Newbies

Wow, is it Wednesday already? It seems like only yesterday I was skipping out of work at 6pm filled with excitement for the weekend ahead, and now we're at the middle of the week? Crazy. I've been feeling a bit poorly this week, hence the peace on the blogfront, but I'm sat here in my jimjams waiting for The Apprentice to start and thought it was the perfect opportunity to put pen to paper (or fingers to keys).

As I've already mentioned, Saturday was a date day for my honey and I, and we spent the day in Cardiff - shopping, eating, shopping some more, eating some more... you get the idea. I had a blast!
We started the day relatively early with a spot of shopping. We were in Cardiff at 10am at the latest, and Primark was already heaving. Is there any time to shop there without having to elbow people out of your way? Urgh. Mr Lollipop hates that shop, but I was in search of a gold chunky ring. In typical Laura fashion, I bought everything but a gold chunky ring! We also did the obligatory rounds of MAC, Debenhams and Boots, and I think I did pretty well as I hardly bought a thing. I could have spent a fortune in the new Americandy shop though! We were literally like children in a candy shop, and everywhere we looked had something new and exciting, either from our childhood or America. I refused to pay £8.00 for a box of Lucky Charms, but no doubt we'll be making a trip back there soon!
All in all I had a fabulous day, but I ate waaaaaay too much. The Krispy Kremes (note, plural), Shakeaway milkshakes, Gourmet Burger Kitchen burger, chips and garlic mayo (nom nom nom)... All tasted divine, but I kinda had a food-hangover on Sunday and I felt rotten. I've been feeling crap about my eating habits lately anyway, so Saturday was the nail in the coffin if you like. I vowed to be back on 'it' (my healthy eating bandwagon) on Monday morning and I'm pleased to say I've been great this week. Feeling so rubbish has really awakened my determination again. Anyway, I am rambling! Onto the newbies:

Gotta Dash! lipstick, £13.50, MAC.

New lipstick always cheers me up and I have been wanting to test the new Sheen Supreme ones since their release. I have been looking at swatches online for a while and thought I'd come home with Behave Yourself (a pretty Barbie pink) or Supremely Confident (a beloved nude), but as soon as I swatched this I knew I'd be taking it home. It's a gorgeous pastel peach (not quite coral but is very coral-toned) and feels really smooth and silky when I'm wearing it. Plus it is opaque so you only need to swipe it once, and it has a darling shine to it. An instant favourite, both colour-wise and formula-wise!

Daisy headband and daisy bobble, both £1 each, Primark.

I have a bit of a growing obsession for daisies, so when I spotted this cute headband I had to get it. We were in a petrol station a few weeks ago and the girl pulling up next to us had her hair in a ponytail, adorned with a big daisy. I have been wanting one since so you can imagine my delight when I saw it sitting on the shelves. I know that both of these are going to become Summer staples as I prefer wearing my hair up in the hotter weather, so they are going to add a pretty finish to an otherwise simple 'do.

Gold earring set, £1.50, Primark.

I don't have many solid gold earrings (solid as in without any coloured stones), so whenever I wear gold jewellery I have to go earringless. Well, not anymore! 6 pairs of cute gold earrings for £1.50?! Bargain! I'd pay £1.50 for the heart dangly ones alone - they are super cute.

Turquoise stone silver ring, £2.50, Primark.

I love wearing turquoise/teal/blue jewellery, so the turquoise stone combined with the detail of the silver instantly put a smile on my face. I love chunky rings, but this isn't so chunky that it is in knuckleduster territory - it's just a big, fancy ring. Love it!

Model's Own nail polish, Pastel Pink / Blooboo / Lemon Meringue, £5.00 each (currently 3 for 2 in Boots).

I can't get enough of pastel nail polishes at the moment. I initially wanted Barry M's Peach Melba, but the Barry M stand in Cardiff is ridiculously slow at getting new stock, though they did have the new colours of the nail effects crackle polish. I digress... The pastel colours are very pretty. I have been after a powder blue for a while and this one fits the bill perfectly. In the bottle it looks like it has a purple-blue sheen, but this doesn't translate onto the nails. I've also wanted to embark on the yellow nails trend, but Chanel's Mimosa is a bit too intense for me. Lemon Meringue is so wearable though, so I'd really recommend this one if you want to try the less-intense version of the trend too. Pastel Pink is exactly that, and though I have lots, this one is my favourite. Very opaque and looks fab. Can't wait to go and pick up more!

Natural Collection Nail Polish, White, £1.89.

I wanted a cheap white nail polish and this was the cheapest they had in store. I only wanted one to use as a base under my sheerer colours or to attempt a bit of polka-dotting, and I have to admit I am really impressed. It applies really evenly and dries quickly. The only downside is the brush is a bit thick for clumsy me, but I'll gladly do with that for £1.89!

And something random, but I love these lidded cups that we bought in Lakeland. I think they were about £4 each and on offer 3 for 2. These are going to be perfect in the garden (no flies in my drink, no sir) and also in the car or on my way to work. Smoothies on the go are a necessity in the morning, so these cups are ideal for me. They are melamine so can go in the dishwasher, and they are double layered so the air chamber helps keep your drink cold for longer. I love them!

I'm off to make myself a cup of my new favourite tea, Clipper nightime tea (or something) and a chopped apple sprinkled with cinnamon. Then I'm gonna cwtch up on the sofa and watch Lord Sugar and co before my early night - hopefully a good night's sleep will cure me! Are you watching The Apprentice? What did you think of last week's double firing?!

xoxo

Bejewelled

I've developed a bit of an obsession in recent weeks - costume jewellery. I can't walk into a shop without checking out their range of jewels, and ultimately buying something. I've put a little ban on myself though. Despite these items costing very little, they do add up, which is not fun when you are saving for a wedding!

I love a bargain, and since costume jewellery tarnishes easily and fashion is forever changing (and quickly), I am reluctant to spend a fortune on it, which is why I love places like Primark, Matalan, and good old supermarket ranges like F+F at Tesco and George at Asda. I have accumalated quite a few pieces recently, all of which I adore, so thought I would show you.

Firstly, I got some new necklaces:

I have wanted a Tiffany's key since FOREVER, but alas, my budget won't allow for such a pretty purchase. I saw this in Tesco when I was dong my weekly shop and snapped it up. It's not Tiffany's quality, nor is it as pretty, but it was a bargainous £8 and will do the job perfectly. I love the heart details on the keys. I doubt I'll wear it with both keys on at the same time - in fact, I will wear both but on different chains because I'm really loving layering necklaces at the moment... which is why I bought the little dainty heart ones. These are the perfect size to wear as a shorter, delicate necklace amongst a few chunkier designs. £2 in Asda so I snapped up one in silver and one in gold. It would be silly not to for that price really, wouldn't it?!

Some rings:

The big chunky one in the middle is from Primarni. About a quid or something ridiculous. Can't quite remember but it is Primarni we're talking about - it's hardly mega-bucks. It's a pewter colour rather than silver, so I find it less in-your-face-bling. I do love it though! The other rings came in two sets - one gold and one silver, both of which were around £5. Sticking with the layering look, I couldn't resist these little sets. The silver ones are my favourite and I only really bought it for the bow - it is beautiful and the diamantes shine a different colour in different lights - purple, pink, green and blue. I love it! I did find a Kate Middleton replica in Asda for £3, and whilst I am not expecting an awful lot from cheap replicas, I could see the glue through the blue stone. I swiftly returned it to the shelf, but it was the last one there so I'm not the only one after a pretty sapphire ring by the looks of it!

Some earrings:

The daisies were £2.50 (Asda), the crowns were £2 (either Tesco or Asda), the hearts were £3 (Matalan) and the navy droplets were £6, from Dorothy Perkins I think. I absolutely adore the daisies - they're perfect for the spring season and the sunshine we're experiencing at the moment. These will last well into summer and look fab on. I even bought matching hairclips:

I couldn't resist!

So that's me sorted for jewellery for a while. Well, at least until payday... Have you grabbed a bargain recently? Share with me in the comments!

xoxo

It's not St Patrick's Day...

...It's mine!! I loathe having my birthday on a well known date. I don't know why - I'm Welsh so we don't typically celebrate Paddy's Day anyway, but I'm not overly keen on sharing so I'm guessing that is a big contributor.

Thank you so much to everyone who has messaged me, Facebooked me or tweeted me birthday wishes - it is so sweet of you!

I have had such a lovely day, despite being woken up at 6:00am by the dog crying for a weewee, bless her. I've been spoilt rotten! I came downstairs to find my living room had banners and balloons everywhere, and a pile of beautifully wrapped gifts and cards awaited me.

I had this adorable card from my folks, and my Mam had replaced the picture of the angel girl with a picture of me! I also loved Mr L's card... he didn't realise it was a Valentine's one until it he was writing on it last night! D'oh! It makes me laugh though.

I got these delicious cupcakes, baked by Mr L's fair hands. Each colour of icing is flavoured differently (yellow lemon, pink strawberry, brown chocolate, blue vanilla, orange er... orange and green peppermint), and the yummy vanilla sponge has a pink tint. So delicious and I devoured 2 for breakfast. Yes, at 6:30! It's my birthday, I'm allowed!! I've had lots of visitors bearing gifts through the day so it's been a tad hectic but lovely too :)

My 'main' presents were lots of charms for my bracelet - Colin the cow finally has some new friends!

♥ A Pandora cupcake and Chamilia pig from my wonderful fiancé, because as you know I am obsessed with cupcakes, and also love little piggy's. I certainly hope that is the reason, and that he isn't insinuating I'm a pig!! The piggy is called Paddy. What with me sharing my birthday with that Patrick an'all.

♥ A Chamilia doggy from my brother. I've named him Dave (the dog that is, not my brother!).

♥ A Chamilia 'L' from my Gran. It took me ages to work out that it was my initial but once it was pointed out to me I could tell hehe.

♥ And a Chamilia 'Daughter' charm from my parents, obv. 

It doesn't feel like my bracelet anymore, it feels too heavy! Love, love, love it though! I also have an iTunes voucher to redeem, a new handbag, a cupcake cushion and lots more little gifts, plus lots of dosh so I have treated myself to the Hummingbird Bakery's new cook book with some if it. I can't wait to try some of the new recipes, like this berry cheesecake. Nom!

I went out Saturday night with my girlfriends and I consumed so much vodka and sambuca in my friend's house, that I made it from the taxi to one place in Swansea (Peppermint, so I've been told), threw up lots, then phoned Mr L to pick me up. I don't remember much but you can tell I'm bladdered by the fact I'm kissing a balloon... er... why?! That was a fun hangover!

I've been out for lunch today with Mr L and may have overindulged slightly. We went to Frankie & Benny's by Swansea's Liberty Stadium and I had Penne Alfredo, which is pasta, pancetta and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. It tasted so gorgeous but I couldn't eat it all! I'm so stuffed I can hardly move, so Lord help me if I had ate it all!! Though I think the mound of cupcakes I've eaten today may have something to do with it...

It is days like this that make me realise how fortunate I am, and I can't help but think of the poor people in Japan who have lost absolutely everything. It is just tragic - imagine not knowing if your nearest and dearest were alive, or fearing they're trapped somewhere. Horrific.

Ooh, I didn't want this post to take a downturn, so I suppose I best wish this Patrick dude a happy... what? Birthday? I dunno... Happy St Patrick's Day ;) I'm off for a well deserved sit down and chilled night in now!

xoxo

Latest love : Charm bracelets

I don't actually own any 'proper' charm bracelets. I started one when I was about 12 but broke or lost a charm or three, and eventually lost the bracelet too. Naughty Laura. I do own some cheapy ones from Primark, but guess what's happened to some charms? Yep, lost and broken. Does this stop me wanting to spend a small fortune starting up some charm bracelets? Does it heck! One or two of my friends have charm bracelets and I turn into the green-eyed-monster whenever I can hear them jingle-jangling on their wrists. I'm one step away from pulling their hair a la the five year old child inside me. Here are the ones I've got my peepers on:

Pandora

Now this one appeals to me the mostest, because it seems pretty hard to break or lose. It's super unique and love how it can be built up with charms that dangle or bead-style ones, so it can be as discreet or as show-off as I wish.

Tiffany & Co

I adore Tiffany's and pinky promise to look after this one should I ever get it! The first charm on my list is of course the cupcake one. I love cupcakes and would be the perfect charm for me as a symbol of my trips to London. I'd buy my bracelet in Bond Street's Tiffany's, and all I seem to do in London is eat cupcakes, so the two combined would be an ideal symbolic start to my bracelet.

Links of London

Ooh I can imagine this one chockablock with charms. I can spot a Links of London charm bracelet a mile off because it's quite distinctive. I love the huge variety of charms they have too so there'll be one for every occasion. This is the one that started the ball rolling with my charm bracelet love-a-thon back last year after my friend showed me hers. Sigh. So pretty.

Do you have a charm bracelet? I would love to hear all about it and see some pictures!

xoxo

Shopaholics Anonymous

I've been shopping. Again. But these were either on offer or pretty cheap. So it doesn't count. Sshh.

First I bought these pearly/flower necklace and bracelet, and pink flower necklace, from Tesco. I love big, chunky necklaces at the moment and absolutely adore the pearly ones as I have a cream and pink floral top that would look gorgeous with them.

All of these little studs are from Tesco too. Everytime I go food shopping I slip some earrings into the trolley. They're pretty and dirt cheap, so it'd be rude not to! I think these all cost £2 or less. I wouldn't wear the earrings with the necklaces I don't think, as it'd be too matchy-matchy, but as stand alone items I love them all.

These sandals are from Matalan and I love them. I have got stupid, chunky feet so the straps and buckles make them adjustable, and they are super comfy too.

I have also been taking advantage of Boots' 3 for 2 offers, so I bought:

Revlon lipglosses - Peach Petal and Lilac Pastelle

Prestige SunBaked Mineral Bronzing Powder - Pure Shimmer

Barry M Nail Paints - Strawberry Ice Cream and Berry Ice Cream

Barry M 3 in 1 Top Coat, Base Coat and Nail Strengthener

The lipglosses are just stunning. They're creamy, not sticky and don't have any horrible tastes/smells. LOVE! The Prestige powder is a really pretty highlighter (though it's advertised as a bronzer). It looks like a MAC MSF but with cheap packaging, but that's fine by me. I'm yet to try the nail paints but they sure look pretty in their bottles!

And the only two things I got from MAC's recent Pret A Papier and To The Beach Collections, Hipness blush and Instant Chic blush. Hipness is the depotted one, as that pea green packaging was not cute. Both are similar toned corals, but Hipness is more vivid with a slight shimmer to it, whereas Instant Chic is more peach and matte. I love them both but would choose Hipness over Instant Chic. The swatch picture is a more accurate representation of the colours.

My name is Laura and I am a Shopaholic.

xoxo

London/Birthday buys

Did I mention I went to London?! Haha, I know I know, I've talked about it non-stop and I'm probably boring you with it (especially if you live there and think it's the same humdrum everyday...) but I fell in love with the place, and want to move there permanently. Sigh. Anyway, since it was my 26th birthday, I had some extra spending moolah, so I couldn't resist the make up counters in Selfridges.

I bought:

YSL Rouge Pur Lipstick -148 Tea Rose
YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick - 07 Lingerie Pink

MAC Lipstick - Viva Glam Gaga

YSL Golden Gloss - 18 Golden Lavender
MAC Lipglass - Florabundance

MAC Brush - 224

MAC Mineralize Blush - Two Virtues

The YSL lipsticks are absolutely gorgeous. The Rouge Pur lipstick is a pretty nude colour, but a peachy nude. I definitely don't have anything like it in my collection. It's so creamy and pigmented, I just love it already. I'm sure we all know how fab the Rouge Volupte's are by now too - creamy, sheeny, watermelony goodness! I chose the lavender Golden Gloss because I have a slight obsession with lavender lips. It's the nicest lipgloss I own, purely because of the golden sparkle. It's stunning!

I'm sure you've all seen Gaga's lipstick by now! A lot of people have said it's not wearable, but I really don't see how that can be. As a lustre formula it's like silk on my lips, absolutely beautiful, and it can be worn sheerly for a little sheen of pink (is sheerly a word?!) or built up for a bolder look. It's a bright, bubblegum pink, and I wouldn't expect anything less from the Lady herself! Florabundance is not what I was expecting at all - it's better!! I knew it was a creamy nude lipgloss but this is a peachy nude, and goes perfectly with YSL Tea Rose. I love that it has no shimmer, and the colour is just divine.

Two Virtues blush is pretty. The pink part is super shimmery, but when it's swirled with the purple it is toned down a bit. I'm wearing this today over the top of Azalea Blossom blush ombre, and it's really pretty. If you think Azalea Blossom is too cool for you, this warms it up and adds a highlight at the same time. And of course the 224 brush is amazing. I loooove blending brushes because I think they're really versatile, and this one is no exception.

I also got this cute little teddy bear from Hamley's - he's dressed like a guard, look! I've called him Gary the Guard - original, yes? Haha.

And my favourite thing of all, is my inital pendant from Tiffany's. I absolutely love it. It's not an obvious, in your face type of L, but a cute and curly little one.

I went all over London looking for this baby. The Bond Street store didn't have any L's, but the lady checked and both Harrods and Selfridges had one each. We were headed to Kensington anyway (for my yummy scrummy Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes) so we decided to check Harrods first. They didn't have it either, but the lady there was really helpful and gave me the product number and things so that the Selfridges lady would be able to sort something out for me. Phew! After a traumatic tube ride, we finally got to Selfridges and they had it! I got home though and realised that the chain is too small. That's typical of my luck - I've got it but can't wear it! It's okay though, I'm going to order a longer chain online when I get paid. All of the Tiffany's assistants that I spoke to said that they don't make very many of them, which is why it was so hard to track down.

And my other favourite thing?

CUPCAKES! All of the cupcakes we bought (from Hamley's, Lola's @ Harrods, and Hummingbird Bakery) were absolutely delicious :) Oooh I do love me some cupcakes! Who doesn't?!

xoxo

Ultra Diamonds-Discount Ladies Diamond Marquise 14K Gold Wedding Set @ Ultra Diamonds

Discount Ladies Diamond Marquise 14K Gold Wedding Set @ Ultra Diamonds

Discount for Metal Color: Two Tone. This enchanting bridal set features two rings. Handcrafted in an elegant design of 14K white and yellow gold. The engagement ring has a brilliant marquise diamond center. The matching band is set with 5 round brilliant accent diamonds. This set is the perfect way to say I Love You.

List Price: $999.00
Current Price: $249.00
Discount: 75%

View More Rings Deals, Rings Coupons at DealRocker

Nordstrom-Discount AK Anne Klein Crystal Bezel Watch @ Nordstrom

Discount AK Anne Klein Crystal Bezel Watch @ Nordstrom

Discount for Square-cut Swarovski crystals line the bezel of an elegant, numberless watch finished with a slinky bracelet band.Square-cut Swarovski crystals line the bezel of an elegant, numberless watch finished with a slinky bracelet band. Color(s): silvertone. Brand: AK Anne Klein. Style Name: AK Anne Klein Crystal Bezel Watch. Style Number: 262703_2. Manufacturer part number 10-8891CHRM

List Price: $125.00
Current Price: $74.90
Discount: 40%
Price Drop in past two weeks: 40%

View More Womens Watches Deals, Womens Watches Coupons at DealRocker

Stylish earrings for a complete look

In today`s modern generation, it`s all about fashion and glamour; everyone is looking for ways to look beautiful, stylish and fascinating so as to cope with latest and modern fashionable trends. Jewelry serves as an important role in enhancing natural beauty and making one more attractive and striking. Read More>>

Keep time in style with designer watches

Time has advanced the technology of watches. Designer watches, that mark its style and beauty, have flooded the market like never before. More than just timepieces, they are adornments that speak to the refined style of the wearer, and investments that reflect good taste.Designer watches make a fashion statement it`s just like wearing a masterpiece on your wrist. Read More>>

Sterling Silver Jewelry . A perfect gift for someone special

Jewelry remains a practical, affordable luxury gift that appeals to all age groups and continually gives the wearer joy, comfort and confidence. Life`s special occasions are often marked by unique gifts and one of the most memorable gifts for women is jewelry.

Sterling silver jewelry remains one of the most preferred gifts as it is the most flexible and popular fashion accessory suitable for any person`s age, style and clothing attire. Read More>>

Wrapables-Discount Charlotte Embellished Velvet Jewelry Box @ Wrapables

Discount Charlotte Embellished Velvet Jewelry Box @ Wrapables

Discount for A plush place to house your most precious jewelry, these Charlotte Embellished Velvet Jewelry Boxes are made of lush beige velvet embossed with an antique floral pattern. With intricate wire details and delicate glass beads, these pieces pay tribute to the vintage authenticity of the Victorian era. A must-have for every glamour girl's vanity table. Choose from small and large. Each sold separately.

Current Price: $11.99
Shipping: $5.99

View More Jewelry Boxes Deals, Jewelry Boxes Coupons at DealRocker

New York and Company-City Style Enamel Swirl Hinge Bangle Bracelet @ New York and Company

City Style Enamel Swirl Hinge Bangle Bracelet @ New York and Company

Rhodium plated; Hinge closure for easy on and off; 1-3/8 inches wide.Vividly colored enamel and silver tone swirls make a fun, whimsical statement.

Current Price: $16.95

View More Bracelets Deals, Bracelets Coupons at DealRocker

The Mothership thinks I have a problem...

My Mam and I went shopping to Cardiff today. We were headed out for a girly day as we both got paid and were in desperate need of retail therapy! I didn't have anything in mind (except new work trousers... which I forgot) but I picked up a lot of accessories. The Mothership thinks I have a problem, as I seemed to buy lots of bangles and bracelets. It's my favourite accessory, and the more noise they make, the better! I love layering chunky ones too, for that extra jingle-jangle.

First stop was Accessorize. They have a sale on at the moment so I was eager to check it out. I only bought two things and typically, neither of the items were in the sale! I got this gorgeous oversize bow ring for £8. It's gold but it looks like the bow is tied with lace. I love it!


I also picked up this bangle (shock horror!) because I don't have any pretty gold ones, and the detailing on it is lovely. The crappy picture isn't showing it very well, but it's like a brocade pattern engraved into it. It was £7, so although neither items were in the sale, I think £15 is pretty reasonable.


Next up was Primark. Now, let me explain my feelings for Primark. I hate it! I find the shop itself is too warm, coupled with lots of people pushing and shoving and you've got me wanting to either strange somebody or faint. Then, when you finally get to the clothes, they're either strewn all over the floor or falling off the hangers, so you can't even see everything properly. Nothing in the past has grabbed me as a must-have. The Mothership on the other hand? She's always finding lovely clothes at bargainous prices. I think she dresses fantastically, and whenever I compliment her on an outfit, Primark is always mentioned. I'm guessing she turns into one of the people who elbows their way through to the good stuff!

So I thought that today, since Cardiff seemed a little quieter than usual, I'd give Primark a go. I was armed with my elbowing Mother, so was sure to be a successful shopper! Well I didn't go gaga over any clothes (except the baby clothes, but my Sister-In-Law is expecting - it's allowed!) but I found some lovely accessories.


I got a lovely big gold bag with a bow on the front for a bargainous £5! It's huge too, ideal for shopping days like today. They had it in black aswell, but I already have a similar black one, minus the bow.


I also picked up a pair of shoes. They're sort of wedge-style with a wooden heel and platform, and they have a pretty bow on the front. These were £13 and I was going to get the white ones, but the colour of these ones sucked me in. It's the most amazing corally-pink colour, and I'm on a mission to find a matching lipstick! So pretty.


I picked up some more bangles (!) and some hair accessories too. Yep... more bangles, and more bows! I really do get obsessed with things...



I think this whole accessories spree came to about £40 - bargain or what?!

Then, as the Mothership loves crafty things and makes her own greeting cards, we stopped by HobbyCraft, where I saw these fab little buckets! I had to get them - they've got love hearts with adorable sayings all over them. I didn't know what to use them for at first, but I've decided to put my make up brushes in them. Looks really cute!


I bought some make up bits aswell, but I'm doing a seperate post on the tomorrow because I'm going to town with my fiance, and will probably pick up some more. I hope ;)

As always, sorry the pictures are so rubbish. My camera is back in the country but until my brother transfers his 500+ pictures onto his girlfriends laptop, I won't be using it :( So my awful camera phone it is. You get the idea though, that's the main thing.