I've Been Thinking... - 5 Things To Do In The Lull Between Christmas and the New Year.

Hi!!!

I know some of you will be rolling your eyes at the title of this post because we haven't even had Christmas yet but today is Blogmas Day Twenty Three, we're very close to Christmas and I thought it might be nice to be able to have this list handy whenever you might want some inspiration. Also, I am sorry to anyone who won't be enjoying the lull between Christmas and New Year because of work or any other reason - you got this.

Read a book.

I'm sure a lot of us are in the 'I wish I had the time to read more books' club - now's your chance! Whether it's the new book that somebody bought you for Christmas or one of the books on your existing 'to be read' pile, taking the time to sit with a cup of tea and actually enjoy a book and switch off is always worthwhile.

Play a board game.

I love a good board game and the space between Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to play them because you'll have plenty of time and you can actually sit down and play a full game start to finish. My favourites are Cludeo and Best of British (I'm also very interested in playing the Logo Board Game, especially since it's made by the same people who created Best of British). If you really want to make something of it, then you could invite some of your favourite people round and finish all the Quality Street chocolates you have left before everyone gets busy or goes back to their own corners of the country again.

Go to the cinema.

While lounging about on the sofa at home is lovely, you also might want to get out of the house for a few hours between now and New Year's Eve. I went to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi a few days ago with some of my family and I would highly recommend going to see it (I'm hoping to do a separate post on it soon, but if I don't get round to it, just know that I love it, I finally had my 'Star Wars Moment' that made the franchise something I really love rather than something I just enjoy and, while it's busy, every scene and character has agency). Aside from how great the film was, it was also lovely to spend some time with my family, to eat burgers and discuss film trailers and laugh at a spilled Tango Ice Blast - if you didn't already know, I can be very clumsy - together.

Do some exercise.

I know it's maybe not the most fun thing on the list, but I can't be the only one who gets to the twenty ninth and starts to wonder whether all of the cheese I've eaten over Christmas is going to catch up with me suddenly and if my internal organs will hate me for it? I'm not sure how much half an hour of yoga will help my internal organs post-Christmas, but I think it's something I'll feel better for. Oh, and obviously if you prefer running or swimming or paragliding, then you can do that.

Have a pamper evening.

Similarly to reading books, I feel like taking time for ourselves through things like pamper evenings often fall by the wayside when we get busy. If you've been given any bath and body care products over Christmas, this would be the perfect time to use them and you'll actually have enough time to let your nail polish dry properly so it won't smudge. If you want to know more about my routine or the products I like, then check out my Blogmas Day Nineteen post here.

Thanks for reading today's Blogmas post.

What are your plans for the rest of 2017? Do you have any other comments or suggestions for future posts? Leave a comment to let me know.

I'll be back tomorrow - which can I just remind you is Christmas Eve, how exciting! - with another Blogmas post.

I hope you have a truly fabulous day!

GingerSnaps xxx

All Things Bright and Beauty-ful - Beauty Reviews - A Christmas Pamper Routine.

Hi!!!

It's Blogmas Day Nineteen and today I have a little Christmas pamper routine to share with you. You might want to save this for when you get home on Friday night, you might want to save it for Christmas Eve - there is nothing more dreamy than a pre-Christmas pamper that makes you feel like a sparkly star on Christmas Day. But also, you might want to take some time this evening, especially if 5pm on Friday seems a million miles away and you want to give yourself that sparkly feeling to get you ready for the home stretch to Christmas. Whenever you find time to do this, I would definitely recommend taking some time for yourself. Without further ado, here's what I recommend.

This is a pretty straightforward pamper routine, and it doesn't take up twelve hours of your time, which I like. This is my go-to at the moment, but sometimes I'm all about the long baths and Lush bath bombs so feel free to add to it or change things if you want. The above photo is sadly not from my bathroom but was taken at Chatsworth last year - it was a room based on the theme of the Sugar Plum Fairy's dressing room, and I think this festive pamper routine is one the Sugar Plum Fairy would be very happy with so I had to include it.



Before I get in the shower, I wash my face with my Aloe Calming Foaming Wash from The Body Shop. I don't wear makeup everyday, but if I do happen to be wearing it then I take it off using The Body Shop's Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (if you're into cleansing balms or oils, there are also a few of those in the range). I remove my makeup with it, then wash it off with warm water and then I go back in with my Face Wash to get rid of any last dregs of makeup.

 

Then I'll hop into the shower. I use (and love) Herbal Essences Classic Silk n Shine Shampoo and Conditioner to wash my hair.

 Then, since it's Christmas, some festive body care products are in order. I'm using Lush's classic Snow Fairy Shower Gel. It has such a dreamy scent - it's super sweet, which it's bubblegum pink colour might suggest, and it definitely makes me feel like an actual fairy princess who lives in a castle made of candyfloss, so that's nice. If sugary smells aren't your thing, then check out Lord of Misrule, another one of my favourites from Lush's Christmas range which has a more earthy scent, and Vanilla Chai Shower Gel from The Body Shop which is one for those who like spicy, warmer fragrances. The shower gel featured is in a plastic bottle but Lush also make a 'naked' version of this shower gel (available here) which does the same job but without the plastic packaging and I would highly recommend checking that out and reducing your plastic consumption without sacrificing that sugary goodness.

 

To go with my shower gel, I have the Snow Fairy Body Conditioner (this is also available in a 'naked', plastic free version - here - yay and a million points to Lush for caring about the planet). This product works like a hair conditioner - you apply it to your skin in the shower (so while it's still damp), leave it for a few minutes so it can soak in, and then you wash it off. It does feel a bit weird if you're used to using typical body butters but it's a lovely product and concept and means you can just get straight into your pyjamas and get on with your evening.
 

 

I'd then paint my nails - to see my product recomendations, click here - and then either listen to some music, watch a Christmas film or read a book (but I'll definitely be drinking hot chocolate, no matter what).

Thanks for reading today's Blogmas post - I hope you find it useful. I also really hope you like the photos as much as I do.

What are your night in essentials at this time of year? Do you have any other comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed today's post. I'll speak to you all tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day!

GingerSnaps xxx 

I've Been Thinking.... - I Have Big Plans Tonight...

Hi!!!


This is 100% not as exciting as the title suggests. I just wanted to do a quick post today and thought, what better than a peek into the kind of way I want to spend tonight? I have to say, I live a pretty wild life...

My Big "Plans" Are To...

1. Wash my hair, gently apply a light dose of salt spray and/or styling mousse, and plait my hair so that it is all wavy and curly in the morning.
2. Paint my nails in a fan-cay nail art way that will make me smile. I've had many an idea, so we'll see, and I might just share with you. Do you want a dedicated post?
3. Watch a movie. Don't know what movie, so if you have any suggestions, let me know.
4. Drink some Vanilla Coke - I have some massive life supply going on right now - I am literally finding cans of the stuff everywhere around the house! - and so I need to make some progress on that front!
5. Go to bed a little bit earlier than normal. I want to get up bright and (not too) early tomorrow morning, so I'm gunning for a good nights sleep tonight.

So, that's all for today, I hope that you have enjoyed. I know it has been a while since I have posted, but I hope that you don't mind too much!

Have you enjoyed this post? Do you ever make "plans" like mine? Do you have any suggestions for upcoming posts? Let me know in the comments.

I will speak to you all very soon.

I hope you have a wonderful days/nights everyone!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - Things I Like About The Weekends.

Hi!!!

I know I have been incredibly slack on the blogging front lately, and for that I am very, very sorry. But, no matter, I'm here today with a little post for you about the little things I like about weekends (in general, not just this one).

1.      Little lie-ins. My lie in's only really last till about nine o'clock at the latest, because I get annoyed if I feel I am wasting a day, but I don't see anything wrong with staying under a warm, snuggly duvet for just that little bit longer... Bliss.

2.      Going out with friends and family. I love spending time with my friends and family, and whether it is big deal eat-your-Weetabix kind of a day out like the ones we had in November and December, or just an evening spent out having something to eat like I did with some of my friends yesterday. It just makes me very happy. (1)

3.      Making the most of any weather. If it is sunny outside, we'll go out to a park somewhere, or we'll go "on an adventure" to a castle/stately home/places of interest. If the weather is otherwise, then we'll go shopping, stay in and watch films or go and visit friends/family. I find on "working" days, every kind of weather can provoke a sigh - if it's sunny it's an "I'm stuck inside" sigh, if it's otherwise then it's an "again?" sigh - but the weekends are different.

4.      Blogging. I have more time to blog and plan out ideas on weekends, because I don't have to rush myself so much. I like that. Also, I can round off the weeks blog reading which is always brilliant.

5.      Pamper Evenings. I can almost always find time for a pamper evening over the weekends, and that means a bit of quality time to wind down. Got to love it. (2)

(1) = See (HERE) for a post about being busy in November and December.

(2) = See (HERE) for a post about Pamper Evenings.

There are, of course, other reasons that I like weekends, but I thought that just a short and sweet post would suffice today.

Have you enjoyed this post? Would you like to know more things I like about weekends? What do you like about the weekends? Do you have any ideas for upcoming posts? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you have enjoyed this post, and can forgive my recent lack of blogging. I will speak to you all soon, and I hope that you...

Have an utterly wonderful day!

GingerSnaps xxx

 

And Relax... - Pamper Evening Tips and Tricks.

Hi!!!

How is everybody today? I hope your well and if you aren't then I'm sorry to hear that, and hope things start going your way soon.

I don't know about you guys, but I love a Pamper Evening. I relish (totally didn't just rob that word from THIS post by Lauren...) time spent unwinding, since I'm often busy or just feel busy.  Also, being a lover of beauty products, I find a Pamper Evening is a great way to try the far too many products I own. Plus, I always find that I sleep better after a Pamper Evening.

I've decided to share with you some of my tips, tricks and favourite products for when I have a Pamper Evening, in the hope of inspiring you all and to ramble about stuff I like. OK, let's do this!

I'll talk you through my steps first, and at the end I'll include a list of products and brands I like to use.

The Basic Steps.

First things first I like to wash my hair and have a shower. My hair is very heavy and so it tends to be easier for me to wash my hair in the shower. In the shower, I like to use lovely soaps, shower creams/gels and scrubs with amazing scents. I then wrap my hair up in a towel, and dry off.

You can skip my next step if you are an 100% shower person, and if you are highly eco-conscious, please do not hate me, because I don't have full on Pamper Evenings all the time, so it isn't that bad.

I like to run a nice warm bath. As much as I like to shower - good job too since I do it everyday - I find that baths are much more relaxing. While the bath is running, I sometimes like to light some candles and put them around the bathroom, but not all the time. I also like to grab myself a drink of water.

Whilst the bath is running I cleanse/exfoliate my face. The steam from the bath is great for cleansing the skin and opening the pores, so its always wise to ensure you have removed the day's grime before you get in the bath. And, it saves doing it later.

I am also a complete lover of bath bombs, bubble baths, bath soaks etc., so I love to use these on a pamper evening. They add something a bit more special to the bath, plus they give you a reason to stay in the bath that little while longer.

I like to just get in, soak for a while and think. I do sometimes like to play music or read a book, however I do just tend to fall into sloth mode.

Once I jump out of the bath, dry off and moisturise with a body lotion or butter. Moisturising as soon as you can after having a bath/shower means that the skin absorbs it better.

These steps are the basis of all my Pamper Evenings, and whether I add more steps or not depends on what I feel like doing. Even these steps alone make me feel so much more relaxed.

The Additional Steps.

If I feel like it, have the time, or am going somewhere, I add some steps to amp up the Pamper Evening.

One thing I sometimes like to do is give myself a manicure. I trim my nails and if I desperately have to, I file them, even though I hate the sound of nail files... *shudder*. I then paint them with a base coat, colour and top coat. Finally, I like to apply a rich hand cream.

Sometimes, I like to apply a face mask. This isn't something I do very frequently as I find that face masks can be too rich sometimes, but every now and then, I think it is quite nice.

The Final Steps.

On a Pamper Evening, watching a film or some good old telly is a good way to unwind. Something that is unbeatable for me on many a level is watching a film or the TV in my pyjamas/onesie.

I do also enjoy reading books and listening to music to relax.

After all that Pampering, I feel an early night is in order. Not ridiculously early but even just half an hour earlier than normal can really make a difference, trust me.

Brands and Products and Picks.

Hair Products.

I like L'Oreal Hair Care products, as I find that they work well with my hair, work efficiently, and have good effects. I do also like Herbal Essences, but I use L'Oreal more often as I think I prefer it.

A link to L'Oreal Hair Care (HERE) and a link to Herbal Essences (HERE).

Shower Creams, Gels and Soaps.

Soap and Glory rock! I love the witty names, and the products are so good.
I really love Soap and Glory Body Washes/Shower Gels, as they smell out of this world and are very nourishing. 

My top picks from Soap and Glory are the Sugar Crush Body Wash, the Rich and Foamous Body Wash and the Clean, Girls Body Wash.

Links (HERE), (HERE) and (HERE).


Link to all Soap and Glory Body Washes and Shower Gels (HERE).

The Body Shop have some excellent Shower Gels and Cream. The formula is lovely, the scents are unique but familiar and they lather nicely. My favourite is the Satsuma Shower Gel (HERE), it is just my complete stand out. There are some other really nice gels/creams so check them out. There are also solid soaps.


Link to all The Body Shop Body Cleansers (HERE).


Body Scrubs.


I like the Scrub 'Em And Leave 'Em Body Buff from Soap and Glory, and it matches the Clean, Girls Body Wash in scent.
Find it (HERE).


Find the other Soap and Glory Scrubs (HERE).


The Body Shop have some really nice scrubs, and (THIS) Satsuma Body Polish is probably my favourites.


(HERE) is a link to them all.


Candles.


A family friend makes candles, and they are so amazing. Plus, we get extreme mates rates on them, so they are an obvious choice. She doesn't have a website at the moment, so I can't link her, but I will when I can.
I just like candles in general, plain or scented, however I will link you to the John Lewis Candles Page and the Yankee Candle Page to start you off.

(HERE) and (HERE).

Skincare.

I use only one brand of skincare, because I have sensitive skin. I use the Aloe Range from The Body Shop and my cleanser, exfoliator and face masks as mentioned in this post are all from this range.

I love this range and couldn't be without it, because it is just so blooming good!

Link to the range (HERE).

Bath Bombs and Bubbles.

I am a Lush addict. Their products are so good!!! 

My favourites are their bath bombs - they are amazing - and I always have a stash somewhere in my house. I love how much diversity they add to the bath. They are really beneficial to the skin and they smell so good. Plus, they usually have seasonal collections alongside their permanent products, so there is always something you haven't tried.

I also like Radox Bubble Bath as it creates lots of bubbles, is very relaxing and smells great.

Lush Bath Ballistics/Bombs - (HERE).

Lush Bubble Bars (HERE).

My preferred Radox Bubble Bath (HERE) - I know its a guy's one by category, so please don't feel the need to tell me.

Music and Books.

To see Music and Books that I like, see my Blogger profile.


Obviously, we all have different taste in music and reading material, so by all means ignore me and carry on like you normally would.


If you feel inclined to buy a new CD or a new book, then (HERE) is a link to HMV and a link (HERE) to Waterstones, my favourite book shop.

Body Lotions and Butters.

Soap and Glory, again, are really great here. I find that their butters and lotions are really effective and while they can take a while to sink in, they have amazing effects.
I really love their Daily Smooth Body Butter and the Sugar Crush Buttercream.

Links (HERE) and (HERE).

Link to range (HERE).

Dove Moisturisers are also lovely and work great - (HERE).

Nail Polish.

I really like Barry M nail polishes, particularly the Gelly Hi Shine in Dark Green - according to the Boots website this is the colours name, I'm not 100% sure about this though..

It has a lovely finish and I really love the deep colour of this polish as it suits my very pale skin.

Gelly Hi Shine range (HERE) and all polishes (HERE).


I also think that the Maybelline Colour Show polishes are really good. They last well on my nails and I find that the brush is good to work with.
My favourite shades are Brick Shimmer and Downtown Red.


All colours (HERE).


Hand Cream.


A friend of ours gave me a bunch of really nice things for Christmas, and one was a Neom Complete Bliss Hand Cream. This hand cream is rich, and yet is absorbed quickly. I love it!
I do like the scent of this however the scent Inspiration is looking increasingly good to me.


Both creams are fragranced with one of my two favourite flowers, which I think is pretty cool.


Complete Bliss Hand Cream (HERE).
Inspirations Hand Cream (HERE).


Movies and TV shows.


See my Blogger Profile for my favourite movies.
I love sitcoms on TV, and any other form of comedy shows. I love them and they are really suitable for pamper evenings because they relax you and make you happy. I love Miranda, Not Going Out, F.R.I.E.N.D.S, The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother.

And that, I think, is finally that! Phew! I didn't expect that to take as long as it did, so I apologise. I hope this post was helpful to you, and that it didn't bore you terribly.

Has this post inspired you to have a pamper evening? What do your pamper evenings entail? What products do you like to use?

Have a fabulous day today!

GingerSnaps xxx