 11 months away and there is no way that I have the self control to keep this beaut un-touched for all that time.

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So, I have decided to use this in a sightly different format to the traditional advent calendar countdown, and I will be using it as a monthly treat throughout 2015 instead. There is 12 windows/doors to open so it is perfect.

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I have now opened door No.1 and revealed my first beauty treat. Its a Deluxe LipSurgence Lip Creme. This is a tinted crayon style lipstick in the colour ‘Wishful’. Its a blend of nude and pink tones and is a great shade to wear both day and night.

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Colour swatch of tarte LipSurgence 'wishful'.

Colour swatch of tarte LipSurgence ‘wishful’.

This lip tint has a subtle minty scent, which I find really refreshing. When wearing this it feels like a combination between a lipstick, balm and gloss, so for sure it is a really useful product all round. This is the first time I have ever tried a product from the brand ‘tarte’, and its got me all excited to try more. I can’t wait to open door No.2.

Don’t forget to pop back to see what Februarys petite treat is from this ’12 days of tart deluxe collection’.

Hope you have all had a fab January, Chantelle x

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Battle of the Balms

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I have always been a bit lip balm obsessed, thinking back to my school days you would always find one in my blazer pocket or stuffed into my pencil case. Even now I feel the need to try out the latest balms and in every flavour or scent! They are definitely an essential and I usually have at least two in my handbag at a time! I always seem to have dry lips, regardless of wether it be in the summer or winter months, probably because I talk so much! Although dry and chapped patches are annoying and can be sore at times, its nothing that a decent lip balm can’t fix in a flash.

I have compiled a list of some of my favourites for you to check out…

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Nivea Hydro Care
I picked this up one day in my weekly grocery shop and this is by far the most hydrating from the Nivea range. It is enriched with pure water and aloe vera which provides a lasting moisture. I would suggest keeping this away from heat in the summer months though, as it seems to melt fairly quickly.

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Carmex
Carmex has always been the trusty reliable balm, as its so hydrating and soothing. Its also contains an SPF15 which is always a bonus. I own this in the tube, stick and pot version, I simply can’t get enough of it! It smells quite medicated and leaves my lips feeling slightly tingly, and never fails to moisturise to the max.

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Zuzka Natural Beauty Manuka Balm
This balm is from Zuzka, a natural cosmetics brand, which utilises many organic herbs and flowers within their products. This multi purpose balm contains Manuka honey which has antiseptic healing properties. It is one I have been reaching for this winter since I was gifted this by the founder of the Zuzka beauty company, Susan Kohutova. This moisture rich balm really does work wonders and I use this not only on my lips but also regularly on my any inflamed blemishes too.

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Neal’s Yard Busy Bee Balm
This is a multi purpose little tin of balm, which is free from parabens and petroleum. It can be used on lips, elbows, cuticles and other dry patches. This is 99% organic and made with a combination of beeswax, cocoa butter and the sweet but subtle scents of orange peel oil.

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Vaseline Rosy Lips
Vaesline is a classic, its been around for years but still remains a favourite of mine. This Rosy Lips version is slightly tinted with a hint of pink and is great if you want something a little more noticeable but not as colourful as lipstick. It contains rose and almond oil, smells yummy and is so girly too being pink. I also found a mini version of this when I was in USA, you can never go wrong with a product thats compact and cute!

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L’Occitane Baume Levres
This is a really rich formula from French beauty brand L’Occitane. It leaves a gorgeous sheen on the lips, almost like it is half way between a gloss and balm. This makes it great for a more statement look, but at the same time still natural. It can also add a real high shine when layered on top of your favourite lipstick. I think the Shea Butter in this really helps to lock in moisture and really protects too.

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Blistex Moisture Max
This lip balm tube is labelled as ‘super-hydrating’ and it really does live up to this. This contains tiny beads of aloe and cocoa butter and the soft pearls disperse when gently rubbing your lips together after application. I like to use this at night as I feel like it really is long lasting hydration.

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Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
This is a much more expensive balm in comparison to the rest of the mentioned items. It does come in a 50ml tube though, so lasts for what seems like a lifetime! I have already had this tube over two years! It is really soothing and is a relief when used on areas such as cracked/chapped lips, and also on sunburn or minor abrasions. It does have a strong scent which I really like about this product, but I can imagine it is not for everyone.

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Although I have probably tried and tested enough balms to last me a lifetime, there are still plenty out there that I have my eye on! It seems to be a particular type of product which is ever growing on our drugstore shelves and most are really affordable as well. Next on my list to try out is the EOS lip balm brand and some of the Dr.Organic range too. I am also keen to gather my newly acquired essential oils and have a crack at creating my own balm, so watch this space!

Thanks for reading – Now quick, go and apply your favourite lip balm, you know you want to!

Chantelle x

Cocoa & Coconut Truffles

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Yesterday I had a real craving for something sweet and nothing seemed to hit the spot. I began with a google search and a rummage through my cupboards and discovered that I had just the right ingredients to mix up a healthier alternative to many of the sweet treats available on the shop shelves. This recipe is gluten free, grain free, dairy free and suitable for anyone following the GAPS diet, which is known for digestive support and healing. When browsing the supermarket, I find it fairly difficult to find food products which are gluten or dairy free but have not substituted these with others ingredients or additives which can make the product taste great but ultimately lowers the health and nutritional value of the product.

This truffle recipe takes around 30 mins from start to finish, involves no baking and really is delicious.  It will make approximatly  30 truffles, but of course you can half the ingredients to make half the amount. Remember prior to getting creative in the kitchen, ensure you have a clear working space and its advisable to wear an apron. Most importantly don’t  forget to thoroughly wash your hands!

What do you you need?

  • 1/2 Cup of Organic Virgin Raw Organic Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 Cup of Raw Honey
  • 1/2 Cup of Cocoa or Cocao Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla
  • 2 & 1/2 Cups of Shredded Coconut
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
  • Baking Parchment Paper
  • 1 Cup & Teaspoon
  • 1 Plate or Tray
  • 1 Airtight Container

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How to Make?

1. Begin by stirring together with a wooden spoon the coconut oil, cocao or cocoa powder and vanilla in a medium size mixing bowl.

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2. Once this is mixed into a smooth paste, add the 1 & 1/2 cups of shredded coconut, and continue to stir, ensuring this is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

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3. Using a spoon scoop small amounts of the mixture into your hand, and roll these into a ball.

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4. Roll each ball of mixture one at a time into the additional cup of shredded coconut, until these are covered evenly.

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5. Lay the balls on a plate or tray covered in baking parchment to stop the mixture from sticking. Then place the tray into the freezer and and allow to set for approximately 15 minutes.

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6. Remove these from the freezer and within 5 minutes they are simply ready to serve.

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7. Alternatively transfer the truffles into an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or until your ready to tuck in.

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I found this recipe so easy to make and the fact that it involved no baking made it so simple and super speedy. I will definitely be making these again as they were a hit amongst my friends and this batch is not lasting long! Next time I make them I am going to experiment with different coatings for the truffles, such as chopped nuts or just simply dusting with cocoa powder. I am also keen to see what additional fillings I could try too. Possibly adding dried fruits or natural flavours using extracts such as orange or peppermint.

I would love to know if you give this truffle recipe a try, and what you think of the finished treat. Thanks so much for reading. Take Care and have a great week.

Chantelle X

New Month, New Year… Hello 2015!

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So this ‘new month, new year’ post is slightly later than intended due to another hiccup in my Lyme Disease fight…My brain and body felt like it had been stamped on by a herd of elephants so I gave in and did the sensible and much needed rest/hibernation thing!

On a positive, today does feels like a brighter and less painful day so I am taking full advantage to jump back on the blogging bandwagon.

I am wishing you all a really Happy New Year… Lets hope that 2015 brings each and everyone of you some magic, adventure, health and tonnes of happiness.

Like many of you reading this, you may see the new year as a perfect opportunity to focus on new goals and achieve something which has been written on that to-do list for a little too long! It may be something out of your comfort zone, but I kind of feel like sometimes thats not a bad thing. I think it is so easy to play it safe in life and we all need to stretch ourself from time to time, take chances and maybe push boundaries too. When thinking about it, we all seem to gather a particular set of habits which we feel are keeping us in that ‘comfort zone’, but maybe those routines and habits are potentially hindering us more than we are aware of.

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I am going to attempt to think outside the box a bit more this year and try and challenge myself too. Although I spend probably 80% of my time in the house due to a chronic illness, I am determined not to let this just be just who I am. Luckily I am living in a world full of opportunity online, so this is where I will focus my energy. Blogging is already a huge positive entity that has come out of the negative side of getting sick, so I will be continuing to do this on a regular basis. It really gives me something to focus on and I will try to make the most of being able to engage with other bloggers and companies online and in person when I can too.

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Keep Focused, have goals and don’t be afraid to dream big. Stay positive, focus on progression not perfection, work hard and more importantly don’t forget to keep smiling.

Thanks so much for reading and the best of wishes for 2015.

Chantelle x

‘Lush’ filled baths for December

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Northern Lights – Bath Bomb – £3.50

‘Bath time spectacle’ – Lush

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As this vibrant purple bar hits the water it creates an explosion of colour in your bath tub. You’ll also be soaking amongst little tiny silver stars as well as the relaxing scents of jasmine and ylang-ylang.

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This bath bomb can easily be broken up, so you can get more than one relaxing bath out of this bar. I was really suprised at how moisturising the bath water was, and after my soak I felt like I had already put on my body lotion.

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Ickle Baby Bot – Bath Bomb – £1.95

‘Soothed as a baby’s’ – Lush

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I love this baby blue robot shaped bath bomb. I was drawn to this product as it contains sleep inducing oils, designed to soothe both the skin and the senses. Who doesn’t need a helping hand to get to sleep at night when your mind is still on overdrive. It also has the ingredients lavender, sandalwood and chamomile which is a calming combination, a full fragrance, but not over-powering at all.

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Icle Baby Bot is also one of the lower priced bath bombs at Lush. A perfect justification for purchasing an extra indulgent bath time treat! So go on, spoil yourself.

Magic Wand – Reusable Bubble Bar – £5.25

‘Make a wish!’ – Lush

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This bubble wand is made up of the sweet signiture fragrance Snow-Fairy. With a super girly pink ribbon and a tiny bell it feels like a chance to bring out my inner-child. We all have one hidden in there somewhere! With just a few sweeps of this wand up and down the bath tub whilst running the water, it creates a candy scented bubbly bath.

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An added bonus is that this is a reusable wand, so although it’s a much higher priced product, you can get between 5-10 baths out of this one star.

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The Lush store never seems to disappoint at this time of year and I can confirm that they have got some amazing Christmas themed goodies in store this year… Some are classics, some are new, I decided to share a few with you.

Bath Melts/Bombs

1.The Melting Snowman – £2.25

2.Snow Angel – £3.95

3.Star Light, Star Bright – £3.50

4.Dashing Santa – £2.95

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Bubble Bars

5.Santa’s Sack – £3.95

6.Christmas Kisses – £3.50

7.Holly Golightly – £4.75

8.The Christmas Penguin – £3.25

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Shower Jelly

9.Strawberry Santa – £4.00

10.Iced Wine – £7.95

11.Snowman Jelly – £3.50

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Extra Sparkle!

12.First Snow – £4.75 – Sparkly Dusting Powder

13.Snow Fairy Sparkle – £4.95 – Shimmer Bar

14.Santa Baby – £5.95 – Lip Tint

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Which ones will you try out for a festive but relaxing pamper session over the Christmas break? Did any of you find these wrapped under your tree yesterday?

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day, full of family and friends. Chantelle x

November Favourites…

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I can’t believe it is this time already… I feel like I have only just published my October faves post. So it is time to round up all those lovely little things that have been a welcomed part of the past month.

Bloggers Love Hub Events
During November I was lucky enough to attend some brilliant blogging events. Each week a big bunch of us blogging gals and guys had the chance to network, make new friends and discover both existing and newly established fashion, lifestyle and beauty brands. I am currently using the gifted treats and I will be sure to blog about them once all tried and tested. For other bloggers reading this, be sure to check out the site bloggerslove.co.uk  for more information and to keep an eye out for more invitation only blogging events coming up in London in 2015.

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Champneys Spa Indulgence, Distant Shores Body Scrub
I bought two of these pots for my mum and I as a November pampering treat and it was a worthy beauty purchase. Wish a refreshing smell of passion fruit and mango extracts, it actually smells good enough to eat! Please don’t try this at home though…THIS IS NOT A FOOD! Twice a week I used this body scrub in the shower, massaging into the skin to get the most out of the exfoliating beads. The oil in this product is bound to leave your skin feeling silk and soft and with a radiant sheen.

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Primark Wooly Jumpers
I purchased these two jumpers at the beginning of autumn, but as of recent I have hardly had them off my back! They are a perfect ‘not too hot, not too cold’ addition to my wardrobe and they stock a collection of colours too. I purchased the khaki green and grey, but thinking I may have to pop back in store for the burgundy one! You can find these in the Atmosphere collection at Primark, for a bargain of just £10.00 each. Hurry whilst stocks last!

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BBC Drama ‘The Missing’
This Tuesday night BBC Drama is comprised of 8 episodes and during November we saw the action really unfold and many truths revealed. We have been led through a trail of evidence and various crime scenes leading to some key discoveries in the search for missing child Oliver Hughes. ‘The Missing’ explores the emotional turmoil for both the family and community when a child is abducted. The story line at times can be a little confusing as it spans over two different times frames and in two countries. Due to the sensitive nature of the story line it can be a little horrifying, but as my dad would often remind me when i am glued to particular TV shows and soaps “Its not real!” There are 3 episode left of this gripping drama and if you haven’t already seen it, I would suggest catching up on it online using BBC iPlayer or purchase from the BBC online shop.

Essie Nail Polish
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I am slightly obsessed with this brand of nail lacquer! Essie is a global brand with more than 300 different colours and they are all totally gorgeous and with unique and quirky name labels. Not only are they a really durable polish, they are also readily available on the hight street. ‘chinchilly’, ‘style cartel’, ‘go overboard’ and ‘bahama mama’ are my recent favourites and I have been wearing these non-stop! For best finish results and nail protection, I recommend you apply a top/base layer before and after, it really does makes a huge difference.

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My Birthday!
I have just celebrated my 30th birthday and this had to be on the November favourites list, as it was just A…mazing. I was so lucky to have received some incredible gifts, all of which I am totally grateful for. One of which was a shiny new laptop so I can blog till my hearts content, yipee! I was also taken on a surprise trip to beautiful and picturesque Paris. This was a dream come true and I have some amazing memories which I will never forget. This was my first time to this magical city and it felt like such a spectacle. It was literally bucket list moments from start to finish. Paris is full of fine wine and good food, art, fashion and architectural icons. It is a place I would highly reccomend for a long weekend city break and I will for sure be saving to go back there in the future.

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Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist
This is a brilliant mist spray, to use on hair before blow drying and styling with your heated hair tools. It helps to prevent heat damage and breakage to the hair, which is a common consequence of over straightening or curling those luscious locks. I am always using the GHD straighteners on my unruly maine and although they are ceramic plated irons, it is still advisable to use additional protection in the form of a spray or serum. You simply spray this onto damp hair and comb through before styling. I have noticed a huge difference in frizz control and my hair feels less dry and more nourished. It also contains an anti-static control product and smells so fresh and fruity. I feel like this spray helps to prolong how long my hair remains straight for too, even in this wintery And highly un-predictable British Weather!

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Benefit Dallas Bronzer
This is one of benefits boxed blush/bronzer powders, in a medium brown shade with a rose tint. At this time of the year it seems like the perfect make up must-have for an instant healthy glow. Benefit describe this as ‘an outdoor glow for the indoor gal!’ I couldn’t put it better. Its colour pigmentation seems to benefit many complexions and its slight shimmer adds a radiant wash of colour. Dallas is easy to blend, has super cute packaging and comes with an mini application brush too. Just sweep this across your cheeks, chin and forehead for a warm bronzed effect. This is also a really great on-the-go product due to its compact size and mirror which is attached inside the lid.

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Let me know what has been one of your recent favourites; a new mascara, a netflix series or maybe you have discovered the perfect winter accessory?

Festive wishes being sent your way… Chantelle Xx

Beauty Advent Calendars – An indulgent countdown to Christmas

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We are just days away from the end of November and that means only one thing, that the Christmas countdown is just around the corner. It’s not long until you will have the festive tunes on repeat, the tinsel out and a perfectly valid excuse to delve into some supersize tubs of chocolate and gulp on buckets of mulled wine…Go on you know you want to! This post is all about counting down to Christmas with not a single santa shaped choccy in sight!

During The past month I have been checking out some advent calendars with a difference and I just had to share these treasures with you. This is an insight into a world of beauty behind closed doors, simply an enviable list of advent calendars. These are filled with beauty, jewellery or trinket surprises and I think these are such a fab and exciting way to countdown to that magical day. Which one will you choose?

Benefit – Candy Coated Countdown – £60.00
With this calendar you have 24 ‘sweet shoppe’ doors to open. It contains 18 miniature beauty best sellers from Benefit and 6 useful accessories/gifts. I love mini products, they are a perfect size for your handbag or night away when suitcase space is limited. We all have different beauty needs and there is no way we are all going to love every product on the shop shelves, so this advent calendar will introduce you to new products and give you a chance to find out whIch ones are most suited to your make-up bag. This is limited edition, with only 8,000 being sold in Debenhams and Benefit Boutique Stores, so you will need to shop fast to get your hands on this candy coated countdown!

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No7 – 25 Days of Beauty Secrets – £35.00
This is a new and exclusive calendar from the No7 range at Boots. It is one of the more affordable boxes of beauty treats, and with 25 different products inside you will
be sure to have quite a collection by Christmas Day. Behind each door, in addition to a best seller product you will also find a daily beauty quote to read, I think this is a great extra feature. There is no doubt that this calendar you will leave you feeling pampered and preened and smelling divine! With the contents worth £130.00 you are sure to be grabbing your self a real bargain with this beauty box.

imageCiate – Mini Mani Manor – £49.00
This is literally nail heaven! This London based brand is offering 24 different nail polishes; long lasting shades carefully selected and all packaged in what reminds me of a classic dolls house. With this fantastic calendar, there’s no excuse for dull nails during this festive season. There is bound to be a favourite for everyone and a match for each of those Christmas party outfits. A nail queens dream!

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Selfridges – Enchanted Spells Advent Calendar – £85.00
This Calendar is definitely one of those ‘love, want, must-have’ pre Christmas goodies. It is packed with luxury, featuring some of the best beauty brands of today including Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Khiel’s and many more. Behind 24 doors, lies a selections of make-up, skin care and fragrance miniatures suitable for all you ladies that love beauty.

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Liberty – Beauty Advent Calendar – £149.00
This night end hall of beauty has a draw for each day and has been designed to replica the iconic London department store. Behind the draws of this Tudor style treat, are top brands of beauty, making this a whole house of luxury. This includes premium products from industry greats such as Nars, Diptyque and Laura Mercier.

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Jo Malone – Beauty Advent Calender – £250.00
This is literally a little box of luxury and in terms of advent calendars this is probably what dreams are made of! Unfortunately, the down side of this is that it comes with a hefty price tag. Retailing at £250, for many of us, myself included, this limited edition treasure will probably never make it off my wish list! Each morning opening a draw of this calendar you will discover an indulgent daily dose of beauty in the form of bath and body creams, or refined fragrances. This cream and black calendar has been designed to replica a Georgian townhouse and both the illustration and gifts seem elegant, and a practically perfect way to countdown to Christmas.

You Beauty – Discovery Advent Calendar – £49.95
This includes a collection of goodies that is bound to get you through those dark and cold winter mornings. It includes must have brands from the likes of Essie, Burts Bees, Molton Brown, Rituals and Liz Earle – just to name a few. I find that miniature sized samples are a brilliant way of trying new products before committing to spending those savings on a full size version. The products in this Calendar are worth more than £200, so you will be saving some pennies as well as making a generous addition to your beauty collection this Christmas.

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There really is an extensive range of Calendars available this year, so below I list a few more which I know you will find hard to resist…

1. Lush, 12 Days of Christmas – £49.95
2. L’Occitane, 13 Pampering Treats from Provence Advent Calendar – £45.00
3. Elemis, The 12 Days of Beauty – £59.50
4. Yankee Candle Calendar – £24.99

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5. Tesco, Beauty Advent Calendar – £50.00
6. Dr.Hauschka, Organic Beauty Advent Calendar -£49.00
7. Freedom at Topshop, Jewellery Advent Calendar – £25.00
8. W7, Beauty Advent Calendar – £19.99

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With this range of lust-have Calendars, it’s easy to say Christmas is looking more beautiful already. Seasonal sought after beauty products, a selection of decadent miniatures, are for sure a girly and glamorous way to brighten up your December mornings.

Have you already bought one of these gorgeous pre-Christmas gifts for yourself of a special someone? If not browse and buy soon, as they are flying off the shelves.
Don’t forget to let me know in the comments which one you choose and keep me updated with what’s behind those doors over the next month.

Big love, Chantelle x

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Motivational Monday – “Ladies and Gentlemen, The class of 99”

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Photo Source - behance.net

Photo Source – behance.net

Todays motivational blog post in a way speaks for itself, so I will introduce with some brief facts. In this post I share with you the words of a song that both teach and inspire me. I often listen to this track and feel it has the power to remind me to try and live each day as if it were my last and to see the opportunities that are all around me.

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Photo Source – scrapbookbykristi.com

Baz Luhrmann is a man of many talents, turning his hand at being a director, actor, writer and producer. In 1998 he turned an essay of advice ‘The Commencement Speech’ written by Mary Schmich in a Chicago Tribune Column, into a hit single “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Suncreen)”. The spoken lyrics have become a viral sensation and almost feel more like a life lesson than a song. I believe that many people are able to relate to words spoken on this track, and it continues to be a profound and useful guide to life.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99, wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists where as the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not
understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked…You’re not as fat as you imagine.
Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing everyday that scares you. Sing.
Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours. Floss.
Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes
you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.
Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Photo Source - helloberlin.net

Photo Source – helloberlin.net

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. Stretch.
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life, the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone. Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…What ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s.
Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people
think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.
Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.
Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

image Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasise that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. Respect your elders.
Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.
Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you’re 40, it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth…
But trust me on the sunscreen. (Lyrics from song ‘Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen’)

The following link is the original music video from the 90’s, which I have taken from youtube…

So it’s Monday, but why wait till Friday? Be happy NOW! …Big love, Chantelle Xx

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Motivational Monday – Better late than never

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As it is the start of the week it’s time to put up todays motivational post. It is now also November – A new month, new beginning, new mindset, new intentions and hopefully some new results.

Today’s blog post is inspired by my inner desires to still achieve so much more in my life. I am turning 30 later this month and this has got me looking at my life and being reminded that I am not quite where I wanted to be. At large this is down to my current battle against Chronic Lyme Disease. My life is currently at a sort of stand-still in many ways, but this doesn’t stop me from thinking on a regular basis about all the things that I WILL do when I am better.

Photo - broomsticker.co.uk

Photo Source – broomsticker.co.uk

Photo Source - GymRa Blog

Photo Source – GymRa Blog

So life hasn’t quite turned out how I planned, but does it ever? I do think we all have a destiny but life seems to like to throw us some curve balls on our way there!

There is a quote that I read one day and it has always stuck in my mind…

“Always make sure your dreams are bigger than your fears and your actions are louder than your words.”

Of course at times this is going to be easier said that done, but as a whole I think this is a great mantra to live by. One must put in the effort and then you shall reap the rewards. Good things don’t come to those who wait, they come to those who get up and work for them. Never give up.

I hope you all have a brilliant week. Let me know if you are setting yourself some new goals or maybe thinking of making a 5 year plan. Where do you see yourself in the future? What could you do now to make these dreams a reality? I look forward to hearing from you all.

Keep smiling and stay motivated.

Chantelle Xx

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