How To Declutter Your Home

Hi,

This week I'm following on an old blog post of mine where I shared some of my own tips to giving myself a better and happier lifestyle. Following that article it became obvious that some of you may not know the best way to approach some of the tips I shared and so I'm giving you some further advice now.

Please bare in mind this is just what I find works for me, everyone has their own opinion and ways of doing things :)

Here is a basic set of rules I go about doing when I'm decluttering my home:

1. Focus on one area at a time - don't go mad and start throwing things every where. Go one drawer, one wardrobe, one room at a time.

2. If you haven't used it for 2 years get rid of it (unless it has any sentimental value)

3. Keep things remaining decluttered by finding storage solutions. Get pots for little items. Box up old clothes that you would like to keep but don't wear too often. Stack your most needed items somewhere you can access easily.

4. Bin any items out of date - this is one when clearing kitchen cabinets or medicine cabinets especially.

5. Stay strong. For those of you who like to hold on for things for years this one may be tough. Try to hand over what you can to charity and sell any items with value - giving or making a few pennies will make the separation of your old things easier to handle.

I hope you found this post useful and it this helps some of you!

Have you guys got any tips on decluttering your home? What works for you?

Thanks for reading!
Jessx

Which Naked Pallet Is Right For You?

Hi,

This week I thought I would share with you my thoughts on my Urban Decay Naked pallets and the differences that each pallet have for those of you who are thinking of purchasing one.

So I bought these in a really random order, my first was Naked, then I bought Naked 3, then Naked Smoky and my latest purchase is actually the Naked 2  - confusing I know!

Anyway, here are the pallets in all their glory and the differences with each.

Naked (1)

Naked 1 is a mixture of deep browns holding some shimmer and some matte. This is a great pallet to start with as it will suit all skin tones. My favourite shades in this one is Virgin, Sidecar, Smog & Toasted.

Considering that I've had this for a few years now it's still going pretty strong! My only issue with this pallet is the packaging. The pallet is in a felt sort of packaging meaning it marks easily and there is no magnetic close so it can be knocked open too.

Naked 2

This is my newest addition to my collection so these pictures are of the item brand new.

This pallet is aimed at those with a cool undertone to their skin tone - so this pallet is perfect for me.

Again the packaging isn't my favourite but this one does snap shut so that's a definite improvement from the first pallet.

After using it a few times since purchasing I would say the shades that seem to be favourites in this pallet are; Suspect, Verve & YDK - these shades are just stunning!

Naked 3

I must admit I love this pallet so much but the colours don't work overly well on my skin tone. This pallet is aimed at those with a warm undertone to their skin but I just love pink shades and so this was an obvious purchase for me.

My go to shades in this pallet are; Strange, Limit, Nooner, Liar & Mugshot.

The packaging on this pallet is the same as the Naked 2 but this time with a rose gold outer casing.

Naked Smoky

This pallet as you may have seen with one of my recent posts is the latest release from Urban Decay.

The name probably gives it away, but this pallet is aimed for the smoky eye look. For that reason alone I almost didn't get it but honestly you can do so much with this pallet!

I love it's vast different shades and the packaging is also my favourite yet! The case is plastic but with a slick magnetic close - lovely!

My favourite shades in this pallet are; High, Armor, Slanted, Dagger & Password.

Finally a shot of all the pallets against each other

 You can see here all the different shades and styles each pallet has.

I hope this has helped some of you see the differences in each pallet but also know why each are just as gorgeous too.

Have you tried any of the Naked pallets, if so what is your favourite? I think mine is between Naked 2 & Naked Smoky - I just love them!!

Thanks for reading!
Jess x

Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm Review

Hi,

Now I have reviewed this slightly before but I just feel that this product deserves a special post for itself.

I have been using this cleanser for about 8 months now and I've fallen in love with it!

This is an oil based cleanser that you put all over your face, over eye makeup - the lot! Then wash it off with the cloth provided and water. With just one application it removes all traces of makeup, including waterproof mascara!

Now the product itself - it's just a cleanser right? Well, it is but it's just gorgeous!

It smells super luxurious so that it makes you feel as if you're getting a facial each time you're using it (who wouldn't want a facial everyday?!). The packaging is really cute too and it looks so lovely on show in my bathroom.

But the best part for me is the finish it gives my skin, now that's the real winner here! It leaves my skin super clean, glowing, soft and smooth - much more than my Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser (sorry!).

Also I've noticed this lasts a lot longer as you only need a little bit each time. I'm currently going through one pot for around 6 months at a time!

If you haven't yet tried this I would definitely say give it a go - it's my holy grail cleanser now! :)

Thanks for reading!
Jess x

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Pallet Review

Hi all!

Now if you follow me on Instagram you may already know that I purchased the new Urban Decay Naked Smoky Pallet - yay!!

This pallet is very different from the other three as it focuses on the smoky eye look rather than neutrals. At first this put me off as I wasn't sure if the shades were workable with other looks but after seeing it in person I took the leap and bought one!

Now the pallet itself... 

As you can see it has various shades in there but mainly focusing on some dark greys and browns. With 12 shades to this pallet you have plenty to work with and each are highly pigmented so a little goes a long way. My two favourite shades are; Armor & Slanted - these are just gorgeous!

The purple shade, Smolder is probably the biggest let down of the pallet as it comes out very dark and not very purple at all, but overall this pallet is stunning.

The packaging of this pallet is definitely my favourite yet from the Naked series. It's so easy to open and close, easy to keep clean and looks beautiful on my dresser too!

Although this pallet is aimed at creating the perfect smoky look (it even comes with a guide!) you're able to create so many different looks with it. It's simply gorgeous and I'm so glad I invested in this one too!

Have you guys bought the new pallet, what did you think?

Thanks for reading!
Jess x

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment Review

So this week I have been testing another much loved and raved product. This time it's the GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment Mask. 

I was in two minds whether to get this or not. The mask is quite pricey (£40 per pot), but after reading such good reviews I really wanted to try it out. After a sneaky bonus I decided to treat myself and take the leap!

This mask can be used to clear up acne, blackheads and breakouts. I was testing it mainly for blackheads and the odd breakout. My skin type is typically oily/combination.

Firstly the texture is smooth with an odd flake of what looks like seaweed. You only need a small layer on the area with the breakout, acne, etc. This then dries and changes colour. When drying the mask pulls out any excess oil and it shows up on your mask (a mix of nasty and fascinating). The mask does tingle a little and hardens when drying but that's the sign it's working.

So my thoughts. Well I did notice that my skin was clearer and tighter after using the mask however it does still miss the odd blackhead. I must admit after trying this on a couple of breakouts I fell in love with it a little more as it really did help. It dried it up and by morning the pimple was no longer!

Overall it's pretty amazing stuff, but I would use it sparingly so you get your monies worth.

For the price it's expensive but it will last a long time as you only treat the area in question and with a thin layer. I've used this a few times now and it hasn't even made a difference in the pot.

I think for the average user it will last between 9-12 months, not too shabby!

Thanks for reading!

Jess x

Make Your Cutlery Look New Again

Hi again and welcome back to my blog!

Today I'm talking about how I get my cutlery looking polished and new again. This is something that is key for any tea lover like myself!

After sometime our cutlery loses it's shine and stains start to sink in. Even with some elbow grease these sometimes don't come out. Well, I have a great little way you can get the stains off and your cutlery looking good as new with a few budget friendly items.

First of all you will need these:

- Kettle/Boiling Water
- Foil
- Baking Dish
- Baking Soda (1tbsp)
- Table Salt (1tbsp)

Then it's just a few simple steps:

1. Line your baking dish with the foil. I used a baking tray but it was almost overflowing, so perhaps a roasting tray would be better suited.

2. Put a handful of cutlery onto the tray (I did about 8 max at a time).

3. Put 1tbsp of the salt all over the cutlery & 1tbsp of the baking soda all over too.

4. Carefully pour the boiling water all over until all of the cutlery is covered with water.

5. Leave to soak for 30 minutes.

Once that's done you buff your cutlery as normal and the stains just wash straight off!

This is such an easy trick and saves so much time and money! These are my before and after results for you, just amazing!

Before

After

As you can see I had fantastic results! I just love this little trick.

I hope you found this useful and let me know if you would like anymore lifestyle and home tips :)

Thanks for reading!
Jess x

Loreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Mist for Fine Hair Review

Hello!

This week I'm reviewing the Loreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Mist (for fine hair).

I wasn't sure whether to buy this product as I was torn between a few options. Either my beloved, Kerastase Nectar Thermique, the raved Moroccan Oil Treatment or this little product. Now, honestly it came down to budget. I thought if this works, and it's half the price of my current treatment and is a lot cheaper than the Moroccan Oil than I'll be one happy lady. So I took my chances and bought the budget friendly option.

I was a bit sceptical at first, an oil... on fine hair - surely this will weigh my hair down and make it look greasy? Well, you apply a small amount to the lengths and ends of your hair when damp and once dry it leaves your hair smooth and easy to manage. And it really does!

For me the added bonus with this (other than price), is that you can use it when drying your hair naturally too (air dry, rather than hairdryer). The Kerastase Nectar Thermique weighed my hair down if I tried to do it with that, so it was never an option.

The only slight difference I saw was the finish wasn't as sleek as the Kerastase Nectar Thermique. It did leave my hair a little frizzy. Now I suppose it depends on what you're doing with your hair for the day. If you're having it up than you may not notice this anyway and it does calm down after a while (at least on my hair it does), or you can use another product to smooth over your hair.

For me I love the fact that this is so similar to the Moroccan Oil, yet is a nice budget version. I personally though, I still think I will try the Moroccan Oil. I don't like to use too much product on my hair and if I can use just one - even if it's a little more costly that ticks all the boxes than I may just may take the plunge. I think I will do a little more research on it first and see if I can use it while air drying my hair but I'm tempted.

Have you tried any of these products? Which hair treatment do you swear by? I would love to hear your comments and thoughts.

Thanks for reading :-)
Jess x

Live a Little Happier

Hi,

This week I thought I would do something a little different and do a lifestyle post.

Now this is something that works for me and I've seen it work for others, but at the end of the day everyone is different. I don't claim to be an expert on giving lifestyle advice, in fact far from it! This is just what works for me and believe me I've been in some dark places, so this helped me regain my sanity.

These are a few things I do when I'm feeling low and some of which I do on a daily basis.

- Positive Mind = Positive Vibes = Positive Life
This is something I try and do everyday. If something is really getting me down I turn it on its head to make it positive, no matter how s*** things get. For example, "I feel lonely" turns into "Well at least I can get away with joggers and no makeup without feeling guilty". Or ,"Why did she say that about me? That's so nasty", turns to, "Well at least I now know and I can concentrate more on those who matter".

- Exercise
Now I'm not the best at this one but I try and at least go for a walk once a day or even do some sit ups. Getting some exercise helps keep those endorphins running through your system which have been proved to make you happier. What a good excuse to go for a walk! :)

- Fresh Air
This one is simple, but so effective. When you're feeling down nothing is worse than a stuffy house. Open up those windows, sit in the garden and regain your sanity. Take in a deep breath and remember tomorrow is a new day.

- Healthy Diet
Again, not one I'm the best with but I do try and eat a balanced diet. Just a few changes to your everyday routine and it could help you eat more fruit, drink more water and feel less groggy and more human. It's amazing how much of a difference you'll notice.

- Surround Yourself With Positive People

It's amazing how much of a difference it can make by surrounding yourself with the right people. People who encourage you to think things from a different perspective, who help you achieve your goals and who believe in you. One key feature in all those people though is they need to be positive. If they complain every time you see them, or focus on only the negative then you will subconsciously do it too. To help you stay positive and focus on your goals to be a happier person you will need happy and encouraging friends.

- Declutter
This one may sound odd to some but this really helps me. I think a cluttered house resembles a cluttered mind. To help me think clearer I clean and tidy the house, or even just a room. It helps me feel more at 'home' as it's one less stress to worry about. My surroundings then feel more comfortable and homely, meaning I'm happier.

- Do What You Love
This one sounds simple enough but in busy lifestyles sometimes it can be easily overlooked. Make sure you have 'down' time, 'you' time. Find yourself again and do whatever it is that you love. Listening to music, going to the cinema, seeing your friends - make sure you make time for what makes you happy. I try and do something everyday, no matter how small - a nice coffee from our tassimo machine, a nice walk, chat to a friend, have a bubble bath, etc. Find at least 30 minutes for 'you' everyday.

- Music
Music is the sound of the soul and I'm a firm believer of that. Now I'm a lover of music so this may not work as well for everyone, but whenever I need to lift my mood up I listen to upbeat music. Something that makes me want to sing and dance my way through life. No matter what life throws at me, music has always helped me through it all.

- Reflect
This one again is one that is easily forgotten. I think it's important that once in a while you sit and reflect on how far you've come. What you've achieved, what you've survived. Wow 5 years ago I was... and since then I've learned, I've changed, I've gained, I've gotten through, etc. You've made it this far, what new adventures are out there for you? What will today bring? :-)

Well that's my blog post for today. I hope you've enjoyed it and I hope this helps some of you who may want to live life a little happier.

Jess x